'Tis the Season to be Pregnant!

This was our last Christmas just the two of us! We had a great Christmas with our families!Andrew, Krista, Karsyn, Kaia, Tim and Patty all came for Christmas! It was a house full but it was fun spending time with everyone. Jared and I got awesome gifts just like every year, and Liam and Asher got some gifts as well!

 Andrew, Krista, and the girls got Liam and Asher some KC Chiefs gear! It's so adorable!



 These two beautiful girls have grown up so much! I can't believe how fast time flies!

Andrew and Krista's beautiful family!

I love this picture of Tim, Andrew, and Me!

Tim and Patty and their baby Nelly! Such a great picture!

My grandparents!!! The people who make this family possible!

My grandparents and two of their boys...my dad had already left to go to Jennifer's family.

Tim and Patty always have fun!

The grandkids! Kaia wasn't feeling good at all. lol

 

 

Now that Christmas is over....my next big goal to get through is my Grandma's retirement party on Sunday! After that the boys can be born anytime, we are ready!!!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Christmas Baking!

My husband never ceases to blow me away. He helped my grandma in the kitchen all day the day before Christmas Eve and the day of cooking! He loves being in the kitchen lately!
We made meatballs, chicken salad, bacon wrapped smokies, cheese ball, buffalo chicken dip, spinach dip, veggie tray, whoopie pies, peanut butter blossom cookies, and white chocolate chex mix. We were a little exhausted!

Because we were doing so much baking, my grandpa decided to give my grandma one of her Christmas presents to use while we baked!

I Love My Bump: Week 32

I started my new medicine this week. It's called Procardia and used to prevent pre-term labor. I'm still taking my other medicine as well and my last day for that is Christmas day! My cervix shortened a little bit (probably due to walking around the mall for two hours before my appt.) so the doctor started me on this medicine to keep me pregnant! I'm still looking good for 36 weeks!

We got our Christmas cards in this week. They are so adorable! I'm so happy with them! We have been waiting so long to be able to have a family Christmas card! I can't wait until next Christmas!

How far along?
32 weeks, 5 days today!

Trimester?
3rd!

How many days until my due date?
23 days to 36 weeks!!

How big are the babies?
The babies weigh as much as a jicama!

Weight gain?
I gained about 2 pounds this week.

What milestones did the babies reach this week?
The twins are supposed to be weighing in at 3.75 pounds this week, but we know they are ahead of that. They are roughly 16.7 inches long, taking up a lot of space in my uterus. I'm supposed to be gaining a pound a week and half of that weight gain goes to the babies. They will gain a third to half of their birth weight during the next few weeks as they fatten up for survival outside the womb. They now have toenails, fingernails, and real hair. The skin on their bodies is becoming soft and smooth as they plump up in preparation for birth.

Pregnancy symptoms?
Sniffles still. I get up at least 5 times a night to use the bathroom. Tired. Feel like I'm carrying around a huge bowling ball.

Cravings/Aversions?
coffee, soda, chocolate anything, lucky charms, waffles, garlic toast, salad, cheese, oranges, pretty much any fruit. I'm craving fruit all the time!

Sleep?
Sleeping well! Just going to the bathroom a lot at night!

Belly Button?
In!

Wedding rings on or off?
On some days, off some days.

Swelling?
No major swelling!

Labor signs?
I've been having braxton hicks but they aren't painful or close together.

Dreams?
I've had dreams but nothing crazy or out of the ordinary.

Best moment of the week? 
Getting another appointment under my belt. I don't go back until after Christmas. I only have 3 appointments left! We went to the Christmas parade to watch my grandma...it was her last parade at the library!

 

Jared had his ugly sweater day at work this week! He looked so cute! We put two stockings on his sweater with Liam and Asher's name on them!

 

 

We also had our Puggles Christmas party at Church! The kiddos are so adorable! I'm going to miss them and Meagan over the next couple months while I'm on leave!

 

 

What I'm loving?
Christmas is almost here, My grandma's retirement is almost here, and that means the TWINS are almost here!!!!

My dad and Jennifer got us our first "Expecting" Christmas ornament!! I'd been meaning to stop and have one made every time we would go shopping but we were always in such a hurry!

What I miss?
Bending over without feeling like I can't breathe, being able to buy and wear cute clothes, my big handbags, eating and drinking what I want to.

What I'm looking forward to?
CHRISTMAS!!! My family is coming in on Christmas Eve so we will be having finger foods and stuff like that. I'm so excited to see all of them and for them to see me and my big belly!!!

What emotions have I experienced this week?
Excited. Nervous. Anxious. Crying a lot because I can't believe it's almost time to meet these two little guys!

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

 

Movement?
All the time! They kick, punch, roll over, and push out on my belly more times a day than I can count!

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 doing pretty much whatever I ask of him! He's the best. I don't know what I would do without him!

