20 weeks 2 days
Tuesday, April 26, 2011
Saturday, April 23, 2011
New milestone...
A new milestone! I made it to that halfway point for a singleton... yay! Although I am hoping to have 17 weeks left of this pregnancy... at least no sooner!
For some reason I feel like I've hit a wall this week. I have been extremely exhausted! I have had to take a nap almost everyday and as I'm typing, I can barely keep my eye's open. It almost feels like first trimester all over again except with added aches and pains.
I've been using my maternity belt religiously and it has helped my low back as well as the massive amount of ligament pain I've been having. Its not the cutest thing, but I'm able to hide it under a lot of clothes. Around the house I just wear it over my shirts... I look nice and hot for C (NOT!) ;-) He has been totally amazing though, always wanted to help out around the house, doing all heavy lifting and vacuuming, etc. Plus, always telling me how beautiful I look when I KNOW I don't!
I do recommend a maternity belt if any of you are expecting twins or are just experiencing ligament or back pain. Here's a pic of the one I purchased from Amazon:
Not that cute, but its worth wearing it around the house at least!
One of my mommy friends just told me about amazing deals she gets from Amazon. You have to register as a mom and then you can get FREE SHIPPING! I just ordered AND received my Twin My brest Friend pillow for nursing, and a double snap-n-go stroller! They came in two days and I pain NO SHIPPING!
My parents bought us our dream stroller as a shower gift... the Bob Double Jogger! Once the babies are big enough (a few months or so) we'll be using that one full time :)
So, here's my 20 week update:
How Far Along: 20 weeks 2 days :)
How Big Are the Babies: TWO CANTALOUPES in my belly!!!!!
Baby's now the size of a cantaloupe!
Baby gulps down several ounces of amniotic fluid every day, both for nutrition and to practice swallowing and digesting. And, these days, those taste buds actually work! Studies show that after birth, babies respond best to tastes they've already had via amniotic fluid. Meaning, think about what you'd like your future child to eat as you prepare your own lunch.
Total weight gain: 20 lbs! Only up 1 lb!
Maternity clothes: Pretty much all of my clothes, except I can still wear some of my pre-prego shirts and dresses
Sleep: I'm exhausted even though I'm sleep good. Hmmm... actually I do toss and turn at night more now because I am putting a blanket under my belly to help prop it up! LOL. Otherwise I wake up with major ligament pain. Maybe that's why I'm so tired!?
GENDER: Two lil BOYS!!!! Yay!!
Movement: DEFINITELY feeling my baby boys kicking on the outside! C felt them this week too which was SUCH an amazing moment! He is really excited. My mom also felt them. Its the weirdest feeling like little aliens in there! LOL
Food Cravings: I've been eating lots of fruit! All kinds. I also ate a bowl of cereal in bed last night... haven't done that it a while!
What I Miss: Not feeling so tired!
What I'm looking forward to: I'm going to say my next Dr. visit. I had a 20 week check up yesterday and I got good news and bad news. Good news is that my cervix is still nice and long, 4.4 cm. Its a little shorter than last visit, but this is with a different doctor and a different machine so we'll see when I go back to the peri in two weeks. Bad news is what Dr. I informed me yesterday about my last peri visit. I'm a little upset because they seemed to say that EVERYTHING looked perfect. Not totally the case. I'm trying not to worry, but Baby A's umbilical cord attached to the side of the placenta, not the center. This means that they need to monitor his growth very closely. If he starts lagging behind his brother in the upcoming weeks, I may have to deliver early, so that he can get the nutrients that he needs. I'm trying not to worry and just saying lots of prayers for my little guy... I know they are both in God's hands and I trust both of my doctors!
Milestones: 20 weeks is huge! No more ER if something happens, I would go strait to L & D to get help. According to my mom, anything earlier than 20 weeks they do nothing to stop preterm labor, after 20 weeks they do everything to prevent and stop.
Symptoms: Heartburn... I think I get it more when I have an empty stomach, and I'm exhausted. Nothing new to really report.
I will try to post a 20 week pic asap :)
I hope everyone has a Happy Easter!
***Thank you Jesus for dying so that I may LIVE!!!!
For some reason I feel like I've hit a wall this week. I have been extremely exhausted! I have had to take a nap almost everyday and as I'm typing, I can barely keep my eye's open. It almost feels like first trimester all over again except with added aches and pains.
I've been using my maternity belt religiously and it has helped my low back as well as the massive amount of ligament pain I've been having. Its not the cutest thing, but I'm able to hide it under a lot of clothes. Around the house I just wear it over my shirts... I look nice and hot for C (NOT!) ;-) He has been totally amazing though, always wanted to help out around the house, doing all heavy lifting and vacuuming, etc. Plus, always telling me how beautiful I look when I KNOW I don't!
I do recommend a maternity belt if any of you are expecting twins or are just experiencing ligament or back pain. Here's a pic of the one I purchased from Amazon:
Not that cute, but its worth wearing it around the house at least!
One of my mommy friends just told me about amazing deals she gets from Amazon. You have to register as a mom and then you can get FREE SHIPPING! I just ordered AND received my Twin My brest Friend pillow for nursing, and a double snap-n-go stroller! They came in two days and I pain NO SHIPPING!
