Wednesday, March 31
Thursday, March 25
Already?
Don't panic. I'm not already in labor. Doctor's appointment went well. Ultrasound looked great.
Here are the details:
I am 32 weeks and 3 days.
Both babies are still girls! :)
Baby A: 3 lbs 12 oz
Baby B: 4 lbs
Fluid and placentas both look good.
Both babies are breech and have little chance of rotating. Really, one is more breech and the other transverse. Yeah, I'm a tad disappointed. I really wanted to Baby A to be in position to deliver vaginally. But...this cuts out a lot of guess work. No delivering one vaginally and the other possibly via a c-section. No turning. But anything can change...so wepatiently wait, and know there are blessings in it too!
And honestly, I figured I was in the clear.
Until they put my on the non-stress test monitors.
First of all, they make you lay on your back. Do you know what happens when you lay on your back and you're 32 weeks pregnant with twins? The babies lay on your inferior vena cava (I think that is it), cutting off blood flow back to your heart, making you nauseous and lightheaded.
Second of all, they make you lay there for 15 minutes!
Third of all, Baby B would not cooperate. She wiggled and moved and got off the monitor and then got Baby A off the monitor with all her moving.
But the big surprise for me is that I'm already having contractions! Whoa.
Apparently you can find runs of contractions in even singleton pregnancies at this stage. I cannot feel them though; and until I do or something else changes, wepatiently wait!
The doctor's words:
1.) drink lots of water
2.) stay off your feet and rest
I can deal with the waiting. I can follow #1.
But #2? I do have a 2 year old. Thankfully, he never used the word bed rest or even partial bed rest. He did remind me that there is absolutely nothing I can do to stop these babies from coming. That's good to hear from a doctor, seriously. We mom's have a enough mommy guilt as it is!
So...I'm going to stay off my feet as much as possible. Paul can do the grocery shopping. I can limit my trips from the back of the house to the front and back. I can sit while I cook (or Paul, the better cook, can just do it!).
And we will patiently wait!
Our ultrasound tech was amazing. Talked to us about the babies. Genuinely enjoyed doing the scan! I was so thankful after our last experience!
Check out these angels:
I love it that their heads are so close together! And they both have hair! I could have told you that 2 months ago with the amount of reflux/indigestion I've experienced (old wives' tale, I know; but I believe it!)
And a sweet Baby A profile:
Sweet Baby B profile with an open mouth!
And check out that foot! We saw a hand too with these long fingers but didn't get a picture.
Precious Blessings!
Be still before the LORD and wait patiently for Him...
Psalm 37:7
Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.
Here are the details:
I am 32 weeks and 3 days.
Both babies are still girls! :)
Baby A: 3 lbs 12 oz
Baby B: 4 lbs
Fluid and placentas both look good.
Both babies are breech and have little chance of rotating. Really, one is more breech and the other transverse. Yeah, I'm a tad disappointed. I really wanted to Baby A to be in position to deliver vaginally. But...this cuts out a lot of guess work. No delivering one vaginally and the other possibly via a c-section. No turning. But anything can change...so we
And honestly, I figured I was in the clear.
Until they put my on the non-stress test monitors.
First of all, they make you lay on your back. Do you know what happens when you lay on your back and you're 32 weeks pregnant with twins? The babies lay on your inferior vena cava (I think that is it), cutting off blood flow back to your heart, making you nauseous and lightheaded.
Second of all, they make you lay there for 15 minutes!
Third of all, Baby B would not cooperate. She wiggled and moved and got off the monitor and then got Baby A off the monitor with all her moving.
But the big surprise for me is that I'm already having contractions! Whoa.
Apparently you can find runs of contractions in even singleton pregnancies at this stage. I cannot feel them though; and until I do or something else changes, we
The doctor's words:
1.) drink lots of water
2.) stay off your feet and rest
I can deal with the waiting. I can follow #1.
But #2? I do have a 2 year old. Thankfully, he never used the word bed rest or even partial bed rest. He did remind me that there is absolutely nothing I can do to stop these babies from coming. That's good to hear from a doctor, seriously. We mom's have a enough mommy guilt as it is!
So...I'm going to stay off my feet as much as possible. Paul can do the grocery shopping. I can limit my trips from the back of the house to the front and back. I can sit while I cook (or Paul, the better cook, can just do it!).
And we will patiently wait!
