30 Weeks and Gestational Diabetes

I am definitely getting to the uncomfortable place in pregnancy. I totally get it now when I'd hear women say that they are ready to have the baby! Since I am measuring about 4 weeks ahead...I'm about as big as someone who was carrying one at 34 weeks...which is the homestretch when things start getting uncomfortable. I don't want to complain because I want to cook up these boys for as long as possible. But, putting on 50 pounds already at 30 weeks is really tough no matter how you look at it! The only things I can put on my feet are some fluffy slipper socks, some of Matt's socks and my clogs. I'm growing out of all of my maternity clothes and I really don't want to buy more...I may be living out of my velour sweatsuits for the next 6-8 weeks. I am having more difficulty getting comfortable at night...I find myself switching from one side to the next trying to find a comfortable position....Matt says I am making very strange sounds at night...I have no doubt about that!

The 3-hour GD test was about as awful as everyone says it is. I was starving that morning! Once they took two vials of blood and gave me the drink...the hunger got better but I got pretty nauseous! I really did not want to throw up because I was only planning to do this once! I managed to keep the nausea at bay with drinking a lot of water. But, sitting there for 3 hours is uncomfortable, boring, you don't feel good, you are hungry and just want it over with! I'm so thankful to have gotten through it! Though I did get through it...I did not get good news. My fasting glucose was fine, but all 3 of the other blood draws were elevated. So, I officially have gestational diabetes. Of course, I'm not happy about this, but I am trying my best to stay positive. The nurse I spoke to was confident that I will be able to control my blood sugar with diet, and I am confident in that too.  She seems to think I carry the diabetes gene and the twin pregnancy set it off..interesting. Today I have an appointment with the dietician over the phone to help out with the diet...though I think most of it I probably know already...but it will still good to talk with her. Tomorrow I go in to learn how to test my blood sugar. I am assuming I will do this after each meal. The nurse said it is very easy and I will hardly feel a thing...I'm not worried about it and I'm actually glad to be doing it, because I want the reassurance that my blood sugar is within the normal limit each day, so I can make additional dietary changes if I need to. I'll also have to see my OB weekly from here on out.  So it sounds like I'm going to start living at the office, between regular OB visits, visits with the perinatologist, the GD visits, the non-stress tests and any special appointments due to carrying twins....I'll be going to a lot of appointments! So, that's that!

How Far Along: 30 weeks 

Size of Baby: 3 pounds each this week! The size of a squash or head of cabbage.

Picture of Baby: None this week...will have more after my next peri appointment next week.

Maternity Clothes: All and quickly growing out of what I have.

Weight Gain:  Up 4 more pounds, total gain 50 pounds (starting weight 105, weighed 155 today.) Oy!

Belly:

Stretch Marks: None yet!

Sleep:  Sleep has started to go downhill again....I am sleeping for a few hours at a time, but I am waking up often and having to switch sides. My biggest complaint it still my stuffed up nose. It gets completely stuffed up at night, so I end up sleeping with my mouth open, which dries out my mouth and throat, which makes me thirsty, which makes me drink water, which makes me have to pee a lot. I can't win! I use a lot saline spray, but even that only lasts for about an hour before I wake up again and am stuffy again. I know I am making strange noises too because I start making them even before I fall asleep and I can hear myself!

Best Moment of the Week: Feeling boys movements and seeing the nursery "almost" finished.

Movement: Both are pretty quiet at night when I am sleeping...but they wake up as soon as I eat breakfast and are very busy for awhile. Then I feel them on and off through the day. They get very busy again right after dinner. It seems like they are most busy right after I eat. Also, if I rest my hand or arm on my belly, one of them will kick it! Sometimes they push their entire body against my belly and that is always fun to see..a big bulge coming out of my belly!

Symptoms: Stuffed up nose.  Swelling in hands and terrible swelling in my feet/ankles...I officially have "cankles" and can no longer squeeze my feet into my shoes or socks...I am wearing my clogs every day now (below is a lovely pic of my swollen feet.)  SNORING and strange breathing when I am asleep. Can't stand for long periods and tire out easily. Braxton Hicks contractions for the past month. Gestational Diabetes.

Food Cravings: Junk food...everything I can't have!! Luckily still wanting apples and citrus a lot too, and celery and peanut butter is one of my new favorite snacks!

Gender: Two gorgeous boys!

What I Miss: Eating what I want! Not getting out of breath just walking up the stairs! Sleeping through the night and sleeping on my stomach. Being able to pick things up that I drop.  Put my own shoes and socks on.  Being able to carry heavy things and just do things we all usually take for granted like being able to clip my own toenails and shave my "lady parts." Getting in and out of bed, off the couch and out of the car easily. 

What I'm Looking Forward to: Peri appointment next week! Meeting my boys in 6-8 weeks!

Nursery: Everything is done except for the canvas paintings which have been painted and were shipped this week. Once we have those up...we are done! This past weekend we put up the letters above the cribs, a picture on the wall, and unpacked the car seats and stroller and assembled the stroller. I should have pics soon!

Weekly Wisdom: When going #2 while pregnant...flush multiple times. I had no idea this would be an issue, but it is (an embarrassing one too!)

Milestones: 30 weeks!

Emotions: All over the place! Day to day, minute to minute, second to second. Mostly extremely blessed but I have my moments of other emotions I'd prefer not to mention here.

29 Weeks- GD Test (fail) and More on "Mode of Delivery"

First of all, thanks for all of the support on my last post. Whether my feelings are right or wrong, it's nice to know I have a safe place to come and share how I am feeling. I realize that if my blog wasn't private, I would not be able to be so open about my feelings on controversial topics, so I am thankful that it is private because I really needed to get that off my chest, and frankly....I feel a lot better that I could write a post about it. I feel like now, I can put it behind me and move forward. It's funny how just writing things out can help you work through how you are feeling. It was also nice to know that I am not alone in my feelings, so thank you for letting me know that you guys have dealt with a lot of the same feelings.

It's been an interesting week to say the least....started out great, ended up not so great. Last weekend Matt and I celebrated our 7 year wedding anniversary. Yes, we got married a week before Christmas! He took me out for a very nice dinner...the food was awesome and the restaurant was quiet and romantic! My friend (friend #1) had her baby girl on Sunday (via C-section) so I went to the hospital to see her on Monday. We sat and talked for a few hours while her husband was out running errands...it was really nice. The baby nursed the entire time I was there...I couldn't believe it! Last night, I went to dinner with three friends from my junior league group. It was really nice to see them (none were able to attend my shower.)  They all brought gifts for the boys which I cannot complain about! I love receiving gifts for them!

On Tuesday, I had my OB appointment. All went well. No protein in urine. Boys' heart rates were both in the 150's. My belly is still measuring about a month ahead. My cervix is still long and closed. I didn't get an ultrasound (boo!) but she could see baby A's head while doing the cervix check and he is still head down.

I had my gestational diabetes test on Tuesday and found out yesterday that unfortunately....I did not pass. They want your level below 139 and mine was at 153. I was pretty upset about finding out I'd have to do the 3 hour test. I mean, I am 7 1/2 months pregnant with twins...I am constantly hungry, I constantly eat....so going 15 hours without eating is not sitting well with me. So, I'll be at the lab on Saturday morning...bright and early to do the 3 hour test. I am seriously dreading it in every way....but the nurse told me it has to be done (I asked if there were any alternatives (like re-doing the 1-hour test) and that was a big fat nope!) So, I am really bummed out about that, and hoping I am able to pass this one. It is making me very anxious.

At my appointment, we talked about "mode of delivery" since I haven't talked to her about it yet (only to the perinatologist) and it seemed like she was leaning more towards a C-section. She basically said that if both boys' heads were not head down when I go into labor then we should do a C-section. She said if baby A is head down and is the bigger one (which he is head down and slightly bigger) then it is possible to do a vaginal delivery because baby B could just follow suit and go head down after baby A is born.  But that is no guarantee and it is possible that they'd have to do a C-section to get baby B out (not likely) or they'd have to do a breech extraction.... which sounds pretty awful. She said it also depends on the doctor who is there to deliver the boys. Some will not even attempt a vaginal delivery unless both heads are down because they don't do breech extractions if the baby B does not follow suit, so they automatically go to C-section to be on the safe side. This definitely gives me more to think about. I think if both boys are head down when I go into labor I'd like to do a vaginal delivery, both if only Baby A's head is down then I will probably opt for a C-section. I don't think I am brave enough to chance a breech extraction if baby B does not cooperate. I know the recovery is longer with C-section which doesn't make me excited, but I also don't want a complicated and difficult delivery.

