Day 2 at home

Today felt a little smoother. Perhaps we are getting the hang of this a little. I'm still not getting a lot of sleep but since I expected it, the fact I'm not getting it doesn't bother me as much. They slip out of their little preemie diapers and so they woke up angry twice last night because they were wet and pooey. It is nice that they sleep together so well in the bassinet. When Abby was a baby she NEVER slept unless I was holding her or she was in her swing.

This morning I took Kiley and Kara up to the hospital to get their bilirubin levels checked. I've discovered that I need a LOT of time to get things ready before I go. Each baby needs to be fed, changed, and dressed. Oh yeah... I need to be fed and dressed too, along with a little coffee in hand :) It also is an interesting feat to get two newborns into carseats without their older sister 'helping.' I've also discovered it is a lot of work to get two babies into the hospital on your own. I think it might have been easier if I still wasn't so tired and sore from having these two. But we made it. Poor little things had to get their heels pricked. Their feet are so bruised from all of the times they've had blood drawn. The lab people absolutely loved them and had to come look at them. It was hard though to hear them crying and looking at you like "Mommy why are they hurting me?" I'm so fiercely protective of all of my girls it is always hard to watch them get blood drawn.

We were supposed to come back at 4pm to have a weight check but thankfully the Childbirth Resource Center called and said they had an opening at 11:30 and wanted to know if I could come earlier. To which I was VERY happy to do! We went and visited Tom at work, I fed them and we went back to the hospital for the second time that day. They checked each girl's vitals, weights and than had me feed them. I REALLY need to paint one of the girl's nails so that I can keep them straight with one glance. I was tired and got them mixed up twice. Kiley has a larger 'bump' on the back of her head from delivery and that is how I was finally able to tell who was who. Kara drank 1oz and Kiley drank 1 1/2. The nurse was VERY impressed with how well they drank. She told me I no longer need to worry about supplementing their diets with formula. She also told me it was very unusual for 36 weekers to drink this well. Yay girls! Kiley has lost some weight since yesterday and both girls are 4lb 13oz now.

The pediatrician's office called me later this afternoon to tell me that Kiley's bili had risen to 11.5 (up from 8.5 yesterday) When I asked about Kiley's they sounded confused and said they didn't have the levels from the lab. They called me later to say that something happened and the lab had lost her blood. The lab did call later to appologize and state that they would not be charging me for the blood draws but that I need to come back in tomorrow to get them drawn again. *sigh* I don't mind doing it to make sure my girls are healthy but I hate to have to poke them AGAIN. Not to mention that I need to go up there once again! I'm to the point where I just want them to give me the bili blanket and stop poking them. So more pokes tomorrow :(

Abby is doing so well adjusting to the roll of big sister. She loves them so much. Our biggest concern is her being gentle with the girls. She's learning...and just doesnt quite understand how fragile they are. It's fun to see how much she wants to help though. I think Abby is liking that life is starting to take on some realm of 'normalcy' again. Mom and Dad were home tonight and I was able to put her to sleep. I think she needed the cuddle time. 

Well I'm just finishing feeding Kiley and Kara already had her fill... therefore it is time to go to bed before the next feeding. Continue to keep us all in your prayers as we navigate this new chapter in our lives.

A New Chapter

This post is long overdue but with everything going on it has been difficult to have time. The girls are here and amazing and beautiful and healthy. Praise the Lord. I will try and post their birth story sometime but tonight I just don't have the clear mind to do so.

We came home from the hospital today. We were dismissed at 1:00pm. There are moments when I think that I should have listened to Dr. H and stayed longer to rest... but I just wanted to go home and see Abby. I missed my home. Tom's mom is here and has helped around the house a lot. She made supper tonight which was SO much better than hospital food. I wish I could have eaten more. I played with Abby some after we came home, she gave me the biggest hug.

