12 weeks (a little late)...

We had a great time in San Diego last weekend.  It was so nice to get away and relax... and relax I did!  We drove down Saturday morning, checked in, and had a nice lunch over looking the harbor.  It was beautiful, cold, but beautiful!  Later, I spent a couple hours at the spa.  I had a Swedish massage and a scalp massage.  With all my headaches, the scalp massage is a bonus!  We went to an ITALIAN restaurant (my first one since before six weeks!) for dinner at 5pm and all I wanted to do after was get into my PJ's.  We were in bed by 630, rented a movie and I was asleep by 830.  The following day we had a nice breakfast, then came back to the room to get ready for Sea World.  I was STILL exhausted!  I still got ready and we went to the park.  We saw three shows, The Dolphins, Sea Lions, and of course, Shamu!  All of them were really good.  For dinner we went to an authentic Mexican restaurant (my favorite pregnancy food!), which you have to being so close to Mexico!

Monday we headed home and I could NOT WAIT to see my puppy!  All I could think about is how its going to be when we have the babies.  It is going to be so hard to leave them, even for a night out, if I have this hard of a time leaving my Oliver!  I don't think C and I plan on going on vacation without the babies for a VERY long time... we waited too long for them!

The rest of the week I was so tired and lethargic, hence the blog hiatus!  I was thinking once I hit 12 weeks it would be like a burst of energy.  Not so much.  But I am feeling better overall.  The nausea has definitely dissipated :-)

How Far Along:  12 weeks 3 days (but I'm going to write from 12 weeks exactly)

How Big Are the Babies: The twins are large plums!! I can't believe how big they are getting!

As you move into the second trimester, baby shifts into the growth and maturation stage. After weeks in the critical development stage, almost all of her systems are fully formed.

Total Weight Gain: 9! Yikes!  Its not uncommon with twins, however.  For twin pregnancy's, I need to gain 24 lbs by week 24.  The weight gain slows down in the third trimester since there isn't much room for eating large portions.

Maternity Clothes:  I have been raiding my friends closets!  I am still fitting into my jeans but HAVE to use the belly band to keep them up.

Sleep:  Sleep is good!  I have been sleeping a lot.  Still waking up to pee, however.

GENDER: 4 more weeks!!!! However, I went to visit my mom (a L & D nurse) at  her hospital on Wednesday and she did an ultrasound.  Baby B (on top) is our wild child and was doing somersaults and kicking, etc.  Mostly all we saw was his lil behind.  I know that genitals look very similar at this point, but honestly, it looked like a lil penis was there!  Obviously this is a guess, but both times we've seen him, he is the more active one.  Baby A (I think) is a danty lil girl.  She was sleeping for almost the whole time, but then got woken up by hiccups!  It was adorable!  She would hiccup and her arms and legs would fly up!  Hilarious.  I think she's a girl because she is always the calmer one ;-) 

Movement: Maybe two more weeks!

Food Cravings: Mexican food!  Crunchy shell Beef taco's!

What I Miss: I'm still missing red wine, especially when we went to an Italian restaurant!  Other than that just having more energy!  I'm waiting for my spike!

What I'm looking forward to:  Vegas Baby!  We are leaving for Vegas on Wednesday for 5 days!  This is an awards trip for C.  He made Chairman's Circle, the top 10 in sales (Mortgages) the country for his company.  Its definitely going to be different going to Vegas pregnant, but we get to stay at Encore (smoke free!), go on a helicopter ride to the Grand Canyon, and have another spa day!  I'm so proud of him <3

Milestones:  No more NAUSEA!!!

Symptoms:  Fatigue, sore boobs (I've gone from a 36 C to 36 DD!!!), headaches (still!)... nothing new really :-/

 

11 weeks...

According to C, I am "NUTSO!"  He left early from the OB appointment to work, so we weren't able to discuss how it went until he got home.  So what he heard Dr. S say and what I heard her say, I guess, were two completely different things.  C said he heard Dr. S say, "in pregnancy we like 30 lbs, but with twins it varies."  C says, I completely tuned out the other half of what she said!  I seriously do NOT remember that!  However, I am going to listen to my husband, because he is not hormonal and pregnant.  I am going to give Dr. S the benefit of the doubt and give her a second chance.  I am taking advice from, a friend. I don't think I'll be taking advice about diet from someone who doesn't "walk the walk."  I'm sure I know more about a healthy diet than her.  I am a health teacher by trade and a personal trainer :)  I know I'm being healthy so that's all there is to it!  I appreciate all of your advice and comments!  Thank you so much!

