A Third Miracle

It's simply unbelievable that its been two entire years since I've posted on this blog. I had every intention of continuing to write over at my public family blog but just wasn't able to keep up. Landon and Andrew are nearing 3 years old. It just doesn't seem like that could be possible. It truly seems like yesterday that we were trying desperately to conceive them. They are both thriving, so happy and smart and funny.

Our third miracle, Graham Nicholas joined our family on October 16th. When I found out I was pregnant right after my boys turned 2...I was truly terrified and in complete denial! Though we had talked about the possibility of a 3rd child with our frozen embryos at some point, we definitely had not fully decided, and we definitely weren't ready right then. But here I was, unexpectedly pregnant...a baby was coming whether we were ready or not! It was a pretty uneventful pregnancy...though in some ways it seemed harder than with the twins. Probably because I am older and had two toddlers to keep up with! Graham was born via scheduled csection on 10/16, weighing 7 pounds 2 ounces. He's truly been such a blessing in disguise. I really did think that once the boys were born that I had everything I needed, but Graham filled that one last tiny hole in my heart that I don't think I was even aware exsisted until he was born. Maybe part of it is now knowing that Matt and I actually CAN conceive a child with absolutely no intervention. After all that...I AM fertile, I AM meant to be a Mommy (yes a tiny part of me still questioned that.) I just don't know which pregnancy is more of a miracle...I guess both are equally. Graham is an amazing baby, so sweet and cuddly and just plain lovely. I can't explain how much easier it is to have a single full term baby than twin preemies...there's no comparison. I feel like this time around I can appreciate the newborn stage more. Maybe it's because I know now how truly fast it goes by. But mostly I'm more relaxed, with only one I don't feel like I am trying to split my time between two screaming babies while trying to find a second to go to the bathroom or take a shower or eat something. Yes, it's hard with 3 kids under three years, but Landon and Andrew are pretty independent and don't need me constantly like a newborn does.   Some days I just wish I could sit around snuggling Graham all day long.

I'm sure there's no one that follows this blog anymore and most of you that I became close with on the blogs are Facebook friends so you already know about Graham, but for some reason I felt the need to post about him today. I guess I needed him to be a part of this special little place too.  So here he is!

My Beauties at 8 Months

Landon on the left, Andrew on the right

Please join me at my family blog!!!

Hi Everyone!! I've decided to continue blogging (though I may not be able to put up a new post for awhile) at my family blog! Since this blog is private and I am not comfortable opening it up to everyone....not to mention this is a fertility blog and I am now parenting it only makes sense to me to close this blog down and move to my family blog.

I am now following all of you over at my family blog and I hope you will all decide to start following me there as well! Please be patient with me...I will probably not update this blog right away, but I WILL....so hang in there with me!

I've also decided to join PAIL...which I think is a great idea, and I'm looking forward to being a part of it!

Birth Story of Landon and Andrew Schell

Hey Bloggie Friends- Just wanted to let you all know that I am planning to take a hiatus from blogging at this point. I've taken some time (on and off over the past 2 weeks) to write Landon and Andrew's birth story, which is below. Matt is going back to work next week so taking care of the boys will be almost completely my responsibility. We also have Landon's surgery coming up, some other appointments, as well as a lot of visitors coming over, so I think blogging is going to be nearly impossible for awhile. Please know that I am always thinking of each and every one of one and praying for you and your journey...wherever you may be. I will try my best to keep up on reading your blogs...but might not comment too much.  I hope to come back to writing in my blog in the future...either this blog or exclusively my family blog (I haven't decided yet.) 

The boys are doing well. Our two week appointment with the pediatrician went well....they both continue to put weight on and their health overall is excellent! I am doing well too...I had a follow-up with the OB on Thursday and my blood pressure is back down to the normal range, and I've lost 40 pounds already (I put on a total of 66!)

Birth Story

I woke up on Thursday, February 2nd not feeling that great. I felt nauseous and overall just a "yucky" feeling. I just chalked it up to the fact that I was nearing the end of the pregnancy. I had another NST appointment that morning, so I got ready for the appointment and left the house. On the way there I started having weird pains in my rib cage....I didn't know what the pain was from but thought maybe it was just the babies pressing up against my ribs. I was still having contractions and it seemed with each contraction the pain would worsen. The pain got so bad that I thought I was going to have to pull over on the way to the appointment. I made it there and had to sit in the waiting room for about 25 minutes to be called back. As I sat in the waiting room I could feel my contractions starting to get closer together, and with each of them the pain in my ribs would worsen. I kept trying to sit in different positions to help ease the pain....but I was just plain uncomfortable!

I finally got called back to my appointment and I told the nurse that I really wasn't feeling well. I told her that I was feeling very nauseous and that I was having a lot of pain in my ribcage and having frequent contractions which was making the pain worse. She started me up on the monitor and the boys were still doing great. However, my contractions were closer together than they usually were. They were usually about 8-9 minutes apart, and they were now about 5-6 minutes apart. She took my blood pressure after being hooked up the monitors for awhile and it was really really high (170/126!).....much worse than normal. She took me off of the monitors and got me into a room to see one of the OBs.

When the OB came in I told her that I was really feeling sick. She said that more than likely I had moved from "mild" pre-eclampsia to full pre-elampsia....due to the fact that my blood pressure was so high, I was feeling sick and the pain in my rib area. She checked my cervix and said "and also you are in labor." My contractions were very close together and my cervix was dilated to a 5 (it had been at a 3 for nearly a month.) It was go time. She called the hospital to let them know I was on my way and I called Matt at home to let him know I'd be home soon and to have everything ready. On the way home...the pain got very bad. With each contraction my ribs were killing me....I didn't know if I was going to make it...it took all my strength to just keep driving. But, luckily the drive is only about 10 minutes. I arrived home and Matt packed everything into the car (including the dog,) and we were on our way. Luckily, the dog kennel is on the way to the hospital and he had called ahead of time to let them know we were on our way. He rushed the dog into kennel and off to the hospital we went! The ride there was tough...I was breathing hard through each contraction, I was in a lot of pain but I was trying not to scare Matt. He was getting frustrated at having to stop at each red light, so I kept telling him that even though I was in a lot of pain, the boys were not arriving anytime soon.

Once we arrived at the hospital, we were taken back to a room, I was hooked up to the monitors, the blood pressure cuff and blood was taken. I was soooooooooooo happy to find out that MY OB was at the hospital that day and would be delivering the boys. She came into the room to chat and find out how we wanted to deliver the boys. I was still on the fence because part of me still wanted to experience a vaginal birth, but at the same time...we were only at 35 weeks and a vaginal delivery was still risky for the boys since it could put them in a lot of stress.  We decided then that we would go ahead with the c-section since it would be the safest thing for the boys and I.

