Happy Halloween 2013..Baby Bump's 1st Halloween!

This year's Halloween was pretty low-key to what we are usually used to. No parties this year at all. It was kind of nice doing our own thing and relaxing! Here is a look back on our past Halloween's and of course this year's Halloween! It's pretty surreal that this will be our last Halloween just the two of us...next year we will have two bundles of joy to dress up! We can't hardly wait!

Halloween Party in Kansas City. Jared was a rocker and I was his groupie! 2010

The Vampire Lair. Halloween party at our house! 2011

Halloween costume party at our friend's house! 2012

Baby Bump's 1st Halloween! 2013

Our family of 4 + our dog Greta!

I Love My Bump: Week 25

How far along?
25 weeks, 5 days today!

Trimester?
2nd!

How many days until my due date?
71 to 36 weeks

How big are the babies?
The babies are the size of cauliflower!

Weight gain?
I went to the doctor this week and I've gained another 4 pounds. Putting me at a grand total of 22 pounds.

What milestones did the babies reach this week?
Nails are starting to form on the fingers and toes. They are starting to grasp its hands and wiggle their fingers and toes. So sweet!

Pregnancy symptoms?
Heartburn every night! YUCK! These boys better have hair. lol.

Cravings/Aversions?
Cravings this week...nothing really, surprisingly.

Sleep?
I've been sleeping well. My hips hurt a little at night but other than that i'm ok.

Belly Button?
It's still there but not popped out yet.

Wedding rings on or off?
On!

Swelling?
No swelling yet!

Labor signs?
None!

Dreams?
I dreamed I had triplets this week...

Best moment of the week?
Getting to see the boys and getting a 4d of Liam! The boys look different from each other!!! His arm and umbilical cord were in the way a little but you can kid of see his little face! And the sonographer said his nose is a little spread out and smushed but that will change in the coming weeks!

Liam's nose and lips!

What I'm loving?
Halloween is this week!!!!

What I miss?
I was missing wearing buckle clothes...however, I did some shopping and got some buckle jeans and a couple shirts that I love!

What I'm looking forward to?
Our maternity pictures are this week. I'm so excited to see Lyndsey Portell in action! She is amazing!

What emotions have I experienced this week?
Relief! I passed the dreaded glucose test and I'm not anemic! Very thankful for both of those things. I've been emotional thinking that we will be meeting these boys in 11 weeks!

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



Movement?
They are starting to move more throughout the day, but their most active time is around 5-6 AM

Stretch marks?
None yet!!! I'm hoping lathering up with this tummy butter and cocoa butter lotion will work wonders!

What has daddy been up to this week?
Jared has been working hard. He will be assisting me in the coming weeks getting our Christmas décor up...early I know but I need to get it done since I will start my weekly appts. soon! 

When do I think I will go into labor?
My doctor told me this week he thinks at this point everything is looking good for me to make it to 36 weeks! Jan. 11, 2014. So looks like we will have a baby by then!

Nesting?
Not to much. Buying baby stuff as usual! I've started washing baby clothes!!!

Devotional from the book, "Expecting Praying for your Child's Development Body & Soul": Gift of Food: Taste Buds
Taste and see that the Lord is good. -Psalm 34:8 God, my babies' taste buds are completely developed now. They can use their little tongues to taste things! I am amazed at how taste buds work in connection with the brain, registering likes and dislikes. At first, there won't be much variety in the babies' diet, but then I'll have the privilege of introducing them to their first fruits, vegetables, and grains. I know I'll have some measure of control over what they eat, but their taste buds are unique to them. They will like what they like. God, would you help me to expose my children to a wide variety of healthy foods? Would you bless them with taste buds that embrace foods of all kinds, from all cultures? I want them to be well rounded, to be willing to try anything once, and to be comfortable eating the food in any part of the world. Help me to teach them that every good and perfect give comes from you- even food- and model a spirit of gratitude for each gift.  

Glucose Tolerance Test

I PASSED!!!!!!

