Christmas day went along as planned and we went to Chuck's for dinner and gift opening, as tradition would have it. We sat down to dinner and about half way through I see, in slow motion, Judah lower his head to the table and begin throwing up, right next to the plate of ham. When I say it was in slow motion, it was literally in slow motion. I start yelling, "what are you doooooing?!?!?!?" I thought he was spitting out his food because he didn't like it. My huge stomach was preventing me from jumping up to pull him away so I just started yelling. I finally took him to the bathroom to clean him up, everyone bewildered about what had just happened, and Jared took him home. I sat on the couch and started crying, partly due to hormones I'm sure, but also because I was so sad he couldnt be with the family. Christmas at Chuck's is one of my very favorite things.
Bryan had made mention that maybe today was the day I would have the babies and I laughed knowing that my body was definitely giving up (I could feel it...I was in so much pain trying to move, sleep, anything) but I had no inkling that he would only be a few hours off of his prediction. We opened our presents and Aylah and I went home probably around 9:30 that night. I was pretty exhausted as per usual, but nothing out of the ordinary, and I went to bed that night at 11:30.
A bad cramp woke me up at just before 2am and then I fell back to sleep. Then, the same cramp woke me up again and with that one, pushed out a little fluid. I laid there for a minute trying to decide if I just peed and then decided to get up and go to the bathroom. The fluid was clear. For fear of it actually being the start of labor, and my fear of pooping during labor, I made sure I "used the bathroom" before arriving at the hospital. This time, after wiping it was clear....and pink. I sat there for a few minutes trying to decide what to do...was this real? I feel okay...after two more of those weird cramps I decided I had better wake Jared up. I knew we should probably go but I couldn't make the decision if it was "it" or not--I was so nervous! Jared made the call to his dad at 2:03 am and we left.
2:03am- Jared calls Chuck
2:05- Jared calls the hospital and they tell him to call the on-call
2:08- Jared called the OBs office and leaves a message with the answering service
2:18- We're in the car, in the driveway, and I text Lindsay letting her know that Bryan's prediction was almost right!
2:19- the Doctor calls back and I let her know I have really, really quick labors. She doesn't seem to care
2:45- we arrive at the hospital
The drive to the hospital really wasn't bad. I don't remember feeling particularly stressed out and there really wasn't anyone on the road. I remember being at a stop light by the Sunoco, Jared asking if I wanted him to go through it. I was fine and we waited. Even though we've traveled that road into the city so many times, it was weird to be driving it on a clear, quiet night to go have our babies. It just felt different. At 2:45, we pulled into the parking garage and got a spot right across the the elevator. We were told when we took the hospital tour that if I were to come in on the weekend, or after hours, to go to the emergency room to check in. We get to registration and there was one person checking someone else in. The woman would not look up to make eye contact with us and we were standing there for some time so I started to get agitated. Someone else came to register also and could tell I was beginning to feel a little urgent and asked if we wanted her to do something. Finally the registration woman looked up and said we could go up to labor and delivery. Awesome! Until we tried to get to the elevators. Because it was after hours, the hospital was locked down. We couldn't get through the doors. Jared ran back and the woman told him to pick up some random phone on the wall and call some number. The security guard came about a minute later and let us through. We get upstairs and buzz in...and I'm a little cranky at this point because of the rush of anxiety not being seen by the registration lady, and then having to find the phone, and wait for the security guard...(looking back though, I walked pretty darn far from the parking garage, to the er, to the elevator, and to l&d...I did really good!)...so Jared starts filling out paperwork, asking "dumb" (to me, at the time) questions and I just took the papers and began filling them out myself. The nurse nonchalantly handed me a gown to change into, so I did, and I really didn't have any trouble doing so. I laid on the bed in triage and kept wondering how I knew my nurse...she was pretty friendly and we chit chatted for a while while she got the bands for the monitors placed. We finally figured out that we go to the same church and that she was pregnant at the same time I was pregnant with Aylah...and I think Judah, too! I remember her even sitting in front of us one day...isn't it so crazy how life is...you come in contact with people and places all the time, having no idea how they'll play a part in BIG parts of your life! I digress. She brought out some special paper to test the leaking fluid, to see if it was amniotic fluid or not. She told me to cough and I let out the tinist cough because I knew it would make me have a contraction and I didn't want to have one, since I already knew what was going on. Time continues to tick by and because we never registered with the ER, my information wasn't able to be pulled up on the computer. I kept thinking in my head, as the nurse kept making comments, that it didnt matter if they could see the contractions or not, these babies were coming!
At this point, it was about 3:20. The doctor came in to check me and as she did, a bunch of fluid came out. I was at a 6. The doctor left to go back to sleep and I was asked whether or not I wanted to walk to be wheeled over to my room. I joked with her that I wanted to ride over in style, and so I did. My nurse was entering in some things to the computer, Jared went into the bathroom, I had an IV started, and the person with the ultrasound machine started getting set up. I was getting really anxious as all this was happening. She began explaining how to use the call bell and that she was going to go finish up some paperwork when I immediately felt very frantic about how she needed to check me. She kind of looked at me, surprised, and started opening up a pack of...instruments? I have no idea...something to check me and I told her she better check me right now. I felt so frantic at the moment. I was at a 9! I flew from a 6-9 in a matter of literal minutes. Jared came out of the bathroom and she left to go get the doctor. And like a second after she left the room I needed to push! I told Jared to go tell them I was pushing and everyone flew into the room and at about 900 mph, ran my bed down the hallway into the OR, telling me not to push yet.
I couldn't help it and pushing began. It was really different pushing with Micah, than the other babies, because Ezra was up in my ribs. It felt like he was laying sideways across the top of my stomach (we'll never really know because I never did get to have that last ultrasound). They kept telling me to grab behind my knees and pull my legs up but I physically could not crunch because Ezra's body was in the way. I pushed Micah out, laying straight as a board, with my legs straight out. Jared said as he came out, my water exploded all over the doctor, over her mask, and into her mouth. He said it was so insane he didn't know what to. I wish I saw that haha (sorry, lady). Micah was placed on my chest for a minute and he was totally quiet. Didn't move or make a peep--Jared asked if he was ok to which they said yes and then asked if NICU could take him to check him out because he was such a little bird. 4lbs, 12 oz, 18.25 inches.
Seven minutes went by before Ezra was born. As soon as Micah came out, I felt a bit of physical relief and it was so strange because the cramping, pain and contractions totally stopped. I asked when they would start again because everyone was just kind of standing there, looking around, talking amongst themselves, waiting. The told me to make sure I held my legs this time and when I asked why, they said so that I didn't hurt the baby. Yikes. When the time came, holding my legs was way easier with out the...obstruction. As Ezra was being born, Jared caught the whole thing on video! I will treasure that forever! I had no idea he was filming so that makes it even more special. He was born in the sac...they said, "wait, wait, wait" and she broke it...and at that point it hurt way less. My nurse said, "ok, that's the baby's head", to which i exclaimed with a guttural voice, "YESSSSSSSSSSS!" and there he was! 4:01 am, 4lbs 14oz, 18.5 inches. He had a little short cord so I couldnt really see him because he was all the way down at my belly and then very quickly after I started contracting again for the placenta.
A little while went by and Micah was brought over first. I held him as they finished up checked Ezra and then we got our first picture all together. They were taken to the NICU and me back to my room. They said I had to wait about an hour and once I was able to pee and get changed, they'd wheel me over to the mom/baby part of the hospital and then to go see the babies in the NICU. Our journey lasted there just under 3 weeks. They initially needed a little help with their sugars and Ezra a little help with his breathing. He had a little baby chest xray. Things all checked out on him and so a few hours later he got the oxygen removed. They had trouble with apnea of prematurity "episodes", jaundice, temperature regulation, and had ng feeding tubes. The boys came home on apnea monitors and caffeine. They gained weight very well despite not being on the fortifier that I refused to have added to my breast milk.
