weekly wednesday update

How far along? 34 weeks 6 days!

Total weight gain/loss: I got weighed last week and had gained another 7. Sigh. I really hate this fluid retention. Total gain thus far- 41 pounds. Which I know is still totally reasonable for twins, and that a lot of it is water; but still. C'mon body!

Stretch marks? Yes.

Maternity clothes? Yep. This Friday is my last day in the office before the babies come, so I just have to squeeze a few more uses out of my work clothes. Then it's jammies and sundresses and jeans for me for the rest of this pregnancy!

Sleep: The same. I am thinking I might try to nap during the day once I'm off work to help make up for the lack of sleep I get at night.

Best moment this week: Not really one best; but many good ones with Ian when we'd just be talking and one of us would say, "We are going to have babies any day now! Whoa!" Pretty darn exciting. :)

Movement: Yep! They're pretty active still, but it's obvious that they are running out of room. It's crazy though; since they're getting bigger- when they shift it can really change the shape of my belly!

Food cravings: Yesterday I thought corn on the cob sounded good; but I think that's more because it's summer food :)

Genders: Still two girls!

Labor Signs: Definitely having more Braxton Hicks contractions. But cervix is still closed.

Belly Button in or out? Semi-out and just odd looking.

What I miss: Being able to get off the couch or out of bed easily. It's quite the process nowadays! :)

Weekly Wisdom: Although I felt guilt about leaving work before my due date, I know it's for the best. It's just getting too hard to do the commute in the morning, especially with swollen legs.

What I am looking forward to: Babies! And seeing my mom (who is coming for the birth) and then after that my mother in law. Lots of quality mom/daughter/grandma time!

Milestones: I was wondering when this was going to happen, and it finally has. Complete strangers asking me when I'm due. :) Seems to happen daily now. And most people now also say something like "well, you MUST be having twins." Good thing I am; or that'd be insulting!

And here's me, 34 weeks, 6 days! Last photo in the work bathroom!

Have a wonderful day!

~M

weekly wednesday update

How far along? 33 weeks 6 days!

Total weight gain/loss: Haven't been weighed since Friday. As of Friday, I hadn't gained any more weight- so I am still up a total of 34 pounds. I know that at least 8 of it is water retention. What a relief it will be when I finally lose all this extra fluid!

Stretch marks? Yes.

Maternity clothes? Yep. My work pants aren't fitting as well around my belly. They fit everywhere else, but I'm sure not going to buy more work pants if I might only be here just a short while longer. I'll make 'em work!

Sleep: Not great, but oh well. Feels better now though that we have the AC on!

Best moment this week: Being told that all is well with both babies when we were at the hospital, and also being told that all is well with me so far. Let's hope it keeps up!

Movement: Yep! Even more hiccups this morning. I kept my hand on my stomach for a good 15 minutes on the bus this morning, just feeling the tiny hiccups. So cute!

Food cravings: Nope!

Genders: Still two girls!

Labor Signs: Definitely having more Braxton Hicks contractions. I have a doctor appointment tomorrow to see what my cervix is up to.

Belly Button in or out? Semi-out and just odd looking.

What I miss: Being able to walk at a quick pace. It's hard getting around New York when you're just slowwwwwwly walking and can't go faster.

Weekly Wisdom: Listening to your doctor is a very good thing. I'm glad I took a few days at home last week, even if I got bored. I think it was a well needed rest. Still pretty tired though. I'm just trying to rest as often as I can now!

What I am looking forward to: Babies! After our little scare this week, we decided to kick it up a notch and get some more things crossed off our list (I'll give you an update on that tomorrow). We realized at this point they could really come at any time, and we need to be ready!

Milestones: Not sure how many milestones are left. I guess "moderate bed rest" last week was a milestone.

And here's me, 33 weeks, 6 days! Back in the work bathroom!

Thanks so much for all of your votes every day on topbabyblogs.com! We're up to # 39! Wow!! You guys are the best. :)

Have a wonderful day!