My parents bought us our dream stroller as a shower gift... the Bob Double Jogger! Once the babies are big enough (a few months or so) we'll be using that one full time :)
So, here's my 20 week update:
How Far Along: 20 weeks 2 days :)
How Big Are the Babies: TWO CANTALOUPES in my belly!!!!!
Baby's now the size of a cantaloupe!
Baby gulps down several ounces of amniotic fluid every day, both for nutrition and to practice swallowing and digesting. And, these days, those taste buds actually work! Studies show that after birth, babies respond best to tastes they've already had via amniotic fluid. Meaning, think about what you'd like your future child to eat as you prepare your own lunch.
Total weight gain: 20 lbs! Only up 1 lb!
Maternity clothes: Pretty much all of my clothes, except I can still wear some of my pre-prego shirts and dresses
Sleep: I'm exhausted even though I'm sleep good. Hmmm... actually I do toss and turn at night more now because I am putting a blanket under my belly to help prop it up! LOL. Otherwise I wake up with major ligament pain. Maybe that's why I'm so tired!?
GENDER: Two lil BOYS!!!! Yay!!
Movement: DEFINITELY feeling my baby boys kicking on the outside! C felt them this week too which was SUCH an amazing moment! He is really excited. My mom also felt them. Its the weirdest feeling like little aliens in there! LOL
Food Cravings: I've been eating lots of fruit! All kinds. I also ate a bowl of cereal in bed last night... haven't done that it a while!
What I Miss: Not feeling so tired!
What I'm looking forward to: I'm going to say my next Dr. visit. I had a 20 week check up yesterday and I got good news and bad news. Good news is that my cervix is still nice and long, 4.4 cm. Its a little shorter than last visit, but this is with a different doctor and a different machine so we'll see when I go back to the peri in two weeks. Bad news is what Dr. I informed me yesterday about my last peri visit. I'm a little upset because they seemed to say that EVERYTHING looked perfect. Not totally the case. I'm trying not to worry, but Baby A's umbilical cord attached to the side of the placenta, not the center. This means that they need to monitor his growth very closely. If he starts lagging behind his brother in the upcoming weeks, I may have to deliver early, so that he can get the nutrients that he needs. I'm trying not to worry and just saying lots of prayers for my little guy... I know they are both in God's hands and I trust both of my doctors!
Milestones: 20 weeks is huge! No more ER if something happens, I would go strait to L & D to get help. According to my mom, anything earlier than 20 weeks they do nothing to stop preterm labor, after 20 weeks they do everything to prevent and stop.
Symptoms: Heartburn... I think I get it more when I have an empty stomach, and I'm exhausted. Nothing new to really report.
I will try to post a 20 week pic asap :)
I hope everyone has a Happy Easter!
***Thank you Jesus for dying so that I may LIVE!!!!
Thursday, April 21, 2011
Our story...
Happy April ICLW!! Its nice to join ICLW again! I took a few months during the first trimester of my pregnancy, because I was just too tired to comment on others blogs ;-)
I thought this time around I could tell my story. How I got to where I am today... 20 weeks pregnant with twin boys!
Our IF Story...
Six months later and about two or three periods, I was back at the OB's. We had not one BFP during this time and I was still wondering what was wrong with me. I had PCOS in the back of my mind, because of my irregular cycles and acne that was flaring up since stopping the BCP's. I got a referral to my first reproductive endocrinologist, Dr. D.
Dr. D informed me that 9/10 times a Bicornuate Uterus is really a misdiagnosed Septated Uterus and the only way to tell is by going in laproscopically. He also does a pelvic ultrasound and confirms polycystic ovaries. I have about 30-50 follicles on each ovary!
Surgery number one was performed. I was diagnosed with a Complete Septated Uterus (a septum going down the middle of my uterus and creating, essentially, two wombs) and therefore he was able to remove the thick wall that when completely down to my cervix.
Once healed, we decided to try on our own, for anniversary number two, while traveling abroad in Italy. I began taking my basal body temp during this time too so I can see when I ovulated. No bambino! We returned to start our first injectables (Follistim) and IUI cycle. We had two follicles, C had 100 million + great motility. BFN! Cycle two we had four follicles great sperm, BFN!
I was emotionally drained so we decided to try on our own again along with temping, OPK's, and acupuncture. BFN! I get put on Metformin 1500mg by a regular endocrinologist... the missing link?
After a three month break we go back to see Dr. D. He wants to check my uterus again and so we scheduled an office Hysteroscopy (take a camera to look inside my uterus). The septum was BACK! The tears began...
Surgery Two... he removed the remaining septum! Once healed, we had another office hysteroscopy, all CLEAR (one beautiful uterus)!
Follistim/IUI cycle #3... I ovulated 5-6 eggs (praying I'm not Jon and Kate!), C had great sperm! BFN! We were devastated and come to the realization that children may not be in our future. I google everything and thought may be I have empty follicle syndrome or God forbid, bad eggs, maybe C's sperm can't penetrate my eggs? Dr. D thinks IVF is the next step...
We take a break for the summer. I also go back to see my endocrinologist. He ups my metformin to 2250mg, because acne is still bad and testosterone is still elevated. We go to Kauai for anniversary number three! IVF came up in conversation and we decided once we get back to get a second opinion. We also try one unmonitored clomid cycle just for fun while we're away. BFN!
