Monday, May 31, 2010

17 Week Check-Up & Ultrasound Scheduled

Before we left for the beach for Memorial Day weekend, we had a 17 week check-up. It was great. I gained about 4 pounds since my 12 week check-up (4 pounds total for my pregnancy so far) and my blood pressure was great. They took my fundal measurement (which is based on a single pregnancy) and I was measuring 25 weeks (8 weeks ahead of where I am). Yes I am going to be huge. We didn't get an ultrasound, but we did get to hear their heartbeats. Baby A's heartbeat was 150 and Baby B's heartbeat was 140. The reason we didn't get an ultrasound is because the doctor wants us to see the specialist again. We are going this Friday (18 weeks) at 4:00. I can't wait to find out how big they are, that everything is normal, and what their genders are. I have no clue but I guess I am going with my original prediction of 2 girls, even though I have thought all combos and even dreamt all combos.

Thursday, May 27, 2010

17 Week Survey

How Far Along? 17 weeks

Maternity Clothes? Oh yeah. I am huge.

Stretch Marks? Yes, but not bad (yet).

Sleep? Yes. I am sleeping on the couch and getting a decent night's sleep most nights (minus potty breaks). Sometimes I wake up for 30 minutes and watch TV until I fall back asleep.

Best Moment of the Week? Lee and Luke feeling the babies moving.

Genders? Don't know yet, but we do go tomorrow and I hope they tell us. Otherwise, we will find out in a couple of weeks. I am still going two girls even though I have no clue. I don't care either way. All combos are great and God has the perfect combo picked out already.

Belly Button In or Out? In, but it is starting to not be as far in. I don't think I will have an in-ey at the end.

Cravings? Water, apples, bananas, smoothies, homemade chicken noodle soup, hearty meals

What I Miss? Being comfortable.

What I Love? Carrying these babies (what a miracle). Feeling them move. Eating, sleeping, and resting without guilt.

What I Am Looking Forward to This Week? My doctor's appointment tomorrow (hopefully we will get to see the babies and maybe find out the genders) and going to the beach for the weekend.

Milestones? Lee and Luke feeling the babies moving.

Feeling the Babies Move? A lot. As I posted above, Lee and Luke have gotten to feel them.

Other Thoughts? I am just really thankful to be carrying these babies and thankful that they are getting bigger and healthier all the time.

Prayer Requests? Just continue to pray for my health and the health of the babies as well as a full-term pregnancy, healthy delivery, and great transition to a family of 5.

Thanks again for keeping up with our pregnancy and praying for us. :)

Wednesday, May 26, 2010

Feeling My Precious Babies Moving

Over the last week or so I have been able to feel both babies moving multiple times a day. It's the best feeling in the world. It reassures me that they are growing healthier and stronger each day. I generally feel Baby B a lot more, but Baby A is moving more and more each day as well. Lee, Luke, Emma, and Logan have gotten to feel Baby B. I am thinking that people will be able to feel Baby A soon. I really love every kick, punch, and movement that they make. It is like they are telling me, "We are in here and want you to remember." ;) As if there is any way I could forget.

***UPDATE***
Baby A started moving like crazy tonight after I wrote this. I laid on the couch and Lee got to feel him/her. :)

Sunday, May 23, 2010

Lee and Luke Got to Feel Baby B

Lee and Luke got to feel Baby B this weekend!!! It was great. Friday night I had a hard spot on my stomach. Lee pushed on it a little and Baby B kicked (or punched) it. It was awesome. Then on Saturday Baby B was moving a lot so I had Luke mash on my tummy a little and he got to feel a kick (or punch). Luke's excitement was uncontrollable. He loves his babies so much already and it is becoming more real for them everyday. I am looking forward to them getting to feel the babies more and more each day. I can feel them a lot now. It's fun!

