33 weeks - an unexpected victory

We made it. 33+1 in my books, 33 in my OB's (no idea why but whatever) and I never thought I'd be so surprised and grateful to say that. I've been in hospital since Dec 30, admitted with preeclampsia, it was an insanely intense and terrifying evening with a real possibility that babies would need to be delivered.  Spoiler alert: they're still cooking!

On Tuesday afternoon I went for a regular appt at my OB's office, I really expected nothing exciting to happen, I hadn't even had a recent ultrasound. Evidently there have been some significant weight gain since my previous appointment, my blood pressure was elevated and they found protein in my urine.  All of these signs led my OB to send me right over to the hospital to get checked out at L&D.  I, of course, began to panic although she told me not to (yeah right).  I went straight home and grabbed H (who had been sound asleep napping) and tried to calmly tell him we need to head to the hospital. How you can say that and not incite panic is beyond me.

When we got there they repeated the urine test ran some blood test and did an NST to see how the babies were doing.  They asked about a whole bunch of other warning signs that I unfortunately had to say yes to; I wasn't experiencing them that day but I had in the last few weeks or month of my pregnancy.  The nurse quite honestly looked at me and said, "I don't think you're going home."  The on-call OB came over to see us and he very strongly tried to prepare us that the babies may in fact need to be delivered that night. It was terrifying and everything was moving so quickly our heads were just spinning. My lab work definitely supported the diagnosis of preeclampsia.  They told me I would be admitted to the hospital so that I can be very closely monitored. That involved getting hooked up to the mag drip, saline fluids, bloodwork every six hours, the catheter, regular BP readings (bi-hourly) and continuous monitoring of the babies. Very fortunately, my condition stabilized and the babies continued to do well.

The next day was rough, I won't lie. I was hooked up to some many different cords and machines and I was really quite distraught over the quick and crazy turn of events.  I just kept praying that these babies did NOT show up in 2014, that's not even the right year!!  I'm supposed to have 2015 babies!!  I had inquired about the steroid that helps babies lungs develop when they're likely to be delivered early, so we got the first dose of that in the morning of the 31st and then you have to wait 24 hours to get the second so we just kept praying that we made it to then. Ideally you want the last dose of the steroid to be administered at least 24 hours before delivery, so making it until Friday became a very big goal in our books.  So we made it to 2015, huge victory, and then we made it to Friday, woo hoo!!

***continued on Saturday***

I got tied up doing a long NST last night so here we are, blogging on Sat night with inside babies still!!!  Ok so where am I?  My brain is so scattered, shocking right?  We saw the high risk, chief of OB doctor (Dr. A) yesterday, he was awesome. I have to say all of the OBs have been super amazing. Taking their time to go through everything with us, make sure we understand what's happening and why, answer all our questions.  Dr. A basically went through everything and we discussed how this is really all a balancing act - weighing my health and stability - BP, platelet count, other warning signs that the preeclampsia is revving up, against the babies well being and ability to thrive inside vs outside the womb. There is a decrease in their growth and blood flow from the placentas to the babies so I go for daily ultrasounds to ensure it doesn't get any worse.  We are doing NSTs twice a day and checking their heart rates another two times a day.  When any of these things change for the worse, the babies will be coming out via c section. So we basically are just in a wait and see pattern, praying for another day at a time.

This has taken me like 15 attempts to write so I'm just going to leave this here.  Every day is a victory in my world, every day that they stay inside and we all stay healthy and stable is something to celebrate. I want to do everything I can to give them the best shot, whatever that means for me.

Babies, I hope you know how very much mommy and daddy love you. I can't wait to meet you but please don't rush out!!  You are my heart and soul, you are a part of me in a way I can never fully describe. I love you and all I want is what is best for you. If you can just stay put a little while longer we'll all be that much better off, so please just keep cooking in there. I love you with every ounce of my being, with every part of me.
Xoxo

32 Weeks + 1 day

Merry (belated) Christmas!!  I hope you are all enjoying the holiday season!

