Time Flies!

Wow, I can't believe how quickly 7 weeks have flown by - when we're home, it's hard to find time to do anything but feed and play with babies!! Things are going really well - we try to get out of the house every day, even if it's not for very long. Dylan and Maya are both starting to smile - Maya even laughs! We just can't get over how beautiful and amazing they are...

Pictures!

Here is my last belly pic, the morning I was induced:

Here is Dylan, right after he was born:

And here is Maya - they are both such peanuts!

The proud (but tired and VERY hungry) Mama:

Dylan, about an hour after birth:

Maya and Dylan, ready to go home!



The babies, home in the pack 'n play (Dylan is on the left, Maya on the right):

Dad, with Maya in the sling. The babies love the slings - it makes them feel like they're back in the womb!

Dylan and Maya are here!

Our babies have arrived! I was finally able to be induced this past Wednesday at 38wks 5 days (not sure what was in the air, but Newton Wellesley Hospital was so booked Tuesday and Wednesday that after getting bumped twice already they tried to bump me AGAIN after we got to the hospital).

Anyway...
We got to the hospital at 9:30 and there wasn't a room for us, so after waiting a bit I got sent to an ante natal room and got an IV at around 11. By 11:30 I was in my room and started on pitocin. At my OB appt. the day before I was already 3cm dilated, but no contractions on my own. Nothing was really happening, so they just kept cranking up the pitocin. We brought DVDs and were watching Juno, so the time wasn't going by too slowly for us. At a little after 2pm the OB came in and broke my water. It took a little while, but I finally started to feel some cramping. As they got stronger we decided to go for a walk, and I couldn't even make it halfway down the hall before the contractions started coming so strongly that I had to stop and focus on just breathing through. After about an hour and a half of just contraction after contraction after contraction, I was begging for the epidural. I had been one of those women who really wanted to go as naturally as possible, but I am blaming the pitocin ;) The epidural was a difficult process because my daughter was stuck in my ribs and it was tough to curl forward, but once it was in and flowing, it was like, ok, let's put the movie back on!! The OB checked me after I got the epidural and I was at 5cm, and she estimated that i would progress 1cm an hour. After we finished the movie and were hanging out a bit, our families arrived and visited with us. At this point I could still feel the contractions slightly on one side, just enough to know that they were coming, but I was relaxed and happy, and honestly thinking that things were just going to take awhile... but I was wrong! At a little after 8pm, the OB came back to check me and the family went back to the waiting room. I was expecting to be about 8cm, but no, I was 10cm and at a +2 station and didn't even realize! Next thing we knew, I was shaking uncontrollably and vomiting, and the OB was like, ok, i guess this is it! They started setting up the OR, where they wanted me to deliver just in case a c-section was needed, and told us it would be about 25 mins before we could go. I started to feel so much pressure I knew I couldn't wait that long, so we started pushing in the labor room, and the nurse was like, these babies are coming, let's go! So we headed down to the OR, and I pushed for about a half an hour and my son was born! They put him right up on my chest, which I wasn't expecting, but it was absolutely amazing and wonderful, and helped take my mind off of all the pushing around they were doing on my stomach to help my daughter travel down.

So he was on my chest for about 10 mins, and the OB suggested trying a test push because they thought she was still higher up. So I started pushing (which is so hard to do after getting one out, but I guess that's what adrenaline is for), and she came right out! Dylan Joseph was born at 9:50 pm, at 6lbs and 19.25", and Maya Rose was born at 10:03pm at 5lbs 6oz and 18.25".

They are doing amazingly well, and the nurses here are just doting on them (though not as much as Larry and I!!). They are breastfeeding like champs, and we've even been tandem nursing when they're hungry at the same time - between that and the vaginal deliveries with minor tearing, this has all gone better than Iever dared to hope. We are heading home tomorrow morning, and I hope to post some pictures soon - I am just so amazed, with my babies, with my own body - with the way my husband can soothe our babies with just the sound of his voice - I'm at a loss for words to describe how I feel - for once!

Bumped :(

The doctor's office just called - my induction has now been bumped to tomorrow morning, so we get to go through this all over again! Now I have a 1:15 OB appointment instead.

Well, not only does it give me more time to go into labor on my own, now I can definitely get that pedicure!

D Day - or should I say B day?