My OB told me that the anesthesiologist likes to wait 6-8 from the last time you ate to do the c-section. I had eaten breakfast at 7am that morning but had a little bit of trail mix at 9am while I was waiting for my NST appointment...so we were looking at 3pm at the earliest to do the c-section. We arrived at the hospital right around noon and over the span of the hour my pain was definitely intensifying. At one point I even remember telling Matt that I was about ready to jump out the window! Multiple nurses came in trying to get my IV in, but my blood pressure had gotten so high that they couldn't get the IV in. I was told that when blood pressure gets high the vessels constrict and are no longer visible over the skin. The multiple nurses tried numerous times to get the IV in...in multiple spots up and down my arms and hands. I was getting really frustrated because I was in a lot of pain and being poked and prodded was the last thing I wanted. Finally...the anesthesiologist came in and was able to get the IV in the crook of my elbow (the last resort spot.)

Unbeknownst to me...over that time my situation had turned into an emergency (due to my blood pressure) and within the span of an hour.... it was time to deliver. I didn't have a choice anymore...it was going to be a c-section no matter what. Before I knew it....I was wheeled back to the OR.

The section itself was a very positive experience. I trusted everyone there...two docs, multiple nurse, the NICU team, the anesthesiologist, Matt, etc. The epidural was a cinch...I hardly felt a thing and instantly...the pain was gone and I felt SO much better! I did get a bit nauseous right after the epidural took effect....but did not vomit and the feeling passed pretty quickly. Before I knew it Matt was able to come into the room and someone told me that the procedure had already begun.  Its such a strange feeling to feel pushing, pulling and tugging,  but absolutely no pain at all. Before I knew it....Landon was pulled out of me and I heard a huge cry! Oh my gosh...I've never heard such a beautiful sound before...I was overcome with such emotion.....I instantly started bawling and was told he was "perfect." Immediately after... Andrew was pulled out and I heard that beautiful sound yet again. Within a minute or two I was told Andrew was perfect too. At one point Matt did tell me that Landon had a slight hernia but not to worry because it was small and not a big deal. The boys were wrapped up and brought to me so I could look at them. The nurses who brought them to me were so patient and held them to my face for a very long time so I could just look at them.  I was having trouble seeing because I was crying so hard and my makeup was all in my eyes (take note: do not put makeup on the morning you are going to deliver...had I known!)

After about 5 minutes the boys and Matt went into a different room to be assessed while they finished my surgery. It was so extremely strange to lay on the table and know my abdomen was wide open and being stitched up. My OB and the other doc assisting her chatted it up while finishing the procedure...just like another day at the office! Finally....after what seemed like forever...I was taken into the recovery room where the boys were with the pediatricians, nurses and NICU team. They were brought to me so we could try and nurse.  Andrew latched on pretty quickly.  We stayed in there for awhile taking pictures and getting everyone stabilized.

At about 3pm were were all taken back to the original labor and delivery room where we would all have to stay overnight. I was told I would have to be hooked up to a magnesium drip for 24 hours to prevent seizures. Apparently my blood pressure had gotten so high that there was a worry I'd have a seizure, so the magnesium was to help get my pressure back down and prevent that from happening. I was told the magnesium would help lower my chances of having a seizure by 50%.

The next 24 hours are VERY hard for me to remember. I remember bits and pieces, I remember the big picture, but I don't remember many details or the order of things, so bear with me. The babies were assigned their own personal nurse and I was assigned my own personal nurse. They were both given sponge baths in the room and wrapped up and brought to me...I only know this because I have pictures, I don't really remember.

As the evening wore on....the magnesium making me very groggy, headachy, extremely hot and just plain "not with the program." On top of that...they were having a very difficult time slowing my bleeding down and I was hemorrhaging pretty badly. The poor nurse had to shove 5 pills up my arse that were supposed to help my uterus contract in an effort to slow the bleeding....I didn't feel it since my epidural was still in full effect. The evening turned into night and I was still bleeding badly. I don't remember feeling a lot of fear.....I probably should have, but I think I was so "out of it," that I didn't know I should even be feeling fear. I got a new nurse at 7pm and she got me through the night...she was sooo awesome (as was the first one I had who came in specially to take care of me that day.) I was laying on those pads (I think they are called "chuks") and my nurse came in frequently to change them and each time she would have to weigh them to see how much blood I'd lost. She had such a good attitude about it and was trying her best not to scare Matt and I...so she kept the situation light by trying to guess how much each one would weigh. It sounds weird, but it actually kept Matt and I laughing to see how close she could get. The OBs were in and out through the night...at one point my OB came in to do an ultrasound on my uterus to see if she could figure out where all of the blood was coming from...she didn't find anything abnormal.

As the night went on....I was pretty uncomfortable because I itched all over and I was sooooooooooooo thirsty!!! I wasn't able to have any water except for a few ice chips here and there....which at the time I was so angry about! The OB that was there that night (poor guy) was trying to explain to me (without scaring me) why I couldn't have anything to drink. I was so mad at him and kept asking over and over WHY I can't have water. He was so sweet to me...I can't remember exactly what he said because it didn't make much sense to me.  But I found out later that they didn't know if I'd need additional surgery for the bleeding, so I couldn't have anything in my tummy.   More blood was taken through the night to see where my blood levels were and a blood transfusion was being discussed if it didn't slow down. They gave me a benedryl to help with my itching...but that didn't do a dang thing! I was itching like a crazy lady, so they gave me something else (can't remember the name,) which finally helped with the itching but knocked me out COLD! I was finally able to sleep at some point in the early morning hours, which helped the thirsty situation immensely.

Matt and the boys' nurse continually fed the babies through the night. Since I did not have any milk and could not have breast fed even if I had...we opted to purchase donor milk for them. Because the magnesium made me SOSOSOSOSO hot....they had to keep the room very cold, so both of the boys were wrapped up tightly to keep them nice and warm. Their temps were taken frequently through the night, and Andrew's got a little low, so he was wrapped up in the cutest "bunting" I've ever seen! They did great that first night and I was so bummed that I couldn't spend time with them, but at the same time...I was so dang sick that I was just glad they were being cared for.

By the wee hours of the morning, I was starting to feel a bit better as far as the grogginess and itching goes, but was still soooo thirsty! Matt and my nurse felt really bad for me, so my nurse brought me a popsicle, and Matt started bringing me small cups of ice chips. I would demolish each small cup and he'd go fill it up again. That was all they'd give us...just these tiny cups, so he had to fill it up A LOT! I don't think (in fact, I know) that he did not get one wink of sleep that night.

