belgianwaffle

Twins

More consequences


Posted in: Twins

Since we have announced that we are going to have twins, a lot of people have asked whether we have been having IVF treatment.  People have no shame. Mr. Waffle and I had a chat about this the other night.

Me:I can’t believe that people keep asking that. I feel vaguely resentful at the assumption, though I can’t imagine why.
Him: I suppose it’s like if you make a cake for a dinner party and people ask you where you bought it – you get indignant and say, “I made it myself”.
Me: No, it’s not like that at all, I mean there is an intrinsic merit in being able to make your own cake but being able to get pregnant or not is just luck,
really.
Him: I suppose.
Me: I don’t know, it must be some primitive thing where you feel that it is bad to have your fertility impugned.
Him: Well, I’m obviously fine, but non-identical twins suggests that your eggs must be getting on a bit in the fertility stakes….
Comments
poggleon 28 April 2005 at 17:13

Ooh dear, Mr waffle is pushing his luck …… bad lad.  

belgianwaffleon 28 April 2005 at 17:29

Thank you very much, Katy. Yes, pog, he deserves to suffer horribly..

dmtson 28 April 2005 at 21:29

There’s a lot of pregnancy around on 20six at the moment and various stories abounding about what happens to people in pregnancy. I cannot imagine any other ‘state of being’ where people ask the most intrusive questions or where there is a sense of ‘ownership’ about your body within the wider world.
I can fully understand and empathise with your resentment. In my opinion it would be worse if you had had a pregnancy as a result of assisted conception because then the bastards asking the questions would think they owned that too.
I blame everyone from Margaret Thatcher onwards because that’s quite an easy thing to do. It’s very easy for me to make these suggestions, but the next time someone asks if it’s IVF (or whatever the question of the day is), I think you should give your reply and then ask them about the state of their erections, sex life, bowels or whatever. I’d definitely go for the erections. Please blog any replies.

Friar Tuckon 29 April 2005 at 02:08

Yes, h, that will certainly silence the women who are asking those intrusive questions.

Minkleberryon 29 April 2005 at 07:23

Mr Waffle!

beachhutmanon 29 April 2005 at 09:41

Yep. Give em a blow by blow account of how you made em! (Hmmmm. Maybe “blow by blow” was unfortunate)

Locoteson 29 April 2005 at 16:42

The hormones are obviously kicking in, poor Mr. Waffle is getting the blame for everything…  

belgianwaffleon 01 May 2005 at 14:37

Heather, thanks for this, of course, I am sure that in my past I have been equally bad, however, advancing years have, I hope, increased my sensibility and, for example, I have learnt to stop asking women who’ve been married a couple of years when they are going to have children, mostly because I realised how deeply irritating it was when it started happening to me. Apols for mild digression. FT, it’s only men. Minks, I know! BHM, do you realise that this is a family blog? Loc, eh, what’s that all about? Be off before I beat you round the head.

Consequences


Posted in: Twins

Some random things:

My favourite dermatologist (when you have 4, you can pick favourites) has told me about friends of hers with 3 children who decided, what the hell, let’s go for a fourth, and then had triplets.

Multiple births break down barriers; a colleague of Mr. Waffle’s said to him “oh twins, IVF babies then?” Um, actually, as it happens, no, but thanks for asking.
In Mr. Waffle’s team (I know, stupid term, what are they draught horses?) of 12 people, 3 are already parents of twins. It looks like our double buggy needs are met.  Also, I am now the proud owner of a book entitled “Jumeaux, mode d’emploi”

In fact, people are very nice to you – they offer you lots of things. The Dutch Mama has already offered to drive from the Hague with a carload of goods.
My mother has pointed out that one car will no longer be sufficient to collect us from the airport once the new infants arrive. I have realised that, if we have guests, they will have to take public transport because once our family is in the car, there will be no room for anyone else.
The French Mama has offered by way of comfort, the information that her neighbours who live in a 2 bedroomed, 80 square metre appartment and are already the parents of a 4 year old and a 20 month old are having twins next month and have no intention of moving.  Apparently the mother plans to sleep with the twins until they are weaned and the father will sleep on the couch while the other two children have the second bedroom.� Ah, the joys of living in Paris.
A friend told me about her aunt who had IVF twins at 50 and breast fed them (she was a paediatrician, she felt obliged) and my friend’s abiding memory is of seeing her aunt half naked feeding two babies.

I won’t be able to fly after mid-July or drive very far for that matter. The Belgian coast beckons for our summer holidays. Mr. Waffle is bitter “It’s so unfair, neither the Princess nor I want to go to the Belgian coast.” “Well, firstly, neither do I and, secondly, I represent a majority of this family and what I say goes.”

That’s enough for today. Thanks again for all your congratulations.

