34 Weeks

 Happy happy 34 weeks babies! It's wonderful we've made it this far!

The clock is counting down and we (including my doctor) think these not so little babies are going to arrive in the next two weeks or so. I say not so little because when I saw my specialist today, baby boy weighed 5lbs 5oz and baby girl weighed 5lbs 3oz. Holy! They are growing beautifully despite the fact I can't seem to gain more weight. 

My doctor also confirmed that I will be delivering in an OR just in case. She will try to deliver vaginally even if little girl is breech, but they're both head down now. It's unlikely they'll move because it's so crowded in there plus gravity is helping to pull the heaviest part of their bodies down. When I hear c-section I just shrug and think whatever. Not that I'm being careless, I just know there are so many different scenarios (like vaginal birth for Baby A and c-section for Baby B...yuck) that I don't want to get myself set on things happening a certain way. I'm keeping my mind free of thinking or wanting the birth to happen a certain so that I'm not disappointed. Whatever will get them here safest sounds good to me. 

I'm still drinking TONS of water and peeing a billion times a day. I'm glad I enjoy drinking water so much because it helps to build important tissues, assists in circulating nutrients, aids in digestion, and helps with maintaining a good amount of amniotic fluids. I seriously think water and toilet paper companies should consider sponsoring me! 

Also, I now realize that "pregnancy brain" is 100% real. I'm forgetful and can't seem to make basic brain connections. It's ridiculous. Nesting is also 100% real. My last day of work was last Friday (yes!!!) and ever since then I've been running around like a chicken with its head cut off preparing everything for these babies. I have a never-ending list of things to do before they arrive. I'm constantly organizing, cleaning, and shopping. I seriously feel like a crazy woman. I think the only thing keeping me sane is when I can squeeze an episode of Gilmore Girls into my day ;) 

34 Weeks

How far along? 34 Weeks 3 Days 

Babies are the size of: A loaf of bread!
Total weight gain: 15lbs...it's pathetic. 

Maternity clothes?  Yes. Even some of my maternity shirts are having a hard time covering my huge belly.

Stretch marks? Still zero. Perhaps it could do with how well I'm keeping myself hydrated. 

Sleep: Sleep involves about 9 pillows at night and little girl always decides to nestle up in my ribs. So it's still not very good. 

Exercise: About 3-4 days a week.

Miss Anything: Traveling...I'm getting that itch to go somewhere. 

Movement: Lots and lots. I don't know if it's his position, but baby boy seems a lot more active. 

Food cravings: Water, water, water!

Anything making you queasy or sick: Nope!

Labor Signs: Braxton hicks.

Happy or Moody most of the time: Happy :)

Looking forward to: These babies coming! Who knows when exactly, but it's getting closer and closer!

Oh, and this is how I feel.

32 Weeks

I've become an addict.

Not an addict to chocolate, pickles, or watching Gilmore Girls (although that one might happen since Netflix is adding it next month!).

I've become an addict to WATER! Which means me and the loo spend a lot of quality time together.
Seriously though, I can't get enough water. It's like I crave it. Just between the time I go to bed and wake up in the morning I drink about 40 ounces or 8 glasses of water. During the day I drink at least a gallon. It's awesome.

In other news, my belly is measuring full term! I feel like if I can handle a twin pregnancy as well as I have, a singleton will be a total breeze. Yes, I know every pregnancy is different. We'll see. The babes are as active as ever. We poke each other all the time, although it would be nice to know who's foot, bum, and legs I'm playing with. It's a bit of a jumbled mess in there due to baby girl's indecisiveness on how to position her little body. Braxton Hicks are getting more frequent and every time all the tightening makes me run to the bathroom. Poor little abused bladder. 

I had my forth and hopefully last glucose test on Monday. Another lovely three-hour test involving the nastiest drink imaginable, a starving stomach, and blood draw after blood draw after blood draw. I watched the documentary "Fed Up" the day before which is all about exposing how terrible sugar is for us and how it's added to practically everything. And then the next day I drink 100 grams of sugar for the test...not a smart idea. My doctor also told me that if I were to go in to labor before 34 weeks they would try to stop it, but any time after 34 weeks she would deliver. Things are getting real!

