I Love My Bump: Week 20

5 Months! I'm feeling pretty good! Excited that I'm finally at this point!
This is my first bare belly photo!

wow it looks really big!

 

 

How far along?
20 weeks, 4 days!

Trimester?
2nd!

How many days until my due date?
136 to Feb 8th, 109 to my goal 36 weeks

How big are the babies?
The babies are the size of a banana!

 

Weight gain?
I have gained 13 pounds!

What milestones did the babies reach this week?
The babies I'm estimating weigh 12-13 ounces (since they are ahead of schedule) I'll find out for sure in a couple days! The average weight at this point is 10 1/2 ounces. They are 10 inches from head to heel! They are swallowing more these days, which is good practice for the digestive system. They are also producing meconium, a black sticky by-product of digestion. This gooey substance will accumulate in their bowels and we will see it in their first soiled diaper. Fetal kicks are more prominent at this stage.

Pregnancy symptoms?
Emotional... I also have heartburn so bad quite often and it really comes with anything I eat. The only thing that helps me is whole milk and tums. I'm tired a lot! I get to the point where I just can not go anymore. Back pain!!! Sciatic nerve pain! Round ligament pain! It's hard work growing twins!!! I had a really bad scare this week and thought I was having contractions...needless to say it was really bad gas pain. Like the worst pain of my life thus far.

Cravings/Aversions?
Cravings this week...milk, Mexican (really good for my heartburn or gas/constipation..not!), rice krispies,  kit-kat bars, twix bars, Extra-sharp cheddar cheese, M&M blizzard! Grape slush!!!!

Sleep?
I'm sleeping alright...my hips are feeling a little better. I wake up at least twice a week between 3-4AM. This week so far I've been awake at 4AM every night...and it's only Wednesday! I'm a little worn out!

Belly Button?
My belly button has started to disappear. Like I can't even hardly stick my pinky finger in it...

Dreams?
I gave birth to two dachshunds this week. One was fat and then one looked just like our dog Greta. Pretty interesting.

Best moment of the week?
My cervix is still the same! YAY!!! Praise God! It actually measured a little longer this week...3.7 and then 3.4 when Liam's head was pushing up against it.

What I'm loving?
  FALL!! I'm loving feeling them kick and move around! It's quite amazing!

What I'm looking forward to?
Going to see Dr. Paul next Monday! I love getting ultrasounds and pictures every two weeks! I'm looking forward to possibly seeing them suck on their toes, which they are supposed to be doing at this point. How precious!

What emotions have I experienced this week?
Relief, happiness, anxious (I want to see them!!), nervous! I'm going to have two babies!!! At the same time!!!!

Boys, Girls, or Both?
BOYS!!!! Liam Alexander Politte & Asher Matthew Politte

Movement?
All the time! Kicks, rolling over, butt in the air is their favorite thing to do and we can see that happening and feel it...quite amazing. They are very active right now! They have hiccups...so sweet!!

Stretch marks?
None yet!!! I've heard that this could be occurring within the next couple weeks! The good thing is I have stretched quite a bit and haven't had any itching so that's a good sign.

What has daddy been up to this week?
He has been still taking care of me! Cleaning, cooking, doing dishes, and doing pretty much whatever I ask of him whenever I ask. I am really so very blessed to have a husband like Jared! My favorite thing is when he puts his hand on my belly every night before bed or on the couch to feel the boys moving. It's very sweet!

When do I think I will go into labor?
My doctor wants me to try and make it to 36 or 37 weeks. 36 weeks will be January 11, 2014 and 37 weeks will be January 18, 2014! So definitely before my due date, but still at a safe zone!

Nesting?
I haven't really been doing much of anything. I've been so tired!

Devotional from the book, "Expecting Praying for your Child's Development Body & Soul": Gender
"A wife of noble character who can find? She is worth far more than rubies. Her husband has full confidence in her and lacks nothing of value...Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her. -Proverbs 31:10-11, 28
I'll be so thrilled with either a girl or a boy. It's boys!!! I know the boys gender will largely determine the course of my life as a mom. I'm ready for anything. What a miracle. Oh, I pray that my babies will embrace his God-given sexuality. Give them a fierce desire to keep their minds and bodies pure. I pray for their future mate, that they will save their virginity for her on their wedding night. Will you bless their future children? After carrying two children for just 20 weeks, I want any woman who so desires to experience this miracle for themselves-especially my own children. Lord, help them to love being men- and give them the strength to be exactly the men you want them to be.

