the events of: 38 weeks

wow, what a week! I must say that it is a miracle to be carrying these girls for this long. I remind myself when my emotions get low that everyday they are in the womb is another day of the girls growing and getting stronger. I am so curious to know how much these girls weigh at this point. they were about 6 lbs a few weeks ago - so how much weight have they gained since then?

as of this morning, I have an induction date. If the girls do not come on their own, I will be at the hospital next Tuesday early morning for a dose of pitocin and the birth of my girls! yay! so the count down can begin, because we are guaranteed to meet these girls by Tuesday, March 30th! that sounds like a good birth day to me... :)

"any day now" at 37 weeks

I never expected to make it this long. James and I have been saying "any day now" for the past 2 weeks. When most twin books, and even my doctor, say that twins are delivered by 35 to 36 weeks, it gives a sense of expectation that the girls debut should have already happened. So to be saying as of today I am 37 weeks.... it's unbelievable. and uncomfortable.

I had 2 doctor appointments at the end of last week - both were positive visits. The ultrasound visit with the multiples specialist measured the girls to be approximately 6 pounds each! They are healthy and growing girls - it's wonderful and I couldn't be more thankful for how well they are doing. On a different note though... my thoughts automatically went to the realization that I am carrying 12 pounds of baby! what?! that's a HUGE baby - thank goodness it's 2 instead of 1!
At my doctor appointment this afternoon, my belly measured smaller than it had been of recent weeks past. You can tell by looking at the picture that I am not carrying my belly as high up as it used to be. My doctor believes that one of the girls has dropped. a sign of labor coming soon? I hope so!

My mom and brother Robert arrived today to spend their Spring Break with me - we are all hoping that the girls arrive this week. Uncle Robert cant wait to meet his nieces!

so stay tuned.... hopefully the next post will be one introducing our baby girls!

36 weeks

This week is Spring Break for James - and words cant even describe how thankful and relieved I am to have him home with me during the day. It is a blessing! especially when I start to not feel well and he is there to help me. He has such a compassionate and servant's heart - I am one blessed and dearly loved wife.

It is such a beautiful day today - the weather is perfect for being outside and enjoying the sun. so today's task was one that James was excited to take on. He has the desire to plant a tree on the day of the girls' birth, so as to nurture it and watch it grow as our girls grow. He decided where the tree will be planted and dug a hole in our backyard.

and so there it is. a hole and dirt. an unfinished project. an anticipated completion. When will this tree be planted?

35 weeks

...and still no girls.

I am now considered to be full term. Most twins are born at either 35 or 36 weeks. So there is no concern if the girls were to be born after this point. We really are at the end of this pregnancy!

I have good days and bad, varying on how much activity I have planned in a day or even how much sleep I am getting at night. I try to keep activities to a minimal and not overdo it. Of course, laundry now is an all day activity. My outings mainly consist of doctor appointments. I had one yesterday - no news or change worth mentioning.

So a summary of the week: we're still waiting.... and growing.

the events of: 34 weeks

I think this is what everyone has been waiting for.... the debut of the girl's room!


James painted the pink/white/green stripes. And with the help of his dad and uncle, they hung crown molding and assembled the cribs. It was such a tedious job, but their hard work paid off and it's beautiful!
It took us a while to figure out the layout of the room - how do you fit 2 cribs, a dresser, a loveseat, and an armoire in a room? with a lot of trial and error! but I think it came together perfectly.

The old window above the couch was something we had in the garage since we've been married. I always thought it would be something unique to decorate with, but never had the perfect spot for it. I found some 8x10 prints on EBay that match the girls' bedding, and with a little cleaning and time, it turned out great.
The baby doll cradle (lower right corner) was something I had as a little girl. I remember putting my baby dolls in there... and one day soon, our little girls will get to do the same.
And the birds by the window... my friend Sara made that for me for my shower a few weeks ago. She took a pattern and fabric, sowed the birds herself, and perfectly arranged them into a mobile. too cute!