Friday, May 21, 2010

16 Week Babies Bump


16 Week Survey

How Far Along? 16 weeks

Maternity Clothes? Oh yeah. I am slowly outgrowing a few of the things that I bought early on. I found a maternity bathing suit yesterday. I am praying it will work for the rest of the summer. I joked with Lee that if it doesn't, it probably means I shouldn't be in one anymore. ;)

Stretch Marks? Not too bad yet. I have some from last time. I am just hoping that they don't get too bad.

Sleep? In another post I talked about how I am now sleeping on the couch. It is the right blend of firm and soft and molds to my body more than our firmer bed. Plus I can snuggle into the back of it. I don't have to worry about moving around too much or Lee hitting me in my sleep. I hate not sleeping with Lee, but I really love sleeping really well. On the couch I only have to get up to go to the bathroom, not too many aches and pains. Plus in the morning Luke will play and watch cartoons and let me sleep a little later.

Best Moment of the Week? My mother and sister-in-law got the babies their first official presents - the cutest bibs from NYC. It was neat getting something for twins that were kind of matchy. It made it feel more real.

Genders? We don't know yet. Again, I am hoping we find out at our 17 week appointment, but we aren't scheduled for an ultrasound at that appointment. I will schedule there for the soonest possible appointment. I can't wait to find out. I still think two girls (especially when I think about them both having 165 heartbeats at 12 weeks). I told Lee if it isn't two girls I would go one of each, but I really believe A is a girl. B could be a boy. My only hunch is the size difference and my cravings have changed, but I still think two girls. I can't wait to find out. It doesn't matter either way, but it is fun to try to guess.

Belly Button In or Out? In

Cravings? Water, Apples, Bananas, Smoothies, Homemade Chicken Noodle Soup, Homemade Hearty Meals, Pizza (this week I bought potato chips and ranch dip - I ate them way too fast so they aren't allowed back in the house)

What I Miss? Sleeping with Lee, being comfortable, going to the bathroom a normal amount, running around after Luke (after about 30 minutes of chasing him on his bike or 4-wheeler and I am done).

What I Love? Carrying these two precious miracles from God (I can't believe how much He has blessed us with), eating without guilt, sleeping without guilt, putting my feet up and letting others help me out more, and spending time with Luke (we are hanging out and doing more mommy-Luke time than we had before).

What I Am Looking Forward to This Week? Going through baby stuff, eating, resting, sleeping, and growing the babies. And my 17 week check-up next Friday (even though that is technicall next week). And we are going to the beach for Memorial Day (Lee is taking a 4 day weekend).

Milestones? Hitting 4 months today. It seems like we are all of a sudden far along. In two weeks, we will hit the halfway point. Crazy!

Feeling the Babies Move? Yes. More all the time. It's awesome!

Other Thoughts? I am learning to let go of my anal standards of cleanliness and organization (not that my house has become a pit, but I am not so worried about keeping everything immaculate). I am also learning to be more flexible with my time and just enjoying a lot of time with Luke (if we want to do school, we do school; if we want to color, we color). It's nice. We aren't going all the time and I actually am enjoying being at home more (which is probably good because with two newborns and recovering from surgery and lack of sleep, we probably will be at home a lot this winter). I am also learning to let Lee help me. As a full-time wife, mom, and homemaker I generally do everything around the house and I am letting him help me more. It's really freeing and probably a good thing since we will be having help this Fall and I will have to surrender to others which is hard for me.

Prayer Requests? Again, please just lift up the babies' and my health for the pregnancy, delivery, and recovery. Also pray for our family as we adjust to having two more people in our family.

TO GOD BE ALL THE GLORY, HONOR, AND PRAISE FOR THIS AMAZING BLESSING FROM ABOVE!!!

Wednesday, May 19, 2010

Dreaming About Cravings

Last night I had the funniest dream. I dreamt that I was at some food establishment (reminded me of a college dining hall only you could order what you wanted somewhat). No one in front of me would move with the line. Finally I got fed up. This girl tried to trip me. I said, "Are you crazy? I am 4 months pregnant with twins?" Well I finally got up to where the line was progressing and desperately wanted two things: a Philly cheesesteak sandwich and a piece of cheesecake with cherry topping (like the Jello no-bake kind). The guy took my order and managed to never come back with my sandwich. I kept seeing the cheesecake with cherry topping but everytime I got to it, it was gone. I was freaking out. Then I woke up.