My recovery was amazing. I had no tearing. I was able to breathe again. I could bend and move. I had more energy even.
January 14th, they came home. And so it began!
...............ps, a little fun fact. At exactly one year from the time of my water breaking, they (Micah) woke up to nurse. How neat is that?!
Saturday, March 10, 2018
Friday, December 9, 2016
31+2, second trip to Labor and Delivery
Yesterday I started spotting and it freaked me out since I've never experienced that before in a pregnancy. I decided to wait it out overnight and see if anything changed or subsided. When it continued along with my contractions and some cramping I decided to text my old midwife and see what she thought. She told me to go in to get checked to see if my cervix was changing so, off I went!
Both babies are head down (so that big bulgy round thing above my belly button is Ezra's butt), fluids are good, their placenta looks healthy, and my cervix is thankfully closed and posterior still. Unfortunately, my contractions are still very regular and they can't give me an exact answer as to why theres been blood. It's assumed I'm losing my mucus plug (ew) since some other fun stuff came along with it (ew, ew). If it gets worse or my contractions change from their normal, I'll have to go back. She told me to "lay low" and said my resting and help at home is what is keeping me pregnant, given all the contractions and the weight of the babies.
I'm grateful for the help and although I feel guilty having Aylah play on her own or watch 3 episodes of Mr. Rogers in a row, she's still a happy girl and it could be worse. My father in law sent over some food for dinner last week and some women from MOPS decided to jump on a meal train for us. It's been a huge blessing not to worry about dinner because it's really been a huge struggle at that time of day...which is really becoming any time of day, since my first nap has been around 9am this past week. It is so intense!
Hard to believe we're going to be meeting these boys in a few weeks! 40 days until 37 weeks! 💙💙
Both babies are head down (so that big bulgy round thing above my belly button is Ezra's butt), fluids are good, their placenta looks healthy, and my cervix is thankfully closed and posterior still. Unfortunately, my contractions are still very regular and they can't give me an exact answer as to why theres been blood. It's assumed I'm losing my mucus plug (ew) since some other fun stuff came along with it (ew, ew). If it gets worse or my contractions change from their normal, I'll have to go back. She told me to "lay low" and said my resting and help at home is what is keeping me pregnant, given all the contractions and the weight of the babies.
I'm grateful for the help and although I feel guilty having Aylah play on her own or watch 3 episodes of Mr. Rogers in a row, she's still a happy girl and it could be worse. My father in law sent over some food for dinner last week and some women from MOPS decided to jump on a meal train for us. It's been a huge blessing not to worry about dinner because it's really been a huge struggle at that time of day...which is really becoming any time of day, since my first nap has been around 9am this past week. It is so intense!
Hard to believe we're going to be meeting these boys in a few weeks! 40 days until 37 weeks! 💙💙
Tuesday, December 6, 2016
31 weeks tomorrow!
Seriously. How blessed are we? We've made it to 31 weeks with such minimal stress and complications. Twin pregnancies, not to mention mo/di pregnanies, can have so many issues to deal with and we've reall cruised by all of them and faired so well so far.
I'm up to 160 lbs and my body is tired. My stomach is "as big as a house" and my middle back cramps up often, especially at the end of the day. I was LOVING taking Epsom salt baths, but because of the cramping, often times when I get in the tub, it's too comfortable to lay there. Sometimes the shower feels good but because I'm so heavy, my feet start hurting and my legs get tired. My OB measured my stomach last Friday and said I'm measuring full term for a singleton pregnancy. My old stretch marks are now starting to lengthen and are reddish purple on either end.
I really haven't had any gross pregnancy symptoms at all, no major swelling, and I typically only get up one or two times a night to go to the bathroom. My first trimester heartburn hasn't returned, my face hasn't broken out, and I haven't been overly emotional or crazy feeling (although recently I've started to have a few panicky episodes which was disheartening since I've been doing really well with that for quite some time).
I've eaten WAY more dairy I think I ever have in my life in an attempt to get some extra protein and calcium in my diet. I've been on an "organic fuel" chocolate milk kick recently.
I've started having timeable contractions, which I know the routine from Judah and Aylahs pregnacies. I was so proud and couldn't believe how well my body was responding up until about 26.5 weeks when they started to become more consistent. Last Monday, they were every 10 minutes for over 24 hours so I made the decision to go to the hospital and get checked out. I didn't want to wait until my MFM appointment that Wednesday to see if they were changing my cervix. Sure enough, there were lots of "mountains" on the monitor but all tests came back negative and my cervix was normal. If they get closer together, more intense, or with pressure, I need to head back in. Over the past few days I've started experiencing pressure with some of the contractions, and some are really uncomfortable, whereas before they'd just happen and feel tight. The dr said he's not surprised I'm feeling this way because of the size of my belly now at this point, etc.
My stomach is so heavy I have to stuff a pillow underneath of it. When I forget and pull it out quickly, it kinda jerks to the side and in like ouch! I've been sleeping mostly on my right side, with pillows wedged on either side, but usually still find myself laying on my back when I wake up. What I had originally thought was rib pain, feels like nerve pain and the skin burns so bad. I've been putting biofreeze on it so that it takes the edge off so I can fall asleep. It's bad.
I've been having really weird dreams and many nights are not super duper restful because I wake up dreaming/thinking about weird stuff. Usually I can fall right back to sleep though.
It's hard being so big and most things hurt...I can't really leave the house anymore because it takes too much out of me. That's been hard and an adjustment. The summer, most of it anyway, kinda passed me by because I just felt so crappy. The exhaustion, like major MAJOR exhaustion has been probably the hardest part (besides my body hurting). In the two previous pregnancies, id find some relief from resting and I distinctly remember "forgetting" that I was pregnant with Aylah because I really felt well, especially in the second trimester. This twin thing though, it's not joke. I take extra iron, all my vitamins, and have been watching what I eat...I'm literally exhausted by mid-morning most days. It was noon today and I was reading Aylah a book on the couch. I was so tired, my eyes started bouncing and rolling back into my head. I'm not even kidding. I've fallen asleep siting up countless times--sometime I'm definitely not prone to doing.
I'd love to make it to 37 weeks and have healthy boys! That'd be so great. It's going to wreck my body and hurt so bad but if I could carry them that long...how awesome would that be?! Jareds prediction is the last week of December, very early January. I'm not sure I have a prediction, but would certainly like to make it into January. Tomorrow will be 42 days until 37 weeks...only 34 days until 36 weeks...just under 3 weeks until 34 weeks...goodness. I can't get over it.
I know they'll be here so soon and one day I'll look back on these writing and crave to have the feelings I'm experiencing now--the anticipation, the excitement, the wonderment (is that a word?) of the unknown. In so many ways, this feels like it's my first pregnancy. We've gotten so many new or new to us gear. It's really exciting. I'm scared. Really scared. But also really excited, finally. God is so cool. I never could have guessed in a million years how my life would end up going or the twists and turns it'd take. I'm really grateful and love my life. I feel so blessed to honestly be able to say that.
Well, it's almost 11 now and I have to get up and pack my oldest boys lunch tomorrow morning before school...better rest up and try to enjoy these wiggly babies in my belly (while trying to ignore the back pain, ha).
