August 23rd, 2012
21 weeks 2 days
Just when I think time will finally slow down, it doesn't. I've finished out this summer semester, and decided not to return for the fall semester. That was a hard decision to come to, because I really didn't want to stop. But knowing that bedrest could be in my future, and not wanting to go on campus to take tests at 37 weeks pregnant, I knew it was what is best for me and the babies.
We've been working hard around the house getting things together (finally) and prettying things up before family comes into town. Last week I had Erik painting our guest bathroom. It ended up being an adventure. Our Ace paint was giving away free quarts of paint. Well.. we figured that it would only take 2 quarts of paint to paint it completely. And being right between two Ace's we figured we'd try to do it for free. (I know, I know tisk.. tisk) Well we asked for 'Greek Column' at both Ace's - well one Ace gave us the right color, and the other... didn't. They gave us the shade darker. But we ended up mixing them together and liked it.. and ended up being a quart shy to finish. So I had to go back and they wouldn't mix it for us, so I had to buy two quarts. All in all it came out perfectly, and we have a funny story behind it. Last weekend, I pulled all the weeds and dead flowers out of the backyard garden bed. We're heading to the nursery this weekend to get some fall flowers - I want it all pretty when everyone comes in to town. That's just how I am.
In baby news, we get to see them via ultrasound quite often, every two weeks. We found out at our twenty week appointment with my high risk dr (MFM) that Baby B is 21% bigger than Baby A. Which is a cause for concern, they don't want one baby stealing all the nutrients from the placenta. There really isn't anything they can do but to do another growth check every 4 weeks and see if the size difference is increasing or decreasing and just to monitor closely for twin to twin transfusion syndrome. It was so great to see my babies! I absolutely love seeing them move around so much on the screen. Although, I felt really bad that I enjoyed it so much when my ultrasound tech was getting exhausted from trying to get the measurements she needed. They just wouldn't let her have them! We love seeing our babies that's for sure. But after finding out that information, I got pretty serious on my diet and I hope it helps. I've upped my protein a LOT, I drink at least two protein shakes a day and eat a protein bar. I've also realized it's okay to rest when I need to and I don't deprive myself of any naps. So I'm really hoping there is less of a size difference at the beginning of September when we go back.
Oh! I can also feel my baby boys kicking in there now! It's seriously one of the most amazing feelings in the whole wide world. Indescribable. I could just sit on the couch and feel them and have no desire to watch TV or do anything else, I find myself just getting sucked into my own little world. The past two mornings that I've woken up, shortly after I feel them kicking around as if to tell me "Mommy it's time to get up now" it's such a great way to wake up in the morning, and I love it.
August 28th, 2012
22 Weeks
I've been so busy trying to get the house ready for our family to visit that I completely forgot to finish up my last post!! Oopps! Can I blame this one on pregnancy brain?
Lets see, this past weekend we cleaned up the garden in the backyard, and oh my goodness does it look fantastic! We decided we wanted to go the nursery route rather than Home Depot/Lowe's. We just aren't impressed with their help in the flower section. So. We did it. We went to two nurseries and explained that we wanted to put some hardy, low maintenance flowers, that would either stay around year long or come back. And we wanted to get the most bang for our buck. And for about $80.00 we did it. It costed us way more last time going the Home Depot route, and they all died off and lasted maybe 4 months max. So I'm really impressed. We have butterflies that visit our garden now and it's nice to look out their to see pretty flowers! How can that not brighten your day?!
I picked up things for my hostess gifts this past weekend as well, I'm doing a chocolate basket for my SIL since she is a huge chocolate person and I took my friend Amanda who is co-hosting, out to get a pedicure and I got her her favorite lotion/body wash scent from Bath and Body Works as well as a Starbucks mug and a VIA refresher package. I really hope they both like them. It means a lot that they are throwing me a shower, because I never really thought I would have one. Especially living so far away.
Today we are having a local maid come by and deep clean the house for us, so I don't have to!! She's actually here now and honestly this is the best investment/treat I have ever given myself!! All I have to do tomorrow is steamvac our living room. I'll resweep Thursday morning. But I am so beside myself right now. Honestly, money very well spent!
We had a bit of an adventure on Monday. I had been having some cramps that I thought were just RLP (round ligament pain - your ligaments in your lower hip area have to stretch to support and make room for the baby, or babies in my case) well I took a shower and long story short I thought I was leaking fluid. So I called my OB and they got me in right away. All the tests came back negative for leaking fluid. Both babies heart rates were fantastic. Baby A was at 157 bpm and Baby B was at 153 bpm. We saw them on the ultrasound for a few minutes to check the fluid levels. My OB was a tad concerned about the cramping so they sent me to our hospital for fetal monitoring. Turns out I was having very small irregular contractions. I ended up getting some fluids and a shot to make them stop and we went home. What a scare! I'm just so happy they are okay and still baking in there!
Other than that, things have been relatively quiet around here. Just making progression in the house and decorating/painting more. It's nice to have two solid rooms done. The nursery will get finished up next and eventually the office and master bedroom. Definitely a work in progress.
Time to finish up some work and run some errands! Till next time!
Wednesday, August 29, 2012
Monday, August 13, 2012
Time is flying by!
