Its amazing how fast time flies. Our girls are already two months old. At the same time it feels like they have always been a part of our lives. I guess that's partly due to the fact that I always knew I would have twin girls. I told my parents when I was 11 or 12 that I was going to have them when I grew up. I supposed it could also be because they fit so perfectly into our lives. We are a family.
Both girls have mastered smiling and have really been showing off their adorable gummy smiles the past couple of days. They have also changed from looking like newborns to looking more like infants. Their complexions have cleared up and you can start to see more of what their skin tones will be.
Allison has been trying really hard to giggle. So far it doesn't quite come out as a sound yet. She grunts and coos all the time she is awake. She also has some reflux. Some days are worse than others. The doctors doesn't think its anything to be concerned about unless she stops gaining weight or seems to have a sore throat. Apparently the medications they can give her are know to have some side effects that the doctor would rather avoid. She still loves her swing and being cuddled before she falls asleep.
Emmily is still my cuddle bug. She is definitely a Mama's Girl. When she has had enough of everything else going on her in little world I am the only one who can comfort her and calm her down. I haven't really noticed her trying to giggle, but she does smile a lot and stick out her tongue quite a bit. I think she is trying to coo some more, but it doesn't quite have any sound to it yet.
They are still wearing some of their newborn size clothes. I have packed away all the preemie sizes. They are starting to out grown the smallest of the newborn size as well. I am guessing that in the next two weeks they will be in their 0-3 month size clothes. I put them both in footed pajamas tonight and they fit them exactly perfectly. If they grow at all they will be too small. Its funny though because it almost seems like they are shorter on Emmily than on Allison.
They have their 2 month well visit with the doctor on the 14th of December. They will have to get shots. I'm not looking forward to that visit. We will get to see their weight and length at that time as well.
Last week, Thanksgiving week, was a big one for them. On Sunday their cousin Jadynn turned 3, so we went to Phoenix with for her birthday party. The girls got to meet all three of their great grandparents and some Aunts and Uncles they hadn't met yet. On Monday the Wilkerson family arrived in Tucson from South Carolina. It was so much fun having them here and the extra help was very much appreciated. We all headed to Phoenix for Thanksgiving and they were around all their family members that live there, plus the Wilkersons and their Great Grandparents. It was a bit over whelming for them. They were actually really good, but in the end just wanted Mommy to hold and rock them. My plan is to work on helping them learn to put themselves to sleep in hopes that it will help them deal with all the extra people loving on them at Christmas.
Family Pic
Tuesday, December 1, 2009
Friday, November 13, 2009
6 weeks
Can it be true? Are our girls 6 weeks old already?
We have been very busy these last few weeks. Allison started smiling at us when she's playing at about 4 weeks. Emmily started her smiling at 5 weeks. Emmily started sporadically sleeping 5 to 6 hours a night at 4 1/2 weeks and Allison started doing the same at about 5 weeks. This past week they have both slept 5-6 hours at night 5 of the last 7 days. Those seem like such huge milestones to me, but there are so many more still to come.
With sleeping more at night, they are awake more during the day. Usually this isn't a problem, and I have a wonderful time playing with them. However, this week especially, they have been staying awake while the other wants to eat. They aren't quite at the independent play stage yet, so the one that wants to play has to be content with the swing or play gym until her sister is fed. Sometimes they aren't too happy about that.
I did take Allison to the doctor on Monday. She has been spitting up much more than I would like. The dr thinks she is just eating too much and spitting up whatever she doesn't need. On average babies gain about 1 oz a day, they are averaging 1.5oz a day. We go back on Tuesday just to get their weights checked to make sure they are still averaging the same weight gain. We started gas drops and gripe water this week in hopes of controlling the spit up. Wouldn't you know it, the gas drops seems to work better for Emmily and the gripe water seems to work better for Allison. Just one more difference between them.
I've decided that God is the only one that could ever possible love these little girls as much as I do. Oh, I'm sure Daddy is a close second, but I don't think its humanly possible for anyone to love them like I do. Sure staying home with them is EXHAUSTING. And truthfully, there are days when I wish for a break. But I still enjoy being with them.
I love the way they cuddle in when the fall asleep on me. I am amazed at how strong they are getting when they are laid on their tummies, and how they now turn their heads towards me when I talk to them. I love to play Patty Cake, So Big, and This Little Piggie with them. I even get a couple of smiles out of them before they don't feel like playing any more.
We really don't have much of a scheduled routine. They seem to be doing just fine on the schedules they have set for themselves. They sleep 5-6 hours at night and 3-5 hours at a time during the day. Some times they wake to play for about 20 minutes then they are ready to sleep again. I would like to start a night time routine in a few weeks. It would be nice to have baths, story time, cuddles, then bedtime, but I think they are still a little young for that.
Thursday, October 22, 2009
The best 3 weeks of our lives.
How many ways can you fall in love? It must be an endless number. These girls do something everyday that reminds me just how wonderful they are. We have definitely been blessed.
I love that it has become obvious that they are starting to see objects further away. They practice all kinds of facial expressions when they are falling asleep. It melts my heart when they smile. I’m very excited for when they do that in response to seeing their Daddy or me. 
They are such good babies. I’m not going to lie though; it is a LOT of work taking care of two babies. Craig and I joke all the time that one would be a breeze compared to this. He’s even planning on when we can start trying for baby number 3.
I love that it has become obvious that they are starting to see objects further away. They practice all kinds of facial expressions when they are falling asleep. It melts my heart when they smile. I’m very excited for when they do that in response to seeing their Daddy or me.
They are such good babies. I’m not going to lie though; it is a LOT of work taking care of two babies. Craig and I joke all the time that one would be a breeze compared to this. He’s even planning on when we can start trying for baby number 3.
Allison is usually the more independent twin. She still like her cuddle time, but also enjoys her swing and bouncer seat. She really only cries when there is something wrong with her or if she decided she wants one of us to hold her.
Emmily is my little snuggle bug. She often decides that she wants her Mommy to hold her and cuddle before she will sleep. If anything happens to scare or upset her, she doesn’t calm down until she gets cuddles from me. She is still a little small for the swing and cries when I try to put her in it. She loves her bouncer seat and to be rocked in our rocking recliner.
We are still working on breastfeeding. I seem to only have enough supply for one and a half babies. We’ve tried a number of different things from pumping every two hours to feeding both girls and then supplementing both with formula afterwards. Right now we are trying to alternate between nursing and formula bottles with each baby on a day by day basis (ie: day one – Emmi gets bottle, Alli is nursed; day two – Emmi is nursed, Alli gets bottle). So far this seems to be the easiest solution, and Daddy likes that he gets to be more involved in the feedings when he’s home.
We are also working on getting Mommy some more sleep. Craig takes over from about 7 or 8 until about 11. There have only been a couple of times when he’s needed some help because both girls woke up at the same time to eat.
It still amazes me every day that these two precious little girls are here, and they are ours. I know we have so much to learn and so much to look forward to. But for now I am enjoying every moment of the newborn phase, even through the lack of sleep and weepy emotions.
Thursday, October 1, 2009
37 weeks, 6 days (close enough to 38 weeks)
Today is the day!! There's no turning back now. We will be parents before the day is over. I'm anxious to see how big they are and what they look like. If they have any hair (I've had a lot of heart burn) and how close to each other they look.
I had a very rough weekend. I started having contractions Friday night, they were 7 minutes apart for 2 hours. Then they spread back out. They continued off and on through out the weekend. I was so sore and tired by the time I had my appointment on Monday. I must have looked just as bad as I felt, I didn't even have to say much to the doctor before he decided to move my c-section to this week. He also suggested taking Tylenol 4 times a day to keep it in my system to help with pain. That has helped quite a bit as far as taking the edge off. I'm still sore, but it is so much more bearable.
I had one last NST on Wednesday. Both girls reacted great. Allison's heart rate was in the 150's and Emmily's was in the 170's. Big difference between the two, but apparently nothing to worry about.
So the plan for today is to be at the hospital by 2:30, and surgery at 4:30. Craig and the girls will be taken to the nursery so the girls can be weighed and banded. During which I'll be taken to the recovery room. As soon as I'm settled in recovery, Craig and the girls get to come and spend the next couple of hours with me. Then we will be transferred to a regular room. As long as my pain is under control and I'm able to get up and walk around on my own, we should be back home Saturday night.
Its still so surreal. From this day on, we will now be a family of 4.
I had a very rough weekend. I started having contractions Friday night, they were 7 minutes apart for 2 hours. Then they spread back out. They continued off and on through out the weekend. I was so sore and tired by the time I had my appointment on Monday. I must have looked just as bad as I felt, I didn't even have to say much to the doctor before he decided to move my c-section to this week. He also suggested taking Tylenol 4 times a day to keep it in my system to help with pain. That has helped quite a bit as far as taking the edge off. I'm still sore, but it is so much more bearable.
I had one last NST on Wednesday. Both girls reacted great. Allison's heart rate was in the 150's and Emmily's was in the 170's. Big difference between the two, but apparently nothing to worry about.
So the plan for today is to be at the hospital by 2:30, and surgery at 4:30. Craig and the girls will be taken to the nursery so the girls can be weighed and banded. During which I'll be taken to the recovery room. As soon as I'm settled in recovery, Craig and the girls get to come and spend the next couple of hours with me. Then we will be transferred to a regular room. As long as my pain is under control and I'm able to get up and walk around on my own, we should be back home Saturday night.
Its still so surreal. From this day on, we will now be a family of 4.
Friday, September 25, 2009
37 weeks
I really thought I would never see this day. 37 weeks pregnant with twins, that's just crazy!! Not only are most twins born by now, but this is the day when singleton pregnancies are considered full term. There is no longer any question about their health due to early birth.
I had a doctor appointment on Monday. Basically there hasn't been any progress since my last appointment a week and a half ago. I've still been having contractions, but they just aren't doing anything. My guess is because they are both breech and basically stuck in their current positions. He said unless my water breaks he will see me next Monday and go over all my pre-op instructions. That will be my last doctor appointment as the girls are set for a cesarean the following Monday.
On Wednesday I had another non-stress test. Both girls responded as they expected them to. I actually talked to the girls and asked them to take a nap during the test. I told them I know they are completely healthy and if they sleep and not respond as much then I'd be able to hold them in my arms that night. Allison didn't agree, she moved all around. Emmily on the other hand that the hiccups. When they went away, she did try to sleep. I was so proud of her for listening already! But the mean nurse came in and pushed and shoved on her through my belly to make her wake up and move. I'll have to think of another tactic for my next test on Saturday.
I was actually able to sleep better on Monday and Tuesday nights. I started using a heating pad for my back/side/ribs and hips and a cold pack for my nerve/skin burning. I thought I had finally found the solution to survive the next two weeks. But by Wednesday night it stopped working. I still found some relief, but my ribs/side never stopped hurting and my nerve burn started back up in the very early morning.
Needless to say I am ready to have these girls. I love the time we've gotten to spend together, just the three of us, and I will always cherish it. But my body is simply tapped out at this point.
I had a doctor appointment on Monday. Basically there hasn't been any progress since my last appointment a week and a half ago. I've still been having contractions, but they just aren't doing anything. My guess is because they are both breech and basically stuck in their current positions. He said unless my water breaks he will see me next Monday and go over all my pre-op instructions. That will be my last doctor appointment as the girls are set for a cesarean the following Monday.
On Wednesday I had another non-stress test. Both girls responded as they expected them to. I actually talked to the girls and asked them to take a nap during the test. I told them I know they are completely healthy and if they sleep and not respond as much then I'd be able to hold them in my arms that night. Allison didn't agree, she moved all around. Emmily on the other hand that the hiccups. When they went away, she did try to sleep. I was so proud of her for listening already! But the mean nurse came in and pushed and shoved on her through my belly to make her wake up and move. I'll have to think of another tactic for my next test on Saturday.
I was actually able to sleep better on Monday and Tuesday nights. I started using a heating pad for my back/side/ribs and hips and a cold pack for my nerve/skin burning. I thought I had finally found the solution to survive the next two weeks. But by Wednesday night it stopped working. I still found some relief, but my ribs/side never stopped hurting and my nerve burn started back up in the very early morning.
Needless to say I am ready to have these girls. I love the time we've gotten to spend together, just the three of us, and I will always cherish it. But my body is simply tapped out at this point.
Friday, September 18, 2009
36 weeks
YAY! We made it! There's no such thing as a 100% guarantee for a healthy baby, even with just one. But we are as close to that as we can get! Very few babies born from 36 weeks on, twins or otherwise, have any health problems.
This has definitely been a roller coaster week. I really didn't think much of it when the doctor told me last Thursday that I should go to the hospital if I get too uncomfortable or am in pain. Now I know exactly why he said that. I started having much harder contractions on Friday. They were even 10 minutes apart for a little while. But they stopped. Friday evening and all of Saturday I was very sore. My stomach from the contractions, my back and my pelvic area (since the bones are trying to move). I know I could've gone to the hospital for pain meds, them come back home, but I really don't want to take anything stronger than Tylenol if I don't have to.
On Saturday I spent more time in water than I did out of it. It started with a nice warm shower in the morning which felt wonderful on my back. Later I had to get in the bath to help with the pelvic pain. That felt so good that I heated up the pool and stayed in there for a while. It helped because I was actually able to sleep the though the night, only getting up twice. Big difference from the previous night where I was up every 2 hours. I still had contractions on Saturday, but only one every couple of hours with just a few others that slipped in between.
The pain in my stomach, back & pelvic area continued through Tuesday, which was by far my worst day. I was at my breaking point and just couldn't find any long lasting relief. I ended up taking Tylenol and 1/2 a Unisom as an attempt to get a better nights sleep. While the Unisom did help me sleep, the Tylenol only lasted a couple of hours.
I haven't had any contractions since Tuesday night. That allowed my muscles to relax, so Wednesday and Thursday I felt great!
Wednesday night however, I noticed that Allison hadn't moved around as much as she normally does, but Emmily was moving around normally. I pulled out my handy dandy heart monitor and easily found both heart rates and they were both pretty similar so I knew they weren't in any danger. We decided it was still worth a trip to the women's center to have them monitored to make sure there wasn't anything wrong with her.
After 20 minutes on the heart monitor they let us go home. I wasn't 100% satisfied with that, and made a call to my OB first thing Thursday morning. He said he thinks she's just gotten so big that she can only make small movements now, and that I just can't feel them. He wants me to go in Saturday morning and get hooked up to the heart monitors for an extended amount of time. This is called a non-stress test. This gives them a better picture of even the slightest movements the girls are making. After a non-stress test, they can safely say the babies will not have any undetected life threatening problems for 3 days. They will repeat the non-stress tests twice a week until I deliver the girls. Which we are hoping will be this week! Stay tuned to Facebook for any big developments!
This has definitely been a roller coaster week. I really didn't think much of it when the doctor told me last Thursday that I should go to the hospital if I get too uncomfortable or am in pain. Now I know exactly why he said that. I started having much harder contractions on Friday. They were even 10 minutes apart for a little while. But they stopped. Friday evening and all of Saturday I was very sore. My stomach from the contractions, my back and my pelvic area (since the bones are trying to move). I know I could've gone to the hospital for pain meds, them come back home, but I really don't want to take anything stronger than Tylenol if I don't have to.
On Saturday I spent more time in water than I did out of it. It started with a nice warm shower in the morning which felt wonderful on my back. Later I had to get in the bath to help with the pelvic pain. That felt so good that I heated up the pool and stayed in there for a while. It helped because I was actually able to sleep the though the night, only getting up twice. Big difference from the previous night where I was up every 2 hours. I still had contractions on Saturday, but only one every couple of hours with just a few others that slipped in between.