See you along the journey--
I'm up to 160 lbs and my body is tired. My stomach is "as big as a house" and my middle back cramps up often, especially at the end of the day. I was LOVING taking Epsom salt baths, but because of the cramping, often times when I get in the tub, it's too comfortable to lay there. Sometimes the shower feels good but because I'm so heavy, my feet start hurting and my legs get tired. My OB measured my stomach last Friday and said I'm measuring full term for a singleton pregnancy. My old stretch marks are now starting to lengthen and are reddish purple on either end.
I really haven't had any gross pregnancy symptoms at all, no major swelling, and I typically only get up one or two times a night to go to the bathroom. My first trimester heartburn hasn't returned, my face hasn't broken out, and I haven't been overly emotional or crazy feeling (although recently I've started to have a few panicky episodes which was disheartening since I've been doing really well with that for quite some time).
I've eaten WAY more dairy I think I ever have in my life in an attempt to get some extra protein and calcium in my diet. I've been on an "organic fuel" chocolate milk kick recently.
I've started having timeable contractions, which I know the routine from Judah and Aylahs pregnacies. I was so proud and couldn't believe how well my body was responding up until about 26.5 weeks when they started to become more consistent. Last Monday, they were every 10 minutes for over 24 hours so I made the decision to go to the hospital and get checked out. I didn't want to wait until my MFM appointment that Wednesday to see if they were changing my cervix. Sure enough, there were lots of "mountains" on the monitor but all tests came back negative and my cervix was normal. If they get closer together, more intense, or with pressure, I need to head back in. Over the past few days I've started experiencing pressure with some of the contractions, and some are really uncomfortable, whereas before they'd just happen and feel tight. The dr said he's not surprised I'm feeling this way because of the size of my belly now at this point, etc.
My stomach is so heavy I have to stuff a pillow underneath of it. When I forget and pull it out quickly, it kinda jerks to the side and in like ouch! I've been sleeping mostly on my right side, with pillows wedged on either side, but usually still find myself laying on my back when I wake up. What I had originally thought was rib pain, feels like nerve pain and the skin burns so bad. I've been putting biofreeze on it so that it takes the edge off so I can fall asleep. It's bad.
I've been having really weird dreams and many nights are not super duper restful because I wake up dreaming/thinking about weird stuff. Usually I can fall right back to sleep though.
It's hard being so big and most things hurt...I can't really leave the house anymore because it takes too much out of me. That's been hard and an adjustment. The summer, most of it anyway, kinda passed me by because I just felt so crappy. The exhaustion, like major MAJOR exhaustion has been probably the hardest part (besides my body hurting). In the two previous pregnancies, id find some relief from resting and I distinctly remember "forgetting" that I was pregnant with Aylah because I really felt well, especially in the second trimester. This twin thing though, it's not joke. I take extra iron, all my vitamins, and have been watching what I eat...I'm literally exhausted by mid-morning most days. It was noon today and I was reading Aylah a book on the couch. I was so tired, my eyes started bouncing and rolling back into my head. I'm not even kidding. I've fallen asleep siting up countless times--sometime I'm definitely not prone to doing.
I'd love to make it to 37 weeks and have healthy boys! That'd be so great. It's going to wreck my body and hurt so bad but if I could carry them that long...how awesome would that be?! Jareds prediction is the last week of December, very early January. I'm not sure I have a prediction, but would certainly like to make it into January. Tomorrow will be 42 days until 37 weeks...only 34 days until 36 weeks...just under 3 weeks until 34 weeks...goodness. I can't get over it.
I know they'll be here so soon and one day I'll look back on these writing and crave to have the feelings I'm experiencing now--the anticipation, the excitement, the wonderment (is that a word?) of the unknown. In so many ways, this feels like it's my first pregnancy. We've gotten so many new or new to us gear. It's really exciting. I'm scared. Really scared. But also really excited, finally. God is so cool. I never could have guessed in a million years how my life would end up going or the twists and turns it'd take. I'm really grateful and love my life. I feel so blessed to honestly be able to say that.
Well, it's almost 11 now and I have to get up and pack my oldest boys lunch tomorrow morning before school...better rest up and try to enjoy these wiggly babies in my belly (while trying to ignore the back pain, ha).
See you along the journey--
Monday, November 21, 2016
Almost 29 weeks!
How far along? 28w, 5d
Total weight: 158 lbs
How big are the babies? At 28 weeks, Micah measured 2lbs 12oz and Ezra a little smaller at 2lbs 9oz. Usually theyre only an ounce different, so the additional 2oz freaked me out a little but she said it was fine. I will keep watching.
Stretch marks: I just noticed that there might be a tiny new dot on top of an old stretch mark line...but Im not sure!
Sleep: Typically waking up to pee once. Ive been dreaming a lot--weird stuff.
Movement: My whole stomach has been in waves. Like crazy big wobbly waves. Its really crazy and feels out of control sometimes!
Micah was back to being breech again at our scan last Wednesday. Ezra was head down.
Food cravings: Spaghetti with chunky vegetables. I made it for dinner tonight.
Food aversions: None!
Belly button: Very visible through my shirts.
Symptoms: My pelvis and back still hurt. The chiropractor is definitely helping my back pain, for sure, but theres nothing he can do for my pelvis unfortunately.
Preterm labor stuff: Having lots of contractions but the abdominal u/s last week showed my cervix was at about a 3.3. Just looking at the cervical opening, it looked a little different to me than what Ive been seeing, but the tech said it looked good. To be honest, I am starting to worry a little bit, not a huuuuuuuge amount, but definitely more than I have so far this pregnancy. It's a little discouraging but I kind of figured this would happen and Im SO surprised it took this long! I've been so grateful!
Twin specific stuff: I got a new diaper bag today. Ive been reading a backpack style is super necessary so that you can be hands free. Our local outlet was having a 20% off sale so I got a $155 bag for the low $70's. I bought two more with the intention of reselling and hopefully bringing in a little extra from the sales to off set the cost of the one Im keeping.
What I'm looking forward to: Continuing to get organized. Realistically, I might only have a few weeks left!
Sleeping comfortably :)
Looking forward to my next MFM appt, next Wednesday.
Not baby related: Its Thanksgiving week already! It snowed for the first time of the year yesterday. I need to find their snow stuff so I didnt bring the kids outside (I feel guilty about it, of course) but Judah especially is reeeeeeeeeeally excited and looking forward to going out and playing in the snow this year. I love his true child-like wonder about things. I love that boy.
Weekly joy: Getting the crib skirt and bumper set up. Buying a diaper bag. Organizing the yellow cabinet in the bedroom. Buying Christmas gifts for the kids. More time that our sweet babies have been baking (omgoodness, babies!). More mobility this pregnancy.
Total weight: 158 lbs
How big are the babies? At 28 weeks, Micah measured 2lbs 12oz and Ezra a little smaller at 2lbs 9oz. Usually theyre only an ounce different, so the additional 2oz freaked me out a little but she said it was fine. I will keep watching.
Stretch marks: I just noticed that there might be a tiny new dot on top of an old stretch mark line...but Im not sure!
Sleep: Typically waking up to pee once. Ive been dreaming a lot--weird stuff.
Movement: My whole stomach has been in waves. Like crazy big wobbly waves. Its really crazy and feels out of control sometimes!
Micah was back to being breech again at our scan last Wednesday. Ezra was head down.
Food cravings: Spaghetti with chunky vegetables. I made it for dinner tonight.
Food aversions: None!
Belly button: Very visible through my shirts.
Symptoms: My pelvis and back still hurt. The chiropractor is definitely helping my back pain, for sure, but theres nothing he can do for my pelvis unfortunately.
Preterm labor stuff: Having lots of contractions but the abdominal u/s last week showed my cervix was at about a 3.3. Just looking at the cervical opening, it looked a little different to me than what Ive been seeing, but the tech said it looked good. To be honest, I am starting to worry a little bit, not a huuuuuuuge amount, but definitely more than I have so far this pregnancy. It's a little discouraging but I kind of figured this would happen and Im SO surprised it took this long! I've been so grateful!
