What was your reaction when you found out you were pregnant with twins?

While flying back to Malta from our honeymoon last summer, the thought that I might be pregnant came to our minds since I was experiencing unexplainable mood swings. Then, after a couple of weeks, I remember doing a pregnancy test at home. It was just after a quarrel I'd had with my husband, about what, I remember nothing, apart from the grin I had on my face as he saw the result!

We set up an appointment with our gynaecologist for the 10th week to see the 'baby'. As soon as we got in, we immediately listed the worrying discomfort I was experiencing: severe morning sickness, nausea, vomiting - you name it. My husband was complaining a lot about my heightened sense of smell, which had caused him to change all his personal toiletries at least four times during the first three months.

The gynaecologist wasn't the least worried and immediately started off the ultrasound. In a minute, he started hinting by comments such as: "No wonder you're experiencing all these symptoms... double the symptoms, double the blessing!", as he was moving the probe back and forth. My husband started realising that what we were seeing were two sacs instead of one and remarked, repeatedly: "It's not possible...  no... or is it? Doc?!? Are those twins? No, it can't be!" I simply laughed as the gynae's grinning said "Yes! Double the blessing! Congratulations!" I really didn't say anything, I simply laughed with joy!

What are their names and why did you choose those names? 

I wanted neither common names, nor one of the outlandish ones we hear every once in a while on the media. I researched a lot of names, even before I knew I was pregnant - or going to become pregnant. I listed many, and after some discussion with my husband, we short-listed two names for a boy and two for a girl. When we learnt that we were going to have two girls, we went for

'Ofelia' and 'Eliora'. Ofelia was a Danish martyr and is also associated with the word 'help'. Eliora means "God is my light". As a couple, we felt the need to express our gratitude towards God, who has given us a lot, from the moment we met up to this very day.

Overall, how was the whole pregnancy?

The first three months were severe - most pleasant smells ceased to be pleasant, and became nauseating. I had to take quite a few days off work. However, I received a lot of support, especially from my husband, who had to patiently tend to most of the household chores during this time. By the end, my frustration was trying to find something suitable to wear, while at the same time enduring the baby kicks in my bladder and stomach.

Having said all this, I never forgot the fact that it was all so that I could give life to our baby twins. This, together with all the support I had, helped me put up with everything enthusiastically. I cannot find the words to describe the first kicks at the 14th week or the joy of being able to distinguish who was kicking at any point in time, which was a constant reminder that our family was going to double in number in a few months' time! »

Did you have to do anything to prepare for their arrival?

As soon as family, friends and colleagues got to know we were expecting twins, anyone who had baby stuff lying around in their garage offered to lend us things and by the end of the pregnancy we had received two prams, two cots, four car seats and tons of baby clothes. We still did some shopping for clothes, and for a twin pushchair, but I can't imagine how we would have managed without the generosity of the people around us! Psychologically, I don't think we were ever fully aware of what was about to happen, in the sense that we continued asking ourselves how many things could have happened in just nine months since getting married.

How was the birthing advice and experience, - honestly?

The information from the parent craft course, as well as other comments made by friends, made me feel rather anxious about the caesarean, and the fact that it would be the first medical procedure I had ever had certainly didn't make me feel at ease. However, during the last two months, my tummy grew to such an extent that it was seriously difficult to find anything decent to wear. Moreover, my feet swelled horribly, sometimes painfully. Hence, at that point, caesarean or not, I wanted them out!

Finally the waters broke, five days before the planned date for the caesarean, so it was treated as an 'emergency' caesarean. However, we were very calm and the midwives made me feel at ease. The operation lasted about 25 minutes and although only my lower body was under anaesthesia, I felt quite drowsy. The feeling of the surgeon moving my guts was a very weird one. At first, I felt quite alone, despite having at least eight other people in the theatre. They were all talking casually about everyday things with music playing on the radio in the background - although I was awake, they didn't really talk to me. In the middle of the operation, they let my husband in. When we finally saw the babies for the first time, well - they didn't look like those cute cherubs you imagine you're going to see, but rather like two, greyish-purple skinny creatures! Yes, initially the babies looked rather ugly but they became cuter by the minute! After having cleaned and dressed them, the midwives brought them over for their first breastfeed. I was still very drowsy from the operation but was really keen to experience this unique feeling. 

How has it been since you've been home with your two babies? How are you coping? 

Thanks to the continuous support from relatives and my husband, I am coping quite well, maybe even better than I imagined! It is, of course, overwhelming at times, especially the continuous breastfeeding! Feelings of exhaustion and just wanting to sleep for hours are frequent. Yet it truly fulfils me as a woman, knowing I am now a mother of twins, who depend on me for their growth and well-being. 

Have you thought about schools, or any other plans?

Yes, but not really too much. I am living life day by day and that helps me keep my sanity! However, given I have quite short working hours, we did think about using the services of a child care centre in the near future. 

What do you wish for your children growing up and in their future?

I have life because my parents selflessly gave up their lives to raise me despite my being their sixth child. They had faith in God always being with them and He truly is. My husband and I are living this fantastic adventure, thanks to both receiving the same faith from our parents. This faith is what I most wish my children to receive and never lose.