Emily A. Clark

design. simplified.

Surprise! The Clarks are Growing (Again)

This year has been a year full of changes and excitement for our family.  (Read about some of them here and here.)  And, it seems that God has decided to bless our family in a BIG way as the year comes to an end.  Yes, I’m expecting!

But, that’s only half of the story.  Literally.

babies

This picture is what I like to call “the biggest surprise of my life.”  It seems that our “fourth and final baby” is actually TWINS!!!  Yes, we are going to have FIVE kids.  I have to keep saying that to myself so I’ll actually believe it.

To say that we were shocked is an understatement.  We’re also a little scared and a lot happy.  I feel undeserving of this wonderful blessing.

After our ultrasound, my husband and I went to lunch and had a 30 minute conversation that went something like this:

“Oh my gosh.”

“Oh my GOSH!”

“Oh. My. Gosh.”

(You get the idea.)  We even took pictures of each other with our phones to capture the moment.

2011-10-26_12-46-13_821

photo

This is my shocked + severely nauseous look. . .

I’m so glad to be able to share this with you.  The last couple of months have been challenging, to say the least.  I always have a rough first trimester and this time was no different.  Add three other kids and way too much work on my plate. . . it’s not been fun.  The good news is that I’m feeling much better and clearing a lot off of my schedule.  I’m officially due in June (if I make it until then).

As far as I know, this is the last big announcement I’ll be making on the blog this year.  Prayers appreciated!  :)

You Might Also Like

Reader Interactions

Comments

  7. renee @ Singing With Birds says

    Congratulations Emily! We had a similar experience and had a big surprise resulting in 5 children. I am so happy for you! When you get to be my age you just can’t have too many wonderful children. Mine have had 18 grands so far and each is a gift. May you feel as blessed as I do and have a merry, merry Christmas!

    Reply

  9. Cathy Wall says

    Congratulations, what wonderful, exciting and overwhelming news! Good thing you have three little helpers to lend a hand when the time comes. Take care of yourself and enjoy!
    Cathy @ Room Rx

    Reply

  12. Carrie says

    Oh.My.Gosh!! CONGRATULATIONS!!!! Love those photos as I know that is exactly how I would feel and how my husband’s and my conversation would go (of course, that’s probably how the conversation would go if we were only having one!). Many blessings to you – five kids is a WONDERFUL number (I say that confidently, being child #5 myself!). :-) Merry Christmas – what a gift!

    Reply

  13. kerry says

    Hi Emily,
    Congrats! I am a devoted blog follower and fan! I had to write because I have five as well as twins. I remember the shock of the news like it was yesterday – they were actually 8 on 12/12. Also, I’m sure you’ve already heard this but twins are so amazing – I like to tell people that they rest of us missed out by not being a twin. One of the special things about them is that they almost NEVER fight and always have each others backs, so cute! Best, Kerry

    Reply

  27. Judy says

    Twins run in our family. My great grandmother had 2 sets of twins; my mother had a set of twins (at 41!) and now my daughter has 7 year old boy & girl twins!

    Congratulations! It’s lots of work but “double the fun”!

    Judy

    Reply

  28. For the Love of a Cottage says

    Congratulations on this wonderful news. It sounds overwhelming now because it’s all still new. You will settle into a routine and it will be second nature to you. Take care of yourself, and if they don’t, remind family that YOU are the Queen for the year. The last time I got to play that card was 29 years ago :)

    Reply

  32. Jenny Beth says

    emily how wonderfully exciting for you guys. The first trimester was awful for me this go around. I will have you and your sweet babies in my prayers. What a wonderful blessing!!!

    Reply

  34. { Abby K } says

    Congrats! I can’t help but think that’s what I looked like when I found out I was pregnant with my first…and I can’t imagine what I’d have looked like if they told me twins! Wow! Still it’s awesome and exciting!

