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a BIG surprise!
Well, friends. It’s been killing me…but I’ve been keeping a BIG secret!
Yes, TWINS!
We were/are just as shocked as you are!
As many of you know, I experienced a miscarriage over the summer. It was really hard. So I share this announcement with sensitivity and love for those of you who are in the waiting for your future baby or experiencing pregnancy loss. My heart breaks for what you’re going through and it is okay to skip this post if it’s not good for you right now.
The past few months have been a WHIRLWIND for our family. From fire evacuations, holiday travel, mudslides, to illness and hospital stays…and in the midst of it all we found out I was pregnant…with twins!
When we went in for the first ultrasound, we were just praying for one heartbeat (something we didn’t get to hear last time around). We were so focused on that ONE heartbeat that we didn’t even consider the fact that there could be TWO! I wish we could have caught our reaction on camera.
I just passed the 18 week mark and here’s a little recap of the first trimester, for those who are curious:
How have you been feeling?
Historically, my first trimesters have always been rough. But surprisingly, this one wasn’t quite as bad as my first two! Don’t get me wrong, I was terribly nauseous, extremely lethargic, and unmotivated as a whole. But given all that we were going through as a family, I don’t think I really had the time to think about it as much. I threw up a few times (only after flying on airplanes), but was mostly just nauseous day in and day out. I’m thankful that has mostly passed!
Any food aversions/cravings?
Just to be consistent with my last pregnancies, I could barely stomach anything healthy! All I wanted was comfort food. And noodles. And bagels. And breakfast burritos (which now sounds awful, haha). Coffee and chocolate (my two favorite things in non-pregnant life) were not appealing in the slightest. I did my best to balance out my indulgence with healthier, more nourishing options. But honestly, between the stress + the travel + the hospital stays with my husband + the evacuations….I was in survival mode. I did my best and tried not to stress about it.
Did you exercise?
Yes! But in very small doses. I’ve been keeping up with regular Pilates workouts and some light weights, but I have been taking it very easy. My energy levels were EXTREMELY low in the first trimester and now I’m dealing with a fair amount of achy-ness and exhaustion my body expands to carry these TWO babies! I’m finding that I get sore much easier and sadly, at the moment, I actually don’t feel great after working out for more than 15-20 minutes. I hope that changes as the weeks go on! But I am being gentle with myself.
Any other symptoms?
Not too many! I’ve had more headaches than usual, but I’m experimenting to see if that’s related to protein intake, water intake, muscle tension or stress…hopefully I’ll have an answer by the time I write my next update. 🙂
Do you know if the twins are fraternal or identical?
We do! They are fraternal, which means they are not identical and they each have their own sac and placenta. This was good news to us, as they are typically lower risk as far as twin pregnancies go (although twin pregnancies are, by nature, “high risk”).
Will you find out the sex?
We will! Stay tuned…
Will this affect our Sisterhood workouts?
No! I have done this long enough to know how to plan ahead for my pregnancies. Many of your upcoming workouts were filmed in advance (they’re in the queue!) and I will film some during my pregnancy as well to beef up our “prenatal friendly” selection. You don’t have to worry about The Balanced Life becoming ALL prenatal workouts. I’ve got you covered and we will continue business as usual. 🙂
It feels so good to finally share this news with you! I was fairly cautious and nervous throughout the first trimester after having recently experienced pregnancy loss, so I wanted to wait until I made it through the first 13 weeks. And then, we hit the ground running with the free challenge and it didn’t feel right to drop that bomb in the middle of that. So here we are. 18 weeks and feeling MUCH bigger than that! 🙂
Thank you for coming along on this journey with me. This is certainly a plot twist that we didn’t expect, but we trust that it’s all a part of God’s perfect plan.
xo,
Robin Long
Robin Long, founder and CEO of Lindywell, certified Pilates instructor, Nutrition Therapy Practitioner, and author of 'Well to the Core,' blends 15 years of expertise with a lifelong commitment to holistic health.
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117 thoughts on “a BIG surprise!”
That is so exciting! I had the same thing. Just wanting one heartbeat to realizing there were two! Mine will be 16 next month!
Congratulations Robin and family! I’m so very happy for you! 🙂 You look amazing! Can’t wait for future updates on your pregnancy and life with twins! YAY!
