I found my way back!

The last post I made was when I was in the third trimester of my pregnancy. My twins turned 3 almost 2 months ago. Rather than explaining how life with twins has been busy- I think the first two sentences speak volumes. Life is still busy, with no signs of letting up- but I'm so excited that I was able to log back in (considering I couldn't remember my username, password, or how to access the blog). I can't wait to read my prior posts and to continue with this living history.

29 weeks!

29 week belly pics!

I just got back from my sonogram and appointment with Dr. Pelham at St. Agnes. James was able to meet me there. He was happy to see the babies again and cannot believe how big they've gotten. It was really cute because once he started talking, Brayden put up his hand. We could see his long fingers. It was as if he was waving hello! I am happy to report that everything went great at the appointment! It seems like Brylie can't make up her mind and has once again moved. She is now next to Brayden (side by side), but she is head up, or breech. If she stays in this position, I will have a c-section for sure! We were unable to capture any facial pictures of her because today she had her face away from the camera as she faced my spine. On the other hand, Brayden cooperated for once. We were able to get some great profile pics of him, however, the 3D picture didn't work out since his face was kind of squished up against the placenta. We'll try again next appointment! Both babies are growing well! Brylie gained 12 ounces and is weighing in at 2 pounds, 15 ounces, while Brayden gained 14 ounces and is weighing in at 3 pounds, 8 ounces. Dr. Pelham said that while the babies are a little big (I really just think Brayden), there is nothing abnormal about their size. She said everyone carries different and there is no need for concern that I measured 36 weeks last Thursday! I felt better after talking to her!

Earlier today I received a call back from my OB's office. It turns out that I failed my 1-hour GTT test so I have to take the 3-hour test this Friday. My number was not very high... the cut off for passing is 135 and my "score" was 146. Many people have told me that they've failed the 1-hour test and did not end up with gestational diabetes. I hope and pray that this is the case! In addition, I was told, once again, that my iron is low and to begin taking supplements... I told the nurse, once again, that I already was taking two. She told me that iron could take a while to build back up and to just talk to Dr. Yates about my levels at my next appointment. The good news is that my level, although slightly, is increasing each time. My "score" was 32.3 and the normal range is 34 - 44. I'll get there!!!

Before my appointment today, I attended a 5-hour technology conference so I am feeling a little tired... I am going to go admire the nursery walls (for about the 100th time) as James finished them yesterday (I am so in love... with my husband... and with the walls!), and then take a nap! The rest of my week is busy with the second day of the conference tomorrow followed by 2 hours of tutoring. Wednesday is a meeting at school followed by 3 hours of tutoring. Thursday is another meeting at school followed by 4 hours of tutoring. Friday is just 3 hours of tutoring (my shortest day of the week). It is going to be a long one- but at least the work isn't too strenuous! James and I will be attending a very long Child Birth Class this Saturday at St. Agnes. We report at 9 and will not be finished until around 4! YIKES! If I have any energy- I'll post our experiences on Sunday! Next doctor's appointment is a week from Wednesday- at 30 weeks, 3 days! Can't wait!

Until next time...

This week's doctor's visit...

My mom asked me if I have seen any buldges yet... so I sent her the above picture...
the babies like to hang out on my left side. In this picture, I am laying down!

