38 Weeks.. Come On Twins!

Technically I am now 38 1/2 weeks. I apologize in advance for all the details in this post-it's kind of a long read..

Last week I had a doctors appointment on Thursday. I had to drive to the other clinic since my regular OBGYN office is moving and the new one wasn't ready. My mom was sweet to drive me there. On the way to the appointment the front desk lady called and said they wanted to do an ultrasound before the doctor visit (which is what I was trying to schedule all week and they told me there wasn't an appointment). So we arrived and went straight back for the ultrasound. The babies are now so big it's really hard for the ultrasound tech to see which one is which and tell their positions. It was confirmed that Colton is still breech and Ann Marie though head down seems a little sideways. They checked their heart rates and they were both normal. The doctor came in and after introducing herself and checking the ultrasound screen, she told me the only option we have is to have a c-section. Though this is not my first choice, I have a peace about it. The doctor asked when the last time I had anything to eat.. I ate chick-fil-a on the way there.. she said we could of done the c-section that night but that we would schedule for Monday.

Well the doctors office didn't call Friday morning so I called them around 1:30, and the nurse said they were waiting to hear back from the surgical coordinator. At 3:30 I still hadn't heard anything so I called the office and just scheduled the non-stress test for Monday at 2:30.

Anxious, frustrated, excited, nervous, worried, are just a few emotions I felt Friday. Friday night my parents brought over pizza and a movie and it was a perfect chill night.

On Saturday I pretty much stayed on the couch all day watching football and movies. Then Clay took me to PF Changs for our last date night before the twins come.

Today has been much of the same, relaxing, watching movies, doing laundry and straightening up around the house. Tonight is a family dinner at my parents house.

I am praying that tomorrow morning when I call to confirm my doctors appointment they will give me some more information about scheduling the c-section. OR I pray that after my doctor visit they will want to admit me into the hospital.

The cool thing about having the twins born on September 15th is that is my great-great-grandmother's birthday. She was also a twin (she had a twin brother).

Here are some pictures:

37 Weeks

Lunch Date with Ryan- Hope the twins are close like Ryan and I are one day.

 Blue toes and pink nails- I think we are ready :)

 38 Weeks:

 38 weeks pregnant heading out for our last date night for a little while

How far along: 38 Weeks
Total weight gain: they didn't weight me at the doctor's office Thursday but based on my home scale I gained another pound or two so I would say around 37
Maternity clothes: same as last week- comfy clothes (lots of pjs and Clay's t-shirts)
Stretch marks: still don't see any.. thanks for the good genes Mom :)

Sleep: I wake up every hour between 11-3am and then usually I can sleep until 6 or 7am

Best moment of this week: spending time with Clay and enjoying our last date night
Miss anything: a lot of things.. just having energy, moving around easier, swelling feet, etc

Movement: still feeling Colton on the right, and Ann Marie towards the left bottom side
Food cravings: none in particular this week

Anything making you queasy or sick: I did feel very nauseous last Thursday morning but can't pinpoint why

Have you started to show yet: now more then ever I look like I am about to burst
Gender: Girl and Boy
Labor signs: lots of braxton hicks and some back pain 
Belly button in or out: sticking way out
Wedding rings on or off: I don't really wear much jewelry in general now.. 
Happy or moody most of the time: as stated above.. lots of emotions now..
Looking forward to: hopefully having these babies soon!!!

Verse for the week: (though this one is not directly related to children, it was perfect for me this morning- especially the last two sentences)

Matthew 6:25-34

"Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more important than food, and the body more important than clothes?  Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they?  Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life ?  "And why do you worry about clothes? See how the lilies of the field grow. They do not labor or spin.  Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendor was dressed like one of these.  If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you, O you of little faith?  So do not worry, saying, 'What shall we eat?' or 'What shall we drink?' or 'What shall we wear?'  For the pagans run after all these things, and your heavenly Father knows that you need them.  But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well.  Therefore do not worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will worry about itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.

 

Maybe next time I blog it will be about the twin's birth!! :) 

36 and the start of 37 weeks

Not much happened last week. Over the weekend I took it easy because I was very tired and overall didn't feel well.

