My little monsters!
4 months old (almost time for their 5 month pictures!)
First time in a swing! Seems like it was made for twins!
Wednesday, November 6, 2013
Wednesday, October 2, 2013
What a difference a year makes!
Tuesday, September 24, 2013
No, I haven't disappeared!
Wow, life with twins is crazy busy! I keep thinking that I should blog and then something comes up and I don't get around to it! I guess feeding, changing and playing with a pair of adorable 3 month olds is the priority though!
Claire and Tyler are doing great. It is so hard to believe that they are 3 months old already. How crazy! We have had our share of challenges...Tyler has been diagnosed with Torticollis so we are seeing a physiotherapist and having to do lots of stretching and strengthening exercises with him. They also were both diagnosed with lip and tongue-ties which makes breastfeeding painful for me and contributes to reflux in both babies. We had their lip and tongue-ties cut but unfortunately it hasn't made much difference....sigh...of course nothing can be easy! I'm still trucking along though and exclusively breastfeeding them. Some days I am sooooo ready to quit but I'm stubborn and won't let myself even give them a top-up of formula...I think if I do then it will be the beginning of the end of breastfeeding for us and I don't think I could deal with myself if I quit now! I have to feed them separately because when I tandem fed them when they were younger they started to choke and needed such frequent burping that it just wasn't manageable. I wish I could tandem feed though, it would save so much time! I think I spent the entire gorgeous summer we had here inside on the couch feeding babies! It will be worth it in the end though! They are gaining weight so well and I feel pretty proud that it is my body that has done that! Anyways, enough about boobs!
We have spent tons of weekends away with the babies which has helped keep me sane. Trips to our property in Washington, my family's cabin, Vancouver Island, Harrison Hot Springs and a bunch of weekends at my parents (about an hour away). I have been so incredibly lucky to have had help pretty much every day since they were born. My mom was off work for the summer (she works in a school) so she was with me pretty much full-time over the summer and then T had knee surgery and has been off work for the last 6 weeks. I am so spoiled! Dealing with two babies at one time is pretty nuts. I feel so awful when I am feeding one and the other is screaming. Breaks my heart but I need to learn to deal with it as next week I am officially "on my own"!
Sleep has been getting better and better. There have been a few nights that they have slept 8 hours in a row but it sure isn't consistent! Last night they were awake every 3 which was so annoying! Hopefully they become more consistent soon! This is one tired mama!
Sleep has been getting better and better. There have been a few nights that they have slept 8 hours in a row but it sure isn't consistent! Last night they were awake every 3 which was so annoying! Hopefully they become more consistent soon! This is one tired mama!
Claire and Tyler both love to play on the floor, kicking and batting at toys on their play-mats...it is so cute! They are getting so strong and so social. They are both full of smiles and have starting giggling. Tyler especially loves to "talk" to us...full of blowing spit bubbles and cooing! Here is a picture of them just after they turned 2 months old. Pretty adorable!
Here is one from yesterday!
Well, I hope that holds you over until I get time to post again! I am reading all of your blogs but just not finding enough time to comment! I am thinking about you all though!
Tuesday, August 6, 2013
Birth Story
I realized that I really needed to write the twin's birth story down before I forget the details! Bear with me, it's long!
On Tuesday, June 11th I had my last OB appointment before my induction, originally scheduled for June 13. My blood pressure was borderline high so my OB decided that we would start the induction a day earlier, the next day. I also had a non-stress test which showed that both babies were still doing great. At that point I was about 1cm dilated but my cervix was very soft. The OB told me to prepare to be called at some point the next day by the maternity ward to come in to start the induction. It could be any time during the day. That evening T and I went out for dinner, thinking that it could very well be our last night as just a couple.
The next morning the hospital called me to come in for noon to start the induction. T was at work (at the same hospital that I was to deliver at) so my dad came to drive me to the hospital. Once I was there they hooked me up to the monitors and waited for the OB to come decide the next course of action. They weren't sure if they would put in a cervical ripening agent or just start Oxytocin. Several hours later I was told that I would be admitted and that we would be starting Oxytocin. The OB on call thought that I might labour quickly because my cervix was so soft. After hearing that things were going to get started, I began to feel quite nervous! I was going to meet my babies! Unfortunately an hour or so later they came to tell me that two other sets of twins needed to be delivered that evening and because I was the most stable and full-term (the others were 30 weeks and 36 weeks) that I would need to go home for the night. Darn! So off we went, anticipating another call the next morning to come back.
Thursday, June 13th, we waited all day for a call from the hospital. It didn't come until we had already gone to bed that night! Off we drove back to the hospital. My OB was on-call so came to see me shortly after I arrived. He apologized profusely but said that due to how busy the ward was, he didn't feel comfortable starting the induction that evening either! ARGH! Home we went again.
Friday, June 14th, we headed in again in the afternoon. An OB that I REALLY didn't want delivering the babies (he has an incredibly high c-section rate) was on-call so I expressed my concern about it to the nurse. She suggested that I ask to postpone the induction until the early morning so that my OB would be on-call by then and I could have him deliver the babies. That sounded like a good plan to me since I was already admitted and could get a few hours of sleep before we started. Unfortunately, once the OB caught wind of our plans he sent me home because they didn't want me taking up a bed! I expressed that I would rather start the induction than be sent home but they now said they were too busy! This was becoming a bit of a gong-show. I just wanted to get things started!
Finally the next morning they called and told me to come in and that they would NOT be sending me home this time (I was 38 weeks 4 days by this point). When I got there, the charge nurse asked why I had bothered to come in the night before if I was going to refuse to be induced. Um, what? I hadn't refused, it was my nurse's idea to wait the night so I could have my OB on-call. I explained what had happened and she apologized.
