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How far along? 30 weeks 6 days!
Total weight gain/loss: Well, it's not great. Last time I went to the doctor (two weeks ago) I had only gained 17 pounds thus far. Well, yesterday I went to the doctor and I've gained SEVEN pounds in the last two weeks. So now I'm up to 24 pounds. GAH. Now, glancing down and my giganticly swollen ankles and fingers, I'm guessing that a lot of that weight is water. Because two weeks ago, I wasn't retaining any, and suddenly I'm puffier than a marshmallow. So, I know probably at least 4 pounds of it is water. Also, my doctor said each baby has "a lot" of amniotic fluid around it. So, I'm just full of fluid apparently. It's not the most comfortable feeling in the world, I won't lie. My wedding rings are officially off until July most likely; which makes me sad. Anyway, weight wise, I'm just going to try for the next two weeks to keep chugging a ton of water, not eating much salt, and cutting out any extra treats to see if I can help curb this a bit. 7 pounds in two weeks is not ok when I have 7 weeks to go.
Stretch marks? Yes.
Maternity clothes? Yep. I haven't gotten any new tops as I mentioned I would last week, but I do need to. So, this will be my goal this week.
Sleep: Recently I seem to be having trouble falling asleep. I hope this trend doesn't stick around, because I'm tired! I mean, duh, everyone knows that's just part of the pregnancy thing, but I'm hoping not to have insomnia for the rest of the pregnancy. I think I might need to just go to bed earlier before I get my second wind.
Best moment this week: Getting wished "Happy Mother's Day!" by strangers on the street. :) I also got a nice card and gift from my mom and flowers from my dad. I don't actually think this Mother's Day counted since my babies are not out yet, but it was a nice feeling and made me excited for next year for my REAL first Mother's Day. :)
Movement: Yep! And at my doctor appointment yesterday, I found out why I feel most of my movement on my upper right. Baby B's hands are there, and Baby A's feet are there! So, they're probably playing with each other's hands and feet and either kicking or punching away. So, that gave me some relief, as I thought that was only Baby B moving when I felt kicks on my right side.
Food cravings: Not really. It's kind of funny how the whole "craving" thing hasn't been a huge part of my pregnancy. I'd say the two things I've craved the most are red meat, and ice cream. I know, healthy, right? Not that I've HAD these things every time I wanted them, but you know. I'd say I've had more aversions than cravings. Who knows though; 7 weeks to go, maybe I'll get more cravings as the last few weeks wind down.
Genders: Still two girls!
Labor Signs: Have definitely had braxton hicks contractions, but that's it so far. Also, according to my doctor, my cervix is still completely locked down and not doing a darn thing. Which is good! I really do think I could make it all the way to my 38 week mark (knock on wood).
Belly Button in or out? Halfway out still. I think I have a weird belly button and I never knew it until now. Who knows if it's ever going to come all the way out.
What I miss: Not retaining water. Also, my ankle bones.
What I am looking forward to: These days, I'm just looking forward to it all! Even labor. I know, crazy, but I am just so excited! I'm still trying my darndest to enjoy this pregnancy even though it's getting more uncomfortable. I think I just need to start resting more, make sure I chug lots of water, and put my feet up when I can.
Weekly Wisdom: When you're prengnant, if you're somewhere with a bathroom, you should always, always use it. Even if you don't think you have to go, because you WILL have to go in like 5 minutes.
Milestones: Not really any this week. It's a lot of pressure to come up with a "milestone" every week!
And here's me, 30weeks, 6 days!
Also, I REALLY want to thank you for voting for me on Top Baby Blogs! I've reached the second page which is awesome!! You guys rock! :) I'm going to be making some formatting changes to the blog, and just generally "prettying" it up a little in the upcoming couple of weeks, so keep your eyes out for that! I'd love to stay on this page and slowly make my way up, so click away if you feel so inclined. Also, if you're a secret follower, you should make it publicly known by clicking "follow" off in the left margin. That way, you'll be updated on your Google dashboard whenever there's a new post!
Have a wonderful day, friends! :)
~M
So, there’s no denying it; when you get pregnant- you are inevitably going to get bigger. You can’t avoid it. And when you’re pregnant with twins, you’re going to get even bigger than that. And when you started out as not a small person to begin with; well, say goodbye to your toes. You won’t be seeing them for a while.