August 13th, 2012
19 weeks 6 days
Life has been so crazy busy lately, and time seems to be flying by fast! Which is definitely a change of pace. We had our appointment two weeks ago with our new OB, well the new office, and had our Anatomy scan done and everything was perfectly healthy with both babies! We found out we're expecting two little boys! We're over the top thrilled! We went and registered for the baby showers two weekends ago and then last weekend we painted the nursery and put together the cribs and changing tables! It's so exciting to get things done and see them put together in the nursery!
Last Monday our car seats arrived, they were a gift from Erik's mom. My breast feeding pillow also arrived, I chose the My Brest Friend, Double Twins Deluxe thanks to some wonderful recommendations from other moms of multiples, or MoM's. That also arrived. I'm so grateful and excited we got the nursery and the cribs/changing table put together. It's starting to look full in there, I can only imagine how much more full it will be. I'm just glad we can put things in there for them, without having to worry about where we will put the cribs together at, might not seem like a big deal to others but Erik and I do NOT get along when moving furniture. I get the heeby jeebies just thinking about it... ekkk! We also went to a consignment shop, unplanned, last weekend while out and about and I found a $5 pair of Old Navy maternity jeans - ohhhh the comfort!
We have two appointments this week, one tomorrow with our regular OB and one Wednesday with our MFM, which is the Maternal Fetal Medicine Specialist - my high risk doctor. I'm hoping for another ultrasound to see our baby boys, just because I love seeing them. I'm sure they are going to want to check my cervix length and such.
In other news, Erik and I are joining a Parents of Multiples group here in our area! I think it's going to be a great idea, and a great way to meet other parents and get advice, not to mention make friends and have play dates for the babies.
I can't get over how fast time is flying by! My goodness it's already August! My baby shower is at the very beginning of September, the 2nd. I'm super excited only because I never thought I would actually get to have a baby shower! I know many people won't be there, and it'll really just be a few friends I have here and my sister in laws and the new Grandma's. But I think it'll still be fun. I'm wanting to get pedicures done with my one sister in law who is helping to plan it and then my friend who is also planning it. I'd really like it if my other two sister in laws came and my mom and MIL but I don't know what they all have planned. So - we'll see.
Erik started painting our guest bathroom this morning, and after a funny with the paint it'll be finished up tomorrow. We opted for a grey color, I think it'll lighten up the room more, and it's neutral enough to change out the feel of it and is on the 'boyish' color scale. It will also be the boys' bathroom. The only thing I really need to figure out in there is the storage, I've been using it for coupon storage (stockpiled items) so I really need to figure that out or take over a shelving unit in the Garage for that. We'll see. I'm in this phase right now where everything needs to be organized, painted, cleaned and pretty. I think part of myself is preparing to be on bedrest and knowing I won't be able to do much to help with preparing so - I want it done now. If that makes sense.
I've started to feel little kicks over the past few weeks, and I absolutely love it!! I get so excited every time I feel it, or feel the little flutters of them moving around. Seriously, it's the most amazing feeling in the entire world.
Here is to another week, and to being half way through this pregnancy!! I can't believe how fast it's gone by!
19 weeks 6 days
Life has been so crazy busy lately, and time seems to be flying by fast! Which is definitely a change of pace. We had our appointment two weeks ago with our new OB, well the new office, and had our Anatomy scan done and everything was perfectly healthy with both babies! We found out we're expecting two little boys! We're over the top thrilled! We went and registered for the baby showers two weekends ago and then last weekend we painted the nursery and put together the cribs and changing tables! It's so exciting to get things done and see them put together in the nursery!
Baby A and Baby B - 17 weeks 1 day.
Last Monday our car seats arrived, they were a gift from Erik's mom. My breast feeding pillow also arrived, I chose the My Brest Friend, Double Twins Deluxe thanks to some wonderful recommendations from other moms of multiples, or MoM's. That also arrived. I'm so grateful and excited we got the nursery and the cribs/changing table put together. It's starting to look full in there, I can only imagine how much more full it will be. I'm just glad we can put things in there for them, without having to worry about where we will put the cribs together at, might not seem like a big deal to others but Erik and I do NOT get along when moving furniture. I get the heeby jeebies just thinking about it... ekkk! We also went to a consignment shop, unplanned, last weekend while out and about and I found a $5 pair of Old Navy maternity jeans - ohhhh the comfort!
We have two appointments this week, one tomorrow with our regular OB and one Wednesday with our MFM, which is the Maternal Fetal Medicine Specialist - my high risk doctor. I'm hoping for another ultrasound to see our baby boys, just because I love seeing them. I'm sure they are going to want to check my cervix length and such.
In other news, Erik and I are joining a Parents of Multiples group here in our area! I think it's going to be a great idea, and a great way to meet other parents and get advice, not to mention make friends and have play dates for the babies.
I can't get over how fast time is flying by! My goodness it's already August! My baby shower is at the very beginning of September, the 2nd. I'm super excited only because I never thought I would actually get to have a baby shower! I know many people won't be there, and it'll really just be a few friends I have here and my sister in laws and the new Grandma's. But I think it'll still be fun. I'm wanting to get pedicures done with my one sister in law who is helping to plan it and then my friend who is also planning it. I'd really like it if my other two sister in laws came and my mom and MIL but I don't know what they all have planned. So - we'll see.
