31 wks

At our ultrasound on Wednesday (30 wks 2 days) the boys were both head down again (Yay!). Baby L weighed in at 3 lbs 10 oz (57%) with a hr of 122 and Baby R at 3 lbs 6 oz (50%) with a hr of 127. Our high risk Dr. only wants to see us 2 more times (@ 32 wks & @ 34 wks) then he said we're good to deliver anytime after that (we're hoping to make it to at least 36 wks which is Nov. 1). Today I had an appointment with our regular OB. At exactly 31 wks, I measure 38.5 wks. The nurse had to check my blood pressure 3 times to make sure they were getting it right, not because it was abnormally high, it was the opposite, it was lower than normal (110/60); then again, at one point when I was pregnant with J my blood pressure got to 80/50. I don't remember what their heart rates were this time, I was too busy trying not to pass out. The weight of the babies put so much pressure on my spine while I was laying on the ultrasound table that I got very light headed. The Dr had to finish the ultrasound and Doppler with me on my side. We go see the hematologist on Wednesday and hopefully we'll be able to figure something out with how we're going to handle to blood thinners and delivery. Like I mentioned previously, we'll see the high risk Dr. again at weeks 32 & 34, and we'll see our regular OB again in 2 weeks (at 33 wks) and then we'll start weekly appointments until the end. (we only got pictures of Baby R this week, the Dr did label one of the pictures Baby L, but it was taken from the same spot (on the right side) and looked exactly the same as the Baby R picture)




*FYI: I'm on a blood thinner called Lovenox for my APS & MTHFR gene mutation. It lasts 24hrs in the body and is not reversible, thus, if I have any of it left in my system when it comes time to deliver I cannot have an epidural (the risk of hemorrhaging is too high) so a vaginal delivery would have to be med free and a c-section would have to be done with general anesthesia (I'd be completely out). With a "regular" pregnancy, many Dr's switch the blood thinner to a drug called Heparin around 36 wks. Heparin only lasts 12 hrs in the body and is reversible (you can be given another drug to reverse it's affects, thus allowing you to have an epidural). The issue that arises with me is when to switch me to Heparin since it's unsure as to when these babies will come. You'd think the logical thing would be to just switch me now, but some Dr's feel that Heparin is not as effective as Lovenox (and some insurances don't cover Heparin). I'll post an update after our appointment on Wednesday. I'm hoping they just switch me, because I really don't want to have these babies without medication!

Lesson in Humility

During this entire pregnancy, one of Erik and I's biggest concerns was finances (how are we going to afford TWO more kids). We've heard all sorts of comments on how we shouldn't be having kids if we can't afford them and have had to remind people that we didn't plan on having TWO at the same time (BUT we are so excited that the Lord has given us this privileged/blessing). Recently, after much thought, research and prayers, we decided too go and apply for WIC, (we were approved and very grateful for this assistance and consider it a blessing). Anyhow, some people we know, found out about this assistance we are now receiving and have made very negative comments about it. They've made it very obvious that they don't agree with us asking for help, and even seem to look down on us for needing help in the first place, and it hurts. I know that there are many of our acquaintances that don't agree with me being a stay at home mom, and I've heard negative comments about it since I quit working after J was born. I've been told that I've wasted my education, and that I'd be much more help to my family (and society) if I'd go get a job. Trust me, it's hard for me to see how much Erik has to work to support our family, and see to see that all that hard work isn't quite enough to cover the needs of our growing family. I wish I could help out, but first off, NO ONE would hire me right now, and second off, we've had several LONG discussions and heartfelt prayers about this and know that I need to stay home with our kids (besides after the twins come if I were to go to work, my entire salary would most likely go towards daycare for 3 kids so what's the point?). Trust me, Erik and I both HATE the fact that we have have to ask for help, but we know it is what is best for our growing family at this time. My point in this post isn't to announce that we need help, it's to point out that you never know what someones situation is, so don't judge. Just because someone needs help doesn't make them less of a person, actually I've finding it to be the opposite. Quite often, it takes a lot of humility to be able to ask for help. Erik and I have taken pride in being independent, self-sufficient people, and have taken it very hard that we can't do this on our own. I'm still struggling with letting others help me (thus the continual refusals to let others watch J so I can rest or the frequent offers to help me clean my house). I greatly appreciate all those who have offered (non-judgingly) to help, and I'm slowly getting to the point where I may be able to accept those offers, but it's not easy. This is why is hurts that someone whom we considered close to our family would so hastily (and negatively) judge us on asking for help.

29 weeks

Last Wednesday, we had an appointment with our high risk Dr. The boys are both 2lbs 12 oz, and right on track. However, we did find out that Baby L (left) has flipped and is now breech. Other than that, everything looks good and our Dr. said he was amazed at how well everything is going considering all of our risk factors. Then on Monday, I had an appointment with the regular OB. Baby L was still breech. I was exactly 29 wks, but measured at 37 wks. Baby L's heart rate was 138 and Baby R (right)'s was 132 (they were both sleeping). She told me that I passed my glucose test and that my iron levels were normal. We also scheduled a "tentative" c-section date in case Baby L doesn't flip (and I don't go into labor before this date). It's November 16 (38 wks +1 day). (Baby R) (Baby L)

As you've noticed, I've started calling the boys Baby L and Baby R, we've decided to do this so people don't get confused as to which one we're talking about since their 'A & B' status keeps changing, and this way, people wont know which one is born first. We don't want the boys to know which one is older since that can become a source of contention later on with twins. Also, on a side note, all my future pregnancy posts will be straight facts since I've been told that I complain too much. For any who feel this way, I want to express my apologies. I've never meant to complain, only to be honest about how I was feeling and the things that were going on in this pregnancy. From now on, those thoughts and feelings will be jotted down in a paper journal.