Finally at about 1pm my OB came in, broke Baby A's water and we started the Oxytocin! This was really happening! I was dilated to 2-3cm and 60% effaced at this point. It took about an hour for me to feel anything happening as far as contractions. At first they just felt like menstrual cramps and I was thinking "Hey, this isn't so bad!". Boy, was I wrong. By the early evening I was over-responding to the Oxytocin, so much that I was just having one continuous contraction. Oh my goodness, I thought I was going to die! I also had to be on my back in bed hooked up to monitors constantly so that REALLY didn't help matters. I think that if I could have moved around a bit more, I would have had a bit of an easier time coping with the pain. My lovely nurse tried to get me to use the Nitrous Oxide gas but I was in so much pain I couldn't get my breathing under control to be able to have it work. She then offered me morphine but I asked if I could just get my epidural since I needed to have one anyways (my OB wanted one placed in case I suddenly needed a c-section). They explained that I should be at least 4cm before they put one in so they would call the OB to come assess. An OB resident came by to check and luckily I was easily 4cm so they ordered the epidural. I was told that the anesthetist was in the middle of a surgery and it would be about an hour to get the epidural. NOOOOO! I really started to panic then because I didn't think I could cope that long. Luckily another anesthetist was coming on to her shift and when she saw our last name on the list for epidurals she came right in (she knows T from work). Thank goodness! It was a real challenge for her to get the epidural in and for a while I was worried that it wouldn't work! Sitting in that position for so long while having contractions was tough but finally she got it in.
Once the epidural was in place I was able to relax a bit. It worked a lot better on the right side than the left which was annoying but at least it was something. I rested and listened to some music for awhile. The epidural took away most of the pain but I could still feel crazy amounts of pressure. Such a weird feeling. By about midnight I was 10cm dilated with a tiny lip of my cervix left. At that point I paged my midwife to come. I could have called her earlier but I was doing fine with just the support of the nurse and the OB but I wanted the midwife there for the pushing and delivery. She arrived around 1am and I started to push. Unfortunately the epidural made it very hard to feel the muscles I needed to use to push. It was very frustrating because although Twin A's head was super low, I wasn't making any progress. I started to get worried that I would end up needing forceps, vacuum or even a c-section after all. I was also very uncomfortable after laying in the same position for so long. Finally my midwife decided to try me laying on my side to push, even though that made it harder to monitor the babies. We just needed to try something! That seemed to do the trick and for the next several hours I alternated sides to push.
When things were getting close, they needed to transfer me to the operating room to deliver. Moving from my bed to the OR table was awful! I was feeling the contractions way more and having to lay flat on my back with my legs in stirrups was so uncomfortable! At one point there were 13 people in the OR including us. My OB, OB resident, midwife, nurse, charge nurse, 3 OR nurses, pediatrician, pediatric nurse and anesthetist. All cheering me on as I pushed! Once I got to the OR I started to get a bit panicked as I realized that I might be there for awhile and my throat was so tight and dry (all I'd been allowed was ice chips since the induction started and I hadn't had any in awhile). Luckily the anesthetist was able to sneak me a few ice chips which made me feel a lot better.
I pushed and pushed and at 5:18am, my midwife delivered Tyler. I had asked that no one announce the gender so that T and I could look and find out ourselves. My midwife put him right on my chest and I lifted his little leg and saw the boy parts! We had a son! Such a surreal experience. I had my eyes closed for most of the pushing him out and then all of a sudden I opened them and a baby was on my chest! Makes me emotional thinking about it!
My OB needed to deliver Baby B so my midwife stepped out of the way and he took over. He did a quick ultrasound and it was determined that Twin B was breech! Yikes! She must have flipped at the last minute once her brother was out! My OB had always told me that he was comfortable delivering the second twin breech but that not all OB's at the hospital were. At that point I was SO thankful that my OB was on-call! They asked me if I wanted to keep Tyler on my chest while I pushed Baby B out but I said no, that I needed to concentrate. T and a nurse took Tyler from me to go get assessed by the pediatrician.
My OB then looked me straight in the eyes and told me that I needed to concentrate and listen carefully to him. I don't remember much about pushing Claire out but all of a sudden, at 5:28am, there she was on my chest. She was a bit of a blue color and wasn't crying right away so the nurse grabbed her and took her straight to the pediatrician. Within seconds she was wailing so I knew she was OK. I couldn't believe that I had a son and a daughter!
My OB delivered the placentas and gave me a few stitches (I had only a small tear!) while T and I held our babies. Tyler was 6lbs 8oz and Claire was 6lbs 4oz. It was strange because all of the ultrasounds had measured Baby A as the smaller baby but it was the opposite! Shows you how inaccurate they can be!
Soon after I was able to be wheeled back to my room. I was on cloud 9 and so full of adrenalin! It felt like I could do the whole thing over again! My midwife then came and told me it was time to get them breastfeeding. Latching my babies on for the first time was amazing. Breastfeeding is so important to me (it is a huge part of my job as a public health nurse) and now I was FINALLY going to breastfeed my babies! Claire latched right away and went to town and Tyler did really well too. We got some great pictures.
We hung out as a little family for a bit and then decided it was time to call the grandparents! I called my parents first but wouldn't tell them the genders, they had to come find out! I also called my brother and sister-in-law and then T called his parents. Everyone was on their way to see them! Lots of tears once they arrived to meet their grandchildren/niece/nephew. They are so loved!
We spent the day cuddling with our babies and just soaking in the moments as a family. When it was time for their first baths, Tyler LOVED his but Claire screamed the whole time! The first night was tough, not really any sleep but even just laying awake staring at our babies was amazing.
The next day we were told we could go home but had to wait for the OB to come assess me and for me to get some blood work for my high blood pressure. Finally around 4pm we were cleared to go! Loading them in their carseats and leaving the hospital I could hardly believe that it was happening! After so long we had babies!
So there it is...the story of how we finally became a family. It has been a crazy and amazing 7 weeks since they were born. We are exhausted but so incredibly thankful for this amazing blessing. Claire and Tyler, we love you both so much!
On Tuesday, June 11th I had my last OB appointment before my induction, originally scheduled for June 13. My blood pressure was borderline high so my OB decided that we would start the induction a day earlier, the next day. I also had a non-stress test which showed that both babies were still doing great. At that point I was about 1cm dilated but my cervix was very soft. The OB told me to prepare to be called at some point the next day by the maternity ward to come in to start the induction. It could be any time during the day. That evening T and I went out for dinner, thinking that it could very well be our last night as just a couple.
The next morning the hospital called me to come in for noon to start the induction. T was at work (at the same hospital that I was to deliver at) so my dad came to drive me to the hospital. Once I was there they hooked me up to the monitors and waited for the OB to come decide the next course of action. They weren't sure if they would put in a cervical ripening agent or just start Oxytocin. Several hours later I was told that I would be admitted and that we would be starting Oxytocin. The OB on call thought that I might labour quickly because my cervix was so soft. After hearing that things were going to get started, I began to feel quite nervous! I was going to meet my babies! Unfortunately an hour or so later they came to tell me that two other sets of twins needed to be delivered that evening and because I was the most stable and full-term (the others were 30 weeks and 36 weeks) that I would need to go home for the night. Darn! So off we went, anticipating another call the next morning to come back.
