October 4th ** Still 34 Weeks **

I just got released from the hospital. Last Thursday I just didn't feel right all day. I have some weird cramping and pressure. It took everything in me to get out of bed. So, my hubby and I decided to head to the hospital. Turns out I was having quite a few contractions. I had no idea what a contraction even felt like. Now I do. They admitted me and I ended up spending 2 nights. They let me go today because the NST showed no contractions. Both babies are still doing well. But I thought it might be time. But I'm not dialated at all so I guess it would have been a long time. They gave me a shot of morphine last night and it sure did help with the pain but also to get a really, really good nights sleep.

I think I did it to myself though, just did too much last week - little rest and not enough water. So, now I know...lots and lots and lots of fluids and rest. Hopefully I can go into labour by myself but if not I know it's not long now...

And man does the internal checking hurt. The two fingers and the pressing on the belly at the same time...ouch. But I suppose if I were dialated it wouldn't hurt so much.

The girls are still doing well...and are happy babies at the moment. Both move around like crazy - which is a good thing.

The countdown is on!!

October 1st ** Still 34 Weeks **

It looks like we bought ourselves 6 more days. I go in on Tuesday to do the tests again. We do a test called a biophysical which assesses the babies heart rates, breathing patterns, body movements, muscle tone, and a non-stress test where fetal monitors are placed on each of them to monitor their heart rates and one that measures contractions and how the babies react to those contractions. Both girls scored 8's (out of 10) so they passed the tests for now. They're two happy little girls. So, we'll see what happens next week...

The doctor is pretty sure after next week the little one won't be getting enough from the placenta so it's best to take her out. She will probably grow better outside than in. She's hoping I'll go into labour myself but if not they'll induce. So we still know it will be soon (within in 2 weeks). She is thinking at this point if I haven't gone into labour myself then they'll induce the Tuesday after the Thanksgiving weekend. I will be 36 weeks by then and that was our goal by then the girls shouldn't spend too much time in the NICU.

but again, it will depend on Tuesday. If the little one hasn't grown much we may decide to induce on Wednesday.

Oh all these unknowns!! But I'm not so nervous anymore. Now I'm just excited and looking forward to meeting them.

I even found the best baby books. I went to McNally Robinson to kill some time before my appointment. Of course they only had one so I got them to order 2 new one's for me. I just love doing stuff like that. Right now I have a pregnancy book (but only one so I hope the girls don't fight over who gets it later on!!). I'll make sure they each have their own baby books though.

I think I did too much yesteday though. I never had a rest and I don't think I drank enough water. I sure paid for it last night. Contractions galore!! I almost thought we'd have to go to the hospital but tiredness overcame me. I'm a bit achey today but I am drinking lots of water and taking it easy today. I am having period like cramping and the top of my tummy will get tight and I'll get lots of pressure. Hopefully I can go into labour myself (fingers crossed)...

We'll see...all for now...

September 30th ** 34 Weeks **

I have another appointment today. They scheduled me for a biophysical, doppler scans and NST for tomorrow afternoon. At that time the doctor will be giving me a date for when the babies are coming. An actual date!! And it will be within the next 10 days. If the littler baby isn't growing all that much then we schedule a C-section and out they come within 2 or 3 days but if she's growing we'll wait about a week to 10 days and they will induce. CRAZY!! I can't believe I will have 2 babies within 10 days...holy moly!!

Until tomorrow...with the BIG news...WOW!!!!!!!

September 24th ** Still 33 Weeks **

I went for my second needle in the butt tonight - different cheek though. This time it stung but nothing I can't handle. I'm sure I will endure a lot more in the upcoming weeks!! : )

So, with all this time off and since I'm battling a bad cold right now I have been laying on the couch watching a lot of TV. Today I watched a few "Baby Story" episodes and there was one where the lady got an epidural. OMG - what a big needle!! I could barely watch. I only hope I'm in so much pain that I'm going to want it. Crazy!! And it made me cry and cry and cry. Not too good when I already have a stuffed nose due to illness.

I do know that I can take a certain kind of cough medicine which I thought about...since sometimes the cough rattles my bones and makes me pee a bit. Sorry, it's disturbing but it's true. Before it was just sneezing that did it for me. Oh well, hopefully that's a pregnancy symptom and it will go away (fingers crossed).

Off for a warm bath to help my aching butt...

