Sunday, January 30, 2011

31 weeks

Still hanging in there, but ready for a break.  Work got HARD this week.  I have a doctor's appointment tomorrow afternoon and cannot wait to 1) check on the babies and make sure everyone still looks okay 2) see how big they measure and 3) get a note to start scaling back at work.  It is SO time for that.  I'll probably just work from home a couple of days a week but I have no doubt that not having to get fully ready in the mornings and being able to keep my feet up all day will make a huge difference.

Babies are still making big movements, but B still likes to fake me out.  I always get movement from A, but there have been several days where B makes smaller movements that are harder for me to feel/easily missed while I'm working and freaks me out.  Thank God for the doppler.  I can't wait to see them on the u/s!!

Baby stuff is almost all done- still need to install carseats (but now have to wait for a repair to Mr. M's car before we do that) and now that I think I've ordered everything I need, finish packing the hospital bag.  I'm still trying to do one thing a night, which I think is good. It's getting harder and harder, so hopefully we're done soon so I can just rest.  The plan is to get all this done, and then focus on resting so they stay in longer. 

Coming up this week: our appt with u/s, last childbirth class (!), breastfeeding class, dinner with friends on Friday who have twins.  Hopefully my first week working from home a few days a week.  Oh yeah, and supposedly a LOT more snow...

Sunday, January 23, 2011

30 weeks.

This is a milestone that, to be totally honest, I wasn't certain we would make it to.  I have no doubt that my body and these babies have the ability to make it safely to my scheduled c-section, but with twins it's always so dicey.  Don't get any ideas little guys-- you aren't allowed to go ANYWHERE for at least 4-6 more weeks. 

This past week was a rough one, but good.  It's getting harder and harder to work every day.  It was nice to have Monday off after all of the shower excitement on Sunday.  I came in to work on Tuesday and it was a hard day.  It's all about physically hard lately- being achy when I get up from my chair, having a hard time walking, being exhausted all the time, and finding time to keep up with my eating/water schedule.  Wednesday we had an all-day meeting, which makes all of the above even more difficult, but it was nicely broken up in the middle with my surprise work baby shower!! I didn't expect it so soon, but I think everyone at work is seeing me slow down as well and thinks my time might be limited. :) It was perfect- a surprise (that I didn't think was for me-- it took me a minute to catch on!), a quick gift opening, and everyone turned to lunch.  Nice that I didn't have to be the center of attention for long.  Since we'd gotten most of the big stuff off the registry, they got us VISA gift cards, which are great.  It's the perfect gift-- we can use it for any baby stuff we need, or just for diapers when they get here.  So sweet. 

This week has also brought a large amount of winter weather!  Thursday morning we woke up to a good 9-10 inches of snow! I went in to work late, and the roads were horrible, but it's days like those that it pays to have a shorter commute.  It was the second day of our all-day meeting, and while that could have been painful, we had been scheduled to see a movie that afternoon... with the snow that was rescheduled, but we were encouraged to leave a bit early, so I totally took them up on that offer. :) Friday was a long day too, and I started swelling quite a bit.  It took a long time with my feet up for the swelling to go down.  Luckily, my blood pressure was just fine when I got home, and we were able to stay home and rest. 

Saturday, after much game planning,  we went to get the last items we needed off the registry.  We are now set with carseats and bases, bumbos, extra crib sheets-- we should be good to go.  Still on the to-do list (I'm a bad procrastinator!) is starting the hospital bags, though our stash of what we need is looking much better.  There's lots of little odds and ends to still do, but I feel like we're in much better shape.  Mr. M has been wonderful with spearheading the assembly and registration of all our new little items.  The house is still a swirl of boxes and little things that need to be put away, but I'll take it :)

Today hasn't been so great-- I've been nursing a bad headache and trying my best to not take Tylenol.  It started Friday, and has come and gone over the weekend but it's getting annoying. Sometimes it's little and dull, sometimes it pounds.  I'm trying to drink a bunch of water to help...  Babies are still making big moves this week, and taking turns scaring me.  A is active all the time, and I can usually count on a dance party mid-morning and lots of random times through the day.  B usually gives me a few kicks when I'm still laying in bed in the morning and after I settle down in the evening, with a few random ones throughout the day.  Lately B is kicking/moving more (or I'm feeling it more), but both have taken a day or two off their normal routines and that has occasionally left their mama worried!  After some cold water, sugar, or laying down I can usually get them to move a little more, and I know they're just fine.  One of my favorite things right now is feeling them change position.  A usually is low down and it feels like she's doing barrel rolls, so I don't normally get a flip from her, but B puts on a show a lot.  Laying is getting harder, as more than 45 min on either side ends up with a sore hip, so when I switch from my right to my left side (and B gets a lot more room) I can put my hand on my stomach and feel him rotate!  How amazing.  I'm going to miss these feelings when these babies come out, and though I often get too busy and miss focusing on their little moves, I'm trying to savor these moments and remember them, because all too soon they'll be over. :)

Monday, January 17, 2011

29 weeks!

(a day late, but it's been busy...)