Thursday, June 13th, we waited all day for a call from the hospital. It didn't come until we had already gone to bed that night! Off we drove back to the hospital. My OB was on-call so came to see me shortly after I arrived. He apologized profusely but said that due to how busy the ward was, he didn't feel comfortable starting the induction that evening either! ARGH! Home we went again.
Friday, June 14th, we headed in again in the afternoon. An OB that I REALLY didn't want delivering the babies (he has an incredibly high c-section rate) was on-call so I expressed my concern about it to the nurse. She suggested that I ask to postpone the induction until the early morning so that my OB would be on-call by then and I could have him deliver the babies. That sounded like a good plan to me since I was already admitted and could get a few hours of sleep before we started. Unfortunately, once the OB caught wind of our plans he sent me home because they didn't want me taking up a bed! I expressed that I would rather start the induction than be sent home but they now said they were too busy! This was becoming a bit of a gong-show. I just wanted to get things started!
Finally the next morning they called and told me to come in and that they would NOT be sending me home this time (I was 38 weeks 4 days by this point). When I got there, the charge nurse asked why I had bothered to come in the night before if I was going to refuse to be induced. Um, what? I hadn't refused, it was my nurse's idea to wait the night so I could have my OB on-call. I explained what had happened and she apologized.
Finally at about 1pm my OB came in, broke Baby A's water and we started the Oxytocin! This was really happening! I was dilated to 2-3cm and 60% effaced at this point. It took about an hour for me to feel anything happening as far as contractions. At first they just felt like menstrual cramps and I was thinking "Hey, this isn't so bad!". Boy, was I wrong. By the early evening I was over-responding to the Oxytocin, so much that I was just having one continuous contraction. Oh my goodness, I thought I was going to die! I also had to be on my back in bed hooked up to monitors constantly so that REALLY didn't help matters. I think that if I could have moved around a bit more, I would have had a bit of an easier time coping with the pain. My lovely nurse tried to get me to use the Nitrous Oxide gas but I was in so much pain I couldn't get my breathing under control to be able to have it work. She then offered me morphine but I asked if I could just get my epidural since I needed to have one anyways (my OB wanted one placed in case I suddenly needed a c-section). They explained that I should be at least 4cm before they put one in so they would call the OB to come assess. An OB resident came by to check and luckily I was easily 4cm so they ordered the epidural. I was told that the anesthetist was in the middle of a surgery and it would be about an hour to get the epidural. NOOOOO! I really started to panic then because I didn't think I could cope that long. Luckily another anesthetist was coming on to her shift and when she saw our last name on the list for epidurals she came right in (she knows T from work). Thank goodness! It was a real challenge for her to get the epidural in and for a while I was worried that it wouldn't work! Sitting in that position for so long while having contractions was tough but finally she got it in.
Once the epidural was in place I was able to relax a bit. It worked a lot better on the right side than the left which was annoying but at least it was something. I rested and listened to some music for awhile. The epidural took away most of the pain but I could still feel crazy amounts of pressure. Such a weird feeling. By about midnight I was 10cm dilated with a tiny lip of my cervix left. At that point I paged my midwife to come. I could have called her earlier but I was doing fine with just the support of the nurse and the OB but I wanted the midwife there for the pushing and delivery. She arrived around 1am and I started to push. Unfortunately the epidural made it very hard to feel the muscles I needed to use to push. It was very frustrating because although Twin A's head was super low, I wasn't making any progress. I started to get worried that I would end up needing forceps, vacuum or even a c-section after all. I was also very uncomfortable after laying in the same position for so long. Finally my midwife decided to try me laying on my side to push, even though that made it harder to monitor the babies. We just needed to try something! That seemed to do the trick and for the next several hours I alternated sides to push.
When things were getting close, they needed to transfer me to the operating room to deliver. Moving from my bed to the OR table was awful! I was feeling the contractions way more and having to lay flat on my back with my legs in stirrups was so uncomfortable! At one point there were 13 people in the OR including us. My OB, OB resident, midwife, nurse, charge nurse, 3 OR nurses, pediatrician, pediatric nurse and anesthetist. All cheering me on as I pushed! Once I got to the OR I started to get a bit panicked as I realized that I might be there for awhile and my throat was so tight and dry (all I'd been allowed was ice chips since the induction started and I hadn't had any in awhile). Luckily the anesthetist was able to sneak me a few ice chips which made me feel a lot better.
I pushed and pushed and at 5:18am, my midwife delivered Tyler. I had asked that no one announce the gender so that T and I could look and find out ourselves. My midwife put him right on my chest and I lifted his little leg and saw the boy parts! We had a son! Such a surreal experience. I had my eyes closed for most of the pushing him out and then all of a sudden I opened them and a baby was on my chest! Makes me emotional thinking about it!
My OB needed to deliver Baby B so my midwife stepped out of the way and he took over. He did a quick ultrasound and it was determined that Twin B was breech! Yikes! She must have flipped at the last minute once her brother was out! My OB had always told me that he was comfortable delivering the second twin breech but that not all OB's at the hospital were. At that point I was SO thankful that my OB was on-call! They asked me if I wanted to keep Tyler on my chest while I pushed Baby B out but I said no, that I needed to concentrate. T and a nurse took Tyler from me to go get assessed by the pediatrician.
My OB then looked me straight in the eyes and told me that I needed to concentrate and listen carefully to him. I don't remember much about pushing Claire out but all of a sudden, at 5:28am, there she was on my chest. She was a bit of a blue color and wasn't crying right away so the nurse grabbed her and took her straight to the pediatrician. Within seconds she was wailing so I knew she was OK. I couldn't believe that I had a son and a daughter!
My OB delivered the placentas and gave me a few stitches (I had only a small tear!) while T and I held our babies. Tyler was 6lbs 8oz and Claire was 6lbs 4oz. It was strange because all of the ultrasounds had measured Baby A as the smaller baby but it was the opposite! Shows you how inaccurate they can be!