I think I'm going to head to bed here soon. I've gotten 5 hours of sleep or less for the last three or four nights and having babies and the stress of everything is getting to me. Please pray that I can learn to balance everything. Tomorrow I have to take Kiley and Kara in to get their bilirubins checked in the morning. Then at 4 something we have to go back up to get checked out to make sure we are all doing ok. We have to go in Monday for another appointment and Tuesday I go in to meet with the breastfeeding appointment. So much for leaving the hospital... but at least I was able to take them home.

Tom just got Abby to bed for me. I think I should sleep while there is someone to watch Kara and Kiley for awhile. I'll try to post more later.

Tomorrow!!!!!!!

This is it!

Less than 24 hours from now I will be checked into the hospital. Sometimes it still feels like a dream, that they will call me up and tell me that they have changed their minds. I keep running through the scenarios in my mind and trying to prepare myself. It is probably a little crazy but I'm excited... and nervous... and a little scared. Not scared in a terrified way... more like, I remember what it was like to have Abby and the thought of that is a little overwhelming. Is being naive better than knowing? Though I know it will be different, that each birth(s) is different.

Yesterday I was reading up on epidurals a little more, since I've never had one... and they mentioned that most give them when you are between 4-5 cm dilated. Hah... I'll most likely be almost 4 by the time we start! Of course you need to be in active labor too. What I think I'll end up doing is waiting as long as possible to get one and have the nurses just tell me when we are getting to "The point of no return" I dont want to slow down labor and I sure don't want to give my babies any problems because I had it. Who knows... if it goes fast enough maybe I won't even need one! (One can only hope)

I haven't been able to sleep well in the last few days, and it has nothing to do with thinking or being nervous. The babies are 'sliding' so far up when I lay down to sleep that they are literally right on top of my ribs. It hurts so much! Saturday night I was up every, single, hour... last night wasn't AS bad but I was up more than four times and that is enough. I guess the girls think they are getting me ready for when they come. I sure am ready for them to come!

I've been in cleaning mode too. I had Tom help me rearrange the basement so that the guest bed is in a better position. (Looks so much better) and I organized a little down there. There is still a lot to do but I don't have the power to do that much that fast! Two loads of laundry are done and the dishes have been unloaded and loaded. With how many times I've picked up you would think the house would be squeaky clean... but not with Abby around!

Tom has a cold... ugh. I'm hoping he will be over it by tomorrow! I dont know what they do with parents when they are sick. Perhaps they will have him wear a mask? I wonder if it is the same thing Abby has been battling. I'm praying he gets over it and that I don't catch it!!!

I will not post updates on Facebook as to how labor is going. Depending on how everything went and when the girls arrive I may post a birth announcement and picture on Facebook and on here. It will not be my first priority I am sorry to say. We plan on texting a picture & announcement out soon after they are born. We will also inform you at that time if we would rather have you wait to visit or stop by. Again a lot will depend on when they come. If you want to be on this list and aren't sure if I have your cell number please message me via Facebook or leave a comment below and I will contact you. (I don't want to put my personal contact information up for people to see)

Also: If you are feeling REMOTELY sick at all... please refrain from visiting us in the hospital. The girls will be still very small and can easily catch something and get very sick. We also ask that you wash your hands at the sink before coming into the room as a precaution. (I'm sorry... there is just so much going around I hate to risk my girl's health after everything we have been through)

Ok! I think that is it! I need to finish a few things before I head up to Sioux Falls to do some last minuet errands. Thank you for all of the prayers and thoughts... God has brought us so far and I am thankful for all of you. Please pray for us tomorrow... (and for me) that I will have the strength and the endurance to bring these little girls safely into the world.

Thirty Six Weeks! 3 days till delivery day!

Well everyone... we made it! Thirty six weeks! How awesome is that! Babies looked good at the appointment yesterday. A was practicing her breathing so much the tech was having a hard time getting her heartbeat! Which was 154 by the way. They measured her in at 5lb 3 ounces but can't be sure if that is correct because her head is locked so far down in my pelvis they could barely get a glimpse of her. The only issue with this is that I saw her hand on top of her head... not a great position to be pushed out in. I will talk with the people on Tuesday (or sooner) when I go in to have them and make sure this is ok. I don't want to dislocate her shoulder!

