Ethan and Grayson have completely and totally captivated every part of us. I have never experienced such intense emotion like this before. I never expected that I would feel this way. There are no words - that is true. It is such a deep, pure, unexplainable, crazy love.
When I look at their perfect little faces, when their eyes open and look into mine, when I have my hand on the small of their back and feel them breathe, when I trace their perfect faces with my finger, when I stroke their dark hair, when I wrap their tiny hand around my finger...I am content and whole.
I am a mother.
I want to apologize that there are so many of you that we haven't been able to talk to, visit with, e-mail back, etc. Every ounce of our strength, time, and energy is going towards two small little boys occupying two beds in the N.I.C.U. right now.
Life has done a total 180 for us in the past week and we are still trying to adjust to it all. I am also trying to still recover from the birthing adventure a week ago tomorrow (wow!), and so I am trying to get as much as rest as possible when we are home.
We certainly don't mind phone calls and emails though. There is no guarantee that we will be home, because it seems that for most of the hours of the day we are not - but your words of encouragement and thoughtfulness mean so much to us and help us through this time.
We will be in touch when we can be. The boys are doing really well and continuing to make such huge improvements day by day.
Please continue to pray for them as they continue to grow and mature until the day that we can come home as a family of 4.
Sunday, December 21, 2008
Thursday, December 18, 2008
They Have Arrived!
How can I even begin to put into words the life changing event that took place just three days ago? Life for Chris and I will truly never be the same, and for that we are so blessed.
I want to document and share here the story of their arrival into this world.
Monday morning I woke up around 6:30 to use the restroom. I noticed that I was having a bit more discharge than usual, but didn't think much of it. I went back to bed and woke up at 8 to begin the day. I was laying in bed eating a cereal bar talking with Chris and began to notice that I was having some odd contractions. They seemed a bit more intense and just different from what I had experienced prior. Chris kept looking at me and asking me if I was okay and I just told him that something felt different but I couldn't explain it. I then decided to get up and try to use the restroom again.
Once I stood up out of bed I felt a gush and knew that something was happening. I went to the bathroom and felt another gush, this time resulting in a puddle on the bathroom floor. I told Chris that it was time to go! He started to rush around gathering things together and within 10 minutes we were on our way to the hospital. The time was about 9:00 a.m.
In the car on the way up my contractions were becoming more and more intense. They were occurring about once every 3 minutes and they were enough to make me practice my breathing skills whenever they would come on!
We arrived at the hospital at 9:50 and I was able to walk up to Labor and Delivery. I told the nurses station that I believed I might be in labor. My contractions were still coming about every 3 minutes. They didn't seem too alarmed or concerned because I was still able to function pretty normally and even I didn't think that I was in full blown labor.
I was weighed and then sent to collect a urine sample. I then noticed that I was bleeding and realized that perhaps this was the real deal after all! I was put into an examining room and the Dr. came in to check my cervix and see how dilated I was. At this point the contractions started to become even more intense and were only about a minute apart. When she checked me she said that she could not feel any cervix at all and believed that I was fully dilated. Talk about shocked!
They quickly got a stretcher and told me that I would be wheeled to the O.R. just in case they would possibly have to do a c-section and off we went! Chris was changed into scrubs and entered the O.R. with me. Within another 10 minutes I was on the table and I was pushing. This was around 1o:30.
Never in my life have I experienced anything quite like it. I won't go into any excessive explanation, but yet I do want to document to some extent what I went through that day. I had Chris on my right side throughout the entire ordeal. He was an amazing coach and I get choked up just thinking about how incredible he was. I also had an amazing nurse on my left side who spoke such comforting words of affirmation to me to keep me motivated. Chris kept cool rags on my forehead and was so supportive and encouraging of how I was doing.
I pushed for 2 hours when Ethan Douglas, Baby A, made his debut. He weighed 5 pounds, 3 ounces and was 18 3/4 inches long. The Dr. told me to open my eyes and I was able to look down the moment he arrived and see my first son. He was so beautiful and I was completely overwhelmed with emotion and love. He was whisked away to be cleaned, tested, clipped and all that good stuff they do to newborn babies. The neonatal Dr. brought him to me all swaddled and with a little hat on his head and I was able to kiss him before he was brought to the NICU.
It was then time to begin concentrating on Baby B. They did a quick ultrasound to determine if his was still head down. He was. They positioned me and had me start pushing right away. I was exhausted. They put an electrode on his head to have an accurate reading of his heart rate. His heart rate began to drop and they told me that we would push for another 5 minutes and if he didn't drop into the birth canal we would have to do a c-section. I pushed and sweet little B was not moving. The Dr. decided that an emergency c-section was needed to get him out as soon as possible.
Within minutes I was laying on my back with my arms stretched out to my side. They had me breathing in oxygen. There was a lot of talking and commotion in the O.R. The last thing I remember they switched my mask and out I went.
I woke up in the recovery room and was told that my other son, Grayson John, had been born. They had discovered that my placenta was starting to separate from the wall of my uterus and they think this played a large part in his dropping heart rate. I was just so relieved to wake up and know that he was safe and sound in the N.I.C.U. and that the entire ordeal was over.
Chris came in to the recovery room and spent time with me feeding me ice chips. He recounted for me some of the minutes that I was unable to remember. He was placed outside of the operating room in a chair for the c-section and said that it was intense watching people rushing past him to get into the o.r. Grayson John was born at 12:53. He weighed 5 pounds, 2 ounces and was 19 inches long.
After I was awake and alert they wheeled my entire bed into the N.I.C.U. so that I could see my boys. They laid Ethan in my arms and I was able to hold and kiss him. Due to the positioning of Grayson and the bed I was able to touch and reach out to him. They were special, surreal moments and I was in total awe. The nurses took pictures of our first few minutes together. I was a Mom.
I was then wheeled into my hospital room where I have been ever since. Later on that evening they had me get up and I was able to be wheeled down to see the boys again. This time Chris and I were able to talk with the nurses and get to know more about how the boys were doing.
The nurses and their doctor have been nothing but amazing in taking time for us and answering any and all of our questions. We are encouraged to spend as much time as we want in there with the boys. It is open to us pretty much 24/7.
Yesterday I was able to hold Grayson for two hours in my arms skin to skin. I had tears rolling down my cheeks as I felt his heart beating next to mine and as I placed my hand on his back and felt it rise and sink with each breath.
The boys are doing incredibly well considering their early arrival just three days ago. We know that they are in great care and feel very optimistic about their prognosis. I love seeing them every day and having time with them.
We are so in love. Chris and I were saying today that it is amazing how much love we can have for these two little boys that we barely know. It goes beyond rational thought and human words. I have never felt such an incredible love and protection over anything in my life quite like this.
Thank you for your continued prayers for them. Please keep them coming. We know that the days ahead may be filled with highs and lows until the day they come home to live with us. We leave it in God's hands and know that in His perfect timing they will.
I want to document and share here the story of their arrival into this world.
Monday morning I woke up around 6:30 to use the restroom. I noticed that I was having a bit more discharge than usual, but didn't think much of it. I went back to bed and woke up at 8 to begin the day. I was laying in bed eating a cereal bar talking with Chris and began to notice that I was having some odd contractions. They seemed a bit more intense and just different from what I had experienced prior. Chris kept looking at me and asking me if I was okay and I just told him that something felt different but I couldn't explain it. I then decided to get up and try to use the restroom again.
Once I stood up out of bed I felt a gush and knew that something was happening. I went to the bathroom and felt another gush, this time resulting in a puddle on the bathroom floor. I told Chris that it was time to go! He started to rush around gathering things together and within 10 minutes we were on our way to the hospital. The time was about 9:00 a.m.
In the car on the way up my contractions were becoming more and more intense. They were occurring about once every 3 minutes and they were enough to make me practice my breathing skills whenever they would come on!
We arrived at the hospital at 9:50 and I was able to walk up to Labor and Delivery. I told the nurses station that I believed I might be in labor. My contractions were still coming about every 3 minutes. They didn't seem too alarmed or concerned because I was still able to function pretty normally and even I didn't think that I was in full blown labor.
I was weighed and then sent to collect a urine sample. I then noticed that I was bleeding and realized that perhaps this was the real deal after all! I was put into an examining room and the Dr. came in to check my cervix and see how dilated I was. At this point the contractions started to become even more intense and were only about a minute apart. When she checked me she said that she could not feel any cervix at all and believed that I was fully dilated. Talk about shocked!
They quickly got a stretcher and told me that I would be wheeled to the O.R. just in case they would possibly have to do a c-section and off we went! Chris was changed into scrubs and entered the O.R. with me. Within another 10 minutes I was on the table and I was pushing. This was around 1o:30.
Never in my life have I experienced anything quite like it. I won't go into any excessive explanation, but yet I do want to document to some extent what I went through that day. I had Chris on my right side throughout the entire ordeal. He was an amazing coach and I get choked up just thinking about how incredible he was. I also had an amazing nurse on my left side who spoke such comforting words of affirmation to me to keep me motivated. Chris kept cool rags on my forehead and was so supportive and encouraging of how I was doing.