Today I had my glucose tolerance test...the test I've been dreading ever since I found out I was pregnant. Most people told me how awful it was and it made them sick. I had a few people say that it really wasn't that bad. I got to my appt. and immediately they gave me a choice of drink: lemon-lime, fruit punch, or orange. I chose orange since I don't like orange soda anyway just in case I was really turned off by it. I had five minutes to drink it, so I set my timer on my phone thinking it would take me a while. I started drinking and it wasn't bad at all!!! Only took me two minutes and I was done. It did give me heartburn however! An hour later they checked my blood and I went in to see the doctor for my usual appt. They also checked my blood for anemia. He said it's very common with people carrying twins or multiples to be anemic. He really thought I would be...but I'm not!!! So glad I passed that part as well!!! He gave me the good news that everything was looking great and most people with twins are experiencing some contractions and pre-term labor by this point. I have been blessed not to have experienced it yet. But if I do, then there is medicine to try and other things before immediately going to bed rest. We talked about my cervix which is still the same Praise God! And he thinks by the looks of everything at this point that I should make it to 36 weeks! Yay! That was my goal! Of course I asked how long the babies would stay in the NICU if born at 36 weeks and he said likely they would be fine and be able to go home! Another relief! I just have to keep them in there baking until then! We talked about the actual birth which of course I want to have a normal birth. He said that's what he wants too and baby a's head had to be down in order for that to be possible. 70% of the time baby a will be head down, so that's pretty good statistics, and right now Liam is pretty much head down all the time when I go to the doctor! That must be his sweet spot. Another good appt. and more relief fell over me after. I can't believe that I'm getting so close to the end. I mean at the 36 week mark...that's only 11 weeks away! WOW!!! I'm so excited to meet these handsome boys. Speaking of handsome...I got a 4d on Liam at my appt. as well! He doesn't look like Asher. Which means...he looks more like me!!! I wanted them to look different and I'm pretty sure they are going to! Asher wouldn't cooperate at all so no new pictures of him. The sonographer said it is very rare to get a 4d on both babies at the same appt. She said we can try next time. My next appt. is in two weeks!

I Love My Bump: Week 24

6 Months!!!

 

 

How far along?
24 weeks, 5 days today!

Trimester?
2nd!

How many days until my due date?
107 to Feb 8th, 78 to my goal 36 weeks!

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

 

Weight gain?
I've gained about 18 pounds total!

What milestones did the babies reach this week?
Although little hair color can be seen at this stage the boys have some hair growth on the top of their heads. I can't wait to see it on the ultrasound soon! They are weighing in at approximately 1 pound 11 ounces and are 12 inches tall. Sections of their lungs are expanding and they are starting to produce lung surfactant which helps to keep the lungs from collapsing after birth. The brain is growing quickly now, and taste buds are continuing to develop. Their skin is still thin and translucent, but that will start changing soon.

Pregnancy symptoms?
I've had heartburn still. It usually doesn't bother me until I lay down for bed. I have a little more energy than I did in the past couple weeks.

Cravings/Aversions?
Cravings this week...pasta house salad, a hamburger one day, potato soup, anything pasta, French toast sticks and milk

Sleep?
I've been sleeping pretty good. Not getting up at 3 or 4 but maybe one night a week, and it's usually because I'm wondering if we have enough clothes, diapers, and wipes.

Belly Button?
It's still there but not popped out yet.

Wedding rings on or off?
On!

Swelling?
No swelling yet!

Labor signs?
None!

Dreams?
No crazy dreams this week

Best moment of the week?
Not being as tired and being able to do more stuff around the house. Cooking every day so my wonderful husband has a break from that. I got the boy's Christmas tree in the mail and I LOVE it!!! It's flocked and adorable! 

What I'm loving?
FALL!!!! Halloween is almost here and I really love all the things of this season.

What I miss?
Eating certain foods, wearing all my old clothes (even though I'm just buying a size up in jeans from the buckle...makes me feel more normal lol)

What I'm looking forward to?
Halloween in 7 days!!! Our maternity pictures in 10 days, and our baby shower in 16 days!! I'm so excited!!! I go back to the doctor Monday and of course we are going to do some shopping. That's what I do best lol. I am hoping Liam cooperates so I can get a 4d and see who he looks like. I have a feeling he will probably look like his daddy too!

What emotions have I experienced this week?
Thankful everyday that these two boys are continuing to grow strong!

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


Movement?
They are starting to move more throughout the day, but their most active time is around 4-5AM

Stretch marks?
None yet!!! I'm hoping lathering up with this tummy butter and cocoa butter lotion will work wonders!

What has daddy been up to this week?
Jared has been working hard as usual!!

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'm going to start the finishing touches on the nursery this week. I have to get some more wall art for the walls. And I'm going to hang a couple of our maternity pictures in there in a couple weeks.  