How Far Along: 29 weeks 

Size of Baby: They are about 2.75 to 3 pounds each now and about the size of a squash.

Picture of Baby: None this week...will have more after my next peri appointment in two weeks.

Maternity Clothes: All! If I put on a t-shirt that isn't maternity...my belly hangs out the bottom! All of my medium sized maternity jeans are even getting tight now.  Luckily, friend #1 told me to look at Walmart online for a few cheap maternity clothes...I've been buying everything at Motherhood Maternity and didn't want to spend a bunch more $ on stuff, so was glad to hear that Walmart carried a few maternity clothes. I got a velour sweatsuit, 2 long sleeve t-shirts, a light coat and some pajamas from Walmart for $50!!!

Weight Gain:  Up three more pounds, total gain 46 pounds (starting weight 105, weighed 151 today.)

Belly:

Stretch Marks: None yet! Still using cocoa butter every day.

Sleep:  Sleep has been pretty good. I've only been getting up 2 or 3 times now to use the bathroom, blow my nose, drink some water, eat snack, etc. My nose seems to be getting slightly better which makes me VERY happy! I do tend to wake up around 4am each morning and have trouble getting comfortable (my belly gets sore,) but at least the sleep before then is good.

Best Moment of the Week: Hearing heart beats and feeling constant movement.

Movement: It seems like I feel one of them almost all the time! They are pretty quiet at night when I am sleeping...but they wake up as soon as I eat breakfast and are very busy for awhile. Then I feel them on and off through the day. They get very busy again right after dinner. It seems like they are most busy right after I eat. Matt put his hand on my tummy just in time to feel a HUGE kick from baby B early this week...he can't believe how hard they kick me! We enjoy just lifting up my shirt and watching the ripples rise and fall on my belly....he thinks it is "creepy" lol!

Symptoms: Stuffed up nose.  Swelling in hands (no more wedding ring,) and terrible swelling in my feet/ankles...I officially have "cankles" and can no longer squeeze my feet into my shoes (or some of socks)...I am wearing my clogs every day now...boring! SNORING and strange breathing when I am asleep. Getting a bit achy in my back, feet and knees. Can't stand for long periods and tire out easily. Heart burn is pretty regular now....I've even had a few episodes of stomach acid suddenly flying up my esophagus while I am in bed! Oh...and I've been meaning to mention...Braxton Hicks contractions for the past 3 weeks or so, usually when I have not been resting enough.

Food Cravings: French Fries (dang you Burger King for the commercials!) Ice cream, pie, citrus,

Gender: Two gorgeous boys!

What I Miss: Not getting out of breath just walking up the stairs! I miss drinking a coke here and there...sometimes I take a sip of Matt's coke...yum! Sleeping through the night and sleeping on my stomach. Being able to pick things up that I drop.  Put my own shoes and socks on.  Being able to carry heavy things and just do things we all usually take for granted like being able to clip my own toenails and shave my "lady parts." Getting in and out of bed, off the couch and out of the car easily. 

What I'm Looking Forward to: Peri appointment in two weeks. All of my classes in January. Meeting my boys in 7-9 weeks! My OB said they'd like to get me to 36 weeks which is only 7 weeks away!

Nursery: Matt put the book case up last weekend. We are just waiting on the art work to be delivered, once that is hung.... the nursery is done! I plan to order the monitor and diapers in January then we pretty much have everything we need!! Feels good to be done early!

Weekly Wisdom: One thing I wish I hadn't done (especially in the beginning of the pregnancy) is compare "my bump" to other bumps. I was pretty obsessive about this and never thought my bump was big enough....especially for having twins. However, I now realize it really doesn't matter how big or small your bump is. Mine still doesn't feel THAT big to be almost 30 weeks pregnant with twins and I get a couple of comments daily "you are so small for having twins in there." It still bothers me, but I remind myself and other people that my babies are measuring perfect (if not even a few days ahead) for how far along I am. Even some girls with big huge bumps can't say that. When I visited my friend in the hospital this week the nurse told me that she's seen the smallest babies come from huge bellies and the biggest babies come from tiny bellies. So, I guess what I am trying to say is....don't compare yourself to others. If everything is going well then everything is going well.....

Milestones: Almost to 30 weeks!

Emotions: Excited and sooooooo blessed. Nervous about GD test. Started to feel a bit nervous about delivery since it is so up and the air and will be until the last moment.

Merry Christmas to all of my fertility buddies!!!!

28 Weeks and Third Trimester!!!

THANKS to those of you who gave my blog an award last week! I haven't gotten an award since I went private so it was nice to be recognized! You guys rock! Thanks so much!!!

Compared to last week...things have been pretty uneventful for us this week. Over the weekend, Matt and I ordered basically everything else we think we'll need for the boys. We placed a huge order with Amazon.....most of which has already arrived, so that is keeping me busy! We also ordered our stroller, car seats, bookcase for the nursery, all art work for the nursery and another diaper bag that is bigger than the one I already got. Most of it has already been delivered and our front room is full of boxes! I think at this point the only things we haven't ordered are diapers, formula to supplement breast milk and the monitor! It feels good to have everything chosen and most of it ordered! I also went to Babies R Us this week to make a few exchanges on duplicates from my shower and use my gift cards... I got a bunch of newborn and 9-12 month fleece sleepers...they are on sale for $10 right now and I thought we'd need more of the fleece ones since it gets cold in Colorado in the winter time! I also got a few more things that I didn't get for my shower.

We had our breast feeding multiples class last night, we thought it was just okay. It was fun to meet other "multiple parents" in the area...I was surprised at how many were having two boys! The class was 3 hours and Matt and I both felt like it could be condensed to half of that time. Also, we both thought it was going to be more centered around breast feeding 2 babies, but it was actually mostly just about breast feeding. The instructor actually advocated only breast feeding one baby at a time (to give each baby their individual time with Mommy.) This surprised me because I thought you wanted to keep twins on the same feeding schedule so that you can actually get some sleep! But, the class was still useful and Matt and I still learned quite a bit...mostly that I am going to have to do a lot of pumping so that he can feed one baby while I breast feed the other, because we do plan to keep them on the same feeding schedule! This should be very interesting.....if any of you twin Mommies have advice on that don't hesitate to speak up! I'm open to hearing what has/is working for you!!

How Far Along: 28 Weeks

Size of Baby: 2 1/2 to 2 3/4 pounds each, and the size of a Chinese cabbage.

Picture of Baby: None this week...probably won't have more until my next peri appointment at the beginning of January.

Maternity Clothes: Oh yes...today even packed away some of the stuff I bought in the beginning that no longer fit!

Weight Gain:  Up two more pounds, total gain 43 pounds (starting weight 105, weighed 148 today.)

Belly:

Stretch Marks: None yet! Still using cocoa butter every day.

Sleep:  Sleep is just okay these days, still waking up several times to use the bathroom, blow my nose, drink some water, eat snack, etc. But getting a solid few hours of sleep at a time now.  Still trying not to worry that I am squishing them when I sleep too far over on my side.

Best Moment of the Week: I love feeling the boys' movements!

Movement: Yes! Even the hard kicks make me happy, even though sometimes I yelp "ouch!" I still love it...kick away boys!! Active babies are healthy babies!

Symptoms: Constant stuffed up nose.  Slight swelling in feet and hands (no more wedding ring!) SNORING and strange breathing when I am asleep. Getting a bit achy here and there....mostly in my back, feet and knees....so much extra weight that they aren't used to!