B measured in at 5lb 1 oz... and get this. SHE FLIPPED... AGAIN! Unbeliveable actually. They could not believe she flipped once let alone twice! They are ordering an ultrasound to check positions before we induce and make sure she hasn't done anything too crazy. She passed her BPP ultrasound with flying colors too and it looks like they will be born nice and healthy :)

We go in at 7am on Tuesday morning to get set up for delivery. They said it will probably take an hour to get that process started. Tom's mother has graciously offered to watch Abby for us and she will be coming up Monday mid day if all goes as planned. This is so nice... I won't have to be alone all day before we deliver! (Tom has to work) We probably won't be going to church tomorrow. I don't want to chance getting sick. I think Abby caught her recent virus from the nursery again. It's the only place we can think of where she might have gotten it. I would just rather be safe than sorry.

I'm going to deliver these babies vaginally but I think that I'm going to opt for the epidural just in case. There is a greater chance for an emergency c-section with this pregnancy and I don't want to miss the birth of one or both of my babies because I'm 'knocked out.' Of course this is purely my intention, anything can happen :)

But honestly I think that is about it. We are counting down the days and trying to stay busy so that the days don't draaaaaaaaaaag. Today will probably be the hardest for me because Tom has to work till 4. The rest of the weekend we should be busy thankfully.

Thanks for all of the prayers! God has answered so many prayers for us throughout this pregnancy and has watched over our little girls. We can't wait to meet them and share them all with you. Please continue to pray for a safe delivery and fat healthy babies!

We have a date!

Dr. H's nurse called me back yesterday morning and said that Dr. B had talked with Dr. H and he wants the babies delivered early next week if they haven't already come on their own! I chose Tuesday because Dr. H will be on call all that day and that night so depending on what I choose I have a pretty good chance of her being there to deliver my babies- something I really want since she delivered Abs and did such a great job last time!

Tomorrow I go in for an ultrasound at 10, then see Dr. B, then see Dr. H to discuss everything about the babies and Tuesday. I've been really struggling to decide whether I would like to do a c-section or vaginal birth with B being breech. There have been people on both sides of the spectrum that have strong opinions either way. I know that when it comes down to it the choice will be mine and mine alone... but it's still hard. I talked to one friend whom had a c-section and she said things perfectly. That no matter what I choose I will always wonder if the other was the right choice. I think I'm going to have to do my best to let some of the weight on the choice of HOW my girls are born go... the important thing is that they are here safe.

I had Abby naturally last time, without an epidural or anything. It was one of the hardest things I've ever done but also one of the most amazing things ever. I think this is the part of me that wants to try for a vaginal birth. Because I know what to expect (somewhat) and I remember how great it felt. The recovery for a c-section is longer but my friend said she was up walking that next day and that she really didn't feel too bad. That she was sore but able to get around ok. Hmmm..... sometimes I wish I didn't have the choice. Perhaps I'll get lucky and little stinker baby B will be facing the right direction. They would check her again on Tuesday before they did anything too... so we have 2 potential shots of not having to choose.

Right now I'm in a strange nesting mode. I've never had a "that's it" date. The babies' nursery is pretty much ready and our bags are packed. Except for Abby's now that I think of it. Though if Tom's mom is able to come up and watch her that morning so we don't have to disturb her pattern too much that would be great. I'm still very curious to see how she reacts to all of this... it is going to be a big adjustment. Especially mom being gone for a few days. So pray that she is able to adjust without too much trauma. I have a few homework assignments that I reallllllly need to get done. It's just so hard to concentrate on them! Especially since they are writing assignments. Hopefully I can get them done. :)

So keep us in your prayers as we count down these last few days of the pregnancy. The journey has been long but the reward will be grand. I will update again after the appointment on Tuesday with more details. :)

Four Days

Well this will be a short update because I am expecting my friend Amanda to show up pretty soon. Abby just went down for a nap (kinda late) but by the time I got her from my mom it was almost three.