Twin specific stuff: I got a new diaper bag today. Ive been reading a backpack style is super necessary so that you can be hands free. Our local outlet was having a 20% off sale so I got a $155 bag for the low $70's. I bought two more with the intention of reselling and hopefully bringing in a little extra from the sales to off set the cost of the one Im keeping.
What I'm looking forward to: Continuing to get organized. Realistically, I might only have a few weeks left!
Sleeping comfortably :)
Looking forward to my next MFM appt, next Wednesday.
Not baby related: Its Thanksgiving week already! It snowed for the first time of the year yesterday. I need to find their snow stuff so I didnt bring the kids outside (I feel guilty about it, of course) but Judah especially is reeeeeeeeeeally excited and looking forward to going out and playing in the snow this year. I love his true child-like wonder about things. I love that boy.
Weekly joy: Getting the crib skirt and bumper set up. Buying a diaper bag. Organizing the yellow cabinet in the bedroom. Buying Christmas gifts for the kids. More time that our sweet babies have been baking (omgoodness, babies!). More mobility this pregnancy.
Tuesday, November 8, 2016
27 weeks (tomorrow!)
How far along? 26w, 5d
Total weight: 153 lbs
How big are the babies? I cant believe it's been so long since I've done this survey! I knew I needed to get to it but I thought I had at least done one in between! At 24 weeks we had a growth scan and Baby A was measuring 1 lb 9oz and Baby B was 1 lb 8oz. BUT, that was almost 3 weeks ago, so they've definitely grown since then! I'm over the moon that their growth has remained consistent with being right along side eachother...it's so not common for that to happen and is SUCH a blessing that our babies are doing so well.
Next Wednesday we have another growth scan and I'm so excited to see what they weigh! I'm hurting big time so I'm sure theyre getting big. I mean, even if there's only 4 lbs of baby combined, there are two amniotic sacs, a bigger placenta, and when some one is causing me pain in my ribs, theres also some one down in my hips...so it's just different.
Stretch marks: Still no new ones, yet. I am seeing some weird shiny variations on my skin on my stomach...I wonder if I'll be suuuuuuper wrinkly after the babies are out.
Sleep: Once I'm asleep, I only wake up once around 3 or 4 to go to the bathroom. Thank goodness! I remember with Aylah I was waking up several times a night. It hurts really bad to get comfortable though--Ive been having that patch of burning skin by my ribs and my pelvis/hips are SO messed up that I moan in pain trying to flip from side to side. I'd prefer to lay on my back but then I start to feel like I'm having a heart attack or cant breathe. I've been sleeping with 5 pillows and a wedge.
Poor Jared is still out on the couch. He doesn't mind at all, and has been a great sport about it, but we do miss each other.
Movement: My right side is usually larger than the left. The kicks are super strong now and its fun because I can now feel limbs glide across my stomach. When Im laying down, the kicks and things are so strong they actually shake or rock my whole body. Its nuts!
Last week at my scan Baby A was head down so Im hoping he stays there. It's hard to tell who is who but I've been feeling a lot of kicks near my cervix today so Im thinking someone is definitely breech in there.
Food cravings: I wish I could have some really strong cravings. Im such a weird twin-pregnant mama. All of the things that are supposed to affect me greatly, being pregnant with multiples, havent. Java Chip Frappuchinos have sounded really good, though :)
Food aversions: None, really.
Belly button: Very visible through my shirts.
Symptoms: Insanely, insanely exhausted. It's so, so bad. Nothing helps...and I'm getting stir crazy being in the house but I'm so very tired I can't enjoy myself when I'm out. I started crying about it a little bit today (the first time I cried over my "situation" this pregnancy).
My pelvis bones feel splintered and are EXTREMELY painful. I started seeing a new chiropractor who has helped me tremendously with the hip pain I've been having. My pelvic pain is all up in my "parts" though so no help there.
Preterm labor stuff: Unfortunately I had my first bout of timeable contractions Sunday night. I felt really terrible the whole day and then they started in the late afternoon. They were about 10-12 mins apart for about 3 hours. They've been happening more in the last few days and Im wondering if this will be my new normal since Im getting so big.
At 24 weeks, my cervix was measuring at a 4 which is so exciting and crazy considering my lengths in the past. They stop measuring at this point though because it is no longer a reliable indicator when carrying multiples. It makes me feel good though, that Im still getting the bi-weekly ultrasounds to look at the babies because I'm sure she'd notice if there was something that wasn't looking right.
Twin specific stuff: 76ish days until 37 weeks I think? WOOOOOOOOOOOW!!!!!!!!!! We got TONS of hand-me-down clothes and I've finally gone through and organized them all. There are just a few organized bags I need to put into the totes that I had done previously. Lindsay said she'll come over and help me re-go through everything and take inventory about what types of things we have and if we'll actually need anything.
The crib is set up, I started moving some of my clothes out of my dresser (putting their things in instead), made a garland for above their crib, loaded up the green cabinet in the hallway with diapers and wipes, and the yellow cabinet with newborn goodies.
I keep going through the motions because there are SO MANY APPOINTMENTS and things to think about that Im forgetting to stop and dream about the wonder of the whole thing. It's just crazy.
What I'm looking forward to: I'm starting to get to the point where I'm just looking forward to feeling better because my body is hurting so bad. I've read that at about 30 weeks, Im the size of a full term singleton mom, and I'm definitely feeling it, being only 3 weeks away from 3. It hurts so. bad.
I can't wait to see their faces....I say faces...but it'll only be one face since their identical. How weird?! SO WEIRD!!!!!! I hope we can get a good ultrasound picture of someones face next week. Over the last month, we havent been able to get a good, clear one. They do seem to be putting on a little weight though, which is SO encouraging!
Not baby related: I rehung some photos today about the couch. I had J & A's silhouettes done and have been waiting to hang them. I still need to add a few things to make that wall look complete but I love it so much more than before!
Weekly joy: The weather was mid 60's today so that was great (not that I get outside much anyway womp womp). I'm enjoying getting the babies stuff organized and in place. It's making it more real. I know I have 10 weeks, or just under left, which seems like a lot and a little, at the same time but slowing down isn't even the term for it. I'm basically....slow. Done. Put a fork in my energy. The holiday festivities are just beginning and the to-dos are starting to pile on. Thank goodness for my planner because I can't keep track! I think everything will be through in a flash this year...I'm hoping I can stop and snag some precious moments and not miss them.
Total weight: 153 lbs
How big are the babies? I cant believe it's been so long since I've done this survey! I knew I needed to get to it but I thought I had at least done one in between! At 24 weeks we had a growth scan and Baby A was measuring 1 lb 9oz and Baby B was 1 lb 8oz. BUT, that was almost 3 weeks ago, so they've definitely grown since then! I'm over the moon that their growth has remained consistent with being right along side eachother...it's so not common for that to happen and is SUCH a blessing that our babies are doing so well.
Next Wednesday we have another growth scan and I'm so excited to see what they weigh! I'm hurting big time so I'm sure theyre getting big. I mean, even if there's only 4 lbs of baby combined, there are two amniotic sacs, a bigger placenta, and when some one is causing me pain in my ribs, theres also some one down in my hips...so it's just different.
Stretch marks: Still no new ones, yet. I am seeing some weird shiny variations on my skin on my stomach...I wonder if I'll be suuuuuuper wrinkly after the babies are out.