Food Cravings: Still want to eat EVERYTHING! I've especially been craving protein this week.....made stew in the crock pot and have been craving beef and chicken....something I usually have no interest in! Still loving my peppermint ice cream and craving sugar more than I usually do. Also...citrus fruit, especially grapefruit!

Gender: Two gorgeous boys!

What I Miss: Not getting out of breath just walking up the stairs! I miss drinking a coke here and there...sometimes I take a sip of Matt's coke...yum! Sleeping through the night and sleeping on my stomach. Being able to pick things up that I drop and put on my own shoes and socks.  Being able to carry heavy things and just do things we all usually take for granted like being able to clip our own toenails and shave our "lady parts." Getting in and out of bed, off the couch and out of the car easily. 

What I'm Looking Finishing the nursery once and for all. Appointment with OB next week (she usually does a quick ultrasound, but I am not looking forward to my GD test!) All of my classes in January. Meeting my boys in 8-10 weeks!

Nursery: So close to being done....Matt needs to put the book case up this weekend then it's just decor! Hopefully I'll have pics to share by the end of the year!

Weekly Wisdom: Can't say this enough....rest when you are tired or achy...don't over-do it!

Milestones: Third trimester baby!!

Emotions: Excited and sooooooo blessed.

27 Weeks

It has definitely been an eventful week in our household! My Mom flew into Denver on Friday morning. Matt took the day off so we went to breakfast and a movie together before heading out to pick my Mom up. My shower was on Sunday! Unfortunately, the weekend was verrrrrrry cooooooold and snowy, so a lot of people that were supposed to be there didn't make it (due to weather, being sick and friend #1 was in the hospital with contractions (but did not deliver that day.) Friend #2 WAS there...for those that know the story.) I was a bit bummed out that not everyone could make it, but I was just glad that those who could make it out, did. It was still a really nice shower. Brynn did a great job with everything....especially the food...yum!!! Those who couldn't make it have been dropping gifts by all week, so that has been fun. We are still receiving a lot of gifts from out of town friends and family too, each day there is something delivered to my front porch so it definitely feels like a very extended shower! I noticed one of my registries has hardly anything left, so we are definitely getting what we need for these boys!

One thing that has been funny to me is seeing my face and entire body in the pictures that were taken at my shower! I don't know what I expected with having putting on 40+ pounds already...it certainly isn't all baby! But, I guess I didn't realize how round my face has gotten! My mom even said she didn't recognize me when I picked her up at the airport! I was confused by that, but once I saw myself in pictures....I was like "whoa!!!" I still have about 9-11 weeks to go too! My body sure knows how to pack on the pounds when it is supposed to...ha!!! Here is a pic of Matt and I from the shower...I usually look so much smaller than him, but boy...I almost look like I weigh more than him!

We saw the perinatologist yesterday. As always...it was wonderful and uneventful (just the way I like it!) The heart beats were at 152 and 153 and they are just over 2 pounds each now. Both continue to measure perfectly...even a few days ahead! Yay boys!! My cervix was even longer than my appointment a month ago (yay cervix!) I am feeling sooooooooooo blessed right now that everything has been so uneventful (knock on wood! HA!)

How Far Along: 27 Weeks

Size of Baby: Just over 2 pounds each....still about eggplant size.

Picture of Baby: Not that great, but here are a few from our appointment (baby A wouldn't cooperate for a good side view:)

Maternity Clothes: This is almost a funny question nowadays!

Weight Gain: 41 pounds (starting weight 105, weighed in at 146 at my appointment yesterday (yeah...that's 4 pounds in one week!)

Belly:

Stretch Marks: None yet! Still using cocoa butter every day.

Sleep:  Sleep is mostly good these days, but still waking up several times to use the bathroom, blow my nose, drink some water, eat snack, etc. And, still getting achy back and legs and having to change positions frequently. But getting a solid few hours of sleep at a time now. Oh, and I've started snoring SO LOUD!! I've never snored in my life, but I am snoring now so loud that I wake myself up!! I can't believe how loud it is. Matt has started sleeping with earplugs! I keep telling him...at least I am finally sleeping!!

Best Moment of the Week: Seeing my boys of course!!!

Movement: All the time! So much so that I hardly even stop to notice anymore! My stomach is always jumping up and down and is easy to see through my clothes. One of the boys has been loving my ribs lately too! He had one of his legs stuck up in my ribs for a good 15 minutes the other day...ouchy!

Symptoms: Constant stuffed up nose, occasional backache and heartburn. Slight swelling in feet and hands (no more wedding ring!) SNORING!!!!

Food Cravings: I want to eat EVERYTHING! But, things that come to mind....Subway, jalapeno poppers, peppermint ice cream, hot pretzels with mustard and lemonade.

Gender: Two gorgeous boys!

What I Miss: Sleeping through the night and sleeping on my stomach. Being able to pick things up that I drop and put on my own shoes and socks.  Being able to carry heavy things and just do things we all usually take for granted like being able to clip our own toenails and shave our "lady parts." Getting in and out of bed, off the couch and out of the car easily. 

What I'm Looking Forward to: Breastfeeding multiples class next week. Finishing the nursery. Meeting my boys in just about 9-11 weeks!

Nursery: The glider was delivered over the weekend and Matt assembled it...it looks great! I need to order the bookcase (probably next week,) and the art work and we are done!!!

Weekly Wisdom: Can't say this enough....rest when you are tired!

Milestones: Everyday.

Emotions: Excited and sooooooo blessed.

26 Weeks

I have HORRIBLE pregnancy brain! I usually have everything together so well, but my brain is turning to mush! I accidentally typed right over my 25 week post! Oops! I'm bummed because I took a long time writing out that post, and won't be trying to re-write it, so my blog will have a missing week. But, I did at least put up a 25 week belly shot just for comparison sake.

How Far Along: 26 Weeks

Size of Baby: I'm not sure...last week was eggplants, but so is this week. I guess something around an eggplant size...I think they are just under 2 pounds each this week.

Picture of Baby: None this week, but I see the perinatologist next week so we'll get a bunch!

Maternity Clothes: All maternity clothes now. Busted out of the smalls I bought in the beginning and am now wearing medium and large maternity clothes!!!

Weight Gain: 37 pounds (starting weight 105, now weighing in at 142)

Belly:

Stretch Marks: None yet! Still using cocoa butter every day.

Sleep:  Sleeping MUCH better now that the dog is sleeping downstairs.I'm still waking up every few hours to use the bathroom, blow my nose, drink some water, eat snack, etc. And, still getting achy back and legs and having to change positions frequently. But getting a solid few hours of sleep at a time now. Finally!

Best Moment of the Week: It's been uneventful, but I am still LOVING feeling the boys' movements.

Movement: Yep! They are awake for short periods at a time, so I don't feel them all the time. I feel them a lot in the mornings and in the evenings.

Symptoms: Constant stuffed up nose, back hurts (but not as bad as last week,) feeling hot all the time and some heartburn.

Food Cravings: Taco Soup!

Gender: Two gorgeous boys!

What I Miss: Sleeping through the night! Being able to pick things up that I drop and put on my own shoes and socks.  Being able to carry heavy things and just do things we all usually take for granted like being able to clip our own toenails and shave our "lady parts." Getting in and out of bed, off the couch and out of the car easily. 

What I'm Looking Forward to: Baby shower this weekend! My Mom coming into town tomorrow! Seeing the boys next week at the perinatologist. Breastfeeding multiples class on the 14th. Meeting my boys in just about 10-11 weeks!

Nursery: Nothing new this week. Just waiting for the glider to be delivered. After that....we just have the bookcase and wall art to purchase.

Weekly Wisdom: Remember to rest rest rest and water water water!!!

Milestones: Everyday.

Emotions: Excited and sooooooo blessed.

25 Week Belly

I accidentally erased out my 25 week post, but here are some belly shots for comparison sake.

