31 weeks (And Merry Christmas!)

Belly at L&D triage this week, where we were sent for monitoring because of high bp and contractions





Belly at 30 weeks 6 days

Wow, to think that last year I was so heartbroken to not be pregnant. Life surely has changed in the last year, and I imagine it will change even more in the coming year! DH and I had a quiet Christmas, we were able to go to see my family for a few hours, it was very nice to get out of the house and feel like a normal person. Unfortunately, I got a cold for Christmas, and am feeling particularly miserable, but such is life.

As DH read the Christmas story to me last night, I couldn't help but think of Mary in a new light. I think riding across town in our minivan is uncomfortable, I can't even imagine riding for days on a donkey. Or giving birth my very first time in a barn, or laying my new little baby in the animals food dish, or wrapping him in yucky stable cloths. I am so thankful for modern conveniences that make even my complicated pregnancy easier. But I am most thankful for God sending His Son, no matter the un-ideal circumstance, to this world to provide salvation for all of mankind. What a precious sacrifice and beautiful picture He has provided us in the Christmas story.

And now for the 31 week part of this post.

How far along: 31 weeks

Growth: This week, babies are theoretically growing from the size of four navel oranges each to the size of large jicamas (say what?). They are going from 16.18 inches to 16.69 inches long. Also, they are increasing in weight from 3.31 lbs to 3.75 lbs. (but last Monday Xander was 3lbs and Max was 2 lbs 11 oz)

Symptoms: cervical incompetence,terrible hip and back pain, LOTS of contractions, nausea, hemroids, insomnia, braxton hicks contractions, round ligament pains, heartburn, high blood pressure, headaches, dizziness, anemia, lots of fetal movement (the only fun symptom)

Total weight gain: +13 lbs

Maternity clothes: pajamas. Except for going to the doctor, then I wear real clothes. Some of my maternity shirts no longer cover the maternity panel in my jeans though.

Stretch marks: My underbelly is pretty disgusting, tons of dark stretchmarks. The rest of the belly is not too bad.

Sleep: DH slept in the other bedroom all week, so it had been good, but I got a cold, so it was bad last night, and imagine it will be tonight.

Best moment this week: getting a reprieve from contractions for a few hours in Christmas eve. Best Christmas gift ever. Unfortunately, they came back.

Movement: This week I discovered they like music, usually when any is one the move a lot. They seem the most active around noon, 4-6, and then 11pm.

Food cravings: different things all the time. Usually they go away. This week I HAD to have a hamburger and some broccoli with cheese,peanut butter fudge, and home made pizza

Belly Button in or out: Out for the most part, still a hole, but with a ridge that sticks out all the way around.

What I miss: not having contractions, it's been pretty bad for the past two weeks.

What I am looking forward to: hopefully getting some new meds on Tuesday for my bp (which has been as high as 167/115) and to stop these darn contractions.

Milestones: Getting to 3 lbs seems pretty big

How is daddy? he had his first cold ever this week, but is over it now, and trying to take good care of us.

How are the grandparents? Not much has changed with any of them since last week. DH's dad had a 5 day delay, so I'm really thinking he won't be here in time for the birth. My dad has been grumpy. Both of our moms have been supportive and trying to take good care of me.

27 weeks! (with pictures)

How far along: 27 weeks

Growth: This week, babies are theoretically growing from the size of heads of cauliflower to the size of Chinese cabbages . They are going from 14.41 inches to 14.80 inches long. Also, they are increasing in weight from 1.93 lbs to 2.22 lbs. (over two lbs yay!!)

Symptoms: cervical incompetence,terrible hip and back pain, contractions, nausea, hemroids, insomnia, braxton hicks contractions, round ligament pains, heartburn, high blood pressure, headaches, dizziness, anemia, lots of fetal movement (the only fun symptom)

Total weight gain: +1 lbs

Maternity clothes: pajamas, dresses and sweatpants.

Stretch marks: I was so bummed to discover four hiding under my belly! They are dark and spreading, Boo.

Sleep: I finally got a pregnancy pillow, and it was helped with the turning over, but am still in lots of pain.

Best moment this week: spending the weekend with DH! It's been so nice to have him around.

Movement: They are always partying it up in there. Their new favorite it to stretch out with their heads or bottoms up by my ribs. I push them back down. Funny boys.

Food cravings: something different every day. Today, chili dogs and a peppermint patty.

Belly Button in or out: In, but getting flat.

What I miss: mobility. Bed rest is driving me crazy, there is so much to be done around here, it is hard just to sit and not do it. (But so worth it on Sunday when we reach another week.)

What I am looking forward to: My showers this weekend and next, praying we get things we need like mattresses and baby monitors as opposed to tons of clothes..... don't get me wrong, I love clothes, but we still have things we really need.

Milestones: 27 weeks, the last week of the second trimester!

How is daddy? stressed with school and work.

How are the grandparents? Wonderful, I know they are looking forward to it being time for the little boys.

23 weeks

How far along: 23 weeks

Growth: This week, babies are theoretically growing from the size of large mangoes to the size of ears of corn. They are going from 11.38 inches to 11.81 inches long. Also, they are increasing in weight from 1.10lbs to 1.32 lbs.

