26 weeks...

26 weeks today!! That means I'm 2/3 of the way through this pregnancy (if I were going to 40 weeks).  It also means that I have officially been pregnant for half of a year! And, I'm not going to lie, lately it seems as though I've been pregnant forever.  

The girls are roughly 2 lbs each at this point.  They can open and close their eyes and their hearing is developed enough to hear sounds outside of my stomach.  Not only that, but their cognitive development is enough to start remembering my voice as well as Allan's!  

The girls are starting to look more like babies (see last u/s) but, according to The Pregnant Chicken, "there’s still a fair amount of work going on under the hood with [their] internal organs."

Total weight gain: You know, I haven't stepped on the scale this week at all...hold on while I run to the bathroom - hopefully I won't return in tears!   Oooooh man...the grand total is 44 lbs...that leaves 21 lbs (max!) gain for the next 10 weeks.  Cue hyperventilating.

Maternity clothes: Yes, but my belly is starting to outgrow those too...what happens when you don't fit in maternity clothes?

Stretch marks:  They are slowly creeping their way upwards! I can now see them above my bellybutton...so starting from my bikini line, all the way to my rib cage, I'm mapped out with stretch marks.

Sleep: Starting to get 3-4 hour periods of sleep at a time.  It's taking it's toll on me a bit (or I'm starting to get 3rd tri fatigue a bit early) and I find myself either needing a nap or going to bed extremely early at night.

Best moment of this week: Physical therapy...she figured out that I really have two issues that are making me walk around in pain.  1) SPD, which I already discussed in another post.  2) A locked left SI joint.  Awesome.  The reason my visit there was so good is b/c she gave me exercises to do to give me some relief.  I still hurt, trust me, but not as bad.

Miss anything: This week, shockingly, I don't really miss anything.

Movement: Oooh man, are they!  The girls pretty much kick whenever I'm "resting" i.e. not moving.  It's really quite cool to just sit still for 1/2 hour or so and watch my belly wibble and wobble in all directions from the kicks.

Food cravings: Cottage cheese.

Anything making you queasy or sick: Chicken. Still.

Have you started to show yet: Yes, in fact, Allan is convinced that my stomach has grown even more in the last two weeks.

Gender: Twice the serving of Sugar & Spice!

Labor signs: Thankfully, it was another quiet week!

Belly button in or out:  In - I can't believe it!

Wedding rings on or off: Off - but on a necklace around my neck :)

Mood most of the time: I've been feeling a bit funky this week...but for the most part I'd say I'm happy.  Just melancholy.

Looking forward to: Going back to work next week.  I think it's going to be quite the challenge - but I'm looking forward to seeing everybody, and getting everything in place for my maternity leave so I can stop worrying about it.  Of course, work also makes my weeks go by much faster - so once I'm back Oct will be here before I know it!

Symphysis Pubis Dysfunction...

Dear SPD -

Go find another pregnant girl to bother! I'm done with you.  Not to mention, I have my fair share of aches and pains with this pregnancy, as I'm carrying two, yes two babies.  Pack up your bags and leave.  ASAP.

XX
C

Well, hopefully putting that virtual letter out in the universe will help this SPD (Symphysis Pubis Dysfunction) get the clue.  It's brutal today and I just woke up.  But, let me start at the beginning.

About 3 weeks ago, by the end of the day, I would start having this sharp pain in my pelvic bone region.  It would make it hard to walk without a major waddle/limp, but I pushed through it because I knew I had an OB appointment coming up.  Also, it felt like it was in the actual bone, so I knew it wasn't going to be a UTI or bladder infection (both, this late, can cause preterm labor and are nothing to mess with).

Fast-forward to my appointment and sprinkle some extra pain in there and a few "clicking" sounds when I move.  My doctor confirmed that I indeed didn't have a UTI or bladder infection, but instead, have this lovely thing called SPD.  Awesome.  Apparently it's not unheard of and most frequently happens with women carrying twins or large babies.

What it all boils down to is that the cartilage (see number 7? That blue line running up the bone is what is killing me!) that holds the pelvic bone together starts to stretch.  The cartilage starts to stretch because of the hormones this pregnancy is producing relaxes the cartilage - and remember, I have twice the amount of hormones surging through me.   Also, to help out matters, Zara thinks it's funny to be head down shoved into my pelvis stretching it out even more.

