Where should I start?? lol

My husband and I have been married since October 2005. In November 2006 we started trying to have a baby. After much disappointment, a few problems and many trips to the OBGYN we discussed trying a round of Clomid. The doctor thought (by looking at my charting) that I wasn't ovulating. So on the FIRST round of Clomid I took 50mg on days 3-7. Then on day 13 I had an ultrasound and I had one egg that looked perfect and one that was so-so. The next day I was given an HCG shot called Novarel (to make my ovary release the egg). A few weeks later BFP!!!

I called my doctor and had my first pregnancy visit at 5 weeks. While I was there she said " I dont think I'll be able to see anything, I just want to take a quick look with the ultrasound anyway". So we went to the ultrasound room and she had just showed me the sac when she said OH MY. OH MY GOODNESS. Immediately I thought something was wrong --and then she announced THERES TWO. WOW, the emotions I experienced while I was laying there watching the two sacs on the big screen. I was in disbelief, I thought I only had one GOOD egg and she said YOU DID, but you had one that was SO-SO as well she didnt think anything would come of it. In 6 years I was her FIRST patient to get pregnant with TWINS while on Clomid. Did I mention I found out about the twins on Friday the 13th? lol

She explained to us that SOMETIMES one baby wont do as well and the body will kinda reabsorb it so she wanted me to come back in two weeks for a viability ultrasound. Well at 6 weeks 5 days we went back and we got to see and hear two heartbeats. It was amazing. One was 130 and the other 136. She assured us both were good heart rates.

So we're having two. After the initial shock I was thrilled. My husband was happy from the second she said theres two. He figures we hit the baby jackpot. We get two for the price of one because I only have to be pregnant and miserable once :)

So even though I'm due in March, I will probably only carry until 35-36 weeks so we're thinking Valentine babies.

11w5d (28 August 07):
So I had a visit to my OB today and for the first time I got to hear my babies’ heartbeats with the Fetal Doppler. It was the best sound ever. One was going 160bpm and the other 170bpm. It was heavenly :)

The doctor said everything is going great, and that all my questions about backache and acne etc were perfectly normal things that go right along with pregnancy. I’ve gained 3 pounds since my last visit so she was very pleased.

I go back to the doctor again in 2 weeks. From now on every time I go I will get to hear their heartbeats on the fetal doppler and at my next appointment I'll even get an ultrasound to see them :)

My husband today while web caming (he is in Alaska):
Curtis Harper: Your belly looks good
Curtis Harper: It's a beautiful round pregnant belly

13w5d (11 September 07):
So I had my ultrasound today, the babies are measuring 14w0d and 14w1d respectively. They both weigh 3oz. Ones heartbeat was 159 and the others was 156 - the ultrasound tech said at my next scan (in a month) we will be able to see all the organs and determine the genders.

The way they are now, they are both head down - backs are on my left side and arms/legs are on my right side. The placentas are in good positions.

I have a lot of pictures but I'm only going to put up the best ones!... as for me, I didn't gain any weight but I didn't lose any weight and since the babies are both doing well- right now its not that big of a deal :)

15w3d They are moving like crazy!!! After eating a LARGE portion of Oreo cookie ice cream, the babies moved around for a good 30-45 minutes. Curtis (my husband) was able to feel them for the first time! He said it felt like bubbles - then our roommate (Susie) felt them too and to her it felt like I kept getting flicked from the inside out... To me it kind of felt like popcorn lol :) I’m excited that I’m not crazy and other people can finally feel what I’ve been feeling!

15w5d (25 September 07):

Had a check-up today. The nurse could only find one baby's heartbeat (which was 152) because they were moving around so much so she asked the doc if we could do a quick ultrasound just to see the other baby's heart. The doctor agreed and off we went. I asked her if we would be able to see what they were and she said we should be able to tell. Well as soon as she put the probe on my belly she said well there’s the heads. The heads are right next to each other, by my belly button, as of now they are both breech. They also both had their legs crossed! lol I prodded one baby, and she is pretty sure what it is but we are going to wait for our next scheduled ultrasound to be sure.

I go for a level II ultrasound in about two weeks. We should find out for sure what we are having then. We are so Excited! She said the fluid looks great, and the babies looked good and she was happy with my weight gain. (4lbs in 2weeks).