The pain in my stomach, back & pelvic area continued through Tuesday, which was by far my worst day. I was at my breaking point and just couldn't find any long lasting relief. I ended up taking Tylenol and 1/2 a Unisom as an attempt to get a better nights sleep. While the Unisom did help me sleep, the Tylenol only lasted a couple of hours.
I haven't had any contractions since Tuesday night. That allowed my muscles to relax, so Wednesday and Thursday I felt great!
Wednesday night however, I noticed that Allison hadn't moved around as much as she normally does, but Emmily was moving around normally. I pulled out my handy dandy heart monitor and easily found both heart rates and they were both pretty similar so I knew they weren't in any danger. We decided it was still worth a trip to the women's center to have them monitored to make sure there wasn't anything wrong with her.
After 20 minutes on the heart monitor they let us go home. I wasn't 100% satisfied with that, and made a call to my OB first thing Thursday morning. He said he thinks she's just gotten so big that she can only make small movements now, and that I just can't feel them. He wants me to go in Saturday morning and get hooked up to the heart monitors for an extended amount of time. This is called a non-stress test. This gives them a better picture of even the slightest movements the girls are making. After a non-stress test, they can safely say the babies will not have any undetected life threatening problems for 3 days. They will repeat the non-stress tests twice a week until I deliver the girls. Which we are hoping will be this week! Stay tuned to Facebook for any big developments!
Friday, September 11, 2009
35 weeks
What a crazy week this has been!
I started having contractions on Tuesday. Fairly mild but several of them. So we called the doctor to see what they wanted us to do. We were told to wait until I started having more consistent and painful contractions. They slowed down around 4pm then I only had one every now and then for the rest of the day and all of Wednesday. Yesterday I only had a few of them.
I had my last ultra sound on Wednesday. The technician called them a big tangle of baby. She actually had a difficult time matching limbs to the proper baby at first. After a little while she was able to match them up and get their measurements. They have plenty of fluid and are right on track and together weigh in at 11 pounds 1 once. That's a lot of baby for one body!
I had an appointment with my doctor on Thursday. He asked how the ultra sound went because the results weren't scanned in for him yet. So I told him what the tech had told me. I had my Strep B test and my first cervical check. Its a good thing I'm going to have a c-section. My cervix is pointing backwards! As far as he could tell, I'm not dilated much, if at all. My next appointment was set up for Monday. He decided that 4 days wasn't really would make much of a difference and had me cancel it, so my next appointment is on the 21st. He also had me make one for the 28th so that I will have one on every Monday up to the scheduled c-section. However, he did say that he didn't think I would make it that far. He is putting me full term as of today. If I feel too uncomfortable, sore, or think I need to be seen for anything, I'm to go to the hospital from here on out.
Needless to say we are getting very excited and anxious to meet our girls. Craig thinks they will be born today. I think they will wait until tomorrow because that is our anniversary. However since my contractions have pretty much stopped, I'm guessing it will be at least another week. I guess only time will tell!
I started having contractions on Tuesday. Fairly mild but several of them. So we called the doctor to see what they wanted us to do. We were told to wait until I started having more consistent and painful contractions. They slowed down around 4pm then I only had one every now and then for the rest of the day and all of Wednesday. Yesterday I only had a few of them.
I had my last ultra sound on Wednesday. The technician called them a big tangle of baby. She actually had a difficult time matching limbs to the proper baby at first. After a little while she was able to match them up and get their measurements. They have plenty of fluid and are right on track and together weigh in at 11 pounds 1 once. That's a lot of baby for one body!
I had an appointment with my doctor on Thursday. He asked how the ultra sound went because the results weren't scanned in for him yet. So I told him what the tech had told me. I had my Strep B test and my first cervical check. Its a good thing I'm going to have a c-section. My cervix is pointing backwards! As far as he could tell, I'm not dilated much, if at all. My next appointment was set up for Monday. He decided that 4 days wasn't really would make much of a difference and had me cancel it, so my next appointment is on the 21st. He also had me make one for the 28th so that I will have one on every Monday up to the scheduled c-section. However, he did say that he didn't think I would make it that far. He is putting me full term as of today. If I feel too uncomfortable, sore, or think I need to be seen for anything, I'm to go to the hospital from here on out.
Needless to say we are getting very excited and anxious to meet our girls. Craig thinks they will be born today. I think they will wait until tomorrow because that is our anniversary. However since my contractions have pretty much stopped, I'm guessing it will be at least another week. I guess only time will tell!
Friday, September 4, 2009
34 weeks
The count down is officially on. Some twin websites say that this is the week that most twins are considered full term. I still would like them to wait another two weeks, but they really could come at any time during the next four weeks. I can't wait to meet my sweet babies.
To be honest, I'm also happy that I'll be getting my body back. I'm ready to be able to breath and bend and lay on my back again. But being able to hold the girls in my arms will definitely be the highlight for me.
Craig asked me this week if I was worried about getting them mixed up. Honestly, I really haven't been. I've tried to plan a head a little for that. Once we are allowed to put our own clothes on them (which I think is within hours) I plan to put purple socks on one and pink on the other. I've packed several pair of both. He then asked how we would know which one we were putting which color on. I'm pretty sure the bands the nurses and doctors put on them as soon as they are born will let us know. I think this is a real concern for him. I think he might be worried that he won't be able to tell them apart as they grow. I have faith in him, and think he'll do great. I know we will find a way so he feels comfortable telling them apart.
I've been pretty lazy this week. My ankles, feet and hands have been swelling more, so I've been trying to keep my feet propped up. I've also been tired this week. I just can't sleep much because one side or the other is too sore for me to lay on it. I guess that means we really are coming near the end of my pregnancy.
Thursday night we had a quick trip to the hospital. I was having a harder time breathing and it made me light headed. Craig made me call the on call doctor. He said it might be nothing, but that we should go to the hospital to have my oxygen levels checked. He actually said we could wait a little bit and see if it got better, but Craig wanted to go right away. We were only there for an hour or so. They said I was just out of room for my lungs to properly expand and that is why I'm getting dizzy. She also said I need to get as much protein as possible to help with the swelling.
I have a doctor appointment next week on Thursday. I also have an ultra sound appointment on Wednesday. The OB appointment will be the first of my weekly appointments, which are a little more in depth than the other appointments.
I had my first major food craving this week, too. Well, it really wasn't a food. I really wanted a strawberry eegee. For those of you who don't live in Tucson, Eegee's is a fast food sub sandwich place here in town. They have this frozen fruit drink, kind of like an icee only thicker and made with real fruit. Anyhow I asked Craig to stop on his way home from work to get me one. At first he said no, but he quickly changed his mind. He said I've been good and hadn't sent him out for anything so far, so I deserved it.
Have a great Labor Day everyone!
To be honest, I'm also happy that I'll be getting my body back. I'm ready to be able to breath and bend and lay on my back again. But being able to hold the girls in my arms will definitely be the highlight for me.
Craig asked me this week if I was worried about getting them mixed up. Honestly, I really haven't been. I've tried to plan a head a little for that. Once we are allowed to put our own clothes on them (which I think is within hours) I plan to put purple socks on one and pink on the other. I've packed several pair of both. He then asked how we would know which one we were putting which color on. I'm pretty sure the bands the nurses and doctors put on them as soon as they are born will let us know. I think this is a real concern for him. I think he might be worried that he won't be able to tell them apart as they grow. I have faith in him, and think he'll do great. I know we will find a way so he feels comfortable telling them apart.
I've been pretty lazy this week. My ankles, feet and hands have been swelling more, so I've been trying to keep my feet propped up. I've also been tired this week. I just can't sleep much because one side or the other is too sore for me to lay on it. I guess that means we really are coming near the end of my pregnancy.
Thursday night we had a quick trip to the hospital. I was having a harder time breathing and it made me light headed. Craig made me call the on call doctor. He said it might be nothing, but that we should go to the hospital to have my oxygen levels checked. He actually said we could wait a little bit and see if it got better, but Craig wanted to go right away. We were only there for an hour or so. They said I was just out of room for my lungs to properly expand and that is why I'm getting dizzy. She also said I need to get as much protein as possible to help with the swelling.
I have a doctor appointment next week on Thursday. I also have an ultra sound appointment on Wednesday. The OB appointment will be the first of my weekly appointments, which are a little more in depth than the other appointments.
I had my first major food craving this week, too. Well, it really wasn't a food. I really wanted a strawberry eegee. For those of you who don't live in Tucson, Eegee's is a fast food sub sandwich place here in town. They have this frozen fruit drink, kind of like an icee only thicker and made with real fruit. Anyhow I asked Craig to stop on his way home from work to get me one. At first he said no, but he quickly changed his mind. He said I've been good and hadn't sent him out for anything so far, so I deserved it.
Have a great Labor Day everyone!
To my sweet baby girls.
Dear Allison and Emmily,
Four years and ten months ago Daddy and I started to work on our dreams of having a family. Never in a million years did we think it would be as much of a struggle as it was. There were times when we thought it just wasn't going to happen. But we never gave up. Now you are only a few weeks away from being born. We couldn't be happier. We loved you for such a long time and I can't wait to see your little faces and tell you just how much that is.
I've been very lucky to have a fairly uncomplicated pregnancy. I was on bed rest for the last three weeks of my first trimester, but that really is it. All the scary things I've read about being pregnant with twins, I've managed to avoid. You have both grown right on track with where the doctors think you should be. I'm already so proud of you both.
Allison, the doctors call you Baby A because you are going to be the oldest. For the longest time you were laying right around the middle to lower part of my belly. I felt your movements first and more often through out my pregnancy. During our ultrasounds you seem to want to be the star of the show. Your measurements are usually taken first. Once the technician moves on to your sister, you tend to try to get back on the screen. Either by kicking, punching or moving your head into the area. From the ultrasounds you have a cute little button nose and are slightly smaller than Emmily. I can't wait to see how your personality develops. Maybe you'll be our little movie star.
Emmily, the doctors refer to you as Baby B because you are higher up, which means you will be born second. You have spend the majority of my pregnancy in my ribs. You like to be stretched out as much as possible and as a result made my ribs spread out quite a bit. Because you were under my bones I didn't really feel your movements as much, but I did feel the side effects of them. My ribs got very sore. During our first big ultrasound you were laying on your belly. At the second one you looked like you were trying to wiggle your way up as high into my ribs as you can go. You are a little bigger than Allison, but you also have a cute little nose. I think you have your Daddy's cheeks. I can't wait to see if you are going to be our snuggle bug.
As of our last ultrasound you two have moved to more of a side by side position. You like to push your heads in opposite directions to my sides. While it is cute to see you both moving around at the same time, it also tends to make it hard for me to breath. Today I am 33 weeks 4 days pregnant with you two. I've read that twins are considered full term as early as 34 weeks, that's only 3 days away. I hope you keep growing and developing your lungs a little longer than that. My guess is that you will be here right around 36 weeks. My hope for your birth is that you are both completely healthy and able breath on your own. No matter what, Daddy and I will be there with you the entire time.
We love you more than you can ever know and we are so excited to finally meet you. We're not the only ones, either. Grandma and Grandpa, Aunt Rachelle and Uncle Jason and your cousins Jordan, Skyler, Jadynn and Kenzee will be there to see you as soon as possible. Grandma might even be there when you are born. We have so many other family members and friends that are waiting to meet you, too.
So keep growing my sweet angels. Get as strong as you can over the next few weeks. Daddy and I will see you very soon.
Love always,
Mommy
Four years and ten months ago Daddy and I started to work on our dreams of having a family. Never in a million years did we think it would be as much of a struggle as it was. There were times when we thought it just wasn't going to happen. But we never gave up. Now you are only a few weeks away from being born. We couldn't be happier. We loved you for such a long time and I can't wait to see your little faces and tell you just how much that is.
I've been very lucky to have a fairly uncomplicated pregnancy. I was on bed rest for the last three weeks of my first trimester, but that really is it. All the scary things I've read about being pregnant with twins, I've managed to avoid. You have both grown right on track with where the doctors think you should be. I'm already so proud of you both.
Allison, the doctors call you Baby A because you are going to be the oldest. For the longest time you were laying right around the middle to lower part of my belly. I felt your movements first and more often through out my pregnancy. During our ultrasounds you seem to want to be the star of the show. Your measurements are usually taken first. Once the technician moves on to your sister, you tend to try to get back on the screen. Either by kicking, punching or moving your head into the area. From the ultrasounds you have a cute little button nose and are slightly smaller than Emmily. I can't wait to see how your personality develops. Maybe you'll be our little movie star.
Emmily, the doctors refer to you as Baby B because you are higher up, which means you will be born second. You have spend the majority of my pregnancy in my ribs. You like to be stretched out as much as possible and as a result made my ribs spread out quite a bit. Because you were under my bones I didn't really feel your movements as much, but I did feel the side effects of them. My ribs got very sore. During our first big ultrasound you were laying on your belly. At the second one you looked like you were trying to wiggle your way up as high into my ribs as you can go. You are a little bigger than Allison, but you also have a cute little nose. I think you have your Daddy's cheeks. I can't wait to see if you are going to be our snuggle bug.
As of our last ultrasound you two have moved to more of a side by side position. You like to push your heads in opposite directions to my sides. While it is cute to see you both moving around at the same time, it also tends to make it hard for me to breath. Today I am 33 weeks 4 days pregnant with you two. I've read that twins are considered full term as early as 34 weeks, that's only 3 days away. I hope you keep growing and developing your lungs a little longer than that. My guess is that you will be here right around 36 weeks. My hope for your birth is that you are both completely healthy and able breath on your own. No matter what, Daddy and I will be there with you the entire time.
We love you more than you can ever know and we are so excited to finally meet you. We're not the only ones, either. Grandma and Grandpa, Aunt Rachelle and Uncle Jason and your cousins Jordan, Skyler, Jadynn and Kenzee will be there to see you as soon as possible. Grandma might even be there when you are born. We have so many other family members and friends that are waiting to meet you, too.
So keep growing my sweet angels. Get as strong as you can over the next few weeks. Daddy and I will see you very soon.
Love always,
Mommy
Tuesday, September 1, 2009
Pregnancy Memories
It's September! Since this is officially the last month that I will be pregnant, I thought I would do a post about some of the comments I've experienced while being pregnant.
Since I was about 16 weeks, Craig has constantly said how large he things I am. He seems to only be shocked more and more every couple of weeks. Somehow I think that this is one thing I'm not going to miss once the girls are born. Constantly being reminded that you are as large as a house is not fun. However, I'm sure his amazement will turn to how much the girls change grow and learn, which will be fun.
Anytime I'm checking out at a store with anything pink, purple or slightly girlie, the clerk usually says, "oh, are you having a girl?" Ummm.... no... I just like buying baby things for girls, I'm having a boy. So far I've been nice enough to keep that comment to myself, but it crosses my mind every time. At first I would say, "yep, two of them." That pretty much always turned into a conversation about twins with one or all of the twin questions I will mention below. Usually after being on my feet shopping I'm ready to get to the car so I can sit down and relax. So, I learned to just smile and say yes. It's really a big time saver.
I have been asked a million questions about having twins, here are a few of the most common ones:
"What's it like being pregnant with two babies?" Well, I guess its probably not much different than being pregnant with one. But I've never been pregnant with one, so I really can't completely answer that.
"Do you know if they are identical?" I actually think this is a pretty smart question. I always say that they aren't and that yes, they can tell that on an ultra sound. However, I've read on twin websites that this becomes the most dreaded of questions after twins are born. Even mothers of boy/girl twins still get this question.
"Were you surprised that they are twins?" I suppose most people would say yes to that question. But I told my parents when I was about 11 that I was going to have twin girls when I grew up. Also, since we did IVF and transferred two embryos, we knew it was a possibility.
All in all, I've enjoyed my pregnancy. I think I've been pretty fortunate in avoiding several of the higher risks that come with being pregnant with multiples. Really the only thing that's been different for me is that the normal things that happen with pregnancy happen a little earlier. Now that I'm at the end I get more and more anxious every day to meet our sweet little girls.
