Meeting Dr. Paul

Today we went to a high risk doctor, called a perinatologist, just to make sure everything is looking good since I'm carrying twins. We had our ultrasound at 10:30 and the tech was awesome!! She went over each part of the baby's bodies and labeled everything. We saw their stomachs, bladders, diaphragm, brain, and their extremities. She said everything was looking perfect and in good working order... sigh of relief!

Baby B

 

Baby A

This is the top of their heads!

We then were taken to an exam room where we met with Dr. Paul. He was very thorough...2.5 hours in his office was pretty much the longest doctor's appointment I've had thus far! He talked with us about all of the things that come with having twins. He has twin boys, so it was good to hear his experience as a dad and doctor!
The only thing that made me very, very nervous...was when he told me ideally I should gain about 50 pounds. WHAT!!!??? That scared me to death! lol. Given my weight and height he said I should be eating around 2800 calories a day. WOW! But considering I wasn't even eating what I was supposed to be eating before I was pregnant...this might be impossible! I've decided I'm going to eat when I'm hungry and eat lots of smaller meals a day instead of three big meals.
Something else that was interesting is that he told me the reason I'm so tired all the time (more than a normal pregnant woman) is because just sitting in a chair breathing, I'm expending more energy than the normal person by 170 percent. No wonder when I'm doing little things I get exhausted so easily. He also told me to get the amount of oxygen that I need with twins I would have to breath 100 times a minute. So I get very winded doing laundry, walking a lot, going up and down stairs because I'm working harder than the average person. Lots of information that I didn't really know before! He recommended the book I actually have been reading, "When Your Expecting Twins, Triplets, and Quads." It's a great book with lots of information on weight gain, foods to eat, things that could happen and how to avoid them.

 Overall we really liked him and his office staff is wonderful! We will continue seeing him throughout my pregnancy at various times just to make sure everything is progressing as it should.

Old Wives Tales...

Just for fun I did the old wives tales gender prediction test. We can't wait to find out for sure what they are!! Here are my results!

Old Wives Tale #1: Heart Rate
If the baby’s heart rate is above 140 bpm, it is said that the baby will be a girl. If it is under 140 bpm, then it will be a boy. Prediction outcome: GIRL

Old Wives Tale #2: Shape of BellyIf you are carrying high with a big, round belly, you are having a girl. If you are carrying low with a smaller belly that sticks straight out, it’s a boy. Prediction outcome: BOY

Old Wives Tale #3: Ring TestUsing a string, hang your wedding ring over your pregnant belly. You are having a girl if the ring swings back and forth and it’s a boy if it swings in a circle. Prediction outcome: GIRL

Old Wives Tale #4: AcneIf you have acne while pregnant, it’s a girl. It’s thought that acne during pregnancy is caused by the extra hormones. Prediction outcome: BOY

Old Wives Tale #5: CravingsPeople believe that if you are craving salty foods while pregnant, you can count on having a boy. If you crave sweets, fruit, and orange juice, you are having a little girl. Prediction outcome: GIRL

Old Wives Tale #6: Skin under Left EyeThe eye test is when a “V” or “branches” appear when you pull down the skin under your left eye. If you see a “V” or “branches” in the white part, you’re having a girl. Prediction outcome: GIRL

Old Wives Tale #7: LegsIf your legs get really big, you’re having a boy. If your legs stay in shape and lean, it’s a girl. I think it’s too early for me to tell on this one. Prediction outcome: GIRL

Old Wives Tale #8: MoodinessIf you are really moody, you are having a girl since you have another extra girl hormones in you. Your pregnancy will make you smile and be more happy if you are having a boy because there’s a little boy inside you.  Prediction outcome: GIRL

Old Wives Tale #9: Chinese Gender ChartThe Chinese Gender Chart claims to have an accuracy rate of over 90%. It is based on how old the mother is at conception and the month that she conceived. Prediction outcome: BOY

Old Wives Tale #10: Mom’s BeautyBasically you are having a girl if your beauty disappears during pregnancy. It is said that the girl “steals” the mother’s beauty. If you think that pregnancy has never made you look more beautiful, a little boy it is. Prediction outcome: BOY

Old Wives Tale #11: Dream of Sex of BabyIf you have dreams that you are having a boy, you will have a girl. If you dream about having a girl, it will be a boy. Dreams show the opposite of what you are having.  Prediction outcome: GIRL/BOY

Old Wives Tale #12: Clumsy vs. GracefulIf the pregnant woman is graceful throughout her pregnancy, she’s having a girl. If she becomes clumsy, she’s having a boy. Prediction outcome: GIRL