Devotional from the book, "Expecting Praying for your Child's Development Body & Soul": Truth: Swallow
Jesus said, "If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free." -John 8:31-32 Lord, my babies can swallow now! A reflex I take for granted so often. Will you be with my babies right now as they develop all the functions they need to survive outside of me? I know my child will face countless opportunities as they grow older to lie instead of tell the truth. Will you give them words that are true and right? Will you keep them from half-truths and bending the truth? Show them that lying makes things worse in the long run. It is always best to tell the truth-even when there are consequences. Help me to teach them your truth. They will eventually have to figure things out on their own, but I can give them a firm foundation by introducing them to your words at an early age. "Keep falsehood and lies far from me, " King Solomon prays in the book of Proverbs. I pray the same thing for my child, Father.

I Love My Bump: Week 23

Audrey's Wedding

How far along?
23 weeks, 5 days today!

Trimester?
2nd!

How many days until my due date?
114 to Feb 8th, 85 to my goal 36 weeks!

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

 

Weight gain?
I went to the doctor this week..and I've gained more weight. I gained 5 more pounds. Putting me at a total weight gain of 18 pounds!

What milestones did the babies reach this week?
Taste buds have formed but the babies won't taste anything for several more months. Most of the fetal internal organs are now in place and beginning to function well. Sense of movement is developed well and babies can feel me moving. They are more than 11 inches in length and Liam weighs 1 pound 7 ounces and Asher weighs 1 pound 6 ounces! Usually at this point they are supposed to weigh around a pound. So they are growing strong! I can see them squirming under my clothes and bare belly! It's pretty exciting. But when they are wide awake from 3-6 every night it's not as much fun. Blood vessels in their lungs are developing to prepare for breathing, and their hearing is keen. Their cochlea (the inner ear mechanism that houses all components of hearing) is fully formed. So they can hear what I hear, but not at the same level. The sounds are muffled by muscles and tissues around my belly, the placenta, and the amniotic fluid.

Pregnancy symptoms?
I've had a pretty good week so far. I've heartburn quite a bit. I'm beginning to be more hungry. I've been extremely tired this week (could be my crazy week last week from my best friend's wedding.)

Cravings/Aversions?
Cravings this week...Panera! I've been craving coffee which I can't have, chocolate (Lord help me!) I'm more thirsty! I've been craving potato soup, chicken enchilada, Eggo cinnamon pull apart sticks, rice krispies, salad!!!!
No aversions this week!

Sleep?
I've been sleeping really well, which is surprising because I take an afternoon nap almost everyday. My hips do go numb and I have to adjust quite a bit.  

Belly Button?
My belly button is barely there.  I can't even hardly stick my pinky finger in it at all! I guess it will pop out soon!

Wedding rings on or off?
On!

Swelling?
No swelling yet!

Labor signs?
None!

Dreams?
I dreamed my friend Allison was pregnant. Hmmmmm

Best moment of the week?
Seeing my best friend Audrey get married!!!! Beautiful wedding and we had an awesome time! I really found this week how much I truly miss her being around! I finally decided on which camera I wanted and I'm so happy with it!!! Last but def. not least...I went to Dr. Paul and it was my best appointment yet! My cervix was measuring at a 35! Yay!!! No stitch yet again. They feel more comfortable now that I'm getting further along that I won't need it. The BEST part of this week was getting a surprise 4d ultrasound!!!! Guess what...Asher looks just like his daddy but has my chin! He's absolutely precious and it makes me even more excited to meet these handsome boys. Liam wouldn't cooperate and kept his little arm over his face the whole time! Boy he has cute arms! I was so excited to hear that every appointment from now on they will try and do a 4d! How awesome!!!! I can't wait to see a 4d when their eyes open. How amazing! I got my flu shot since I will be having them in the winter and bringing them home. I just really can't believe how fast this time is flying by. I could potentially be meeting these two princes in about 13 weeks if I have them at 36 weeks!

My new toy!

 A couple pictures I took  of our dog Greta to try out my new camera!

 

What I'm loving?
FALL!!!! Halloween is almost here and I really love all the things of this season.

What I miss?
I really miss eating certain things that I can't eat while pregnant. I miss shopping at the buckle which was my life story before I was pregnant. I miss being a size 4 (even though I can wear them just can't zip them lol)! I miss not being able to walk a lot or shop like I used to be able to do for ten hours straight!

What I'm looking forward to?
Halloween in a couple weeks! Our maternity pictures coming up soon and also our baby shower!!!!! How surreal that will be!

What emotions have I experienced this week?
Elated!! I'm so happy that my pregnancy is going so well and I haven't had any problems thus far. So thankful to God everyday!

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

Asher's first 4D! Looks just like his daddy, but has my chin!

Jared

Me!

