26 Week Update

Baby Update: The babies have been very active this week. I can see their movements across my belly and can feel Twin A's hiccups daily. Sometimes my belly gets a big hump or 2 on one side or the other and its so cool to watch and feel. Heartrates were still in the 140s to 150s, which is great and Docs are pleased with their level of activity.

Mommy Update: I'm starting to feel better. I've been on bedrest almost 4 weeks now. I've noticed a decrease in my lower back pain which I'm sure is from taking all that pressure off my pelvis. I get short of breath easily. I think its a combination of not doing much activity and I'm definitely running out of room in my lower chest. I cant eat much food at a time without feeling its in my throat and Twin B likes to hang out or kick just under my rib cage! We've had a few days here and there of warmer weather so I've taken advantage of it and opened the windows in the house or gone and sat on the porch to soak up some rays.

The DRs were please with my gestational diabetes management. I have managed to keep my BS in normal range since my diagnosis. Today(Friday) I will get a betamethasone (steroid) shot to help the babies' lung development should they be born early. I will get the 2nd shot tomorrow at home. A common side effect is elevated BS though, so I will be giving myself insulin for the next 3-4 days to keep it under control.

Daddy Update: Training continues and it looks like Chris's knee is getting stronger. We're hopeful that he'll get to do the Oschner 1/2 Ironman in April but we know its so close to when the babies could decide they want to come. If this race in April doesnt work out, there's another 1/2 Ironman here in TN in September and then the whole family could come! Chris bought me a wheelchair this week off Craigslist. It helps us out a ton when we want to get out of the house and gives me the opportunity to have more freedom out of the house. Great idea, Daddy!

Consignment Sales ROCK!

For those of you who dont know, a Consignment Sale is a very organized garage sale of sorts. A consignment owner rents a place out, like a church or vacated building, and has a bunch of women bring in their new or gently used baby/kids clothing, toys, furniture, etc. The leftover items are given back to the "consignor" or donated to charity. These sales in middle TN are very organized and popular.

I went to my 1st sale last night with Chris and my friend, Kerri. Chris pushed me around in a wheelchair since I'm still on bedrest (Dont worry Dr said it was OK). They opened the sale early for "new moms". There were TONS of items to help a new mom get started. I cant see paying full-price for certain items the babies will only use for a few months, especially when we need things for 2 babies! The clothes are so cute and it GREAT condition, and many are still new in the package. I dont think I'll ever buy brand new clothes again! With me being a stay-at-home mom for awhile after the babies come, this will also be a way for us to keep our costs down or even make some money, as I can consign items after we're done using them. March is a busy Consignment Sale month so I'm hoping to go to more.

Our 1st Baby Shower!!

Yesterday was our first baby shower! It was hosted by our wonderful sister-in-law Brittney Schiro and her mother down in Baton Rouge. Several of Chris's family and friends attended and showered us with fabulous gifts for our 2 miracles. After I got good news from the Docs on Friday, Chris drove down after work all the way to Baton Rouge and came back Sunday evening with gifts in tow (I couldnt go b/c I'm still on bedrest and its over 8hrs away). I had such a wonderful time reading through all the thoughtful cards, and of course checking out all the gifts! Everyone was SOooo generous!

Sometimes it feels like this isn't real! Sometimes, I cant believe these gifts and words of advice and encouragement are for us and OUR babies! Its very surreal to think I'll be a mommy soon. Its something I've always dreamed of, probably more than planning my wedding as a little girl, but now that its so close, I feel I'm truly entering that transition from girl/young woman to Mother - the most important job of my life. I always believed I would be a "Mommy" in whatever way a child was brought to me to love and take care of. I'm so grateful and blessed that I have been able to experience these lives growing inside me and to do all this with the amazing love and support of the best husband ever, and not to mention all our parents, family, friends, and neighbors help and encouragement. Our children will know everyday how loved and special they are and how important it is to give all that love back...and then some.

25 Week Update

Baby Update: Still going strong! Twin A's HR was in the 150s and Twin B's was in the 140s. This week, Twin A is measuring 1lb 12oz and Twin B has reached 2lbs! As you can see, the belly is definitely growing with them. The babies remain very active. My stomach is starting to contort as they change positions. It's so neat to watch...and feel!