~M

weekly wednesday update

This weekly Wednesday update is coming to you from my living room. That's right; I am stuck at home on the couch for the rest of the week. I saw my doctor yesterday, and she was concerned with the amount of edema (fluid retention) I have in my legs and feet. It has gotten pretty bad, so I've been confined to my house for the rest of this week to put my feet up and see if the fluid will go down a little. No fun! So far, my blood pressure is normal still, so there's not a worry of pre-eclampsia yet. I go in again on Friday to check in again.

How far along? 32 weeks 6 days!

Total weight gain/loss: As you may remember, 2 weeks ago at my last appointment I gained 7 pounds in two weeks, for a grand total of 24 pounds. Well, this week was even worse. I gained TEN pounds in two weeks. Now, by looking down at my legs, calves, ankles and feet I know that most of this is fluid. But it still sucks. I'm now up a total of 34 pounds. Ugh. I can feel it, too. My doctor really wants to try and get some of this fluid gone; so I'm hoping this bed rest helps.

Stretch marks? Yes.

Maternity clothes? Yep. But today it's just a maternity tshirt and jammies. I guess if I'm going to include a photo in this post I should change my clothes. :)

Sleep: Oh, it's pretty much the same. Not great, but I'm used to it.

Best moment this week: I was walking across town earlier this week, and it was pretty hard. I was huffing and puffing a bit, and just feeling huge. Then a random lady smiled at me and I smiled back. Then she said "You just look so cute!". I sure didn't FEEL cute, but it made me feel really good. :) Thanks, random lady

Movement: Yep! And also recently, they have finally been getting the hiccups. It's really cute. I THINK it's Baby B getting them, but it's hard to tell. I love it though!

Food cravings: Nope!

Genders: Still two girls!

Labor Signs: Still the occasional Braxton Hicks contractions. Also, at my checkup yesterday she checked my cervix. It's still closed, but it's apparently softening up. My doctor said it doesn't mean a lot, but it is progress!

Belly Button in or out? I think it’s as out as it’s going to get.

What I miss: Still missing having normal sized feet and legs.

Weekly Wisdom: It's kind of crazy how much things change each week when you get to the third trimester! Each week seems so different than the last.

What I am looking forward to: Meeting our girls! I don't want them to come yet, but every week that goes by it just becomes more and more real; and I get more and more excited!

Milestones: I feel like hitting 33 weeks is a milestone. It's just so crazy to me how close we are!

And here's me, 32 weeks, 6 days! No work bathroom pic today; so my bedroom will have to do instead. Not sure why the quuality is so bad, but oh well. Puffy face, and tired eyes, but have to post a pic every week to keep a record!

 

~ M

P.S. Thanks for all of your votes; I really appreciate it! We're up to # 42- yay!

weekly wednesday update

How far along? 31 weeks 6 days!

Total weight gain/loss: 24 pounds to date. Not thrilled about that, but whatever. I have another appointment on Tuesday, so we’ll see what happens then.

Stretch marks? Yes.

Maternity clothes? Yep. But today I’m only wearing maternity pants! Ok, that sounded like I WASN’T wearing a top. I am; it’s just not maternity.

Sleep: Last night it was suck-a-roo. Woke up lots, but then also had trouble falling back to sleep after I did wake up. Verrrrrrry sleepy today.

Best moment this week: In childbirth class, we were practicing our breathing exercises, and we did an exercise where we held a handful of ice for 60 seconds and breathed through the pain to see if it helped (it did!). Anyway, Ian and I were breathing together and practicing the techniques and it was just a cool feeling to know that in just a few short (ok, probably 6 regular) weeks we’ll be breathing through my REAL labor pains!

Movement: Yep! They have definitely slowed down in their movement, but a quick Google search (I know, you shouldn’t do that, but oh well) tells me that babies don’t move as much later in the 3rd trimester, because they’re runnin’ out of space. So, since these girls are especially cramped, it makes sense. Though today they are moving plenty. :)

Food cravings: Not really. And today I couldn’t think of ANYthing I wanted for lunch. I ended up ordering lentil soup and a smoothie and an orange, but nothing honestly sounds good. Not even ice cream. I KNOW!

Genders: Still two girls!