I found Dr. R through lots of research. Dr. R was nominated #1 Dr in LA magazine! We met with him and he thought we should try a couple clomid cycles before moving onto IVF. He believed there shouldn't be any reason we can't get pregnant, we were both young (me, 29, C, 31). I just had my period so I was waiting for a new cycle... it never started!
We were tired of waiting and I felt IVF was what we were supposed to do! I was given provera to start my cycle then put on BCP's. While on BCP's Dr. R wanted to do another office hysteroscopy to look inside my Uterus, given our history. Once inside, we found still, a residual septum! I eye's filled with tears again! How could this be after TWO surgeries! Dr. R was hopeful and didn't believe we should have yet another surgery although the choice was still up to us. Through prayer, we felt we should continue on the IVF path.
I started Lupron after the three or so weeks of BCP's, and then began the stims (menapur and Gonal-F) on Dec. 4. 2011. On December 15, I had my egg retrieval and they took out 29 good quality, mature eggs! C gave them over 100 million good quality sperm. Everything looked perfect!
The following day we get a call for a fertilization report. Dr. R is on the phone (not good!). We had ZERO fertilize! But, we finally got our diagnosis! C's sperm didn't like my eggs! We were devastated to say the least. My eggs were now 24 hours old, but they still performed Rescue ICSI. I googled and googled... we had about a 7% chance of any of them making it to a live birth. We both prayed and prayed!
The next day... 5 miracle embryos (scheduled a 3 day transfer)! The next day... 13 miracle embryos (pushed to a 5 day transfer!)! On day 5 (really 6 from my egg retrieval), we had two Blasts… one 4aa and one early blast. The embryologist came in and was so excited to meet us because "nothing like this ever happens!" She couldn't explain how we got blasts! I said "I know... prayer!" She said, "well, keep praying and I want to meet your babies when you have them!"
On December 31, 2010, my first Beta test... 176! Second beta two days later... 692! 5 week ultrasound TWO SACS!!!
At my 18 week ultrasound with the perinatologist, I mentioned my residual uterine septum. The doctor looked and looked for it and found NO SIGN! He doesn't think its going to be a problem and that the babies with push it aside to make room. Thank GOD!
We are now 20 weeks pregnant with twin BOYS and we couldn't be happier! It has been such a long hard road, but I wouldn't change it for the world! It has made me a stronger woman, who is more than ready to be the BEST mom I can be! It has also made my relationship with my husband stronger. I know if we can get through IF, we can get through ANYTHING! God has blessed us so much! I give Him all the glory for the two miracles growing in my belly!
I thought this time around I could tell my story. How I got to where I am today... 20 weeks pregnant with twin boys!
Our IF Story...
It was a long 2 1/2 year battle. We were thrown into the IF world almost immediately once I stopped BCP's. I am thankful we didn't have to wait a year before getting some help.
Once we got off BCP's we were so excited to start trying for a baby. It was exciting, new, and scary all at the same time! A month went by and I didn't get my period. I took a test... BFN! Another month, no period! And another BFN! I started having cramping pains in my pelvic region so I went to the OB. She sent me to get a pelvic ultrasound done. My results came in and my OB wanted me back for the results. She took out a pad of paper and started drawing... my uterus! I had a Bicornuate Uterus! This still didn't explain my irregular cycles, however. It just meant that it was going to be VERY difficult for us to concieve and to make it to full term when/if we did. She sent us on our way to TTC on our own.
Six months later and about two or three periods, I was back at the OB's. We had not one BFP during this time and I was still wondering what was wrong with me. I had PCOS in the back of my mind, because of my irregular cycles and acne that was flaring up since stopping the BCP's. I got a referral to my first reproductive endocrinologist, Dr. D.
Dr. D informed me that 9/10 times a Bicornuate Uterus is really a misdiagnosed Septated Uterus and the only way to tell is by going in laproscopically. He also does a pelvic ultrasound and confirms polycystic ovaries. I have about 30-50 follicles on each ovary!
Surgery number one was performed. I was diagnosed with a Complete Septated Uterus (a septum going down the middle of my uterus and creating, essentially, two wombs) and therefore he was able to remove the thick wall that when completely down to my cervix.
Once healed, we decided to try on our own, for anniversary number two, while traveling abroad in Italy. I began taking my basal body temp during this time too so I can see when I ovulated. No bambino! We returned to start our first injectables (Follistim) and IUI cycle. We had two follicles, C had 100 million + great motility. BFN! Cycle two we had four follicles great sperm, BFN!
I was emotionally drained so we decided to try on our own again along with temping, OPK's, and acupuncture. BFN! I get put on Metformin 1500mg by a regular endocrinologist... the missing link?
After a three month break we go back to see Dr. D. He wants to check my uterus again and so we scheduled an office Hysteroscopy (take a camera to look inside my uterus). The septum was BACK! The tears began...
Surgery Two... he removed the remaining septum! Once healed, we had another office hysteroscopy, all CLEAR (one beautiful uterus)!