I pushed for 2 hours when Ethan Douglas, Baby A, made his debut. He weighed 5 pounds, 3 ounces and was 18 3/4 inches long. The Dr. told me to open my eyes and I was able to look down the moment he arrived and see my first son. He was so beautiful and I was completely overwhelmed with emotion and love. He was whisked away to be cleaned, tested, clipped and all that good stuff they do to newborn babies. The neonatal Dr. brought him to me all swaddled and with a little hat on his head and I was able to kiss him before he was brought to the NICU.
It was then time to begin concentrating on Baby B. They did a quick ultrasound to determine if his was still head down. He was. They positioned me and had me start pushing right away. I was exhausted. They put an electrode on his head to have an accurate reading of his heart rate. His heart rate began to drop and they told me that we would push for another 5 minutes and if he didn't drop into the birth canal we would have to do a c-section. I pushed and sweet little B was not moving. The Dr. decided that an emergency c-section was needed to get him out as soon as possible.
Within minutes I was laying on my back with my arms stretched out to my side. They had me breathing in oxygen. There was a lot of talking and commotion in the O.R. The last thing I remember they switched my mask and out I went.
I woke up in the recovery room and was told that my other son, Grayson John, had been born. They had discovered that my placenta was starting to separate from the wall of my uterus and they think this played a large part in his dropping heart rate. I was just so relieved to wake up and know that he was safe and sound in the N.I.C.U. and that the entire ordeal was over.
Chris came in to the recovery room and spent time with me feeding me ice chips. He recounted for me some of the minutes that I was unable to remember. He was placed outside of the operating room in a chair for the c-section and said that it was intense watching people rushing past him to get into the o.r. Grayson John was born at 12:53. He weighed 5 pounds, 2 ounces and was 19 inches long.
After I was awake and alert they wheeled my entire bed into the N.I.C.U. so that I could see my boys. They laid Ethan in my arms and I was able to hold and kiss him. Due to the positioning of Grayson and the bed I was able to touch and reach out to him. They were special, surreal moments and I was in total awe. The nurses took pictures of our first few minutes together. I was a Mom.
I was then wheeled into my hospital room where I have been ever since. Later on that evening they had me get up and I was able to be wheeled down to see the boys again. This time Chris and I were able to talk with the nurses and get to know more about how the boys were doing.
The nurses and their doctor have been nothing but amazing in taking time for us and answering any and all of our questions. We are encouraged to spend as much time as we want in there with the boys. It is open to us pretty much 24/7.
Yesterday I was able to hold Grayson for two hours in my arms skin to skin. I had tears rolling down my cheeks as I felt his heart beating next to mine and as I placed my hand on his back and felt it rise and sink with each breath.
The boys are doing incredibly well considering their early arrival just three days ago. We know that they are in great care and feel very optimistic about their prognosis. I love seeing them every day and having time with them.
We are so in love. Chris and I were saying today that it is amazing how much love we can have for these two little boys that we barely know. It goes beyond rational thought and human words. I have never felt such an incredible love and protection over anything in my life quite like this.
Thank you for your continued prayers for them. Please keep them coming. We know that the days ahead may be filled with highs and lows until the day they come home to live with us. We leave it in God's hands and know that in His perfect timing they will.
Sunday, December 14, 2008
And How Do You Really Feel?
I woke up yesterday morning laughing about a dream I had the night before. I was pregnant and doing some personal shopping in the mall. I entered this room full from wall to wall with different brands of perfume. I started spraying and smelling them, looking for just the right one to purchase. I came across a bottle on the wall called "Unbeautiful" by Estee Lauder, and that is the one I purchased. :)
I don't share this story so everyone can leave comments on how beautiful I truly am in all my pregnant glory (don't we all already know?? :) ) - so don't think that I'm wallowing in low self-esteem issues or self pity too often. I guess my subconscious though must be dealing with the 60 pounds that have been added on to this frame!
In addition, I decided yesterday afternoon to sort through the piles of books, movies, puzzles, cards, and letters that have been stacking up around my bed for the past 10 weeks. I was sitting on the floor of the bedroom and found that it wasn't working too well for me and decided I better get up and rest for awhile. I tried to move off the floor, but was unable. I looked around for something that I could get a hold of to help me leverage myself to get up - but to no avail. I tried using a large box - nope. I tried using the dresser - again a failed attempt. I ended up crawling on sore knees across the floor to the bed, grabbing hold of the blankets, and slowly making my way (with a lot of grunting and groaning) up to my feet. I fell in to bed exhausted and decided to leave the rest of the project for Chris to help with when he returned home! I could not believe my lack of stamina and how physically incapable I was!
One perk, I must add, is that since I am now unable to easily reach any part of my body below the knees I asked Chris today to help me put some lotion on my calves. This turned into an incredible leg and foot massage, so I'm not complaining! He asked me in the midst of it if he could purchase something online. At that moment I told him that he could buy whatever he wanted!
34 weeks yesterday! Unbelievable.
Thursday, December 11, 2008
Baby B
Here is the picture taken yesterday. I love his little nose.
Also - I updated my widget to reflect the January 24th due date that the Dr. thinks I have. I'll be 34 weeks on Saturday! Woot woot!
Also - I updated my widget to reflect the January 24th due date that the Dr. thinks I have. I'll be 34 weeks on Saturday! Woot woot!
Wednesday, December 10, 2008
We're Getting There!
The appointment this morning went really well. Today was an appointment for another detailed ultrasound. Here is some of what we found out:
- Both boys are measuring at 4 lbs. 10 oz! I could not believe that Baby B has put on 1 lb. 10 oz. since the last check in mid November. The Dr. was so pleased with their weights and told me that I am doing everything right!
- I will no longer be going to any more appointments at the clinic. Instead we will begin doing twice weekly NST (Non-stress tests) at the hospital every Monday and Thursday. This is where they will listen to the boys heartbeats and also monitor me for contractions. Every Monday they will do an ultrasound as well to check their fluid levels. This will start next Thursday.
- Our Dr. thinks that I am truly about 1/2 a week ahead of where we thought I was. This was good news! She thinks I am probably more like 33 1/2 weeks along.
- She feels that after December 20th she would no longer try and stop labor. 10 more days!! I can do that!
- My blood pressure was great today! Who knows why the spike last week, but for now it's looking really good again.
- I've gained 2 pounds since last week.
- The boys are looking GREAT but crowded! I had so many comments today from the Dr. and the technician about the size of my belly. They can't believe that I am still pregnant and carrying around 9 lbs. 4 oz. of baby! From one end of my belly to another it is just feet, hands, bellies, and heads!
- Today Baby B was sucking on his fingers. We were able to get a pretty cute 3d picture of his little fist up by his mouth. He has the cutest little button nose. We weren't able to see poor little A too well for any good pictures as Baby A is laying on top of him!
Monday, December 8, 2008
Payback!
In the summer of 2007 one of my dearest friends, Dana, was expecting her first child. We spent many afternoons by the pool that summer just waiting for the arrival of their new daughter Makayla. One day, towards the end of her pregnancy, I asked Dana to take this beautiful belly shot with me. She's always loved it. :)
She always vowed that when I was pregnant she wanted to do a belly shot with me. So the other night we took one.
Dana is now expecting her second child...so expect another comparison in a few months when hopefully my baby belly will be gone! :)
I also want to mention here that Dana came over to add some Christmas cheer to our house. Chris and I decided that with all else going on we weren't going to pull out our tubs and decorate this year. It seemed a little bleak around our home and didn't feel like Christmas at all - so Dana offered to come over and put up a tree for us! Isn't she something?
She even put up a second little tree just for the boys! It has two picture frame ornaments with their beautiful little faces just smiling away!
She always vowed that when I was pregnant she wanted to do a belly shot with me. So the other night we took one.
Dana is now expecting her second child...so expect another comparison in a few months when hopefully my baby belly will be gone! :)I also want to mention here that Dana came over to add some Christmas cheer to our house. Chris and I decided that with all else going on we weren't going to pull out our tubs and decorate this year. It seemed a little bleak around our home and didn't feel like Christmas at all - so Dana offered to come over and put up a tree for us! Isn't she something?
She even put up a second little tree just for the boys! It has two picture frame ornaments with their beautiful little faces just smiling away!
Friday, December 5, 2008
Results
Just a quick update - all the results came back normal and the Dr. has signed off on me for now...so for now the boys stay put! And truly - I am HAPPY about this news! :) They are in the best place right now to keep growing and growing!
Thursday, December 4, 2008
32 Weeks and Going Strong!
It is hard to believe that we have arrived at the 32 week mark. I remember on October 1st when I was put on bed rest December 3rd seemed like forever away. We've come nine weeks since I was put on bed rest, and now I just wonder how many more weeks they're going to stay put!
The appointment on Tuesday went pretty well. The boys look great. They haven't changed their positions and their fluids and heart rates looked great. I asked the technician to tell me what these two large masses in the middle of my belly were. I had been thinking that they were the hind ends of both boys sticking up, and sure enough that's what they are! My belly is lopsided though as Baby B has his little behind sticking up higher than Baby A does.