There isn't a TON to report but Dr H and I discussed B being breech. She said that she had only delivered 10 babies breech in her career. They just don't do it much anymore. In fact the situation I am in is the ONLY one they would think about doing a vaginal birth with a breech baby. If this was my first pregnancy I wouldn't get the choice, If A was head down they wouldn't... She said that she would be uncomfortable delivering B alone and that if I did choose to go vaginal she would have someone come to assist her. I am thankful for her honesty and for working to give me that choice. Most doctors if they are uncomfortable are unwilling to give the patient the choice.

She hadn't had a chance to talk to Dr. B yet about what he was thinking as far as scheduling a date. She was going to call him today and then get ahold of me. So far I haven't heard anything. Her impression is that he wanted to deliver between 35-37 weeks so there is a good chance that if the babies aren't here on their own by Friday we will schedule a time next week. I'm so ready. I told her that once we made it to 36 weeks I was ready. The babies wouldn't have to be in the NICU unless they were really struggling!!!

Friday we have a growth ultrasound and an appt with Dr. B... I'm sure I'll know more about what will happen in the next week by then. Of course the girls can still come on their own. Dr. H told me that she couldn't believe I was still pregnant. I replied "Me too..." But at least we are getting close!!! I'm so excited. I'm about 3.5 cm dilated now... good grief come on babies!!! Stubborn little buggers! :)

Ok, going to lay down a bit before Amanda gets here. So we are waiting for Friday!!!

THIRTY FIVE WEEKS

One more week and we've made it to my goal! It's getting so close it makes me very excited and a little nervous. I have no idea what I'll do once I go past that! It's no secret, I'm getting a little tired of being pregnant. lol The biggest thing that is bothering me lately is the swelling I'm getting in my hands, face, legs, feet... not only is it uncomfortable it's a little hard on the self esteem. Up until this point I knew I had a good sized tummy, felt big but now I'm beginning to feel fat. I had this with Abby and frankly I remember how much 'fun' it is. It doesn't help that I'm getting to the point where 99% of my clothes doesn't fit... meaning it doesn't cover my belly. Eek! As flattering as the stretch marks are... I'm not waving that flag around! So t-shirts it is. And when I say t-shirts... I don't fit into MY t-shirts... or most of Tom's... Blech... (Can you tell I haven't posted any pictures of myself in 3 weeks... I probably should take a picture of the 'egg' (as I call it) but just haven't had the motivation...

BUT I've gotten the babies to 35 weeks and I'm proud of that accomplishment. If you are praying that I make it to 38 weeks... please don't tell me.... lol the thought of 3 more weeks like this is overwhelming to me...

Here is what our babies are up to lately:

How your baby's growing:

Your baby doesn't have much room to maneuver now that he's over 18 inches long and tips the scales at 5 1/4 pounds (pick up a honeydew melon). Because it's so snug in your womb, he isn't likely to be doing somersaults anymore, but the number of times he kicks should remain about the same. His kidneys are fully developed now, and his liver can process some waste products. Most of his basic physical development is now complete — he'll spend the next few weeks putting on weight.
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Today we are heading down to my mom's place. I've had Abs home alone for the last 2 days and I think she's VERY ready to get out. It's cute because she's been working very hard at saying "Grandma" (She has said Grandpa for like 5 months now!) and she finally has a word for it.... "Mawma" ... you would have to hear it to distinguish it and some might think she's saying Momma... but her word for me is Mommy so I know that it's different. She also calls one of my brothers "Unca Dee" and she's working on my sister "Tippy"... I think her favorite thing to tell me is that she has a 'steeeeenky' ... im not always as thrilled to hear it.