Believe it or not, I slept pretty well last night, considering it was my last night of sleep before becoming a mommy! 6am came a lot sooner than I was ready for, but we had instructions to be at the hospital at 7:30am, so we woke up, showered, and right around 7 the hospital called and told us not to come in until 11am.

So now I'm sitting here checking email, and Larry is downstairs playing the guitar. I'm contemplating getting a pedicure if the nail salon can take me before 9:30 :) Hey, if it will help me relax, right?

38 weeks - the end is in sight!

At yesterday's appointments, we finally scheduled an induction date - Tuesday, September 23rd. If I make it that far, I'll be 38 weeks and 4 days, which is amazing! I realized today that I will have to go back into my hospital suitcase, which has been packed for over a month now, and make sure that I bring a regular newborn outfit for each of them, since my babies will probably be too big for the preemie clothes I packed last month! My guess is that both will be over 6lbs, which is great!

The OB was joking with Larry and me that of course, now that we have a date scheduled, I'll probably go into labor on my own. I certainly hope so! We picked up one of those exercise balls yesterday... it might sound silly, but I've heard that bouncing on one of those can help move the baby (or babies) into the "engaged" position - similar to driving down a bumpy road, that sort of thing. It's worth it to see what happens, I think. Plus my friend Alexa mentioned that those exercise balls can be good for soothing the babies once they arrive, since they're used to being bounced all around in the womb anyway.

At yesterday's ultrasound, we saw the perinatologist who had originally diagnosed my shortening cervix (we haven't seen him since 26/27 wks). He was so amazed to see us, and congratulated us on doing such a good job of growing our babies... it was kind of cool to come full circle like that. I mean, these babies got to grow for another 3 months! Guess my cervix is stronger than we all thought (that might seem like a weird thing to be proud of, but still, I am!). So now the countdown is officially on, unless for some reason my induction gets bumped for some reason. I'll be a mom in less than 5 days!

It's a little early, but...

Full term babies!

I can't believe we've made it this far! Once again at my OB visit, my doc shook her head in disbelief that I'm still pregnant. She did a pretty invasive internal exam yesterday to strip my membranes and hopefully stir things up - as a result, I had some bleeding and cramping most of yesterday, but it seems to have died down. This weekend Larry and I are going to see if we can get things moving on our own - go for walks, that sort of thing.

At yesterday's ultrasound, there was an even bigger size difference between our son and daughter - he is estimated to be 6lbs 4oz, and she is estimated to be 5lbs 7oz. However, these estimates can be off up to 17 oz in either direction, so who knows what their actual sizes really are - there's no way to know until they get here, and my docs don't seem to be worried, they just want to keep an eye on it.

Tonight my in-laws are coming over to celebrate my father in law's birthday (it was yesterday), and tomorrow, my family is coming by to celebrate my birthday, which is this coming Tuesday. I really hope these babies arrive before then! I already have 3 appointments scheduled for next week - one with the OB, and two with the perinatologist, for a non-stress test, and another biophysical profile. My OB mentioned scheduling an induction for the week between September 19 and 26, if I don't go into labor on my own over the next 6 days or so. She doesn't want me to go past 39 weeks (the 26th) because the longer I go the greater the risk of the placentas starting to fail. All we can do is wait and see - and be happy that we have healthy full-term babies!

I can't believe it's September

This summer has gone by so quickly, it's hard to believe that we're into the second week of September. It's definitely much cooler in the mornings, and the leaves are already starting to change. This is my absolute favorite time of the year, and I can't wait for the babies to be here to enjoy it with us!

There wasn't much to report about our doctors appointments this past Friday. My OB said that if I'm still pregnant at this Friday's appointment we'll schedule a date for me to be induced. I'd like to go into labor on my own, of course, and I've been feeling some twinges and maybe even a few contractions, but nothing really measurable at this point. I feel like I'm just sitting around waiting to go into labor... and if I hold out till this Friday or later, the babies will actually be full term, which would be amazing!

New Pictures!

It's been awhile since I've posted some photos, and not only is my stomach continuing to grow, but we've pretty much finished the bathrooms and the nursery!

Here is my 35 week belly (I got a haircut on Saturday - thank god!!):

Here is our new master bathroom!









Here is our new guest/kids bathroom!







And here is the nursery!

Great news at today's appointment

Everything looked good at today's OB appointment - and the best part is that I can gradually begin to increase my activity over the next week! I should still try to take it easy, but once I hit 36 weeks next Friday, she said I can do whatever I want (within reason), because with any luck it will help me go into labor.

