29 Weeks

We are at 29 Weeks!  The nausea and heart burn is back with vengeance.  I am still very tired and exhausted most of the time.  I've really enjoyed getting groceries delivered because of my inability to stand for long periods.  For example, just walking to get a package from our apartment office exhausts me so much that I sit in the chair catching my breath while they find it.

Baby B is the most active.  I just rest my hand on that part of my belly and he starts moving up a storm.  Baby A is more laid back and just moves whenever he feels like it.  Sometimes I can get him to move around with prodding, but he would rather move when he feels like it.  

Sleep comes in 45 minute to 1.5 hour increments (if I'm lucky).  I favor sleeping on my right side.

I met another pediatrician this afternoon.  He seemed nice, but I didn't like that he didn't have kids of his own nor that the office looked like it hadn't been updated since he started practicing 30 years ago.  When I asked him what his favorite part about being a pediatrician was he said being on his own (he doesn't practice with any other doctors) and I thought it should have been something along the lines of helping children.

I'm still getting braxton hicks, but no early labor signs which I'm happy about.

Unfortunately my Uncle passed away suddenly on Sunday.  We won't be able to travel for the funeral because I'm not allowed to go anywhere, but my parents will go.  Such a sudden loss makes you want to take advantage of every moment with loved ones!

When my parents get here sometime next week we will finally be able to finish prepping everything for the boys.  Can't wait to be done!

ER Visit # 3

On Tuesday night I started getting a cough.  I woke up Wednesday not feeling well at all so Seth worked from home.  I spent the day emailing back and forth with my Nurse Practitioner and OB nurses.  They wanted me to come in on Thursday to check out the symptoms.  Since it wasn't a normally scheduled visit, I ended up seeing the only doctor available at the time.  She recommended I go to the ER to rule out any issues.  

I was having trouble breathing (talking makes me out of breath), lethargy, and over the past few weeks (thanks to my Fitbit) I've noticed that my heartbeat has been increasing significantly.  Before I was pregnant, my heart rate was in the high 50's to low 60's.  It's steadily increased (which is to be expected when you're pregnant because of all the extra blood).  At the beginning of October it started staying in the low 70's, November was high 70's and this month it's been in the low 80's.  Today it is 87.  These are the resting heart rates while I am sleeping which wouldn't be alarming if my heart rate stayed closer to those rates while I'm up.  During the day, my heart rate will stay in the 90's to 120's  even when I am just sitting down (yesterday it hung around 132).  I don't have energy to do much so I am not working out or walking (we even get groceries delivered now).  Having such a high HR freaked me out (for example right now it's at 107 and I am sitting in a chair typing) so I thought I better take the doctor's advice.

Seth left work early and met me at the apartment so we could drive over to the ER together.  I had to do several tests like an EKG and a VQ Scan.  The VQ scan was not my favorite since I had to wear an oxygen type mask and breathe in a thicker air which would make me cough.  They also put a dye in my IV to see how the blood was transporting oxygen.  After being there for 4 hours they told me everything was normal.  I felt a little silly for going, but at least I can have peace of mind.  Everything is fine with the babies which is most important.  I'm just stuck with bronchitis and a higher than average pregnancy heart rate!  

I hated being strapped to this machine because I felt trapped.  Especially since being on your back while pregnant is one of the least comfortable positions to be in.

Breathing in the thicker air stuff so they could see my lungs.

Doing the imaging with the IV in.  The machine rotated around my body.

Hopefully that was my last hospital visit until I am actually delivering the boys!

28 Weeks

Today I am 7 months pregnant!

It seems wild to be at this point.  Knowing that I only have 9 weeks left (at most) means everything needs to get set-up soon.  Thankfully my parents are coming for Christmas and can help us unpack the car seats, stroller, cribs, and move stuff around since I am way too tired/weak and Seth's keeping busy at work.

We took a breastfeeding class over the weekend and are taking a c-section birthing class tonight.  I also met met with a pediatrician that I think I am going to use for the boys.  She seems really nice and answered all my questions.  These were some of the final steps before the boys get here so it's nice to check them off the list.

Over the weekend Seth and I picked up a double rocker.  We got it for free from a twin mom I met at Target!

