May babies!! [Archive] - TWINS Message Board

doublyblessed

11-06-2003, 10:29 AM

I'm so glad that there are others here to chat with. There's a baby boom at our church right now, but it's different to be having twins.

I've been really sleepy, too. I was sleeping in until about noon every day! Now that I'm not so queasy, I've been able to get up a lot earlier all of the sudden. I woke-up at 6:30 this morning, and I'm not having too much trouble feeling bad.

They did my first ultrasound at 6 weeks. I was having some pain, so they wanted to make sure that it wasn't ectopic. Nope, just my uterus stretching twice as fast!

I actually wasn't too surprised to learn that it was twins. I'd been charting my cycles, and I'd wondered if I'd ovulated twice. I recorded it, but didn't think that we'd really have twins. I was more excited than shocked. It sure was fun to tell people! We showed around the ultrasound picture. It was really funny to be asked, "Which one is the baby?" Ha!

The dr. found the heartbeats with the dopplar at my last appt. but wanted to make sure because they were the same speed. She brought in a portable ultrasound machine. They look like babies now! Oh, you can see them at:
www.sherwoodbaptist.com/twins

My husband wasn't there because we weren't supposed to do another one until 14 weeks. She said they looked so good that we'd wait until 17 or 18. That's when I'll have a Level 2 with a perinatologist. We should also learn if they're boys or girls! I'm sorta thinkin' there will be at least one boy...we'll see!

Funny story: I had friends over for dinner on Tuesday. We're building a nursery in our garage and they were helping. My dh Kirk was on the way home from work when Nathan (friend) realized that the window had to be put in differently and that we needed some 1"x1" boards. Sooo...my dinner sat in the oven for an extra hour while we all grew very hungry. Finally supplies and people were all here, everything was on the table, and I went to move the casserole from the oven to the counter to serve it. When I went to take a step, my knee dislocated! Thankfully it popped back in before I landed on it, and dinner and glass shot to all sides of my small house! Beware of loose muscles and joints!!! Another not-so-wonderful pregnancy symptom!

Caitlee's Mommy

11-06-2003, 11:53 AM

Hi girls,

I am so jealous of you. I really want another sonogram. I am such a visual person, if I could just see them both again I think I could worry a little less. Do you guys worry all of the time? I just hear all of the stories about the babies who are born so early that they have to stay in the hospital for months. I pray every day that mine are big and healthy. I talked to another lady who had twins and she told me that each day gets a little worse. As far as comfort and feeling good goes. I think I can disagree because yesterday and today I feel great. I even stayed up until 9:30 last night which is a record for me. I just keep thinking about how happy we are going to be when those babies arrive. Two... it makes me smile just saying the number. I am thinking about becoming a stay at home mom. Well have a great day girls, only six more months to go!!

smatterchu

11-06-2003, 06:37 PM

Oh my gosh, I am so frustrated!!

I logged in and wrote this big ol e-mail to both of you. Then, when I hit submit, it tells me I was not logged in and made me do it. Even after I logged in again, my whole message to you was lost.

I spent so much time and non-existant energy writing it, lol....shoot!!

Have either of you had that happen?

I'll try to come up with something later...maybe in the morning. Sorry it didn't come through.

In the meantime, do either of you have MSN or AOLIM? I thought it would be fun for us to talk in real-time occasionally. I can't always do it, but it's fun sometimes...

Well, I need to count backwards from 10, lol....dang web server.

Talk with y'all later...TL

Caitlee's Mommy

11-07-2003, 11:11 AM

TL,
You poor thing, I hate it when that happens. It has not happened to me here yet but it has at other times. It makes you want to throw the computer out the window. lol. I do not have a computer at home just here at school. I have to admit that I am new at this and do not have a clue what any of the abbreviations mean. If you can explain them to me I would be greatful. I assume that DH means dad/husband? Am I correct? Well I really felt pregnant last night. I woke up at midnight and could not fall asleep until 3am. I just tossed and turned, while my husband snored. Are you two having problems sleeping? I didn't have any with my first pregnancy until the very end. So I guess last night made me a little discouraged. Well thank goodness it is Friday girls! That means I can lay down when ever I want all weekend long. It is the little things that make me happy now. Have a GREAT weekend! I will chat again on Monday. Chow.

doublyblessed

11-07-2003, 11:28 AM

Yep, I've had that happen on both of my posts, grrr... I've read about that on other threads, but I didn't catch on. I'm trying to learn to remember to copy my post before I hit send. That way, if I've taken too long and it's timed out, I can just paste it on the next time.

I don't have msn or aolim. We have REALLY SLOW internet and that's about it!

Hope you ladies are having a good day! My husband traded to work the ealy morning shift today. He'll be home at noon, and we can get more done on the babies' room! They will surely get the window finished today! And then we can start on the walls...maybe!

A little more about me...I'm 21 and just got married in June. So, all at once, I'm getting used to being married, living in the country AND being pregnant with twins! I'm glad that I married someone so sweet because I think it's kind of rough on a guy to only have your wife to yourself for 2 months. He's super patient, and we're both excited to start our family, just didn't think it would happen quite this fast. At least, not by twos!! Our babies are numbers 7 and 8 in this surprising "baby boom" at church. We only have about 100 regularly attendants and there's 10 on the way so far! We joke that we had to catch up since everyone else was on their second! Most people in our church only have 2 or 3 children, so this is really fun.

I worried a lot when I found out that I was pregnant. A friend of mine had just miscarried, and I thought that I might too. I had so much cramping! When I learned that it was twins, somehow I quit worrying so much.(???) I know, that's weird! I just want to focus on doing what I can--research, eat, rest, don't overdo, etc. And, if the Lord decides to take my babies, I know that He will have an all-seeing and perfect reason to do it. He would give me the strength to bear it, even though it would be REALLY painful. It's good to know that I trust in a God that knows what He's doing! That comforts me.

And as far as them coming early, they might. I will do all I can to prevent it, though! Beyond that, we'll face that challenge when we come to it. I'm planning on delivering at a hospital with a really good neonatal unit, if they are early. Otherwise I'll go to the little women's hospital where my Dr. works. Have you read Dr. Barbara Luke's book, "When You're Expecting Twins, Triplets, or Quads"? That's a really good resource for what you should be doing and thinking about now.

DH=dear husband. (dd=dear daughter, ds=dear son)

Well, ladies, I'm finally ending another long post. Hope you don't mind the length!

twoinjune

11-07-2003, 12:44 PM

Congratulations to all you May babies!!! I just felt like dropping in because my babies were born in May and I was feeling a bit nostalgic.

Rest and drink lots of water so your babies grow to be big and storng.

Hang in there everyone and best of luck to you!
Lisa

havntwo

11-08-2003, 07:47 AM

Hello May mommies.

The last due date I got was May 25th, that was before they realized I was having twins, Im not sure if that will change or not. I have had horrible morning sickness too. Day and Night, nothing seemed to help. All I wanted to do is sleep so I wouldn't feel it. But I went to the dr and he gave me a prescriptions--I haven't taken it for the past couple of days and I seem to feel ok so I dont think I'll take it anymore. I guess even though it was given to me by my dr Im still afraid to take it you know?

Has anybody had any problems with drinking? I can not find anything to drink that taste good. water with lemon in it i can do once in a while, but juice drinks, gatorade, sodas, koolade, slurpees, tea, hot chocolate...........nothing works and Im soooooo thristy!!!!! My dr isnt concerned because Im not showning any signs of dehydration (which surprises me, but Im glad too).

I have only had two ultra sounds, two weeks apart and what a growth spurt there was. My next appointment is on the 20th and Im hoping that they do another one- I need a fix.

Good luck to all and I look forward to chatting with you through this.

Havntwo

newmannsmomtoo

11-09-2003, 02:58 PM

Hi Rosalynn,

I too have a due date in May, May 11th to be exact, but my doctor has already told me that he probably won't let me go beyond 38 weeks.

I too have just started having headaches and tailbone aches. I have a doctor's appt. Tuesday and was going to let him know about them to see what he says.

I don't know what my twins are yet, but should find out sometime this week as I had CVS genetic testing about 10 days ago.

I was very glad to find this website as this is my first pregnancy and I can use all the advice and help that I can find.

Good Luck to all.
Karen

havntwo

11-10-2003, 10:20 AM

Just curious if any of you others were showing yet? I dont fit in my pants, maternity close are huge, but my stomach really isn't that poochy. I guess I just feel like I should be showing. I'll be 12 weeks tomorrow. Have any of you felt any movement? When should we does anyone know? Im really looking forward to that so I know they are ok. I keep thinking something is wrong, because I haven't felt them and I dont really look pregnant. We did see heart beats at the last dr appointment thank goodness!!!!! And can any of you recommend drinks--I still have a hard time finding things to drink.

thanks
Leigh Anne

Caitlee's Mommy

11-10-2003, 10:52 AM

CAN WEEKENDS GO BY ANY FASTER????

Caitlee's Mommy

11-10-2003, 11:07 AM

opps......

I don't know what I hit but it posted before I was ready. Geez. Well I hope you all had a great weekend. I feel better today than last Monday. I am hoping that I am over the hump, and good days are right around the corner. I know what you mean about not thinking anything tastes good. The two drinks that work for me right now are watered down ice tea (decaffinated), and lemonaid. it is so odd to me the way your body acts so different during pregnancy. Before I could live on diet coke and now the thought of it grosses me out. I am right with you on not feeling like I am showing. I know I am bigger but not big enough for maternity clothes yet. While all of my other clothes are geting tight and uncomfortable. How often are your doctors doing ultrasounds? It sounds like you are getting more than me. I think I will ask about it at my next appointment. Oh by the way I have not felt my babies yet either. I think it was about 14 weeks before I felt my little girl move. She will be two next month. We also didn't hear her heart beat for a long time but everything was fine. The doctor said that the plecenta was on top and that was why we could not pick it up with the doppler. I try very hard not to worry but it never seems to work very well. I tried to buy the book by Dr. Barbara Luke this weekend but could not find it anywhere. So I ordered it. Do you guys have it yet? I heard it was a very good resource. Well have a great day!

newmannsmomtoo

11-10-2003, 06:43 PM

Hi All,

I just love this message board. It is so helpful. I'm 14 weeks now and feel the same way some of you do with the clothes. I have a little pooch, but not enough for maternity clothes, but too big and uncomfortable for my own. Right now I am using my husband's jeans, but I don't know how much longer that will work. I have had 5 ultrasounds so far, but I also when through IVF and they did one a 6 weeks and one at 8 weeks before they sent me to my regular OB. Then I had one done a week later because I was having some bleeding and they wanted to make sure everything was ok. Then I had 2 more at 12.5 weeks because I had CVS testing. I know I have to have a Level II ultrasound at about 16 weeks. Don't know if I will have anymore before then. But it is great to be able to see how much they are growing.

Hope everyone is doing well and I look forward to continuing to hear from everyone as our babies continue to grow.

Karen

doublyblessed

11-10-2003, 07:21 PM

Welcome Leigh Anne and Karen! I look forward to sharing this experience with you other mommies of twins.

We had a busy, but good weekend. The walls (frame only) are up for our nursery!!! I'm very happy about that.

I think I started showing at about 8 weeks. I just mean where I could notice a little pooch starting. I'll be at 14 weeks in a few days. I've put on about 9 lbs. so far. I keep thinking 24 lbs. by 24 weeks. I didn't gain anything for a long time, but now it doesn't look like a problem!

I've started to wear a few maternity things, just because not much else fits. I can wear jeans and skirts unbuttoned that way and maternity shirts are long enough to cover! Only the ones with clips and ties, though. It's been nice to have friends that have loaned me clothes. I think I'll go ahead and buy some clothes that aren't maternity, just bigger. They'll fit me now, and probably (well, hopefully!) after I deliver.

I've been wondering when we'll feel movement, too. I think it's supposed to be 16-20 weeks for a first baby, but it seems like it would be sooner with twins. I'm looking forward to that, too!

Do any of you have any names picked out? There's really nothing that I love yet. I'm hoping to get some that I at least like, then let them grow on me.

Talk to ya later!

havntwo

11-11-2003, 09:34 AM

Names for girls: Taylor Rae & Allison Bae
Names for boys: Tyler Dylan & ?????????

My dh has no children these are his first so 1 of each would be cool (which is what I think it is gonna be) But we would love to have identical girls. I think they would be fun. I have a 5 yr old son who is looking forward to his new siblings very much. Im hoping that after my drs. appointment on the 20th, the following one, they will be able to tell us the sexs. I cant wait!! I wish someone would invent an ultra sound machine that we could buy or rent so we could look at them all the time at home, wouldnt that be great.

have great days talk again soon--Leigh Anne

smatterchu

11-11-2003, 05:33 PM

(Ahah, it tried to hose my post again, but thankfully I'd copied it. Word to the wise to do that when you write a lengthy one...)

Hi everyone,

Sorry I have been MIA for a few days. I have just been worn out! Also, the past few weeks, I have really neglected the general housekeeping....so hubby and I spent some of the weekend trying to get things back in order. Thankfully, he is really good about helping, but I have stopped doing much of anything.

I seem to be going from 'always tired' to 'intermittantly tired', so that's good, lol... I hope that the fatigue will eventually wear off. Although, that is just about the only symptom I consistently feel - which kinda worries me sometimes.

My next Dr. appointment is tomorrow. I'm not sure what they'll do, but I'm hoping it will involve an ultrasound. They're just planning on doing the doppler heartbeat, but I've got my fingers crossed. I really would feel better to see them again - especially if they don't detect any heartbeat on the doppler.

I'm not sure if I'm showing yet of not. I'm a pretty big girl, so my tummy just seems to be shifting -- and the top is getting really solid feeling. I'm anxious to find out where they are on me...how high or low...just so I will know if I'm leaning on them or whatever..

Well, hubby is home from work, so I'll cut this short. I'll be 14 weeks this week, and I'm so relieved to be headed into the 2nd Trimester.

Take care - TL

EDD: 05/11/04

newmannsmomtoo

11-13-2003, 07:23 AM

Good Morning Everyone,

Had some great news this morning. My peri's office called with our CVS test results on both babies and both of their results were normal. That is a big load off of my mind. They also let us know that we will be having twin girls. Needless to say, we are extremely excited that they both are healthy. Just a side note, I noticed in a couple of other threads that people were recommending the book, "Baby Bargains" to get information about different baby gear, I picked it up this week, it is about 400 pages and I read through it in 2 nights. It is so informative and does a lot of the research for you. Just thought I would pass that on to anyone who might be interested. Hope all of you have a wonderful day and I will check back soon.

Take Care Everyone,
Karen

havntwo

11-13-2003, 09:41 AM

congrats on the girls!!
Im hoping for the same, but will be happy with what I get. What is the CVS test and how is that done? Havent heard anything about that yet and I will be 13 weeks on tuesday. When do we find out if they are identical or faternal, does anyone know? Identicals run in my family so does that mean thats what I'll have? I wish you guys were my doctor your more accessible.

check back soon

newmannsmomtoo

11-13-2003, 11:27 AM

Hi Havntwon,

Thanks for the congrats. We are very excited. The CVS is a genetic test where they remove cells from each of the placentas and grow them in a lab to see if there are any chromosonal abnormalities, such as Downs Syndrome, Trisomy 18, etc. The genetic testing is usually offered if you are considered a high risk pregnancy. Since I am 35, I fall into that high risk area just because of my age. The test is done between 10-12 weeks. Gives you almost the same info as an ammnio, but just done sooner and carries a little more risk. Since they are looking at the chromosones, they can tell the sexes early than an ultrasound does. Believe me, because of the risk factors, it is not an easy decision to make to have this done. We took quite a while to decide to do it.

I'm not sure how they can tell if twins are identical or fraternal. I know mine are fraternal because I had IVF and there were two separate eggs.

Thanks again for the congrats and congratulations to you on your twins.

Talk to you soon.
Karen

doublyblessed

11-13-2003, 12:52 PM

Karen, congratulations on 2 girls!! It's fun to start finding out what we're having! I think that any combination will be fun. I should know in 3 or 4 weeks.

I've heard that the only way to know for certain whether our twins are identical or fraternal is to have them tested. (Unless they're a boy and a girl, of course!) I've read and heard that Mary-Kate and Ashley Olson aren't really identical!! I'd always thought they were. I think that mine are fraternal, just because I'd thought that I'd ovulated twice, and there were 2 seperate placentas at the first ultrasound. They've grown close together now, so you can't tell as clearly. Also, they are in 2 completely seperate sacks. They could still be identical if the cells had split very early on, but I don't think they are. They are identical, though, if they are in the same sack.

Leigh Anne, it's interesting to me that identical twins run in your family. I've read that the tendency to release 2 eggs (fraternal twins) can be passed on, but that the egg splitting (identical) is supposed to be completely random! They must need to do more research!

Talk to ya'll later!

doublyblessed

11-17-2003, 01:17 PM

Hello! How was everyone's weekend? Mine was BUSY!!! A friend of mine was getting married, so I thought I'd drop in and see what I could do to help. I ended up running non-stop all day Friday and Saturday! I'm sure I did more in those 2 days than the last 3 months combined. So glad to have some energy, though I was still exhausted.

My mom is coming in tonight! She hasn't seen me since a few days after we knew we were expecting, so I'm looking forward to showing off my belly! I really think that I'm getting bigger every day!

Well, I just wanted to see how everyone is doing. Let me know!

8 is enough

11-17-2003, 09:09 PM

Hi girls! Can I join in? I'm Jennifer and I'm due in May also. I know I'm kinda late on the get go, but I saw the post and was tickled! My magic day is the 29th. I never thought I'd want time to move so fast! It feels like May will never get here!!! I'm 13 wks tomorrow (Tues. Nov. 18th). I had an u/s on the first visit (7wks) to help determine preg., and then on my second visit (11wks) b/c ob said they were still too young to hear. I think it also helped that she had a student from the university and that I told her I was afraid I was going to come back and they would tell me there was only one baby. They said I will have to have 5-6 more. When you talk about seeing a peri--do you have to just b/c you are preg. with twins?
But my mother in law prayed for these babies. And she said not only did she pray for two babies, but two healthy, happy babies so we have to accept what comes. But do you all worry as much as I do?
Sorry for so long! I'm looking forward to getting to know all of you!
I want to make sure I have all of our dates, please forgive me if I'm out of place, I just want to make sure I can keep up with all of you girls!
newmannsmomtoo-5/11
smatterchu-5/11
doublyblessed-5/12
caitlee'smommy-5/28
havntwo-5/25
8isenough-5/29
any more?

doublyblessed

11-17-2003, 10:47 PM

Hi Jennifer! Welcome to the group! I want to keep up with everyone too, now you did the work for me!

I don't think that I'll be seeing a peri on a regular basis, just for my Level 2 ultrasound. Have you asked if you're going to have one of those? As far as I gather, it's just a detailed ultrasound where they check a bunch of specific baby measurements--head circumference, tummy circumference, femur length, etc. I'm just glad to see my babies again! They've given me a date--Dec. 8th! We should know what they are then!

GUESS WHAT???? I think I'm starting to feel the babies moving!!!! A friend asked the other day and I said, "No, it's too early for that yet." Then I go to thinking about it and realized that I've been having this funny little tickling sensation lately. I feel that and also a pressure now and then. And also, I keep thinking I need to go to the bathroom only to get in there and barely have a few drops. They're jumping on my bladder! And this is only the beginning.....is anyone else feeling this?

Jacks

11-18-2003, 06:27 AM

Hi Ladies,

I've been reading your posts for a while now but had trouble registering so could not join in until now. My names jackie and I'm from England and also expecting twins on May 25th. It's so great that this site is availible to all, as we don't have anything quite as good in the UK. I've learnt more here than any books or docs have advised me. I experienced (and still do a bit) bad sickness and headaches, but am glad to read that its obviously quite normal, am 13 weeks now and starting to notice a bump, which is very exciting. I'm glad you are all well and everyones scans are looking good and its great that you can find out the sexes of your babes over in the states, over here most hospitals including mine will not tell you because some people according to their religion or ethnic background don't want girls. Anyway going on a bit so I'll leave it at that for now, hope to speak to you all again soon. Regards,

havntwo

11-18-2003, 10:16 AM

doublyblessed- I say that Identicals run in my family only because there are two sets. Maybe I need to find a different way to word it.

Im glad more people are joining this post, so we have more to compare. Im really anxious to go to the doctors on Thurs. I need to go get my son from school. I'll let you know how my Drs visit goes.

Talk Soon

8 is enough

11-18-2003, 04:18 PM

Good afternoon girls. I have been having terrible headaches. I've had them sporadically for a few weeks, but it seems like I've had them every day now for a week. I have taken tylenol, but today nothing seems to work. Have you had any thing like this and what are you doing for it? My poor son Blake is so worried about me. He's so sweet. After I picked them up from school today, they knew I didn't feel well and he brought me a light blanket while I was lying on the couch and cut on the ceiling fans, and made all of the other children be quiet. He's such a blessing. I hope you all have an angel to help out.

8 is enough

11-19-2003, 10:10 AM

How are you girls this morning? I was wondering who else is having an appt. soon. I know Leigh Anne does tomorrow. Keep us posted! Mine's not til 12/2. I'll be 16 wks. No headache so far today!!!

smatterchu

11-19-2003, 10:50 AM

Hi Everyone,

Sorry I have been out-of-pocket lately. I wrote up a post the other night, but I spilled my water glass just as I was about to hit send. I saved the post to a document for later, and hurried to clean up the spill. In the meantime, I've forgotten where I saved the post -- oy....

Speaking of pregnancy fog, I read a post on another board where this poor woman got all ready for work....got in her car....drove to the office....and walked in the office before she (and her co-workers) discovered that she'd remembered everything but her PANTS!!! Oh my gosh, can you imagine?? Thank goodness I work from home, or I'd probably pull something like that one day. At first, she was mortified and devastated, but she's starting to laugh about it. I was just stunned when I read it....oh my goodness....

Anyway, welcome new May Mommies!! Jennifer, thanks for putting us all together like that. It' nice to see where we all fall. My Dr. seems to be counting my 'cycle date', so I'm back to May 15th for my EDD. My babies measured a few days bigger, and that's why I had May 11th on my other posts. But, if he's still going with 5/15, then I will too...

I'm going to a Peri for some of my care, like some of you. I will still see my OB, and he will likely be the one to deliver me. I will see the Peri on December 2nd for the first time - 16 weeks. On that day, he'll do an ultrasound and start 'Co-Managing' my pregnancy with my OB. Originally, we'd talked about seeing him between 20 and 24 weeks, but I say -- why wait.

When I called the Peri office, they said that they can start as early as 16 weeks. Well, since I'm a big girl anyway, I have pre-existing high blood pressure, I'm at risk for GD and I'm carrying twins....I think - the sooner the better.... I called my OB to see if he was okay with that, and he said it was fine - yay.