This weekend C and I are going on a mini baby moon to San Diego.  We haven't gone on any vacation since October and we usually get out of town every other month!  Its been quite the process to finally get to this point and we definitely need some quality time!  We are spending Saturday at the spa and then going to Sea World on Sunday (praying it doesn't rain!). 

Here is my weekly update!

How Far Along: 11 weeks 1 day


How Big Are the Babies: Babies are now the size of a lime!

Your fetus currently enjoys a 1:1 ratio between body and head, and has skin so transparent that blood vessels show right through it. But fingers and toes are no longer webbed, and hair follicles, tooth buds, and nail beds are forming -- setting up a significantly more attractive future


Total Weight Gain: I'm guessing 7.  I haven't weighed myself for a few days... I was over it after my last OB appointment.

Maternity Clothes: YUP!  Also sporting the belly band!  But, officially my pants will NOT button!  I was shocked when I put a pair of jeans on this week and they were about an inch from closing! 

Sleep: Been waking up EARLY, like 5 am.  I get up to pee and then can't fall back to sleep.  Must be why I'm so tired right now!

GENDER: 5 more weeks!!! March 23rd is the BIG reveal!

Movement: Hopefully three more weeks!  I read that with some twin pregnancy's you can feel movement as early as 14 weeks!  I'm sure it all depends on where the placenta is... but fingers are crossed for 14 weeks!

Food Cravings: I haven't really had any this week. But, I am enjoying more normal foods!  Veggies are back on the menu!

What I Miss: Vino Rosso... red wine!  A nice glass of Pinot Nior... my fav!

What I'm looking forward to: Making it to 12 weeks.  My mom is working next Thursday (I'll be 12 weeks exactly) and I am going to visit her at her hospital.  We'll do an ultrasound, just for fun... not because I'm Paranoid :)

Milestones: I have a lot...
1) I officially can't button my pants!
2) My babies are actual fetus's now!
3) I had my FIRST tummy ultrasound this week!
4) We were able to hear the babies heartbeats via Doppler!
5) ALSO, seeing them move around for the first time was absolutely amazing! 

Symptoms: Okay, I have been feeling REALLY good this week, until yesterday :-(  I felt like I was getting my energy back then I started getting a headache, again, and have been EXHAUSTED since then.  Its 1:30pm right now and I'm BARELY keeping my eyes open.  I need a nap!

The twins at 10 weeks 5 days...

I thought I my babies deserved a POSITIVE  post for just them...

I graduated to a tummy ultrasound today!  I was more than excited to not have to get stripped down... no more poking and prodding (at least for a while!)! As soon as Dr. S put the scanner on my belly the babies were immediately on the screen... together in one shot!  They were moving around too, it was adorable!  Dr. S focused on baby B and she (don't know the sex, just guessing) kicked and then rolled over... she was being shy.  Baby A was wiggling around a little bit too!  It was so exciting seeing them move for the first time!  Baby B's heart rate was 167 and Baby A's was 163... nice and strong!

Baby B is on top, Baby A on bottom.  Both heads are on the left.  Aren't they cute!?!

Weight gain...

I am so upset today.  I literally came home from my OB appointment and cried.  I am sure it is partly hormonal, but I have always struggled with this topic... WEIGHT GAIN!

No, I am not upset about gaining weight.  I am loving my pregnancy body (and so does C!).  However, Dr. S made me feel really bad and now I'm thinking about switching.  Please let me know what you would do...

Dr. S: So have you been Nauseated or vomiting?

Me: No actually just very hungry!  I sometimes wake up in the middle of the night and HAVE to eat (thinking this is normal)!

Dr. S: Oh well if your concerned about weight gain, we can put you on the diabetic diet. (She proceeds to explain it to me... carb watching, etc.)

Me: Hmmm... Well I've gained 6 lbs now.

Dr. S: Most people lose weight in their first trimester!

Me: Well I'm not PUKING!