My uterus is measuring 4-5 weeks ahead, so even though I'm 15weeks I'm measuring like I'm 20 and its right above my belly button. I am supposed to start getting shots once a week for 10 weeks. They are supposed to help prevent preterm labor. it’s called 17P or alpha hydroxyprogesterone caproate. I’m still trying to research them though and waiting for the new doc who will be taking over my care to give me a call about them...

My doc gave me a new vitamin with more iron in it, and said at 24 weeks I will get a shot to help boost their lung development.... I can’t wait till my next appointment/ultrasound!

17w3d (Oct 7th):

We had our co-ed baby shower today! it was wonderful! My mom flew in and surprised me from Ohio and was here for 4 days! My husband new all about her coming so I was shocked when not only did he bring me dinner at work but he brought my mother with him! They are sneaky! It was kind of nice not knowing she was coming though because I didn’t stress out and clean the house etc.

The girls at work gave me an early baby shower because I’m moving to Alaska soon (19 Oct). I won't know anyone when I get there and with two on the way we will need a lot of stuff. We had a turn out of about 20 people :) After the baby shower my mom and I went to Target and bought a ton of needed baby essentials. Mom and I also went to garage sales this weekend (we were busy!). We found one garage sale in particular where they had twin girls-jackpot! We bought so much we had to wash 5 loads of nothing but baby clothes. The babies will be well dressed! At my last quick scan the doctor told me she was pretty sure there was one girl in my belly... but since I'm not sure about the other one I’ve been buying things for both a boy and a girl...wishful thinking or mommies intuition?? My mom thinks I’m carrying two girls since I’m carrying high but I guess we'll find out soon what they both are!

17w5d (Oct 9th):
So we had our level II ultrasound today with the maternal fetal specialist. Our appt was for 3:00 but he had a C- section so they didn't take us back until 4:30! It was the longest wait of my life lol Once we got back and the tech started scanning it was awesome. We were told that the umbilical cords, my cervix, the placentas, the babies growth & development etc -- all were EXCELLENT. Then the doctor came in and went over some stuff with us. He said as of right now I'm having what he calls a perfect pregnancy :) We also got to see their parts!

A BOY and a GIRL!!!!

We feel so blessed and we are super excited! Now I just need to keep fattening them up! As of now they are each about 7inches long and 7oz. I have an appointment with my regular doctor this Thursday - I hope she is as pleased as the maternal fetal specialist was :)

18w (Oct 11th): I had my last doctor’s appointment with Dr. Fletcher today. She was very happy with my weight gain, and the scan from the doctor’s office. She answered my last few questions, told me to take Zantac150 2x a day (if needed) for heartburn (little problem I’ve started experiencing) and gave me a big Ole HUG! She told me I better send her pictures of these twins. I’m really going to miss her! *tear* she’s an excellent physician; she made me feel very comfortable and confident in her abilities. she got me in to this, and I wish she were going to be with me in the end but Alaska here we come!

20w4d:

So I met my new doctor today (Ellie Hogenson). She was different then my last doctor but very still very nice. She doesn’t seem to have as an aggressive approach but she does take a lot of time to answer my questions, ask me questions etc. I will be receiving ultrasound every 4 weeks from now on to make sure the babies are developing at about the same rate. They have been moving like crazy, and all I can do is sit and smile because it is so distracting! Curt has probably felt them multiple times a day, everyday, for the last week! I gained 5.5lbs since my last visit. The doc here says I should gain 40lbs in this pregnancy.... 14 down and only 26 more to go! lol I also asked about seeing a chiropractor for my lower back which she has no problem with so I go for my 1st chiropractor appointment Friday. I can’t wait :) I'll be sure to write more after the ultrasound next Wednesday......

21w6d -- Ultrasound scan (Nov 7th, 2007):

Well there’s not to much new.... since my doctor didn’t have my ultrasound reports from Oklahoma she sent me for a FULL ultrasound again today. It was long (1.5hrs) and I started to get uncomfortable but the babies are doing well. Baby A (Macey) is head down and she is on my right side. Baby B (Everett) is still breech and he is lying on my left side. Both babies weigh about 1 pound (15oz each). I've gained another 2.5 pounds just since last Monday! So I’m up to 121pounds at 21 weeks (I started at 105). The doctor that scanned me today was a very old gentleman and my husband didn’t care much for his bedside manner so I don’t think he will be attending anymore ultrasounds...... I have a doctor’s appointment Monday and I'll update some more then :)

