Babies' First Christmas

We had a nice, but busy first Christmas with Megan and Lucas.

It all started Christmas Eve with the Barker/Smith family Pizza Hut dinner. They met some family and did very well. Daddy got some of the much anticipated Aunt Dawn fudge! Made his day. Some day the kiddos will be able to appreciate it as much as we do!

We got up Christmas morning and opened gifts from Santa, and gifts from each other. Megan and Lucas got clothes, a jack-in-the-box, Curious George books and a learning kitchen. Daddy got a new coffee maker and coffee and Mommy got a lap-top bed desk and a gift certificate for a (much needed) pedicure.

We then got ready and made the trek to Flint in the balmy 38 degree, pouring rain weather. Megan and Lucas then got to meet many family members on both the Howell and Bartman side and though it was a long day, did relatively well. Megan was still her fussy self, but overall was well behaved!

We than drove back to West MI, to Gobles, to have Christmas with the Barkers. We had a nice dinner and lots of gifts for the kids all around! To bad Aunt Sheri had to work!

The day after Christmas was spent at the Bartman's. We grazed on appetizers all day, open gifts, played games and had a good time. Megan was fussy again and missed most of the gifts and (to mom's guilt) much of the pictures! Maybe next year she will be more photogenic!

But, even with all the traveling and fussing, spending time with our families was priceless. We have received the 2 best presents this year that God and Santa could give.....Megan and Lucas. They are the greatest blessings in our lives. They make all the bad things seem to disappear! We are so blessed!!

4 months

Megan and Lucas turned 4 months old on Christmas eve! They are growing so fast and time is flying!

Megan continues to roll from her belly to back like a champ and is guaranteed to do so almost every time she is put on her belly. She is also starting to scoot a lot more. She is often found at the opposite end of the crib by morning. We have witnessed her scooching forward: she is up on her elbows, brings her knees up under her and pushes forward! She is going to be crawling before we know it!! I am not ready!! She also is developing great core strength. She sits supported so well and sometimes with very little assistance!

Lucas is advancing too! He can roll from his belly to his back too, but doesn't do it nearly as often. He is much more content in general and will stay in one position longer than Megan will. He is also much more vocal than Megan. He will sit and talk to himself and his toys and it is too cute. It is so easy to get him to giggle and Grandpa Bartman is an expert at that. He will get Lucas giggling so hard he ends up with the hiccups! He is beginning to discover his feet too. I have found him several times lying on his back, legs straight up in the air and staring at them. You can almost see the wheels turning in his head thinking, "are these mine?"

They both continue to grow like weeds. Lucas seems longer and leaner, and Megan is taking after her mommy and becoming a chubby little girl. We'll know in about 10 days how big they really are! We have started to try cereal this month. The first few weeks they only got it once a week. Now we are trying a few times a week. They still don't like it and it can be frustrating. It is hard when I work so much, cause Daddy is a bit more nervous about the feedings. We thicken the bottles a bit with rice cereal to help fill their bellies better and they do well with that. Soon enough they will get the hang of it.

We have also begun the long trial of teething! I don't see any tooth buds yet, but they have all the tell-tale signs. They are drooling like bull-mastiffs and chewing on EVERYTHING!! Lucas tries to shove his whole hand in his mouth, but often resorts to his middle and ring fingers. Megan gnaws on her thumb, but doesn't truly suck it (thank goodness!). With the teething comes exceptional fussing. Megan doesn't seems to be tolerating it as well as Lucas. She is often and is still my princess who like to be held and touched. Lucas is still my laid-back dude and often looks as if her could care less. He is still a good snuggler when he needs it.

It is amazing that these kiddos have only been in our lives 4 months, but it seems like forever. I can't imagine our lives without them.....except for more restful! They are become more joyful to me with each passing day!

Sick Baby

Yesterday I had to take Megan to the doctor, cause she just wasn't acting right. The night before, she was really fussy, and for the first time in 2 weeks, she needed a bit of a bottle to go back to sleep. Then, yesterday morning, she was virtually inconsolable, wouldn't nap and would only sleep in my arms. When she would cry, it was a blood curdling scream and she would grab both her ears. Tylenol wasn't helping and I knew if we didn't check her out, it would be a long weekend.

So, we went to the doc. She had low grade fever and a right ear infection. We are now on amoxicillin, Tylenol and doing a bit better today. I unfortunately had to work today and all I wanted to do was be home with my baby girl. It is bad enough having to be away when they are healthy, let alone sick. She did fine with Daddy and was all smiles when I got home! I just hope she gets better soon and stays well (Lucas too). Winter is just starting!

3 months

Okay, so I am a week behind...but my kiddos are 3 months old now! They are still growing like weeds! They have mastered holding their heads up and and sit up supported really well. They have not totally taken to their bumbos, but I am sure they will soon. They continue to roll over, and Megan has mastered it with great ease! She rolls over multiple time a day now and I even find her on her back in her crib at times. I am sure she will be crawling before we know it!They both smile every day and Lucas even gives us the beginnings of giggles. We attempted cereal feeding a couple times, and they are not quite ready, but they and I have fun trying.

Our first Thanksgiving as a family was unfortunately spent with me working and Daddy at home, but we can't wait for Christmas! They will be 4 months old on Christmas Eve. Where did the time go?

I really need to get pics posted......but since the computer died and we are just on the laptop, I am bad. Soon....

Rolling Over!

Babies on the move! 2 nights ago Lucas did not want to go down after is night bottle. He was veryy fussy and was up like a seal on his hands. Before I knew it he was on his back! He did it again the next morning for Nate. Megan couldn't let her brother out-do her and rolled from her belly to her back as well! They are only 12 weeks old!! I am such a proud mommy!