We had groceries delivered yesterday to see if we like it for when the twins are here.  The delivery to my door is also nice for right now since walking and standing makes me exhausted.  I always need to know where the closest chair or ledge to lean is!  Ha!

Baby B is still more active than Baby A, but I feel them both often.

Sleep escapes me most nights, but that is just preparing me for their nightly feedings!   I also have difficulty rolling out of bed and getting off the couch.  I am wondering how much harder it will get to move around in the next few weeks!

27 Weeks and 3 Days

I looked down at my legs yesterday and was shocked to see that it looked like I broke both ankles!  I am pretty sure that I have achieved every common and uncommon pregnancy symptom now!  I immediately ordered some compression socks on Amazon that should be here by tomorrow.  I'll be wearing compression socks from now on.  

Before I put on the sweater so you can see all my body's pregnancy curves.

What I wore today.

I curled my hair trying to decide if that is how I want to wear it for Seth's work party tomorrow so I felt dressed up for lunch with a couple friends and errand running today.  I've been getting a lot done the past few days, even it is slowly!  Bottles and pacifiers have been washed, their room is continuing to be worked on, and we basically have everything delivered so it just needs to be setup (besides a rocking chair we are picking up this weekend).

26 and 27 Weeks

Bump at 26 Weeks and 2 Days

What a busy couple weeks!  The boys are continuing to get bigger and more active.  I'm really excited to see what their personalities are like.  Lately, Baby B has been more active and giving lots of punches throughout the day.  When I lay down on my sides at night each boy moves quite a bit.  It doesn't hurt or bother me so I can easily fall asleep still.  

Around Week 26 I started getting leg cramps.  I sometimes wake up from pretty painful charley horses.  I started stretching my legs more and it has diminished the frequency of them.  My main complaint is back pain and feeling winded really quickly and easily.  It's hard for me to get comfortable because sitting hurts my back and standing makes me tired.  Ha!  Bending over is also difficult because my belly is in the way.  I'm also still experiencing heart burn and vomiting.  As long as I don't throw up every day again I'll be happy!

I was finally able to walk a bit more this week in California and even did about 10 minutes of very light weights one day.  I miss getting those daily endorphins from exercise.  It will be fun taking the boys for walks outside once they're here.

I have been addicted to Life Savers and Caramel Apple suckers lately.  I still love the French Dip sandwiches from Schlotzky's too!

Funny Note:
On the plane from Houston to Salt Lake City I made 5 visits to the lavatory (that's a little less than 3 hour flight)!  Luckily we were in first class and I was close to it!

While in California, my parents delivered our Christmas gift from Kelsey and Taylor.  A Superhero book for the boys and an ear warmer for me!

Showing how I have to sit while getting ready for the day (and take breaks).  Seth also hangs around to help me get dressed or pick things up I can't reach.

My parents gave me the very first book I learned to read.  I m excited to read it to the boys!

Purchases

We were able to make some big purchases on Black Friday this year.  We picked up the boys car seats (for $100 off), cribs, Joovy Twin Roo + Stroller, baby monitor, diaper bag, twin bassinet play yard, and two Baby Bjorns (one for each of us to wear).  Some of the items started arriving today!

Luckily Seth was not busy and could carry everything from the office to our apartment!

We opened up the car seats so I could see what they look like in the car, but I'm not going to leave the bases in the car until January.

25 Weeks

I'm 25 weeks pregnant today! 

Seth and I have now gone on walks 2 days in a row (and will hopefully go again tonight if he can take a break from work).  It feels good to "exercise" again, even if it is very minimal and very slow!  

My main complaint is sleeping.  I wake up every 45 minutes to an hour it seems.  Sometimes I'll go a 2 hour stretch, but that is rare.  I've gotten better at sleeping on my side though.

My back pain is becoming less frequent which is great!  I still have some pain, but it is not nearly as painful and often.  

The boys are becoming stronger and stronger in their kicks.  It's still one of my favorite feelings.

I threw up one morning a few days ago (besides the glucose test day), but mainly just deal with acid reflux at night.  I'll take a Tums and put more pillows behind me if it is really bothering me while I try to sleep.    

I took the glucose test again today.  The drink stayed down and I got my blood work done in the one hour limit.  Results will probably come back in a week.  