Labor Signs: Just the Braxton hicks still, which are definitely happening more often. My uterus is going to be well practiced by the time labor comes!

Belly Button in or out? I think it’s as out as it’s going to get.

What I miss: Not having cankle/fankles. Oh, not familiar with the terminology? Well, basically, my calves are swollen, but so are my ankles and feet. And they’re all the same size; melding in to a cankle/fankle. It’s SO attractive.

Weekly Wisdom: When have a belly that sticks way out, it's WAY easier to drop food on it.

What I am looking forward to: Washing baby clothes. I’m going to tackle that in the next week or so, and it should be fun to wash and fold all the tiny clothes. Also- I have another growth ultrasound on Friday, so I get to see them! Last time they were so squished, you couldn’t really see much, but it’s still nice to see them in some way or another.
Weekly Wisdom: If you have swelling/water retention in your pregnancy, compression stockings DO help a little; though they certainly don’t fix the issue.

Milestones: I feel like I might be running out of “milestones” at this stage of the game. Or at least they won’t be coming so frequently.

And here's me, 31weeks, 6 days!

Sometimes I look at myself in the mirror from the front and think "hmm. My belly isn't THAT huge." And then I see my profile, and think "ahhhhh. Ok. Yes, yes it is."

And folks? I still have 6 weeks left...

egads.

~M

weekly wednesday update

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

that’s about the size of it

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

weekly wednesday update

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

weekly wednesday update

How far along? 28 weeks 6 days! I can't believe how close to 30 weeks I am!

Total weight gain/loss: To date, 17 pounds. I had a doctor appointment yesterday, and gained 1 pound in the last 2 weeks.

Stretch marks? Yes. And, the itching seems to be improving. Ian got me this special soap called Grandpa's Pine Tar Soap, that he read about on some PUPPP's message boards. I've been washing my belly with it 2-3 times a day for the last week, and I really think it's helping. I haven't had to ice at work so far this week. It still doesn't feel perfect, and it still is itchy, but WAY better than last week. I've also been taking Benadryl every night (which is safe during pregnancy) and I think that helps, too. I hope it keeps getting better! The Manhattan heat would make the itching really miserable if it sticks around, so I'm hoping it goes all the way away before the temperatures really start to rise.

Maternity clothes? Yep. I finally got some belly/back support thingys. I got two of these, one in black and one in white. I haven't tried them yet, just because I don't want to irritate my stomach more, but I'm thinking I can start using them soon. There are way heftier support belly things out there, but they all seem so clunky. I'm hoping I like these!

Sleep: It has been better the last few nights; I think the Benadryl helps. I haven't woken myself up scratching my belly, which I did every night last week; so that's good!

Best moment this week: Growth ultrasound on Friday. Always so great to see the babies. :) No pictures were taken, because both of the girls were face down and curled up; feeling a little camera shy. But, they are measuring normal; Baby A estimated at 2 pounds 15 ounces and Baby B estimated at 2 pounds 11 ounces. I don't know how accurate these weights are, but either way, they're looking great!

Movement: Yep! Also, in the last week, I've had root beer twice, and they seem to love it- or I'm giving them a crazy sugar rush. Probably the latter. :) Granted, I haven't had any sugary soda since I've been pregnant, so maybe they'd go all crazy with any soda, but I like to think it's specifically root beer that makes them boogie.

Food cravings: Nope.

Genders: Still two girls!

Labor Signs: No- not yet.

Belly Button in or out? It's a little more than halfway out now. But still not out all the way.

What I miss: Vanity alert; once again, I'm whining about missing clear skin. I have a new sympathy for anyone who's ever struggled with chronic acne, because my skin is really bad right now. Nothing to be done, but I miss my mostly blemish free days.

What I am looking forward to: Our Child birthing and Caring for a Newborn classes this Sunday! Pretty excited for those. :)

Weekly Wisdom: Time flies! I know; I'm blowing your mind right now. You've never heard that before, right? Well, it's true. Even though I occasionally get a little impatient and just want to meet my girls NOW.... mostly I just can't believe how quickly this time has gone by. At my baby shower, my friend Jill said something really great: In the pie of life, pregnancy & childbirth are such small slices, and go by so quickly. So, if you're having a fabulous pregnancy and a fabulous birth; enjoy them. If your pregnancy is miserable and your childbirth less-than-perfect; just know it is such a small part of things. That really stuck with me. I have really loved this experience for the most part, thus far, so I will try to soak up every moment I can!