22w4d -- Doctors appointment (Nov 11th, 2007):

Things are going great! the doctor went over the ultrasound results with me and said everything looked wonderful. I'm up to 123.5 so I've put on 18.5 pounds. (I still have about 15 weeks to go)! I go for another doctor’s appointment and ultrasound on the 28th. The babies are at the appropriate weight and had nice strong heartbeats. We talked about finding a pediatrician, I got a flu shot, and I got the green light to travel to Anchorage for Christmas :)

Nov 14th @ 3:45am. So it’s the middle of the night and I can’t sleep - what better to do than update my website. It was recently pointed out that I haven’t posted what we are naming the babies yet. We are naming them:

Everett Louis & Macey Marie

We've started working on the nursery and to be honest I’m a bit stressed about it. I had to order the bedding online as there are not a lot of options here in Fairbanks. In the meantime we went to Lowes and purchased the paint and chair rail and figured we would get on with that part of the room. The room was supposed to be a beige color and it turned out to have more of a pumpkin spice tint to it. Now I'm frantic because I think the pink girl bedding we have coming is going to clash and look horrible. All I want is a nice nursery! I’m not sure if I should find her new bedding or find a way to make it work. My hubby did a great job painting and I know how he hates to paint so I couldn’t ask him to paint it over.....ahh what should I do?

23w6d (21 Nov 07):

It’s the day before Thanksgiving! I got up at 6:15 this morning. I just couldn’t sleep anymore. My dad’s side of the family is flying in this afternoon and we are going to have a feast tomorrow! This will be my first Thanksgiving with my Dad in years, the first one I’ve had at our new house, and my first Thanksgiving pregnant! I can’t wait to eat all the yummy food :)

The babies' bedding arrived a few days ago, it looks nice and I’m relieved since I ordered it online without actually seeing in first. I can’t wait till the baby furniture gets put together next week so I can start dressing up the room!

I’ve been telling my husband for about 2 weeks now that I can see the babies moving just by watching my stomach. last night we were lying in bed and he was watching. he knew they were moving he had just felt them when he moved his hand and was just starring. All of a sudden somebody kicked nice and hard and he said “Whoa! I saw that" it was neat. The babies have developed rest periods and active periods. They kick me every morning and for a few hours at night. I love it in the morning because it makes me feel like they are saying “good morning mommy, we're awake, we're doing well!" At night it can be frustrating but I'm trying to enjoy it.

My next doctor’s appointment is the 28th; I also have a growth scan that day. Wahoo!

24 weeks (22-25 November):

So Thanksgiving morning (Thursday) I woke up to find my feet and hands completely swollen. My hands were so swollen I could hardly close them. So I drank some extra water and tried to rest up a bit. Then on Friday morning I didn’t have much swelling but woke up with a very itchy chest and abdomen. Friday afternoon I started thinking, maybe I should give the doctor a call before the weekend starts and ask about this swelling and itching. I know pregnant women swell. but not me and not first thing in the morning! I thought that only happened in the evenings....so I called the doctors office and a little bit later the nurse called me back and asked me to come right in. I went to the office, they checked my blood pressure and urine -- both were good. The doc decided it wasn’t pregnancy related and that I needed to take allegra for 3 days to stop the itching and swelling and figure out what the heck I was having an allergic reaction to. I’ve been taking the allegra for 3 days now, and the itching has stopped but I’m still not sure what I was exposed too....

In the meantime my stepmom (Carolyn) and I just finished up the nursery letters for each of the babies. They turned out wonderful! I can’t wait to hang them up on the wall! Here’s a link to the pictures:

My dad, sister (Nicole), and step mom (Carolyn) also got to feel some pretty powerful kicks. Funny thing was my step mom got to SEE the babies kick (by starring at my tummy) before she even felt them! I think the babies like party music, it makes em move! When my dad got to feel them he thought it was super cool. He just kept saying whoa, wow - it was funny. Took a little bit for him to feel them though. Every time he would place his hand on my tummy he would start talking, the babies would then stop moving - it was like they were trying to listen. So I told him to be quiet and sure enough the kicking began! He loves babies and I think he is very excited to meet them! We all are! :)

24w6d (28 Nov 07):