Sleep: Once I'm asleep, I only wake up once around 3 or 4 to go to the bathroom. Thank goodness! I remember with Aylah I was waking up several times a night. It hurts really bad to get comfortable though--Ive been having that patch of burning skin by my ribs and my pelvis/hips are SO messed up that I moan in pain trying to flip from side to side. I'd prefer to lay on my back but then I start to feel like I'm having a heart attack or cant breathe. I've been sleeping with 5 pillows and a wedge.
Poor Jared is still out on the couch. He doesn't mind at all, and has been a great sport about it, but we do miss each other.
Movement: My right side is usually larger than the left. The kicks are super strong now and its fun because I can now feel limbs glide across my stomach. When Im laying down, the kicks and things are so strong they actually shake or rock my whole body. Its nuts!
Last week at my scan Baby A was head down so Im hoping he stays there. It's hard to tell who is who but I've been feeling a lot of kicks near my cervix today so Im thinking someone is definitely breech in there.
Food cravings: I wish I could have some really strong cravings. Im such a weird twin-pregnant mama. All of the things that are supposed to affect me greatly, being pregnant with multiples, havent. Java Chip Frappuchinos have sounded really good, though :)
Food aversions: None, really.
Belly button: Very visible through my shirts.
Symptoms: Insanely, insanely exhausted. It's so, so bad. Nothing helps...and I'm getting stir crazy being in the house but I'm so very tired I can't enjoy myself when I'm out. I started crying about it a little bit today (the first time I cried over my "situation" this pregnancy).
My pelvis bones feel splintered and are EXTREMELY painful. I started seeing a new chiropractor who has helped me tremendously with the hip pain I've been having. My pelvic pain is all up in my "parts" though so no help there.
Preterm labor stuff: Unfortunately I had my first bout of timeable contractions Sunday night. I felt really terrible the whole day and then they started in the late afternoon. They were about 10-12 mins apart for about 3 hours. They've been happening more in the last few days and Im wondering if this will be my new normal since Im getting so big.
At 24 weeks, my cervix was measuring at a 4 which is so exciting and crazy considering my lengths in the past. They stop measuring at this point though because it is no longer a reliable indicator when carrying multiples. It makes me feel good though, that Im still getting the bi-weekly ultrasounds to look at the babies because I'm sure she'd notice if there was something that wasn't looking right.
Twin specific stuff: 76ish days until 37 weeks I think? WOOOOOOOOOOOW!!!!!!!!!! We got TONS of hand-me-down clothes and I've finally gone through and organized them all. There are just a few organized bags I need to put into the totes that I had done previously. Lindsay said she'll come over and help me re-go through everything and take inventory about what types of things we have and if we'll actually need anything.
The crib is set up, I started moving some of my clothes out of my dresser (putting their things in instead), made a garland for above their crib, loaded up the green cabinet in the hallway with diapers and wipes, and the yellow cabinet with newborn goodies.
I keep going through the motions because there are SO MANY APPOINTMENTS and things to think about that Im forgetting to stop and dream about the wonder of the whole thing. It's just crazy.
What I'm looking forward to: I'm starting to get to the point where I'm just looking forward to feeling better because my body is hurting so bad. I've read that at about 30 weeks, Im the size of a full term singleton mom, and I'm definitely feeling it, being only 3 weeks away from 3. It hurts so. bad.
I can't wait to see their faces....I say faces...but it'll only be one face since their identical. How weird?! SO WEIRD!!!!!! I hope we can get a good ultrasound picture of someones face next week. Over the last month, we havent been able to get a good, clear one. They do seem to be putting on a little weight though, which is SO encouraging!
Not baby related: I rehung some photos today about the couch. I had J & A's silhouettes done and have been waiting to hang them. I still need to add a few things to make that wall look complete but I love it so much more than before!
Weekly joy: The weather was mid 60's today so that was great (not that I get outside much anyway womp womp). I'm enjoying getting the babies stuff organized and in place. It's making it more real. I know I have 10 weeks, or just under left, which seems like a lot and a little, at the same time but slowing down isn't even the term for it. I'm basically....slow. Done. Put a fork in my energy. The holiday festivities are just beginning and the to-dos are starting to pile on. Thank goodness for my planner because I can't keep track! I think everything will be through in a flash this year...I'm hoping I can stop and snag some precious moments and not miss them.
Tuesday, October 11, 2016
I've been wanting to sit down and write a journal type entry, rather than just the quick surveys for some time now.
I'm pregnant. And it's crazy. I still can't believe it and I'm a whole huge bag full of emotions. I was ready to be pregnant back in the Spring of 2015 but because Jared was struggling with some personal and job related issues, our original "plan" was pushed off. It was hard and my heart hurt. And for months I was reminded of it and it continued to hurt. We tried to get pregnant finally, for a brief time, and were unsuccessful.
My dad developed cancer, lots of family tension ensued, I was running him to appointments and well, everywhere all over, making millions of stressful phone calls, and developed pretty bad pneumonia while trying to keep up with all of it. As an aside, I now have a patch of white hair and I bet it came from this time period. I digress. As spring rolled around again, I started thinking about the calendar and how nice it would be to try to have another baby next year at that time. I really felt like Aylah's birthday at the end of March was a great time to have a little one because at that time of year it's starting to get brighter out, once I was coming out of the brand-new-baby-fog, park trips would be temperate enough, and we wouldn't be feeling like we were locked inside.
As much as I was looking forward to trying again, my heart and head were in a battle. The extra year in between wanting to be pregnant and that point in time gave me a lot of extra time to be independent. The kids were becoming more independent, themselves. I was able to go and volunteer at Judah's school. I even thought about the possibility of working (very) part time. It was exciting to be able to go out for the day if I wanted to, by myself, and not be tied down by a time schedule. It was awesome to feel rested and do crafts, and go out with my girls, without having to worry about being a mom for a little while. So, I was worried. And to be honest, I still am, actually. My heart and my long-term mind knew that I wanted my family to grow but I was so afraid to go back to the newborn and infant stage again. I don't do well on little or no sleep. It's hard being pushed to the limit with no break, because you can't have one. A baby screaming when you're so worn out and tired is so, so hard. Terrifying, this stage is. But, I know the long term gain is such joy and through the tears and exhaustion, I know my heart will be so full. So, so full. And I wouldn't want it any other way.
I started watching my calendar and thinking about "if it's this month, than the baby will be born then. Or if we wait til next month, the baby will be born then". Well this one particular time I told myself that if we ended up just happening to get pregnant (at that time), it would definitely be because God wanted it and it was meant to be for a reason (because this baby would be born in February and I really wanted to wait another two months to start trying).
I was out of my cheapo tests from Amazon and we had to go to the grocery store anyway. I kept bugging Jared that we should just get some tests "just for fun" (the only "symptom" I was having was that I kept waking up to pee at night, which I had read could be due to a hormonal shift). I came home and took it and was like...what!? when it actually came up positive. When I saw the second line, part of me felt like I already knew it was going to be there and I was expecting it or something for some reason...which was weird because I had no reason to think or feel that way. I walked out of the bathroom to Jared, who was sitting on the couch, and just had a goofy smile on my face. I started laughing and he was like what? Is it positive? Is it? And I showed him. He laughed and then the day kind of resumed back to normal. I felt guilty about it because maybe I didn't focus on the news as much as I did when I was expecting my first baby? Maybe it's because I have more distractions in my life now, or maybe because I wanted it so bad for so long and then all of a sudden it happened, or maybe because of my fears...? I still don't know.