This tells me that I am seriously hungry all the time (even in my sleep apparantly) and that I must be subconsciously craving cheesesteak sandwiches and cheesecake with cherry topping. I have been really good this pregnancy eating lots of fruits, veggies, lean dairy products, and main meals (making most of what I eat) and drinking lots of water. I really am trying to eat a lot of good stuff since I need to eat so often. If I was giving into cravings everytime I had one or eating a lot of junk everytime I was hungry I would be gaining uncontrollably. So far I have only gained 2 pounds and I am really happy with that (unless I see that the babies need me to gain more). I think not giving into the cravings has entered my dream world. ;)

Tuesday, May 18, 2010

My New Bed

As anyone who has carried a baby before knows, you never know what symptom or discomfort is going to come next. Now that all my morning sickness and other first trimester symptoms (minus peeing and needing more sleep) are gone and I am getting bigger, I am having more trouble with discomfort. My back, hips, pelvis, and stomach hurt at times. I think it is just because things are happening faster and I am already carrying a lot in my stomach.

The other night, the air conditioner wasn't working on the 2nd and 3rd floors so Lee and I slept downstairs (we put Luke on the second floor with a fan running on him all night). He slept in a recliner and I slept on the couch (he is the best husband). Well I noticed that I actually slept really good (minus having to go potty every couple of hours) with minimal shifting or discomfort. I laid down on the couch last night around 10:30 and fell asleep. Lee woke me when he went upstairs and I was sleeping so good I stayed on the couch.

I think this might be my new "bed" at least for the near future. I really don't like not sleeping with Lee, but I really love the comfort and not having to shift or worry about his arms and elbows during the night. Lee might like having a queen bed to himself. He better not get too used to it ;).

Another advantage is that we brought a shelf down with Luke's favorite toys, puzzles, books, and art stuff downstairs from the bonus room (since I wasn't wanting to climb two flights of stairs to hang out up there) and we have the Wii which we can play Netflix on, so Luke can come down in the morning and watch cartoons and play while I continue to rest or sleep. This morning I got to sleep until 10:30 because he is really good at playing and not getting into stuff. I am going to enjoy the rest and relaxation for the next 5 months as I know when we have two little ones it is going to be a long time (if ever) before I get to relax without worry. ;)

Monday, May 17, 2010

Fortune Cookie Fun

So Lee, Luke, and I went to our favorite Chinese restaurant Sunday after church and like always, we read our fortune cookies. We only do this for fun, but it is always neat to read the fortunes and see if they apply. Well I read mine and flipped over to the "learn Chinese" side and it said "blue". I thought that was funny and told Lee. Well he read his and it said "son". We thought this was a pretty funny coincidence since we are throwing around ideas of what the babies will be. I've gone from solid on two girls to mabe one of each and even lately thinking two boys. Lee is going with the safe bet of one of each. We joked that maybe there are two boys or just one even. We shall see. We saved them just for fun.

Sunday, May 16, 2010

Baby A and Ice Cream

So tonight Lee, Luke, and I went to eat homemade ice cream at Sunni Skies with my mother and father-in-law. I am not normally a huge sweets person but I love homemade ice cream. I ordered a banana split because I love love love fruit (especially with this pregnancy). It was amazing - vanilla, chocolate, and strawberry ice cream, chocolate syrup, strawberries, pineapple, banana, and whip cream. YUMMY! I validated it since it had fruit ;).

The funniest thing was when I was eating it Baby A was moving like crazy. Either Baby A likes or dislikes the cold and sweet. It was pretty funny. It's fun experiencing all of this stuff and bonding with the babies before they are even born. I guess I know what I need to do if I want Baby A to move ;).