How far along:  32 weeks!
Babies are the size of:  Squash 
What's happening: All 5 sense are hard at work now.  Twins have largely grown at a similar rate to singletones, but they're slowing down now as things are getting more cramped in there.  They may be running out of space, but my little aliens are choreographing some serious dance routines in there, they're crazy!  
Maternity Clothes:  LOL, oh yeah.
Stretch Marks: Not yet knock on wood!
Sleep:  Oh sleep, how I miss you.  I get up to pee so frequently and I have to wake up to roll over or adjust at all.  It's been hard to prop myself up high enough to help with the heartburn while still sleeping on my side.  Yeah, there are a lot of hurdles to this sleeping business.
Symptoms: I am large, and feeling completely NOT in charge, haha.  My knees are really feeling the added weight, especially squats, which clearly I'm not doing squats for exercise sake, haha, but all those bathroom breaks...  ;)  The last two day of Christmas festivities were a little much for me, my pelvic pain last night and today is pretty brutal, like it hurts to walk today.  Thankfully we planned for boxing day to be a recovery day for me, so I've spent most of the day with my swollen feet up, minus when I supervised H hanging my prints in the nursery :)  I am so not rushing these babies, but I'm definitely into the uncomfortable portion of things over here.  I have also been a little self conscious, seeing so many people over the holidays, many whom haven't seen me pregnant - I had a lot of comments that made me want to rage or cry.  "Wow, you're really carrying wide, eh?"  "Wow, you're looking huge!"  Um, I'm 32 weeks pregnant with twins, yeah, I'm kind of huge right now, GFYS, kthxbai.  
Best Moment of the Week:  I honestly don't know if I could love my H anymore, he is seriously the best thing that has ever happened to me, and I am so grateful to have him as my partner.  He takes such good care of me and these babies, he is so thoughtful and loving, it warms my heart.  We decided on no gifts for each other this year, we have enough to do/buy for the babies, let's just focus on them.  Well apparently at some point this week, he decided I needed some cheering up (the parental drama was really negative and causing me a lot of anxiety and stress), he knows how much I love Christmas and didn't want me to be sad, so he went out and bought me a beautiful heart locket, so that I can put pictures of the babies in them and carry them with me any time I may be away from them.  There is actually an additional small heart inside, so you can actually put 4 pictures in there.  It's beautiful, and so thoughtful.  And while I am miffed that he broke our agreement, and I feel bad I didn't get him anything, it's just a small example of how incredibly sweet and thoughtful he is.  I can't wait to see him with our babies, he's going to be such an amazing dad.
Miss Anything: Sleep, ankles, and breathing.
Cravings/Aversions:  Christmas day was full of amazingness - eggs benny for brunch, turkey and mashed potatoes and gravy (and veggies of course) for dinner.  Yum!!  I need my sugar/sweet fix but I've been avoiding chocolate because the heartburn has been bad lately.  
Showing Yet: I'm huge, didn't you hear?
Mood: Today?  Pretty good!  We did some good work in then nursery, which makes me really happy!  

A little panicky that I'm 32 weeks and we are kind of almost ready....well, sort of, gear wise I suppose.  I can't believe how close we're getting to meeting our babies!  This week?  All over the map.  My parents are nuts so there were a lot of ups and downs, but I just don't feel like getting into that right now.    
What I am Looking Forward to:  We're heading up to my ILs tomorrow for a few days.  I'm looking forward to getting out of the city, and I'm really happy for Abby - she loves it up there so much!  I love watching her play off leash and run around, she has such a good time, and comes home soooo tired!  