Since I was about 16 weeks, Craig has constantly said how large he things I am. He seems to only be shocked more and more every couple of weeks. Somehow I think that this is one thing I'm not going to miss once the girls are born. Constantly being reminded that you are as large as a house is not fun. However, I'm sure his amazement will turn to how much the girls change grow and learn, which will be fun.
Anytime I'm checking out at a store with anything pink, purple or slightly girlie, the clerk usually says, "oh, are you having a girl?" Ummm.... no... I just like buying baby things for girls, I'm having a boy. So far I've been nice enough to keep that comment to myself, but it crosses my mind every time. At first I would say, "yep, two of them." That pretty much always turned into a conversation about twins with one or all of the twin questions I will mention below. Usually after being on my feet shopping I'm ready to get to the car so I can sit down and relax. So, I learned to just smile and say yes. It's really a big time saver.
I have been asked a million questions about having twins, here are a few of the most common ones:
"What's it like being pregnant with two babies?" Well, I guess its probably not much different than being pregnant with one. But I've never been pregnant with one, so I really can't completely answer that.
"Do you know if they are identical?" I actually think this is a pretty smart question. I always say that they aren't and that yes, they can tell that on an ultra sound. However, I've read on twin websites that this becomes the most dreaded of questions after twins are born. Even mothers of boy/girl twins still get this question.
"Were you surprised that they are twins?" I suppose most people would say yes to that question. But I told my parents when I was about 11 that I was going to have twin girls when I grew up. Also, since we did IVF and transferred two embryos, we knew it was a possibility.
All in all, I've enjoyed my pregnancy. I think I've been pretty fortunate in avoiding several of the higher risks that come with being pregnant with multiples. Really the only thing that's been different for me is that the normal things that happen with pregnancy happen a little earlier. Now that I'm at the end I get more and more anxious every day to meet our sweet little girls.
Friday, August 28, 2009
33 weeks
Yay! We can now deliver at the hospital near our house. The girls are now far enough developed that we won't have to be transferred to a specialty hospital. All these small milestones are really adding up. Every week they stay in the healthier they will be! Average birth for twins is 36 weeks, just 3 weeks away! I know I keep saying this, but it just blows my mind. The three people I know who have had twins (all boys) delivered at 34, 35 & 37 weeks. Our girls are going to be here any time now!
My doctor pretty much said the same thing at my appointment this week. He said I am doing really good, which was nice to hear from him. I haven't had any contractions, just the couple braxton hicks a couple of weeks ago. Because of that he decided to go ahead and schedule the 38 week cesarean. He still doesn't think I'll go that far, but he wants it on the books just in case, he also wants to make sure there isn't any miscommunication at the hospital when I do go into labor about them doing a cesarean.
My next appointment is in two weeks. After that I start going every week. He thinks it could be any time once my weekly appointments start. He also told me not to worry about pre-term labor anymore. We obviously want them to stay in as long as they need to, but when I go into labor that means they are ready to come. I was so nice to hear that!
That is the big news of the past week. It's actually been a pretty fast week. Craig was gone from Tuesday morning to Thursday afternoon. I didn't sleep much the first night and was sore and tired on Wednesday. I met some friends for lunch that got me out of the house for a little bit. Then I cleaned up the house as best as I could Thursday morning so it would be clean when Craig got home. I know I hate coming home to a dirty house and chores to do. It took me the majority of the day, and I really didn't do much only dishes and vacuuming. I'm just very slow and have to take breaks because I start to get breathless if I do too much.
There is still A LOT of tile left to be done. I'm really worried we are going to run out of time. The last thing I want to happen is to have the house being put back together while I'm recovering from a cesarean and taking care of two newborns. There is no way it will actually get done! We are going to take advantage of this weekend. Its one of Craig's 3 day weekends and I've set up for a couple of friends to come and stay the entire day today.
Hopefully the guys can a good days worth of work done on the tile. While us girls get some things done like cleaning out the other half of the girls' closet, and the small things that not longer belong in their room. Rearranging the kitchen so I can start to fit their bottles and such in the cabinets. Brushing out the dogs, cleaning the pool. All things I can no longer do on my own, and that have been pushed aside so Craig can work on the tile.
My doctor pretty much said the same thing at my appointment this week. He said I am doing really good, which was nice to hear from him. I haven't had any contractions, just the couple braxton hicks a couple of weeks ago. Because of that he decided to go ahead and schedule the 38 week cesarean. He still doesn't think I'll go that far, but he wants it on the books just in case, he also wants to make sure there isn't any miscommunication at the hospital when I do go into labor about them doing a cesarean.
My next appointment is in two weeks. After that I start going every week. He thinks it could be any time once my weekly appointments start. He also told me not to worry about pre-term labor anymore. We obviously want them to stay in as long as they need to, but when I go into labor that means they are ready to come. I was so nice to hear that!
That is the big news of the past week. It's actually been a pretty fast week. Craig was gone from Tuesday morning to Thursday afternoon. I didn't sleep much the first night and was sore and tired on Wednesday. I met some friends for lunch that got me out of the house for a little bit. Then I cleaned up the house as best as I could Thursday morning so it would be clean when Craig got home. I know I hate coming home to a dirty house and chores to do. It took me the majority of the day, and I really didn't do much only dishes and vacuuming. I'm just very slow and have to take breaks because I start to get breathless if I do too much.
There is still A LOT of tile left to be done. I'm really worried we are going to run out of time. The last thing I want to happen is to have the house being put back together while I'm recovering from a cesarean and taking care of two newborns. There is no way it will actually get done! We are going to take advantage of this weekend. Its one of Craig's 3 day weekends and I've set up for a couple of friends to come and stay the entire day today.
Hopefully the guys can a good days worth of work done on the tile. While us girls get some things done like cleaning out the other half of the girls' closet, and the small things that not longer belong in their room. Rearranging the kitchen so I can start to fit their bottles and such in the cabinets. Brushing out the dogs, cleaning the pool. All things I can no longer do on my own, and that have been pushed aside so Craig can work on the tile.
Friday, August 21, 2009
32 weeks
That gives us 4 weeks to get ready (6 if they are stubborn). Most single pregnancies, the baby is gaining about 1/2 pound per week. However, I read on a twins website that in twin pregnancies, the babies gain less weight per week in exchange for increased lung development. Also, for some reason, girls tend to develop faster than boys. So I think we are in good shape to plan on having babies in 4 weeks!
I turned into the grumpy pregnant lady this week, and I don't really like it. The poor dogs have gotten the brunt of it. Craig had the good sense to go to the gym every night this week, so he's pretty much been spared. We also have an agreement where I can just tell him that I'm uncomfortable or feeling grumpy and he knows to back off and not get mad at me if I get snippy.
I think the majority of my grumpiness comes from not being able to breath properly. The girls are fighting for space and will often move in opposite directions to the sides of my belly. That does not feel good, and makes breathing even more difficult. Craig says when they do that it looks like I've swallowed a Cheerios box because my belly becomes almost square.
The combination of now being 8 months pregnant and lack of oxygen has made me very sleepy during the late morning, so I've been getting some naps in. They pretty much only last an hour though because which ever side I'm laying on gets sore. Which, I'm told, is just par for the course. I have to say though that it is all completely worth it. I would gladly go through this all again if it means we have healthy babies.
I have a doctor appointment on Monday. Its the first of the every other week appointments. I haven't had any real contractions or even anything out of the ordinary, so I'm sure it will be another one of the quick and boring appointments. Which is always a good thing. I'm glad the appointment is on Monday because Craig will be out of town Tuesday through Thursday. It will give us both peace of mind before he leaves for three days. My Mom and friend Heather will be checking on me during the time he's gone, so I'll be well cared for.
I turned into the grumpy pregnant lady this week, and I don't really like it. The poor dogs have gotten the brunt of it. Craig had the good sense to go to the gym every night this week, so he's pretty much been spared. We also have an agreement where I can just tell him that I'm uncomfortable or feeling grumpy and he knows to back off and not get mad at me if I get snippy.
I think the majority of my grumpiness comes from not being able to breath properly. The girls are fighting for space and will often move in opposite directions to the sides of my belly. That does not feel good, and makes breathing even more difficult. Craig says when they do that it looks like I've swallowed a Cheerios box because my belly becomes almost square.
The combination of now being 8 months pregnant and lack of oxygen has made me very sleepy during the late morning, so I've been getting some naps in. They pretty much only last an hour though because which ever side I'm laying on gets sore. Which, I'm told, is just par for the course. I have to say though that it is all completely worth it. I would gladly go through this all again if it means we have healthy babies.
I have a doctor appointment on Monday. Its the first of the every other week appointments. I haven't had any real contractions or even anything out of the ordinary, so I'm sure it will be another one of the quick and boring appointments. Which is always a good thing. I'm glad the appointment is on Monday because Craig will be out of town Tuesday through Thursday. It will give us both peace of mind before he leaves for three days. My Mom and friend Heather will be checking on me during the time he's gone, so I'll be well cared for.
Friday, August 14, 2009
31 weeks
We are just plugging right along. Another week down, about 5 left to go. I'm getting more excited about having these girls, and more nervous that we just aren't prepared.
I had a doctor appointment on Tuesday. It was another one of the simple boring appointments, which is a good thing for now. I did get to ask the doctor about the c-section. He doesn't want to schedule one for now. Scheduled ones are usually done at 38 weeks and he doesn't think I'll get that far. However, if these girls get nice and cozy and decided to stay put longer than expected then he will go ahead and schedule one for the Monday after I turn 38 weeks. Which is October 5th. So that is the latest date the girls will be born. He had me scheduled my next three appointments all 2 weeks apart, but told me that I will probably have more in between them. He agrees that they will be born around 36 weeks!
On Thursday we met some of Craig's co-workers for baby shower. It was really nice and the girls are even more spoiled now. We were blown away by the generosity of everybody! I have to comment on the cake and the diaper cakes. I have never seen diaper cakes like these! They each had a receiving blanket, a burp cloth, onesie, hair bows and bottle. So neat. The cake had two teddy bears, actual complete teddy bears that were made out of cake. Very impressive.
Craig is still working on the tile. He is getting help from a friend all three days this weekend. He thinks he should have it done in two, maybe three weekends. Its cutting it close, but I hope he's right.
I am going shopping this weekend hoping to get the last few things we need, and maybe even a few things we don't need.
I had a doctor appointment on Tuesday. It was another one of the simple boring appointments, which is a good thing for now. I did get to ask the doctor about the c-section. He doesn't want to schedule one for now. Scheduled ones are usually done at 38 weeks and he doesn't think I'll get that far. However, if these girls get nice and cozy and decided to stay put longer than expected then he will go ahead and schedule one for the Monday after I turn 38 weeks. Which is October 5th. So that is the latest date the girls will be born. He had me scheduled my next three appointments all 2 weeks apart, but told me that I will probably have more in between them. He agrees that they will be born around 36 weeks!
On Thursday we met some of Craig's co-workers for baby shower. It was really nice and the girls are even more spoiled now. We were blown away by the generosity of everybody! I have to comment on the cake and the diaper cakes. I have never seen diaper cakes like these! They each had a receiving blanket, a burp cloth, onesie, hair bows and bottle. So neat. The cake had two teddy bears, actual complete teddy bears that were made out of cake. Very impressive.
Craig is still working on the tile. He is getting help from a friend all three days this weekend. He thinks he should have it done in two, maybe three weekends. Its cutting it close, but I hope he's right.
I am going shopping this weekend hoping to get the last few things we need, and maybe even a few things we don't need.
Friday, August 7, 2009
30 weeks
We have "growers & feeders." I’ve been told that is the term the NICU uses for babies born from this point on. Generally from here on out babies only need to learn how to eat and get big enough to go home. We are, of course, hoping they stay in a little longer, but its nice to know we are pretty much in the clear.
I forgot to mention last week that I passed the dreaded sugar test. I was worried about it because I was at high risk for developing gestation diabetes. Because of that my doctors kept me on metformin. I’m sure that’s one of the reasons I passed because I have been addicted to carbs.
My blood work did, however, show that I was slightly anemic. So, I started iron supplements. It took a few days, but wow! I have had so much more energy since Monday. The only problem I have is that my energy now out weighs my physical ability. That can be frustrating at times, but at the same time, it is great to have energy again.
I am past ready to have their room in order. Craig is still working on the tile. I’d say he’s about half way there. On top of that he now wants to have the carpet replaced in their room and the office before we set it up. I don’t know how that is all going to happen before the girls are born. I’m starting to get very nervous about being ready. I know their room can be finished afterwards, but when will I find the time to finish it after they are born? Besides wouldn’t it be much more convenient to have things like diapers and clothes easily accessible?
I had another level 2 ultra sound yesterday. The girls are measuring right on track. Allison is measuring in the high 40 percentile (about 3 lbs 1 oz) and Emmily is measuring in the low 50 percentile (about 3 lbs 7 oz). The weights are estimated by measuring the circumference of their bellies, the circumference of their heads and the length of their femur bones. I don't have those exact measurements, but Emmily's femur bone was noticeable longer than Allison's. It seems that Emmily has my legs, and Allison has Craig's.
Here is Allison's picture. She is waving her hand.
Here is Emmily's picture. You can see her ribs and spine.
Allison is totally breech. She is head up with her little bottom down so low that her legs are forced up. Emmily's head is next to Allison's but still a little higher. She is all stretched out still and her legs go over the top of Allison's belly. Even though they are side by side, their sacks are connected one on top of the other. So while they can't really switch positions, they can float around within their fluid sacks. They still have some time and a little bit of room to move, but the tech said they don't always move into better positions.
I have an appointment with my regular doctor Monday afternoon. I plan on talking to him about the c-section. I know most doctors like to wait until after 37 weeks to schedule one, but twins are normally born around 36 weeks. So, I'm not sure if he's going to schedule one or just wait until I start having contractions. I guess I'll find out on Monday.
I forgot to mention last week that I passed the dreaded sugar test. I was worried about it because I was at high risk for developing gestation diabetes. Because of that my doctors kept me on metformin. I’m sure that’s one of the reasons I passed because I have been addicted to carbs.
My blood work did, however, show that I was slightly anemic. So, I started iron supplements. It took a few days, but wow! I have had so much more energy since Monday. The only problem I have is that my energy now out weighs my physical ability. That can be frustrating at times, but at the same time, it is great to have energy again.
I am past ready to have their room in order. Craig is still working on the tile. I’d say he’s about half way there. On top of that he now wants to have the carpet replaced in their room and the office before we set it up. I don’t know how that is all going to happen before the girls are born. I’m starting to get very nervous about being ready. I know their room can be finished afterwards, but when will I find the time to finish it after they are born? Besides wouldn’t it be much more convenient to have things like diapers and clothes easily accessible?
I had another level 2 ultra sound yesterday. The girls are measuring right on track. Allison is measuring in the high 40 percentile (about 3 lbs 1 oz) and Emmily is measuring in the low 50 percentile (about 3 lbs 7 oz). The weights are estimated by measuring the circumference of their bellies, the circumference of their heads and the length of their femur bones. I don't have those exact measurements, but Emmily's femur bone was noticeable longer than Allison's. It seems that Emmily has my legs, and Allison has Craig's.
Here is Allison's picture. She is waving her hand.
Here is Emmily's picture. You can see her ribs and spine.Allison is totally breech. She is head up with her little bottom down so low that her legs are forced up. Emmily's head is next to Allison's but still a little higher. She is all stretched out still and her legs go over the top of Allison's belly. Even though they are side by side, their sacks are connected one on top of the other. So while they can't really switch positions, they can float around within their fluid sacks. They still have some time and a little bit of room to move, but the tech said they don't always move into better positions.I have an appointment with my regular doctor Monday afternoon. I plan on talking to him about the c-section. I know most doctors like to wait until after 37 weeks to schedule one, but twins are normally born around 36 weeks. So, I'm not sure if he's going to schedule one or just wait until I start having contractions. I guess I'll find out on Monday.