September 23rd ** 33 Weeks **

I went in for my regular ultrasound and doctor appointment today. The ultrasound was first and it was discovered according to their measurements that baby A (the tiny one) was weighing 3 lb 1 oz (only in the 2 percentile) and baby B was weighing 4 lb 11 oz (in the 42nd percentile). So, quite a difference again. So, with concern I headed up to the hospital. This time I was admitted. I had another non-stress test and a biophysical. I was there for about 8 hours and had my bag packed to stay the night. I waited until the evening when the doctor came in. She took me to ultrasound to check out a few more things then she said "well, the measurements were a bit off since baby A's head is so, so low down it's hard to get exact measurements" then she said "you have happy babies with good heart rates, great fluids, good blood flows so we'll leave them for now" and then I started my first round of betamethasone shots...right into my butt. I guess they are supposed to hurt a bit but it didn't for me. I guess I just thought in the long run it's sooo worth it. I go back tomorrow for my second shot. Then it's weekly ultrasounds at the hospital in the fetal assessment unit and weekly doctor appointments. Good times.

I was so scared my girls were going to make an early appearance...thankfully they get to stay in me longer. I'm hoping baby A can get strong/big enough so she won't have to spend too much time in the NICU.

So, we'll take it day by day...all for now...

September 18th ** Still 32 Weeks **

Finally...some answers...

I met with a great doctor today who explained everything, showed me the twins growth charts and listened to me...imagine!! So, Baby A is still the smaller of the two (and always has been). She is 1254 grams (2.8 lbs) and is in the 10th percentile. Baby B is 1690 grams (3.7 lbs) and is in the 30th percentile. I guess I am just having smaller babies for the average. On the growth charts she showed me their progression which they are happy with - both continue to grow and are in no danger right now. One is just growing at a smaller rate. They will continue to monitor me and she is going to find out where my the missing parts of my file are!!

Baby A's heart rate was 150 and Baby B's heart rate was 146. Both are still quirming around. Infact, Baby A is the biggest mover and she was just dancing away at the doctors office. The doctor even laughed at her. I go again next Tuesday for an ultrasound and Dr. appointment again.

She told me if we have to take them out sooner we will be she's shooting for 36 weeks. At that time they will induce if I haven't done anything on my own. Weird to think that in 4 weeks they will be here!!

Oh and as for the ovarian cyst. She tells me it's very common in babies, and in woman actually. She said it is so tiny that it will most likely disappear before birth.

I felt so much better after leaving there today. A load off my mind. I need to try and fatten these girls up. I guess I'll have to resort to things like milk shakes and other fatty fun treats!!

All for now...a very relieved mommy to be...XOXO

September 15th ** 32 Weeks **

This past weekend I noticed some pretty bad swelling in my hands. Mostly at night but then it turned into an all day thing. They are so tight and swollen and it hurts to make a fist. The worst part is at night when I get up to pee then I try to grab the toilet paper and my fingers won't let me. Then yesterday my face was swollen. I called this morning and am getting in at 2:30pm today. It's hopefully/probably nothing but pregnancy symptoms but better to be safe!

I'll keep you updated.

** UPDATE **

I really don't feel much better. I arrive at the doctors office only to find they're changed doctors on me. No big deal. I had seen this doctor before and quite liked her. After an hour and a half wait I finally get in to see her. She comes in and asked me questions like my due date, date of last period, etc. and makes me fill out a form (the same form I filled out when I first started going to their office a few months back)?? She tells me they've lost part of my chart?? So, then she says "why didn't we book you into the hospital for a scan last week?" and I was like "well, you told me to wait 2 weeks and see my doctor instead". Uh, ok... so she doesn't ask what brings me in but instead goes through what is in my chart and says "well, do you have time to do a scan now?" and I said sure. As we're both waiting for the elevator to go to the ultrasound room I see something in my file that says "possible ovarian cyst in twin B" and my eyeballs go wide. What the hell?

We get into the ultrasound room and she goes to work. She's not talking to me but instead to her intern. Now, I fully understand that these doctors are busy but...

She tells me the smaller twin is still growing, fluids are good, flood flow is good, blah, blah. They she says "and remember last time when I told you about the ovarian cyst?" and I was like "Uh, no...cause you didn't" and she reponds "mmmh, well, I'm sure I did. Anyways there might be one" So, now (hearing this for the FIRST time) I start asking her some questions which she sort of sluffs off saying "well usually they're harmless and go away...yadda yadda yadda" not really answering my questions at all. She tells me I can cancel my Thursday appointment and I can see my regular doctor next week when she's back from holidays.

I go home and cry to my husband. I felt crappy after leaving the office than before I went. She tells me my swelling is nothing since my blood pressure is just fine??

So I go to cancel my doctor appointment and thought, no, I'm not going to. I'm going to go back in and get some answers. I haven't found out my girls weights in 3 weeks, haven't been measured in 3 weeks and haven't had a NST for 2 weeks. Plus, I have no idea about this ovarian cyst and what that means?? I've had pressure in my lower tummy and would like to check to make sure my cervix is still closed tight.

All this monitoring that made me feel so safe is now making me uneasy. Have I seen too many people so that my charts are lost? Grrrr. I WILL find out some answers on Thursday.

