Page 76 of Pack Plus Three

“We certainly can,” the doctor confirmed. “How far along are you?”

“About seven months.”

Doctor Parrish’s eyebrows raised. “I would have assumed, given the size of your bump, you're a bit further along. But there's no one-size-fits-all when it comes to making babies. Why don't you lie back and lift your shirt, and we will do the ultrasound now.”

Daisy didn't need to be told twice. She immediately shuffled back on the bed, lifting her shirt as I stood next to her. Her stomach looked like it was about to burst. Her belly button had become an outie, and there were some thin silvery stretch marks spanning across her stomach.

It was beautiful.

The doctor wheeled over a gigantic clunky machine with a screen and pulled out a bottle of gel she poured generously over Daisy’s stomach. The screen was angled just so, and it was difficult for us to make out the shapes.

“Okay, so, we're going to do a basic scan today. Measure how big Baby is and check the heartbeat. I'm assuming you want some printed photos?”

“Definitely!” I rushed to say before Daisy could even open her mouth. I wanted as many prints as she would give me. I wanted to put them on the fridge and in my wallet, and I was sure Jeremy would do the same.

“I’ll make sure I get those...” The doctor trailed off, her brow furrowing as she studied the screen. “How far along were you when you went to your one medical appointment?”

Was something wrong? Why was she frowning? Daisy’s sweet apple pastry scent soured somewhat as my stomach dropped. The doctor looked concerned or confused. Not a good sign.

“It was early. I was only a few weeks along. Why? Is everything okay?” Daisy rushed to ask. She moved to sit up, but the doctor waved her hand for her to lie back down.

“No, no. Everything looks healthy and well,” Doctor Parrish said, running the Doppler over Daisy’s stomach, her eyes flicking between her patient and the screen. “Both babies appear to be healthy and coming along nicely.”

Wait.

What did she just say?

Babies.

“Did you just say babies, as in plural?” Daisy asked in a breathlessly shocked voice. Her chest was rising and falling rapidly, and I could almost feel her heart pound out of her chest. And, from where I stood next to her, my own heartbeat was far from relaxed.

“I take it you had no idea you were pregnant with twins?”

“I was expecting one baby,” Daisy said, her eyes wide as she stared straight ahead, her face pale.

I should have been comforting her, helping her, but all I could think about was how we’d have double the baby we’d expected. We would need to have everything in twos—two cribs, two car seats, two strollers. Or would we use one of those strollers with spaces for both babies? I didn’t even know.

“As you can see, there are definitely two in there.” Doctor Parrish turned the screen around so we could see it better and, sure as day, there were clearly two babies smashed into the small space. “This explains why your bump is so big, and why I thought you were later in your pregnancy. Twin babies naturally take up more space, and they tend to come a few weeks earlier than singular pregnancies.”

“I thought I was going crazy every now and again. I could have sworn there were two separate movements, but I just assumed it was gas,” Daisy said, shaking her head.

“I know it's something of a shock, but I can assure you that everything looks healthy from what I can see here.”

“How does this change things?” I asked.

The doctor shrugged. “It doesn't change much. I would recommend some extra prenatal vitamins. I will get a prescription for you guys today. Do the blood work. Check that everything's going okay there, but honestly, it looks like you're having a very healthy, happy pregnancy. Have you had any severe pains? Any nausea? Morning sickness, unfortunately, is quite common, as you know.”

“I had really bad morning sickness until a few weeks ago, when I discovered spicy Korean food, and I've been doing quite well since then,” Daisy admitted. “I've been having a lot of lower back pain, but I read online that that's normal as well.”

“It is.” Doctor Parrish nodded. “It's due to all the strain the babies are putting on your body. I would recommend you rest as much as possible. You’re seven months along, correct?” Daisy nodded. “Well, then, you can expect to be giving birth sooner rather than later.”

“How much sooner?” Daisy asked in a strangled voice. “I thought I had months!”

“I would be happy if you can go another two weeks before giving birth,” Doctor Parrish said with a small smile. “I know it’s a shock. How about I give you guys a few minutes while I go grab some vitamins for you?”

“Sure.” Daisy nodded, not fully looking at the doctor, her breathing getting more rapid.

Well, one thing was for sure—our home was going to be getting a lot noisier soon enough.

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