    Reply

  38. Amanda says

    OH MY GOSH! is right! how exciting and scary and crazy all at the same time! I am amazing you have been able to keep your blog up during your 1st trimester- you are my hero!!
    Blessings upon you and your newest little ones that God is giving you! and I cant wait to see what you cook up for the beautiful nursery!

    Reply

  45. Claire Bingham says

    Welcome to the club! This was the same look my husband and I had when we found out we were having twins! Simultaneously laughing and crying! Congratulations to you both! Be sure to join CMOMS- they were SUCH a help to me!

    Reply

  53. Fiona says

    Wow! Congratulations! Love the picture of you. My husband is one of five kids, and they traveled the world with their parents because of their job. We constantly say, “Wow, how did they ever manage?!”

    Reply

  58. Karen says

    Oh my gosh Emily, congratulations! You two will be fine with twins, you have the other kids to help (I am so looking forward to next year’s Christmas picture) I hope that you have a doubly strong nesting phase to get your home prepared!

    Reply

  60. Lara says

    Congrats!!!! I knew exactly what I was looking at when I saw your ultrasound photo because I’ve SEEN one looking just like that before!!! Our reaction was very similar to you and your husbands!! My twins(b/g) are just a few months shy of 11 and they have been the biggest blessing in my life!!! I’m going to message you a book title. Best book on multiples out there! Congrats again!!!

    Reply

  61. Maury says

    Congrats Emily! That’s so exciting. Our family has a history of multiples (2 sets of twins and 1 set of triplets in 3 generations). They are a blessing and so much fun!

    Reply

  68. Holly says

    What wonderful wonderful news!!! The look on your faces is priceless. Congratulations to you and your family and I hope you continue to feel well. What a blessing and a blessing!!

    Reply

  75. Katie says

    Congratulations!! What a blessing indeed! I’ll be praying for you that you have a smooth pregnancy and can get everything you want done before those little blessings arrive.

    Reply

  92. Tara says

    Congratulations and welcome to the Twin Club!! Ours are 13 months now and it’s been the best, craziest, most wonderful 13 (well, we found out at 8 weeks, so 21) months of my life!!

    Reply

  96. Jessi says

    Gosh! That’s great news! My aunt have just have a baby, well, baby’s 5 months already, and my aunt is pregnant again with the third kid, and although they are really affraid I can only feel so much love for them! I’m sure you would do just perfectly fine with the five of them. I guess it’s Happy Christmas now =)
    Congrats ;)

    xo

    Reply

  97. Lori says

    Oh wow…twins! Congratulations! You’re an amazing woman Emily and an amazing mom. Can’t help but notice the Carolinas Med Shirt on your sweet hubby. My son interviewed there last week and said it was an amazing place. Keeping our fingers crossed. Congrats again on your exciting news!

    Reply

  105. Rebekah says

    I confess, I laughed, too. But only because 2012 seems to be the “Year of the Twin.” A dear friend from college learned early in the fall that she is having (SURPRISE) twins, too, and another friend who is a gestational surrogate is expecting twins, as well. Congratulations! God never stops surprising us, right?

    Reply

  106. 17 Perth says

    Congratulations!! That is so so super exciting!! And Holy Cow. :) Both of your faces are hilarious. haha…and you will be in my prayers. Glad you are starting to feel a little better. :)

    Reply

  108. angela michelle says

    Oh congratulations! We went from 3 to 5 with a combination of a foster daughter and a baby (via the old-fashioned method). It was certainly a crazy time, but we also remember it with a lot of fondness and joy. Best of luck. May you have health, energy, and good sleep!

    Reply

  109. Bmarchant says

    WOW! I was scared I’d get that ultrasound on baby #2 – can’t imagine what it felt like with baby #4 (and #5). Love the pictures with the look on your faces!!! Congrats!

    Reply

  115. Fran says

    Emily, oh my!! Congratulations – wow!! That is wonderful news! Remember, God doesn’t give us more than we can handle! You’re going to do great!!