As for me, my blood pressure was a bit higher this past visit. There was also a trace amount of protein found in my urine, so because of that they wanted to take precautionary measures and have some tests run on me for the beginnings of possible preeclampsia. They drew blood, and then also asked me to collect my urine for 24 hours to check it for protein. Our Dr. called Tuesday afternoon and said that all of my blood work came back normal, so that was great to hear. This morning Chris delivered my 3 liter jug of urine (what a husband- I'm telling ya!), and I have yet to hear the results of that.
I am not worried about it though and truly feel peace about it. I know that even if I would have to deliver soon the boys have come a long way and I feel that they would do just fine out of the womb...so we'll see!
In the meantime, I wanted to post some new pictures for you. My size is truly bordering on ridiculous. Whenever I look in a mirror I just shake my head. I am ROUND everywhere! I am now weighing in at 178 which puts me at about 55 pounds total so far. Chris said he can't imagine me getting any larger - we just don't know where it would go!
I will admit that I am ready, ready, ready to have these boys. If their birthday doesn't come for another 3,4,5 (or maybe even 8!!) weeks, I guess there isn't a whole lot that I can do about it, but just be thankful that with each and every day they are getting bigger and stronger. I just need to keep it all in perspective.
This is one of the two pairs of pants that still fit me!
Ahhh...after my shower. The best part of the day!
What? We had to practice!
The appointment on Tuesday went pretty well. The boys look great. They haven't changed their positions and their fluids and heart rates looked great. I asked the technician to tell me what these two large masses in the middle of my belly were. I had been thinking that they were the hind ends of both boys sticking up, and sure enough that's what they are! My belly is lopsided though as Baby B has his little behind sticking up higher than Baby A does.
As for me, my blood pressure was a bit higher this past visit. There was also a trace amount of protein found in my urine, so because of that they wanted to take precautionary measures and have some tests run on me for the beginnings of possible preeclampsia. They drew blood, and then also asked me to collect my urine for 24 hours to check it for protein. Our Dr. called Tuesday afternoon and said that all of my blood work came back normal, so that was great to hear. This morning Chris delivered my 3 liter jug of urine (what a husband- I'm telling ya!), and I have yet to hear the results of that.
I am not worried about it though and truly feel peace about it. I know that even if I would have to deliver soon the boys have come a long way and I feel that they would do just fine out of the womb...so we'll see!
In the meantime, I wanted to post some new pictures for you. My size is truly bordering on ridiculous. Whenever I look in a mirror I just shake my head. I am ROUND everywhere! I am now weighing in at 178 which puts me at about 55 pounds total so far. Chris said he can't imagine me getting any larger - we just don't know where it would go!
I will admit that I am ready, ready, ready to have these boys. If their birthday doesn't come for another 3,4,5 (or maybe even 8!!) weeks, I guess there isn't a whole lot that I can do about it, but just be thankful that with each and every day they are getting bigger and stronger. I just need to keep it all in perspective.
This is one of the two pairs of pants that still fit me!
Ahhh...after my shower. The best part of the day!
What? We had to practice!I think....
my parents are a little excited for the birth of their grandsons! Their first stockings!
Monday, December 1, 2008
December 1st
The start of this new month is so incredible! We are two days away from our first main goal of 32 weeks and I feel like I can truly see the light at the end of the tunnel! Will these boys come this month? I think they will - but then again you never know. (Almost every person that voted on expectnet.com voted for their arrival in December) Either way I get off bed rest on New Years Eve, so there's good news either way!
Now bed rest hasn't been all bad, but I won't be complaining when it's over either. I am just getting to the point where I am anticipating their arrival so much. I no longer have to live in fear of them coming too early, and I can let myself feel the excitement of having them in my arms soon. I am also anticipating getting my body back to a certain extent (we'll see how soon that happens!). The 50+ pound weight gain is starting to take it's effect on my body and I can't imagine how it will feel to not have all this weight to lug around!
How blessed and thankful I am though for these past almost 9 weeks of bed rest. We have certainly come a long way from the 23 weeks when all this started.
Bring it on December! The countdown is on!
(If you haven't cast your vote yet for their arrival you're not too late! Just click on the link on the right hand side of the page and cast your vote!) Not sure what the prize is going to be yet. Maybe the chance to change a couple of diapers or cook us a meal. Who will the lucky person be? :)
Now bed rest hasn't been all bad, but I won't be complaining when it's over either. I am just getting to the point where I am anticipating their arrival so much. I no longer have to live in fear of them coming too early, and I can let myself feel the excitement of having them in my arms soon. I am also anticipating getting my body back to a certain extent (we'll see how soon that happens!). The 50+ pound weight gain is starting to take it's effect on my body and I can't imagine how it will feel to not have all this weight to lug around!
How blessed and thankful I am though for these past almost 9 weeks of bed rest. We have certainly come a long way from the 23 weeks when all this started.
Bring it on December! The countdown is on!
(If you haven't cast your vote yet for their arrival you're not too late! Just click on the link on the right hand side of the page and cast your vote!) Not sure what the prize is going to be yet. Maybe the chance to change a couple of diapers or cook us a meal. Who will the lucky person be? :)
Thursday, November 27, 2008
Happy Thanksgiving!
As I woke up this morning I laid in bed and thought about all the things that we have to be thankful for this year. At times, when I think about all the incredible things that are going on in our lives, I get overwhelmed and feel unworthy!
As I lay here this morning I looked out the bedroom window to the sunshine covered mountains and I'm thankful for where we live. In the meantime I was feeling this incredible life inside me. Powerful kicks this morning - and just the reminder of the gift we've been given in the lives of these two little boys. I am thankful for how far this pregnancy has been able to go so far.
I think of my incredible family and friends. I have been surrounded by such incredible people in my life who have helped to shape and mold me. I am also so thankful for a God who loves, blesses, and forgives.
I am thankful for Chris. Beyond words thankful for him.
I look with eager anticipation to the year ahead and what I'll be writing about a year from now!
HAPPY THANKSGIVING EVERYONE!
As I lay here this morning I looked out the bedroom window to the sunshine covered mountains and I'm thankful for where we live. In the meantime I was feeling this incredible life inside me. Powerful kicks this morning - and just the reminder of the gift we've been given in the lives of these two little boys. I am thankful for how far this pregnancy has been able to go so far.
I think of my incredible family and friends. I have been surrounded by such incredible people in my life who have helped to shape and mold me. I am also so thankful for a God who loves, blesses, and forgives.
I am thankful for Chris. Beyond words thankful for him.
I look with eager anticipation to the year ahead and what I'll be writing about a year from now!
HAPPY THANKSGIVING EVERYONE!
Monday, November 24, 2008
More Belly Pics!
Here are a few more belly pictures taken today...30 1/2 weeks!
The view from up here.
Lotsa babies.
I got a huge kick right as this shot was being taken.
Wow.Sunday, November 23, 2008
A New Number
I had noticed that ever since my stay at the hospital my weight dropped a couple of pounds. When I went to the Dr. this past week they also noted the loss and wanted to verify that I had been eating enough. I feel like all I do is eat! I eat three regular meals, and I also snack quite a bit in between. I certainly NEVER feel hungry!
I attribute some of the weight loss to the Nifedipine that I was on. I probably didn't eat quite as much while taking that medication because everything I swallowed was so painful. I also think that now with me drinking over a gallon of water a day I may also be flushing all the junk out of my body, and in turn losing some weight through that.
Either way...I am happy to announce....that today I got on the scale and I saw a new number! It is two pounds over where I had previously been at my heaviest. Oh so good to see! I just want to be sure that these boys are growing and getting all the nutrients that they need. I think it's working!
And now, time for a peanut butter cookie.
I attribute some of the weight loss to the Nifedipine that I was on. I probably didn't eat quite as much while taking that medication because everything I swallowed was so painful. I also think that now with me drinking over a gallon of water a day I may also be flushing all the junk out of my body, and in turn losing some weight through that.
Either way...I am happy to announce....that today I got on the scale and I saw a new number! It is two pounds over where I had previously been at my heaviest. Oh so good to see! I just want to be sure that these boys are growing and getting all the nutrients that they need. I think it's working!
And now, time for a peanut butter cookie.
Thursday, November 20, 2008
Another Visit Down
Our visit today turned out great! The boys are still looking marvelous, which is no surprise being that they're ours! :) They are still both head down. Their heartbeats and fluids looked great, so no reason at all to worry with them. They just continue to grow and take over their mother!
I am now 3 cm dilated. The Dr. said that doesn't really mean a whole lot being that some people can stay 3 or 4 cm. dilated for weeks and weeks. You just never know!
I have been instructed to continue to take my Nifedepin (medicine for contractions) until week 35 as needed if they start coming 6 or more in an hour again. After that we wouldn't try and stop labor. It also looks at this rate that if I can carry these boys far I will be having a c-section. The Dr. thinks I am just too tiny to push out two big boys. My mother (hi Mom!) had a c-section with myself and my two brothers, so it's not a big surprise. If I were though to have them sooner rather than later and they were both small, then possibly I would be able to deliver them. We'll see I guess! Either way is fine with me - just as long as my little men come out healthy and in the easiest way possible for them.