32 Weeks!

31 Weeks!

How far along:  31 weeks
Babies are the size of:  Pineapples.  Funny since this has been my one continuous craving the entire pregnancy.  And now I realize I don't have any.  Sadz :( 
What's happening: All 5 sense are now working.  There is major development in both the brain and nerves.  Eyes are also developing, irises can now react to light.  
Maternity Clothes:  LOL, oh yeah.
Stretch Marks: Not yet knock on wood!
Sleep:  This story rarely changes.  Some nights are better than others, most pretty much suck, especially if I have to get up for work.  I'm actually really grateful at this point to only be working 3 days a week.  At least if I'm not working I can stay in bed longer and attempt to nod off again.  Last night was pretty bad again with the pelvic pain.  Moving is so hard, rolling over is such a challenge.
Symptoms: I have trouble balancing the IF brain that I worked so hard for these miracles, and am so insanely grateful for them, it feels...unappreciative to complain.  But if I'm being honest, 3rd tri has been hard.  I'm much more uncomfortable, my knees are feeling the extra weight I'm carrying.  My legs and especially feet are so swollen.  Even with my compression socks, and trying to elevate as much as possible, it's slightly crazy.  And stupid winter is not helping, I am having trouble finding shoes or boots that I can get my feet into right now.  Oh, and the breathing at night thing still sucks.  I actually wake up and realize I'm not able to exhale properly, it's a very odd feeling, and slightly unsettling.  I love my two little aliens, who are moving like crazy lately, but this making people business is a little hard!
Best Moment of the Week:  Seeing the babies on Monday.  I swear I keep remembering my son's face on the screen, it was incredible.  He looked like a baby, not a little alien or skeleton anymore, he looked like a baby that I'm going to get to hold and kiss and cuddle and love.  ::swoon::
Miss Anything: Sleep, ankles, and breathing.
Cravings/Aversions:  I want chocolate, but it makes my heartburn worse.  But I make up for that with other sweets. And I can't get enough cereal....mmmm....cereal.  
Showing Yet: I don't know, maybe just a little ;)
Mood: Pretty good overall.  I went to H's work Christmas lunch today and everyone was buzzing around me, asking how I'm doing, talking about the babies.  It was a little overwhelming but also kind of awesome.  We have a lot of holiday festivities coming up which I'm excited for, I'm such a Christmas person, but I also am tiring out much quicker, haha, so we'll make the most of it all and hopefully I can keep up!  Is it weird it's almost making me panic that we're almost ready for these babies??  Our to do list is getting shorter and shorter, don't get me wrong, plenty left to still do, but we're getting much closer to being ready, and that feels surreal.  
What I am Looking Forward to:  My uncle's annual Christmas party on Sun!  There's always a great crowd, good food and lots of carols being sung!  It's a staple to my Christmas celebrating!

31 Weeks!

Oh, and I sort of managed to get my little aliens in all their alien glory, haha!  This is mostly little boy, but in the middle, it's a bit of a free for all, not sure who's limbs they are for sure!

30 Weeks!

How far along:  30 weeks - holy crap!
Babies are the size of:  Cucumbers 
What's happening: Skin is getting smoother.  Now strong   enough to grasp a finger!  They can open and close their eyes and tell the difference between light and dark.
Maternity Clothes:  LOL, oh yeah.
Stretch Marks: Not yet knock on wood!
Sleep:  Ongoing struggle.  It's hard to get comfy, and hard to change positions, the belly is feeling big and heavy!  The snoogle is amazing, but it's still a challenge.  And I've woken up the last few nights unable to breathe.  Like I actually catch my breath and wake up - it's an unsettling feeling.  I wonder if it's because I've accidentally sort of rolled on to my back, I've heard from friends that those two can be connected.  The congestion is also an ongoing battle.  Oh sleep, how I miss you.
Symptoms: The hip pain is better than last week, not gone, but more manageable, so I'm thankful for that.  Heartburn is hit or miss.  I'm getting into a little back pain this week.  My hands and face are also swollen, the double chin look is super sexy and makes me feel awesome /sarcasm.  But my lower legs and feet are getting the worst of it.  I need to be sure to constantly sit down and put them up.  
Best Moment of the Week:  My shower on Sunday!  It was so awesome, I am completely overwhelmed with gratitude. 
Miss Anything: Not feeling fat, haha, I miss having ankles.  Sleep.  
Cravings/Aversions:  Food, I just want food, like all the time haha.  
Showing Yet: I swear I woke up one morning this week and looked/felt noticeably bigger than when I went to bed.  I also feel like they are literally pushing to make room and thereby expand my once-upon-a-time-waistline!  I know we still have a ways to go, and this is the point they put on weight, but I also am having trouble imagining growing more, haha!
Mood: A tad overwhelmed, realizing that we're at 30 weeks already!  I'm excited by that, another milestone in my mind, but also panicked since twins are known to show up early!  I was reading a hospital bag check list the other night and had a holy shit moment, things are getting real!  I am also nervously excited that we're getting so close to meeting our two little M&Ms!  It still boggles my mind that we are thisclose to having two little babies here, completely dependent on us.  It's both terrifying and beyond words amazing.  
What I am Looking Forward to:  Lunch??  LOL....but seriously....lunch sounds good right now.

30 Weeks!

29 Weeks

How far along:  29 weeks, holy crap that's close to 30!

Babies are the size of:  Acorn Squash
What's happening:  Their brains are in full control of their breathing and body temperature.  Digestive systems should be fully functional. They are growing fat deposits under their skin and energy is surging as a result.  

Stretch Marks: Nope, knock on wood.