She said that now that I've reached the 35 week mark, they won't try to stop labor should it start. In the same breath she told us that she couldn't believe I was still pregnant :) She also mentioned that if it looks like I'll be hitting the 38 week mark, we will schedule an induction, meaning that these babies will be here within 3 weeks! It seems so crazy to me that after all this time the end is finally in sight - we will finally be meeting our babies. The closer it gets, the less real it seems, for some reason. Maybe its because I'm starting to feel as though I've been pregnant forever ;)

The first thing I did after the doctor's appointment today was go get a pedicure - there's a place in Newton Center that has a special pregnancy pedicure, and it was amazing - so nice and relaxing. And tonight, Larry and I are going out to dinner. We can't go down to the Cape this weekend (the dr. didn't want me to be that far from the hospital), but at least I won't be stuck on the couch! I feel like a new woman!

Concern over some swelling

Yesterday morning I woke up with swollen feet, legs and hands. My hands have been falling asleep a lot while I'm sleeping, and my knuckles were very sore. Also my palms and feet were red and somewhat blotchy. Of course, I was a little bit concerned, especially knowing that conditions like pre-eclampsia are more common in twin pregnancies. Though my blood pressure has always been very good (high bp is an indicator of pre-eclampsia), I hadn't been to the doctors in a week and a half and decided to call my OB. The nurse that called back suggested we go to labor and delivery at the hospital for a blood pressure check.

We made our way to the hospital, trying not to be nervous. We didn't have to wait too long to be seen by a nurse - luckily my blood pressure was fine. They hooked me up to the monitors - both babies' heartrates were great, and I wasn't having any regular contractions. The downside was that we had to wait about 3 hours to see the doctor so we could be discharged. They did run some bloodwork, and my platelet count is still low, but the doctor didn't seem too concerned. As we were leaving, the nurse told us she hoped she wouldn't see us for four more weeks :)

Both the nurse and the doctor said we did the right thing by coming in, even though it turned out that nothing was wrong. I actually have carpal tunnel syndrome in my hands due to all the increased fluid, which is why my knuckles are sore and my hands are falling asleep. I know I felt better knowing that everything was normal/okay. Hopefully we won't have any other scares until it's time to deliver these babies!

34 weeks today!

Woohoo! Can't believe we've made it this far! 3 more weeks or so should be no problem - especially if I'm allowed out of the house after next week :)

What I REALLY can't believe is that these babies are really going to be here in less than a month. Like, really. As in two little lives will be completely and utterly dependent on Larry and me for their survival and growth and health and happiness. Very soon. Wow.

I want to say we're almost ready, but I don't think we could ever truly be ready for what's on the horizon. We're almost ready in terms of stuff, and baby gear and the like (still waiting for that Babies R Us completion coupon - I called so it should be on its way), so that makes me feel a little bit prepared, at least. My hospital bag is mostly packed. I keep thinking of things to add to it; they're probably going to think I'm moving in. I think next week I'll convince Larry to install the car seats, just in case.

On the bathroom front, we should be 99% done after this weekend, with the only hold-up being the shower door for the master bath, some bathroom fixtures we forgot to order, and there may be some shelves that need to be painted. Thank goodness the end is in sight! Haha - that actually applies to BOTH of our "projects," - the bathrooms and the babies!

33 weeks and I can't find my ankles

33 weeks and these little ones are still cooking! I'm still feeling okay for the most part -they are definitely getting heavy though. Every time I get up from the couch I have to hold on to my tummy because it's a lot of weight that has to settle! Add to that a constantly full bladder and I'm starting to be pretty uncomfortable. I noticed this weekend that my feet and ankles are definitely swollen, which is surprising since I spend the majority of my time with my feet up.

With any luck, the bathroom project will be completed this week. Last night Larry and I did a couple of loads of laundry in our NEW LAUNDRY ROOM, which was awesome. It feels like the whole upstairs is like a new house, and I'm just dying for it to be done.

Great appointments this week!