24 Weeks

It's been an uneventful week in the pregnancy. I've thought about skipping putting up a blog during the really boring weeks of the pregnancy. Partly because there really isn't anything new to report, partly because I don't know how many readers I have left here. I'm not feeling sorry for myself that I don't have a ton of readers anymore. I realize that is partly my fault because I just haven't been very active on the blogs lately. I'm still reading blogs, but not commenting much, and I realize that you get back what you put in......so it doesn't surprise me that my readers have fallen off. However, I think for now I'll keep up the weekly updates....I do like having this log/journal to look back on and see where I was at each step in the pregnancy, so for now...I'm going to keep up the weekly posts...even if just for my own records.

How Far Along: 24 Weeks

Size of Baby: Two papayas!

Picture of Baby: None this week.

Maternity Clothes: All maternity clothes now. Even busted out of one pair of my maternity jeans, so I'll have to go replace those with a bigger size!

Weight Gain: 32 pounds

Belly:

Stretch Marks: None yet! Still using cocoa butter every day.

Sleep:  A bit better this week. I'm falling asleep and even when I wake up to use the restroom and blow my nose, I am able to fall back asleep easily. I am still getting achy back and legs throughout the night and having to turn a lot, but luckily I am getting a few hours of sleep at a time now.

Best Moment of the Week: Feeling the babies move is by far my most favorite part of the pregnancy.

Movement:  I am feeling them a lot more now and I LOVE IT! In the beginning I only felt them at certain times of the day, and even though I still may go a few hours without feeling them. I feel like I am feeling them enough now that it really helps with the worry factor. Sometimes they really get going and I lift up my shirt and just watch my stomach jump up and down...it's the coolest thing I've ever experienced...by far! They are most active in the evenings so Matt has been able to feel them plenty of times now!

Symptoms: Not many at this point in the pregnancy.  My nose is still always stuffed up, especially in the evenings and at night is the worst! My back and feet have started hurting quite a bit if I am up and around a lot, or cooking/doing dishes where I am standing for long periods.

Food Cravings: I seem to always want Chicken McNuggets or Subway!

Gender: Two gorgeous boys!

What I Miss: Sleeping through the night! Being able to pick things up that I drop and put on my own shoes and socks.  Being able to carry heavy things and just do things we all usually take for granted like being able to clip our own toenails and shave our "lady parts." Getting in and out of bed, off the couch and out of the car easily. 

What I'm Looking Forward to: Finishing the nursery, baby shower in 2 weeks, continued growing belly, feeling more movement from the boys, next appointment with perinatologist in less than 3 weeks.

Nursery: Still coming along! Matt put together the changer and dresser last weekend, and I was able to organize all of the clothes in the closet and drawers and put up a few other things. This weekend, Matt plans to tackle putting together the cribs, then I'll be able to put the bedding on and the nursery will be pretty well completed at that point. We plan to purchase a small bookcase and glider probably in December or January, and then just decorate, and we'll be done!

Weekly Wisdom: Sign up for your prenatal classes early! We had hoped to take most of them in December so we don't have to worry about it January. Well, I waited too long to get signed up and now we'll be taking a class every weekend in January! Oh well...at least we are signed up, lets just hope I don't have to go on bed rest early!

Milestones: 24 weeks....we all know what that means, but I'm not making a big deal out of it.

Emotions: Excited and sooooooo blessed.

23 Weeks

Things continue to go well...I'm still amazed I've made it this far without complications (knock on wood...lol!) We had our 23 week perinatologist appointment yesterday....the boys are doing great! Heart rates are great, measurements are right on track, no abnormalities, etc. We are soooo happy and I'm actually starting to think we may be holding two little boys in our arms in 3 short months! We talked about the birth and she is leaving it up to me if I want to to try and deliver them vaginally or go straight to c-section. I assumed we'd go straight to c-section, but she said if I go into labor and both boys are head down than there isn't really a reason to c-section. But, she said if I'm worried about birthing twins and want to plan a c-section we can do that too. I haven't decided yet, but I am leaning towards trying to birth them vaginally if it works out that everything looks okay to do that. I know we'll have to play things by ear and if there are ANY complications at all....go straight to c-section. But, it sure would be nice to have them vaginally and be able to take care of them right away. I know there is a lot longer with recovery with c-section, so it sure would be nice to avoid that.

I had my first cervical check and it is loooooong and closed!!!! Yay!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Matt took his "new daddy boot camp" class this past weekend. He had a great time and learned a lot! He came home with all kinds of new knowledge and a whole list of things he now knows will need to get done before the boys get here! He's even excited to go to breastfeeding class with me, and get his own "man baby bag"! Yay.....I love how involved he is with all of this!

How Far Along: 23 Weeks

Size of Baby: Two mangoes! They were just about pound and a half each at our appointment yesterday.

Picture of Baby:

Maternity Clothes: All maternity clothes...I'm going to need more things soon, I am already busting out of my existing ones! I had to go get a bunch of new undies today because all of mine were leaving red welts around my waist...Matt was like "geez babe, go get some new underwear!" HA!

Weight Gain: 30 pounds at my appointment yesterday

Belly:

Stretch Marks: None yet!

Sleep:  About the same as last week. Not that great, but still able to fall asleep for a few hours at a time. Sore legs and hips are starting to wake me up now...even if I manage to get comfortable, my legs and hips start getting achy and I have to change positions or get up and walk around to stretch them out.

Best Moment of the Week: Seeing my baby boys!!!

Movement: Yes! I still don't feel them all the time, but I'm definitely feeling more and more movement each day. I find that I feel them more in the evening or if I am sitting in certain positions where my uterus is pushed more forward. I love watching my belly and watching my shirt pop up and down all over the place! I definitely know when they are awake and when they are sleeping now by their movements.

Symptoms: Always hungry, tired because of lack of sleep, some heart burn, occasional nausea in the mornings, and of course the ever present sinus issues. My newest one is BACKACHE! Oy, this started recently, my back has been killing me and Matt has been rubbing it in the evenings.

Food Cravings: Junk food, but trying not to give into it, and still eating plenty of nutritious foods.

Gender: Two gorgeous boys!

What I Miss: Sleeping through the night! Being able to pick things up that I drop and put on my own shoes and socks, being able to carry heavy things and just do things we usually take for granted like being able to clip our own toenails and shave our "lady parts." Getting in and out of bed, off the couch and out of the car easily. 

What I'm Looking Forward to: Finishing the nursery, baby shower in 3 weeks, continued growing belly, feeling more movement from the boys, next appointment to see them of course! I suppose I should mention viability next week....even though these boys will be in there for MUCH longer...at least 12 more weeks!

Nursery: We are really starting to make progress here. The bedding, lamp, both cribs, dresser, changing table and pad and crib mattresses have all been delivered!  Matt painted the nursery last weekend and it looks awesome! This weekend he plans to put together all of the furniture, and I get to put the bedding on, put clothes away, start decorating, etc. I think I'm going to be able to reach my goal by having it done by Thanksgiving!!

Weekly Wisdom: Being pregnant is hard on the body, so rest rest rest! My personality is "go go go," (as I've mentioned before) and I'm finding the importance of taking breaks often and resting my body. Basically...don't push yourself!

Milestones: Each day is a milestone with pregnancy after infertility.

Emotions: Relieved and blessed!

22 Weeks!

Well, it's been both an uneventful week and eventful week at the same time. It's been uneventful because there was no doctor appointments this week. Though, I did get my lab results back from last weeks appointment. The good news is that my RBCs look good....no anemia, so no iron supplements. The bad news is that my WBCs are still high. If you remember, they've been high since the very beginning of the pregnancy. It seems like they've continue to rise and fall through the pregnancy....they were at their highest this time, but the PA assured me that it is still within "normal" limits of pregnancy. So, I am trying not to worry too much. My week has been eventful because we started receiving items for the nursery! We received the bassinet, swings, nursing pillow, storage baskets, humidifier and a few other small things this week. It's really exciting and really helps to make things seem real.

How Far Along: 22 Weeks

Size of Baby: Two Spaghetti Squash

Picture of Baby: None this week :-(

Maternity Clothes: All maternity clothes except for some of my bigger t-shirts and stretchy pants. I'm now starting to bust out of even my stretchy pants so I'm going to have to get a few more pairs of lounge around pants since that's what I am in most of the time.