Today I created an Instagram account that I will put pictures of the boys on.  I signed up for Chat Books and they automatically print and ship every 60 photos to you in a book.  I think that will be the easiest way to scrapbook for the boys!  

Hopefully I'll be able to get some more baby supplies on sale on Black Friday and Cyber Monday!  We are so excited for them to come in 12 weeks!  

Glucose Test

This morning I had a doctor's appointment to do an ultrasound on the boys and check my glucose intolerance.  Since I had several appointments in one today (ultrasound, visit with doctor, and scheduling), I drank the prescribed orange drink in the car on my way there.  I didn't think it tasted too bad.  It mostly reminded me of an off-brand orange popsicle that was too sweet.  Once I arrived at my appointment I started feeling really sick.  The tech kept trying to move the wand around and it made me super nauseous.  I finally had to have her stop so that I could throw-up.  I am just glad that I made it to the trash can.  Throwing up in front of a stranger was not fun.  Since that happened, I have to drink the nastiness again and go in for blood work later this week or next.

The drink and instructions.

Seth worked two almost all-nighters in a row (and is working late again tonight) so he missed the appointment.  He was very bummed since he wanted to see the boys.  I took some videos for him, but with the terrible way I was feeling we didn't get a lot of images.

Baby A is on top and Baby B is on bottom.

24 Weeks and Baby Showers

24 Week Bump

Wow!  It has been a busy couple weeks!  I am officially 6 months pregnant today and have less than 13 weeks until the boys are here (my doctor wants to take them at 37 Weeks).  I'm loving all the movement I'm feeling in my stomach.  Occasionally one of the boys will kick really hard and it surprises me.  I love it though.  It's easier for Seth to feel them now too.  I'm in full nesting mode and wanting to get everything ready for the boys.  

I bought the boys some shoes, socks, and jeans at Target today.  I couldn't resist the cuteness!

Washed and folded blankets, burp cloths, and rags.

Organization of their room so far.

It was so neat celebrating the boys at our baby showers.  They got some really nice gifts and are very loved.  I had fun washing all their new clothes, blankets, burp clothes, blankets, etc.  I ended up doing 7 loads of laundry for them.

Seth and I are both glad we got to go to the Utah shower on November 5th.  We enjoyed visiting with lots of family and friends.  There were probably 60 or so people there.  It was amazing seeing everyone.  We felt a lot of love.  Kelsey and Taylor made the baby face cupcakes with Michelle.  They also did some really fun games.  I thought the diaper note idea was super cute.  People wrote notes on the outside of diapers so I will have something to read at diaper changes.

Tasting Baby Food

 

On Saturday the 12th I had a shower in Houston at Backstreet Cafe.  It was an intimate brunch with some of the friends I've made in Houston.  It was really nice.

Two Special Notes:

On Thursday, November 10th, we finally agreed on their names.  It is so nice knowing who is who and what to call them!  Seth wants to wait to announce it online until they're here though.  =)

Seth calls me Double Stuffed so this picture seemed fitting.

22 Weeks

Our first family Halloween costume was easy--skeletons for the Day of the Dead celebration we attended.

We are happy to be 22 weeks today!  The boys are frequent movers still.  Seth will rest his hand on my stomach when we go to bed and feel them moving around.  They also decided that they're going to be picky again about what I eat.  I spent most of yesterday feeling quite sick and throwing up a few times.  At least it isn't every day anymore though!  =) They must be growing a lot too since my body begged for a nap and I ended up sleeping for 1.5 hours yesterday afternoon.  I enjoyed my extra energy while it lasted.  My main complaints would have to be back pain and sharp pains on my front left side (right at my rib cage).  It's especially bad at night.  I still like to know where the nearest bathroom is at all times since I make frequent stops there.

This past week I've spent hours on stroller and car seat research.  I think I've finally decided on buying two infant car seats and getting the Joovy Twin Roo+ stroller frame to carry them in for the first 6-9 months.  I've read a lot of articles that say with twins, having a lighter stroller frame that is easy to collapse and stick in your trunk is a lot better than taking apart a double stroller every time you want to go somewhere.  Plus, the car seat base stays in the car so you can snap the car seats into the car and snap them into the stroller.  After that, I'll buy the double stroller I want that doesn't need car seats or bassinets attached to it for it to work with the twins.  While doing my research I learned that most twin strollers can't be used without a bassinet or car seat attached until the babies are at least 3 months old.   