Today I had my peri and OB appointments, and everything looks great! My cervix is holding steady at 1.5 cm (it was 1.5 two weeks ago; I think the added length is a result of Baby A being head down instead of having his foot in my cervix :) and both babies look great. They are measuring 4 lbs 1 oz, and 4lbs 2 oz - that's over 8 lbs. of baby! Only negative thing is that Baby A's fluid level seemed to be on the low side of normal, so I will have to go back in 2 weeks for another ultrasound. The peri didn't seem concerned, but she did say we should keep an eye on it.

At the OB's office, everything looked good as well. I weigh almost as much as my husband, which no woman ever wants to hear, but I know it's all for a good cause. The doctor did say that she's never seen anyone lose weight like a breastfeeding mother of twins, so I'm very hopeful that many of the added pounds will come off easily. All in all, everyone was very upbeat, which is such a change from 7 weeks ago when they first noticed the shortening. The OB also said that at my next appointment they will allow me to increase my activity. I had been hoping they would say that this week, but my actual OB is on vacation, and the OB I saw said that taking me off bedrest while my doc was away was pretty much a guarantee that I would go into labor (just superstition, of course!).

So, here I shall sit for another 2 weeks. Of course, by the time they can tell me that I CAN move around, I doubt that I'll want to - it's already getting difficult enough! Kim was here today and took some pictures of me - this belly just seems to have a life of its own!

32 weeks + and still cooking!

Well, I've already beaten the odds that one of my doctors gave me when she said she didn't think I'd make it to 32 weeks! Generally I'm feeling okay, although I've been extremely exhausted the past few days. I had a hard time getting to sleep last night because these babies are moving around so much - then I woke up with Larry at 6am and couldn't go back to sleep. Hopefully I will take a nap later on. Yesterday I was a little dizzy and felt a bit weird, but I think I just needed to eat and drink more. I felt better after a good nap ;)

However, those napping days are numbered, I know! I think at the outside these babies will be here in less than 5 weeks, which is just unbelievable! We've been waiting for this for so long, but now as it gets closer I have to admit we're freaking out a little. I think we'll feel better once the bathrooms are completed (nothing really new to report on that front - all the finish carpenters did last week was put up the beadboard, and the painting hasn't been done yet) and our house is nice and clean and organized.

Oh, and our car died on Saturday, the SUV. Larry thinks it's the alternator; it was towed to the service place this morning so hopefully it doesn't need too much work. But anyway, that doesn't help our feelings of being unprepared. I did finish the thank you notes from my shower, though, so as a reward to myself I have started going through all the amazing gifts we received! I've separated out all the clothing and blankets and today I'm going to take off all the tags to get them ready to be washed. I also ordered some drawer and closet organizers to make things easier to find, since the dresser drawers in the nursery are already practically full!

I have appointments tomorrow with the peri and with my OB's office, so hopefully everything is still stable and looking good. I have to say though that even if they allow me to increase my mobility, I've been so tired lately that I don't think I really would be able to take advantage of that. But I guess that comes with the territory :)

Rain rain go away

What a yucky day! Although when it's raining like this, I suppose I'd be stuck inside the house anyway, right?!

My baby shower was this past weekend - it was so much fun! I really enjoyed seeing all my family and friends, and also getting so much of what we need for the babies. My sisters, mom and aunt did such a great job putting everything together, but I can't believe that now it's over - I feel like bridal and baby showers are rights of passage, you know? And now I've had all the showers I'm ever going to have :( That said, it's hard to feel anything but excitement about getting to meet these babies soon! My friend Kim brought her new daughter Isabelle, who is only 3 weeks old. I got to hold her, and all I could do was stare at her! Babies are such little miracles - it's so amazing to me that these little tiny squirming bundles develop so quickly into little people who have their own thoughts and feelings and opinions... like I said, it just makes me so excited to meet our babies!

On the bathroom front, things are still moving a bit slowly, but I've been assured that they're about to start to pick up. The tile should be just about finished after today, and tomorrow the finish carpenters are coming in to start putting back all the woodwork and everything. They're also going to put up the beadboard in the guest bathroom. Our contractor, Chad, promised that we would have a shower by this weekend, and the painters could start as early as Saturday, if not Monday. By next week things should start to feel very close to finished! Our new master shower is amazing, it feels so big and spacious, and the tile looks beautiful. I can't wait to use it!

31 weeks today!

August is here! We made it through July and these babies are still cooking! Otherwise, not much new to report - although Larry hasn't been feeling well, and is at the doctors right now. I wish I could be there with him.