The ultrasound tech saw a bit of fuzz on the top of their heads, so it looks like some hair will be present when we see them. How precious!
All in all it was just a great appointment because the Dr. seems so comfortable and content with where we are. She is so happy to see us at 30 weeks and said that just this past week there were a few births of 30 week babies, one was even a singleton, and they are doing just great! It just feels so good to be at a place where I don't need to worry day to day and minute to minute about them coming too early and the dangers if they would.
I was also informed that if I make it to 36 or 37 weeks I will be taken off bed rest. I doubt I'd even be able to walk then if given the chance, but it's nice to see an ending point IF they don't come before that (which I'm thinking they will!).
And that's that!
I am now 3 cm dilated. The Dr. said that doesn't really mean a whole lot being that some people can stay 3 or 4 cm. dilated for weeks and weeks. You just never know!
I have been instructed to continue to take my Nifedepin (medicine for contractions) until week 35 as needed if they start coming 6 or more in an hour again. After that we wouldn't try and stop labor. It also looks at this rate that if I can carry these boys far I will be having a c-section. The Dr. thinks I am just too tiny to push out two big boys. My mother (hi Mom!) had a c-section with myself and my two brothers, so it's not a big surprise. If I were though to have them sooner rather than later and they were both small, then possibly I would be able to deliver them. We'll see I guess! Either way is fine with me - just as long as my little men come out healthy and in the easiest way possible for them.
The ultrasound tech saw a bit of fuzz on the top of their heads, so it looks like some hair will be present when we see them. How precious!
All in all it was just a great appointment because the Dr. seems so comfortable and content with where we are. She is so happy to see us at 30 weeks and said that just this past week there were a few births of 30 week babies, one was even a singleton, and they are doing just great! It just feels so good to be at a place where I don't need to worry day to day and minute to minute about them coming too early and the dangers if they would.
I was also informed that if I make it to 36 or 37 weeks I will be taken off bed rest. I doubt I'd even be able to walk then if given the chance, but it's nice to see an ending point IF they don't come before that (which I'm thinking they will!).
And that's that!
Wednesday, November 19, 2008
Happy 30 Week Un-Birthday!
Goodbye 20's! We have crossed into the glorious 30's today and it feels good! I sang the boys their 30 week un-birthday song this morning. Okay, I really didn't sing it to them - that would probably indicate that bed rest has truly driven me batty, but I did think it!
The boys are behaving and doing just what they need to do. My Braxton Hicks have slowed down to every 30-45 minutes, which they said is very normal for this far along in my pregnancy. I have been drinking over a gallon of water a day which seems to be helping to keep them at bay as well. It also means bathroom visits every 10 minutes, but at least I'm hydrated!
Nothing else much new to report. We head back to the Dr. in the morning for our weekly appointment so it will be good to see how everything is looking at this point.
I also want to note that I completely grossed out by my belly button. The other day I realized that I haven't been able to see it for quite a long time now, and so I took out a mirror and looked at it. It is completely flat. Belly buttons have always grossed me out and it makes my stomach churn just to think about it. I wonder if it's going to pop out like a turkey timer. I'll keep you all informed on it's status. Haha.
Our main goal is only 2 weeks away now! Come on 32!
The boys are behaving and doing just what they need to do. My Braxton Hicks have slowed down to every 30-45 minutes, which they said is very normal for this far along in my pregnancy. I have been drinking over a gallon of water a day which seems to be helping to keep them at bay as well. It also means bathroom visits every 10 minutes, but at least I'm hydrated!
Nothing else much new to report. We head back to the Dr. in the morning for our weekly appointment so it will be good to see how everything is looking at this point.
I also want to note that I completely grossed out by my belly button. The other day I realized that I haven't been able to see it for quite a long time now, and so I took out a mirror and looked at it. It is completely flat. Belly buttons have always grossed me out and it makes my stomach churn just to think about it. I wonder if it's going to pop out like a turkey timer. I'll keep you all informed on it's status. Haha.
Our main goal is only 2 weeks away now! Come on 32!
Saturday, November 15, 2008
Pictures!
Chris was able to take some pictures today of the progress of the nursery and the progress of my belly. :) He also scanned in a few of the pictures from our ultrasound last Monday.
The pictures of the nursery do not do it justice. It is so beautiful. He spent all day today organizing, sorting, hanging, washing, and getting everything put in it's place.
No apologies for the pictures of me. THIS is the way I look on bed rest!
Enjoy!
=
The pictures of the nursery do not do it justice. It is so beautiful. He spent all day today organizing, sorting, hanging, washing, and getting everything put in it's place.
No apologies for the pictures of me. THIS is the way I look on bed rest!
Enjoy!
=
Friday, November 14, 2008
Today...
Today has been a really great day. I'm still pregnant and still alive! I was able to sleep really well last night after Chris propped me up with numerous pillows, and I just got out of the shower so I FEEL GREAT!
The boys have been moving like mad the past few days. They are getting big enough now where I can feel their body parts sticking up through my skin. I feel feet, hands, heads....it is amazing!
As I was in the shower just now it hit me how truly incredible all of this is. I find myself getting so caught up in all the details that I sometimes forget what an extraordinary, incredible miracle is taking place inside of me right now. It is truly amazing to think that my two sons are growing inside of me every minute of every day and that soon I will get to see them face to face. I feel so honored, so humbled, so blessed. The formation of life (or lives!) is such an amazing thing.
Today Chris shopped for everything else that we need to pack our hospital suitcase and finish off the nursery. It feels so good to know that we are truly almost ready....or as ready as we're going to get I guess!
THANK YOU again for your continued thoughts, prayers, comments, emails...I will never be able to say thanks enough or let each one of you know what you mean to us through all of this.
The boys have been moving like mad the past few days. They are getting big enough now where I can feel their body parts sticking up through my skin. I feel feet, hands, heads....it is amazing!
As I was in the shower just now it hit me how truly incredible all of this is. I find myself getting so caught up in all the details that I sometimes forget what an extraordinary, incredible miracle is taking place inside of me right now. It is truly amazing to think that my two sons are growing inside of me every minute of every day and that soon I will get to see them face to face. I feel so honored, so humbled, so blessed. The formation of life (or lives!) is such an amazing thing.
Today Chris shopped for everything else that we need to pack our hospital suitcase and finish off the nursery. It feels so good to know that we are truly almost ready....or as ready as we're going to get I guess!
THANK YOU again for your continued thoughts, prayers, comments, emails...I will never be able to say thanks enough or let each one of you know what you mean to us through all of this.
Thursday, November 13, 2008
More Twin Pregnancy Fun
The good times continued yesterday. Nothing quite as exciting as what happened Monday, but still enough to keep us guessing! Yesterday afternoon once we got home I took my 1 pm dose of my contraction medication. I laid down and pretty soon I was experiencing severe, sharp pains on the left side of my chest. I became a bit concerned, but tried to rest through it. Around 6 I took a Zantac, as I usually do before dinner, and noticed that the pain went away for a little while. I ate dinner and around 8:30 the pain started up again. The pain was incredible! Every breath I took, every time I swallowed, every drink of water....it all sent this sharp shooting pain right through what I thought was my heart.
When Chris got home from class I mentioned it to him and we thought we'd give it the night and see how it went. I tried to sleep in bed, but there was no way that was happening so I moved instead to the recliner in the nursery. That too wasn't cutting it so I moved to the couch out in the living room. I truly thought I might be having a heart attack and thoughts were even going through my head about leaving my babies in this world without a mother! At around 1:30 a.m. I took a breath and the pain was instantly gone in a flash. I took a few more breaths just to be sure...and sure enough...no pain! I nearly started crying! I came back to the bedroom and slept so soundly from 2-7. Amazing.
I had never felt this pain until yesterday afternoon so I immediately associated it with the contraction medication that they put me on. This morning Chris woke me at 7 and I was too scared to take the medicine again in fear that it would start up. I called the Dr. and was told to not take the medication, but instead to spend the day laying on my side, drinking fluids and just resting.
I had been feeling much better today and hadn't experienced any of those chest pains until lunch. Chris brought me a plate of spaghetti, salad, and bread and once again I noticed that every time I swallowed a bite of food I would nearly double over with this sharp pain searing through the left side of my chest.
I mentioned this to Chris and he got online to investigate. We feel like detectives trying to figure out what's going on. He was able to find many cases of women (often times with twins) who had experienced similar pain during their pregnancies. It appeared to be nothing more than extreme indigestion and heartburn in their cases. Many of them were put on higher doses of Zantac, changed their diet, ate a bottle of Tums a day, and the problem cleared up!
SO....we'll see! I'm going to try dinner and see if the pain flares back up again for this evening. If it does we will then know that it is not the contraction medication, but instead perhaps just a wonderful case of extreme heartburn.
I'm sorry to post about the not so great side of all this too...but I want these boys to have a documented account of EVERY part of this pregnancy. Maybe I can use this to my advantage some day. :)
Please just cross your fingers that we'll figure out what's going on, that I won't die :), and that I would continue to carry these precious little buggers for many more weeks to come. Oh the joys.