Oh Robin, my heart leaps for joy with you! I’d say my “womb leaps for joy” but i just had all of my reproductive organs removed! 🙂
Can’t wait to see as your pregnancy progresses. I literally squealed so loudly when I saw your Insta, it scared my dog…
Love you and all you do for so many sisters around the world
Congratulations to you & your family! <3
Congratulations! I’m so happy for you and your family.
Congratulations!!! So excited. Really is crazy how God works. There is truly always a plan. I have loved following you on your journey.
My identical twin boys turn ONE tomorrow! I remember the shock like it was yesterday but let me tell you how much of a blessing they have been to our family! Welcome to the Twin Mommy Sisterhood! 🙂
I am so happy for you and your husband. I think you must be such a great mum. What lucky babies they are to have you raise them. It will be exciting for us all to share this with you…as a kind of extended family.
Congratulations. I had the same thing lost one and then had twins. Mine will be eighteen in July when yours make their entrance. Love to you and yours they are a blessing xxx
Just to make sure you realize how insanely excited I am – !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Robin! This is so incredibly amazing. XOXOXO
Congratulations! How exciting!
I am so so happy for you Robin. Congratulations. I can’t wait to follow your journey <3
congratulations! such a blessing!
How exciting for your family! Congratulations.
Congratulations! So exciting!!! Twins are awesome! My terrific two just turned 16!
Double the blessings! Hooray! I’m so thrilled for you and your family!
This news is so exciting! What a blessing (well, a double blessing) you have been given! I’m so happy for you!
Congrats Robin! I was so happy to hear this great news and it made my day! Praying and hoping for the best for you and your lovely (growing) family!
Congrats, Robin!! Very happy for you! ????
I’m so very happy for you! Sending much love!
What wonderful news, congratulations to you and your beautiful family….. look forward to sharing in your journey ??
My heart is so happy for you and your family! Excited to follow your journey!
Congratulations to you and your family, what a wonderful blessing
I am so happy for you and your family! The sisterhood will be with you through it all! You’ve been there for us now we can be there for you! Prayers for you and your babIES!
Congrats, what wonderful news!
Congratulations!!! That is so exciting. I’m the Grammy of twins – a boy and a girl, now 6 years. It will be an adventure for you and your family for sure!
Congratulations twice over. I don’t often comment on blogs or facebook etc… but as a mom of just barely grown up twins (and a singleton) my dream was always to find a pediatrician, hairdresser, teacher, pastor, principal, neighbor, babysitter…. and in this case fitness instructor who has twins. It’s different. The pregnancy, the birth, and raising them. So looking forward to your fresh take! Didn’t join the sisterhood last time, but I certainly will the next time it opens!
Aw Robin, so very happy for you! Having lost several, and never able to take one to full term, I’ll be content to live vicariously through you! Blessings!
Wish I could give you a big hug Nancy! Love to you. xoxo
Congratulations to you and your family! Thanks for sharing the good news.
fabulous! ??????
Robin, this is exciting news!! Suffering through hard times and trials can certainly be disappointing. What you have learned through those experiences and the strength you have gained physically, mentally and spiritually will be a huge blessing in your future. God is great! Love to you and your precious family. You are a huge blessing and inspiration to everyone through your integrity and genuine love for others. ?
Congrats Robin! I am so excited for your very big news! I too had a miscarriage over the summer and am now due, with just one baby haha, in August! I’m excited to see what prenatal workouts come out over the next several months too!
Congratulations! You have been in my prayers since the miscarriage. I had a suspicion you were pregnant a month or two ago so I’ve been waiting ? So excited for you in this new season!
Congratulations, Robin! What a lovely surprise. 🙂 I’m sending prayers for health all around.
Congratulations!! I have been doing your youtube videos for a couple of years and am excited to be a new member of the sisterhood!! So thankful to be joining you on this new chapter!! Many blessings!!!
God is so good. I am so excited for you.
I’m so excited for you and your family Robin!! A huge congratulations! And as others have mentioned, I look forward to all your pregnancy updates!! Weeeee!!!
Congratulations to you and your family Robin such wonderful news ?
Congratulations!! That is so exciting!! Wishing you all the best!! You are going to be one busy Mommy!! ?
