30 Weeks With My Boys!!!!

30 Weeks!

June 20th, 2013

Symptoms: Well, I turned 34 today and what a wonderful gift I have been given. My parents came down to celebrate at Wild Fork. Our boys are still healthy and growing. We have a family group text with my cousins and my sister made a statement, "Natalie, you were meant to carry twins".  I thought to myself, yes I was. The Lord knew before history began that I would carry twin boys and I was made to do this. I started crying because I felt very special. This plan was set in motion before I was even born. It really made me stop and think... this is why we need not worry, but trust in God's perfect plan for our lives. Why worry about something that is going to happen when it is going to happen. I am so glad that the Lord taught me this lesson because I know I will need this as a new mother!

My maternity pics are scheduled for tomorrow!

We also had our birthing class and it was really fun even though I didn't really learn anything new. I know Rocky learned a few things. ;-) Maybe a couple he had wished he never learned. Out of the 15 couples present we were they only ones pregnant with twins. There were 12 boys and 4 girls. I was shocked!! Below is us after our class. We take photos of everything, big and small. We just try to cherish every part of this journey that we thought might never happen. It is so much fun!!!

Photos after class in the parking garage at St. John with our goody bags!

  
 

Belly Circ: 37 5/8

Weight Gain: 28 lbs

Ultrasound: Last week at our 29 week ultrasound baby A deicided to go breech. Dang! He has been head down the entire time. I guess he was sick of his brother kicking him. So, if nothing changes we will plan on a c-section. I pray he turns, but it seems unlikely given that space is a hot commodity in there. Either way, we are so grateful to have healthy babies so it does not matter. If I had my choice I would prefer to go into labor on my own and deliver both vaginally. However, that is just a preference and we have zero control over these things. I cannot control it, so I cannot worry about it! We had another growth scan on today. Baby A weighed 3lbs 2oz with heart rate 135. Baby B weighed 2lbs 15oz with heart rate 141. Baby A's head was bigger than his brother, but Baby B had a bigger belly. I cannot wait to see if this stays true when they get here. My nephew had a bigger head and I just love a good size noggin on a baby! LOL I have had cervical checks for a couple weeks now. Cervix is soft, but no dilation.

Wait, I'm not ready...

30 Weeks

    

   






 

28 Weeks With My Boys!!

                         

28 Weeks!

June 6th, 2013

Symptoms: The upper right side of my abdomen, just below my ribcage towards the center has been numb for several weeks now. It is very odd, but it correlates to the part of my back that hurts. The numb area has started to become sore and tender to touch and at night the pain wraps around my side to connect with the back pain that is located directly across from the numb part-right by my right scapula. So strange how it has evolved over the past several weeks. I feel so blessed to still be working and not on bed rest. We are so grateful that so far our twins are still healthy and have decided to stay put....for now.

Exercise: Crossfit, running. I will say that my CrossFit exercises have definitely been watered down and augmented with the various stages of pregnancy, They are so good at 918 CrossFit to make sure that I remain safe while staying fit. People I used to keep up with or stay ahead of have quickly passed me. But my goal is just to remain active. I keep myself at a certain level of exertion.

Belly Circ: 37 1/2 inch

Weight Gain: 26 lbs
 

Aversions: CHICKEN! GROSS!
 

New Craving: Pizza- I like it anytime

Ultrasound: Another growth scan on May 30th. We have a growth scan every 3 weeks along with other appointments weekly. My sister was able to be at this appointment. Both babies weighed 2.1 lbs, which means they are not too big and not too small. Baby A is still head down and Baby B is still head up! I also had my glucose test and I passed. thank goodness!

Photo on left you can B's head with A's foot already kicking his brother in the head.
Photo on right you can see Baby A winning cutest cheek award! Find the eye socket and cheek is right below.

  

 

27 and 28 weeks respectively.


   

   



My cousin Margot and I, she is 17 weeks and I am 28 weeks! We spent the weekend at their Ranch in NW Arkansas celebrating her son's 2nd birthday and her older sister's(my cousin) 30th birthday! My stomach is obviously about to eat hers.
   

I love these photos of Rad touching my belly! He's such an angel! He points and says, "Baby A and Baby B". I am so grateful that God gave me over 2 years with this little boy before having my own.

      

 

26 Weeks With My Boys!!!

26 Weeks!

 

 

My precious nephew Radcliffe taking time to smell the roses!