I'm feeling okay, looking forward to my baby shower this weekend, and to having a working shower next week! Our new washer and dryer will be installed on Wednesday, and the tile work will all be done by then. Hopefully with the tile down everything else will start to move more quickly, because this project is definitely starting to wear on us. I'm not concerned about it being done before the babies arrive, but I am concerned about it being done before we go crazy :) I guess only time will tell!

Another good appointment!

Yesterday I had an appointment with the perinatologist as well as with my OB's office, and everything was very positive! At the peri's, they took measurements of the babies, and our little boy's estimated weight is 3 lbs. 4 oz., and our daughter's estimated weight is 3 lbs. 6 oz. - that's 6 lbs. 10 oz. of baby! That is more than I weighed when I was born, so no wonder I've been feeling so big. These are really good weights for 30 weeks, so I'm hoping that they will be up to 5 pounds by about 34 weeks.

Also, the peri felt comfortable having me come back in 2 weeks, instead of next week, so that was good, and if everything is still looking good, she may "graduate me," meaning I don't need to see her anymore. She said that after about 32 weeks, everyone's cervix starts to get shorter, so it's less of a concern.

Then, the on-call OB that I saw even mentioned that at my next appointment (also in 2 weeks, when I'll be about 32.5 weeks), they may allow me to increase my mobility! That would be fantastic, because all I want to be able to do is get some stuff ready around the house, and be able to go out to dinner (and maybe a movie) with my husband - I know that once these babies arrive it will be awhile before we get to do stuff like that, so it would be nice to have the chance before they get here!

So, good news all around yesterday - now the next major milestone is 32 weeks!

Last week of July

I'm so excited that the end of this week will be August! Also by the end of this week, the bathrooms should be looking much more like bathrooms. Yesterday the plasterers were here, and tomorrow the tilers should be coming! Once the tile is down I'll take some new pictures. 

Katie and my Aunt Cheryl stopped by yesterday for a visit, which was fun! We had a great time just catching up and talking. We also took some pictures of my 30 week belly:

30 weeks today!

Another week down, and another week my babies are healthy and safe inside me. I found out today that I actually have a surprise baby shower next weekend! My family had tricked me into believing that my shower would be on August 17, so this is a huge surprise. Because I'm on bedrest, we'll be moving the party to our house, instead of my parents' house in New Hampshire. I'm so excited to see everyone!

I'm also looking forward to my doctors appointments next week - I'm hoping that once again my ffn test will be negative, so there'll be a good chance I'll make it to 33 weeks without any problems. Plus, any opportunity to get to see these babies is a good one!

On the bathroom front, they're putting up the dry wall and blue board today, so we will actually have walls, floors and ceilings in the bathrooms, which is definitely an improvement. They're coming back tomorrow to do the plastering so that the tile guys can start on Monday. Thankfully, things are starting to pick up, and it looks like I could have a working shower by the end of next week! 

A little bit lonely

My grandfather passed away on Monday (here is a link to the obituary). I wasn't able to visit him in the nursing home to say goodbye, and I'm unable to attend the wake and the funeral. I know that what I'm doing is important, but I just feel terrible. Not only did I not get to see my Papa, but I won't get to spend time with the rest of my family as they lay him to rest. Larry keeps reminding me that it's the circle of life - that he lost his grandmother this past April, and I just lost my grandfather, and now we're bringing two new people into the world. I know he's right, but that doesn't make it any easier. I just feel lonely, and sort of useless.

I had another checkup with the perinatologist yesterday; everything still looks good. Plus, we got to see a 3D image of our little boy! Our daughter was facing my back, so we couldn't get a shot of her, but I think our son looks like Larry already.

As crazy as it seems that the last 4 weeks have gone by relatively quickly, I don't know if I can do this for another 4-6 weeks. I mean, I know that I CAN, but it's just tough. I just feel so out of control. I think once the bathrooms are completed and I can take a shower every day like a normal person, I'll feel better. Plus it will help to be able to have a clean house again.

Updated Nursery Pics

Katie, Larry and my Dad put together the cribs this past weekend - now all we need to do is put up the hutch (which goes on top of the changing table) and add the drawers to the bottoms of the cribs. Plus add all the bedding, once we get the mattresses.

29 weeks today!