2 Months Old

Megan and Lucas turned 2 months old on Saturday! It is hard for me to believe that they are that old already. They are getting so big and it is crazy to remember how little they were. They are not only grow in size (outgrowing some 0-3 clothes!), but developmentally as well. They are both gaining really good control of their heads and I have even set them in the Bumbos for a few minute with no problem. Megan really likes to lay on her belly and push up on her elbows. I have a great picture of her doing that on Uncle Brian's chest....just staring at him! Lucas is very vocal and loves to lay on his back, watch the mobile/toys and just coos and squeals. Megan hasn't gained nearly that much interest in the toys yet. She is a people person. She loves to be near someone....anyone, and to be talked to. Hopefully soon she will realize that her brother is that "someone" she needs to entertain her! They are both smiling with purpose now and I can't wait to hear them giggle!

They had their 2 month check up today. Megan weighs 10 lbs 9 oz and Lucas weighs 10 lb 13 oz. Lucas is 22" tall and Megan is 21 1/2". Little sister is starting to catch up! They both had to get shots today too. Megan was first and turned beat red them wailed in pain. She even shed a few tears (she never has before). I did too! I didn't think that it would bother me, as I see kids at work every day and even have to give them shots, but it is so different when it is your child! Nate had to help with Lucas, while I got myself together. Lucas did well. He cried, but not as much as Megan and was easily consoled!

Thing we are watching...... Lucas has a swollen lymph node on his head, behind his left ear. It has been there almost since birth (I noticed it a 2 weeks old). It is not getting any bigger, but we are watching it. Megan has an umbilical hernia. Right now it is not huge, but it is still bigger than it was in the beginning. We are watching to make sure it does not become incarcerated (permanently stuck out). It will need to be fixed eventually.....well not "need", but I am sure we will do it for her for cosmetic sake. No girl wants funny looking belly button!

Other than that all is well! We'll keep you updated!

Christening

Today Megan and Lucas were baptized. It was a beautiful (yet chilly) Autumn day and God was definatly smiling down on us! It was wonderful to have so many family and friend here to support us! Megan and Lucas are so blessed to have a wonderful group of people to guide them as they grow!

Special thanks go to Megan's godparents (Brian & Mandi) and Lucas' godparents (Jon & Tess). They are so lucky to have you in their lives! We pray that God continues to bless all of you as Megan and Lucas grow to be happy and healthy children!

1st night out!

Tonight, Nate and I had out first night out without the kiddos! My best friend Tess and her hubby, Jay, were in town for the night to see a friends band play and we met up with them for dinner. Grandma and grandpa Barker watched Megan and Lucas for a few hours. It was SO nice to get out and have adult time and to have a BEER!!! That's right, mommy had a beer!! We both did well and we only called home once to check on them. Everyone at home did well too, and we are home and happy to be so! We both remember the days of staying out late, but nothing beats coming home to two sweetly sleeping babies! God, I love being a mommy!

Good-bye to the breast!

I have officially decided to stop breastfeeding. Well, actually pumping. I have not been "technically" breast feeding for some time, as Lucas never took to the breast and Megan drooled out half of what she sucked in. I have been pumping, though. I have been able to keep up enough to give the kids 1/2 breast milk and 1/2 formula at each feeding. Over the last couple of weeks, though, my supple has seemed to dwindle. To make matters worse, when I went back to work, I am not able to pump as often as I would like. Sure, I could force myself to up and leave the department, but being in the ER, it is not terribly responsible to leave when you have active patients. And as busy as we are, there is NEVER a time that we don't have patients. And when I am at home, the last thing I want to be doing is pumping when I can be spending much needed time with my kids and/or husband. It just got to be more burden than it seemed worth.

So, I decided to stop. I felt like a bad mom, though. I know full and well, that I am not, but there is a sense of guilt and failure when you stop breast feeding before you intended. I wanted to use breast milk for at least 6 months, but I guess 2 months with twins isn't half bad! I have to be grateful for the time I was able to do it. I talked to my mom, too, and she formula fed all of us and I turned out okay, right?! I love my kids dearly, but at this point, I feel the time I can actually spend with them is a million times more valuable than the time I spend pumping for them!

Back to Work

I went back to work last week, on the 8th. I did surprising well leaving them home, but I took great comfort in knowing they were going to be home with their daddy, vs a day care. I, unfortunately had to work 4 days in a row and by the 4th day, I did not want to go to work. I was working a 10a-8p shift, so they were sleeping when I left and sleeping when I got home. Mommy had very little baby time. On the 4th day, Megan woke up just before I left for work, so i got her up and changed her for Nate before I left and I did not want to let her go. I just wanted to call in and stay home and snuggle with my little girl! Alas, I went to work, but had to choke back tears all day!

I would like to say it is getting easier with each shift, but I would be lying! I could so easily be a stay at home mom. Nate concurs......he would love to switch places with me!

Big babies!

My babies are growing so fast! Last week my mom and I weighed them on her scale (weighed me, them me and them) and according to her scale, Lucas is about 9lbs and Megan is about 8. Craziness! Lucas is already starting to fill out his jammies and soon, I am afraid that her will out-grow them! We also had to graduate him to them next diaper size! I am sure Megan is not far behind him!

4 weeks

I cannot believe my babies turned 4 weeks old yesterday! Where have those weeks gone?!?! They are growing so well and developing their own little personalities! Lucas is still much bigger than Megan and is much more alert than her. After eating he will stay wide awake and just look around. He seems to be starting to track things with his eyes...but we still can't tell what color they are going to be! Megan is starting to be awake more too. I think as she gets bigger, the awake time will start to increase. They both love sleeping on their bellies, and if the cannot be consoled, tummy time is sure to help!

