If it’s good enough for Doogie Howser, then it’s good enough for the Walker Cleavelands! Apparently having twins is all the rage these days. Last week when we were seeing a variety of doctors, one of them (the one who is definitely NOT our favorite at all) said, “Twins, huh? So are these natural twins?”
Sarah and I looked at each other and weren’t quite sure how to answer her. But apparently, with all of the in vitro procedures happening these days, many people are purposely trying to have twins. I can’t speak for Sarah, but I’m pretty sure that it never would have crossed my mind to purposely try to have twins. Goodness. Crazies.
When sharing the news with a friend last week, he had asked something (jokingly) similar, about whether they were natural or not? Yup. You know how earth-friendly and green I am my wife is, we wouldn’t have it any other way. No siree. Cleaker 1 and Cleaker 2 are 100% all-natural, organic, cafe-free and grass-fed twins!
Eric says
Hey Adam,
Let’s be careful not to lump everyone together who uses the invitro route. My wife & I tried for 6 years to have a child before we found out that due to infertility we would be unable to conceive. We have three amazing kids through adoption, the latest was an adopted embryo that was implanted via an in vitro procedure that enabled my wife to finally carry a child. Yes there are irresponsible people out there but there are many who would love “100% all natural organic cafe free grass fed” babies without the pain that infertility brings.
Just sayin’
and by the way, congrats and we’re praying for a safe and fruitful pregnancy and delivery for the Cleakers 😉
Dazed Dad says
Eric – hey man – sorry if the humor came off making a judgmental statement about in vitro…definitely not meant at all. I’ve known folks who have had similar problems and it has got to be so hard! I’m glad that things have worked out for your family.
BusyDad says
I had no idea they were even making silicone babies these days. You’d think I’d be the first to know, living in LA and all…
(best of luck, guys!)
Dazed Dad says
Crazy huh? Thanks!
Chad Herring says
Yeah, we got/get the question about “natural” twins a lot. They’re identical, though, so we get it less than our peers who have fraternal twins.
I get what gives you pause, them being “natural” and how the increase recently in the multiples rate is attributed largely to in vitro or other fertility treatments. We also have a set of fertility-aided twins at our church, and are a joy.
When we talk about our twins being natural, we more often mean they were born that way, as opposed to being c-section. When we then say that our first was an HOUR FORTY before the second, most people faint. I know we almost did….
DC Urban Dad says
Next year will be triplets and you guys will be old news 🙂 Congrats!
Big Daddy says
Congrats on the twins! I know how worried and nervous I was during the pregnancy for just one baby. I’m sure you are twice as nervous. I’m also sure it will be twice as cool! Have you guys decided to identify the sex of the babies or not? I’m sure you have some more time before you can even find out.
Dazed Dad says
Thanks for the comments – how did you happen to come across my blog?
Amy says
Hmm…not sure how to put this. I recognize that this is a very sensitive topic and kind of a hornets’ nest and you basically can’t ever be “right” no matter what you say. But I just wanted to clarify that MOST people who do ivf aren’t “trying” for twins. They may transfer more than one embryo into the uterus to increase the odds of even one implanting and growing, and it’s kind of a joke among ivf-ers that twins is like getting two for one, but…I don’t think it’s the norm. (Although really, even if some do try for twins…can you blame them? At $20,000 a try, it’s undertandable that some might want to complete their family in one attempt.)
To be honest, I find it kind of shocking that you haven’t encountered infertility in your work. I can suggest some blogs and books if you want to increase your knowledge/sensitivity. Infertility affects 1/6 couples in America, so it might be good to familiarize yourself a little bit with it. You are very lucky/blessed to be expecting “natural” twins, but I’m a little offended that you SEEM to be (again admitting my own perspective is sensitive) so defensive about it.
Again, not trying to attack you or be defensive, just trying to increase the sensitivity a little bit. And congratulations!
Dazed Dad says
Amy – thanks for the comment. I’m sorry if my post came across to you as insensitive – but that was really not my intent. It was more just meant to be a humorous post, especially since Neil Patrick Harris was getting twins too – and we had just been to the doctor that day and they had mentioned the high rate of twins with in vitro and how some folks did hope for twins, etc.
I do know folks who have encountered infertility and I am aware of how difficult a thing it can be.
Anyway – sorry it came across as offensive….sorry about that.
Amy says
No worries. Like I said, I recognize that it’s a touchy topic. For what it’s worth, I did ivf and most certainly did not hope for twins, but now that they’re coming, I am thrilled. I had a lot of trouble reaching out for support because I felt like people were judging or insensitive (like, they were going to call me “crazy”). That’s what made me raise my eyebrows a bit. But whatever! As you will soon learn…the 3rd tri of a twin pregnancy pretty much makes one a slave to hormones. I realize I may be a touch oversensitive these days!