Boring....

Just the way we like it- another boring week, and another boring OB appointment. I swear every week my doctor is a little more surprised (as am I) that nothing crazy has happened. But, here we are 36w 3d and everything is completely and totally normal. No signs of labor- which obviously can come on quickly and without notice- and no signs of anything that would make it necessary to move my c-section up. This doesn't mean he is convinced that I'll make it to my c-section date. He said today he would not be surprised at all if I had these boys before.

Today my weight was ok- seriously though, I have a feeling I'm going to gain more in the last few weeks of pregnancy than I did in the first 30! No protein in my urine and my blood pressure was just fine. So, unless something shows up on our ultrasound next week, we are still planning to meet these little boys bright and early August 15th.

36 weeks 3 days

35w 4d appointment...

Another week, another appointment.

I don't have much to report- weight gain is OK- no protein in my urine- and my blood pressure is back within totally normal range. My hands and feet and starting to see a little swelling and I'm not sure I'll make it to delivery still wearing my wedding ring, but I'm going to try my best!

I'm having a few braxton hicks here and there, but not many. I always question if they are really braxton hicks or if I am just trying to down play an actual contraction- either way, they never stick around long enough to be timed, and they are never painful enough to feel concerned.

We're down to 19 sleeps or less! I cannot even begin to tell you how sore and ready I am. Of course letting these boys grow and cook as long as possible is important to me, but when you are carrying twins EVERYTHING starts to hurt at this point! I am thrilled I've been able to carry them as long as I have. My goal from the start was 36 weeks- only two more days to go! 37 would be ideal since that is considered full term, and making it all the way to my c-section at 38w2d would be icing on the cake.

The doctor took a quick peek at the boys today with a bedside ultrasound and after moving a ton and a large dose of ultrasound gel she was able to find two heartbeats among the pile of moving baby parts. She also said she could see them in there practicing their breathing which is great news.

We're getting all of the final things in place over the weekend just in case they decide to come sooner rather than later. My mom drove a couple hours to come help me clean 1/2 of my house this week and will be back early next week to help me finish the other half- such a HUGE blessing. I know it would have taken me about 4 days to accomplish what we did in the first day! It will be so nice to come home to a fully cleaned house after being in the hospital!

I'm still surprised that I've made it this far and continue to remain healthy. As I left today, the doctor said 'get outta here! Keep doing what you're doing and have another boring week until we see you again!'

I'll do my best :)

33w 3d Ultrasound...

I'm not sure how to describe our babies on the ultrasound screen today.... perhaps the best description would be a ten pound bag of baby parts. Yeah, ten pounds.

Both babies are looking great to anyone with a trained enough eye to pick out which parts belong to which baby, Hubs and I just stared at the screen wondering what the heck was going on! It appears that the boys are stacked in there which makes it nearly impossible to get a decent look at baby B. The tech managed to get enough measurements to estimate the size of the boys and they are both measuring very close to the 50th percentile with only a 6% variance between them. This is all great news and exactly where we'd like them to be. 

Otherwise, everything looks great. My blood pressure and urine were both fine today and I continue to escape the swelling extremities that seem to plague pregnant women at this point, especially during the summer. 

So, until next week I just keep doing what I'm doing.... growing two baby boys!!!

23 week ultrasound

The boys looked perfect this morning! Both were playing nice and allowed the tech to get all of the measurements she was looking for- which was a nice change from their usual antics! I did end up getting dizzy and hot during the ultrasound and had to turn onto my side, but she managed to finish the majority of the ultrasound with me turned away from her.

The boys are weighing in at about 1lb 4oz and 1lb 5oz. Both of those little buggers looked like they were growing right on track. I always love to see how they are positioned. I guessed right, both of their feet are right together and spend A LOT of time kicking each other (and me in the process!). She also confirmed that they were stretching up and getting really good at finding my ribs- little stinkers :)

After spending about an hour getting all of the important measurements and just watching them be so dang cute we moved on to every one's favorite the wand! Thankfully we managed to get a great look at my cervix which was plenty long and not funneling or opening at all. We also found that Baby A's placenta has moved away from my cervix and is no longer in the danger zone. So, at this point we don't have anything (other than being pregnant with multiples) that will inhibit a natural-ish childbirth.

We have one final appointment with our current OB in four weeks at 27 weeks. That appointment will be a long one- glucose test, ultrasound and a follow-up with our doctor. Then two weeks later we'll start seeing the doctor that will (hopefully) deliver the boys. It seems crazy that we are just four weeks away from starting two week appointments!