When do I think I will go into labor?
My doctor told me that he will start weaning me off of my medicine at 35 weeks. And we will have some things to start doing to get labor progressing. So the way it looks Jan. 11th is the hopeful time the twins will make their arrival.

Nesting?
Packing hospital bags and the twins' bags! It's the most surreal moment of my life thus far!

Devotional from the book, "Expecting Praying for your Child's Development Body & Soul": Strength: Muscles "The Lord gives strength to his people, the Lord blesses his people with peace." -Psalm 29:11
Father, my baby has been gaining lots of muscle lately. They are getting stronger and stronger with each passing day. Lord, I want our children to be strong-not just physically, but emotionally, mentally, and spiritually. I pray that you will give them the strength to always stand up for what is right. I think especially of their teenage years when negative peer pressure will be a real and frightening force. God help them to stand firm in you. Give them strength to resist any temptation that goes against your word. Help them to stand strong and fast in the midst of adversity. Give them the confidence that they can do anything you ask them to do. Remind them of Philippians 4:13- "I can do everything through him who gives me strength." Help me to build a foundation of truth into their life at a young age, so they'll have the tools they need to be strong. I praise you, my strong and almighty God.

I Love My Bump: Week 31

 

How far along?
31 weeks, 4 days today!

Trimester?
3rd!

How many days until my due date?
31 days to 36 weeks!!

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

 

Weight gain?
I gained about 4 more pounds

What milestones did the babies reach this week?
The twins are measuring over 16 inches long and Liam weighs 4 pounds 5 ounces and Asher is a little smaller weighing less than 4 pounds. The doctor said it's normal for one twin to be bigger than the other. The twins are entering a growth spurt and can turn their heads from side to side, and their arms, legs, and body are beginning to plump out as needed fat accumulates underneath the skin. Their kicks and somersaults are keeping me up some nights. I know all of the moving is a good thing thought because that means they are active and healthy!

Pregnancy symptoms?
I still have the sniffles! Some pregnant people I know have full blown infections and are miserable so I can handle the sniffles. Other than that I've been feeling pretty good.

Cravings/Aversions?
Coffee :( Sparkling grape juice, Mountain Dew :(

Sleep?
Sleeping well! Just going to the bathroom a lot at night!

Belly Button?
In!

Wedding rings on or off?
On!

Swelling?
No major swelling!

Labor signs?
None!

Dreams?
I've had dreams but nothing crazy or out of the ordinary.

Best moment of the week? 
The snow storm over the weekend! I LOVE snow and we got probably about 8-10 inches? It was beautiful!!! By far the best moment this week was getting to see our twins and finding out how much they weigh! Also, my doctors appointment couldn't have gone better..my cervix is back at a 30. Yay! And the boys are healthy and growing. We were having our ultrasound and she couldn't get some measurements because Asher was doing his practice breathing for approximately 30 min. I think he's going to be feisty and have a good set of lungs on him!!! Liam was also practicing but he's pretty laid back and decided to take a rest after about 15 min. Can't wait to meet these two boys!

What I'm loving?
Christmas is almost here, My grandma's retirement is almost here, and that means the TWINS are almost here!!!!

What I miss?
Just being able to do everyday things without getting winded and having to take a break. I get so worn out easily! My old body. Just being able to bend over to put on my shoes and put lotion on my legs. Painting my toenails!

What I'm looking forward to?
Another week down! I'm actually looking forward to labor. As weird as that sounds, I know it will be tough, painful, dreadful, and exhausting...but the end result is going to be so worth it!

What emotions have I experienced this week?
Excited. Nervous. Anxious

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

 

Movement?
All the time! They kick, punch, roll over, and push out on my belly more times a day than I can count!

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 helping me with my nesting projects and getting stuff ready for the arrival of the twins!

When do I think I will go into labor?
My doctor told me yesterday that he will start weaning me off of my medicine at 35 weeks. And we will have some things to start doing to get labor progressing. So the way it looks Jan. 11th is the hopeful time the twins will make their arrival.

Nesting?
Not to bad this week!

Devotional from the book, "Expecting Praying for your Child's Development Body & Soul": Insight: Eyes "I lift up my eyes to the hills- where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the maker of Heaven and earth." -Psalm 121:1-2 Lord, thank you for creating our eyes. Thank you that my baby's eyes are open, that his irises dilate and contract according to how much light is let into my womb. Thank you for designing us so intricately. Our bodies are so adaptable, right down the the tiniest part. God, will you give our children eyes that recognize the beauty of the world around them? From a very early age, will you instill in them an understanding that all this beauty was created by someone- and that that someone was you? Give him insight into the nature of his Creator. Open their eyes to the hidden treasures of this planet. Give them a curiosity about the environment, a love for the earth you created. And when they enjoy the grass and trees and the sky and the sunset, may they praise your holy name and give you all the glory. Glory to you, Lord, for your miraculous creation!

The 1st Snow Storm of the Year!