Friday, July 31, 2009
29 Weeks
The girls are really growing! And boy are they moving around a lot.
Most of the week by week info I've read said they are about 3 pounds now. I just can't imagine two kids that size coming out of my body. It's crazy when you stop and think about it. They have also reached the stage where all 5 of their senses are developed and their lungs are fully capable of breathing. If born today they would have a 90% chance of not only surviving but of needing very little medical intervention. I'm so proud of them already. Its been a long road, and so amazing to see them transform from two little balls of cells to fully developed babies.
My legs and hands are still swelling, but not too bad. I do have a hard time staying comfortable. I can't sit or lay in one position for long at all anymore. I went to see a movie on Sunday and it took me two days to stop being achy from it. So I guess no more movies for me for a while.
I have another level 2 ultra sound on Thursday next week. Hopefully we'll have more pictures for next week's post. I'm actually really excited about this ultra sound because I think that Allison has dropped. I can feel her either kicking or punching me much lower than she used to. I really wish Emmily would drop as well. My ribs would feel SOOO much better. It will be nice to see exactly where they are and how they are doing.
Most of the week by week info I've read said they are about 3 pounds now. I just can't imagine two kids that size coming out of my body. It's crazy when you stop and think about it. They have also reached the stage where all 5 of their senses are developed and their lungs are fully capable of breathing. If born today they would have a 90% chance of not only surviving but of needing very little medical intervention. I'm so proud of them already. Its been a long road, and so amazing to see them transform from two little balls of cells to fully developed babies.
My legs and hands are still swelling, but not too bad. I do have a hard time staying comfortable. I can't sit or lay in one position for long at all anymore. I went to see a movie on Sunday and it took me two days to stop being achy from it. So I guess no more movies for me for a while.
I have another level 2 ultra sound on Thursday next week. Hopefully we'll have more pictures for next week's post. I'm actually really excited about this ultra sound because I think that Allison has dropped. I can feel her either kicking or punching me much lower than she used to. I really wish Emmily would drop as well. My ribs would feel SOOO much better. It will be nice to see exactly where they are and how they are doing.
Friday, July 24, 2009
28 Weeks
I can't believe it, another week down. The girls are getting bigger and stronger every day.
We had 3 exciting days in a row this week. First was our baby party on Sunday. We had such a good time. Everyone and everything was very relaxed, which is just our style! We were definitely overwhelmed by the number of people that were able to come. The girls got so many cute outfits and lots of baby gear that we definitely needed. Allison and Emmily are very spoiled already! Thank you to everyone!!
On Monday, I took Shadow to have surgery on his tail. He had a benign tumor that needed to be removed. The doctor had me stay there and help to hold his head while they have him his shot. It was so sad to leave him like that. He was a good boy for them though and he's been handling it like a champ! He tried to lick at it a couple of times on Tuesday. I actually thought I was going to have to go and get an Elizabethan Collar for him, but he's leaving it alone now.
Tuesday I had another check up. The did the gestational diabetes test while I was there. I was very nervous about the drink. I've heard so many stories of how difficult it is to drink and some people even having a hard time keeping it down. I was very happy because I didn't think it was bad at all. Kind of like a very sweet orange Gatorade. The last few sips were the hardest, kind of like trying to finish off the last bit of the chocolate frosting from a triple chocolate cake. The doctor appointment went well. He said he thinks I am doing a very good job. He gave me some tips on meds I can take and how often and told me to try and keep my feet up as much as I can to help with the little bits of swelling. I will go in for our next doctor appointment in 3 weeks, and our next level two ultra sound is in two weeks.
Wednesday was my day to revel in the new goodies the girls got over the weekend. I washed, organized and hung all their clothes. I unpacked all their bath stuff, stored their diapers and washed their new blankets. I had so much fun daydreaming about how they will look in their matching outfits and got different ideas of things I want them to wear for pictures. We still have furniture that doesn't belong in their room, so I couldn't get everything organized and set up, but I got a very good start! I purchased 80 hangers for them and actually ended up using ALL 80 of them. Their Aunt Rachelle gave us a big tub of clothes that Kenzee has out grown. That on top of all the adorable outfits they got at the party, their closet is stocked for the first 3 or 4 months. I even put a few things aside to take to the hospital with us.
My Mom had a great idea of asking everyone to bring books instead of cards. The girls have quite a little library going already! I've even started reading a story or two to them a day. I can't wait for them to have a regular story time before going to bed.
I am getting more and more excited the closer we get. If they are born at the 36 week twin average, then we only have 8 weeks left!
We had 3 exciting days in a row this week. First was our baby party on Sunday. We had such a good time. Everyone and everything was very relaxed, which is just our style! We were definitely overwhelmed by the number of people that were able to come. The girls got so many cute outfits and lots of baby gear that we definitely needed. Allison and Emmily are very spoiled already! Thank you to everyone!!
On Monday, I took Shadow to have surgery on his tail. He had a benign tumor that needed to be removed. The doctor had me stay there and help to hold his head while they have him his shot. It was so sad to leave him like that. He was a good boy for them though and he's been handling it like a champ! He tried to lick at it a couple of times on Tuesday. I actually thought I was going to have to go and get an Elizabethan Collar for him, but he's leaving it alone now.
Tuesday I had another check up. The did the gestational diabetes test while I was there. I was very nervous about the drink. I've heard so many stories of how difficult it is to drink and some people even having a hard time keeping it down. I was very happy because I didn't think it was bad at all. Kind of like a very sweet orange Gatorade. The last few sips were the hardest, kind of like trying to finish off the last bit of the chocolate frosting from a triple chocolate cake. The doctor appointment went well. He said he thinks I am doing a very good job. He gave me some tips on meds I can take and how often and told me to try and keep my feet up as much as I can to help with the little bits of swelling. I will go in for our next doctor appointment in 3 weeks, and our next level two ultra sound is in two weeks.
Wednesday was my day to revel in the new goodies the girls got over the weekend. I washed, organized and hung all their clothes. I unpacked all their bath stuff, stored their diapers and washed their new blankets. I had so much fun daydreaming about how they will look in their matching outfits and got different ideas of things I want them to wear for pictures. We still have furniture that doesn't belong in their room, so I couldn't get everything organized and set up, but I got a very good start! I purchased 80 hangers for them and actually ended up using ALL 80 of them. Their Aunt Rachelle gave us a big tub of clothes that Kenzee has out grown. That on top of all the adorable outfits they got at the party, their closet is stocked for the first 3 or 4 months. I even put a few things aside to take to the hospital with us.
My Mom had a great idea of asking everyone to bring books instead of cards. The girls have quite a little library going already! I've even started reading a story or two to them a day. I can't wait for them to have a regular story time before going to bed.
I am getting more and more excited the closer we get. If they are born at the 36 week twin average, then we only have 8 weeks left!
Friday, July 17, 2009
27 Weeks
I thought this was going to be a slow week, but it turned out to be just the opposite.
The girls have been very active this week. We've gotten to the phase where it can actually hurt when they move. Few times this past week each of them have made me jump and say "ouch." Emmily is still doing a number on my ribs. They have been sore every day this week.
Craig was able to feel each of the girls move last weekend. We went to one of his co-worker's to watch the UFC fight on Saturday and Allison was kicking and punching quite a bit. Craig said she's going to be his little fighter.
On Monday we had our hospital tour. It was incredibly informative. I was very sad to find out that I will only be able to see them for a minute before they will be taken from the operating room while my cesarean is finished up. Craig will be able to go with them to the nursery (its actually the NICU, because that's the only nursery they have) and they will stay there until I get into the recovery room, about 45 minutes. They will do all their screenings and tests while in the NICU, so I won't know how they are doing until my surgery is done. The thought of them being away and not knowing how they are for so long has me pretty upset, so I plan on talking to the doctor about it on Tuesday to see if they will let someone come and let me know.
I've kind of started packing for the hospital. Nothing major at this point, just collecting sample size toiletries and putting them aside in a bag. I've also made a list of things to take with us so I have an idea of what we have and what we need.
Monday I also had to take Shadow to the vet. We found a lump on his tail. Turns out its a benign tumor. We can choose to do nothing, but the more it grows the less of a chance there is they will be able to remove it. I guess there isn't much skin on the tail, so if it gets too big, they can't stitch it back up. The vet on Monday wanted $880 to do the surgery. YIKES! To be fair, this price also included cleaning his teeth and a biopsy (if we chose to do one) of the tumor.
Thursday I went to another vet we had been to that is all the way across town (about an hour away). He's only going to charge us $225 to do the surgery. He said Shadow doesn't in any way need his teeth cleaned. Actually, I guess most large dogs who are on dry food never do. Also he's 99% sure the tumor is benign, so there is no need to do the biopsy. So he is scheduled for his surgery Monday morning at 9:30.
This weekend is our baby party at my sister's house. I am starting to get very excited! I've had several people say how excited they were to show me what they found for the girls. How can anyone not be excited when hearing that?!?! For everyone who is in town, we look forward to seeing you. For everyone who is out of town, we will miss not having you there.
The girls have been very active this week. We've gotten to the phase where it can actually hurt when they move. Few times this past week each of them have made me jump and say "ouch." Emmily is still doing a number on my ribs. They have been sore every day this week.
Craig was able to feel each of the girls move last weekend. We went to one of his co-worker's to watch the UFC fight on Saturday and Allison was kicking and punching quite a bit. Craig said she's going to be his little fighter.
On Monday we had our hospital tour. It was incredibly informative. I was very sad to find out that I will only be able to see them for a minute before they will be taken from the operating room while my cesarean is finished up. Craig will be able to go with them to the nursery (its actually the NICU, because that's the only nursery they have) and they will stay there until I get into the recovery room, about 45 minutes. They will do all their screenings and tests while in the NICU, so I won't know how they are doing until my surgery is done. The thought of them being away and not knowing how they are for so long has me pretty upset, so I plan on talking to the doctor about it on Tuesday to see if they will let someone come and let me know.
I've kind of started packing for the hospital. Nothing major at this point, just collecting sample size toiletries and putting them aside in a bag. I've also made a list of things to take with us so I have an idea of what we have and what we need.
Monday I also had to take Shadow to the vet. We found a lump on his tail. Turns out its a benign tumor. We can choose to do nothing, but the more it grows the less of a chance there is they will be able to remove it. I guess there isn't much skin on the tail, so if it gets too big, they can't stitch it back up. The vet on Monday wanted $880 to do the surgery. YIKES! To be fair, this price also included cleaning his teeth and a biopsy (if we chose to do one) of the tumor.
Thursday I went to another vet we had been to that is all the way across town (about an hour away). He's only going to charge us $225 to do the surgery. He said Shadow doesn't in any way need his teeth cleaned. Actually, I guess most large dogs who are on dry food never do. Also he's 99% sure the tumor is benign, so there is no need to do the biopsy. So he is scheduled for his surgery Monday morning at 9:30.
This weekend is our baby party at my sister's house. I am starting to get very excited! I've had several people say how excited they were to show me what they found for the girls. How can anyone not be excited when hearing that?!?! For everyone who is in town, we look forward to seeing you. For everyone who is out of town, we will miss not having you there.
Friday, July 10, 2009
26 weeks
One more week down. Statistically they have an 80% chance of survival if they were to be born today. I haven't had any contractions or even braxton hicks contractions, so I'm positive these two are quite comfy and plan to stay put for a while.
I'm still swelling a little in my ankles and feet, but not as much as a couple of weeks ago. Really the only complaint I have is my ribs and upper back. I'm sore all day, and by the evening they really hurt.
I think both girls (at different times) had the hiccups this week. I could feel their entire bodies move. It was very cute, even though Allison's were at 3:30 in the morning.
Craig has tried a couple of times this week to feel them move, but he couldn't feel anything. I could still feel them moving, but I guess they just weren't kicking quite as hard.
We wanted to make sure to do the hospital tour in July while we know I'm still mobile. Turns out they only do them a couple times a month. So, we are scheduled to go on Monday. I'm actually excited about it because we'll have a lay of the land, so to speak. We'll also learn all about their safety procedures and what to expect when it is time to have the girls.
That's pretty much all from us this week. Craig's still working on the tile. He wanted to take today off to work on it, but he ended up having to go into work for a few hours. I've been taking pictures, and will post them as we get closer to being done.
I'm still swelling a little in my ankles and feet, but not as much as a couple of weeks ago. Really the only complaint I have is my ribs and upper back. I'm sore all day, and by the evening they really hurt.
I think both girls (at different times) had the hiccups this week. I could feel their entire bodies move. It was very cute, even though Allison's were at 3:30 in the morning.
Craig has tried a couple of times this week to feel them move, but he couldn't feel anything. I could still feel them moving, but I guess they just weren't kicking quite as hard.
We wanted to make sure to do the hospital tour in July while we know I'm still mobile. Turns out they only do them a couple times a month. So, we are scheduled to go on Monday. I'm actually excited about it because we'll have a lay of the land, so to speak. We'll also learn all about their safety procedures and what to expect when it is time to have the girls.
That's pretty much all from us this week. Craig's still working on the tile. He wanted to take today off to work on it, but he ended up having to go into work for a few hours. I've been taking pictures, and will post them as we get closer to being done.
Friday, July 3, 2009
25 Weeks - 100th Post
How perfect did this work out? In the blogging world, the 100th post is considered a big deal. That posting is always special in some way or another. For me, it just happens to coincide with a big milestone in my pregnancy, 25 WEEKS!!!! Our girls are officially viable!
This is probably something that most people wouldn't even give a second thought to. But for those of us that have been through the heart ache of infertility and witnessed the pain others in our support groups have gone through, this is a very big deal.
Of course there are a million things that could go wrong between now and their birth, and another million that could happen upon their birth, but the point is... they will be born. They can now survive outside of my body, should they need to. Granted there would be a considerable amount of medical intervention to support them, but they can survive.
We will be able to see them, hold them, take pictures of them and just love them. Its something that can not be taken away from us now. We are having twin girls. Two sweet, sweet baby girls. We can dream about how they will look. What color will their eyes be, how much hair will they have, will they look so much a like that we won't be able to tell them apart, will they have subtle differences that only those closest to them will notice, or will they have big difference so everyone can tell who is who?
The girls are growing normally, right on schedule. We've seen through ultrasounds that their hearts, brains and spinal cords are forming perfectly. Most of the hard work of development is done, now all they need to do is continue to get bigger and stronger. I'm already so proud of my girls.
I wonder if Allison going to be our wild child who tries to do what she wants when she wants, like she seems to be doing now? Is Emmily going to be our cuddle bug, always worming her way into tight cuddles like she does in my ribs?
I realize that some of our family and friends have already allowed their thoughts to flow along these paths, but I haven't much. The instinct to protect my heart until this week came was too strong. But this magical week is finally here. The past two days have been incredibly emotional for me. The release of fears, the acceptance of birth. It has been simply overwhelming.
Our girls are coming, and we only have 11 more weeks to wait!
This is probably something that most people wouldn't even give a second thought to. But for those of us that have been through the heart ache of infertility and witnessed the pain others in our support groups have gone through, this is a very big deal.
Of course there are a million things that could go wrong between now and their birth, and another million that could happen upon their birth, but the point is... they will be born. They can now survive outside of my body, should they need to. Granted there would be a considerable amount of medical intervention to support them, but they can survive.
We will be able to see them, hold them, take pictures of them and just love them. Its something that can not be taken away from us now. We are having twin girls. Two sweet, sweet baby girls. We can dream about how they will look. What color will their eyes be, how much hair will they have, will they look so much a like that we won't be able to tell them apart, will they have subtle differences that only those closest to them will notice, or will they have big difference so everyone can tell who is who?