As the morning wore on, my blood loss continued. They came to take more blood and a transfusion was discussed again. Since I was a little more aware at this point...I did start to get more scared that I had been before. Fortunately, the results came back and levels were about the same...not worse, so a transfusion was taken off the table. I was able to eat a little bit.....a vitamin drink and some jello along with my ice chips. The day wore on and I started to feel a bit better and it seemed the blood loss was finally slowing down. They stopped having to change the pads underneath me as much. I started feeling trapped in bed....I was hooked up the IV, to the blood pressure cuff, the catheter, and my legs were each wrapped in those special things that squeeze the legs and help prevent blood clots.

At about 2pm that day, the OB that was there came in and told me that they could take me off of the magnesium drip....I was soooo thankful for that! My nurse came in and shut off the magnesium drip and asked me if I wanted to try and sit up....I did...I hadn't been able to sit up for well over 24 hours! So, we tried...but failed! As soon as I sat up and got me legs over the side of the bed (which took every ounce of my will) I immediately got light-headed and faint. The nurse quickly laid me back down in bed.

Later that afternoon since I was stable, we were transferred to the Mom/Baby floor. I was kinda bummed to find out that the boys' nurse was now my nurse too (I liked her, but I also liked it that we all had our own personal nurses before.) I was able to eat real food that night and my nurse asked me if I was ready to try and sit up in bed again...I was. This time....though it was just as difficult I was able to sit up. I even stood up for a minute or two before I got dizzy again and had to lay back down again. Things were getting easier...but I was still really struggling.  The boys continued to do well....I was starting to really struggle with the fact that I couldn't really help out with the babies. I wasn't able to change them because I couldn't yet stand up, and even feeding them was nearly impossible because of the placement of the IV in the crook of my arm. I was told I couldn't get the IV out of my arm until they were sure my blood loss had stabilized and I was able to walk to the bathroom.

The next day things were getting better. My blood loss was getting better.  I was told if I could walk to the bathroom and I was ready then my IV and catheter could come out.  I was so ready for that! The nurse helped me walk to the bathroom...I made it, but unfortunately I started shaking uncontrollably and got very very dizzy and lightheaded. It took all I had not to pass out in the bathroom...the nurse quickly got me back to bed. She told me I still wasn't ready to have the IV and catheter taken out. Dang! The day wore on and the shifts changed. That night the nurse asked if I wanted to try walking to the bathroom again...I was determined! Though...it was hard and I got very lightheaded again....I did okay and she said if I was ready we could take my catheter and IV out. Yay! So out they went! I felt so much better after that....very very free!!! The boys were born on Thursday afternoon and my IV and catheter were not taken out until Saturday night! I was pretty much over it by that point! Matt helped me take a shower that night...I felt sooooo disgusting! The shower was pretty interesting because I couldn't move that much and I still felt ill, so Matt pretty much had to wash my body...I was able to slap a bit of shampoo and conditioner in my hair but that was really all I could do. Not to give TMI here....but I was SHOCKED to see what was coming out of my lady parts! I'm so thankful that Matt does not grossed out easily, because I sure was! My nurse told me that for the first few days after birth the uterus sheds off in large chunks....nasty!

That evening I was told by the nurse that it was in my best interest to get out of bed and have Matt walk me out of my room and around the Mom/Baby floor. This scared me because I could barely make it to the bathroom....but they told me the sooner I can get up and walk...the better I'll feel and the faster my recovery will be. So, that night...the nurse came in to watch the boys while Matt walked me around...it was slow but I did it!! I was able to do that twice that night and it is true....I started feeling better and definitely stronger!

We stayed 3 more nights in the hospital. It was such a busy time for us! Between all the fuss over me (my blood pressure and constantly checking my incision,) and all the fuss over the boys (lots of visits from pediatricians,) the regular blood pressure checks, the lactation consultants, the nurses, my meds, room service, housekeeping, the feedings, the OBs, etc.etc etc......we were not alone in our room for less than a half an hour at a time. I continued to use the hospital pump every 4 hours in an effort to stimulate milk production and was really bummed with each passing day that my milk didn't come in.  We thought we were going to get to go home on Monday since the boys were cleared to go home.....but my blood pressure spiked really high so we all had to stay another night.

Finally...on Tuesday the OB said we could go home! They had upped my blood pressure meds to SIX times more than I usually take! My blood pressure finally stabilized....woo hooo!!

We got the boys home around 3:00 on Tuesday...and that is where the rest of our life begun.....the best part of it.....

Almost Two Weeks Old!

Wow....I can't believe it's almost been two weeks since my twins were born! It's been the most wonderful two weeks of my life...for sure! I am still working on their birth story...it is quite complicated so I want to make sure and get in as many details as I can remember, so it is taking me some time. In the meantime, I thought I'd put up a quick post on our first week at home with the boys.

Everything is going very well! Yes....Matt and I are quite sleep deprived, but actually...not that bad! The boys eat every 3-4 hours and most nights we can get in a good 6-7 hours. The hours are broken up into a few increments. We feed them right before bed (usually around 10pm,) they wake up around midnight or 1am, we feed them again, then again around 3 or 4am, and then we all sleep until 8am. It's not always that perfect....sometimes one of them will wake up more frequently, but we've tried our hardest to keep them on the same schedule. We are looking forward to them eating a little less frequently so we only have to get up once in the middle of the night...but this is okay for now and we've been sleeping with them in the afternoon for a few hours when we can. We've got a good little routine down, where Matt is in charge of making all bottles. So, when they wake up...Matt goes to make the bottles and I change them both. By the time they are both changed, the bottles are ready and Matt and I each take one of the boys to feed. Since they are both still tiny...feeding isn't always perfect....most of the time they eat very slowly and have to be kept awake during the feeding because they most always fall back asleep when we are feeding them. We figured out very early on that it is best to keep them awake during feedings and get in as much as possible, otherwise...they wake up very soon after and want more. So, if we don't keep them awake during feedings we are constantly feeding them.

They are definitely the light of our lives....such absolute joys! They have their own adorable personalities.....Landon  (who was actually my trouble maker in the womb) seems to be a bit more relaxed. If he is not eating...he just loves to sleep! Andrew is easy too....but likes to stay awake more. He doesn't always immediately fall asleep after a meal (like Landon does,) and likes to either hang out in his swing watching the mobile, or hanging out in one of our arms watching us.

They continue to put on a few ounces, so we are all pleased about that. We had our first pediatrician appointment last Thursday (when they were one week old,) and they both put on a few ounces. We have our two week appointment this Thursday, and we are hoping they've put on a few more. We also had their appointment at the Children's Hospital yesterday regarding their hernias. It is still up in the air as to whether Andrew has one or not, so the surgeon would like to wait and see on him. So, no surgery on Andrew as of now. Landon, however will be having surgery on his hernia on the 29th. The surgeon said it would be best (and safe) to do his surgery in the next few weeks. So, the whole family will be staying the night at Children's Hospital so we can all be with Landon, since he will have to stay the night. We met with the anesthesiologist too because Mommy had lots and lots of questions on the safety of anesthesia on such a little guy.  I'm worried and scared, but I also know that the surgery is necessary and best to do sooner rather than later so that the hernia doesn't get worse and put Landon's life in danger.  He will also have his circumcision done at that time. Andrew is scheduled to have his circumcision with a urologist at Children's hospital in March.