An angry and anxious mommy!!

September 11th ** 31 Weeks **

Wow, it's been forever since I've updated. Sorry for the long delay. So much has happened. My last day of work was August 29th which is good and bad. I find myself getting bored but know that I couldn't handle an 8 hour work day anymore. Oh well.

The day after my doctors appointment we were scheduled to be at the hospital at 7am. They did a very detailed ultrasound where they check blood flow through veins and the umblical cord as well as check all the organs and fluids and the babies practice breathing (which was very cool). I had my first non-stress test and I loved it!! As I would relax and watch/listen to their heart rates there were times where they would beat at the same time. I was quite amazing. After the 3 hour ordeal we talked to the doctor who wanted me to go to the hospital again the following week to do the testing all over again. So, we did that again and after another 3 hour trip we were told that things looked good with the girls. While they still wanted to monitor them closely they felt they were okay and that one baby is just a smaller baby. But she's still growing...just not as fast as her sister. So, they booked me for a doctors appointment (at her office...no hospital this time) in two weeks time (next Thursday actually).

The girls still move and squirm and hiccup and I love feeling them! I am thinking they are getting bigger because my tummy feels tight and it's getting bigger. I moan and groan and grunt when I do everything...it's rather funny!!

We moved into our new house last week and what a lot of work but so worth it in the end. This weekend we plan on getting all the boxes moved out of the girls room and get it ready for painting. I can't wait to start their room!! I've washed a gazillion loads of laundry. Man, these babies have so many clothes it's crazy. But most of them were hand me downs so not a lot of money has been spent. I bought 60 little hangers and in no time they were all spoken for. Yikes!! I love little girls clothes though, they are so cute.

It's seems surreal to me to think that even by the end of the month these babies could be here. I can't wait to meet them and see what they look like...and hold and cuddle and kiss them. But I still need them to grow...and grow and grow.

I've started drinking Boost once to twice a day...the ones with the extra protein in hopes of fattening them up! : )

I had been away from the internet for awile but now it's all hooked up again so I will post more often.

All for now...take care Mommies!!

August 29th ** 29 Weeks **

A minor setback! I went in for my ultrasound and Dr. appointment yesterday - as usual every two weeks. The ultrasound showed that Baby B was quite a bit bigger than Baby A...by more than a pound. Which alerted my doctor and got her slightly concerned. Baby A is only in the 4% percentile and Baby B is in the 83% - Crazy. So, they scheduled me to go to the hospital this morning (7am) to meet with a sonographer and they did a very, very detailed ultrasound. One where they listen to the blood flow and such. It took about an hour and a half. Then I went and did a NST. So, Baby A is still smaller which is cause for concern but she is still growing every week (just not as much as her sister), good heart rate and she is practicing her breathing. I will now go in every week and maybe twice a week depending on how my next appointment goes. They say it could be very normal that one is just growing at a different rate or it could be a sign of TTTS. I thought it couldn't happen in week 29 but I guess it can. The doctor said I may be meeting my babies sooner than I thought. I just want them to be okay and grow and grow and grow. We talked about steroid injections for their lungs as well. So, I feel good that they are being monitored so closely. But there's always the reason to worry - even though everyone tells me not to. I was also told to drink Boost atleast once a day or more and to monitor their movements closely. If I notice one hasn't move too much it's straight up to the hospital for me.

I pray my babies are okay. They sure do move around a lot. I want to be strong and give them all my love and try not to stress about it.

All for now...I'll keep updating!

August 13th ** Still 26 Weeks **

It's official...I'm done work the end of August. I can't believe it. Time is flying. I qualify for sickness benefit so I don't use my maternity until the babies are born. Plus if they have to spend any time in the NICU I only collect sickness and not maternity until they are home. So, I could possibly get 11 months off - government paid. Not the best pay, but hey, better than nothing.

I saw the doctor today and had an ultrasound. My cervix is closed tight...good news. The babies fluid levels are great. Baby A had a heart rate of 146 and is 1 lb 11 oz. Baby B had a heart rate of 160 (active little girl) and is 2 lb 1 oz.. They're growing!! Next ultrasound and doctor appointment on August 28th.

The doctor didn't have the results from my second GD test so I'm hoping no news is good news...crossing my fingers and toes. The doctor did tell me that I only failed the one hour by one point so she doubts I will have it.

That's all to report...all good news!!

August 11th ** 26 Weeks **

Icky, icky...blah. I went for my two hour GD test this morning. And instead of the 50g of glucose I had to take the one with 75g...which made it worse. I realize I am being a major whiner here but man, I just hate it so much. I sure hope I passed this test because I don't want to do it again!! Although, I don't think I would have to...would I? I think I would just be diagnosed with GD and would have to meet with a dietician or start insulin. The lab tech lady told me if I have it now there is a greater risk I'll develope diabetes when I'm older. I wonder if that's true?