The next few weeks I had a hard time attaching myself to the thought of actually being pregnant because, well, I was just afraid, and because I wasn't having any real symptoms. I called Sheela around 6 weeks, and told her I was pregnant, and asked her if she would schedule me an early ultrasound because I just felt like something wasn't right. A friend from church's little boy passed away like 2 weeks before we found out we were pregnant and someone on facebook had a missed miscarriage (and posted tons of details about it... all the time) and the emotional toll those two things took on me really messed with my head. I was convinced that because I wasn't having any symptoms that the baby had died and my body didn't know it yet, and that when I'd go for the ultrasound, there'd be no heart beat.
Right before 8 weeks, I had my ultrasound. Jared came with me and we went to a place where I'd never gone before. Once we arrived we learned it was their policy that no one was allowed to come back to the room until she had "gotten her pictures". I was so upset because I was sure I would be receiving bad news and didn't want to be by myself. I just couldn't believe their policy. Poor Jared waited in the waiting room and I kept looking at the technician's face. After a minute or two went by, I said is there a heart beat? And she replied, "yes". Wow! I was so relieved. She continued to do her exam, with the screen turned toward her. "What kind of place is this!?" I thought to myself...she wouldn't even let me see what she was doing...! Beep, beep, click, beep. She kept taking measurements. The baby was only teeny tiny...what in the world was she measuring?! Finally she said she was going to leave the room, to go get her other tech, to get Jared.
As she returned, and walked around the curtain, Jared came in right behind her. At the moment he rounded the corner and could see the screen, I joked, "there's only one in there, right?!" because in the days and weeks prior, in my worry, I continued to ask Jared to pray for the baby. He kept teasing me saying he was praying for the "babies". She replied, "it's funny you should ask that...no, there's two". I screamed. And screamed. And laughed. And screamed. And my brain stopped working. And my legs got tingly. And the numb. And for 15 minutes she tried to answer our questions to the best of her limited knowledge of twins...and I continued to interrupt her by my screaming.
I made the decision that I would switch to a closer hospital, with a (much better) NICU and that I would sadly have to find an OB to care for me.
Two days before I was set to see my specialist, I started having really severe pain in my right side. At first I ignored it, but hours went by and I became doubled over in pain, making it impossible to stand up straight. I couldn't help it and started crying. Off to the ER I went. I needed to make sure everything was okay. Come to find out, I had a sizeable cyst on my right ovary (the tech told me that was the ovary I had gotten pregnant from--fun fact) and it was in the process of bursting. She also asked if I wanted her to give me her guess of what the babies were after she told me that they were going to be identical. I said yes and she guessed boys. She said she was pretty confident making in her guess. Two days later, I had my first MFM appointment. The pain had mostly subsided and that tech asked us the same question...do we want her to take a guess? She had replied with the same answer: identical boys. Even though it was so early, at 13 weeks, both sonographers, on their own, made the same prediction. Because of this, we were pretty confident that they were right and she went on to confirm her suspicion at 16 weeks. Two boys it is!
-------------------------------------
From being afraid of getting pregnant, after wanting it for so long...to thinking that I had lost the baby...to find out, oh no, there's two in there...to having to find a new doctor, and practice, and hospital...having to digest all sorts of new and confusing information...and then appointments every two weeks...kindergarten starting.......................it's been a whirlwind! I will be 23 weeks tomorrow and I feel like I haven't had the chance to really soak in anything yet!
Thankfully, my morning sickness was minimal. It was substituted with just a general over all feeling of "un-wellness" is the only way I can describe it. It seemed to last forever and then kind of disappeared. The exhaustion this time around has been so, SO intense. Unreal, actually. And because of my rapid and sudden expansion, my hips, pelvis, and back are starting to hurt pretty darn bad. I've been taking lots of epsom salt baths and getting back rubs several times a week out of true necessity. My feet are starting to hurt and I need to find better shoes. Heck. I might need to start wearing shoes around the house--which is where I rarely leave because I'm so dang exhausted all the time.
At just over 22 weeks, I was measuring 28/9 weeks pregnant and I'm up to about 145 lbs now.
Less than 100 days and we'll be able to see our boys. 14 weeks at most. I am SO curious to see how my body holds up and holds these babies in! My cervix at 20 weeks was right at a 4 and shortened to about 3.43 at 22 weeks but no one even flinched a bit at that change and said it was still great...and compared to my previous two pregnancies, it actually is! I didn't have the crazy amount of GBS show up in my urine, my contractions--although there--are SO minimal and do not wear me out as they have in the past. Crazy to say, this pregnancy has been way less stressful and way easier than the other two...even with the millions of appointments and so much information to digest. Our babies are high risk because they share a placenta (Judah has been so sweet and praying about their safety, specifically because they share a placenta...we get a chuckle every time he says it), but their growth, fluids, and cord insertions all look equal. Each appointment is stressful but because we haven't received any sketchy news so far, I haven't been putting too, too much thought to the risks that could happen. Next week we'll go for our next scan and then in a month from then some of the TTTS risk begins to go down (although some other risks go up so Im not sure I'll ever feel "in the clear").
On Sunday, Val called to tell me that my OB is leaving the practice...........2.5 weeks before my 37 week due date. I was NOT impressed with the other doctor I saw on Friday and am hoping my regular doctor gives me a call back soon so that I can come up with some sort of plan. I think just because I have two other kiddos, a house, husband, and daily responsibilities to take care of, I'm not obsessing over it as much as my brain would like to...just taking most things one step at a time.
It's hard to believe that I for sure won't be pregnant in 14 weeks from now...and it's really emotional for me to think that I probably won't be pregnant again...ever. I sometimes let my mind slip to the "this is the last time I'll ever..." sort of things but then I start getting worked up and ain't nobody got time for that. But, that being said, I also WANT to focus on those things because I feel like it's all gone by so fast and I haven't had the chance to savor any of it yet. Where did these (almost) 23 weeks go?
I'm so glad I took the time to get all this out.
See you along the journey--
I'm pregnant. And it's crazy. I still can't believe it and I'm a whole huge bag full of emotions. I was ready to be pregnant back in the Spring of 2015 but because Jared was struggling with some personal and job related issues, our original "plan" was pushed off. It was hard and my heart hurt. And for months I was reminded of it and it continued to hurt. We tried to get pregnant finally, for a brief time, and were unsuccessful.
My dad developed cancer, lots of family tension ensued, I was running him to appointments and well, everywhere all over, making millions of stressful phone calls, and developed pretty bad pneumonia while trying to keep up with all of it. As an aside, I now have a patch of white hair and I bet it came from this time period. I digress. As spring rolled around again, I started thinking about the calendar and how nice it would be to try to have another baby next year at that time. I really felt like Aylah's birthday at the end of March was a great time to have a little one because at that time of year it's starting to get brighter out, once I was coming out of the brand-new-baby-fog, park trips would be temperate enough, and we wouldn't be feeling like we were locked inside.
As much as I was looking forward to trying again, my heart and head were in a battle. The extra year in between wanting to be pregnant and that point in time gave me a lot of extra time to be independent. The kids were becoming more independent, themselves. I was able to go and volunteer at Judah's school. I even thought about the possibility of working (very) part time. It was exciting to be able to go out for the day if I wanted to, by myself, and not be tied down by a time schedule. It was awesome to feel rested and do crafts, and go out with my girls, without having to worry about being a mom for a little while. So, I was worried. And to be honest, I still am, actually. My heart and my long-term mind knew that I wanted my family to grow but I was so afraid to go back to the newborn and infant stage again. I don't do well on little or no sleep. It's hard being pushed to the limit with no break, because you can't have one. A baby screaming when you're so worn out and tired is so, so hard. Terrifying, this stage is. But, I know the long term gain is such joy and through the tears and exhaustion, I know my heart will be so full. So, so full. And I wouldn't want it any other way.