Erik started painting our guest bathroom this morning, and after a funny with the paint it'll be finished up tomorrow. We opted for a grey color, I think it'll lighten up the room more, and it's neutral enough to change out the feel of it and is on the 'boyish' color scale. It will also be the boys' bathroom. The only thing I really need to figure out in there is the storage, I've been using it for coupon storage (stockpiled items) so I really need to figure that out or take over a shelving unit in the Garage for that. We'll see. I'm in this phase right now where everything needs to be organized, painted, cleaned and pretty. I think part of myself is preparing to be on bedrest and knowing I won't be able to do much to help with preparing so - I want it done now. If that makes sense.
I've started to feel little kicks over the past few weeks, and I absolutely love it!! I get so excited every time I feel it, or feel the little flutters of them moving around. Seriously, it's the most amazing feeling in the entire world.
Here is to another week, and to being half way through this pregnancy!! I can't believe how fast it's gone by!
Thursday, June 28, 2012
Dr, Dr, Dr..
So yesterday I was just a basketfull of emotions. I woke up in a relatively good mood and then BAM! I was a grouch. I could of ripped off someone's head if I really wanted to. And it started for no particular reason. And then throughout the day just little things annoyed me until Erik went to work. I like having time to myself I'm realizing. Quiet time to work and listen to music. Time to wake up, time to just breathe. So when my husband goes to work, I get that.
We also recieved some news yesterday about the twins and the ultrasound on Monday. The purpose of the ultrasound was to date them to see how they were growing, and to see if they share a placenta - and they do. Which means they are mono/di twins. They are in seperate sacs, so that is a relief. They are definitely identical twins, so we will be having either 2 little boys or 2 little girls. Because they are mono/di twins, we were referred out from base because they don't have the care that we need. Mono/Di means higher risk - because they share the placenta it can cause Intrauternine growth restriction on one of the twins, it isn't promised, but it's a possibility.
The news gave me a slight breakdown. Being raised as a military child I never had to chose my Dr before, and had really good luck. Being a military wife, I didn't chose my Dr or OB care - as it was all on base in the Naval Hospital and had great care so far. So... now I had to pick a Dr for the most important care I would and my babies would recieve! Talk about being overwhelmed! Not to mention our Naval Hospital offered some great classes I wanted to take advantage of, esp the breastfeeding one! So double freak out. Well - it turns out because it wasn't my choice to go out in town for OB care - I can still take advantage of everything on base, especially since my children will be recieving care there as well.
So the taunting Dr search - I looked and looked and looked for hours yesterday and today. And after a slight breakdown, some phone calls to other offices, I think I found the Dr I would like to use. I do have two recommendations for back ups just in the off chance we don't get along so that's good news. I was able to make my new appointment, and will be seen by the new Dr in just about 3 weeks. Phewww!!!
Now I can focus on schoolwork, ordering a book for a class that starts very, very soon. Math homework and housework. Oh and seeing our babies again tomorrow at our NT Scan. Busy time to decide to go back to school, huh? Oh well... life doesn't ever get put on hold I suppose.
We also recieved some news yesterday about the twins and the ultrasound on Monday. The purpose of the ultrasound was to date them to see how they were growing, and to see if they share a placenta - and they do. Which means they are mono/di twins. They are in seperate sacs, so that is a relief. They are definitely identical twins, so we will be having either 2 little boys or 2 little girls. Because they are mono/di twins, we were referred out from base because they don't have the care that we need. Mono/Di means higher risk - because they share the placenta it can cause Intrauternine growth restriction on one of the twins, it isn't promised, but it's a possibility.
The news gave me a slight breakdown. Being raised as a military child I never had to chose my Dr before, and had really good luck. Being a military wife, I didn't chose my Dr or OB care - as it was all on base in the Naval Hospital and had great care so far. So... now I had to pick a Dr for the most important care I would and my babies would recieve! Talk about being overwhelmed! Not to mention our Naval Hospital offered some great classes I wanted to take advantage of, esp the breastfeeding one! So double freak out. Well - it turns out because it wasn't my choice to go out in town for OB care - I can still take advantage of everything on base, especially since my children will be recieving care there as well.
So the taunting Dr search - I looked and looked and looked for hours yesterday and today. And after a slight breakdown, some phone calls to other offices, I think I found the Dr I would like to use. I do have two recommendations for back ups just in the off chance we don't get along so that's good news. I was able to make my new appointment, and will be seen by the new Dr in just about 3 weeks. Phewww!!!
Now I can focus on schoolwork, ordering a book for a class that starts very, very soon. Math homework and housework. Oh and seeing our babies again tomorrow at our NT Scan. Busy time to decide to go back to school, huh? Oh well... life doesn't ever get put on hold I suppose.
Wednesday, June 27, 2012
Just some rain.
June 26, 2012
12 weeks and 5 days.
We had a great ultrasound yesterday morning! It was completely worth getting up at 5am and fighting the rain of Tropical Storm Debby to get to the Naval Hospital. The tropical storm is doing a fantastic job of flooding out our area! The base was almost under water! But we saw on our ultrasound that our babies sure are active! We even witnessed one of the babies (Baby B) kicking the other baby (Baby A). I couldn't believe they were fighting already!! I also found out that when my bladder is full - it's pressing on Baby A and he/she doesn't like that very much. Baby A is my lower baby, closer to my cervix and Baby B is my high riding baby.