Today I am 29 weeks along.... not as big a milestone as 28, 30 or 32 weeks, but progress nonetheless. I will try to take a new belly picture this weekend - I've definitely gotten bigger in the last couple of weeks. My sister Katie is coming over again this weekend to help Larry put together the cribs. We have our glider, we have our new carpet... all we need now is some of the stuff on our registry like the crib mattresses and changing table pad. I might end up just buying some of that stuff myself because I feel so out of control, with my house in such disarray, I know I will feel so much better to have the nursery at least somewhat organized.

Here's a 29 week belly pic I took myself:

An extra appointment, and some good news

I had been having some pain in my back, around my rib cage on my left side, for a few days. On Tuesday I decided to call my OB's office just to see if they had any suggestions for how I could feel better. Since back pain (specifically lower back pain) is often associated with preterm labor, they suggested that I come into the office. Luckily, everything looked good, and the on-call OB suggested Tylenol or a heating pad. She performed another ffn test, which was again negative, so that was reassuring as well.

Yesterday, Wednesday, I went to see the perinatologist for an ultrasound to check my cervix. My mother in law came with me, and I think she really enjoyed seeing her grandchildren on the screen! The best part was, our little boy has flipped, and is now head down. This is great news, for a couple of reasons - the biggest one of which is that if he stays in this position, there is a good chance I can try for a vaginal delivery!

I also talked to the peri about receiving steroid shots for the babies' lungs, at the advice of the on-call OB from the day before. Since the shots last for about 2 weeks, and its not advisable to receive multiple rounds of the shots, and it takes 48 hours for the shots to start working, my doctors want to be able to time the shots as accurately as possible. For that reason, instead of waiting 2 weeks for my next appointment, I have another appointment next Tuesday. I would rather be safe than sorry, and this way if they start to notice any further shortening, they can do the injections. That said, with the negative ffn test, the liklihood that I will go into labor between now and the 29th of July (which is when I'll receive another ffn test) is fairly slim.

28 weeks today

Today is an important milestone - 28 weeks! That's a full seven months, and 2 weeks further along than 26 weeks, when my doctors thought there was a chance of going into preterm labor. Today also marks 2 weeks on bedrest, which has actually gone by relatively quickly. With any luck, I can hang out here for another 8 weeks or so (ideally, though not necessarily likely).

I had appointments this week with the perinatologist and also my OB; the good news is that things haven't changed - I still have about 1cm of cervix left. When they did the transvaginal ultrasound, you could actually see Baby A's foot IN my cervix, in the funneled area that has been created by the shortening. I go back next week for 2 more appointments, and if everything looks the same, the peri said she doesn't have to see me for another 2 weeks after that. They'll also do another ffn test, which as I said before is a good negative indicator against going into labor, and it's good for about 2 weeks. So if I make it to next week, which I should since last week's ffn test was negative, and if next week's ffn test is negative, we'll know that I should at least make it to 31 weeks. 31 is not as good as 32, or even 36 weeks, but it's better than 28. I also had my glucose tolerance test; I haven't gotten the results back yet, but I'm expecting it to be negative.

Also, our bathroom renovations are moving right along! The 2 full baths are completely gutted, and they took down a wall in the half bath (which will be the laundry room) so you can see into the closet in the office. Here are some pictures:

Let the renovations begin!

Yesterday the work officially began on our bathroom renovations - between yesterday and today (and maybe a little bit of Wednesday), all the demolition work will be done. We're actually on a little vacation in Southborough right now, so that I don't have to inhale all the dust that will be created from smashing tile and cast iron tubs.  I can't wait to take pictures of the progress! I think the only thing left for us to really pick out is a shower door for the master bath. It's just exciting that it's finally underway - this was something we knew we wanted to do from the day we bought our house, and we're finally doing it! 

So far so good with being on bedrest. I love Fridays, because they are my milestone days. Even though the days seem to go by relatively quickly, I get a little discouraged when I realize that I won't really be out of the woods until at least a month from now.

In other news, our new carpeting is being installed next Monday, the 14th. And, our glider is ready at Babies R Us. So, next week Larry will get to put together the cribs and pick up the glider, and it will finally start to look like a nursery up there! Maybe later on this week I will start to wash some of the clothes we have already, and the bedding. I wish we had the crib mattresses... I may just order them myself because I am so impatient!

27 Weeks Today

Today we are 27 weeks along, and I've been on bedrest for one week. Every time I feel these babies kick I remember that I'm not alone all day long - they are with me, growing bigger and stronger every day! The babies have been moving around a whole lot lately, especially when I'm trying to fall asleep at night, and very early in the morning (when I'm trying to fall back asleep after getting up to use the bathroom).

