Sunday, December 4, 2011

100 Paper Clips

We received a surprise scan of our twins today. Not because it was scheduled. Not because we asked for it. Not because anything was wrong. Strictly because our doctor thought that given recent events we would appreciate an extra scan of our "lovely and healthy babies."

Have I mentioned how much we LOVE her?

She is so much more than a doctor; to her, the medical aspect is a small piece of this very large and complicated disease called infertility, and for this, we remain extremely grateful.

It was also our babies' very first weigh in! The report stated that both are weighing in around 100 grams each. As soon as I read this, I immediately thought... paperclips! Two giant (well, maybe medium) piles of paper clips!

Unlike the rest of the world, us Americans prefer to measure things using the far more complicated far less rational standard system of measurement, and so, my knowledge of the metric system is limited to a third grade math unit during which I was exposed to the "foreign" system. I vividly recall completing a matching activity that required the drawing of a line from the unit of measurement to an object of the same approximate weight. As a result, I now associate 1 gram with 1 paperclip.

Which means that each of our babies weighs approximately 100 paperclips!

Sounds light I know, but with the average weight at this stage around 43 grams I remain convinced that these will be some rather BIG babies-- a tribute, of course, to their 6'3" father.

In honor of our growing twins, I engaged in an activity involving 100 paper clips! Any idea what it was? Check out the "progress" shots below.


The "Before" Shot

Carlos' famous "I didn't do it mom" look

Convinced there must be some left over candy from last year inside. Frustrated that he lacks the opposable thumbs to find out.


Done!

Of course, the most special paperclip of all is the one below.


On it hangs the ornament we purchased last weekend for Ken. Our one paperclip baby.

Happy now that his spirit will live on in all our Christmases to come.

15 comments:

  1. That is so beautiful Bernadette! I blame it on my raging hormones but I started to cry after reading this post. I think you need to but up a warning. Caution your are about to read something so beautiful it will make you cry.
    Jean

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  2. What an amazing doctor! I'm so glad you were able to get some good news. And I'm sorry for not saying this sooner, but I am very, very sorry about Ken's loss. My heart goes out to you. His ornament is lovely. (((Hugs)))

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  3. So sweet :)
    Can I just admit that I want to hijack your dog? He and Kirby would make such a cute pair!

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  4. You are just wonderful!
    It is so funny how you are having trouble with metric system - for us all these pounds, inches, feet etc are same kind of mystery and seems SO unnecessary :)
    Wishing you and your BIG little ones only the very best!

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  5. Wonderful news on the twins. I know it has not been easy recently, but knowing that your twins are safe and sound must offer some comfort.
    Carlos is adorbale!!!

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  6. Ah paperclips...I'm also on babycenter.com and they are obsessed with comparing babies to food items. I love your tree, your dog, your wonderful thoughtful posts, and the ornament for Ken. He lives on in many hearts around the globe. Hugs to you once again. Take care...

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  7. So happy to read your cheerful post and to hear the little cuties are doing so well. Already so excited about their arrival. Lots of love to all four of you and your adorable pup this Christmas. xx Ayesha

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  8. Let's stay positive. ALL will be well. Amen

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  9. What a wonderful way to honor Ken.
    Your Friend, m.

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  10. I am so, so sorry to read about Ken and sincerely, that woman who talked about Karma was full of crap, this is just like people telling you it will happen if it is meant to be, like heroin addicts or 14 year olds getting pregnant is meant to be!! I'm only new to your blog but I'm absolutely sure you both will make wonderful parents.

    I love your beautiful tree and how fab is your doc sending you some more pics of the twins!!

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  11. Lov elove love the tree, i gotta put up a pic of mine too, so you can see :) So happy your twins are growing nicely like paper clips ;)

    Your faith inspires so many of us! Love the post and dog and pics!!

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  12. Love your post! How cute! I love Ken's ornament and the meaning behind it...Do you not just love Dr.Shivani??? She is the bomb...I swear....glad to hear the twins are doing well...just think..you will have 2 more people to buy for next chrismas!!! Rene'

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  13. Wonderful memory of Ken which will last forever..
    Love the tree - can't wait to do mine when I return from Delhi.

    Wonderful news regards the scan of your twins.

    Aveyxx

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  14. what a touching post!! i'm so happy for you and duane and your beautiful 200 paper clips!
    isn't it such a huge help/relief/blessing when your doctors ARE more than just doctors!?
    carlos is totally adorable! i want to hug him!

    keep on smiling! <3
    xoxoxo
    maria

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  15. Paper clips - now this is the type of maths / conversion that I understand!.
    Carlos cracks me up - he has so much character I'm in love with him!.
    This will be a wonderful Christmas for all of you - with Ken watching on. X

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