So after todays doctor visit I am a little concerned... I was reviewing my records from my last doctors office in Oklahoma and noticed when they had done my cervical length that it was 3, well when I got it checked here a month ago they said it was 4, I thought it a bit odd that it got LONGER even though I had progressed in pregnancy by many weeks. I was scheduled for an ultrasound after seeing my doctor today, so I brought this up to her. I asked her if we could have the ultrasound doc do a re-measure just to be safe. She agreed and so it was measured. Well its short! The ultrasound doc is 82 years old. Hes been doing this a long time -- so long that he had to stop delivering babies in 1992 so all he does now is ultrasounds. He told me not to be suprised if my doc wants me on bedrest soon but other than that I was doing great. Both babies are head down, weighing 1 pound 10oz each.

So a couple hours went by and I was thinking about it and decided to call my doctors office and see if she had recieved the report yet. I am not scheduled to see her for 2 more weeks and as of now I dont have an ultrasound scheduled. While I was on the phone with the front office my cell was ringing but I couldnt answer so I let it go to voicemail. Well it was the doctor telling me to call her, that she got the report and shes a bit concerned and shes going to need to see me in the next few days. - wonderful :(

I called her back but for now we are playing phone tag. I suppose I will try her again first thing in the morning. Im only 25 weeks - these babies have a lot more baking to do so they need to stay in as long as possible. Not sure what the doctor has in mind but wish me luck!

25 weeks (29 Nov 07):

The doctor had me come in this morning. She did a fetal fibronectin test which test to see if I am going to go into labor within the next two weeks - the results came back negative so that was very reassuring! Im going to see her again in a week just so she can check on me. She will perform the fetal fibronectin test every 2 weeks along with a sonogram to make sure my cervix isnt shortening anymore and that I wont be going into labor anytime soon. If it ever comes back positive (before 34 weeks) she said she will put me on bedrest and start giving me steriod shots to boost the babies lungs -- but for now everything is good! what a relief! She was very happy with the babies weight and position. She said Im feeding them well, and as long as they stay head down I should definantly be able to try for a natural delivery :)

I also did the test for gestational diabetes today, I should get those results next week.

25w1d (30 Nov 07):

The nursery is just about complete! Here are a few pictures of the twins room...

Everetts Side of the room

Maceys Side of the room

26 weeks (6 Dec 07):

Had another doctor’s appointment today… I was supposed to see her this morning but she had a delivery so they rescheduled me for the afternoon. Luckily I went when I did because after seeing me she rushed off to do yet another delivery!

I weigh 129 (gained 24 pounds so far). The visit was quick; Dr. Ellie just checked my cervix and said no change from last week so that’s good news. She scheduled me for an ultrasound on Monday and then I will see her again on Wednesday (after that I think I'm going back to having my appointments every 2 weeks). She’s really keeping a close eye on me. I asked her about taking the childbirth classes the first part of January, she said that would be fine - she thinks the babies will still be baking so that's reassuring :) She also told me to have a good talk with the babies and remind them to stay head down. She has her fingers crossed for me that they will because less than 50% of the time both twins are head down.

This evening Curt & I went on a tour of the hospital. It was frustrating at first. There were about 10 couples there (which apparently is TWICE the amount there normally is). Most of our questions had to wait till the end since we are having twins. Our circumstances are different and the way the hospital will handle us is different. Afterwards however the two of us were able to see the NICU and the nurse was great at answering our questions.

Since I’m having twins I will labor in a regular labor & delivery room however, once it gets close to time they will take me to an operating room. They don’t have any labor rooms that double as operating room but in my case the operating room can double as a labor room. Those carrying twins have to deliver in the O.R. just in case there are any complications or a C- Section is required.

I realize I'm pregnant, and I know how babies come out, but it didn't really truly click what I'm going to go through until we went on the hospital tour. I started crying in the car on the way home. I just keep telling Curt I'm not sure that I'm ready for this. I’m worried that he's not going to be there for me or he won't be able to deal with the IVs etc. I certainly don’t want my babies staying in the NICU. It looked depressing. Granted it was empty (there was only one baby there) but it’s not a state of the art hospital here in Fairbanks. Curt keeps telling me that I should be grateful that the hospital is decent and that they even have a NICU but I just keep thinking of how scary this is going to be, and how awful and gut wrenching it will be if I have to leave our children there. The babies need to stay in my belly!