It was a long weekend and I think I pushed it too much. It is hard for me to accept that I need to slow down and take it easy when I'm sooo not used to. We headed to the fair and I walked too far and ate too many bad things. I learned my lesson though. I was in bed by 8pm and slept the full 12 hours.

Next doctor appt is on Wednesday. I'll report more then...I'm off to feel shakey and tired for the rest of the day thanks to this sugar crash!

August 6th ** 25 Weeks **

Darn it. I'm super bummed. I got a call from my doctor saying I failed the one hour gestational diabetes test. Sucks because the thought of drinking that icky orange drinks gives me the shivers. As fast as it went down last week I was sure it was coming right up. Why can't they make a different flavour. I have never been a fan of orange drink. It reminds me of McDonalds orange drink as a kid - but much worse. Ah, I complain but I will do anything I need to do.

Seems now that week 25 has rolled around I am feeling a few more pregnancy symptoms. I know I am growing by the day and can feel it now. I am once again out of breath easily and feel short of breath even when I'm not doing anything?? I am getting the leg cramps and terrible heart burn. I notice I bump my tummy into everything, doors, wall corners..it's even hard to do the dishes. My tummy is just soaked when I'm done. : )

The girls move SO, SO much too. I love to feel them. I can see body parts come out, move around and go back in. It's simply amazing. Such a miracle. I won't complain about their constant movement because one day it will stop and I will miss it terribly!

My husband and I thought we had our names picked out - then last night he threw another name at me. He's really been putting a lot of thought and careful decision into it. So, I guess we're back on the baby naming kick. Regardless the girls will have nice names that have had a lot of effort put into. They're going to be gorgeous..I can't wait to see them.

We get possession of our house in three weeks. I lay awake at night and think about how I'm going to decorate their room. My brain just won't shut off. Everyone is getting so excited. It's like we're all just realizing that these babies are coming...ha ha. I guess the extra belly and the kicks and the genders help make it all so real.

Next doctor appointment is Wed, Aug. 13th. Then I might be down to 2 weeks left of work. I'm not going to push it. If the doctor suggests I be off work in week 28, then I will be done. No need to push myself. I might as well enjoy some time off. It is such a critical time for twins too - I need to relax daily and it's hard to do that at work. I am able to go on sickness benefit up until the kids are here so I'll still have some income.

Oh and I found a steal of a deal for the baby bouncer chairs (with the vibrator and activity centre). Hopefully the girls like them and if not, I didn't pay too much for them and I can always pass them on. I got a second swing so each one has their own. I went online and finished off my baby registry too - it was fun!! I think though that kids these days (mine included) have so many material things, most of which we probably don't need. I never had those things growing up. My mom was my swing and my chair! : ) ha ha. But I'm still getting all of those things anyways. The one thing I'm not sure of is if I should get a change table. I was just thinking of getting the change part for the top of their dresser. We'll see I guess.

Again...too much rambling. Talk again soon!!

July 29th ** 24 Weeks **

We had another doctor appointment yesterday. All is well. I am up to 162 lbs (22 lbs gained so far - wow!!). The girls are doing well. They are 1 lb 5 oz and 1 lb 6 oz - only one teeny oz apart. The ultrasound was very cool this time. A mangle of legs and arms and heads are side by side. They are still head down, a good thing. Different heart rates this time. One was 138 and the other 161 - one active, one asleep. They both face my back so they're little bums are always poking out.

I can't believe the movement. It's crazy. I watch my tummy jump up and body parts move around. They are very active little babies!!

I asked the doctor if I am the right size because I always get "oh you're so small for twins" and she says I am measuring 29 weeks and am right on track.

And we have finally bought a house. Such a huge relief. We really like it and are quite happy. It has 3 bedrooms and two bathrooms - great for 2 girls. Now I get to decorate a baby room. I'm vey excited. We get possession on September 1st - just in time!!

I'm feeling pretty good. We went camping last weekend (RV camping) and it wasn't so bad...better than tenting. I even went into the lake. I wore my bikini and man did I get the stares from everyone. Like I'm any different than some of those large men and woman on the beach. Sheesh. I guess prego tummies make people stare!

I have been buying some clothes - man, are girls clothes cute! And we've bought a few accessories. I wonder if someone will be throwing me a shower?? I hope so, I could use the loot!!

Oh well, I ramble...all for now.