Follistim/IUI cycle #3... I ovulated 5-6 eggs (praying I'm not Jon and Kate!), C had great sperm! BFN! We were devastated and come to the realization that children may not be in our future. I google everything and thought may be I have empty follicle syndrome or God forbid, bad eggs, maybe C's sperm can't penetrate my eggs? Dr. D thinks IVF is the next step...
We take a break for the summer. I also go back to see my endocrinologist. He ups my metformin to 2250mg, because acne is still bad and testosterone is still elevated. We go to Kauai for anniversary number three! IVF came up in conversation and we decided once we get back to get a second opinion. We also try one unmonitored clomid cycle just for fun while we're away. BFN!
I found Dr. R through lots of research. Dr. R was nominated #1 Dr in LA magazine! We met with him and he thought we should try a couple clomid cycles before moving onto IVF. He believed there shouldn't be any reason we can't get pregnant, we were both young (me, 29, C, 31). I just had my period so I was waiting for a new cycle... it never started!
We were tired of waiting and I felt IVF was what we were supposed to do! I was given provera to start my cycle then put on BCP's. While on BCP's Dr. R wanted to do another office hysteroscopy to look inside my Uterus, given our history. Once inside, we found still, a residual septum! I eye's filled with tears again! How could this be after TWO surgeries! Dr. R was hopeful and didn't believe we should have yet another surgery although the choice was still up to us. Through prayer, we felt we should continue on the IVF path.
I started Lupron after the three or so weeks of BCP's, and then began the stims (menapur and Gonal-F) on Dec. 4. 2011. On December 15, I had my egg retrieval and they took out 29 good quality, mature eggs! C gave them over 100 million good quality sperm. Everything looked perfect!
The following day we get a call for a fertilization report. Dr. R is on the phone (not good!). We had ZERO fertilize! But, we finally got our diagnosis! C's sperm didn't like my eggs! We were devastated to say the least. My eggs were now 24 hours old, but they still performed Rescue ICSI. I googled and googled... we had about a 7% chance of any of them making it to a live birth. We both prayed and prayed!
The next day... 5 miracle embryos (scheduled a 3 day transfer)! The next day... 13 miracle embryos (pushed to a 5 day transfer!)! On day 5 (really 6 from my egg retrieval), we had two Blasts… one 4aa and one early blast. The embryologist came in and was so excited to meet us because "nothing like this ever happens!" She couldn't explain how we got blasts! I said "I know... prayer!" She said, "well, keep praying and I want to meet your babies when you have them!"
On December 31, 2010, my first Beta test... 176! Second beta two days later... 692! 5 week ultrasound TWO SACS!!!
At my 18 week ultrasound with the perinatologist, I mentioned my residual uterine septum. The doctor looked and looked for it and found NO SIGN! He doesn't think its going to be a problem and that the babies with push it aside to make room. Thank GOD!
We are now 20 weeks pregnant with twin BOYS and we couldn't be happier! It has been such a long hard road, but I wouldn't change it for the world! It has made me a stronger woman, who is more than ready to be the BEST mom I can be! It has also made my relationship with my husband stronger. I know if we can get through IF, we can get through ANYTHING! God has blessed us so much! I give Him all the glory for the two miracles growing in my belly!
Wednesday, April 20, 2011
Our first baby(ies) purchases!
We finally found bedding we LOVE and decided on a theme... Nautical! Nothing in our house is beach related, even though we live at the beach. We have a very rustic Italian style, so what we are choosing is so different, but I love it! We are planning on putting up white wainscoting around the lower half of the room and then painting the upper half a shade of blue. We just got new windows installed last week! YAY! I couldn't have our 1970's drafty windows in the babies room!
Here is our first purchase which we personalized with their names (which are going to be a surprise at birth!):
We got two, one to go above each crib! I love them!!
Here is our first purchase which we personalized with their names (which are going to be a surprise at birth!):
Friday, April 15, 2011
19 weeks!
How Far Along: 19 weeks and 1 day!
How Big Are the Babies: Babies are now the size of a mango! Although it says babies weights are 8.5 oz here, last week both of my boys were measuring 9 oz! I've got some line backers in here ;-)
Maternity clothes: My maternity belt FINALLY came yesterday! I wore it all day. I had no back pain OR ligament pain. I think it really helps, however its a little bulky to where under some clothes. For now I'll where it when I'm home :)
Sleep: Much better than last week! Cat has calmed down... I guess I switched the dog and cat food. Oliver has been loving her food, but she wouldn't touch his! So the reason she was being such a pain... HUNGER! Poor thing! I'm claiming pregnancy brain on this one ;-)
GENDER: Two lil BOYS!!!! Yay!!
Movement: Ok, I'm about 90% sure I've been feeling baby A's kicks from outside my belly. I thought it was gas at first but now... I'm pretty sure!
Food Cravings: I don't know why but nope! I had a lot first tri, now I eat mostly normal. I like that I'm cooking again... C especially likes that I'm cooking again!
What I Miss: hmmm... not much! My back still hurts a little. I've been going to the chiropractor and I think its helping along with my prenatal yoga class Mondays and Fridays... which I absolutely LOVE! Right now I'm loving EVERY second of being pregnant!
What I'm looking forward to: My mom and Sis-in-law are throwing me my baby shower so I've been helping with that. I'm looking forward to next thursday for the cake tasting!!!! My shower is coming together and is going to be so cute! Its a garden theme with two pea's in a pod! So exciting!!!