When Chris got home from class I mentioned it to him and we thought we'd give it the night and see how it went. I tried to sleep in bed, but there was no way that was happening so I moved instead to the recliner in the nursery. That too wasn't cutting it so I moved to the couch out in the living room. I truly thought I might be having a heart attack and thoughts were even going through my head about leaving my babies in this world without a mother! At around 1:30 a.m. I took a breath and the pain was instantly gone in a flash. I took a few more breaths just to be sure...and sure enough...no pain! I nearly started crying! I came back to the bedroom and slept so soundly from 2-7. Amazing.
I had never felt this pain until yesterday afternoon so I immediately associated it with the contraction medication that they put me on. This morning Chris woke me at 7 and I was too scared to take the medicine again in fear that it would start up. I called the Dr. and was told to not take the medication, but instead to spend the day laying on my side, drinking fluids and just resting.
I had been feeling much better today and hadn't experienced any of those chest pains until lunch. Chris brought me a plate of spaghetti, salad, and bread and once again I noticed that every time I swallowed a bite of food I would nearly double over with this sharp pain searing through the left side of my chest.
I mentioned this to Chris and he got online to investigate. We feel like detectives trying to figure out what's going on. He was able to find many cases of women (often times with twins) who had experienced similar pain during their pregnancies. It appeared to be nothing more than extreme indigestion and heartburn in their cases. Many of them were put on higher doses of Zantac, changed their diet, ate a bottle of Tums a day, and the problem cleared up!
SO....we'll see! I'm going to try dinner and see if the pain flares back up again for this evening. If it does we will then know that it is not the contraction medication, but instead perhaps just a wonderful case of extreme heartburn.
I'm sorry to post about the not so great side of all this too...but I want these boys to have a documented account of EVERY part of this pregnancy. Maybe I can use this to my advantage some day. :)
Please just cross your fingers that we'll figure out what's going on, that I won't die :), and that I would continue to carry these precious little buggers for many more weeks to come. Oh the joys.
Maternity Pictures
A couple of weeks ago my dear friend Lydia took some maternity pictures for Chris and I. I am thankful that we were able to do this and I love how they turned out! She is truly a talented photographer. There are so many that I love, but here are a few to share.
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
Update
A lot has transpired here in the past couple of days. This could be a really long entry, so bear with me!
First of all - the appointment on Monday went really well for the most part. My mother-in-law Linda and I went in and they checked the babies measurements. They are looking great! Baby A is measuring at 3 lbs. 4 oz, and Baby B is measuring at 3 pounds. I was blown away with how big they've gotten! Dr. McCoy said they are measuring closer to 30 week babies than 28 week babies so that is great news! We were able to capture some 3D pictures, but I need to scan them into my computer so they will be coming shortly. They are truly amazing. I REALLY think that they look like Chris! I got choked up looking at them and seeing their perfect little noses, lips, eyes. They are just precious. I also got my dose one of the steroid Betamethasone to help jump start the surfactant in their lungs and get them developing faster. The final part of the day was to do another Fetal Fiber Nectin test to indicate if labor in the next two weeks is a possibility. I had to call back later in the day to get the results. My cervix was also checked and indicated that it had grown even weaker over the past week. As the Doctor said, now it's just time to get greedy and hope for one more week after one more week!
I left feeling really good about everything though and feeling confident that my boys are in a good place and getting to be of good size.
I did call back in the afternoon and was told that my Fetal Fiber Nectin test did come back positive. The results of the positive can be so easily skewed, so I don't invest a lot of energy and time into it, however it is just one more thing to be watchful for.
I went back Monday afternoon to my in-laws house and hung out there until Chris was able to come and get me after class that evening. It was so great to see him again! Him and I came home and went to bed around 11 Monday evening. I couldn't fall asleep (which has become a pretty common occurrence) and started noticing around 12 that I was having contractions that seemed to be pretty close together. I decided to start keeping track of them around 12:30. At first they were about 9 minutes apart. As I kept monitoring them across the hour or so I noticed that they were getting closer and going to 8 minutes, than 7, than 6. By 6 minutes, at 2 a.m. I woke up Chris and told him what I was experiencing. We both laid there in the dark for awhile and tried to decide what course of action we could take. As we laid there I noticed that they were coming 5 minutes apart, so up we hopped and headed off to the hospital! In the car my contractions were coming every 3 minutes, so we were glad to be on our way.
We arrived at L & D at 3:15 and they weighed me, had me use the restroom, and then once again hooked me up to the fetal and contraction monitors. The machine detected what I thought, and my contractions were three minutes apart. The boys themselves looked great, but the contractions - not so much. They saw that I was a bit dehydrated so they inserted an i.v. to provide me with fluids. They also gave me two pills of Nifedipine, which is a pill used to help stop contractions. I laid there for about 1 1/2 - 2 hours and we did notice that my contractions were going down. The on call Dr. then wanted to do a cervix check on me and see if there was possibly any dilation. He said it appeared it looked closed, but upon further investigation he noticed that I was in fact dilated 1-2 cm and was even able to feel the top of my little boy A's head! He welcomed me to the hospital and told me that I would be getting admitted for a little while. After he left to get me my hospital gown I broke down in tears. It was all so sudden! I didn't expect that I would be dilated, but as he said I may have been dilated for a long time now. Nobody has checked me since October 14th, so it's hard to say how long it's been that way.
So...into the hospital gown I went (this was about 6 a.m. now) and into my new room I was lead. They laid me in bed and hooked me up to monitors again and then gave me the second round of the Betamethasone.
The wonderful thing was that every Tuesday morning at 8 all 9 doctors in the practice meet together to discuss current patients in the hospital and their status as any of the 9 doctors may be working with us. It was nice to know that my regular doctor was included on what was going on with me and was able to be a part in the decision making process of my situation.
So all day yesterday I laid there in the hospital hooked up to iv's of fluid and also an antibiotic. I was put on a clear liquid diet just in case I would have to go into surgery.
The nurses and doctors were AMAZING the entire time and took such incredible care of us. They answered all of our questions and we never felt rushed or put off at all.
Throughout the day the boys hearts looked great on the monitor and my contractions seemed to be under control, so they moved me to a separate part of labor and delivery that is reserved for mothers who are not in labor, but are expecting. I was put on monitors throughout the evening but luckily was put back on a regular diet just in time for dinner. I was starving! :) Last night they took all the monitors off of me so that I was able to sleep better, and they even gave me a sleeping pill as I hadn't slept more than 1 hour in the previous 24 hours. I slept so well last night! This morning the on call Dr. came in and asked me if I wanted to go home! I was thrilled. He didn't feel that I was showing any signs at this point of going in to labor and that I would continue to take the Nifedipine at home for contractions for the next few days. After the third day I will be taking the pills as needed if I feel contractions coming on stronger.
I am now home, had lunch, showered, and I am back in bed. It is just extremely important that I get as much rest as possible and really take it easy. Because of this I am going to tuck myself away and not have any visitors or phone calls for awhile. I just don't want to take any chances with getting too worn out or pushing myself too much during this crucial time. I do welcome your emails or comments on this blog. We do know how loved we are and it helps so much to know! We love you all back and look forward to the day when we can be around you all again and show off our new little bundles! Chris and I both feel real peace about this situation. I apologize for not letting anyone besides our parents know what was going on in the past 48 hours. We didn't want to worry anyone until we knew more information. We do feel really good though now about where things stand and how the boys are doing. Your prayers and thoughts are continued to be welcomed as we head into the last however many weeks of this pregnancy. We are thankful for each and every day that I am being given to keep them safe inside, and we will see when their arrival date will be!
Much love to each of you. Pictures of the boys and maybe a belly shot or two will follow within a day or so.
-Beth-
First of all - the appointment on Monday went really well for the most part. My mother-in-law Linda and I went in and they checked the babies measurements. They are looking great! Baby A is measuring at 3 lbs. 4 oz, and Baby B is measuring at 3 pounds. I was blown away with how big they've gotten! Dr. McCoy said they are measuring closer to 30 week babies than 28 week babies so that is great news! We were able to capture some 3D pictures, but I need to scan them into my computer so they will be coming shortly. They are truly amazing. I REALLY think that they look like Chris! I got choked up looking at them and seeing their perfect little noses, lips, eyes. They are just precious. I also got my dose one of the steroid Betamethasone to help jump start the surfactant in their lungs and get them developing faster. The final part of the day was to do another Fetal Fiber Nectin test to indicate if labor in the next two weeks is a possibility. I had to call back later in the day to get the results. My cervix was also checked and indicated that it had grown even weaker over the past week. As the Doctor said, now it's just time to get greedy and hope for one more week after one more week!
I left feeling really good about everything though and feeling confident that my boys are in a good place and getting to be of good size.
I did call back in the afternoon and was told that my Fetal Fiber Nectin test did come back positive. The results of the positive can be so easily skewed, so I don't invest a lot of energy and time into it, however it is just one more thing to be watchful for.
