36 weeks and waiting patiently

This past Wednesday marked the 36th week of this pregnancy! It is so crazy to think that I have spent so much time willing the babies to stay inside and grow, and now I am cautiously willing them to make their way out!

Our last measurements on them was approximately 2 weeks ago and there was a combined 10lbs of baby in there! Both of them estimated to be around 5 lbs.

Last week Baby B(girl) decided to do a little flip flop and was breech. This totally shocked me, first that I didn't feel a 5 lb. baby move, and second that a 5 lb baby was able to completely switch positions while sharing space with another 5 lb baby!
So...last weekend was spent doing multiple stretching exercise/yoga poses to encourage her to return to a "head down" position. I'm not sure it was due to the exercises/yoga poses but she did indeed reposition herself to being head down, and do believe I felt the second flip and it wasn't pleasant, I actually contemplated if the discomfort I was having at the time was the beginnings of labor!

I'm really glad that spring is here...it does feel like it has been a long winter!

And....I cannot forget to mention the 2010 Big East Champion Mountaineer Basketball team! How exciting was that???? Last year Chad and I went to NYC and watched the Big East Tournament which was a blast, but for obvious reasons were unable to attend this year! Let me tell you, if those come down to the wire, nail biting games didn't send me into labor....nothing will! Here's hoping for 6 more wins so that my babies can say they were born days before WVU won it's first National Championship!

A few pics below of my belly @ 36 weeks..




A little blurry but a pic of Wells and the BE Championship trophy!!!!

33 weeks...The countdown is ON!!!

Well I'll start this post as I do every other.....33 weeks where has the time gone????

The babies could be here in approximately a month....that is pure craziness!

Things are going well, many people have been asking for "belly pics" so I will post some at the end of the post....all I can say about my stomach is that it may need it's own zip code! Most people tell me that I am not "big", but I feel "big" and I feel as if it grows by the second!

At last ultrasound, which I believe was at about 30 weeks, the babies were estimated to weigh around 3lbs a piece!!!

Here are some tidbits since my last post and then I will end with some pictures!

-I failed my one hour glucose test (a test for diabetes of pregnancy for all those non medical people) and I thought it was the end of the world and had a complete meltdown, (I truly didn't want to be a diabetic, Chad says I had a meltdown b/c I don't like to fail things, he has a point)...the good news I then passed the 3 hour so I don't have gestational diabetes. (I included this for my own humor later on when I look back at these posts)!

-New job is going GREAT...I love it!

-I have had a baby shower and our house now looks like Babies-R-Us!!! It is unbelievable that such little people require so much stuff...our friends, family, and co-workers were so generous with their gifts!!! We truly appreciate them all!

-I have this since of urgency to have everything done around the house....can we say "nesting"????

-I can't complain one bit about this pregnancy, knock on wood so far I have sailed right on through...although in the last few days I think pregnancy is getting the best of me! My pelvis feels as if it is going to split apart, my feet have been a little swollen at the end of the day, my rings are getting tight, and at times when I talk it sounds as if I am out of breath! I'm not complaining just stating the facts...and I know that there are plenty of women out there who have it a lot worse than me and for that I am thankful!

-We are anxiously awaiting their arrival, first of all to know that they are safe and healthy and second I am so curious to see them!!!!

-I have finally finished knitting both blankets...now on to hats!

Okay pics below, the first set (tank top) are the most recent I was in between 32-33 weeks and the second set (blue scrub pants) I was 31 weeks

24, 25, 26, 27, & 28 wks

Whoaaaaa!!!! This is an all time record for me ignoring this blog!!! The last time I posted I was soooo happy to be hitting the 24 week mark and I was setting my sights on 28 weeks!!! Well....28 weeks is now only a few days away! UNBELIEVABLE! So now my new goal is 32 weeks (I really am taking it day by day, but the 4 week marks are like major milestones to me!)

Many things have been happening since the last post....the babies are super active! Last night I swear they were having a ping pong match, one would move and then the other and this went on for at least 45 minutes....not to mention it was 4 AM! I guess they have already studied up on Newton's Laws of Motion "for every action there is an equal and opposite reaction"!!! Not only are they moving like crazy, but I am starting to be able to tell body parts that are hitting me, Baby A's (Boy) foot is and has been lodged under my left rib, and Baby B's (girl) butt has been right above my belly button! I'm not complaining about their movements at all...I must say it just amazes me every time I feel it!!!!

My last ultrasound was on New Year's Eve...all three of us were doing well! Both babies weighed in at approximately 2 pounds, which was really good for their age! We won't talk about what Mama weighed in at LOL! I fear the scale is going to hit a number that I don't want it to, but I am trying not to dwell on it but have already warned Chad that if and when that number flashes on the scale I may shed a few tears....and then I will be over it! He assures me all my weight gain has been in my belly...I know different and am not really worried about it as much as it sounds here it is just overwhelming at times!

Here are a few things we have been up to since last time:

-After much debate on style and safety ratings we purchased two cribs! They came in last week and we assembled both of them in less than 1 hour! I was impressed with this! Things left to do in babies room, get a rocking chair, get a changing table/dresser, and decorate!