Symptoms: TMI... here's a couple no ever tells you! Ton's of discharge in the panties (yuck!), when I blow my nose its bloody, and my all time favorite, sneezing and peeing! Panty liners please! :-D
How Big Are the Babies: Babies are now the size of a mango! Although it says babies weights are 8.5 oz here, last week both of my boys were measuring 9 oz! I've got some line backers in here ;-)
Vernix caseosa, a greasy white substance made of lanugo, oil, and dead skin cells (yum) now coats baby's skin, shielding it from the amniotic fluid. (Picture yourself after a nine-month bath, and the need for protection makes sense.) You might get to see the vernix at birth, especially if baby is premature.
Total Weight Gain: 19 lbs! Up two pounds from last week!
Sleep: Much better than last week! Cat has calmed down... I guess I switched the dog and cat food. Oliver has been loving her food, but she wouldn't touch his! So the reason she was being such a pain... HUNGER! Poor thing! I'm claiming pregnancy brain on this one ;-)
GENDER: Two lil BOYS!!!! Yay!!
Movement: Ok, I'm about 90% sure I've been feeling baby A's kicks from outside my belly. I thought it was gas at first but now... I'm pretty sure!
Food Cravings: I don't know why but nope! I had a lot first tri, now I eat mostly normal. I like that I'm cooking again... C especially likes that I'm cooking again!
What I Miss: hmmm... not much! My back still hurts a little. I've been going to the chiropractor and I think its helping along with my prenatal yoga class Mondays and Fridays... which I absolutely LOVE! Right now I'm loving EVERY second of being pregnant!
What I'm looking forward to: My mom and Sis-in-law are throwing me my baby shower so I've been helping with that. I'm looking forward to next thursday for the cake tasting!!!! My shower is coming together and is going to be so cute! Its a garden theme with two pea's in a pod! So exciting!!!
Milestones: Making it to the half-way point for twins!!! YAY!!! My doc won't let me go past 38 weeks! Praying I can make it there!
Monday, April 11, 2011
Half way there...
18 weeks and four days, means I'm half way to 37 weeks... full-term for twins! Yay! Other news... I had the anatomy scan of both babies today as well as a check of my cervix, which measured a whoppin 4.7 centimeters!!! Nice and long! The scan was amazing! I am such a proud mama and am so in love with both boys! Both babies are perfectly health with 10 fingers and 10 toes. Hearts were pumping perfectly, brains looked great, spine looked perfect... what a relief. Not that I thought we would have a problem, but its definitely nice to see perfectly formed babies... my babies! It is still so surreal that I have TWO babies growing inside me, but today made it so much more real! I thank God daily for these miracles that he has blessed us with. He is so so good... we are now SEEING the fruits of His labor ;-)
During the 2D ultrasound, the tech switched it over to a 4D!!! I got to see both babies faces!!! We got a nice pic of baby B, Baby A showed us his adorable face then covered it and we couldn't get a good shot, but they definitely look like brothers! I'll post them both anyway...
Twin A 18 weeks 4 days
Lets just compare to the 10 week, when I thought I was already getting big! LOL...
During the 2D ultrasound, the tech switched it over to a 4D!!! I got to see both babies faces!!! We got a nice pic of baby B, Baby A showed us his adorable face then covered it and we couldn't get a good shot, but they definitely look like brothers! I'll post them both anyway...
18 weeks 4 days
Twin A 18 weeks 4 days
They are measuring ahead... Baby A is measuring 18 weeks 6 days and B is measuring 18 weeks 5 days, both weighing 9 oz.!!! I have over a pound of baby in there! No wonder I'm getting so big!
Here is my 18 week belly shot ( with no make up)...
So tiny at 10 weeks, but a definite bump!!!
Friday, April 8, 2011
ER visit and 18 weeks!
I have been feeling great! Last week and weekend I was out and about every day. We spent Saturday walking down town in Balboa, a very cute beach community, with our lil Oliver. Sunday we dusted off our beach cruisers and road to the beach with some friends and had a picnic. I was a little nervous about biking and being pregnant, but I felt good, so why not? Monday I FINALLY made is back to yoga. It felt so great being back. I was able to share my exciting news of our two precious boys. Everyone was really excited to find out since I've been MIA for two weeks :-/ Then came Tuesday...
I woke up at about 6:30am. I realized my low back on the left side was a bit achy and sore. So I did a few yoga cat/cows and pelvic tilts to stretch it out. Still aching. I went down stairs and it began to get worse, and I mean WORSE! By 6:50am I was on the phone with my doctor for Excruciating back pain, I was about in tears! He wanted me to wait until 9(!!!) to call the office to come in and get checked! There was NO WAY I could wait til 9, with what felt like a kidney infection or stone (neither of which I've ever had!). I called my mom who was working at the hospital at the time (a labor and delivery nurse), and told her of my low back pain. Of course she said "get to the ER now!" I freak out and get going...
By the time we arrived I was in tears the pain was so bad. I was checked in almost immediately. They had me get into a hospital gown, I was hooked up to an IV, and then I waited for the doctor. They took me back to ultrasound to check on my kidneys. The tech also looked at my lil bundles to make sure they were okay... they were! I showed no signs of pre-term labor, no kidney stones, and no kidney infection! What the heck was wrong with me?!? BACK PAIN! WTHeck? I haven't had any low back pain this entire pregnancy and then BAM... my back is KILLING ME? Silly me!