I hope this is all normal anxiety that I'm feeling! How do women do this all the time? ...

26w4d (10 Dec 07):

I had an ultrasound appointment yesterday and was very upset by the time it was over. At my last ultrasound (2 weeks ago) BOTH babies weighed 1 pound 10 oz. The 45th Percentile for weight J Perfect!

At this appointment however (almost 2 weeks later) she weighed 2 pounds 1 oz (45th percentile) and he only weighed 1 pound 14oz (the 25th percentile). She’s bigger than him, and gaining weight faster! I was so upset. I felt like a bad mommy, like I wasn’t feeding him enough or something. Even though they have weighed the same the whole time, he has been slightly larger and now that’s not the case!

The other problem is my cervix is shorter than last time and is now starting to funnel (its starting to open from the inside where his head is)! I asked the ultrasound doc what he thought my OB doc would say and he said she’s probably going to be just as concerned as the last time… I see her tomorrow so we’ll see what she says.

Additionally, I’m starting to lose my appetite and I’ve kind of been feeling nausea lately. Wonderful. Is it too much to just want my babies to be big and healthy and stay in my belly? But how are they supposed to fatten up when there’s 2 of them in there and no room for food?!

I think I had a poor idea of what pregnancy would be like. Somehow I thought I would still be me just with a bigger belly. I thought I would have “the glow” and love the kicks, and just be elated. I didn’t realize there would be misery and that I would already start worrying about our babies that I haven’t even met yet!

26w6d (12 Dec 07):

I should have waited until today to post my update. I saw Dr. Ellie today and she made me feel great! She said sometimes Dr. Worrell (the ultrasound doc) may make things sound a little worse than they are and that Im doing well. She said the babies are still growing great and the weight difference isnt much at all. She did another fetal fibronectin test today, the results were negative--wahoo! She wants to see me weekly from here on out just to keep track of how everthing is. She said we will start doing routine NST starting between 30-32 weeks. My weight has kind of evened out so if I dont gain by my appointment next week Im going to start drinking supplement shakes. She said so far so good, Im right on track to gain the 40 pounds she wanted me to but I need to keep gaining weekly. The babies heartbeats were 147 (Everett) and 156 (Macey).

28 weeks (20 Dec 07):

Saw the doctor yesterday, everything is still going well. She was excited that I hit the first milestone and made it to 28 weeks. I also gained 3 pounds this week- wahoo! ( I was afraid I was going to have to drink those ensure shakes, yuck!). Ive gained 27lbs in 28 weeks so Im doing well.

I go for my next ultrasound on Thursday the 27th (29 weeks) and will follow that up with a visit to Dr. Ellies office. The babies heartbeats were 143 (Everett) and 150 (Macey).

Fact: Im measuring 35wks. So if I were only having one baby I would be measuring like a woman almost 9 months pregnant!

(26 Dec 07): Trip to Labor & Delivery

After a wonderful Christmas and a short flight home from Anchorage we arrived at the house just in time for me to start having contractions! they were about 7 minutes apart and felt like my stomach was in a vice grip! I ended up going to Labor & Delivery where I was monitored & checked. My cervix has dialated to about 1.5-2 , and I was 25% effaced! They did another fetal fibronectin test which came back negative --wahoo-- so I shouldnt be delivering for at least the next two weeks :) The contractions slowed, and I was given a steriod shot to help mature the babies lungs. I have a regular ultrasound & doctors appointment tomorrow where I will receive a 2nd steriod shot (its a 2 shot series). In the meantime I am at home relaxing. I was told to drink lots of water and keep my feet up!

29 weeks (27 Dec 07):

Had an ultrasound this morning. Everett & Macey weigh 2lbs 10oz each. He is still head down (wahoo) and is all sprawled out taking over my belly. She (unfortunately) has turned to a U shape with her head located under my belly button and right between his legs! My cervix has shortened to about 1cm and there was a definate funnel. Lets hope they stay in there until AT LEAST 32 weeks. They aren't chubby enough to come out yet!

When I saw Dr. Ellie today she decided that with my cervix being so short, and me still have contractions, that I needed to go to the hospital for a few nights. My contractions will be monitored and I will receive some medication to try to break the cycle. After a few days she will decide how Im doing and whether or not I will need to go to the hospital in Anchorage. If Im doing well I will be able to stay here, if it appears the babies are going to be coming then they will try to send me to Anchorage. The NICU here doesnt like to take them earlier than 30-32wks. The pediatrician is supposed to come talk to me tomorrow to give me an idea of what to expect if they do come this early etc -- Pray they stay in my belly at least 3 more weeks!