Having a gigantic belly is something I’m quite aware of. There isn’t really any part of the day where I’m surprised to look down and see the basketball sized bump under my shirt. And for the most part, people have been very nice about the fact that the bump just keeps getting bigger and bigger. In fact, I read other blogs or hear other people’s stories about how people are always commenting on how big they are, and up until a few weeks ago, I thought I was one of the lucky ones that was going to escape people’s comments.
I was wrong.
Now, I haven’t had too many yet; but they’re starting to escalate. And since I look like a full term pregnant lady (women with twins generally measure 8 weeks ahead of those having one), I assume once I PASS looking full term, and just ginormous, the comments will continue to happen.
Some people (these are people I know- not strangers) just keep saying “Wow, you just keep getting bigger and bigger” or “wow, you’re just huge!”, every time I see them. Ok, yes. This might be true. But so far this is only women friends saying this to me. Now, ladies. Even though I’m pregnant, (and as I mentioned before, it’s a given that I’ll get bigger), when have you EVER wanted someone to say “wow! You’re big!” to you? Maybe you don’t care if you were already petite to begin with, but if you’re ever someone who has struggled with body image, having someone say “Holy crap! You’re huge!” doesn’t really feel good. Yes, I know it’s hard not to comment. But couldn’t you say something like, “Those babies sure are growing!” or “what a lovely belly!” or SOMEthing?
Now, as far as the comments from strangers, I’ve only had two official ones. I HAVE, however, had lots of people blatantly stare; and not look away for a long time. The first comment was a gentleman visiting our office. I was seating him in a conference room, and he asked when I was due. I gave my standard response, “Around the end of June, with twins.” I have to add the “with twins” part, so that people realize why I already look like I’m going to pop. His response? “Oh, with twins. Well, that makes sense. I was going to say, ‘End of June? But you’re already so big!’ but now that I know it’s twins, that makes sense.” Um, was it really necessary to tell me what rude thing you were GOING to say?
And finally, I had a very “New York” rude comment this morning on my way out of Grand Central Station. This guy with a very thick New York accent saw me walking down the street and as he passed me he LOUDLY said “Whoa! That HAS to be twins! Whoa!” and just kept walking by, like he wasn’t saying it to me, just generally commenting. Nice.
Sigh. I know that some people just can’t help it. And most of the time, I honestly don’t care. But I just wish that sometimes people would think about what they’re saying, BEFORE they say it. I’m not saying you have to ignore the fact that it looks like I’m smuggling a watermelon, but you know, try to be nice about it.
~M
Many times a day, I sit with my hands on my stomach, feeling the two little babies flutter around inside, and wonder; what will they be like? Will they be shy like their mom was, or super creative like their dad? Will they be tall, short, thin, chubby, outgoing, introverted, freckled, blue eyed, red headed, smart, athletic, musical… the list goes on; so many possibilities! And with two of them in there; they could be very similar, or complete opposites! It’s so exciting to think about; yet a little overwhelming at the same time.
I feel like I’m starting to reach a slightly overwhelmed stage in all of this. It feels very similar to the “senioritis” you get before you graduate high school or college. Yes, of course it’s quite different, but I think it’s because I know their arrival is SO close in the grand scheme of things, yet it sometimes still feels so far away! I know it will go quickly though, and they’ll be here before I know it. I still have things to do to prepare for their arrival, but we’re pretty close to ready. And though I do feel impatient to meet them, I also sometimes think “wait! I’m not ready! I’m not ready to have two babies that I’m in charge of. Not ready, I say!”. But I know that I am. I can keep reading books, and going to classes, and checking things off of lists, but I know that I’m ready enough, because I’m more than ready to love them. More than ready to talk to them, smile at them, keep them warm, fed, clothed, changed, safe and snuggled.
It will probably be a while before we see any real distinguishing personalities from each of them, so my curiosity about “who will you be” will probably have to wait a bit. But that’s ok. We have a whole lifetime to figure that out, and until then, we just can’t wait to meet them.