Question for multiple mamas out there.... did you take a childbirth class? We've heard from some that it was a little useless for multiple pregnancies, but from others that it was worth the time and money to take it. Anyone want to weigh in on this one???

19 week ultrasound

... there is sure to be an enormous amount of dirt, wrestling, farting, burping and grass stains in this house of mine. That's right, I'm about to be totally outnumbered- TWO BABY BOYS!

And, because you all have been asking for it for WEEKS.... here they are in all of their glory. The belly feels huge to me, but I can only imagine what it will look/feel like in a few weeks. I'm sure I'll look back at this picture and laugh hysterically that I thought I was 'big'!!

Everything looked great on the ultrasound. Both babies are measuring a little ahead- this is always what I hope for considering twins have a tendency to come a little early. I think they were both measuring between 10-11oz each. They were crazy in there and moving a TON, so the tech had a little bit of a hard time getting images of the legs and feet, but from what she was able to measure, they looked perfect! I had a quick visit from old wandy at the end of my ultrasound appointment to check on my cervix. She didn't give me the measurement, but she did say that it looked great and was nice and long. The only slight concern at this point is Baby A's placenta is 1.7cm away from my cervix. The ideal is more than 2cm (I think cm was the measure?), so that could possibly pose an issue for a vaginal delivery, but as we all know (or did I forget publish that post?) I have ZERO expectations for the birth of these babies. 

I'll see the same doctor again in another 4 weeks for a quick appointment and another ultrasound (what will I do if I have a singleton after this twin pregnancy!?!?). After that, I'm not sure if we'll transfer to our delivering doctor (at a hospital with a nicu) for our 27/28 week appointment or if we'll see our local doctor one more time and then transfer. I was worried about this before, but this pregnancy (knock on wood) is progressing so easily and with nearly no complications so I feel completely confident sticking with our local doctor as long as things stay the same. 

15 week ultrasound

First things first... two perfect babies!!!

They are growing right on target (a tiny bit ahead) and looked absolutely perfect. Both are weighing in at about 4 ounces and have all of the important things they should at this age... you know, like arms and legs and all that jazz. 

Baby A is almost positively a boy. I will be VERY surprised if baby A ends up being a girl come April 3rd. Baby B was a little trickier to to get a good look at because that little babe was hanging out behind my belly button. We *think* baby B is a boy, but we'll wait for final confirmation in 4 weeks. We did go buy some boy items after our ultrasound yesterday. If baby B ends up being a girl, we'll just have a few extra clothes for baby A I guess!

The ultrasound was amazing. The babies were SO much bigger than the last time we saw them and it was awesome to watch them move around. Baby B was laying right on top of his/her brother- I like to think baby B is just trying to snuggle instead of squish their brother.

All in all, it was a perfect day and we are completely and totally in love with these little babes. I can't stop thinking about those little stinkers!

One week!

Five weeks is a really long time for this infertile turned pregnant mama. Thankfully, the growing and firming belly serves as a nice reminder that my body is changing because there are a couple of tiny babes in there growing more and more everyday.

One week from today we will FINALLY get to see our babies again. Only seven more sleeps. The wait is killing me! Add to that the possibility of maybe finding out who these babies are, and I am SO ready.

PS. Just in case I forget by next week, last night I needed... like NEEDED sour patch kids and potato salad at about 8pm for second dinner. I'm thankful that I'm finally finding my appetite, but could I crave anything more unhealthy? I guess I'll just be thankful it wasn't something fried :)

This and That...

The insomnia may kill me.

I woke up at 2:30 on Thursday morning. Once I was up and had gone to the bathroom I realized that I was starving. Eating some peanut butter crackers and drinking a big glass of water solved that problem, but it didn't solve the sleeping issue. I was wide awake for 2 whole hours. Lame. The only positive about the wake up was putting my hand on my belly when I woke up and realizing that HOLY CRAP it seemed huge and really firm.

I can feel the firmness of my uterus all the way up to just below my belly button... at 12.5 weeks. I'm nearly positive I am going to be some kind of freak show by the end of the summer. And I can't wait :)

Growth is happening in other places beyond my belly too... I'm going to need to look into some new bras in the very near future.

Hubs is hilarious about not wanting me to do things. I love it- he is so protective of me and these two little babes of ours.

I'm trying to make sure I eat frequently, but if I don't, it is very obvious when it is time to get some more food in this body of mine.

I love life without progesterone suppositories!

I love all of the changes that are happening with my body, and I'm in awe constantly of everything that is happening.

Most importantly.... 19 days until we get to see our babies again!!

First OB Appointment...