They are both sleeping decent at night. They each sleep about 3-4 hrs at a time, and sometimes (if we are lucky) it is more. I will take the 3-4 hours, though. It could be worse! I have essentially stopped breast feeding, but am still pumping, so they are getting all the goodies thy need. Lucas never regained interest and Megan would suck so fast an not swallow, she lost 1/2 of what she took in all over herself or me. It is nice bottle feeding, though, especially since Nate can help with that. This way we take turns getting up and we get some decent sleep.

We are going for our first pictures tomorrow and gonna get family ones taken too! I will post them as soon as I can!

I go back to work in 2 weeks.......I don't know if I am going to be able to handle it. I will probably cry all day! At least for the first week, Nate will be home......but I am not ready to let someone else take care of my babies!

2 Week Check-up

Yesterday Megan and Lucas had their 2 week check-up with with pediatrician. They both are doing well and have regained their birth weights....and then some! Megan now weights 6lbs 5oz and Lucas is 7lbs 2oz. Lucas also grew 3/4 in taller! I think he's gonna be a big boy!

Things otherwise are going well. They are each sleeping 3-4 hours at night....unfortunately not waking at the same time! Lucas is still not breastfeeding, but he is still getting good breast milk by bottle. We are trying to learn all their little quirks, including their cries but it is tough. I am proud that I know who is who when they are crying. The details will come, I am sure.

I still can't believe they are mine and that they will be 3 weeks old in 2 days! I don't think I could love and two things more! It's amazing!

One Week Old!

I can't believe that it was a week ago that I was holding my brand new babies in my arms! Seems just like yesterday! I bet I'll bee saying that for the next 18+ years.

The week has been full of lots of ups and downs, but I wouldn't trade it for the world! We are working on trying to get a night routine down, but are no where near accomplishing it. Breast feeding is a challenge too! They both are finicky and will only breast feed when THEY wan to.....even when they are hungry! So, I have become a slave to the pump. At least they are getting breast milk...

It is so fun to see Megan and Lucas' personalities come out. Megan is definitely more calm and laid back like Nate. She has her moments, but is overall more calm than Lucas. My little man, on the other hand can be a pistol! When he gets mad...he is mad and there is very little calming him down. Neither like diaper changes, but both don't seem to mind baths.

Even through the trying times and behaviors I wouldn't give it up for the world! They say you never could love anything more than your own child, but you don't get it until they are yours. I still can't believe they are mine! Every time I look at them, my heart skips a beat and I can't help but smile. We are so blessed!!

Hospital Pictures

Here is the website for the babies' hospital pictures. Check them out!

http://www.our365.com/newbornportraits/babydetail.aspx?birthid=75df51a0-30c1-4fd0-bbfc-70b205426eee&babyid=5e3fec46-b267-4e5e-acc8-94d5ed3c1f2d

Coming Home

The home coming was rather uneventful......for the babies at least. Mommy had a hard time. I was (and still am) very emotional. It is crazy to think that these children that I have taken care of for the past 2 days are actually ours! We get to keep them! Being home alone without nurse or doctor telling you that you are doing everything right or wrong is rather scary, too.

As soon as we got home, the babies ate and we all took a well-deserved and much needed nap. The we had visits from Grandma and Grandpa Bartman and Uncle Brian and "Aunt" Andrea. We have already been trying to establish a routine. I am feeding them every 2 hours during the day in hopes that they will sleep longer at night. Plus, I really need to get my milk supply up. With two of them, I need to make sure I keep up.

The tour was postponed until tomorrow due to shear exhaustion on Mommy and Daddy's part.

We also gave them their first bath since the post-birth bath. It was a sponge bath of course, but the both did very well and only cried a little in the beginning. We are now off to bed for the night. I worry about not waking up when they cry or need something. I have so far these last few days, but they have been right next to me. I have the monitor turned up loud! I hope that sleeping in our own bed will produce a more restful sleep......even though we fully anticipate to be up often!

Day 2

We had a busy night last night. The "feeding frenzy" that they said would happen seemed to have begun. We......well, mostly me, were up every 2 hours or so. Mostly it was to feed, but some times, Lucas was just not happy. He is rather congested nasally, likely from his initial birth issues, but also, I think his man parts we so sensitive that every time he peed, he was in pain. I hope that both pass soon! Megan was an angel most of the night.

Nate and I were up and moving at 6am. Not sure why, as we both SO could have gone back to sleep, but alas here we are.....watching the news and updating the blog. Megan and Lucas are sleeping away, but I am sure soon to be awakened by the doctors and nurses soon to visit.


We have been cleared to go home by both my OB and the pediatrician. Nate ran home earlier to let the dogs out and get them ready for the home coming. He took a couple baby blankets home for them to smell and sniff and hopefully they won't to bee rambunctious when we get home. I am packing up our stuff and getting myself and the babies ready. As soon as Nate gets here, we will be on our way to getting our new life started.

I have to say I am so overwhelmed with emotion right now and can't believe I am believe I am bring our CHILDREN home today. It is surreal. I am excited, scared, anxious, hopeful, and any other emotion under the sun you can think of. I hope I am a good mom......

Day 1

Day 1 started eventful. We were awoken early at 6:30 to blood draws and immunizations for the babies. They both did very well. Mom also got her TdAP vaccine too. Daddy will have to get one too! Shortly after, Megan and Lucas got to met their Great-Uncle Buddy. They slept through most of the visit, but it was a good one. They then got the daily once-over with the pediatrician Dr. Deltove, who is so wonderful. We discussed circumcsion of Lucas and decided to do it today. Not even 5 minutes later, they came to get him. Daddy and I both went with him. He did vey well through the whole procedure. "Sweeties", lidocaine and an binky all saved the day. While Lucas was being circumcised, Grandma Bartman stayed with Megan and they started her hearing test. Lucas got his when he got back. They both passed with flying colors.....though Megan passed hers super quick.