Congratulations! Ours were a surprise as well! They’re lots of work, but worth every struggle! Mine are ten now, and the time has flown ❤
Congratulations :):) So happy for you and your family Robin. You look amazing. Looking forward to following your posts.:):)
Congratulations Robin! I’m so thrilled to hear this news. ??❤ Praise God!
So excited for your family! Wishing you the very very best!!
Congratulations Robin! Exciting times ahead for you and your family. Thank you for sharing this wonderful news!
God’s perfect plan for sure! ❤️❤️❤️
Congratulations Robin! I am so happy for you!!!!! All the best to you and to your family!
Congratulations Robin! Exciting times ahead for you. Sending lots of good vibes your way! I love how you handled the past few weeks, and this announcement too. More power to you.
Warmly,
Sneha
This is such incredible news Robin <3 Biggest congratulations to you and your family. I cannot wait to follow along with you on your journey. My twins are 9 months old now and I STILL have pinch me moments where I think 'how in the world?!' You are going to be such an amazing mama to all your babies and I wish you continued health, energy, awe, and delight – how incredible!
Oh, and interesting twin fact that I learned recently… di di twins CAN be identical 🙂 (unless they are boy/girl, then no, lol). Who knew?!
Congratulations! So happy for you and your family! God certainly has his own plans and timing! I have to say it’s so refreshing that you are so honest about how you feel and low motivation at times that we all can relate to -even when we aren’t pregnant! Congratulations again!
I’m so incredibly happy for you!! May God bless you and these babies!!
Congratulations! My twin grandsons just turned two and they have a 4 year old big sister who is the best big sister! It’s hard at times but SO much fun!
A beautiful gift from God after the pain of loss. Prayers for health and strength and energy(!) as the days go on. Congratulations!
Oh Robin! I am over the moon for you! It brings back a flood of memories for me from my earlier days of twin pregnancy. I will say…My twins are identical and no one thought they would be because they had their own sacs and shared a placenta. Sometimes twins break rules. lol So, ask your doctor do a DNA test at birth. It’s super easy, and doesn’t require them to take blood from them. They will test the placentas. (you know it it ends up being same sex). I had 2 boys and really wanted to know.
Please!! Reach out if you want any advice or have any questions. You will love having a twin pregnancy because you get so many more ultrasounds, it’s like you know them by the time they are born! So much love and prayers to you! I wish I had you in my life when I was pregnant with Ethan & Carter, I wouldn’t have gained 98 lbs! lol
Congratulations!!!
What a special gift from God – in fact, two special gifts! So exciting, and lovely that we can support you and pray all goes well during the pregnancy and birth. Big congratulations to you and your family.
Congratulation! I am so excited for you all ! Having a baby is always awesome but when you find out you are having twins it takes you to another level. I wish you all the best. Enjoy every moment… even the ones that are not so much fun 🙂 Welcome to the Mommy of Multiples club! I have been member for a long time with two sets of twins! Take care 🙂
Yeah!!! I am so happy for you and your family! What a wonderful blessing and glad that things are going well!! It truly is so great that you will take us along on your twin journey and I am anxious to hear if you will have a boy and a girl? Just curious since I have a twin brother. Praying for the months ahead to be nausea free, exciting and hopefully restful! Best Wishes!!
Congratulations! So excited for you and your family. God bless!
Congratulations! My daughter’s twin girls were born last July, and they were fraternal as well. M6 daughter also had a high risk pregnancy as she is a type 1 diabetic. What little blessings?. So she has a 4 year old and a 2 year old and these little pookies. Blessings on ya!
Congratulations! Many blessings to you and your family.
I am so grateful for having been introduced to your wonderful workouts through my best friend. You’re so very talented at what you do!
So Very happy for you! Our two heartbeats are 12 ( a boy and a girl). We also were surprised with the twin part especially since we already had 2 older daughters. I was 39 and my dad was a twin so the odds were in my favor but we were still shocked! This is truly a time to embrace your Sisterhood. Please don’t hesitate to reach out to any of us to with questions, concerns or just a good ole fashioned melt down. We get it and will never judge 🙂 Looking forward to sharing this journey with you.
I am so very happy for you!!! God is so good. Your future is bright and full of life!
Congratulations!!!!! So happy for you all!!! Best wishes??!!