The girls are growing normally, right on schedule. We've seen through ultrasounds that their hearts, brains and spinal cords are forming perfectly. Most of the hard work of development is done, now all they need to do is continue to get bigger and stronger. I'm already so proud of my girls.
I wonder if Allison going to be our wild child who tries to do what she wants when she wants, like she seems to be doing now? Is Emmily going to be our cuddle bug, always worming her way into tight cuddles like she does in my ribs?
I realize that some of our family and friends have already allowed their thoughts to flow along these paths, but I haven't much. The instinct to protect my heart until this week came was too strong. But this magical week is finally here. The past two days have been incredibly emotional for me. The release of fears, the acceptance of birth. It has been simply overwhelming.
Our girls are coming, and we only have 11 more weeks to wait!
Friday, June 26, 2009
24 Weeks
Technically, this week is a big milestone. The last week of the 2nd trimester and the first official week the babies are "viable." Only here in Tucson, the hospitals don't consider viability until 25 weeks. So one week left!!
Allison has been my squiggly worm this week. She is moving all around, and I often can see her head sticking out on one side or the other. I've had more ice cream this week than I normally do, so I think she must be like me and really like it!
Emmily has been hurting me all week. Which means she's moving around up in my ribs. I've pretty much concluded that I'm going to have sore ribs for the duration of my pregnancy.
I don't know if its due to the higher temperatures, just being pregnant, or a combination of both, but I have started swelling more. I have to make sure I don't keep my feet down and in one position for long periods of time.
This along with one side or the other of my ribs hurting, has made it more difficult for me to get a full night of sleep. Honestly though, I'd go through all of this a hundred times again if it means the girls are safe. I'm just happy that we have two healthy girls growing and that as of now (knock on wood) we haven't had any big complications.
Allison has been my squiggly worm this week. She is moving all around, and I often can see her head sticking out on one side or the other. I've had more ice cream this week than I normally do, so I think she must be like me and really like it!
Emmily has been hurting me all week. Which means she's moving around up in my ribs. I've pretty much concluded that I'm going to have sore ribs for the duration of my pregnancy.
I don't know if its due to the higher temperatures, just being pregnant, or a combination of both, but I have started swelling more. I have to make sure I don't keep my feet down and in one position for long periods of time.
This along with one side or the other of my ribs hurting, has made it more difficult for me to get a full night of sleep. Honestly though, I'd go through all of this a hundred times again if it means the girls are safe. I'm just happy that we have two healthy girls growing and that as of now (knock on wood) we haven't had any big complications.
Friday, June 19, 2009
23 weeks
Another great week!
Emmily has been hurting my ribs often this week. I had another level 2 ultra sound yesterday and got to see just what it is that she is doing. She is laying completely stretched out from one side of my ribs to the other. She didn't feel like letting the tech get a profile picture. She kept shaking her head, like she was saying no, no, no. Then she started stretching her head back as far as she could. So the pressure I'm feeling in my ribs his her moving her head and shoulders around. Here is Emmily's profile picture.
We, or should I say Craig, it still working on getting all the carpet up so we can lay our tile. We picked up the tile last weekend and Craig unloaded it all into the garage. He's only got the carpet under the furniture left in the great room, then the hallways and living room left. Most of the work will come in getting the tack strips up along the walls. That is the goal for this weekend; get the carpet and tack strips up so the tile can start going down next weekend.
I hope all the Dads have a great Father's Day.
Emmily has been hurting my ribs often this week. I had another level 2 ultra sound yesterday and got to see just what it is that she is doing. She is laying completely stretched out from one side of my ribs to the other. She didn't feel like letting the tech get a profile picture. She kept shaking her head, like she was saying no, no, no. Then she started stretching her head back as far as she could. So the pressure I'm feeling in my ribs his her moving her head and shoulders around. Here is Emmily's profile picture.
I think it looks like she has her Daddy's cheeks. Craig, of course, thinks I'm crazy and can't really see anything. This is the first time she's let us get a profile picture of her. Last time she was laying on her belly.
Allison was being a silly girl, too. She was curled up in a ball with her head down. Only moving a little bit. Then when the tech went to take her sister's measurements she moved around and had her head up. She kept poking her head onto the screen like she was trying to hit her head on her sister's. She is definitely taking up the most space and turning all around. Here is her picture from yesterday.
We, or should I say Craig, it still working on getting all the carpet up so we can lay our tile. We picked up the tile last weekend and Craig unloaded it all into the garage. He's only got the carpet under the furniture left in the great room, then the hallways and living room left. Most of the work will come in getting the tack strips up along the walls. That is the goal for this weekend; get the carpet and tack strips up so the tile can start going down next weekend.
I hope all the Dads have a great Father's Day.
Friday, June 12, 2009
22 weeks.
YAY!! Only 3 weeks left until the girls will be viable should something go wrong and they need to be born early! I can't even tell you what a HUGE relief that day will be after everything we went through just to get here.
I did have a doctor appointment this week. Nothing big, just another check-up. This is the first time they actually measured my belly. I assume it was the right size, because they didn't say anything. Then the doctor used the Doppler for the heart rates of both girls. This is also the first time they've done that. Up until now, they've used the ultra sound (which they didn't do this time). Anyhow, fairly uneventful. I do, however, have an appointment for another level 2 ultrasound next Thursday in the afternoon.
This week, Emmily has discovered the back side of my rib cage. She must've been kicking me a ton the past two days, because that area is really sore. I don't really feel her movements much anymore, just the side effects of them. She is fully in my ribs now. Allison, on the other had, I feel almost all day long. She moves and kicks and punches all the time. I think she might be our little cheerleader.
We will be spending the weekend and the rest of the month tiling the house. Well, I really won't be much help. We actually get to go and pick up the tile today. Very excited to get rid of the carpet!!
I did have a doctor appointment this week. Nothing big, just another check-up. This is the first time they actually measured my belly. I assume it was the right size, because they didn't say anything. Then the doctor used the Doppler for the heart rates of both girls. This is also the first time they've done that. Up until now, they've used the ultra sound (which they didn't do this time). Anyhow, fairly uneventful. I do, however, have an appointment for another level 2 ultrasound next Thursday in the afternoon.
This week, Emmily has discovered the back side of my rib cage. She must've been kicking me a ton the past two days, because that area is really sore. I don't really feel her movements much anymore, just the side effects of them. She is fully in my ribs now. Allison, on the other had, I feel almost all day long. She moves and kicks and punches all the time. I think she might be our little cheerleader.
We will be spending the weekend and the rest of the month tiling the house. Well, I really won't be much help. We actually get to go and pick up the tile today. Very excited to get rid of the carpet!!
Saturday, June 6, 2009
Friday, June 5, 2009
21 weeks
I can officially no longer bend. I've been doing well with squatting down to do things, but that's no longer working for certain things anymore. Specifically, getting into the dryer and bottom rack of the dish washer. Its more of the up and down and having to bend into the dryer and dishwasher to get things out once I'm down. I feel bad that Craig has to take on those things, but I am trying to do as much of the work before that as I can.
We decided on name spellings this week. We will have Allison Cate and Emmily Sophia. If you scroll down to post of the ultra sound pictures, Allison is Baby A and Emmily is Baby B.
I picked up our 2nd crib this week. It has been discontinued, so there was only one left in town. Of course it was at the store on the opposite side of town from me. That's okay though, I was able to meet a friend for lunch afterwards. We met at the mall. I waited on some couches outside Dillards. In this mall, Dillards has the MAC make-up counter outside the store, next to the couches where I was waiting. The MAC Counter was playing music, kind of loud, not obnoxious, just loud. Well, the girls LOVE IT. They were both kicking and moving like crazy. I was only there about 10 minutes, but they kicked and moved so much during that time, that I was actually sore! My Mom said to remember this when they are teenagers and start turning up the radio.
That's about all that really happened baby wise this week. They are just growing and getting stronger every day. My next check-up is Monday afternoon.
We did buy tile for the house this week. It won't be in until Friday, next week. Which is good, because we have to get the carpet and vinyl pulled up first. Of course by we, I mean Craig. Its really not something I can do right now. Maybe I can sit and scoot on the vinyl and try to pull some of that up. Probably would take 3x as long to get done that way though.
We decided on name spellings this week. We will have Allison Cate and Emmily Sophia. If you scroll down to post of the ultra sound pictures, Allison is Baby A and Emmily is Baby B.
I picked up our 2nd crib this week. It has been discontinued, so there was only one left in town. Of course it was at the store on the opposite side of town from me. That's okay though, I was able to meet a friend for lunch afterwards. We met at the mall. I waited on some couches outside Dillards. In this mall, Dillards has the MAC make-up counter outside the store, next to the couches where I was waiting. The MAC Counter was playing music, kind of loud, not obnoxious, just loud. Well, the girls LOVE IT. They were both kicking and moving like crazy. I was only there about 10 minutes, but they kicked and moved so much during that time, that I was actually sore! My Mom said to remember this when they are teenagers and start turning up the radio.
That's about all that really happened baby wise this week. They are just growing and getting stronger every day. My next check-up is Monday afternoon.
We did buy tile for the house this week. It won't be in until Friday, next week. Which is good, because we have to get the carpet and vinyl pulled up first. Of course by we, I mean Craig. Its really not something I can do right now. Maybe I can sit and scoot on the vinyl and try to pull some of that up. Probably would take 3x as long to get done that way though.
Saturday, May 30, 2009
20 weeks
This had been an eye opening week.
First, I knew my ribs had expanded. It was inevitable considering there is a baby in them, but wow!! My rib measurement went up 3 sizes!!! My bras have been getting tighter and tighter, and I just wasn't having any luck finding anything to fit me. I went to Motherhood Maternity and got measured, and it all made sense. They don't make bras in the actual size that I need. LOL! Only my ribs have expanded, nothing else, so far. So I got two inexpensive ones that are the proper rib size. It is so nice to not have my ribs crushed anymore.
I had no idea that your stomach muscles actually split during pregnancy!! I have no stomach muscle control at all any more. And I just simply can't bend. Trying to unload the dishwasher and pulling clothes out of the dryer made me so sore. I'm definitely going to need Craig to help me more with anything that involves a lot of bending.
We decided on names this week, as well. Just not the spelling of the names. We are planning on going with Alyson Cate and Emilee Sophia. Basically we took our top 4 names (Alyson, Emilee, Sophie and Katie) and rearranged them until we came up with first and middle names that we liked. I'm putting the spellings that I like here. Craig would like to go with Kate for Alyson's middle name and I think he's leaning more towards traditional spellings for their first names.
All in all, I think I'm very lucky. I was worried at first with all the research I had done that said all your symptoms and possible problems are doubled with twins. But really, I have felt pretty good. I don't think any of my normal pregnancy symptoms have been worse than a singleton pregnancy. I've definitely had to slow down sooner than I probably would've otherwise, but that really isn't a big deal.
We will take another picture this weekend. I still haven't posted my 18 week picture because we are having problems with our big computer. After taking the picture I'll try to put them on a portable device and upload them from the laptop.
First, I knew my ribs had expanded. It was inevitable considering there is a baby in them, but wow!! My rib measurement went up 3 sizes!!! My bras have been getting tighter and tighter, and I just wasn't having any luck finding anything to fit me. I went to Motherhood Maternity and got measured, and it all made sense. They don't make bras in the actual size that I need. LOL! Only my ribs have expanded, nothing else, so far. So I got two inexpensive ones that are the proper rib size. It is so nice to not have my ribs crushed anymore.
I had no idea that your stomach muscles actually split during pregnancy!! I have no stomach muscle control at all any more. And I just simply can't bend. Trying to unload the dishwasher and pulling clothes out of the dryer made me so sore. I'm definitely going to need Craig to help me more with anything that involves a lot of bending.
We decided on names this week, as well. Just not the spelling of the names. We are planning on going with Alyson Cate and Emilee Sophia. Basically we took our top 4 names (Alyson, Emilee, Sophie and Katie) and rearranged them until we came up with first and middle names that we liked. I'm putting the spellings that I like here. Craig would like to go with Kate for Alyson's middle name and I think he's leaning more towards traditional spellings for their first names.
All in all, I think I'm very lucky. I was worried at first with all the research I had done that said all your symptoms and possible problems are doubled with twins. But really, I have felt pretty good. I don't think any of my normal pregnancy symptoms have been worse than a singleton pregnancy. I've definitely had to slow down sooner than I probably would've otherwise, but that really isn't a big deal.
We will take another picture this weekend. I still haven't posted my 18 week picture because we are having problems with our big computer. After taking the picture I'll try to put them on a portable device and upload them from the laptop.
Friday, May 22, 2009
19 weeks
WooHoo!! I'm officially 1/2 way to 38 weeks (full term for twins) and only 6 weeks away from being through the critical stage! I couldn't be more excited about that.
We still don't have names for these two precious girls, but we are working on it. Right now we have a list of 6 names we agree on. Now we just need to pick our favorites from there.
I am feeling them move around more and more. Usually I can tell which one I am feeling, too. Baby B is up in my ribs, and will likely stay there since her sister is blocking her from moving down. Baby A has moved up the the middle of my tummy. They are getting stronger, too. The insides of my lower ribs have been pretty sore the past few nights. Baby B must be practicing her dance moves or something.
Only a couple of new things this week. I noticed just how easy I can over do it. I was out of the house for a total of 3 hours running some errands. By the time I got home I was sore and exhausted beyond belief. So I definitely need to learn to take breaks even when I'm feeling okay. It is really easy to cross the line of over doing it in a short time period. The other odd thing that happened is that I noticed one day that my left foot started to swell just a little bit one day. I was sitting on the couch for a while and didn't get up and move or change positions. It went away as soon as I propped my feet up. So need to make sure I'm not in any certain position for too long.
I started having some back/hip issues a few weeks ago. I've even had to visit the chiropractor. Basically the joints where my hips attach to my back are moving out of place. Sometimes it hurts, sometimes it doesn't. Its just a little scary because when it happens, I have a hard time lifting my left leg. Just because it won't move. Apparently this is all completely normal. My joints are loosening up and the babies (or at least one of them, probably baby A) just happens to put just enough pressure in that area. I have noticed it more when I'm in a sitting position rather than a standing or laying down.
We do have an 18 week photo, I just haven't gotten a chance to load it to the big computer (I've been using Mom's laptop.) I will try to get to that in the next few days. Have a great Memorial Day everyone!!
We still don't have names for these two precious girls, but we are working on it. Right now we have a list of 6 names we agree on. Now we just need to pick our favorites from there.
I am feeling them move around more and more. Usually I can tell which one I am feeling, too. Baby B is up in my ribs, and will likely stay there since her sister is blocking her from moving down. Baby A has moved up the the middle of my tummy. They are getting stronger, too. The insides of my lower ribs have been pretty sore the past few nights. Baby B must be practicing her dance moves or something.
Only a couple of new things this week. I noticed just how easy I can over do it. I was out of the house for a total of 3 hours running some errands. By the time I got home I was sore and exhausted beyond belief. So I definitely need to learn to take breaks even when I'm feeling okay. It is really easy to cross the line of over doing it in a short time period. The other odd thing that happened is that I noticed one day that my left foot started to swell just a little bit one day. I was sitting on the couch for a while and didn't get up and move or change positions. It went away as soon as I propped my feet up. So need to make sure I'm not in any certain position for too long.
I started having some back/hip issues a few weeks ago. I've even had to visit the chiropractor. Basically the joints where my hips attach to my back are moving out of place. Sometimes it hurts, sometimes it doesn't. Its just a little scary because when it happens, I have a hard time lifting my left leg. Just because it won't move. Apparently this is all completely normal. My joints are loosening up and the babies (or at least one of them, probably baby A) just happens to put just enough pressure in that area. I have noticed it more when I'm in a sitting position rather than a standing or laying down.