Megan and Lucas also got to get all dressed up for their first official photo shoot! The hospital photographer came in and took shots of the individually and as a "couple". The proofs we have are super adorable and I will send the website along as soon as they get posted.

The rest of the day consisted mostly of still "getting the hang of things" and meeting more visitors. Grandma Bartman hung out with mommy while daddy went home to take care of the doggies and other things that needed to get ready before we come home. At the hospital, we continued to work on breastfeeding, and Lucas was a little "punky" most of the day.....but who can bame him; his mom and dad made him get he weiner whacked! He started to perk up in the evening and by the end of the day, they were both feeding like champs.

Day 0

Day 0 is the day of delivery. It is almost like ground zero. Lift off! You are a parent! I got back to my room after delivery and was able to take Megan with me. Lucas was whisked away to the NICU for fluid on his lungs. My mom met me back in the room and met her grand daughter. She was elated! I was too.....but SO exhausted. She got to visit and Nate came and updated me on Lucas. He was to stay in the NICU until his respiratory status improved.....hopefully only a few hours. Nate then took mom to the the NICU to meet Lucas. Mom had to leave and shortly Nate's mom came to visit. She met both babies and was happy too. I then got to rest for some time while they waited for a room for me to be transferred to.

I was attempted to get up to the rest room to assess stability before transfer. I got up well, but while up, I got very lightheaded, nauseated and almost passed out. I got back into bed and got some more fluids and rested more. As soon as my room was ready, I got up again and did better. Megan got a bath and was all squeaky clean for her new room and to visit her brother.

On the way to our room, Megan and I visited Lucas in the NICU. He was breathing much better, but had dropped his blood sugar and temp, so needed to stay for a bit longer.

Once in our room, Megan got to meet other visitors including Uncle Brian, Grandpa Barker, Aunt Sheri, and cousins Ashley and Carter. I unfortunately was so tired I fell asleep during on e of the visits, but was gladly awakened to Nate bringing Lucas to me. I was SO excited! I had not held him since he was born and was overwhelmed with emotion to finally meet and bond with my little man!

The rest of the day involved more visitors including Grandpa Bartman, Uncle Jon and Uncle Andy. The babies and I were checked regularly and we all were doing well. Both babies were pooping, peeing and all 3 of of were working hard to breast feed. It is a steep learning curve and I completely appreciated the expertice of the nurses and lactation consultants.

We went to bed around 10pm and had decent night with wake ups every few hours for feeding and changes. I have to say it was a rather restful night.....surprisingly.

its over!!! we are parents!!!

Megan Grace was born at 435 and weighs 5# 13 oz..Lucas Nathan was born @451 and weighs 6# 10 oz..

What time is it?

It is about 2:20 am am my water has been broke now 12 hours. Antibiotics will be started here shortly to decrease risk of infection. I was checked about an hour ago and was 4cm, 90 percent effaced and 0 station. Things seem to be moving along now. They also put a foley in and a scalp monitor on our little girl, as she wouldn't stay still for the external monitor. I have been trying to get some rest...which is tough when the blood pressure cuff keeps going off and the nurse keeps coming in to re-adjust the baby boy's monitors. Oh well. I am starting to feel more pressure down low. Wonder when they will check me again.....

Bless my mom's heart too. She is resting in a waiting room getting no sleep at all. I feel so bad but love her even more just for being here!

now she is comfy =)

just had an epidural.no complaints at all.catheter at one.progress check around 2:oo

these kids are in no hurry..jeez

well we are just trying to get a little rest in between contractions that are getting stronger and stronger.nothing big yet..oh and pitocin maxed at 20.

Seriously?

So we have been here almost 7 hours and almost 8 since my water broke. I am not feeling much discomfort and am getting rather frustrated. The pitocin is at 15ml/min and the max is usually 20. They say some women just don't respond. Hopefully I start feeling stuff soon! The wonder now is if it will be close to midnight with them having different birthdays!

and waiting....

we are still waiting for something...anything to happen.Pitocin level jacked up to 13.Max out is 20.Anytime now babies I am starving and Melissa won't let me eat in front of her.

still waiting...

we are still waiting and waiting..its gonna happen,we just don't know when.Keep posted.

takin thier time...

we are just playing rummy with Melissas parents.They keep upping the Pitocin dosage.Now I am beginning to get even more anxious.No real progress,but I am thinking its gonna be soon.Just wait and see.

Puttering along on the Pit

So not much happening on Pitocin yet. They just upped my dose from 1ml to 2ml. We'll see how it goes....

wow..me a dad!!!!

well, I am finally going to meet my newborn son and daughter.It is 4:19 and they are going to give Melissa Pitocin to start things along.She is in good spirits,talking to her mom on the phone.I am in awe of my very beautiful soon to be not pregnant wife.She is amazing in every aspect of the word.I will try to keep hourly updates to inform our progress.Wish us luck!!!

Let's get going!!

So, I have been on the monitor for an hour and not much is happening. They are going to get an IV started and start Pitocin. We will keep you updated.....well Nate probably will!

Niagra Falls!

So my water broke at about 2:20pm today and was admitted to Labor and Delivery at abot 3pm. I'm here for the long haul. No real contractions yet and still only 1-2 cm dilated. At this point we wait to see how things progress and if they need a nudge, we will start some meds. I guess they still wanted to do things on their own and not be told when to come. Boy are we gonna have our hands full!

The end is near!

My appt today went okay. I had an NST. They had trouble getting the heartbeats at first, but all was well. My blood pressure was up a smidge again, but nothing terribly concerning. My cervix was dilated 1-2 cm and very thin. So, the plan is to induce my labor on Monday, August 24th at 8am....that is unless they decide to show up this weekend on their own!

37 weeks

.....and I am still pregnant! I cannot believe it! I feel pretty good for the most part but and still suffering from intense itching of my belly and heartburn from hell. It is to the point that I almost can't stand it. I keep telling myself that it is less than a week away!