Seeing each week go by is crazy.  This week we were BUSY.  We went to our first baby class last Sunday- Newborn Care.  Monday was a busy day at work, and then we went to our first Childbirth class.  They were predicting 3-4 inches of snow that night, so we were all a little anxious to make sure we didn't get snowed in at the hospital, but it held off.  It was a good first class-- just introductory stuff and understanding when labor actually starts, etc.  It was great to get started on that.  It's occurred to me this last week that this is real.  These babies are going to come out at some point (hopefully not for at least 7 more weeks!) and then we're going to have two babies.  Like, for real.  Crazy.

I've been trying to savor the pregnant moments more.  That's really hard with being stressed out about work, generally exhausted, and feeling like we have a million more things to do before these kids show up.  It's ever-present in my mind that this might be it for us.  I REALLY hope it's not, but you can't discount the fact that it was hard to get knocked up in the first place, my right tube is probably going to get worse the longer we wait after these two (thanks, Endo) and well... who knows.  And if this is it, then so be it.  We're blessed to be expecting two little ones.  I really can't complain.  But I feel like this isn't enough.  I would love, love, love to be able to do this again. 

This week we also had our hospital tour, which was great, but the room they take you to before a c-section freaks me out.  It's very sterile looking... I'm going to have to get over it though. :)  I'm leaning more and more towards a c-section... less what-ifs, more hospital time, more paid time off work... it's hard to say no to all of that.  Too bad it takes having major surgery to have all of those things.  We'll see how it turns out.  I'd better still pay attention in the childbirth class just in case... :)

The weight of these babies (or really, all the other stuff that comes with them, since their~6 lbs total doesn't really matter much) is really starting to take a toll.  I'm so very tired all the time.  Friday was a rough day at work-- I hit a wall around 1 and was starting to swell quite a bit.  I made it until 3:30 or so, and then had to go home and lay down.  My body just can't do it all any more.  My mental plan now is to make it normally until the end of January, then work from home 2-3 days a week in February, then bed rest as soon as we hit March.  I hope I can make it on that.  I don't want to overdo things and risk going into labor early, but I also can't afford to go on full bed rest yet.  Although given the option financially, I'd be all over it.

This week we also tried playing music for the babies for the first time.  A really loved the Glee songs/rock, and B liked classical music.  Or hated.  I'm not sure whether the kicks and jabs were "MOM and DAD! Make it stop!!!" or not.  

Our second shower was on Sunday, and was amazing.  We had 30+ people there, and were seriously showered with our gifts.  We're in such good shape!  There are several things we still need, so I'm hoping we can get some of that going this week so we're close to set up.  This week is also pack the hospital bag week.  I think once we have all of the stuff we need sorted, washed, set up, etc. I'll be able to just relax.

One of the best parts of our shower though was telling our immediate family that we're expecting a boy and a girl!  We hadn't shared that yet with anyone, and didn't want to before the showers, but my mom and sister have been giving us crap since we got pregnant about finding out and telling.  We didn't mention that we've known for quite a while now... they might kill us if they knew that!  After everyone left, we got everyone (only missing Mr. M's dad- we couldn't figure out how we could get him over there without it being totally obvious, and his brother who lives in another state) together and said we had hostess gifts for my mom and sister, and one for his mom since she did a lot for our shower over Christmas.  I kind of had to ruin the surprise a bit since I had two aunts who would.not.leave. and so I had to tell my SIL that she had to keep her mom from leaving until they were gone, and then had to ask my mom when they were leaving because I had gifts and didn't want to do that while they were there.  Oh well. Whatever.  We got them each bibs, one pink and one blue, saying "I love my Grandma" or "I love my Grandpa" (and Aunt for my sister) with little cards attached that said "love, baby A" and "love, baby B."  I got the whole thing on video- they were all thrilled and the aunts were all so very excited that they "could really go shopping now!" It was a fun moment to be able to share with our families. 

When we got home, Mr. M and my sister unloaded the cars (it took two small SUVs to get all of our stuff home!) and while I really should have been sitting and relaxing, it was killing me to not be organizing stuff. SO, I did.  I also took breaks to sit down every once in a while, but it was nice to get things going.  I also have done a lot of the baby laundry, which makes me feel better too.  Even if this stuff sits for 8 more weeks (yikes! That's all we have until my scheduled date!) I'd rather have that happen than come home from the hospital to lots to do. 

Today we have off of work, and have a doctor's appt. as well as our next Childbirth class, and lots to do!  Looking forward to saying 30 weeks next Sunday!  That's a great milestone!

Sunday, January 9, 2011

28 weeks!

Another milestone!

This last week has been a busy one!  Tons going on a work, which resulted in mega ankle swelling.  Like cankles. Seriously.  Monday we had our Dr's appt, and that made us feel tons better.  Had an u/s- both look good.  2lb3oz and 2lb4oz respectively, heartbeats in the 150s.  Got to talk through some birth questions we had, which was well worth the long wait we had for this appointment.