Well unless anything worth posting comes up I probably won't be back until Tuesday when I have my next appointment with Dr. H and I'll find more out about c-sections or inductions or what my next few weeks might be like. And here is a final thought to leave you with....

As someone who ran cross country for 6 years of my life... this point reminds me of that backstretch... where the finish line is looming in the distance and every fiber of your being wants to cross that silly line. Your body feels like it's falling apart, you are exhausted and don't feel like you can go on but the crowds are calling you in. It's funny how many things in life can be compared to a long distance race. There is the pain, the work, the discomfort the hardship... but I'm looking forward to crossing that finish line!!! To holding my babies in my arms, kissing their sweet faces and feeling that unbelievable joy and love that floods through you.... That is what I'm holding out for! And it won't be long now...

34 w 4d

Well last night was completely awful. I was in so much pain trying to sleep. I woke up several times and I had a really hard time getting out of bed to use the bathroom. I contemplated going into Labor and Delivery a couple of times but decided to wait it out. This morning I was still feeling pretty icky. Abby of course got me up at 7am and we watched cartoons, had breakfast and then she decided it was time to find Tom. Thankfully. So I let her into the room and asked him if he could watch her so I could take a bath before he had to get ready for work.

I had a good soak but was still miserable. I laid on the couch while Tom played with Abby, he took a bath and I just tried to relax a little. He told me to go back to bed and when I asked why he explained that he had called into work and told them he was coming in at noon so that he could watch Abby for awhile. Oh what a good husband I have! I never would have been able to ask him to do something like that, I didn't want him to miss work on my account! So I went back to bed and dozed for another 45 minuets. When I came back he was making breakfast of bacon and french toast.... by the time he left I felt so much better.

I had my ultrasound at 1pm. It was the fastest ultrasound I have EVER had. They did the BPP on the girls and A was going absolutely crazy in there. Her heartrate was almost 190! I had another surprise.... B flipped and is now breech... and I now know why I was in so much pain. Her flipping was absolutely torture on me! I have no idea how she managed to do that at almost 35 weeks! Thats unheard of for singleton babies let alone twins! Silly girl! I didn't meet with Dr. H or Dr. B today so I'll have to talk to them about that next week and see if we they will want to do it 'naturally' or via c-section now that B is flipped. I'll let you know when I know!

But my mom will be coming soon, we are going to plant bushes (by we i mean her) behind our fence in the back. They will be beautiful red bushes with edible cherries if they survive! Something to add a little color and privacy. My next appointment is on Tuesday with Dr. H and then next Friday we will have another growth ultrasound and appointment with Dr. B. :)

10 Days

Oh my... we are almost to single digits! I had an appointment with Dr. H today. No ultrasound or other testing because the nurse didn't know what she would want yesterday and we didn't schedule anything. I've gained 2 pounds in the last week...ick... but I'm starting to get more swollen (yay...) thankfully my blood pressure is still ok, 104/82. That bottom number is starting to climb a little more.

I'm still 3cm dilated and 70% effaced so no change there from last week. Dr H did say that Baby A has dropped more since last week. She wants me to come in tomorrow for a BPP ultrasound and dopplers. This is just precautionary. Normally I would be coming in at least once a week for NST's but since the dopplers were elevated in the past and we had that scare she wants to keep an eye on them. I don't mind... I like keeping an eye on them and making sure things are ok. I'm measuring 42 weeks now and she absolutely loved how she could literally SEE the babies moving under my stomach... seriously at times it looks like something out of a science fiction movie! Their heartbeats were both in the 140s and they were having a good time showing off :)

How am I doing? Miserable right now. Someone forgot to tell Abby about Daylight's Savings time... she's up at 7am every morning now. I hate it... too early! The babies are just pushing on everything, I wake up with sharp pains in my ribs, contractions and I'm now getting a LOT of reflux. It's frustrating. I keep telling myself it's for the girls and I need to hold on a little longer to get them here safely. God doesn't give you more than you can handle but goodness He sure likes to stretch you sometimes!