So, going forward the doctor wants me to do some physical therapy to help ease the pain.  However, this does not start until Tuesday.  If that doesn't help then she prescribes pain medication - which I do not want to take as I'm trying not to take a darn thing, medicine wise, while pregnant.  I've done pretty good at that rule too - the only thing I took was early in the first tri when I had food poisoning.

So, here I am.  A week later and in so much pain! It hurts to walk, sit, or lay down.  I can hardly lift my left leg off the floor more than an inch.  It literally feels like somebody is taking a butcher knife and stabbing it into my bone (right where number 7 is) anytime I move.  It's clicking, almost the sound you hear when you crack your knuckles, and those "clicks" used to relieve pain - now they do nothing.  It's also making sleep nearly impossible - laying on my side is painful but I'm not allowed to lay on my back! I've tried pillows in every position. I'm absolutely miserable!!!

Okay, sorry for that big whine fest.  The thing that does have me worried, is, if physical therapy doesn't do the trick - or if it helps a bit - what happens when I go back to work?! I don't know what I'm going to do getting on and off the floor with the kids...and even just sitting at my work desk was miserable in July b/c of the added pressure.   But, I guess we'll cross that road when we get there.  For now, I'm going to focus on being able to walk around the grocery store to get our much needed groceries.

SPD - hit the road, jack! I'm over you!

25 Weeks...

Back to veggies & fruit for a bit.  It's disappointing, especially this week - the girls are the size of cauliflowers!  Ew - that is such an unattractive food.  

Anyway.  The girls are between 13-14 inches long and at our last MFM appointment weighed in close to 2 lbs!!! Grow, ladies! Grow!  Apparently this week the girls are putting on some weight (fat) and growing more hair.  It's funny b/c I've been wondering what kind of hair they will have lately.  I'm pretty sure they are going to have black, thick, curly hair...but who knows, genes are funny things at times!! Both of the girls have a sense of equilibrium now too - they know which way is up and down.  Well, at least "The Bump" says that...I'm not convinced b/c Z is still head down - which makes no sense.  Why would you willingly hang out upside down?  Anyway - I'm just complaining b/c it's uncomfortable to me.  Whatever works for her - I suppose!

Total weight gain: Another week where I haven't gained weight! Woo! Still hanging out at the 30-35 lbs mark.  Which, is good, b/c I've heard/read that you "blow up" in the last tri.  I can't blow up anymore.  I'm starting to avoid my reflection as is!

Maternity clothes: I took a peek at the fall maternity clothes that were coming out at Target yesterday, and I have to tell you, other than getting a few cardigans or long sleeves, I'm not sure I'll add much more to my collection.

Stretch marks: Still forming new ones every day! They are starting to really pick up speed on my stomach - it's almost like I have stretch marks on top of stretch marks now! It's lovely.

Sleep: These last few days have been a bit rough, but, I'm hoping that passes and I go back to getting some good sleep soon. The good thing is that the girls are sleeping at night now - and before that's when they wanted to be up and kicking.

Best moment of this week: Seeing the girls - twice!  The coolest was at the MFM - we caught Isla yawning...omg...cutest thing ever!

Miss anything: Walking without waddling! My hips/pelvic bone are in so much pain that I literally waddle everywhere.  I'd like to get my "swag" back...I feel like I'm looking like Honey Boo Boo's mom lately - size wise and waddling wise! Ugh.

Movement: Kicking more and more every day.  In fact, when I started updating this blog Isla was kicking up a storm.  I think she wants breakfast - unfortunately for her I have to wait at least 1/2 hour after waking up to eat - or I get sick.  Lovely.

Food cravings: This week it was an oreo blizzard! Lol Thank goodness I won a free one this week! Allan said the way I reacted he would've though I won a car. Hey, man, cravings are serious business!

Anything making you queasy or sick: Chicken. Still.

Have you started to show yet: You read that I felt like I was the size of Honey Boo Boo's mom, right?
Gender: Twice the serving of Sugar & Spice!

Labor signs: Thankfully, it was another quiet week!

Belly button in or out: In!!!! Still so excited!!

Wedding rings on or off: Off - and have been for awhile, however, I had a little pregnancy moment yesterday and teared up over the fact I can't wear them on my finger.

Mood most of the time: I was finally back to being in an all around happy mood all week!

Looking forward to: Getting the nursery stuff in order.  Our mattresses were delivered yesterday, the cribs and changer are to come soon, and I bought some other random things yesterday.  I'm hoping to start seeing that room come together a bit more. 

In love...