We had our first big snow of the season and it's not even winter yet! It started on Thursday and continued through Friday night late. It was beautiful and I can't remember the last time we've gotten this much snow! They estimated on the news for our area we got around 8-10 inches. It's sticking around and even snowed Sunday morning some. Some more snow is on the way for Monday night in to Tuesday!

 

 

I Love My Bump: Week 30

How far along?
30 weeks, 5 days today!

 

Trimester?
3rd!

How many days until my due date?
37 days to 36 weeks!!

How big are the babies?
The babies are the size of a head of cabbage!

 

Weight gain?
I go to the doctor Friday so we shall see..I'm thinking I probably gained the lost weight and maybe a pound more...the babes' have really grown this week.

What milestones did the babies reach this week?
The babes are supposed to be weighing in at 3 pounds this week. However, Liam is weighing in at 3 pounds 9 ounces and Asher is weighing in at 3 pounds 6 ounces. Brain monitoring studies indicate that as the babes sleep there is a good chance that dreaming occurs. The babes open and close and blink their eyes (we have seen them do that on ultrasound...we can see their little eyelids opening and closing!!!) Their vision is still rather poor at this stage and will remain so for a few months after delivery.

Pregnancy symptoms?
I'm doing ok. I have the sniffles still, but it's not an infection so I'm beginning to think it's pregnancy related which is quite common. I'm very emotional. My baby app on my phone told me that it's normal to be overly emotional and have high levels of anxiety at this point. Boy were they right! I have also been having problems with my sciatic nerve :( not fun at all!

Cravings/Aversions?
I'm craving cheese ball. Yum!!

Sleep?
Sleeping well! Just going to the bathroom a lot at night!

Belly Button?
In!

Wedding rings on or off?
On!

Swelling?
No major swelling! Except my face is obviously a little more swollen than normal and my lips look like I injected them with collegian...

Labor signs?
None!

Dreams?
 I had a dream Jared made the honor roll at school and I was so proud of him. haha

Best moment of the week? 
Getting the nursery done!! I've been trying to get the mobile and artwork up on the walls for weeks and just haven't done it. I'm officially done and ready for them to make their arrival!!

 
Another fun moment this week...my grandma has approximately 25 days until she retires! She got her retirement present early from my grandpa this week! She got a brand new 2014 Ford Explorer, fully loaded. I am green with envy lol. Jared and I have been talking about getting this car for ourselves in the near future.

I went to the doctor for my weekly appointment last week and my cervix is looking good and strong! YAY!!! I have been cleared to do more things like shop but just not all day like I used too. I was told I can relax and not be so stressed about going into labor soon. The risk is highly unlikely! So that puts my mind at ease! I'll be switching my medication at 32 weeks which is right around the corner. I can't believe how fast time has flown by!

What I'm loving?
The season! I love going to the mall and seeing all of the Christmas décor and driving home and seeing all the Christmas lights on the houses. Such a happy time of year!

What I miss?
Just being able to do everyday things without getting winded and having to take a break. I get so worn out easily!

What I'm looking forward to?
Going to the doctor Friday and then doing some more Christmas shopping. I'm glad I've been cleared to do that!

What emotions have I experienced this week?
Excited. Nervous. Anxious

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

 

Movement?
All the time! The kicks are crazy these days...it feels like they are going to come through my stomach! It's crazy, but I love it! They are getting so big!

Stretch marks?
None yet!!! I'm hoping lathering up with this tummy butter and cocoa butter lotion will work wonders! My doctor was a little surprised that I haven't had any stretch marks at this point. He told me I have a pretty belly...let's hope it stays this way!

What has daddy been up to this week?
Jared has been working and doing pretty much everything else around the house during the week. He loves cooking now which is a plus for me!!!

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?
Well if staying up until midnight, spending two hours rearranging the bookshelf in the nursery and putting the books in size order counts as nesting....then yes I have been lol.

Devotional from the book, "Expecting Praying for your Child's Development Body & Soul": Inner Beauty: Hair "When Elizabeth heard Mary's greeting , the baby leaped in her womb, and Elizabeth was filled with the Holy Spirit. In a loud voice she exclaimed: "Blessed are you among women, and blessed is the child you will bear!...As soon as the sound of your greeting reached my ears, the baby in my womb leaped for joy." -Luke 1:41-42, 44
Lord, I can't wait to see if my baby has hair or not! Will they be born with peach fuzz, curly tufts, or a head as bald as a bowling ball? Will their hair be dark or light or somewhere in between? God, thank you for giving us hair. It's just one more thing that adds to our uniqueness. Your hair can say so much about you- your tastes, your style, your creative nature. May my children be content with whatever kind of hair you put on their sweet little heads. May they find it uniquely beautiful. I pray that they will live a long and full life- that someday they will have gray hair (although they'll probably die it!) Gray hair is a sign of maturity and wisdom- of age and experience. Help them not to dread getting older, but to embrace the beauty of each year you give them here on earth. Help them to look forward to the day when their time here is done, and you take them home.