Old Wives Tale #13: Side You Most Rest OnIf a pregnant woman prefers to lay on her left side, she’s having a boy. If she prefers resting on her right side, she’s having a girl. Prediction outcome: BOY

Old Wives Tale #14: Dad’s Weight GainIf the dad-to-be gains weight while you are pregnant, it’s a girl. If he doesn’t gain weight, you’re having a boy. Prediction outcome: BOY

Old Wives Tale #15: Breast TestIf a pregnant woman’s left breast is larger than the right breast, she’s having a girl. If the right breast is larger, it’s a boy. Prediction outcome: GIRL

Old Wives Tale #16: What Do You Think?71% of the time, the mom-to-be knows what she is having. Prediction outcome: GIRL & BOY

Old Wives Tale #17: Morning SicknessIf you had a smooth pregnancy with no morning sickness, it’s a boy. If you were sick or felt really nauseous during your pregnancy, count on a girl. Prediction outcome: GIRL

Old Wives Tale #18: ProteinWhen a pregnant woman craves meat and cheese, count on a boy. Prediction outcome: GIRL

Old Wives Tale #19: FeetAre your feet colder now that you are pregnant? If so, you just might be having a boy. If your feet have stayed the same before pregnancy and during, you’re having a little girl. Prediction outcome: BOY

Old Wives Tale #20: HeadachesIf you are having headaches, you might be carrying a boy. Prediction outcome: GIRL

Old Wives Tale #21: Baby NamesIt is said that when you can only think of specific names for a boy or a girl, you will have that particularly baby. Prediction outcome: GIRL & BOY

Old Wives Tale #22: UrineWhat color is your pee? If it is bright yellow, you will have a little boy. If your urine is a dull yellow, plan on a girl. Prediction outcome: BOY

I Love My Bump: Week 12

Another week down! I can't believe I'm almost in the next trimester! My bump is in full swing this week for sure. There is no denying it!

How far along?
12 weeks 3 days!

Trimester?
1st

How many days until my due date?
193 days if I make it to Feb. 8th, which is highly unlikely!

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

Weight gain?
My ovaries are still swollen so that's attributing to some of the weight gain, but I've only gained 3 pounds. Which is weird and crazy because I feel like and look like I've gained about 10 pounds in my belly. lol. Luckily so far it's all in the belly. I'm hoping it stays that way!

What milestone did the babies reach this week?
The most dramatic development this week: reflexes! The babies fingers will soon begin to open and close. Their mouths will make sucking movements. Toes will curl, and eye muscles will clench. Nerve cells are multiplying rapidly, and synapses are forming furiously in their brains. If I prod my abdomen, the babies will squirm in response. The babies intestines, which have grown so fast that they protrude into the umbilical cord, will start to move into the abdominal cavity, and the kidneys will begin excreting urine into their bladders. Their faces look unquestionably human: their eyes have moved from the sides to the front of the head, and the ears are right where they should be. From crown to rump, the babies are just over 2 inches long!

Pregnancy Symptoms?
Still some nausea. Still pretty tired and I have to go to the bathroom a lot!

Cravings/Aversions?
Things I've craved this week: Cheese Its, Dr. Pepper with vanilla, grapes, cherry sparkle laffy taffy, strawberry pop tarts, banana pudding, anything chocolate, spaghetti o's, chicken noodle soup, and tomatoes and cucumbers from the garden.
I still don't want anything to do with corn, bbq, meat of any kind, and broccoli.

Best moment of the week?
One of the best moments of the week was reaching this point because I know the risks go down quite a bit. Also getting to see the babies who are rapidly growing and I'm showing it!!! They look little acrobats on the ultrasound, flipping, kicking, punching, and yes we got to see Baby A suck it's thumb. We have a pretty good idea of the sex of the babies, but we aren't telling anyone yet. That was a pretty exciting moment this week was figuring out what we think they are!
I'm excited to go to my high risk doctor for the first time this week! I'm hoping everything will look good, so that he will release me back to Dr. Monterubio only. I'm excited to meet Dr. Paul and to see what he has to say about carrying and delivering twins!

What I'm loving?
I pretty much most days love being pregnant. It's so surreal to think I'm growing two people in my stomach! I love being pampered by Jared, like it was any different before haha, but he takes good care of me and of course is showing me what I already knew...he will be the best daddy!

What I'm looking forward to?
Going to Kansas City this weekend!!! Did I ever mention I love it there??? Karsyn & Kaia coming back with us for a week to visit! This will be their first experience at the county fair. It should be a good culture shock for them! haha. Also, maybe doing a gender reveal photo shoot! Oh and also to be out of the 1st trimester!!!!!!!!!!