 

 

May 23rd, 2013

Symptoms: My back pain has increased while sleeping. My stamina has decreased some. However, overall, I am feeling good considering that I am growing two humans! I love saying that! I know that regular exercise has increased my stamina so even though it has decreased it is still good considering. My best friend Jenn let me borrow her pregnancy pillow-it is the big c-shaped one. I didn't realize how huge they were. I have to admit that it sat by my bed for a few weeks, I was almost scared of it. I didn't know how to use it. Sounds stupid, I know. I have now started using it and I am starting to really like it. I would not make it without my Bed Buddies. You heat them in the microwave and they provide moist heat. They are amazing and I use them daily and nightly! They really help to relax my back and neck muscles. I usually just go to sleep with them, but the other night my back was hurting so bad in the middle of the night that I got up to heat it. I think I need a heating pad. I do not need another reason to get out of bed. My bladder has that part covered x 3 times per night.

Snoogle Chic Total Body Pillow

Exercise: Crossfit, running. I have been running less and mostly just crossfit.

Belly Circ: 37 in

Weight Gain: 24 lbs
 

Aversions: Same.
 

Cravings: A few staples have been cheeseburgers. I crave them weekly. And I never get tired of my absolute favorite food...french fries. I have loved them dearly since I can remember. I do try to eat a good amount of protein daily along with my vegetable green smoothies and veggies. Lunch has become my new best friend. I have always been a dinner gal, but that can be fatal these days.

Ultrasound: Cervical length 3.25cm. This is still considered good and no bed rest needed!

Baby A - HR 152
Baby B - HR 138

This entire time Baby A has been vertex, head down, and Baby B has been breech. Baby A has decided to go transverse with his head on the right and his feet toward the middle. We are still hoping to have a regular delivery if possible. The main factor is Baby A, for me to even have a chance at a vaginal delivery he has to be head down. The doctor would prefer that they are both down, but he said he is comfortable trying to flip Baby B is Baby A is vertex. I told my doctor it would be worth it to me to try for a normal delivery even if that meant I ended up in a c-section with Baby B or even both. I know that I may never have another pregnancy and I would love to have at least one normal delivery. Obviously, the health and safety of the babies exceeds this desire by leaps and bounds. 

  

Last week I was able to feel both babies move at the same time. It was so fun and it never gets old! I am just dying to feel them more! It is my most favorite past time these days.

I had my maternity photo consult last week, but the photographer said I wasn't big enough. So we have postponed them for two weeks-May 31st. I am having my photos taken by Brenda Horan. I am hoping they work out then because my sister will still be in town, but at the same time I want to look big enough for maternity pics.


    

    

One of our cribs and the dresser was delivered this week. One was sent with the wrong hardware so we have to wait a little longer.  It is so surreal having cribs for our babies in our house. It's hard to imagine that their will actually be babies in those cribs, let alone our babies. I cannot wait to meet them and hold, but I do not think on this for too long because I do not want to miss any of the joys of being pregnant today. I do not want it to go any faster than it already is. I may be getting more uncomfortable, but I am so grateful to be pregnant so I want to thoroughly enjoy all the joys and pains of pregnancy. I may never get to be pregnant again, so I cherish every day!

Our cribs!

I put 2 pics so you can get the feel. Ha!

 

                      
 

24 Weeks with My Boys!

 

24 Weeks!

May 9th, 2013




1st photo of us prego together!

My sister flew in for a few days last week to help me register. We registered at Babies 'R' Us, Peek A Boo Baby, Amazon, and RH Baby and Child. Peek A Boo is my favorite baby boutique and if you haven't been enter at your own risk! I have been to register with all my friends, cousins, and sister many times. I felt so blessed for it to be my turn. Going last has it perks because I have learned a lot over the past few years.

I also found out that week that I will be be an Auntie again! My sister just had this feeling that she needed to take a pregnancy test, she did, and there was that faint pink line! I think she was in shock because her 2nd son Winston is only 10 months old and she is still breast feeding some. Listen, when it comes to getting pregnant, all she has to do is think the word! Which is such a blessing and we are so excited! Five grandchildren, 4 boys and 1 unknown, in 3 years. Oh how fast things change! I have some pics of us being pregnant together for the 1st time below. We couldn't leave out Rosie the Riveter, I just love her!








23 weeks and 4 weeks.
 

Baby Bumps!