It's so amazing how fast they grow! At my ultrasound on June 8th they were barely 3 cm long, and they have doubled in size to a little over 6 cms long now!! Insane!! But we got to see our beautiful babies and their healthy heartbeats. The technician was able to get all the information she needed for the doctor to determine if they share a Placenta or not, which will determine if we are able to deliever at the Naval Hospital. If they share a Placenta we are considered Higher Risk and will be referred to a High Risk OB. But right now - they are perfectly healthy! We have a genetic screening ultrasound on Friday and I can't wait to see them again. I love seeing them! We also have an appointment with a Dr on the 2nd - just the normal 4 week follow up care.
Things here have been relatively quiet, but busy. We had a yard sale over the weekend and were able to sell everything (the twin bed) that was in what will now be the nursery. The only thing left in there at the moment is my Great Grandmother's vanity, which will be moved into the other guest bedroom this weekend. Other than that - the only things that are in the nursery are things we have collected or recieved so far for the babies.
I had a pretty rough night last night. It wasn't because of morning sickness or anything, just emotionally it was a little hard on me. I finally broke down and talked with Erik about how I had been feeling recently. I'm excited and thrilled to be pregnant but it doesn't feel real yet to me. I've heard the heartbeats and have seen them on ultrasounds, I've dealt with morning sickness and food aversions. But it doesn't feel real. Like it doesn't feel like there are actually babies growing in my belly. I think it might be because I've put so much pressure on myself. I'm scared about not being a good enough mom or doing things the right way, I'm also scared about going from being a mom to Jade (our furbaby!) to being a mom of TWO! Erik really reminded me last night that I need to have faith in myself and faith in God and that the rest will just come along. That as long as I listen to my heart, everything will be as it's supposed to be.
Other than that things have been quiet here. Not much has changed in the symptom world, still the every other day throwing up - and I can't go long without eating, or else I'm throwing up stomach acid. Still pretty tired, I did get to enjoy a nap today which was so nice. I'm starting to show a little bit. At almost 13 weeks it's about time something goes on down there. I still don't think I look pregnant, just fuller in my stomach area. No weight change which is good. At least none according to my scale. I haven't been super hungry though - I can eat a few bites of something and I'm full. I also don't care for meat lately. I can do chicken but anything else - yuck. My poor steak loving husband.
That's all thats really going on in the H residence. I hope everyone has a great week!
12 weeks and 5 days.
We had a great ultrasound yesterday morning! It was completely worth getting up at 5am and fighting the rain of Tropical Storm Debby to get to the Naval Hospital. The tropical storm is doing a fantastic job of flooding out our area! The base was almost under water! But we saw on our ultrasound that our babies sure are active! We even witnessed one of the babies (Baby B) kicking the other baby (Baby A). I couldn't believe they were fighting already!! I also found out that when my bladder is full - it's pressing on Baby A and he/she doesn't like that very much. Baby A is my lower baby, closer to my cervix and Baby B is my high riding baby.
This is our Baby A
And this is our Baby B
It's so amazing how fast they grow! At my ultrasound on June 8th they were barely 3 cm long, and they have doubled in size to a little over 6 cms long now!! Insane!! But we got to see our beautiful babies and their healthy heartbeats. The technician was able to get all the information she needed for the doctor to determine if they share a Placenta or not, which will determine if we are able to deliever at the Naval Hospital. If they share a Placenta we are considered Higher Risk and will be referred to a High Risk OB. But right now - they are perfectly healthy! We have a genetic screening ultrasound on Friday and I can't wait to see them again. I love seeing them! We also have an appointment with a Dr on the 2nd - just the normal 4 week follow up care.
Things here have been relatively quiet, but busy. We had a yard sale over the weekend and were able to sell everything (the twin bed) that was in what will now be the nursery. The only thing left in there at the moment is my Great Grandmother's vanity, which will be moved into the other guest bedroom this weekend. Other than that - the only things that are in the nursery are things we have collected or recieved so far for the babies.
I had a pretty rough night last night. It wasn't because of morning sickness or anything, just emotionally it was a little hard on me. I finally broke down and talked with Erik about how I had been feeling recently. I'm excited and thrilled to be pregnant but it doesn't feel real yet to me. I've heard the heartbeats and have seen them on ultrasounds, I've dealt with morning sickness and food aversions. But it doesn't feel real. Like it doesn't feel like there are actually babies growing in my belly. I think it might be because I've put so much pressure on myself. I'm scared about not being a good enough mom or doing things the right way, I'm also scared about going from being a mom to Jade (our furbaby!) to being a mom of TWO! Erik really reminded me last night that I need to have faith in myself and faith in God and that the rest will just come along. That as long as I listen to my heart, everything will be as it's supposed to be.
Other than that things have been quiet here. Not much has changed in the symptom world, still the every other day throwing up - and I can't go long without eating, or else I'm throwing up stomach acid. Still pretty tired, I did get to enjoy a nap today which was so nice. I'm starting to show a little bit. At almost 13 weeks it's about time something goes on down there. I still don't think I look pregnant, just fuller in my stomach area. No weight change which is good. At least none according to my scale. I haven't been super hungry though - I can eat a few bites of something and I'm full. I also don't care for meat lately. I can do chicken but anything else - yuck. My poor steak loving husband.
That's all thats really going on in the H residence. I hope everyone has a great week!
Thursday, June 21, 2012
So far..
June 19th, 2012
11 weeks 5 days
I find myself lately day dreaming about my babies. What it's going to be like to watch my belly grow, to feeling them move for the first time, to feeling the hiccups, to holding them for the first time.