Birthdays

This past week we had 2 birthdays at our house. On Thursday (Sept. 2), I had a BIG birthday, I have now left the 20s and entered what my dear hubby likes to call the "dirty thirties". Yes, I turned the big 30 this year. I'd like to say it was a good day, but I'd be lying. It was a rough day, but not because of how OLD I was turning. I've been on an emotional roller coaster for the past several months, and just happened to be having a down day on Thursday.

Then yesterday (Sept 4) our little princess turned 3. She was SO excited for her birthday. On Friday, we'd received presents from my family and the first thing she wanted to do Saturday morning was to open them. I made her wait until Daddy got up, and that was pure torture (unfortunately for Daddy, he ended up having to get up earlier than planned because she couldn't wait any longer). Before her party last week, we let her get her "big" present. This was something that both sets of grandparents went in on with us and she LOVES it. Erik and a good friend of his stayed up until 1:00 in the morning putting this together for her (granted, they didn't start until 9:00 at night). We got it from Sam's and the instructions said "some assembly required", that was a complete LIE, it should have read, "total assembly required". It came in a box with about 300 pieces, not a single thing was preassembled. And J was so grateful when she first saw it. The first words our of her mouth were, "Where's the kitchen?!" Lucky for her, there were plans to get a kitchen for inside, we were just waiting to see what size would actually fit. So we took her to the toy store that afternoon and let her pick out a kitchen to go inside. She goes out and plays in her new playhouse daily, in fact, the day after she got it, she was out side playing in it before 7:00 in the morning. Oh, how we LOVE this silly girl.

28 Weeks

Ok, so I'm not really 28 weeks until tomorrow, but since it's a holiday, we had my 28 wk appointment a little early. It was this past Wednesday , so we dropped J off at school and then headed out. My Dr. is only at the office nearby on Mondays, so we had to drive across town to the other office she works at, which was ok since it's by the hospital so now we know how long it will take to get to the hospital when the time comes. Anyway, to start the morning off, I got to go to the lab and drink the wonderful glucose drink that they use to test for gestational diabetes. I got to choose between the red one and the orange one (Erik found it funny that they don't have flavors for them, just colors). I chose the red one, it was slightly better than the orange one I had with J, kind of tasted like sugared down Hawaiin Punch (yummy). Then it was off to my appointment. The babies are looking good. They're both still head down. The left baby had a hr of 140 and the right baby of 138. My belly is measuring 34 weeks (so 6 weeks ahead of where I'm at). The Dr. said that they'd call me if I didn't pass the glucose test and then I'd get to go in for a longer one, so far we haven't gotten a phone call so that's good. We're keeping our fingers crossed for no phone calls this week either. Our next OB appointment is on the 13th, we'll be seeing her every 2 weeks until 32 weeks (the first of Oct) and then weekly after that. We head to the high risk Dr. on Wed and are keeping our fingers crossed that the babies are still growing at the same rate (apparently it's very common for their growth to start to differ the further along you are).

Week of Firsts

2 weeks ago (yes, I know I'm really behind, but I don't move too quickly doing anything these days) J had a week of firsts. Starting on Tuesday, when she had her first gymnastics class of the semester. J's been going to gymnastics for a year now, but this was the first time she got to go to class by herself, last year she was in a parent/tot class. Then, on Saturday, she had her first birthday party. In the past we've done things just as a family, or had a few of my friends come over for a joint celebration. This year she got to invite 4 friends (and their families since it was still a joint celebration). We borrowed a giant water slide from some friends, got a Tinkerbell cake, and pinata and Daddy smoked some chicken and ribs for dinner. There were good times had by all. And last of all, the best part of J's week, on Monday, she had her first day of Preschool. Technically, she's not old enough to go to preschool (you're supposed to be 3 by Sept. 1) but we found one that would take her and are so glad that we did. She goes to a preschool called Kids of the Kingdom on Mon/Wed mornings from 8:15-11:15 and so far she LOVES it. Her biggest complaint is that they haven't been able to play on the playground yet (it was raining last week).

Random Photos of the Week

Erik's going to kill me for posting some of these, but i just had to share.

J wanted to help her daddy build the table (see previous post) but didn't like the loud noise so she'd cover her ears every time he turned his saw on.

Erik was trying to take a nap and J thought that he needed a baby to help him sleep better.

J and Daddy were trying to be like Mommy.

Erik's Projects

My busy bee of a hubby has been at it again. Here's his latest project and his last one until after the babies come (except cleaning projects, the cars and garage are in desparate need of attention!). It's a 5' x 10' table and benches for the back yard.