Registering at Peek-A-Boo

 

Symptoms:
There was a slow progression of more bathroom breaks, leg cramps, fatigued legs, indigestion, and less comfortable sleep. I have also noticed that I have to eat smaller meals. The days of eating everything under the sun are over. My sister told me to enjoy eating what I wanted because there will come a time when you can't! She was right and glad I took her advice when I could. I think my time came a little sooner than I expected. The 2nd trimester honeymoon phase is significantly shorter with twins! Now, I am not complaining because I am so grateful for how well I have been doing. I have a few friends who were already on bed rest at this point. I just thought I would blog about the symptoms so if there is another twin mom out there. I have enjoyed reading other twin mom's journeys through pregnancy.

Last Sunday I had a significant increase in bladders spasms and lower uterine stretching/sharp pains. These pains lasted only for the day. Bladder spasms and increased bathroom breaks are probably here to stay.

Exercise: CrossFit, Running. I ran in the Cinco de Mayo 5K last Saturday with my twin boys! I wanted to do it under 30 minutes, but my time was 30:45. The entire 1st half was on a continual incline, but we finished! All three of us! I was sore  the next day and I am never sore from running 3 miles.

Belly Circ: 36 1/2 inches

Weight Gain: 21 lbs

Aversions: Nothing new-still grilled chicken- eeeek. Other aversions come and go depending on the hour.

Ultrasound:

Cervical length is still 3.5cm, the doctor actually said that my cervix was a "rock star". I have to say, I am proud of my cervix. Of course, I joke with the doctor and tell him it is all that CrossFit. LOL

Baby A: HR 145; 1 lb 3 oz ( 19 oz)
Baby B: HR 139; 1 lb 5 oz (21 oz)

Baby A's face with Baby's B foot in his face- love.

Bible Study girls eating at Zoe's

Happy Mother's Day to the most amazing mother! Thank you for your lifelong sacrifice to Nancy and I. You taught us to never give up, determination, where there's a will there's a way, and innumerable life lessons that were once so annoying and now priceless. You sacrificed personal pleasure so that we could be in piano, swimming, and gymnastics. You often went without so that we could have. You gave up your days and nights, homeschooling us for well over a decade. You told us the sky was the limit and you gave us the strength to test fly. The list is limitless! Most importantly you laid our foundation in Christ, the only solid Rock! I'm eternally grateful. I'm so excited for this new journey into motherhood with you by my side, helping me pass down your knowledge and wisdom! I love you mom!!!!

 

 

I thought this one was funny. It was so bright and my husband is always telling me that I don't understand because I have brown eyes. I guess you blue-eyes peeps can relate. Just more evidence that brown is superior. ;-)

 

 

Mother's Day was so amazing this year. No sad tears were shed, only happy tears. I have blogged about my past Mother's Days, which have been very painful. Now knowing the pain, the joy is that much sweeter.

 

 

22 Weeks with My Boys!

 

 

22 Weeks!

April 25th, 2013 

Symptoms: My legs have started to ache daily and my calves are actually sore after working. I do stand most of the day. Sleep has started to become more uncomfortable.

Exercise: CrossFit, running. the limiting factor in my running is my legs. They fatigue rather quickly and feel as though I have done 1000 squats after only a few minutes of running. It does actually get better if I can push through past the first 1.5-2 miles.

Belly Circ: 35 1/2 inches

Weight Gain: 20 lbs

Aversions: Same- grilled chicken. Ice Cream- are relationship is currently on a break. It does give me indigestion, but I really don't want it anymore. We may get back together some day.

New Craving: Iced Animal Crackers, you know the pink ones. Still loving some chocolate chip cookies, but only the Ultimates by Toll House.

Ultrasound: Cervial length 3.5cm. Woo Hoo! Increased by an inch! Both babies moving a lot, most of which I cannot feel. Heart rates in the 140's.



Baby B profile.

Baby A face, arm, and belly.

Two weeks ago I traveled to Austin with my best friend to see my sister and my nephews of course! This was my last trip to Austin for a while. While I was in Austin we picked we sorted through mounds of fabric books at a design store in Austin. My mom is going to make the crib bedding. This trip is also when I found the Ultimate Chocolate Chip Cookies! We fell for each other right away!

Last week I went to Norman because my mom was having surgery. We had such a wonderful visit even though she had had surgery. We did a lot of lounging, chatting, and surfing the web for baby stuff! We picked out numerous fabrics for my mom to make bup cloths and bibs x 2! She usually has them made for people, but now that she has picked sewing back up I will be the first one she makes them for. Special! My mom and I felt a kick on the left side, which is where Baby B resides. This was the first time I have felt movement on the left side. Yay!