This weekend we fly to Utah for our family/friend Baby Shower.  We are looking forward to seeing everyone and celebrating the boys' arrival.

Belly Pictures

I took a couple pictures of my belly last night just to document my body's changes!

Front View

21 Weeks

We are at 21 weeks!  I'm feeling more energetic.  I've only thrown up once the past week, but have been more nauseous.  

I am starting to feel a lot more kicks which I love.  I used to be scared about feeling them kick thinking that it would hurt (thanks Twilight movie), but it is probably one of my favorite parts of being pregnant.  

Sleeping has been harder.  I have to have pillows or my Snoogle because my back hurts more now.  I also waddle and find standing/walking to be a little more difficult than normal.  

I definitely pee more frequently (like every 30-45 minutes and at least 5x at night).  I can only imagine how bad it will be as I get further along!  My doctor said technically I have the weight of 28 week baby on my bladder which explains the frequency.    

While we were in Dallas over the weekend I enjoyed my first prenatal massage.  It was a little unusual having to lay on my side the whole time, but I slept great that night!  

Baby A in action at 20w6d.  He was moving so much at yesterday's appointment that I'm not even sure which body parts we caught in this picture!  He's measuring 6 days ahead and weighs exactly 1 pound!

We finally got a good profile of Baby B!  He was calmer than his brother yesterday, but enjoys kicking me in the ribs (especially at night).  He weighs 14 oz and is measuring 3 days ahead.  

It was nice to leave an OB appointment knowing I don't have to go back for 3 weeks because everything looks good!

Prediction--After seeing both profiles, I think Baby A will look like Seth and Baby B will look like me. =)

20 Weeks

Pregnancy does crazy things to your body.  From varicose veins in random places to burping unexpectedly.  Fortunately, I think it has made me closer to Seth.  He has seen and will see me in ways no other person will!  He's been very helpful this pregnancy even with his crazy work schedule.  For example, I have trouble lifting things, so after work, he came with me to the grocery store and carried all the groceries in.  He went back to work after we got home, but at least we were in the same room! 

Look at that sweet little body of Baby A!

Baby A gave us some really good 3D images.  Baby B was moving around too much to get good 3D images of.

This was the only 3D image we got of Baby B and it is actually him getting kicked by his brother!  

Baby B in a regular ultrasound picture.  He really enjoyed moving around yesterday.

Today I can say that I am 5 months pregnant!  The boys are 10 inches long according to my app.  Seth has been able to feel them move which is cool.  I'm feeling pretty good finally too.  While I was at the chiropractor today she said that she thinks the tightening I'm feeling in my stomach is braxton hicks.

Yesterday I went to the doctor to make sure everything is okay.  Since I arrived a little early for my appointment, the tech did a 3D ultrasound which was a nice surprise.  I also found out that I now weigh 163.  So actually keeping down food has allowed me to gain weight!  I'm now up 16 pounds from the start of this pregnancy or 23 from the start of fertility treatments.  

My prediction is that Baby A will look like Seth, and I am hoping Baby B looks like me.  

19 Weeeks

Picture taken on Monday October 10, 2016
18 Weeks 6 Days

Picture taken on Thursday October 13, 2016
19 Weeks 2 Days

Seth worked crazy hours this week while I was gone (he billed over 85 just this week alone).  He sent me this selfie from work at 11 PM California time (so 1 AM in Texas).  He doesn't make this blog often, but he is excited to become a dad to the boys!

I got back from California yesterday and need to do my 19-week update since I hit that milestone on October 11th!  I took a few notes on my phone to make it easier.

I was really happy that my doctor approved the trip to California.  I was a little worried because she said no at first, but then I explained it would be visiting my parents and mostly sitting around and eating my mom's good food so she okayed it.  

I've definitely been feeling the boys a lot more.  On my actual 19-week mark, it felt like one had his head pushing against my stomach because it was a little harder and kind of protruding. 

My nausea has lessened as well.  My last bad day was Wednesday the 5th.  I am still nauseous, but I'll take that over throwing up.  It's such a nice change actually keeping food down!  It seems like my stomach has really grown too.  My sense of smell isn't like a bloodhound anymore either.