So where is everyone from? Would we like to share a bit about ourselves? On another board, I saw a little listing of facts that each poster could share....to give us all a bit better idea of who we're talking to.

If you want to do this, I'll start....

REAL FIRST NAME: Tara Laine (it's a double name, pronounced Terra Lane...you can call me TL if it's easier)
SCREEN NAME/MEANING: Smatterchu (A southern term, meaning "What's the matter with you?")
CURRENT LOCATION: Clermont, Florida (right by Disney World)
PREVIOUS/ORIGINAL LOCATION: West Tennessee (Memphis and all parts north of there.)
CURRENT/PREVIOUS OCCUPATION: Web Editor/Tech Writer
FAMILY STATUS/AGES: Married to Earl for over 8 years - our first pregnancy. I'm 29 and he's 35.
TTC/TWIN Info: This was our first month to try after the NuvaRing cycle reset. We'd just decided to start a family, but we were conflicted on how many to have. We wanted more than one child, but I really wasn't thrilled about staggering the ages or getting pregnant twice, lol... We'd always wanted twins, so we were thrilled to see two little ones on the 10 week u/s. I think we were the least surprised in the room. ;-)
POSSIBLE NAMES: Max, Liz, Zach, Eva (depending on the genders)
NURSERY THEME: Under the Sea - we're doing the whole room underwater with fish and coral and everything on the walls... Later, the nursery will be the playroom, so this should grow with them...hopefully.

Anyway, that's about me. If you want to play, just erase my answers and add your own. I look forward to getting to know you all.

Take care - TL

EDD: 05/15/04 - Twins!

8 is enough

11-19-2003, 02:35 PM

REAL FIRST NAME: Jennifer
SCREEN NAME/MEANING: 8 is enough/I have four children, we're expecting two more, 6 + me + DH = 8
CURRENT LOCATION: Lexington, SC (15 minutes away from Columbia, capital of SC)
PREVIOUS/ORIGINAL LOCATION: West Columbia, (never lived out of home state)
CURRENT/PREVIOUS OCCUPATION: housewife and mother(always)
FAMILY STATUS/AGES: Married to Larry for over 10 years - our 5th & 6th pregnancy. I'm 29 and he's 31.
TTC/TWIN Info: I'd like to say these babies were prayed down. My father's side does have some twins, but I've read that twin genes carry on the mother's side. This only proved it more. My husband wasn't present at the first visit so this is how I told him: He called after visit and I was in Books a mill. He said what are you doing there? I said getting a book on babies. He said you have four don't you think you know what you need to know by now? I said not about twins. There was silence for a least a minute. He called back an hour later and said, "Ha Ha, really how is the baby? I said the babies are great!
(And if anyone has answer about headaches from my post a couple of days ago, I'm still open for advice! Thanks! ;)
POSSIBLE NAMES: Reagan, Rian, Raleigh, Reese (don't ask why I'm not sure why the r's but they just fit this time)
NURSERY THEME: If girls, black & white toile, with darker red accents(french country kinda look), for boys or boy/girl, I think maybe a circus theme. Still not sure yet.

Caitlee's Mommy

11-19-2003, 02:45 PM

Happy Wednesday!!

I have been so busy that I haven't had a chance to post. One day I think my energy is half way back and the next I feel like I got run over by a semi. I am so with you on the headaches. I am not one who has ever really had many so this is a big deal for me. I think that part of the reason I get them is because I worry so much. I worry about the babies, my little girl Caitlee, my husband, my job, my family.... I think you get the picture. I am not usually like this. I have been SO EMOTIONAL lately. I cry in the evenings and my poor dh tries so hard to make me feel better. I do not remember being like this during my first pregancy. I am driving my self crazy. Everyone says "Just stop worrying" yeah right easier said than done. I was wanted to know if any of you are having the same problems. Please say yes. I go to the doctor next Wednesday and I am going to see what he tells me. O.K. enough complaining, I will fill out the survey Tara Laine started:

REAL FIRST NAME: Ruth
SCREEN NAME/MEANING: Caitlee is my almost 2 year old princess.
CURRENT LOCATION: Lee's Summit, Missouri (near Kansas City)
PREVIOUS/ORIGINAL LOCATION: I have lived here all my life.
CURRENT/PREVIOUS OCCUPATION: Elementary Art Teacher k-6
FAMILY STATUS/AGES: Married to Jonathan for over 4 years. I'm 25 and he's 24.
TTC/TWIN Info: We used Chlomid. But I also have twins on my Father's side of the family. My great Grandma gave birth to two 8lb. boys....can you imagine!!!
POSSIBLE NAMES: Kegan, Kogan, Lillian, (nothing is set in stone, my dh can be a real pain when it comes to names. He never likes anything I do.)
NURSERY THEME: Stars, Moons, and possibly planets if they are both boys.

Have a great day!!

smatterchu

11-19-2003, 03:23 PM

Hey y'all,

It's so great to learn some things about some of you, already. I know we'll be spending a lot of time together, so it's great to get to know each other. Thanks for jumping in...

Oh, and based on our posts, I already know one thing we might have in common...maybe.... Bar-B-Que!!! Although, I'm sure we're aware that our three versions are vastly different...Carolina BBQ, Kansas City BBQ and Memphis Que. I'm not going to get into which is best, because I think it's really relative to your tastes and what you're used to. ;-D (-So Memphis, of course, heehee...) Living down here in Florida, it's a bit difficult to find the kind I'm used to, but I'm thankful for the few places I do have around here. Hubby and I buy our 'rib rub' online from Memphis, so we try to do our own when we can. Anyway, I just thought that was kinda funny that we were all from some of the 'capitals'...

Well, I checked my Mommy book to see if it said anything about headaches. My OB gave me a bunch of normal symptoms and questions/answers...saves me worry and saves them a bunch of phone calls, lol... I'll put their info at the end. Jennifer, it looks like your son, Blake, had some good ideas. Most of my Dr's suggestions are right in line with what he did for you. That boy is going to make a great husband. ;-)

Well, I actually loaded the dishwasher today -- wow!! I have just been so tired...not felt like doing anything. DH has been so sweet and patient, that's for sure. I don't know what I'd do without him, that's for sure. I know I wouldn't be nearly as excited about the path before me if he weren't coming along. He's such a big help!

It's so funny, because I have so many things I want to do..especially before the twins get here...but I'm too tired to actually do them, lol... Every weekend, I get out the movie listings and print them out...in case we get out, and in case we get near the theater. Back when I was a kid, we only had a 3-plex in town, and the movies were either at 7:00 or at 9:00. Nowadays, they're starting all the time so you have to actually know when you need to go, lol...

Anyway, I've got to get more energy so we can go out and enjoy this trimester. I want to eat at our favorite restaurants, visit the theme parks (I'm right outside of Disney/Universal area) and enjoy being a couple a bit longer. Being married for 8 years, we've sort of grown used to it being 'just us' - and I want to actively appreciate the next few months. We are jumping from a two-some to a four-some -- whaaaaa. ;-D It's funny, because I was getting used to there being ONE extra person in the house, lol... We will be the proverbial "family of four", lol....

Well, I'm going to pop off for a while. My husband and I help with the youth at church, and I need to rewrite a skit before tonight - and print copies.

Talk with y'all later....Tara Laine

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~`

Anyway, here is the scoop...according to this...

HEADACHES

Reasons: Tension or stress of adjusting to pregnancy and to hormonal changes. Sinus headaches may be due to congestion of mucuous membranes caused by pregnancy hormones. Failure to eat regular meals may be responsible, since hunger can generate headaches.

What helps: Eat regularly and try to get enough rest. You may take 2 tablets of plain Tylenol to relieve headaches. Steam from the shower may also help to relieve sinus congestion. Try to stay out of stuffy, overheated rooms as much as possible. If this is not effective for congestion, you may take plain Sudafed according to package instructions (TL thinks this is a 2nd/3rd Trimester only thing...) Since many headaches in pregnancy are a result of tension, peace and quiet can work wonders. Lie down in a quiet, dark room. Try relaxation exercises. Massage of the neck and shoulders may bring relief. If you have persistent headaches after 28 weeks gestation or if your headaches are associated with blurred vision or edema (swelling) of the hands, feet, and/or face, call us.

8 is enough

11-19-2003, 03:33 PM

Hey! Thanks for taking the time to look that up for us! Now we know who to call on when we need help! he he he! You go girl!

newmannsmomtoo

11-20-2003, 09:59 AM

Hi Everyone,

Hope all is going well for everyone. Sorry I havn't been on to respond lately, but we are trying to finish up a complete house renovation by the end of the year. We started in May and are almost done. Last two days have been kind of crazy, I had people here redoing my floors upstairs. So we are not only planning nursery, but planning and decorating an entire house. Well, at least it keep me busy and helps me to not worry so much about my twins.

I am 15 1/2 weeks now and know we are having twin girls because of the CVS test we had done. I have my next OB appt. on Dec. 11, but will see my peri on Dec. 8th for my Level II u/s. Has anyone else registered for baby items yet? I know is seems kind of early, but my family wants to have a shower for me when we visit them in New Orleans for Christmas since I don't know exactly how long I will be able to travel. Just curious is anyone has any interesting items that they will be registering for. Just like to make sure I have everything covered before the time comes.

As far as being tired, I noticed a big difference once I was at about 13 1/2 weeks. I now have so much more energy. I couldn't believe how tired I was in the beginning. Don't get me wrong, I can still lay down and take a nap if I wanted to, but I don't feel like I have to anymore.

Does anyone have any exciting Thanksgiving plans? I will be cooking for my dh and my parents who will be visiting. I'm sure Mom and I will be out shopping the day after Thanksgiving. Hoping to get some good baby bargains.

Well, I better run. I will fill out the personal information below and look forward to reading about everyone. Everyone take care and hope to hear from you all soon.

Karen
__________________________________________________ _

REAL FIRST NAME: Karen

SCREEN NAME/MEANING: Newmannsmomtoo (Newmann is my 6 year old Dalmatian, he is my first baby and only baby for the last 6 years)

CURRENT LOCATION: Denver, NC (30 minutes north of Charlotte, NC)

PREVIOUS/ORIGINAL LOCATION: Born & raised in New Orleans, LA (Since 1993, my dh and I have lived in Myrtle Beach & Charleston, SC, Chicago, IL, Mobile, AL, Berkeley Heights, NJ, and now Denver, NC)

CURRENT/PREVIOUS OCCUPATION: Haven't worked since we moved to NC in April and started remodeling our house, I guess I would consider myself Construction Foreman. Previously worked in Sales and Marketing.

FAMILY STATUS/AGES: Married to Mike for 6 years - This is our 1st pregnanyc. We are both 35.

TTC/TWIN Info: This is our second try with IVF. We have been told that they doctors cannot explain our infertility problem. We have both checked out fine, so nobody knows what the problem has been. We couldn't be more thrilled that we are having twins. We know that they are twin girls.

POSSIBLE NAMES: Not really sure yet, would like to use my grandmothers' names as middle names, maybe Emily Theresa and Caroline Olivia

NURSERY THEME: Jungle Animals, nothing too scary, just kind of basic with some simple animals.

8 is enough

11-20-2003, 10:16 AM

I haven't heard what is essential for twin babies. That would be a great idea for a new thread. Maybe we could ask some of the girls on the twins first year board! I'm glad you're getting some energy! I can finally stay awake past 8pm! Remodeling your home sounds so exciting! I wish you the best of luck!
We are trying to keep a new tradition we began last year of going camping on Thanksgiving weekend. The kids really enjoyed it. It seems like all of our other major holidays are so hectic going from one house to another, which at times we enjoy, but this will be one holiday where we slow down and actually have time to give thanks!
And I love Caroline Olivia!!!!!

doublyblessed

11-20-2003, 11:08 AM

I've been trying to do some garage sale-ing before they're all over. I got some brand new stuff for REALLY GOOD prices that way! I've heard that you need 1 1/2 times the stuff for twins. I'm figuring that means clothes. We probably need more for those of us who have b/g twins.

Also, has anyone contacted a twins support group in your area? I found out that the one here (Oklahoma) has a huge twins sale in March. Yours might be at different times, so you might check into it. I LOVE getting a good bargain!

My Level 2 is December 8th as well! It seems so far away! We should find out what we're having--YAY!!! Is anyone wanting to keep it a surprise?

I've been having headaches, too. Ugh, just when I was starting to get some energy. I have one today, but it's almost gone. Maybe they're getting less intense???

REAL FIRST NAME: Rosalynn =)
SCREEN NAME/MEANING: doubly blessed--We truly feel blessed to be expecting twins. Also the way my mother told some friends of hers, "Yes, Rosalynn and Kirk have just been doubly blessed." and kept repeating it until they caught on!
CURRENT LOCATION: Small town just south of Oklahoma City. We have 5 acres in the country, but very small apartment type living in a metal building. It's nice, though!
PREVIOUS/ORIGINAL LOCATION: McAllen, south Texas....not far from Mexico and the beach.
CURRENT/PREVIOUS OCCUPATION: Well....I sort of went from student to married, to barely used to that, to pregnant. Right now I'm focusing on just gestating! =)
FAMILY STATUS/AGES: Basically, we're still newlyweds!! Kirk and I were married in June, and I began the process of getting used to living with someone, being married, moving in, etc. Kirk is 30, I'm 21. Yes, an age gap, but I'm SO thankful! I think Kirk has had every girl that's ever seen him following him around with a huge crush. And he's been so oblivious, waiting on the Lord to bring the right one! I never bothered to drool because I sort of viewed him as way outta my range! (Too popular, though now I realize that he's totally a humble person and never knew, too cute, and maybe a little too old. =) Now I love his age because he's still athletic and fun, but mature and ready to be an AWESOME provider and Daddy.)
TTC/TWIN Info: Got married, prevented for 2 months, decided that the Lord wanted us to trust Him with our family. Well....having both been virgins and newlywed, we figured it would happen pretty quick. Sooo....we were pregnant with twins that month!
POSSIBLE NAMES: Wish I knew!!! (We've almost neared a debate over this one. No fights yet!)
NURSERY THEME: <sigh> We not sure on that yet either. Genders will help!! We kinda like stars and moons. Or maybe gender neutral quilt type decor.

Sorry so long....again! Love these boards!

Oh, my due date is actually 5/14 according to when I ovulated. It's just that the babies were a few days bigger at the first ultrasound. Guess I should update, too.

8 is enough

11-20-2003, 03:11 PM

for you all having showers, i did go ahead and ask the first year twins board about things they couldn't do without and things they'd wished they'd did without So if you get time go over there, check and see if any of their suggestions help!
my ob said i would be having level 2 u/s but he hasn't told me a date yet. most of what i'm seeing on the board though are around 15 wks. which is what i'll be next visit. is this a regular time for a level 2 or can it be anytime?

newmannsmomtoo

11-20-2003, 03:35 PM

Hey Jennifer,

My OB and peri said they do most Level II u/s between 16-18 weeks. Of course, all doctors are different so you never know. Thanks for the tip about the thread for baby items suggestions. I'll be sure to check it out.

Karen

1+1=4

11-20-2003, 07:06 PM

Hi Everyone,
This is my first time posting so here goes with all my info

REAL FIRST NAME: Anne
SCREEN NAME/MEANING: 1+1=4 (Had the hardest time trying to find a screen name no special meaning other than the obvious)
CURRENT LOCATION: Sydney, Australia
PREVIOUS/ORIGINAL LOCATION: Ottawa, Canada
CURRENT/PREVIOUS OCCUPATION: IT Consultant
FAMILY STATUS/AGES: Married to Glenn for a little over 1 year! our 1st pregnancy. I'm 31 and he's 31.

TTC/TWIN Info: This was our second month trying and was happy to hear I was having a baby!! After a spotting episode and scared to death about having a miscarriage my OB ordered an ultrasound at 7 wks!! That is when we found out that that there was 2 babies!! I think I am still in shock!! This is when we also found out that they are identical because they share the same placenta but thank god they each have an amniotic sac. So I am very concerned about Twin to Twin but I must stay positive!! My EDD is May 5th but as well all know it will most likely be sometime in April so I am currently 16wks and 3days!!

POSSIBLE NAMES: Not sure yet!! DH has had some horrible suggestions but he hasn’t convinced me of anything.
NURSERY THEME: Still not sure yet!!

JUST A FEW EXTRA THING

MOVEMENT: I think so but since this is my first pregnancy I really have no idea what to look for!!!
FINDING OUT THE SEX: No! Well I will try not too
MAJOR PAIN AT THIS POINT: Round ligament!!! OUCH OUCH OUCH

8 is enough

11-21-2003, 09:49 AM

Good morning girls. Question, how manyof you are having some weird dreams--like I am constantly dreaming of one baby
dieing(sp) and one having a heart problem. Do you dream awful things like that? I try to think of positive things but the scary things always take over. Am I weirdo or what? I can't wait til next month for my ob appt.!!!
By the way, Leigh Anne, how was your appt. today? I can't wait to hear!!

newmannsmomtoo

11-23-2003, 08:49 AM

Good Morning Ladies,

Just wanted to check in and see how everyone was doing this weekend. Pretty busy weekend getting ready for Thanksgiving, but I guess this year we all have a little something (well, two somethings) extra to be thankful for. Hope everyone is feeling good. Hope to hear from you all soon. In case I don't make it back here before Thursday, hopy you all have a great Thanksgiving.

Karen

PS: Jennifer, I have been having some very weird and vivid dreams, but not really anything bad about the babies. More just weird stuff about other people.

havntwo

11-24-2003, 01:16 PM

My appointment Thursday was awful. They had to do an ultrasound because they couldn't hear the heartbeats that they saw at the 9 week appt. The ultrasound found one big bably and one very small baby. I knew that something had happened. They sent me the next day to peri's and they did all kinds of ultrasound (even the 4D), sure enough only one baby had a heartbeat. They say that it is the vanishing twin syndrome. They assured me that the other baby will be fine and that I can continue the pregnancy. They will just have to monitor me and the baby very closely. Needless to say we are extremly upset, but think that it was God's will. I have another doc appt. I'll let you know what happens

Bye

Caitlee's Mommy

11-24-2003, 03:10 PM

Bless your heart!!! All I can say is that I will keep you and your husband in my prayers. I am so sorry to hear about your loss. I don't know how I would feel if I were in your shoes. Try to remind yourself that God has a plan for everything. Although I know that will not take away your pain. Godspeed my friend.

smatterchu

11-24-2003, 06:15 PM

I am so sorry to hear that....so sorry. Please keep us posted on how you're doing, okay?

Will you continue to see the Peri for the rest of your pregnancy?

Do take care and allow yourself to grieve. I can't imagine how you all feel.

You're in our prayers....

TL

newmannsmomtoo

11-24-2003, 07:47 PM

I am sorry so for your loss and what you and your family are going through. I will keep you in my prayers and thoughts. I agree with you that God has a plan for all of us and for some reason this is his will. I can't imagine your pain and what you are going through. I will be praying for all of you. Keep us posted on how you and your baby are doing.

Karen

8 is enough

11-24-2003, 08:53 PM

I am heartbroken. I just don't know what to say. I wish I could be there with you to give a great big hug.

doublyblessed

11-25-2003, 11:59 PM

Dear Leigh Ann,

I'm so sorry to hear about your doctor's visit. We will definitely be praying for you. It would be so hard to go through what you have to face. My heart goes out to you. Cling to the Lord's love and healing grace--He can bring you through this and turn it about for your good. It sounds like you know that already. I'm glad that you know that you can find strength in the Lord. God bless.

1+1=4

11-26-2003, 10:03 PM

I am so sorry to hear about your loss!!

doublyblessed

12-01-2003, 12:55 PM

Hello everyone!

How was your Thanksgiving? Ours went well. It sure was good to see my family! It had only been 2 1/2 months, but I still miss them!

It seems like I continue to get bigger every day. I'm starting to get faint stretch marks. I read on the stretch mark thread that they're worse when you're younger than 25. Great....I'm 21 and pregnant with twins and my mom has lots of stretch marks....

I finally went to Motherhood and bought some maternity clothes. It's so nice to be comfortable!!! I still need a good pair of jeans and a jean skirt. I just shopped the sales the other day.

Anyway, just wanted to get us started again.

USE YOUR LOTION LADIES!!!!!

smatterchu

12-02-2003, 08:22 AM

Hey y'all,

Thanks, Rosalynn, for getting us going again. I hope everyone had a great holiday. We kind of went the non-traditional route this year. DH and I met our parents at St. Pete Beach for several days. We normally spend two or three days cooking, so this year we decided to call a truce and skip the big meal....and relax. I was all for that, because I didn't need to try and do all of the cooking I normally do....even if I used a kitchen stool.....too much.

Anyway, we had a good time...got to swim some of the days (heated pool....not the gulf). DH and I did dinners on our own - since this might be the last vacation we get to take for a while. We tried some new restaurants and some old favorite. We came back on Saturday night and started pulling out Christmas decorations. This is our first Christmas in our new house, so we are anxious to decorate this year. Once again, this is the last 'just us' Christmas, so we want to remember it... I know that might sound strange, but we've been married for over 8 years - so it will take some extra getting used to...having TWO extra folks in the house, lol....after all those years...

Anyway, speaking of the jelly beans....I was hoping you all could spare some quick prayers today. My first Perinatologist appointment is today, and I just am hoping that everything looks okay to him. We're doing the first Level II Ultrasound, I believe, so I'm anxious to see the little ones again. I don't feel pregnant, and I don't feel much movement (not sure), so I'm anxious to confirm that they are still in there swimming around and doing okay. My appointment is this afternoon, so I'd really appreciate your good thoughts and prayers.

So what are you all up to this week? We are still putting up decorations. It's not that we have so many (well....we do), but we are just not trying to kill ourselves getting them all up in one bunch. When we get tired, we rest, etc.... I hope to have everything done by the end of this next weekend...

It's sometimes hard for me to tell if I'm showing or not. I'm a big girl anyway, and it seems like my own shape is just shifting. My scale hasn't moved a whole lot....but that's not surprising for a big girl. It will probably be longer before I start looking pregnant - and not just big, lol....

Well, I hope you all have a great week. I'll talk with you soon..

TL

EDD: 05/15/04

8 is enough

12-02-2003, 11:29 AM

Hey girls, went in for my check up today, but no u/s. :(
Dec. 30th will be my big day though, so send girl vibes my way. They did hear both heartbeats so that made the trip worthwhile. Although he said after the next visit I'll go every two weeks. Is that too early to start every two wks? He also said we'll do u/s every visit then too. What do you think?
Also, we went camping so it was pretty fun, but cold. We also got a little dusting of snow. The boys loved it. Especially my youngest son, Madison. I pray he won't be a pyro b/c he loves to build fires. That was his job at the campground--to keep the flames going. (talk about fanning the fire..he he..i couldn't resist)
Can you believe Christmas is almost here? Are you all prepared--shopping, etc? DH and I are going tonight which surprises me. We usually wait til last minute.

kezduf

12-03-2003, 03:08 AM

Hi there,

I am also 12 weeks (and 3 days) I have only just found this site and am looking forward to getting lots of tips and sharing my experiences with people like yourself!