    Reply

  116. Tara {The Silver Lining} says

    Double Congrats to you!! haha love this post and the pics are hilarious. I remember when my sister found out she was pregnant again when her two older children were already 8 and 10, and she couldn’t believe she was starting over with another baby. We had a similar lunch where she was still in shock just thinking about diapers and bottles again….I’ll have to show her this post. She’ll appreciate it. ;) Her little one has been such a blessing and brought so much joy to their family!! Best wishes to your growing family!!!

    Reply

  119. Mary says

    Twenty tiny fingers,
    Twenty tiny toes,
    Two angel faces, each with a
    turned up nose.
    One looks like mommy,
    with a cute little curl on top.
    And the other one’s got
    a big bald spot
    exactly like his pop!

    Congratulations!!!

    Reply

  124. Kristin says

    Congratulations, Emily! This is wonderful news. Thank you for sharing and making me smile.

    But alas, there go my hopes of meeting you at the Haven conference in June!

    Reply

  126. Beth at southernfriedliving.blogspot.com says

    Congrats!!! I love the pic of you, it’s hilarious!!
    I have 2 year old twin boys and it’s fun and extremely challenging at the same time.
    Just wait for all the attention you get when you’re out and about with the all the kids because it will go something like this.
    Are they twins?
    Do they run in your family?
    Are all of these kids yours??
    Boy, you have you’re hands full!
    It’s like a script that you will hear over and over.
    I can’t wait to see the nursery!!
    ~Beth

    Reply

  127. Decorchick! says

    Emily!!! OH MY GOSH!!! That is so amazing and I’d be freaking out with twins, but definitely is a blessing. I’ve had a VERY rough 1st trimester, and almost done now. I’m due beginning of July. So SO happy for you!!

    Good thing y’all got that bigger house this year right? :)

    Reply

  129. lemondropdreams says

    That’s so exciting…I know the feeling of being shocked by a big surprise! That was our fourth…I was in tears and now I can’t imagine what our family would be like if he never came along! Congratulations!

    Reply

  135. Courtney {a thoughtful place} says

    I can still hear you and your hubs saying, “Oh, my gosh!” What amazing and wonderful news. God only gives us what we can handle. . . right?! That is what I would be clinging to. Your beautiful family just became even more so. Congrats.

    Reply

  136. Sixty-Fifth Avenue says

    I love the pictures of you guys! Congratulations! Oh my gosh!!
    My best friend has twins and they are each others best friend and they could not be more caring of each other. Merry Christmas to you and your beautiful family.

    Reply

  140. [email protected] says

    Congratuations!!!!! As a mother of identical girls, I remember that nauseas feeling! I mean the scary nausea, aside from the severe physical one. That fear of the unknown. The good news is, you are an experienced mom! You will be blessed beyond words experiencing twins and their bond. I will keep you in my thoughts and pray for a safe and healthy pregnancy. Please feel free to email me at any time! My girls are now 14 and I’ve been through it all. Good luck and God bless!

    Reply

  144. Molly says

    Boy, does that whole scenario sound familiar! My twins are now 4 (which, incidentally, is the magical age where the clouds part and you are officially “over the hump!”). I was 22 weeks pregnant with our fourth when I learned that I was actually pregnant with our fourth and fifth. I had a 4 year old, 3 year old and 1 year old when we got the news. I didn’t sleep for days I was so nervous! :) But, you will do so well! God will bless and strengthen you beyond what you thought you were capable of. You will learn all sorts of tricks (how to pick up two newborns at once, etc.) and learn that having twins is a whole new ball game. But…the joy is immeasurable! I recommend the book “Twinspiration” if you are interested. I loved it! Lots of good tips and good humor. Good luck!

    Reply

  146. Cathy says

    Congratulations! Love that look, I remember that feeling myself when we found out we were having twins. It is such a blessing and a wonderful experience for the whole family. My identical girls are now 20 and it is still an adventure! We have 5 also, and the good thing about that is your life will never be boring. Think of all the grandkids you will have one day. Enjoy!