15 Week Babies Bump


Friday, May 14, 2010

15 Week Survey

How Far Along? 15 weeks

Maternity Clothes? Yes. I am hoping the clothes that I currently have fit at least until the half-way point.

Stretch Marks? Yes, but I can't tell if they are old or new. ;)

Sleep? If you read my previous post, sleep is getting harder at times. I get really uncomfortable (my hips, my sciatic nerve, and sometimes my tummy) so I have to shift around a lot, not to mention the frequent bathroom breaks in the middle of the night. I am still getting a decent amount of sleep since I go to bed earlier than normal and sleep a little later than normal. I am resting as much as I can during the day though.

Best Moment of the Week? Feeling more movement. It's awesome.

Genders? We don't know yet. Like I said last week, I am hoping to find out in 7 or less weeks (if not at my next appointment). I had a dream last night that the nurse guessed 2 girls. Maybe it's because I have felt they would be 2 girls since I found out they were twins. Most people think one of each. I guess we will know soon enough. Obviously we don't care either way. We know God knows exactly what our family needs.

Belly Button In or Out? In

Cravings? Water, Apples, Bananas, Smoothies, Veggies, Cheese Toast, Hearty Meals, Pizza

What I Miss? Sleeping really well at night (I usually hit the pillow and don't wake up for at least 8 hours). Being comfortable at times. Being able to run around with Luke.

What I Love? Like I say each week, carrying two miracles, eating without guilt, sleeping without guilt, and resting without guilt. I love seeing the way God provides no matter what our needs.

What I Am Looking Forward to This Week? Working more on our list and potential registry. Eating, resting, sleeping, and growing the babies.

Milestones? Getting the list written of everything we will need/want for the babies. It took a while, but I have an awesome Excel spreadsheet listing what we need by category, then brand, and whether we have it or not and where/how we plan to get it. It makes me feel in control somewhat ;)

Feeling the Babies Move? Yes. More and more all the time. I love it!

Other Thoughts? I had this weird thought/realization the other day. I realized I have done this before. I carried Luke in my belly for 9 months and delivered him, recovered, got him on a schedule, and have taken care of him for almost 4 1/2 years. I can do this again, even if it is two at the same time. God is good at reminding me that I can do this if I take it one day at a time and lean on Him.

Prayer Requests? Again, please just pray for my health, the babies' health, a great pregnancy and delivery, and that we all adjust well to the two newest additions to our family. I ask also that God get all the glory for this double miracle. None of this is done in our strength, but by clinging to Him each day.

Thursday, May 13, 2010

Preparing for Lack of Sleep

Well it has officially happened already...I can't sleep very well. It started out as going to the bathroom every 3 hours which wasn't too bad because I could just get up, go, and get right back to sleep. Then I started having to shift around a little bit more during the night to keep my hips from getting sore, which also wasn't too bad because I would just switch, adjust, and go back to sleep.

Well it has quickly evolved into a shifting session pretty much all night. I wake up with pain going down my lower back into my upper thigh region, pain in one of my hips from the weight of my already-expanding babies bump, or just tummy pain from my uterus stretching all the time. Between that, going to the bathroom every couple of hours, and just getting startled and having to go back to sleep, it's not the best night's sleep. Luckily I go to bed around 11:00 (if not earlier) and have the luxury of sleeping until 9:00 if I need to (Luke entertains himself or Lee keeps up with him while he gets ready for work). So with the possibility of 10 hours of sleep, I still am managing to get a decent amount of sleep, just not continual 8 hours of perfect rest. I am hoping I can still get to bed early (well early for me) and sleep late so I get enough sleep to manage all day.

I just keep reminding myself that this is preparation for not just one, but two newborns, who as all you parents know, don't sleep perfectly when they come home from the hospital. I know that this sleep is as good as it is going to get for the next 9 months (praying the babies sleep through the night - 12 hours - like Luke did at 3 months). I am going to relish it now for I know as I get bigger and more uncomfortable and my bladder gets even more squished, I will be getting less and less sleep each week and that with two new babies and recovering from a c-section, it will be really challenging night and day (at least now I can rest during the days too).