Our ultrasound tech was amazing. Talked to us about the babies. Genuinely enjoyed doing the scan! I was so thankful after our last experience!
Check out these angels:
I love it that their heads are so close together! And they both have hair! I could have told you that 2 months ago with the amount of reflux/indigestion I've experienced (old wives' tale, I know; but I believe it!)
Sweet Baby B profile with an open mouth!
Precious Blessings!
Be still before the LORD and wait patiently for Him...
Psalm 37:7
Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.
James 1:17
Maddy's Easter Party
Maddy is a friend of friends who's become one of our friends! She did Kindermusik before we started, but she's been at several play dates where I've gotten to know her and her sweet mama.
She had an Easter party last week on the most absolutely gorgeous 70 degree sun shining brightly day!
The kid's had a blast playing on Maddy's new playground, which Addie officially needs one of now (ok, so she doesn't need one but she sure did have fun!)
She got really good at climbing the ladder by herself and even sliding by herself. At one point, she did a huge face plant. We all held our breath (and reaction) and watched as she got up, said Ouch!, and immediately climbed up the ladder to do it again!
I just love Thomas' sunglasses here!
Maddy, our little hostess, was reminding Addie that she had to wait her turn. It was so cute! Her Mama was worried that she was being mean; but later in the morning, she was searching for Addie to take her to the front yard so they could hunt Easter eggs together! Sweet girls!
Addie loved swinging, here with Lucas right behind her.
She even got on the big girl swing!
And loved playing with the tea set!
This was actually Addie's very first Easter egg hunt...
...but she seemed to know just what to do!
Here's our little group: (back) Thomas and Allie Beth; (front) Maddy, Addie, Thomas L, Lucas and Lucas' brand new little brother, Carson, and Isabella.
Maddy and Addie
Checking out what's inside those eggs!
So much fun!
Thanks for a great 1st Easter Egg Hunt Maddy!
She had an Easter party last week on the most absolutely gorgeous 70 degree sun shining brightly day!
They all took turns riding in the car. Lucas decided he'd help out and push Addie around in the car here. Too cute!
Here's our little group: (back) Thomas and Allie Beth; (front) Maddy, Addie, Thomas L, Lucas and Lucas' brand new little brother, Carson, and Isabella.
Wednesday, March 24
the Zoo with Friends
Last week was spring break around here. Although most of Addie's friends don't have school aged siblings, the preschools/MMO were out/off as well as most activities that we do during the week.
So some way more organized mommy's pulled together a few play dates for our week!
Thomas' Mommy got several of us to the zoo for the morning/afternoon and lunch. The kids had a blast, as you'll see; and I'm pretty sure so did the mommies!
The kids had a blast playing on the playground! Addie even climbed up to one of the big slides and slid down!!!
Can you see them all jumping and dancing here?
It wasn't all that cold, but Addie grabbed her hat and wore it for a while.
Giraffes! Wait. That's not what I'M excited about here...I finally got a picture with her looking at me!!!! Yippee!!!
Now we can be excited about the giraffes!!!! Cheese!
So cool to watch.
Riding the train (which she talked about for days afterwards!)
We can't wait to go back to the zoo!
So some way more organized mommy's pulled together a few play dates for our week!
Thomas' Mommy got several of us to the zoo for the morning/afternoon and lunch. The kids had a blast, as you'll see; and I'm pretty sure so did the mommies!
The kids had a blast playing on the playground! Addie even climbed up to one of the big slides and slid down!!!
Can you see them all jumping and dancing here?
Now we can be excited about the giraffes!!!! Cheese!
So cool to watch.
Riding the train (which she talked about for days afterwards!)
We can't wait to go back to the zoo!
Tuesday, March 23
We Interrupt This Programming...
I have at least 3 posts written and ready to publish, but this one is jumping ahead of them all.
A few weeks ago, we met our friend and photographer DiAnna at a beautiful antebellum home, the Buena Vista Mansion, for a mini-photo shoot. Nothing is mini with a 2 year old. I did not have high hopes for the outcome of this session though because Addie basically wanted to do what she wanted to do when she wanted to do it...
But I should never underestimate the talent of a true photographer! DiAnna never once got flustered with my cranky, uncooperative 2 year old. But she moved faster than I've ever seen her move, and I am once again truly amazed at what she captured!!!
...what a laugh!
...love how playful she was here!
...playing peek-a-boo on the stairs.