July 14th ** Still 22 Weeks **

What a day!! I saw my two little girls today. That's right...GIRLS!! They look just perfect and healthy. I taped the ultrasound so I'll have to come back and post weights, heart rates, etc. One is slightly larger than the other and one has a higher heart rate - as usual. Fluids are good and their sizes are good. Nothing alarming. So far, so good. The doctor said I have gained the right amount of weight and my blood pressure is good. Next appointment and ultrasound in two weeks. More to come after I get the #'s. Yahoooooo - Two girls - WOW!

Updated - Twin A and B heart rates were both 157. Twin A is 15 oz and Twin B is 1 lb 2 oz - took me awhile but finally found it on the taped ultrasound. I have gained a total of 15lbs so far (up to 155).

July 11th ** 22 Weeks **

Two steps forward and one step back...I have been feeling fantastic and sleeping great lately...until last night. I woke up at 3am to roll from my left to my right side. As soon as I got on my right side I had this terrible pain just below my breasts at the top of my tummy. It went straight across my stomach and was like an intense cramping/pulling sensation. I sat up hoping it would help a bit. It didn't. When I did deep breathing it hurt! I was worried but went back on my left side and fell back asleep. I was up at 6am and it was still there. I even have pulling/aching in my lower abdomen and the deep breathing still hurt. I took a Tylenol and ate some cereal when I got to work. It seems to be helping a bit but I can still feel a dull ache. I thought about going to the doctor - just because I worry but decided I'd play it by ear. If it doesn't get much better I'm going to head to the doctor. My husband thought maybe I'd pulled some muscles and I guess that could be a possibility, however, it doesn't help my worrying. The good news is I can feel them moving around like crazy. It's weird how I can feel one high up on the left and one low down on the right all at once. I can even see them move outside of my tummy. My husband can feel them pretty good now too - big kicks. He's eyes go all wide when it happens, then he gets a huge grin. But his patience to sit there with his hand on my tummy or to watch my tummy is very limited. Must be his attention span. I don't understand it though because I can sit and do that all day. Oh well. I bought some rubbermaid tubs and filled one up with clothes (sleepers, onesies, etc). Everyone is giving us so much - we'll have 2 cribs, 1 swing, a glider chair, play yard, glider chair and ottoman (for me), 2 high chairs and a double stroller. We'll still need a change table, crib matresses with bedding, one more swing, and two bouncy chairs - along with the other fun stuff. Even though we have the double stroller we want the double jogging stroller too - for when they get bigger. We're getting there. Doctor appt. on Monday - I'll report after that.

July 3rd ** Still 20 Weeks **

Not much new to report. I don't see the OBGYN and get an ultrasound until July 14th. I feel these two like crazy lately. I can even see my tummy move and last night my hubby could finally feel them kick. It was awesome! A friend of mine brought in her new baby girl (very cute) so I cuddled her for awhile. What a heater she is - I was sweating after!! And as I'm holding this little girl I'm wondering to myself...how? How am I going to hold two? One was hard enough. It sometimes gets overwhelming and reality hits harder. But I calmed myself down. It's just sometimes it creeps up and catched me off guard. Hot, hot summer weather here (I'm not complaining) but is sure makes my hands and feel swell. We have AC in our room and it helps so much to sleep at night. I'm having no problems sleeping as of yet (knock on wood). Well, just thought I'd update. All for now...

June 30th ** 20 Weeks **

No appointments for awhile now. All is well but these babies are movers and shakers lately. Summer is officially here. We have been getting the 30C weather...finally!! We spent the weekend going to the season opener for the Saskatchewan Roughriders (CFL) which was a great time (and we pulled out a 35-13 win!!). I had a sno cone due the hot weather and after it was finished I had a blue tongue and a party going on inside me. I guess they like the sugar? : )

Yesterday we took in the Jazz Festival and saw the Robert Cray band...so good!! For the most part I've been feeling good. My tail bone always hurts!! And my hips...woo hoo, they ache at night. I have no problem sleeping on my side as I've always been a side sleeper but the hips just throb at night. It was so bad last night I had to take a tylenol - and I rarely take it, especially now.

We were out on Saturday sitting on a patio and I discovered O'Doule's...very good near beer!! I just had one but it sure tasted like beer, I could burp like it was beer, just no beer buzz - which was fine. I switched to water after though.

My husband is the cutest soon to be daddy ever. He is so excited. It's fun to listen to him talk to other people about the twins. Before work he'll come in and kiss me 3 times (one for me and one for each baby). He likes to rub my tummy and talk to them. He even wrote some songs and he'll play the guitar to them. It's been decided that I will take the first 9 months maternity leave and he'll get the remaining three. He still says he wants his time and who am I to deny him? He's entitled and he wants that time to bond with them so badly. Because of his works schedule he can't make my next OBGYN appt and ultrasound so I'm taking my sister in law instead. We were friends long before I met her brother and my future husband. She is very excited.

Well, that's all for now...HAPPY CANADA DAY to my fellow Canadians!!

