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?

I Love My Bump: Week 17

Week 17... I feel like I'm starting to really blow up in my stomach area. My stomach has really started to pop out! Almost 4 1/2 months...wow!

How far along?
17 weeks, 4 days!

 

Trimester?
2nd!

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

How big are the babies?
The babies are the size of an onion!

 

Weight gain?
I have gained 10 pounds!

What milestones did the babies reach this week?
The babies' skeleton is changing from soft cartilage to bone, and the umbilical cord is growing stronger and thicker. The babies are supposed to weigh approximately 5 oz. however, our boys weigh 8 oz and 7 oz! They are 5 inches long from head to bottom. The boys can move their joints and sweat glands are starting to develop.

Pregnancy symptoms?
Now that I've found out it is ok to sleep on my back (for now) per my doctor...I've been feeling much better and sleeping more. My lower back has not been hurting like it was before. Pretty much all other symptoms have gone away. Toothpaste still gags me :(

Cravings/Aversions?
The only craving I've had so far this week is kit kat bars...

Sleep?
I'm sleeping pretty well. Usually a couple nights a week I wake up around 4AM thinking it's time to get up and stay awake from that point on.

Belly Button?
My belly button has started to disappear.

Dreams?
I had a dream about the movie Hocus Pocus, and how our son was the character Zachery Binks and he had to say goodbye to us. lol

Best moment of the week?
Seeing how big the babies are. Liam's legs are HUGE! It's really starting to scare me a little. haha.

What I'm loving?
It's almost fall! I love all of the new baby boy clothes we bought...which was quite a lot lately. I love waking up everyday and looking at my belly like where did that come from!?

What I'm looking forward to?
I'm looking forward to going back to the doctor and getting a good report. Puggles starts at Church today and I'm super excited!

What emotions have I experienced this week?
Emotional and moody! I can go from 0-60 in about one minute. So beware...

Boys, Girls, or Both?

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

Asher

Liam's favorite position...those are his legs in the air!

Asher looks like Matthew!

Movement?
 Yes. When I lay down at night!

Stretch marks?
None yet!!!

What has daddy been up to this week?
Jared has been taking care of me and rubbing my back, feet, neck, and legs. He has been doing a lot of housework since I'm supposed to be taking it easy 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!

Devotional from the book, "Expecting Praying for your Child's Development Body & Soul": Individuality: Fingerprints!
"I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made; your works are wonderful, I know that full well." -Psalm 139:14
Finishing up our boys' fingerprints and toe prints is on your creation agenda this week, Lord. I wonder how in the world you engrave those swirls and whorls and lines on those tiny little fingers and toes. A masterpiece that you will never again replicate exactly. I stand in awe. God, would you please help our children to embrace their uniqueness? I know that peer pressure starts at an early age. I know they are going to be faced with the desire to be like everybody else. Will you help us to instill in them an appreciation for their distinctive traits, that combination of qualities that sets them apart? Help them to delight in who they are, delight in who others are, and to be thankful that you bestowed different gifts upon us all. These are few greater blessings in life than to be perfectly content with who we are and what you have given us. I can't wait to meet these two little guys that you've fearfully and wonderfully made!

Time for Puggles!

We are ready to kick off another year of Puggles at Awana! Meagan & I are teaching the class together this year. Our room this year is a jungle!!! Literally!

I Love My Bump: Week 16

I can't believe I'm 4 months pregnant! It seems just like yesterday that I was going to the doctor for all of my pre-ivf appointments. I'm so ready for fall weather and all of the upcoming holidays! I'm thinking that these next months are going to fly!

 

How far along?
16 weeks, 2 days!

Trimester?
2nd!

How many days until my due date?
166 to Feb 8th, 137 to my goal 36 weeks!

How big are the babies?
The babies are the size of an avocado!

Weight gain?
I have gained 8 pounds so far!

What milestones did the babies reach this week?
The babies will be going through a growth spurt this week! The babies will double their weight and will add inches in length. They are 4 1/2 inches long from head to rump and weight roughly 3 1/2 ounces. Their legs are more developed and their heads are more erect. Their eyes and ears are closer to their final destination of where they need to be. The patterning of their scalps has begun, though the hair isn't recognizable yet. They have also started growing toenails. Their little hearts are now pumping about 25 quarts of blood each day, which will continue to rise in the coming weeks.

Pregnancy symptoms?
I am feeling better and have been able to eat pretty much everything again! I have a little more energy, but it catches up with me by the end of the week! I have been very moody and emotional. This past weekend was the worst so far...my back has been killing me! I feel like everything in me from my ribs down is being torn apart. I haven't been in that much pain in my life. I'm hoping everyone is right when they say "once your muscles have stretched you will feel better!" My hips are still hurting from laying on them at night. And I'm having round ligament pain! Fun times!

Cravings/Aversions?
The only craving I've had so far this week has been Cinnabon Pecans! They are amazing!Aversions have been onions!

Sleep?
I've been sleeping through the night more, however I cant get comfortable to fall asleep. My hips kill me because I have to lay on my sides. I've been using a body pillow in between my legs which helps a little.

Belly Button?
My belly button has started to disappear.

Dreams?
I had a dream that Jared cheated on me and then murdered me. That was a fun one.

Best moment of the week?
The best moment this week was getting to visit with my aunts and uncles even under the bad circumstances of losing my great-grandfather. Another great moment this week was my best friend, Jordan, finding out she's also having a baby boy! We will have three boys between us!! I'm so excited for Liam & Asher to have a playmate!

What I'm loving?
I love that time is flying by. I love that fall is almost here and that means time for apple cider, pumpkins, mums, Halloween, scary movies, turning leaves, soup, and fall nights!