Funny story time: I texted my husband telling him that I was 60% effaced and half a centimeter dilated and he started freaking out. His coworker that recently had a baby exclaimed, "She's effacing and dilating already?!" which didn't help the situation. Chris was about ready to leave work and take me to the hospital. The poor thing. I love him to pieces.  

32 Weeks

How far along? 32 Weeks 4 Days 

Babies are the size of: Jicama...I honestly don't know what that is!
Total weight gain: 14lbs.  

Maternity clothes?  Yes and my husband's clothes as well ;)

Stretch marks? None - don't ever mention this on Facebook unless you want a battle of the moms. 

Sleep: If only my bladder knew how to sleep!

Exercise: I'm doing about 3-4 days a week now.

Miss Anything: My ribs not feeling like they're being ripped apart.

Movement: All the time! It's so fun! 

Food cravings: Not food...but water?

Anything making you queasy or sick: Nothing.  

Labor Signs: More and more braxton hicks.

Happy or Moody most of the time: Happy

Looking forward to: Utah deciding to change seasons...enough with this 80-90 degree weather!

And this picture makes me feel like super woman:

30 Weeks

So remember how I've been so excited for pumpkin season? Well I tried a pumpkin recipe last night that looked really good and it was awful! I still feel sick and have no appetite because of it. Now when I see a pumpkin recipe on Pinterest it makes my stomach churn. I'm so sad :(

I saw my doctor on Monday and had the honor of taking a third glucose test. I don't know how people can enjoy the glucose drink...no thank you! Since gestational diabetes occurs more in pregnancies with multiples, they have to check you more often. And often times you fail the one hour like I did last time. I'm just praying that by some miracle I passed! A fellow blogger friend and expecting twin mama (check out her fun site, The Word Of A Nerd) told me her doctor said she could eat 28 jellybeans or 3 pancakes with syrup instead of drinking the glucose drink. How cool is that? If you're going to consume all of those sugary calories might as well enjoy it right? 

(Update: I got the call from my doctor...I FAILED again! I have to do the 3-hour next week. Boooooo.)

The twins are great. Baby boy had the hiccups when we checked his heartbeat so that was cute. They are definitely starting to take over. Pain in the ribs and back, as well as lots of pelvic pressure is the norm these days. I hope I'm not offending anyone by saying this, but it literally feels like someone karate-chopped my vagina. 

Yep. 

My doctor said I'm about 20% effaced. Trying to explain how the cervix works to Chris was entertaining. He's still confused. Female anatomy frightens him. 

And finally after 16 days of being sick with a cold/flu thing I am better! My babies might not recognize me by my voice but they definitely will by my cough. Pregnancy tip: Don't get sick! It takes forever to recover.

Lastly, I had a "virtual" baby shower with some wonderful friends in Washington last week. My mom was with them in person and I was on FaceTime. I really wished I could have been there. I miss everyone so much! I was stunned by everyone's kindness and generosity. I'm hoping at some point I can take a trip to Washington with the twins so everyone there can meet them!

30 Weeks

How far along? 30 Weeks 2 Days 

Babies are the size of: Cantaloupes.    

Total weight gain: 11lbs.  

Maternity clothes?  Most of the time. I've got the comfiest maternity yoga pants :) 

Stretch marks? Still zero...let's keep it that way! 

Sleep: Ugh.  

Exercise: Yes, still aiming for 5 days a week.  

Miss Anything: An unsquished bladder. 

Movement: Oh yes, we've starting playing games.  

Food cravings: None. I'm so weird.  

Anything making you queasy or sick: See note about pumpkin above. 

Labor Signs: Braxton hicks and 20% effaced.  

Happy or Moody most of the time: Happy-tired.    

Looking forward to: The change in seasons. Fall is my favorite.

28 Weeks

Okay, so this post is a lie. Not really, the timing is just off. I'm actually 29 weeks but I have this thing with even numbers and I wanted to stay consistent. 

