Progress and End of an Era

I had my 34 week OB appointment on Friday so that she could go over the ultrasound results and then do my NST, check blood pressure, etc. Everything looked good- blood pressure is in a good range, no protein my urine, babies are moving (like crazy, might I add) After all that, I had my first internal and found out that I am 3cm dilated and 70% effaced. I was kinda suprised but I do know that women can be dilated for a long time before they go into labor. My OB did advise me, however, that since I am progressing and pregnant with twins (that are most likely approaching 10 lbs together) that its likely I will continue to progress.

I still want to make it until 38 weeks but right now, my new goal is 36 weeks, which is 9 days away. Its also a full moon, so maybe that will be it?! :)

Also, this weekend represented the End of an Era. When I graduated college, I bought a brand new Jetta and this weekend, we traded it in towards the 2010 Honday Odyssey that we purchased. Dont get me wrong, I actually lvoe the Odyssey, its a great car and I think its going to be good for us as a family, but it made me a bit nostaligic to get rid of the first (well and the only) car I bought on my own. Dan has been driving it for the past 5 years since I have a company car, but I guess I always thought of it as my car.

Here is a picture from when I bought the car in 2001- my friend Amy and I got the same car.
And here is a picture right before we went to trade it in

Pictures of the Odyssey and my growing belly will be coming soon. I swear, my belly grows by the day. All of a sudden, none of my t-shirts (which I was previously squeezing into) fit. Gotta love growing babies!

Have a good week!

34 weeks

Another week, another post. I will be 34 weeks tomorrow but since I had my LAST growth ultrasound today, I thought I would update.

The ultrasound went great. Both babies had adequate fluid levels and their heartbeats were right on target. They were both practicing breathing- we could see their little diaphrams/lungs moving up and down (or in and out, lol) They both listened to their mother and stayed head down so I was happy about that. The specialist told me that based on their size and gestation, its not likely they will flip at this point.

In regards to size, Emma has closed the weight gap on Joshua. Emma is 4 lbs 9 oz and Joshua is 4 lbs 12 oz. For those of you that are adding, thats 9lbs 5 oz of babies! We were very happy with their weights and their progress, its pretty exciting to make it to 34 weeks.

I meet with my OB at the end of the week to establish my final plan for the induction, that is unless the babies have ideas of their own. Id like to make it until 38 weeks, of course, but if they decided to come around 37 weeks, Id be ok with that, too. I guess we'll see how the next 4 weeks go.

33 Weeks

I just dont understand how I am 5 weeks (or maybe less but hopefully not too much less) away from having our sweet babies, Joshua and Emma. It almost doesn't feel real. There are so many emotions involved as we prepare ourselves for the biggest change of our lives. Im nervous, Im excited, Im scared but most of all, I feel blessed. Im going to be a mom soon! And to TWO babies! Wow, how did I get to be so lucky?

I have been doing alot to get ready for the babies- I washed their NB clothes, washed sheets, bought a few weeks worth of diapers, and organized every last cabinet in our house. Im also working on freezer meals this weekend and we have our hospital tour. Im trying to do as much as I can, within reason, before I get too tired to do it. That time will be here before I know it- I got winded today ironing my clothes and then putting them on, so sad!

Here is my 33 week belly picture and a few pictures of the nursery. I know I posted some in progress pictures before but these are the completed pictures. Dan and I both love the nursery.

The closet

Rocker, Dresser, shelf and quote

Full Room (My friend Tara did the letters over the crib)

And my belly at 33 weeks. I notice (and feel!) a big difference in one week.

Have a great week!

Hiccups

Baby Joshua got the hiccups last night! I was in bed and felt him kicking so I put my hand on my tummy. After awhile, the kicking stopped but then I felt it- a constant and little "blip" that continued at a regular pace for about 10 minutes. It had to be hiccups and it was so cute! Now Im on a mission to catch Ms Emma with the hiccups, lol.

Hope everyone is having a good week- one more day until TGIF!