Weight Gain: 28 pounds

Belly:

Stretch Marks: Not yet but tummy is getting that tight/shiny look. My belly line is soooooo dark now...it kinda creeps me out sometimes!

Sleep:  Still not that great, but I am sleeping a bit more than last week. I'm finding that I just can't get my mind and body to relax. I'm really tired but nothing seems to be slowing down like it should be. But, at least the past few  nights I've managed to fall asleep a few times and sleep for a few hours. Too bad I wake up with my legs all cramped up!

Best Moment of the Week: Matt got to feel a few kicks!!

Movement: Yes! I still don't feel them all the time, but I'm definitely feeling more and more movement. Some days I feel them more than other days. I find that I feel them more in the evening or if I am sitting in certain positions where my uterus is pushed more forward.

Symptoms: Always hungry, tired because of lack of sleep, some heart burn, occasional nausea in the mornings, and of course the ever present sinus issues.

Food Cravings: I've been thinking more of more of the things I can't have.  Funny that I was never a big soda drinker pre-pregnancy...now I just keep thinking "Mmmmmm....a coke sounds really good!" I've also been craving the citrus soda, squirt which was never on my radar pre-pregnancy. Oh....I was craving a bean burrito a few days ago and made Matt stop at taco bell to get me one!

Gender: Two gorgeous boys!

What I Miss: Sleeping through the night! Eating whatever sounds good at the moment (like candy...I did not eat once piece of Halloween candy...woot!) Being able to pick things up that I drop, being able to carry heavy things and just do things we usually take for granted like being able to clip our own toenails and shave our "lady parts."

What I'm Looking Forward to: Seeing the perinatologist on Wednesday...I get so excited to see my boys in there! Getting the rest of the nursery things I've ordered, continued growing belly, feeling more movement, baby shower! Hearing about what Matt learns at "New Daddy Boot-Camp" this weekend!

Nursery: We are really starting to make progress here. The bedding, lamp, both cribs, dresser, changing table and pad and crib mattresses have all been ordered and should be delivered soon!  Matt is going to be busy putting all of this together! We plan to paint the nursery this weekend...we're making progress!

Weekly Wisdom: Nothing stands out this week.

Milestones: Each day is a milestone with pregnancy after infertility.

Emotions: Mostly excited about starting on the nursery, but also a bit overwhelmed too. Been a bit cranky this past week for some reason. Matt and I got in a little fight the other night. Not sure why...I think I am getting more and more uncomfortable and needing more and more help (which is hard for me.)  Also, the dog has been getting on my nerves for some reason.....we paid $1000 for training for him over the summer and it irritates me that he still doesn't listen! Matt doesn't always "stick to the rules" with him and make him follow through with our commands....which irritates me to no end! I guess this is all pregnancy hormones. My nesting and maternal instincts are really kicking in and I just want everything to be perfect for their arrival....the dog doesn't exactly always fit into my plans....especially since he is SO needy and dependent!

21 Weeks (plus 1 day)

Got to see the boys this morning! So much fun! I saw my regular OB and she did a quick ultrasound....I am getting spoiled, but I am not complaining! Both boys had strong heart beats and were moving around like crazy! 

How Far Along: Just over 21 weeks

Size of Baby: Two Bananas

Picture of Baby: I forgot to ask for pics, I was so engrossed in seeing them move around!

Maternity Clothes: All maternity clothes except for some of my bigger t-shirts and stretchy pants. I even had to go buy new bras and underwear....mine were cutting off my circulation!

Weight Gain: 25 pounds

Belly:

Stretch Marks: Not yet!

Sleep:  Still horrible! Can't get comfortable and nose is constantly stuffed up! Please feel free to share your magic sleeping positions with me!

Best Moment of the Week: Seeing my beautiful boys this morning!

Movement: I don't feel them all the time, but when I do...it's pretty intense! They'll kick around for like 10 minutes straight and my stomach/shirt will pop up and down. It's so crazy but so cool! I feel the one on the right side a lot more because his placenta is posterior, the other baby has an anterior placenta so I don't feel him as much.

Symptoms: Always hungry, tired because of lack of sleep, lots of peeing and of course the ever present sinus issues.

Food Cravings: Ice cream and milkshakes. Juice...like apple or grape. Still chicken mcnuggets!

Gender: Two gorgeous boys!

What I Miss: Sleeping through the night!!!!

What I'm Looking Forward to: Seeing the perinatologist in a week and a half and getting more measurements of the boys! Getting all the nursery things I've ordered, continued growing belly, feeling more movement, baby shower!

Nursery: I finally started ordering things for the nursery. I got both bedding sets, a lamp, the twin bassinet/pack n play, baby bag, twin nursing pillow, two swings, humidifier and some storage baskets. Next we plan to order the cribs, changing table and dresser. I'm starting to get anxious to get the nursery together!

Weekly Wisdom: This is funny, but my OB said this to me this morning "babies are like parasites, even when you don't feel good or are uncomfortable, at your expense....they are doing just fine in there." HA! Good to know!

Milestones: Each day is a milestone in my mind, I'm so thankful to be 21 weeks pregnant.

Emotions: Sooooo happy!!

20 Weeks

I don't know why I feel like 20 weeks is such a milestone....I guess probably because we are out of the "teens" and into the "twenties." Oh, and probably because this is halfway there! Not for a twin pregnancy (I hit that a week ago,) but for a singleton pregnancy. So hard to believe we are actually here....but here I am!

The last week has been pretty uneventful. Though I am finding it somewhat easier to get through to each OB appointment to make sure everything is going well "in there," I still wish I could have a weekly appointment! But, I am trying to be strong and just have faith in this amazing process.

How Far Along: 20 Weeks

Size of Baby: Ummm....two cantaloupes? These must be small cantaloupes because I don't feel big enough to be packing two cantaloupes. I did see on another website that they are more like grapefruits...which makes more sense. Sometimes these fruit comparisons don't make too much sense to me.

Picture of Baby: None this week......

Maternity Clothes: Oh yes! I've gotten some great stuff....two pairs of jeans, a cute pair of black pants, 2 pairs of leggings, some long sleeve tops, some sweaters, some tanks and cute tops, etc. I think I'll be set for a few months until I bust out of these! I also got a cute pair of clogs since it takes me about 20 minutes to get shoes on...I needed something I could easily slip on!

Weight Gain: 22 pounds

Belly:

Stretch Marks: Not yet!

Sleep:  Horrible! I am sleeping with my snoogle every night which is the only way I feel comfortable sleeping, but I feel much more comfortable on my left side, the problem with that? You can't stay in one position all night, so I end up turning to my right, but am uncomfortable, so I move back to my left....this pretty much goes on all night! The sinus issues continue to be a huge problem...especially at night when I lay down. I'd love to just have one night of sleeping on my stomach with no stuffy nose!

Best Moment of the Week: Feeling the boys move!

Movement: Yes...it is still early to feel them consistently with a lot of force, but I definitely feel small kicks,  movements and rolls. I'm pretty sure one kicked me twice in the bladder a few nights ago...ouch!

Symptoms: My symptoms have definitely continued to decrease over the past few weeks. I'd say my biggest one is just being constantly hungry. I feel like I eat something and then a half hour later my stomach is growling again. I'm also getting tired in the afternoons and sometimes lay down and sleep for an hour or just rest which definitely seems to help. My sinuses are still really bothering me....mostly through the night, my nose gets SO stuffed up! I have a super sprayer of saline that I have to use a few times a night. I am also peeing a lot which is annoying....sometimes I'll pee and then 15 minutes later I'll have to go again!

Food Cravings: Anything that's "bad for you!" HA! Macaroni and cheese, cheeseburgers, taco bell, chocolate pudding, chicken mcnuggets, etc. I promise these boys are getting "good" stuff too and I'm not always giving into the cravings!

Gender: Two gorgeous boys! They are going to be sooo cute...have you seen my husband?! Hehehehe!

What I Miss: Sleeping through the night!!!! Keeping up with my house...it's not that I don't have the time I just can't do stuff like I used to. Like right now I'd love to go sweep out and organize my garage, but I'm not comfortable doing those kinds of things during pregnancy. Matt has been VERY good about picking up the slack between the weeks the housekeeper doesn't come.

