How Far Along? 28 weeks
Maternity Clothes? Yes, getting bigger all the time.
Stretch Marks? Yes, time to get the cocoa butter.
Sleep? Pretty much the same - sleeping pretty good, but getting up every few hours to go to the bathroom and re-adjust.
Best Moment of the Week? Nothing stands out really, just enjoying growing and feeling the babies.
Genders? Baby A is a boy (Nathan Reid) and Baby B is a girl (Alexis Faith). I am really excited about having one of each, especially the cute coordinating things. ;)
Belly Button In or Out? Out which is freaky. I never had that with Luke.
Cravings? Water, ice, apples, grapes, milk, food in general ;)
What I Miss? Being comfortable, sleeping all night, feeling like I don't have to pee, being productive, and being able to do everything with Luke.
What I Love? Growing two healthy babies. Feeling them move all the time.
What I Am Looking Forward to This Week? Getting things ready for the babies.
Milestones? 28 weeks makes the babies' chances of survival 90% or more.
Feeling the Babies Move? Oh yeah. It's tighter and they get stuck in weird positions, but I feel them move a lot.
Other Thoughts? I am just really getting excited about meeting the babies in less than 10 weeks.
Prayer Requests? Just please continue to pray for my health and safety during the pregnancy, a full-term pregnancy for the babies to be able to grow and develop all the way, a safe and healthy delivery and recovery, and a smooth transition to a family of 5 (with two newborns).
Friday, August 13, 2010
Thursday, August 12, 2010
Tuesday, August 10, 2010
Welcome to the 3rd Trimester - Here are Your New Symptoms
Well on Friday I hit the 3rd trimester. It's almost like leaving the 1st trimester for the 2nd in that my symptoms went completely away and I felt pretty good except the reverse. It was almost as sudden as the minute the clock struck 12:00 that all the new fun symptoms came.
Here are the symptoms that have kicked in thus far:
- HEARTBURN - I have only had to deal with a smidge of heartburn a couple of times so far, but since Friday I have had it constantly and painfully. No matter what I eat (or don't eat), drink (or don't drink), and/or do (or don't do), it doesn't help. It's awful. I am praying it is just a temporary thing and doesn't last the next 9 1/2 weeks. I guess TUMS will become my best friend now.
- NAUSEA - With the heartburn has come nausea. It's very strange as I haven't felt nauseous since week 12. I don't know if my stomach hurts or if it is just the intensity of the heartburn that makes me feel nauseous. Again, nothing I eat or drinks makes it worse. It just seems to be a continuous thing.
- BATHROOM YUCKINESS - I won't go into details as I know no one wants to read about it, but I think my stomach is so pushed on and is losing the battle for space with my giant uterus, so I am having a host of bathroom issues.
- MORE TIRED/WORN OUT - I think that my size is really catching up to me. My stomach feels huge and I think carrying it around it a full-time workout. I am pure worn out at night. Pretty much anytime I lay down I will fall asleep even if I get a full night's sleep.
- APPETITE CHANGES - I go from not wanting to eat much of anything to wanting to eat everything in my reach. Sometimes I can barely eat a small snack and other times I feel like I could eat 1/2 a cow and keep going. It's so weird. I make myself eat at least a little bit every couple of hours to keep my metabolism going and not get into starvation mode. I know that not eating for hours and then eating a huge amount of food causes massive weight gain which I am trying to avoid.
- MOOD SWINGS - Of course all women (especially pregnant women) are hormonal, but I think now that I am getting so big, uncomfortable, and closing in on the end (with the myriad of concerns that keep popping up), the mood swings are more frequent and up and down. I can cry over pretty much anything and unfortunately can get upset with others very easily. I need prayer that I can stay in control of my emotions and frustrations.
So far this is what is going on. I understand that these things are part of the process. While they are not fun (for myself or others to deal with at times), they are immensely worth it. I would go through anything I had to for these babies. Every mom understands that. The joy and blessing that is coming far outweighs any ache, pain, discomfort, or frustration. The great thing is that the Good Lord magically helps us to forget all of it (even the painful labor). If you don't forget it, at least you can look at your beautiful child every day and know it was all worth it. :)
Here are the symptoms that have kicked in thus far:
- HEARTBURN - I have only had to deal with a smidge of heartburn a couple of times so far, but since Friday I have had it constantly and painfully. No matter what I eat (or don't eat), drink (or don't drink), and/or do (or don't do), it doesn't help. It's awful. I am praying it is just a temporary thing and doesn't last the next 9 1/2 weeks. I guess TUMS will become my best friend now.