I didn't do this last week due to a horrible cold/flu thing I caught at work. Getting sick is seriously the worst when you're pregnant because you cannot take any of the typical cold/flu medicines. All I could do is rest and drink herbal tea. I'm still sick a week later and I'm coughing up a lung every 10 minutes, but I at least have most of my energy back and have been sleeping a little better.  

I've always heard the third trimester is the worst. You're huge and uncomfortable among other weird bodily happenings. I swear my body knew to the exact day when the third trimester started because suddenly I was weak, tired, SICK, and just overall miserable. It was like the clock struck midnight and my body just knew.

Okay so I'm exaggerating a little. Despite being sick I still feel like I'm doing great pregnancy wise. Although I do have to pee 20,000 times a day. Toilet paper companies must love pregnant people.

In other news, I had a doctor's appointment last week and the twins are still doing great and growing strong. My belly was measuring at 32 weeks for a singleton pregnancy. My doctor said most of the twins she delivers arrive at 35 weeks...that would be October 14th for me...holy moly! She didn't seem concerned but she said I might be slightly effacing. My appointment at the specialist this week will be able to check on that better. They can actually measure your cervix with their fancy ultrasound (instead of the lovely alternative). 

Other then that Chris and I spent a wonderful labor day weekend house sitting for my mom. It was fun imagining it was our own home. We are so excited to own a home someday but that will still be years down the road since Chris is going to go to grad school. Our weekend included homemade pizza, walking the dog, reading, taking a bubble bath, and just simply hanging out with my man. It was a very much needed relaxing weekend. Now it's back to another busy month of work, Chris studying for the GMAT, prepping for babies, and enjoying our time together before the twins take over our world.

We've been missing Hawaii a lot lately so I decided to go with a little Hawaiian theme this time. 

28 Weeks 

How far along? Ok...so I'm actually 29 weeks in this picture. Keep it hush hush ;)   
Babies are the size of: Hawaiian pineapples!   
Total weight gain: Still 10lbs. 
Maternity clothes?  Sometimes.  
Stretch marks?  None! 
Sleep: Very uncomfortable but I'm getting used to it. Now that it's getting cooler out Chris and I cuddle at night which actually helps me sleep.  
Exercise: Nothing last week because I was sick, but I'm getting back into it!
Miss Anything: Being able to sleep through the night without getting up to pee.  
Movement: All the time...twice the babies twice the movement!  
Food cravings: No cravings. Still no increase in appetite.
Anything making you queasy or sick: Nope. 
Labor Signs: Lots of braxton hicks. I actually think it feels pretty cool.  
Happy or Moody most of the time: Mix of both since being sick didn't put me in the best mood.  
Looking forward to: The weekend. I just don't want to work!

26 Weeks

And time continues to fly...

I had another appointment last week with my regular doctor. We didn't do an ultrasound since I had just had one with the specialists days before. Everything is still going great! My favorite thing to hear from my doctors is "Just keep doing whatever it is you're doing!" I worry a lot, so I'm always happy to hear that I'm doing the right things. 

A highlight of the past 2 weeks was my friend's one year old son getting upset at me because he thought there was a ball under my shirt that I wouldn't give him. It was priceless! 

26 Weeks!

How far along? 26 Weeks and 2 Days
Babies are the size of: Butternut Squash - yum!
Total weight gain: 10lbs
Maternity clothes?  Yes and no. None of the clothes I'm wearing in this picture are maternity. 
Stretch marks?  Zero thus far. 
Sleep: My body is just training me for newborns! Usually I lie awake for hours, switch back and forth between the bed and couch, and then when all else fails I eat a bowl of cereal. 
Exercise: Always...it's my secret weapon to an easy pregnancy. 
Miss Anything: Sleeping on my stomach. 
Movement: Yes, especially at night! 
Food cravings: No cravings, but I'm counting down the days until pumpkin season! 
Anything making you queasy or sick: Nothing lately.
Labor Signs: I've been having braxton hicks the last few weeks, but didn't realize that's what they were! It's such a weird feeling. 
Happy or Moody most of the time: Happy :)
Looking forward to: My baby shower next weekend woohoo!