What I'm Looking Forward to: Next OB appointment in a week! Ordering bedding and some other things that I've decided to order first for the nursery, continued growing belly, feeling more movement, baby shower!

Nursery (I'm adding this one in:) Well, I think I've decided on the bedding for the boys.

I actually always saw myself doing something a bit more "modern" and less "baby-ish" with the bedding. But, I really fell in love with this bedding when I saw it. I like that it is organic and also that it is simple yet elegant. I love the lambs too and chose some really cute lamb decorations to go with it....it also has a matching adorable lamp. I sold my unused IVF meds this week and we found out we are getting about $1000 Amazon gift cards from one of our credit cards, so I don't feel nearly as bad buying two sets of pottery barn bedding!

Matt was down in Phoenix earlier this week for work and stayed with his best friend and his wife. She asked me if I wanted any clothes that her son has outgrown, I was like "yes!" So, Matt brought home TONS of adorable things that have not been worn or barely worn! So much fun! These boys are going to be so well dressed! We have so many clothes already...I swear I think we have 75 onesies already!

Weekly Wisdom: Have faith in the process....women have been having babies for centuries!

Milestones: Making it into the twenties! Finishing my registry (yep, I'm on top of it!)

Emotions: Still changes frequently. I'm mostly excited and happy, but that fear seeps in every once in awhile...there was something that happened to one of my fellow bloggers last week (as you all know,) and it was so hard for me to read....I feel horrible for her, but at the same time....it brings up a lot of fear in me. I want these boys SO bad!

19 Weeks

Well, here we are! So amazing that I am nearly 20 weeks pregnant....I just can't believe it!! As you all know....we had our anatomy scan on Monday. I was soooooooooooo nervous going into the appointment.....I told Matt that morning that I was pretty sure that I was feeling about 20 emotions all at one time....it was so crazy! I laid down on the table and my perinatologist instantly told me that we had two strong heartbeats! That immediately put me at ease so that I could enjoy the scan. She told us she'd tell us the genders first and then start the measuring. Within 30 seconds she told us she had the first gender....a boy! I think Matt was really surprised because he was honestly leaning towards two girls! He goes..."well I bet the other one is a girl," and the doctor goes "Uh oh!" And I was like "oh it's a boy!," and she goes "yep!" We were both kinda shocked because we did think we had one or two girls or there...but we were both soooooo happy! I've always wanted to give my husband a son, and I've never been one that insisted I have a girl. I'm so excited to raise two beautiful sons....it is going to be so much fun! The rest of the scan went well....both babies were measuring perfectly in all areas...absolutely no issues at all. I did get a bit faint/dizzy towards the end and had to roll over on my side which made getting measurements a bit tough...but she was able to get all measurements on baby A and almost all measurements on baby B....we didn't get every single heart measurement on B or a lip measurement. But, there is no reason to think there is a problem, and she'll check it all again next time.

Right after appointment, I sent out a text to a few family members and my BFF about the sexes, then we decided it was time to "come out of the closet" on facebook...something we hadn't decided if we were going to do or not. But, we were just so excited and knew it was time to let the world in on our awesome news. It was really really fun to finally let everyone in on our little secret and get everyone's reactions. Everyone seems to be so happy for us and that makes me feel so good! After our appointment, I placed a few more orders for maternity clothes, finished my registry (yes, I've been working on this for awhile but didn't have gender specific clothes on it.) Then, on Tuesday I went and got my flu shot then went shopping for baby clothes...I had so much fun and loved showing Matt everything I bought when he got home! My friend/hair dresser, Brynn offered to do my shower...something that shocked me but she was soooooo excited to do it that I couldn't say no. She's been one of my biggest supporters this entire time and I'm so happy to have her be a part of this part of the journey with me.

How Far Along: 19 Weeks

Size of Baby: Two Papayas! I think the doc said they were both 9 ounces!

Pictures of Babies:

Maternity Clothes: Mostly all maternity clothes now...except I have a few pairs of stretchy pants that I can still squeeze into, and some of my longer/stretchier tops. I put in another order at Old Navy as well as a few things at Motherhood Maternity. I think I should be set for awhile now.

Weight Gain: 20 pounds

Belly:

Stretch Marks: Not yet!

Sleep:  I am using my snoogle pillow every night now and found a great position that makes me comfortable and doesn't make me feel like I am squishing babies. I am thankful for this, however my sinus problems seem to be worsening so that is my big sleep issue now. I feel like I have to get up at least every 2 hours just to blow my nose....it is so stuffed up! If my sinus problems weren't so bad I think I'd be getting some really good sleep!

Best Moment of the Week: No question....seeing the babies at their anatomy scan!!!!

Movement: I am definitely starting to feel more and more movement now. The movements are still pretty faint and still few and far between but I am definitely feeling them and loving it!!

Symptoms: Feeling pretty good! Still somewhat fatigued by the afternoon especially if I've gone somewhere that day. Small headaches but not every day. Then, of course the awful sinus issues!! Round ligament pain...my belly growth has really picked up and my ligaments and muscles sure are feeling it! Yowey!

Food Cravings: Still the BBQ chips! And, we've added ice cream into the mix!

Gender: Two BOYS!!!

What I Miss: Sleeping through the night mostly and being able to move and bend easily.

What I'm Looking Forward to: Everything!!! Deciding on names for the boys, shopping for them, feeling more and more movements, seeing the ever-growing belly....what am I NOT looking forward to?! Nothing!

Weekly Wisdom: Go with the flow...nothing in pregnancy is what you think it will be!

Milestones: Finding out genders!

Emotions: Grateful and excited!!

Selling IVF Meds

I'm selling my IVF meds, please let me know if any of you are interested:

-Endometrin w/applicators (21) Exp. 8/12    $50 plus shipping

-Lovenox 40mg (9 injections) Exp. 4/2013    $50 plus shipping 

- (SOLD) Menopur 75 IU (9 vials plus sodium chloride) Exp. 4/12     $250 plus shipping.

-(SOLD) Follistim plus pen (stored in fridge) Pen has 400-450 IU left, then 2 cartridges of 300 IU. Exp 1/2013.  $350 plus shipping.

Let me know if there is any interest! Send me an email to my private email....thanks!!!

Gender Reveal!!!

It's TWO boys!!! A longer post and pics to come!!!!

17 Weeks 4 Days

I had my bi-weekly appointment this morning....only with the NP so pretty uneventful. I was hoping for an ultrasound because I've gotten used to this at every appointment, and a bit spoiled in getting one every two weeks. But she told me that we'd only do it if she couldn't get two distinct heartbeats on the doppler. I was a bit bummed out about this but this particular NP said she doesn't usually do 2nd trimester ultrasounds so would have to go grab a doc if I insisted or if we couldn't find heartbeats. I decided that if we could hear the heartbeats that I'd be okay with that since I have my big anatomy scan is one week. Fortunately, the heart beats were pretty easy to find. They were both moving around a lot so she did have a bit of a hard time getting the doppler to record the rates once she found them, but eventually we got two strong distinct heart beats. Yay! Oh, and my fundal height is measuring 22 weeks....wowee!

I also had my first counseling session last week for the anxiety. I think it was helpful. She basically thinks I might be suffering from a bit of post traumatic stress.....the last 3 years of dealing with infertility (the emotional, mental and physical aspects) being the trauma and now dealing with the after effects of the trauma. I suppose it does make sense even though I think there are other factors involved too....just trying to wrap my head around being pregnant with twins after fighting so hard for it for so long, and being able to accept that I might actually have two babies in my arms in 5 months...I just haven't been able to wrap my head around it yet. I haven't been able to let go of the worry that something will go wrong....I do think this is getting better each week but it is definitely still a big part of my life. The counselor encouraged me to try and not push the fear away but to deal with it....but only let myself deal with it at certain times of the day. If I get worried and it isn't the time I've chosen to deal with it...I am supposed to not let the fear seep in. But, wait until the certain time of the day that I've chosen to deal with it. I admit I haven't started doing this yet....mostly because I've managed to keep the fear at a level that I can handle....which basically has been no anxiety attacks.