(29 Dec 07)

I'm home (with two babies still in my belly)! After being admitted for pre-term labor they stopped the contractions with Toradol & Nifedipine. I am now on strict bedrest at home until I deliver (let it be weeks)!

I recieved steriod shots on Wednesday & Thursday to help boost the babies lungs. Then on Thursday when I went to see Dr. Ellie I had sugar in my urine...once I checked into the hospital (Thursday night) they checked my blood sugar to discover it was 181! They think its from the steriod shots but they continued to monitor it and then they began giving me insulin shots because my sugar remained high. Today when I came home I got to bring a blood sugar checker home with me. Although she didnt send me home w/insulin I have to record my sugars for her until Monday and then call with the results. Hopefully they will go down and this sugar business can be over! I also have the medication to stop contractions should they start again, so much to keep track of!

While I was at the hospital I got to go down to the NICU and see a set of twins that had been born at 32 weeks. They were breathing on their own and were the cutest little darlings ever. However, I also spoke with the pediatrician while I was at the hospital...in order for preemies to come home, they have to be able to:

1. Breathe on their own

2. Eat on their own

3. Maintain their own body temp

Additionally they can not come home any earlier than when would have been 35weeks so these little babies better just stay in my belly a while longer. With the contractions stopped and me off my feet hopefully they will continue to grow big & strong and atay safe where I can feel their every move lol !

I think I'm going to be bored out of my mind. I hate having to rely on others and I don't want my poor husband waiting on my every beck & call (although he saw the 32w NICU twins and immediately insisted I sit down, so he may be kinda willling)... Feel free to send me a message! It's good to be home :)

30 Weeks (2 Jan 2008):

Had a doctors appointment today. My weight gain is up to 31 lbs. No change in my cervix (wahoo) & my next appointment for a growth ultrasound & to see the doc is in 2 weeks (16 Jan). She said she has a certain amount of confidence in the last Fetal Fibronectin test we did and she doesn't think they will come in the next week :) She said bed rest until 34wks. After that, if Im still pregnant I can resume normal activity :) The hubby & I start childbirth classes next week (8th-10th). She said just getting to 30wks should make me breathe a bit easier!

My dogs new favorite spot has been on my belly! they want to lay on it, listen to it, be near it, I cant keep them away lol -- this picture isn't the best of me, but it has all 4 of my babies!

14 January 08: Another Trip, to Labor & Delivery

Today is Monday, two days ago I woke up at 5am having contractions. I took Nifedipine, drank a bottle of water and was able to go back to sleep. Sat evening I started having contractions again. I took another Nifedipine and they stopped again. Sunday I was fine.

This morning I woke up at 7am and was having period like cramps, with backache and I felt yucky. I had no appetite and kinda just felt BLAH like maybe I had the flu. By 10am I was having contractions. I took Nifedipine and waited a few hours. This time the contractions did not subside. I called the doctors office and they told me to come in. After sitting in the waiting room for what seems like forever (even though it was less than an hour) the doc came out and grabbed me real quick. She said she was running behind and that I looked very uncomfortable. She didn't want me laboring in her waiting room so she sent me over to the hospital.

Upon arrival, they hooked me up to the monitors and sure enough I was having contractions. They also checked my cervix. I was still only dilated 1-2cm however I was now 80% effaced and my cervix was completely forward. They gave me a shot of terbutaline and we took the wait and see approach. It worked! The contractions stopped! I stayed a few more hours for monitoring and then my doctor came to see me and gave me the green light to go home.

32 Weeks (16 Jan 2008): Had an ultrasound this morning, Everett weighs 3 pounds 9oz and is in the 40% tile. Macey weighs 3 pounds 5oz and is in the 25%tile. He has stayed head down (good little guy) and she has turned breech (what a little brat she is!).

Saw the doctor this afternoon, my weight gain is up to 33 pounds (138). She said she was happy with the babies weights and expects they will start gaining close to 1/2 pound a week from now on. We also did the NST and both babies did great. I only had one contraction while I was there. I will start going for NST 2x a week starting on Monday. She talked with me about getting an epidural. At the babies current weight (with one being breech) she doesnt like to try to turn a baby that small. She would prefer to deliver her breech (pull her out by the ankles) if need be. She would also prefer I have the epidural because if she has to pull her out, its going to be a bit more uncomfortable then me pushing one out...something to think about.