I guess its NORMAL with twin pregnancy's because everything is growing so fast! The hormone, Relaxin, is released to loosen ligaments, tendons and muscles so they can stretch. I was on bed rest for 48 hours and am now doing better. I have NEVER had back problems in my life so this is all new to me. I have 19 more weeks to go so I am having to take it easy now... boo! I did go to the chiropractor yesterday and plan on continuing. I do feel a lot better today and hope it continues.
So here is my 18 week update... I know I skipped two weeks, but I'm back! I rigged my computer to post today! I soooo missed having my computer up!
How Far Along: 18 weeks and 1 day!!!!! Almost half way for twins!
How Big Are the Babies: Sweet potatoes!!! Ironically (this seems to keep happening BTW) read this...
Baby's become amazingly mobile (compared to you, at least), passing the hours yawning, hiccupping, rolling, twisting, kicking, punching, sucking, and swallowing. And baby is finally big enough that you'll soon be able to feel her movements. How cute is that!!?
Total Weight Gain: 17 lbs! I'm still gaining, but its slow and steady compared to first tri! Ironically I'm not as hungry as then.
Maternity clothes: I just ordered a maternity belt. Dr. S, who had twins, told me she started wearing one at 16 weeks. I thought that was early... before! Now with all of this ligament pain and back problems, I think she was right on! I waited two weeks too long!
Sleep: Sleep has been great! Except for my cat who has been liking to wake us up at 530 am by scratching the carpet next to the bed! Errrr... I'm getting so mad at her I try to keep her up during the day so she sleeps at night! Don't think its working though...
GENDER: Two lil BOYS!!!! Yay!!
Movement: ALL THE TIME! I even feel them when I'm driving, standing, walking, etc. They are getting big! But it still tickles me, I can't wait for kicks!
Food Cravings: Not really. I still am having a hard time with meat... no filets of meat, only shredded beef or chicken. But I really hate chicken right now unless its on the bone. Weird, I know.
What I Miss: Right now I'm missing being free of back and ligament pain!
What I'm looking forward to: Monday is my appointment with the perinatologist! They are going to do an anatomy scan of my boys (praying everything is okay!) and check cervical length. My last cervix check was 3.8. Hoping its holding up nicely :)
Milestones: Finding out the genders of the BOYS!
Symptoms: Major ligament pain on the front and sides of my belly. I can't wait til my maternity belt gets here!
Last but not least... here are the pics I promised!
I woke up at about 6:30am. I realized my low back on the left side was a bit achy and sore. So I did a few yoga cat/cows and pelvic tilts to stretch it out. Still aching. I went down stairs and it began to get worse, and I mean WORSE! By 6:50am I was on the phone with my doctor for Excruciating back pain, I was about in tears! He wanted me to wait until 9(!!!) to call the office to come in and get checked! There was NO WAY I could wait til 9, with what felt like a kidney infection or stone (neither of which I've ever had!). I called my mom who was working at the hospital at the time (a labor and delivery nurse), and told her of my low back pain. Of course she said "get to the ER now!" I freak out and get going...
By the time we arrived I was in tears the pain was so bad. I was checked in almost immediately. They had me get into a hospital gown, I was hooked up to an IV, and then I waited for the doctor. They took me back to ultrasound to check on my kidneys. The tech also looked at my lil bundles to make sure they were okay... they were! I showed no signs of pre-term labor, no kidney stones, and no kidney infection! What the heck was wrong with me?!? BACK PAIN! WTHeck? I haven't had any low back pain this entire pregnancy and then BAM... my back is KILLING ME? Silly me!
I guess its NORMAL with twin pregnancy's because everything is growing so fast! The hormone, Relaxin, is released to loosen ligaments, tendons and muscles so they can stretch. I was on bed rest for 48 hours and am now doing better. I have NEVER had back problems in my life so this is all new to me. I have 19 more weeks to go so I am having to take it easy now... boo! I did go to the chiropractor yesterday and plan on continuing. I do feel a lot better today and hope it continues.
So here is my 18 week update... I know I skipped two weeks, but I'm back! I rigged my computer to post today! I soooo missed having my computer up!
How Far Along: 18 weeks and 1 day!!!!! Almost half way for twins!
How Big Are the Babies: Sweet potatoes!!! Ironically (this seems to keep happening BTW) read this...
Your Pregnancy: Week 18
As your growing uterus starts shifting your center of gravity (belly forward, bottom out), hormones are causing your ligaments to relax and joints to loosen. The result? Back pain and soreness. WOW! No Kidding!?! On the bright side, if you want to know baby's gender, this might be your first week for a sneak peek.
Baby's become amazingly mobile (compared to you, at least), passing the hours yawning, hiccupping, rolling, twisting, kicking, punching, sucking, and swallowing. And baby is finally big enough that you'll soon be able to feel her movements. How cute is that!!?
Total Weight Gain: 17 lbs! I'm still gaining, but its slow and steady compared to first tri! Ironically I'm not as hungry as then.