When I raise my hands, bow my head
I'm finding more and more truth in the words written in red
They tell me that there's more to life than just what i can see
I believe

32 Weeks

Im 32 weeks tomorrow, I cant believe it! Its amazing to think that in 6 short weeks (or less) the babies will be here.

I dont have much to report. My doctor's appointment this week went good and my OB is happy with how I am doing. Once again, everything looks good- weight, blood pressure, baby movement, etc. I feel so fortunate that I have made it this far without any complications.

Here is my newest belly picture. I have quickly started to outgrow my current size shirts in Maternity sizes. I guess Im going to have to purchase one size up, I was hoping to get away with my existing maternity wardrobe but it looks like the babies (and my belly) have other ideas!
How far along? 32 weeks
Total weight gain: 26 lbs
Stretch Marks? Not yet but I did add another inch to my belly!
Maternity clothes? As mentioned above, I need to buy some new shirts. Or invest in a mumu.
Sleep: I am still sleeping good but the peeing thing has changed to hourly at times, lovely
Best moment this week: Im trying to remember everything about these last 6 weeks. I've listened to their heartbeats, read them books, sang songs. Its been nice.
Movement: Tons but its not so much kicking anymore. Its long, drawn out movements from one side of my belly to another.
Labor Signs: Not yet but braxton hicks are still in force
Belly Button in or out? Its mostly out
What I miss: Being able to tie my shoes. Or shave my legs.
Weekly Wisdom: Learn the "Nod and Smile" which is what I do to 75% of the people who offer me advice (note- this does not apply to friends and family, I appreciate that advice)
Milestones: 32 weeks feels like an awesome accomplishment for twins. Im going to be thankful for each day from here on out that I can keep these babies inside!


"I love you all the way to the moon and back"

Baby Shower

My shower was on Saturday and it was such an awesome day. My mom had it at a local restuarant, Carrie Cerino's, and we had our own room for our 27 guests. The food was amazing- we had salad, chicken cordon-bleu, veggies and redskins. They also had pastries and served the cake, so good!

I was truly blown away by everyone's generosity. We got so many gifts and many people bought something for both Joshua and Emma so there was a lot of pink and blue, which I thought was so cute. They both got tons of clothes, blankets, sleep sacks, towels and bedding. We also got both car seats, stroller, more nursery decorations, high chairs, bath tub, etc. We went and finished up most of our must-haves yesterday at BRU but honestly, we got so much of it at the shower.

Here are some pics:

Dan and I opening gifts

My cake

My sister and I (she was such a huge help at my shower)

My mom, me, my sister and grandma

Some of my friends at my shower

I felt so honored and special to have everyone come together to celebrate our babies. Sometimes I cant believe how lucky I am to be carrying my son and daughter and then to have such a wonderful family and supportive friends to share it with. Yep, life is pretty good.

Hope everyone is having a good week!

30 weeks

30 weeks, seriously? The time is flying by. I cant believe it!

I had a growth ultrasound and doctor's appt. Everything went good, here are the highlights:

1. Both babies are head down, woohoo! I know that can still change but this is a pretty big feat for Joshua, who has yet to be head down on any ultrasound. Hopefully he stays put!

2. They are growing right on schedule. Emma is 2lbs 14 oz and is in the 27th percentile and Josh is 3lbs 5 oz and in the 57th percentile. The doctor was happy that they are both maintaining or moving up in their percentiles and although Josh is bigger, the variance in their weight is still appropriate.

3. My blood pressure, cervical length, weight gain are all good. My OB would like to see me gain a little more weight over the next month (Im up 24 lbs total so only 2 lbs from 3 weeks ago) but isnt overly concerned since the babies are doing good. She did encourage me to splurge on some fattier foods like cubed cheese and milkshakes so Im definitely going to take her suggestion on those! Oh, and I am measuring 39 weeks, 39!!! I still have alot more belly to grow though if I plan to get these babies to 38 weeks.


So thats about it! I have my baby shower on Saturday and am so very excited to see everyone and share our excitement with them. I promise to post pictures after its done!

Hope everyone is having a good week

As you wander through this troubled world
In search of all things beautiful
You can close your eyes when you're miles away
And hear my voice like a serenade