Other then that....things have been going really well. We are finally starting to have visitors, which has been nice.....I didn't want them in the hospital (you'll see why once you read their birth story,) or their first week at home because I wanted the downtime with my family and to settle into a routine. On Saturday we are having their newborn photos taken...which I am really excited about. I kinda wish I would have done it when they were just a week old, but it didn't work out that way....and that's okay, two weeks old is still a good time.

Mommy is doing well too! I can't believe how fast the weight came off. I weighed 171 pounds the morning I delivered them. Once I got home I weighed right around 140, today I am weighing between 130 and 135....it's totally crazy to me! I don't plan to get back down to my pre-pregnancy weight (105,) my goal is 115. I think that will be pretty easy once I am healed from the c-section and can get out and walk with the boys. After a difficult pregnancy of morning sickness, then bed rest, now recovery from surgery...I feel totally out of shape and can't wait to get back into shape again. At both appointments that we've gone to, all of the nurses can't believe that I gave birth to twins just this month. Everyone comments that they can't believe these two little guys came from me, I'm like "I assure you....I carried these two boys for 35 weeks....and I was the size of our house the day I delivered!" HA!! I never did get any stretch marks which I am thankful about. My linea nigra got very dark though as did my belly button, so I am definitely looking forward to that lightening up. C-section recovery since coming home hasn't been too had....the hardest part is getting in and out of bed and since I am constantly doing it to feed the boys....that has been difficult. Each day seems to get easier and easier though.

I never did get my milk in. I took the fenugreek religiously, pumped 4-6 times a day, drank tons of water, etc. The lactation consultant told me to give it a solid 10 days....which I did. She pretty much told me if after the 10 days I still haven't gotten my milk it...it probably wasn't going to happen. So, after the 10 days, I stopped pumping. It was very time consuming and wasn't doing a dang thing. I was getting a few drips out here and there...but my milk never actually came in....I knew the pumping wasn't going to help...if the milk didn't come in, it didn't come in. If it did...the pumping would have helped bring more, but it didn't...so the pumping was becoming pointless.  I am completely bummed that I wasn't able to breast feed my boys, but what am I going to do? Beat myself up? That won't do any good. I can only do what I can do.

Well, I think that is all for now. Don't be surprised if you don't hear from me much after I get their birth story up. Matt is headed back to work next week so taking care of the boys will be completely on me. It's been nice to have the help feeding them, but without the help, it is going to take me double the time....so less sleep and less time to do other things. I hope to get back to blogging once they are a bit bigger and eating more at each feeding.

Happy Valentines Day too!!!!

Here are a few pics from our first week at home:

 Landon

 Andrew

 Dad feeding Landon

 Dad Feeding Andrew

 All Bundled up in our bassinet

 Baby Drew

 Heading out for the first time!!

 Drew...ready to go!

 Landon...snoozing

 Brotherly Love

 Hi Mama! (Landon)

 Boys in their monkey sleepers

Sweet Landon

 Me with my sweet bubbas

We're Home!!

I have a few minutes here while Matt feeds one baby and the other one is asleep, so thought I'd put up a quick post.

I still can't believe that we have our two bundles of joy home with us....it is the most amazing feeling in the world! We got home yesterday afternoon and have been busy trying to settle in since, and in-between trying to get settled in...we've been trying to catch some zzzzzzzz's!! The boys eat every 3 hours on average (sometimes less,) so sleep hasn't been something Matt and I have been able to get a ton of! Matt has been so amazing with them (and me,) he's really stepped up to the plate to be the best daddy possible! I'm so proud of him and feel so blessed to be married to a man like him.

I do plan to write the story of their birth because as you can imagine it was VERY eventful...but I don't have enough time at this moment. I will say that it was a combination of the pre-eclampsia and going into labor that brought these boys into the world. It ended up being an emergency c-section.....but the coolest thing is that my OB was the one at the hospital that day so she was able to do the section.....something I am soooooo grateful for! While I would have been okay with the other OB's doing the section....she was who I wanted to do it. I trust her, I have a good relationship with her, I've heard her "work" is the best.....so I knew I was in the BEST hands possible! The section itself was a very positive experience. The real action was immediately before and after the section due to the pre-eclampsia and severe blood loss....so my recovery has been slow, but I am doing well today and that is what is important!

Landon and Andrew are doing amazingly well for being 35 week babies. We are sooooooooo blessed and thankful that they were able to avoid any NICU time. They are perfect in every way except they both have inguinal hernias that will probably need surgery. They have their first appointment with the pediatrician on Friday and then on Monday have consultations with a surgeon at the Children's Hospital. We are told the hernias are very common and the procedure is quick and they will be in and out that day. We aren't sure at this point when the surgeries will take place. They usually like to wait until the babies are 11-12 weeks old. The hernias are small, not noticeable and they are not causing the boys any pain. The surgeon will decide on Monday when the surgery will take place. If he feels it would be okay to do the surgeries early...we may do that. Matt and I would like to get it done as early as possible so we don't have to worry about it, but of course we want to wait until it is safe too.

Other than that......we've had very little worries or concerns with the boys. For being 35 weekers they've done so well with feeding. Suck, swallow and breathe has not been an issue at all. The other issue we've had is of course....with me! I have not gotten an ample supply of milk in yet. This is a real bummer because I really want to breast feed. At the hospital we purchased donor milk for the boys since we realize how important breast milk is those first few days. Now that we are home...we are just using formula. I am continuing to pump 4-6 times a day and though I am getting SOME milk in...it isn't enough to feed them with, so I am just doing it to continue to stimulate the breast. Everyone seems to think that it was the trauma of everything right after surgery that has delayed my milk coming in. I understand that it may not come in and even though that is a bummer...I'll have to accept it and realize that I did everything I could.

On the day I delivered the boys I weighed in at a whopping 171 pounds!!! That is a gain of 66 pounds! I got on the scale this morning and am already down to 140 pounds. Basically,  I immediately lost 11 pounds of baby and 20 pounds of water weight! There were a few pictures taken of me at the possible, but they were the most awful pictures in the world...I looked nothing like myself...they were SO ugly! The pre-eclampsia did a real number on me for sure!

Well, I think that is all for now. Again, I hope to get to writing the birth story soon. I will leave you with a few pictures of my beautiful boys!

My Sweeties Have Arrived!!!

Landon Matthew (5 pounds 15 ounces) and Andrew Mason (4 pounds 13 ounces) arrived on February 2, 2012 at 1:45pm via c-section.