Sleep:  Ongoing struggle, especially with the pelvic pain.
Symptoms: The pelvic pain is the worst.  It's better than it was on Tuesday, but it's by far the one thing that is hard to deal with.  The heartburn is still there but I can better alleviate it with my prescription. Cankles and swollen feet.  My hands are also a bit swollen and they ache/hurt, like it's hard to grip something really tightly.  BH are quite common but not all that bad thus far.  I'm exhausted and really freaking sappy, haha.
Best Moment of the Week:  My mom and I had a really nice weekend away.  I'm not sure I could live in a small town, but they are nice to visit.  Cute little shops to check out, they had a Santa Clause parade.  It was nice to get out of the city and I know it meant a lot to my mom.  On Sat night we played a game with her friend (that owns the B&B and cafe) and it was the closest I've come to literally peeing my pants.  We all laughed insanely hard over something silly, I'm sure the twins were wondering WTF was going on, because I literally was doubled over with laughter.  I haven't laughed that hard in a long time.  Laughter sure is good for the soul, even if my stomach was killing me!

Miss Anything:  Sleep.
Cravings/Aversions:  Sweets and desserts.  And for a chocoholic, I'm sad that it really aggravates my heartburn, so I'm indulging in other sweet treats for now.
Showing Yet: El oh el.
Mood: I know I've said this before, but time is seriously flying.  I cannot believe how close we're getting to meeting these two little ones!  I'm trying not to be overwhelmed by my list of things to do, especially since it's getting harder to have super productive days - I need a lot of sitting time, with my swollen feet up.  I've been doing really well, until Tues when the pain was really bad, then I got sad and grumpy and had a legit woe is me day.  I just pray this is something that eases up and doesn't continue straight through until the end.
What I am Looking Forward to:  I have my other shower this weekend!  My ILs are throwing one for their side.  I feel so incredibly blessed and fortunate that so many people love us and want to celebrate our babies with us, and spoil them!  It will also help us figure out what we still need to buy to get ready for these two.  

29 Weeks!

3rd Trimester - 28 weeks!

How far along:  28 weeks - hello 3rd tri!

Babies are the size of:  Eggplants
What's happening:  Babies are developing more fat, skin is getting smoother.  Lungs are fairly mature and their brains are developing more tissue. They would have a good chance of survival if born at this point, but clearly I want to keep them cooking a good while longer!

Maternity Clothes: Pants, always, tops, mostly - I bought them, I may as well wear them!
Stretch Marks: Nope, knock on wood.

Sleep:  Ongoing struggle, last night was thankfully a little better, I'll take what I can get!
Symptoms: I'm getting more uncomfortable - I mean, it's all still manageable, but still.  We have a LOT of stairs in this house, it's always disappointing to realize I forgot something all the way upstairs, but the time I get there I'm out of breath, and still have to come back down!  My cankles are just lovely, and my fingers have swollen a bit too, I had to take some of my rings off, including my wedding ring :(  My engagement ring is the only one that still fits, I hope I can keep wearing at least that one.
Best Moment of the Week:  This was a great FU IF week in my world!  One of my closest friends finally got a much deserved BFP and I have been on cloud 9 ever since!  Love you and your ninjas!!!  <3  Two other very good friends also got long awaited BFPs, so I am just so over the moon for all 3 of them, I'm praying so hard that this is the start of a long and healthy nine months for them all!  And in my world, I'm still happy about the u/s results and a little amazed at how big these babies are!  

Miss Anything:  Sleep.
Cravings/Aversions:  I eat, a LOT lately.  Cereal is always a good option!
Showing Yet: You know it!
Mood: I've been all kinds of sappy!!  Every time I think of Cici and her ninjas, or how incredibly happy I am for her, I cry, again!  I can't believe I'm in 3rd trimester, where has the time gone?!  I can't believe that in roughly 10 weeks, give or take (you never know with twins!) I am going to have babies - TWO BABIES!!  I am seriously more in love with my H than ever before.  It is amazing to see him starting to fall into role of dad.  I know the babies aren't here yet, but the way he talks to them and about them, how supportive he is of me, how often he tells me what a rockstar I am and how great I'm doing, always encouraging me - it seriously just melts my heart.  I can't wait to see the relationship form between him and our babies.  (Where did I put that Kleenex??  I told you I'm sappy!)
What I am Looking Forward to:  I'm going away for the weekend with my mom!  I think I wrote about this before (damn pregnancy brain, I really can't remember!) but we had to postpone, so we are leaving tomorrow to go to this cute small town, B&B.  It's their Santa Clause parade tomorrow and the weather is supposed to be decent.  It'll be a nice get away for us both :)

28 weeks!