My appointment on Wednesday went very well! I took my third trimester gestational diabetes test and am still waiting for the results. I called on Friday, but no one ever got back to me. I am assuming the results were not yet in! After drinking the super sugary, orange, Kool-Aid type drink, I saw Dr. Apgar for the first time. She is tall and thin and at first glance, seemed like she'd be the quiet type. Boy, was I wrong! This doctor is a fire cracker- and I love her directness! She was very thorough and gave me the most information regarding twin pregnancies. My favorite part of the appointment was the fact that she dropped several F Bombs! She started off by saying that she was very pleased that I was at 28 weeks. She mentioned that while we are not "out of the woods" yet, we are close. Each of my next appointments will be a milestone and at week 34, she feels we'll be "golden". She measured my belly and said I was measuring big (36 weeks). She suggested I move my sonogram (originally scheduled for July 27) up just to check on the babies' growth. She mentioned that they could have had a growth spurt. She did not sound real concerned, but definitely wanted me to go for the pictures sooner, rather than later. As a result, I moved my appointment up a week to this Monday, July 20. She checked my cervix and told me it was fine... no signs of anything premature at this point (and hopefully never)!!! She also swiped my cervix to test for some type of strep, or something. She answered all of my questions and more. Finally, she told me that she likes to have all of her patients carrying twins schedule their c-section for 38 weeks. She went on to further explain that if it is possible to have a vaginal delivery (if the babies move into the right position), then I will, however, there is a good chance I'll have to have a c-section so it's a good idea to wrap my brain around the idea of it and to plan for it. She explained that different doctors are on call to deliver on different days and the receptionist would be able to help me determine what date worked best for me. To make a long story short... I met with the receptionist who was able to tell me which doctors were scheduled to deliver on which days (we checked for dates during weeks 37 & 38). I couldn't believe it when I learned that Dr. Apgar was scheduled to deliver on 9/21... my exact 38 week date! To my relief, stupid Dr. Gaskins was not on the schedule for any of the 14 days we checked! I expressed interest for having my c-section scheduled for 9/21; however, the receptionist said that since she did not do the scheduling for c-sections; someone would be calling me in a day or two. Before I left I had my blood drawn for the diabetes test and to test my iron. After my appointment, I tutored for 2 hours and then met James in Columbia where he was staying the night for a meeting. We went to the Cheesecake Factory where I indulged myself... just incase it was one of my last times! = )

Fast forward to Friday... I never heard from my OB to schedule my c-section, so you can imagine my surprise when I received a letter in the mail stating that my c-section had been scheduled for Monday, September 21 at 10 a.m. with Dr. Apgar! I would be lying if I said that I didn't freak out a little... I mean, seeing it there in black and white, and highlighted... the potential day James and I officially become parents to our two little ones... made it all so real. Knowing that it is only a little over 9 weeks away makes me feel so excited, anxious, and a little panicked. Everything we've been through is all for this day... and I can actually see it instead of just dreaming it! I keep telling everyone that while I am excited to meet, hold, love, and kiss my babies... I'd like to wait until week 38 to do so. I of course, want them to be as healthy as possible before entering this world... in addition, having them on 9/21 with be special because the date adds up to that infamous #, 12! I guess only time will tell... but even if the babies come before the 21st, I know my Gram has been with me this entire time!

I'll be sure to post after my sonogram on Monday!

Until next time...

28 weeks and Nursery Progress!

Belly shots- 28 weeks!

It's hard to believe I am 28 weeks pregnant today! In case I ever forget, the little ones are constantly reminding me! They are still moving around a lot- but now, their "kicks" and "turns" are much stronger! I love it! I wonder how much more room they have in there as I can really tell that my belly has gotten bigger (higher up) recently. The "What to Expect..." book says that they are almost 3 lbs. and 16 inches long! They won't grow too much more in length, but over the next 10 weeks, they'll more than double their body weight (I wonder what this means for me!!!). I am looking forward to my doctor's appointment on Wednesday. Even though it is the regular OB (they don't do a whole lot there), I will have an internal exam and know how my cervix is holding up. So far, I feel great- however; it will be nice to have some peace of mind! I don't find myself as tired as I did during the 1st trimester- even though, from what I've read, the 3rd trimester is supposedly a tiring one. The fact that I am not working 12 hours a day could have something to do with this! I actually just woke up from a couple hour nap... it is so nice to have such freedom! I do find myself feeling a little lazy- but I am going to embrace it for now... we all know, it can't last too much longer! Sleeping has been a little difficult as I cannot successfully roll over from side to side. It is also a challenge to get out of bed in the morning (I just use this as an excuse to stay in bed longer!). I can't complain at all though. James and I went over a friend's house on Saturday night and as I struggled to get up someone said to me, "It sucks being pregnant. Doesn't it?" I had to politely disagree and tell him that I absolutely love it! I really do! I still haven't gotten that, "I am ready to be done with this pregnancy feeling." I'm not sure if I ever will- but who knows, August should be pretty hot!!!

