Another Open Letter to Dr. Carter

Dear Dr. Carter,

Well, it's been a week.

Exactly eight days ago I was laboring in the hospital. My water had been broken, the babies were being monitored and I was in the process of receiving my second of two epidurals. I was tired, and anxious, and so excited that the pregnancy portion of this experience was coming to an end. As my previous post/letter politely indicated, I was ready for the babies to be out.

And here we are. A eight days later. With TWIN girls. Who are happy, healthy, and doing wonderful. They eat well. Sleep well. And are content with life in general.

As for me, well, I kinda sorta feel bad about my earlier manifesto. I had no idea just how physically demanding carrying twins was (I had more than 13 pounds of baby inside of me!) and hindsight has made me appreciate your patience even more. Right now, what needs to be said more than anything else is thank you.

Thank you for being patient. For taking the time to answer my questions. For having a sense of humor. And for looking out for the mental and physical best interests of me and my kids. You played an integral role in giving me something that I never knew just how much I wanted: Hannah and Abbie. Stunned doesn't adequately describe just how we felt about having twins and you were along for the ride with us.

But enough schmaltz. Now that the babies are here safe and sound there are a few other things I must thank you for.

My ankles. It took a week but I can almost see them. There is some swelling still, but it's a HUGE improvement over last week. I no longer look like a body double for the Pillsbury Dough Boy.

The ability to shop without sweating and/or having to stop to go to the bathroom. I went to Target earlier in the week and finding the joy in shopping again was close to a religious experience. My husband doesn't thank you, but I do.

The ability to drive my car without the steering wheel touching my stomach. From a safety standpoint, this is big.

The ability to sleep COMFORTABLY and on my stomach. Yeah me! I can stretch out in bed and get a decent night's sleep with you the assistance of ambien, percocet, or bendryl.

The bathroom. I pity the people who took my advice and bought stock in Charmin and Cotonelle. My consumption has gone WAY down. The bathroom is now a place to discreetly relive oneself, not a bedroom/office/den.

That's about it from me. Now that the pregnancy is over I am a little sad that I won't be seeing you every week but I think we'll both find a better use of the time. Lord knows I have my hands full.

Cheers!

Toby (and Hannah & Abbie)

p.s. Sorry if this letter seems to ramble a bit. . . blame it on the hormones. Which are FINALLY starting to normalize. Something else to be grateful for!

p.p.s. I know you can't admit it, but aren't Hannah & Abbie the CUTEST twins you've ever delivered? Seriously. . . you know they are.