27 Weeks and wrapping up 2nd tri!

I just need to rant for a moment before I get to the good stuff.  I was paranoid and annoyed after my last OB appt 2 weeks ago that they didn't check my cervix (especially since a lot of people I chat with on the interwebz, friends and BMB folks) seem to have lately run into serious issues.  I got it in my head and just wanted to ensure everything looked ok.  My OB was on vacation so I went to see the fill in doctor.  I liked her better than my OB, unfortunately!  Anyway, she was happy to send me for an u/s to check things out and give me the reassurance I really needed.  So I went today, and I had the most awful experience.  I got called into the wrong room and then had a 5 mins discussion about how no, my name was not Jane Smith, not sure how she thought that would change over the course of our discussion, but a long 5 mins later, she asked me to leave the exam room because I wasn't her patient.  I ended up in the other exam room with a woman who looked at my forms, I mentioned it's twins, and she rolled her eyes so hard I thought they'd get stuck.  Sorry to inconvenience you?  ::shoulder shrug::  So up on the table, I cannot tell you how many times she looked at the papers, asked me to confirm:

Her: So Baby A is....::looks at paper::...on the left
Me: Yup, on the left.

Her: Ok, just checking.

5 minutes later.

Her: So Baby A is....::looks at paper::...on the left
Me: Yup, still on the left.

Her: Ok, just checking.

This conversation happened no less than 25 times over the course of the next 40 mins.  There are two babies, one on the left, one on the right, one is a boy, one is a girl, one is head down, one is head up - how many times do you possibly have to verify that Baby A is still, in fact, on the left??  I seriously was ready to lose it.  I do not think she has every done and u/s before, if she has, I'd bet she's never done twins.  She was so confused, and so lost, and generally seemed totally incompetent.  At the end, I asked what they both weigh now, or how my cervical length was, but by this time she's rushing me off the table, just kept saying, "Talk to your doctor" (which ok, fine, in Canada, techs aren't supposed to tell you anything but still, she was really rude about it).  Then I'm trying to wipe off the massive amount of goop she used with a face cloth sized already messy little towel when she begins to lecture me about how when I book appts I need to tell them it's twins.  I told her I didn't book the appt, the receptionist at my OB's office did.  *I also had my 13w scan there, you're looking at the papers that talked about my twin pregnancy - really??  You were that surprised??  So there I am, wiping all this crap off myself and getting decent, getting my stuff together and she's already got the exam door open, rushing me out, while the next patient is basically standing in the doorway.  Grrrr.  Hopefully I can call my doctor's office on Monday for some info and the results.  All I can assume is that if there was something wrong or concerning, they would have said something or sent me somewhere else.....right??  To focus on the positives - I got to see my babies today, for all of 90 seconds, but I'll take it.  And I learned that Baby boy (A) is head down, which is a good position for him to be in.  She is currently head up, but that can still change.  Ok, that's my rant about my horrible u/s scan - I will be looking for another lab for the next scan.  Jerks.

How far along:  27 weeks!

Babies are the size of:  Rutabagas
What's happening:  Babies are practicing breathing by now. Apparently if you shine a light on your stomach, they may respond - how cool is that?!  Babies also now have brain activity!  The brain will continue to develop and become more complex.  

 Maternity Clothes:  Maternity pants always, some of my regular tops still fit but usually I wear my maternity tops, they're just comfy and hell, I bought them, I may as well get as much use out of them as possible!

Stretch Marks: Nope, knock on wood.
Sleep:  I finally slept half decently last night (just don't ask my husband - pretty sure I was not pleasant to sleep next to, with my 'loud breathing' - I refuse to concede and use the "s" word :P )  My friend gave me a snoogle which is helping, but yeah, sleep is just hit or miss, mostly miss lately.  It's so annoying to be so tired and to sleep so poorly.
Symptoms: Heartburn comes and goes, I'm easily winded by too much talking or a flight of stairs - it's awesome.  My hips have been awful lately, they're sore and uncomfortable and really bother me, all day and night.  It also doesn't help me avoid the pregnant waddle.  BH are fairly common, and just the other day I noticed my cankles and indent from my socks, so I guess we can add feet swelling to the list!  Pregnancy is glamourous!
Best Moment of the Week:  My shower!  It was so awesome, I love walking by our nursery now and seeing baby stuff in there.  And I'm super happy we have a second car seat, that was high on my list.  We've also been working away on the house and nursery to do list.  We worked on this last night - I know it's nothing super impressive, but I was pleased to buy it, get it built and put the books from the shower on it.  Plus, Abby photobombed it, so you know you love!