21 January 08 : Non- Stress Test (NST)

Went in today for a NST. I've gained 35lbs, (I'm now at 140). The babies did great and were immediately reactive. Dr. Ellie said she just loves our babies because they are always so cooperative as far as hooking up the monitors and showing her what she needs to see.

We wont be having any more growth ultrasounds. She said with twins it starts getting harder to get accurate measurements because there just isn't enough space. She seemed very pleased with the progress we've made and always looks forward to seeing another week behind us. I see her again on Thursday for another NST.

33w1d (24 January 2008): NST & routine visit

Went to the doc today, I'm dilated 2.5cm, 80% effaced, and Twin A's head (Everett) is at 0 station -- doc said this may be the week we go into labor, we'll see! His head is pretty low....

33w5d (28 January 2008): NST & routine visit

Went to the doc today, I'm now dilated 3cm, 90% effaced, and Twin A's head (Everett) is still at 0 station and Twin B (Macey) has decided to be a good girl and turn HEAD DOWN! WAHOO :)

I'm also off bedrest and no longer have to take meds for contractions! Thank goodness, cause it was a rough weekend. Between the contractions, the sharp pains in my back, the fact that my stomach felt bruised, and going to the bathroom non-stop I'm excited that they can come whenever they are ready.

34w2d (1 February 2008): NST & routine visit

Went to the doc today, I'm still dilated 3 and 90% effaced - no change! She said his head can't go any lower without me in labor. She measured my fundal height today and I'm measuring 43 weeks pregnant!

The babies are doing great, she told me to keep drinking milk and eating protein. I told her sleep was becoming an issue and that I had taken a tylenol pm a few nights ago. She told me I could take it as often as I needed.

One one hand I'm proud that Ive made it this far and that the babies are doing so well. I know everyday they are in my belly they have a better chance of coming home with us once they are born. But on the other, I'm so frustrated and anxious! I'm ready to be a mommy and hold our babies. After all the problems I've had (bedrest, preterm labor etc) who would have thought I'd still be pregnant?!

34w6d (5 February 2008): NST & routine visit

Well the doc was in surgery today so I saw the nurse practitioner. Babies are still happy as can be and I haven't had any significant changes. I had my fundal height measured again today and I'm now measuring 45 weeks pregnant (I've grown 2 weeks in 4 days LOL).

My weight is at 144 (39lb gain) and I had some slight swelling. Yesterday I thought my stomach was going to rip in half. It's stretched beyond belief and it's making me miserable at times. Both the doc and nurse practitioner swear I won't make it to 38wks but if I do, I know thats when she will induce me. Im going to talk to her about 37wks though cause I'm not sure how much more of this I can take. I hate to be a whiner, but my stomach really hurts and we're really anxious to meet them.

35w1d (7 February 2008): NST & routine visit

My weight is at 147 (42lb gain) - I gained 3 pounds since the day before yesterday, how thats possible I have no idea! The babies are still happy as can be. At this point Im thinking they are a little to comfortable. I however have been very uncomfortable. I told the doc about the stomach pain and she said more than likely Im having internal bruising from the babies. She offered me pain medication to keep me comfortable but for now im going to stick with tylenol and just take it a little more often.

Again she told me she doesnt think I will make it to 37-38wks but if I do, she agreed to meet me half way and she will induce me at 37wks on 20 February (if needed)!!! Amen! there is light at the end of the tunnel. She thinks they weigh between 5 and 5.5 pounds by now and said they are only going to continue to grow the longer they are in there. Shes really very happy and reminded me today that although Im miserable, its her job to give me perspective and the babies are doing excellent :)

35w5d (11 February 2008): NST & routine visit

My weight is 148 (43lb gain) -- babies are still healthy & happy according to NST. I didnt get checked today. I figure whats the point!

Dr. Ellie gave me a paper w/instructions on what to expect at the hospital on the day of the induction. I have to call at 6am on the 20th and they will tell me what time to come in. At this point I'm praying that the babies will come on their own before the induction date. I'm not too keen on pitocin and an IV or an epidural etc. I really wish I could just get a heplock and go as natural as possible. I'm happy that they are coming out but I'm increasingly nervous. I hope they are as ready and as excited to meet us as we are to meet them!