I also remind myself that this is part of the process. I am thrilled to be having two healthy, growing babies, no matter what the symptoms. God has truly blessed me and I commit this pregnancy and the babies to Him everyday. I know that He will get me through this pregnancy, delivery, and raising these babies just as He has gotten me through everything else. By leaning on Him daily (hourly) and praying for patience and strength to come from Him, it is all possible.

"With God all things are possible." - Matthew 19:26

Tuesday, May 11, 2010

One of the Greatest Sensations in the World

Pregnancy is full of so many things, some fun and some not-so-fun (does the term "morning sickness" come to mind)? For me, aside from seeing the babies on the ultrasounds and hearing their heartbeats, feeling them move is one of the most fun and amazing things. With Luke I started feeling the butterfly flutters at 14 weeks and it progressed from there. This time, because it is my 2nd pregnancy and I am having twins, I felt the butterfly flutters a few weeks ago and it has slowly progressed. Now I am feeling them move a few times a day.

Last night when Lee and I were in bed, I laid on my back and he put his hand on my tummy where Baby B was and I was feeling so much movement. Unfortunately it is too early for Lee to feel it, but it was neat having his hand on my belly and feeling Baby B. I feel them at different times. I seem to feel one more one time and then the other at a different time. I am looking forward to feeling them both at the same time. I think that would be neat.

I know they are in there, healthy and active, and that makes me feel really good. I can't wait for Lee and Luke to be able to feel them moving. I think it will be neat to see Luke's reaction. He loves his babies so much already.

Sunday, May 9, 2010

100 Days Down and Happy Mother's Day!!!

Well I have completed 100 days of this pregnancy. It feels really great. I have about 138-164 days to go (estimating 34-38 weeks gestation) even though I am praying for as long as possible. It's been a great couple of weeks with no morning sickness (PRAISE GOD!) and more energy. I feel like I can enjoy this pregnancy even more now. We are working on going through all of our previous baby stuff and the things people have graciously donated so that we can figure out what else we need. I am hoping to find out the genders at our 17 week appointment or really soon thereafter so that we know what they are, what their names are going to be, can plan and get their nursery ready, and plan our showers. It's a fun time and we are enjoying all of it.

Today is also Mother's Day. Happy Mother's Day! I had a great Mother's Day. My wonderful husband took me to one of my favorite restaurants, a Japanese steakhouse, for dinner last night. We went to church this morning and he let me pick the lunch place - of course I picked pizza. We are going to my mom and grandma's house for a cookout and I am bringing a yummy Strawberry Cake with Strawberry Icing. It's going to be a fun night!

Friday, May 7, 2010

14 Week Survey

How Far Along? 14 weeks

Maternity Clothes? Oh yeah. I am hoping to wear what I have a while longer as long as only my stomach gets bigger (you have to love that super stretchy tummy area).

Stretch Marks? Yes, old and possibly some new

Sleep? I am definitely tired around 10:00 at night and pretty much can sleep anytime I lay down. I don't get great sleep at night since I get uncomfortable very quickly. My hips and sidess will hurt from the weight of my already expanding stomach. I get up to go to the bathroom a few times at night. I find myself sleeping extra in the mornings.

Best Moment of the Week? Buying our first official twin thing - our double stroller. It's great. We are going to take it out of the box and make sure everything is in there and that the baby carriers (almost 5 years old) fit it (they are supposed to). I'll take a picture and share it. It was fun to purchase something so "twiny".

