A Trip to the Hospital - 22 weeks 5 days

This evening was quite exciting to say the least. Chris and I slept in and relaxed this morning, then decided to go to Panera Bread for lunch. While eating at Panera I felt 2 Braxton Hicks contractions in less than an hour which was more frequent than I've been getting them. After lunch we went to the Marketplace to shop for a bit and my stomach tightened and wouldnt let up. We went straight home, I went to the bathroom and drank another glass of water (supposed to help the Braxton Hicks), then went and took a nap for an hour. I felt much better, but when I slid out of bed, my uterus tightened up again. It didnt hurt but was definitely an unsettling feeling. I decided to call the DR on call (since it was Saturday) and he said I should go to L&D just to be safe and get checked, so off we went.

At about 6pm we arrived at Centennial Medical Center's High Risk OB ER where the nurses already knew I was coming. I had to provide a urine sample to test for a UTI and get swabbed for the FFN test. They had my change into a gown, took my vital signs, traced the babies' heartrates on the monitor (that took awhile b/c they were so active) and then they started monitoring for contractions. I was nervous but remained calm. They also checked my cervix for dilation, and thankfully it was closed and had good length - signs that I was NOT in labor. Whew!

Chris went and got us dinner at the Dairy Queen in the hospital. I had some chicken tenders, fries, toast, and a Hawaiian Blizzard. Mmmmmmm. The nurse came in while we were eating and said that I was having some "preterm contractions" (the kind that dont change the cervix but if not stopped could lead to labor) and they would need to give me a shot of terbutaline to stop them. About 5 min after the shot my heart rate was much faster (a common side effect). It felt like I had just run on the treadmill except I was just sitting there! I also got shaky when I got up to go to the bathroom. After 45min, they were starting up again so I got another shot. Thankfully, they werent coming back after the 2nd shot and we were sent home at about 11pm. The hospital told me to stay on bedrest until I got to see my OB.

We drove home, nervous but thankful. I immediately went to bed.

...And the bedrest begins!

Tribute to a True Best Friend

WARNING: You'll need some Kleenex.

Today, one of my childhood pets ended her journey here on Earth and made her way to Heaven. Mollie had been suffering with Congestive Heart Failure for several months and her body was finally ready to let go this week, though her soul (and love for frisbee) was still going strong and I'm sure always will. I'm glad I got to see and spend time with her over the Christmas holiday. She then, and even today was as beautiful as ever. I cant imagine how hard it was, this week, for my parents to watch her deteriorate and know her time was nearing. But the end of the journey was also bittersweet as she gave us all signs that it was OK to let her go (as you can see in the pictures). I loved her tremendously, and always will. Its a comfort to know that she can play pain-free up in Heaven with her green Flippy Flopper. I can only hope that one day I will see her again. I love you, Boo!

Here's a poem my Mom found that says it all...

May I go now
Don't you think the time is right?
May I say good-bye to pain filled days
and endless lonely nights?
I've lived my life and done my best,
an example tried to be,
So can I take that step beyond
and set my spirit free?
I didn't want to go at first.
I fought with all my might!
But something seems to draw me now
to a warm and loving light.
I want to go! I really do!
It's difficult to stay.
But I will try as best I can
to live just one more day.
To give you time to care for me
and share your love and tears.
I'll not be far, I promise that,
and hope you'll always know
that my spirit will be close to you
wherever you may go.
Thank you so for loving me
You know I loved you too.
That's why it's hard to say good-bye
and end this life with you.
So hold me now, just one more time
and let me hear you say,
because you care so much for me
you'll let me go today.

Marvelous Multiples

We went to our 1st prenatal class today called Marvelous Multiples. There were several other couples that were also having twins. It was great b/c we were all asking each other questions about our pregnancies, and it was of course neat to see everyone's growing bellies! One couple was already 35weeks along with their duo! The class taught us about the differences between a singleton and twin pregnancy, what we should be eating, how labor & delivery will be different, and what to expect when we bring 2 newborns home! It was very helpful and I'm glad we went. We even took a tour of the NICU at Baptist Hospital. They sent us home with a big packet of information to read, and I have to say its been some of the most helpful information I've read yet about what to expect when they arrive. We also got information on the Nashville chapter of Parents of Twins and Triplets Organization (POTATO). We plan to join them soon for support from other couples with twins and they have a great consignment sale in the spring.