I have been feeling very sick and tired but it is just starting to ease off. I do always feel worse at night though and I wake up at least 3 times a night for the loo!

Do you have a bump yet? I have a little one just beginning to emerge!

Kerry xx

doublyblessed

12-03-2003, 12:35 PM

How did your appt. with the peri go, TL? I don't think I'll be seeing one on a regular basis, but I have an awesone GYN. I go for a Level II with a peri next Monday, though.

I've got news!! I have a friend who's finishing up training to do ultrasounds. I called him at the last minute asking if he'd give me one. It was both my mom and mom-in-laws birthdays. Also, DH hadn't seen an ultrasound yet. They'd taken a peek at the drs. the day before, and I realized that they're already big enough that they're a little hard to see. Sooo, it worked out and everyone got to be there. It looks like we might be having 2 little girls!!!!! We are very excited. I have 3 younger brothers, no sisters, and like 5 other people I know are going to have boys before me. I just sort of figured that mine would be boys. I've never gotten to shop for little girl clothes, I'm so excited!!!

Kerry, welcome! I'll be 17 weeks tomorrow, so you can know some of what to expect next from our experiences. I had bad morning sickness that started to ease up around 12 weeks as well. What a relief!! I still have little relapses, though, so take it easy!

I think that I started to have a small bump around 8 weeks. Now I have a small (but growing!) belly. I finally had to go buy some maternity clothes and it's so nice to be comfortable! I've really enjoyed this web site, you can find almost all you need to know here.

smatterchu

12-03-2003, 04:05 PM

Hey Everyone,

Yesterday's appointment went well. Thanks, Rosalynn, for checking on me.

Everything is just fine...no problems that they see. The babies are both the same size - both 7 ounces (which is a great relief in a multiple situation, as y'all know). They seem to have everything they need and are developing/measuring appropriately. The tech believes that they each have their own placenta - which is great. They checked a bunch of things relating to their organs and all that.

According to the u/s tech, at around 16 weeks we're sort of in that 'limbo' stage where you sometimes can't get that good of a picture from either angle (either 'internal u/s' or 'tummy u/s'...she warned us before she started, and now I see why.) I couldn't tell much about what we were seeing, although she'd occasionally point out a hand or a face...I'd just smile and shrug, lol... I felt a lot like Rachel on Friends when she had that first ultrasound, lol. Anyway, the good news is that they got some info from it...even if I didn't know what I was looking at, half the time.

Anyway, as far as the sex......no chance. Apparently, if they'd have cooperated, the tech might have been able to tell - but she didn't have any definite info for us. Our next appointment is December 30 -- so hopefully we'll know before New Year's....

Because this is a special kind of practice, they don't let you video the ultrasound sessions - which is kind of a bummer. The good news is that I'll get to see an u/s every four weeks - when I see this Dr.

Rosalynn, that's neat that your friend could do an u/s for you and your Mom and MIL. Also, congrats on having two little girls....very neat!!

I should get up from here. We've got youth group tonight, and after that we're going to Home Depot. We have to get more lights and other Christmas stuff. How are you all coming with your shopping and decorations? We don't do that much with presents, but we love to have holiday food and decorations.

You all take care....see you soon...

- TL

EDD: 05/15/04 - Tara Laine

8 is enough

12-03-2003, 08:15 PM

Hey Kerry, it's good to meet you. One of the girls posted a q & a kinda thing a while back if you'd like to share a little about yourself. Just scroll back and copy and paste it for a reply. Unfortunately, I have a big bump. He He. I was doing the atkins diet when I found out I was preggo and quit. I instantly gained 10 pounds-all in my belly. So at the last two visits I've gained six total which brings us up to 16 so far-ugh!!!
Congratulations TL on your good visit! We have one on the 30th also. Think pink for me! How about you?
How early will you start every 2 wks? Originally, my dr said after 24 wks, but Tuesday he said after my next visit we'll start every two wks (I'll be almost 20 wks). Isnt' that a little early? But he did say we would do a u/s every time so I am not disappointed at all!

doublyblessed

12-04-2003, 02:50 PM

Hey Jennifer,

I'm glad to hear that someone else is gaining as much weight as I am LOL!!! I've gained about 17 lbs. I think! These are my first, so it's a bit scary. I just keep reminding myself that it's what's best for my babies, and of the stories that everyone tells of losing 25 lbs. in the first week after delivery. I'm 17 weeks along, so that's about the right weight. Now, somehow, I was about 2 lbs. more last week. ??? It's not like I've been dieting for the holidays!!!

I'll be having my Level II on Monday. We're not going to mention that someone has already told us, "girls". Then they won't be biased. I'm hoping to know a little more about they're size. All I know is that they both looked about 5 days bigger than they're supposed to be, and were about 9 cm long (crown to rump). We can't video either! When I called, they said that the dr. might let us video some with a camera while he is in there, but not while the tech is in there, or something like that. Anyway, you might ask about taking a camera, TL. My peri's office just isn't equipped to video. We'll see! They said that we could try!

How do you add smilies in the middle of the letter?

Talk to ya'll later!

8 is enough

12-05-2003, 09:01 AM

the one that was added to my post was done accidentally. i just did the normal colon for eyes and right paranthesis for a smile and after it posted it was a smiley.

newmannsmomtoo

12-05-2003, 10:16 AM

Good Morning Y'all,

Just wanted to stop in and say hi to everyone. Glad to hear that everyone is having good doctors appointments.

Tara and Jennifer - Good luck with your appointments on the 30th. Hopefully the babies will cooperate and you can find out what sex the babies are. Jennifer, I will send some pink vibes your way.

Welcome Kerry - I have found this board to not only be very informative, but a very good source of entertainment. I love keeping up with everyone and seeing how all are doing. Good luck to you with the morning sickness. I didn't have it real bad and what I did have went away around 12-13 weeks. I am now 17 1/2 weeks and my bump has grown tremendously in the last 2 weeks.

Rosalynn - I'll be thinking of you on Monday as I have my Level II on Monday also. I already know that we are having two girls, but am anxious to make sure everything is alright with the girls. Be sure to let us know how everything went.

I too am glad to hear that I am not the only one who is gaining weight. I really feel like I have gotten much bigger in the last 2 weeks. I mean the little bump I had seems to have tripled in size in just that little bit of time. Last month at the doctors I had only gained 2 pounds. I can't even imagine what the scale will say when I see him on Thursday. Oh well, this is to be expected. I'm sure he will let me know if I am gaining too much weight.

I'll be sure to check back in later today to see how everyone is doing. Glad to hear that everyone had a nice Thanksgiving and hope all goes well over the next couple of weeks before the Christmas holidays.

Talk to y'all soon,
Karen

Caitlee's Mommy

12-05-2003, 12:49 PM

Hi all,

I went for my last ob appointment the day before Thanksgiving. My doctor was so far behind schedule that he wasn't in a very good mood. He didn't even measure my belly. I was disappointed because I really look forward to appointments. He has been my doctor for years and I feel like he did a great job with my first pregnancy. Although I feel like I am not getting the same treatment as you all. I have not seen a peri, nor has my ob ever spoke of a level II sonogram. Did you ob suggest that you see a peri? I've only had one sonogram and that was 8 weeks ago. I am probably just freaking out over nothing. I just wanted your opinion.

I am glad everyone is doing well! Good luck getting all of your holiday chores finished.

Welcome Kerry!

Beenie

12-05-2003, 04:59 PM

I have not been participating in this thread because you all are a little ahead of me, but I have been reading along. I am 13 1/2 weeks and my edd is 7/7/04.

I had to laugh about the weight gain thing because I have felt like I am huge!! I am glad that I'm not the only one, although I still feel like I need to be careful. I was also on the Atkins diet right before I got pregnant and I gained a lot of weight really fast. I guess that's good for now, but if I keep on going I'll be a beached whale before they're born.

To Ruthie, I went in for an appointment on Tuesday and my doctore told me in January I would need to see a peri, I was worried that she saw something wrong, but I feel better knowing that everyone else has gone too. I would talk to your doctor about it definitely!

Thanks for all the great info everyone! This is my favorite thread that I've read!

Robyn

8 is enough

12-06-2003, 01:32 PM

Hey beenie! Good to have you here may-june or july! I know I don't know any girls around here with twins, so its fun to be able to talk to other people to compare with your body and your pregnancy.
My ob said something about doing level 2 u/s also, but nothing about a peri. But I read on another thread that the level 2 is the one they usually do at 18-20 during pregnancy and any one after, normal or twins and it just means that they take more time to measure the limbs, check the organs, etc. So this info isn't coming from ob, but off the thread. Someone please correct me if it's wrong, b/c if it is and I need to see a peri, then I need to ask my ob about why we haven't scheduled one yet.
Also, girls, do you all have any other children? I haven't noticed any mention of other children, and I wasn't sure if I had missed something.
We are going to see a lighted parade tonight downtown. It will be the first time being able to watch it. I was children's director at my church for 6 years and we were always in it. But the new director couldn't b/c of her work, so it will be fun to take our blankets and hot cocoa and relax!
Hope ya'll are having a great weekend!

smatterchu

12-08-2003, 06:19 PM

Hey Y'all,

I can't stay but a second, but I wanted to pop in and say Hi. We are STILL trying to get our Christmas stuff up...oy.... Hubby didn't like the way he'd done the three lights, so he took them allllllll off. We had them all back on Saturday night when the dedicated tree extension cord died on us. We went to SuperTarget and got the only kind of cords they have left, and we're just now getting back to this project. In the meantime, we did fill up a new bookcase with a ton of books.....cleared out lots of boxes, and I can finally see all of my cookbooks in one place!! They take up two and a half shelves, lol....my Grandmother would be proud, lol.

Yesterday was so busy...didn't get to do much of anything here at home. We have morning church, DH had to do something for them with their computers and then we had a couples group we attend in the evenings. I wanted to be there and see everyone, but dern if I didn't have a million things to do here at home...ya know?

As twin mamas, our clocks are ticking, and I'm just like....the sooner we get the Christmas stuff up, the sooner we can clear out these boxes and start thinking about nursery organization. I want all of that stuff done by the end of January...February at the VERY latest...

So anyway, I should get up and go help him....in my "delicate condition", I'm more of a spectator.....but I want to keep him company and encourage him. I'm trying to stay off my feet.

Take care y'all.....TL

EDD: 05/15/04 - Twins!!

1+1=4

12-08-2003, 10:59 PM

Hi Everyone

I haven’t had much of a chance to chat in the last week but wow what a difference a week makes!! I will try and come by more often!! Welcome to all the new members

8 is enough I believe you are correct about the level 2 ultrasound I only see a regular OB and he sends me to an ultrasound clinic to have my ultrasounds and from there the technician will prepare a report with all the measurements ect!!

I had my Level 2 ultrasound yesterday and they checked everything they start off by doing a measurement of the brain and then look at the spin to make sure it has a sacrum (so no spina bifida ) then do a measurement of the abdomen ,the thigh bone and all of the limbs once that is all done they look at the heart to make sure there is 4 chamber, 2 kidneys, stomach, bladder ,the diaphragm as well as the blood flow to the kidneys and cord!! I am sure I am missing something but all and all the Level 2 was great and the babies got a big tic mark beside all the milestones which is such a great relief!! The babies measured 19wks and 1 day and 19wks and 3 dys !! We decided not to find out the sex but not sure how successful I will be since I have to go for an ultrasound every 3 to 4 weeks!!

Hope everyone is doing well!!

Take care,

Anne

8 is enough

12-09-2003, 04:11 PM

Congratulations Anne on a good visit! Encouraging news for all of you is always encouraging to me.
I always thought it would be so exciting not to know the gender, since they tell you so much already!

2more2come

12-11-2003, 09:20 AM

Hi everyone. I've been checking this board occasionally and decided it's finally time to join in. My name is Lauren. I have a four-year old son (Jimmy) and am expecting twins. My due date is May 20th, but my ob said he'll do my c-section at 37 weeks if i make it that long. It's good to see that a lot of you are going thru the same things I am.

I'm 17 weeks today, and have gained 17 pounds so far. I'm meeting with a nutritionist today for some help on how much weight to gain and when. I gained 60 pounds when I was pregnant with my son and want to make sure I don't go for 120 with these two! I'm going for my level 2 anatomy scan tomorrow - I can't wait. When i was pregnant the first time I really wasn't worried about anything going wrong. This time I'm really nervous, even though I don't really have any reason to be. I've had the neuchal translucency test and ultra-screen and they told me my odds of having a downs baby are almost 1 in 1500, and my odds of having a trisomy 18 baby are less than 1 in 10,000. I also had the AFP done, which they say came back normal for twins. I'm having the u/s tomorrow and then plan on being done with testing.

Even though i'm thrilled to be having twins and can't wait to find out their sexes (we're waiting until they're born to find out) I'm also in no rush. As long as i know my babies are safe and growing every day I feel like this pregnancy can go on and on and I won't mind. I don't even think we'll do the nursery until after they're born. That's mainly because I'm hoping and praying for at least one girl. If I have one of each or two boys I'll decorate modestly, but if I have two girls I'm going all pink. Does anyone else feel like they're in no rush?

Has anybody looked at strollers yet? I've been looking and it seems hard to find either one that will fit two baby carriers, or one where both seats recline all the way. What will you all be doing for strollers? Since I'm having spring babies this time I want to get out and start walking off some of the weight as soon as I can. Let me know if anyone has heard of any good doubles for newborns.

Well, I guess that's enough to start out with. Thanks for listening!

doublyblessed

12-11-2003, 02:33 PM

Hello ladies!

We had our Level II on Monday. Everything looks good/normal and they also got clear pictures of 2 little girls!! :) I'm glad that we didn't wait to find out, because I was really thinking that it was going to be boys! I think I was trying to not be dissapointed if it was boys. Maybe we can have our boys later--one at a time!

Lauren, welcome to the May babies group! And welcome to all the other new comers; I think I've missed some of you. It's so fun to talk to different people going through such similar, yet unique experiences.

Have any of you gotten the flu vaccine? I saw a letter posted about pregnant women needing to get it at my OBs, but forgot to ask about it. It seems to be bad in Oklahoma right now, as well as other places. I see my Dr. again in a week and I'd like to get the shot if they still have any.

Lauren, let us know what your dietician says. Does she have a lot of experience with twin pregnancies? I've been going by the guidlines in Dr. Barbara Luke's book, When You're Expecting Twins, Triplets, or Quads. She's spent her practice researching and councelling on twin pregnancies. She says that someone of average weight to start with should gain 24 lbs. by 24 weeks. Also, we should be looking at 45-55 lbs. total. I've gained about 18 lbs., and I'm 18 weeks today. BUT, I haven't been gaining a pound a week like I'm supposed to. I was putting on 2-3 lbs. for a number of weeks (yikes!). Then, after Thanksgiving dinner and left-overs of all things, I started to LOSE! I was starting to worry when I gained about 4 lbs. back in one day. <sigh> SO confusing!! I'm guessing that I need to be drinking more water. I haven't noticed any swelling, but it seems like I might have been dehydrated(?) I'm just glad that my babies look healthy!

Have any of you been feeling your babies moving? I've been feeling little tickles for a few weeks, but not very often. I'm anxious for their daddy to be able to feel them moving!

Oh, at 17 wks. 4 days. my babies were both estimated at weighing 7oz. Wow!! This pregnancy seems to be just flying by! (Of course, then I remind myself that I slept through most of the first trimester, so the rest will probably seem longer!) We're almost 1/2 way there!

miricale2

12-11-2003, 04:34 PM

hey eveyone i have a question im 16 weeks and have only gained 3lbs is that bad? my dotor said its okay but im begging to worry

8 is enough

12-11-2003, 08:31 PM

Hi Lauren! Glad to have you here! I'm 16 wks so I'm not too far behind you!
Congrats on a good visit Rosalynn! Please send me your pink vibes! I have three boys and they are great, but I would love to have a sister for Hailey! I was worried too that I wasn't feeling them enough! Were your babies moving around a lot during your u/s? How well did you see their differences...like their faces, hands, etc? I'm so afraid I'm going to go and they will be all jumbled up.
miricale2-sorry I hope you didn't post your name b/c I didn't catch it--if you did please forgive me and chalk it up to pregnancy brain!
But I had gained 16 pounds by my last visit (14 wks) so I don't know how much if any I've gained the last two weeks. However, I did hear of a girl that only gained like 20 pounds her whole twin pregnancy. You reckon that's true? Have you been sick though?

1+1=4

12-11-2003, 10:24 PM

Lauren - Welcome to the board great to hear about you results of the Nuchual I believe mine 1:5000 so I was very relieved!! As for waiting to find out the sex I am with you we had our level 2 ultrasound this week and decided to wait to find out the sex!! But I must admit it is very very hard sometimes I wish I knew!! Plus the other difficulty is that since we are having twins we get U/S every 4 weeks so we need to resist the temptation every time!! I have started to look at strollers the only decision I have made is that it will be side by side other than that we are still waiting! Let us know how your U/S goes

Rosalynn – Great news about your level II !! I couldn’t believe how much they had grown in 6 weeks!! I have felt the babies move a bit but nothing my husband can fell and I am 19wks and 4dys but I do feel them more and more everyday I hope that is a good sign!!

Mirical1- I am 19wks and I have only gained 5 pound and trust me trying to follow Dr Luke book but still not getting any weight on!! At my 16week check with my OB I had only gain 1.5 pound and he said that was fine but I agree with you I am not sure if that is OK!!

Jennifer – I couldn’t believe the difference and how much you can see at your level II!! We saw hands, feet even 5 toes I think I could see one of them sucking a hand. It’s like they tripled in size since my 12 week scan. The technician was great she did each baby individually so you can really spend time looking at one at a time

Wow I am all amazed on how much weight everyone has gained I am just so scared that with my 5 pound weight gain they will never be big & healthy

Take care

Anne
19weeks 4days
EDD 05/05/2004 –40wks

miricale2

12-11-2003, 10:33 PM

1+1=4 hey girl thanks for writin and lettin me know that you have only gained 5 lbs. that helps me so much. im still a little worried b/c everyone else is gainin a lot more than us but we might just be the lucky ones. i go for my level 2 dec22 so i will let you know how big they are and possibly even the sexes.

miricale2

12-11-2003, 10:38 PM

8 is enough
hey i was sick at the begging but not really vomiting just felt lousy and tired. thanx for the support and i will let you know how much ive gained. i have my next appt.. dec 18th so we will see then. oh and dont worry about the name thing im sure if i posted it or not my my name is Aleis. i'm new at this so havnt got use to all of it it. gotta run

Teina in aus

12-12-2003, 12:11 AM

Hi every body I've just discovered your website and am thrilled to talk to others in the same boat .I am due on 5/12/04 and my hubbie and i are still in shock as we already have one beautiful daughter Mia and were only planning one more we even just moved to a smaller house but we are both thrilled I'm an identical twin myself but my babies are fraternal.Has anyone got any ideas for names we have one boy's name Jude but can't decide on any girls help some american names would be good as my husband loves the states
here's to a happy pregnany for everybody
love Teina ( pronounced tina my mum liked weird spellings)

8 is enough

12-12-2003, 07:22 AM

I'm sorry girls, maybe I've gone overboard with the gender thing. I was reprimanded by one of the girls over on the twin board at pregnacy weekly for saying I wanted girls. She suggested that many girls have to go through a lot of trouble to even have babies, and that I should be happy with what I got as long as they were healthy. There was even another separate post to the effect. I never meant that I would throw boys out the window if I had them. I have three boys and wouldn't trade them for the world! The only reason I was hoping for girls is so my daughter could grow up with sisters as I did. So if I offended anyone or downplayed anyone's experience in trying to get pregnant I apologize! Sometimes I take for granted those things the Lord has given me. I know some of you have lost a baby and I have been heartbroken for you. I know I will love these babies girls or boys, healthy or not, as I have my others. Again, please forgive me.
And Teina I love Jude, how about Jillian or Juliet? I was just thinking about those this morning as I took the kids to school, maybe esp was playing a part! :) I think I am stuck on Reagan(girl) and Reese(girl or boy) or Rian(girl). See, I can still only think in pink. I am sorry.

newmannsmomtoo

12-12-2003, 08:19 AM

Hey Y'all,

Welcome to all of the newcomers the board. Sorry I haven't been able to respond earlier. I hope to be able to correspond better in the future and answer any questions that you have. Congratulations to everyone who has been having great Level II u/s. They are very exciting and amazing. I so glad to hear of everyones successes.

Sorry I haven't been around all week, but it has been kind of crazy. I had my 18 week Level II U/S on Monday and Baby A was perfect. We could see all of her body parts and it was amazing as everyone has stated. Baby B only showed having 2 vessels in her umbilical cord instead of 3. Doctor said this would not be a problem, but was not normal. Could indicate another defect, but not chromosomal because we had a clear CVS test. He spent a lot of time studying her heart and could not get a good picture of it. He thinks she may have Ventricular Septal Defect, which is a hole in the wall between the lower chambers of her heart. He could see all 4 separate chambers when using the color Doppler video, but not the regular U/S so he wants to see me back in 3 weeks to see if he can get a better picture of her heart. He told us even if she does have VSD, that it is not uncommon and very treatable, usually without surgery. They usually grow out of the problem. May even be gone by the next U/S. Other than that, everything else with her was perfect. Needless to say I was freaked out. When I got home, I did some research and posted a couple of thread about the VSD and the 2 cord vessel. I got back wonderful response from the other ladies on this board who have experienced there problems. All of their babies are just fine, absolutely nothing wrong with them, most of the babies grew out of the problem. That made me feel much better. So I am pretty comfortable with this at this time.

Everything else with me is going fine. Had regular checkup on Thursday. Everything looks good. In response to the weight issue, I have gained 10 pounds since I became pregnant and I am 18 1/2 weeks. Doctor said that is great. I feel like I should way much more, I have gotten a much bigger bump in the last month. I think I have felt little movements from my girls, but not enough for anyone else to tell.

Jennifer, I am one of those women who had sooo much trouble getting pregnant and believe me, I am not offended at all that you would like to have girls. I'm sorry if other people made you feel that way, but I sure hope that you get your girls and I will send some pink vibes your way.

Well, better go for now, have someone coming over to look at our kitchen. We decided to try and remodel it before the girls come.

Talk to you all soon and good luck to everyone with upcoming appointments. I will say a special prayer for all of my "May" buddies.

Karen

Caitlee's Mommy

12-12-2003, 01:44 PM

Hello All,

Welcome new mommies! I just love reading this thread. I am glad to hear about all of the level II u/s results. It brings me comfort to hear you all are not feeling too many movements just yet because I was starting to wonder if something was wrong. I am a teacher and we had a snow day on Wednesday!! I got so much done around the house. I should say too much, because I paid for it all day Thursday by having cramps. I moved my little girl's room around, took down her crib and put up her "big girl bed." She will be two on the 28th. For you ladies who are first time moms, all I can say is that you will fall deeper in love with these babies than you can even imagine. Children truely are blessings from above.