Miss Anything:  Sleep.
Cravings/Aversions:  My appetite is ravenous, and desserts/sweets are amazing.  My cereal obsession is in high gear.
Showing Yet: You know it!
Mood: It's been an emotional week for me.If you've read my blog for a while you may remember there's been parental/family drama, well I did a good job putting that aside for a while, but it crept up again this week.  Couple that with my hormonal over reactions (and I do not blame hormones for things, but seriously, I have all the feels and can easily recognize that I'm a little nutty right now) I had a huge meltdown the other night.  Thank goodness for an amazing husband to talk me through it all and be so supportive, he really is something else, I am a lucky woman.
What I am Looking Forward to:  Entering 3rd tri, what a milestone!!  

27 Weeks!

26 Weeks!

How far along:  26 weeks!
Babies are the size of:  Head of lettuce.  Twin website says they're about 14" long now.
What's happening:  Eyes are forming and will soon start to open.  Eyelashes are grown now too!  They're also soaking up my antibodies to get their immune systems ready for the real world.  And they're breathing in amniotic fluid for practice.
Maternity Clothes:  I am wearing some regular clothes still but definitely mostly maternity clothes.  I recently realize I have one pair of PJs that still fit, haha.
Stretch Marks: Nope, knock on wood.
Sleep:  This is always a fun one.  It's honestly hit or miss, some nights better than others.  I have been sleeping well for the first few hours, but after I get up to pee, it's usually downhill from there.  It's hard to roll over and continually readjust the pillows necessary to be comfy.
Symptoms: Oh the pregnancy brain!  I honestly don't think I've ever been this dumb before!  I can't remember what I'm talking about, why I went (all the way) upstairs, if I already told you about the thing that happened earlier...it's bad.  I also can't seem to remember that I don't fit in places I used to fit.  I used to be able to fit between that door and the counter, but as I bounce off of it, I remember I no longer fit there!  The heartburn comes and goes, but honestly it's better than it was a few weeks ago, so score on that!  Oh, and the BH are a fairly common occurrence also.
Best Moment of the Week:  Please see last AW post, haha!  The nursery and the prenatal classes were definitely the highlight.  We also got our City Select Jogger this week, woo hoo!!  And I found a DSNG stroller for like, half price that I'm going to pick up tonight, provided it looks to be in good shape!  Yay for a deal!!
Scrap that!!  My doorbell just rang and I got two packages delivered that I was not expecting.  I wasn't sure if I'm supposed to open them, or if they're shower gifts and I'm supposed to bring them??  Well curiosity got the best of me so I opened them.  One of them is from My Person!!  I don't even think I can call her an "internet friend", she is so much more than that.  She has been my rock through everything, she has been here for me through the worst times in my life, she has been my shoulder to cry on, my word of encouragement, someone who has celebrated the good times with me.  She has become such an important and very dear friend, even though we've never actually been able to meet in person (this IS on my to do list!!).  I can't even believe she sent me a shower gift, I am over here crying like a baby at her thoughtfulness and kindness.  If you're reading this - thank you and I love you <3 <3 <3

Miss Anything:  Sleep.
Cravings/Aversions:  Baked goods.  This week was butter tarts, and I may have gone out last night to get mini cupcakes.  I'm staying away from chocolate for a bit, I think it makes my heartburn worse, but I need to satisfy my sweet tooth!
Showing Yet: I have really grown in the last couple of weeks!
Mood: Emotional, haha.  I am feeling less stressed after our super productive weekend.  We are doing our hospital tour next week, we are hoping to get the new blinds for the nursery on Sat and then it's my shower on Sun.  MY BABY SHOWER, as in, for me, and my babies.  Holy crap!  I can't quite believe it.  I dreamt about these babies, I prayed for them, I worked really hard to make them and now we're at this point, of getting together with family and friends to celebrate them.  It's blowing my mind that I'm going to MY shower this weekend.  And we circle back to the sappy part!
What I am Looking Forward to:  Oh, I guess I already did this one above - my shower!  And more nursery decorating - the hard part is mostly done in there, now it's the fun part!!