...love holding those sweet hands!
...so very serious.
...and one of my favorite smile captures!
A few weeks ago, we met our friend and photographer DiAnna at a beautiful antebellum home, the Buena Vista Mansion, for a mini-photo shoot. Nothing is mini with a 2 year old. I did not have high hopes for the outcome of this session though because Addie basically wanted to do what she wanted to do when she wanted to do it...
But I should never underestimate the talent of a true photographer! DiAnna never once got flustered with my cranky, uncooperative 2 year old. But she moved faster than I've ever seen her move, and I am once again truly amazed at what she captured!!!
...what a laugh!
...love how playful she was here!
...playing peek-a-boo on the stairs.
...so very serious.
...and one of my favorite smile captures!
Thank you DiAnna!
You can see more of Addie's preview pictures here (click link below):
You can see more of Addie's preview pictures here (click link below):
Monday, March 22
What If...
As I approach 32 weeks today, a million thoughts are running through my head. First and foremost I am thankful beyond words! This is a huge milestone for twins. Huge.
I've managed, for the majority of this pregnancy, even through surgery, not to worry. It's been through His strength alone.
But I am having to fight a lot of what if? questions racing through my mind right now:
Timing: weekday? weekend? middle of the day? middle of the night? not that this is specific to a twin pregnancy...but at least I had a due date with Addie. I have a window of about 3 weeks with the twins: April 12th (35 weeks) until May 2nd (38 weeks)...or rather I have a window of about 6 weeks...anytime between now and May 2nd!
Thankfully, we have about 5 contingency plans with 4 different people for Addie for a 2-3 day period of having the babies and me being in the hospital. It will all work out.
Doctors: who will be on call? will it be someone experienced with twins? will they rush a c-section? will my favorite delivery and well-baby nurse be on?
My prayer is that the perfect doctor/s and nurses will be on call, just as they were with my surgery back in October (and we didn't even know to pray for that!).
Delivery: will Baby A be head down? will Baby B turn and move when she's supposed to? will either of the girls be in distress? will they be able to monitor the girls accurately? will a c-section be my only option?
I know I have to trust the doctor's decisions with this...but most importantly, these babies have been in God's hands from day 1. that hasn't changed and it won't change when they are born!
Post Delivery: will that abdominal CT scan have had any affect on the girls? have I taken too much zantac? did the anesthesia during surgery or the pain meds I had to take affect them in any way? will they be able to breath on their own and maintain their own body temp? will there be any other complications or health concerns?
and they'll use approximately 24 diapers a day...about 165 a week...and close to 2200 in a mere 3 months?!?!?
Am I starting to worry now? Not really. I know it sounds like it, but I'm not. I'm just having a lot of what if? thoughts. Writing them down has helped immensely. So we're covering all of our bases that we know to cover. Preparing for everything that we can prepare for...
...and leaving it all in God's hands. Lest I forget that:
He conceived these babies, a miracle in and of itself. He has saved my life. He's saved the twin's lives. He orchestrated the best care anyone could pray for in an unfamiliar place! He provided so much food that we could not possibly consume it all. He had so many people lined up to help us before we even got home...for weeks on end. He's provided us with beds and gear and bedding and drapes/valences and paint and the people to help us pull it all together! Our church just had a baby shower for us where we got no less than 500 diapers in addition to a diaper fund they gave us and so many beautiful gifts! He's provided for every need we've had and many wants.
My God will meet ALL (not just some) of your needs! (Philippians 4: 19)
And that's what I'm resting in!
(I have a doctor's appointment and ultrasound Thursday, and I'll update more about the girls and maybe (just maybe) post another belly picture then! :)
I've managed, for the majority of this pregnancy, even through surgery, not to worry. It's been through His strength alone.
But I am having to fight a lot of what if? questions racing through my mind right now:
Timing: weekday? weekend? middle of the day? middle of the night? not that this is specific to a twin pregnancy...but at least I had a due date with Addie. I have a window of about 3 weeks with the twins: April 12th (35 weeks) until May 2nd (38 weeks)...or rather I have a window of about 6 weeks...anytime between now and May 2nd!
Thankfully, we have about 5 contingency plans with 4 different people for Addie for a 2-3 day period of having the babies and me being in the hospital. It will all work out.
Doctors: who will be on call? will it be someone experienced with twins? will they rush a c-section? will my favorite delivery and well-baby nurse be on?