24 Weeks

24 Weeks and a growing belly!

I saw my maternal fetal medicine specialists this morning and they had nothing but good things to say! Both babies look perfect and are still measuring slightly ahead. Our boy still loves to be disobedient for the sonographers. Maybe he will be my "difficult" child! He is now on my left side head down and facing my spine. Now I know who's kicking me all the time! Our little girl is currently breech on my right side with her head just under my ribs, which likes to poke out. It feels like I have this very firm ball under my skin. It's definitely nice to know what body parts I am feeling! They took another look at their organs, which all look fine. The sonographer said my girl has a "beautiful heart" since she loved showing it off with her 4 perfect little chambers. Aren't ultrasounds amazing?

Our boy weighs 1 pound 11 ounces, and our girl weighs 1 pound 13 ounces. I have almost 4 pounds of baby in my belly! I was very happy to hear they're gaining weight. That's something I'm always worried about because I haven't been gaining much. I guess it's all going straight to the babies!

I think one of the highlights of the appointment was hearing my doctor say that I am doing fantastic and look great for carrying twins. She said keep doing whatever it is I'm doing because it's working! I'm so happy to know that all three of us are good and healthy.

No doubt pregnancy gets more and more uncomfortable the bigger you get. I end up sitting in some weird hunched positions at work because my chair feels like cylinder blocks and I don't sleep much anymore because of back pain or acid reflex, but I'm getting by. There's good days and bad days, but it's all worth it for my two little blessings!

The other day I jokingly told my husband that he should do the chalkboard this week. Well look what I came home to! I just had to keep it since it was funny. He's quite creative for a finance guy! It's so fun seeing him morph into a daddy role. 

How far along? 24 Weeks, 2 days
Babies are the size of: Eggplants
Maternity clothes?  Still a few shirts and some maternity pants just because they are SO comfortable! Occasionally I still wear all my regular clothes.
Stretch marks?  Nope!
Sleep: Is that what I'm supposed to be doing at night? 
Exercise: 5 days a week!
Miss Anything: Nothing really, although I've forgotten what it's like to have a flat stomach!
Movement: Sometimes it feels like they're boxing each other...
Food cravings: I haven't been really "craving" much but I've been really enjoying watermelon.
Anything making you queasy or sick: Eggs haven't been sitting that well lately.
Labor Signs: None.
Happy or Moody most of the time: Happy!
Looking forward to: The rodeo we're going to this weekend!

22 Weeks

I'm getting bigger and bigger! It really is true how you can go to bed one night and look noticeably bigger in the morning. Unfortunately I don't have anything exciting to blog about. Our days consist of work, gym, dinner, and getting ready for bed. Now that is a summer packed full of fun! 

I do plan on writing a post soon comparing some of the popular baby stores to register at as well as some excellent books I'm reading right now. I'm currently loving Pamela Druckerman's "Bringing Up Bébé." This blog needs more variety...I don't want to yap about myself and the twins all the time! 

This past week I've thought a lot about how wonderful life is when you focus on the good. I have so much to be thankful for, so much to appreciate, so much to make me smile. I am thankful for the trials I've had and for the lessons I've learned from them. Especially the trial of getting these babies in my belly! Life is good, sometimes you just have to look a little harder for the good. Anyway, the past two weeks have gone by great. Somehow my heart grows bigger and bigger each week for these babies. I can't imagine what it will be like when I actually get to meet them!

22 Weeks!

How far along? 22 Weeks, 2 days
Babies are the size of: An ear of corn...yum! 
Total weight gain: About 7-8lbs. 
Maternity clothes? Some shirts. Still fit into my pants! 
Stretch marks? None...I'm dreading the day!
Sleep: It's been a little rougher lately. 
Exercise: Still keeping at it!
Miss Anything: I said it once and I'll say it again: I actually miss my tiny boobs. 
Movement: Lots of kicking! They stop whenever Chris comes near to feel...silly babies.
Food cravings: Anything pumpkin! I'm really excited for the fall. 
Anything making you queasy or sick: Nope!
Labor Signs: No. 
Happy or Moody most of the time: Happy :)  
Looking forward to: Eating lots of pumpkin this fall haha  

20 Weeks

I cannot believe how time has flown - 20 weeks already! For twins that's usually more than halfway!

