Our Instant Family Became Our Instant Empty Nest

Eighteen years ago I lay on an operating table and pushed out my first twin girl baby. (Fraternal, since everybody asks.)

I had been in labor for five days. Thirteen weeks of bedrest atrophied every muscle in my body. The residual terbutaline in my bloodstream, designed to keep me out of preterm labor, made my initial contractions strong enough to keep me awake for the better part of four days and nights but not strong enough to deliver. Upon arrival we told the labor nurse that I was having...