I had my first appointment this morning with our OB. Everything went really well and I'll be sad to leave them when we transfer to a larger office in the group in order to deliver at a hospital with a NICU. Our doctor said we could deliver at the smaller local hospital, but she said it was absolutely not an issue to transfer and she completely understood why we would want to do so with twins.

I asked all my questions, got every answer I was looking for, did a urine sample, had some blood drawn and the best part was the quick ultrasound to see our little babes. It was the first abdominal ultrasound I've had since becoming pregnant and it was super blurry, but perfect just the same. I saw each of their blurry little bodies with a little flicker of a beating heart in each. She said they both looked great and scheduled me for an appointment and ultrasound in 5 weeks at 15w1d. I'm already anxious to see them again... 5 weeks seems SO FAR AWAY!

So, the countdown begins. 5 wholes weeks.

Graduation Day!!!

Another great ultrasound!

I'm 9w3d one baby was measuring 9w2d and the other 9w1d, so they are growing right along at the same rate they've been growing for the last several weeks! Great news!

The hearts were beating at very similar rates- 170 and 174. I don't think I'll ever get tired of that sound!

Everything looked great and we graduated from our RE's office today! My nurse called this afternoon with my hormone levels and everything was right on track. My E2 was 6,000+ and progesterone was 53.1. The nurse was quick to explain that even though my progesterone is down from where it was the last time it was drawn, it is completely normal since I've decreased those horrid suppositories. She also said it is just exactly where they had hoped it would be. 

So, today was great news all around! Hooray!


AAAAANNNNNNDDD... I can stop taking METFORMIN!!!!

Friday...

Earlier in the week I watched a you tube video of an ultrasound at 9w3d, which is what I'll be on Friday for our ultrasound. It was amazing. Although I know the physical changes that are happening with our babies right now,  I know it wont really hit me until I see it with my own eyes. On that video I was looking at a baby who had little arms and legs waving around... I can't wait to see the same thing on Friday x2!

I had a HORRIBLE and completely unrealistic dream earlier in the week about our babies. I woke with my hand right on the hard spot of my belly where our babes are growing. Sometimes I feel it more than others and in that moment it was more obvious than it had ever been.

The nausea seems to be subsiding some (**knocks on wood**), so I'm doing my best to eat a little more. Eating is still difficult since heartburn seems to be a sure thing after almost every meal. Though I've found if I can manage to stay upright longer after eating I'm better off. There is just something about a full belly that makes me want to lay down and take a nap!

I'm sure I'll be back Friday with an update about our ultrasound. Until then, I'll be counting down the minutes!!!

Ultrasound update....

Two heartbeats!!!

I'm 7w3d today...
Baby A: 160bpm measures 7w2d
Baby B: 153bpm measures 7w3d

Completely and totally in love :)

Final RE appointment and ultrasound January 27th!!!

Ultrasound Round Two...

Ultrasound #2 is today. Nervous, ready, excited, scared... they are all there. All the usual suspects. I'm feeling pretty confident though. The symptoms are helping, but they come and go, usually going when I need them the most! My dang boobs are still pretty sore all.the.time so that makes me feel better. I haven't gone without a bra for longer than a shower in weeks. My pretty sure the ladies are suffocating- but I can't help it, it hurts too much!!

Our clinic usually does pregnancy ultrasounds in the afternoon, so last weeks 11:30 appointment was a nice treat. Today I have to wait until 2:30... which might as well be sometime tomorrow! I can't wait to see those little babes!

I'll be sure to update once we're done :)

In the meantime go give E some love, with any luck she's pushing a baby out right now! I told her yesterday I'd text her after our ultrasound- stating that she'd 'likely be kinda busy pushing out a baby or something.' To which, she responded with 'I hope she's either out or being pushed out by then!' .... we decided we'd race. I hope for her sake she wins!

Tomorrow..

... I can't wait! I'm a lot more confident than I was last week. I'm still anxious, but I'm more excited than scared this time around. I've been praying constantly that both of those sweet little hearts are still beating- I can't wait to see them, to hear them and to bring home sweet little pictures of them!

Not much else is new other than my new realization that the longer I sleep in the morning the better I feel all day. Yesterday Hub's alarm didn't go off and we over slept by two hours... it was amazing!

Frozen grapes are fantastic- whoever suggested them (M, I think!) thank you!

Prepared...

In the last couple of weeks it's been increasingly difficult to get the motivation to actually make food when its time to eat. So, my solution to this problem has been making things ahead so they are ready to go ( at least mostly) at meal time.