June 25th ** UPDATE **

We get to the office for our 10:45am appointment and are told that the doctor we are supposed to see is busy with an emergency delivery at the hospital. That's cool, I understand. If it were me I'd appreciate her being there above her appointments. Then I'm supposed to see a different doctor. Ok, no problem. We wait in the waiting room for about an hour and a half - our meter runs out so my husband runs down to fill it. Half an hour after that we're called in. I get my blood pressure and weight done (151 lbs!!). We go into the room and wait some more only to find out the doctor we are going to see in my doctors absence had to leave for a delivery as well. So, we wait some more. Finally the doctor comes in and asks me loads of questions and we listen to the heart beats (I tell ya, that never gets old). It was the first time my husband listened to them. One was 155 (and moving around like crazy) and the other was 144 (I don't feel him/her as much). It makes me chuckle how we have one over active baby and one lazy baby. So cute. Now I see the doctor every 2 weeks with ultrasounds each time. So, still no gender known!! : ( Oh well, soon enough.

All for now...back to work...I had been gone over 3 hours!! Crazy. Hopefully that doesn't become a regular thing at the doctors office.

June 25th ** 19 Weeks **

We had our first "Multiple Expectation" class this past Monday. It was very interesting and quite informative. They talked about the NICU which was something I couldn't get from a book - and more specifically the NICU at the hospital we will be going to. There are 5 couples in the class. 4 are twins (we are the only identical twins) and one set of triplets. The ladies who are running the class offer their stories/experiences and the stories of others in the organization. I think that SPOTTO will be very beneficial to us in the future.

Off to my first prenatal visit this morning. I'm sort of excited! More after the appointment.

PS - Maybe today's the day...boys or girls??

June 17th ** 18 Weeks **

Just back...it was so exciting. Didn't last too long - but enjoyable (kinda like what brought the twins into the world in the first place...wink wink). She couldn't tell the gender but the good news is that she is the ultrasound doctor for my OBGYN and told me that she'd be seeing much more of me. I have my appointment next week and she informed me that generally before every OBGYN appointment we'll have an ultrasound. So, maybe next week? Maybe not...we'll see.

As soon as she put the wand (or whatever it's called - sorry - my brain isn't working so well today) on my tummy we saw the two heads. My husbands jaw dropped. He hasn't seen or heard these babies yet. She concentrated on twin A first. It is 221 grams (8 oz) and it's heart rate was 143. Twin B is 215 grams (also 8 oz) and it's heart rate was 146. They are pretty similar!! 4 legs, 4 arms, 20 fingers, 20 toes - and all the proper functioning organs. One was sleeping and one was awake and moving around. Both are doing well and she said they were beautiful babies. But she couldn't tell the gender of the babies...hopefully next time. Everyone is wanting to give us clothes, and we want to take them, but would like to know if we need blue or pink.

We celebrated by going out for lunch. It's 28C here today - amazing, so we sat on the deck at Earls and had a good meal. Overall a great day. I have some pictures but have to go home and scan them (tonight). She also told me if I have a VHS tape (old school) she will tape all of the ultrasounds from here on in. I figure then I can put the tape on a DVD later on - save those precious memories.

Oh and one more thing...I drank tons of water this morning getting ready for the ultrasound only to find out that I didn't have to. Owwww. So, I went to the washroom right before it started, what a relief. Next time I'll know but I just went off the instructions at the back of the ultrasound form.

All for now...(a very happy mommy signing off)

June 16th ** 18 Weeks **

ONE MORE SLEEP!! YAHOO!! TOMORROW IS THE BIG DAY!! HOPEFULLY ONE BABY COOPERATES AND WE'LL KNOW IF THEY ARE BOYS OR GIRLS!!!!

June 10th ** 17 Weeks **

I got an email regarding the multiple birth prenatal class that is put on by SPOTTO - Saskatoon Parents of Twins and Triplets Organization. I'm excited to attend those and learn from the other parents. They are June 23rd and 26th.

Things seem to be zooming right now...

Ultrasound - June 17th (only a week from today!!)

First Prental Class - June 23rd

OBGYN - June 25th

Second Prenatal Class - June 26th

That mixed in with work events, birthday parties and regular summer events June is going to fly. Part of me wished it would slow down but then I can't wait for each event!!

I registered at Babies R Us and Wal Mart recently. There isn't much for "big stuff" that we need, since everyone has given us everything. But outfits and little things are needed. I am slowly buying stuff so it doesn't seem so overwhelming in the end.

I just bought 2 starter kits of the Playtex drop in's (with extra bags and nipples). They seem like a good choice. I'm also trying to stock up on newborn diapers because I'm sure these babies will be in the smaller diapers for awhile. The jumbo pack is only 40 diapers!! I read a book that told me to I would probably need 100 diapers a week. That seems crazy! I guess whatever I don't use I can give to friends. Everyone new mom can use diapers.