Everyone is perfect, healthy and happy! No NICU time, they've stayed with Mommy and Daddy since their birth...we are so proud and happy! 


I'll try to post more when I get home from the hospital next week...in the meantime...here are my sweeties...

Latest NST and OB (1/27 and 1/30)

Thought I'd give a quick update on our latest appointments since we are getting down to the very end of this pregnancy and things are happening rather quickly now.

I had another NST on Friday....I had made plans for a friend and her baby to come over after the appointment and visit with me so I was sure something would go wrong at the appointment and I'd get stuck there seeing an OB, doing more tests or getting sent to the hospital or something! But, everything went surprisingly well. My blood pressure was actually down quite a bit, so everyone was very happy about that. The boys cooperated nicely for the NST. They crack me up because if they are asleep during the NST their heart accelerations aren't that great...they mostly stay in the 140's.  But if they are awake their heart accelerations are great, but they move around so much that it's hard to keep them on the monitor (especially my trouble maker, Baby A.) So, I pray that they'll be awake but not moving around too much or I have to stay on the monitors for a lot longer. They need 20 solid minutes of good heart accelerations where they both stay on the monitors for the 20 minutes...not as easy as you'd think with two active boys! Sometimes this takes 30 minutes, but sometimes it has taken up to a few hours! Anyway, I did have a few contractions during the NST but the nurses and OBs know now not to panic....it's just me and I'm not in labor. The contractions did increase a bit more this past week than the last...but they still are not painful.

So, I was out of there within an hour and was told since my blood pressure looked good we'd wait until Monday to see my OB and probably repeat blood work and 24 hour urine at that time. I was happy to hear that because it meant most likely we'd get to 35 weeks....which is definitely the goal!

Over the weekend, Matt and I (well, mostly Matt with my direction) tied up the loose ends we wanted to get done before the boys arrive. He put the twin bassinet up in our bedroom, got the car seats in the car, packed our hospital bags and put them by the door, exchanged a few things at Babies R Us and Old Navy, etc.  Over the weekend, I also feel like the babies (or at least baby A) dropped even further....if that is even possible. I felt like there was a lot more pressure on my cervix all of the sudden. Then on Saturday night, I started having regular contractions...which isn't out of the ordinary for me, but we decided to start timing them. Sure enough they were 8-9 minutes apart. But, they did not get closer together, or get more intense and actually let up before we went to bed. I'm starting to wonder if I'll even know when I am in real labor unless my water breaks, because contractions (even consistent ones) sure aren't telling me I'm in labor.

I saw my OB and had another NST this morning. Again, I thought I'd be sent directly to the hospital. But nope! My blood pressure has stayed consistent since we increased my dosage of blood pressure meds...it is still high but not alarmingly high and since my blood work consistently looks good... I am still in the "mild" pre-clampsia category. The boys cooperated again...woo hoo, showing great heart accelerations and lots and lots of movement, but managed to stay on the monitor for the entire time we were on the monitor. My contractions are still about 8-9 minutes apart, but don't seem to be getting any closer and are not painful. Oh and I am up 3 pounds since Friday! I've officially gained 60 pounds!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I then saw the OB...which also went off without a hitch. She checked my cervix and it is STILL only dilated to a 3! I can't believe it! She did say baby A is very very low and that my cervix is very ripe, but I'm still not in active labor...so I was sent on my merry way. Not before I asked her if when I'd know when I was in active labor...she told me I'll know because the contractions will be painful and I won't be able to talk through them.

I did have to get the PIH blood tests done after the appointment, but since those have all looked great I'm not too worried about them. I will repeat the 24 hour urine test on Wednesday and bring it in when I go in for my Thursday NST. Then, on Friday I will see the perinatologist and with all of the lab work info they will schedule my c-section. My OB said if I still haven't developed pre-eclampsia then they'll probably schedule the c-section for right around 37 weeks.  But she really does not seem to think we'll make it that far, she thinks I'll go into active labor within the week. I feel it is very close too with the amount of contractions I am having, the way Baby A has dropped, and how ripe my cervix is.

Just can't wait to see how this all plays out! Should be the most interesting few weeks of my life coming up! If we make it that far..I will not be updating my blog until after my perinatologist appointment on Friday.

34 Weeks

I realized while I was in the hospital that my week actually turned over to the next week on Wednesdays, so I was actually 34 weeks yesterday....but I think for now I'll keep up the weekly posts on Thursdays, since that's what I've been doing the entire pregnancy. I don't know why I didn't notice this before...even my ticker at the top of my blog says my week turns over on Wednesdays! Oh well! I'm so excited to have made it to 34 weeks....for some reason it makes me feel like the boys will still do great if they were to be born anytime past 34 weeks. I'd LOVE to get to 35-36 weeks, but 34 is awesome too!! Even the perinatologist told me I'd only have to be on full bed rest until 34 weeks...since it would be safe to deliver after that. But, Matt and I decided I'd lay low until at least 35 weeks.

My lastest NST was on Tuesday.....I think I should just get used to these appointments never just being "run of the mill" appointments from here on out. I did my latest 24 hour urine the day before, so I dropped that off at the lab before heading to my appointment. Of course, the boys did great during the NST...lots of movement and heart accelerations. I only had two very minor contractions during the NST (which was about 45 minutes.) But, of course my blood pressure was elevated...because well, it's ALWAYS elevated! So, the nurse insisted I see one of the OBs that was in the office. I told her I'd just dropped off my urine, but she still wanted me to see an OB. So, I waited and waited since I was being squeezed in. Well, the OB didn't know what to do with me...just asked me the same questions that I've been asked a hundred times (any leaking of fluid, any bleeding, any headaches, any blurred vision, any pain above the belly on the right....no no no no no.) So, she ends up calling the perinatolgist who says we basically just need to wait for the 24 urine test to come back, but he wants me to increase my blood pressure meds and wants to repeat the blood tests for PIH. So, the appointment ended up taking almost 3 hours by the time I dropped off the urine, did my NST, saw the OB and had the blood tests done. Nothing is simple anymore at this point!

They called back that afternoon to say the protein in my urine is showing mild pre-eclampsia. They said we won't worry about too much right away because the blood results were all within the normal range. But, the protein in my urine is definitely rising each week as is my blood pressure, so I know I'll have pre-eclampsia soon. I have another NST tomorrow and they'll have me repeat the 24 hour urine to see how fast the proteins are rising. My next OB appointment is on Monday so I guess a decision will be made then...depending on how the pre-e is looking. I have a feeling it is going to be the pre-e that delivers these babies early...not the contractions or my cervix. I hope to get to 35 weeks...since that is my goal but at this point I'll be shocked to make it to 36. We're getting very close now....

How Far Along: 34 Weeks

Size of Baby:  I'm excited for our next growth scan in 1 week (if I make it!) Let's hope for 5 pounds each at that appointment.