Dr. S: We only want you to gain 30 lbs total!

Me: (huh?  I thought that was for a singleton!) I read that it was 37-50 lbs for twins!

Dr. S: I only gained 2 lbs with my twin pregnancy.

Me: (Well that's because your obese!) oh.


I walked out of there with my tail between my legs (so to speak).  After going through SO MUCH to get to this point, the last thing I want to worry about gaining a SPECIFIC amount of weight.  She didn't even give me a range.  Plus she HAD to throw the 2 lb thing in there.  I mean seriously??  2 lbs??  That just doesn't seem healthy.

I eat HEALTHY foods.  I am not gorging on french fries and Ice cream.  I do yoga twice a week and take daily walks.  I am doing the best I can.  Right now I am trying to be a GOOD mom to my babies by being HEALTHY!  I don't need some doctor trying to put me on a diet! 

So what do I do?  Change doctors?  Or give her another shot?  I KNOW I am being healthy and don't need to stress about anything else.

For Valentines...

C and I usually spend together on the 13th, which we did yesterday.  Four years ago yesterday, C proposed.  It has been "our Valentines" ever since.

Yesterday after church, we made a picnic and went to the park (C, Oliver and I).  It was a beautiful day in the 70's (gotta love So. Cal.!).  We laid out a blanket, ate lunch, and then read books.  It was so peaceful and perfect! 

Today we decided to celebrate actual VDAY as well.  I am going to try to make a nice dinner for C since he is hard at work... stuffed bell peppers and chocolate cream pie with whipped cream and rasberries! YUM!

Anyways, just wanted to wish you all a VERY HAPPY VALENTINES! 

Double Digits Baby!!

That's right... I made it to TEN weeks!  I am super excited!  I thought I would add my first belly bump pics, because these babies are definitely growing...

** updated**  I just added this one... it shows the bump a little more ;-D

I'm going to start these updates that I love reading on other blogs.

How Far Along: 10 weeks

How Big Are the Babies: The size of a prune. 1.2" and .14 oz



Total Weight Gain: Up 5.5lbs.  I was really worried in the beginning because it crept up pretty fast, but I haven't really gained since 8 weeks.  I am still eating a lot too!

Maternity Clothes: I use the Belly band for some of my jeans.  I like how it smooths out the belly and it actually makes you look MORE pregnant.  And I have bought a couple pairs of pants... COMFY!

Sleep: Sleep is getting better.  I still wake up to pee like three times a night and last night I woke up to eat at 1am as well.  But, I'm able to go right back to sleep... zzzz!


GENDER: 6 more weeks!!!  I heard you are able to go to the 3D places and they can check at 14 weeks, but I also heard its not 100%.  We are going to wait til C's BDAY, March 23.  I'll be 15 weeks 6 days... close enough!

Movement: nope... just lots of gas! LOL. 

Food Cravings: Cereal and milk.  I HAVE to eat 1 bowl a day.  The babies need their calcium!  Wheat chex is my go to

What I Miss: Italian food!  Its my favorite, and I have NO desire for it anymore.  It makes me sick thinking about it actually.  So maybe I don't miss it?!

What I'm looking forward to: My next ultrasound!  Its next Tuesday and I'll be 10 weeks 5 days.  I'm having a really hard time right now and started worrying yesterday :-/  My mom said I can come to her hospital tomorrow bc she can find the heart beats on the Doppler and do an ultrasound.  Is 10 weeks too early for the Doppler?  I'm dying here...

Milestones: DOUBLE DIGITS BABY! 10 weeks feels MUCH better than 9.

Symptoms: Hunger, Fatigue (but some days I feel great!), headaches (have lessened some), growing belly, stabbing vag pain, bloated, beautiful skin and nails. 

Overall I feel great and LOVE being pregnant!  C actually thinks I look "hot" and loves my growing baby belly!

Blog award...

I was nominated by Emby for my very first blog award!  Thank you so much... I feel honored! 