Dr H is going to talk with Dr B and decide on a time frame that they will induce me. She said it would probably be around 36 weeks (even though she doesnt really expect me to make it up to that) It was nice to hear that she thinks it would be very easy to induce me with how my body is and that she would probably just have to break my water.... So there is a light at the end of the tunnel! Thank GOD I don't have to go all the way to 40 weeks! So these babies will be here for SURE before Thanksgiving... no 38 weeks for me!

13 days

November! And so the pink birthstone slips away and we move into the golden. :) Thirteen more days until our babies can come and go home with me! Yesterday was a hard day with Abby. The last few days I've been just completely wiped out... dragging. I feel almost a little trapped in this heavy body... and my back is starting to protest. In fact there are times I can hardly walk or get out of chairs. It's frustrating and painful. I'm glad the girls are getting big but they had better help me get this weight off!! :)

But why yesterday was so hard. It just started out a mess. I got up, felt great with tons of energy and started picking up the living room. I was moving onto the kitchen when I glanced at the clock...8:45? Really? No.... Yes... it was. My clock in the bedroom had been a day ahead and jumped into daylight savings time a day early. I had to have Feebee in town by 9 and I was still in my pajamas, Abby was still asleep and Feebee hadn't even been let out to go to the bathroom. So I threw on some clothes, shoved Feebee in the van, grabbed Abs who was still in her pj's and put her in the car. (poor sleepy thing) I grabbed an outift for her to wear later, a bottle and took off for town. I was 5 minuets late but all things considered it wasn't too bad.

Then they told me it was going to take 3 hours. I debated staying or going but hated to waste the gas so I decided to stay. I wrangled abby out of the pj's in the van...started putting on her clothes and couldnt figure out why they were so small.... I checked the tag and it was a 6-12 month outfit!! So... I had a soggy baby and no clothes. I squished her into the small outfit and took off for the baby thrift store I love... found out they didn't open till 10. So we went to McDonalds and had a breakfast before I went back. Thankfully I found a pair of jeans for 3.50 and a top for 2.50. Then we left.

I took her to the mall indoor playground and let her run around the toys there with the kids. It would have worked better if they had a small gate at the entrance.... or am I the only parent of a toddler that struggles to keep their kid from running away? Abby thought it was hilarious, me less so. We left, went back to the Pet Store and checked on Feebee, she looked like she was almost done. So Abby looked at the meows (mice) for awhile and played with a few dog toys. (She also loved the fish, a hint to animal lovers, forget the zoo go to a Pet Store, it's free and the little ones don't care) About the time that I couldn't entertain her anymore they said she was done... So I had to lug her and Feebee's carrier back to the the van. I was exhausted. We had lunch with Tom and Abby was traumatized when he went back to work. She fell asleep on the way home.

Normally this isn't a big deal but Abby woke up when I put her down in the crib. I fought her for a long time to get her back to sleep and finally exhausted myself I couldn't take it anymore. I put her back in her crib, shut the door and lay back down on the couch. She screamed for 45 minuets but I did get a chance to rest. I just couldn't handle it anymore... I was so exhausted I could hardly move and I needed that time. So yeah, she slept... for 15 minuets... all day.... Thankfully Tom was home at 4pm

I was a little disappointed because it was Halloween and my family was coming up to Trick or Treat. Abby was craaaaaaaaaanky but a cute cranky kitty. The people just thought her "thankyou" was the cutest thing ever. It was :) She even got a few Teddy Grahms and had a treat that her mommy didn't take. A few people gave out 'glow bands' and she loved her pretty bracelets. So it went over ok, and I put Abs down to bed at 8:00pm.

Now she is in our bedroom trying to wake up Daddy. She loves to go in and find him in the morning. I was trying to let him sleep a tad longer but she started playing Duplo Legos and thought of him and had to go see where he was. I guess that is ok because maybe I'll get a chance to take a shower and get some breakfast before we go to church. Abby brought me some jeans... time to go :)