The only thing that made me think twice was during the u/s the tech said something about wanting to confirm that A is a girl again.   She's said it at at least 3 appts, our last appt. at the other hospital confirmed it (and we have a three line picture), but she tried to look again and no dice.  SO, I'm sure little A is a girl, but I came home and checked every u/s picture we have. :)  The really good one she got a few appts ago we don't have a copy of, but I remember seeing the three lines on that one too.  The reason it freaks me out a little is that we're about to tell our mothers/family at my shower next weekend what we're having.  And if we say one of each, and then switch after, they might be disappointed.  Not that they wouldn't love two boys too, but it's easier if we're still the only ones that know.  Whatever.  It will be fine. :)

The biggest news from our appointment:  babies now have an eviction date!   If they don't show up before then, they'll be making an appearance on March 16th. :)  She called it a scheduled c-section date, but she's also talked induction in the past, so if they're positioned correctly I'm sure that's an option too.

So after a long week, we relaxed and did stuff around the house mostly this weekend, except for today, when we had our first class: Newborn Care!  Mr. M seemed a little stressed/worried this last week about everything becoming real with the babies coming not all that long from now (officially less than 10 weeks!), but he said that the class today really helped.  I think the more we learn about what we're supposed to be doing, the better we both feel.  I'm sure we'll be just fine, but like he said, not knowing what you don't know can be the worst part of all, so after the class, we felt a lot better.

This coming week we have the start of our childbirth class and hospital tour.  We got to see the babies in the nursery today, and they were adorable!  I think getting pretty familiar with the hospital will be good too-- hospitals are uncomfortable places for both of us, so hanging out where we'll deliver will probably desensitize us a bit (I hope!).

This week also brought more movement from both babies! YAY!  B has been wiggling more, and I just love feeling him move.  Not that I don't love A too, but she moves all the time :)  They're also big enough now that I can see my tummy move when they kick/punch, and when I get up from laying on a side, it's not uncommon to see a baby head/tush poking out somewhere!  B isn't such a fan of me laying on my right side, and when I do he scoots towards the middle, so when I get up, there is typically a little head poking up in the middle of my tummy and empty room on the right.  When I sit up, it's fun to feel as he slowly moves back down and to the right.  I still have tons of pelvic pain when I stand up, roll over, etc. but am feeling great about where I'm at.  To be 28 weeks with twins and not be on bedrest is a miracle, and we're thankful every day that my body and the babies hold up.  Stay safe in there little guys!  There's no way I would be doing this well if it wasn't for my wonderful husband who cleans, carries things, does laundry and chores, and encourages me to drink water and lay down.  He's amazing. :)

Sunday, January 2, 2011

27 weeks!

And what a crazy week it was!
Sunday was spent (as previously mentioned) out of town at our wonderful shower.  Monday we drove back home- about a 9 hour drive.  And we survived!  And it was long!  And I only drove 3 of those hours, but we both felt that was an accomplishment!  And now that means I'm on lockdown until the babies come.  (And really, I'm on lockdown after for a while, but whatever.)  I'm glad to not be traveling any more!

I had Tues-Wed-Thurs off work, and I pretty much don't know where they went.  We took down Christmas decor, I did thank you notes, got some cleaning and paperwork done, etc.   I had to work Friday, and while I had grand plans for what I was going to accomplish, other things took over.  We went out to a casual dinner with Mr. M's parents, and called it a night.  I do remember waking up around 12:30 and wishing Mr. M a happy new year as I rolled over. :) Saturday my mom and sister came over and cleaned the house.  GOD LOVE THEM for that.  It's so nice to have a clean house.  They are awesome!  I took a three hour nap, and then followed that up with 10 hours of sleep.  I guess I'm tired!  Today we ran a couple of errands (though I can't make it through much anymore!), I came home and read and took a short nap, and we're hanging out for dinner. 

I'm dreading going back to work tomorrow.  The good news is that we have a dr's appt with an u/s!  So we get to see babies!  This will be a LONG work week- I have tons to do and will have long days.  Next weekend we have nothing Saturday, but Sunday we have our first baby class-- newborn care.  It's an all-day class. Yikes.  I'm not sure how I'm going to stay awake that whole time!  Then that Monday we start our childbirth class, and Thursday we have a hospital tour.   I keep telling myself I just need to make it through the next two weeks and then It's smoother sailing.  January is a busy month for us. 

I know that half the battle of making it a long way in this pregnancy is going to be mental, but honestly I hurt so bad all the time that I wouldn't be super upset if I got put on bedrest.  That said, I hope that doesn't have to happen until March, but still.  I'm SO tired!  At this week's appt. I have lots of questions for my dr-- we didn't see her for two appointments, and when we did last time, they were in a big rush so I'm still stuck wondering on a few things... Like they said 38 weeks was it for twins... and then when we scheduled our appts they scheduled me a 39 and 40 week appt.  I was told early on I would do NSTs at some point, but last time when I asked to try to schedule those, they wouldn't.  I NEED ANSWERS PEOPLE.  Hoping this week brings some...


Babies are doing well, felt B more earlier in the week, but he's given me panic attacks several times the last few days.  He just likes to go long spurts without kicking. Not nice to mama!  A is always wiggling, so I know she's good... I just wish he would say hi a little more often.  Such a boy :)