My prayer is that the perfect doctor/s and nurses will be on call, just as they were with my surgery back in October (and we didn't even know to pray for that!).
Delivery: will Baby A be head down? will Baby B turn and move when she's supposed to? will either of the girls be in distress? will they be able to monitor the girls accurately? will a c-section be my only option?
I know I have to trust the doctor's decisions with this...but most importantly, these babies have been in God's hands from day 1. that hasn't changed and it won't change when they are born!
Post Delivery: will that abdominal CT scan have had any affect on the girls? have I taken too much zantac? did the anesthesia during surgery or the pain meds I had to take affect them in any way? will they be able to breath on their own and maintain their own body temp? will there be any other complications or health concerns?
and they'll use approximately 24 diapers a day...about 165 a week...and close to 2200 in a mere 3 months?!?!?
Am I starting to worry now? Not really. I know it sounds like it, but I'm not. I'm just having a lot of what if? thoughts. Writing them down has helped immensely. So we're covering all of our bases that we know to cover. Preparing for everything that we can prepare for...
...and leaving it all in God's hands. Lest I forget that:
He conceived these babies, a miracle in and of itself. He has saved my life. He's saved the twin's lives. He orchestrated the best care anyone could pray for in an unfamiliar place! He provided so much food that we could not possibly consume it all. He had so many people lined up to help us before we even got home...for weeks on end. He's provided us with beds and gear and bedding and drapes/valences and paint and the people to help us pull it all together! Our church just had a baby shower for us where we got no less than 500 diapers in addition to a diaper fund they gave us and so many beautiful gifts! He's provided for every need we've had and many wants.
My God will meet ALL (not just some) of your needs! (Philippians 4: 19)
And that's what I'm resting in!
(I have a doctor's appointment and ultrasound Thursday, and I'll update more about the girls and maybe (just maybe) post another belly picture then! :)
Sunday, March 21
Jekyll and Hyde
I will be the first to admit that being 2 is hard. I don't think being 2 means that you have to be exactly 24 months either. I think Addie's been full fledged 2 since she was about 20 months old. She's been teetering on being 2 since she was about 14 months old!
I alternate between absolutely loving this stage of her life and praying my way through it. Mostly, I love it...but we have our moments:
A few days ago, she flat out refused to hold my hand in a parking lot...in the rain. She has never done that in the 10 months that she's been walking. And I mean never! So I picked her up and slung her under my arm because, mind you, she was flailing and kicking and screaming, alternating an arched back with a limp one. And don't forget my belly is protruding so far now that I just can't carry her out front. So under my arm she goes...like a sack of potatoes. We finally get to the door, and I set her down, bending down to talk to her. But I can't talk because I'm so out of breath that words just won't come. So I take a second and catch my breath (as 2 women look on waiting to see what I do) before I talk to her, explain to her why we have to hold hands, and give her a choice of holding hands or riding in the cart.
Approximately 60 seconds later she's in the cart with a smile on her face.
Approximately 60 minutes later, she's at the fabric shop with me and my mom talking unprompted across the store: Mommy, I love you!
And minutes later, she has a total meltdown leaving the store.
Yesterday we drove to Atlanta for cousin Kira's birthday party. First she wanted to watch Elmo, then Praise Baby, then Baby Signing Time...all in a matter of about 2 minutes. She finally had a major meltdown, throwing toys, sippy cups, lovies and pacis all over the car! Not acceptable! We stopped for a break (for us!), took her out, changed her diaper, and she was asleep in seconds after putting her back in the car. After a 30 minute nap, she was a total and complete angel at her Uncle Jay and Aunt Millie's house: running around outside, eating a good lunch, playing with toys, not demanding to open Kira's presents, and being an all around sweet 2 year old!
Addie is basically talking in full sentences now: Daddy, I need some milk {please}. Mommy, I would like a snack. Abbey, what are you doing? She has the ability to communicate what she wants (or needs) when she wants it...so the tantrums are either her being strong willed (probably) or her being unable to communicate as effectively when she's frustrated (sometimes).
What I'm saying is that we've got a real Jekyll and Hyde on our hands.
My friends tell me 3 is even harder. We'll cross that bridge when we get to it. For now...I have a full fledge 2 year old on my hands!