We do have an 18 week photo, I just haven't gotten a chance to load it to the big computer (I've been using Mom's laptop.) I will try to get to that in the next few days. Have a great Memorial Day everyone!!
Friday, May 15, 2009
18 weeks
I started to feel the babies move this past week!! It started last Friday, but I wasn't really sure until Saturday. Through out the week its gotten more frequent and stronger.
I seem to feel Baby A mostly in the evenings when we're are watching TV. Baby B seems to be our night owl. Last night I woke up a little after 3 to use the bathroom, and could feel her kicking up a storm. At first I though, how cute. Then I realized that in a couple of weeks when I can feel every move she makes, it won't be so cute to feel her moving around at 3 am.
We are still working on picking out names for these two. So far we've decided against all the names we had liked earlier in the pregnancy. And Craig really doesn't like my favorite name. So it might be a while before we can really decide.
All in all a very exciting week! We got to see them and find out they are both girls and I can feel them move!
I seem to feel Baby A mostly in the evenings when we're are watching TV. Baby B seems to be our night owl. Last night I woke up a little after 3 to use the bathroom, and could feel her kicking up a storm. At first I though, how cute. Then I realized that in a couple of weeks when I can feel every move she makes, it won't be so cute to feel her moving around at 3 am.
We are still working on picking out names for these two. So far we've decided against all the names we had liked earlier in the pregnancy. And Craig really doesn't like my favorite name. So it might be a while before we can really decide.
All in all a very exciting week! We got to see them and find out they are both girls and I can feel them move!
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
Ultra Sound Results
We had a PERFECT ultra sound yesterday!
The pictures pretty much speak for themselves. The first one is Baby "A" which is a GIRL! You can see her nose and lips, then the little shadow below her belly is a little leg kicking.
The pictures pretty much speak for themselves. The first one is Baby "A" which is a GIRL! You can see her nose and lips, then the little shadow below her belly is a little leg kicking.
The next picture is Baby "B." This is also a GIRL!! She was practicing her tummy time during the ultra sound and didn't want to roll over for us. So on her picture we have a good shot of her spinal cord. In the second picture, you can see her little bottom sticking up in the air so we could see if she was a girl.
Both girls measured about the same size. Baby "A" is about 7 oz, and Baby "B" is about 7.3 oz. Both hearts and both spinal cords look great.
Baby "A" was moving around quite a bit. Even when we were looking at Baby "B" we could see her little foot coming on the screen like she was trying to kick her sister's head.
Baby "B" wasn't quite as active. I think that has more to do with her being on her belly than anything else. You could see her little legs moving around like she was riding a bike.
They will be keeping a close eye on these two little girls. I will be having these higher tech ultra sounds every 4 to 6 weeks. Then closer to the end I will get one every week.
Friday, May 8, 2009
17 weeks
I guess my belly is growing a little faster than Craig expected. He's been all out shocked a few times this past week by how big it is. I told him he's beginning to make me think there is something wrong with the way I look. He said, there's nothing wrong, its just weird to him. I'm only 17 weeks, if the thinks this is big, just wait another 10 weeks.
This past week I also started experiencing indigestion. So far its generally starts around midnight. A couple of Tums before bed has been pretty helpful. But twice this week, I had it during the day, and wasn't really able to eat much for dinner. Both of those days I woke up a couple of times a night to take more Tums.
I had a doctor appointment yesterday. They are pretty boring. I had my weight, blood pressure and urine checked. Then a quick ultra sound to see the heart beats. I guess the Doppler doesn't work to well for them with two. The doctor said this is probably the last time he will be able to get them on the same screen during an ultra sound, so he gave us a picture.
This past week I also started experiencing indigestion. So far its generally starts around midnight. A couple of Tums before bed has been pretty helpful. But twice this week, I had it during the day, and wasn't really able to eat much for dinner. Both of those days I woke up a couple of times a night to take more Tums.
I had a doctor appointment yesterday. They are pretty boring. I had my weight, blood pressure and urine checked. Then a quick ultra sound to see the heart beats. I guess the Doppler doesn't work to well for them with two. The doctor said this is probably the last time he will be able to get them on the same screen during an ultra sound, so he gave us a picture.
We also have our big ultra sound on Monday. This is the one where they will look at the babies' hearts and spinal cords. And if they both cooperate, we will get to find out their sexes. Which is very exciting to me!! I was hoping Craig would discuss names with me so we can start calling them by their names after the ultra sound, but he won't. I guess a few more days won't hurt too much. We do have a couple we discussed right before the IVF, but I have a feeling we're going to need a new one, too.
I will update again after our ultra sound on Monday.
HAVE A HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY!
Thursday, May 7, 2009
Piper is at it again...
This puppy cracks us up on almost a daily basis.
Usually in the mornings when I let her out of her kennel she says good morning by rubbing up to my legs and getting all kinds of scratches and pets. Then she runs to the back door so she can tackle Shadow as they go outside.
This morning was a different story. Instead of saying hi to me or Shadow, she immediately ran into the closet and came out carrying Craig's socks in her mouth. The only thing I could figure is that she saw Craig throw his socks at the hamper the night before, but he missed because the lid was closed. My guess is that she remembered that and went to see if he had picked them up or not. She got lucky.
I couldn't get her to give up the socks for anything. She slipped past me at the back door, so I couldn't get them then. She didn't even let go of them for her morning "potty" break.
Once she came back in the house she tried everything she could to get me to chase her to try and get the socks, which I simply won't do. I just went about my regular routine. When I walked into the family room to turn on the morning news, she came up to me and put the socks right in my hand, then ran off.
Usually in the mornings when I let her out of her kennel she says good morning by rubbing up to my legs and getting all kinds of scratches and pets. Then she runs to the back door so she can tackle Shadow as they go outside.
This morning was a different story. Instead of saying hi to me or Shadow, she immediately ran into the closet and came out carrying Craig's socks in her mouth. The only thing I could figure is that she saw Craig throw his socks at the hamper the night before, but he missed because the lid was closed. My guess is that she remembered that and went to see if he had picked them up or not. She got lucky.
I couldn't get her to give up the socks for anything. She slipped past me at the back door, so I couldn't get them then. She didn't even let go of them for her morning "potty" break.
Once she came back in the house she tried everything she could to get me to chase her to try and get the socks, which I simply won't do. I just went about my regular routine. When I walked into the family room to turn on the morning news, she came up to me and put the socks right in my hand, then ran off.
Wednesday, May 6, 2009
New Slide Show
Since the old one seemed to stop working, I went in and created a new one. The captions don't show up, but the pictures are in order: 5, 6, 8, 10, 14 & 16 weeks. Enjoy!
Friday, May 1, 2009
16 weeks
Considering the babies will more than likely be born around 36 weeks, we only have 20 weeks left!
They say (you know who "they" are, right?) that the second trimester goes by faster than the first, and by the time you are half way through it, you won't even remember the first trimester. Well, I'm only 3 weeks in and I would have to agree, time is flying by. And, I have to think really hard to remember those early days of morning sickness and overall aches and pains.
We were able to sell Craig's Dad's Blazer this week. They came and picked it up on Wednesday. Very nice people, it's always a good feeling to sell something to people who you know will appreciate it. Now we have room in the garage to finish cleaning out the babies' room.
I've spent most of the week looking into strollers, infant car seats and cribs. I've decided on a stroller and carrier style, but not on the print. Cribs have been a little more difficult. We have one that we got while we had the store, and we'd never be able to get another one, or one that will match it. So I'm trying to find one that is traditional in style, but not a sleigh, and in white.
I've given up on being able to sleep comfortably for the time being. Other than that I am feeling pretty good. I still get sleepy early in the evening, but I suppose that will stick with me and probably get worse towards the end of my pregnancy.
My belly is still growing. I've even started to out grow some of my smaller maternity clothes. Craig even commented on how round my belly looks when I'm sitting on the couch. It's funny to me, because I see other pregnant women who have these tiny little bellies yet they are obviously pregnant. That never really applied to me. I started to get my belly at 6 weeks and looked like I was merely gaining weight then boom I had an obvious pregnant belly. I haven't decided yet if that is just the way my body responded or if that is all part of having twins.
I still haven't felt them move yet, but I do feel pressure and bumps when they are in certain positions. Especially at night, they put a lot of pressure on my lower abdomen.
I seem to be gaining back all the weight I lost at a pretty fast rate. I'll probably have gained back all the weight by next week. Which means it took 12 weeks to loose, but only 4 weeks to come back.
They say (you know who "they" are, right?) that the second trimester goes by faster than the first, and by the time you are half way through it, you won't even remember the first trimester. Well, I'm only 3 weeks in and I would have to agree, time is flying by. And, I have to think really hard to remember those early days of morning sickness and overall aches and pains.
We were able to sell Craig's Dad's Blazer this week. They came and picked it up on Wednesday. Very nice people, it's always a good feeling to sell something to people who you know will appreciate it. Now we have room in the garage to finish cleaning out the babies' room.
I've spent most of the week looking into strollers, infant car seats and cribs. I've decided on a stroller and carrier style, but not on the print. Cribs have been a little more difficult. We have one that we got while we had the store, and we'd never be able to get another one, or one that will match it. So I'm trying to find one that is traditional in style, but not a sleigh, and in white.
I've given up on being able to sleep comfortably for the time being. Other than that I am feeling pretty good. I still get sleepy early in the evening, but I suppose that will stick with me and probably get worse towards the end of my pregnancy.
My belly is still growing. I've even started to out grow some of my smaller maternity clothes. Craig even commented on how round my belly looks when I'm sitting on the couch. It's funny to me, because I see other pregnant women who have these tiny little bellies yet they are obviously pregnant. That never really applied to me. I started to get my belly at 6 weeks and looked like I was merely gaining weight then boom I had an obvious pregnant belly. I haven't decided yet if that is just the way my body responded or if that is all part of having twins.
I still haven't felt them move yet, but I do feel pressure and bumps when they are in certain positions. Especially at night, they put a lot of pressure on my lower abdomen.
I seem to be gaining back all the weight I lost at a pretty fast rate. I'll probably have gained back all the weight by next week. Which means it took 12 weeks to loose, but only 4 weeks to come back.
Friday, April 24, 2009
15 weeks.
This was another fast week for me. So fast that I was surprised to see my 15 week newsletter in my e-mail in-box this morning.
Other than a couple of days of pregnancy brain this has been just an ordinary week. I'm pretty sure next week's picture will show some changes, as well. I'm at the point now that I have a harder time staying comfortable when I sleep. I wake up every couple of hours to change positions.
We are trying to sell Craig's father's Blazer. It's got a little fender damage, but other than that is in great shape. It's a 2001 2-Door, 4wd and only has 56,000 miles on it. We had a lady come and look at it and the guy with her acted like he knew all about cars and told her she shouldn't buy it because of the fender damage. He never even turned on the car or drove it. What are they expecting for $5k, low miles and a $20k body? It's not like a dent on the top of the fender is going to keep it from driving properly. Luckily that's not the only hit we've had on it. Craig it expecting one or two more people to come and look at it this weekend. Wish us luck getting this thing sold and out of our garage (so we can make room for baby things).
Other than a couple of days of pregnancy brain this has been just an ordinary week. I'm pretty sure next week's picture will show some changes, as well. I'm at the point now that I have a harder time staying comfortable when I sleep. I wake up every couple of hours to change positions.
We are trying to sell Craig's father's Blazer. It's got a little fender damage, but other than that is in great shape. It's a 2001 2-Door, 4wd and only has 56,000 miles on it. We had a lady come and look at it and the guy with her acted like he knew all about cars and told her she shouldn't buy it because of the fender damage. He never even turned on the car or drove it. What are they expecting for $5k, low miles and a $20k body? It's not like a dent on the top of the fender is going to keep it from driving properly. Luckily that's not the only hit we've had on it. Craig it expecting one or two more people to come and look at it this weekend. Wish us luck getting this thing sold and out of our garage (so we can make room for baby things).
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
Pregnancy Brain Runamuck...
Oh what a day. I should not be allowed around food today.
First at lunch I made a scrambled egg sandwich, but had to use an extra egg because I dropped one on the floor as I was cracking it.
Then for dinner I put a frozen lasagna in the oven. After about an hour I went to put the garlic bread in and noticed that they lasagna was black and the container it was in was completely melted.
As I went to turn the oven off, I noticed that it was at 550. WHOA!!! I must've hit the knob when I was cleaning the stove and didn't even realize it.
So off to the grocery store for something else for dinner. I came back with much more than I bargained for. Cereal, ice cream, wings, taquitos, eggs, and dinner. I know you're not supposed to go to the grocery store hungry, but its much worse when you're pregnant and hungry.
First at lunch I made a scrambled egg sandwich, but had to use an extra egg because I dropped one on the floor as I was cracking it.
Then for dinner I put a frozen lasagna in the oven. After about an hour I went to put the garlic bread in and noticed that they lasagna was black and the container it was in was completely melted.
As I went to turn the oven off, I noticed that it was at 550. WHOA!!! I must've hit the knob when I was cleaning the stove and didn't even realize it.
So off to the grocery store for something else for dinner. I came back with much more than I bargained for. Cereal, ice cream, wings, taquitos, eggs, and dinner. I know you're not supposed to go to the grocery store hungry, but its much worse when you're pregnant and hungry.
Monday, April 20, 2009
14 Weeks
I don't really know how to explain it. I wasn't really sick before, but this past week I felt really good. I don't necessarily have more energy. I just get tired early at night (8 ish) instead of off and on all day. I seem to have more of an appetite as well. I finally stopped loosing weight and gained a couple of pounds this week. My goal is to have them both weigh at least 6 pounds by the time they are born.
Our big ultra sound has been scheduled for May 11th. They will look at the babies' hearts, spinal cords and such. If the babies cooperate, we will also be able to find out their sexes. That appointment is 3 weeks from today.
I also got an Angel Sounds heart monitor from my Mom this week. I think I've got it figured out now so that I can hear both of the babies' heart rates. I've timed them and they are pretty close to the same, which they have been at all the doctor appointments. One of them seems just to the left of my belly button and the other one is about 2 to 3 inches below that.
According to a growth chart I've looked at, this week they are both the size of a lemon, and next week they will be about the size of a navel orange. Also, I should be able to start feeling them move anytime in the next 4 weeks. I will be very relieved once I can start to feel them move.
I've updated the slide show with our 10 week and 14 week pictures. We didn't end up doing a 12 week picture. For some reason the slide show isn't working properly. I will keep messing with it and see if I can get it to work. Until then, if you click on the link that will show you all the pictures, you will be able to see them.
Our big ultra sound has been scheduled for May 11th. They will look at the babies' hearts, spinal cords and such. If the babies cooperate, we will also be able to find out their sexes. That appointment is 3 weeks from today.
I also got an Angel Sounds heart monitor from my Mom this week. I think I've got it figured out now so that I can hear both of the babies' heart rates. I've timed them and they are pretty close to the same, which they have been at all the doctor appointments. One of them seems just to the left of my belly button and the other one is about 2 to 3 inches below that.
According to a growth chart I've looked at, this week they are both the size of a lemon, and next week they will be about the size of a navel orange. Also, I should be able to start feeling them move anytime in the next 4 weeks. I will be very relieved once I can start to feel them move.
I've updated the slide show with our 10 week and 14 week pictures. We didn't end up doing a 12 week picture. For some reason the slide show isn't working properly. I will keep messing with it and see if I can get it to work. Until then, if you click on the link that will show you all the pictures, you will be able to see them.
Monday, April 13, 2009
13 Weeks
Good Bye 1st Tri-Mester and GOOD BYE SHOTS!!!
Oh yes, I am very excited to be shot free!!!! It has only been 4 days and the knots in my back side have already started going away.
