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?

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.