We had a follow-up ultrasound yesterday, and luckily things haven't gotten any worse. The perinatologist measured my cervix again, and this time he included the part that is funneling, so he said it's about 1.6cm, which is better than only 1! They also performed another ffn test, which was negative, so all in all it was a pretty good appointment. We go back next Wednesday for another peri appointment, as well as an appointment with my OB. Hopefully bedrest is working and we'll continue to get good news at each appointment.

To celebrate the 4th of July tonight Larry is making lobster rolls, which is one of my favorite summer foods! We have watermelon, chips, ice cream... we should be all set! We're planning to watch the Boston Pops on television tonight - hopefully they won't get rained out. 

Here's a picture of me at 27 weeks - I still don't feel like I look too big, but I'm sure I will soon:

An important month

Today is July 1st. This is the crucial month - if we can get through July, I'll be over 30 weeks along, which is great. I know that every single day that these babies stay inside is an accomplishment, but when I have weeks and weeks to go, getting through each long day is tough. I'm not bored yet, thankfully! I'm working on the thank-you notes from my shower, I have a few books to read... plus Larry brought home some lawn chairs yesterday so that I can lay out in the backyard and get some sun if I want :)

My sister Katie came over on Sunday and helped Larry paint the babies' room - I was so grateful! I think he was not very excited at the prospect of having to do it all by himself. Not only were they able to get all the painting done in one day, but they kept each other company, which was really nice. I kept hearing them laughing from downstairs in the tv room. Now all we need to do is a fresh coat of paint on the trim, and get that new rug installed (just waiting for Home Depot to call and let me know that it's in). We have all the furniture and the bedding, so everything is falling into place. Oh, and we're still waiting for our glider to come in as well.

Here are Larry and Katie painting:

Follow-up appointment

Luckily the FFN test was negative, thank god. However, I asked the doctor about whether, if the test was negative, this just meant i had to stay on bedrest until i go into labor, hopefully at 37/38 weeks, and she gave me this sad look and said that I wouldn't make it that long, that i would definitely go into preterm labor at some point, it was just a question of when. She said right now we just have to focus on getting to 28/29 weeks, then reaching 32. 34 would be better, but she clearly didn't want to get my hopes up.

I'm just really sad because I truly believed in my heart that we wouldn't have any problems, and that they'd need to induce me at 38 weeks or something to get these babies out. I'm 28, active, healthy, no history of any kind of medical problems, so this is just a huge shock. I'm beginning to wonder if the peri missed something at my last appointment, like there had to be some sign that my cervix was starting to change, because it just seems so crazy that it changed so much in such a short amount of time.

Anyway, the good news is that I feel fine, and the babies are still cooking. And Larry is taking great care of me. I guess now it's just a waiting game...

Bad News at 26 Week Ultrasound

First of all, both babies are doing great. They are measuring right on schedule, are close in size, all in all doing well.

The bad news? I went from my cervix looking great 4 weeks ago, to only 1 centimeter today. Normally our appointments are very brief, because everything has been progressing so well. But all of a sudden they're talking about steroid shots and ffn tests, and Larry and I were just in shock.

We had a regular ob visit scheduled for afterward, so the perinatologist called up in advance to let them know what was going on. We scheduled my ffn test for tomorrow, and my doctor recommended modified bedrest. Then she sent me up to labor and delivery to be admitted and monitored to see if i was having contractions. Our first appointment was at 8:20am - we didn't leave the hospital until after 2pm. Luckily, even though I contracted a few times, it was nothing regular, and nothing to be concerned about. But the L&D doc sent me home on strict bedrest for today, then we'll see what happens after the ffn test tomorrow, and i have another ultrasound next week.

So, it's been kind of a tough day. I feel like this all totally came out of the blue, and it's all so early - it's hard not to be scared. I mean, i can survive being on bedrest for the next three months - anything to keep these babies cooking. I just don't understand why this has happened - i know it's ridiculous to think there's anything i could have done to prevent it, but i feel like my body is failing these kids somehow :(

Nursery Progress

My original hope when we found out we were having twins was to have our nursery completed by the end of June. That way we wouldn't have to be painting in the really hot weather, or get stuck working on the room on weekends where we could be doing fun summer stuff. However, now that my weeks are a little less scheduled, I'm not as worried about my self-imposed deadline. Especially since our cribs are on back-order until June 29th. And the carpet we ordered is on back-order until the first week of July. It will get done, and it will get done in plenty of time for the babies' arrival.