Here's my picture for 36 weeks:

How far along: 36 Weeks
Total weight gain: I am guessing around 32/33 pounds still
Maternity clothes: continuing to wear long maxi skirts/dresses
Stretch marks: still none
Sleep: having a hard time sleeping, waking up often

Best moment of this week: just hanging out at home with Clay
Miss anything: sleep, moving around, and feet not swelling

Movement: continue to have lots of movement
Food cravings: nothing in particular this week

Anything making you queasy or sick: still fighting the cold

Have you started to show yet: This question should be "are people looking at you funny when you are out?" Yes they are!
Gender: Girl and Boy
Labor signs: lots of braxton hicks
Belly button in or out: sticking out
Wedding rings on or off: I have pretty much given up on my wedding ring
Happy or moody most of the time: feeling moody and emotional
Looking forward to: Finishing up work and what next week's appointment will show

This week's verse: These commandments that I give you today are to be on your hearts.  Impress them on your children. Talk about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up.  Tie them as symbols on your hands and bind them on your foreheads.  Write them on the doorframes of your houses and on your gates.  (Deuteronomy 6:6-9)

 

Week 37: 

 

I can't believe we made it to 37 weeks! I am so excited to reach my goal!! This week brings my last day at work (until after maternity leave), one week closer to seeing the twins, and some fun birthdays! :) 

I had an ultrasound, stress test and visit with the midwife on Wednesday. The ultrasound showed that Colton is now sideways (still considered breech). For the most part their measurements were still good. Their weights are estimated at 6 pounds 9oz for Colton and 6 pounds 5oz for Ann Marie. The blood flow and fluid is still measuring good. My cervix is still measuring long and the midwife does not see me going into natural labor on my own due to the way Colton is laying. 

Here's some pictures from yesterday: 

 Bags are packed and ready to go just in case something changes!!

Stress test monitoring all three heart beats! :) 

Though my prayer from the beginning as been for a healthy pregnancy and healthy babies to stay in as long as they can, I was really thinking they would be here by now. I am beyond blessed to make it to 37 weeks and to be in good health. God has His hands on these babies and will continue to throughout their lives. 

On Tuesday, it was really hard to work a full day. Between the swelling of my feet, not being able to drink a lot of water (due to talking to all the patients, and just the constant up and down all day long. Wednesday was my last day for now. I worked the afternoon after my doctor appointment. I truly love what I do and I am excited to be able to continue working later on. However, I know it's important for me to rest before the twins come. The hour commute to and from work is really what was getting me to as well. 

I haven't taken my 37 week picture yet, but here are the questions: 

 

How far along: 37 Weeks
Total weight gain: 35 pounds- I gained 3 pounds since last week (which was good because I hadn't gained any the previous week) Belly Measuring between 42/43 weeks (I think this is because Colton is more towards the right side)
Maternity clothes: now that I am home it's all about the comfort :)
Stretch marks: the midwife was amazed I didn't have any stretch marks yesterday

Sleep: some nights it's every hour, some nights it's every 2-3 hours that I wake up

Best moment of this week: finishing up at work for the next 12-13 weeks :)
Miss anything: sleep, moving around, and feet not swelling (Yep true for this week too)

Movement: there is a lot of movement in the middle of my stomach now
Food cravings: Japanese food- we are going for Ryan's birthday celebration on Friday!

Anything making you queasy or sick: last night Clay cooked a pizza and I couldn't stand the smell of the oven!

Have you started to show yet: yes I look like I am about to pop
Gender: Girl and Boy
Labor signs: lots of braxton hicks
Belly button in or out: sticking out
Wedding rings on or off: I have pretty much given up on my wedding ring
Happy or moody most of the time: pretty emotional.. nervous/excited/scared/etc :)
Looking forward to: Celebrating Ryan's birthday with the family- And celebrating from a distance two of my best friends son's birthday (9/5) and Lane's birthday (9/9) :)

This week's verse: 

“This is what the Lord says—your Redeemer, who formed you in the womb: I am the Lord,
the Maker of all things, who stretches out the heavens, who spreads out the earth by myself.”  (Isaiah 44:24)

 

35 Weeks

This week was a hard week and a fun week!