Nothing else really exciting to tell.....we are just waiting!

36 weeks

2 more weeks! I can't hardly stand the wait! I am off my medication and just waiting for the contractions to begin or my water to break. Any day now, kiddos. I am feeling decent otherwise. I have good days and rather uncomfortable days. This last week, being in the 90's, has been rough to go outside, but I am blessed that it has been an unseasonably cool summer. I can't complain! I am no longer restricting my activity, though Nate still gets nervous about me doing too much, but at this point we are safe and they can come any day!

Had an ultrasound today. The tech did not seem as thorough as many others and took no pictures for us! Boo! She had a really hard time seeing the girl's head for measurement......as she is very far down in the pelvis. Makes me ask, "what are you waiting for little girl?!" The girl was measuring 5lb 12oz and the boy 5lb 10oz. Again, as she didn't seem very thorough, I don't know how accurate those are, but the sure feel bigger!!

We finally have the names down, except the girls middle name.....but don't ask...we aren't telling! You will find out soon enough!

Edited to add: 36 week appt went well. I had an NST and both babies were fine. Secretly I was hoping they would tell me I had to go to L&D now and have the babies right then and there. Alas, my kiddos are strong, and apparently strong willed! They will come when they want. I have another appt and NST on the 21st, and if they aren't here by then, the plan is to induce on the 24th. We may just have to change these kiddos' minds for them!

35 weeks

I thought I should start posting weekly as we have less than 3 weeks left to go and who knows if we will go early or not. I am voting for going early!!! Not much has changed since last week. I am still taking my Procardia for a few more days and the contractions have been mostly under control. 2 nights ago I had them for about 2 hours, but they did eventually go away. Damn!

My appt today went as expected. No change in my cervix, but the doc said he could feel her head. So, maybe she is starting to get ready. He was a bit worried about checking my cervix not wanting to "stir things up", but I said "stir away!".

I am still not sleeping well and last night was afflicted with not only heartburn that felt like I swallowed battery acid, but also my ever-present restless leg. I also got a nice new symptoms last night, too.......uncontrollable itching of my belly. This is especially at my stretch marks.....which are very evident below in the pics. I tried everything from cocoa butter lotion to benadryl cream to cortizone cream to oral benadryl!! I thought I would make myself bleed it was so bad. Of all the times you would just love to have a glass of wine to mellow you out, you can't!!

Here are the latest pics. I think I look a bit lower and like I said above, the stretch marks are a very noticeable shade of purple!

34 Weeks

Well, after all the excitement last week, there is really not much to update on. I keep getting bigger (as do the stretch marks) and simple tasks are becoming even more laborious. I have been taking my medications to prevent contractions as directed and have still been doing okay. I have a few here and there, but nothing regular like before. We keep trying to get things ready at home. Most of the rooms have had a good cleaning and hopefully we can finish this next week. I wanted to give things a good once over, as they will probably be neglected for some time once they get here! I also started some freezer cooking this week. I have about 14 meals ready and maybe will make some more, we'll see. Other than that, nothing else exciting!

Early Labor?

We spent another few hours in Labor and Delivery Saturday night. When I got home from work about 8pm, I sat on the couch to relax. It wasn't a horrendous day (the day before was rough) but I was tired none-the-less. While waiting for Nate to get home, I started to notice I was having some braxton hicks contractions. Now these were not painful, just slightly uncomfortable. I got some dinner, water, and laid down. They seemed to come more frequently than normal. I stared timing them and they were 4-6 minutes apart. This lasted for over an hour. I had been told if I had more than 6 an hour for over and hour while resting and drinking water to call. So, I did and they wanted me to come in for a check.

I called Nate, he came home right away and we got ready to leave. Nate asked if the was the "real thing" and I told him "I don't know......I've never had a baby before!". We grabbed my hospital bag and walked out the door......Nate with the house phone in hand! haha! We met the doc at the hospital and even before she could finish telling me that they were going to watch me for an hour and give me terbutaline if they are too frequent, I had 2 contractions. She then check my cervix and I was not dilated, but I was effaced about 50%...thinned to 2 cm. I was completely normal 3 days before at my regular visit. She decided to give me terbutaline. Just like last time, it was not fun. Your heart races, respirations increase and you get all flushed and shaky. It was even worse this time than last. It worked, though. Contractions stopped. If they had not, they would have tried one more dose, and if they didn't stop then, they would have let me keep contracting.

They kept watching me for an hour and everything stayed calm. No more contractions. She decided to send me home on Procardia which I have to take for then next 2 weeks. It is to help stop future contractions. After 2 weeks.....game on! She also took me off of work. Not too happy about that and majorly concerned about our finances, but if it keeps our babies safe for that much longer......we will make it work! Guess I have a lot more time now to "get ready" as it sounds like my babies are doing just that too!

Nursery

I finally have the nursery clean enough to take pictures! It is amazing how much stuff you have for one, let alone two!! My mom and I made the quilts, curtains and rocking chair cover. Nate and my dad made the under-crib drawers. The dresser and changing tables were very nice gifts from my Aunt Susan and Nate's brother Andy! We still have some things to hang on the walls, but overall we are very happy with how it turned out! Now all we need is babies to fill the room!

32 weeks

Really? Already? Six to go? No way!! It is hard to believe.....especially when I don't feel ready at home. I am not entirely sure why I feel so unprepared, as we have all the basics: cribs, diapers, clothes and car seats. Some kids don't even have that. I guess I just want to be more organized as I know it will all go out then window when they get here. At least I will feel better starting off on a good foot. My mom was so kind to help me out today and we did a lot of organizing and getting baby clothes together. We have been so blessed to have such generous family and friends that I think we have almost too much of some things. I won't complain at all. We are very lucky!!