In so many aspects I'm nervous, nervous about becoming a mom and a MoM (mom of multiples). I don't want to do anything wrong, I know deep down I can't do anything 'wrong' and there is no right or wrong way. I just want to do everything right for my babies. I want to give them everything they need and want, I want to teach them about everything, about life, about God, about math, not neccessarly the birds and the bee's - but hey! I've got plenty of time before I need to worry about that discussion. I want to be the fun mom, I want to take them to the park, take them on adventures, watch the clouds roll by, take them to the beach, take them horseback riding. I want them to help me bake cookies and only have a handful left by the time Erik gets home from work.
I'm rather nervous about how splitting up work and babies is going to work. I know once they get older, I can always work during nap times and once they are in bed. I can let Erik do some of the fun stuff and work during that time. As they grow older, I think it'll be easier, I'm rather nervous on how I am going to handle work once they are born. I'm trying to decide or come up with a plan A and a plan B on how it will work. I'd like to have some sort of plan in place with work when I tell my upper management on how I plan to handle work post delivery. Ideally we had planned on my not working for 4 weeks afterwards and then returning to work (I work at home, so being able to walk/drive/get dressed isn't a neccessity for me) but cutting my hours down from where they are at to 20 hours a week to get back into things and then figure it out from there. Part of me thinks I really need to talk to Erik this morning about the possibility of doing 6 weeks as a back up plan and then returning to work. I just don't want to get myself in too much stress nor not be able to give my body time to heal and get used to being a mom. It's a little overwhelming to think about at the moment. We've been taking extra steps to save more money - setting aside money for christmas and baby items as well as living off of what my paychecks will be once I cut back my hours. So I'm positive it will work out.
I think we're still adjusting our thoughts and expectations to having two babies versus one baby. It isn't that we aren't excited - we're thrilled. But when you decide its time to add a baby into your family, you don't think twins. I'm excited to make the adjustment though, and I think it's going to be an amazing adventure we get to experience!
My morning sickness lately has gotten to be hit or miss. It's about every other day I'm throwing up, which isn't too bad. It's definitely tolerable. There are some day's though that I've been thankful for Zofran. They aren't the throwing up days, but the days where I'm just nauseaous all day and all night long and run to the toliet every 10 minutes because I think I'm going to throw up or because I'm gagging - just to not throw up. Other than that, it's really the same thing still. Exhaustion - I'm always tired all the time. I can't ever get enough sleep. Oh and the bloat. Bleh I hate bloat. It makes me feel huge. I haven't gained much weight so far - but my weight still fluctuates - I've in reality gained 3-4 pounds (which is considered normal) and then on my bad days I've gained 5-6 (which is still slightly normal for twin pregnancies). I've tried to get back into working out and being active again, but I admit when the bed is always calling my name - it's hard. Yesterday I was able to get some yoga in and tomorrow I'm hoping to take puppy dog on a nice long walk and add some yoga into that as well. Maybe today I'll do some Jillian Micheals since I don't have much time. I really want to be healthy and active during my pregnancy.
Craving wise - nothing major really, sometimes I indulge in some macaroni and cheese, salt and vinegar chips, or in some reese cup/brownie/cookie cupcakes. But for the most part - I'm really trying to eat healthy. I went shopping last night and got a bunch of fruit and veggies to eat.
I have started to notice a slight bulge in my pelvic area where my uterus is starting to come above it. Erik noticed it when I was hugging him the other day - I didn't think it was that noticeable. So I guess here starts the belly taking pictures!! We also ordered a fetal doppler online yesterday, which should be arriving tomorrow. It's a device that allows us to listen to the babies heart beats at home. We're both excited to use it and to hear the heart beats for the first time - we've seen them on the ultrasound screen, but we haven't heard them yet. We also are planning on making our pregnancy known on Facebook so all of our friends and extended (not close) family will know if they haven't been told by us already. Just waiting to tell my bosses and then we'll put it out there.
Other than that, we're getting excited to see our babies via ultrasound Monday (the 25th!) and then again on Friday the 29th! Great way to start and end the week!
Here's to eating a bit more healthy this week and being a bit more active!
11 weeks 5 days
I find myself lately day dreaming about my babies. What it's going to be like to watch my belly grow, to feeling them move for the first time, to feeling the hiccups, to holding them for the first time.
In so many aspects I'm nervous, nervous about becoming a mom and a MoM (mom of multiples). I don't want to do anything wrong, I know deep down I can't do anything 'wrong' and there is no right or wrong way. I just want to do everything right for my babies. I want to give them everything they need and want, I want to teach them about everything, about life, about God, about math, not neccessarly the birds and the bee's - but hey! I've got plenty of time before I need to worry about that discussion. I want to be the fun mom, I want to take them to the park, take them on adventures, watch the clouds roll by, take them to the beach, take them horseback riding. I want them to help me bake cookies and only have a handful left by the time Erik gets home from work.
I'm rather nervous about how splitting up work and babies is going to work. I know once they get older, I can always work during nap times and once they are in bed. I can let Erik do some of the fun stuff and work during that time. As they grow older, I think it'll be easier, I'm rather nervous on how I am going to handle work once they are born. I'm trying to decide or come up with a plan A and a plan B on how it will work. I'd like to have some sort of plan in place with work when I tell my upper management on how I plan to handle work post delivery. Ideally we had planned on my not working for 4 weeks afterwards and then returning to work (I work at home, so being able to walk/drive/get dressed isn't a neccessity for me) but cutting my hours down from where they are at to 20 hours a week to get back into things and then figure it out from there. Part of me thinks I really need to talk to Erik this morning about the possibility of doing 6 weeks as a back up plan and then returning to work. I just don't want to get myself in too much stress nor not be able to give my body time to heal and get used to being a mom. It's a little overwhelming to think about at the moment. We've been taking extra steps to save more money - setting aside money for christmas and baby items as well as living off of what my paychecks will be once I cut back my hours. So I'm positive it will work out.