- NAUSEA - With the heartburn has come nausea. It's very strange as I haven't felt nauseous since week 12. I don't know if my stomach hurts or if it is just the intensity of the heartburn that makes me feel nauseous. Again, nothing I eat or drinks makes it worse. It just seems to be a continuous thing.
- BATHROOM YUCKINESS - I won't go into details as I know no one wants to read about it, but I think my stomach is so pushed on and is losing the battle for space with my giant uterus, so I am having a host of bathroom issues.
- MORE TIRED/WORN OUT - I think that my size is really catching up to me. My stomach feels huge and I think carrying it around it a full-time workout. I am pure worn out at night. Pretty much anytime I lay down I will fall asleep even if I get a full night's sleep.
- APPETITE CHANGES - I go from not wanting to eat much of anything to wanting to eat everything in my reach. Sometimes I can barely eat a small snack and other times I feel like I could eat 1/2 a cow and keep going. It's so weird. I make myself eat at least a little bit every couple of hours to keep my metabolism going and not get into starvation mode. I know that not eating for hours and then eating a huge amount of food causes massive weight gain which I am trying to avoid.
- MOOD SWINGS - Of course all women (especially pregnant women) are hormonal, but I think now that I am getting so big, uncomfortable, and closing in on the end (with the myriad of concerns that keep popping up), the mood swings are more frequent and up and down. I can cry over pretty much anything and unfortunately can get upset with others very easily. I need prayer that I can stay in control of my emotions and frustrations.
So far this is what is going on. I understand that these things are part of the process. While they are not fun (for myself or others to deal with at times), they are immensely worth it. I would go through anything I had to for these babies. Every mom understands that. The joy and blessing that is coming far outweighs any ache, pain, discomfort, or frustration. The great thing is that the Good Lord magically helps us to forget all of it (even the painful labor). If you don't forget it, at least you can look at your beautiful child every day and know it was all worth it. :)
Friday, August 6, 2010
2nd Trimester Review
Well, it's been a long 14 weeks (the longest trimester of pregnancy), but it's been really awesome. It's true what they say about the 2nd trimester. You feel the best, have the most energy, and a lot of big things happen.
Rolling into the 2nd trimester, my morning sickness seemed to stop almost immediately. PRAISE THE LORD! I hate throwing up more than anything. I would rather have shots and even surgery than throw up. I actually try to stop myself anytime I can. So it was nice to be done with all that.
We got to see the babies at 12 weeks on the ultrasound and they looked like real babies and not just blobs. It was awesome. We were able to rule out Trisomy and Down's which was a great feeling.
I started being able to eat and gain weight. I didn't gain an ounce the first trimester (probably from lack of eating and getting sick a lot), so I was happy when I started gaining. I think I gained about 24 pounds in the 2nd trimester for 24 total. I am hoping to not gain more than 35 and I have roughly 10 weeks to go so we shall see.
Around 17 weeks, Lee and Luke started being able to feel the babies from outside. It is one of the greatest things feeling the babies move and being able to share it with Daddy and Big Brother.
At 18 weeks we got to find out the genders of the babies. We both went in not caring either way what we had, but Luke wanted a brother and a sister. Well he is getting what he wants, one boy and one girl. We had 4 full names (2 per gender and the boy/girl combo), so they are going to be Nathan Reid and Alexis Faith. We are thrilled to be having one of each. I think it will be a very fun combo. The babies also looked perfect and measured great (ahead even).
I got a couple more ultrasounds at 24 and 25 weeks to measure the babies and to check me out. The babies are consistently measuring bigger than the average singleton baby (roughly 1 to 1 1/2 weeks bigger). They always look great which makes me so thrilled.
We have been to the beach a couple of times and have really enjoyed our last summer as a family of 3. It's hard to believe that next summer we will be toting 2 babies and all of their gear with us. It will be awesome!
We got the nursery bedding and decorations picked out and Lee and my mom painted the nursery and set everything up. We are still in the process of finishing and when we do I will post pictures.
We had two of our showers and got to spend time with family and friends and got some great things for the babies. The first shower was a Prince/Princess theme and the 2nd was Noah's Ark. Both were great. We are so blessed to have friends and family who love us and our babies and want to bless us. God provides abundantly and never ceases to amaze me with how much He provides.