So far, this pregnancy has been very matter of fact for me. Sure, there have been some emotional scary times (ie SCH/bleeding/bed rest) but even then I just didn't feel "connected" to the babies. I was feeling very guilty about this - and perhaps that's why I haven't mentioned it until now. Something happened today, I'm not sure what, but when I saw the girls it finally clicked and I fell head over heels in love with them. Perhaps it was seeing them look more like real babies and less like blobs, maybe it was because they were moving (even yawning!! aww!) so they seemed more "real" than when they were just so still - I'm not sure what exactly made me feel this way - but there's no turning back. I'm attached!!

We had our MFM (high risk doctor) monthly appointment today. Everything went well. Well, as far s the u/s and the girls went - we did have another long wait to get in - 50 minutes!! Ugh! Both A and I were a bit irritable by the time the u/s tech got us - but that quickly faded when we saw our girls.

Both girls are looking good - heartbeats were 147 & 125. Both within normal range - the doctor assured me the 125 was fine, Zara was probably just sleeping or on a "downtime". Which, is actually a bit shocking as she has been kicking up a storm lately! Perhaps she finally wore herself out!

Zara is measuring at 1 lbs 13 oz (74%!!) and Isla is 1 lbs 10 oz (49%) - so in comparison to singletons they are still doing very good - and for twins they are very healthy! He said we might start seeing a decline in weight/comparison around 30 weeks - that's when twins start falling behind - so that's why right now the protein intake is so important!

So, for right now both girls are on track, developing how they are supposed to and look all around healthy. We couldn't ask for more! Also, thankfully, in the last few weeks or so I have been doing good too - some aches and pains - which are going to be addressed through physical therapy - but nothing alarming or scary (i.e. contractions/bleeding/dehydration). Honestly, I'm feeling a bit like superwoman lately - a very tired, achy superwoman - but superwoman none the less. My body is doing something incredibly amazing - and it's doing it relatively well!! Go body!!

On to the pictures of the girls (I bet some of you didn't even read the text above ;)). I think I'm going to start referring to them as "my little divas" as they are being quite the divas lately!! This really should be no shocker, considering they are my kids. It took the tech a few tries to get their pictures - they kept wiggling and putting their hands over their faces just like last time. They must think they are Kim Kardashian's daughters - no pictures until they're paid big bucks! Sorry girls - there is no connection to the Kardashian bloodline - show your faces!!

Isla - look at that cute little face!! 

Zara - trying her best to hide, but we got a profile! 

Look at that cute little hand - the pinky is wrapped around the toes!! 

Week 24

Well, happy Validity Day to me and the girls!! Glad we've made it this far, but I stand by my earlier post about not finding it a big reason to celebrate other than it's just another milestone that gets us a bit closer to meeting the girls!   The girls are each measuring as long as a footlong sub!  Bet that will make eating your next Subway sandwich a bit more interesting!  This measurement makes perfect sense considering the size of the belly I'm rocking lately!   This week the girl's skin is starting to become more skin-like, meaning it's not transparent anymore and it's starting to gain a pinkish glow to it.  

Total weight gain: Thankfully, I'm the same! Hanging out at the 30-35 pound weight gain.  That makes me happy after such a huge jump in weight!  It now equals to a 1.5lbs gain a week - which is, again, what the doctor wants.  I'm supposed to gain 45-50 by the time this is done...not sure how that's going to make me feel as I'm already feeling huuuuuge! 

Maternity clothes: Thank goodness for leggings and skirts!! I'm living in this combo lately - and have been the most comfortable I've been (clothing wise) the whole pregnancy. 

Stretch marks: They're really building speed now - more (and darker) on my stomach, developing on my hips and thighs.  I'm going to be a mess of purple skin highways scrawled across my body!  It's all worth it though. 

Sleep: I'm sleeping much better than I have in the past.  Only getting up to use the restroom -but even that is happening less and less.  Will I perhaps get a full night's sleep again one day?!

Best moment of this week: Surviving! No, really.  The last few weeks have been really hard for me to make it all the way to Friday b/c I've gotten so tired and achy, but this week we had a day off in the middle (Wednesday) and I'm actually feeling good about finishing out this week! 

Miss anything: Being comfortable.  No matter how I sit/lay I cannot get comfortable.  My back is always hurting - then my hips.  Ugh! I can't wait to be able to just sit down and not ache! 

Movement: They're still moving & grooving! Zara has shockingly been more active this week.  However, when Isla decides to kick/punch you really know it - she's definitely pretty strong at this point!  You can feel her from the outside now (Allan keeps missing it :( ).  Not sure when I'll be able to feel Zara though - she's still really low down! 