Soon after I was able to be wheeled back to my room. I was on cloud 9 and so full of adrenalin! It felt like I could do the whole thing over again! My midwife then came and told me it was time to get them breastfeeding. Latching my babies on for the first time was amazing. Breastfeeding is so important to me (it is a huge part of my job as a public health nurse) and now I was FINALLY going to breastfeed my babies! Claire latched right away and went to town and Tyler did really well too. We got some great pictures.
We hung out as a little family for a bit and then decided it was time to call the grandparents! I called my parents first but wouldn't tell them the genders, they had to come find out! I also called my brother and sister-in-law and then T called his parents. Everyone was on their way to see them! Lots of tears once they arrived to meet their grandchildren/niece/nephew. They are so loved!
We spent the day cuddling with our babies and just soaking in the moments as a family. When it was time for their first baths, Tyler LOVED his but Claire screamed the whole time! The first night was tough, not really any sleep but even just laying awake staring at our babies was amazing.
The next day we were told we could go home but had to wait for the OB to come assess me and for me to get some blood work for my high blood pressure. Finally around 4pm we were cleared to go! Loading them in their carseats and leaving the hospital I could hardly believe that it was happening! After so long we had babies!
So there it is...the story of how we finally became a family. It has been a crazy and amazing 7 weeks since they were born. We are exhausted but so incredibly thankful for this amazing blessing. Claire and Tyler, we love you both so much!
Wednesday, July 17, 2013
My, how life has changed!
Hi friends! I'm so sorry that I have been absent since letting you know that Tyler and Claire had arrived! Life with newborn twins is absolutely crazy busy! I knew it would be busy but absolutely nothing can prepare you for reality! I can't believe that they are a month old already. This month has been the hardest and most wonderful month of my life. It is pretty indescribable how much I love these little ones.
We got to come home from the hospital the day after they were born which was great but we were a little unprepared for it. That first night at home was just awful. They cried all night. My milk hadn't come in yet and the tiny bit of colostrum that I was producing was not at all enough. My nipples were bleeding and we were just exhausted after 3 nights of no sleep. Finally at 8am I sent T to the store to buy formula (something I SWORE I would never do) but we just couldn't do it any more. We gave them half an ounce each and finally we all got a couple of hours sleep. I cried while I fed them that bottle because I so badly wanted to exclusively breastfeed them but now looking back on it, we did what we had to do. Luckily now breastfeeding is going much much better. They haven't had any formula since about 5 days old and I'm a milk-machine. So much milk that they tend to choke on it! My little B cup breasts are now easily DD! I do a double-take every time I see them in the mirror! Babies tend to feed every 2-4 hours during the day and 3-4 hours at night. They've been gaining weight pretty well. Last Tuesday they were weighed at the midwife office and Tyler was 7lbs 10oz and Claire was 7 lbs 7oz. A friend from work is going to bring a baby scale over tonight when she comes for dinner so we'll weigh them again.
We've had lots of help from the grandmas which has been a HUGE help. After that first night at home just the two of us, we knew we needed to ask for help. Just yesterday was my first day at home with them by myself and it was hard but I survived. Now T's mom is here for a few days. It is just so hard when they both start crying and you can only really console one at a time. At one point yesterday all three of us were crying! If you are expecting twins, make sure you line up a lot of people to help, day and night! We wouldn't have survived without it!
I leave you with a picture of them from the other day. My precious little daughter and son! I still can't believe I can say that! I don't know how often I'll be able to update, there always seems like something to be doing but I'll see what I can do!
We got to come home from the hospital the day after they were born which was great but we were a little unprepared for it. That first night at home was just awful. They cried all night. My milk hadn't come in yet and the tiny bit of colostrum that I was producing was not at all enough. My nipples were bleeding and we were just exhausted after 3 nights of no sleep. Finally at 8am I sent T to the store to buy formula (something I SWORE I would never do) but we just couldn't do it any more. We gave them half an ounce each and finally we all got a couple of hours sleep. I cried while I fed them that bottle because I so badly wanted to exclusively breastfeed them but now looking back on it, we did what we had to do. Luckily now breastfeeding is going much much better. They haven't had any formula since about 5 days old and I'm a milk-machine. So much milk that they tend to choke on it! My little B cup breasts are now easily DD! I do a double-take every time I see them in the mirror! Babies tend to feed every 2-4 hours during the day and 3-4 hours at night. They've been gaining weight pretty well. Last Tuesday they were weighed at the midwife office and Tyler was 7lbs 10oz and Claire was 7 lbs 7oz. A friend from work is going to bring a baby scale over tonight when she comes for dinner so we'll weigh them again.
We've had lots of help from the grandmas which has been a HUGE help. After that first night at home just the two of us, we knew we needed to ask for help. Just yesterday was my first day at home with them by myself and it was hard but I survived. Now T's mom is here for a few days. It is just so hard when they both start crying and you can only really console one at a time. At one point yesterday all three of us were crying! If you are expecting twins, make sure you line up a lot of people to help, day and night! We wouldn't have survived without it!
I leave you with a picture of them from the other day. My precious little daughter and son! I still can't believe I can say that! I don't know how often I'll be able to update, there always seems like something to be doing but I'll see what I can do!
Wednesday, June 19, 2013
They are here!
I'm thrilled to announce that early Sunday morning, Tyler and Claire made their way into the world. Tyler was born first at 6lbs 8oz and then Claire decided to flip herself breech causing a bit of drama but was born shortly after at 6lbs 4oz. I delivered both vaginally and was lucky enough to have an OB that was willing to deliver Claire breech so I didn't have to have a c-section to get her out! We are so in love (and so exhausted!) Here they are! Tyler on the left, Claire on the right.
Friday, June 14, 2013
No babies yet!
We are still at home! I've been brought into the hospital 3 days in a row only to be sent home because they either didn't have enough nurses or enough beds on the maternity ward! Why they keep calling me in only to send me home again several hours later, I don't know. I think I just have terrible timing, I get there and then as they are preparing to admit me, someone more urgent comes in! They always hook me and babies up to monitoring in the assessment room, monitor us for awhile, wait for the OB to come assess me, order some blood work etc and then come back all apologetic that they have no room for me! Tonight I was actually admitted to a labour room, the orders were written for the oxytocin and they were about to start the IV and then my nurse got called away to help another patient. Over an hour later they came back and said they needed to send me home! We are getting so frustrated! I joked with T that we pretty much suck at becoming parents! Nothing ever goes smoothly! Well, hopefully I'll have some better news soon!