What emotions have I experienced this week?
Very emotional! I cry over silly things for example I stubbed my toe which didn't really hurt, but I cried because I was mad I did it. haha. Very excited this week as well because this is the end of my first trimester which I thought would probably creep by but it has flown by!!!

Boys, Girls, or Both?
You will have to wait & See!!!

Movement?
I'm excited to add this title to my list this week! I really didn't think that it was possible to feel anything this early on, however, I have felt the little babies! If I push in on my belly or hold my hand there for a while every once in a while I feel a flutter. I can't wait for Jared to be able to feel it soon! It is very special that I can feel it though.

Nesting?
I have the nursery also completed. Just waiting on wall art, and adding the accent colors depending on genders! I'm so happy it's all done considering they could be here by the end of the year!

Devotional from the book, "Expecting Praying for your Child's Development Body & Soul":
This week it's all about Service: Hands. "She opens her arms to the poor and extends her hands to the needy." -Proverbs 31:20
Lord my babies hands are completely formed. Your loving hands have carefully crafted theirs, and I'm in awe. I'm reminded of the song I sang as a child, "Be careful little hands what you do." Lord, my children's hands have so much potential--to do good and to get in trouble. Will you help them to use their hands to love and serve others? Will you give them a heart that loves deeply? Fill them with a strong desire to help those less fortunate than themselves? May they be less worried about keeping their hands physically beautiful and more concerned about attending to the needs of others. They could rake leaves for an elderly neighbor, serve meals at a soup kitchen, care for a younger cousin or sibling. Bless those little hands, God. May they not be idle, but may they always be reaching out and touching the lives of every person they meet!

Back to the Doctor!

I went back to the doctor today! This was just an appt. to do my measurements, weight, and check the heartbeat! Dr. Monterubio said everything looked great. I haven't gained much weight, and the heartbeat was still very high at 165 and 167. He also gave me my plan to go off of my crinone and estrogen patch!!!!! Yay! I'm so excited to be going off of my medications and be normal! My last estrogen patch will be taken off this Wednesday! I will start next Monday taking my Crinone every other day for one week and then I'll be done. By the start of my second trimester I will be off of everything. I'm so excited!

After my appt. we went shopping to get more maternity clothes. There is such cute, stylish stuff at Destination Maternity! We also got our new carseats!!! It was a very surreal moment putting those in the car and trying them out. Our backseat is full!

I Love My Bump: Week 11

Week 11!! I can't believe my first trimester is almost over. It really flew by! I hope the next trimester goes by as fast as this one!!

How far along?
11 weeks 3 days

Trimester?
1st

How many days until my due date?
200 days

How big are the babies?
The twinnies are the size of a fig

What milestone did the babies reach this week?
The babies are almost fully formed! At just over 1 1/2 inches long. The babies will soon open and close their fists, tiny tooth buds are beginning to appear under the gums, and some of the bones are beginning to harden. They are busy kicking and stretching, and these tiny movements look like water ballet. Movements will become more frequent as the babies grow. The babies are also hiccuping because their diaphragm is forming. Male fetuses begin to make the hormone testosterone. Ovaries in female fetuses contain estrogen receptors which respond to my hormones to help further development. The intestines are growing rapidly, pushing out into their umbilical cords. Their skin is still transparent, their neck muscles, and teensy-tiny fingernails are forming this week. God sure knew what He was doing when He created life. It's amazing all of the little things that you may never think about are being created, down to every minute detail. What a mighty God we serve!

Pregnancy symptoms?
I feel blah sometimes, but for the most part I feel better. I'm hungry all.the.time. I'm kind of tired of eating all the time! lol. I'm still very very tired. I usually like to try and take a nap in the evening. I'm visiting the little girls room all the time as well.

Cravings/Aversions?
I've still been craving tuna!!!! I have craved orange chicken from panda express, froot loops are still my go to, hostess chocolate donuts, and cranberry juice. I have been craving mountain dew slushies which I can't have and won't no matter how bad I want it! The best craving I've had all week...laffy taffy with sprinkles on it. I can only find it at Casey's. It's the best!!!!

Best moment of the week?
Going to the doctor and hearing the heartbeats on the Doppler again. Seeing the babies on the ultrasound! They are so adorable. Kicking and punching. One picture looks like Jared's profile. I can.not.wait. to find out what they are! I have been shopping so much for stuff and have been really holding back buying any clothes even though I think I know what they are! It's really amazing how much they have grown! When we first saw them they looked so far apart on the screen and now they are right by each other! It's so crazy!

