I had two appointments this week and both went well. Fluid levels are still looking great, and the boys have been having a blast turning my abdominal area into some type of contortionist attraction. Seriously - I don't know what the heck they are doing in there, but there is NO slowing these gentlemen down with the movement even though everything I read now keeps telling me I will be feeling them less since they are running out of room. This was not a measurements week for them so I don't have any additional information regarding suspected weights, etc. but I can tell you that they appear to be growing just fine since I am getting larger and more uncomfortable every day...sometimes it's evenly an hourly occurrence.
In the last week or so I have completely stopped working, developed pregnancy induced carpal tunnel, and the swelling and joint aching as begun in earnest. I am also measuring 42 weeks pregnant, so I am trying to give my body some grace as it begins to freak out on me since it has never been this overtaxed/pregnant before. The excellent news is that I am less than 2 weeks away from the big milestone of 34 weeks. At 34 weeks, my doctors will not attempt to stop or delay labor - they will just let the boys come! What a shock to hear this after months of concentrating on keeping everyone healthy and inside, we've pretty much done it and are in the home stretch! This does not mean that if they boys come within the next couple of weeks they won't need some extra medical assistance, but they may need some extra help adjusting to the outside world anyway, so I'm just really excited that things are looking better and better and like less intervention will be necessary. To think that I may get through this pregnancy with NO official bedrest is a miracle in itself! So, for now we are just trying to kick the preparations into high gear so that any additional time we may have in the next month or so can be spent relaxing and enjoying our less chaotic family of three.
Thursday, September 29, 2011
Wednesday, September 21, 2011
Long time no blog...
...and that has been a very good thing. I actually now have breaks between my appointments rather than seeing the doctors once or twice a week! As of today, I am 31 weeks along. This seems so crazy to me after waiting for (what felt like forever) reaching the 24 week viability goal and now suddenly 6+ weeks have flown by. I am sure my return to work helped aid in the quick passage of the last month or so, but alas - it will not help me get through the next few weeks/months since I will be going in one last time to teach tomorrow afternoon and have been out more than in over the past two weeks.
At my appointment last week I had my paperwork with me regarding not working post delivery (and also not returning this school year at the very least), and the doctor changed it to state that I should be finished as of that very day. Did I take this advice completely? No. But I have been taking it easier while we try to find a good temporary replacement for my position and have no plans to be officially "in school" after tomorrow afternoon. At said appointment I was measuring about 39 weeks so my body is, at this point, more pregnant than it has every been before. I am pretty curious to see what happens now since the boys are only going to grow, hopefully, much more since this is the time that gestating babes pack on the poundage.
The second appointment I had was fun since Steve got to see the boys, albeit very briefly, for the first time since I was only 18 weeks along and concerns of TTTS were first brought up. Darn that long appointment wait cutting into Daddy/Son/Son bonding time. Oh well, at least there were a few good shots to be seen in those few minutes. All in all the boys haven't been cooperating when I have been going in for ultrasounds so I don't get to see too much other than their heart chambers, bladders, and kidneys. And yes - I could pretty much pick those little blobs out without any direction at this point I've seen them so much. Baby A is appx. 3lbs 6 oz and Baby B is appx. 2 lbs 14 oz. The size difference is now less of a concern since both are gaining adequately on their own growth curve. A fantastic thing to see is that their fluid levels are looking very symmetrical and their umbilical flow is looking good as well. The doctor actually said that at this point it is very unlikely that chronic TTTS will develop so we are good to continue on with only bi-weekly appointments with the specialist! I will continue to see my regular OB as well and am glad that I have been able to see each of the doctors at least once over the course of this pregnancy since they will be the ones (barring any major snafus) delivering the boys.
There are some new concerns that arose with some of Baby A's measurements, but we are keeping an eye on it and it is very likely to be just his position which might be affecting the measurements in one way or another. Since their hearts and activity levels are looking good, the docs aren't going to pursue anything right now and I am perfectly content to just wait and see what next week brings.
After months and months of visits and concerns and prayer requests we are only now just coming to the realization that sometime in the not-to-distant-future we will have two sweet little boys coming home to be a part of the family. We are slowly but surely making progress in getting prepared and finally feel like it is appropriate to do so. Audra's baby furniture is getting switched over to the boys room, she is adjusting to her big girl bed and "princess mirror" (Pam - I speak of the dresser/vanity you had in your room with the secret drawer), I put away the clothes we have been graciously given in their drawers, and the crib bumper is even being delivered today! I've even started freezing some meal options for the future which is something I never did when expecting Audra. Even though my due date is not for another 9 weeks, the average delivery date for twins is 35 weeks gestation which is just a month away! Please continue to pray that the boys will continue developing and gaining weight like champs and bake a bit longer. For all of my complaining and the new cruddy pregnancy symptoms that are cropping up making me miserable, I really do know and believe that "inside babies" are preferable. However, check in 4-6 weeks from now, I may be furiously writing eviction notices to the young men.
And now - glamor shots!
At my appointment last week I had my paperwork with me regarding not working post delivery (and also not returning this school year at the very least), and the doctor changed it to state that I should be finished as of that very day. Did I take this advice completely? No. But I have been taking it easier while we try to find a good temporary replacement for my position and have no plans to be officially "in school" after tomorrow afternoon. At said appointment I was measuring about 39 weeks so my body is, at this point, more pregnant than it has every been before. I am pretty curious to see what happens now since the boys are only going to grow, hopefully, much more since this is the time that gestating babes pack on the poundage.