So James made incredible progress on the nursery!!! I don't want to post any pictures yet- because I want the finished product to be a surprise. I am in amazement over how talented that man is! Many people don't know this- but James is very artistic! I love the fact that he is being so exact! He even got the screws of the new light switch- matched up with the design perfectly! We've ordered a couple of things and are just waiting for them to come in to make more progress! I can't wait to see the finished product!

Tomorrow will be a busy day for me as I have to tutor for 5 hours! Wednesday, I only tutor for three hours but also have to go to the doctor for about 2 hours. Thursday is an easy day- with only two hours of tutoring scheduled. Sally is coming over on Friday- and if it is nice, we are heading to the pool. I am looking forward to spending some time together- just chilling!

We'll that's all for now! I better get started on some dinner as I feel hunger coming on... (that is pretty much a normal state now as I can't eat too much in one sitting because I get acid reflux!). I'll be sure to post after my appointment on Wednesday!

Until next time...

Pitbulls & Breastfeeding

The picture above is not our new dog! Instead it goes along with the following text message I received from my husband on Wednesday morning, "i had 2 wait 4 this car to leave cause this f^c&i#g dog was 2 feet from my door with the f^c&i#g window down!! a damn pit bull!" I was alone in my house and don't think I've ever laughed so hard in my life! My 6 foot 4, amazingly strong and masculine husband is truly scared of more things than I can count! It is so endearing and makes me love him that much more. However, it gives me all the more reason to believe, he might pass out in the delivery room! Anyone want to place a bet???

After getting an extreme ab workout from reading the text and finally regaining my composure, I showered and got ready for my day of tutoring. As I was about to walk out the door, my neighbor, Lorri called me and needed my advice. She prefaced it with, "I need your advice, but not your Kristin, freak out, panic mode advice." She was putting away some dishes and began to see black spots. She felt off and as though she was going to pass out. She wanted to know if I thought she should wait it out, or call the ambulance... (Rewind- Lorri has Lupus and was hospitalized at the end of January, beginning of February for the same symptoms which- after later investigation- was discovered that she had had a stroke and a few TI-As... and she is telling me not to panic, nor freak out!!!). I followed her wishes and very calmly told her that no, she should not wait it out, but she should call her doctor right away! (I was panicking inside). Fast forward--- I pushed back tutoring for a few hours, watched her twins and a friend's daughter while she was taken away in the ambulance. It turns out that everything is o.k. for the most part- she is anemic and they are going to adjust some of her medicine! After her husband returned home from work (he left early), I tutored for 3 hours. Afterward, James met me with a delicious dinner he cooked and packed up for us and then we headed to St. Agnes for our breastfeeding class. In a nutshell- the class was weird. We watched a movie, saw crazy pictures (some people have inverted nipples and need special devices to pull their nipples out to breastfeed!) and basically sat through 3.5 hours of a lot of information. I am glad we received handouts because it was way too much to take in. I left feeling like I should breastfeed- but also that breastfeeding will be weird (I am hoping this feeling will eventually change!). James left feeling "mad" that he came with me! (Although of the 11 moms' there, 9 had their partners with them- so he was not alone). I I figure though, it could have been worse for him- he could have been locked in the room with a pit bull!
That's all for now,
Until next time...

27 weeks, 2 days!

Belly Shots this week!

It's been a busy week since my last post- however, it's been a good, doing what I want to do, busy! Even though I find myself distracted much of the day (thinking about, searching for, just doing- baby things), I have been able to accomplish quite a bit!