It was a hard week because Clay's grandpa went to be with Jesus. He was a wonderful Grandpa who loved God, his wife, and family above all else. We are blessed that over the 4th of July he was able to come to Seabrook Island with us once again. Here's a picture of us right before the firework show. The twins will hear of the wonderful legacy their Great-Pop Pop left for them. Pop pop went to Auburn and always loved that Clay did too.

 It was a fun weekend because we had our 10 year High School Reunion. This was one of my goals to make it to the end of the pregnancy. It was fun being there with my friends! Here are some pictures from that night:

10 Years Later and Still Together 

 Some of my great friends

 It's been great having Sarah by my side throughout High School and the last 10 years

 Mallory is also pregnant with a precious baby girl!

 The twins get lots of love from Sarah and Katie

Today I went for a follow up doctor visit. There wasn't much the mid-wife said. She is still impressed with how we are doing and scheduled a stress test next week with my ultrasound. This week is my last full week of work. I will work this week and then Tuesday and Wednesday next week. 

How far along: 35 Weeks (my belly is measuring 43 weeks)
Total weight gain: I weighed the same today as I did last Monday. The mid-wife wasn't concerned and said it's normal. so still 32 pounds.
Maternity clothes: Long skirts and dresses are my best friends right now.. dang swollen feet..
Stretch marks: I am beginning to think they will come after?!
Sleep: I wake up every hour, every time with a contraction.

Best moment of this week: having a girls night with mom and Steph Friday (we got our nails done and drove around in mom's new convertible), and then Saturday night with High School friends
Miss anything: sleeping good.. and moving around easy (it's really hard to get out of bed or off the couch)

Movement: today especially lots of movement
Food cravings: the fall time M&Ms

Anything making you queasy or sick: I had a horrible cold last week and stayed in bed all day Thursday

Have you started to show yet: Today the lady at the post office said, "twins?" first stranger to say that to me
Gender: Girl and Boy
Labor signs: Braxton hicks continue and I think I am feeling some harder contractions too
Belly button in or out: sticking out
Wedding rings on or off: On most days (I have a CZ ring that I wear on the days I am really swollen)
Happy or moody most of the time: Very emotional this week. I started crying when we put the car seats in the car. It's all becoming real.
Looking forward to: Hitting 36 weeks!! :) I am praying we make it until at least 37.

This week's verse: 

Numbers 6: 24-26

The Lord bless you and keep you; The Lord make His face shine on you, And be gracious to you; The Lord life up His countenance on you, And give you peace! 

The LORD bless you, and keep you; The LORD make His face shine on you, And be gracious to you; The LORD lift up His countenance on you, And give you peace.' - See more at: http://bible.knowing-jesus.com/topics/Baby-dedication#sthash.AvktvusZ.dpuf

The LORD bless you, and keep you; The LORD make His face shine on you, And be gracious to you; The LORD lift up His countenance on you, And give you peace.' - See more at: http://bible.knowing-jesus.com/topics/Baby-dedication#sthash.AvktvusZ.dpuf

34 Weeks

This past week I really started to feel like I was getting close to delivering. This weekend I was really tired and didn't feel so great. I tried to rest as much as I could. Sunday night Clay practiced smoking a brisket for our small group. Clay, his brother and my brother are in a BBQ competition the end of September. He is so excited about it, and this weekend was a great way to practice. We are truly blessed with such a great small group.

On Monday I went to the doctor for another ultrasound and follow up visit. The ultrasound went great! The twins are hitting all their measurements, the fluid is good, cervix is long, and heart beats were great. Colton is still breech and continues to be on the right side. I seriously don't think they have much room in there. The estimated weights were 5 pounds 9 oz, and 5 pounds 12 oz. I know this is just an estimate, but it is so strange thinking I could have over 11 pounds of baby in me now. The doctor also said "have your bag packed and ready we are getting close..." Twins are considered full term at 36 weeks. I think we are pretty much ready. Just a few more things to throw in my hospital bag and for Clay to do around the house and we will be good to go! :)

Here's the picture from last week: 

Here's the picture from this week:

How far along: 34 Weeks
Total weight gain: the nurse who weighed me Monday said for their records I have gained 32 pounds
Maternity clothes: I am liking long maxi's because my feet are so swollen
Stretch marks: still haven't seen any..
Sleep: I am not sleeping much.. I get up sometimes every hour now..