Things around here have been pretty clam. Chris is still recovering from surgery so we have been lounging around and watching movies. I still workout everyday which has helped me feel more...I guess you could say "normal." Biking has gotten much harder now because my knees always hit my ever growing belly!

I also just heard back from my doctor yesterday morning that the results from my 3-hour glucose test all came back normal. Thank goodness!

One thing that has hit me hard recently was an awful nightmare I had. Chris had to wake me up because I was crying in my sleep. I don't want to go into details, but it was a horribly graphic dream of losing my babies. It upsets me every time I think of it. I have such a longing for my twins and want nothing more than a healthy pregnancy and delivery for them. It feels like a heartache for missing someone you've never met.

On a much happier note, I can't even keep track of all things I have to be thankful for with everything from a smooth IVF to a wonderful twin pregnancy. I'm constantly asked about how I've been feeling and I'm so happy I can say "Good!" almost every time. I want to say I'm so lucky, but really I am so blessed.

Here's the 20 Weeks update!

How far along? 20 Weeks, 2 days
Babies are the size of: Bananas from head to heel.
Total weight gain: 5-6lbs...I've been worried about that, but the babies are still a week ahead in weight and measurements.  
Maternity clothes? Still trying to wear my normal clothes. Plus the less I spend on maternity clothes, the more I can spend on my babies right?
Stretch marks? Zero.  
Sleep: Not too bad, but it is starting to get hard finding a comfy position. 
Exercise: Yes! 
Miss Anything: Nope.  
Movement: Lots and lots! I absolutely love it!  
Food cravings: The other day I wanted to eat hot fudge straight from the jar. I didn't. 
Anything making you queasy or sick: My prenatal pills. They. Smell. Awful.
Labor Signs: No. 
Happy or Moody most of the time: Happy. 
Looking forward to: 4th of July food! Yum! 

By the way, someone unexpectedly touched my belly yesterday. Not sure how I feel about that...

18 Weeks

So here I am writing this post stuck at my doctors office all morning for the lovely 3 hour glucose test. 

How am I feeling? Like I never want to consume sugar again. Bleh.

I took the 1 hour glucose test last week, but my results were high so they had me come in for the 3 hour glucose tolerance test, which further tests me for gestational diabetes. I'm finding comfort in the fact that only one-third of the people that take this test do have gestational diabetes, so hopefully I fall in that remaining two-thirds. But what can I say? I've been really blessed so far with no complications. I am very thankful for that. 

Last time I drink 50 grams of the orange glucose drink and it tasted like nasty diluted orange cough syrup. This time I had 100 grams of the lemon lime glucose drink and it tasted like super sugary flat sprite. Still nasty, but way better.

Also, on Tuesday Chris had his second knee surgery. In March he got a bone graft and this time he got the actual ACL surgery. This is his third one! Third time's the charm right? He's doing great though, just taking it easy and watching the World Cup and movies all day (and night). 

Yesterday I had another visit at the hospital with the Maternal Fetal Medicine Specialists. I basically had an hour long ultrasound that literally checked and measured every main bone and organ in my cute little babies. Everything looked great! Their brains, hearts, kidneys, bladders, stomachs, diaphragms, arms, hands, legs, feet, umbilical cords, and placentas are all normal. They are still measuring a week ahead too. I love, love, LOVE getting to see my little boy and girl. Our boy is so active...he would not stay still!

Anyway, a few days late but here's my 18 weeks bumpdate!

How far along? 18 weeks, 4 days 
Babies are the size of: Sweet potatoes
Total weight gain: I've gained about 3 lbs from my pre-pregnancy weight  
Maternity clothes? I've been wearing one maternity shirt I have mostly because it's so comfy.
Stretch marks? None. 
Sleep: I think I'm still catching up on sleep from girls camp!   
Exercise: I've been working out for a little while everyday.  
Miss Anything: Hmm...nothing at the moment.  
Movement:  I'm feeling little baby kicks! It's so fun.  
Food cravings: Anything but the glucose drink.  
Anything making you queasy or sick: Nothing lately.  
Labor Signs: No. 
Happy or Moody most of the time: Happy. 
Looking forward to: Chris recovering from his surgery so we can start enjoying our summer!