I started watching my calendar and thinking about "if it's this month, than the baby will be born then. Or if we wait til next month, the baby will be born then". Well this one particular time I told myself that if we ended up just happening to get pregnant (at that time), it would definitely be because God wanted it and it was meant to be for a reason (because this baby would be born in February and I really wanted to wait another two months to start trying).
I was out of my cheapo tests from Amazon and we had to go to the grocery store anyway. I kept bugging Jared that we should just get some tests "just for fun" (the only "symptom" I was having was that I kept waking up to pee at night, which I had read could be due to a hormonal shift). I came home and took it and was like...what!? when it actually came up positive. When I saw the second line, part of me felt like I already knew it was going to be there and I was expecting it or something for some reason...which was weird because I had no reason to think or feel that way. I walked out of the bathroom to Jared, who was sitting on the couch, and just had a goofy smile on my face. I started laughing and he was like what? Is it positive? Is it? And I showed him. He laughed and then the day kind of resumed back to normal. I felt guilty about it because maybe I didn't focus on the news as much as I did when I was expecting my first baby? Maybe it's because I have more distractions in my life now, or maybe because I wanted it so bad for so long and then all of a sudden it happened, or maybe because of my fears...? I still don't know.
The next few weeks I had a hard time attaching myself to the thought of actually being pregnant because, well, I was just afraid, and because I wasn't having any real symptoms. I called Sheela around 6 weeks, and told her I was pregnant, and asked her if she would schedule me an early ultrasound because I just felt like something wasn't right. A friend from church's little boy passed away like 2 weeks before we found out we were pregnant and someone on facebook had a missed miscarriage (and posted tons of details about it... all the time) and the emotional toll those two things took on me really messed with my head. I was convinced that because I wasn't having any symptoms that the baby had died and my body didn't know it yet, and that when I'd go for the ultrasound, there'd be no heart beat.
Right before 8 weeks, I had my ultrasound. Jared came with me and we went to a place where I'd never gone before. Once we arrived we learned it was their policy that no one was allowed to come back to the room until she had "gotten her pictures". I was so upset because I was sure I would be receiving bad news and didn't want to be by myself. I just couldn't believe their policy. Poor Jared waited in the waiting room and I kept looking at the technician's face. After a minute or two went by, I said is there a heart beat? And she replied, "yes". Wow! I was so relieved. She continued to do her exam, with the screen turned toward her. "What kind of place is this!?" I thought to myself...she wouldn't even let me see what she was doing...! Beep, beep, click, beep. She kept taking measurements. The baby was only teeny tiny...what in the world was she measuring?! Finally she said she was going to leave the room, to go get her other tech, to get Jared.
As she returned, and walked around the curtain, Jared came in right behind her. At the moment he rounded the corner and could see the screen, I joked, "there's only one in there, right?!" because in the days and weeks prior, in my worry, I continued to ask Jared to pray for the baby. He kept teasing me saying he was praying for the "babies". She replied, "it's funny you should ask that...no, there's two". I screamed. And screamed. And laughed. And screamed. And my brain stopped working. And my legs got tingly. And the numb. And for 15 minutes she tried to answer our questions to the best of her limited knowledge of twins...and I continued to interrupt her by my screaming.
I made the decision that I would switch to a closer hospital, with a (much better) NICU and that I would sadly have to find an OB to care for me.
Two days before I was set to see my specialist, I started having really severe pain in my right side. At first I ignored it, but hours went by and I became doubled over in pain, making it impossible to stand up straight. I couldn't help it and started crying. Off to the ER I went. I needed to make sure everything was okay. Come to find out, I had a sizeable cyst on my right ovary (the tech told me that was the ovary I had gotten pregnant from--fun fact) and it was in the process of bursting. She also asked if I wanted her to give me her guess of what the babies were after she told me that they were going to be identical. I said yes and she guessed boys. She said she was pretty confident making in her guess. Two days later, I had my first MFM appointment. The pain had mostly subsided and that tech asked us the same question...do we want her to take a guess? She had replied with the same answer: identical boys. Even though it was so early, at 13 weeks, both sonographers, on their own, made the same prediction. Because of this, we were pretty confident that they were right and she went on to confirm her suspicion at 16 weeks. Two boys it is!
-------------------------------------
From being afraid of getting pregnant, after wanting it for so long...to thinking that I had lost the baby...to find out, oh no, there's two in there...to having to find a new doctor, and practice, and hospital...having to digest all sorts of new and confusing information...and then appointments every two weeks...kindergarten starting.......................it's been a whirlwind! I will be 23 weeks tomorrow and I feel like I haven't had the chance to really soak in anything yet!
Thankfully, my morning sickness was minimal. It was substituted with just a general over all feeling of "un-wellness" is the only way I can describe it. It seemed to last forever and then kind of disappeared. The exhaustion this time around has been so, SO intense. Unreal, actually. And because of my rapid and sudden expansion, my hips, pelvis, and back are starting to hurt pretty darn bad. I've been taking lots of epsom salt baths and getting back rubs several times a week out of true necessity. My feet are starting to hurt and I need to find better shoes. Heck. I might need to start wearing shoes around the house--which is where I rarely leave because I'm so dang exhausted all the time.
At just over 22 weeks, I was measuring 28/9 weeks pregnant and I'm up to about 145 lbs now.
Less than 100 days and we'll be able to see our boys. 14 weeks at most. I am SO curious to see how my body holds up and holds these babies in! My cervix at 20 weeks was right at a 4 and shortened to about 3.43 at 22 weeks but no one even flinched a bit at that change and said it was still great...and compared to my previous two pregnancies, it actually is! I didn't have the crazy amount of GBS show up in my urine, my contractions--although there--are SO minimal and do not wear me out as they have in the past. Crazy to say, this pregnancy has been way less stressful and way easier than the other two...even with the millions of appointments and so much information to digest. Our babies are high risk because they share a placenta (Judah has been so sweet and praying about their safety, specifically because they share a placenta...we get a chuckle every time he says it), but their growth, fluids, and cord insertions all look equal. Each appointment is stressful but because we haven't received any sketchy news so far, I haven't been putting too, too much thought to the risks that could happen. Next week we'll go for our next scan and then in a month from then some of the TTTS risk begins to go down (although some other risks go up so Im not sure I'll ever feel "in the clear").
On Sunday, Val called to tell me that my OB is leaving the practice...........2.5 weeks before my 37 week due date. I was NOT impressed with the other doctor I saw on Friday and am hoping my regular doctor gives me a call back soon so that I can come up with some sort of plan. I think just because I have two other kiddos, a house, husband, and daily responsibilities to take care of, I'm not obsessing over it as much as my brain would like to...just taking most things one step at a time.
It's hard to believe that I for sure won't be pregnant in 14 weeks from now...and it's really emotional for me to think that I probably won't be pregnant again...ever. I sometimes let my mind slip to the "this is the last time I'll ever..." sort of things but then I start getting worked up and ain't nobody got time for that. But, that being said, I also WANT to focus on those things because I feel like it's all gone by so fast and I haven't had the chance to savor any of it yet. Where did these (almost) 23 weeks go?
I'm so glad I took the time to get all this out.
See you along the journey--
Monday, September 19, 2016
Almost 20 weeks!
How far along? 19w, 5d
Total weight: 137 lbs
How big is baby? I just realized it says "baby". Ill have to change that for next time around. We'll find out how big our babes are on Wednesday. I have a detailed anatomy scan, twin to twin surveillance, cervical length check, and probably some other thangs. The ultrasound will last over an hour they said.