Jennifer, I think it is just fine for you to want girls. Don't let them get you down. Besides I would just love all of the boy vibes to be sent my way. I grew up with two older brothers and I wouldn't have wanted it any other way. I lost one of them three years ago and I think he and I should have been twins because we were so close. So your little girl will be o.k. even if she does not not end up with a sister. But I will say a little prayer that you get one.

The holdiays are fastly approaching and I hope that you guys do not push your self too much. Trust me it is not fun the day after. I also felt very guilty for possibly stressing out the babies. My next doc. appt. is on Christmas Eve and I really want a sonogram because I have only had one and it was at 7 weeks. It's about time I get another peek at my babies. Wish me luck. I hope you all have a great weekend! Chat at ya next week.....

2more2come

12-13-2003, 07:29 AM

Hi Girls,

I had my level II u/s yesterday and they said both babies look perfect. I didn't find out the sexes of the babies, I'm hoping I can hold out until they are born, but I am hoping and praying to get at least one girl! The babies each weigh 6 ounces and are doing great, but I was a little disappointed that I couldn't see them better. I don't know if the TV screen I was watching was at a bad angle, or what, but I had a real hard time making out what the tech told me she was seeing. I could see a little better in the pics she gave me, but I guess it doesn't matter as long as they are healthy.

Rosalynn, when I saw the nutritionist she told me to try to gain a pound a week, for a total of 35 - 45 pounds. I think I like Barbara Luke's suggestion of two pounds a week after 24 weeks better, though.

I did feel a few faint kicks this week, but nothing that could be felt from the outside. I wasn't even sure they were kicks until I saw where all the feet were yesterday. I'm hoping that they get stronger this week. Since I'm only going to get u/s every four weeks now the kicks will make me feel better.

Well, I've gotta go now. My four-year old needs the computer! Have a great weekend everyone!

8 is enough

12-14-2003, 05:27 PM

Hey girls! How was your weekend?

1+1=4

12-14-2003, 05:36 PM

Teina: First of all Welcome and I’m from Sydney as well!! What area are you from?? I am currently living in Strathfield!!

Miricale2: I am still worried as well !! I am going to see my OB today and I will talk to him about it because during my Level II ultrasound I forgot to ask how much the babies weigh!! Good luck with your Level II let us know your results

Jennifer: Hey don’t worry about the gender thing I know that the first thing you want more than anything is happy and healthy but there is nothing wrong with wanting girls especially when you already have 3 boys!!

Karen: I am sure if your doctor thinks there is no problem I am sure all will be fine!! My friend had a similar thing at her 18 wks ultrasound and she now has a beautiful 1 yrs old baby girls with lots and lots of energy!!

Lauren: Great news about your Level II too bad about the bad angle on the TV but the only thing about twins is that we get many U/S for hopefully your next one will be clear!!

I am with everyone else with movement I feel little faint kick or movement but nothing anyone else can see or feel!! I would love to be able to feel and see movement outside by Christmas it would be a great gift for my DH he is so anxious to feel the babies he put his hand on my belly every morning just in case!!

Take care,
Anne

miricale2

12-15-2003, 01:17 AM

hey ladies!! ive been able to fell movment for about two weeks now, just little butterflies though. however the last two night i felt huge kicks, it actually scared me at first and it happened again today. its really exiting and reasuring. it only happens once a day usually at night after work. anyways glad to hear eveyones alright. get lots of rest. as for myself im going to school working and takin care of my 18 month old son. but i do rest when i can. good night

2more2come

12-15-2003, 08:02 PM

Hi all,

Hope everyone had a great weekend. I'm wondering if any of you have ever heard of a person getting a blood clot during pregnancy? When I was about six weeks pregnant (the same day they found out I was carrying twins) my doctor found a blood clot in my neck. It fully blocked my jugular vein, and went a little into my cephalic. So far I've seen my regular OB, my high-risk docs, a thorasic surgeon, and a hemotologist and they're all pretty stumped by this. I spent a week in the hospital when they first found it, and now I have to give myself an injection of blood thinners twice a day until the babies are about six weeks old. The clot seems to be going away very slowly, and nothing new has formed, but no one knows how or why I got it. I did do in-vitro to get pregnant, and had a really bad case of hyper-stimulated ovaries early on, but they don't know if any of that caused the clot or not. They also all say it's really unusual to get a clot in the neck rather than in a leg. Let me know if any of you have ever experienced anything similar or heard of anyone who has. Thanks!

doublyblessed

12-15-2003, 09:46 PM

Hello everyone,

Not much new here, just puttin' along. I've been moving slower!

doublyblessed

12-15-2003, 10:21 PM

I don't know what button I hit, but it submitted before I was ready!

I had a scare on Friday night. I noticed that my tummy got really hard for about a minute. I'm assuming that it was a contraction, it's just scary that they would start this early. Dr. Luke's book seems to think that's normal, we just need to watch that we don't have more than 3 or 4 an hour. I haven't noticed any more since then, but it makes me wonder if I'll have problems with preterm labor.

It's strange to think that there's a chance that my babies could live outside of my body if they were born in only a week and 1/2. Of course, I will do everything in my power for that not to happen. The chance would be VERY small. Still, it hasn't really sunk in, I don't think, that I'll have the family that I've always dreamed of in only a few months. I've looked forward to being a mommy since I was a toddler. Now I am!

Lauren, I haven't heard anything about the blood clot issue, sorry.

Welcome Teina! My DH's grandma is named Tiena, also pronounced "Tina". Glad to have you here!

Jennifer, I was disappointed when both my 2nd and 3d brothers were boys. My mom loves to tell the story, though, of when Michael (brother #2) arrived. I stood in the hospital looking through the window and proudly announced that he was the absolutely cutest baby in the nursery! I wouldn't trade any of my 3 brothers for sisters, even though I never got one. As soon as your babies get here, they wil become an absolutely indespensible part of the family. We know that. Don't let people bug you about having preferences now!

We haven't done anything with the baby room in a few weeks. I'm hoping that we can start working on that again next week. We still need to finish the wiring, put up sheetrock, add doors, etc. THEN comes the decorating! Don't know what I'm doing with that yet. I'd love to go very girly, but I might have a boy next time!

Well, gotta run! Talk to ya'll later!

smatterchu

12-16-2003, 02:22 PM

Hi y'all,

Welcome new mommies!! I made up a little questionnaire a month ago on an older post. I'll try to go back and paste a copy of it ona newer post so you all can participate. It's totally optional, but it really helps us learn more about each other.

How's the decorating coming along, everyone? I have tried to scale down my plans...and expectations. This being our last Christmas before the babies, I really wanted to 'do it up right'...tons of lights and lots of pretty trees, etc. I wasn't sure how much time I'd have next year, and this is the first year in the new house. Well, I've just been so worn out...I have chosen a couple of decorating projects, but we're skipping a bunch of it. Right now, I'm more focused on getting the house ready for the holidays...cleaning-wise.

My in-laws are coming after Christmas, so I'm not stressed, noooooooo.....lol... This is their first visit to our new house here in FL, and the first time we've seen them in a few years...they live several states away. They'd planned previous trips, but they have all fallen through.

DH is doing a great job helping us get ready, but I'm still a little apprehensive... ;-) They're so different from my family...nothing wrong with that, but it takes me a bit of getting used to. My family is talkative and expressive....they gush over each other and fuss over the trouble you must have gone too. His family is nice, but they just don't really say a whole lot...they don't get excited...and it's just the way they are.

I know that all families are different, but it's hard not to take their lack of enthusiasm for disapproval. It's funny, because DH has totally fallen in love with the way my family operates...he loves the extra attention he has always craved, and he wishes his own bunch were the same way. Anyway, we're trying not to expect any type of reaction for this visit...either the house, the decor, the dinner, our pregnancy, etc.... We tend to build up our expectations of their actions, and we're always disappointed. You'd think that after 8 years, I'd be used to it, huh?

Be careful and try not to get sick, gals. I came down with a terrible 'upper respiratory infection' on Tuesday, and I'm just now reaching the end of it. Most of what I'm doing now is coughing up junk - bleagh. I'm going to try and be careful about going out with large groups of people and stuff... If you do get sick, be sure and drink plenty of liquids. For days, I was 'two fisting' glasses of ice water and gatorade or cran-grape juice....tons of trips to the bathroom, lol... I'm still hacking up stuff every morning, but it's getting better...that's for sure...

Jennifer, I certainly wasn't offended that you were thinking pink. I don't think there is anything wrong with that, and I'm sorry that someone made you feel bad for offering a preference. I never saw any negative thread, but that's a shame. I know I have played the pros and cons of any of the three combinations we might have...

Lauren, I've never heard about blood clots in the neck, really. I know that pg mommies have to be careful on car trips/plane rides because sitting with your legs bent under you can be a bad thing. How did they catch your blood clot - do you know? Take care of yourself...I'm sorry you'll have to fool with injections for so long.

Hey Rosalynn, I think you had a 'Braxton-Hicks' contraction - which is thankfully normal for this period of time. Now, this is my first pregnancy too, so please jump in your experienced Mommies. From what I have read, BH contractions are not only normal, but they're actually beneficial. They are "exercise" for your insides...preparing you for eventual labor. Now is when the BH can begin, and they can continue up until the end. You're right -- just pay attention to the duration and frequency.

Well, y'all, I still don't know if I'm feeling anything in there with my babies. We've rented a home heartbeat monitor, so I know they're in there, lol... Thankfully, they are now big enough that it's much easier for me to find them on the monitor. When we first got the thing, all I could hear was my own pulse.

Anyway, I'm not worried that I can't feel them...just excited to definitely get to that point. I have until Christmas to get concerned (that's 20 weeks). My Peri appointment is on the 30th, that next Tuesday, so hopefully they'll get active before then. I'm a big girl, but I know that's not supposed to matter for internal feelings. And who knows, I could be feeling them and not knowing what I'm feeling...

Have you all started nursery shopping...or at least browsing? We're so torn on what to buy, it's so funny. -And because we're having twins, I feel like we're 'double-committed' to products - either because we've had to buy two...or because the double-model we needed was more expensive.

I'm thinking of using a 'double snap n go' for when they're infants...and then using a double umbrella stroller for later on. Before, I'd thought about a Graco DuoGlider, but I'm thinking that would only be good for wen they're little bitty. I have read so many cases about the 'back seaters' kicking or pulling hair...or fussing about not having a good view...or the attention. I know if I get a side-by-side, I'll need to make sure it fits inside doors...so no wider than 30 inches, I think. Have any of you talked with other twin Mommies about strollers? I've got a while to obsess on this, thankfully....lol

I can't believe that next week is Christmas!!! And....next year, our little ones will experience the holidays for the very first time!! WOW!!

Well, this post has taken several days to complete....I just have left it open on my laptop and I keep going back to it and adding things... Sorry this has taken me so long to check in with y'all.

Does anyone want to get together in Instant Messenger. If you have MSN or AOLIM or something, I think it would be fun to talk like every now and then. Both of those are free...just chat software. Anyway...just checking.

You all have a great week. Stay well and try not to overdo it, okay....

Take care - TL

EDD: 05/15/04 - Twins!

smatterchu

12-16-2003, 02:24 PM

So where is everyone from? Would we like to share a bit about ourselves? On another board, I saw a little listing of facts that each poster could share....to give us all a bit better idea of who we're talking to.

If you want to do this, I'll start....

REAL FIRST NAME: Tara Laine (it's a double name, pronounced Terra Lane...you can call me TL if it's easier)
SCREEN NAME/MEANING: Smatterchu (A southern term, meaning "What's the matter with you?")
CURRENT LOCATION: Clermont, Florida (right by Disney World)
PREVIOUS/ORIGINAL LOCATION: West Tennessee (Memphis and all parts north of there.)
CURRENT/PREVIOUS OCCUPATION: Web Editor/Tech Writer
FAMILY STATUS/AGES: Married to Earl for over 8 years - our first pregnancy. I'm 29 and he's 35.
TTC/TWIN Info: This was our first month to try after the NuvaRing cycle reset. We'd just decided to start a family, but we were conflicted on how many to have. We wanted more than one child, but I really wasn't thrilled about staggering the ages or getting pregnant twice, lol... We'd always wanted twins, so we were thrilled to see two little ones on the 10 week u/s. I think we were the least surprised in the room. ;-)
POSSIBLE NAMES: Max, Liz, Zach, Eva (depending on the genders)
NURSERY THEME: Under the Sea - we're doing the whole room underwater with fish and coral and everything on the walls... Later, the nursery will be the playroom, so this should grow with them...hopefully.

Anyway, that's about me. If you want to play, just erase my answers and add your own. I look forward to getting to know you all.

2more2come

12-16-2003, 08:06 PM

Okay, here's my survey....

REAL FIRST NAME: Lauren
SCREEN NAME/MEANING: 2more2come - I have one child now, two more to come (everything better that I thought of was already taken).
CURRENT LOCATION: Milford, Connecticut
PREVIOUS/ORIGINAL LOCATION: Park Ridge, New Jersey
CURRENT/PREVIOUS OCCUPATION: stay-at-home mom now, was a customer service manager for a telecom company for 15 years, until last Valentine's Day.
FAMILY STATUS/AGES: Married to Charlie for almost 5 years. Our son Jimmy is 4, I'm 37, Charlie's 43.
TTC/TWIN Info: We tried to conceive again for 2 years without luck. In the summer of 2002 Charlie found out his cancer (Hodgkin's) had come back for the second time. Before he started his chemo we decided to bank some sperm to try in-vitro after he got better, and here we are!
POSSIBLE NAMES: Hailey and Kari for girls, we are totally stumped on boys names.
NURSERY THEME: No ideas yet. We haven't even started thinking about how to do the nursery. If I have two girls I want to go really girlie, but if not I don't know what to use. We used "the cow jumping over the moon" last time and that was really cute. I still have all my bedding and accesories from that, so they may be re-used.

doublyblessed

12-19-2003, 12:03 PM

Wow! We're not even on the first page anymore! Not much here, just wanted to check in. I had a good Dr. visit yesterday. I was supposed to have an ultrasound at my OBs next week, but the Dr. said that the result of the Level II was so good that they moved it a month away. That was a little disappointing--my family was going to be here and they would have enjoyed it.

Good to learn a little more about you, Lauren!

Have a good Christmas! I really do need to quit dawdling and get to my house cleaning...my family gets here tomorrow!

Oh, great news!! We've been thinking about buying a mini van. There is a man in our church who is a car dealer, and gets cars at really good prices from the dealer's auctions. He got us a 2000 Nissan Quest that we're going to get for $8,000!!!! It's a base model, but they had a bunch of parts from another Quest that they just bought for parts (they fix the cars up). We're getting all leather seats, a tv/vcr, 12 cd changer....Yay!!! My husband's car probably won't hold out much longer, so this is a wonderful blessing! Only 40,000 miles! I have a Chevy Cavalier with a trunk too small to even fit the double strollers that I was trying. And to think of taking a trip with kids?? Ha! So, I'm excited. :D What are ya'll doing, or do most of you have mini vans already?

Is anyone else experiencing a total lack of brain control? I can't remember a thing! I forgot to get my flu shot while I was at the Dr's yesterday! I actually forgot to eat lunch the other day! I can't seem to remember even basic things if I don't write them down. Totally frusterating!

2more2come

12-20-2003, 08:15 AM

Hi everyone,

I've been meaning to ask what you will all be driving once your babies are born, especially those of you with another child. Neither my car or my husband's will comfortably fit three car seats, so we've got to get somethig bigger. We've been looking at SUV's, but need something wide to fit the three seats across. I know my son won't want to sit in a row by himself, he'll want to sit with the babies (at least until they'e old enough to pull hair and scratch). Is anyone driving a wide SUV that you would recommend?

8 is enough

12-20-2003, 12:28 PM

Good weekend girls! Last night my father's side of the family came over to my house for Christmas. It was a sad time b/c my grandfather passed away this year, but it was also nice to still get together. Not everyone joined us b/c they didn't think they could make it through. But, I'm glad we did.
Lauren as far as cars, we are getting a passenger van. UGH. I know, not the sportiest thing to drive, but we'll be 8 so not much else will do for us that will give us elbow room. We had a suburban b/f but it was old, then we bought an expedition this past May. We opted for captain seats, now it wouldn't hold us if we tried. So sometimes I wish we still had our sub. Congrats on your van! What a relief!
I'm sorry about your u/s not coming this month. No fair I say! I'm counting the days-11 left. My mom is going to come and my mil and of course hubby. I broke the rented doppler somehow. I guess I rubbed it too hard, but they sent another one. I hope they won't make me for it. Can you hear my dh now-$400!!!!
Has anyone worried about having a section? Do any of you know that you'll be having one? I'm starting to wonder what I should try to do. I know I should just wait and see what the babies do, but I hate the unknown. You know? Like I like to know the plan. I like to know what's gonna happen b/f it does. How about ya'll?

2more2come

12-20-2003, 02:22 PM

Jennifer,

I had a c-section with my son, and I'll be having one with the twins. It's nothing to worry about. I'm sure some people will think it sounds horrible, but it was like checking into a hotel. You show up with your bag, tell them you're there to have your babies and within a couple of hours (and without any pain), you've got them. It's the only kind of birth I know, so I don't have anything to compare it to, but my recovery wasn't bad, and I'm not worried about doing it again. I'm sure the recovery will be worse this time since I have Jimmy running around, but he's getting used to me not being able to pick him up or wrestle with him now. If you have to do it you'll be fine.

miricale2

12-23-2003, 01:43 AM

hey girls i had my level 2 today. baby a is measurung 18weks 1day at 8oz and is a girl. baby B is measuring 18 weeks 3days and is 9oz a boy. pretty good weights. its so exiting knowing what they are. now we can finally start spoilin them. nothing came up abnormal that we know of yet. i should get the results on the 15th hopfully everything is okay. im just glad they are good weights since ive only gained 6 lbs. what a relief!! chat with you all later.

8 is enough

12-26-2003, 12:51 PM

Congratulations on your good u/s and healthy babies miracle 2!! I can't wait--only 4 more days til I see my little peanuts! Do you have any names picked out yet? I think it will be easier, too, once we know what we are having.
Usually my two move at different times. I can feel the one in front more often, maybe due to position. But on Christmas Eve, when we finally went to bed, they were both going at it! It was like they were wrestling in there! I just laughed and laughed. It couldn't have been a better present!!!
I hope everyone had a good Christmas! My boys are all out playing football with their new shoulder pads they received and my little girl is vaccuuming with her new dirt devil!
Have a great weekend everyone!

miricale2

12-26-2003, 08:13 PM

8 is enough-ya thanx im glad the ultra sound turned out good too. welli have givin the name thing a little thought. merrissa for a girl and austin for a boy/. but those are just mom;s names dad still has to pick some out then from there we will have to see when they are born. im not positive if i feel the babies move togeather or seperate but they sure are strong littlt ones.

---- i had my u-sound about 3 days ago everything looked ggreat. today i had to go to emergency b/c i was bleeding and still am. im not sure why but everthing cheacked out okay babies are moven.got a u-sound babies look good no bleeding from cervix or placentaS. just a liitle weird i think but atleast everythings okay. double cheacked sexes too. yep a boyand a girl. well gotta go. im soupose to rest and take things easy.

smatterchu

12-30-2003, 10:37 PM

Hey y'all,

Two baby boys!!! We just got back from our u/s today, and everything looks to be in order. They are 16 and 13 ounces each, which is supposed to be just right. Twin B showed up as a boy immediately, but the other one took forever to give up the info. I guess he's modest, lol... Anyway, we're just really so excited and happy. We could see pros/cons of each combination, and I think two boys will be a great fit for us. Whew, I'm so relieved to have this appiontment over with. I've been anticipating it for weeks....<exhales>....

Rosalynn, that is awesome about your new van. Right now, we're working with a VW Beetle (gold) and an older Jeep Cherokee. I'm going to hold onto these vehicles as long as I can...we'll see how long that will be, lol...

Lauren, that's kind of neat about the c-section...you're definitely right about it being nice for a lot of reasons. I'm not really set on any particular delivery...so I'm open to either way. You definitely make me feel better about a C, though....

Miracle2, congrats on your good u/s last week. I'm glad to hear everything looks good and that you got to find out the gender. It's so exciting, isn't it!!

Jennifer, good luck on your ultrasound. I'm sure everything will be just fine. I can't wait to start feeling mine really good. I think I'm getting some good flutters, but I never know for sure. I know in a few weeks, there will be no mistaking them, huh?

I hope everyone is having a great holiday season. I'm sad and relieved that Christmas is over. I'm relieved, because the parents and in-laws visit is over....I put way too much pressure on myself....especially being 20 weeks pg. I'm sad, because I didn't get to enjoy the holiday with just hubby. We spent the whole week juggling one set of parents or the other.

Thankfully, everyone is gone and hubby and I can enjoy a few days off together now. We're excited to have a nice quiet New Year's together.....just the two of us. This has been one heck of a year for us....and I can't wait to celebrate.

Are you all shopping much yet? I'm feeling the clock ticking, ya know? I'd been putting everything off until 'after Christmas' or 'until January' -- so we need to get into gear. I stopped back by BabiesRUs tonight...just to update the list and stuff. We need to start ordering some thing, I guess....

How are you all feeling these days? A few weeks ago, I was having trouble sleeping -- but that was until I got this neat 'bed 'n back' pillow by leachco(?). I think I got it at BabyAge.com It is so nice to have support on both the front and back. Keep in mind that it works best for king size beds....hubby likes to hug onto one side, too.

I've got this really neat rash, too...yay. I know that's pretty common in pregnancy, but it doesn't make it more fun. It really was mad at Christmas when I was running around getting hot and sweaty...trying to clean and fix... I started out using zinc oxide, but it seems like Cortaid is working better now... Anyway, I need to check and make sure it's not a yeast thing....but it seems to be going away. I hate those things....

I got an early 1 hr glucose test last week....passed. yay!! I'm a big girl with a family history of diabetes...carrying multiples....so they wanted to give me the test early - just in case. Hopefully, we can keep things under control for the rest of the pregnancy. It's funny -- that orange drink didn't bother me one bit. I wonder if that's one hint at how your sugar runs.... The only people I've talked with who couldn't tolerate it were the ones who wound up being diabetic or gestationally diabetic. It's probably just a coincidence....interesting...

Well, I'm going to get up from here. I hope you all are doing well. Take care...be well....

TL

EDD: - 05/15/04 - Two Boys!!

doublyblessed

01-03-2004, 08:24 PM

Hello everyone!