    Reply

  152. Nicole says

    Congrats! It reminds me of the day I found out about our twins – my husband couldn’t be there for the ultrasound – the whole way home I was trying to think of how to tell him. Here is my unsolicited: advice join a twin group and start to lower your expectations on yourself, your house may just be a little messier and your may need to eat on paper plates for awhile but your sanity is worth it! Sleep will soon be more precious than gold. (Not that you won’t sleep, but you will appreciate it so much more when you do!)

    love and prayers!

    Reply

  154. Sita says

    Congratulations Emily! What terrific and exciting news. My good friend and her husband also recently decided to “try for number 4” only to find out that they too our having twins. What a fun adventure you are about to embark on. My husband has a twin sister, and even well in to their 30’s, the relationship between the two of them is something special. Best of luck to you during your pregnancy and beyond!

    Reply

  157. dutchess127 says

    OMG!!!!! I have twins (and no other kids!) It’s rough but you will be so awesome. You already are! You look & reaction was better than mine! My husband was pushing 50 when we found out & the doctor & I were worried he would have a heart attack when he found out. Thankfully, he didn’t. Twins…I remember hearing it well. Congratulations. What a blessing!

    Reply

  161. Pawleys Island Posh says

    oh.my.goodness!!! What an incredibly exciting blessing! I’m sure y’all are still wrapping your heads around this crazy news but I can only imagine how lucky these two last little bees are going to be in such a wonderful family! Best of luck!
    PS-I’m more than happy to come to Charlotte this summer for some double newborn pictures :)
    xoxox

    Reply

  162. Cherie says

    that is awesome! I had a feeling about you . . .

    you moved to a bigger house for a reason. time to trim the tree AND trim your schedule, prioritize YOU and your family.

    blessings all around . . . .

    Reply

  170. Rhoda @ Southern Hospitality says

    Wow, Emily, I can imagine that you are in shock. Twins!! Wow, that is amazing. I am SO happy for you and excited too. I know this is going to change your life completely, but I know that God will give you the skills to handle it. Merry Christmas, friend!! xoxo

    Reply

  171. Danielle @ Transforming Home says

    WOW! Congrats! Twins are absolutely wonderful…mine will be turning 5 next week. I still remember the day we found out – complete SHOCK!! Take care of yourself, and be proud of the true blessing of twins. It is a unique, special bond that absolutely nothing compares to. Can’t wait to see the nursery!!

    Danielle

    Reply

  172. Amanda says

    CONGRATULATIONS! My BFF just had twins (#3 and 4), and they are all doing well, you’ll be great! Will be praying for you, the babies and your family through this time!

    Reply

  206. JennyBC says

    Wonderful news! I can so identify with the sick the first trimester part..glad you are feeling stronger and better now. Our big surprise came at 43 for me….my first two are 13 months apart….my third one came 13 YEARS later! Wouldn’t trade him for the world. Best thing that ever happen to complete our family! Praying for you and your family… such a blessing.

    Reply

  207. Jessica B. says

    Oh wow!! I’m a huge fan of your blog. I love your decor style and always say to myself, “of course she can do all of that, she doesn’t have twins to run after” because I have twins plus another too that are all under 5. But now you will be surpassing me w/ 2 more kids in school, a preschooler and newborn twins! Give yourself the first year to let all of the little stuff go. after that, things get much easier! And say YES to anyone and everyone who offers help. :) That’s my secret! congrats!!! I can’t wait to watch your new adventure develop!

    Reply

  211. Maegen says

    I am a lurker – have been reading your blog for quite some time now but have never posted a comment…just wanted to say CONGRATULATIONS! I am also expecting, due june 9th! LOOOOOOVE your blog and cant wait to read all about the things you’ll be doing to get ready for your babies!