Baby A

What I'm looking forward to next week?
Being one week closer to the end of the first trimester! I'm also looking forward to going to see a high risk doctor so he can check everything out with the twinnies and make sure everything looks good to him and then I'll be released back to Dr. Monterubio. We are also going to Kansas City to visit the fam. I'm hoping we know the sexes by then and we can have a little photo shoot up there to reveal it! Karsyn & Kaia are coming back with us for a week to go to the fair and do some other fun stuff. I'm soooo excited to see those girls! I miss them very much!

What emotions have I experienced this week?
While sitting in the doctors office Monday, I saw a picture of some babies. I started crying. This emotional thing is out of control haha. Just little things not even baby related and I just cry.

Boys or Girls or Both?
I know what I feel like they are...hopefully we find out soon! I've had a few dreams since I've been pregnant and the dreams I've had go along with my thoughts of what they are.

Devotional from the book "Expecting Praying for your Child's Development Body & Soul":
This week is about Confidence: Neck Muscles. "Being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus." -Philippians 1:6
Father, my little one's neck muscles are forming now- so many muscles in their bodies, and your lovingly forming each one. I pray that you will bless them with a strong neck. Even after their born, I know it will take time before those muscles are strong enough to support the weight of their heads. But soon, they will be holding their head up, moving their heads to music, nodding "yes" and shaking their heads "no", and bowing their heads to pray. God, I pray that even as children, they will be able to hold their head high, to be confident in who they are. I don't want them to be cocky or boastful, but to have a healthy pride in the people you have created them to be. And may that same neck that holds their head up also help them bow their head low in worship to you, their creator. May every single part of their bodies be used to worship you.

I Love My Bump: Week 10

Week 10 has gone!!! So exciting!! I'm thinking that time is really going to fly by with my birthday just around the corner, Audrey's wedding showers and wedding, Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas, New Year's, then GAME TIME!! Every year I feel like when fall hits the year just flies by...I hope it's like that this year! I've already been thinking when I'm going to decorate my house for Christmas. haha. I'm going to be huge by then!!! I might have to start earlier than Nov. 1st this year lol.

How far along?
10 weeks 6 days!

Trimester?
1st

How many days until my due date?
210 days if I go to February 8th. If I'm early like my doctor thinks I will be, I have 183 days left

How big are the babies?
The babies are the size of kumquats

What milestone did the babies reach this week?
The babies are now considered fetuses! Fetal waste product, including toxins and carbon dioxide, continue to be removed via the umbilical cord and routed into my blood stream! Bones and cartilage are forming all over the body, including the limbs. At this stage they are still quite soft and fragile. The babies have completed the most critical portion of development! If I could peak inside of my womb...I would spot minute details, like tiny nails forming on fingers and toes (no more webbing) and peach-fuzz hair beginning to grow on their tender skin! The babies are swallowing fluid and kicking up a storm!! Vital organs--including the intestines, brain, and liver (now making red blood cells in place of the disappearing yolk sac)- are in place and starting to function. The babies limbs can bend now. Their hands are flexed at the wrist and meet over the heart, and the babies feet may be long enough to meet in front of the body! Jared and I saw the babies moving like crazy! One had it's legs crossed, and boy were they moving! The outline of the babies spine is clearly visible though the skin, and spinal nerves are beginning to stretch out from the spinal cord. In the coming weeks out babies will again double in size to nearly 3 inches long!!!

Pregnancy Symptoms?
I visit the bathroom a lot! If I walk a lot (like speed shopping) I'm so sore the next day! Crazy! TMI I'm outgrowing my bras very, very quickly!! Crying, Crying, and more crying!

Cravings/Aversions?
I have been craving tuna like last week! It stinks because I can only eat it twice a week! :( Froot loops have still been my morning breakfast and snack throughout the day if nothing else sounds to good!
I've actually been able to cook a little! I haven't cooked in like three weeks or more lol. It's so nice to be back in the kitchen cooking! My favorite thing to do! I have craved cranberry juice, hostess chocolate donuts, jambalaya, Popsicles, dark chocolate sea salt caramels from the country store in Caledonia, and also decaf white chocolate mocha's from Starbucks (good thing I go to St. Louis all the time now!)

Best moment of the week?
Seeing our baby kicking. Counting their fingers and toes. Seeing their little faces and finally being able to make out eyes, noses, and mouths. We literally watched them on the screen for twenty minutes. One baby had its legs in the air kicking away. The other baby kept bringing its hand up to its mouth and resting it on its forehead. Still can't see gender yet...they were cooperating very well though. haha. Maybe in a couple weeks or so. I hope!!!