I've actually been letting myself get out and about a bit more too. Since the nausea and vomiting are pretty much gone (except when I go to the grocery store...the nausea does come back,) and the anxiety is getting better....I figure it is time to leave the house. I went to Matt's 10k race last weekend to cheer him on, and I also went to a good friend's baby shower (an afternoon tea at a cool old hotel in Denver,) this past weekend. It was nice to get out of the house and feel like a normal person again...instead of a sick anxiety-ridden crazy lady! I even enjoyed talking about my pregnancy at the shower and the girls got a kick of my cute little baby bump!

How Far Along: 17 Weeks 4 Days

Size of Baby: I think it's two onions this week

Picture of Baby: None this week but I'll have some really good ones next week!

Maternity Clothes: I'm definitely out of my normal clothes now, but it is still too hot to start wearing the maternity clothes that I bought. I am still in the gauchos (and quickly getting sick of them.) I am excited to wear my new maternity jeans, leggings and long sleeve tees as soon as the weather decides to cool down.

Weight Gain: 15 pounds

Belly:

Stretch Marks: Not yet!

Sleep:  Sleep has been pretty good. I am falling asleep easily and sleeping for a good chunk of time before I wake up and either have to turn to the other side, use the bathroom or blow my nose. Unfortunately, the "bottom leg" that I am on has started getting very achy (even with pillow in-between my legs,) so turning to the other side is a must. By the morning, both sides are pretty achy, but are okay once I get up and move around. I am still waking up pretty early hungry, but eating a breakfast bar real quick usually gives me a few more hours of sleep before I have to get up and eat a real breakfast. I am also using the snoogle pillow a bit more, but don't use it through the entire night.

Best Moment of the Week: Hearing babies heart beats!

Movement: I think I might have started feeling a little something every now and again....it's very faint and I am not 100% positive. But, every once in awhile I feel a little something that feels almost like a muscle twitch  or a popcorn popping in my belly. I'm excited to feel this consistently and know exactly what it is!

Symptoms: Symptoms have definitely decreased over the past week...no more nausea (except going to the grocery store.) I am mostly dealing with fatigue, constant hunger (but filling up quickly,) small headaches, and the nose/sinus problems.

Food Cravings: I can't say I've exactly had any real "cravings," but I do have to have my once a day apple. Oh, and I did manage to get through two bags of all-natural boulder BBQ chips in the past week....I told Matt that the babies love them so I have to eat them...what are ya gonna do? Otherwise...mostly healthy stuff that I know will be good for the babies is what I like to eat most. The tea sandwiches at the baby shower were soooooo good, I wanted to eat the entire platter but I got full pretty fast!

Gender: One week.....we are soooooooooooo excited!!!!!

What I Miss: Sleeping through the night mostly

What I'm Looking Forward to: Seeing the babies again. Finding out the sexes of the babies and starting to order baby stuff!

Weekly Wisdom: Dealing with pregnancy after infertility is VERY different than a regular pregnancy...know this so that you can better deal with all that comes with that.

Milestones: Each day is a milestone

Emotions: Back and forth between excited an anxious....always grateful for these amazing blessings.

16 Weeks

If you get a chance, please stop by LC's blog ...she could really use our support and love today.

I am still amazed that I am still posting each week...and that each week is going by....and each week I am still pregnant! I honestly never thought I'd get here and it is so so strange to be here, but here I am. I had an appointment with the nurse practitioner (NP) earlier this week.  I didn't expect it, but she did a quick ultrasound which was really nice. I am told they usually just do heartbeat checks at these appointments, but since there are two they will most likely do a quick ultrasound at each appointment...no complaining here! Both babies were moving around, hearts beating away!

How Far Along: 16 Weeks

Size of Baby: Two Avocados

 Picture of Baby:

Maternity Clothes: I finally broke down and bought a few things online. Old Navy is having a sale on maternity clothes right now, so I thought it would be a good time to get a few things. I felt weird about ordering them because I know they won't fit me right away, but I couldn't pass up a good sale! I got some jeans, some leggings and a few long sleeve cotton shirts. I am still just wearing gauchos and stretchy pants.

Weight Gain: Total of 12 pounds (fyi....I've always been slightly underweight so I think my body is just catching up...I am usually 105 and am weighting right around 117 now.....I am supposed to aim to gain
40-45.)

Belly: I am still not that big and patiently awaiting the big noticeable bump. You can see it when I wear certain tight clothes, but most of the time I can still hide it pretty well. I've been told in the next 4 weeks or so I should start showing.....I can't wait!

 (taken 15 weeks 6 days)

Stretch Marks: Not yet!

Sleep: Once I fall asleep I am usually okay for a few hours at a time, but I am having a difficult time falling asleep. I am still paranoid about squishing them. I am sleeping on my sides, but my tummy isn't big enough to prop up on a pillow yet, so I end up shoving a pillow against me and sorta leaning over on it....I am paranoid this will squish them or they don't have enough room....I know...I am crazy! I was soooooo happy that I was able to sleep in until 7:30 the other day, and only had to get up once to eat during the night (plus a few times to use the bathroom,) that's the latest I've slept in since before I found out I was pregnant.

Best Moment of the Week: Seeing the babies of course!

Movement: They are movers but I can't feel them yet.

Symptoms: The nausea finally seems to be going away.....yay!!! I think the 16 week mark is going to be my magic week! I'm really only getting nauseous now in the mornings and when I am hungry...but even those aren't that bad. I don't think I've thrown up since last weekend....that is nearly a week!!! Woo Hoo!! Still getting slight heart burn, but nothing I can't handle. Still quite tired during the day.....things have been cooler so I've been able to take a few naps, or just lay down in bed and rest. Still major bloody boogers and stuffed up nose...especially at night. Boobs are definitely getter bigger and tend to be very achy when I wake up in the morning.  Oh....and I don't know if I've mentioned this...but I've sprouted a "happy trail" as well as the linea nigra on my belly. I love them both!

Food Cravings: No food cravings yet.....though the other day I did have a craving for McDonalds chicken nuggets, so Matt went through  the drive-thru  for me so we could get some! Not the healthiest thing....but at this point.....just getting food down without gagging is major progress! I think I ate 8 of them and was very proud of myself!

Gender: Anatomy scan is scheduled for October 10th!!

What I Miss: Enjoying food, leaving the house everyday, sleeping on my stomach.

What I'm Looking Forward to: Finding out the sexes of the babies and starting to order baby stuff!

Weekly Wisdom: Everyone's pregnancy is different, try not to compare too much....just have faith that yours is going along just fine!

Milestones: We're well into the second trimester now and the babies look great!

Emotions: Back and forth between excited an anxious....always grateful for these amazing blessings.

14 Weeks 5 Days!

Sorry that I am so late on putting on my weekly post....I actually had my second OB appointment yesterday and I wanted to wait to put up a post until after my appointment. Matt and I got to meet our OB yesterday....my first OB appointment was just with the NP and then my NT scan was with my perinatololgist. We both really liked the OB...she is a younger gal (as is my perinatologist) so I felt like I could relate to her. The appointment was very easy, fast and reassuring. Since we have two babies in there just doing a fetal doppler isn't helpful since you can't distinguish heartbeats, so we got a quick ultrasound to see how they are doing. They still continue to amaze me....they are both huge, and one moves so much!!! One is very laid back and the other one was kicking up a storm...it looked like it was running!! We were laughing pretty hard because it looked like he/she was kicking it's sibling like "get out of my way!" Oy vey.......they are only going to get bigger and there's only so much room in there...share the space guys!! They both had beautiful heartbeats and gorgeous long fingers....that didn't surprise me....mommy has long fingers!