-I have finished knitting Baby Boy's blanket! It took me about one month which was the goal that I had set to have it done! It is Navy Blue and I do love the finished product! I will post a pic below! I have now started on Baby Girl's blanket it will be the exact same blanket only in purple! I have not "theme" for the nursery, I will just be using shades of blue and purple! The pattern for the blankets is out of a Debbie Bliss baby knits book and is basically done in Seed stitch with a knit border, for any knitter out there!

-I started my new job on January 4th! I love it! I enjoy what I do and I enjoy learning new things there! The job even comes equipped with a doppler, fetal monitor and an ultrasound machine!!! I have refrained from having them ultrasound me to peek in on the little ones, but will admit to listening to their heartbeats first thing every morning! I do miss all of my former co-workers (that's for you Angie and Diana if your reading)!

-I am trying to come up with a mental list of everything I want to try and get done prior to the babies arrival, I keep hearing about this "nesting" phase and I am waiting for it to kick in! So I am documenting it here...I want to hand clean our hardwood floors and ceramic tile, wipe down walls and base boards, shampoo our bedroom carpet, and organize the kitchen cabinets and our dresser drawers, along with all the other daily/weekly housekeeping chores! Oh and finish the nursery! Okay there I have written it out so now I have to get it done!

- New Year's resolutions....I haven't spelled these out clearly yet for myself but first and foremost I want to get these babies here in the safest healthiest way possible! I thing my biggest goal non baby related is that I want to start running again! Last year I along with Chad completed a 5k and I would like to do a couple more at the end of summer and in the fall this year and then gradually work my way up to a 10k or even a half marathon!!!!

-My mom has officially turned in her retirement papers, so at the end of the school year she will be done teaching and will enter into her new position as grandma/babysitter! With the help of Chad's mom they are going to be our childcare plan!

Pics....whats a post without some pics?!?!?! In no particular order the pics will be of Baby A's foot that is lodged in my left rib, Baby B's hand, my belly at 27 5/7 weeks, and a not so great pic of Baby Boy's blanket!

Weeks 20, 21, 22, & 23

I have done it again...ignored this blog! Maybe after the holidays I will be less busy and will remember to blog more! In fact maybe I will make this one of my New Year's Resolutions (although this year the Resolution list might be quite lengthy :))!

Unbelievably as I am writing this I am only a few days shy of 24 weeks pregnant! Those of you in the OB world now the significance of this, for those of you not familiar, 24 weeks is the point where the babies would have a small chance to survive outside the womb! Twenty four has been a number that I have focused on since finding out I was pregnant, now I am setting my sights higher! I have taken to thinking in four weeks at a time...so next goal is 28, then 32, then 34! At 34 I have a feeling I will be begging for it to be over LOL!

Since blogging the last time we have confirmed that we are having both a BOY and a GIRL!!! I never really cared what we were having as long as they were healthy, but since finding out we are having one of each I really just think that I couldn't have asked for anything better! As I mentioned in the last post I have switched to one of the physicians at WVUH. I had my first appointment with Dr. Shon Rowan and am set to see him again on New Years Eve, along with another ultrasound! I swear these babies are some of the most photographed babies I know (don't get me wrong I don't mind a bit and enjoy seeing them any chance that I get!)!

On non pregnancy related subjects things that we have been up to since last time:

-Chad has been hunting...still! Although I think this past weekend may have been the last of it, or should I say I pray that it was the last of it! I am ready for it to be over and for the hunting paraphernalia to be put away until next year!

-I have been busy starting to knit baby items! On the needles currently is the Baby Boy blanket. I started with his as we were certain there was a boy and not as certain of the Girl! I have set a goal to have it done by January, and I need to get on it I have a little under 10 inches left to do! Of course when it is done I will post some pics!

-I am not sure if I mentioned this the last time but I will be switching jobs at the beginning of the year! I will be working in Fairmont, WV in an OB/GYN practice. I am definitely excited about this!

-We once again got WVU season basketball tickets and are expecting a GREAT season for Coach Huggs and the boys!

-We traded in my car for a new 2009 Toyota Venza! I call it the mom mobile, I do like it and it has more options on it than I have ever had in a vehicle! I do admit that I miss my Solara!

-I survived the Blizzard this past weekend, while Chad was in Ohio hunting! Thankfully my brother Matt was in for Christmas break and happened to stay at our house with me. We were stranded at our house for 48 hours, 24 of which was sans electricity! I learned many things during this time period...I realized how much we take everyday things for granted like walking into a room and flipping on a switch and there being light! Also I must mention, Matt and I successfully lit the gas logs without blowing up the house!

Below I will post some pics of the snow, my growing belly at 21 weeks, and a couple 3d ultrasound pics of each babies face!
Enjoy and Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to all!

Weeks 18, 19, & 20

WOW....I have totally neglected this blog!!!! I am now 20 weeks pregnant as of tomorrow and will probably regret saying this but time is flying!!!!