Food cravings: Sherbert & 7up

Anything making you queasy or sick: Chicken.  Still.

Have you started to show yet: I've got two babies the size of footlong subs in my stomach - of course! 

Gender: Twice the serving of Sugar & Spice!

Labor signs: Thankfully, it was a quiet week!

Belly button in or out: In!!!! Still so excited!!

Wedding rings on or off: Off - and have been for awhile, however, I had a little pregnancy moment yesterday and teared up over the fact I can't wear them on my finger.

Mood most of the time:  This week has been hard.  I think my hormones are playing games with my emotions.  I'm trying to really keep a close eye on it though and make sure that when I do get upset/cry that I turn it around pretty quickly. 

Looking forward to: Next week.  I have two u/s appointments.  One on Tuesday with the OB and then one on Wednesday with the MFM.  Truth be told, I'm more excited for the one on Wednesday b/c Allan will get to go - and the u/s they do is much more in-depth and detailed.  It's only been two weeks, but I'm ready to see the girls again. 

Dear Macey's...

Today I will be sending the following Thank You note to a local grocery store.  Here it is:

Dear Macey's...

You were not always my favorite grocery store.  In fact, I try to avoid you during the day because you are always so busy and your parking lot is crazy - which I'm sure is in direct correlation to your awesome prices and selection.  Seriously, you'd be my go-to shop if it wasn't so hectic to get in!   However, yesterday, this all changed.

You see, I am 6 months pregnant (with twins, so I'm huge!) and as I was standing in line to buy some H2O, juice and muffins before work, my husband looks over at me and says, "Oh no, you're super pale are you okay?"  To which I quietly reply, "Yeah, I'm fine, I just need some sugar or something soon."

A few more minutes it's our turn to checkout.  The cashier was the sweetest person ever.  She grabbed my muffins quickly and said, "Do you want one of these now? Will that help you feel better?"  What?! I didn't even know she could hear us way back in the line!  I don't know why, but it just touched my heart that she took a minute out of her busy morning to try and make me feel better.

To top it off? She then said, "Are you sure you're okay?"  I replied I was fine, just needed breakfast and laughed it off a bit, to which she said, "Well, you look great this morning!"  Really??  The whole 4 minute interaction just made my whole day.  I've really been struggling with embracing my ever-growing body - and not only was she checking in on me to make sure I felt okay - but also - she complimented how I looked?!

It was probably the best moment I've ever had at a grocery store and one I won't soon forget.  Thank you for having such wonderful staff members who go above and beyond at their jobs.  It really does make a difference.

Thank you,

A very pregnant woman!

V-Day shenanigans

It's coming. And it's coming soon.  Viability day, or as the savvy women on The Bump call it, "V-day".  V-day happens on the day you hit 24 weeks in your pregnancy.  Basically, what it boils down to is, before this day if you were to happen to go into labor the doctors would not try to resuscitate the baby.  On or after this day, the doctors will try to resuscitate the baby and the NICU will do whatever they can to keep your baby alive. It's a good thing, right?

Of course it is.  Actually, I remember stepping into week 16 and 17 thinking, "I've made it this far, why wouldn't the doctors try to save my babies lives now, if something were to happen? It's not fair!"   Here's the thing, a lot happens in the second trimester - I started to feel more connected to the babies because I was starting to show, feel the babies move and even started making baby purchases.   That baby inside me, that is my baby.  And damn it, I'm already a protective mama bear.

 After my week long tantrum I began to think about it rationally again.  The reality is so much more than my emotional connection to these girls.  The babies are just not ready to be born.  Even at 24 weeks, the possibility that they would make it, and not have severe brain damage, breathing complications, etc are very slim.  Do some babies who are born at 24 weeks make it just fine? Sure.  But not the majority. Don't just take my word for it, the guys over at The American Pregnancy Association will give you all the nitty gritty on being born before 36 weeks.  It's not pretty.

So, with all of that being said - I have mixed feelings on V-Day.  Is it a really great milestone in a woman's pregnancy? Absolutely.  Is it cause for celebration? Well, I'm not convinced.  I'm excited to hit this milestone - to be 24 weeks along - but I'm not sure I'll be "relieved" when this day comes by any means.  I need these babies to hang on for at least 12 more weeks - 13-14 being prime.  But I by no means will be "okay" if they come the day after V-Day just b/c it means they can.

Stay in there ladies - and just keep doing your thing like nothing ever changed come Friday/V-Day...b/c as far as I'm concerned, nothing has.