So far I am doing really great. At my last appointment they checked everything out and said my cervix is better than most singleton moms. I am not showing any signs of pre-term labor. I am praying that it doesn't change and we make it to 37 weeks (October 15th) with no problems. I appreciate your prayers. I know they are working. :)
As I enter the 3rd trimester, I am excited and nervous. I am excited that we are closing in on finally getting to meet our precious son and daughter. I am nervous about how big and uncomfortable I am potentially going to get. I am nervous about the logistics of handling 3 kids. But I know that God is in control, has me and the babies in His hands, and will be my strength when I am weak. PRAISE HIM FOR THAT! :)
Rolling into the 2nd trimester, my morning sickness seemed to stop almost immediately. PRAISE THE LORD! I hate throwing up more than anything. I would rather have shots and even surgery than throw up. I actually try to stop myself anytime I can. So it was nice to be done with all that.
We got to see the babies at 12 weeks on the ultrasound and they looked like real babies and not just blobs. It was awesome. We were able to rule out Trisomy and Down's which was a great feeling.
I started being able to eat and gain weight. I didn't gain an ounce the first trimester (probably from lack of eating and getting sick a lot), so I was happy when I started gaining. I think I gained about 24 pounds in the 2nd trimester for 24 total. I am hoping to not gain more than 35 and I have roughly 10 weeks to go so we shall see.
Around 17 weeks, Lee and Luke started being able to feel the babies from outside. It is one of the greatest things feeling the babies move and being able to share it with Daddy and Big Brother.
At 18 weeks we got to find out the genders of the babies. We both went in not caring either way what we had, but Luke wanted a brother and a sister. Well he is getting what he wants, one boy and one girl. We had 4 full names (2 per gender and the boy/girl combo), so they are going to be Nathan Reid and Alexis Faith. We are thrilled to be having one of each. I think it will be a very fun combo. The babies also looked perfect and measured great (ahead even).
I got a couple more ultrasounds at 24 and 25 weeks to measure the babies and to check me out. The babies are consistently measuring bigger than the average singleton baby (roughly 1 to 1 1/2 weeks bigger). They always look great which makes me so thrilled.
We have been to the beach a couple of times and have really enjoyed our last summer as a family of 3. It's hard to believe that next summer we will be toting 2 babies and all of their gear with us. It will be awesome!
We got the nursery bedding and decorations picked out and Lee and my mom painted the nursery and set everything up. We are still in the process of finishing and when we do I will post pictures.
We had two of our showers and got to spend time with family and friends and got some great things for the babies. The first shower was a Prince/Princess theme and the 2nd was Noah's Ark. Both were great. We are so blessed to have friends and family who love us and our babies and want to bless us. God provides abundantly and never ceases to amaze me with how much He provides.
So far I am doing really great. At my last appointment they checked everything out and said my cervix is better than most singleton moms. I am not showing any signs of pre-term labor. I am praying that it doesn't change and we make it to 37 weeks (October 15th) with no problems. I appreciate your prayers. I know they are working. :)
As I enter the 3rd trimester, I am excited and nervous. I am excited that we are closing in on finally getting to meet our precious son and daughter. I am nervous about how big and uncomfortable I am potentially going to get. I am nervous about the logistics of handling 3 kids. But I know that God is in control, has me and the babies in His hands, and will be my strength when I am weak. PRAISE HIM FOR THAT! :)
27 Week Survey
How Far Along? 27 weeks!!! Done with the 2nd trimester, entering the 3rd trimester!!!
Maternity Clothes? Yes. I am glad I have managed to find some cute things to cover my babies mountain (it's not a bump anymore) ;)
Stretch Marks? Some, but they aren't too bad (yet).
Sleep? I generally get about 8 hours of sleep minus the bathroom breaks and adjusting. I have to sit up to lay on the other side as I can no longer roll over from one side to the other. ;)
Best Moment of the Week? My babies showers this weekend were awesome. We got to see so many family and friends and got some great things for the babies. It's getting more real when I see their boy/girl, twin things (ie matching highchairs, umbrella strollers, and Bumbos).
Genders? Baby A is a boy (Nathan Reid) and Baby B is a girl (Alexis Faith). It's really fun getting boy/girl stuff. I thought I would enjoy buying/getting for same gender twins, but it's really fun getting pink and blue and specific things for each baby.
Belly Button In or Out? It's officially out, but not freakishly so (yet).
Cravings? Water, ice, apples, grapes, peaches, milk, yogurt, cheese, mac-n-cheese, pizza, bacon cheese fries with homemade ranch dressing, hearty meals.
What I Miss? Being comfortable. Being able to do things I normally do without being completely sore or exhausted.
What I Love? Growing two healthy babies. Feeling them move all the time. Looking forward to their arrival.