Mommy Update: My uterus is measuring 34cm (or what a singleton pregnancy would be at 34 weeks!) I was diagnosed with Gestational Diabetes this week. :( The MFM Drs gave me a glucometer kit with strips and a "finger poker". I have a little log where I'll keep track of my blood sugars (BS) that I have to check 4xs/day and write in the foods/meals that I eat. I have a feeling they caught this early b/c my #s weren't really that bad.

Bedrest is still an adjustment. I keep myself busy checking message boards with other bedrest mommies, paying bills, organizing insurance stuff, registering for baby things, and answering emails. I dont watch too much TV - it gets old and feels unproductive, though I will watch a certain show or two every now then. Baby Story, NCIS, and Law & Order are my favs.

Daddy Update: Chris had to take some time off training with his knee injury and our adjustment to bedrest but now he's back to work! He's started taking spin classes and swimming at the YMCA some mornings, and of course there's the bike trainer in the house until this weather warms up a bit.

Happy Birthday....to ME!

I'm 28 years old today, which means I'll be 28 when my babies are born! I had a wonderful day! Chris gave me the sweetest written card with a special message from the twins and some Ghiradelli chocolates inside (Mmmmmmm!) I got my annual phone call from my parents detailing my mom's labor and birth right around the time I came into the world (9:43am). Mrs. Barbara came for a visit today and brought lots of goodies and treated us to lunch from Wasabi. She also prepped a fabulous roast and veggies in the crockpot for dinner tomorrow night. I just relaxed most of the day, then for dinner, we went to our friends (and conveniently next door neighbors) the Roys house for a fabulous Steak and veggie dinner. I think it way outdid any restaurant, and of course the company is always a great time!

Thank you, everyone, for a FABULOUS birthday!

24 Week Update

We've made it to viability!! If the babies were born this week they would have about a 50% chance of survival, but a long road to recovery in a Neonatal ICU and high probability of various disabilities from being born so premature, but survival is possible. When I worked in the NICU I took care of many "24-weekers", several of which did a great job, so this is a big milestone! Of course we hope they stay in for several more weeks!

Babies Update: The babies are growing well and are very active! We had a 3D ultrasound this week and got some great pictures of Twin B. Twin A was lying under the placenta so we couldnt get a clear picture but a nice profile shot. Heartrates were great - in the 150s for both. We will be getting ultrasounds weekly from here on out but they dont do measurements every week b/c of the error rate, so we'll have weight estimates about every 2-3 weeks. This week they estimate Twin A to weigh 1lb 5oz and Twin B 1lb 7oz. Look at their beautiful faces! We're so in love with them!

Mommy Update: I was tested for Gestational Diabetes this week. I did a test on Monday where I drank some fruit punch drink and then had to wait 1 hr to get my blood drawn. I scored a little out of range so I then was scheduled for a 3 hr Glucose Tolerance Test (GTT) on Friday. You have to fast for 12hrs, come in, get your blood drawn, drink the drink again, and get your blood drawn at 1, 2, and 3hrs after drinking the drink. I was STARVING by the end but brought some magazines and thank you notes to work on while I was waiting. They also let me sit back in a procedure room in a nice microfiber recliner since I'm on bedrest. Yay for the special treatment! I'll get the results next week.

Daddy Update: Chris is such a trooper thru everything! He is so helpful with me on bedrest. He leaves me snacks and water on my nightstand before he goes to work. He's taking care of all the household necessities. Its so hard not to help him, but I know its in the babies' best interest that I stay off my feet as much as possible. He keeps me on track and doesnt let me do too much and does it all without a complaint. Is this Daddy amazing or what?

Post-Hospital OB Follow Up

So, we're 23 weeks today and Dr. Wingo's office got us in right away after my trip to the hospital this weekend. He checked my cervix again and it was still closed and long - good signs. We discussed the tightening of my uterus whenever I sit up straight or stand. He explained that this is probably happening b/c we're carrying twins and the uterus is growing at a fast rate and sometimes gets irritable. He also explained the importance of taking it easy, so no more work the rest of the pregnancy and to remain on a modified bedrest until further notice.

My modified bedrest means I should lay down or be reclined most of the day. I am allowed to use the bathroom, take a shower, and fix a quick meal (basically use the microwave or fix a bowl of cereal).

He also recommended bringing in a Maternal-Fetal Medicine (MFM)group to co-manage our care from here on out. We set up an appt with Dr. Collins at Tennessee Maternal Fetal Medicine for Wednesday. They will monitor the babies from here on out also and we'll get ultrasounds with them now.