Stretch marks: The one above my old belly piercing seems darker and maybe even a little bit wider. Im not sure though. My legs are a MESS with spider veins, big dark veins, stretch marks, and cellulite basically all the way down to the back of my knees. Jared took a picture and laughed at me. I didn't think it was all that hilarious :/
Sleep: Jared's moved out to the couch. Not sure if it's permanently at this point or what. His back has been hurting him and he's been either struggling for most of the night or having to get up at like 5am and either sit in a chair or stretch or try to prop himself with a thousand pillows to relieve some of the pain and get a little bit more rest. Consequently, I've been sleeping better because he's not snoring next to me and I can moved and flip flop all over the place without restrictions. It takes a long time to get comfortable and I've been relying on pillows to either kind of lay on and hug, or throw my knee really high up and over. I can lay on my back for a little while but my heart starts beating too fast and it's really uncomfortable.
I've been resting a lot during the day and it helps me, for sure. Over the past week, Ive had the best energy Ive had in the last several months so I welcomed it and did some nice things like going to the craft store :) Only can do short-ish trips at a time before having to rest again, though.
Movement: Everyday! Love it :) Still feel most of my bumps (they're becoming stronger and feeling like actual kicks!) on the right side and the middle now, but the left side is beginning to start, too.
Ah! A massive kick right now just reminded me. You can see it from the outside now! My whole stomach just jutted out to the right :)
Which reminds me hahah. I had a cup of warm water this morning and rested it on my bump. It wasn't really hot or anything, but it must have been right on the baby and he went crazy moving allllllll around. Too funny.
Food cravings: Well, right now I have a head cold. Ugh. But mint chocolate chip ice cream was sounding good, rice cakes with vegenaise and tomato....oh! I had a craving for nachos with cheddar, refried beans, salsa, and guac last week.
Food aversions: Vinegar, onions, garlic...but it's been getting better and I can eat them now. Thankfully, the aversions this time around really weren't bothering me too much.
Belly button: It's really out!
Symptoms: Lower back pain, hard to get comfortable, still a little bit of gagging while brushing my teeth but not too bad now, and SO TIRED! My ankles have started to swell too and my feet are hurting many nights. I need better shoes.
Preterm labor stuff: None so far! How amazing is that?! I was still over 4 cm at my last measurement. It went down a bit, but not too much. Contractions happen, but probably less than 10 per day. That's so exciting!
Twin specific stuff: 30 days til 24 weeks, 100 days til 34 weeks, and 121 days left at most til these twinners come. I can't believe it. It's flying by so fast and I feel like I'm missing major milestones or something...but I'm not sure what and how to capture it. I do guess 16/7 weeks is super long when you think of how much pain Ill be in and how ginormous Ill get. I bet it'll start to slow way down in the 20-weeks.
What I'm looking forward to: Excited about my shower in a few weeks! 19 days, I think? The invitation the Lindsay picked out is so, so sweet. I absolutely love it! Looking forward to knowing and being free to buy/start to buy whatever else we'll need. I'm a planner like that.
Not baby related: MOPS started! YAY!!!!!!!!!!! I love MOPS so very much! I've also been feeling a little better so I went out and looked around Hobby Lobby, got some new nail polish, and a few shirts and things.
Weekly joy: Well, right now stinks because I'm sick. But Judah started kindergarten and I love seeing how much joy is on his face when he gets off the bus. He really thrives on structure and I think the constant, but variety, he gets at school is good for him. By the end of the week, he really needs a break, though. I'm glad he started kinder this year and not last.
While Judah is at school, I've been doing different activities with Aylah. Last year, by the time we'd even barely start something, it was time to wrap up to go get Judah at school. Now, we have all day. Some days we'll go to a store and walk around and talk about the different things we see. Other days, we sit down and do an activity. I'm getting to know her more and she's been having little conversations and the time is good for her, too.
Total weight: 137 lbs
How big is baby? I just realized it says "baby". Ill have to change that for next time around. We'll find out how big our babes are on Wednesday. I have a detailed anatomy scan, twin to twin surveillance, cervical length check, and probably some other thangs. The ultrasound will last over an hour they said.
Stretch marks: The one above my old belly piercing seems darker and maybe even a little bit wider. Im not sure though. My legs are a MESS with spider veins, big dark veins, stretch marks, and cellulite basically all the way down to the back of my knees. Jared took a picture and laughed at me. I didn't think it was all that hilarious :/
Sleep: Jared's moved out to the couch. Not sure if it's permanently at this point or what. His back has been hurting him and he's been either struggling for most of the night or having to get up at like 5am and either sit in a chair or stretch or try to prop himself with a thousand pillows to relieve some of the pain and get a little bit more rest. Consequently, I've been sleeping better because he's not snoring next to me and I can moved and flip flop all over the place without restrictions. It takes a long time to get comfortable and I've been relying on pillows to either kind of lay on and hug, or throw my knee really high up and over. I can lay on my back for a little while but my heart starts beating too fast and it's really uncomfortable.
I've been resting a lot during the day and it helps me, for sure. Over the past week, Ive had the best energy Ive had in the last several months so I welcomed it and did some nice things like going to the craft store :) Only can do short-ish trips at a time before having to rest again, though.
Movement: Everyday! Love it :) Still feel most of my bumps (they're becoming stronger and feeling like actual kicks!) on the right side and the middle now, but the left side is beginning to start, too.
Ah! A massive kick right now just reminded me. You can see it from the outside now! My whole stomach just jutted out to the right :)
Which reminds me hahah. I had a cup of warm water this morning and rested it on my bump. It wasn't really hot or anything, but it must have been right on the baby and he went crazy moving allllllll around. Too funny.
Food cravings: Well, right now I have a head cold. Ugh. But mint chocolate chip ice cream was sounding good, rice cakes with vegenaise and tomato....oh! I had a craving for nachos with cheddar, refried beans, salsa, and guac last week.
Food aversions: Vinegar, onions, garlic...but it's been getting better and I can eat them now. Thankfully, the aversions this time around really weren't bothering me too much.
Belly button: It's really out!
Symptoms: Lower back pain, hard to get comfortable, still a little bit of gagging while brushing my teeth but not too bad now, and SO TIRED! My ankles have started to swell too and my feet are hurting many nights. I need better shoes.
Preterm labor stuff: None so far! How amazing is that?! I was still over 4 cm at my last measurement. It went down a bit, but not too much. Contractions happen, but probably less than 10 per day. That's so exciting!
Twin specific stuff: 30 days til 24 weeks, 100 days til 34 weeks, and 121 days left at most til these twinners come. I can't believe it. It's flying by so fast and I feel like I'm missing major milestones or something...but I'm not sure what and how to capture it. I do guess 16/7 weeks is super long when you think of how much pain Ill be in and how ginormous Ill get. I bet it'll start to slow way down in the 20-weeks.
What I'm looking forward to: Excited about my shower in a few weeks! 19 days, I think? The invitation the Lindsay picked out is so, so sweet. I absolutely love it! Looking forward to knowing and being free to buy/start to buy whatever else we'll need. I'm a planner like that.
Not baby related: MOPS started! YAY!!!!!!!!!!! I love MOPS so very much! I've also been feeling a little better so I went out and looked around Hobby Lobby, got some new nail polish, and a few shirts and things.
Weekly joy: Well, right now stinks because I'm sick. But Judah started kindergarten and I love seeing how much joy is on his face when he gets off the bus. He really thrives on structure and I think the constant, but variety, he gets at school is good for him. By the end of the week, he really needs a break, though. I'm glad he started kinder this year and not last.
While Judah is at school, I've been doing different activities with Aylah. Last year, by the time we'd even barely start something, it was time to wrap up to go get Judah at school. Now, we have all day. Some days we'll go to a store and walk around and talk about the different things we see. Other days, we sit down and do an activity. I'm getting to know her more and she's been having little conversations and the time is good for her, too.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)