I went back Monday afternoon to my in-laws house and hung out there until Chris was able to come and get me after class that evening. It was so great to see him again! Him and I came home and went to bed around 11 Monday evening. I couldn't fall asleep (which has become a pretty common occurrence) and started noticing around 12 that I was having contractions that seemed to be pretty close together. I decided to start keeping track of them around 12:30. At first they were about 9 minutes apart. As I kept monitoring them across the hour or so I noticed that they were getting closer and going to 8 minutes, than 7, than 6. By 6 minutes, at 2 a.m. I woke up Chris and told him what I was experiencing. We both laid there in the dark for awhile and tried to decide what course of action we could take. As we laid there I noticed that they were coming 5 minutes apart, so up we hopped and headed off to the hospital! In the car my contractions were coming every 3 minutes, so we were glad to be on our way.
We arrived at L & D at 3:15 and they weighed me, had me use the restroom, and then once again hooked me up to the fetal and contraction monitors. The machine detected what I thought, and my contractions were three minutes apart. The boys themselves looked great, but the contractions - not so much. They saw that I was a bit dehydrated so they inserted an i.v. to provide me with fluids. They also gave me two pills of Nifedipine, which is a pill used to help stop contractions. I laid there for about 1 1/2 - 2 hours and we did notice that my contractions were going down. The on call Dr. then wanted to do a cervix check on me and see if there was possibly any dilation. He said it appeared it looked closed, but upon further investigation he noticed that I was in fact dilated 1-2 cm and was even able to feel the top of my little boy A's head! He welcomed me to the hospital and told me that I would be getting admitted for a little while. After he left to get me my hospital gown I broke down in tears. It was all so sudden! I didn't expect that I would be dilated, but as he said I may have been dilated for a long time now. Nobody has checked me since October 14th, so it's hard to say how long it's been that way.
So...into the hospital gown I went (this was about 6 a.m. now) and into my new room I was lead. They laid me in bed and hooked me up to monitors again and then gave me the second round of the Betamethasone.
The wonderful thing was that every Tuesday morning at 8 all 9 doctors in the practice meet together to discuss current patients in the hospital and their status as any of the 9 doctors may be working with us. It was nice to know that my regular doctor was included on what was going on with me and was able to be a part in the decision making process of my situation.
So all day yesterday I laid there in the hospital hooked up to iv's of fluid and also an antibiotic. I was put on a clear liquid diet just in case I would have to go into surgery.
The nurses and doctors were AMAZING the entire time and took such incredible care of us. They answered all of our questions and we never felt rushed or put off at all.
Throughout the day the boys hearts looked great on the monitor and my contractions seemed to be under control, so they moved me to a separate part of labor and delivery that is reserved for mothers who are not in labor, but are expecting. I was put on monitors throughout the evening but luckily was put back on a regular diet just in time for dinner. I was starving! :) Last night they took all the monitors off of me so that I was able to sleep better, and they even gave me a sleeping pill as I hadn't slept more than 1 hour in the previous 24 hours. I slept so well last night! This morning the on call Dr. came in and asked me if I wanted to go home! I was thrilled. He didn't feel that I was showing any signs at this point of going in to labor and that I would continue to take the Nifedipine at home for contractions for the next few days. After the third day I will be taking the pills as needed if I feel contractions coming on stronger.
I am now home, had lunch, showered, and I am back in bed. It is just extremely important that I get as much rest as possible and really take it easy. Because of this I am going to tuck myself away and not have any visitors or phone calls for awhile. I just don't want to take any chances with getting too worn out or pushing myself too much during this crucial time. I do welcome your emails or comments on this blog. We do know how loved we are and it helps so much to know! We love you all back and look forward to the day when we can be around you all again and show off our new little bundles! Chris and I both feel real peace about this situation. I apologize for not letting anyone besides our parents know what was going on in the past 48 hours. We didn't want to worry anyone until we knew more information. We do feel really good though now about where things stand and how the boys are doing. Your prayers and thoughts are continued to be welcomed as we head into the last however many weeks of this pregnancy. We are thankful for each and every day that I am being given to keep them safe inside, and we will see when their arrival date will be!
Much love to each of you. Pictures of the boys and maybe a belly shot or two will follow within a day or so.
-Beth-
Sunday, November 9, 2008
A Bit More Fun
I am in great spirits this evening as Chris returns tomorrow after a 5 day trip to Minnesota and we go back to the doctor in the morning. I wanted to post a few more pics before the day is through. I came upon another website where you can insert your picture and it shows you what your yearbook picture may possibly have looked like throughout the years. I also wasn't completely happy with our baby picture that I posted previously, so here is another one that I thought might be a little more realistic. I will love our boys regardless, but I'd rather not give birth to Shrek.
Here's our new little baby boy. On the website he blinks, talks, and everything!
Quite possibly what I would have looked like in 1960.
And 1968. I actually really like this hairdo! I might try to bring this back.
Here's our new little baby boy. On the website he blinks, talks, and everything!
Quite possibly what I would have looked like in 1960.
And 1968. I actually really like this hairdo! I might try to bring this back.
Thursday, November 6, 2008
The Dangers of Bed Rest
You can imagine that having this laptop by my side all day long gives me endless possibilities of things that I can read, investigate, or buy. Well today I came across a site that will allow you to catch a glimpse of what your future child just might look like. Since our boys are identical I guess this picture can speak for both of them. Can I just say that I'm a little scared? Where in the heck is that red hair from anyhow? And those teeth! I think they get them from me! Haha!!
Wednesday, November 5, 2008
Our First Milestone
We have reached 28 weeks and it feels good! 5 weeks ago this day seemed like it would never come. I have many things that I want to report on and pictures that I want to post, but I am not able to tonight as the pictures aren't uploaded to my computer yet.
This past weekend was a lot of fun! On Saturday Chris and I went to my friend Lydia's house. She took some maternity pictures of us. They turned out great and I will share some as soon as I am able.
Sunday I was able to attend our last baby shower with a bunch of my great girls from church. It was so nice to see their faces again! Many of them pulled their money together and purchased our double stroller and two swings. I am so excited! We also got some cute little outfits and toys for the boys. It was a special day.
Today we went back to the Dr. The appointment went well and the boys are sticking it out with me. On Monday I am going back in for a detailed ultrasound where we will have measurements taken and we will be able to get a new weight estimate. I am also going to be getting a steroid shot on Monday and Tuesday to help with lung development. This is a pretty common thing with multiple pregnancies. This shot will help their lungs mature faster if I would possibly deliver them in the next four weeks.
I am feeling great about things though and feel optimistic that bed rest is really helping to prolong this pregnancy.
I am also going to start doing kick counts now. I was given instructions to lay down for an hour each day (that shouldn't be too tough!) and count the number of times I feel the boys move. I need to feel at least four movements in an hour. That also should not be a problem! They are nearly constantly moving, hiccuping, and kicking in there!
It is starting to sink in that the day is truly soon approaching. Chris and I are going to be parents! It just feels like yesterday that we were praying and hoping for this experience...and now here we are.
Here's hoping for many more weeks of growth!
This past weekend was a lot of fun! On Saturday Chris and I went to my friend Lydia's house. She took some maternity pictures of us. They turned out great and I will share some as soon as I am able.
Sunday I was able to attend our last baby shower with a bunch of my great girls from church. It was so nice to see their faces again! Many of them pulled their money together and purchased our double stroller and two swings. I am so excited! We also got some cute little outfits and toys for the boys. It was a special day.
Today we went back to the Dr. The appointment went well and the boys are sticking it out with me. On Monday I am going back in for a detailed ultrasound where we will have measurements taken and we will be able to get a new weight estimate. I am also going to be getting a steroid shot on Monday and Tuesday to help with lung development. This is a pretty common thing with multiple pregnancies. This shot will help their lungs mature faster if I would possibly deliver them in the next four weeks.
I am feeling great about things though and feel optimistic that bed rest is really helping to prolong this pregnancy.
I am also going to start doing kick counts now. I was given instructions to lay down for an hour each day (that shouldn't be too tough!) and count the number of times I feel the boys move. I need to feel at least four movements in an hour. That also should not be a problem! They are nearly constantly moving, hiccuping, and kicking in there!
It is starting to sink in that the day is truly soon approaching. Chris and I are going to be parents! It just feels like yesterday that we were praying and hoping for this experience...and now here we are.
Here's hoping for many more weeks of growth!
Monday, November 3, 2008
When Will They Arrive?
I set up a baby pool today on expectnet.com where you can make your guess on when these little Hardesty men will arrive into this world. If you want to play just do the following:
1. Go to the link http://www.expectnet.com
2. In the top left corner enter in the game name "Hardesty"
3. Enter your guess for both Baby A and Baby B
4. Good luck and thanks for playing!
I may even think of some type of prize for the winner! I need to work more on that.
:)
Beth
1. Go to the link http://www.expectnet.com
2. In the top left corner enter in the game name "Hardesty"
3. Enter your guess for both Baby A and Baby B
4. Good luck and thanks for playing!
I may even think of some type of prize for the winner! I need to work more on that.
:)
Beth
Thursday, October 30, 2008
The Third Trimester!
We have made it to the final trimester. It feels good! I hadn't even been thinking about it, and yesterday I was reading my "Pregnancy Week by Week" book and it welcomed me to my last trimester! I am glad we're here!