I think we're still adjusting our thoughts and expectations to having two babies versus one baby. It isn't that we aren't excited - we're thrilled. But when you decide its time to add a baby into your family, you don't think twins. I'm excited to make the adjustment though, and I think it's going to be an amazing adventure we get to experience!
My morning sickness lately has gotten to be hit or miss. It's about every other day I'm throwing up, which isn't too bad. It's definitely tolerable. There are some day's though that I've been thankful for Zofran. They aren't the throwing up days, but the days where I'm just nauseaous all day and all night long and run to the toliet every 10 minutes because I think I'm going to throw up or because I'm gagging - just to not throw up. Other than that, it's really the same thing still. Exhaustion - I'm always tired all the time. I can't ever get enough sleep. Oh and the bloat. Bleh I hate bloat. It makes me feel huge. I haven't gained much weight so far - but my weight still fluctuates - I've in reality gained 3-4 pounds (which is considered normal) and then on my bad days I've gained 5-6 (which is still slightly normal for twin pregnancies). I've tried to get back into working out and being active again, but I admit when the bed is always calling my name - it's hard. Yesterday I was able to get some yoga in and tomorrow I'm hoping to take puppy dog on a nice long walk and add some yoga into that as well. Maybe today I'll do some Jillian Micheals since I don't have much time. I really want to be healthy and active during my pregnancy.
Craving wise - nothing major really, sometimes I indulge in some macaroni and cheese, salt and vinegar chips, or in some reese cup/brownie/cookie cupcakes. But for the most part - I'm really trying to eat healthy. I went shopping last night and got a bunch of fruit and veggies to eat.
I have started to notice a slight bulge in my pelvic area where my uterus is starting to come above it. Erik noticed it when I was hugging him the other day - I didn't think it was that noticeable. So I guess here starts the belly taking pictures!! We also ordered a fetal doppler online yesterday, which should be arriving tomorrow. It's a device that allows us to listen to the babies heart beats at home. We're both excited to use it and to hear the heart beats for the first time - we've seen them on the ultrasound screen, but we haven't heard them yet. We also are planning on making our pregnancy known on Facebook so all of our friends and extended (not close) family will know if they haven't been told by us already. Just waiting to tell my bosses and then we'll put it out there.
Other than that, we're getting excited to see our babies via ultrasound Monday (the 25th!) and then again on Friday the 29th! Great way to start and end the week!
Here's to eating a bit more healthy this week and being a bit more active!
Life is busy!
June 11th
10 weeks 4 days
Life has been so busy lately, I haven't had time to stop and think let alone sit down and write. It's not been super busy, but busy enough to where when I have time to sit down and relax the last thing I have on my mind is writing. Which - I should change. I really want to do better with journeling about our pregnancy and changes and what's on my mind during this exciting time. Especially since this could be our only pregnancy. (We haven't decided completely yet if we want more than 2 children. Frankly - I'm a little scared to get pregnant again! LOL!
We had an appointment on Friday, the 8th. We got to see our two beautiful babies on the ultrasound screen! So exciting! There was a point where she wanted to get both babies in the picture shot for her records and couldn't. So she asked me to press down near my pelvic bone and showed me how - so I did. and BAM! Baby #2 popped up on the screen after playing hide and seek for a little while. Baby wasn't too happy about it, because you could see his or her arm's and legs just moving like crazy in protest! Brought tears to my eyes and will forever be a moment I'll treasure. Erik got a HUGE kick out of it and still lights up when that moment is brought up. I think that moment really hit home with us, that these are our babies. They look so much more like babies than peanuts now! So insane how fast they grow!
We found out that we are in fact delivering at the Naval Hospital, which is a relief to me. I didn't want to go out in town - esp because the Naval Hospital is the closest hospital to our home! Plus they have some amazing perks - like a lactation consultant and other wonderful things. It's just more comforting, and has a pretty river view. :) The mid-wife did say that because we are having twins we will be monitored every 4 weeks by a Doctor, rarely will we see a Mid-Wife. It bums me out a little bit because she was super nice and friendly! But I'm sure most of the doctors are (on base you won't normally see the same doctor every appointment - it's just whomever can see you first). We also found out after we hit 28 weeks, we will be monitored every 2 weeks. Also - because the MidWife can't date twins - we have another ultrasound set up in 2 weeks to see our beautiful babies. We opted to do the NT Scan (which is a genetic testing scan - they take my blood and then do a level II ultrasound of the twins to detect any abnormalities) the scan isn't 100% conclusive and we won't do any further testing after words. I just thought that 1 - we want to see the babies again and 2 - it would be nice to know what risks we have so we can be a little bit better prepared. So that is scheduled for 2 and half weeks from now.
Everyone at the Naval Hospital were thrilled for us - everyone loves twins! Erik found a twin club in our area that we're excited to get involved in! I plan on emailing them after our dating ultra sound in 2 weeks. Just to be safe. I'll be 13 weeks then - so it just feels right. I'm interested to see what activities they do. I also need to call our Church and see what we need to do to have our babies baptized. But - that'll wait until after the ultrasound as well.