The armoire was a piece of furniture we already had. James painted it white... and turned it into the perfect place for storing all the diapers and wipes, blankets, washcloths, bibs, etc... it's full!
and Oh...the dresser. That was a tension-filled and emotional story for a while... let me explain. The weekend before Thanksgiving, James and I traveled to the Pottery Barn Outlet to see what we could find - the girls' curtains, a pillow, everything pretty.... and this dresser. It's the sweetest piece - it comes with a hutch and mirror (not attached yet). It was perfect. and I wanted it. but to my frustration, the tags were missing on the box, and the store manager would not sell it to us until new tags were made; and in following store policy, it would be 24 hrs before that would happen. We left, disappointed but in agreement that we would find something else just as perfect, and traveled 3 hrs away to see my family. The next afternoon, James and my brother had an "errand" to run. Unknowingly, they traveled a 6 hour round-trip back to the store to purchase the dresser. As upset as I was that night they were gone because of their crazy and selfless action, I cant help but say how much I love that dresser. Thank you, James and Robert, for getting the girls their dresser!


and lastly, here I am beside each girl's crib. yes, there's my big belly at 34 weeks (the size of a 40 week singleton pregnancy). I made the letters myself - I purchased the white wooden letters from Michael's and attached pretty scrapbook paper with adhesive spray.
Do you see the owl garland above my head in Adelyn's picture? My friend Brooke made that for me at my shower. It's super cute draped across the window. I have such creative friends! Thank you Sara and Brooke! Their creativity really makes for cute decorations in the girls' room!

the events of: 33 weeks

Last week was full of events.... or should I say more celebrations?

My family was in town last weekend for the shower and also to celebrate my birthday. It was so refreshing to spend time with them! Mamacita (...that's me) got spoiled with a homecooked, or more appropriately said, "home-grilled" meal of steak, baked potato, salad, and of course birthday cake. Mmmm it was good!

My actual birthday was celebrated with a few friends for lunch, followed by a little hand and foot pampering at the salon, and later, dinner with my wonderful hubby! It was a perfect day, full of many birthday wishes and celebrations!


I haven't been up at the 6 o'clock hour in quite a while now.... and on Friday, it was very difficult, but none-the-less, worth it. James' co-workers threw a diaper shower for us at his school. Many of the faculty and staff came by before school started to visit, bring diapers, and shower us with well wishes. It was so thoughtful of them to think of our family! We were blessed!

whew! all of that in one week - it was so much fun, but definitely worth some afternoon naps! :)

32 weeks

I had 2 doctor appointments this past week - and both went well. I measured the size of a 37 week singleton pregnancy. Both me and the girls are still growing!

James accompanied me to the multiples specialist for my routine ultrasound. This time however, a 1st year residency doctor performed the ultrasound. We were very encouraged by this because it again confirmed to us that our pregnancy is going so well that our doctor would allow this as a time of teaching. Even though it took twice as long as it normally does, the doctors were pleased with everything. Our girls are estimated to be a little over 4 lbs each!

30 weeks

wow.
I dont feel that big.... but looking at this picture, I cant believe the size of my belly.


I went to the doctor yesterday, and he gave a good report. When he measured my belly, he said it's the size of a 36 week pregnancy. I dont know what that means as far as the timeline goes. I'm still just taking it one day at a time - and ultimately hoping to make it another 6 weeks to full term.
I have been experiencing Braxton Hicks contractions lately. It seems to happen more so in the evenings - my belly gets really tight and really uncomfortable, making breathing more difficult and therefore being more purposeful with deep breathing exercises. Energy level varies day to day. Still having some restless nights. And realizing how important it is to rest during the day and to drink lots of water.
Childbirth classes starting soon.
and more doctor visits to come... updates to follow.

Glucose Results

I got a phone call a few hours ago saying results are normal! Thank you, Lord.

I am actually amazed by these results - only because after drinking double the amount of glucose I originally had to drink last week, I got really sick and light-headed, had to put my head down between my legs (imagine that one with my big belly in the way! oh funny mental image), got wheel-chaired to an exam room where I was able to lay down and rest for the remaining hours.
and yet I passed.... amazing.

Glucose screening

I had my glucose tolerance testing for Gestational Diabetes last week. Thankfully the drink wasn't as bad as I had made it up to be - it tasted like a very flat Sprite. However, an unexpected phone call yesterday informed me that I failed the test. My blood sugar level came back 8 points higher than allowed.... Oh so close to passing! On an medical note though, my book on twins said that it's common for women carrying multiples to have Gestational Diabetes. I might just be one of the numbers.

So tomorrow is Round 2.
The procedure: No food or drink after midnight tonight. Arrive at the lab at 8 in the morning. Drink the glucose drink. and wait for about 4 hours as they draw blood every hour thereafter.

Pray. I am most nervous about not eating or drinking for 12 hours - do they not realize how much this pregnant woman eats? I'm eating for 3! and I eat all the time! Cant wait for this procedure to be over. I'll update you when I know the results.