We went to the Dr. yesterday. I get SO excited to go to the Dr. It is my big day out! We certainly know the routine. We go in, I step on the scale, get my blood pressure taken, answer a few questions about the babies movement, pee in a cup, undress from the waist down, check on the babies, check on the cervix, talk to the Dr., wipe the gunk off my belly, get dressed, go home!
The appointment yesterday went really well. The boys are looking great. They are both still head down and have that been that way now for over a month. Baby A had both of his arms crossed over the top of his head - he was just taking it easy!
I am also pleased to report that I am "stable" in the words of my Dr. She said that there is no change from last week, and so at this point we just keep taking it one day at a time. I am thankful for each and every day that they are staying put and just getting bigger. She wouldn't guess on how long she thinks I might make it. She said she doesn't play guessing games - but she's hoping that I can make it to 32 weeks. Less than 5 weeks to go!
I am feeling great and bed rest really hasn't been too bad. The days seem to pass by pretty quickly and I know it certainly helps to have such incredible family and friends surrounding us. I can't thank you all enough for your emails, phone calls, meals...I have really been blown away by how much we're loved!
Thank you for your continued prayers and thoughts for our family. We're doing good!
We went to the Dr. yesterday. I get SO excited to go to the Dr. It is my big day out! We certainly know the routine. We go in, I step on the scale, get my blood pressure taken, answer a few questions about the babies movement, pee in a cup, undress from the waist down, check on the babies, check on the cervix, talk to the Dr., wipe the gunk off my belly, get dressed, go home!
The appointment yesterday went really well. The boys are looking great. They are both still head down and have that been that way now for over a month. Baby A had both of his arms crossed over the top of his head - he was just taking it easy!
I am also pleased to report that I am "stable" in the words of my Dr. She said that there is no change from last week, and so at this point we just keep taking it one day at a time. I am thankful for each and every day that they are staying put and just getting bigger. She wouldn't guess on how long she thinks I might make it. She said she doesn't play guessing games - but she's hoping that I can make it to 32 weeks. Less than 5 weeks to go!
I am feeling great and bed rest really hasn't been too bad. The days seem to pass by pretty quickly and I know it certainly helps to have such incredible family and friends surrounding us. I can't thank you all enough for your emails, phone calls, meals...I have really been blown away by how much we're loved!
Thank you for your continued prayers and thoughts for our family. We're doing good!
Monday, October 27, 2008
It's About Time!
Really, what is my excuse of not updating my blog more frequently when I'm on bed rest? I guess the lack of exciting things to share may be a part of it - that is unless you would like to read a play by play of my amazing days in bed!
I did want to post some pictures though of the nursery. Chris has put so much work into it and I must say that I love it even more than I thought I would! Even he now admits that he is glad we painted it!
I also have a couple new belly shots taken Saturday to share with you all. The number on the scale keeps getting higher and higher!
The days and weeks are continuing to go well. It is hard to believe that Thursday will make it one official month of bed rest. The time has gone fast so far and we are almost to 27 weeks!
The boys are really kicking frequently and HARD now! I love it!
Thank you for your continued prayers and thoughts for our family. We are feeling really peaceful about everything and just taking it all one day and one week at a time!
Before: Chris drew a line on the walls to mark where the chair rail would go.
Before: All taped off and ready to go!
During: The walls are painted! Now just putting up the chair rail.
After: Isn't it just a little boy's dream?
After: I love how it ties all the colors together. I also love how talented my husband is!
Here I am in all my glory at 26 1/2 weeks.
I did want to post some pictures though of the nursery. Chris has put so much work into it and I must say that I love it even more than I thought I would! Even he now admits that he is glad we painted it!
I also have a couple new belly shots taken Saturday to share with you all. The number on the scale keeps getting higher and higher!
The days and weeks are continuing to go well. It is hard to believe that Thursday will make it one official month of bed rest. The time has gone fast so far and we are almost to 27 weeks!
The boys are really kicking frequently and HARD now! I love it!
Thank you for your continued prayers and thoughts for our family. We are feeling really peaceful about everything and just taking it all one day and one week at a time!
Before: Chris drew a line on the walls to mark where the chair rail would go.
Before: All taped off and ready to go!
During: The walls are painted! Now just putting up the chair rail.
After: Isn't it just a little boy's dream?
After: I love how it ties all the colors together. I also love how talented my husband is!
Here I am in all my glory at 26 1/2 weeks.
This is exactly the way I look right now as I am typing this! This is the spot where I spend about 10 hours of every day.
Sunday, October 19, 2008
My Placenta Goes to School
Last night I was reading a book called "Everything You Need to Know to Have a Healthy Twin Pregnancy." I was reading the chapter on labor and delivery (yikes) and I was reading about how after delivering the babies you also deliver your placenta. I had heard that before but I then read that the placenta can possibly weigh anywhere from a pound to a pound and a half. I mentioned to Chris that it would almost be like delivering a third child! I think that's how the dream I had last night came to be.
Here is my dream:
The day arrived when my babies would be brought into this world. I delivered two beautiful children. One of them was an African American boy and the other was a blond haired, blue eyed girl. Now I did not deliver babies, I delivered children. They were probably both about 10 years old and they were able to sit and talk with me about the entire experience. (Luckily my dream did not have details of the actual delivery of these rather large children) I remember being a little shocked that we had a girl. I was sad knowing that we wouldn't be able to use both of our little boy names. Instead, we named her Makayla. I remember thinking that we would have to change her name eventually because that is the name of my friend Dana's daughter and that just wouldn't be fair to copy her name!
Here is where my dream gets a little odd...well, at least even more odd. I had to breastfeed my babies and I was nervous about how it would go the first time. I noticed though that there was a monitor on each child. The monitor had two sides. One side said hungry and the other side said full. The hungry side was lit up until I began to feed them, and then it would ding and the light would switch to full. I thought this was so handy and my ten year old babies were so good at breastfeeding! Sick isn't it?
Since my newborns were already ten years old they obviously had to go to school, so in my dream we enrolled them. We also though enrolled my third child, the placenta.
Right about there is where my dream stopped.
Anyone want to take a crack at interpreting that one? :)
Here is my dream:
The day arrived when my babies would be brought into this world. I delivered two beautiful children. One of them was an African American boy and the other was a blond haired, blue eyed girl. Now I did not deliver babies, I delivered children. They were probably both about 10 years old and they were able to sit and talk with me about the entire experience. (Luckily my dream did not have details of the actual delivery of these rather large children) I remember being a little shocked that we had a girl. I was sad knowing that we wouldn't be able to use both of our little boy names. Instead, we named her Makayla. I remember thinking that we would have to change her name eventually because that is the name of my friend Dana's daughter and that just wouldn't be fair to copy her name!
Here is where my dream gets a little odd...well, at least even more odd. I had to breastfeed my babies and I was nervous about how it would go the first time. I noticed though that there was a monitor on each child. The monitor had two sides. One side said hungry and the other side said full. The hungry side was lit up until I began to feed them, and then it would ding and the light would switch to full. I thought this was so handy and my ten year old babies were so good at breastfeeding! Sick isn't it?
Since my newborns were already ten years old they obviously had to go to school, so in my dream we enrolled them. We also though enrolled my third child, the placenta.
Right about there is where my dream stopped.
Anyone want to take a crack at interpreting that one? :)
Friday, October 17, 2008
Belly Shot Time
After shower, dinner, a couple phone calls, and an episode of Dawsons (thanks Kristy!) I am feeling much better and decided to take a few belly pictures at 25 weeks! I feel like the pictures don't quite do the belly justice. I at least feel much bigger than it looks!
Bed Rest Blues
Warning: This entry is a total pity party. You don't have to come. :)
This is the picture I added to my facebook page yesterday and sometimes it's just how I feel. This bed rest thing isn't always easy! I remember thinking back in August how wonderful it would be if I could go on bedrest. I pictured myself taking leisurely trips to Target, strolling through the baby aisles sipping whole milk. I imagined myself sitting in the nursery with my perfect little belly folding up little boy clothes and putting them away. I remember a friend of mine saying to me "If you get put on bed rest I think you'd be way too bored." I thought she was crazy. But...here I am...2 weeks into it, and it's not always fun! The dreams I held in my head of what these days would look like aren't quite how they always are. My hair is totally disheveled and looks like I have never owned a hairbrush, my hips ache from laying down in this bed all day, and sometimes I just don't know what to do with myself! I have mounds of things around me that I could work on or watch or read, but sometimes I don't want to do any of it! Sometimes I just want to run around the house and scream!I feel bad because dear friends and family call and I don't want to call them back because I'm in a mood and they don't need to hear me complaining over the phone.
I need to suck it up! I know that it won't last forever, and I also know how important this is! Every time I feel the boys move I am reminded about the job I'm doing and why I'm doing it - it's just not as fun as the first half of the pregnancy was. :)
Alright, that's the end of my venting session. Sorry. I might as well be honest though right? Chris has been amazing - truly. I don't know what I'd do without him. His skinny little self (everyone looks so stinkin' skinny!) just left to go to a football game with some of his friends tonight. He told me that he was craving some Buffalo Wild Wings for dinner. As I laid here in bed all sprawled out I gave him the look of death and told him to have a wonderful time. It was dripping with a bit of sarcasm. :) He reminded me that tomorrow he was going to be painting the nursery all day, and the look on my face instantly changed!