Genders? We don't know yet. I hope they will do an ultrasound at my 17 week check-up in 3 weeks and let me know. Either way we will schedule the "big ultrasound" from that appointment so we should know in the next 4-8 weeks (hoping for 4) ;) I have been thinking more about it being a boy and a girl lately, but I am going to go with two girls still. ;)

Belly Button In or Out? In

Cravings? Water, Apples, Bananas, Smoothies, Veggies, Buffalo Chicken Tenders, Bagel Bites

Aversions? Peanut Butter, Fish, Sweets

What I Miss? Sleeping through the night (I guess it is preparation for when the babies get here), not having to go to the bathroom all the time, shaving without a big tummy in the way (that is only going to get more interesting), and being able to run and do things I would normally do with Luke.

What I Love? The experience of a twin pregnancy (no matter the ups, downs, and hormones). I enjoy eating without guilt, sleeping without guilt, and resting with my feet up without guilt. I love that God blessed me with this, my husband is so loving and helpful, and my son and I are getting lots of time together since we don't go places as much.

What I Am Looking Forward to This Week? Going through the baby stuff, making a list of what we have, making a list of what we need, and (hopefully) planning the nursery. Eating, resting, sleeping, and enjoying my pregnancy now that I am no longer sick.

Milestones? Being able to (actually having to) eat and finally gaining some weight. It makes me feel better and I know the babies are getting some good stuff everyday.

Feeling the Babies Move? Yes. I can't wait to feel them even more.

Other Thoughts? I am hungry almost all the time. I have to eat something every hour or two and am starving for dinner around 5:00pm. I like being at home so I can eat anytime and almost anything I want. I have to eat snacks and mini-meals between meals. I even wake up to go to the bathroom and am hungry, but so far I just go back to sleep. There may come a time I need a snack in the middle of the night. ;)

Prayer Requests? Please just keep praying for my health during pregnancy, the babies to grow healthfully, safety during the pregnancy, a great delivery and recovery for mommy and babies, and that we will be able to bring them home quickly and transition well from one almost five year old to one almost five year old and two newborns. Please pray that we glorify God in this whole experience, as He is the one who has blessed us and watches over us every second of everyday. To Him be all the glory, honor, and praise!!!

Wednesday, May 5, 2010

Hi Ho, Hi Ho, It's Off to the Potty I Go

As any pregnant woman can tell you, one of the biggest "symptoms" of pregnancy is having to go to the bathroom a lot. I go to the bathroom a lot when I am not pregnant, and went double that when I was pregnant with Luke, and this time (I kid you not) at least four times as what I do normally (not to mention getting up a few times at night). It can be frustrating at times as you have to get up and go, stop when traveling (or even just running errands), and go nearly everytime you walk into a store (or a few times if you are there more than 15 minutes).

Here are some anecdotes from this experience:

One night I joked with Lee that I needed to have a catheter put in to save me from going all the time and having to get up at night. He joked back, "I think you should get some 'Ooops I Crapped My Pants'" (it was a commercial on MadTV or SNL). I said, "So you want me to just sit in my own feces all the time?" I know that is maybe too much information, but I thought it was really funny.

I have started assessing places we frequent based on their bathrooms. As a woman who goes to every bathroom in the Holly Springs/Apex/Cary area, I have really done investigative research. I think I could probably do an article on bathrooms. I assess based on cleanliness, toilet paper refilled, paper towels or hand dryers (I loathe hand dryers), paper towels refilled, soap quality, auto or manual features, and just overall feel. I am a crazy person I know. I think of these things. If you see me with a clipboard, you will know I have officially lost it.

It's the fun of being pregnant, being able to laugh at yourself and your quirks. I love this journey, the good, the bad, and the ugly, and it is fun to share it with my husband and blog followers.

Tuesday, May 4, 2010

2nd Trimester Energy :)

It has been a rough almost 10 weeks having no energy, being tired at 8:00pm, and being sick most days. Well I am happy that I think that I am finally getting some of that 2nd trimester energy that I've been reading and hearing about. It's a good thing because we have a lot to get accomplished before my 28th week.