Symptoms: nausea, hemroids, insomnia, braxton hicks contractions, round ligament pains, heartburn, high blood pressure, headaches, dizziness, anemia, lots of fetal movement (the only fun symptom)

Total weight gain: -5 lbs

Maternity clothes: Yes! When I go out, which is not very often these days, I wear maternity clothes. However, since I am home all day everyday I hang out in pjs, which are not maternity, but are very comfy!

Stretch marks: Two on my belly, and two I noticed under my belly. Boys are stretching me out already, can't wait to see the road map they'll have created at 34 weeks.

Sleep: Except for last night I've slept well this week. Been super tired.

Best moment this week: Feeling my little men more this week. They do some pretty crazy stuff in there.

Movement: constantly! I like to think I can tell who's kicking, based on positions. They're getting stronger and stronger.

Food cravings: Got my dounuts and meatballs. Now I want an eggroll and cherry cheesecake.

Belly Button in or out: In, and stretching out, getting flatter.

What I miss: being able to leave the house. I spend almost every day home alone. Today I got to go to church though.

What I am looking forward to: Viability next weekend, baby showers, hubby getting a few weekends off this month.

Milestones: making it through this week feels like a milestone. Awfully lonely.

How is daddy? too busy. I know he misses us. Mommy misses him too.

How are the grandparents? Good. Excited. Overstepping, but helping.

Boy, was I wrong!

I thought there had to be one girl in there, but was feeling that there was probably two. Oops! Introducing my little men. Alex.ander Seba.stian and Max Chris.tian

19 week belly shots

15 weeks!

How far along: 15 weeks! Seems to be going faster and faster.

Growth: This week, babies are growing from the size of apples to the size of avacados. They are going from 3.98 inches to 4.57 inches long. Also, they are increasing in weight from 2.47 oz to 3.53 oz.

Symptoms: other than increases vomiting, feeling generally better.

Total weight gain: -13 lbs

Maternity clothes: Yes please! Still fitting in non-maternity clothing, but am much more comfy in maternity.

Stretch marks: I started with the cocoa butter last week, because I thought I saw one starting on the bottom of my belly.

Sleep: A little better, still not getting much. I took a heavenly 3 hour nap today though!

Best moment this week: feeling the flutters. I am 99% positive that I have been feeling both babies, especially Mr. B.

Movement: See above. :-)

Food cravings: none this week. I actually ate meat a few times, which was a big accomplishment!

Belly Button in or out: In for now, it becomes more shallow each week. I think it'll be flat by 26 weeks.

What I miss: being able to eat when I'm hungry, and not puke after!

What I am looking forward to: our appt. Tuesday, hopefully will actually see my Dr!

Milestones: We bought a minivan this week. Getting there!

How is daddy? Excited about the babies, and trying to get things done before they arrive.

How are the grandparents? Excited, moms are planning showers. My dad, is telling me "take care of my babies" and FIL asked to feel my belly the other night.

11 week pictures

From top to bottom. Baby B, Baby A, 11 week pooch

8 wk update

How far along: 8 weeks

Growth: This week, babies are growing from the size of kidney beans to the size of grapes. They are going from just over 1/2 of an inch to about an inch long.

Symptoms: nausea, fatigue, sore boobs, am always hungry, yet pretty much everything grosses me out, increased sense of smell.

Total weight gain: -7lbs

Maternity clothes: none yet, but I am already starting to show. I'm thinking by 12 weeks I'll probably have to buy some maternity pants

Stretch marks: no new ones yet

Sleep: Sleep at night is illusive. DH wakes me with his snoring, and then I have an awful time getting back to sleep. An hour later I'll wake up and have to pee. Afternoon naps are my friend.

Best moment this week: Seeing the little heartbeats, and finding that second baby. Although I don't know how I'm going to handle two, I am so thankful for my children and can't wait to meet them!

Movement: None that I can feel yet, but baby.center says they are moving already.

Food cravings: More like major food aversions. Cereal, cheese,some fruit, and toast are the only things I can really tolerate.

Belly Button in or out: In. I think it will stay that way.

What I miss: being able to be smelly places without almost puking.

What I am looking forward to: my next appt, August 10th, as well as moving up to the second trimester.

Milestones: Announcing to church and FB today that we are expecting.

How is daddy? Excited but stressed about logistics

How are the grandparents? Very excited, and happy they don't have to keep it a secret anymore!

I am pregnant.

I can't believe I just typed that. I really can't believe that, according to four pregnancy tests it's true. This is all God. I prayed and fasted and gave it to Him, and He gave me this baby. I pray that it is a baby that grows healthy and strong. At 3w3d, I know the chances of something going wrong between now and February. But I give those thoughts and worries to Him. I'm just going to relish the fact that I am pregnant. PREGNANT! I just can't believe it. Tonight I'm going to tell DH when he comes home. I hope he's as thrilled as I am. Pray for me and little bean ladies.

My Dr's office finally got my progesterone results back- 18.9 at 5dpo. I'm thinking that's pretty good. Go in for betas tomorrow and Saturday.

And to those of you who read my posts, and have not gotten your bfp's yet. I pray that you will soon. If you stop reading and commenting, I will totally 100% understand.

First picture is of me now, so that in 6-10 weeks I can look back and see how we've grown.

And second picture is my favorite BFP. The one I'll show hubby when he comes home tonight.