26 Weeks!

25 Weeks!

How far along:  25 weeks!
Babies are the size of:  Cauliflower!  The twins website says they're about 13" long and weigh about 1.5lbs each right now.
What's happening:  They can now tell up from down.  They are working on growing more fat and hair (if the heartburn-hair correlation is in any way legit, I can attest to this!)  Their joints, ligaments and rings of the spine are also taking shape this week.
Maternity Clothes:  I am wearing a mix of maternity clothes and my regular clothes.  I bought a few new sweaters, since it's getting cold here, but I just bought a size up from my usual and they seem to fit just fine.  At least for now :)
Stretch Marks: Nope
Sleep:  Sleep, while I love it and need it, is often a cruel bitch.  It's been hard to get comfy, the hip pain at night has been bad, a couple of nights really brutal, even with a pillow between my knees and everything.  Turning over is getting harder, especially with sore hips and abs that are buried under babies.  Confession: I have to grab the side of the mattress to help pull me over that way.  What I am going to do when this belly gets even bigger??  Oh hunny!  Please wake up and push me over, kthax!
Symptoms: The heartburn is still around but not as brutal as it has been, I'll take it.  The hip pain.  I've been really moody and overwhelmed this week, poor H.  I'm also really easily tired.  I keep trying to get stuff done, but I'm exhausted so much of the time.  And I am really not loving all the stairs in this house, after 2 flights I'm tired and catching my breath.  Sigh.
Best Moment of the Week:  The nursery is thisclose to being ready to paint, I will feel so much better once it's painted and the furniture is set up.  I saw my OB this morning and got to hear the heartbeats.  I swear, there is not a more amazing sound in this world, it's music to my ears and the very best part of my appts.
Miss Anything:  Sleep.
Cravings/Aversions:  Not really.
Showing Yet: I think the bump grows by the day now.
Mood: As I mentioned above, I've been overwhelmed and stressed out this week.  Pair that with pregnancy hormones (which I really don't like to blame for anything) I may have had two night that I ended up in tears, just thinking of all the stuff we have to do.  And every time I turn around, it seems there is something else to add to the list.  I know we'll make it work, but this house is a great starter home and would be totally fine for one baby, but I keep looking around wondering how on earth we're going to fit two babies and all the stuff they come with!  I know we'll figure it all out, I do, but some days it just feels very overwhelming.
What I am Looking Forward to:  I'm looking forward to our prenatal classes this weekend!  I'm excited because it's my mom's best friend that runs them, she's known me since I was born, so it's pretty amazing to be able to take her class.  I know it's a bit early, but with twins, you just never know!  And Dec gets so busy with the holidays, this seemed like the best option.  I just can't believe we're here.  I can't believe I'm 25 weeks, or that we're doing classes already, or that my shower is the following weekend!  Where is time going?!

25 Weeks!

Viability Day!!

How far along:  24 weeks! 

Babies are the size of:  Cantaloupes. 
What's happening:  Skin is becoming more opaque and has a new pink glow, thanks to small capillaries that recently formed.  Lungs are developing and practicing breathing movements already.
Maternity Clothes:  Lots of maternity clothes and some of my regular clothes still.
Stretch Marks: Nope
Sleep:  Hit or miss, last night was pretty decent though, thankfully!  
Symptoms: The heartburn isn't quite as bad as last week, but it's still there.  I've been a little more uncomfortable this week, the babies seem pretty low, it feels like a lot of weight and pressure in my pelvis.  Oh, and I pee like three times an hour.  
Best Moment of the Week:  H coming home from China and hitting viability today!!  
Miss Anything:  Putting my socks on with ease.  Sounds silly, but I'm already a tall girl, my feet are far away at the best of times - they seem extra far away now, trying to reach around this growing bump!
Cravings/Aversions:  The only consistent thing seems to be fruit, specifically, pineapple.  I think we have had pineapple in the house every day since I got pregnant.  It's just so damn good!
Showing Yet: This is just getting repetitive.  I can still hide it under some larger sweatshirts and jackets - which aren't really doing up anymore, by the way.  I also don't know if he's saying it to make me feel good, but H says I still don't look pregnant from the back - I'll take it, either way!  :)
Mood: So unbelievably happy to make it to viability.  I plan to keep these babies cooking a lot longer yet, but in the early weeks, this felt like an eternity away, and now, here we are.  It is comforting to know that (knock on wood) in case of emergency, they'd have a real chance.  I feel like that's a huge milestone and I'm so excited to be here :)
What I am Looking Forward to:  My mom and I are going OOT for two nights to her friend's B&B.  I was sort of on the fence about it, H just got back, we have a lot of things to do, but she posted on FB about how much it means to her to have one last mother/daughter get away before life gets crazy.  We're so close, it will be nice to have this time away together, and I know my list of things to do will still be here when I get back.  