The rules for accepting this award are:


1. Thank and link back to the person who awarded you the award.

2. Share 7 things about yourself.

3. Award 15 other bloggers.

4. Contact these bloggers and tell them about the award.


Here are seven things about me:


1. I've traveled alot... all over the states as a kid, up to canada, and Mexico, of course.  I've been to France, England, Switzerland, Germany, Holland, Austria, Albania, I studied in Italy for a semester in college(C and I also celebrated our 2nd anniversary there), I went on a mission trip to Cambodia, Thailand, and was able to go into Burma to refugee camps, Fiji (honeymoon), and Hawaii (The Big Island, 1st anniversary)(Kauai, 3rd anniversary).  There are so many more places I would love to explore...

2. I have a passion for photography!  I love photographing people!

3. I was on the Ricky Lake show when I was 18... for a free trip to NYC (This was b4 I was a Christian... I know, not completely ethical!)!  We made up the story!

4. I feel like I was born of the wrong decent.  I'm German, but feel Italiano! I love EVERYTHING Italian... food, decor, language, my husband (who's Italian)!  We even plan to name our kids Italian names!

5. I used to be a personal Trainer, which instilled in me a passion for health, so I became a health Teacher.

6. The last three years I worked with at-risk teens at a continuation high school.  I taught, Health science

7. I met my husband randomly at Oktoberfest 6 years ago, in Huntington Beach, CA... in September!



**Most of the blogs I read, have already been nominated... I only have a few I am able to nominate!


I'd like to share this award with:


Creating our Miracle

My Vegas (who is currently taking a needed blogging break, but I feel she deserves this regardless)

Praying for a family

With empty hands lifted high...

Our Journey to starting a family


Sorry the list is short... I had a difficult time picking!  Plus there are so many good ones whom I follow, which have recently recieved an award!

Facebook...

What is it with the pressures of  facebook to announce your pregnancy?  There are two girls from my church who have already posted their u/s pics on there at 8 weeks to announce.  I get my friends (AND HUSBAND!) asking when we're going to announce ours on there, like its something we HAVE to do.  Why? All the people I want to know that I'm pregnant, KNOW that I'm pregnant.  I know these people will be there for me if, God forbid, something terrible (won't even mention the word) were to happen. So what about the other 50% of my "friends" on there?  They are FB friends, not IRL friends.  I don't OWE them pictures of my precious babies... not just yet!

9 weeks...

Starting at 8 weeks, I have had pretty severe headaches and the fatigue has definitely increased.  I have been a slacker blogger... SORRY!  My headaches feel like migraines, but are just hormonally induced.  Tylenol doesn't help so I don't take it.  Supposedly by the second trimester, they'll be reduced.  I have had less nausea lately, which I'm attributing to me eating more.  I had to learn how to eat for three... not as easy as it would seem (especially with food aversions!)!  I have been drinking more juice and eating larger portions (cereal and milk! YUM!), so that means I'm less likely to wake up at 3am and HAVE to eat (I only did that once this week! woo hoo!)!

I had my first OB appointment on Tuesday, and I have to say, I absolutely LOVE my new OB, Dr. Sayago!  She is so caring and nurturing.  I think she gave me like three hugs while I was there and kept telling me how excited she was for us!  She also went through IVF(one reason I picked her), so I know she relates, and she also has twins (second reason I picked her!).  She did IVF and got a single baby then surprise twins spontaneously.

Anyways, Dr. S did another u/s to check on the babies.  She wanted to try to listen to the heartbeats, which I thought it was way to early to hear... I was wrong!  Baby A she picked up right away, I immediately teared up!  It is the most amazing sound to hear your babies heart beating.  It was at 160bpm.  Baby B was a little more difficult, he is further up in my uterus, but we got it... 157bpm. Both totally amazing!

She gave me 5 new ultrasound pics including the ones showing the heart rates, but honestly, they aren't that good.  Plus, they were only a few days since the last ones, so I'm not going to post.  I think the machines at the RE's are much better since they need to monitor tiny follicles.

I go back for my next appointment at 10 1/2 weeks... only 1 1/2 more weeks to go!  Its actually kinda nice not having to go for a while.  Its going to force me to stay busy and NOT get too anxious while waiting!  The one after that is going to be a little more difficult, 14 weeks!  That's long!  Unless we decide we are going to do the scan to test for down syndrome at 12 weeks... undecided.  We'll see...

 Hmmm... that's all I can think of right now!  I'm exhausted, time for a nap! Zzzzzzz