Picture of Baby: No more pictures. :-(

Maternity Clothes: All!

Weight Gain:  Up 3 more pounds, total weight gain 56 pounds (starting weight 105, weighing in at 161.)

Belly:

Sorry, the pic is bad this week. My shirt isn't the greatest to show off the bump and it seems a little blurry.

Stretch Marks: None yet!

Sleep: Not so bad! I'm veeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeery veeeeeeeeeeeeeeeery tired, so as soon as my head hits the pillow I am out! I'm sleeping for longer periods of time and getting up less too. I think my body is just really needing a lot of sleep right now. I nap during the day every other day or so which I love, but when I nap my sleep at night isn't as good. But, if I don't nap I can barely keep my eyes open in the late afternoons.

Best Moment of the Week: Just waking up each morning still pregnant is the best moment of the week.

Movement: Still the same...they are quiet at night during sleep but wake up as soon as I eat breakfast and move on and off throughout the day through their sleeping patterns. Lots of hiccups.....I think Baby A had the hiccups 3 times yesterday, and Baby B one time.

Symptoms: All of the sudden by boobs have started KILLING me...does anyone know why this would happen at this point in the pregnancy? Is it just hormones preparing for my milk to come in? Stuffed up nose (breathe rite strips do not work for me, for those of you who have suggested....they don't do a thing.) SNORING and strange breathing/sounds from the back of my throat when I am asleep. Minor contractions. Mild pre-eclampsia. Mild gestational diabetes....controlled with diet.

Food Cravings: Same as most of the pregnancy (since the nausea went away)....junk food, sugar, sodas but of course still not giving into any of them. Occasionally I have some ice cream or frozen yogurt in the evenings (if my blood sugars looked good all day.) I'm getting excited to be able to have a cup of coffee in the morning again....I gave it up 2 years ago but am kinda excited to have my one cup a day again....Matt's coffee in the mornings has been smelling sooo good to me!

Gender: Two gorgeous boys!

What I Miss: Eating what I want! Not being so dependent on others for everything! Not having a stuffed up nose! 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: Meeting my boys any day now (but hopefully 1-2 more weeks!) Perinatologist appointment in 1 week.

Nursery:  Done!!

Weekly Wisdom: In twin pregnancy, this far along...take it one day at a time and be thankful for each day you are still pregnant. Try not to plan but have a "go with the flow" attitude.

Milestones: At this point, we are really counting each day as a milestone....each day they are in there is a celebration!

Emotions: Excited (to meet my babies,) anxious (about delivery and NICU time.)

Latest NST and OB (1/20/2012)

Now, that I am on full bed rest I feel like I have a lot more time to blog...not to mention now that we are in the homestretch of the pregnancy...there seems to be a lot more to report!

First...congrats to Sharon at Misconceptions about Conception....her twin baby boys were born on Thursday night and are doing great! This made things pretty real for me because Sharon, myself and Marissa have been neck and neck with our pregnancies (twin boys all due within the same week!) Who's next, Marissa? HA!

I had an OB and NST appointment yesterday....again, it went very well! Yippee!! My OB checked my cervix and it still has not moved since it was checked nearly two weeks ago! My belly is measuring right around 38 weeks (so 5 weeks ahead, which makes me nervous...if I go to full-term (38 weeks for twins) my belly will measure like 43 weeks!) We did a quick ultrasound and baby boys have still not moved.....baby A is head down (and still very very low,) and baby B is still very much breech. They both have plenty of fluid and are getting veeeeery long.....they reach from my cervix all the way up to my ribs!

The NST also went well. They were pretty quiet at first, but then I drank some OJ and all of the sudden they started hoppin around in there. Their heart accelerations were perfect! Also....I only had ONE contraction the entire hour I was on the monitor! Woo Hoo!!!

My blood pressure continues to be high (I think it was 145/90,) so I have to do the 24 hour urine test again (which I think I will continue weekly until I deliver.) Not to happy to have to do that again....but I guess it is what it is and I know it is important to catch preeclampsia if I do develop it.

I have two NST appointments next week, I see the OB again next Monday (unless anything happens before then,) and then my next growth scan with the perinatologist in a little under two weeks. I am sooo curious to know how much they will weigh....I am hoping for a little over 5 pounds each at that point (I will be 35 weeks.)

Matt and I are getting soooooooooooo excited to meet these two little guys!

33 Weeks

I've been home for a few days now and so far so good! Thank goodness Matt can work from home...I don't know what we'd do otherwise. He is cooking all of the meals, doing all of the house chores, taking care of the dog, working long days and getting in a long run everyday.....what a man! I feel like a big bump on a log which is hard for me, but I know what my job is right now....cooking up these babes! I went in for another NST on Tuesday and all was fine.....the boys' heart accelerations looked great as usual, and I only had two very small contractions in the hour I was on the monitor. My blood pressure is still elevated, so I am guessing I'll be repeating the 24 hour urine test after my next appointment with my OB tomorrow but hopefully I'll dodge that bullet yet again.The contractions have definitely slowed down to a dull roar...not sure what was causing so many last week, but this week...hardly anything...yay!

How Far Along: 33 Weeks

Size of Baby: I'm excited for our next growth scan in 2 weeks. But, I am guessing they are a little over 4 pounds each now.....they are about the size of a honeydew melon. I can tell they are TALL...they reach my bladder all the way up to my ribs when they stretch! I am told they will start putting on a half a pound each per week at this point, so it would be great to get a few more weeks in so we are at least over 5 pounds each at birth.

Picture of Baby: Surprisingly, I did get a few pics from my ultrasounds in the hospital, but they aren't very good and I don't plan to scan them in.

Maternity Clothes: All!

Weight Gain:  Holding steady at 158 pounds. My belly has gotten bigger (I know because I measure it,) but my body hasn't gained anymore weight (or I've lost a few) due to the low carb diet and the fact that I've lost a lot of the water weight I was retaining (because I am off of my feet now....my feet, ankles and legs are actually back down to somewhat normal size.) I am ALL baby these days!

Belly: Belly is getting bigger each day. It seems to be growing at a rapid rate these days. Still no stretch marks and I haven't been very good at using my cocoa butter.....I need to be better at that. My line of nigra is super duper dark too. Something new this week is that my belly button is turning into an outie...that's kinda interesting.

Stretch Marks: None yet!

Sleep: Much better now that I am home...the hospital sleeps weren't good because I wasn't comfortable, getting up to pee and all the interruptions at night...they really don't leave you alone for more than two hours at a time. I am sleeping pretty good at home...if only I didn't have to get up every few hours to pee (I keep telling Matt that I wish I could sleep with a catheter so that I can sleep without having to constantly get up!) I am also napping for an hour or two during the day so I am getting plenty of rest! Trying to get in as much as I can now before these boys arrive!