Best moment of this week: Small group dinner Sunday night at our house and getting a good report from the doctor Monday
Miss anything: feeling better..
Movement: lots of movements.. some of the lower movements have really started to hurt
Food cravings: nothing in particular this week

Anything making you queasy or sick: somedays I just don't feel well overall..

Have you started to show yet: if one more person says.. "you look like you are about to pop!!"
Gender: Girl and Boy
Labor signs: braxton hicks continue.. some lower back pain..  lots of swelling especially in my ankles
Belly button in or out: sticking out
Wedding rings on or off: On but really not comfortable..
Happy or moody most of the time: I feel like this week I could cry at any moment.. for no reason in particular..
Looking forward to: Our 10 year High School reunion on Saturday night. 

This week's verse: 

Jeremiah 1:5
"I knew you before I formed you in your mother’s womb. Before you were born I set you apart ..."

33 Weeks

This past week was another great one. Each week that goes by I am thankful for another week for the twins to grow.

Last week Thursday I went for my doctor visit. He said everything is looking good. Colton is still head up but he said there is time for him to flip. The doctor also said some sets of twins typically come around 35-36 weeks gestation. It is my prayer that they stay in until 37-38 weeks. My stomach is measuring 40 weeks. It is getting harder to be in one position for an extended length of time.

This past Saturday I had my last shower. Cathy threw a luncheon at Van Goughs Bistro. Here are some pictures from the shower.

 Clay's Cousin was sweet to come down from South Carolina!

 My Nana and the twin's great grandma!

 Laura and Cayden Grace- both so excited for the twins to arrive

 Pretty flowers at the shower

 Cathy threw a great shower

 We got some great gifts!

 The twins are going to be spoiled with all their grandmas! :)

So thankful for my mom and all she does for us!

I haven't taken the 33 week picture yet, so I will have to upload it next week. 

Here's the weekly questions: 

How far along: 33 Weeks
Total weight gain: I think I am up to 36 pounds now
Maternity clothes: mainly just the dresses that still fit
Stretch marks: still haven't seen any.. but I feel like they are coming
Sleep: I am waking up every two hours most nights
Best moment of this week: dinner with Clay's family Saturday and my family Sunday. So blessed to live close to our families
Miss anything: being able to move easily.. not aching all the time
Movement: still feeling movements both high and low
Food cravings: frozen fruit bars

Anything making you queasy or sick: still the smell of burnt food in the oven/toaster oven.. work is still the worse with this

Have you started to show yet: continuing to grow everyday!
Gender: Girl and Boy
Labor signs: braxton hicks continue.. some lower back pain.. swelling of my ankles
Belly button in or out: sticking out
Wedding rings on or off: On but getting a little snug
Happy or moody most of the time: this week I was more anxious and nervous about everything
Looking forward to: Another week preparing the house for the twins to come home

Verse for this week: 

Matthew 19:14
Jesus said, "Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these."

32 Weeks

Today was bitter-sweet for Clay. He sold the jeep he rebuilt with the help of his brother. He bought it 8 years ago. We enjoyed it while he had it, but with the twins on the way, it was no longer practical. Here's some pictures throughout the years..

Sorry Colton, one day when you want a cool jeep and you are sad because we sold it- it's kind of my fault. However, Clay and I have already said we will have another jeep later on. Maybe it will be a project for Clay and Colton to do together. It was a fun eight years with the jeep. We hope the new owner loves it just as much as we did. Interesting fact, the guy we sold it to is a twin!!

This past Friday I went to visit one of my best friends who is expecting triplets! It's so crazy that college roommates would both be pregnant with multiples at the same time. It's so cool to see how God brings people together to go through life together. Natalie is 26 weeks pregnant and needs continual prayer for her and the sweet babies to stay put for another 6 weeks. We are going to have fun with all the little ones in the years to come!