Milestones: Hmm, I don't know that I reached any milestones this week. I guess one milestone I forgot to mention a couple of weeks back, is that Ian and I officially have two full names picked out. We aren't telling- sorry!- but it felt good to choose. We don't know which baby will get which name, or even if we'll stick with the names once we see them. But, I think we will; we've been hemming and hawing about names pretty much since 16 weeks when we discovered it was two girls.

And here's me, 28 weeks, 6 days!

Have a lovely Wednesday! And apologies if you're tired of me asking, but if you wouldn't mind, please vote for me if you have a chance. Thanks! :)

~M

weekly wednesday update

How far along? 27 weeks 6 days! Officially in the third trimester!

Total weight gain/loss: To date, 16 pounds.

Stretch marks? Yes. And remember my itching? (oh, and remember how I was all "next time I won't talk about my itching, I promise!" Well, I lied.) I haven't been officially diagnosed, but it seems I have PUPPS. Sounds like a cute, innocent name, but it honestly is the most miserable I've ever been physically. I'm SO itchy it's ridiculous. My stretchmarks are all red, angry, raised and inflamed. Some women have it worse though, and also get an angry rash all over their torso and legs! I have a doctor appointment on Tuesday, but from what I've read online, there's really not much to be done. I just ice it at night and sometimes I sneak off to the bathroom at work with a cup of ice and do some makeshift icing. It's really so, so miserable. Yesterday walking through Grand Central (it's worse when you're moving around and you have fabric rubbing on your stomach) I almost started crying it was so intensely itchy.

Maternity clothes? Yep. Though lately, maternity clothes are a major pain, because they are rubbing on my tummy, which makes it feel worse.

Sleep: I still wake up almost hourly, but now it's more annoying, because where I used to just go use the restroom and flip over to my other side, I now also have to go get an ice pack from the freezer, and ice my stomach for a few minutes before I go back to sleep.  Yes, I realize I'm talking about being itchy a lot. It's really really itchy, so, it's on my mind all the time. So, deal with it. :)

Best moment this week: Well.....I'll be honest. Hasn't been a great week. BUT, I did reach the third trimester, so I guess that is my best moment this week; realizing I'd reached the last 1/3 of my pregnancy!

Movement: Yep! The one good thing about having to ice my belly all the time is it makes the babies move around a lot. They're probably like, "Mom! What are you DOING?? Jeez, that's cold!"

Food cravings: No, not really.

Genders: Still two girls!

Labor Signs: No- not yet. But I have noticed Braxton Hicks contractions a few times for sure.

Belly Button in or out? It's halfway out. It's all wonky looking.

What I miss: I miss when I wasn't itchy! (I know; you're shocked.)

What I am looking forward to: When I don't itch anymore! Oh, also, my growth ultrasound on Friday. Can't wait!

Weekly Wisdom: Not being insanely itchy is always better than being itchy.

Milestones: Third Trimester! So exciting. :)

And here's me, 27 weeks, 6 days!

Have a lovely Wednesday! Sorry for all of the complaining about itching. I will find more interesting things to write about for the rest of this week. :)

~M

Remember, you can vote once a day! :) We're at 95 now! Top 100, baby!

weekly wednesday update

How far along? 26 weeks 6 days! Getting so close to the third trimester!

Total weight gain/loss: To date, 16 pounds. I had a doctor appt. yesterday, and hadn't had one in four weeks. I gained four pounds between then and yesterday. I'm hoping at this point to only gain the weight of the babies; so, maybe 6-9 more pounds? But I don't know if this is realisitc. I know I'm doing really well weight-gain wise, but I'm starting to get quite uncomfortable, so I'd like to just gain the necessary weight from here on out. We shall see. :)

Stretch marks? Yes. Yesterday when I was getting my ultrasound from my OB she was all, "You know, you should put some vitamin E oil on those; it might help." OH! You think? Gee, I haven't been doing that twice a day for the last 22 weeks or anything. Sigh.