Now it's time for a shower and dinner. Those two things always cheer me up.
How incredibly worth it all of this will be in just a few short months!
Tuesday, October 14, 2008
Lookin' Good
The appointment this morning went really well. 25 weeks tomorrow! I am due to post some new belly shots before too long aren't I?
First of all, I passed my glucose test this morning - so no diabetes for me! I was thankful for that news! The drink wasn't really all that bad. It tasted just like flat Sprite, but it was a nice change from all the water I've been drinking!
Boy A and Boy B are looking, in the words of my dear friend Bullock, "FANTASTIC!" :) They are still head down but have shifted a bit. They are laying diagonally in my stomach with their heads on my lower right side and all four feet up on my left side. I was wondering why I was feeling all those kicks up by my ribs! I thought it was all Baby A's fault, but I guess they're both going to town there!
Their measurements look great and the approximate weight right now is Baby A weighing in at 1 lb. 11 oz. and Baby B coming in a tad bit larger at 1 lb. 12 oz. The Dr. said that they are big boys and about a week ahead of where they should be right now!
We tried doing a 4D ultrasound today, but they wouldn't cooperate! They kept blocking their faces with their hands, or turning their entire bodies away from the camera. They must be camera shy like their mother. :) We will try again another time. We will be going every week, so we should have plenty of opportunities!
I am also happy to report that I am showing no change in my cervix so that is good to hear. I just need to keep on taking it easy because it seems to be working for now.
We are just taking it all one day at a time and crossing off each day on the calendar counting down the weeks to the arrival of these incredible gifts. Our sons. I can't wait to meet them! Well...yes I can...but you know what I mean!
First of all, I passed my glucose test this morning - so no diabetes for me! I was thankful for that news! The drink wasn't really all that bad. It tasted just like flat Sprite, but it was a nice change from all the water I've been drinking!
Boy A and Boy B are looking, in the words of my dear friend Bullock, "FANTASTIC!" :) They are still head down but have shifted a bit. They are laying diagonally in my stomach with their heads on my lower right side and all four feet up on my left side. I was wondering why I was feeling all those kicks up by my ribs! I thought it was all Baby A's fault, but I guess they're both going to town there!
Their measurements look great and the approximate weight right now is Baby A weighing in at 1 lb. 11 oz. and Baby B coming in a tad bit larger at 1 lb. 12 oz. The Dr. said that they are big boys and about a week ahead of where they should be right now!
We tried doing a 4D ultrasound today, but they wouldn't cooperate! They kept blocking their faces with their hands, or turning their entire bodies away from the camera. They must be camera shy like their mother. :) We will try again another time. We will be going every week, so we should have plenty of opportunities!
I am also happy to report that I am showing no change in my cervix so that is good to hear. I just need to keep on taking it easy because it seems to be working for now.
We are just taking it all one day at a time and crossing off each day on the calendar counting down the weeks to the arrival of these incredible gifts. Our sons. I can't wait to meet them! Well...yes I can...but you know what I mean!
Monday, October 13, 2008
My Family
This past weekend all members of my immediate family flew out from Minnesota to be with us. I was so excited just thinking about them coming. My sister-in-law Renee spent her morning Wednesday cleaning the house for us to help prepare for their arrival and it meant so much to me! It felt good to have our house in order before they arrived. Chris planned the menu and did all the grocery shopping - so we were ready to go!
Mom, Dad, and David arrived Thursday afternoon. They seemed to enjoy the view as I appeared in the doorway after they pulled in. They all thought I was pretty large! It was such a great reunion and nice to have them here. We came inside and I laid down. They each took a turn feeling the babies kick. They are quite the entertainment!
We had a very laid back evening with them and Friday Mom and Dad got to work! Dad washed our windows and Mom went through all the clothes we had received as shower gifts and started washing and sorting them into their correct sizes. She and I had so much fun oohing and ahhing over all the cute little boy clothes. She did so much work!
Friday evening Chris and David went to pick up Michael and Hayley from the airport. They got back here around 12. We woke up to see them before we all crashed back into bed. Such a sweet reunion!
Saturday we had a quiet morning around here before attending our baby shower. My mother-in-law, sisters-in-law, cousin, nieces, and dear friend put so much time and effort into the shower. There were the cutest favors and decorations. The theme of the shower was "Two Peas In a Pod." They had two peas in a pod plates, napkins, punch, balloons, cake, mints...the list goes on and on! I was so touched!
Chris brought our recliner from home so I was banished to the chair where I did my best to keep my feet kicked back the entire time. The shower was a blast and I was exhausted afterwords! We came back home and visited with my two cousins who came down for the day, and then I went off and took a nap for the afternoon. That evening we had a great dinner and played some family games before heading off to bed around11:30.
They all had to leave yesterday morning to catch their flights back to MN. It was so strange to say goodbye to them knowing that the next time I see them we will have two little boys with us! There was an excitement in our goodbye though in anticipation of all that is to come!! What a great weekend!
Mom tackling the nursery.
Schmoodie and myself
Dad washing windows!
Look at that cake Dana made! I was so in awe!
The Berres Bunch - what a gift.
Mom, Dad, and David arrived Thursday afternoon. They seemed to enjoy the view as I appeared in the doorway after they pulled in. They all thought I was pretty large! It was such a great reunion and nice to have them here. We came inside and I laid down. They each took a turn feeling the babies kick. They are quite the entertainment!
We had a very laid back evening with them and Friday Mom and Dad got to work! Dad washed our windows and Mom went through all the clothes we had received as shower gifts and started washing and sorting them into their correct sizes. She and I had so much fun oohing and ahhing over all the cute little boy clothes. She did so much work!
Friday evening Chris and David went to pick up Michael and Hayley from the airport. They got back here around 12. We woke up to see them before we all crashed back into bed. Such a sweet reunion!
Saturday we had a quiet morning around here before attending our baby shower. My mother-in-law, sisters-in-law, cousin, nieces, and dear friend put so much time and effort into the shower. There were the cutest favors and decorations. The theme of the shower was "Two Peas In a Pod." They had two peas in a pod plates, napkins, punch, balloons, cake, mints...the list goes on and on! I was so touched!
Chris brought our recliner from home so I was banished to the chair where I did my best to keep my feet kicked back the entire time. The shower was a blast and I was exhausted afterwords! We came back home and visited with my two cousins who came down for the day, and then I went off and took a nap for the afternoon. That evening we had a great dinner and played some family games before heading off to bed around11:30.
They all had to leave yesterday morning to catch their flights back to MN. It was so strange to say goodbye to them knowing that the next time I see them we will have two little boys with us! There was an excitement in our goodbye though in anticipation of all that is to come!! What a great weekend!
Mom tackling the nursery.
Schmoodie and myself
Dad washing windows!
Look at that cake Dana made! I was so in awe!
The Berres Bunch - what a gift.I'm Back!
Thanks to my incredible sister-in-law and friend Marf I am now back in the land of blogging! She is graciously letting me borrow her laptop and I can now comfortably check email, surf the web, and update my blog all from the comfort of my bed!
I feel that there is so much to update, especially after the fun past week we've had!
I'm going to blog first about my appointment and shower last week and then I may post a few other things today as well.
Last Tuesday we went to the Dr. for another check-up. We looked at the boys via ultrasound and as of last week they were still both head down. They looked great and their heartbeats looked strong, so we were thankful for that. They also checked me and it was a relief to hear that things had stayed the same since the week before. The Dr. told me to keep it up because what I was doing was working, so laying around it is!
After we left there we went to my school where I was able to finally say goodbye to my kids. It was such a great feeling to walk into my classroom and be surrounded by 21 nine year olds in a huge group hug. They are precious kids and I do miss them. The long term sub, who I have worked with before, seemed to have everything under control and I am just so thankful to her for popping in there last minute like she had to do.
We then went up to the school library where my sweet co-workers put on a baby shower for us. We were overwhelmed with the generosity and love that everyone showed us. Here are a few pictures from the party.
I feel that there is so much to update, especially after the fun past week we've had!
I'm going to blog first about my appointment and shower last week and then I may post a few other things today as well.
Last Tuesday we went to the Dr. for another check-up. We looked at the boys via ultrasound and as of last week they were still both head down. They looked great and their heartbeats looked strong, so we were thankful for that. They also checked me and it was a relief to hear that things had stayed the same since the week before. The Dr. told me to keep it up because what I was doing was working, so laying around it is!
After we left there we went to my school where I was able to finally say goodbye to my kids. It was such a great feeling to walk into my classroom and be surrounded by 21 nine year olds in a huge group hug. They are precious kids and I do miss them. The long term sub, who I have worked with before, seemed to have everything under control and I am just so thankful to her for popping in there last minute like she had to do.
We then went up to the school library where my sweet co-workers put on a baby shower for us. We were overwhelmed with the generosity and love that everyone showed us. Here are a few pictures from the party.
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