Unfortunately, I've been having some anxiety between appointments....I woke up Thursday morning with a lot of anxiety. Not sure why...I think I just want everything to run so smoothly and having little control over how everything goes is tough for me. So, I am actually going to attend a 4-week long class once a week regarding coping with anxiety. I'm also seeing a counselor at the end of the month which I think will be good for me. I don't think I've realized just how this long 3+ year journey has really affected me. And, I don't think I've really dealt with just how difficult the journey was and how I'm not sure really how to deal with the fact that the infertility journey is over.....after fighting so hard for 3 years, I'm having trouble accepting that I don't have to fight anymore.  I just need to enjoy that these beautiful blessings are growing inside of me and how blessed I am to have that. So, I think counseling will be good for me and I am not ashamed to say that I need it.

How Far Along: 14 Weeks 5 Days!

Size of Baby: Each are the size of a lemon (isn't that smaller than a peach? Hmmmmm?)

Picture of Baby: Didn't get any pics this time....but I'll say they look great!

Maternity Clothes: Still haven't bought any. I'm still in the gauchos and stretchy pants. I think I'll purchase some in October....at least some jeans and leggings.

Weight Gain: Total of 10 pounds...at night it's closer to 12 pounds.

Belly: I still don't feel like I am that big, but my OB took one look at me and said I looked about 20 weeks....not 14. When she felt my uterus she said is already up by my belly button...where it is at 20 weeks with a singleton, so I guess I am okay there...just thought I'd be bigger by now. I am patiently awaiting the big round noticeable bump! Though...I think the neighbors are starting to catch on...they are giving me funny looks!

Stretch Marks: Not yet! Love my cocoa butter!

Sleep: Seems to be a bit better.....I am finally getting used to sleeping on my sides so it's not as uncomfortable. I am sooo sleepy by about 8pm, then wake up quite a bit to use the bathroom, eat a snack, then usually wake up around 6am and can't fall back asleep. I'm looking forward to cooler weather so that I can nap during the day.....I can't sleep when it is hot so this summer has been tough!

Best Moment of the Week: Seeing the babies of course!

Movement: They are movers but I can't feel them yet.

Symptoms: The nausea is still there, unfortunately. My OB seems to think it'll taper off any day now....I can't wait! If I constantly eat...I'm usually okay. But, sometimes something I eat will make me gag, and once I gag...it's all over! I even had to barf in the backyard last week because my lunch made me gag, and I didn't have time to run back in the house...fun stuff guys! Besides the nausea, still having a bit of heartburn here and there. I'm still getting slight headaches here and there...but nothing real bad. Stomach aches are getting better....yay!!! Fatigue of course....growing two babies is tough! Then, the lovely bloody boogers and stuffed up nose.

Food Cravings: Still constantly hungry but nothing sounds all that great...lots of food aversions still. Things that I loved before pregnancy I can't even think about eating now...which is tough. I am definitely a lover of food when I am not pregnant and to only be eating now to keep me and the babies going is tough...I'm just not enjoying food like I used to.

Gender: Anatomy scan is scheduled for October 10th!! Once we find out I'd like to start purchasing some baby items....bedding, clothes, etc. Then, we decided around Halloween we will start purchasing furniture and larger items. We are hoping to have the nursery done by Thanksgiving. This is because I could go on bed rest around 28 weeks which is mid-December...we want everything done before then so no one is stressed out.

What I Miss: Enjoying food, being able to get out and about (independence.) I don't leave the house much because I'm always afraid I'll get sick!

What I'm Looking Forward to: Getting rid of the nausea for good! Enjoying food again! Finding out the sexes of the babies and starting to order baby stuff!

Weekly Wisdom: Don't worry if there is nothing to worry about! (that's also very good advice for myself!)

Milestones: We're well into the second trimester now and the babies look great!

Emotions: Back and forth between excited an anxious....always grateful for these amazing blessings.

13 Weeks and NT Scan

We had our NT scan on Monday.....everything went well! As usual....I was super nervous! We met with a genetic counselor before the scan to go over both of our family histories. Then, we met with the perinatologist...which I really liked. It was fun to "graduate" to the abdominal ultrasound too! As soon as she put the probe on my stomach I knew both babies were fine...they were HUGE...so much bigger than when I last saw them 2 weeks earlier. She measured both heartbeats first and  both were great! She then started on the measurements and boy were those babies moving around...wow!! It took the full hour to get all of the measurements because were moving around so much! One baby was measuring a full week ahead and one was measuring a few days ahead...which really surprised me since I've been so sick and feel like I'm not getting enough calories, but I guess all is well with their growth. Both NT's measured just fine which was a relief, but I didn't expect there to be a problem. I was surprised at how low both babies were in my pelvis...she really had a to push and prod a few times to get the measurements she needed, and it felt like she was pushing like underneath my pelvic bones! We left there with lots and lots of pictures of the babies, I'll post a few below. After that, we went to get my blood drawn. I got my results over the past few days and found out that my white blood cell count has gone down (yay!,) it is still considered "high" but I guess normal for pregnancy...the important thing is that it's gone down. I also got my results from the genetics department and all was normal for downs, trisomy, etc....we are at very low risk.

The nausea is still here, unfortunately. I'm so ready for it to go away....where's my "honeymoon second trimester" like everyone keeps telling me about huh? I'm so over the nausea!! My stomach aches are still coming and going too which makes it really hard to want to eat a whole lot.  Add to that some new symptoms this week....heartburn and headaches. For the past week I've had both come and go.....luckily, the headaches get better if I lay down for an hour or so. I'm sure both will continue to get worse too...sigh... I had a really bad stomach ache yesterday for no reason. It hit me at about 2pm and lasted for a few hours...I was so miserable. My stomach kept getting really tight and uncomfortable which makes me so anxious. So, to say the least...I've been pretty miserable...between the nausea, heartburn, stomach aches, heart burn, head aches and just tiredness it's all I can do to eat and keep up with some basic household chores. Luckily, Matt has been able to keep up with everything else and we still have a housekeeper coming in once a month to do a deep cleaning. I'm excited that Matt's on vacation all next week....hopefully I feel well enough to at least go to the movies together! I miss spending time with him!

Here are a few pics from the scan:

How Far Along: 13 Weeks

Size of Baby: Each are the size of a peach

Picture of Baby: See above

Maternity Clothes: Not yet. Since I am currently not leaving the house much I don't want to purchase anything. I am wearing Matt's basketball shorts around the house. I pulled out a few pairs of gauchos from the back of my dresser from when they were popular a few years ago, and also have a few cotton jumpers that I wear when I leave the house. I'll have to order some maternity clothes when I go back to work in a few weeks.

Weight Gain: Total of 8 pounds, 5 pounds between OB appointments (2 weeks.)

Belly: Still pretty flat in the mornings except for a small hard bump, then gets bigger throughout the day. By the time I go to bed, my belly is pretty round and tight.

Stretch Marks: Not yet I'm sure they're coming!

Sleep: Still not that great but at least I am sleeping for a few hours at a time and not tossing and turning as much. I still get up a lot to go to the bathroom, eat and clean out my nose (oh did I forget to mention the constant nose full of bloody boogers? Yeah it's a fun one.)

Best Moment of the Week: Seeing the babies of course!

Movement: They are movers but I can't feel them yet.

Symptoms: Nausea, heart burn, head aches, stomach aches/gas, fatigue, bloody nose.

Food Cravings: Constantly hungry but nothing sounds all that great...lots of food aversions still. I do get the occasional craving for deli sandwiches (Subway and Jimmy Johns in particular) and I always want fruit....Matt brought home 2 cantaloupes, 3 cartons of raspberries, a bag of big black grapes, pears, apples and bananas early this week. I have to pace myself because I think too much fruit may be contributing to the stomach aches. But, it is SO good! I am also drinking my veggies (greens first) because I haven't been able to eat any...totally sounds gross to me.

Gender: Will find out at next scan in October.

What I Miss: Sleeping through the night, feeling good and eating normally.

What I'm Looking Forward to: Getting rid of the nausea for good! Finding out the sexes of the babies and starting to order baby stuff! I've already picked out some "twin items" and can't wait to start ordering!

Weekly Wisdom: Take each day one at a time....each one is so different in pregnancy.

Milestones: Making it to the second trimester, everything looking good with NT scan and blood work.

Emotions: Changes all the time...anxious, frustrated but mostly thankful.