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Kaylyn's Upcoming Baptism!

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Its a Girl!

Blossom And Branches Birth Announcement

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27 Week Update

Baby Update: Another great report this week. Twin A is estimated to weigh 2lbs 5oz and Twin B is at 2lbs 9oz, which is right on track. I cant believe there's almost 5lbs of babies in there!!! Their movements continue to get stronger and are sometimes uncomfortable as they shift around and contort my belly into all these funny shapes! The babies also attended their 1st hockey game this week. On Tuesday night, Chris's work department was given free tickets to use the Gaylord skybox. There was no way I was gonna pass that up! Chris, Aunt Michelle, and I all piled up with the wheelchair and had a fun evening of hockey, fellowship, and a couple good fights!

Mommy Update: Since my diabetes is still being managed well and I tolerated the steroid shots well, Drs said I can cut back to monitoring my BS to 3x/day. They also said I can move around a little more, as long as I dont overdo it. I've been walking around the house a little more and getting out of the house, but still using my wheelchair when going in places. My Mom and Dad (Gma and Gpa Wilson) closed on their new home here in Nashville on Friday this week!! We're so excited to have family so close! They will be 30min away, Michelle is 30min away, and Chris's mom (Memere) will be an hour away!

Daddy Update: Chris got to travel to one of his best friend's wedding this weekend in New Orleans. Its hard for him to leave, especially when the babies could still decide to come at any time, but with good Dr reports it makes it a smidge easier. I'm glad Chris has gotten to spend some quality time with his friends and family so far this year b/c I know its going to be harder for us to travel once the babies come.

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.

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!

Our Christmas in Chicago

We got to spend a whole week in downtown Chicago for our Christmas vacation! It was -2 degrees when we arrived and had warmed to 20 by the time we left. We saw snow, rain, lots of wind, and ice but it didnt slow us down! Grandma Wilson was there which made it extra special, and we had a fabulous time visiting Aunt Ang, Uncle Fred, Andy, Max, and several of their close family friends. We went to the movie theatre twice! (Saw Marley & Me and Four Christmases) and walked down Michigan Avenue to do some last minute Christmas shopping. We relaxed at home and watched movies and lots of football bowl games, played cards and dice, and had tons of Mom's wonderful home-cookin'. Christmas is my favorite time of year and this trip definitely was one to remember!

Of course it would happen that 2 days into our trip and while pregnant I would catch my 1st stomach bug. It was AWFUL! But luckily I had my Mommy and Chris right there to take care of me. My OB was notified and I was within 1 hour of having to go to the ER to get fluids, but luckily everything started to stay down. I lost 3+ of the pounds I had worked so hard to put on, but my appetite came back full force after a couple days.

Our home doppler also arrived while in Chicago. We're able to listen to the babies' heartbeats with it. It was a relief to hear their strong heartbeats after me being so sick, but apparently the stomach bug didnt affect them at all! We let everyone listen on Christmas morning after all the presents were open. We figured we'd save the best present for last. :)

Thank you, Mom and Dad, for a wonderful time in Chicago!

16-17 Week Update

DR Update: Doc says everything looks great! Did the usual provide a urine sample, asked our questions and got to listen to BOTH heartbeats! Dr. Wingo was very talkative today. He gave us some great insight into thinking about pediatricians (though we dont need one quite yet), whats to come with the next couple appointments, etc. Overall, our DR visit was quite exciting! Oh, and we've started a tradition of having lunch together at Schlotsky's Deli after each appt. Been there 3 times already. Mmmmmmm.

Mother/Baby Update: My uterus is measuring what a singleton mother's would be at 22weeks (tip of uterus is above my belly button) and I'm 16weeks 4days today. Doc said thats right on schedule. Baby A's (one on the bottom)hearbeat was in the 150s, and Baby B's (one on top) heartbeat was in the 140s. I got a prescription for a Prenatal Cradle today, which I'll pick up tomorrow. This is a quite unattractive contraption used to help support the weight of my growing belly and give me some back support during the day, since I'm already having routine back pain. I've read about these and heard they're great! I had my 1st Charlie Horse calf cramp a couple nights ago and my leg is still sore. I got some great tips on how to prevent this in the future (stretching and Gatorade before bed, eat more oranges, kiwi, and bananas).