It's been awhile! I had a scare last weekend. Last Friday I did a little light house cleaning, picked up a few things at the grocery store, then did some baking. I had a friend come over to help me and didn't do anything strenuous. That afternoon I had some girls out to the house to decorate cookies and hang out. Again, nothing overly tiring. My husband and I rented a movie, then I slept in late on Saturday. I spent about an hour chatting with my husband, then went to get out of bed and thought, "that felt like a contraction". Sooo, I layed back down and started drinking water and charting. I had about 9 contractions in the next hour-YIKES!! We were on our way to the hospital by that time. I actually thought they had stopped once we got in the car and was feeling a little overreactive. They hooked me up to a monitor to find that they hadn't stopped and were still coming every 3-5 minutes, though softer now. I was given some Brethine (terbutaline sulfate). It made my heart race, made me throw up, and shake, but didn't completely stop the contractions. They thought that they were just going to watch me for a little while (the contractions were slowing) then send me home. Before I could leave, the fetal fiber nectin test came back positive. Big Yikes!! I ended up spending the next 2 days in the hospital and it took magnesium sulfate plus more terbutaline to get the contractions to finally stop. When I came home, I was only supposed to spend 2 days on strict bedrest, then start to add in activities. I tried to sit through church in the office La-Z-Boy last Wednesday and was nearly back in the hospital again, so I've stayed on the bedrest. I've only been getting up to go to the bathroom and sitting up to eat. I'm so glad that I have people to help me. I still have contractions about 1/2 the time that I stand up. 21 weeks is WAY too early to be having these little girls, so I don't want to take any chances. Thankfully I'm used to the Brethine now. I'm anxious to see the Dr. again on Tuesday. This IS really early for this to be happening, but we all need to be watching for signs of pre-term labor. It's not worth our babies lives to not check out anything that might be suspicious. Hey, we pay our Drs. and nurses to answer our phone calls and questions. Hope ya'll are all having a little less of an exciting time!

TL--congrats on two little boys!! I agree that any combination will be fun.

smatterchu

01-04-2004, 08:59 PM

Grrrrr, I lost another big long post!! I typed this novel and then totally forgot to copy/paste the thing. I automatically hit 'submit' and Wahhhhhhhh!!! Well, apparently the key is the 'usercp' button at the top. I changed the cookies settings and I shouldn't time out anymore. We'll see.... In the meantime, it just frustrated the heck out of me.

Now.....

Lauren, any more info on your blood clots? Y'all keep an eye on those, okay? Let us know...

Wow, Rosalynn, you have had an interesting week or two. You're just one day ahead of me, and I can't imagine if that had happened to me. The next visit with my OB, I need to get clear instructions on what exactly I need to do when I think I'm in labor....order of contacts....where to head....etc... The hospital they want me to deliver is all the way in Orlando, so it will be an hour drive (maybe less). Anyway, I just want to make sure I do what I'm supposed to do...

I saw your story on the 'taking it easy' thread, and I meant to say Hi and check on you. I have just been so drained since the 'in-law invasion', lol... Do you know that we pretended I was on 'modified bed rest' for their visit? Hubby and I thought it was just best - because that was the only way they would get it. FIL is oblivious and MIL is helpless, and I'd have been waiting in them all weekend, otherwise. DH was sweet and took them out during the day, so I had some time to myself. Even still, I was so stressed and puffy the whole time. As soon as they left, my fingers/ankles went back down.

I hate to say it, but I wish they hadn't come...they picked now to come see us for the first time in our new house. It just really took the fun and enjoyment out of the holidays, because I was so worried about fixing everything up for them. And, as usual, they didn't even have anything complimentary to say when they were here. Poor hubby, he is closer to my parents than his own. They're just so...blah.....lol.... I hated that they couldn't come with any affirmation for their son, ya know? After 35 years, he knows not to expect it - but still. I'm just thankful that he knows how important attention and communication will be for our babies....

Oh - and as for that stupid rash. I got fed up and called to get fit in to the OB before New Year's. He took one look and said, "Wow, it's really big and red and it's yeast..." Now, the thing is that apparently yeast doesn't always have the 'tell-tale' discharge I'd been told to look for by the nurse. This stuff has been bugging me for weeks, but I finally have some special prescription cream to wipe it out. Just thought I'd mention in case anyone else was having something similar. Because we can't really lie on our backs and sleep 'spread eagled' it's hard to get 'air down there' when we're constantly on our sides...I'd imagine.

Anyway, I'd better go - but I wanted to touch base and see how everyone is. Hopefully, the other gals will check in this week. I know the holidays can get everyone off schedule. I can't believe it's already 2004. I'd been putting off a lot of stuff for 'after the holidays' -- so now it's time to get in gear. I haven't bought 'JACK', lol....

Take care, y'all....TL

Future Mom to Zach and Max -- EDD: 05/15/2004

FlaMom

01-04-2004, 09:32 PM

Boy - I am glad I copied this post - it logged me out while I was replying to you all and I lost it. Thanks for the tip!

Hello Everyone - I am due 5/3, so I am about 23 weeks now. I did not know whether to join the April or May thread, since the babies will most likely be here in April, but Tara Laine saw me on another thread and invited me over - so here I am.

I tried to go through all of your posts so I could get to know you all, but got lost around page 5 - you guys are all great!

I guess I will go ahead and fill out the questionnare that Tara Laine started so that you guys can learn a little about me.

REAL FIRST NAME: Frances
SCREEN NAME/MEANING: FlaMom - I am a mom in Florida - real creative, huh!?
CURRENT LOCATION: Orlando, FL
PREVIOUS/ORIGINAL LOCATION: Born in Charleston, SC, but lived most of my life here in Florida.
CURRENT/PREVIOUS OCCUPATION: Right now, I work full time at AT&T Wireless in Customer Care, but I also work part time running a business with my Mom. We do Quality Management System audits for Nuclear Industry Suppliers and we also do ISO 9000 consulting and registration audits. After the twins are born, I plan on leaving AT&T Wireless and just working part time w/Mom, keeping them home, until they are about 2, then working full time w/Mom.
FAMILY STATUS/AGES: Married to Pat, 37. I am 31. I have a 4 yr old daughter, Deborah Ann (we call her DeAnn).
TTC/TWIN Info: I had to take clomid for both my daughter and this pregnancy. My ovaries are not real reliable. When I went for my 6 wk appt, I begged the Dr to do an US, since I had a miscarriage last year (it was a blighted ovum - nothing ever developed), and I had to know that there was something in there with a heartbeat. He obliged, and come to find out, there were 2 strong heartbeats!
POSSIBLE NAMES: We found out we are having a boy and a girl, so we know for sure that the names will be James Patrick, III and Margaret Frances. James Patrick is after my husband and his dad, and Margaret is my husband's grandmother and Frances is my grandmother. We already call them Jimmy and Maggie.
NURSERY THEME: We haven't even started yet. My last day of work will be 1/23, so I am kind of putting stuff off until then.

Everything has gone pretty good with this pregnancy so far, but my goodness - it is so different than my pregnancy with my daughter! With her, I didn't really limit any activities and I worked up to the day I had her. I did not have much pain, swelling or anything to really complain about. With these two, I am so sore and so tired pretty much all of the time. I will be leaving work at 26 weeks, and that is not soon enough for me! I hate to complain, though. There are so many twin moms out there on bedrest or having real problems, that my aches and pains seem insignificant!

Anyway - I am looking forward to getting to know all of you, you seem like such a great bunch!

smatterchu

01-05-2004, 06:31 PM

Frances,

Welcome to the group. I think that while many of us might be delivering in April, we just tend to stick with the ideal EDD we got when we first were pregnant (before we found out twins).

My Doc. basically said he'd be thrilled to get past 34 weeks which is right after April Fool's Day for me. I'm certainly hoping to get farther than that, but we've pretty much held open the entire spring for 'whatever happens'....

This is my first pregnancy, so I personally don't know any different than to be super-tired, super-careful, etc... -But I sometimes feel like I have to explain myself to other mothers who probably feel like I'm taking things too far. The fact is, this is a special situation and I can't substitute their judgement for mine and that of my Docs. That being said, I have been so fortunate to have had such a smooth time so far....I don't mind altering my schedule and behavior for these little dudes.

I'll be 22 weeks on Friday....we're all getting closer and closer....

Take care - Tara Laine

Future Mommy to Zach and Max -- EDD: 05/15/04

Caitlee's Mommy

01-06-2004, 02:08 PM

Hi all,

Sorry it has been awhile... I am a teacher and so I was off for Cristmas break. The holidays went by super fast. My little angel turned two on the 28th, so the past two weeks have been very exciting at our house. I can't tell you first time moms enough how much you are going to love being a mother. I could look at my little girl and just cry because I love her so much. I am so glad to hear that every one is doing well. Doubly Blessed, take it easy girl. I can't even imagine what it must be like for you right now. I couldn't convince my doctor to give me an ultrasound on Christmas Eve so it is set for Jan. 14th. I can not wait!!! I have only had one other sonogram and it was when I was about 7 weeks along. I know they have to still be there because I am as big as a house. I just hope they don't find a third...lol. Talk about some shock. I have gained ten pounds and about 100 inches it feels like. I feel the babies move but not as much as my little girl did. I worry about it sometimes. I just try to tell myself that they are not as active because they have less room than she did. I worry too much. After the sonogram I think my mind will rest easier. I too feel like I have been putting things off. I don't have their room ready and time is ticking. I am glad to be back and in touch with women who understand exactly what it is like to be expecting twins in May! Have a great week girls!

doublyblessed

01-06-2004, 03:52 PM

Glad to hear from you all again! It will be kind of nice for things to calm down now that the holidays are over, and we can really start to get ready for our new little ones! I still don't know what our nursery theme will be. I would love to decorate all girly, but then, I want to be able to reuse stuff for future boys!

TL-sorry that your holidays weren't as wonderful as you'd hoped. But try to imagine next year!! I see myself on the constant lookout keepin' 2 little crawlers out of their Grandma's Christmas tree! It will be so fun to dress them up, too!

Ruthie-I'm glad that you're finally going to have another sonogram! Do you know if your twins are fraternal or identical? Either way, it's important that they watch their growth. I think that it can only be measured by ultrasound for twins. My Dr. wants me to have an ultrasound about every month. You might ask your doctor if he or she is planning on doing this. If not, you might be interested in calling some of the other doctors on your insurance and seeing what their policy is.... Have you read the book, "When You're Expecting Twins, Triplets, or Quads" by Dr. Barbara Luke? I learned so much from reading that! And I keep rereading it! I wouldn't have known that I was headed for premature labor otherwise! Please try to get a copy. It helped me to know that my Dr. was doing the right thing, and what was normal, etc. and what to watch for.

Welcome Frances!! Glad to have you here! I'll probably have April babies too, I'm just aiming for the END of April. Whenever people ask when I'm due, I have to go through the little speach, "Well, 40 weeks would be May 14 but they'll probably come in April." From some of the other threads I've read, we could have babies from March on!!

Try to take it easy and let us know how you're doin'. Looking forward to hearing from everyone!

Caitlee's Mommy

01-06-2004, 04:28 PM

Rosalynn- thanks. I do have her book and have almost read the entire thing. I guess I just want to stay with the same doctor because I have been with him for years. He was wonderful during my first pregnancy. I do know he will start doing a sonogram every visit from here on out. And during the last few weeks I have to do two non stress tests a week at the hospital. I have just not been very patient so far. I agree the book is awsome and it helps remind me that this pregnancy is more fragile than my first. I guess deep down I just feel like everything will be normal and I should just try not to worry too much. I try to follow the advice in the book and find it very helpful. But I really like reading what is going on with other women. It makes me feel a sence that I am on the right track. Does that make sence? My EDD is 5/28/04 so I am about the last of us to go. Still I feel good knowing you all are out there to chat with. :)

FlaMom

01-08-2004, 05:36 PM

Hi Everyone - I had my peri appt on Tuesday, and he pulled me out of work and put me on modified bed rest. Apparently my cervix is starting to shorten, especially when they pressed on my stomach to simulate standing or sitting. I had also been in a lot of pain the past couple of days, so he was concerned that I was contracting. He said it is not something to really worry about yet, but it could very easily turn in to something serious. He also put me on a home uterine monitor and a terbutaline pump. So far, so good. I have not had any contractions on the monitor, and since I have not been working, the pain is pretty much gone! I feel so much better just by resting for the last couple of days.

Anyway - I hope everyone is doing good. Thank you for the nice welcome, Tara Laine and Rosalynn. I am looking forward to getting to know all of you!

doublyblessed

01-09-2004, 04:44 PM

Hello!

So far, so good. I'm still having some contractions, but they aren't regular. I'm still taking it easy, but not on complete bedrest anymore.

Ruthie, thanks for the update. I guess it wouldn't help a lot to know early on if the babies weren't both growing well. I think that the only thing that they can do is to deliver them early, and it's still too early! I'm glad to hear that you're on top of things. And I'll look forward to hearing that your babies ARE doing well!

I don't have my next ultrasound until the 20th. My Dr. decided to send me back to the peri because of the preterm labor scare. I think she said that they can get a better look at my cervix. So far, it still looked closed and normal.

Frances, I'm glad you're getting to rest some; it sounds like you needed it! I'm glad the pain is easing off. I've had some too, but I'm trying not to worry about it--I'm already resting!

My babies are moving quite a bit now! We are going through a growth spurt--I'm starving all the time and my tummy had grown quite a bit at my last appointment. The Dr. said this is a big growing time between 20 and 28 weeks. We've made it to 22 so far! Today was so funny. I was holding my friend's new baby boy for the first time, and the girls wiggled the whole time! I wondered if they are already fighting over him, or maybe they're jealous?! Anyway, I thought it was funny.

Hope that you are all doing well. Keep us posted! We'd love to hear from more of you out there!

newmannsmomtoo

01-11-2004, 02:55 PM

Hello Ladies,

Sorry I haven't written in such a long time, but with traveling over the holidays and trying to get the remodeling done on our house before the babies arrive, it has been quite hetic.

I am so glad to hear that everyone is doing well and having good doctors appointments and u/s.

Doublyblessed - Glad to hear that things have seemed to calm down now, and I'll be praying they continue that way for you.

Well, we are starting our 23rd week. Everything with our girls seems to be going well. I wrote in the beginning of Dec. that Baby B has a two vessel cord, which is no big deal, but the doctor thought she might have a hole between two chambers of her heart. When we went back on 12/31, he is confident that this is not the case. We were happy to hear that. The only thing he is monitoring her for is that her heart should be at a slight angle in her body and is still pretty straight. He is not sure why this is or if it means anything. He was not overly concerned, just wanted to monitor it, so I go back next week for another u/s. Also, I have a shorter than average cervix, that looks normal, no shortening or anything, but they want to keep an eye on that.

In between all of this, we are trying to get our house remodeling done. We are getting ready to start on the kitchen. Last big thing that needs to be done before the babies get here.

My family threw us a baby shower after the holidays while we were visiting. We got so much stuff. Crib, two infant car seats, two toddler car seats, playpen, strollers, clothes, etc. Still have a lot of little things to get, but what a relief to get some of that out of the way.

Hopefully, I will be able to check back in more regularly and see how everyone is doing. It really makes my day to have contact with all of you who are going through the same things at the same time. Makes me feel much better to hear from you all.

I will continue to keep all of you in my thoughts and prayers.

Karen

doublyblessed

01-12-2004, 04:30 PM

Welcome back, Karen! I'm so glad to hear that your little baby didn't have a heart problem after all! What a releif! At the beginning, I couldn't remember to take my prenatal pills consistently, so I was releived when the babies didn't seem to have any problems.

We (as in, my sweet husband!) are working on building a room for our little girls. The project had been on hold for a while, so it was great to have some friends come over last Saturday and help get the sheet rock up. Another friend has volunteered to tape and mud next week, then on to texturing and painting! We still haven't decided on a nursery theme. I want something sweet, but that can be reused if we have boys later on.

What did you get for a stroller and car seats? I still haven't decided on those, either. Haven't been able to think about it in a while, but I'm starting to again.

Again, it was great to hear from you, and I'm glad that everything is going well! Keep us updated!

newmannsmomtoo

01-13-2004, 08:55 AM

Hi Rosalynn,

Good luck with the babies room. Believe me, I know what you are going through with the building. I can't wait until ours is over. As far as the car seats, for the infant car seats I got the Graco Snug Ride and for the toddler car seats I got the Graco Comfort Sport. They got good reviews, not as good as the Britax, but the problem I had with the Britax is they are so wide, I was concerned about space in the back of our cars. I got the Double Snap and Go to use with the infant car seats. It is very light and portable. As far as the second stroller, I have not purchased it yet. My aunt gave us the money for it, but I am going to wait until the time gets closer to needing it in case something new comes out or there are recalls, etc. I am interested in the MacLauren side by side. I hear it is pretty expensive, but worth the money. I may change my mind by the time I buy it, but for now that is my choice.

Hope this info helps some. Talk to you later.

Karen

smatterchu

01-13-2004, 10:50 AM

Hi Everyone,

I hope you all are doing well this week. I have my regular Ob/Gyn appointment on Wednesday. We don't do a whole lot - especially since I see my Peri in two weeks, but maybe he'll take a look at my cervix to make sure we're still okay.

Karen, I'm really glad everything turned out okay with your u/s. When they 'think' they have found an issue, it can be so frightening. Have you ever felt so 'not in control' in your life? ;-)

As for the car seat/stroller question, I am right with Karen. I'm doing the Graco Snug Ride with a double snap 'n go. Later on, I'll probably get a MacLauren side by side. I saw the Rally ones for $199 online - with free shipping. Like her, I'm waiting a bit longer to think about that one. We haven't thought about a toddler seat, though. I like the Graco's - from what I have read, anyway.

One tip for the snap 'n go strollers. Some folks have trouble with the wheels, but you can fix that with some kind of bicycle spray (maybe silicone?). Anyway, several folks went to the bike shop and they took care of the issue. Hubby said that he had several cans of whatever it was we might need. Not everyone mentions this, so it might just be an occasional thing. Anyway, just FYI.

It's great to hear from everyone. Hopefully, the rest of our May Mommies will be back with us soon. In the meantime, can you believe that we already have 'August Mommies' -- shoot, maybe September Mommies, at this point. Time sure flies, huh?

doublyblessed

01-13-2004, 04:12 PM

The time has gone by fast, but now I'm starting to get anxious! I'm getting bigger and, with the contractions, it seems like I should be closer than I am.

TL--thank you for bumping up the baby gear threads on the First Year board. Those have been helpful. I've been gathering ideas of what I want, and getting stuff that I've found good deals on, but I need to sit down and make a list.

I'm kind of waiting to do really serious shopping until the room is finished. I want to have somewhere to put everything!

Does anyone else have really horrible pain in their ribs? I'm being
s--t--r--e--t--c--h--e--d!!! I've had it on and off for about a month, but now it's getting harder to sleep. I've been waking up every few hours--yuck! My husband makes sure that I nap in the morning, which never seems to be a problem. Go figure!

miricale2

01-14-2004, 05:31 PM

hello ladies! im due may 23rd so i think im like 22 weeks. i was wondering if anyone feels prenant yet. i think this last week my tummy has grown so much and im starving all the time no matter what i eat. im misserable. my stomache is achin all day today. i go to the doctor tomorrow but i was wondering if any of you have been experiencing the same.

doublyblessed

01-15-2004, 10:29 AM

I haven't been as hungry this last week (we're at 23 weeks today) but the week before I was STARVING!!! That was at about 21 weeks for me. My Dr. told me that they are doing a lot of growing right now, so that's why. She said that they grow a lot between 20 and 28 weeks.

I definately feel pregnant! At my 21 week appt. my uterus measured 29 cm. Wow! That's like 7 months!! When I was single, I visited a friend who was 7 months pregnant and thought she looked so cute, and so big, and so pregnant. I pulled out the pictures and, sure enough, I'm the same size now!

My birthday is May 23d!! I'm due on the 14th, which is my parents' anniversary. Very cool, except there's no way I'll make it! It would be neat to have them April 25th. That's my grandma's birthday! She would be thrilled!

Caitlee's Mommy

01-15-2004, 02:04 PM

Hello all,

I am thrilled to announce that my sonogrogram was wonderful yesterday and we learned we are having twin boys!! Both boys measured almost exactly the same and were very active. Everything looked perfectly normal. My last ultrasound was at 7 weeks so you can imagine my excitement. My last day to work is going to be next Friday on the 23rd so I will be at home with out a computer. I will check in when ever I am at my mom's house. Good luck everyone!!!

2more2come

01-17-2004, 08:29 PM

Hi everyone! Hope you all enjoyed your holidays. I can't believe that they lasted so long, but went by so quickly! I've just been reading all the posts since the last time I was on, it sounds like everyone is doing pretty well. Glad to hear it!

Ruthie, congratulations on your boys!

Thanks for the advice on the snap-n-go's. I'm planning on getting one so I can reuse the two baby carriers I already have. If anyone knows exactly what the bike spray is that works on the wheels I'd love to know, so I can get it in advance. I think I'll probably go with a Graco DuoGlider for the "real" stroller. I put a post on the first-year board and that seems to be what most of the moms recommend.

I also have not done anything with my babies' room. I know which room it will be, and know what has to be taken out, but other than that I don't know what we're going to do. It's a little bit harder for me, not knowing the babies' sexes, but I know I'll figure it out sooner or later. I think I'll pick out two themes, one to use if I have two boys or a boy and a girl, and a second theme for in case I have two girls. We figure we can paint and decorate after the babies are born. My son's room wasn't done by the time he was born, and he slept in a bassinet in my room for the first seven or eight weeks anyway.

Is everyone else getting HUGE? I'm almost afraid to admit I've gained a little over 25 pounds already and I'm only 22 weeks. I'm afraid to weigh in at the doctor's office next week! I did see one of the babies move for the first time the other nite, it was quite a thrill. I was just sitting on the couch and I felt a good kick and thought I saw my shirt move. I kept looking and sure enough it happened again. It was sooo cool! I'm still waiting for at least one of them to start kicking really good when my husband's around so he can feel it. Every time I put his hand on my belly so he can feel some kicking either I start giggling or the baby stops kicking.

I went to a meeting for a Mothers of Twins Club the other nite. Have any of you tried that yet? I liked the group and liked knowing that everyone in the room already has twins and is more than willing to lend advice or anything else that's needed. I also found out that they do a clothing swap twice a year which I'm sure will be a huge help.

I hope everyone is doing well, and I'll try to check in more often. Can you believe we're getting so close already? My doc said he'll do my c-section at 37 weeks, which would be the end of April, only three months more! Yikes!!! I can't wait, but I'm so not ready for them yet!

Enjoy your weekends, ladies!

scottnpat

01-17-2004, 10:12 PM

(sorry this is so long, I have 6 months of catching up to do :)

Hello girls!!
Wow, I just spent the last hour reading every post in this thread to catch up with everyone. I am actually new to this thread. I've posted before to other threads, but like others was a little confused as to what month I was actually due in. My offical EDD is 05-09-04 (40 weeks). My Doctor said if everything looks good he'll induce or do a c-section on 04-09-04 (36 weeks). And on top of that, he said that I can technically have the babies anytime after 32 weeks.