I had a doctor appointment on Thursday and was cleared to resume normal activities. The babies are definitely growing, too. They no longer fit on the ultrasound screen at the same time. The doctor didn't take their measurements, but they are definitely much bigger. I wouldn't say that's I'm much bigger, but I can't wear regular shirts anymore. Its a bit of a challenge because I'm not getting wider, only my tummy is growing. So a lot of maternity shirts still look odd on me because they are too wide.
Friday was my first day of freedom. So I decided to go to Walgreens to refill my prenatal vitamin prescription and to the grocery store. Well I only made it to Walgreens because I ended up throwing up in the Walgreens bathroom. The first day of the second tri-mester and the first time I actually got sick. Good news is that I've felt fine ever since.
Our next appointment is May 7th. And they are trying to set up the big ultrasound for May 8th. That is when we will hopefully get to find out the sex of the babies.
Oh yes, I am very excited to be shot free!!!! It has only been 4 days and the knots in my back side have already started going away.
I had a doctor appointment on Thursday and was cleared to resume normal activities. The babies are definitely growing, too. They no longer fit on the ultrasound screen at the same time. The doctor didn't take their measurements, but they are definitely much bigger. I wouldn't say that's I'm much bigger, but I can't wear regular shirts anymore. Its a bit of a challenge because I'm not getting wider, only my tummy is growing. So a lot of maternity shirts still look odd on me because they are too wide.
Friday was my first day of freedom. So I decided to go to Walgreens to refill my prenatal vitamin prescription and to the grocery store. Well I only made it to Walgreens because I ended up throwing up in the Walgreens bathroom. The first day of the second tri-mester and the first time I actually got sick. Good news is that I've felt fine ever since.
Our next appointment is May 7th. And they are trying to set up the big ultrasound for May 8th. That is when we will hopefully get to find out the sex of the babies.
Thursday, April 2, 2009
11 and 12 weeks.
I know, I've been slacking the past two weeks. Sorry about that. Good news is that my Mom has loaned us her laptop and wireless router, so now I am able to get online more often.
The doctors told us that the tear should heal in a week, but I had a little more bleeding on Sunday morning and have had spotting most of the week. We're assuming that means it hasn't completely healed quite yet. I have a doctor appointment one week from today, so we should know more at that time.
I will be 12 weeks tomorrow. I'm really excited because besides being the last week of the 1st trimester, this should also be my last week of injections. The muscle that receives the injections is pretty knotted up and sore most of the time. Don't get me wrong, I'm not complaining. I would do anything to make sure these little ones have the best chance at surviving. I'm just really happy that they are close to the age where they aren't going to need the injections for help anymore and my muscle can start to heal.
For now, I am continuing to follow the no standing for long periods of time, bending, squatting, or stopping rules. Trying to stay in bed or on the couch as much as possible. Craig started out being very proud of himself for keeping up on all the house work, making dinner and taking care of the dogs. This week he's started to slow down. I think he's realizing that its not as easy as it looks on a longer term basis. He's still doing a great job, just not as enthusiastic as he was.
He left today for a short work trip. He'll be back tomorrow, but wanted to make sure I wasn't alone the entire time. So my Mom is coming for a sleep over tonight. The dogs and I will get dinner and I'll still be able to get my shot.
I had some dizziness and vision problems earlier this week. We've pretty much pinned it down to my lack of calories. I'm eating plenty, well as much as my tummy will hold. And I eat every time I'm hungry, but it just doesn't seem to be enough. I've lost a total of 11 pounds so far. Five of which have come off the past 3 weeks. We think the problem is that I'm eating lower calorie foods. I really should be getting 2700 calories a day, and I doubt that I'm even getting 2000 calories. So this next week I'm going to concentrate on eating some higher calorie food. I'm not expecting to really gain any weight, but I need to stop loosing it. Ha, ha, I guess this will probably be the only time in my life I actually have to worry about loosing weight.
The doctors told us that the tear should heal in a week, but I had a little more bleeding on Sunday morning and have had spotting most of the week. We're assuming that means it hasn't completely healed quite yet. I have a doctor appointment one week from today, so we should know more at that time.
I will be 12 weeks tomorrow. I'm really excited because besides being the last week of the 1st trimester, this should also be my last week of injections. The muscle that receives the injections is pretty knotted up and sore most of the time. Don't get me wrong, I'm not complaining. I would do anything to make sure these little ones have the best chance at surviving. I'm just really happy that they are close to the age where they aren't going to need the injections for help anymore and my muscle can start to heal.
For now, I am continuing to follow the no standing for long periods of time, bending, squatting, or stopping rules. Trying to stay in bed or on the couch as much as possible. Craig started out being very proud of himself for keeping up on all the house work, making dinner and taking care of the dogs. This week he's started to slow down. I think he's realizing that its not as easy as it looks on a longer term basis. He's still doing a great job, just not as enthusiastic as he was.
He left today for a short work trip. He'll be back tomorrow, but wanted to make sure I wasn't alone the entire time. So my Mom is coming for a sleep over tonight. The dogs and I will get dinner and I'll still be able to get my shot.
I had some dizziness and vision problems earlier this week. We've pretty much pinned it down to my lack of calories. I'm eating plenty, well as much as my tummy will hold. And I eat every time I'm hungry, but it just doesn't seem to be enough. I've lost a total of 11 pounds so far. Five of which have come off the past 3 weeks. We think the problem is that I'm eating lower calorie foods. I really should be getting 2700 calories a day, and I doubt that I'm even getting 2000 calories. So this next week I'm going to concentrate on eating some higher calorie food. I'm not expecting to really gain any weight, but I need to stop loosing it. Ha, ha, I guess this will probably be the only time in my life I actually have to worry about loosing weight.
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
10 Weeks
Only 2 weeks left of the first trimester.
Sorry I'm a little late in getting this posted. We had quite a week last week. I started bleeding and loosing tissue on Tuesday. Very scary, I thought I had actually lost one of the twins. After 6 hours of stress and worry, an ultrasound revealed two very healthy and now, very active babies.
Mommy on the other hand has a subchorionic hemorrhage, which is a tear in my uterine lining behind the placenta. This one happens to be adjacent to both sacks. Luckily, most of the time, they heal on their own and there isn't any more problems. Sometimes they stop bleeding but don't heal and others, they keep on bleeding causing too much blood to get between the uterine lining and the placenta. That makes the placenta detach which then causes a miscarriage. So, some pretty scary stuff.
Right now I am on full pelvic rest. No bending, squatting, stooping, lifting or standing for long periods of time. All until my next dr appt on April 9th. We're not taking any chances. So I've pretty much been a bump on a log this past week. Just laying in the bed or on the couch.
We did take a 10 week picture, and I will try to get it up as soon as I get the chance.
Sorry I'm a little late in getting this posted. We had quite a week last week. I started bleeding and loosing tissue on Tuesday. Very scary, I thought I had actually lost one of the twins. After 6 hours of stress and worry, an ultrasound revealed two very healthy and now, very active babies.
Mommy on the other hand has a subchorionic hemorrhage, which is a tear in my uterine lining behind the placenta. This one happens to be adjacent to both sacks. Luckily, most of the time, they heal on their own and there isn't any more problems. Sometimes they stop bleeding but don't heal and others, they keep on bleeding causing too much blood to get between the uterine lining and the placenta. That makes the placenta detach which then causes a miscarriage. So, some pretty scary stuff.
Right now I am on full pelvic rest. No bending, squatting, stooping, lifting or standing for long periods of time. All until my next dr appt on April 9th. We're not taking any chances. So I've pretty much been a bump on a log this past week. Just laying in the bed or on the couch.
We did take a 10 week picture, and I will try to get it up as soon as I get the chance.
Saturday, March 14, 2009
9 weeks
Whew.... what a fast week this was. I'm glad too, I really needed a week to go by fast.
Not only have I out grown all my pants, but now I have out grown all my fitted shirts. The only non-maternity shirts I can wear now are long flowing empire waisted shirts. Luckily I have a few, but the ones that have a more fitted top, don't fit any more either. I have gotten quite a few maternity clothes on loan from friends, and some form my sister and my mom. I have some that fit now, and some that are still too big. Most of the shirts fall in the still too big column. The ones that fit now though, probably won't fit for more than a couple of months. Its amazing to me how my body can change so much and yet I still haven't gained any weight. Not that I'm complaining about that, by any means.
My biggest struggle this week has been making sure I consume 2,700 calories. I got some good suggestions from some friends, and I'm now at the point where I need to count them up to see how good I'm doing. Its just difficult to eat 1,000 more calories than I normally do in a day and avoid things that will counter act with my diabetic medication and upset my stomach. The past two or three days have been especially challenging because I am starting to get hungry more often (when my stomach isn't upset), but all my snacks are relatively low calorie.
I had my first appointment with my new OB on Wednesday. Taylor was in town looking at the UofA Law School, so she came with me. I had another ultrasound. They babies are definitely growing they are now measuring a couple of days ahead of where I actually am. The doctor is pretty confident that I will have a cesarean, which really doesn't bother me. I've always figured I would. Now I'm anxious for the 18 week ultra sound so we can find out the sex of the babies. But that is still another 9 weeks away!!
Craig and Skyler are both hoping for 2 boys. I don't thing Craig would know what to do with girls and Skyler wants us to even out the grand kids for him. I told them both that I think its going to be two girls. As expected, they were both disappointed by that. Craig even asked if that's what I wanted, two girls. I told him it didn't really matter to me, I just think that's what they are going to be. He still refuses to get serious about names. He thinks we should wait until the 18 week ultrasound. But, I'm a planner so I really have this need to have it narrowed down before then. I guess now is as good a time as any to start learning to compromise on how we deal with our children. I just wish it wasn't me having to do the compromising. Ha, ha, ha.
Not only have I out grown all my pants, but now I have out grown all my fitted shirts. The only non-maternity shirts I can wear now are long flowing empire waisted shirts. Luckily I have a few, but the ones that have a more fitted top, don't fit any more either. I have gotten quite a few maternity clothes on loan from friends, and some form my sister and my mom. I have some that fit now, and some that are still too big. Most of the shirts fall in the still too big column. The ones that fit now though, probably won't fit for more than a couple of months. Its amazing to me how my body can change so much and yet I still haven't gained any weight. Not that I'm complaining about that, by any means.
My biggest struggle this week has been making sure I consume 2,700 calories. I got some good suggestions from some friends, and I'm now at the point where I need to count them up to see how good I'm doing. Its just difficult to eat 1,000 more calories than I normally do in a day and avoid things that will counter act with my diabetic medication and upset my stomach. The past two or three days have been especially challenging because I am starting to get hungry more often (when my stomach isn't upset), but all my snacks are relatively low calorie.
I had my first appointment with my new OB on Wednesday. Taylor was in town looking at the UofA Law School, so she came with me. I had another ultrasound. They babies are definitely growing they are now measuring a couple of days ahead of where I actually am. The doctor is pretty confident that I will have a cesarean, which really doesn't bother me. I've always figured I would. Now I'm anxious for the 18 week ultra sound so we can find out the sex of the babies. But that is still another 9 weeks away!!
Craig and Skyler are both hoping for 2 boys. I don't thing Craig would know what to do with girls and Skyler wants us to even out the grand kids for him. I told them both that I think its going to be two girls. As expected, they were both disappointed by that. Craig even asked if that's what I wanted, two girls. I told him it didn't really matter to me, I just think that's what they are going to be. He still refuses to get serious about names. He thinks we should wait until the 18 week ultrasound. But, I'm a planner so I really have this need to have it narrowed down before then. I guess now is as good a time as any to start learning to compromise on how we deal with our children. I just wish it wasn't me having to do the compromising. Ha, ha, ha.
Sunday, March 8, 2009
8 weeks
We took our 8 week picture, so we now have 3. The first is 5 weeks, the second is 6 weeks and the last one is 8 weeks.
I'm feeling good most of the time. Just a little bit of morning sickness every now and then, always in the evenings. The other thing is that I just don't have as much energy as I used to. It takes me longer to get everything done, and I just can't get as much done in a day. Those days that I push myself, I am completely worn out by 7pm and falling asleep on the couch.
My doctor appointment on Friday went well. It was just a come in, meet the staff and go over your medical history appointment. I go back on Wednesday to see the doctor.
I am officially in maternity clothes. I can still wear many of my shirts, just not my pants. Luckily I've been able to receive some maternity clothes from friends and now have quite a few extra pants to wear. Some of which are still a little too big, which is good, because I will need the extra room to grow these babies.
Piper had to be taken to the vet this week, too. I thought she had an ear infection, but it turns out she actually has allergies. So we now have two dogs on allergy medication.
I'm feeling good most of the time. Just a little bit of morning sickness every now and then, always in the evenings. The other thing is that I just don't have as much energy as I used to. It takes me longer to get everything done, and I just can't get as much done in a day. Those days that I push myself, I am completely worn out by 7pm and falling asleep on the couch.
My doctor appointment on Friday went well. It was just a come in, meet the staff and go over your medical history appointment. I go back on Wednesday to see the doctor.
I am officially in maternity clothes. I can still wear many of my shirts, just not my pants. Luckily I've been able to receive some maternity clothes from friends and now have quite a few extra pants to wear. Some of which are still a little too big, which is good, because I will need the extra room to grow these babies.
Piper had to be taken to the vet this week, too. I thought she had an ear infection, but it turns out she actually has allergies. So we now have two dogs on allergy medication.
Tuesday, March 3, 2009
And the verdict is..... TWINS
Our Ultra Sound was today and we're having TWINS!!!!!!
The dr gave us two sets of pictures, one for us and one for the OB. Daddy had to take the dr's set back to work with him to show them off.
Twin A measured at 10mm and had a heart rate of 139. Twin B measured 11mm and had a heart rate of 145. The dr was very pleased with their sizes and said everything look great!
Friday, February 27, 2009
7 weeks
How is it that a week can seem like a year one minute and like it didn't even exist a second later. That is how I would definitely define this week. I've been anxiously waiting for it to be over because next week I have 2 big doctor appointments.
The first is on Tuesday and we will get to see how many babies we are having. I'm really not sure myself. I don't have a feeling one way or another. On one hand I will be eternally grateful to hear that we have one healthy baby growing. On the other hand, I would love to have twins. Its one of those strange things I've always wanted. Maybe, just maybe, if everything looks okay, I might be able to stop getting my progesterone shots. I've been pretty sore lately. The other night the muscle my right side was really tight, so Craig had to give me my shot on the left. I'm also taking prometrium, which is another form of progesterone that does not involve needles. My hope is that I will only need the prometrium.
My second appointment is on Friday. I am going to meet my new OB. I decided after my embryo transfer that I needed to find a new one. Not that my old one isn't a good doctor, because he is. It's just that he didn't seem to remember me, which only seeing me once a year, I don't really expect him to, but I do expect him to read over his notes and remember that HE diagnosed me with PCOS, HE did my surgery 5 years ago and HE is the one who refills my prescription for metformin. All of which he didn't know. I want a doctor who knows me a little better and who understands the intricacies of a women with PCOS who is pregnant via IVF. Luckily I had my choice of two such doctors when asking about it at the fertility doctors, one is the fertility doctors wife, but she is on the other side of town and so is the hospital she delivers out of. The other is on our side of town and delivers out of the hospital closest to us. He came highly recommended by the fertility doctor's sister and by my neighbor who works at the hospital. So I choose the one closest to our house. I am anxious to meet him and to make sure I feel comfortable in his office.
I feel great. If it wasn't for my clothes not fitting due to my ever growing belly and having to run to the bathroom every 20 minutes, I might not even feel like I was pregnant.
The first is on Tuesday and we will get to see how many babies we are having. I'm really not sure myself. I don't have a feeling one way or another. On one hand I will be eternally grateful to hear that we have one healthy baby growing. On the other hand, I would love to have twins. Its one of those strange things I've always wanted. Maybe, just maybe, if everything looks okay, I might be able to stop getting my progesterone shots. I've been pretty sore lately. The other night the muscle my right side was really tight, so Craig had to give me my shot on the left. I'm also taking prometrium, which is another form of progesterone that does not involve needles. My hope is that I will only need the prometrium.