    Reply

  212. katherine says

    Congratulations! I’m one of 5 kids because my parents were planning on 4 and the last one turned out to be twins. They had 4 girls and 1 boy. Yes, my brother feels very sorry for himself. Twins was a huge shock for my parents, too, but of course they wouldn’t give either of my sisters back now. :)

    Reply

  217. Katherine @ Grass Stains says

    Okay, 200 comments later, here I am to chime in! When we found out we were expecting #4, I was on pins and needles until we confirmed there was just one (Amelia) in there. ;) But had it been twins, I would have been shocked, and then thrilled. I wish you guys all the best! Five kids will be amazing. Congratulations!

    Reply

  225. Leigh says

    I ready your blog daily and have never commented. I too had “the biggest surprise of my life” when I saw twins on the ultrasound monitor! I was shocked, nervous, overwhelmed, thrilled and still cant believe it seven years later. It is a wonderful gift. Congratulations!

    Reply

  231. Erika Ward says

    Double the blessing for sure! WOW Emily!! If you ever need twin preggo advice, I’ve got some excellent pointers…carried mine full term!

    I know you are in complete shock, but all will be fine! Trust.

    Reply

  232. Christina L. de Armas says

    Congratulations on two little blessings. I am expecting a little boy in March!!! I love reading your blog its definitely on my daily reads. Wishing you and your growing family a blessed Christmas

    luxecoutureinteriors.blogspot.com

    Reply

  233. Patricia says

    OH MY GOSH ! That is wonderful news, much love and best wishes to your lovely family – what a blessing you have been given !! Many, many congratulations…..!!

    Reply

  236. autumn says

    WOW, and WOW!!!
    on my! i know it seems totally overwhelming, but i am sure things are going to fall into place. congratulations! i am thrilled for you!

    Reply

  240. Holly Austin says

    CONGRATS!!! So happy for you guys… I’m expecting my first little one to arrive in about 4 weeks :) My cousin has twin boys (who are celebrating their 2nd birthday today) and I believe they keep them pretty entertained. I hope everything goes well for you, and I hope you get to feeling better soon!

    Reply

  242. Monica says

    Congrats!! Same thing happened to me! We had three boys and I talked my husband into one more to try for the girl. AND twins!!! The Lord did bless us with two girls, thank goodness! Five kids. It’s fun but get used to people staring at you and calling you crazy.

    Reply

  244. Sarah says

    WOW! What an amazing surprise! I always wanted twins with my 1st and 2nd, but joke that I will get them with my third and final:). What a blessing! Congratulations!

    Reply

  248. Regina says

    Oh my gosh, congratulations!! I just had my third baby a couple of weeks ago and have always wanted twins! I am so scared that when I go for my fourth and final I may actually get my wish!! That is so crazy and so wonderful!! I love the pictures, I absolutely can read your feelings! Congrats again!

    Reply

  251. -Katie Waddell says

    OH MY WORD!! CONGRATS!!! It will be crazy and hectic, no doubt, but what a wonderful blessing! I’m pregnant with our third and also due in June…looking forward to your updates and their arrival! Children are a blessing from the Lord!!!

    Reply

  252. KYcountrygirl says

    I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE the photos of you two!!! Miss Alice kinda looked that way when she shared the news with me at church….she was still in awe also. Congrats and enjoy!!! As a proud mother of 4 (my baby just turned 17) and grandmother of 1, I find myself wondering how I did it all!!! My house was never the cleanest, the laundry was never ALL done, nor the dishes for that matter, but we had FUN!!!!

    Reply

  254. Sue says

    You’ll probably never get to reading this comment as you have so many previously but I wanted to tell you congratulations! I always wanted twins but have nine children even without twins. I wish you all the best. You are so blessed and lucky!

    Reply

  255. The Andersens says

    Congratulations! I have a twin brother and have LOVED being a twin. My mom said it was easier having twin because we always had someone to play with. I would have loved to have twins, but got my five one-by-one!

    Reply

  256. The Andersens says

    Congratulations! I have a twin brother and have LOVED being a twin. My mom said it was easier having twin because we always had someone to play with. I would have loved to have twins, but got my five one-by-one!