I'm so excited! We plan on doing a yard sale to clean out our bedroom that is going to be the nursery. And we are going to move my great-grandmothers vanity that I have into the guest bedroom.Our wedding items that I am insisting on keeping will be going into the attic and then the room will be all empty and ready to decorate and get ready for the twins!! We were given two crib mattresses by a great friends friend - she had twins and is a fellow Navy wife. They're PCSing to Hawaii (so lucky!) and she gave us a few things! So very sweet of her and the mattresses look brand new! Definitely grateful for that! We also made our first baby purchase this weekend - Pamper diapers! We definitely want to stock up on a good amount and good variety of diapers - and use my couponing to save some money on them! We decided on our first baby item we want - the Baby Trend Double Snap N Go stroller. It's pretty much a stroller frame where you can just snap the infant car seats in to them and go. Easy and quick! I've been reading a ton of reviews and that's the one of the better double car seat strollers you can get. I think we've pretty much decided on the Combi Twin Sport Stroller as well. Even better - the NEX carries it for a good $40 cheaper than out in town! Can't beat that!
Overall - I've been feeling pretty good. I've had a bigger bout of morning sickness (or all day sickness lately) with actually getting sick a handful of times. Other than that not much else has changed. My tata's have grown a full cup size and I can tell that I've put on weight. It mostly comes and goes. Certain day's the weight gain shows more than others. Lovely bloat. Mainly my big symptom is exhaustion. I am ALWAYS tired. I could sleep 12+ hours and still be tired. I've read its because my body is working overtime to grow the placenta(s) - we aren't sure if they're one or two yet - and to grow the babies. But - I'll take some sleep. I love sleeping.
I did have my first craving - for my 2nd Dad's Biscuits and Gravy (I only have 1 real dad - but I have a self adopted 2nd dad who is my old best friends dad, I've known him for as long as I can remember). He makes the best biscuits and gravy ever and that's all I wanted. Obviously living 900+ miles away from home, I couldn't get it - but settled for Tennessee Pride Gravy and some Pillsbury biscuits. I did like the sound of mashed potatoes as well last night to go with our dinner - but it wasn't a die hard craving.
Here's to hoping I get better about sharing this experience and writing it all down. I'm sure one day it'll be so nice to sit down with the twins and share this with them and for myself to look back and see how I was feeling during it all.
10 weeks 4 days
Life has been so busy lately, I haven't had time to stop and think let alone sit down and write. It's not been super busy, but busy enough to where when I have time to sit down and relax the last thing I have on my mind is writing. Which - I should change. I really want to do better with journeling about our pregnancy and changes and what's on my mind during this exciting time. Especially since this could be our only pregnancy. (We haven't decided completely yet if we want more than 2 children. Frankly - I'm a little scared to get pregnant again! LOL!
We had an appointment on Friday, the 8th. We got to see our two beautiful babies on the ultrasound screen! So exciting! There was a point where she wanted to get both babies in the picture shot for her records and couldn't. So she asked me to press down near my pelvic bone and showed me how - so I did. and BAM! Baby #2 popped up on the screen after playing hide and seek for a little while. Baby wasn't too happy about it, because you could see his or her arm's and legs just moving like crazy in protest! Brought tears to my eyes and will forever be a moment I'll treasure. Erik got a HUGE kick out of it and still lights up when that moment is brought up. I think that moment really hit home with us, that these are our babies. They look so much more like babies than peanuts now! So insane how fast they grow!
We found out that we are in fact delivering at the Naval Hospital, which is a relief to me. I didn't want to go out in town - esp because the Naval Hospital is the closest hospital to our home! Plus they have some amazing perks - like a lactation consultant and other wonderful things. It's just more comforting, and has a pretty river view. :) The mid-wife did say that because we are having twins we will be monitored every 4 weeks by a Doctor, rarely will we see a Mid-Wife. It bums me out a little bit because she was super nice and friendly! But I'm sure most of the doctors are (on base you won't normally see the same doctor every appointment - it's just whomever can see you first). We also found out after we hit 28 weeks, we will be monitored every 2 weeks. Also - because the MidWife can't date twins - we have another ultrasound set up in 2 weeks to see our beautiful babies. We opted to do the NT Scan (which is a genetic testing scan - they take my blood and then do a level II ultrasound of the twins to detect any abnormalities) the scan isn't 100% conclusive and we won't do any further testing after words. I just thought that 1 - we want to see the babies again and 2 - it would be nice to know what risks we have so we can be a little bit better prepared. So that is scheduled for 2 and half weeks from now.
Everyone at the Naval Hospital were thrilled for us - everyone loves twins! Erik found a twin club in our area that we're excited to get involved in! I plan on emailing them after our dating ultra sound in 2 weeks. Just to be safe. I'll be 13 weeks then - so it just feels right. I'm interested to see what activities they do. I also need to call our Church and see what we need to do to have our babies baptized. But - that'll wait until after the ultrasound as well.