The second appointment I had was fun since Steve got to see the boys, albeit very briefly, for the first time since I was only 18 weeks along and concerns of TTTS were first brought up. Darn that long appointment wait cutting into Daddy/Son/Son bonding time. Oh well, at least there were a few good shots to be seen in those few minutes. All in all the boys haven't been cooperating when I have been going in for ultrasounds so I don't get to see too much other than their heart chambers, bladders, and kidneys. And yes - I could pretty much pick those little blobs out without any direction at this point I've seen them so much. Baby A is appx. 3lbs 6 oz and Baby B is appx. 2 lbs 14 oz. The size difference is now less of a concern since both are gaining adequately on their own growth curve. A fantastic thing to see is that their fluid levels are looking very symmetrical and their umbilical flow is looking good as well. The doctor actually said that at this point it is very unlikely that chronic TTTS will develop so we are good to continue on with only bi-weekly appointments with the specialist! I will continue to see my regular OB as well and am glad that I have been able to see each of the doctors at least once over the course of this pregnancy since they will be the ones (barring any major snafus) delivering the boys.
There are some new concerns that arose with some of Baby A's measurements, but we are keeping an eye on it and it is very likely to be just his position which might be affecting the measurements in one way or another. Since their hearts and activity levels are looking good, the docs aren't going to pursue anything right now and I am perfectly content to just wait and see what next week brings.
After months and months of visits and concerns and prayer requests we are only now just coming to the realization that sometime in the not-to-distant-future we will have two sweet little boys coming home to be a part of the family. We are slowly but surely making progress in getting prepared and finally feel like it is appropriate to do so. Audra's baby furniture is getting switched over to the boys room, she is adjusting to her big girl bed and "princess mirror" (Pam - I speak of the dresser/vanity you had in your room with the secret drawer), I put away the clothes we have been graciously given in their drawers, and the crib bumper is even being delivered today! I've even started freezing some meal options for the future which is something I never did when expecting Audra. Even though my due date is not for another 9 weeks, the average delivery date for twins is 35 weeks gestation which is just a month away! Please continue to pray that the boys will continue developing and gaining weight like champs and bake a bit longer. For all of my complaining and the new cruddy pregnancy symptoms that are cropping up making me miserable, I really do know and believe that "inside babies" are preferable. However, check in 4-6 weeks from now, I may be furiously writing eviction notices to the young men.
And now - glamor shots!
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| Baby A's face front on (pretty impressive for a 2D scan) |
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| Baby B's profile |
Friday, September 2, 2011
Hurricanes
The boys are hurricanes. They are unpredictable, change position, and can be quite violent. However - despite their active movements and the upheaval to our lives (mainly my sleeping life) they were not the main hurricane of the past week. Nope - my past two...well, three, weekly appointments have come and gone with nary a blog bit due to Hurricane Irene. After 6 days, our power has been restored just in time for Labor day weekend...which will likely consist of cleaning up a weeks worth of lightless living. It really was not that bad since we have very gracious friends, unseasonably pleasant August weather for Baltimore, and had water the entire time. I would much rather go multiple days without power than a single day without water.
Nothing big to report, as always that is great news! They continue to grow and their heartrates, umbilical flow, and fluid levels remain fairly stable. I entered my 28th week this past Wednesday which puts me in my 3rd trimester...Thank God...I'm not sure what I would do if there was another one to go and I am so relieved that there isn't one by His design. I am measuring 37 weeks along so over the course of the next 2 or 3 weeks my body will officially be more pregnant than it has ever been. Audra was born the day before her due date so I am very curious to see what changes will continue to come as I surpass that mark. Really - I am just waiting for the stretch marks. Glorious. A small price to pay for healthy boys.
The first week of school with students was shortened due to hurricane damage and between work and the hassle of living without power, I am quite glad that it was. Still, it was good to see the students and I am super thankful to have an air conditioned trailer outside of the school building. Can't wait to see how long I can keep this up for! My back certainly aches and I have all those other lovely pregnancy pains to go along with it, but I figure I'd have them even if I was sitting at home.
As always, thank you for your support/interest/prayers - it is all working for healthy babies and healthy Mom! And in case you're ever wondering, if there is anything to report, it will be reported here so consider yourself up to date if you are reading this!
No pictures of the boys the past few visits and I'm too lazy to stage one of myself, so instead I will offer up a shot of my lovely girl coming home from the hospital.
Nothing big to report, as always that is great news! They continue to grow and their heartrates, umbilical flow, and fluid levels remain fairly stable. I entered my 28th week this past Wednesday which puts me in my 3rd trimester...Thank God...I'm not sure what I would do if there was another one to go and I am so relieved that there isn't one by His design. I am measuring 37 weeks along so over the course of the next 2 or 3 weeks my body will officially be more pregnant than it has ever been. Audra was born the day before her due date so I am very curious to see what changes will continue to come as I surpass that mark. Really - I am just waiting for the stretch marks. Glorious. A small price to pay for healthy boys.
The first week of school with students was shortened due to hurricane damage and between work and the hassle of living without power, I am quite glad that it was. Still, it was good to see the students and I am super thankful to have an air conditioned trailer outside of the school building. Can't wait to see how long I can keep this up for! My back certainly aches and I have all those other lovely pregnancy pains to go along with it, but I figure I'd have them even if I was sitting at home.
As always, thank you for your support/interest/prayers - it is all working for healthy babies and healthy Mom! And in case you're ever wondering, if there is anything to report, it will be reported here so consider yourself up to date if you are reading this!
No pictures of the boys the past few visits and I'm too lazy to stage one of myself, so instead I will offer up a shot of my lovely girl coming home from the hospital.
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