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!