My second appointment is on Friday. I am going to meet my new OB. I decided after my embryo transfer that I needed to find a new one. Not that my old one isn't a good doctor, because he is. It's just that he didn't seem to remember me, which only seeing me once a year, I don't really expect him to, but I do expect him to read over his notes and remember that HE diagnosed me with PCOS, HE did my surgery 5 years ago and HE is the one who refills my prescription for metformin. All of which he didn't know. I want a doctor who knows me a little better and who understands the intricacies of a women with PCOS who is pregnant via IVF. Luckily I had my choice of two such doctors when asking about it at the fertility doctors, one is the fertility doctors wife, but she is on the other side of town and so is the hospital she delivers out of. The other is on our side of town and delivers out of the hospital closest to us. He came highly recommended by the fertility doctor's sister and by my neighbor who works at the hospital. So I choose the one closest to our house. I am anxious to meet him and to make sure I feel comfortable in his office.
I feel great. If it wasn't for my clothes not fitting due to my ever growing belly and having to run to the bathroom every 20 minutes, I might not even feel like I was pregnant.
Friday, February 20, 2009
6 weeks.
Yep, that's right... I'm already 1/2 way through my first trimester.
I've felt good this week, just a little nausea on Monday and Friday, but no other morning sickness. Maybe I will be one of the lucky ones after all.
The thing that continues to be a surprise to me is how fast my body is changing. I officially out grew all my regular pants this week. I have a couple pairs of jeans and one pair of capries that are normally a couple sizes too big that I have kept as transition pieces the past few years. Those now fit just fine during the day, but become a little tight at night. I don't think its anything noticeable to most people at this point. We'll take another picture this weekend to compare.
Discussing names has been quite a challenge. We have completely different tastes. Craig says most of the names I come up with are stripper names or geek names and remind him of the kids that always got teased in school. Yet all he can come up with is Bob. He swears that its a great name because it will be really easy for the baby to learn to spell. Thank goodness we have plenty of time to hash this out.
I've felt good this week, just a little nausea on Monday and Friday, but no other morning sickness. Maybe I will be one of the lucky ones after all.
The thing that continues to be a surprise to me is how fast my body is changing. I officially out grew all my regular pants this week. I have a couple pairs of jeans and one pair of capries that are normally a couple sizes too big that I have kept as transition pieces the past few years. Those now fit just fine during the day, but become a little tight at night. I don't think its anything noticeable to most people at this point. We'll take another picture this weekend to compare.
Discussing names has been quite a challenge. We have completely different tastes. Craig says most of the names I come up with are stripper names or geek names and remind him of the kids that always got teased in school. Yet all he can come up with is Bob. He swears that its a great name because it will be really easy for the baby to learn to spell. Thank goodness we have plenty of time to hash this out.
All Aboard!!
This just cracked me up. Piper is so silly! I walked into the living room and saw that she had put all her toys in a line. Her little Toy Train.
Now if I could just have the video camera ready when she's chasing her tail. Oh she is so funny.
Now if I could just have the video camera ready when she's chasing her tail. Oh she is so funny.
Sunday, February 15, 2009
5 Weeks
5 weeks down, 35 more to go. Wow, that seems like such a long time, doesn't it? But I know that it will probably go by faster than I can imagine.
I really wasn't expecting to see any pregnancy changes for another couple of weeks. However this week brought on a couple of new things. The first of which is morning sickness, well evening sickness for me. I was so hoping I would be one of the lucky ones who gets away without it. So far its pretty much been every other night. And each time it hits its progressively worse. I'm really hoping its at its peak now. But hey, I'm not complaining, I'll endure anything to bring a happy baby into this world.
The second thing I have noticed is that my belly is starting to change shapes. I've always had a bit of a pouch in my lower stomach, now it seems to be rounding out into my upper stomach. Its not any bigger, and I really don't expect that to happen for another month, month 1/2. But still exciting to see changes none the less.
I really want to document this pregnancy with photos. Craig and I choose a spot and plan on taking pictures every two or so weeks in the same spot with me wearing the same clothes. I actually took the idea from some very good friends of mine (thanks Amanda, Laura & Michelle). I just LOVE the idea of having these photos to look back on. I'll add a slide show here as soon as we have enough pictures taken and, when you can start to see changes.
I really wasn't expecting to see any pregnancy changes for another couple of weeks. However this week brought on a couple of new things. The first of which is morning sickness, well evening sickness for me. I was so hoping I would be one of the lucky ones who gets away without it. So far its pretty much been every other night. And each time it hits its progressively worse. I'm really hoping its at its peak now. But hey, I'm not complaining, I'll endure anything to bring a happy baby into this world.
The second thing I have noticed is that my belly is starting to change shapes. I've always had a bit of a pouch in my lower stomach, now it seems to be rounding out into my upper stomach. Its not any bigger, and I really don't expect that to happen for another month, month 1/2. But still exciting to see changes none the less.
I really want to document this pregnancy with photos. Craig and I choose a spot and plan on taking pictures every two or so weeks in the same spot with me wearing the same clothes. I actually took the idea from some very good friends of mine (thanks Amanda, Laura & Michelle). I just LOVE the idea of having these photos to look back on. I'll add a slide show here as soon as we have enough pictures taken and, when you can start to see changes.
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
WOW!! This is real!
My blood test numbers more than doubled!!! They went from 227 up to 492! This is really happening, I can't believe it!!
My first ultra sound is scheduled for (get this) March 3rd. My Great-Grandma's birthday, and one year since my first egg retrieval. I'll be 8 weeks by then, so they might even be able to see a heart beat, or two heart beats if it's twins!
My first ultra sound is scheduled for (get this) March 3rd. My Great-Grandma's birthday, and one year since my first egg retrieval. I'll be 8 weeks by then, so they might even be able to see a heart beat, or two heart beats if it's twins!
Monday, February 9, 2009
The waiting game...
I guess that's how it will be from here on out.
Right now we are waiting for the results from my second blood test, which we should get back tomorrow. This wait is hard. I'm hoping that after hearing that everything is ok, it will start to settle in a little that this really is happening.
After that we will be waiting for our 1st ultra sound to see how many babies we have (1 or 2), then we'll be waiting to hear/see the heart beat. Then each new stage after that. I guess I had better get used to the waiting game.
Right now we are waiting for the results from my second blood test, which we should get back tomorrow. This wait is hard. I'm hoping that after hearing that everything is ok, it will start to settle in a little that this really is happening.
After that we will be waiting for our 1st ultra sound to see how many babies we have (1 or 2), then we'll be waiting to hear/see the heart beat. Then each new stage after that. I guess I had better get used to the waiting game.
Saturday, February 7, 2009
227 Is a very good number!
My blood test is positive!! Very positive!!
I still can't believe it, I'M PREGNANT! Really, really pregnant! My number came back at 227, which is very good. I still have to go back on Monday for more tests, but this is real!
I just can't believe it.
I still can't believe it, I'M PREGNANT! Really, really pregnant! My number came back at 227, which is very good. I still have to go back on Monday for more tests, but this is real!
I just can't believe it.
Wednesday, February 4, 2009
We have Snow Peas
I got the report from the doctor's office. We have 4 embryos on ice, all good quality at freezing. So, yay, our twins can have brothers and sisters! Not so sure we'll end up with 6 all together, but at least we have that option for down the road.
Monday, February 2, 2009
No Starches, No Sugar & Crazy Hormones
That is a bad combination! Well, at least it was for me.
Because I hyper-stimulated last year, the doctor is very concerned about trying to prevent it this time. On top of that, I'm high risk for gestational diabetes because of my PCOS. So my diet was very restricted. No starches what so ever and no sugar or sugar substitutes.
What do you eat?? I stuck to turkey, cheese, eggs, fruits and veggies. I did okay, kind of bland, but okay. Then Friday night came around and they were gone. We needed to go to the grocery store, which was on the agenda for Saturday afternoon. Sounds reasonable, right?
Apparently not when you're hormones are still going crazy! I couldn't find anything to eat Friday night all we had was ice cream, chocolate chips, cereal, rice, pasta, potatoes, popcorn & instant oatmeal. UGH! That was it, my emotions let loose and the flood gates opened.
Craig found me in our room and asked me what I was doing. I told him nothing. He comes over, rubs my arm and asked why I was crying. Awe, how sweet... until I told him because I can't find anything to eat. He lost it, and laughed and laughed. Which of course made it worse for me, so I cried some more. Then he felt bad and asked why didn't I have a banana and some peanut butter. Then I replied, we don't have any bananas and our peanut butter went bad!
Now I can look back and laugh. But now I have food I can eat, too!
Because I hyper-stimulated last year, the doctor is very concerned about trying to prevent it this time. On top of that, I'm high risk for gestational diabetes because of my PCOS. So my diet was very restricted. No starches what so ever and no sugar or sugar substitutes.
What do you eat?? I stuck to turkey, cheese, eggs, fruits and veggies. I did okay, kind of bland, but okay. Then Friday night came around and they were gone. We needed to go to the grocery store, which was on the agenda for Saturday afternoon. Sounds reasonable, right?
Apparently not when you're hormones are still going crazy! I couldn't find anything to eat Friday night all we had was ice cream, chocolate chips, cereal, rice, pasta, potatoes, popcorn & instant oatmeal. UGH! That was it, my emotions let loose and the flood gates opened.
Craig found me in our room and asked me what I was doing. I told him nothing. He comes over, rubs my arm and asked why I was crying. Awe, how sweet... until I told him because I can't find anything to eat. He lost it, and laughed and laughed. Which of course made it worse for me, so I cried some more. Then he felt bad and asked why didn't I have a banana and some peanut butter. Then I replied, we don't have any bananas and our peanut butter went bad!
Now I can look back and laugh. But now I have food I can eat, too!
Thursday, January 29, 2009
Pictures
The scanner worked just fine this morning, so as promised, here are the pictures from yesterday.
This one is a little harder to see, but the white dot in the middle of the red circle is where the embryos landed.
This one is a little harder to see, but the white dot in the middle of the red circle is where the embryos landed.
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
Offically 2 weeks and 5 days pregnant!
Today was the big day!! We transferred two embryos and will find out in the next two or three days how many others made it to freezing. So that makes me 2 weeks and 5 days pregnant!
The final blood test will be Tuesday February 10th. Until then I'll think lots of positive thoughts and say lots of prayers hoping my sweet little twin embryos will get nice and comfy. I'll probably give them quite a few pep talks as well.
I have two pictures, one of the embryos and one of the transfer, but my scanner is being temperamental. I stopped trying when I got frustrated with it. I will try to add them tomorrow. So make sure you check back to see the twins and their possible future brother or sister (the picture has 3 embryos in it).
The final blood test will be Tuesday February 10th. Until then I'll think lots of positive thoughts and say lots of prayers hoping my sweet little twin embryos will get nice and comfy. I'll probably give them quite a few pep talks as well.
I have two pictures, one of the embryos and one of the transfer, but my scanner is being temperamental. I stopped trying when I got frustrated with it. I will try to add them tomorrow. So make sure you check back to see the twins and their possible future brother or sister (the picture has 3 embryos in it).
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
Sad news.
Tom, Craig's dad, passed away early this morning. Please keep Craig and his brother Dene in your prayers.
Love, Renee
Love, Renee
Monday, January 26, 2009
Monday's Update...
The embryologist from the doctor's office called. Her first words were, "You are the mother of eight 8-cell embryos." I was trilled!!
Two others are 4-cell and the other two are still at 2-cell. Which basically means that the 4-cell are growing very slowly and the 2 -cell haven't grown at all.
We are all set for Wednesday morning at 10:45 a.m. I'm sure we'll get to bring ultra-sound pictures back with us to share, this time as well. We are only planning on transferring two at a time. My doctor is fairly conservative, avoiding triplets as much as possible. There are too many health risks for the mom and the babies when you get triplets. So we are hoping for twins!
Craig is trying to save his time off for later in the year (so he can actually have time off when the babies ;) are born) and this is pretty late in the morning for him. So my Mom is actually going to come down to Tucson and drive me to the appt, where Craig will meet us. How many grandparents actually get to witness the conception of their grandchildren?? A very unique opportunity indeed.
Two others are 4-cell and the other two are still at 2-cell. Which basically means that the 4-cell are growing very slowly and the 2 -cell haven't grown at all.
We are all set for Wednesday morning at 10:45 a.m. I'm sure we'll get to bring ultra-sound pictures back with us to share, this time as well. We are only planning on transferring two at a time. My doctor is fairly conservative, avoiding triplets as much as possible. There are too many health risks for the mom and the babies when you get triplets. So we are hoping for twins!
Craig is trying to save his time off for later in the year (so he can actually have time off when the babies ;) are born) and this is pretty late in the morning for him. So my Mom is actually going to come down to Tucson and drive me to the appt, where Craig will meet us. How many grandparents actually get to witness the conception of their grandchildren?? A very unique opportunity indeed.
Saturday, January 24, 2009
A full dozen!!
The doctor just called. We have 12 embryos growing!!
Of the 25 eggs they got, 17 were mature. They injected all 17 of them and 12 fertilized.
They will transfer the best 2 embryos on Wed. at 10:45am.
The doctor said that he's very happy with the ratio (25/17/12) and said it looked perfectly normal. He thinks we will get 3 or 4 maybe even more really good embryos out of this cycle. He said he is very excited. It really took a load of my shoulders, hearing that.
As for me, I am feeling really good today. Still a little bloated, but less than yesterday. Almost 100% normal. Whatever that is. I'm still going to take it easy for the next few days so my body is a ready as it can possibly be for the embryo transfer on Wed.
Of the 25 eggs they got, 17 were mature. They injected all 17 of them and 12 fertilized.
They will transfer the best 2 embryos on Wed. at 10:45am.
The doctor said that he's very happy with the ratio (25/17/12) and said it looked perfectly normal. He thinks we will get 3 or 4 maybe even more really good embryos out of this cycle. He said he is very excited. It really took a load of my shoulders, hearing that.
As for me, I am feeling really good today. Still a little bloated, but less than yesterday. Almost 100% normal. Whatever that is. I'm still going to take it easy for the next few days so my body is a ready as it can possibly be for the embryo transfer on Wed.
Two dozen plus one!!
Yep, that's right, we got 25 eggs!! I'm completely amazed. Last time we got 20, but I had a lot of follicles that didn't have eggs. This time they all had eggs and the eggs look to be better quality, too!!
We are supposed to hear back from the doctor's office sometime this afternoon letting us know how many eggs fertalized.
We are supposed to hear back from the doctor's office sometime this afternoon letting us know how many eggs fertalized.
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
Tuesday's Ultra Sound Report
I had another excellent doctor appointment today. The dr measured 12 follicles on each side all measuring about 2mm apart. Still very even response which made the dr very happy. My estrogen came back a little high (although lower than last time) so they are lowering my dosage of meds from 150iu to 125iu. They are also going to cut me off a day early and do the egg retrieval on Friday instead of Saturday.
All of this in hopes that I won't hyper-stimulate this time around. Which actually seems like a much smaller risk because I still feel a lot better than I did last time. No bloating and no nauseousness! Craig said I was crabby last night, but I didn't see it. I am starting to feel loopy though and have to concentrate a little more when I talk to make sure I'm actually saying what I'm thinking. To be honest, I probably should do that a little more often anyhow.
All of this in hopes that I won't hyper-stimulate this time around. Which actually seems like a much smaller risk because I still feel a lot better than I did last time. No bloating and no nauseousness! Craig said I was crabby last night, but I didn't see it. I am starting to feel loopy though and have to concentrate a little more when I talk to make sure I'm actually saying what I'm thinking. To be honest, I probably should do that a little more often anyhow.
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