Wednesday, June 12, 2013
Induction time!
So, at some point today I will be getting a call from the hospital with a time to show up to get the induction going! Originally it was going to be tomorrow but my blood pressure is on the high side so my OB wants to get things moving. I'm sooooo nervous! I truly can't believe that I've made it to 38 weeks after such drama basically since the beginning of the pregnancy (well actually since the fertilization report!), and now, it's almost over! I will likely be holding two babies in my arms sometime tomorrow!
Last night T and I went out for dinner and I was having a hard time not getting all emotional (I'm tearing up as I write this, too). I looked at him and said "It's been a great 7 years just the two of us, now it's time for the next adventure". I don't know why but I just about lost it in the restaurant. He has been such an amazing husband through all this crap that we have dealt with. I couldn't have wished for a better partner. Oh, my word, I'm crying now. OK, enough of this sentimental stuff, I just can't take it!
Well, the next time I update this it will be with a birth announcement! Thank you so much to all of you who have supported me with encouraging words since I started this blog nearly a year ago. Erin, you were my first commenter and although our paths ending up looking very different, I'm so grateful for your comments and encouragement and I hope we can meet one day! You should come surfing with us!
OK friends, I'll post something as soon as I can...although our hospital doesn't have wireless and I'm kinda anti-smartphone so it might be not until we get home in a few days!
Last night T and I went out for dinner and I was having a hard time not getting all emotional (I'm tearing up as I write this, too). I looked at him and said "It's been a great 7 years just the two of us, now it's time for the next adventure". I don't know why but I just about lost it in the restaurant. He has been such an amazing husband through all this crap that we have dealt with. I couldn't have wished for a better partner. Oh, my word, I'm crying now. OK, enough of this sentimental stuff, I just can't take it!
Well, the next time I update this it will be with a birth announcement! Thank you so much to all of you who have supported me with encouraging words since I started this blog nearly a year ago. Erin, you were my first commenter and although our paths ending up looking very different, I'm so grateful for your comments and encouragement and I hope we can meet one day! You should come surfing with us!
OK friends, I'll post something as soon as I can...although our hospital doesn't have wireless and I'm kinda anti-smartphone so it might be not until we get home in a few days!
Tuesday, June 4, 2013
37 Weeks
Just had an appointment with my OB and my induction is set for next Thursday, June 13th! So crazy to think that after all that scary time on bedrest that I may need to be induced! I'm still hoping to go into labor naturally before then but at least now we have an official plan if I don't. I'm trying to enjoy every little movement from them, knowing that more than likely this will be my only pregnancy. At my growth ultrasound last week they measured them as approximately 6lbs 8oz and 6lbs 15oz! Big babies! The tech did warn me that at this point with them being so squished in there that the measurements aren't all that accurate but she could definitely see chubby cheeks on both! I am so excited to meet them!
Tuesday, May 28, 2013
36 weeks!!!!!!!
I don't really have much to say except "HOLY CRAP I AM 36 WEEKS PREGNANT!!!!!" That means it is a maximum of 2 weeks until we get to meet these two. I am SO ready to be done being pregnant and move on to being a mom! My sister-in-law is convinced I am going to go into labor on Saturday...guess we'll just have to see! Can't wait to update this blog with a picture of the two munchkins!
Wednesday, May 22, 2013
35 weeks and 7 years
Yesterday was a big day...first of all I've hit 35 weeks! Woohoo! And, of course, it was our 7 year wedding anniversary. Never in a million years did I imagine that we would be married 7 years and not have a couple of kids running around but hey, I am just so thankful to be where we are today. Including the time before infertility where we tried to adopt a baby internationally, we have been trying to become parents for nearly 5 years. Crazy! But now, we are merely weeks (or less) away from meeting our babies. The thought of that overwhelms me. I am just so thankful! Obviously the timing wasn't what I would have chosen if given the option 7 years ago but now that we're here, I can't imagine it any other way.
Last week two of my closest friends each had their 3rd little boys. For once I could snuggle those little babies and not grieve the fact that I may never get the chance to hold one of my own. I am so excited that our kids are going to be so close in age! By the end of 2013, SIX of my closest friends will have had babies this year! Imagine how much fun we are all going to have with our kids! Amazing timing.
In the "twin pregnancy is tough" category (stop reading now if you want!) I've really really been struggling with sleep. I don't think I've slept longer than a 2.5 hour stretch in almost 2 months. Most nights I'm up every 1-2 hours. Either I have to pee, I get a contraction (which are getting more painful!) or my leg/hip falls asleep and I have to walk around to get feeling back. Ugh! It definitely takes it's toll on your body! Yesterday I was feeling almost delirious from lack of sleep. At least I will be well-prepared for the crazy nights up feeding the twins. Poor T, he claims me grunting and groaning as I haul myself out of bed doesn't bother him but I don't see how it can't!
I leave you with the gorgeous crib that T made (the second one will be done closer to when they need their own). He also made the mobile! I have such a multi-talented husband! He is currently working on the dresser/changing table. I am so lucky!
Last week two of my closest friends each had their 3rd little boys. For once I could snuggle those little babies and not grieve the fact that I may never get the chance to hold one of my own. I am so excited that our kids are going to be so close in age! By the end of 2013, SIX of my closest friends will have had babies this year! Imagine how much fun we are all going to have with our kids! Amazing timing.
In the "twin pregnancy is tough" category (stop reading now if you want!) I've really really been struggling with sleep. I don't think I've slept longer than a 2.5 hour stretch in almost 2 months. Most nights I'm up every 1-2 hours. Either I have to pee, I get a contraction (which are getting more painful!) or my leg/hip falls asleep and I have to walk around to get feeling back. Ugh! It definitely takes it's toll on your body! Yesterday I was feeling almost delirious from lack of sleep. At least I will be well-prepared for the crazy nights up feeding the twins. Poor T, he claims me grunting and groaning as I haul myself out of bed doesn't bother him but I don't see how it can't!
I leave you with the gorgeous crib that T made (the second one will be done closer to when they need their own). He also made the mobile! I have such a multi-talented husband! He is currently working on the dresser/changing table. I am so lucky!
Tuesday, May 14, 2013
34 Weeks
Another week down! Had an OB appointment today and he is just thrilled that I've made it this far. Everything is perfect at the moment, they are growing well, both are head down, my BP is good, my non-stress tests are great...he sees no reason that I can't get all the way until 38 weeks! That would be nuts considering how scared they were that I was going to deliver at 26 weeks when they put me on bedrest! T and I are just so thankful that everything is working out. Finally!