What I'm looking forward to?
I'm looking forward to going to my other doctor this week and getting to see the boys! 

What emotions have I experienced this week?
Emotional and moody! I can go from 0-60 in about one minute. I haven't been this moody my whole pregnancy. I'm very sensitive and I worry about every little thing, which I've been told won't go away ever!

Boys, Girls, or Both?

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

 

Movement?
 I have felt flutters here and there.

Stretch marks?
None yet!!!

What has daddy been up to this week?
Jared has been tending to me and I think he's probably tired of having to give me back rubs, neck rubs, and foot massages. He helps me cook dinner and has been doing the laundry and things to help around the house.

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?
Just buying clothes and a few other things.

Devotional from the book, "Expecting Praying for your Child's Development Body & Soul": Cheerfulness: Facial Muscles!
"A cheerful look brings joy to the heart." -Proverbs 15:30
Father my boys are developing facial muscles this week. Are they registering emotion? Smiling and frowning for a reason? What an amazing thought! I would give anything to watch their little faces right now. To see them scrunch up in a frown, erupt in a grin, or squint in the sunlight. God, I want them to be a happy baby, happy children, and happy teenagers. I pray they will be known for their smile and not their scowl. That they will be a joy to know, that their happiness will be contagious. That their smile will bless everyone they meet. I pray that their faces are a reflection of the joy they have found in you. That people will want to know why they are so happy and that they will be ready and willing to share the reason. Help my boys to tell others about how they were created by the God of the universe, and how they have a personal relationship with His son, Jesus Christ.

I Love My Bump: Week 15

Week 15 is here!! I went to the baby doctor yesterday and everything is looking great! I can't believe I'm almost halfway through!

How far along?
15 weeks, 3 days!

Trimester?
2nd!

How many days until my due date?
172

How big are the babies?
The babies are the size of an orange!

Weight gain?
I went to the doctor this week and I have gained a grand total of 8 pounds! Thankfully so far it's in my belly!

What milestones did the babies reach this week?
The babies are roughly measuring 4 inches from crown to rump and weigh approximately 2 1/2 ounces. They are busy moving amniotic fluid through the nose and upper respiratory tract, which helps the primitive air sacs in the lungs begin to develop. The babies legs are growing longer than their arms now, and they can move their tiny joints and limbs. Their eyelids are still fused shut, but they can sense light. If we shine a flashlight at my tummy, they will move away from the beam. Their taste buds are also forming. They can demonstrate more purposeful movements, such as thumb sucking! 

Pregnancy symptoms?
I can finally say that I'm feeling better! I had a couple of days were I didn't feel good at all this past weekend, but I think I was very worn down.

Cravings/Aversions?
Cravings this week so far have been tuna, rotel dip, and a decaf white chocolate mocha from Starbucks, which I was able to acquire!
Aversions...There are still some things, but for the most part I'm doing much better with food!

Sleep?
I take a while to fall asleep. I sleep well until 3:00AM. Then I am wide awake as if it's time to get up for the day! My hips hurt from laying on my sides since I'm not lying on my back. I fixed it last night however! After a lot of research on the internet on how to get more sleep when pregnant...I put a body pillow in between my legs so they were parallel to each other. And guess what? no hip pain and I was able to sleep through the night!

Belly Button?
My belly button has started to disappear lol.

Dreams?
I have had some crazy dreams up to this point. But a couple nights ago I dreamed someone broke into our house and stole all of my eye shadow. I was so upset and Jared and I tried chasing them down. And when we caught them, they had used all of my eye shadow!
A couple weeks ago, I dreamed that my grandma went to space in a rocket, and I was communicating with her through face time. She was doing flips and showing me what all she could do in space. haha.

Best moment of the week?
The best moment this week was going to my baby doctor and talking with him about how much weight I should gain total (25-35 pounds) much better than my other doctor who said gain up to 50! I was so relieved and feeling better after talking with Dr. Monterubio! I'm a lot more stress free right now!

What I'm loving?
I love that I'm buying lots of maternity clothes that are really cute! I love that I'm feeling better and actually have energy to clean my house, do laundry, and cook! I'm loving the cooler weather (even though this week is supposed to be a little hotter...) I love the cooler nights...fall is right around the corner. Fall is my favorite time of year!

What I'm looking forward to?
I'm looking forward to going to my other doctor next week!

What emotions have I experienced this week?
Not to many emotions this week. I've been the most relaxed and feeling better than I have been!

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

Movement?
A little. I have felt flutters here and there.

Stretch marks?
None yet!!!

What has daddy been up to this week?
Jared has been reading up on baby books in the nursery. It's so cute. He read the book "Love You Forever" the other night and just sat in the chair and sobbed. If he's crying now, what will he do when he's reading to two precious babies!? Other than that he has been helping me around the house and we are co-cooking every night.

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?
Still buying clothes!

Devotional from the book, "Expecting Praying for your Child's Development Body & Soul": Lifestyle: Digestive Glands "So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God." -1 Corinthians 10:31 Lord, my little ones' digestive glands are completely formed now. Oh, how I pray that every organ and gland continues to work perfectly. I so want my baby to have a healthy body, to eat healthy foods, to use nutrients efficiently, and to smoothly get rid of waste in their bodies that they don't need. Lord, you have provided us with so many delicious natural foods. I thank you for fresh fruits and vegetables, wholesome grains, and refreshing water to quench our thirst. I pray that my children will take their health seriously, and that they will be good stewards of the only bodies they will ever have. Help them to see food as something to be enjoyed, but more importantly, as a source of strength and nourishment. Help them to seek out the kinds of food that give them the energy they need to live up to their fullest potential.