I'm so excited! We plan on doing a yard sale to clean out our bedroom that is going to be the nursery. And we are going to move my great-grandmothers vanity that I have into the guest bedroom.Our wedding items that I am insisting on keeping will be going into the attic and then the room will be all empty and ready to decorate and get ready for the twins!! We were given two crib mattresses by a great friends friend - she had twins and is a fellow Navy wife. They're PCSing to Hawaii (so lucky!) and she gave us a few things! So very sweet of her and the mattresses look brand new! Definitely grateful for that! We also made our first baby purchase this weekend - Pamper diapers! We definitely want to stock up on a good amount and good variety of diapers - and use my couponing to save some money on them! We decided on our first baby item we want - the Baby Trend Double Snap N Go stroller. It's pretty much a stroller frame where you can just snap the infant car seats in to them and go. Easy and quick! I've been reading a ton of reviews and that's the one of the better double car seat strollers you can get. I think we've pretty much decided on the Combi Twin Sport Stroller as well. Even better - the NEX carries it for a good $40 cheaper than out in town! Can't beat that!
Overall - I've been feeling pretty good. I've had a bigger bout of morning sickness (or all day sickness lately) with actually getting sick a handful of times. Other than that not much else has changed. My tata's have grown a full cup size and I can tell that I've put on weight. It mostly comes and goes. Certain day's the weight gain shows more than others. Lovely bloat. Mainly my big symptom is exhaustion. I am ALWAYS tired. I could sleep 12+ hours and still be tired. I've read its because my body is working overtime to grow the placenta(s) - we aren't sure if they're one or two yet - and to grow the babies. But - I'll take some sleep. I love sleeping.
I did have my first craving - for my 2nd Dad's Biscuits and Gravy (I only have 1 real dad - but I have a self adopted 2nd dad who is my old best friends dad, I've known him for as long as I can remember). He makes the best biscuits and gravy ever and that's all I wanted. Obviously living 900+ miles away from home, I couldn't get it - but settled for Tennessee Pride Gravy and some Pillsbury biscuits. I did like the sound of mashed potatoes as well last night to go with our dinner - but it wasn't a die hard craving.
Here's to hoping I get better about sharing this experience and writing it all down. I'm sure one day it'll be so nice to sit down with the twins and share this with them and for myself to look back and see how I was feeling during it all.
8 weeks
May 25th
8 Weeks 1 Day
Oh man how I feel oh so pregnant. The nausea comes and goes throughout the day, and whatever sounds good smells horrible. I'm working on eating better - but my tiny nose seems to not want to agree with my head. I haven't thrown up in over a week - which is good - but sometimes I wish I could just throw up rather than hanging over the toilet and feeling like I want to - but can't. Other than that - my ta-ta's have grown a full cup and still just hurt. It's like this constant nagging pressure that won't go away. Otherwise; other than being extremely tired and a few dizzy spells here or there. I'm good as gravy.
The babies are each the size of a raspberry this week and they are in their very last week as an embryo! Next week they become fetus status. But - I still prefer baby, because that's what they are. So far I've only gained about 2 pounds - which I think is just bloat weight. I've been super bloated. But - I've found that exercising and uping my fiber intake really helps big time, on top of the fact that I drink a TON of water.
My next appointment isn't for another 2 weeks and I can't wait! I just want to see my babies, our babies, and know that everything is okay and that they are growing and doing well. I just feel so blessed and so lucky to be on this journey and I truly can't wait to see how my body changes and grows as our babies grow.
For now - I'm definitely going to treasure every moment and cherish it. Even if it means hanging over the toilet. :) Because that itself means that everything is going how it's supposed to.
I hope everyone has a happy Memorial day weekend - I for sure will hopefully be enjoying some beach time and some grilled food. I just hope everyone can take the time to remember what the weekend is really about - those who passed fighting for our freedom's and rights. Those who died defending our flag and our country. Please keep their families in your thoughts and prayers this coming weekend. I can't imagine their pain and hurt, but I do appreciate - eternally - the sacrifice their loved ones and they have made.
8 Weeks 1 Day
Oh man how I feel oh so pregnant. The nausea comes and goes throughout the day, and whatever sounds good smells horrible. I'm working on eating better - but my tiny nose seems to not want to agree with my head. I haven't thrown up in over a week - which is good - but sometimes I wish I could just throw up rather than hanging over the toilet and feeling like I want to - but can't. Other than that - my ta-ta's have grown a full cup and still just hurt. It's like this constant nagging pressure that won't go away. Otherwise; other than being extremely tired and a few dizzy spells here or there. I'm good as gravy.
The babies are each the size of a raspberry this week and they are in their very last week as an embryo! Next week they become fetus status. But - I still prefer baby, because that's what they are. So far I've only gained about 2 pounds - which I think is just bloat weight. I've been super bloated. But - I've found that exercising and uping my fiber intake really helps big time, on top of the fact that I drink a TON of water.
My next appointment isn't for another 2 weeks and I can't wait! I just want to see my babies, our babies, and know that everything is okay and that they are growing and doing well. I just feel so blessed and so lucky to be on this journey and I truly can't wait to see how my body changes and grows as our babies grow.
For now - I'm definitely going to treasure every moment and cherish it. Even if it means hanging over the toilet. :) Because that itself means that everything is going how it's supposed to.
I hope everyone has a happy Memorial day weekend - I for sure will hopefully be enjoying some beach time and some grilled food. I just hope everyone can take the time to remember what the weekend is really about - those who passed fighting for our freedom's and rights. Those who died defending our flag and our country. Please keep their families in your thoughts and prayers this coming weekend. I can't imagine their pain and hurt, but I do appreciate - eternally - the sacrifice their loved ones and they have made.
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