Bridal Shower Bonanza!

I'm so glad this weekend is over! I am exhausted!!! My grandma and I threw my dearest friend Audrey a lingerie shower and a wedding shower at Church! The showers turned out so well and we had a really great time! Now on to the wedding October 12th!

 

Our next shower was at Church...

 

Here are some pictures of Cornelius and Audrey!



I Love My Bump: Week 19

19 weeks!

 

I really can't believe that this time is flying by so fast! I'm almost 5 months! My stomach is growing very very fast! I wake up every morning and think "Where did this come from?"

 

How far along?
19 weeks, 4 days today!

Trimester?
2nd!

How many days until my due date?
143 to Feb 8th, 114 to my goal 36 weeks!

How big are the babies?
The babies are the size of a mango!

 

Weight gain?
I have gained 12 pounds!

What milestones did the babies reach this week?
They are supposed to weigh half a pound (around 8 ounces)! Liam weighs 11 ounces, and Asher weighs 10 ounces! They are supposed to be around 6 inches long, Liam & Asher are about 7 1/2 inches long! So they are a little ahead, which is great! They can make intricate facial gestures, such as frowning and smiling! Unique fingerprints have now formed on the tips of the fingers and tiny blood vessels are visible under the skin. Their sensory development is exploding this week! Their brains are designating specialized areas for smell, taste, hearing, vision, and touch. They can hear my voice...how precious! Their kidneys are continuing to make urine and the hair on their scalp is sprouting...I wonder if that's why I have heartburn a lot?? A waxy protective coating called the vernix caseosa is forming on the skin to prevent it from pickling in my amniotic fluid.

Pregnancy symptoms?
Extremely emotional...I cry at commercials sometimes. Having to visit the bathroom a lot! Short of breath!!! My ribs are hurting due to their expansion. When I lay on my side I feel like things are ripping inside my stomach! Ouch. I'm extremely tired all.the.time. again! Heartburn!! I have never had heartburn before in my life...I'm wondering if they will have hair? Hair is sprouting now...

Cravings/Aversions?
Cravings this week...milk, tootsie rolls, decaf coffee, anything Mexican! Extra-sharp cheddar cheese!!!!!!!! YUM!

Sleep?
I'm sleeping alright...my hips are starting to hurt again! And of course my occasional nights where my body thinks it's time to get up at 4:00AM.

Belly Button?
My belly button has started to disappear.

Dreams?
I had a dream that Liam was born, Asher was still in the womb. Liam was a biggg baby. I dreamed that I was feeding him and milk started squirting everywhere and he shrunk down to a small size baby. Then when Jared came home to see him, he shrunk down to the size of a Barbie and was dancing around the bed. I'm. Officially. Weird!

Best moment of the week?
Going to see Dr. Paul and getting our anatomy scan done! AMAZING!!! My cervix is looking great and the babies got a clean bill of health! No birth defects and all organs are in working order!

What I'm loving?
FALL weather has finally arrived! Time for boots, leggings, sweaters, scary movies, Halloween, and more!

What I'm looking forward to?
I'm looking forward to Audrey's personal shower and Church shower this week! I'm crazy busy working on that!!

What emotions have I experienced this week?
Happy and Relieved!!! A little sad I turned 27! Crazyyyyy!

Boys, Girls, or Both?

BOYS!!!! Liam Alexander Politte & Asher Matthew Politte

Movement?
Yes all the time now!!! It is so much more than a tickle. It really feels like a kick, or flip, or something!

Stretch marks?
None yet!!!

What has daddy been up to this week?
He has been still taking care of me of course. Exciting time this week for him, he felt one of the boys move in my stomach! The look on his face was priceless! I think that made it more real for him!!