Maternity clothes? Yep! Nothing new to report here.

Sleep: Still the same. I wake up lots, but always go right back to sleep. I think I'm pretty lucky; I'm hoping it stays that way.

Best moment this week: Had a fun night out with my mister last night. We went to see Colin Hay at City Winery and it was a lovely evening out. I stayed up too late, but it was worth it. :)

Movement: Yep! Some days more than others, but it's very consistent now. I do notice when time goes by and I haven't felt anything; but then I usually feel a kick and it's very reassuring. I wish I could always tell which baby was kicking, but I can't. Also, Baby B switched positions! Her head used to be on my left side (she's laying horizontally, or "transverse") but now it's on my right. Baby A is still being all responsible and head down, ready to rock and roll! I asked my doctor if it was likely that she'd move at this point. She said possible, but not likely. So, cross your fingers she'll stay where she is!

Food cravings: No, not really.

Genders: Still two girls! If they're not girls? Well, they'll be wearing a lot of pink in the first part of their lives.

Labor Signs: No- not yet. I think MAYBE I've had a couple of random Braxton Hicks contractions, but nothing else.

Belly Button in or out? Still in, but I suspect any day it will be out. I know! Can you HANDLE the suspense??? WHEN will her belly button be out? I can't take it!!

What I miss: Even though sometimes I do wish I was more physically comfortable, I still don't miss anything. I love being pregnant and having my girls always with me and all safe and cozy.

What I am looking forward to: I have a growth ultrasound next Friday, and so I get to see how big they are!

Weekly Wisdom: I finally am really feeling my limitations. It's weird. Even throughout my life in times I haven't been in the best shape, I've always been able to keep up with people physically. Now I just feel that I have to walk slower and just take my time more. Sometimes it's annoying, but it's totally unavoidable and necessary. Not really wisdom, but whatevs.

Milestones: Don't know that I hit any milestones this week....hmm. Oh- my ankles and fingers have started mildly swelling? Whee! Not too bad yet, but I know it will start to get worse as the weather heats up. So, that's a pretty darn exciting milestone. Puffiness. :)

Aaaannnnd... here I am. 26 weeks, 6 days.

Yep, that belly will be HUGE; as I still have about 11 weeks to go. As someone so kindly put it today:

Male co-worker: "When are you due?"
Me: "Oh, around the end of June." (sees his reaction...) "With twins."
Male co-worker: (seems relieved) "Oh, I was going to say, you look like you're due any day because you're so big, but twins makes sense."

Nice, huh? :)

Have a lovely Wednesday! :)

~M

weekly wednesday update

Happy Wednesday, all!

It's a busy, exciting week for me; lots going on! My mother-in-law, Kath, is coming for a visit starting today through next Wednesday, which will be fun! I'm having a small shower on Sunday, so she'll be able to attend that, which is really nice.

Also, my friend Jamie is in town for the weekend, so she'll be able to attend as well! In addition to the shower, we have a lot of other things going on this weekend. On Friday night, I'm singing with my friend Neil at the Parkside Lounge. We've been singing together for over four years. He's a very talented singer/songwriter, and we always have fun performing. It'll probably be my last show before the babies are born, so it's nice that Jamie and Kath can come and see the show.

Then on Saturday, we're attending a birthday party for my favorite two-year-old, Vera. She's Neil and Wendy's daughter, and Jamie's neice (remember- Wendy was the one who gave us all those clothes and baby gear!). Vera's the cutest little girl, and I'm so looking forward to her party. :)

Ok, on to the update!

How far along? 24 weeks 6 days!

Total weight gain/loss: To date, 12 pounds. I don't weigh in at the doctor again until next Friday, so I'll know more then.

Stretch marks? Yes. Like pretty painted red lines on my lower stomach. Hmm. Lying about them being pretty doesn't make me feel any better. Oh WELL.