What's the big deal about the 28th week? Well, (and not that I am assuming any of this will happen) twin pregnancies tend to require bedrest more than a singleton pregnancy (could be full bedrest or modified) and either way, I know I will be huge and won't want to run around doing things and totally wear myself out. Also, with twin pregnancies, you never know what will happen in the last trimester. Some women have their babies earlier than they planned.

I am praying they are full-term and we have zero issues requiring hospital trips or bedrest, but like everyone knows, I like to be prepared. With Luke we were ready for him to arrive a month ahead, so I figure with two we out to be ready 2 months ahead.

What are the big things we need to get done?
As soon as we find out the genders, paint, decorate, and set-up everything in the nursery. We will also have any showers we have and get all the baby stuff put together and set-up in it's various locations. We will need to launder and put away all the baby clothes. We will try to have the rest of our house organized and do anything that will aid in having two newborns around the house. I will be making a huge list eventually, but basically we need to have everything ready (for my peace of mind) by the 28th week.

I am just hoping and praying that this energy continues at least 14 more weeks. My plan is to work as much as I can and take rest breaks for 30 minutes at a time. I don't want to overdo it. It does feel really good to feel like my "normal" organized and clean-freak self.

Monday, May 3, 2010

A Letter to My Unborn Babies

To My Babies,

As I sit here, it's 1:15am and for some reason I am not at all tired. I took a nap today (which is unusual at this point - not unusual the 1st trimester) and I was tired all day until about 10:00pm when I got a second wind. Daddy is sleeping on the couch and I am contemplating going to bed soon and laying there until I fall asleep. I thought before I did, I would take the time to write a letter to you guys (or girls, we don't know your genders yet).

I have to tell you that this is one of a few of the most amazing experiences of my life carrying the two of you.

The most amazing experience of my life was when I met the greatest man in my life, Jesus Christ. My prayer for you is that you will meet Jesus early in life, surrender your life to Him, and that you will try your best to walk daily in His will. No matter where you go, what you do, or who you are with, Jesus Christ can always be there with you, you just have to ask Him to dwell with you and in you everyday. He is the most important relationship you should have in your life. There is no one, not even your parents or future spouse, that can fill that space in your heart. Mommy knows because when I met Jesus I knew your awesome, unconditionally loving daddy 2 years and even he couldn't be what I needed.

The second greatest experience of my life was when I married your daddy. He is the kindest, sweetest, most loving man I have ever known. I knew I wanted to marry him only a few months after we started dating. No one ever treated me or loved me the way that your daddy did and does. When he asked me to marry him, my heart was full and I don't think I stopped smiling for days. The day that we committed our lives to one another, I knew that we both meant it and would be together forever. I couldn't wait to spend everyday of my life with him making memories and enjoying our children (and future grandchildren) together. He is the best husband anyone could even dream to have. I pray that you find a spouse that is surrendered to Jesus and loves Him with all his/her heart, who will love you unconditionally and that you will love unconditionally, that you respect and who respects you, who you can share all of life's ups and downs with, and who will be there old and grey when you are older.

The third greatest experience of my life was when I met your older brother. From the minute I found out I was pregnant with him until the day I met him for the first time, I had an instant connection to him. I always longed to be a mommy and was so thrilled that God in His infinite wisdom made me a mommy early in life. Even though daddy and I had only been married 19 months when Luke was born and we were young and just starting our lives, we enjoyed all of it. Seeing your daddy be a daddy made me love him even more (I didn't know that was possible). Your brother is a sweet, loving, kind, and fun boy and has been waiting for you guys for a couple of years. He asked me for a baby when he was less than 3 years old. He prayed for you guys before we even knew we were pregnant. He even wanted twins. Everyday that I have been pregnant, he has prayed for you, talked about you, rubbed my tummy, hugged my tummy, and kissed my tummy. He can't wait to meet you. You are going to be blessed to have him as an older brother and he will be blessed to have you as his younger siblings.