Comments

Locotes on 23 April 2005 at 22:36

Am I reading that chart thingy wrong, or are you just about halfway through the pregnancy? Blimey – you kept that quiet. Surely us lot should have been told first, who cares about parents?
😉 Oh, and I agree with Norah, twins have always seemed a great idea to me.
(yes I know I have pontificated here about my future fatherhood only taking place in my 50’s – but even I can wonder every once in a while. Just don’t tell anyone…)
😉  

Minkleberry on 25 April 2005 at 07:46

my Dad is a twin, my husband is a twin and my maternal grandma is a twin. Ay Carumba!!  

poggle on 25 April 2005 at 11:03

I too love it that you now outvote Mr Waff and her maj …..

Peggy on 25 April 2005 at 11:25

Congratulations!
At least, going from 1 to 3 children, you won’t have to argue with hubby about going from 2 to 3 like we do. (I’d like 3 but I can’t stand being pregnant. Makes me too nervous.)
The Belgian coast can be a lot of fun especially when the sun is shining. I’m sure the Princess will enjoy, kids are spoiled there.

jackdalton on 25 April 2005 at 23:00

Hey ‘waf… did you see what they said about Loccie here? 😉

Angela (Homepage)

on 26 April 2005 at 05:25

Augh! I just tuned in! Congratulations times two! Very exciting news, indeed. May the coming months find you healthy and full of energy!

belgianwaffle on 27 April 2005 at 20:43

Norah, Loc, hold off on the twins until second time round, I am sick to the back teeth of doctor’s visits, the ante natal care is, um, trying and I suspect post-natal care presents its own difficulties also.
OK, Minks, I’m holding my breath here.
Pog, not as much as me.
I see your point Peggy, but still a bit scary. Will try to see the positive in the Belgian coast.
Jd, nothing we didn’t know already.
FP, most unlikely to do so as you know…trust tomorrow afternoon will be fine.  

beachhutman on 29 April 2005 at 09:48

OK the belgian coast pretty much sucks, but moules and frites is OK – for a day or three. 

belgianwaffle on 01 May 2005 at 14:31

Beachhutman – it sounds as though you know whereof you speak.

Yes, of course I am


Posted in: Twins

Remember when I had my rash and couldn’t take any drugs?  And some people, in fact quite a lot of people (oh you’re all very smart) speculated that I might be pregnant. Well you were right. Let me tell you how I found out.

I thought that I might be pregnant for the usual reasons and I went to see my gynaecologist.  And she asked me whether I had taken a pregnancy test. Because I am mean and I knew that I was going to see my gynaecologist anyway, I hadn’t.

“Well” she asked “are you sure you’re pregnant?”
“Well, no, I’m not”
“OK, we’ll do a scan and see”
She looked at the screen with a frown and said
“You really think you are pregnant?”
I thought “oh dear, this is so embarrassing, I’m not pregnant, oh Lord” and I said “well, yes, maybe..”
And then she started to laugh
“You’re pregnant alright. It’s twins.”

Comments
dmts

on 21 April 2005 at 20:53

Oh my goodness me. How absolutely terrifyingly wonderful. Big congratulations…very big…doubled, in fact.

Mikeachim

on 21 April 2005 at 21:19
(
Comment Modified) Yowzers!
YAAAY 🙂 🙂 🙂
Congratulations!!!!
*imaginary letting off of fireworks, actual clapping and whistling*

Mikeachim

on 21 April 2005 at 21:23

*and giving of congratulatory sweeties* 2
Sweetie(s) given

kitschenette

(Homepage)

on 21 April 2005 at 21:33

crikey!
congratulations!

OliviaJoules

on 21 April 2005 at 21:44

Awww…that’s sooooo sweet! yay! 🙂
I really am so excited, although its the first time i am reading your blog 😀

boiledorfried

on 21 April 2005 at 21:52

Congratulations!

jackdalton

on 21 April 2005 at 23:49

Holy Cow, Batman!!! Well done You!
So who’s the father… 😉

morethanluck

on 22 April 2005 at 02:58

cowabunga. congrats. heres a sweetie:) 1
Sweetie(s) given

Austrian

(Homepage)

on 22 April 2005 at 07:02

Congratulations from Austria! 🙂

Locotes

on 22 April 2005 at 08:20

Bloody feckin blimey O’Reilly hell. Many congratulations! So how are you feeling about all this?I admit I wasn’t one of the smart people – a rash means a rash to me. If you had mentioned the normal tell-tale sign, I might just maybe possibly have figured it.
Doubtful though.
😉 1
Sweetie(s) given

Bobble

on 22 April 2005 at 08:32

Twins?! No one could say you do things by halves Mrs Waffly. As Locotes said many congratulations, hugs and tanti aguri! xxx

NorahSplog

on 22 April 2005 at 09:39

Congratulations lovely waffly!
That’s SO exciting!