Last week was quite emotional, as I had to say goodbye to one of my former students. He, as well as his mother, were killed in a car accident. He was only 13 years old and so full of life! Born with a form of dwarfism, he embraced his size and took the world by storm! I built a relationship with him while I taught elementary school. We used to have "who's more tan" competitions when he was in 3rd grade! I was lucky enough to have him as my math student in 6th grade. His laugh would ignite the entire room... I found myself trying extra hard to be funny in class- just to hear that giggle! He was a stellar student and all around, amazing person! God must have had a pretty big job up in heaven to take him so soon! He will be sorely missed!

After clearing out the nursery to be on Thursday night, James and I headed to the beach early Friday morning to spend the weekend with the family! We didn't hit any traffic on our way down (we left at 6:15 a.m.). We spent the weekend eating, tanning and playing our new family game, "Phase Ten". We even got a little shopping in. On Friday, James got a new tattoo... the monogram, BMB for our little ones on the way! I absolutely love his new addition and so does he! I was hesitant for him to get it before the babies arrive, but James said it best, "They will always be our babies!" I love that man!!! After spending the day at the beach on Saturday (once again, playing "Phase Ten" and using rocks found by Bria, to hold our cards down from the wind), we went back to my mom's for some dinner and then headed to the Rehoboth Boardwalk for fireworks! Everyone, except James, took a bus into "town" to avoid the traffic. James met us on the boardwalk right after the fireworks had started. I noticed he was sweating but figured he was just rushing to get to us on time. After the fireworks ended, we hung out for about 30 minutes until the crowd thinned out. We then made our way back to the "bus stop". To our surprise, there were over 1,000 people in line. We made a decision that we would all pile into the Escape with James who would then drive everyone back to the two cars that were parked at the bank (where we caught the bus). Little did we know, the car was parked over a mile away (from the bus stop- which was already at least 0.5 miles from the boardwalk). When we finally arrived at the car- it became clear why James had been sweating!!! After a very uncomfortable ride- we dropped everyone off at the two cars and all made it home safely! On Sunday, we woke up late- 10:45 a.m. James wanted to get an early start so the plan was to leave a.s.a.p. For some reason though, things suddenly changed when my mom told him that she had his favorite breakfast, Creme Brule in the oven and was planning on making sausage and potatoes for lunch around 1. The next thing I knew, we were all sitting around the table, playing "Phase Ten" again. James couldn't resist the temptation of my mom's cooking! We eventually left the beach around 4 and made it home (after hitting a little traffic) by 8. After unpacking, I decided to walk 5 laps around my square. I also decided to try to try to exercise a little every day! (It's never too late to start, is it?) It was a great weekend!

Yesterday I went grocery shopping for the first time in over 1.5 weeks. I went to both Giant and Costco and spent way too much money. I even stopped by Learning How to pick up some tutoring materials. When I got home, Gina came over to help me unload my groceries. Soon, after, James came home from work and grilled us up some flank steak (I am really trying to make an effort to eat protein... but it is so hard!!!). After dinner, Gina and I went for a walk (a very slow walk... sorry Gina!!!... by the lake. We were gone for about 30 minutes. Although slow, it felt good to move! After Gina left, I watched the Bachelorette (which I recorded)... and I was so happy Wes was finally sent home! (I hate the fact that I am addicted to the show- but I can't help it!)

Today, I woke up late again (9:15ish) and threw in my last load of laundry (I started laundry yesterday). After playing on the computer for a little while, I showered and got ready for tutoring. I tutored for 4 hours today but was away from the house for about 7. I spent extra time at each house being that it was the first day of summer tutoring for 3 of the four hours! I am going to have to be better about leaving on time as the summer progresses! I need all the time possible to accomplish all that I still need to accomplish! James was home when I got here. He grilled up some salmon (it was really good tonight!), I went for a walk- this time, 11 laps around my square, ate, and now I am ready for bed!!! Tomorrow I am tutoring for 3 hours and then 3 again on Thursday! I am looking forward to getting a lot accomplished this weekend- particularly the nursery! I am on a mission to find two dressers this weekend! Wish me luck!!!