I am 24 weeks pg w/ twins. Boy and girl. These are our first and last children!!! My Dh and I tried to concieve for almost 4 years before we tried IVF. Put two embyos in the first time and came out pg w/ twins!

So far I've had a fairly good pregnancy. No complications. I expierenced some major bleeding in the first 4 months, but babies were always okay. No morning sickness. Lately I have just been very uncomfortable. Rosalynn, I have had the worst pain the rib ever! I honestly thought I was going to die the other night. I called the on call doctor, and he told me he thought it may be my gallbladder. Sent me to the ER for a sonogram. Guess what was there, right where the pain was?? A baby's head!!! Isn't that funny!!! He said there was really nothing I could do about the pain, just wait and hope that the baby moves.

Doctor says I can go on bedrest at 28 weeks (7 month) if I'd like. I'm starting to think I would really like that!!! I still have so much to do to prepare for the babies. I think I may be going through the nesting stage, becuase i want the house spotless lately. (not that it ever has been)

I had a sonogram on Monday and baby girl weighs 1 pound 7 ounces and the boy 1 pound 10 ounces. The doctor said that was very good. The boy is at the 90th percentile of where he should be, and the girl at the 70th. They are big babies. I feel them kicking and moving all the time!!! Stong kicks too!!

My last sonogram I had a 4D color sonogram done. That was the coolest thing ever!!! You get to really see what the babies really look like, the baby boy looks exactly like my DH. I know it sounds crazy to know already, but I encourage everyone to look up on the web who does them in your city. They even record it for you!

I forgot to mention, I love this thread!!! I think by far, this is the best......

I think i've typed wayyyyy to much. Sorry Gals! Hope to get to know all of ya'll better....Oh, my doctor insists that it's time to start seeing me every 2 weeks now. UGHH !

Anyone having any babyshowers yet? My mother is throwing ours 01/31/04...I dont know why Im so freaked out about it!!! I guess because everyone told me not to freak out about buying everything for the babies, that we would get alot of it at the shower. Well I am actually scared that we won't get anything we really need. Isn't that horrible of me to be worried about such things?? I am also very self-centered sometimes, and I'm worried that noone will show up. How stupid, I know. It's dumb, but I've actually been losing sleep over this shower!!!

anyhow, i'm just typing nonsence now...

patricia
Tx -- 05/09/03
(i think these are the names:)
Nicholas Scott and ALexandria Ray--- my DH name is Scotty Ray...
Please give me brutal, honest opinions about these names...we've gone through so many!!!!!

doublyblessed

01-19-2004, 05:18 PM

Ruthie, I'm so glad that your ultrasound went so well! It's great to know that you've got 2 healthy baby boys!!! I hope you'll still check in and let us know how you are doing. You can get online for free at the library, if you're close to one. Probably not practical with a toddler! :)

I'm thinking that I'll get 2 Graco SnugRide carseats, and a DuoGlider. But then I wonder...we live in the country...if I want to walk down our gravel driveway, shouldn't I get a jogger? If I did, would I still need another stroller? I could get that and an umbrella type. But then, what do I do when they're babies??? There HAS to be a way to only get one stroller!!

Lauren, good to have you back! I've gained about 28lbs. and I'm 23 1/2 weeks along. You're doing fine! I keep whining about my weight, but I really know that it's what's best for my babies! And, yes, I'm HUGE!!!

Patricia, welcome!! It's great to have other mothers to chat with!! I'm glad that the bleeding has stopped. I remember reading about it on another post, then not hearing from you, so I'd wondered. My parents live in McAllen, Tx. I'm NOT a valley girl, but I'm definately a Texan!! Have you lived in SA long?

I toss and turn at night trying to fall asleep before one side or the other of my ribs starts hurting. I think I'm just stretching--the babies were head down when the pain started. Also, I've already gone from a 34 to 38 in my bra size. Tylenol helps when I'm desperate.

My contractions were kinda acting up over the weekend, but seem okay today. Somehow, it's tiring just to sit up through church services! That will be the last thing I give up, though. It's nice that I can lay in an easy chair and listen from a back office when I need to.

I've started to need to take naps. Anyone else? My contractions get worse in the evening if I don't. Well...I didn't today...but I slept in...maybe it will even out. Anyway, I'm hoping that if I make sure and have good rest periods everyday, that I won't be put on bedrest. That might work for you as well, Pat. It's hard to stick to anything if it's not absolutely prescribed!

As far as a baby shower, people really want to get you things that you want and need. You could register someplace, then have your mother tell people who ask, or, you could give her a list of ideas. You will probably get some great stuff! And remember, almost everthing can be exchanged!!

doublyblessed

01-21-2004, 02:45 PM

Hey, where is everyone??

I had a good appt. yesterday. My Dr. said she figures that I'll deliver between 34 and 36 weeks. That's only 10 weeks away! Yikes!

Warning-TMI...My cervix is still closed tight and thick. I was so relieved!! She didn't check it last time and I've had some achiness.

My Dr. also said that the peri who did my ultrasound has never been wrong on the sexes!!! So, I'll keep planning on girls!!

I'm anxious to hear how ya'll are...add a line!! :)

scottnpat

01-21-2004, 05:13 PM

Hi everyone.

I'm glad to hear you had a good doctors appointment. 10 weeks, wow!! Thats not very long from now. SCarryyyy!!!

My doctor has never checked my cervix...he said there was really not a need until i was 26 weeks. So I have an appointment on Monday the 26th, apparently that's when he'll check me.

Oh, almost forgot ...i've lived in Texas all my life! I love Texas.

Has anyone expierenced a loss of appetiate?

Lately I have no desire to eat anything. I feel like anything I put in my stomach will be the final thing that will make it just about pop. My DH is starting to get worried. He keeps trying to feed me stuff i love. He showed up yesterday with a chocolate dipped strawberry boston creme cake. Isn't that funny?

Anyhow I hope everyone is doing well. Noticed no one has really posted anything.

1+1=4

01-21-2004, 06:23 PM

Hi Everyone

Sorry I have been MIA for so long but with Christmas and holidays I wasn’t around a computer very often. I can see that everyone is doing pretty good!! I see from earlier posts that we have gotten a few new people which is great!

I am currently 25 weeks and things are moving along very nicely and hopefully it will stay that way!! I had an ultrasound at 23weeks and the babies seems to be growing well they were both 1lb 7oz at that point in time, I am just wondering how big they will be by my next ultrasound. They also checked my cervix and it seemed to be at 4.2cm which was a huge relief. I also had my OB appt yesterday and have only gained 11 pounds I just don’t understand how I can eat so much and gain so little!! Other than that everything else has been pretty good!!

I can read that some people are starting to get contractions and I don’t think I have gotten any is this OK?? I know that it is normal and common to get Braxton Hicks contractions by now but I am not feeling my uterus tighten! I am scared that I may be getting what they call silent contractions that are affecting my cervix and I don’t even know about it!! I think I always have to worry about something!!

Has anyone started the babies room yet? I made my first purchase for the little ones yesterday!! I have decided with the Maclaren twin stroller. I thought it was pretty light and easy and most people that I have spoken to enjoy the Maclaren!!

Well I won’t bore everyone with the all the details

Take care
Anne

smatterchu

01-22-2004, 12:38 PM

Hey y'all,

It's good to see some more folks back from holidays. I don't know about y'all, but I'm so glad the hustle and bustle has passed. If you're like me, though, you have put off even thinking about nursery and stuff until "after the holidays"....well, that time is now, lol...

On Monday, DH and I were both off, so we did some shopping - finally!! At Baby Depot (part of Burlington Coat Factory), we bought two of the Graco SnugRide Infant Seats. In my Baby Bargains book, I realized that the SnugRides come in about 7 different versions - with the only difference being the 3/5 point harness and the extras like (foot covers, etc.). Thankfully we saw that, because we skipped over the $99 model at BabiesRUs and opted for the $69 one at Baby Depot.

Not only that, but the Depot one had my very favorite plaid pattern (blue and white with yellow)...and they offer a good Twin Discount. If you buy two of one nursery/baby item, they'll give you 20% off the second item. At BRU it is often like pulling teeth to get them to admit that they even have a 10% discount...much less getting them to honor it. Usually, your purchase isn't 'big' enough, etc.... Here, we got a discount on the car seats and the extra bases we bought -- whoohoo!!

Wow.....it really seems strange to finally have some stuff of theirs in the house. DH put together the car seats as soon as we got home, and it's just so amazing... ;-) We're all having TWO BABIES!!! I don't know about you all, but at first - we were amazed at the prospect of going from a two-person household to a three-person one. Now, we'll instantly be a 'family of four'...wow! We're really excited. It's funny, because we'd always talked about wanting twins. It's kinda humbling to feel like you got your heart's desire, you know? -So blessed. I'll try to remember that at 2 am, lol...

We also bought two cribs and a changing table from USA Baby. In the Baby Bargains book, they recommended Sorelle cribs as a sort of happy medium for price and quality. (Baby Bargains is a WONDERFUL book if you haven't seen it). Anyway, Sorelle (or C&T Int. aka some other name at BRU)....got one of the few A grade ratings among the crib manufacturers. The only hitch about them was their shipping time. Our furniture is supposed to arrive in mid/late February, so we should be good to go. If, for some reason, the cribs don't get here in time, they will let us use cribs from the store. I'm keeping my fingers crossed. How weird will it be when we have two cribs in the house....wow!!

I'm glad everyone seems to be having good appointments. Over the holidays, I had the worst rash in the world. TMI, maybe... We are just now getting it cleared up. It turns out to have been an external yeast infection. Because it was external (outside/inner thigh), it didn't come with the tell-tale discharge symptom the nurse told me to look for. Sooooo, it took about a month for us to get it diagnosed....and by then I was going nuts!!

Anyway, I hope that wasn't TMI, but I wanted to clue you all in to the fact that some yeasties don't act like yeasties. I'd hate for you all to have to go through what I have. Both my Peri and OB said that of all rashes/infections in that area, the majority are traced back to yeast - in pregnant women, especially. Not only is our PH level all screwy, but we are no longer even able to sleep 'spread eagled', so airing out is more difficult. I got some specially mixed cream from the pharmacy, and after about three weeks, it's about gone....thank goodness!!

Lauren, I think silicone spray is what you'd use on the snap 'n go. I think there is a reason that WD 40 isn't the best choice, but I can't remember why. There are several threads on the boards about the snap 'n go's....I'll see if I can find the one to bump up. Otherwise, you could probably do a search.

In the meantime, I'm still perplexed about what to do about strollers after they are out of infant carriers. There are so many good choices, but each one seems to have a drawback, too. If money were no object, I'd think about a Mountain Buggy Urban Double...but those are soooooo expensive. -Maybe someone will sell one at the local twin sale in March....I can only hope.

Speaking of that, I went to my first Mothers of Twins Club meeting a few weeks ago. They had a rap session before the meeting that was just for new/prospective members. It was great to be able to talk with other folks and hear from some of the experienced twin moms on certain questions. The actual meeting wasn't all that great, to be honest. Not only that, but they had us all introduce ourselves as new/prospectives, but afterward nobody bothered to really say Hi or welcome us or anything. If I decide to stick around and be a member, I'll definitely try to make a point to speak to the new girls...I mean, it wouldn't have killed them. ;-)

Anyway, it's worth it for the small group outings, newsletters, sales and contacts. It's just too bad that the meeting is all the way downtown in a hospital conference area. I mean, what a hassle to have to pay to park and shlep all the way to the meeting. What I wouldn't give for a more convenient venue....oh well.... They have a meet 'n greet for new/prospectives at the end of this month, so I'm looking forward to that. I hope to meet some folks from my end of town...

Welcome, Patricia, and other new May Mommies. I think we're all sticking with our original EDD, but we're pretty much knowing that anything could happen in terms of actual delivery dates. More than anything, it's great to be able to compare symptoms and Dr. appointment information, and we all seem to be on the same schedule for those kinds of things.

Patricia, I'd love to hear more about your 4D u/s. I've heard mixed things about those. Some say that you don't really get the good pictures that GE is always advertising...and that you need to wait a certain amount of time before you try it....there's sort of a good window of time to get a better image... How many weeks were you when you did it? It's amazing that you could already see a resemblence. For me, the regular u/s pictures are just almost useless. Not only are we not allowed to video in the Peri office, but the angle for viewing really sucks for the Mom, lol.... I'm trying to crane my neck to see anything, and the snapshots they give are so hard to really view...oy.

It's amazing that I haven't gained any more weight than I have. I have been eating like a horse, lol.... Would you believe I actually lost 1/2 pound over Christmas?? That is a first if I've ever heard of it, lol... I think in total, I have gained a little less than 10 pounds. Now, keep in mind, that I'm a really big girl to begin with -- so the Dr's are totally fine with this.

One thing I'm trying to do to keep up the nutrition (in addition to my prenatals) is drink those 'Snapple a Day' meal replacement smoothies. I drink them WITH my meal, though...not instead. They're great, because they have a whole lot of vitamins, etc...and they are delish!! I love the Tropical one, especially. They are in the grocery near the Boost and Ensure and Slimfast stuff...

Okay, y'all....I'm not sure if I've felt any contractions yet or not. I felt something in my whole tummy that seemed not unlike gas pains....but that's it, really. In the meantime, the nurse at the Dr. office said, "if you're feeling contractions, you'll know it" -- boy, is she helpful or what!! (She's the same one that didn't mention yeast as a possible cause for my rash -- since there was no discharge...sigh)....

Rosalynn, I'm thinking the same thing you are...if I try and rest as much on my own, maybe I won't be forced to stay in bed later on. It's really hard to explain to other people how different multiple pregnancies are from singletons. We all have known singleton moms who worked, exercised and shopped until the very last minute before delivering.... I feel the need to justify my apparent laziness when I don't attend every Bible Study or event. I know that I am my own advocate and I shouldn't care what people think - I just wish more of them truly understood...

Dang, Rosalynn....10 weeks away is right.....whew!! I think you turn 24 weeks today, and I'll be 24 weeks on Friday. This will be a big milestone for me. I want to make it as close to 'term' as possible, but I'm so thankful to have made it this far. -So glad your cervix is still closed up. At my last Peri, mine was also in good shape. I'm hoping that my next appt will show the same thing.

Welcome back, Anne. -Glad to hear your u/s went well, too. I hear you on the lack of contractions thing. I worry that I'll wind up in labor without even knowing it in time to stop it.... It's kinda too bad they can't (BRIEFLY) hook you up to a contraction simulator so you could experience the sensation without hurting the babies or anything. I just want to know what to expect....or to know if I've already been feeling them and calling them something else...

Last week, I went to my regular OB and they measured my 'fundal height' (uterus)...apparently I was 31 cm at that time. I believe that would equal a 31 week pregnancy for a singleton, lol.... I think they said that it's approximately one cm for every week. At that time, I was almost 23 weeks, lol....

My next Peri appointment is Tuesday, the 27th. I can't wait to see the boys again. I hope your upcoming Dr. visits are good. Keep us posted...

Well, this is a huge novel at this point...if you're even still reading this, I hope you all have a great weekend. Take it easy

doublyblessed

01-23-2004, 01:59 PM

Hey Anne, good to have you back!

I don't understand how you can eat a lot and gain so little either--I've gained about 30 lbs. so far!! I don't pig out on sweets or anything like that, though, so I'm hoping I'll be one of those people who lose it really fast.

It sounds like your babies had really good weights! Mine were about 13oz. at 20.5 weeks. My next ulltrasound is on Monday--I'm sure they will weigh a lot more! That will be a big relief to me, because of the contractions I've been having. I would say that it's a GOOD thing if you're not having them. I know what you mean though about being worried about not feeling them. While I was in the hospital, I was on a monitor and was able to see each one and learn what it felt like. Then I came home and wasn't sure again!! Try laying down on your back for just a minute. Push your fingers gently into your tummy all around. It should be fairly soft--not mushy, but easy to push down. When I have a contraction, it gets very firm--like when you make a muscle. Tighten your stomach muscles while you're laying there and see what that feels like with your fingers. It's like that. As far as what they feel like to your tummy, that sort of varies. Most of mine are not painful. Mostly, I just REALLY need to go to the bathroom all of the sudden, so I feel my tummy and it's hard. I think our tummy is harder anyway when we're standing, so I sometimes can't tell. I've heard someone say that we all have contractions from the time of conception. That it's our uterus getting ready for labor. That it's just more dangerous when they are more intense. I'm not sure how much of that I believe, but it's nice to know that contractions don't always mean that we're about to pop. I've had quite a bit and my cervix is still long and closed and thick. Some people even go for weeks partially dialated. I guess that it's different every time, but it's the not knowing that makes us worry!! Okay, sorry so long, but I hoped that helped a little.

I've heard of a few people whose babies didn't fit in the Graco SnugRides. The smallest strap is 8 inches from the seat where it's only 6 on a couple of other seats. The SnugRides that I'm looking at are on the internet from BabyAge.com for $49.99 with only $3.95 shipping on your whole order. If they do end up needing something a whole lot smaller, I have a friend who could loan me one car bed. Then they would use the carseats in a few weeks anyway. But you can't return them after more than 30 days on the internet!! Grrr...And will the DuoGlider really work for me?? Aaaagh, I hate decisions!!

I haven't been to a MOTC meeting yet. I got the info, but it was the holidays, then I was on bedrest, etc. We also have a big sale in March, so I want to sign up by then for sure!

Nothing much new here--I'm so happy to have made it to 24 weeks!!! Yay!!! Just 83 days until we hit 36!!! That's my overall goal.

2more2come

01-23-2004, 02:33 PM

Hi all,

It sounds like a lot has been going on in the past couple of weeks. I had an ultrasound at my OB's office yesterday. Everthing looks perfect with the babies, they each gained 4 ounces in the past two weeks. Baby A weighs 1 pound, 4 ounces, Baby B is 1 pound, 2 ounces (we're not going to find out their sexes, so they're still known as A and B).

Has anyone had or heard of the FFN test? I think it stands for fetal fibronectal test (or something like that). The last time I saw my MFM doctor he did the test and I had never heard of it, now I keep reading about it. It's a test to see if you're likely to go into labor in the next two weeks. I think he's going to start doing the test each time I come in. It was no big deal, pretty much like a pap smear, and since they measure the length of my cervix every time I go what's one more test?

Rosalynn, I'm still trying to figure out the best thing to do about a stroller. I spoke to a mom at the Mothers of Twins meeting I went to last week. Her boys are four months old and she has just a double jogger and she loves it. I'd really like to get one of those, because we live near the beach, but I don't know if I'll ever really get a chance to take the kids to the beach this summer. The only drawback I've heard with joggers is that they're not great to use while you're shopping. Since we're not in the country I think I'm going to get a double snap-n-go to start, then get a Graco DuoGlider, and maybe try to pick up a used jogger.

Patricia, if you're not going to eat that chocolate dipped strawberry boston creme cake, send it up here! I haven't had any loss of appetite, I wish I would!!! I saw my OB yesterday and had gained about ten pounds in the last four weeks alone! My OB is wonderful, and he would never yell at me, but he did mention how much weight I've gained (a few times). I think the holidays really did me in, at least that's my story and I'm sticking to it. It was so hard to go to parties where everyone was drinking wine and smoking cigarettes and all I could do was eat, so that's what I did. I also had so much leftover chocolate and other goodies in the house that just had to be eaten! I'm really going to try hard to start to control my eating and not gain any more than 1 or 2 pounds per week. Of course tomorrow we're going up to Albany to visit my brother and his family for the weekend. While the husbands are out sleigh riding with the kids I'll probably be home with my sister-in-law pigging out, but I'm going to try to be good.

Other than that, there's not too much going on up here. It was good to hear from everyone. Take it easy, girls and enjoy these last few months of pregnancy!

landrde

01-24-2004, 09:52 PM

Hello everyone,
I'm a newcomer to this site. It took me a few nights to read all your replies and catch up with everyone. Your information is great.

Here is a little about me. My name is Debby and I am 30 years old. I'm 26 weeks pg. w/ twins girls EDO 5/3/04. I live in Tolland CT. I have a 17 month old girl now, so we will be very busy soon. My first pregnacy was a surprise due to a little problem I had with the pill. After my daughter was born, I switched to the patch. I was two days late changing it one month, and the next month, surprise again, I pregant with TWINS. So here I am.

So far I've had 6 u/s. One per month. At first the dcs couldn't find the membrane that seperated the babies. Then, once they found that, the issue was their weight differences. As of two weeks ago, they weighted 1lb. 6ounces. and 1lb. 8 ounces. So everything looks "normal". Why can't the doctor ever say that everything looks great or even good. They always say normal. Maybe because I'm dealing with male doctors :) So far I've gained about 20 lbs. With my first. I gained 60lbs!! So I think I'm doing well.

Since we did not plan on having another child for the next few years, my DH is not too excited about our situation yet. He will come around after the babies are born. He felt the same way with our first (while I was pregant), and now, he is the best father that I've ever seen!!!

You girls have helped me a great deal in getting excited about this pregancy. You are so thankful and happy to be having twins!! I haven't hear one person say how stressed they were about their new financial stresses. And you seem to be a great group of people. I get nervous when I hear that some of you are having contractions already. But my doctoer asked me during my u/s. if I had any yet. I said no and asked if I was suppose to. He said that it is normal to start feeling them anytime after 20 wks!! I read that at 25 weeks 10% of twins are born already!!!

My doctor says that they try to stop all twins from being born before 37 weeks. After that it is a free for all. How are some of you schedule before that? Also, how many people are on bedrest or talking about it with their dcs? What symtoms do you have that makes the dcs feel you need it? I went to the dc last week and said that I was having a lot of difficultiies walking, and that I'm very sore at times (depending on different things that I do). His response was "get use to it, it is only going to get worse. I don't want to be put on bedrest, I'm just wondering what causes the dc to make that judgement.

Also, I know that you were all talking about car seats. Do anyone know of a brand of car seat that I can buy that will fit three in one row. My DH and I both have fairly new cars and can't afford to trade in for a third row SUV, and we really don't want the minivans that we can afford. Please Help!!

Lastly, has anyone heard from the mother that lost one of her babies? I'd like to know how she is doing.

smatterchu

01-25-2004, 10:53 AM

Hi Debby,

First of all, welcome to the group!! I think it's really great that you took the time to read through and get to know us a bit. This is a great group, and it's amazing how quickly time has passed since our first few posts. I'm sure this pregnancy has been at least a little different from your singleton one, so it's so nice to have a handful of 'sisters' to compare notes and encourage. As I have said a million times, I get so tired trying to explain myself to my 'regular' friends with singletons, lol...they nod and smile as if they understand, but deep down I wonder if they aren't thinking, "You lazy bum...I worked until my water broke, etc..." ;-)

I'm sorry that your husband takes a while to warm up to these kinds of things. Even if he hasn't gotten used to the idea, I hope he's at least being supportive of you and loving. I'm glad to hear things worked out well when your daughter arrived, and I'm sure he'll come around as soon as he sees these two, as well.