Daddy Update: Chris is doing well with his 1/2 marathon training. We're heading to Chicago for Christmas next week and he plans to do alot of running there, even though its going to be 10-20 degrees!! Thats dedication! Work is going well also. We just had all the Christmas parties this week, which were a blast. One at his office and the other at the Gaylord Opryland Hotel with great food and a fabulous band! Daddy was very excited to hear both babies' heartbeats today!

What Makes a Great Daddy?

I think Chris should eventually write a book on this topic. He says to the babies just about every time he talks to them (which is quite often)that "I'm gonna be the best Daddy ever." Well, so far during this special pregnancy, he's living up to his commitment to our children by being so wonderful to me. I think having/caring for a child makes you a Daddy, which is essentially a special kind of husband. Here's just a few of the wonderful things he has done...

*Talks to the babies at least once a day. (I know they'll know his voice well)
*Listens to me with interest & sympathy with each new bodily change or ailment.
*Planning our future in so many ways so that I am not burdened with additional stress.
*Excited about coming to every DR appt and asks his own questions.
*Will get just about anything I ask for, so I dont have to get up.
*In the middle of the night, talked me through my 1st "Charlie Horse" ever.
*Doesn't steal my body pillow (even though I know he wants to)
*He makes me feel beautiful all the time.

I count my blessings all the time, but Chris is by far my greatest blessing. I dont think I could mentally grasp everything going on inside me or whats lies in the future without his support, humor, and most of all, his love. I'm quite certain that my Chris will be among the Greatest Daddies in the World.

Belly Pic at nearly 16 weeks

 

Here is my latest belly pic. I'm still working on compiling all my shots to date so you can compare, but for those of you waiting to see it, here it is!

The Body Pillow = New Friend

So, I've been in denial about already having back pain. How can I only be 15 weeks and be walking around at night like an ole lady??? Well, reality has set in. I know it will get worse, so I'm trying to combat it now. So, off I go to Target - and they must have really wanted me to have one - because it was 25% off and came with a soft plush dark brown cover that matches my bedding.

Thank goodness we have a King-size bed because with me, my new body pillow and the pillow that goes under my back, Chris's side of the bed has now been reduced to a twin (no pun intended). He calls it "Your Bubble" because I am completely shut off from him now. :(

So the first night in my "Bubble" was quite interesting. See, eventually you have to change positions to the other side. So, how do you flip over with a body pillow and another pillow while under your sheets and blankets for the winter? You dont. Maybe thats what the babies will feel like later on in the pregnancy. I sure do sympathize with them now! With all that, however, I did wake up a little less stiff, so my New Friend is here to stay for awhile!

Some of their 1st pictures!

Here are some pics from our ultrasound at 10 weeks. The top picture is 3D picture of Baby A. Baby very active kicking and punching around and the heart rate was 173.

This is a 2D picture of Baby B. She was turned a different way (and totally on her head!), so it was difficult to capture as good of a 3D picture.The heartrate was 168. Baby was sleeping at first but then we saw the kicking! Truly amazing!

Its so amazing that they look this much like human beings at this stage of development! I can only imagine what they look like now!

"Placenta Brain"

Is this for real? Because I'm starting to think that it is (and Chris could vouch for this too). In a short time, I have locked my keys in my trunk, left my purse at a restaurant overnight, and almost drove off from a drive-thru without my debit card. Yes, all these isolated events have happened to me in my lifetime but not so close together! I also feel I'm struggling with multi-tasking. While cleaning, I get easily distracted or think of something else to do (maybe subconsciously I just dont want to do it?) or I get tired and just lay down and dont finish. I'm training to be a clinic nurse and I am usually a very fast learner but I feel myself needing to take notes and...again...not being able to multi-task. Oh, and dont even get me started on jokes. "I DONT GET IT" **while twirling a handful of hair** anymore.