Today I went for a follow up ultrasound. We were released from the specialist and are now able to get the ultrasounds at the regular OB office. Mom met me there this morning, she always loves seeing the little ones on the screen. It's gotten harder to see specifics on the screen anymore. It's getting a little cramped in there I guess. :) All the measurements were great, both babies measured 32 weeks when she measured the head, leg and whatever else she did. The estimate for Colton's weight is 4 lbs 9oz. However, this is just an estimate. The program wasn't calculating Ann Marie's weight for some reason, but the tech said it was probably close. Colton is breech and Ann Marie is head down right now. I go back to the office to see the OB on Thursday.

 How far along: 32 Weeks
Total weight gain: 34 pounds on my home scale
Maternity clothes: my mom took 6 dresses to have them altered for me, they fit in the stomach but are too big in the arms.. looking forward to some new options for the remainder of my pregnancy
Stretch marks: still haven't officially seen any
Sleep: I have started waking Clay up on accident around 3pm when I get up. I guess you can say now we are both getting ready for the weeks ahead.
Best moment of this week: spending time with Natalie in the hospital just like we were back in the dorm room and good reports from the ultrasound today
Miss anything: my back not aching..
Movement: the upper right side is where Colton's head is - so all the little punches up there are from him. The bottom left is where Ann Marie's head is and I can feel little movements down there too.
Food cravings: love me some sugar still- poor kids are going to have a sweet tooth
Anything making you queasy or sick: nothing really this week
 Have you started to show yet: of course! :)
Gender: Girl and Boy
Labor signs: braxton hicks have really picked up as well- on average 6-7 per day (unless I am dehydrated or not moving enough then they really pick up). Swelling has also gotten worse the last week or so.
Belly button in or out: the whole belly button seems to poking out now- could totally see it today with the shirt I wore
Wedding rings on or off: On but getting a little snug
Happy or moody most of the time: happy and excited.. yet nervous too
Looking forward to: my doctor visit Thursday and a shower with Cathy's friends Saturday for a luncheon

Verse I am focusing on this week for the twins: 

Psalm 139:13
You made all the delicate, inner parts of my body and knit me together in my mother’s womb.

31 Weeks

This past week was filled with good times!! This weekend was my shower with all my friends. I truly loved seeing everyone that came! I am soo blessed with wonderful friends. The twins were blessed with great gifts!! Here's some pictures from the shower:

 Kristen playing the sock game!

 The sock game was harder then it looks..

 Can't wait to read the diapers with those late night diaper changes.

 Sweet Samford Friends

 These girls can sure throw an awesome shower!!

 Sweet Friend came up from FL just for the shower!

 So thankful to have you by my side once again!

 Baby Robert's first party! :) Can't wait for the twins to meet their buddy. 

  This Sunday I went shopping with my mom and Stephanie (Ryan's girlfriend) to buy some items on my registry that I needed. It was so fun shopping together. Coming home and putting everything up in the twin's room is making it more real. Sunday night Clay and I went to pick up the cradle my grandpa made. We set it up in the living room and we just love it! You can see part of it in the picture below. 

31 Weeks: 

How far along: 31 Weeks
Total weight gain: about 30-31 pounds
Maternity clothes: this week I bought two new dresses at a consignment store and a friend from small group dropped off a bag full. It's so nice to have more options.
Stretch marks: I feel like some may be coming on my thighs..
Sleep: still getting up one to two times a night to go the bathroom
Best moment of this week: seeing my sweet friends this weekend!!
Miss anything: sleeping well, feet not being swollen..
Movement: I feel like it has picked up this week- still in the upper right and upper middle this week
Food cravings: anything sweet
Anything making you queasy or sick: nothing really this week.
Have you started to show yet: of course! :)
Gender: Girl and Boy
Labor signs: braxton hicks have really picked up as well!
Belly button in or out: the whole belly button seems to poking out now
Wedding rings on or off: On but getting a little snug
Happy or moody most of the time: overwhelmed and anxious continues
Looking forward to: continuing to get everything ready and an ultrasound next week