    Reply

  257. Laurie Jones says

    Congrats, this is such exciting news! Seriously these good things happened this year because you totally deserve it, honestly I think you’re one of the nicest people in the design blogosphere! You put good things out you receive good things in return!!! Can’t wait to read what comes next!!

    Reply

  260. Catherine says

    Dang! I take one day off from stalking your blog and I miss this!!! Amazing! And Scary! And Amazing! I will pray for you and your family and your pregnancy and everything to come! Congratulations!! So happy for you!

    Reply

  263. Simple Dwellings says

    Wow- amazing! What wonderful news! I love the look on your face! :) Priceless! You will do a wonderful job and these twins are in for a real treat with you as their mommy! Lots of hugs to you!!

    Reply

  264. bevy says

    Amazing! Congratulations! No worries, God only gives you what you can handle and apparently He knows you can handle lots more! I have older twin brothers and then my mom had me a year and nine months later. My mom says she wouldn’t wish twins on her worst enemy. I think (or hope) she’s mostly joking on that one. You will do fine. We all have faith in you!

    Reply

  269. Hello Lover... says

    Congratulations Emily! In college I babysat for a family in the exact same situation, they had 3, got pregnant with their ‘4th’ and found out they were having twins. It is such an amazing thing and watching the two little ones grow up together and be the best of friends is going to be an amazing experience for you and your family!

    Reply

  270. Jessica / Olivia Grayson Interiors says

    I’m a little behind in my blog reading this week, but CONGRATULATIONS!!! My husband and I joke that all the cool people are doing it – we had twins 14 months ago, a dear friend of mine delivered hers today and another friend is due in January! What a blessing! If you don’t have any friends with twins, please email with any and all questions :)

    Reply

  271. Camille says

    No way. No way!! I am so excited for you, Emily!!! Man…well, I’m glad you are feeling better. My two knocked me for a loop the first trimester, so I CANNOT imagine doing it with three others in the house.

    Now my turn for unsolicited advice? Two cribs. For sure. And I would be no where without my twins club. There’s lots more where that came from but I’ll shut up and let you be. ;)

    Reply

  277. [email protected] Beautiful Life says

    As I was reading about your big surprise and went further down page of your husband I was thinking to myself they look like they are sitting at McAlister’s Deli…then I saw his Carolina health shirt and thought are they from Charlotte and had to go back and read your Bio..Sure enough!!!

    Congrats on you new bundle of joys!!

    Reply

  280. LindsB says

    How did I miss this?!? Oh my gosh is right- that is sooo exciting!! You are the best mom already, so a 4th and 5th addition are going to be a piece of cake for you!

    Woohoo for twins, I’m so excited for you- although I might have a different face than your photo right now (which is awesome BTW) Big smiles here!

    Reply

  281. Geidlbots says

    Merry Christmas, Emily! My friend sent me your blog link this morning. We added twins to our family almost a year ago. We also have three older children. It is exciting, and we went through all those same “oh my gosh!” moments. It has really been one of the greatest joys of our life. I know you don’t know me, but if you ever want to talk twins stuff, please feel free to email me at amandageidl at yahoo dot com. I would love to pass on what has been helpful for me. :)

    Reply

  282. Jenny says

    I somehow missed this big announcement! Wow! Your expression is precisely the look I think I would have if I were in your shoes. ;-). My husband is an identical twin, and I expect you will have lots of stories to tell as your babies grow up together. Congrats!!

    Reply

  283. Life of Style says

    Wow, congratulations Emily! Having 3 children myself I can imagine the OMGoodness moments you must be having. Such a blessing though to see those 2 sweet tiny heartbeats. Happy Holidays to you and your growing family!

    Reply

  285. Centsational Girl says

    I’m sorry but how in the *bleep* did I miss this news??? Congratulations my friend, you’re already one busy mama, but now you’ll be five times blessed!!! Just think of all the beautiful people you’ll have framed on your mantel one day…. the greatest gift!
    xoxoxo
    Kate

    Reply

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Copyright © 2023 · Emily A. Clark · Blog Design by Little Blue Deer
Privacy Policy