What I Am Looking Forward to This Week? Going to the beach this weekend. Lee only having to work three days next week. My mom is taking Luke Thursday night through Sunday night so we can get the nursery finished and have some couple time.
Milestones? 27 weeks/end of the 2nd trimester/beginning of the 3rd trimester. We "officially" have 10 weeks to go if I make it to 37 weeks.
Feeling the Babies Move? Oh yeah. They are either boxing or synchronized swimming all the time ;)
Other Thoughts? I am just really excited.
Prayer Requests? Please just continue to pray for my health and safety during the pregnancy. Please pray that I can make it 10 more weeks (at least 9 more weeks so they will be full-term) longer. Please pray for a healthy, safe delivery and recovery. Please pray for me to be as comfortable as possible for the duration. The biggest prayer request is for the transition to having two newborns. I am overthinking everything and need to remember to give it all to God, daily surrender, and remember to just relax and focus on things as they come.
Maternity Clothes? Yes. I am glad I have managed to find some cute things to cover my babies mountain (it's not a bump anymore) ;)
Stretch Marks? Some, but they aren't too bad (yet).
Sleep? I generally get about 8 hours of sleep minus the bathroom breaks and adjusting. I have to sit up to lay on the other side as I can no longer roll over from one side to the other. ;)
Best Moment of the Week? My babies showers this weekend were awesome. We got to see so many family and friends and got some great things for the babies. It's getting more real when I see their boy/girl, twin things (ie matching highchairs, umbrella strollers, and Bumbos).
Genders? Baby A is a boy (Nathan Reid) and Baby B is a girl (Alexis Faith). It's really fun getting boy/girl stuff. I thought I would enjoy buying/getting for same gender twins, but it's really fun getting pink and blue and specific things for each baby.
Belly Button In or Out? It's officially out, but not freakishly so (yet).
Cravings? Water, ice, apples, grapes, peaches, milk, yogurt, cheese, mac-n-cheese, pizza, bacon cheese fries with homemade ranch dressing, hearty meals.
What I Miss? Being comfortable. Being able to do things I normally do without being completely sore or exhausted.
What I Love? Growing two healthy babies. Feeling them move all the time. Looking forward to their arrival.
What I Am Looking Forward to This Week? Going to the beach this weekend. Lee only having to work three days next week. My mom is taking Luke Thursday night through Sunday night so we can get the nursery finished and have some couple time.
Milestones? 27 weeks/end of the 2nd trimester/beginning of the 3rd trimester. We "officially" have 10 weeks to go if I make it to 37 weeks.
Feeling the Babies Move? Oh yeah. They are either boxing or synchronized swimming all the time ;)
Other Thoughts? I am just really excited.
Prayer Requests? Please just continue to pray for my health and safety during the pregnancy. Please pray that I can make it 10 more weeks (at least 9 more weeks so they will be full-term) longer. Please pray for a healthy, safe delivery and recovery. Please pray for me to be as comfortable as possible for the duration. The biggest prayer request is for the transition to having two newborns. I am overthinking everything and need to remember to give it all to God, daily surrender, and remember to just relax and focus on things as they come.
Monday, August 2, 2010
Differences Between This Pregnancy and My Pregnancy with Luke
I have noticed so many differences in this pregnancy and my pregnancy with Luke and I thought that I would journal it so I could remember. That way when my kids ask me stuff, I will remember.
#1 - One Baby vs Two Babies
Well the most obvious difference is that there is one more baby this time. It's a huge difference. I am growing two precious miracles instead of just one and my body knows it.
#2 - Size and Proportion
My stomach is a lot bigger this time, but I haven't gained any weight much anywhere else (well my pants still fit from 8 weeks and I think my arms are pretty much the same). With Luke I gained more all over I think.
#3 - Weight Gain
Oddly enough I have gained less this time than I did with Luke. Even though I am growing two babies, I am very aware of what I am eating. The biggest reasons are because I gained way too much (and not the right way) with Luke and because once I knew there were two I figured I better make my choices good since I would probably eat more quantity-wise.
#4 - Food Preferences/Aversions
With Luke, I couldn't eat a lot of things, the main things being fish and chicken. That limited my choices to a lot of red meat things. This time I can eat pretty much anything (and do ;)) including fish (in fact I crave tuna fish sandwiches). I ate a lot of fast food with Luke and I really don't enjoy it this time. I drank more caffeine-free soda and less water with Luke. This time, I barely drink anything but water. I drink at least 10-12 glasses of water (if not more) each day. I think that is helping with the weight gain also.