Being pregnant with you has been just a whirlwind of emotions. Finding out I was pregnant with you made me so happy and overwhelmed with thanksgiving that God had answered my prayers. I wanted you sooooooo bad and I remember crying out to God for months to give me babies. He is faithful to answer our prayers in His time and in His will. When I found out that I was carrying two babies, I was even more excited and thankful to God. God has a definite plan and purpose for our lives no matter what the situation may look like. We can never lose faith, because without faith we really have nothing. Everyday I have thought of you, prayed for you, and loved you. Everytime I get to see you on the ultrasounds or hear your heartbeats, I am filled with complete amazement and thankfulness. I am so thrilled to have two healthy babies growing in my body. I will do everything I can to ensure that you have a great start in life.

I can't wait to meet you guys and see your personalities and watch you grow. I am looking forward to our life together, teaching you and molding and shaping you (with God's guidance and leading) into amazing, Godly people. You are already in my heart, I can't wait to have you in my arms.

Love,
Your Momma

Hunger Has Set In

Well after a whole trimester of nausea and vomiting and not really wanting or desiring to eat that much and a week or transitioning into the 2nd trimester and sort of getting more of an appetite, HUNGER HAS SET IN. And it has set in big time. I have to eat something about every hour or two. No I am not talking about cheeseburgers and milkshakes, but really more like snacks or mini-meals, in fact I can't eat that much in one sitting (which is probably a good thing).

I tend to eat fruit, string cheese, or yogurt between meals or mini-meals and then have stuff that is more hearty for meals. If I don't eat something, I get crazy hungry (borderline sick even). I wake up to go to the bathroom and am hungry but right now sleep overpowers hunger at night. I guess my worries about not gaining weight the first trimester and wondering if I would ever eat enough/gain enough weight can go out the window now.

I am still sticking to what I figured out a few days ago - eat when hungry, eat more healthy snacks, eat smaller amounts more often, and don't worry about the weight gain too much.

Sunday, May 2, 2010

Eating for Three

So coming into this pregnancy, I was overweight (the most overweight I have been non-pregnant or right off of pregnancy). I did attempt to lose weight while I was waiting to get pregnant again after the miscarriage in November. It was difficult to try to workout at home, eat right, and find motivation knowing I would be pregnant (God-willing) in a couple of months.

I managed to lose a few pounds, but as soon as I found out I was pregnant and the symptoms started, I ceased working out and ate whatever worked for the moment. One meal might be normal and one would be just a small apple or something. It was sporadic at best. Most days I was nauseous and some days vomitting so I didn't know how the weight would go. I managed to not gain a pound in the first trimester. I didn't know whether this was good or bad since I am carrying twins and know they need more than a singleton pregnancy would need.

After a lot of research and talking with one of the doctors in my OB practice, I have found very differing opinions. OB doctor said no more than 15 pounds the rest of the pregnancy. A highly accredited doctor's book said 25-42 pounds based on my BMI. So there's the window 15-42. Not much of a difference, right? Talk about confusing. My theory is to err on the side of gaining more if it will help the babies.

The funny thing I have noticed so far (besides gaining no weight) is that my body craves healthy food for the most part. I can only drink water and a small amount of juice. I crave all fruits, especially apples and bananas. I love smoothies made with OJ, greek yogurt, and fruit. I went through a baby carrots and light ranch phase which has passed for now. I like salad more now than I ever have. I eat them when we go out to eat more than I used to. I would rather have grilled chicken than fried chicken. I would rather have the good stuff than the bad stuff. Of course I do like some bad stuff like chips and fries.

My method is to 1) stay really hydrated so that I don't mistake thirst for hunger, 2) to eat when I am hungry and stop when I am full (imagine that?), 3) to go for healthy stuff mainly, 4) to have really healthy snacks (fruit, string cheese, yogurt, smoothies), 5) to allow myself "junky" stuff once in a while (everything in moderation of course), and 6) to just not worry too much about the weight (if I gain, I gain). So far it is going really well, in fact, this might be the best learning experience about food/weight I have learned in 10+ years of dieting. Hopefully I can take these things into my post-partum life when I need to lose weight again.