Maternity clothes: I just ordered a maternity belt. Dr. S, who had twins, told me she started wearing one at 16 weeks. I thought that was early... before! Now with all of this ligament pain and back problems, I think she was right on! I waited two weeks too long!
Sleep: Sleep has been great! Except for my cat who has been liking to wake us up at 530 am by scratching the carpet next to the bed! Errrr... I'm getting so mad at her I try to keep her up during the day so she sleeps at night! Don't think its working though...
GENDER: Two lil BOYS!!!! Yay!!
Movement: ALL THE TIME! I even feel them when I'm driving, standing, walking, etc. They are getting big! But it still tickles me, I can't wait for kicks!
Food Cravings: Not really. I still am having a hard time with meat... no filets of meat, only shredded beef or chicken. But I really hate chicken right now unless its on the bone. Weird, I know.
What I Miss: Right now I'm missing being free of back and ligament pain!
What I'm looking forward to: Monday is my appointment with the perinatologist! They are going to do an anatomy scan of my boys (praying everything is okay!) and check cervical length. My last cervix check was 3.8. Hoping its holding up nicely :)
Milestones: Finding out the genders of the BOYS!
Symptoms: Major ligament pain on the front and sides of my belly. I can't wait til my maternity belt gets here!
Last but not least... here are the pics I promised!
These were Bday gifts to C the night we found out! From my brother and sis-in-law!
How cute are they!?!
Friday, April 1, 2011
Oh how I've missed you...
I have been on a serious blog hiatus and have had so many things to write about, but couldn't. My house has been under construction for the past three weeks and our computer hasn't been hooked up. My last post was via Android. Pretty much, it has been hell around here. I'm am using my husbands work computer to write this one. So, here's what I've been up to:
***The construction that was supposed to take a week, has now completely stopped due to HOA (home owners association) BS. We've had to get an attorney because the HOA is trying to back out of paying for the bill. Our house is a complete mess down stairs so I try to stay out of here as much as possible.
***TWO BOYS!!! Okay, this is going to sound HORRIBLE, since I'm an infertile fertile (please don't judge!). I was completely shocked about having two boys. I was so sure, like many of you who voted, that there was at least one girl in there. Okay I KNEW baby A was a girl! The gender determination for baby A took long. As usual, baby A didn't want to show the goods. Baby B gave us a strait shot almost immediately and I said with tears in my eye's, "there's my boy!" I loved him immediately! He was who I was bonding with this whole time! My wild lil boy! Now, baby A showed us a glimpse of his goods and the tech thought it was a girl! We saw three lines. However, nearing the end of our appointment, baby A decided to get a little more active and show the his goods as well... a penis! My husband jumped for joy! What guy wouldn't want two mini me's!? He leaned down and said, "don't worry we can try for more." I know he felt bad. But, I tried to be excited anyways. "I know these boys are going to be the cutest!" We met our families for C's bday dinner and had a blast. Everyone was excited about our lil boys!
The following day, reality set in. The baby girl I knew I was having, the baby girl I was bonding with in my belly wasn't there. I felt like I didn't know this other baby now. It was the most horrible feeling. I cried and cried (and the pregnancy hormones did not help). First I cried about having two boys, then I cried about crying I was having two boys, then I cried because how could someone so blessed to even be pregnant be upset about the amazing miracles growing in my tummy... The babies I felt moving every day? I realized I had to morn the loss of the girl I THOUGHT I was having. What a process...
Today, I am more than blessed, more than excited, about the two lil miracles that God has blessed me with. Some said to me, "It takes a special woman to raise boys." I think they are right! I have two older brothers so I know exactly what its like. What do I look forward about now? Taking my boys camping, fishing, teaching them baseball (I played softball), snowboarding, to the beach, teaching them how to skateboard, surf, I can't wait to take them traveling, etc. I am an active adventurous person and maybe God new that boys would be what’s best for me and for them :)
***Tuesday night, C and I went to the last preseason Angels/Dogers game. It was so much fun! The babies went crazy! I think they really liked all the noise. One of the Angels hit a home run and everyone was cheering, Baby A kicked me so hard I literally jumped! It was my first hard kick! It startled me... I can't wait for more!
***I have been so worried about a shortening cervix. I have, unfortunately, read all of these horror stories about women going into preterm labor due to an incompetent cervix. To my great surprise, I mentioned this to Dr. I at my last visit, he measured mine via ultrasound and it was 3.8! Really good. I go to the perinatologist for my next visit where they will measure again and do the full anatomy scan on my boys. I am now going to be measured every two weeks! It feels good to be taken care of!
*** Okay, don't be jealous, but it was 85 degree's here yesterday. I live about 1.5 miles from the beach, so that is where I went! In Huntington Beach, we have a section that is for dogs, called dog beach, so I took Oliver, got into a BIKINI, took my beach chair and a book and "laid out." I am very proud of myself for rocking the bikini with a huge belly! I'm not sure if people think I'm pregnant or just fat, but the good part is, I DON'T CARE! I love being pregnant!!!
*** Baby shower planning and registering!!! Yup! C and I went to babies r us and began a registry! I am so excited, although totally over whelmed! There are way to many brands for the same product. I think we added about two things on our registry in the store then I came home and actually looked at reviews of products on the internet (C's work computer). I am still deciding what to do in the nursery. I'm not into baby baby stuff, maybe just a touch of it here or there. We'll see. Any idea's?