Maternity clothes? Yep! Still have NO clue what to wear to my shower. It seems as though I have the same issue I did pre-pregnancy: anything that fits me elsewhere is GIGANTIC for me in the chest area. I'm sure my cup size will increase soon enough, but so far? Nope. So, I ordered a dress online, and it just kind of hung off me like a sack. I may just not have anything super adorable for my shower. OH wells.

Sleep: Samesies. Crappy, but used to it.

Best moment this week: Our crib arrived one day early!! So last night, the ever-handy Ian set it up and we now have an actual crib in our room! So exciting and unreal!! Soon there will be two babies in there!

Movement: Yep! I love it so much. We still haven't been able to coordinate Ian feeling them kick again, but I know that will get easier as the weeks go on.

Food cravings: Nope.

Genders: Still two girls!

Labor Signs: No- not yet.

Belly Button in or out? Still in, but getting shallower by the day.

What I miss:My mom. I know that's not what this question is looking for, but it's true. :)

What I am looking forward to: Seeing my friends and family this weekend!

Weekly Wisdom: Stretch mark minimizing creams don't seem to work very quickly. I got this one which is safe for pregnancy, and so far, nada. I'll keep it up, but who knows. I also use this oil along with it for a double whammy. I may have stretchmarks, but I have the softest tummy around.

Milestones: Getting the crib!
And, here's me at 24 weeks 6 days!






This was the same dress I was wearing at my 19th week photo. Seems as though the belly has grown quite a bit! Also seems as though I'm getting a bit of a pregnancy roundy face. I was going to quit taking bathroom photos and take better ones for you, but now I feel like they're part of a series, so who knows. :)

Happy Wednesday to all!

~M

happy st. patrick's day!

Twin belly at 23 weeks! I tried to dress the belly in green today, but it would only button at the top. :)

Have a safe and happy holiday!

~M

my belly- 20 weeks 1 day- plus other things, too.

I know what you're thinking. But wait! You were just at 19 weeks 1 day on Wednesday! How is it now only two days later, yet you're a week further along? (Oh, you weren't thinking that? You didn't even notice? Well, fine!)

ANYway... we had our second anatomy scan today, and it went just swimmingly. The reason I'm now at 20 weeks 1 day, is because the hospital confirmed that based on when I ovulated, my due date is July 14th, not the 19th like my doctor originally thought. So, I am now OVER halfway there. Wow!

The girls (yep- confirmed for sure they are both for sure girls!) are doing so well. They are measuring perfectly in every way. They measure the heart, the brain, the bones, kidneys, everything! Kind of crazy. The girls were both super active today, and not wanting to sit still to be measured. I mean, why would they? They are too busy swimmin'! And flippin' around! And waving at us! (Baby A totally waved at us! Pictures to come soon- my scanner at work isn't doing the pictures justice.) There is just so much fun to be had in my uterus.

The ultrasound tech also said I had two anterior placentas- which means "in the front" of my uterus. Yes, I realize most of you know what anterior means, vs. posterior, but I had to ask. Anyway, it's totally fine, but it explains why I haven't felt them move since the one time I did on Monday. It's just an extra little cushion to absorb their movement. But I think it's only a matter of a week or so before I start feeling it more often.

Anyway, here's my bathroom pic for the week. I think I'll have to start having Ian take my picture, because these aren't great. It's super hard to get the right angle without blocking your face. I smiled this time. :)

Here's a side by side comparison from last week. It kind of looks the same to me. :) (click to enlarge)

Anyway, once we scan the new ultrasound pics, I'll put those up. Have a lovely weekend everyone!

~M

my belly- 18 weeks, 3 days

Well, it's not fancy. It's taken at work in the restroom. Klassy, I know. Also, I forgot to smile, because I was so focused on getting it centered. Or maybe I WAS smiling, but my awesome placement of the camera is blocking it. Photographer I am not, it seems. Took lots of not centered ones first. :)

But here she is. A belly in the 19th week of a twin pregnancy. Good lord. It's gonna get a lot bigger folks. Can't say I'm not a little scared of HOW big.



Happiest of weekends to all!

~M