I love my babies and even if I turn into a "dumb blonde" to have them come into this life healthy, its all worth it. I just wanted to vent about my feeling ADL (activities of daily living) - challenged at the moment.

We Made It!!

To the 2nd trimester!! We cant tell you what a relief it is to have reached this milestone. We have read and heard it from the doctors that making it to the 2nd trimester is a big milestone for the twins. So often you can lose one or both in the 1st trimester, and after our miscarriage last year, we have been nothing but cautious. Although I've had such joy in my heart at being pregnant again, (especially with twins), I can honestly say it has been hard to let my walls down...until now.

Mommy/Baby Update: We're 14 weeks now. The babies must be growing because my belly is (according to weekly updates they are the size of a lemon)! At our DR appt yesterday, my uterus was measuring 16weeks, which is normal for a twin pregnancy at this point. We heard one beautiful heartbeat at 150 beats per minute (bpm) - Doc doesnt listen for 2. I have only gained 0.5lb so far, but the DR isnt worried about this either. The nausea just stopped last week and now that my appetite is better and the babies are getting bigger, my weight should start to increase. I've had a consistent backache for the last week. This surprises me b/c it seems so early and I know it will only get worse. I truly feel for all those women with large breasts that have back trouble (not that I have big ones right now but they're big for me :) Our next appt is December 17th just to make sure everything is going fine. Our next big ultrasound will be beginning of the new year.

Maternity clothes are almost necessary. Its very uncomfortable to wear regular pants. Chris's sweatpants work nice around the house and most of my scrubs are still OK for work. Thankfully, I already have a pair of maternity jeans from Mrs. Barbara that I'm putting to good use so I dont always look like a frumpy wife.

Daddy Update: Chris is continuing his training for a 1/2 Marathon in January in Jackson, MS and for his 1/2 Ironman in April in New Orleans, LA. He just finished 2 out-of-town audits in Texas and Orlando so work is keeping him busy too. With all that, he still manages to be a fabulous Daddy-to-Be. He talks to the babies every day. He's cooked dinners and is doing his best to make sure I'm eating enough of the right foods, even when they dont sound good to me! He's been very supportive while I've been sick with allergies, and we've been talking about planning for college funds, increasing our life insurance, discussing baby names, how we'll decorate the nursery, and all those other fun things.

Happy December!

Moving On

After a loss, its hard to convince yourself that things are going to be just fine. No matter how much you hear it, its not that easy to just "give it all to God". You fall in love, get married, get pregnant, and just expect that everything will go just as its supposed to and then you get blindsided with news that "You are going to miscarry. Your baby is not viable." All my dreams of the perfect pregnancy and delivery were shattered and forever changed. I do believe that all things happen for a reason. Something went wrong with our 1st little baby and though I'd never meet him, it was truly a comfort to know that his little remains were buried inside me instead of having to be expelled by the D&C. I will always love my 1st baby and have tremendous respect for my 1st pregnancy. Our loss was another testament to the power of the love between Chris and me, another hurdle that made us stronger. I cant tell you how proud I am of how we have handled the tougher things we've been dealt in our relationship.

So now, we find ourselves on a mountaintop, so to speak, in our life. We truly couldnt be happier! We're excited. We're planning and preparing for our new future. We're strengthening our marriage so that we can be the best parents we can be. We know there could still be bumps in the road but we're soaking in all the Goodness right now. Its awesome and amazing! I figured we could start this Blog to keep track of our thoughts, feelings, pictures, and details along the way of this exciting time and also keep our family and friends updated. Feel free to send us comments or emails. We hope you enjoy reading as much as we enjoy spreading the wonderful news!