Kate_Sith

on 22 April 2005 at 09:57

Oh what exciting news! Congratulations and hugs all round. 2 Sweetie(s) given

Minkleberry

on 22 April 2005 at 10:06

WOWZERINOS! Double congratulations!! I can’t WAIT to read all about these two!! 2
Sweetie(s) given

poggle

on 22 April 2005 at 10:39

You big show-off …
xx 1 Sweetie(s) given

Floatykatja

on 22 April 2005 at 12:00

Congratulations! How terribly exciting. Even deserving of my last sweetie, in fact :o) 1 Sweetie(s) given

Jordana

(Homepage)

on 22 April 2005 at 13:01

Congratulations!!! How exciting! More princes/princesses for the royal abode.
I found your blog via Fluid Pudding, and have been lurking ever since.

chintzybling

on 22 April 2005 at 13:09

Brilliant! Well chuffed for you! x x x x x

lauren35

on 22 April 2005 at 16:37

Bloomin’ marvellous! My sister had twins last December – they are wonderful. Lucky you. 1 Sweetie(s) given

midwifemuse

on 22 April 2005 at 17:16

Multiple congratulations to you!!!
When?

[anonymous]

on 22 April 2005 at 18:57

Oh wow! Congratulations!

Beth

(Homepage)

on 22 April 2005 at 21:41

No. Way. Twins? Really twins??? If the Princess is any indication, I’m not sure the world will be able to withstand all that additional cuteness.
Congratulations!!!

jackdalton

on 23 April 2005 at 12:43

Mind you, this could put our royal nose rightly out of joint.Have you considerd yet how to break the joyous tidings: ie we love you so much we’re gettin two more instead etc…
😉

belgianwaffle

on 23 April 2005 at 14:12

Wow, a comment and sweetie bonanza, cool!
Jojo, thank you very much for your comments and sweeties, how come you always know everything first?
HJB, many thanks. Doubled is appropriate, accurately describes my girth also.
Mike, thanks for sweeties and imaginary fireworks in particular, these are the only fireworks I’ve got so far.
Thank you kitschenette. Great name.
Olivia, thanks, stick with this blog for more non-stop twin news…
Thank you boiledorfried.
JD, thank you, as for your first comment, well, if they look anything like the Princess did as a small baby, then Keith Wood is a likely answer. As for your second, out of joint isn’t in it.
Oooh a sweetie, thank you morethanluck..
Gosh, Austrian congratulations, all very nice.
Locotes, that is entirely as it should be! Am feeling a bit bewildered. Thanks for sweetie.
Thanks Bobble, and two sweeties too!
Aaah, thank you Ms. Splog, exciting and unnerving in about equal measure.
Kate, 2 sweeties and hugs too, yay.
Minks, hmm, don’t know how fascinating my blog will be with this new material. Am anxious that another 20sixer produce twins for comparison purposes – would you be in the market at all? Thanks for sweeties.
Pog, you are, of course, entirely correct. I mean let’s face it 2nd pregnancy is dull but you can really give people a jolt if it’s twins. Thanks for the sweetie.
Oooh Katya, a last sweetie, you are the essence of goodness. Thanks.
Jordana, a lurker, I didn’t realise I had lurkers, I am so proud. Thanks for your congrats.
Thanks Chintzy, for one so young you are very kind to the childbearing!
Lauren, thank you for sweetie and congrats, may be emailing you under separate cover for advice.
MDW, September 23 apparently. Am going to be size of a house.
Thank you Hana.
I know, Beth, extraordinary – do you mind if I use your pregnancy counter too? And will you add me to your pregnant people list? And thanks for your congrats.

DruidX

on 23 April 2005 at 20:46

Okay so I’ve found out late but, AIYYYYYA! Congratulations 😀 And best of luck 😉

Beso

on 25 April 2005 at 17:35

Blimey!
Congratulations, ‘waffle.
Have a sweetie for each. 2
Sweetie(s) given

belgianwaffle

on 27 April 2005 at 20:45

Thanks DruidX, will need all the luck I can get.
Beso, 2 sweeties, you are too kind, no idea what I will do with this positive bonanza!

Rash


Posted in: Twins
I got an email from the Dutch mama saying that she was much more interested in my rash than the she was in the Pope. I also got an anxious
voicemail message from the publishing exec. Frankly, I am gratified. The great news is, miraculously, it seems to be just giving up and going away. My face is blotch free.  It has abandoned its assault on my neck.  My torso is returning slowly to its pale and interesting self.  Only my legs continue swollen and unhappy which was a disaster last week but this week, I’m inclined to view much more positively. The fourth dermatologist can only
see me in May – obviously she doesn’t regard this as urgent (sniff). Am hoping to be entirely better by then and save myself 50 quid.
Comments
Bobble

on 06 April 2005 at 21:18

May I suggest San Rocco (Saint Roch) in the case of skin rashes and diseases. I always consult the Saint Index at a time like this.