We are still house hunting...SIGH, and it is still difficult. I told my husband that by the end of July I need to know and we need to decide if we are buying or if we are going to rent for another year. The sad part about renting is I won't get to decorate a baby room the way I want to. Oh well, I need to remain positive.

Alrighty...back to work I suppose. OH, just one more thing...I think my belly button is going to pop out (I really hoped it wouldn't )...oh well, another thing I won't sweat.

Later...

June 9th ** 17 Weeks **

This past weekend I learned a very valuable lesson - tent camping and prego bellies don't mix very well. I was cold and trying to zip my sleeping bag up all the way to stay warm (there's much less space in that bag now!!) then have to pee every hour it seems like. SIGH - we packed up the campsite at 2:30am because I wasn't sleeping so my husband wasn't sleeping = bad night. It wasn't worth me feeling crappy the next day. Good thing it was only a 45 minute drive home so I could sleep in my own bed. We will retire the tent until next year and stick to cabins and RV's.

Last night we went to the Barenaked Ladies concert - I think the babies liked the tunes because I swear they were dancing around!! : )

8 day until the ultrasound. I am so excited. I can't wait...part of me wants to call to see if I can get in earlier but my husband has already taken the original time off so I must be patient!!

I think I grew this weekend - I feel much rounder and fuller. Good thing the weight is staying in my belly and hasn't moved to my butt and hips yet (knock on a very big piece of wood!!)

It's supposed to rain all week here, which is good because we need it but tends to get me down. It's Monday - (BLAH) so I'm going to try and keep my head up.

All for now...the countdown is on...(only 8 more sleeps!!)

June 4th **16 Weeks **

I woke up last night for a potty break (one of many) and then couldn't fall asleep for awhile after. While I was laying in bed listening to my husband breath I felt the babies. I'm sure I felt both of them. I think they were doing flips - very active at 4am! It was amazing!! Then of course I couldn't sleep because I kept wanting to feel them. It was a definate highlight so far!! I love them so much already.

Oh and I had a bath last night and noticed when I went from a sitting position to a laying position my belly button would pop out but then go back in. Kinda grossed me out. Ha ha.

I also heard from my family doctor and she got me in to see the OBGYN earlier - June 25th so I'll be 19 weeks (instead of the July appt where I would have been 22 weeks). My family doctor feels better knowing I'm in earlier and so do I! Now we're getting started - this journey started out slowly just getting to that 12 week mark but now it seems to be flying.

All for now (just thought I'd share my exciting news!!)

June 2nd ** 16 Weeks **

Today was a good day - after a great weekend to introduce June. Wow - June already. I am now 16 weeks and so happy to be here. I had my very last doctor appointment with my family doctor. Now on to the OBGYN. I also scheduled my ultrasound...WOO HOO!! It is scheduled for June 17th (I'll be 18w4d) - just 15 days away!! I can't wait to see them. Today I got to listen to both heartbeats. It was very exciting. I almost cried - again. But really, what doesn't make me cry lately?? One was down near my pelvic bone and the other was higher on the left side injust under my rib. Two distinct heart beats. Amazing!! I was listening to one of the heart beats when I heard a "thump thump thump" and the doctor said it was the baby moving around. SO cute!!

My husband and I spend the weekend at the lake and were out on the boat for 4 hours yesterday. It was very relaxing. I met a couple who has twin girls who are almost two. She was great for giving me advice and ideas. She told me her whole story. I sat and listened and soaked it all up like a sponge. It was very helpful.

No definate movements yet. Sometimes I question something I thought I felt but then it's gone. I used to think it was gas but now I think I can actually feel the peanuts.

I wonder if they'll be able to tell the sex of the babies when I go for the ultrasound. I sure hope so but if not I'll be having quite a few more scans in the future (which is sort of exciting!!)

It was such a relief to hear both of them and know they are both still in there...growing and growing.

Now if work wasn't so stressful today would be the perfect day - despite the fact that the clouds are rolling in and it looks like rain.

All for now...

May 21st **14 Weeks **

We're home from our whirlwind trip to California. What a good time though!! It was nice and hot. We spent time shopping, touring Venice Beach, Santa Monica and spent the day riding bikes and playing in the waves at Huntington Beach. We took in Disneyland/California Adventure for a day (a very loooong day) and enjoyed ourselves immensely. The babies seemed to do quite well - they didn't complain much!! : )

I had to make a stop at the doctors office this morning since I think that nasty bladder infection is back (and it is) so I'm back on medication hopefully to clear it up this time. No more baths for me...sadly. But the weather is getting warmer here so there should be no need to soak in the tub.