Soup has been tolerable, so last week I made a big pot of Pan.era creamy chicken and rice soup and this week I made broccoli cheese. In addition I made a quiche for Hub's breakfasts for the week. Though he assures me it smells fantastic, the scent makes me want to lose my last meal. I'm pretty sure the morning reheating/eating is going to need to take place at the office from now on!

Otherwise, I'm feeling ok. A little sick to my stomach and REALLY tired, but oh so happy :)

This morning I set up my first OB appointment at the request of my RE. I wont be seen by my OB until February 1st, at 10w1d. This will be just a few days after what we assume will be my final appointment/graduation from our RE's office at 9w3d.

4 more days until our second peek inside!!! I can't wait!

So Happy!

First off, thanks for all of the fun comments yesterday, we are really excited!!!

Next, I'm not going to lie, I was terrified yesterday morning that we were going to get to the ultrasound and there was going to be nothing in there. My one symptom that had been holding strong (crazy sore boobs) was suddenly much better this when I woke up. Freaked.Out. Hubs held strong and was sure everything was fine. He was right. Like usual... don't tell him I said that.

As soon as the wand was in I saw two sacs and was instantly calmed when I could see the flicker of a heartbeat. The other sac seemed smaller, so I wasn't sure if it was viable, but I just kept focusing on that flicker... best.thing.ever! Well, until she turned on the sound and we got to hear that little heart beating :)

She told us there were two right away and after noting the heartbeat in the first she moved to the second and we tried to see the heartbeat. We didn't see it at first, but we were able to see the yolk sac and the baby. She then went back to baby A took the measurements (6w2d) and we listened to that sweet beating heart. Baby B is situated behind Baby A and is a little tricky to get a good image of, but on second glance we were all able to see the tell tale flicker. Baby B measured 2 days behind Baby A at 6w.

We're hopeful that we'll be able to hear both heartbeats next Friday! 6 days until we get to see them again :)

I'm feeling much more confident today. It also helps that the symptoms came back in full force yesterday afternoon :)

In other, nearly as exciting news... My hormone levels looked great yesterday and I can stop estrogen (5,031) all together and I get to move do to two progesterone suppositories a day from three because my progesterone was nice and high at (120.2). My doctor did tell me that she likes to keep twin pregnancies on progesterone until about 12 weeks.... 5 more weeks of those little gems- JOY!

:)

Twins! Today I'm 6w3d- baby A is measuring 6w2d and baby B is measuring 6w0d. We saw the flicker of both hearts, but we were only able to hear baby A's today. Our doctor said there was about a 70 percent chance that baby B would be viable, but that was before we found that tiny little flicker!

We're pretty excited and cautiously optimistic that this will be a healthy twin pregnancy. Next ultrasound- one week from today!!!

One.More.Day.

24 hours... which might as well be 24 days. I can't wait to find out exactly what is going on inside there! I'm feeling slightly more confident than I was earlier in the week, but I just want it to hurry up and happen. I'm pretty sure I've never been so excited for a vaginal ultrasound in all of my life!!!

P.S I was dreaming of pickles all.night.long. Perhaps I'll have one with my lunch and see if I find them as amazing as I did in my dreams last night!

Six...

I'm six weeks today. 

3 more days until our first ultrasound. 

50% excited.

50% terrified.

Thankfully there are a few symptoms floating around that seem to be helping me stay hopeful about Friday's appointment. My nipples are still sore (though that may be from checking to see if they are sore multiple times a day!), I'm crazy thirsty and as a result I'm spending a lot of time in the bathroom and then there is the heartburn. Though none of them are glamorous, it is a nice reassurance that my body might actually be doing something right. 

I have a feeling the next three days are going to feel like an ETERNITY!

And the crazy dreams continue....

For the last several days I've been complaining that my mouth tastes like I've been sucking on dirty pennies. It is so incredibly gross. I feel like I'm constantly brushing my teeth.

Last night I had a dream in which I needed to take some pills and therefore needed to eat something. My husband suggested something with some fiber- dollar bills. He fed me three, similar to how you'd feed them into a vending machine. Gross. Upon waking up my mouth tasted like I'd been sucking on a bag of old dirty coins all night... Ick!

Other over the top dreams I've had recently have included my brother dressed as Santa trying to 'put me to sleep for a little while' with a syringe in his hand, being caught audibly growling in my sleep and  there was also one about riding a turtle as a form of transportation. Just keeping things interesting I guess.

In other news, we had to remove our Christmas tree from the house today. I don't know if it was just now starting to smell like a fir tree or if my supernatural sense of smell is just arriving, but I couldn't take the smell. It is usually one that I love, not today- it had to come down!

One week from tomorrow!!