We finally finished priming the room last night, and we're hoping to start painting on Sunday, together. Then I can finish up during the week if necessary. The hard part is we really want to paint all the trim, because it looks old, and has kind of a yellow-y tint to it, which we think might not look so good with the yellow walls. Luckily, Larry has volunteered to take care of the trim - I don't think I would have the patience!

Here is Larry, putting the finishing touches on the primer.

Cape Cod Shower

This past weekend was my Cape Cod shower, which was hosted by two of Larry's aunts, Ann and Merre. It was so nice, and so much fun to catch up with everyone! We got lots of cute little outfits and toys - I wish the babies' room was done so I could put everything away, but we still have plenty of time for that.

Larry's parents decided to give us our gifts a little bit early - they gave us our double snap and go, and one of our car seats! We put them together right away, and then took turns wheeling the stroller around the house...





Here's my mother-in-law practicing as well!

The scale said what?

Today I am officially 6 months along - 24 weeks. Theoretically, we've reached the age where the babies could live outside the womb if anything were to happen. Everything looked great at our doctor's appointment earlier this week; the heart rates were great, and we talked a little bit about the different presentations the babies could have, which would result in either vaginal or c-section deliveries. However, when I stepped on the scale, I received a shock - not only have I gained 26 pounds since becoming pregnant - I gained 10 pounds in the last month alone! I looked at Larry and said, "Where is it?" He laughed and pointed to my belly.

Yes, I know I'm having twins, and I know I'll see numbers on the scale that I never thought I would see in my life. I also know that my doctor thinks that I'm progressing normally, and that hopefully with every pound I gain, my babies will be bigger and healthier when I deliver. Still, there is a vain little part of me that keeps saying, if I've gained 26 pounds so far and I still have 3 months to go, what am I going to look like come September?!

On another note, we have our Prepared Childbirth class this weekend - all day Saturday, and most of the day Sunday. I'm expecting to have tons off questions... also, it will be nice to meet some other first-time parents in our area. When we took our Twin Infant Care class at Isis Maternity, I was surprised that people had come from as far away as Andover, and even the South Shore. At least with this class, it will be all people delivering at Newton Wellesley Hospital, around the same time (or maybe a little bit before) us. I can't say that we're actually EXCITED about the class, but I think we're looking forward to getting it over with and being able to walk away with more information about what our delivery experience will actually be like.

Heat Wave

Today is the fourth day in a row of 90+ degree weather. I love summer as much as the next girl, but this is stifling! I'm just trying to stay as hydrated as possible. We have an air conditioner in our bedroom, and one in the living room, and I think if we had one more in the dining room, it would be perfect.

Yesterday, I went to the gym for the first time since January :) Since it's been so hot, I can't exercise outside, so I decided to give the gym a shot, since I'm paying for it, after all. I did 20 minutes on the arc trainer, and some light free weights - it definitely felt good to be active after lounging around in the heat for the past few days. That said, I'm definitely a little sore this morning, so we'll see if I make it back to the gym today!

This afternoon we have our 6 month prenatal appointment. 6 months! I can't believe I've been carrying these babies for that long already - and that this pregnancy will be ending in less than three months. I sort of like my new lifestyle of being able to eat french fries without feeling guilty, and only exercising when I feel up to it. I know that life as we know it will be unrecognizable once the babies arrive - and while it will be a welcome change, I know we'll miss the...shall we say "lack of chaos" in our current life together. But every time I feel one of these babies move, which is getting to be more and more often, it's a reminder that they will be here before we know it. I can't wait!

22 Week ultrasound pics

Everything was still looking great at our perinatologist appointment last week. The babies are healthy and still measuring right on schedule, and there is no sign of me having any problems, either. As I had predicted, our little girl (Baby B) is transverse, with her head on my left side and her feet on my right. Our son (Baby A) is below her in a breech position, so he's kicking me where it counts! When the doctor tried to take pictures for us, Baby A was in a great spot, but Baby B was facing down toward her brother.

Here she is, looking down:

And here are two shots of our son - maybe he's looking up at her :)