Asher's Face

Asher's Profile

Liam's Profile with his little hand on his face

Liam's face

Movement?
All the time! They have their days and nights mixed up!! They are both kicking and going crazy from 3-6 every morning!

Stretch marks?
None yet!!! I'm hoping lathering up with this tummy butter and cocoa butter lotion will work wonders!

What has daddy been up to this week?
Jared loves feeling the babies move. I think he's kind of amazed at how strongly you can feel the movements. We are just really enjoying this experience that we've waited three years for!

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?
Well...I did buy them a flocked Christmas tree for their nursery lol. With a ton of boy ornaments! I can't wait to get it up. I'm going to start my decorating the first of November because I know it's going to take me a while.

Devotional from the book, "Expecting Praying for your Child's Development Body & Soul": Rest: Sleep!
"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light." -Matthew 11:28-30 Father, my babies eyelids are completely formed. These fragile and delicate pieces of skin will enable them to get the sleep a growing baby needs. As they grow, rest will continue to be an important part of their life. I know little ones are so active and have all kinds of energy, but need their rest too! Help me to gently remind them when they need some downtime and to enforce it even when they are unwilling. Help us to make the Sabbath an important part of our week as a family. You've wired us in such a way that we need regular rest. Help us to resist the temptation to go, go, go twenty-four hours a day, sevcn days a week. Show our children that you'll take care of them while they rest and that you won't let them fall behind in school, sports, and life when they take time to rest each week in you.

I Love My Bump: Week 22

How far along?
22 weeks, 4 days today!

 

Trimester?
2nd!

How many days until my due date?
122 to Feb 8th, 93 to my goal 36 weeks!

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

 

Weight gain?
I haven't weighed in this week...so I'll go with my weight gain so far of 13 pounds!

What milestones did the babies reach this week?
The brain is growing and starting to develop more complex neurological connections. From head to foot, the babies are around 11 inches long with a weight of over 1 pound. They are growing!!! Just below newly formed eyebrows and beneath newly formed eyelids are more developed eyes that continue to sense light. If given the chance they might turn away from bright lights. They can now hear my heart beat, my stomach churn, and hear the sound of our voice!!! 

Pregnancy symptoms?
I've had a pretty good week so far. Aside from my ever growing stomach!!!

Cravings/Aversions?
Cravings this week...cheddar cheese, chocolate chip cookie dough (which I can't have!!), long john silvers chicken and fries, and fresh baked ham (which my grandma made for me last Sunday!) My new obsession is cinnamon raisin swirl toast with a little cinnamon sugar on top!!
No aversions this week!

Sleep?
My pregnancy pillow is my new best friend! I am obsessed with him lol. Yes I've named him. Pregnant or not I will use this pillow!!

Belly Button?
My belly button is barely there.  I can't even hardly stick my pinky finger in it at all! I guess it will pop out soon!

Wedding rings on or off?
On!

Swelling?
No swelling yet!

Labor signs?
None!

Dreams?
No crazy dreams this week yet!

Best moment of the week?
The best moment this week is coming on Saturday!! My dearest, oldest, best friend Audrey is getting married!!!! So it's wedding week here in Potosi!!! I'm so excited for her and I can't wait for her to experience one of God's greatest gifts, marriage!

What I'm loving?
The cool weather! Even though our house is still only 68 degrees because I get hot at night!

What I miss?
I really miss eating certain things that I can't eat while pregnant. I miss shopping at the buckle which was my life story before I was pregnant. I miss being a size 4! I miss not being able to walk a lot or shop like I used to be able to do for ten hours straight!

What I'm looking forward to?
Audrey's wedding and another week closer to meeting these two handsome babies!

What emotions have I experienced this week?
Relaxation!!!! I've been so at ease ever since my last doctors appointment!

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

Movement?
All the time! Even at 3:00 in the morning...I'm hoping this isn't their sleep schedule! :/ They are definitely moving up in my uterus. I can feel them kick right above my belly button now. It's so exciting!

Stretch marks?
None yet!!! I'm hoping lathering up with this tummy butter and cocoa butter lotion will work wonders!

What has daddy been up to this week?
Jared is the greatest husband God has ever let live! He rubs my feet and back every night! He waits on me hand and foot. The cutest thing is when he leans down and talks to the babies.

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?
Not really doing any nesting.