What I'm looking forward to next week?
Going back to the doctor on June 22! Just a check-up and blood work! And then shopping!!!!!!

What emotions have I experienced this week?
I've been crying all the time over everything! I go into the nursery and sit sometimes and just imagine myself (even though I won't be doing much sitting haha). It's so surreal. We've waited so long for this and I still have a hard time wrapping my mind around the fact that its really happening!

Boys or Girls or Both?
I don't know yet?? Hopefully within in a couple weeks we should know something..maybe?

Devotional from the book, "Expecting: Praying for your Child's Development Body & Soul":
This week's devotional is about Kindness: Upper Lip "Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God forgave you." -Ephesians 4:32
Father, my two babies upper lip will be fully developed this week. I can't imagine how tiny those sweet lips must be. I pray that my child will use their lips in a way that is pleasing to you, Lord. There is so much potential in such a small part of the body. A person's lips can be a vehicle of negativity and harmful words or they can be used to speak life and hope to others. May our children speak kindness from their lips from the moment they learn to talk. Will you stop negative words before they even form on those little rosebud lips of theirs? Will you cause them to bless others with their choice of words? They will have so much possibility- so many chances to bring joy to so many people. Oh, I want that for them, God.

One thing I'm so excited about...after buying one car seat a while back; I decided that I didn't really like it and after doing research decided to take it back. We finally picked out a new one and I can't wait to get it!

I Love My Bump: Week 9

 

Week 9 is here!!! I can't believe how the past couple weeks have flown by. I guess everyone is right when they've been telling me to enjoy it because it will soon be over! I still quite a road ahead of me, but I'm so thankful for each passing day that brings us closer to seeing our twinnies!!!

How far along?
9 weeks 1 day

Trimester?
1st

How many days until my due date?
216

How big are the babies?
The babies are the size of a grape

What milestone did the babies reach this week?
The babies have two strong heartbeats coming in at 175 and 180. They both have arms and legs and we could make out their heads now. It's amazing! They aren't just little circles on the screen anymore! The tongue and lips are continuing to develop. Teeth are beginning to form, but do not break through the gums until after birth. The eyes are now more distinct , with tiny eyelids to protect them. They also have tiny earlobes, and the mouth, nose, and nostrils are more distinct. The babies are starting to move their limbs quite a bit, but I'm not able to feel it yet! Their hearts have divided into four chambers, and the valves start to form. The embryonic "tail" is completely gone. The babies organs, muscles, and nerves are kicking into gear. The external sex organs are there but won't be distinguishable as male or female for another few weeks. The babies will rapidly gain weight this week!! Every week when I read everything going on with the babies, I'm amazed by God! He perfected everything!

Pregnancy Symptoms?
Tired!! I go to sleep fine but then my body thinks at 4:30 AM it's time to get up, and in between time I'm visiting the bathroom.

Cravings/Aversions?
I had another craving...Tuna sub from subway. I only ate a 6 inch unlike my usual foot long. I would give anything to eat one everyday...unfortunately I can only eat it twice a week since it's high in mercury! Another craving I had this week was ranch dip with vegetables! My friend, Meagan Yount, told me a while back that the main thing she would eat in the evening would be cereal. At the time I thought, yuck!!, because nothing sounded good. This week...I have been craving froot loops! I could eat them every meal!

Best moment this week?
Going to the doctor and getting our first official pictures of the babies! And definitely seeing their little arms and legs moving on the screen!

What I'm looking forward to next week?
One week closer to the end of the first trimester. I'm counting down the weeks!! I can't wait to find out genders!!! Everyone I know thinks they are girls based on the old wives tale of the heartbeat

What emotions have I experienced this week?
JOY!!! Getting to see the babies move was something I can't describe. It was amazing and I wish I could stare at them all day everyday!! If only Jared could buy an ultrasound machine for the house!! haha

Boy or Girl?
??? I seriously can't wait to find out!!! But we won't tell for a while...

Devotional from the book "Expecting Praying for your Child's Development Body & Soul":
In my devotional this week it was about the babies eyelids. 
"So we fix our eyes not on what is seen but on what is unseen. For what is seen is temporary, but what is unseen is eternal."   -2 Corinthians 4:18
A prayer for the baby this week: God thank you for painstakingly creating my baby's eyes, and for their eyelids that will protect their eyes as they continue to grow. Our eyes are so important and vital. Eyes allow us to see our world. Sight is such a gift, thank you Lord! We want our children to fix their eyes on Jesus, and to look to Him for guidance and wisdom as they travel down life's path. Lord help me to point out your hand at work in the world at every opportunity!