Fabulous news! I have identical twin girls Double trouble twice the fun! Take good care of yourself and REST!! xx
Congratulations Robin!! So happy for you all!! We had the same thing happen in October – went in the the 8 week appointment after praying for one healthy heartbeat, and we saw TWO!! I am now 28 weeks along and due in early June 2018 (although the doctors say it will likely be May) – so I am right there with you!! I have been pretty exhausted/achy but have tried my best to keep up the the Sisterhood prenatal workouts – and I am very excited that you may be filming some more!! xo
Dear Robin,
CONGRATULATIONS to you and your (growing!) Family!!
So happy for you 🙂
Konst.
Congratulations Robin! Twins truly are a double blessing. I had boy/girl twins when my oldest was two. Those first three years were a whirlwind, but I wouldn’t change a thing. My twins are now 16 years old and the best of friends. ❤️?
Congratulations Robin! I got pregnant with my twins after a miscarriage so I can relate to how you’re feeling! Such a roller coaster of emotions. With my first pregnancy, I was still working out at the gym a few days before he was born. With my twins, I was on bedrest for 6wks and they came 6wks early. It really did a number on my body, but my boys are almost 10 and I’m stronger than ever! I know you’ll do great handling whatever happens!
Congratulations to you and your family! Best wishes for a happy, healthy pregnancy.
Congratulations to you and your growing family! Such exciting news with so many changes. God is so good and His plan holds such promise and love for you all. Take care of yourself, be kind to you❤️
CONGRATULA-TWINS!!???❤️ So exciting! I always wanted twins…. but God knew he’d give me three all wrapped up into one- my last baby is a handful! But Lord, I love her. ❤️
Congratulations! I am a proud mom of identical twin boys who will be 24 years old in July. I also used to be a moderator for a Moms of Multiples website, Twinstuff. That group has now migrated to Facebook. Check it out sometime. Lots of helpful advice. Search for the new group Twin Stuff Group – Pregnancy and Beyond if you’re interested! Having TWINS is amazing. We are a special group! Blessings to your family.
So excited for you and your growing family! I found that my headaches vanished when I removed the little bit of chocolate I was eating – brownies at my inlaws on the weekends. I didn’t crave anything per se but when we went out I wanted tacos.
Your headaches could be caused by many things hormone changes being number one – just remember that dairy, caffeine, chicolate are huge triggers.
Be well, be kind to yourself, and remember your teaching to all of us sisters…grace over guilt.
I am so happy for you Robin! What a wonderful surprise. I just joined the Sisterhood this month, and my 2-year old is already talking about ‘Robi at the beach’–she loves doing the workouts with me, and I love seeing your cheery face every morning, and feeling like I’m getting a little mini-vacation in Santa Barbara. Thank you for what you do, and best wishes for strength for the months (and years!) ahead!
Oh how I love this announcement! Congratulations!
Seems to be a year of a number of pregnancies, including my own.
Thanks for being a leader that so many of us women can follow!
Congratulations!!! I am so happy for you and your family! Everyday I appreciate your gifts!
Congratulations!! Health and happiness Karma going your way..??
Congratulations! What an exciting time for your family. I too experienced loss years ago, then shortly after God blessed us with not one but two! They are 16 years old now. I pray that this is an amazing pregnancy, and that you feel well to continue to do the things you love and bring you joy.
Wow!! How super exciting! Congratulations!
Wonderful news!! Thanks for sharing. 🙂
Congratulations Robin, what wonderful news!
How exciting for your family! Our family’s twins were born in October 2016, fraternal girls, as different as night and day. I’m so happy for you!!!
Congratulations on this joyous, wonderful news! You look amazing and so very happy. Wishing you a healthy and as easy as possible rest of your pregnancy.
Wonderful news! Isn’t life a rollercoaster ride at times. I feel for all the challenges your family has faced and wish you a very healthy pregnancy. Having twins is so exciting!
Congratulations to you and your family! What an amazing blessing. I pray for a healthy and happy pregnancy for you followed by 2 healthy and happy babies!
Congratulations Robin. I couldn’t be happier for you, your husband, and your two beautiful children that you already have. You will be in my prayers that everything will go smoothly with this pregnancy and you will deliver two beautiful children. Looking forward to being on this journey with you.
Congratulations! And you look great!