Even for myself, somedays I think it's all a dream or something. I'm stilly trying to 'wrap my mind' around the whole thing - ya know? I'm trying so hard to prepare myself for the big responsibility that lies ahead. I take parenting very seriously, and that's why we were married 8 years before we decided to start trying (and a month later, lol...). I know that this is a huge thing, and I just hope that I'm up to the challenge. I've only really known babies/children in a 'time to give them back to their parents' kind of way. I'm trying to ready myself for a 'day in and day out' experience that we'll all soon have, lol....

Mmmmmmm, and as for the financial thing....yeah, it's gonna be something. I do try to justify part of it and say to myself...well, if you were having two separate children (at different times), you'd have two different pregnancies with 9 months of vitamin co-pays and specialist visits....you'd have two separate deliveries/hospital stays, etc... I'm hoping that with two boys, I'll be able to save on clothes and toys...at least a little bit... Thank goodness for child tax credits and all of that....and medical savings accounts that we'll use for the first time in our lives.... One thing is for sure - thank goodness for health insurance!! I got a copy of my Perinatologist's bill the other day, and the 'real' cost was something like $800 or so for a visit....eeeeeeek!!! Considering I see him every four weeks, that is a carload of money!! I think my copay is like $25 or something. Thankfully, those visits are covered and all of that... I feel so sorry for folks who don't have coverage, that's for sure.

If I haven't already harped on it enough -- Baby Bargains Secrets is the best book to help you figure out what to buy and what to skip. I have already saved a ton of money with it!!

Right now, we're counting our blessings....the road ahead of us may be bumpy, but this was the family we'd always hoped and prayed for. I'd always wanted twins (someday), and I can't believe it's actually happening.....today is someday...

Before I forget, everyone, please remember Frances in your thoughts and prayers. She is now on complete bedrest, so hopefully that will be enough to keep things in place for a while. She and I see the same Peri here in Orlando. She will see him on Monday, and my appointment is on Tuesday. When she sees the Dr., if her cervix is any shorter, she might have to finish this thing out in the hospital. I know she'll do whatever the babies need, but I hope that she doesn't have to go through all of that.

Debby, you asked about bedrest.....my only experience is that they are checking my cervix and BP to make sure everything is okay. The Peri told me that mine is nice and long/closed for now, but if it starts to change/shorten that he'll send me home for good. (I work from home, so I'm guessing I'll need a bit more specific instructions, lol...)

Anyway, I think that most of us consider it a precautionary measure. Many of us are told not to stand when we can sit and not to sit when we can lie down... Walking/standing or any physical exertion can put strain on your cervix (and everything in there)....by lying down you take that pressure off.

Wow, I didn't know that at 25 weeks, 10% of twins are born already -- that is amazing! I'll be 25 weeks this Friday, and I can't imagine!!

I'm sorry I can't help you on the car seats thing. You might try to do a search and see if there is an old post about it. I'd look here, in the 'first year' thread and on 'what's bugging you'. If you don't find anything in the search, then I'd maybe post a new thread... You know you're not the only person to have this issue. Hopefully, you all can find a solution...

Well, I should get back to cleaning my desk. Hubby went to Sams Club to get groceries and stuff. He is sooooo good to us. I don't know what I'd do without him. I haven't seen the inside of a grocery store in a month, maybe....I know I'm a lucky girl.

I hope everyone's appointments go well in the next few weeks. Please take a sec to check in and update us. Is anyone else taking childbirth classes? Go to www.MarvelousMultiples.com (I think) to see if there is a multiples class in your area. We went to our first on on Thursday, and it was awesome!! I'm so glad I heard about it in time. It's a 6 week class, so you'll want to start sooner than later...

Frances, if you get on to read this, I got your e-mail...hope you're doing well. If you can't get regular e-mail going on your wireless laptop, you might want to set up a Hotmail account or something - since you have internet. I wish our appointments were on the same day. Maybe we'll get to meet sometime. I take this to mean that you can't come to the MOTS event on the 31st, eh? I'll miss you....tell you all about it...

Have a great week, everyone!!

2more2come

01-25-2004, 03:16 PM

Hi Girls!

Welcome, Debby. We're practically neighbors, I'm in Milford. I worked on a project installing new telephones at all the Rockville Savings branches a couple of years ago, so I spent a lot of time up there.

I did read once that there are car seats made specifically with narrower bases so that you can get more than two across. I'm trying to remember where I saw them. I think I may have gone on one of the baby stores (maybe it was BabyCenter.com) and just looked up infant carriers or car seats and seen at least one that advertised that it was narrower than the rest. Just look around, I'm sure you can find them. Plus, you'd be surprised at how many cars do fit three across. I have a four year old son and two nieces, and I've had all three across in my car, my husband's, and my mother's. You just need to measure it out. My hubby has a Nissan, and my mom has a Honda, not especially big cars.

TL - you're husband does all the grocery shopping? You are lucky! I don't even think my husband remembers where our grocery store is. I'll probably have to draw him a map when the babies are first born and I can't really do much shopping!

Tell Frances we're all thinking about her. I keep hoping and praying that I don't need bedrest. I was talking to a dad of twins who told me his wife spent seven months on bedrest with her twins. Could you imagine? Maybe my situation is different because of my clot, but all my doctors are telling me to get exercise. Nothing too strenuous, but I still walk on the treadmill two or three times a week and I've taken a pre-natal yoga class a couple of times. I'm hoping that staying active, but taking it easy when I need to, will help me avoid bedrest. I guess everybody handles pregnancy differently, and all doctors have their own opinions. I just hope we all make it to at least 37 weeks with no complications!

Talk to you all soon,

FlaMom

01-26-2004, 10:50 AM

Hello Everyone, I'm still here! Like Tara Laine said - I am now on strict bedrest, I can only get up to eat, go to the bathroom and take one shower a day. At my last visit, my cervix measured 1.43 cm, it had shortened from 2.5 in 2 weeks. He (the peri) said if it shortens any more, he is going to put me in the hospital. I see him today at 3:30, so pray for me, ladies!

Bedrest is pretty tough. I have only been here for 6 days, but I am already sore (back, neck and especially shoulders!) And, it is pretty tough to ask everyone to do everything for you. My poor hubby is being absolutely wonderful, but I think he is getting worn out already. He went back to work today - he took last week off to get everything ready for me to be in bed all day, and to paint and decorate my daughter's room - hopefully, being away from me for a few hours a day might help! He and my mom have really set me up, though. I work from home with my mom's business, and once we found out I would be in bed for a while, she went out and bought me a laptop and wireless router. I have yet to completely figure it out! I have the internet part set up, but I can't figure out the file sharing part (Thanks for the hot mail tip, Tara Laine - I will work on that today!). My hubby went out and bought me a little fridge and microwave so I really don't have to leave the bed except to go to the bathroom. Now, watch, since I am all set up, I will end up in the hospital!

Debby - we have the same due date! I am having a boy and a girl, Jimmy and Maggie, and I am sure you will agree - this pregnancy is so much different than my singleton pregnancy with my daughter! How old is your daughter? Mine is 4 and she is so excited about her babies!

Tara Laine and 2more2come (sorry- did not get your real name!) - Thank you so much for the encouragement. I will let you all know what the peri says today.

OK - I guess that is it for now. I have to sit up to type, so I should probably lay down now. I tried typing laying on my side, and I kept hitting wierd keys and ended up erasing a huge post I sent you all!

OK - thank goodness I copied this one or I would have lost it, too!

8 is enough

01-28-2004, 11:47 AM

hello girls!
it's so gooood to be back! remember me?
I've been missing you guys! I've been through **** and back since the end of december. I went in on the 27th of Dec. to the emergency room with upper abdominal pain and some right side pain. Well they didn't want to do any xrays b/c of the babies and they weren't positive I had an appendix problem so they did an u/s and didn't find any gall stones, and they couldn't see the appendix, so I sat in the hospital with pain meds for 2 days. Finally they did cat scan and found not only did I have an appendix problem, but it had ruptured. They rushed me to OR within 10 min. and what was supposed to be 30 min. get in and get out surgery turned into 3 hours b/c not only had my appendix ruptured, but it had been ruptured for a long time. It was gane green (sp?) and had fallen into pieces so he had to take it out by hand. The surgeon informed my dh that if I hadn't come in I would have been dead in less than 10 days b/c although my pain had been localized due to everything being bunched up together from pregnancy, the toxins had just started to leak into other areas.
Just when we thought that was over, I was still in pain. My stomach started to swell even more, I couldn't keep anything down, even liquids. They thought I might have blockage but again didn't want to do any xrays b/c of babies. Finally, after having NG tube down my nose, no food or water for over a week, I said do the xray!!!!! And sure enough, they found a blockage in my intestines and had to go back in for another major surgery in 2 wks. and came out with 42 staples down my stomach. To make a longer story short, I finally was well enough to come home.
So here I am. Can you believe all of that. They believe the babies are okay. They said if anything had to happen, it happened at the best time because the babies had basically formed all of their organs, and they were just "growing" now. Still, I am a little worried, so my ob is sending me to an u/s specialist to get a really good look.
Anyway, I'm happy to be alive, and I'm looking forward to meeting all of you new girls, and catching up with all that's been going on!

smatterchu

01-28-2004, 01:25 PM

Oh my gosh!!! Jennifer, girl, I just can't imagine what you have been through!! Bless your heart....I tell you what, I will never complain about heartburn or 'ribcage pressure' again, lol....oh my goodness.

It's so good to have you back....thanks for the update. My goodness, you just never know, do you? I'm sure the babies are just fine, but I know that doesn't make it easier to keep from worrying. What an ordeal!! Thank goodness you went in when you did....I'm just amazed....wow...

Jennifer, you and Frances both take it easy, okay? This is a marathon, and we've (hopefully) got a good ways to go. You're both definitely in our prayers...keep us posted on how things are going.

We had our Peri appointment yesterday. Everything looked good....the boys are growing well, and my cervix is still surprisingly long. The techs always sound very surprised when they look on the screen, lol....in the meantime, I'm just holding my breath, because I know what some of you all have already been through. The guys are 1 lb 13 oz and 1 lb 14 oz....so that's good. They're measuring about a week bigger, which is fine...

Because the Peri is in downtown Orlando, we usually take that time to go out to eat or shopping together. It's sort of a 'date night', but it wears me out, lol... We shopped at the OshKosh outlet and the Carters outlet.

OshKosh offers a 10% discount for twins, although I'm not sure if it's only for 'already born twins' or not. The saleslady asked if they were already here, and I said not yet...so she said we had to wait on the discount. I decided to just ask the checkout lady what the twin discount was (because I wasn't sure what percent it was). Seeing as I was buying two of everything, she said, "Ohhh, I wondered why you had so many duplicates....it's just 10%, but that'll at least help with the tax, huh?" She never even asked whether they were here or not, and I didn't volunteer.....was that bad of me? I mean, I spent a little over $100 there....and you know I'll be back from time to time... Anyway, I just thought I'd mention it for y'all.... We got some really cute hawaiian swim trunks....one set in 3-6 months and another set in 6-9 months. Living in Florida, we can't wait to take our little tadpoles out in the pool this summer!!

So how's everyone doing? Have you all found good ways to get to sleep during the night? I am still loving my 'Back 'n Belly' pillow from BabyAge.com (Leachco). This thing has been a lifesaver, that's for sure. Have any of you discovered any 'must have' products that you'd like to share?

By the way, for those of you buying the Double Snap 'n Go strollers, where are you getting yours? I can't find any actually in the stores. I did notice that they are now on the Babies R Us site (Amazon), but I'm not sure if they are in the store. I would like to avoid paying shipping....in addition to the fact that I'd like to be able to see what I'm getting... Just curious as to what you're finding...

Well, I'm going to get up from here. You guys have a great week. I'll be 25 weeks on Friday - woohoo!!

FlaMom

01-28-2004, 08:28 PM

Oh my goodness, Jennifer - I am so glad you and the babies are OK! What an ordeal!!

Well, I had my peri appt and my cervix has shortened even more - to .8 cm. At least he did not put me in the hospital! He just told me to stay down even more. I go back to see him on Monday. He said I will end up in the hospital at some point, I should have asked what that point is!

Then, I find out today that my 3 hr gestational diabetes test came back positive. I have a nurse coming to the house tomorrow to teach me all about it.

Anyway, that is it for now. Hope everyone has a good weekend.

1+1=4

01-28-2004, 11:21 PM

Here I am sitting at work tired since one of the babies decided to sleep in my ribcage last night which makes it impossible to breath and to move around to be comfortable!! Therefore only 3hrs sleep for me (so feeling sorry for myself) and then I read Jennifer story and I agree with you smatterchu I will not complain about ribcage pressure!! Thanks Jennifer for putting things into perspective for me!!

Frances: Take care of yourself!!

Nothing new really going on with me just waiting around until my next U/ S which should be in less than 2 weeks.

Take care,

Anne

26wks
EDD:05/05/04 ?/?

8 is enough

01-29-2004, 04:23 PM

I forgot to tell you with that big ol battle scar story that they did an u/s the first day I went in and the tech said she didn't see any boy parts so it looks like girls for me! Of course, I am looking forward to seeing the next u/s b/c I had already been given pain meds and it was midnight, and I wasn't able to clearly see for myself, so until then, I have to go on what she said so maybe we are seeing pink!
he he he he :)

2more2come

01-29-2004, 05:00 PM

Wow! I was going to log in today to complain about how uncomfortable I've been recently, but I think I'll keep my troubles to myself!

Jennifer, thank God you were able to catch everything when you did! How did you poor husband handle seeing you go thru two surgeries so close together? I imagine that after all that having you and your newborns home will seem easy for your family. I'm glad everything turned out okay. I'll be thinking pink for you. Have you come up with any names? I don't know what my babies' sexes are, but if one or them is a girl I'll name her Hailey - I love that name. That was my girl's name last time I was pregnant, but I ended up with Jimmy instead.

TL, Baby Depot at Burlington Coat Factory has the double snap-n-go's for $69.99. If you don't have a Baby Depot down there why don't you try the BabyCenter store or BabyClub of America? I'm sure they both run sales with free shipping.

Not too much going on here, except we're nearly freezing to death here in Connecticut. We just got another 6 or 8 inches of snow yesterday and it's been so cold that the snow from last week's storm hadn't even melted yet, so it just gets piled up. I was really hoping that carrying around two babies would help keep me warm this winter, but I don't think anything but Spring is going to help. Florida sure sounds good right about now. I wish I wasn't considered a high risk pregnancy because I would definitely hop on a plane.

I have my next u/s next week, I'll keep you all updated. Stay warm, everyone.

1+1=4

01-29-2004, 05:23 PM

Hi Everyone

Lauren: I would love to switch with you!! It’s summertime in Australia and of course they have predicted one of the hottest summers on record!! BLAHH so I am always so hot and there is only so much clothes I can take off until it a bit too embarrassing!! I am originally from Canada and my family is telling me how cold it is and that just sounds like heaven to me!!

I am starting to get really worried about the babies weight for some reason I keep on thinking that at my next ultrasound (I will be 28wks) they will tell me that the babies are small and haven’t gained anything since my last ultrasound!! If anyone wants to share how many weeks they are when they had there ultrasound and what was the weight of the babies!! Why am I so neurotic!!

Anne
26 wks 2 days
EDD 6/5/2004

doublyblessed

01-29-2004, 06:07 PM

Hello!

Wow! We've finally got some serious posting going on!!

Welcome back everyone! It's good to catch up with some of you that we haven't heard from in a while!

Jennifer--And some of us thought WE had excitement! I went in to the hospital the same day that you did, which was tramatic enough. Hang in there! I'm so glad that you and the babies are okay!! I'll look forward to hearing how the u/s with the specialist goes. I've had about 4 ultrasounds now where they thought we were having girls, so that's what we're planning on!

Lauren-they gave a FFN test to me while I was in the hospital, and it came back positive. I tried to do some research on it, but it sounds pretty controversial, still. I'm going to have another one on Tuesday, so I'll be interested to see how it goes. One sight I read said that there were certain things that would negate the test, (such as contractions!) so mine might have been given under the wrong circumstances anyway.

Hello Debby, welcome!! Congratulations on expecting 2 beautiful little girls! Good to have you join us. About the bedrest--my Dr. only put me on bedrest for a few days, I'm assuming to get me used to the medicine. I think one of the main causes of bedrest is when someone's cervix is shortening too much. It helps to calm contractions and to take the pressure off of everything. Now I'm not on official bedrest, but I'm supposed to be taking it very easy because of the contractions I've been having.

My grandma came to visit last weekend and we did a little bit of shopping. (It took me about 3 days of resting to recover.) She bought the most darling matching little girl outfits from BRU! We had so much fun! It's great to get hand-me-downs, but I haven't gotten any matching outfits, of course.

We just got the bill for my Level II at the peri's. $1008!!!! I'm so thankful for insurance!! We only had a $10 co-pay. Finances are definately an issue for us as well, but I know that we will make it. As Americans, there is so much that we think we "need". We're living in pretty tight quarters right now, but I'm perfectly happy. The Lord is abundantly providing all that we need, and I know that He will continue. Of course, I'm still spoiled--looking forward to disposable diapers, almost new baby everything, etc. Hopefully I'll be as happy when times actually get tight.

Frances, I'm glad that you're doing what your doctors' say! I know what you mean, bedrest is very difficult, and asking people to do things for you is the worst. I've been trying to avoid it, but eventually my pride will have to cave...grrr...

Well, I need to run, I'll have to write more later. Good to hear from ya'll!

newmannsmomtoo

02-01-2004, 04:13 PM

Hi Ladies,

Sorry I have been missing in action over the last couple of weeks, but like some of the rest of you, I have been having a little excitement myself. I am really sorry to hear about Jennifer's and Frances' situations. I will definetly keep you in my prayers. Glad to hear that everyone else sounds to be doing so well.

When I went to the per on Jan. 19th, he found that my cervix had shortened from 2.4cm to 1.6cm over the previous three weeks. He immediately sent me over to the hospital to be monitored for contractions, since I was not feeling any. Well. sure enough, I was having them reguarly, something like every 30 seconds to a minute. Had to stay in the hospital on Brethine for 3 days. Was sent home on Thurs. Jan. 22nd and have been on bedrest and Brethine since. I am able to get up to go to the bathroom, shower daily and eat meals. I can even move to the couch or lay on a chaise outside if I want. I can get my own breafast and lunch when my hubby is at work, but other than that, I am on bedrest. Went to the doctor on Thurs. Jan. 29th and doctor said everything looked to be stable. I will see the peri for a u/s and to have my cervix measured on Mon. Feb. 9th. Hopefully everything will be the same so I won't end up in the hospital. I was 24 weeks when this started and will be 26 weeks tomorrow. I am slowing counting the days and hope to make it to 35 weeks, when the doctor said if everything stays the same, he will take my off my meds and let nature take its course.

I think what worries me the most is that I can feel a few contractions now and then, but when they had me on the monitor, the doctor would ask me, can you feel that contraction, and I couldn't feel a thing. The good news is that my cervix to still closed, so that helps.

Now I have my computer set up by my bed, I will be able to chat more frequently. Hopefully it will help me from going stir crazy. I just keep telling myself it is what the babies need and every day longer that I can keep them inside is another day better for them.

Sorry to ramble on so long, it is just really nice to be able to communicate with all of you again. I love hearing all of your stories. Makes me feel a lot less alone in this twin pregnancy.

Hope all continues to go well and I look forward to hearing from everyone as these last couple of months pass quickly.

Karen

8 is enough

02-02-2004, 11:49 AM

Hello girls! I hope you all had a great weekend!
Gosh, I am so thankful you all are here. It seems sometimes things are just so overwhelming with all of our symptoms and troubles. I know it will be worth it in the end, and its so much easier to handle when I have you all to share it with and to learn from.
Karen-about your contractions. I have been having lower back pain the last few days. Kinda like a feeling of after you have an epidural. And then I've had some tightening of my stomach and just plain blahness. Have you had any of this or is it different? I don't know if it's a sign of preterm labor or just from me trying to do to much after surgery. And I'm not sure I want to say anything as I'm afraid what will come of it.
I went to the Ob Friday and it was the biggest waste of two hours. He only saw me 5 min. and did a very quick u/s b/c he is sending me to the high risk ob this week for one. He told me I have a cyst on my placenta and that one was definitely a boy. I told him I didn't believe him and was going to wait til the high risk u/s and I saw it for myself. Of course, boys would be just fine, but I would like to know for sure one way or another.
$1000 for your peri!!!! I'm freaking out! We don't have maternity ins., so we are paying everything out of pocket. I'll be sure not to tell my poor dh! He is already nervous about the bills piling up from the surgery. He's already saying go for the ceasarean b/c our insurance will pay for that-major surgery. I have to feel sorry for him! Only the Lord knows what will happen if I have to be hospitalized early!!! So, I'm taking it extremely easy so everything will happen normally in due time.
I know you all are too, and I hope we all make it to the end--like very end.
Hope your Monday is playing out well! Hear from you soon, Jennifer

newmannsmomtoo

02-02-2004, 12:06 PM

Hey Jennifer,

About my contractions, when I went to the hospital and they told me I was having regular contractions, I did not feel anything. I have felt some since then, but the only thing I feel is like a tightening in my stomach. My whole stomach will "ball up" real tight. It happens when I sit up, roll over or stand up at first. Sometimes when I am laying down, I can feel it happen, but never anything regular. Happens every now and then. I would make sure to mention your symptoms/feelings to your doctor. I was pretty freaked out to learn that I was having them so often and did not realize it. It never hurts to mention any little thing.

Hope everything else is going well. Look forward to hearing about your u/s results.

Karen

2more2come

02-02-2004, 02:00 PM

Hey Jennifer and Karen,

I've been feeling the same thing these last few days. My back has been killing me and sometimes my stomache is as hard as a rock. It never lasts long (except the backache) and I'm hoping it's just nothing. I see my MFM docs on Friday, I'll be sure to mention it to them.

Karen, I'm glad to see you back on. I was looking back over some old posts over the weekend and saw your name and realized we hadn't heard anything from you in a long time. Good luck with the bedrest, it sounds like we're all getting to the point where things are starting to happen. My OB told me my first milestone date to shoot for is 28 weeks. He said if the babies go that early they would most likely be able to survive and not have any permanent problems. I'll be 25 weeks on thursday, so it's all starting to get real for me, realizing these babies could be here soon. It's kind of scary!

I decided it was time to start thinking about getting ready for them. I went to Baby Depot last week to look at bedding. I have a really cute set that I used for my son, it's Kidsline's "Cow Jumped over the Moon". I figure if I have a boy and a girl, she will get new girlie stuff, he'll use Jimmy's old stuff. If I have two boys one will use Jimmy's stuff, one will get new. And if I have two girls they'll both get new stuff. I picked out another set by Kidsline, "Isabella", to use if I have a girl. I didn't realize until I left the store that I hadn't even looked at boyish patterns to use if I happen to have two more boys. I guess I'll have to shop some more.