#5 - Pressure/Pain
With Luke, I was totally fine and comfy until about the 8th month. This time the discomfort came really early (like around 15 weeks). Sometimes I feel fine and other times I can barely walk due to pelvic pressure or joint pain. It's really different.
#6 - Morning Sickness
With Luke, I had zero morning sickness. I felt great minus my food aversions which pretty much stayed the duration. This time, I had morning sickness from before 4 weeks until roughly 12 weeks. It was not fun and I don't miss it. ;)
#7 - Fear/Worry/Anxiety
Ironically I wasn't worried at all when I was pregnant with Luke. I didn't know very much about being pregnant/what could go wrong so I enjoyed every second of my pregnancy and had no worries. When he was born, I wasn't really worried about how we would do things. It wasn't easy obviously, but we figured it out. This time, I was worried from the day I got the positive that I might miscarry (since I did last Fall) and I can remember feeling so relieved when we got to the 8 week ultrasound and saw a healthy baby. Then when we saw two, the worry came back. I had heard about losing one twin (vanishing twin syndrome) between 8 and 12 weeks. I was so relieved at 12 weeks that they were perfectly healthy. I have worried about pre-term labor and bedrest (things I never even considered with Luke) until my 25 week checkup (I am doing better than most singleton moms). I have worried about the transition with them at home (how will we handle everything logistically) to how will we afford everything (possibly formula, baby food, diapers, and wipes). It's crazy I know as the Bible says, "Do not be afraid/do not worry" a ton, but it is easy to get worked up. I know God is in control and He will provide, but when I let myself get too carnal, I can worry.
I'm sure there are more differences, but these are the ones I have noticed the most. It's been so different, but really exciting.
#1 - One Baby vs Two Babies
Well the most obvious difference is that there is one more baby this time. It's a huge difference. I am growing two precious miracles instead of just one and my body knows it.
#2 - Size and Proportion
My stomach is a lot bigger this time, but I haven't gained any weight much anywhere else (well my pants still fit from 8 weeks and I think my arms are pretty much the same). With Luke I gained more all over I think.
#3 - Weight Gain
Oddly enough I have gained less this time than I did with Luke. Even though I am growing two babies, I am very aware of what I am eating. The biggest reasons are because I gained way too much (and not the right way) with Luke and because once I knew there were two I figured I better make my choices good since I would probably eat more quantity-wise.
#4 - Food Preferences/Aversions
With Luke, I couldn't eat a lot of things, the main things being fish and chicken. That limited my choices to a lot of red meat things. This time I can eat pretty much anything (and do ;)) including fish (in fact I crave tuna fish sandwiches). I ate a lot of fast food with Luke and I really don't enjoy it this time. I drank more caffeine-free soda and less water with Luke. This time, I barely drink anything but water. I drink at least 10-12 glasses of water (if not more) each day. I think that is helping with the weight gain also.
#5 - Pressure/Pain
With Luke, I was totally fine and comfy until about the 8th month. This time the discomfort came really early (like around 15 weeks). Sometimes I feel fine and other times I can barely walk due to pelvic pressure or joint pain. It's really different.
#6 - Morning Sickness
With Luke, I had zero morning sickness. I felt great minus my food aversions which pretty much stayed the duration. This time, I had morning sickness from before 4 weeks until roughly 12 weeks. It was not fun and I don't miss it. ;)
#7 - Fear/Worry/Anxiety
Ironically I wasn't worried at all when I was pregnant with Luke. I didn't know very much about being pregnant/what could go wrong so I enjoyed every second of my pregnancy and had no worries. When he was born, I wasn't really worried about how we would do things. It wasn't easy obviously, but we figured it out. This time, I was worried from the day I got the positive that I might miscarry (since I did last Fall) and I can remember feeling so relieved when we got to the 8 week ultrasound and saw a healthy baby. Then when we saw two, the worry came back. I had heard about losing one twin (vanishing twin syndrome) between 8 and 12 weeks. I was so relieved at 12 weeks that they were perfectly healthy. I have worried about pre-term labor and bedrest (things I never even considered with Luke) until my 25 week checkup (I am doing better than most singleton moms). I have worried about the transition with them at home (how will we handle everything logistically) to how will we afford everything (possibly formula, baby food, diapers, and wipes). It's crazy I know as the Bible says, "Do not be afraid/do not worry" a ton, but it is easy to get worked up. I know God is in control and He will provide, but when I let myself get too carnal, I can worry.
I'm sure there are more differences, but these are the ones I have noticed the most. It's been so different, but really exciting.
Sunday, August 1, 2010
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