Last week I had my 19 week ultrasound!!! First and foremost everyone (me included) appeared healthy which is a true blessing! Both babies were very active and already seem to enjoy tormenting each other as throughout the entire scan they continually jabbed, punched, and kick each other. Baby A was not shy and definitely let us know that he is a BOY! Typical guy, right? Baby B wasn't quite as ready to let us know but appears to be a Girl! Hopefully we will find out for sure in the next couple of months! Both are weighing in at a hefty 10 ounces a piece, which for their age is about where they are supposed to be!

Below are some pics of both of them and also one of Betsy Miller and I, she is the midwife that I was seeing! Sadly last week was my last appointment with her as she has transferred my care to one of the doctors due to the twin pregnancy! Betsy if you happen to read this, thanks for everything and please please please keep up on us and I expect to see you when these babies make their debut in the spring!

Baby A profile


Baby B who appears to already be a thumb sucker!


Betsy and I


Here is a few other things that we have been up to lately:

-Chad has been hunting, hunting, and hunting some more!!! No surprise there!

-I went to the Notre Dame/Pitt game with my brother Andrew and cousins, the game was so disappointing that we left at the beginning of the 4th quarter and missed all the action and I missed what I have been waiting for all season... a Golden Tate punt return for a touchdown! The Irish still lost and have had a very disappointing season, but I still love them!

-I saw the Radio City Music Hall Rockettes with my mom in Pittsburgh...one word AWESOME!!! I wanna be a Rockettes!!! LOL!

-Went to see New Moon-yet again AWESOME!

-I am definitely looking more pregnant as the days go by! I will post an updated belly pic soon!

-I am starting to feel the babies move which is a cool yet awkward sensation!

-Oh...I almost forgot! I have accepted a new job! As of January 4, 2010 I will begin work at Dr. Bonasso's office in Fairmont! I am really excited as this is a position in womens health which is something I have wanted to do ever since I set out to be a Nurse Practitioner! I will however miss my co-workers as TCHC dearly!

-And last but not least now that we know one babies gender for sure and have a good idea on the other one...what on earth are we going to name them? They can't be A and B for the rest of their lives! I have some ideas, but naming is hard business and is causing me major stress! Any ideas?

That is it for now! Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours!
Missi

Week 17

I am actually posting on a Wednesday.....imagine that!!!!

Today marks 17 weeks! Yikes!!!! This pregnancy is nearing the halfway point and that is just down right scary and unbelievable!!!!

Things are going well! The good book tells me that the babies could be nearing 5 inches and their weight is over 3 ounces! At this point I cannot tell you that I feel distinct movements which is normal but I do believe that I feel something going on! I get these weird sensations at different times of being elbowed from the inside! My belly is definitely growing in size and my clothes are becoming a bit uncomfortable, but most maternity clothes are still a little big!

We are anxiously awaiting November 17th!!!! This is the day of our ultrasound and next appointment! We are praying that the ultrasound reveals that they are both healthy and growing as they should! If everything looks as it should we are then hoping that we can find out if we will be dressing them in pink or blue or maybe one of each!!!!

I am not sure if this is related to pregnancy but I did experience my first "charlie horse" the other night, no make that early morning! Let me tell you, I was sound asleep and the next thing I know I am sitting straight up and my right foot is stuck in a flexed position with my calf muscles in a knot! I will admit that I let out a little yelp and if Chad would have been here it probably would have scared him! Needless to say I don't care to ever experience that again! Ouch!

This is the week that Chad is/was in Illinois hunting. He has been looking forward to this trip since booking it in late June! He left early Saturday morning and was not to return until this coming Sunday. Yesterday morning he killed the biggest deer he has killed to date with his bow! He is about as proud as he can be, you can't wipe the smile off of his face (he better act this excited when the Dynamic Duo arrive if he knows what is good for him!!!! LOL)! After harvesting this deer he promptly got in his truck and drove 9 1/2 hours home only stopping twice to get gas!
I will post a pic below...disclaimer if you don't want to see a dead animal don't scroll down!!!!!



That is all for this week! Hope you have a good week! The deer pic is below! Missi

Weeks 15 & 16

I had an appointment this week, everything seems to be going well at this point! I did learn something new, or maybe I will say had my memory refreshed. Since the first ultrasound showed two placentas that were fused or grown together I automatically assumed that indicated fraternal twins. Not necessarily true! There is a chance that they are identical! I still feel that they are fraternal due to the genetic hereditary component of fraternal twins and the strong history of twins in my mother's family. The only way we will know if they are fraternal in the short term is if one is a boy and one is a girl, other than that we will have to wait until they are born and studies are done on the placentas! We don't care either way, we just want healthy babies. Although Chad is predicting two girls (I think this is his way of putting a jinx on so that it really isn't two girls) and my gut says there is at least one girl!

At this point in gestation the babies weigh about 2 3/4 ounces and are about 4-5 inches long!

I do have a few pics to share, these are not the best and are done with a older machine. The only reason they are done is to assure that there is indeed two heart beats.

The top photo is Baby "a", and the bottom is Baby "b"! I call these alien photos!



Sorry for the short post, work has been CRAZY this week!!! That actually is an understatement! We are swamped with the flu!!! Hope everyone is having a good week and is healthy!!! Only two more days until the weekend!!! Missi