DruidX

on 06 April 2005 at 21:59

Yay! Bye-bye rash, bye-bye. 🙂

jackdalton

on 07 April 2005 at 01:15

More one for St Jude, I’d have thought…. 😐

Friar Tuck

on 07 April 2005 at 02:51

I think Bobble was talking about the rash, not the affected person, JD.

NorahSplog

on 07 April 2005 at 10:31

Oh hooray. Get theee gone from our Waffly, nasty rash.

belgianwaffle

on 07 April 2005 at 19:58

Yes, FT, good thought. Bobble, isn’t he mostly for plague victims?? Indeed Druid, Norah getting better all the time. Jack – you have little faith.

Bobble

on 07 April 2005 at 21:25

San Rocco is venerated in Venice for plague relief and for conditions caused by exposure to damp/living on water. San Rocco and Job (who is a saint in Italy) are very popular in Venice.My personal fave is Santa Rita. When an ordinary miracle just isn’t enough you call Santa Rita, Saint of impossible miracles.

Friar Tuck

on 08 April 2005 at 03:19

Yeah, Santa Rita is the best. Call on her when you can’t find a parking space. It even worked in Naples, where there are like a thousand cars per square meter.

jackdalton

on 08 April 2005 at 23:38

Respectful disagreement, Tuck.
St Jude — Patron of Hopeless Cases.
I know these things 🙂

belgianwaffle

on 09 April 2005 at 14:08

Oh I am so taken by Saint Rita. Forget Jude and Rocco, Rita is the woman for me.

Bobble

on 10 April 2005 at 21:35

More fans for Santa Rita… I feel a pilgrimage to Foligno coming on.
The Rough Guide to Tuscany and Umbria sums the story up quite well.

jackdalton

on 11 April 2005 at 11:26

Tuscany and Umbria? Why didn’t you say so… g’luck Jude, see you some other time!

Itchy


Posted in: Belgium, Twins

My rash is getting worse.  It now covers about 80% of my body and if Mr. Waffle wants to pat me comfortingly, he can only rub the top of my head. Up every 1-2 hours last night applying cold face cloths to my spotty person. Make with the sympathy please.  I’m off to see my fourth dermatologist shortly.

Comments
Locoteson 05 April 2005 at 12:46

Bloody hell. That’s not good. Not good at all. Poor, poor waffley indeed. Best of luck with the derma – for Christ’s sake he better come up with something – set the princess on him if not.

belgianwaffleon 06 April 2005 at 18:51

Aah, thank you sympathetic ones. Things are mercifully getting better…

Rash in Cork


Posted in: Family, Twins

All in all a little tiring. On Thursday afternoon following three medical consultations, I decided to go with the majority and risk travelling.  I paid a fortune to get to Cork over Easter and I wasn’t going to let a rash stop me (no poor puns, please).

You will be delighted to hear that my rash has improved enormously, thus, obviously, vindicating my decision to travel. This morning I had the stitches taken out of my neck so I spent today loping around the office like Frankenstein’s monster. It is, of course, absolutely forbidden to cover up my scars with a scarf or a polo neck. Snort. Also, I can’t get my neck wet for 48 hours. Good lord. And all this to find out that they don’t know what it was but isn’t it good that it’s getting better of its own accord. Double snort.

So, epic journey to Cork. It took us the best part of a day to get there and the same length of time to get back.  My sister who came home from Chicago actually got back there faster than we got to Brussels. Of course she was actually flying for most of her trip whereas we spent the vast bulk of ours sampling the many delights which Dublin airport offers.
Actual time in Cork was very pleasant with babysitting services on high alert and significant food supplies laid in to meet our needs. On Easter Sunday, Mr. Waffle and I abandoned the Princess to her loving grandparents and went for a walk on the beach and a drink in Ballycotton. All very civilised. We also met the heart surgeon and her husband and their lovely month old baby whom they are managing with alarming efficiency. They have already been to play tennis three times while the infant watched from the sidelines. And they have been to the cinema. I am impressed beyond measure. Alas, they are moving to Burlington, Vermont in June so, I fear, we will see a lot less of them after that. Though, of course, it is probably as easy to get from Brussels to Burlington as it is to get from Brussels to Cork.
Comments
belgianwaffleon 01 April 2005 at 20:10

Am glad to hear that you had a typical trip to Ireland pog. Weather was surprisingly clement over Easter though.