Mother's Day was weird. The past couple of years I have done everything in my power to avoid seeing people other than my mom on Mother's Day because it would make me too emotional. Two years ago I accidently went to church on Mother's Day without thinking about what day it was and boy, was that a mistake. "Please, would all the mothers stand and receive flowers from the sunday school kids"...every woman around me stood and there I sat, tears filling my eyes. Definitely did not make that mistake last year. This year I went and really appreciated that EVERY woman in the church was acknowledged, not just the mothers. I wonder if someone had complained. I received a lovely bouquet of flowers from T and two beautiful red roses from my mother-in-law, one for each baby. However, I don't think I'll ever be a huge fan of Mother's Day. It was hard to feel like celebrating when I know that so many people are feeling like I've felt over the past few years...grief-stricken and lonely. Somehow when the twins are old enough I'd love to instill a tradition that we write a card or something to someone we know who has either lost their mother, lost a child or are unable to have a child. Something to acknowledge "the other side" of this holiday. We'll see. So...if you are reading this and Sunday was a tough day for you...know that I was thinking about you and hoping that next Mother's Day will be the one that you are dreaming of.
Mother's Day was weird. The past couple of years I have done everything in my power to avoid seeing people other than my mom on Mother's Day because it would make me too emotional. Two years ago I accidently went to church on Mother's Day without thinking about what day it was and boy, was that a mistake. "Please, would all the mothers stand and receive flowers from the sunday school kids"...every woman around me stood and there I sat, tears filling my eyes. Definitely did not make that mistake last year. This year I went and really appreciated that EVERY woman in the church was acknowledged, not just the mothers. I wonder if someone had complained. I received a lovely bouquet of flowers from T and two beautiful red roses from my mother-in-law, one for each baby. However, I don't think I'll ever be a huge fan of Mother's Day. It was hard to feel like celebrating when I know that so many people are feeling like I've felt over the past few years...grief-stricken and lonely. Somehow when the twins are old enough I'd love to instill a tradition that we write a card or something to someone we know who has either lost their mother, lost a child or are unable to have a child. Something to acknowledge "the other side" of this holiday. We'll see. So...if you are reading this and Sunday was a tough day for you...know that I was thinking about you and hoping that next Mother's Day will be the one that you are dreaming of.
Sunday, May 5, 2013
Chunky babies!
Nearing 33 weeks! I've now been discharged from the perinatologist as well as the home-care bedrest program because I am "too stable"! That's a good thing! My last ultrasound with the peri on Thursday (32 weeks 2 days) showed that I am growing some good-sized twins! Twin A is approximately 4lbs 11oz and Twin B is approximately 4lbs 15oz! CRAZY! They are large even for singletons at this point in a pregnancy! No wonder I feel so huge! I'm thrilled though, knowing that with a short cervix, they could still come early but at least they will be good weights. The though of carrying them until 38 weeks makes me feel a little nauseous...they are going to be massive by then! Let's aim for 36-37 weeks! Although of course, the longer they stay in there, the better! Sleep is becoming nearly impossible. I am up every 1-2 hours to pee (Thank you Twin A for pressing against my bladder!) and if I don't have to pee, I am just super uncomfortable. Rolling over is like an Olympic event! I am trying my best to enjoy these last few weeks as much as possible since this will more-than-likely be my only pregnancy but it's getting harder and harder! They are definitely getting squished in there...they no longer "kick" it's more like shifting around. My belly looks like it has a couple of aliens in there some evenings!
On another note...May 21st is our 7 year wedding anniversary. Since this will be our last anniversary without children I'm trying to think of something nice we can do. Normally we would go away for a weekend (or even a longer holiday) around our anniversary but that's not going to be possible this year. I also don't have any nice clothes that fit that would allow us to go out to a fancy restaurant. Hmmm...any suggestions? I'd love to make it a special evening.
On another note...May 21st is our 7 year wedding anniversary. Since this will be our last anniversary without children I'm trying to think of something nice we can do. Normally we would go away for a weekend (or even a longer holiday) around our anniversary but that's not going to be possible this year. I also don't have any nice clothes that fit that would allow us to go out to a fancy restaurant. Hmmm...any suggestions? I'd love to make it a special evening.
Tuesday, April 23, 2013
31 weeks
Sorry I've been majorly neglecting my blog...just not a lot going on here! Had another ultrasound last Thursday. Cervix is 2.1cm and babies are growing well. They will likely take me off the "official" bedrest program that I'm on next week if everything looks good at that ultrasound. I am so sick of the dildo-cam! I thought I'd be done with it after graduating from the fertility clinic but when you have cervix issues they do measurements with the wand! I think I should tally up how many dildo-cam encounters I've had since this all started! Luckily my 32 week ultrasound will be the last time they need to measure it....the end is in sight!
T and I have spent the last few evenings sorting through bags of used baby clothes that people have given us, washing them and hanging them in the babies' room. Now it's really feeling more real! We have a closet full of baby stuff! During one of my allowed bedrest outings, we went to a local Carter's store and man was it hard not to buy out the whole store! There is soooooo much cute stuff out there! I think not knowing the genders really helps curb the spending because if I had known what we were having, we would have come out of there with a lot more than the $50 worth of clothes that we did end up buying! And we both promised each other we were "just looking" and wouldn't buy anything....HA! Well, I'm trying to write thank you notes for the shower a couple of weeks ago and keep getting distracted. Better get back to it!
Tuesday, April 9, 2013
Two Spoiled Babies
29 weeks! Yippee! Bedrest is getting boring but hey, it will all be worth it in the end! Luckily I've had quite a few visitors and lots of people bringing by food so T doesn't have to make dinner every night when he gets home from work. I wasn't able to go to Easter dinner with my extended family so this Thursday my aunt is going to bring my grandma to come visit (about an hour trip) since I didn't get a chance to see her at Easter. My grandma is SO excited about the twins! She is quite frail and for a long time I wasn't sure if she would live long enough to meet any children we had...so I am thrilled that it looks like she will get to meet my babies! She is such an amazing woman, truly an inspiration.