Woohoo! May you feel the arms of Bod wrapped around you, holding you and these two precious little lives in His hands. May He give you stamina & strength in the coming weeks as you adjust to the new stage in life and may the joys and blessings outweigh any trials & troubles. Amen
Seriously, I really dislike auto correct. Previous comment should say “…arms of God…”
So exciting! I have boy/girl twins, and it’s the best! Although they have separate sacs and placentas, they still could actually be identical. Most people (and some doctors, which is scary – they of all people should know) don’t realize this. Obviously if it’s a boy and girl then they are fraternal, but if it’s 2 boys or 2 girls, you won’t know till after they are born and if they look similar, you can do a DNA test. Praying you have a wonderful, healthy pregnancy!
So exciting! So happy for you! Will keep you in my prayers, especially when you come to mind. I’m l-o-n-g past the days of babies…I’m a Nana to ‘8’, but love sharing in the joy of a mother’s journey.
Wow! What beautiful news. Congratulations!
You are now forever in a twin mom sisterhood! We have to stick together & encourage each other on. It’s a WILD ride. I have 4 year old fraternal boy twins & a 8 year old boy. It’s amazing to see their dynamics with each other. For my husband & I it was also a very hard 2-3 years. I pray that you are surrounded by help and/or family. And take time away for dates.
Congratulations! So much fun to come.
Congratulations to your entire family! Having experienced a couple of miscariages I understand and am very excited for you. I went onto have 2 gorgeous children and feel blessed with a couple of grandkiddos also. I will keep all in my prayers.
I’m so excited for you! Double blessing from God!
Robin, so very Happy for you and your whole family!! ?
Congratulations, what wonderful news. xx
That’s so exciting! Congratulations! 🙂
Congratulation! All the best from Downunder!
How awesome! Congratulations to you and your family ❤️
Congratulations to you and your family! I just joined the sisterhood and I look forward to the workouts everyday. I’ve never felt that way about working out before, so thank you! Love the beach location, it’s so calming and relaxing, as is your teaching style, yet still challenging. Best wishes for a healthy pregnancy!
Congratulations to you and your family! I love big families – I have four kids (now ages 21-27) , but no twins! I also love your workout videos and will continue to follow you. Best wishes!!
I am an identical mirror image twin. My twin and I both greatly enjoy your workouts.
Congratulations to you and your growing family.
I wish you two happy, healthy babies.
Congratulations! I am excited for you and excited that you may be making more prenatal videos. I am 18 weeks pregnant and I have been making modifications from the regular workouts, but I would love more prenatal-specific ones! Wishing you all the best.
So happy for you and your family! My daughter is 24 weeks pregnant with twins!!! God has truly blessed my family and yours. I will pray for your pregnancy and sweet babies when praying for my daughter and my twin grandbabies! thank you for all you do and you are a true blessing to all of us that follow your post.
Congratulations my dear. What exciting news for you and your family. Hope you will have found your nanny by birthing time and that things go smoothly. You are brave and full of life in your spirit and I am grateful to know you!!!?
Congratulations babies are God’s blessing. May he shower you and your family with much love and happiness.
Congratulations! Excited for you and your family. Be sure to take care of yourself, best wishes.
Congratulations Robin!! I read your surprise announcement aloud and my 7 yr. old daughter squealed with delight; we are so happy for you guys.
I’ve been in prayer for you since your miscarriage as I went thru one myself in 2013 and it’s still tough at times. God is great and is always doing a wonderful new thing to give us hope. (2 Cor 5:17; Isaiah 43:19) Many joyful blessings to you and yours, Sarah & family
Congratulations! How exciting!! My twins turned 27 in February. One of them encouraged me to join your sisterhood. Best wishes!
Sending blessings to you and your growing family! Wow, what a difference a year can make. Thank you for sharing this wonderful news and thank you for sharing your gifts and talents with all of us.
I rejoice with you Robin! God and His ways… simply amazing ?❤
Congratulations to you and your husband! Have a blessed day!
Wow! Congratulations!! What a sweet surprise! Wishing you all the best!
Congrats. That is so exciting. You are in my prayers
Congratulations Robin!!! I’m very happy for you and your family. I loved the 15 minute workouts offered on February 19th. This was a ten day workout. Is there anyway to purchase them separately?
Robin, I was lucky enough to deliver my twins naturally and vaginally, and I breast fed for a whole year! I know you can do it, please let me know if I can help with my story for you personally. Much love and best wishes!