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!!!
Friday, May 7, 2010
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.
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
Saturday, May 1, 2010
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