My shower on Sunday was amazing! Totally a surreal experience to be surrounded by so many amazing friends and family who are all there to celebrate these babies! We were showered with lots of lovely gifts. Quite a few of the gifts were handmade, which makes them even more special. Last night I just sat in the babies' room with all the presents and couldn't help feeling overwhelmed with gratitude but some sadness as well. We are just so blessed and it's hard to understand why this happened to us when so many others are still struggling with infertility. Just doesn't make sense but I am so thankful. As far as pictures of the shower, my sister-in-law was my "official photographer" and hasn't sent me the pictures yet. I'll try to remember to post a couple once she does.
Well, my friend and her 6 week old daughter should be here soon to have lunch with me! Helps keep the boredom down when you get to cuddle a sweet little baby!
My shower on Sunday was amazing! Totally a surreal experience to be surrounded by so many amazing friends and family who are all there to celebrate these babies! We were showered with lots of lovely gifts. Quite a few of the gifts were handmade, which makes them even more special. Last night I just sat in the babies' room with all the presents and couldn't help feeling overwhelmed with gratitude but some sadness as well. We are just so blessed and it's hard to understand why this happened to us when so many others are still struggling with infertility. Just doesn't make sense but I am so thankful. As far as pictures of the shower, my sister-in-law was my "official photographer" and hasn't sent me the pictures yet. I'll try to remember to post a couple once she does.
Well, my friend and her 6 week old daughter should be here soon to have lunch with me! Helps keep the boredom down when you get to cuddle a sweet little baby!
Thursday, April 4, 2013
Ultrasound Update
Just got back from my ultrasound with the MFM doctor. My cervix hasn't shortened any further which is great news! He thinks that my "incarceration", as he put it, has really helped. Babies are growing great, even better than the last ultrasound (likely me taking it easy has allowed more calories to go to them). Baby A is approximately 2lb 12oz and Baby B is about 3lb 4oz. Both right on track. Supposedly it's normal for fraternal twins to have a bit of weight discrepancy. I go back again in 2 weeks. Yay! Come on babies! Now I've realized that I need to start thinking about giving birth. I told T the other day that I have been so focused on getting me and the twins through this pregnancy and into a "safe zone" that I've kinda forgotten that I actually have to give birth to them! I picked up some great books on birth and breastfeeding at my midwife's office today. I definitely have lots of time to read these days!
Wednesday, April 3, 2013
28 Weeks!
I have a hard time believing that I am 28 weeks already. It has always been my first "goal" to make it to with the twins because I know a set of twins born at 28 weeks who are perfectly normal. So now I've reached it! Hurray! Of course, it does not come without some drama. On Monday afternoon I started noticing that I was having way more contractions than my normal amount. They weren't super strong or painful but they wouldn't go away. I called the nurse's line for the bedrest monitoring program that I am on and they told me to drink some water and have a relaxing bath. If that didn't make them stop then to go to the hospital. They went away for a while but then came back. Off we went to L and D around 8pm. Got hooked up to a non-stress test and sure enough, I was contracting every couple of minutes. Most contractions were just mild with a few stronger ones. The OB decided to do a Fetal Fibronectin Test, swab me for bacterial infections, check my cervix (it was closed, thank goodness) and give me a liter of IV fluid. The IV fluid seemed to do the trick. Once it was in, my contractions slowed down like crazy. It had been really warm weather here the past few days and I guess I was just dehydrated! So now I am drinking water like a crazy person! The FFN test also came back negative, which is a huge relief since it means that more than likely, I will not go into labor in the next 2 weeks. We left the hospital after midnight and then had to be up early for my Gestational Diabetes Test! Fun times!
On a more pleasant note, my first shower is on Sunday! I cannot believe that people are coming here to throw me a shower! What a bizarre feeling! Since I am on bedrest I'll just have to lay here on the couch like a princess and have people bring me food and presents! It's going to be so surreal to have our house full of baby stuff! Since I can't do housework and T has a crazy busy week at work, my lovely mother-in-law should be here any minute to do some cleaning for us to prepare for the shower. She and my sister-in-law are hosting the shower but at our house since most of the people coming live near-by. I'll try to remember to post some pictures afterwards.
I have my next ultrasound to check the length of the misbehaving cervix tomorrow. Hoping and praying for some good news. Never a dull moment around here!
On a more pleasant note, my first shower is on Sunday! I cannot believe that people are coming here to throw me a shower! What a bizarre feeling! Since I am on bedrest I'll just have to lay here on the couch like a princess and have people bring me food and presents! It's going to be so surreal to have our house full of baby stuff! Since I can't do housework and T has a crazy busy week at work, my lovely mother-in-law should be here any minute to do some cleaning for us to prepare for the shower. She and my sister-in-law are hosting the shower but at our house since most of the people coming live near-by. I'll try to remember to post some pictures afterwards.
I have my next ultrasound to check the length of the misbehaving cervix tomorrow. Hoping and praying for some good news. Never a dull moment around here!
Tuesday, March 26, 2013
27 Weeks and officially on bedrest
Well, I guess the MFM that I saw last week was unclear about me not being on bedrest because I AM! I finished off work last week and then had my first visit on Saturday from the "Antepartum Care at Home" nurses (they will visit twice a week and call every day) and I am DEFINITELY on bedrest. I have to keep a record of baby movements, vaginal discharge and contractions and report it to them each day. At 28 weeks I will get once weekly non-stress tests at home too. CRAZY! Sheesh, I was really hoping to avoid being a high-risk pregnancy but I guess my body has other plans. I tend to get about 2-4 contractions an hour...which on their own, isn't the issue...it's the fact that I'm having cervical changes as well that's the issue. I have my next ultrasound and cervical measurement next Thursday (the 4th). I am SO hoping that it has stayed the same or even gotten better now that I am reclining or laying down all day! I am trying to keep myself occupied with books, movies and Netflix and so far it's working but I'm sure I will start to get bored soon...and this is only day 4 of bedrest! So...if anyone has suggestions of good movies, TV shows or books, let me know!