Best Moment of the Week: Hearing that my cervix hasn't dilated any further and listening to my babies heart beats.

Movement: All the time! They are quiet at night during sleep but wake up as soon as I eat breakfast and move a lot throughout the day. When they are both awake....it is very interesting because my belly looks like a constant wave of movement. Baby B finally found his legs (he had them tucked underneath for a long time,) and now kicks a lot more and shoves his head up in my ribs regularly. They also both seem to constantly have the hiccups...maybe it just seems like constantly to me because there are two in there! They are two very active little guys!

Symptoms: Stuffed up nose (breathe rite strips do not work for me, for those of you who have suggested....they don't do a thing.) SNORING and strange breathing/sounds from the back of my throat when I am asleep. Contractions. High blood pressure (but no pre-eclampsia.) Mild gestational diabetes....controlled with diet.

Food Cravings: Ice cream, sugar, ice cream, sugar, ice cream! Matt is now finding ways to satisfy my sugar cravings without giving me a bunch of sugar.  He is baking peaches, pears and apples in the oven with a bit of brown sugar on them....pretty good! I'm also occasionally eating frozen yogurt. All my blood sugars have been within normal limits so I may be able to stop testing soon (which would be nice!)

Gender: Two gorgeous boys!

What I Miss: Eating what I want! Not being so dependent on others for everything! Not having a stuffed up nose! 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: Meeting my boys in 1-5 weeks (shooting for 3 more weeks!) Perinatologist appointment in 2 weeks (to find out how much they weigh.)

Nursery:  Done!!

Weekly Wisdom: Always be safe rather than sorry when it comes to your little one(s,) the hospital stay was hard but I am glad we all got a week of constant monitoring and testing.

Milestones:  Reaching 32+ weeks, this means we can deliver at our hospital if they were to be born anytime past this point. At this point, we are really counting each day as a milestone due to the scare last week....each day they are in there is a celebration!

Emotions: Relieved, excited, anxious (about delivery.) Sometimes cranky about losing my independence.

I'm Home!

Surprise!!!

The perinatologist came to see me today and my cervix has not progressed AT ALL!!! Woo Hoo! He seems to think I'm just an early "contractor" but that the contractions at this point aren't doing anything to my cervix and I'm not in any type of early labor. I was sooooo happy to hear that! My contractions continue....about 2-6 an hour but they are not painful and I hardly notice them unless I'm really paying attention.

So, the plan right now is to continue the twice weekly NSTs as well as twice weekly visits with my OB, then I will see the perinatologist again in 2 weeks for our last growth scan. I am suppose to call if anything changes in the contractions (more frequent or more intense,) if my water breaks, if I have any bleeding, etc. Right now I am stable so there is no reason to sit in the hospital. I am on full bed rest until 34 weeks (which is only a week away,) then I am free to move around because at that point going into labor would be fine and they wouldn't do anything to stop it (though....I think I'll take it easy until at least 35 weeks, since that is my goal to get to.)

Matt is working from home full time now, so he will be waiting on me hand and foot. We are just so happy that it looks like we'll be able to squeak out at least a few more weeks out of the pregnancy and possibly no NICU time...wouldn't that be awesome?!

Hospital Day 6

Not too much to report today, but I thought I'd keep the ol' blog regularly updated through this big adventure!

Matt spent the day in my room with me...which was really nice. I usually spend the days by myself, but he was able to spend the day with me since it is Sunday (no work) and he got all of the household stuff done yesterday. We mostly hung out in my room watching football (which is fine with me, I just like having him here!) He took me on a wheelchair ride around the hospital...including outside which was really nice...the fresh air felt good...I wish it were a bit warmer outside so we could just go sit out there...but it is chilly in Denver so we could only stay outside for 10 minutes or so.

We were given a tour of the NICU today too.  It's hard to think that my boys will have to be in there, but I am trying my best to get used to the idea and wrap my mind around it. Matt and I learned a lot about how things operate in the NICU, what kind of care the boys would need if they were born now, or at 34 weeks, 35, etc. We'd love to bake them two more weeks and get them close to 35 weeks, that seems to be the magic week where they don't seem to need as much care. Matt and I then talked about how we will handle things (like visiting) if they have to stay in there for several weeks. Its good that we have this time to discuss instead of just being thrown into it.  We realize our boys will be in the NICU but we are being given time for it to sink in, discuss our feelings and how we will handle having to leave them here while we go home (which will be torturous, of course!)

The boys feel like they are getting bigger and bigger each day. Just like Baby A, Baby B has found his way to my ribs and likes to head butt me up there regularly. They love to stretch and kick each other and put on little shows for me to watch....they are definitely my favorite channel to watch! The monitoring continues to go well.....their heart accelerations always look so good...they are always give a gold star from the OBs. Unfortunately, my contractions continue...I'm not sure if they are making any huge changes to my cervix at this point or not. I don't feel like they've increased in intensity (they are still not painful.) I haven't had my cervix checked since Friday night which showed no change, so I am hoping this means the contractions continue to make no changes. I guess we'll find out tomorrow when the perinatologist comes to visit me!

Thanks for all the supportive comments. I know many of you have mentioned that it is hard staying in the hospital but that it is best for the boys so to hang in there.....and I couldn't agree more. I have no intention of going home unless it is 100% safe and there is no reason for me to be here. Yes, I miss Matt, I miss sleeping in our bed, I miss the dog, I hate being awoken at night for various things, it sucks to be stuck in a hospital bed all day....but I will take all of that for as long as it takes if it means I can squeak out a few more weeks out of this pregnancy.  I'd rather lay in this bed for 2 weeks and get to 35 weeks if it means the boys will have to stay even one less day in the NICU!

Bit of a scare...but hanging in!

We had a bit of a scare last night, but everything seems to have calmed down now.

Matt and I were sitting around watching TV in my room and my nurse came in to hook me up to monitor the babies and my contractions. This has become sort of repetitive and pretty uneventful at this point since they do it 3 times a day for about an hour....so I didn't think much of it. I love listening to the boys' heart rates.....so it is definitely a high part of my day.

We were on the monitors for about 20 minutes and I felt two pretty large contractions. They weren't painful, but I could see on the monitor that they were pretty big. The boys' heart rates were perfect and continued to be so I didn't worry too much. After about 40 minutes the nurse came back and asked me if I was having pain with my contractions....I said no.....I can feel them but I'm not in pain. She said she had talked to the OB while watching the monitors from outside my room and she was concerned. Uh oh! They left me on for another 20 minutes or so when the nurse came back in and said the OB is coming right away to check what is going on and that I needed to have an  IV put in immediately...apparently my contractions were consistently 8 minutes apart. I got very scared at that point and thought I was going to start crying, but I held it together...thank goodness Matt was here with me!