I have been craving pizza a lot lately!  I was glad I got it 3 times while at my parents!  We even stopped at the pizza place we would visit when I was a kid called Round Table.  I think my boys are going to love cheese like I did as a kid!

We have a list of boys names that we keep trying out.  One has stayed constant because Seth loves it so much.  Picking names is hard!  Trying to pick out names we both like + it needs to sound good with our last name too.

Side note--I had to make another stop at the ER this afternoon.  Everything is fine now, but I'll be very glad if I never have to visit the ER this pregnancy again.  

Two funny things from the past week:

"A little pot from Colorado..."
My mom got this little pot from a friend who visited Colorado.

LOL

18 Weeks

Our boys are each the size of a sweet potato!  I guess that explains why I can feel them moving fairly frequently!  We were watching Timeless yesterday and I actually saw my left side kind of poke out (it happened really quick).  After that I had Seth rest his hands there and he felt that baby moving too.

I saw the boys yesterday morning and this afternoon.  It was a relief seeing them move around and have strong heartbeats after this weekend.  One was being so active today that he had a heart rate of 175 while the other was a little more calm and had his normal in the 150's.  I am still waiting on the results from my doctor, but it sounds like bed rest is off the table.  At Monday morning's appointment she said I can walk more, just don't plan on going for an hour.  

Yesterday was also exciting because I finally bought a maternity bra.  It was definitely needed as my other ones were digging into my skin (that probably explains the band move from 32 to 36)!  I ended up picking it up at Target after trying on about 10.  While there, I filled my Zofran prescription and was shocked at the difference in cost.  I got 30 pills for $19 vs the 12 for $35 at Walmart!

A picture from Monday morning's appointment.  We didn't get many clear pictures, but in this image one of the boys is waving hello.

Baby B with his feet crossed.
Babe A showing off one of his feet and 5 toes.

Baby B on top.
Baby A on bottom.  The blurry mess in front of his face is actually his umbilical cord.

October 1, 2016 ER Visit

Yesterday started out pretty normal.  I threw up, ate breakfast, got ready for the day, met some friends for a late brunch, and then went to the grocery store.  While I was at the grocery store my back started to hurt more (it always gets worse as the day progresses), so I just walked more slowly/carefully.  When I got home with the groceries, I left the heavy stuff for Seth to carry in once he got home from work.  Once inside, I noticed some bleeding and with my back pain, I got nervous.  I called the emergency hotline for my doctor and described my symptoms.  They sent me to the hospital to have it checked out.  On my way there I picked up Seth from work and he drove the rest of the way.  We went to the ER at the hospital I'll deliver the boys.  Everyone was nice and it wasn't crowded.  I even got a private room.  Thankfully everything is okay with our babies.  I have never been so relieved to see them moving their little bodies and their hearts beating.  I had some labs and ultrasounds done and was diagnosed with Subchorionic Hemorrhage.  After getting IV fluids they sent me home to be on bedrest until at least Monday when I see my OB again.  This pregnancy has definitely been difficult.  It will be nice when I can finally hold the baby boys!

Talking to the nurse about my symptoms when we first arrived.

After the ultrasound of the boys and my kidneys.  I was much happier.

Had to have an IV of fluids before leaving.  We were there for about 3 hours.

Tried It

Yesterday I noticed the dark line on my stomach called Linea Nigra.  Guess my belly really is starting to grow!

Ear Tack in my Wrist

4 in my Ears

I was so glad I went to the chiropractor.  It felt good to get adjusted and she showed me some stretches to do as well.  Since I am pregnant the back adjustment is different.  It was a little bit of massage and drop table.  I got a normal neck adjustment though.  At the end of the appointment she told me about this acupuncture therapy that is supposed to help with nausea.  I told her I wasn't a big fan of needles, but she said to just try it.  I ended up getting 10 ear tacks put in!  4 in each ear and 1 in each wrist.  I went to the appointment feeling pretty nauseous and it seemed to help, but a few hours later I started getting nauseous again.  It hurt so bad on my right ear yesterday evening that I finally took it off and it was bleeding.  That freaked me out so I took them all out (but only the one was bleeding).  It was nice of her to try something for me though!