I alternate between absolutely loving this stage of her life and praying my way through it. Mostly, I love it...but we have our moments:
A few days ago, she flat out refused to hold my hand in a parking lot...in the rain. She has never done that in the 10 months that she's been walking. And I mean never! So I picked her up and slung her under my arm because, mind you, she was flailing and kicking and screaming, alternating an arched back with a limp one. And don't forget my belly is protruding so far now that I just can't carry her out front. So under my arm she goes...like a sack of potatoes. We finally get to the door, and I set her down, bending down to talk to her. But I can't talk because I'm so out of breath that words just won't come. So I take a second and catch my breath (as 2 women look on waiting to see what I do) before I talk to her, explain to her why we have to hold hands, and give her a choice of holding hands or riding in the cart.
Approximately 60 seconds later she's in the cart with a smile on her face.
Approximately 60 minutes later, she's at the fabric shop with me and my mom talking unprompted across the store: Mommy, I love you!
And minutes later, she has a total meltdown leaving the store.
Yesterday we drove to Atlanta for cousin Kira's birthday party. First she wanted to watch Elmo, then Praise Baby, then Baby Signing Time...all in a matter of about 2 minutes. She finally had a major meltdown, throwing toys, sippy cups, lovies and pacis all over the car! Not acceptable! We stopped for a break (for us!), took her out, changed her diaper, and she was asleep in seconds after putting her back in the car. After a 30 minute nap, she was a total and complete angel at her Uncle Jay and Aunt Millie's house: running around outside, eating a good lunch, playing with toys, not demanding to open Kira's presents, and being an all around sweet 2 year old!
Addie is basically talking in full sentences now: Daddy, I need some milk {please}. Mommy, I would like a snack. Abbey, what are you doing? She has the ability to communicate what she wants (or needs) when she wants it...so the tantrums are either her being strong willed (probably) or her being unable to communicate as effectively when she's frustrated (sometimes).
What I'm saying is that we've got a real Jekyll and Hyde on our hands.
My friends tell me 3 is even harder. We'll cross that bridge when we get to it. For now...I have a full fledge 2 year old on my hands!
"My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness."
II Corinthians 12:9
(as soon as we have Addie's 2 year old checkup the end of the month and I manage to take some 2 year old pictures, I promise to have you a post about our 2 year old :)
Friday, March 19
TMI
Yes, it's Addie's birthday today; and I should have a fabulous post put together about how she's changed over the past year.
I don't. I'm ok with that. A post, fabulous or not, is in the works.
But I have news for you:
Addie tinkled (her word) on the potty today.
For real!
Clearly not something you talk about unless you're 2!
Another one of those times when I wish I could have captured her expression!
But we clapped and danced and cheered...
...and she got an MnM candy.
Whoohoo!
I don't. I'm ok with that. A post, fabulous or not, is in the works.
But I have news for you:
Addie tinkled (her word) on the potty today.
For real!
Clearly not something you talk about unless you're 2!
Another one of those times when I wish I could have captured her expression!
But we clapped and danced and cheered...
...and she got an MnM candy.
Whoohoo!
Wednesday, March 17
(almost) Wordless Wednesday
I stepped out of the shower to see this:
...what a way to watch Sesame Street!
Tuesday, March 16
Happy Birthday Addie...Part 2
We had a little family lunch this past Saturday for Addie's birthday with grandparents, aunt, uncle, and cousin! She had so much fun!
...and I'm pretty sure Kira did too!
They were fun to watch as they interacted, practiced sharing, and played.
Addie's Gramma and her husband Albert came.
And so did Munga (Grandpa).
Of course, what party is complete without a cake! (2nd Edition, much smaller)
But I wish more than anything that I could have captured Addie's face when Daddy brought out her bicycle from Munga and Gramma. Her reaction was priceless! She was so excited!
And of course she had to test it out on a walk, accompanied by dragging feet and at least one face plant. When she fell, all she could say was: Addie bike! and point at it to get back on!
I can't believe my baby girl will actually be 2 on Friday!
...and I'm pretty sure Kira did too!
They were fun to watch as they interacted, practiced sharing, and played.
(i just love this face!)
And so did Munga (Grandpa).
Of course, what party is complete without a cake! (2nd Edition, much smaller)
And of course she had to test it out on a walk, accompanied by dragging feet and at least one face plant. When she fell, all she could say was: Addie bike! and point at it to get back on!
I can't believe my baby girl will actually be 2 on Friday!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)