This brings me to the topic of single-embryo transfer, which had always been our plan until we only got 2 embryos and had to transfer on Day 2. I guess I am a PERFECT example of what they are trying to avoid by doing SET's. My clinic is pretty strict about transferring only one at a time for people who are "good prognosis" (young, no history of multiple failed cycles etc) unless they think there is a good chance you won't get pregnant at all if they transfer just one (like in our situation). I fully believe in doing SETs to decrease multiple-births related to fertility treatments (kind of hilarious, considering my current situation). When I worked on a pediatric ward I saw many many formerly premature babies in with pneumonia, influenza, feeding issues, cerebral palsy etc. And we know that twins are at much higher risk of being premature. I know this is controversial, and its not like I am regretting my twins (I am so incredibly in love with these babies, please don't get me wrong!) but a singleton pregnancy would have been much lower risk. Just food for thought. Its hard though, to make the decision to transfer only one when there is so much money involved. You want to give yourself the best chance when you are laying down that kind of cash! However, there are studies that give almost equal pregnancy rates with one good-looking blastocyst transferred as compared to 2 or 3 transferred but with a non-existent multiples rate. Still, it's a hard sell! I think the solution is better funding for IF treatments. In Canada, only one province (Quebec) funds IVF and they have decreased their multiple-birth rate dramatically (therefore saving the healthcare system millions of dollars in preemie-care). They will pay for 3 IVF cycles as long as only one embryo is transferred in people under 35 and only 2 in people over 35. Paying for these cycles, and therefore avoiding a bunch of premature multiples saves them TONS of money! I wish all the provinces here would get a clue and follow in Quebec's footsteps! I'm no economist but it just makes sense! Our healthcare system is very different from the States so I am speaking from a purely Canadian perspective. Anyone else have opinions about this?
This brings me to the topic of single-embryo transfer, which had always been our plan until we only got 2 embryos and had to transfer on Day 2. I guess I am a PERFECT example of what they are trying to avoid by doing SET's. My clinic is pretty strict about transferring only one at a time for people who are "good prognosis" (young, no history of multiple failed cycles etc) unless they think there is a good chance you won't get pregnant at all if they transfer just one (like in our situation). I fully believe in doing SETs to decrease multiple-births related to fertility treatments (kind of hilarious, considering my current situation). When I worked on a pediatric ward I saw many many formerly premature babies in with pneumonia, influenza, feeding issues, cerebral palsy etc. And we know that twins are at much higher risk of being premature. I know this is controversial, and its not like I am regretting my twins (I am so incredibly in love with these babies, please don't get me wrong!) but a singleton pregnancy would have been much lower risk. Just food for thought. Its hard though, to make the decision to transfer only one when there is so much money involved. You want to give yourself the best chance when you are laying down that kind of cash! However, there are studies that give almost equal pregnancy rates with one good-looking blastocyst transferred as compared to 2 or 3 transferred but with a non-existent multiples rate. Still, it's a hard sell! I think the solution is better funding for IF treatments. In Canada, only one province (Quebec) funds IVF and they have decreased their multiple-birth rate dramatically (therefore saving the healthcare system millions of dollars in preemie-care). They will pay for 3 IVF cycles as long as only one embryo is transferred in people under 35 and only 2 in people over 35. Paying for these cycles, and therefore avoiding a bunch of premature multiples saves them TONS of money! I wish all the provinces here would get a clue and follow in Quebec's footsteps! I'm no economist but it just makes sense! Our healthcare system is very different from the States so I am speaking from a purely Canadian perspective. Anyone else have opinions about this?
Tuesday, March 19, 2013
26 Weeks (and damn you cervix!)
So...just got back from an ultrasound with a Maternal-Fetal Medicine doctor...and it looks like my cervix is not cooperating! I got to have a date with the dildo cam and it showed lowest measurement of 1.8cm (bad!) and highest 2.5cm (OK but not great). The doctor wants me off work as of Friday. The babies look great so they aren't the concern, it's just my stupid body of course. We even got 3D pictures of them. They are SO cute! I just need my body to cooperate so they can be bigger and stronger before we officially meet them! The MFM doesn't want me on bedrest, he just wants me taking it easy and relaxing as much as possible. He'll see me again in 2 weeks and in the meantime a nurse will be coming to the house (not sure how often) to do non-stress tests and keep an eye on me. If I start to feel any strong contractions, I'm supposed to call his office immediately. I actually know a girl who this exact thing happened to her with her twins and she delivered them at 38 weeks so I'm trying not to panic, I just hope I follow in her footsteps! Please send some "long and closed" vibes to my cervix! It NEEDS to behave! We are NOT ready to meet these babies yet!
Sunday, March 3, 2013
Almost 24 weeks!
Not a lot going on around here! Hard to believe that on Tuesday I will be 24 weeks! That is a huge milestone in any pregnancy since it is considered "viability". Although, according to the OB I saw two weeks ago at the hospital, 23 week babies are able to be saved now. Amazing! I had my first official OB appointment on Wednesday (up until now, I've just been seeing midwives) and really really like my OB. Unfortunately at the hospital I'll be delivering at, it is a bit of a crap-shoot as to which OB will attend your delivery. Some are amazing and others, not so much. (T works with all of them and there are some he wouldn't let touch me with a ten-foot-pole he says, so hopefully they won't be on-call when the time comes!) We'll just have to hope and pray that if I do end up being able to deliver vaginally, that a good OB is on-call. I am becoming more and more used to the idea that there is a pretty good chance I'll need a c-section though, which is huge for me since I used to be (before infertility messed up the trust I have in my body), very pro natural birth. If the presenting twin is breech (or both are), I'll need a c-section for sure. Not ideal but hey, at this point, it's all about getting them here safely and healthy! Maybe they'll listen to my lectures and stay head-down like they were at the last ultrasound. Time will tell!
T is making amazing progress with the cribs (I'll get a picture up at some point). They look great! Also, my mother-in-law and sister-in-law are planning a shower for me on April 7th. So close! Crazy to think that I will be having a baby shower! I honestly still don't believe I am getting babies out of all this! I don't think I will believe it 100% until they are in my arms! One cool thing is that they are moving SO much lately. When one of them kicks hard, you can see my tummy jump and yesterday I even saw one moving under my skin! Kinda freaky! Anyways, hope everyone has a great week!
T is making amazing progress with the cribs (I'll get a picture up at some point). They look great! Also, my mother-in-law and sister-in-law are planning a shower for me on April 7th. So close! Crazy to think that I will be having a baby shower! I honestly still don't believe I am getting babies out of all this! I don't think I will believe it 100% until they are in my arms! One cool thing is that they are moving SO much lately. When one of them kicks hard, you can see my tummy jump and yesterday I even saw one moving under my skin! Kinda freaky! Anyways, hope everyone has a great week!
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