I am feeling pretty good for the most part. We spent all of last week camping and pretty much sat on my butt and did nothing. The weather was beautiful and we couldn't have asked for better. I am back to work tomorrow....that should be fun. I am still growing and gaining weight....all of which is good but is starting to have the negative effects. I have started to have some swelling in my feet and have chubby toes some nights. For those who know my toes, these finger-toes have never been chubby in my life. It is rather amusing at times. I actually had to loosen the laces on my sneakers the other day as I couldn't get my feet in! haha! I also found stretch marks yesterday. I have been using cocoa butter since day one.....guess we have to bump up to 3 times a day now!



I also had an ultrasound today. Our babies are growing like weeds. Our little girl is now 4 lbs 13 oz and out little man is till just a smidge behind her at 4 lbs 11 oz. If you remember, they were just over/under 3 lbs a month ago. That is almost 2 lbs gained (EACH) in a month! They must be taking after mommy and daddy in that regard for sure! That's okay though.......we like healthy fat babies! She was photogenic, as always. Surprisingly the tech could see that the girl has hair!!!! I never thought I would have a child born with hair! He is still bald, but being a boy, that is cool. He was a stinker and wouldn't show his face at all. But....a good thing is, that he has been listening to mommy lately and has flipped back to head-down position. Good boy!

Grace.......

.....is not my name!! Yesterday, as I was walking out of work and tripped and fell. Fortunately, I was able to catch myself on my hands and knees, not hitting my belly, but still fell pretty hard. I got up easily and continued to my car. I then began to worry that the fall was hard enough to cause contractions or something. So I called the doc and they wanted me to come in for monitoring. The babies' heart rates were good, but it turned out I was contracting about every 8 minutes. They gave me a shot of terbutaline to help stop the contractions, and it worked. It made me feel like I was on a HUGE caffeine buzz, but work none the less. After about an hour of monitoring, they let me go home. I woke up feeling pretty good today, so I was told I could go to work. So far things have still been good. Thanks goodness I have 11 days off after work today!

30 weeks

8 weeks to go! I don't know if I can make it! I am HUGE! I measured 41 cm at my appointment this week, which is equivalent to a singleton pregnancy 1 week overdue!! I can feel my mobility and energy withering away and don't sleep well at night at all. I seem to be up almost every hour to either pee or roll over in discomfort. I can feel them move more and more.....still the boy more than the girl and I can even start to feel body parts sticking out! Not sure what they are yet, but it is still fun to feel them and guess!

Wow....do I ever look tired in this pic!



I am working in frantic effort to get everything organized, as they could be here any day now. We got the stroller and car seats yesterday and they are all set and ready to go. Now I just need to go through the sea of gifts/clothes that are littering the living room and into the appropriate places. I have always thought nesting was a smiley, happy time for a mom.......it is overwhelming for me. I really wish I could afford to go off work and get some stuff done. Oh well. It'll work itself out.

Baby Showers

Baby showers are done. We had the Barker side on May 30th and my side on June 27th. It was so wonderful to see everyone and share our happy time with them. Everyone was so kind and generous and fun was had by all! Thanks to everyone who helped and gave so generously. Our babies are definately loved already!

Father's Day

So what do you get a Father-to-be for his first father's day? Ask Nathan and it is tennis shoes! haha! Instead, I went with my own idea! Check it out! Oh.....and Grandpa-to-be got one too!

28 weeks

Into the third trimester we go and I feel like I am going to pop! Appointment today showed that I am measuring at 37 weeks, and am STILL anemic! I am now to take iron 3 times a day instead of two. I am not sure how much help that is going to be, but we will try. I just hope my bowels don't get too mad at me for it! We are now to weekly appointments, too, which should be a blast. It's not like we have enough to do! haha! As long as things keep looking good, I will go every day if I have to!



We had another ultrasound today, too. Both babies are around 3 lbs each. Our little girl is beating out her brother in weight by 3 oz. She is 3lb 1oz and he is 2lb 14 oz. He is still the feisty one, but she is holding her own in there! He had an arm up to his head the whole time, right by her rump,......presumably to protect himself from her kicks! (He is still breech!) She is also a ham! She was very photogenic, as usual, and we couldn't get a decent profile of him no matter what angle we came from! Sorry...no good ultrasound pics to post. Hopefully next time!

Sweetest Hubby Ever!

Okay.....so I have to brag! Not only did Nathan let me sleep in on my day off (which is tough anyway!), he also made me breakfast in bed! It was a full, B&B style breakfast complete with eggs, sausage, toast, strawberries and milk! It even was served on a tray! He said he knew that momma and babies had to be hungry! I almost cried!

26 weeks

We are officially under 100 days left! That is insane to me! It is crazy to think that we can safely deliver these babies (likely without NICU time) in less than 2 months! We need to get crackin' on getting things done! The nursery is mostly done. I just need to finish the comforters and the rest of the finishing touches! I also need to get stuff organized. That just might send me to the looney-bin before they are even here!

Babies are moving and shaking more and more every day. I just wish my mom could feel them. Every time she touches my belly, they stop moving! Little buggars! She says it is becasue they know that they need to behave for grandma! I still wish she could feel it!

My OB appt was today and everything looks good. I passed my glucose test, but am still pretty anemic with a hemoglobin of9.5. They've doubled my iron and hopefully that will help. Heart beats are nice and strong and babies were very active. I am still measuring big.......36cm (equal to a 36 week singleton!). Next ultrasound is in 2 weeks!

Here are the latest belly pics! Mom says I grow more every day! I don't doubt it!

4-D Ultrasound

So I was at work yesterday when our secretary called me and told me I was needed in ultrasound to try out their new 4-D ultrasound machine (regular ultrasounds are 2-D). Apparently they had 3-D before, but this one is new and fancier. I was game. Check out the pics. They are amazing!!! unfortunately they didn't zoom as well on the boy, but they are still great! It is so exciting to see them as real babies and not just outlines!! They have chubby cheeks that I could just kiss all day already!