Devotional from the book, "Expecting Praying for your Child's Development Body & Soul": Listening: Hearing
"Everyone should be quick to listen, slow to speak, and slow to become angry." -James 1:19 Lord, my babies can hear sounds outside of my womb now! They can hear my voice. I can start communicating with my little ones weeks before they enter the world. What a privilege! Father, as they grow, will you keep those little ears of their open? Will you help them to hear the cries of the poor, the forsaken, the helpless? Will you give them a sensitivity to others and a heart that wants to help? So often, I turn a deaf ear to the needs of those around me and focus on my own selfish desires. I don't want to be like that anymore. And I don't want my children to be like that either. Help me to show them what it means to be in tune with others, to care about them more than you care about yourself. From and early age, may they be aware of those who need a tender touch- and then reach out and touch them.

I Love My Bump: Week 21

21 Weeks!!!

 This is my 100th post!!

How far along?
21 weeks, 4 days today!

Trimester?
2nd!

How many days until my due date?
129 to Feb 8th, 100 to my goal 36 weeks!

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

 

Weight gain?
I have gained 1 pound this week! Bringing my grand total to 13 pounds!

What milestones did the babies reach this week?
To stay warm the babies are developing body fat and a thin layer of hair called lanugo. They are supposed to weigh about 12 ounces, but our boys are weighing right at a pound!! They are around 11 inches long! They can hiccup as a means to practice breathing and swallowing amniotic fluid in order to practice eating. They are practicing martial arts skills and I can now feel full-fledged kicks and nudges. Their eyebrows and lids are present now!! These are the latest ultrasound pictures!

Asher's legs on top, Liam's legs crossed on bottom! Long Legs!

Asher waving to Mom & Dad

Liam Alexander

Asher Matthew

  

Pregnancy symptoms?
Emotional, on edge! I get aggravated and annoyed realllly fast. Round ligament pain is awful and I wouldn't wish it on my worst enemy!  I have had two bad episodes so far. (thought I was going into labor...sweating, curled up in a ball in the floor and couldn't walk, couldn't talk, pain in my abdomen shooting down into my groin area, and back ache!) So this is entirely worse because of twins! Yet another hoop.  

Cravings/Aversions?
Cravings this week...California pizza kitchen avocado egg rolls! Yummy!! Thankfully I got to eat some Monday!
No aversions this week!

Sleep?
What sleep this week? Every night so far this week I was up at 3AM and couldn't fall back asleep until around 6AM...however, I got a pregnancy pillow!!! I LOVE it!!!! It's the best invention ever!

Belly Button?
My belly button is barely there. I guess it will pop out soon!

Dreams?
No crazy dreams this week yet...I don't think I stay asleep long enough to dream!

Best moment of the week?
I really like going to the doctor for reassurance that everything is going well! And getting ultrasounds every two weeks is nice! I am so much more relaxed this week than last week. After talking with the doctor about all of questions about pregnancy...gas/constipation, ligament pain, backache, heartburn, exercise, and cervical changes... much more relaxed because all of it is normal and there are things to take and do to relieve the pain! My cervix is still the same. So he says that's great! If it were going to be drastically changing it would be changing by now. So relieved!!! It's weird because if I was having one baby it wouldn't be a worry at all. People with twins have many more hoops to jump through!

What I'm loving?
The evening fall weather!

What I'm looking forward to?
I'm looking forward to each week passing by!

What emotions have I experienced this week?
Nervous and scared because I had never experienced round ligament pain. So when I got it I thought I was going into labor. Who knew it would be so bad! I've heard it's a multiples thing!

Boys, Girls, or Both?

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

Movement?
All.The.Time! Kicking, raising their butts in the air. Pretty amazing!!!

Stretch marks?
None yet!!!

What has daddy been up to this week?
Jared really was nervous one night I had the ligament pain. He had never seen me in that much pain before. He stayed up pretty much the whole night and took care of me and then went to work at 7:30AM! He's the best. Don't know what I would do without him. He has been cleaning up, cooking, and tending to my every need!

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?
Not really doing much these days!

Devotional from the book, "Expecting Praying for your Child's Development Body & Soul": Protection: Fat
"You are my hiding place; you will protect me from trouble and surround me with songs of deliverance." -Psalm 32:7 My little babies are adding fat to their bones this week. How exciting! This fat will keep them warm when they leave my cozy womb and enter this big, cold world. These layers of fat will cushion and protect them-and give me something to kiss and pinch. Lord, I pray that you will always keep my children warm and protected. I thank you that they will be born in a warm place and live in a warm home. I thank you that we can afford diapers, clean clothing, and blankets. And they will have their mom and many other loved ones to snuggle with around the clock. God, will you send your angels to protect my darling children? As much as I'd love to be there for them every second of their life, I know I can't be. Even if I could, some things are beyond my control. Help me to trust you to protect my little ones. They already mean the world to me!!!!