24 Weeks - Viability day!

23 Weeks - time is flying!

How far along:  23 weeks! 

Babies are the size of:  Grapefruits. 
What's happening:  The face is fully formed, just need a little fat to fill it out!  They can hear my voice and my heartbeat and even loud sounds around me. Their bodies are also more proportionate and the pancreas is functional.
Maternity Clothes:  Lots of maternity clothes and some of my regular clothes still.
Stretch Marks: Nope
Sleep:  Better than it has been.  I won't complain...this week.
Symptoms: My heartburn made a nasty return this week, and I've had some overall back and hip pain here and there.
Best Moment of the Week:  Well it certainly wasn't H going back to China.  I'll say the wicked good deals I found this weekend.  My high chairs were half price this week, and I found the bouncy/rocker infant chair I wanted for half price at a mommy sale in the community - brand new, still in box!  I love a good deal :)  Oh, and I almost forgot!  H and I actually had a good and productive discussion on baby names and came up with a short list - still subject to change, but we at least agreed on some options.  Mini victory :)
Miss Anything:  My husband :(
Cravings/Aversions:  Um yes, and they change frequently.  This week I stuffed my face this these yummy bars - pretty sure it greatly contributed to the heartburn, not that that has totally stopped me.  ::shoulder shrug::  
Showing Yet: I'll go with yes on that one.  Last week was my first ever encounter with a stranger (not in a baby/maternity store) who told me what a cute bump I have and asked when I was due.  Turns out, she is also a twin mom!  And she gave me the earring backs I needed for free - made my day :)
Mood: Tired, therefore missing feeling more energetic.  I really hate when H is away, and I am really missing him this week.  We have so much to do, and I'm realizing I'm more limited these days in doing those things (like moving furniture).  I also love being a puppy mom, but Abby is a high energy dog, who is still nuts and won't go on walks around the neighbourhood, I am finding it exhausting to be alone looking after her this week.  I know, I know, call the Wahmbulance.  This is mostly to say that I miss H and I am really so appreciative of how great he is with Abby.
What I am Looking Forward to:  Monday when H gets back!  (I'm not good at being alone, haha, even if I'm really not alone these days!).  I'm seeing a really good friend tomorrow who I haven't seen in ages so I'm really looking forward to catching up with her.  

23 Weeks!

22 Weeks!

How far along:  22 weeks! 
Babies are the size of:  Papayas.  Babies are probably about 1lb now. 
What's happening:  Eyebrows, eyelids and fingernails are fully formed now.  They’re beginning to look like newborns!  Nerve endings are formed enough they can experience the sensation of touch!
Maternity Clothes:  I am wearing a mix of maternity clothes and my regular clothes.
Stretch Marks: Nope
Sleep:  It's been rough, but last night I finally managed to get a decent sleep - it was glorious!
Symptoms: Today is all about the hip pain.  It is so achy and throbbing non stop, I can't seem to find relief no matter how I sit/lie.  
Best Moment of the Week:  We had a great long weekend with the family, it was hectic and exhausting but it was awesome!  I also came home with a car seat and a bag of baby clothes!  We are accumulating more and more baby stuff around here, it's making it all feel a lot more real.  I've also been feeling the babies kick and move a ton, which I love!  H felt them again too the other night, it had been a while for him.  Then he saw my stomach move when baby boy kicked and the look on his face was priceless - awe, meets horror, meets WTF?!  I died laughing.  Then he scolded me and told me not to disrupt the babies with my hysterical laughter :P
Miss Anything:  A non-aching body.
Cravings/Aversions:  Not much at the moment.
Showing Yet: Um, yes.
Mood: Slightly sad to see some of my 2nd tri energy dwindling, haha, I hoped it would stick around longer.  But I've heard growing two babies will do that.  I'm trying to make the most of my new work schedule, I have quite a list of things to do, so I've been trying to be productive with my days off.  And back to being stressed about the family/parental situation, it feels like a relapse to 6 months ago and I am just so not wanting to be back there.  Sigh, that's enough of that for now.
What I am Looking Forward to:  Starting to work on the nursery.  We have to move my office downstairs first, which I'm not as excited about, but I am looking forward to getting moving.  I feel like I'm only going to get more tired and uncomfortable as time goes on, I really want to get some important things done in the near future.

22 Weeks!