Well, that's all for now! No news to report on the little ones this week- except for the fact that they love to move around and are certainly growing! I love feeling them inside my belly and although I am still not ready for them to come- can't wait to finally meet them in 11 weeks!

Until next time...

26 weeks, 2 days!

26 weeks, 2 days!!!

I love summer! I actually have time to do things that the rest of the world does! Today I started my day by tutoring for 2 hours. I went to the post office, and even stopped by school for 1.5 hours to get some work done. My plan is to put in a few hours/week before August 1 so that my classroom is ready to go before I am too big to move! Since I've been home for about 2 hours and all I've done is sit in front of this computer though! This is my last computer activity until I start the laundry and sort through the files in the former office (soon to be Brayden and Brylie's nursery!!!)

I had a wonderful end to week 25! My mom, dad, sister, and niece Bria, came to Maryland for the weekend. James had a basketball tournament "Hoop it Up", in DC so we spent the weekend up there! James team, Beall U Can Be (a play off of Jason's last name and basketball tutoring service) did very well, finishing in the semifinals for their division. On Sunday, my dad went home, but my mom, Kim, and Bria stayed for the night so they could come to my 26 week growth ultrasound yesterday at St. Agnes! The appointment went great and the babies are doing wonderful! It was so amazing to see how much they've grown, but just as much, I enjoyed watching my mom, sister, and especially my niece take it all in! The sonographer eventually used the 3D feature and we were able to see Brylie's face!!! Brayden didn't cooperate so well (this seems to be the trend with these ultrasounds), however we got another really great picture of his man tool! = ) Both babies are measuring a little big as Brayden weighed in at 2 lbs, 10 oz, and Brylie at 2 lbs. 3 oz! The doctor said they are not off the charts, but definitely above average. I hope this is not an indication of gestational diabetes... (I'll know after my next "regular" appt. in 2 weeks). I go back to St. Agnes (high risk) in one month, on July 27. The doctor told me I may go more often after 34 weeks, but only time will tell! I can't believe delivery is less than 12 weeks away... time is really flying... there is so much to do!!!

Last night, James and I interviewed a childcare provider. The meeting went great. She is a mom of four, a former 1st grade teacher, has had a home daycare for 11 years, and will only have 3 full time children (that's counting Brayden and Brylie) next year. She is located 4.6 miles away from our house and only cares for teachers' children! She definitely loves what she does and she seems perfect. Still, last night, I couldn't help but feel a little depressed! The thought of leaving my babies is heartbreaking! James and I spoke about it- and as much as we both want me to stay home, we are going to do the child care thing for at least from January until the end of the year and then reevaluate next summer! I called Karen (that's her name) today, asked a few more questions and then told her that we planned on using her. I have to fill out the paper work and put it in the mail with a check (to hold the spot) this week. I feel good that this is taken care of - but it is going to be a hard transition! I know I've been pregnant for 26 weeks- but everything finally seems real to me! Last night, I actually saw Brayden's face and Brylie's face in my dream. I am starting to feel like a mom and I love it!!!

After we got home last night, James began working on the nursery. He moved our desk and computer out of the room and down to the kitchen (temporarily... although I really like having the computer on the main floor). I am hoping to get everything out of there within the next few days so that he can begin to paint! I actually picked out and bought the paint last week... moonlight (a very pale yellow) for the walls with accents (probably polka-dots) in blushing bride (pink), blue marguerite, and stem green. The paints are from Benjamin Moore and are actually designed to match Pottery Barn Kids colors. They match the bedding perfectly (see below)! The cribs came last week and I am still in search of a dresser and dresser/changing table combo. I am going to order their names in hanging wooden letters off of Ebay (I found a great "store") and probably accent the rest of the room with pictures! I can't wait to see how it all comes together!

Brayden's Bedding Brylie's Bedding!

Well, I have a lot to do so I must go for now... until next time!