20 Week Update

Well, there's definitely 2 healthy & active boogars in there. It was so exciting to watch them move around so much, kicking and changing positions. They kept the ultrasound tech and DR on their toes trying to figure out who was who. 1 baby weighs approximately 11 oz. while the other weighs about 12oz. (Already over a pound of babies in there!!!) and both babies have all their fingers and toes, all major organs are developing well, and their growth is right on track. We couldn't be prouder parents. :)

Here are the profile pics from their scan...


Mommy Update: Everything is going well here. Cervix is well intact at > 4cm (in length...will be awhile before we're talking dilation). I am feeling more movements but mostly on my Left side. We found out with the ultrasound that the babies' placentas are in the front of my uterus which means movement will be harder to feel until they are a little bigger/stronger with those punches & kicks. Back pain isnt getting any better. I've ordered a maternity bathing suit so I can start swimming for exercise and take some pressure of my back. Doc said not to expect this to get any better. But thats OK as long as our babies are doing just fine. Oh, and I'm finally putting on some weight (I was actually worried I wasnt gaining enough). So far, we're up 10 lbs (all in the belly). And no stretch marks to report at this time.

Daddy Update: Chris was right there with me at the ultrasound and DR appointment. We went to the Schlotsky's again for lunch where we talked about the cool miracles we just witnessed. Chris injured his knee just before the 1/2 Marathon, so we've been trying to get him rested well enough to get back into training. Less than 3 months to go before the BIG race!

Buddy Loves the Belly

 

Our 1st kitty, Buddy, LOVES to cuddle. The other night while we were sitting on the couch watching football, he decided he'd come give my belly a hug. He plopped right down beside me with his head struggling to see over the towering mound (OK, maybe its not that big yet) and put his arm right around my belly. It was the cutest thing ever. Then Chris slyly got up and got the camera to capture this Kodak Moment.

And the Kicking Begins!

Well, I'm sure they have been kicking for some time now, or at least thats what the books all say, but I can say for sure now that I am feeling the kicks/punches of my little ones. I felt the very first weird flutters on New Years Day (that'll be easy to remember) but now I am feeling the slightest little thumps, like someone is gently flicking your nose to tickle it. It makes me smile and is a very reassuring feeling. I'm sure there will always be a worry or wonder about how they are doing, even after they are born and grown. But for now, to feel and hear (with the Doppler) their presence gives me that warm, fuzzy feeling.

My goal for the upcoming weeks and for the remainder of the pregnancy is to start interacting with their world. We have 2 books we will start reading to them so they will become familiar with our voices and consistent sounds. I also cant wait to poke them and have them respond back. (Is that mean?). Our little miracles are already loved so much. We continue to pray that they will keep growing (and Mommy doesnt care if you kick a little harder).

Congratulations, Daddy!!

Chris completed his 2nd 1/2 Marathon today in Jackson, MS. It was the 2nd annual MS Blues Marathon. He even ran it with a hurt knee! Some call that stupid, but some call it dedication! This race was part of Chris's training for the Ironman 70.3 coming up in April. Now we've got to work on the swimming and the biking, both of which will give his knee a break.

It was also great to visit with our good friends in Jackson (We havent been back in well over a year). Here are a few pictures from the weekend...

Happy New Year!

 

Its 2009! When the ball fell last night, I immediately had a warm feeling as I thought "This is the year my babies will be born." How exciting! As you can see in the picture, the bump has become a belly. Our little boogars are growing...and fast! We cant wait to see them in less than 2 short weeks for their next big ultrasound.

As for our New Years, we had a wonderful time sharing food and fellowship with our fabulous neighbors. We had dinner at Fulin's (an Asian restaurant), LSU slaughtered Georgia Tech in the Chick-fil-A bowl, we played a fun game of Taboo at Kerri's before we rang in the New Year with champagne (I had water), and then we all met for breakfast in our jammies at Courtney's. The only thing missing was our great friends, The Roys. It wasnt the same without Hollie and Brian but we have all of 2009 to make up for it. Get well soon, Hollie!