36w1d (14 February 2008): NST & routine vist w/lab work

So the last few days I've felt awful! Ive started having swelling in my feet/ankles/legs/face and hands. My hands have been so bad it looked like I had man hands when I wake up in the morning. In addition Ive been nauseated and extremely tired. I told the doctor how awful Ive been feeling. She took my blood pressure and it was 130/80 *which is high for me*, then she took it again 2 more times while I was laying down having the NST done. They were 124/90 and 124/95. She also checked my reflexes and the swelling and decided I needed to have lab work and a 24 hour urine collection to check for pre-eclampsia. If the blood work or urine comes back abnormal I will go in for induction tomorrow. If both come back normal then I will go for induction on Wed the 20th as scheduled. Now we just have to wait and see what the results are...

I weighed 149 today and Im dilated 4, and 90%. I was also having contractions every 6 minutes while I was hooked up to the contraction monitor and didnt even know it! Hope that means I have a high pain tolerance :) Come on out babies!

36w2d -- The Doctor just Called....

She said my blood work and urine looked good so at this point she does not think I am developing pre-eclampsia! Thats great news! I am however having lots of intense contractions lets hope they continue.

36w6d -- THE BIG DAY IS HOURS AWAY!!!!!!!!

So its 7:30 at night, less than 12 hours until I call the hospital at 6am to find out what time they would like us to come in to start the induction. I cant believe I made it 37 weeks!!!!! Curt & I are both so excited and nervous. Theres so much anticipation and neither one of us thinks we are going to be able to sleep. Thank heavens for Tylenol PM. My Mom & Step-mom will both be in attendance. We will try to update as soon as possible and if all goes well we hope to have the whole family home by Friday!

Wish us good luck :)

We are all HOME!

I went in Wed morning at 8am to be induced at 37wks. When I arrived at the hospital I was already dilated 5 and 100% effaced. They started the pitocin at 10am and we waited for something to happen. I was having contractions every 1-2 minutes and wasnt feeling a thing, that was great! Then at 2 o'clock the doc came in and broke my water, thats when the pain began. I had very painful contractions and finally asked for some Stadol which was placed into my IV. That stuff made me feel awful! Around 330-4pm I asked the nurse to check me and she said still 5 maybe stretchy 6! At that point I thought I would never make it going as slow as I was so I asked for the epi. The anesthstiologist came up pretty quick. He however had to wait on me because I began puking! So he waited for me to finish and then put the epi in. I didnt feel a thing! As the nurses laid me back down to put the catheder in the nurse checked me again and said your 10! Its time to push! I went from 5-10 in a matter of minutes! So at 4:45pm we all went to the OR to get set up and get started with the pushing.

Both babies were head down. Everett came out first @6:29pm after an hour of pushing weighing 5#4oz and 18 inches long. Macey dropped into place after him but I had to wait for contractions to pick up again and I was a wee bit tired *sarcasm* so she was born 33 minutes later, 7:02pm, at 4#13oz and 18.5 inches long. Both babies were wonderful and required NO NICU time!! yay!

They were born Wed evening and we all came home Friday afternoon. Things have been a bit crazy as we are working on the "schedule" but we couldnt be happier. Heres a link to the pictures:

http://s87.photobucket.com/albums/k126/tac298/

5 March 2008: 2 week check-up today!

Everett weighs 6 pounds! Macey weighs 5# 6oz!

The doctor was very happy! My milk is feeding them well! Both of their umbilical stumps are still attached...as of right now she has an innie and he has an outtie. The doc said outties will usually resolve themselves so no worries... we go back in 2 weeks for their one month check-up! time is flying by!

10 March 2008: 19 days old -- weight check!

Everett weighs 6 pounds 9 oz! Macey weighs 5 pounds 11.5oz!

The public health nurse (Sally) came out today to weigh them for me and answer some questions I had. Not to mention offering a little more breastfeeding assistance with Macey as she doesnt like to nurse without the breastshield. The babies are doing excellent -- I cant believe how fast time is going!

19 March 2008: 1 Month old -- doctors check-up!

Everett weighs 7 pounds 4oz! Macey weighs 6 pounds 7oz!