When do I think I will go into labor?
My doctor wants me to try and make it to 36 or 37 weeks. 36 weeks will be January 11, 2014 and 37 weeks will be January 18, 2014! So definitely before my due date, but still at a safe zone!

Nesting?
Shopping, shopping, shopping! I know two little boys that are already spoiled! I'm loving every minute of it!!

My grandpa came down to work on the closet. I wanted to add some shelves and another rod. It turned out perfect!!!

Devotional from the book, "Expecting Praying for your Child's Development Body & Soul": Foundation: Feet!
"Make level paths for your feet and take only ways that are firm." -Proverbs 4:26 Lord, this might be the week I feel my baby kick me. His feet are getting stronger, and their learning how to use them. What a miracle. I pray that you will bless my children's feet. I pray that you will grant them firm footing as they walk through life. It says in the book of Psalms that those who love your word will have great peace, and nothing will make them stumble. I pray that you will instill in my children a love for your Word and keep them from stumbling all of their days. Will you help me establish a firm foundation for them- a home and family that are solid and sure? Will you help them to make good choices and avoid dangerous mistakes? Will you keep them off the slippery slope and lead them on firm, level paths? Those tiny feet will grow bigger and bigger with each passing year. Please keep them moving in the right direction!


A Clean Bill of Health!

I went to the doctor today to have my cervical length checked and to have our anatomy scan. Our anatomy scan was at 8:45AM and took an hour and a half to complete. I was very pleased with our two princes they cooperated very well for the sonographer! I was very nervous during the scan because I knew that if anything was wrong or was missing from their little bodies they would tell me. When the scan was over we checked my cervical length and it was at 3.4mm then 3.2mm when Liam was pushing up against it. Liam's sweet spot is head down on my cervix. I was thrilled with those numbers because it isn't changing. After the scan we headed over to Dr. Paul's office to get the full evaluation and to hear what he thinks about my cervical length. Here are the new pictures of our perfect little boys!

Liam's Profile

 

Liam's Face

Asher's Profile

Asher's Face

  We met with Dr. Paul and he said that the first things to check off the worry list are birth defects and body parts and organs. I am so relieved and glad to say that he said both boys are perfect!! Birth defects are not an issue (Praising God!) and all of their organs and body parts are present and in good working order (Praising God!) The next thing to check off the worry list...my cervical length. It was perfectly normal!!! YAY!!! He said since it hasn't changed in the course of two months that this is just how I'm made. Normal is anywhere from 3-4mm. So I'm so happy about that. He said I don't have to be afraid of them "falling out" or it shortening rapidly. HUGE sigh of relief!!!! I feel like I don't have to worry every single day about preterm labor or them coming wayyyy to early. I was so happy leaving this Dr. appt.!! It was hands down the best one yet! Such good news all around! I'm so thankful to God for answering prayers and allowing us to have two perfect baby boys!

It's quite amazing how much in love I am with these two! I didn't really think it would be as strong until they got here but the more I feel them move and the bigger they get it's so much more real! I'm so blessed for this family of four!

Twenty-Seven

Wow I'm 27 years old today! I can't believe it. It seems just yesterday I was in college and planning my wedding! I had a great birthday!!!

Jared's parents cooked dinner for me and got a couple outfits for the boys, a Halloween pumpkin that I put in the nursery (because Jared's mom knows I LOVE Halloween!), and an Origami Owl necklace that I'm in love with!!!!!!! The necklace has two hearts with blue baby feet on them, a crystal P for our last name, and the plate behind it says family!!

My grandparents took us out to eat Saturday night and cooked dinner for me on my actual birthday, Sunday. I got money from them, and clothes! My dad and Jennifer gave me money!!! Jared got me an owl plate, because I'm obsessed with owls! And money to buy my dslr camera!!!

I Love My Bump: Week 18

Week 18...4 1/2 months! I'm feeling much better just tired a little more! I went to the doctor and he said everything is looking perfect! I couldn't be happier!!! Here's to the next few months flying by so we can hold our handsome baby boys!

 

How far along?
18 weeks today!

 

Trimester?
2nd!

How many days until my due date?
154 to Feb 8th, 125 to my goal 36 weeks!

How big are the babies?
The babies are the size of a sweet potato!