The doctor tried to listen to the heartbeats, but very very briefly. She found the first one right away but the second was too faint to hear. She figured the 2nd baby was hiding down below the first.

Oh well, next appointment is June 2nd then I'll be scheduled for an ultrasound...yahoo!! I can't wait to see them again and find out if they're boys or girls!!

Back to work and hopefully getting lots of sleep in the next few days...this trip wiped me out!

Until later...

May 14th, 2008 ** 13 Weeks **

How in two days can my tummy balloon as much as it has? All of a sudden it sticks out quite a bit!! Crazy. People are noticing now... : )

Off to California to enjoy the sunshine and let the twins meet Mickey Mouse...well, sort of.

I'm feeling a bit achey...almost like muscle pulls, which would make sense since the buddha is growing.

Until later.

PS - I've calmed myself now. Darn this website helps a lot in just getting feedback and advice. Thank goodness!!

May 12th, 2008 ** 13 Weeks **

I told myself I wasn't going to get worked up about anything but those damn twin books I've been reading have got me all worried. I do it to myself.

I've been reading about the "Vanishing Twin Syndrome" and the "Twin Twin Transfusion" and scaring the bejeebus out of myself. What I should be doing is remaining calm, enjoying my pregnancy time and going back to believing that my body will do what it needs to do. I'm just so terrified of going to my second ultrasound and there only being one baby.

I've been told each baby has it's own sac but share a placenta. That opens a whole new can of worms.

I don't go go the doctor until June 2nd - even then it's just my family doctor. I don't see the OBGYN until July (when I'll be around 22 weeks - seems like a lifetime away). I hope they schedule me for a ultrasound in the meantime, for the usual 18-20 week scan. I just need to see them again.

I keep thinking to myself that if they both have strong heart beats then they both must survive. I was so shocked to find out it was two, not the one I was expecting but now I WANT the two, not one. Crazy...yup, that's me lately.

I'm heading to LA over the long weekend to do some shopping, beach time, relaxing, Disney and catch a ball game. Hopefully that will help time fly by.

I don't feel too big. My tummy is extra itchy though. I can't wear my normal pants anymore but don't feel like I've gained too much weight.

Stupid fears get the best of me. I need to relax and calm down.

May 6th, 2008 ** 12 Weeks **

While I have heard many different opinions on when the second trimester actually starts...I'm going to use the 3 month mark. I'm excited to be into week 12. I am relieved but also realize I'm not out of the woods as anything can happen yet.

I found out two weeks ago that my one bean magically turned into two. What a shock! I had to go into the ER due to some cramping I had for three days. The doctor thought I could have appendicitis so they wanted to act swiftly...a rupture could kill the baby (so I thought at the time...only to learn it was babies about an hour later!). She did a tummy ultrasound and showed me the little beaner and I saw the heartbeat but couldn't hear it. She looked around for about a half an hour then decided she'd like to do an internal ultrasound. She looked around for about a half an hour more and kept asking me how I was doing since my legs were stuck in the stir up's. I kept saying I was fine and she said "well I'm just going to check a few more things then I want to show you something" I thought I would get to see my baby again and was excited. She turned the monitor and said "the reason it's taken me so long is because right here (and she pointed) is baby one and here is baby two". My head started buzzing and even though I was looking at the screen I think I went black so I don't remember seeing everything I wanted to see. Next time though.

I went from scared and overwhelmed to feeling joy and excitement this week. My first thoughts were "how do I feed them both? Cuddle them both?" to "wow, now I need two of almost everything - this is going to get expensive!!" to now feeling "I sure am blessed to have these two little peanuts growing inside me!!"

I went to the doctor on May 1st and had to question my family doctor on what the heart beats were. I know I saw them on the monitor during the ultrasound. She told me baby one was 176 and baby two was 185. The seemed high to me but my doctor wasn't too concerned so I'm not going to panic. That was around the 10 week mark too and I read that they heart rates spike at that week.

I go back to my doctor for my last visit on June 2nd and from that point on I will only see the obstetrician and go for ultrasounds. Atleast I'll get to see the peanuts more often.

So many people have been giving us stuff which has been so helpful. Now we just have to get out of our one bedroom apartment and into a house. It is proving to be difficult. Our babies will sleep together for the first little bit and then in the same room until they're bigger anyways so a 2 bedroom wouldn't be out of the question for now.

My husband and I have been married for 8 months and both wanted kids. Now we're just getting a two for one. We talked about only have 2 kids so this may be it for us. My husband badly wants a boy so I don't know what will happen if we have two girls. We may not be done our baby journey. I can't wait to find out the sex of the babies!!

I have read many a twin book and think they are scaring me more than anything else. I'm just going to calm down, trust my body and the fact that I'm giving them everything I can, trust the doctors and whatever happens...happens.

All for now!