My mom is throwing me my baby shower which I'm so excited about. We are going to do a garden theme with Two Pea's in a Pod. Green's, Yellow's, and Blue's... I'm excited! Oh, and its going to be June 18! I'm going to be nice, huge, and 28 weeks pregnant! :)
***Okay, last thing! I'm sorry I missed my 16 week update and I'm a day past due for my 17 week. I'm going to try to post later with a belly pic for my 17 week. And I know I still owe you pics of baby boy's! But, I am sooo excited to be 17 weeks!!! Can you believe it!?!
***Okay, one more thing! THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR ALL THE WONDERFUL WISHES AND CONGRATS ON OUR BABY BOYS! I love reading your comments... your support is so cherished! xoxo
***The construction that was supposed to take a week, has now completely stopped due to HOA (home owners association) BS. We've had to get an attorney because the HOA is trying to back out of paying for the bill. Our house is a complete mess down stairs so I try to stay out of here as much as possible.
***TWO BOYS!!! Okay, this is going to sound HORRIBLE, since I'm an infertile fertile (please don't judge!). I was completely shocked about having two boys. I was so sure, like many of you who voted, that there was at least one girl in there. Okay I KNEW baby A was a girl! The gender determination for baby A took long. As usual, baby A didn't want to show the goods. Baby B gave us a strait shot almost immediately and I said with tears in my eye's, "there's my boy!" I loved him immediately! He was who I was bonding with this whole time! My wild lil boy! Now, baby A showed us a glimpse of his goods and the tech thought it was a girl! We saw three lines. However, nearing the end of our appointment, baby A decided to get a little more active and show the his goods as well... a penis! My husband jumped for joy! What guy wouldn't want two mini me's!? He leaned down and said, "don't worry we can try for more." I know he felt bad. But, I tried to be excited anyways. "I know these boys are going to be the cutest!" We met our families for C's bday dinner and had a blast. Everyone was excited about our lil boys!
The following day, reality set in. The baby girl I knew I was having, the baby girl I was bonding with in my belly wasn't there. I felt like I didn't know this other baby now. It was the most horrible feeling. I cried and cried (and the pregnancy hormones did not help). First I cried about having two boys, then I cried about crying I was having two boys, then I cried because how could someone so blessed to even be pregnant be upset about the amazing miracles growing in my tummy... The babies I felt moving every day? I realized I had to morn the loss of the girl I THOUGHT I was having. What a process...
Today, I am more than blessed, more than excited, about the two lil miracles that God has blessed me with. Some said to me, "It takes a special woman to raise boys." I think they are right! I have two older brothers so I know exactly what its like. What do I look forward about now? Taking my boys camping, fishing, teaching them baseball (I played softball), snowboarding, to the beach, teaching them how to skateboard, surf, I can't wait to take them traveling, etc. I am an active adventurous person and maybe God new that boys would be what’s best for me and for them :)
***Tuesday night, C and I went to the last preseason Angels/Dogers game. It was so much fun! The babies went crazy! I think they really liked all the noise. One of the Angels hit a home run and everyone was cheering, Baby A kicked me so hard I literally jumped! It was my first hard kick! It startled me... I can't wait for more!
***I have been so worried about a shortening cervix. I have, unfortunately, read all of these horror stories about women going into preterm labor due to an incompetent cervix. To my great surprise, I mentioned this to Dr. I at my last visit, he measured mine via ultrasound and it was 3.8! Really good. I go to the perinatologist for my next visit where they will measure again and do the full anatomy scan on my boys. I am now going to be measured every two weeks! It feels good to be taken care of!
*** Okay, don't be jealous, but it was 85 degree's here yesterday. I live about 1.5 miles from the beach, so that is where I went! In Huntington Beach, we have a section that is for dogs, called dog beach, so I took Oliver, got into a BIKINI, took my beach chair and a book and "laid out." I am very proud of myself for rocking the bikini with a huge belly! I'm not sure if people think I'm pregnant or just fat, but the good part is, I DON'T CARE! I love being pregnant!!!
*** Baby shower planning and registering!!! Yup! C and I went to babies r us and began a registry! I am so excited, although totally over whelmed! There are way to many brands for the same product. I think we added about two things on our registry in the store then I came home and actually looked at reviews of products on the internet (C's work computer). I am still deciding what to do in the nursery. I'm not into baby baby stuff, maybe just a touch of it here or there. We'll see. Any idea's?
My mom is throwing me my baby shower which I'm so excited about. We are going to do a garden theme with Two Pea's in a Pod. Green's, Yellow's, and Blue's... I'm excited! Oh, and its going to be June 18! I'm going to be nice, huge, and 28 weeks pregnant! :)
***Okay, last thing! I'm sorry I missed my 16 week update and I'm a day past due for my 17 week. I'm going to try to post later with a belly pic for my 17 week. And I know I still owe you pics of baby boy's! But, I am sooo excited to be 17 weeks!!! Can you believe it!?!
***Okay, one more thing! THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR ALL THE WONDERFUL WISHES AND CONGRATS ON OUR BABY BOYS! I love reading your comments... your support is so cherished! xoxo
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