BOY





GIRL

24 weeks

Not much new to report this week. I am noticing increasing discomfort.....especially in my back and ribs. The babies still seem to be sitting high and forward. I wish they would start to move sideways to save mommy's back! I have tried to take these last few days that I have had off of work to change my sleeping back to a regular sleep schedule......worked some days....others not so well. I was still up until 3 am last night! Oh well. I am officially going to work a day shift schedule now and until the end. I am really hoping this will help with my fatigue.

Here are the latest ultrasound pictures. This tech didn't take nearly as many, nor did she take much time doing the scan. She didn't even get a profile pic of the boy. Just a foot! We were rather disappointed. None-the-less, here are the 2 that we have:

Boy's Foot


Girl's Profile

0-3 months.....whatever!

So........ we have bought a bunch of onsies and PJ's at garages sales and I have been washing them to get them put away. I can't believe how there is no such thing as a true 0-3 month ANYTHING. It is like trying to buy women's clothes.........it all depends on the the brand. Some are wide and short, some long and skinny. And...there are some 3-6 month things that are just as small as the supposed 0-3 mos. It is silly! How is an anal-retentive girl like me supposed to orgazine this crap?!

22 weeks

Hard to believe that our little ones will be here in just 16 weeks! I can't wait. I feel them move every day now and Nate can even feel them too! I used to be able to tell who was moving, but with the ever shrinking inside spaces, it is becoming harder to tell them apart! They mostly move when I am sitting and resting. I must be rocking them to sleep when I am up and about!

I am feeling bigger by the day and some days can even feel everything stretching. Sleeping is less of a luxury and more of a necessity. I am up every hour to get comfortable again and have gotten a body pillow, which is a God send! My belly button is half-way to "done" and every day I get comments from either patients or strangers about I look like I am going to pop any day! If they only knew how much longer I had.....

I am still working reduced hours, but am hoping to move from night shift to day shift here in the near future. It is becoming much harder for me to switch gears on my days off and I don't like having to take sleeping pills to help me sleep. But, as long as I can stay working, I am happy.

The nursery is almost done. Walls and dresser are painted. Cribs are refinished and all that is left is to hang the closet shelves and finish the decorating details. I will be sure to post pics when it is complete! (Hint: the wall color is in the pics below!)

My next doctor appointment is on Friday, I will be sure to post updates. No ultrasound this time. I think I will be going through withdrawals not being able to see my babies. At least now I can feel them move and are reassured that things are still well. I guess I just worry more about my cervix and making sure I am not showing early signs of labor. I am sure all is well.

Since I have no ultrasound photos to share, here are updated belly pics. You think I am getting bigger?!?!




UPDATE: I had my appointment yesterday and everything looked good. The babies were moving around so much, the doc had a hard time keeping the doppler on their heartbeats. He said it was one of the hardest times he had ever had. He said I easily passed my kick count and he was definitely not worried about them. I am still anemic and have been placed on iron supplements. I have to raise my hemoglobin 3 whole points before they are happy. The doc also said to be prepared to possibly be taken off of work staring at 28 weeks. That is when twin mommies start to get monitored very closely and may have problems. That is a little over 5 weeks away! Yikes! My next ultrasound and appointment is in 2 weeks.

20 weeks

We are officially over half way there! Woo hoo! Time has gone by so quickly. I'm sure the next few months will be even quicker. My belly is still as big as ever and even less compressible. At my last visit, I was measuring as big as a single baby who is 10 weeks ahead of me, so that would put me a big as someone who was 30 weeks along! Crazy! I am starting to really notice decreased mobility and bending over, even to put my shoes on, is becoming quite a task. Time to get some slip-on's.........c'mon flip-flop weather! Sleeping is a challenge too. Rolling over is a production, not to mention getting up to pee all the time! My legs are aching and my veins are starting to pop (even in places I didn't know they could!). But, with all the developing and yet to come challenges, I wouldn't change it for the world.

This weekend, we started on the nursery and got it all painted. It is a lovely shade of green and will share pics as soon as it is all done! We have touched up a dresser my aunt gave us and still need to touch up the cribs and we will be close to done. Then I can start organizing!

I am feeling the babies move more and more, as well. The boy seems to move the most, but I don't know if that is due to positioning or if I simply have a feisty little man and a gentle little lady. Only time will tell. I can't wait for Nathan to be able to feel them too.

I have also had to reduce my working hours to 8 hour shifts. The doc doesn't want me on me feet that long in such a fast paced environment. I don't mind the short shifts.....I just worry about the decrease in pay. I'm sure everything will be fine. I am just glad we have most of the essential big items out of the way.

Next appt in 2 weeks, ultrasound in 4. Will update more then!

Ultrasound - 18 weeks

We had our 18 week ultrasound yesterday and everything looks good. Baby A is down lower and on the right, and Baby B is slight higher up and on the left. They are both head down at the moment and were having a good 'ol time kicking a punching each other. Yet another preview of what I am sure is to come. It is still amazing to me that I have not felt them with all the acrobatics they are doing in there. Baby B even fully stretched his legs out, obviously punching against my uterus, and nothing. Crazy. They are both measuring right on target with Baby A weight 9 ounces and Baby B at 10. And I know you are all dying to know......... Baby A is a GIRL and Baby B is a BOY!!! We are so excited and can't wait to meet them face to face!!

OUR LITTLE MAN!