 

Weight gain?
I have gained 11 pounds!

What milestones did the babies reach this week?
Head to rump the babies are around 5 1/2 inches long and are supposed to weigh around 7 ounces. Our boys are weighing 8 ounces and 7 ounces as of last Wednesday. They are busy flexing arms and legs. Their blood vessels are visible through the skin, and their ears are in their final position. A protective covering of myelin is beginning to form around their nerves. The boys' genitals are fully noticeable this week! Their reflexes are more fully developed. They can hiccup, yawn and move around inside the womb. Soft cartilage-like bones are starting to harden, making calcium and Vitamin-D an important part of your diet. Movements are fully noticeable this week!!!

Pregnancy symptoms?
I've been emotional and sensitive. I can still get mad about anything and everything at the drop of a hat. I have to get up multiple times a night to use the restroom. I'm tired a lot more!! I can only walk for about two hours shopping...a definite change for me!

Cravings/Aversions?
I've been craving milk...which is weird because when I'm not pregnant I would almost never drink milk but with desserts. I've been craving anything with pumpkin in it. The only gum I can stand is trident mint gum. Pizza hut pizza with bread sticks is on my craving list as well

Sleep?
I'm sleeping really well besides my occasional nights where my body thinks it's time to get up at 4:00AM.

Belly Button?
My belly button has started to disappear.

Dreams?
I had a dream Jared was trying to stab me. I've had a dream about swimming in a lake and snakes being in the water.

Best moment of the week?
Going to the doctor to have my cervical length checked and it was great!!! Yay! We also decided to just go to the high risk doctor now since I see him every 2 weeks anyway. I'm excited. I get an ultrasound every time I go so that's fun! It's also a lot easier on me and Jared and my grandma only having to worry about going to one doctor. It was very hectic going to Dr. Paul every two weeks and then Dr. Monterubio the third week. So Dr. Paul will now deliver the twins!

What I'm loving?
FALL!!! I decorated my house this week and I'm loving it. There is just something about fall décor that makes me happy. I'm also loving watching scary movies!!!!

What I'm looking forward to?
I'm looking forward to my 27th birthday next week...wow 27?! I'm looking forward to going to my actual anatomy scan on the 16th! That should be a fun scan...an hour and a half long for twins!

What emotions have I experienced this week?
I've been nervous about my cervical length shortening which it didn't!!! I've been nervous about not having enough baby clothes, socks, bibs, etc. -Silly I know!

Boys, Girls, or Both?

BOYS!!!! Liam Alexander Politte & Asher Matthew Politte
These pictures are from my doctor's appt. this week!! There are a lot of pictures of Liam this time!!! So thankful for them. This is the first time we have had a profile pictures of him! Asher wouldn't cooperate today which was unusual for him!

Asher

Liam

Liam

Liam

Movement?
 Yes. When I lay down at night! My doctor told me that this week I would be feeling it a lot more and more often!

Stretch marks?
None yet!!!

What has daddy been up to this week?
He has been still taking care of me. He has been doing a lot more around the house for me since I've been needing to rest more.

When do I think I will go into labor?
My doctor wants me to try and make it to 36 or 37 weeks. 36 weeks will be January 11, 2014 and 37 weeks will be January 18, 2014! So definitely before my due date, but still at a safe zone!

Nesting?
Shopping, shopping, shopping! We got their winter coats!!! Love them!!!

Devotional from the book, "Expecting Praying for your Child's Development Body & Soul": Walk-Legs!
"He has showed you O man what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God." -Micah 6:8
My baby's legs are lengthening this week, Lord. Their bones are getting harder and longer. I marvel at how you cause things to grow. As I think of our babies legs', I think of little ones learning to stand and then taking a step and then walking. And once they can walk, there's no stopping them. God, I want my children's legs to be physically fit and strong. But more important, I want them to use their legs to follow you. I want them to physically walk with you all of their days-in their actions, the places they go, the things they do. But also spiritually- making choices that honor you, seeking to please you always. I know it isn't always easy walking down that "narrow road." The pressure to conform will be high. Will you help me build up spiritual muscle in my children, so that walking with you is something they desire and are able to do?