~M
*photo found here
When it comes to giving birth, so far (and don’t quote me on this later), I feel fairly calm about it all. Because really, I feel that there’s only so much I can do; and the rest is just left up to chance/fate/whatever-you-want-to-call-it.
At this point, the obedient Baby A is head down, and she has been for many, many weeks. We joke that she’s the “rule follower” of the two, because she got where she was supposed to go right away, and hasn’t budged. Though she DOES have the larger head of the two. Ow.
Baby B however, is lounging transverse style; which means she is laying horizontally in my uterus- her head on my left side. No one seems overly concerned, saying she could turn at any time, or maybe she’ll turn right after Baby A makes her debut and there’s more room, or, they can turn her manually. OW again. But then I read things about how sometimes they won’t turn, and have to come out via c-section. Which, yes, I’m in the camp of “however the babies need to come out to be healthy is fine with me”, but I’d prefer not to have to give birth vaginally AND have surgery. Though how much of a bad ass would I be if THAT happened? ;)
This all may sound like I’m totally worried; but I’m really not. I have, however, been researching natural ways to make babies turn from transverse to head down, and I think I might try some. A couple of them are yoga poses, or stretches, and then there’s things like placing a frozen bag of peas on your stomach right above the baby’s head, forcing them to turn away from it. So, I might try one of these things to help her find her way.
For now though, she seems to be our non rule-follower, lounging whichever way she pleases. And really, I know what happens will be what is meant to happen, and it’s my plan to just go with the flow with it all as much as possible, and do what feels right. You know, like Baby B. Our sideways chillin’ rebel.
~M
How far along? 29 weeks 6 days! 30 weeks tomorrow!
Total weight gain/loss: To date, 17 pounds. I have a doctor appt. next Tuesday, so I'll see then how much I'm up since the last visit.
Stretch marks? Yes. And the itching is pretty much gone! Let's hope it stays away! I'm sure more stretch marks are in my future. But? Oh well. Whaddyagonnado.
Maternity clothes? Yep. I think this week I will get a couple of spring/summer dresses and maybe a top or two, and then I think I'll be done buying maternity clothes. Though, I may just get spring tops for work, and save the dresses for weekends. I can't seem to stop my ankles form swelling, and since it's no longer tights season really, wearing dresses without any sort of compression tights makes my ankles look elephant-like quite quickly. So, it may just be slacks and tops for work for the next two months.
Sleep: Oh, you know. Not great, but whatever. I usually wake up 6-7 times night to pee, flip over on my other side, and get re situated.
Best moment this week: Watching Ian diaper and burp and swaddle our practice baby in our caring for a newborn class. It was pretty cute, and just made me all the more excited for him to be a dad.
Movement: Yep! I've started to get paranoid about how much they move, or don't move actually. I've read conflicting things; some sources say that the movement will begin to slow down now, because they're running out of room, and some say the opposite. Also, you're supposed to count their movements 1-2 times a day while laying down. This isn't difficult in and of itself, but I find it hard because I can't tell which ONE is kicking me. So, I'm just hoping that if I feel kicks frequently enough, it's ok. I'll ask my doctor next week.
Food cravings: Not really.
Genders: Still two girls!
Labor Signs: Have definitely had braxton hicks contractions, but that's it so far.
Belly Button in or out? Halfway out still. It's kind of wonky looking. :)
What I miss: Second trimester energy. I read that you'd be tired again in your third trimester, but I thought maybe it wouldn't be that much different. But yep! They were right; the sleepiness is back.
What I am looking forward to: Washing and folding all the cute newborn clothes. I think I'll do that in the next few weeks.
Weekly Wisdom: I'm trying really hard to just be patient and realize that this last bit is such a short period of time. So, I'm giving myself some wisdom, that hopefully I'll listen to. "Self? I know you are getting more uncomfortable every day, and that it's getting harder to do things and move around, and you feel like a gigantic whale, but you only have a little more than two months left. It will fly by, and it is all worth it. So, suck it up, do what you can to relax when you can, and think about those two lovely girls on their way."
Milestones: Well, it's not a REAL milestone, but honestly, this week feels like I'm actually in the 3rd trimester. It was a big shift. More tired, more sluggish, more hormonal feeling, and just more pregnant feeling in general.