OUR LITTLE LADY

18 weeks

I can't believe we are 18 weeks already! 1 more and we will be half-way there! My belly seems to have grown by leaps and bounds in the last few weeks, especially the last 2. I am much more rotund and there is only 1 pair of jeans left that buttons.....and that is a pair that was falling off of me before hand. I actually tried on a pair of maternity pants last night at Kohl's and was amazed at how comfy they were! People are starting to visibly notice my belly more and more and my scrubs at work are no longer leaving anything to the imagination. I have patients commenting on my belly all the time and in fact had one touch it last week (kinda creepy, way past my comfort zone!). We have our monthly ultrasound later this week and I will be sure to post photos. Hopefully they will be cooperative and "show us the goods"! Here are some updates belly pics.

Movement?

I think I may have felt one of the babies move this morning! I have wondered if I have felt movement before....but it usually ends up just being gas! haha! This morning, though, I was at work, just finishing up my shift and while sitting and dictating, I felt this strange "bubbling" in my belly. It felt as if something was rolling inside, like a bag of marbles. It last only about 10 seconds....but came back again a few minutes later. It was the strangest feeling! Of course I haven't felt it again, but it was exciting none the less. I think the baby was telling me, "Mom, let's go home! We're tired!"

14 weeks

14 weeks down....24 to go! We had an ultrasound today and everything is looking good. Babies are measuring spot on and are about 4 oz each in weight. 14 more ounces and they are a pound! It is amazing how much more you can see in just one month. My belly is growing ridiculously fast, but amazingly I am not gaining too much weight. I guess I had enough to spare to begin with! Fortunately my pants still fit....but I am already wearing bigger tops. Soon I fear I will have trouble finding anything to wear except the mu-mu's and flip flops that my parents have predicted me to wear this summer! Here are some baby pics and some belly pics too!

2nd Trimester

We have made it! We are 13 weeks pregnant today and are officially into our second trimester! I am so excited I could nearly pee my pants....which wouldn't be hard to do now-a-days! I have an ultrasound next week, and I will be sure to update photos. Everything else is going pretty well. The nausea has mostly past, but I still have occasional bouts. My biggest issues as of late are really bad reflux and constipation. TUMS, Tagamet and my daily fiber bars are stil my very good friends. I also have stared to have some issues with my legs. I realy need to get my butt in gear and get some compression stockings before I swell like an elephant. Oh, the joys of pregnancy!

Winter Cold

I have been suffering with the worst cold I think I have had in years. It all started last Sunday with a simple sore throat and has been full blown nastiness for the entire week. What is awful is that there is literally NOTHING I can take except Benadryl and saline nose spray.....neither of which are terribly effective. The icing on the cake, though, is that I have worked (and have to work) most of the week and weekend. Of course everyone I see is "so sick" when in reality, I am 10 times sicker than most of them!

10 weeks

Well, we have made it to 10 weeks! We still have a long way to go, but every week is a milestone for us! I am feeling pretty good, though I am not sleeping well at night on my nights off. I have had no problems in the past adjusting back to a day schedule, but these darn little ones must be night owls like their momma. I am up at 3am like clockwork to eat! Preview of life to come, right?!?!

I had an ultrasound today and everything looks great! Heartbeats are strong and Baby B was even a bit feisty.....moving and shaking about. It is so exciting to see how much they have changed from just little blobs a month ago, to having arms, legs, noses and even moving! They truly are little lives! We are so blessed!! Here are some pics!

Re-check

I had my post-emergency re-check yesterday. Everything is looking good. Both babies are growing, and hearts are beating nice and strong. In fact, I have been officially released from the specialist to my OB/GYN. I have an appointment with her on the 12th of February.

As for how I have been feeling.....nausea is my friend......well, my enemy that I keep close. I have had no vomiting (knock on wood), but the nausea is pretty constant in the afternoon and at night. I also have some nasty reflux, which I am sure will only get worse. I carry TUMS with me at all times!

Emergency Visit

Yesterday we took a trip to the ED. That is the LAST place I ever want to be and the last kind of patient I want to be either! I woke up about 8:30 with a sharp RLQ and flank pain. Took some Tylenol, and laid back down. No relief. I though for sure it was gas and would pass, but no such luck. I started to get worried, as my ovaries are the size of large lemons and have many cysts on them. My first thought was ovarian torsion, where the blood vessels twist on themselves and the ovary can die. The next was ruptured cyst and low on my differential was an appy or kidney stones. So I called the fertility doc and since no one was in K'zoo, I called my OB. They said to go to the ER.

While there they did all sorts of tests......of course all BEFORE giving me pain and nausea medications and allowing me to go to ultrasound vomiting! Anyway.....everything looked good on the ultrasound and the babies hearts are still ticking along. No evidence of ruptures cyst, no kidney stone and no gallstones either. The radiologist was baffled, as was I. I got 3 rounds of nausea meds and two rounds of pain meds before I felt decent enough to go home. It wasn't until midnight that I was truly pain free. I still have twinges of pain, but am doing considerably better. I was most worried about our babies, but everything is okay. I have to follow up with the specialist next week. I hope this isn't how the whole pregnancy is going to be!

Nate gets the best hubby award for sitting with me in the ER for 5+ hours and holding and washing out my barf bucket for me! He is the best!

BOGO

We had our first ultrasound today and all is well. In fact......we are expecting TWINS! 2 parakeets instead of 3!!!


The heartbeat was able to be seen (not heard yet) on both babies and all looks good. We go back for an other ultrasound in 3 weeks. I am still having to take the progesterone shots for two more weeks and the estrogen tabs for 2. Then just the prenatals. So.....we bought one and got one free! haha! That is the last thing that is going to be free for a LONG time!

Let The Dreams Begin

Okay, so I had my first strange baby dream. Kinda crazy, and I wish I understood symbolism of dreams. It started out weird with super hero stuff, like the show Heroes. Anyway, eventully it came to me taking care of 3 beautiful parakeets. Then the parakeets became triplet babies that we were going to adopt. 2 girls and a boy. Think it means anything?!?! Crazy!