The OB was in my room within minutes and said she needed to check my cervix to see if it was dilating and labor was progressing. Again...I think they really thought I'd be having these boys that night! But, she checked my cervix and much to everyone's surprise...I had not progressed past 3.5 centimeters (same as day before.) I was soooooooo relieved to hear that!

It was a very stressful and anxiety-ridden 30 minutes, but I was so thankful to hear my cervix is still hanging in there. No one can seem to explain to me why I am having so many contractions (even regular ones,) but I am actually not in labor. They just keep telling me that this could be the pattern for a few more weeks until real labor starts.

During our monitoring session this morning, I had maybe one or two small contractions in the hour I was hooked up to the monitors....so different from last night. The boys were wide awake and continued to kick the little probes and move around the entire hour so we were having a hard time keeping them on the monitor, but they continue to do awesome and are so busy in there....they crack me up (and the nurses too!,) it's like constantly chasing them around my belly!

So, we continue to hang out and wait for the perinatologist on Monday to see what we are going to do. I'm actually not minding it here too much. The worst part is missing Matt and not being able to sleep in our bed with him. He's started working from home full time now so that he can be home with our dog during the day, then leaves home around 4 or 4:30 and spends the evening with me until about 9pm. We talk on the phone a lot during the day, so that's nice. Today he is grocery shopping, doing laundry, dishes, etc and then will come later to spend the evening with me. It's probably good he isn't here during the day because they keep me so busy! I am on the monitors a lot during the day, the nurses and OB's are constantly in and out. I'm trying to get a bit of sleep during the day, since I am still being awoken a few times a night for vital signs and meds. The food here is dang good too! They have a full menu that you can order off of anytime! I am eating so well....lots of fresh fruits, salads, fresh sandwiches, pastas, pizza, burgers, All-American dishes, Asian and Mexican dishes, big breakfasts, etc. Yum! Matt likes it so much that he's been eating the hospital dinners with me in my room!

That's all to report now.....I think it is nap time for this mama! Thanks for all of the nice comments and continued prayers and support....

My New Home on L&D (32 weeks)

Yep....you read the title correctly....I am now living on the labor and delivery floor.

On Tuesday morning I went in for my very first non-stress test....not really thinking much of it, just excited to sit and listen to the boys' heart rates for awhile. After about 20 minutes of being hooked me up to the monitor both boys had passed the test with flying colors.  However, after about 45 minutes I was informed that I was having regular contractions....about 6 minutes apart at that point. I knew I had been having contractions for some time, but each time I'd tell my OB or perinatologist they'd tell me not to worry...they were just braxton hicks contractions and as long as they weren't regular or painful....I shouldn't worry. I really did not think they were regular and they definitely are not painful so I never thought anything of them.

The nurse went to tell the OB in the office and I was whisked back to an exam room. Unfortunately, it was at this point that they decided to take my blood pressure...which was of course pretty dang elevated, they checked it a few more times and it came down but only slightly. The OB soon came in and checked my cervical length....it was just about 2 centimeters long which is the "danger zone." She then checked my cervix and immediately told me she could feel one of the baby's heads and I was 3 centimeters dilated. She left the room to go call the hospital to let them know I was coming. I called Matt and told him to immediately leave work and meet me at the hospital.

I arrived there about 30 minutes later and was hooked up to monitors to monitor babies heart rates and my contractions. I was also put on a constant BP cuff to check my BP every 10 minutes, given an IV, given my first steroid shot to mature the babies lungs and brain, had a bunch of blood drawn for various things (which eventually all came out normal) and did an ultrasound to see how the boys were situated to see how they'd be delivered. I think they really thought these boys were going to be delivered that day!! While starting the monitoring we started the 24 urine test to check for pre-eclampsia (which they were all sure I'd have,) and the OB ran the fetal fibromectin test which I was told will give them a pretty good idea if the babies will be delivered within the week. Then we waited....

I was on the monitors for 7 hours at the hospital.....the boys did great all day, their heart rates were excellent, nothing to worry about with them. But, I continued having contractions....some as close to 3 minutes apart. We finally received the fetal fibromectin test back late that afternoon and received good news....it was negative! This meant the boys probably would not be delivered within a week...woo hoo!  But, my contractions were still there and they wanted me to stay overnight to finish the 24 hour urine and also get another steroid shot the next day. So, Matt and I settled in for the night.

It's been a blur over the past few days, with constant monitoring (4 times a day for an hour, constant BP checks, ultrasounds of the boys, etc,) but I'll try to remember the events in order. On Wednesday afternoon, we got the very good news that I still do NOT have pre-eclampsia! They had told me I'd definitely have to stay until the boys were born if I did have it...they were sure I would.  The contractions also slowed down some on Wednesday.  I was told that since I didn't have pre-e, my blood pressures had stabilized and the contractions had slowed that if there were no changes in my cervix on Thursday then I could probably go home on full bed rest.

On Thursday, we continued the monitoring of the boys' heart rates and my contractions. The boys continued to kick ass...their heart accelerations are perfect and they are just moving like crazy in there...they are happy as can be and have no idea what is going on out here! But, my contractions unfortunately picked up again on Thursday morning...not as bad, but about every 10 minutes. The OB came in that afternoon to do another cervical check (ugh!) to see if I could go home....he wasn't too happy about the contractions that had picked up. He did my cervical length first and it had shortened to under 2 centimeters (boooo,) and I was dilated to just about 3.5 centimeters (boooo,) I was obviously not going anywhere! But, on the ultrasound the boys still looked great...moving around, plenty of fluid, etc.

They've since started me on a drug called procardia every 4 hours, this is like a muscle relaxant and is supposed to help slow the contractions down, which in turn should help to slow cervical changes. I've been on it for about 24 hours now and the contractions have definitely slowed some. They've gone from about 6 an hour to maybe 2 an hour and they aren't as big.

The plan now is to keep me here over the weekend. The perinatologist will be here on Monday to check me again, and in the meantime I am staying on the procardia, getting constant BP checks (which have all been excellent,) 4 blood sugar checks a day (which have all also been excellent, not one over the level,) and constant monitoring of the boys and my contractions.

It's been a scary last few days, but I am staying positive and hanging in there. I'm hoping this medicine works and my contractions go away completely and my cervix stops changing, so I can possibly go home on complete bed rest sometime next week. But, I'll stay in the hospital if that's what it takes too. They sure do take good care of you here....the constant interruptions (especially in the middle of the night) definitely take some getting used to.....but I am getting used to the hour long monitoring, the constant BP and glucose checks, the around the clock meds, the OB visits every few hours, etc. I am learning to sleep when I can because they wake me up twice a night to give me meds, check my BP and check heart rates. It's definitely interesting! But, I am just happy that my boys are doing well.....please keep us in your prayers that we can continue to bake them up for a few more weeks (which would be ideal,) or as long as possible!

I'll keep you all updated!

Nursery Pics! (finally!)