16 Weeks!

Happy 16 weeks babies!

The past two weeks have been pretty good. I'm definitely enjoying the second trimester energy! I've been working out more, sleeping lots, and overall feeling pretty good. I'm mostly concerned about my eating habits. I still can't stand vegetables and all I ever really eat is carbs and more carbs. I also haven't had an increase in appetite much so I'm still eating the same amount of food as I did before pregnancy. 

I cannot wait for Saturday night because Chris will be done taking the CFA! I'll finally get my husband back! I've never seen someone study so much and so hard. I'm proud of my cute husband. Also, next week I will be away at a girls camp for the young women in my church. I'm the camp director so I've been busy planning away. I'm mostly excited for the food! A lot of people are surprised that they're letting me go pregnant, but no one has told me I can't and my doctors seem fine with it. I'll definitely take it easy. I also gave up doing the Dirty Dash this weekend since it didn't seem like a very smart idea with all the obstacles and how hot it's been lately. I definitely won't miss scrubbing mud out of every nook and cranny. 

Oh, and next week we will find out the genders!!! I have an ultrasound Monday, BUT we're planning a little family get together that Saturday to reveal the genders. So I won't actually find out on Monday since we're just going to have my doctor write down the genders and seal it up. I'm dying to know!

Anyway, Here's the latest!

How far along? 16 weeks, 2 days 
Babies are the size of: Large avocados 
Total weight gain: I think I'm now back up to my pre-pregnancy weight.
Maternity clothes? I have a couple shirts, but I haven't worn them yet.
Stretch marks? No.
Sleep: I LOVE sleep! My new favorite phrase: I'm sleeping for three!
Exercise: I've been using the elliptical lately. Glad I have some energy back!
Miss Anything: Fitting into my swim suit...I need to buy a maternity one!
Movement: Still feeling little flutters every now and then. No distinct kicks yet.
Food cravings: Pretty much any kind of chicken casserole. Oh yes please.
Anything making you queasy or sick: Tomatoes?
Labor Signs: No.
Happy or Moody most of the time: Happy I suppose. Mostly just content. 
Looking forward to: Finding out the genders!

14 Weeks

Hello baby bump! I can't hide it anymore...these babies are taking over! Although I look more like I'm just getting fat than I look pregnant. Yep, I'm in that awkward stage. I love it though. The past two weeks have been fairly uneventful. Chris is studying hardcore for his CFA test and I sit and read. I'm dying to know what the genders are so I can start shopping and making baby clothes! I've done a lot of research on double strollers lately too. My dream stroller is $600, but I've found a similar alternative for less than half that price. I can't wait to push around my two little cuties! 

I also had an appointment with my OB last week. The ultrasound pictures were awful compared to the specialist's...I'm not even sure what I'm looking at! But they are both doing great. My next appointment doesn't fall until June 9th when I'm 17 weeks along so we should definitely know the genders then. Although we are thinking we'll have my OB write it down and then throw a gender revel party. I don't know if I can wait that long though!

How far along? 14 Weeks 3 Days
Babies are the size of: Lemons
Total weight gain: I'm still down a couple pounds according to my appointment last week.
Maternity clothes? No...but soon!  
Stretch marks? None.  
Sleep: I'm sleeping again! Hallelujah! I think buying a new pillow helped tremendously.
Exercise: I've been going to the gym more, but keeping low key. Mostly walking and biking.  
Miss Anything: Being able to wear all the clothes in my closet. I'm running out of options!
Movement: I feel little flutters...it's so fun :)
Food cravings: Lately it's been cereal until I got sick of eating it all the time. Corn on the cob sounds great though!
Anything making you queasy or sick: Only when I eat too fast or too much. 
Labor Signs: No.
Happy or Moody most of the time: Kinda moody...sorry Chris ;) 
Looking forward to: My day off work to celebrate Memorial Day!