These pics were actually taken at 21 weeks.

 

 

 

20 Weeks with My Boys!

20 Weeks!

I am way behind on blogging. I wanted to blog each week with progress and obviously that didn't happen. So now I am just going to post updates and progress as they happened at 2 week intervals. I have kept notes and written in my pregnancy book, but just couldn't even get myself to the computer.

Up until this point I have felt pretty good. My uterus is already a 3-4 inches beyond my belly button. For a singleton pregnancy the top of your uterus is usually right at your belly button. Indigestion is my main symptom. I do go to bed earlier and I am pretty tired by the evening, mainly on the days I work. I can definitely tell a difference when I run now. I am definitely a little slower and my legs don't want to move as fast, but still able to run 3 miles. I probably could run further, but I don't want to!

I was so hungry in the beginning and it felt like I was a bottomless pit. I went through several cravings with each only lasting about 7- 10 days. It started with Wendy's hamburger and baked potato around 8 weeks. I went their ever day I was at work. The reasons this is weird is because I NEVER eat at Wendy's. I have worked at St. John's Hospital for 6 years and I have never eaten at the Wendy's that practically on the property. And now I don't even want to think of Wendy's, even though I still love me a cheeseburger! My favorite cheeseburger is still Claud's on Peoria. So delicious! They also have the best french fries.

Then I moved onto Arby's roasted chicken sandwich, then grilled cheese with my favorite one being at Sonoma. Then, I craved a Subway sandwich for like 2 weeks straight. Before this, I hadn't eaten at Subway in like 2-3 years. Ice cream has been my best friend for several weeks. I have eaten at least two bowls every night for 8 weeks or so. My favorite and only kind is Belfonte chocolate. You can only buy this at QuikTrip and now Food Pyramid. Try at your own risk! You have been warned.

 On April 2nd I think I felt Baby A move for the first time. Of course, I cannot know for sure who I am feeling, but i like to think I know. So just pretend. He kicked so fast that I almost feel like I dreamed it and it really didn't happen. He only did it once. Prior to this I have felt some very subtle rolling like feeling, but nothing that I consider the first real movement because I want to be 1005 sure when it happens. Then on a Tuesday night, April 16th, I laid down to go to bed I started feeling a lot of movement on the right side. I yelled for Rocky and we were both able to feel at least one baby move! I know for sure that I wasn't dreaming and I was 100% sure that this was for real. All I could do was laugh hysterically out loud. It is the most amazing feeling I have ever felt. Now I know why my friends and family could never describe it with words. It is an indescribable feeling. I am so grateful that God has allowed me to know this feeling!

April 11th, 2013

Symptoms: I still feel pretty good. My main symptom is indigestion. Exercise actually helps with my indigestion.

Exercise: CrossFit 2-3 times per week. Running- one time per week for 3 miles at the most.

Belly Circ: 35 inches

Weight Gain: 17 lbs

Aversions: Chicken cooked at home or should I say most grilled chicken. Now, I can totally eat my fave meal at Wild Fork--Red cornmeal Crusted Chicken- YUM!

New Craving: Ultimate Chocolate Chip Cookies from Toll House. They are better than any other chocolate chip cookie...at least they are right now.

Ultrasound:

Babies: We had our 20 week anatomy scan and the boys both look perfect. Baby B has an echogenic area on the papillary muscle of his heart, but this usually goes away and means nothing. I haven't thought a thing about it. Our imaging capabilities are so good now that we can see so much than before so we are seeing every little thing. 

Baby A - Heart Rate - 151; 10 ounces, head down. 

Baby B - HR - 141; 10 ounces, head up. 

Cervical Length - 2.5cm. This was my first cervical length check. Cervical length can help predict the risk of pre-term labor in the future. Mine looks great. If it becomes to short then bed rest is usually the next step.

Baby A Profile

The thin line that you see between the two babies is the membrane that separates them. It is so thin that it is like saran wrap, but it doesn't break. Amazing! Glad they are already used to sharing because life outside the womb isn't going to change. Ha

Baby A's beautiful leg. Cutest femur bone I have ever seen. 

I went to Austin with my best friend right after my 20 week appointment. My last trip down there until after the babies. :-(  My nephew Radcliffe wanting to see the babies. He point to Baby A and Baby B, but he wants to see my bare belly when he does it. It makes my heart melt!