And here's me, 29 weeks, 6 days! I don't love this dress because I don't think it's very flattering, and it will probably be the last time I wear it to work (see mention of elephant ankles above). Also, I spent way too long trying to get a good photo today, and well, finally just gave up:
Also, (hey, are you getting tired of this yet?) we're up to #57 on Top Baby Blogs! If I make it to 50, I'll be on the second page, which would be really cool. So, if you feel so inclined, click the below button. You can vote once a day! Thanks everyone, and have a lovely Wednesday!
~M
Well, it seems as though in the last week, I am starting in on the “I’m getting uncomfortable” phase. Before, I had moments of being uncomfortable, but I’m starting to see a glimmer of it happening much, much more frequently. I have to pee all the time, which is nothing new, but it seems to be extra frequent now. Sitting OR standing for any length of time is uncomfortable. I’m starting to get puffy ankles if I sit for too long (probably won’t be as bad today though, since I’m wearing my compression maternity tights; can you say SEXXXY? I mean, they look like regular tights, but still.) It seems as though my back and pelvic bones just sort of ache frequently too.
Rolling over in bed is funny when you have a big pregnant belly. Frequently I have to switch from one side to the other. In doing so, I just try to roll over, but it’s not that easy when you have the weight of two babies and a giant uterus all out in front of you. I’m sure it’s comical to watch. :)
Also, the first trimester fatigue seems to be back. I’m quite sleepy all the time.
It’s so crazy, most of this really did all sort of start happening within the last week or so. I’m kind of hoping that it just stays at this sort of “mild-to-medium” uncomfortable level for the next few weeks, as I still have about 8-9 weeks left.
However, one awesome thing is that my itching has pretty much disappeared! I’m so happy that the miserable-ness of that is over. I really hope it doesn’t come back, but from what I understand, it’s possible that it can; especially since I still have two more months of skin stretching ahead. I’ll just keep using that awesome Pine Tar soap that Ian found me, and hope I can keep it at bay.
I wish I had a swimming pool! Seems like feeling weightless and all floaty would feel pretty awesome right now. :)
~M
*psst! We're almost in the top 50! :)
Happy Monday everyone!
Well, we had a lovely weekend! On Saturday we had a very relaxing day of sleeping in a little, breakfast, catching up on some TV, chatting with friends on the phone, and just general hanging out.
Sunday was the big class day! From 10:30-1:00 we had our Childbirth class, and then from 2:00-4:00 we had our Caring for a Newborn class. Both classes were taught by this tiny, wacky, Orthodox Jewish lady, who was quite the character. The Childbirth class was not as informative as I thought it might be, but I did learn a few things. She mostly covered things like signs to look for to tell how you know you’re in labor, the stages of labor, some breathing exercises/coping mechanisms, some different ways the whole experience could go, etc. It’s a hard thing to teach I’d think, since everyone has a completely different experience. Like me; of course it’s still possible that I could go into labor on my own, but it’s also quite possible that I’ll just be induced, and won’t have to be on the lookout for any signs. Next class (there are 3) I think we’re going to talk about medications and epidurals, and a few more “nuts and bolts” kinds of things, so that will be helpful.
For the Caring for a Newborn class, we learned things like diapering, burping, bathing, swaddling, umbilical cord care; along with the first couple of days of the babies’ lives, and how things will be in the hospital. I knew a lot of the stuff, but some of it was new to me, so that was good. We got our own practice baby to diaper and swaddle and burp. It was pretty cute watching Ian with the practice baby. He’s going to be such a good dad. :)
We had some funny characters in our classes as well. It was kind of amazing how clueless some of the couples were; and it confirmed how well informed the both of us were. Ian has read a couple of books, and wants to read a couple more; which is way more than any of the other dads in the class. My husband rocks.
All in all, it was a fun time. Got to spend some quality time with my favorite person, and we feel a tiny bit more prepared than we did a few days ago. Also, just taking these classes makes us feel like things are getting closer; which is so exciting!
And because I like to always try and include pictures in my posts, here are two new gems I picked up from Opal Vintage last week.
Both of these can't be used until they're around 12 months or so, but how CUTE are they?? Mandy has all sorts of adorable things in her shop; and not just baby stuff! Check out her adorable shop, Opal.
Have a great day, everyone!
~M
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