Is anyone having trouble with maternity jeans that fit properly? I have a couple of pairs of the low rise jeans that just have elastic around the back, no panel. I've been thinking since November that I just have to grow into them, they're always falling down. I finally realized that now I think my belly is too big for them. I gave in a wore an old pair of jeans with the full front panel and they feel a lot better, they're not falling down. But the panel is so low that none of my tops will cover it. What are you guys doing? Has anyone tried the jeans with the smaller panel that goes all the way around? Do they fall down or are they comfortable? I know I need to get some new jeans, but I'm not sure what type to buy. Any advice would be appreciated.

Well, enjoy your weeks, everyone. I'll talk to you soon....

FlaMom

02-02-2004, 03:55 PM

Hello Everyone, I had a great Peri appt today. My cervix has lengthened to 2.5 cm (from .8 cm last week)! Both babies are doing really good. Jimmy weighed in at 2 lbs 7 oz and Maggie is 2 lbs 6 oz. I guess this bedrest stuff really works! The Dr said to keep doing what I am doing - it looks like I might actually make it to my baby shower on 2/15.

I have the gestational diabetes pretty much under control with some diet changes. So far, no insulin. I guess as the babies get bigger, that might change, but so far, so good! I really miss my sweets, like snickers bars and butter pecan ice cream, but at least the diabetes will go away once the babies are born.

Mom is coming to help out this weekend, and my in laws will be here next week - so I have a pretty busy next couple of weeks, hopefully, that will make the time go by faster. From reading
Dr Luke's book, I saw that if I can make it to 31 weeks (March 1st for me), there is a considerable difference in hospital stay for the babies (39 days vs 12 days). So, March 1st is my new goal.

Lauren, don't even bother with the jeans that have the elastic all the way around, unless they go up over your belly. I bought one pair of those jeans, and I can't even wear them, by the time I walk out of the bedroom down the hall, they are falling down. I have found that the front panel jeans are much, much better. I have been wearing just warm up, stretch type pants since I have been on bedrest, and they are even more comfortable than the jeans. The XL jeans are getting to be too small!

I have been having both types of contractions - when I do the HUAM, I usually have 1 or 2 contractions that I don't even feel. They said as long as I don't have more than 4, we are OK. I also have the hardening and tightness when I get up to walk. Sometimes, it is even hard to walk. When I asked the Dr about it, he said that is why he wants me to stay horizontal. It is pretty scary to know that you can have contractions and not feel them. I tell you, the Home Uterine Monitoring has really given me peace of mind. I strap that to my belly twice a day for an hour, then I send the info to a nurse who calls me with the results. It is so nice to know that everything is OK.

Anyway, I guess this is long enough. We are on the home stretch, ladies - hang in there!

doublyblessed

02-03-2004, 12:13 PM

Hey ladies!

I can't write long, I'm off to the dr. for my glucose test. NOT looking forward to drinking the orange stuff!

Jennifer--sounds like you need to take it easy if you don't want to deliver soon!! You should mention to your peri that you don't have insurance and see what they can do for you. My last peri visit cost $189, then the 2 ultrasounds, vaginal and tummy, brought it up to $800. That was what the office charged. My insurance has a certain maximum amount that it "allowable". They agree to only pay that much and the peri office agrees to accept it, because they accept the insurance. I think it was more like $500, which is still a fortune. It might be worth the money to get some kind of maternity insurance until you deliver! In Oklahoma, pregnancy isn't allowed to be a "pre-exsisting" condition, so you can get insurance while you're pregnant, and be covered. Hope it goes well!

Gotta run! I'm NOT going before I take a shower!

msilver

02-03-2004, 12:32 PM

You need to go to www.beheresoon.com and check out the twin memory books. They are absolutly adorable...I have one and I love it...all the other ones are not as cute. These are great! I highly recommend buying one (or even two) if you want one for each baby!!!!!

scottnpat

02-03-2004, 01:50 PM

Hello girls!

Sorry I haven't posted lately. I think that we may all be starting to really experience some pregnancy complications that were to be expected. :(

A little over a week ago my stomach started to tighten up a lot. It wasn't really painful and to be honest, I really thought it was a normal symptom of being pg w/ twins. It was doing this for about three days, I didn't even eat because it was so unconfortable (you may remember me writing that my DH was buying be things like cake to try to get me to eat). I was really thinking that if anything they were BH contractions. Anyhow, I finally called a Dr. on-call and asked her how I would know if they were real contractions. From what the Dr. told me BH contractions don't usually come with back pain. Well i was definatley experiencing back pains so she asked that I go to labor and delivery and get checked out. They strapped me up to monitor me and sure enough I was contracting every 3-4 minutes. Some of them I felt, some of them I didn't. They checked my cervix and ithad begun to thin out, but I was not dilating...i didn't even know there was a difference. Anyhow, they admitted me and put me on magnesium sulfate for 5 days!!! That stuff was bad, but not as bad as what some people have posted. I was allowed to go to the restroom, drink plenty of water, and eat regulary. Really the worst part was just feeling very drugged up. I was swollen and saw double of everything. Well, i finally convinced the doctor to let me come home, this is sooo horrible but, i wanted to come home because i had my baby shower planned for saturday the 31st.
Anyhow, i am very strict bed rest...i can only get up to go potty and am only allowed to shower every other day. Its actually not that bad...i read emails, shop online,clip coupons, work on babies scrap book and watch a baby story on TLC. Dont get me wrong, Francis i'm sure you can attest to this, some days i feel like i'm going to go crazy!!!!! But for the most part, it's okay.
Rosalynn, when i was in the hospital, they also did the FFN test on me. From what i understood, if it came out positive, it's a strong indication that the babies will come within two weeks. How they can tell that is beyond me....My test was negative. THe doctor did say that if the test was positive she would highly recommend taking the steriod shot...Apparently this speeds up the process of the babies lungs developing, just in case they come early. Did they suggest this for you?
For those of ya'll who have not have thier baby shower yet, don't put it off very much longer. I thought mine was planned too early, and I almost missed it. From here on out anything can happen, so the earlier you have it the better....I was so blessed!!!! We got sooo much stuff!!!! Almost all the big things we needed, high chairs, swings, bouncers, bottles and clothes!!! :)
Hope everyone is doing well.....oh, the last time i had a sonogram, two fridays ago (25 weeks) the babies were right at 2 pounds...doctor says very good. I will be 27 weeks this friday and have gained a total of 25 pounds so far and im guessing the babies are now probably over 2 pounds...at 26 weeks right now i am measuring 34 weeks pg...crazy!!!! My stomach is soooo huge!!!

Well a baby story is about to begin...chat with ya'll later....

Just glad everyone's babies are doing good depsite these little bumps in the road....

patricia

FlaMom

02-03-2004, 03:37 PM

Patricia, I know what you mean - bedrest is not as bad as I thought it would be - the days go by pretty fast for me. I watch the Early Show, then Regis & Kelly, then John Edwards, The View, and The Ellen Degeneres Show. By then, it is 1pm. I usually read or nap until 3 or 4, then watch Oprah, and then my husband and daughter are usually home by the time Oprah is over.

I also am not as sore as I was at first. At first, my hips, back and shoulders were killing me, but once I started doing the exercises they gave me, I started feeling much better.

The hardest part is depending on everyone else to do everything. Since I now have Gestational Diabetes, my poor husband has to make me special meals, AND take care of everything. We got in a big fight this weekend about it, but we both realized that we are both just really worried and stressed and worked out a plan for all of the meals.

Plus, after my great appt on Monday, we realized that this is all working! It makes it much easier to deal with the bedrest when you see positive results. We are both not as worried as we were, therefore not as stressed.

Of course, there are days when you just want to scream, but for the most part, it has not been too bad.

scottnpat

02-03-2004, 04:01 PM

francis,

I am so glad bed rest isnt that bad for you either.....

it's comforting to know that someone else is going through the exact same things as me. ...

i did want to ask you, what exercises did they tell you to do? I haven't been told of any exercises....

FlaMom

02-03-2004, 04:19 PM

When I went on bedrest, I had a home health care nurse come to the house to set up the HUAM (Home Uterine Activity Monitor) and the terbutaline pump, and she gave me a binder with tons of info. I will be glad to scan the info and e-mail it to you or fax it to you if you have access to a fax machine. Just let me know your e-mail address or fax #.

scottnpat

02-03-2004, 04:30 PM

thanks, i'd appretiate it.

my email address is patriciahultz@yahoo.com...hope your not getting outta bed to scan this :)

8 is enough

02-04-2004, 01:28 PM

Happy hump day girls!
I hope everyone is enjoying their week so far!
Patricia and Francis, I'm thinking about you girls. Just wanted you to know I'm rooting for you. Thankfully, I have help here, my dh hired a family friend to come every day and do the household chores, take care of our daughter and pick up the other kiddos from school so I don't have to do anything really. Although I'm enjoying taking it easy, at the same time, it's driving me crazy! We went to the grocery store yesterday. We weren't in there 30 min. and I was tired and out of breath. This pregnancy is a blessing, and I have enjoyed feeling my babies move and jostle around with each other, but boy, I don't think May will get here soon enough!!! And I'm sure by May, you girls will be more ready than me!
You know Rosalynn, I am not sure about the ins. thing. I never checked into it, bc I assumed it was a pre-existing condition. Maybe I'll call around today and find out! Thanks for the tip!
And I meant to mention Anne, I had been thinking how lucky we all were that we were going through our pregnancies in winter so we aren't all totally miserable, and here you are in summertime Austraila! I've been thinking about you too, and I hope its not too terrible for you! Summer is my fav time of the year, but not when I'm pregnant! Too much insulation! :)
Well, girls take it easy and I hope everyone's resting peacefully!

doublyblessed

02-04-2004, 05:55 PM

Hello everyone!

I was thankful for an uneventful Dr. visit. I will get the results from the glucose test and the FFN in a few days. Pat, no they didn't offer me the steroid shots, probably because I was only 20 weeks along. I don't know if they would have even tried to save the babies that early. Dr. Luke's book says that that is the border of viability, but a NICU nurse who's a friend, said they start trying to save babies born at 23 weeks. I have a feeling that this test will be negative, which will be really reassuring.

I'm measuring 34 cm as well, and I'll be 26 weeks tomorrow. (YAY!!)

My cervix is shortening, but not enough that the peri is worried about it. I'll see him in 2 weeks. My babies weights are right on according to charts that I've seen, but seem to be a little bit below some of your's. I just need to keep in mind that these weights are just estimates!

I've gained 35 lbs. so far. Wow, that's a lot! I can't believe how big I'm gonna be!

It's good to hear all of your updates--thanks for posting! Talk to ya'll later.

mainemomof4

02-06-2004, 12:59 PM

Hi everyone-
My name is Nikki and I am new to this baord, but thought I would join as my due date is 5/26/04. I am 24 weeks and just off 7 weeks strict bedrest because of an placental abruption. The abruption has healed itself thank goodness and the Dr. said that it would be a good idea to move around again to regain some stregnth and reduce the chances of blood clots in my legs. We are having fraternal boy/girl, and we have two boys at home now 9 and 12. This is my second marriage, so this is my husband's first children. We are very excited and he has been wonderful going to Dr's appointments etc...
I hope that everyone is doing well and I look froward to posting more on this board as we all are due around the same time.
Have a great day,
Nikki

smatterchu

02-06-2004, 04:48 PM

Hey y'all,

I've finally got 10 minutes to check in with everyone. Usually, it seems like I've just got enough time to read what you all are doing, but I don't have time to respond...

Frances, I have said it before, but I am just so encouraged by your improved situation. That is such good news. In fact, I mentioned your story in our Marvelous Multiples class - hope you don't mind. One of the women in the class (at 20 weeks) was put on bedrest because she was 'funneling' -- possibly part of what was happening to you. Anyway, I could tell that she was worried and a bit frustrated at being ordered to bed, so I wanted to at least give her some encouragement that the situation can sometimes reverse itself - or at least halt. So I told her what all you had been through. I didn't go into detail about who you were, just that you were a friend who was a few weeks ahead of me...we all go to Dr. B, by the way, lol...

I'm finally getting this evil rash cleared up - I think. I can't remember if I've told you all about it -- basically an external yeast infection that has been driving me nuts since early December. We finally diagnosed it in early January, and the rash improved and then worsened. I have more cream to apply, and I'm determined to get this thing healed...

Have you all been watching the Dr. Phil series on pregnancy and preparing for a baby? (I don't mean the Dr. Phil Family - but the one on adult couples planning for upcoming births.) Anyway, they had this one guy -- what a prize....he just didn't see the big deal in her wanting him to be there to support her in the delivery room. Thankfully, Dr. Phil seemed to set him straight, but I thought -- what in the world. I mean, if he's so callous about that, what else is he not doing.

I'm so thankful to have a loving and supportive husband - and I know many/most of you do to. I feel so sorry for anyone who feels like they are going through this alone. I read some of the posts on other threads, and I just don't know what they're thinking. My hubby knows I've been reading the boards when he gets extra hugs and kisses, lol....because I read them and remember how blessed I am. I hope you all are blessed too.

I have my regular OB appointment on Monday (yawn)....all they do is just check weight/blood pressure and maybe measure fundal height. I'm not sure if we're doing anything else...besides heartbeat. Other than that, it's pretty uneventful. I'd be so bummed if I just had a singleton pregnancy and that's all I did every visit. I love getting to see our babies every month....definitely nice/comforting. I'm spoiled, I know...

Is anyone else taking a Marvelous Multiples class, by the way? If you haven't looked into it, I really suggest you do. I think you can go to www.marvelousmultiples.com and find a class being held near you. They have them in most cities. It's so nice to find a room full of people in the same situation, and it's nice to have the class tailored to your pregnancy....rather than being a footnote or the exception for so many things. Our teacher does a lot of different things because we're having multiples, and it's nice to have someone who understands our special needs/issues. Anyway, I recommend it.

At the same time, don't forget to start looking for the local 'Mothers of Multiples' group in your area. I have already met a few nice people in our group, and I think it's worth trying. I know that not all chapters are great, but the way I see it - I need them more than they need me...at least at first. I just went into it with an open mind and spirit, and I have met some great ladies. The first meeting was kind of overwhelming, but I have since gotten to know some of the members, and it is nice to have people in your area. I live a ways out of Orlando, so it's a pain to drive in for the meetings, but I now know at least one person in my own little town -- which never would have happened. I say it's worth a shot....

Well, I'm so glad it's Friday. Can you believe that it's already February? What are your plans for Valentine's Day - anything? I need to think of something nice I can do for hubby....he has been so sweet to me all through this. Any idea? I'm not terribly mobile these days, so I'm sorta limited to what I can do....

I hope you all have a fun and safe weekend. I'll tell you the advice that our Marvelous Multiples teacher gave us.... This weekend, take some time to really enjoy yourself....do something you can enjoy or experience now. You don't need to go shopping at BabiesRUs for the 20th time....you can do that stuff online. You don't need to run to BabyGap or Carters for some more onesies.... You need to get out and have a picnic at the park, you need to go to the beach/lake and just relax....go see a good movie....take in a nice dinner....find a jazz festival or art show... Basically, do the things you might not can do in 2, 10 or 15 weeks. If we haven't already been put on bedrest, we never know when/if that can come....so take this time to do something you can enjoy. If nothing else, do it for our friends who are already on bedrest.

Okay, I'm tired.....glad I could check in. Welcome to the group, Nikki, we're glad to meet you. This is a great bunch of women, and I'm sure you'll feel right at home.

You all take it easy and keep us posted on how you're doing....

landrde

02-06-2004, 09:15 PM

Hi everyone,
I'm finally checking in again after a couple of weeks. I was getting confused with all the people that are on this trend. I went back and read the posting and wrote myself some notes so that I can keep everyone straight. Wow, there are 16 people on this trend. Four women are on or have been on bedrest. Three have had contractions already. Most of you have had some kind of medical scare during this pregnancy. I'm glad that everyone seems to be doing a great job taking care of themselves and the babies!!! Hang in there girls. The next few months are goning to fly by.

As for me, it been pretty quite, thank god.
I bought a doublestroller on ebay for $50. That is my only baby purchase. Since, we have a 1 year old daughter already, we have most everything that we'll need. My only issue is a new car. I really don't want a minivan, but I'll going to have to breakdown and get one. Unless anyone knows of another vehicle that is suitable for three kids under 2!!!

Lauren,
We are practically neighbors. You even did a job at my bank. What did you decide to do about a car? What happen to your blood clot? Did it go away? How is your husband doing? You said that he had cancer, but you didn't go into detail about whether or not he is going to be ok!

That was great advise about going out and doing this while we can. I have two Dr appointment next week. I was going for ultrasounds every 2 weeks for awhile because the Dr was concerned about the differences in the babies' weights. Now it have been a month, so I really looking forward to see how they are doing. I'll check in and let everyone know the results.

Keep up the great job everyone!!

2more2come

02-07-2004, 08:22 AM

Hi Everyone,

I had a good visit with my MFM docs yesterday. They said both babies weigh 1 pound, 11 ounces, so they each gained about 1/2 a pound in the last two weeks. Baby B had weighed 2 ounces less than A at every measurement, so I guess he's (I think A is a girl, B is a boy - just a guess) really having a growth spurt. They also checked my cervix and it is still pretty long and closed up tight.

Debby, we should get together one of these days before the babies are born. I could meet you halfway somewhere. email me if you want to - I'm Laboyle@optonline.net. I decided to go with an SUV instead of a minivan. I think we're going to get the Acura (bottom of the line model). It's by far the nicest one we've seen, and about the same price as the rest of them (the Explorer, Durango, Murano). And it's really wide. I shouldn't have any problem getting three seats across (my son will be in a booster seat by then). We're going to lease, there's no way we could afford to buy, they are all so expensive. But my mother has a Honda Accord and she's had three seats across and my husband's had three across in his Maxima. So you can stay out of a minivan if you want to. My biggest problem with the minivans is that most of them only have two seats across in the second row, and at least at first, I know my son wouldn't want to sit in a row by himself. He'll want to be in the same row with the babies, so getting three across was important to me. The Acura also has a fold-down third row so I can either use it for storage, or I can stick more kids back there if my sister and her two kids are with me. We're waiting for the end of the month. I've always heard that the car dealers have huge sales for President's Day, so that's probably when we'll go back to car shopping.

I'm going to see my vascular doctor this week to see how the clot is doing. I had an ultrasound done on it a month or so ago and it seems to be breaking up. I guess I'll know the real deal after this doctor does another ultrasound and can compare it to the one he did three months ago. I don't have any problems with it, but I'm still taking the blood thinners twice a day. I have to keep doing that until right before I deliver, then once the babies are born I'll go back on and stay on until they're about six weeks old. Then I can finally quit taking them. I can't wait. They're injections, and giving myself the injections isn't so bad, but I am absolutely covered in black and blue marks. I'm glad this is all going on in the winter, and not the summer. People would think my husband beat me or something!

Debby, thanks for asking about my husband. He seems to be fine. He had Hodgkins disease in 2002, and since it was his second relapse they did a stem cell transplant. He's been cancer-free for over a year now, and they're pretty sure he'll stay that way. They said if he doesn't have any relapses within two years then most likely it won't come back again.

They used his own stem cells for the transplant, which makes me wonder about banking the babies' cord blood. Have any of you decided what to do? I think I'm going to donate mine and hope for the best. I've heard that the chances of needing your own are really low, and it costs a fortune, especially for two.

Well, that's it for me for right now. The sun is actually starting to peek out, after a whole week of crappy weather, so I've got to get my boy dressed and outside. Enjoy your weekends, everyone!

doublyblessed

02-07-2004, 02:10 PM

Hello ladies!

I had another hospital visit, though thankfully not like last time! I'd been having "menstrual type cramps" that had kept me up Wednesday night and made me whiny and grouchy. So I called and they had me come in. They were full, then the babies didn't want to hold still and be monitored, so it took a while. $40 to decide that I had a bladder infection on Thursday, after I'd seen my Dr. and been fine on Tuesday. Oh well, I guess that's how it goes!

TL--I have a wonderful husband, too!! I'm SOO thankful for him!! He fixes me breakfast every morning and does as much around the house as he can. He's working so hard for us! It would be really hard to be a single mom, but I've also thought of how hard it would be to go through this married, but still alone. We ARE blessed!

I looked into the Marvelous Multiples class that you've recommended, but the closest one to me is in Tulsa. I live in OKC, so that's like 1 1/2 hours away, I think. I decided to just take the birthing class that my hospital offers. Is anyone else still super scatterbrained?!? I nearly missed signing up!! I was bugging the lady about letting me take it last month, but she thought it was too soon. Then I forgot until the day it started this month, and thankfully, they still had an opening!! So we were back at the hospital Thursday night, after I'd already been there all afternoon! It was good. I was a little shy to mention that I want to try a natural birth, since everyone else seemed pro-epidural. I told the lady afterwards, though, and she was really excited about it. Are any of you wanting to try to give birth with no meds?

Nikki, again, welcome! I'm glad that you decided to join us. I hope that we can be an encouragement to you as we head into our last weeks of waiting. I'm counting the days! 68 days will take me to 36 weeks.

I meant to go to the last MOMs meeting, but couldn't make it at the last minute. I will definately try to make it next month. I want to be a member before the big sale on March 5-6. My showers aren't going to be until after the sale, but hopefully I can still find some great deals. I was hoping that I could just get everything that I didn't get at showers. Ya'll might check out when your MOMs groups are having sales--I was told that the one here sold $10,000 worth last year. :D :D I'm saving up my energy for this one!

8 is enough

02-08-2004, 09:02 AM

Hello girls! It's Sunday morning here and its just me and the little princess while everyone is at church without us again. I worked up a storm yesterday holding babies(my brother and his wife are in from CA with their 3 babies ages 3 and under!), and jumping up and down at two of my son's basketball games. So, of course, last night and this morning I'm having some pain and BH contractions. But oh well, that's all part of the fun right!!!??
It's good to have you here Nikki! I've really learned a lot from all the ladies here and everyone, no matter what they've come through so far, is very encouraging and uplifting and during this special pregnancy, that's exactly the kind of attitudes I'm thankful for!!!
I love to hear 68 days!!! It sounds so much shorter than weeks!!! I am somewhat uncomfortable, not all the time but most of the timel, so the shorter the better. It's funny though, because I do love being pregnant and feeling my babies tussle around so much and I know that although I want everything to move so quickly, I will soon not be pregnant and miss all of the exciting times and events pregnancy brings. Won't you all?
It's good to hear about everyone's great visits! We really need a couple of weeks of uneventful dr. appts! Next week I have 3 appt.s, one for the surgeon follow-up, one for the high-risk ob, and then the last on Friday for reg. ob check-up! So we'll be busy for sure.
Has anyone thought about doing the 3d or 4d u/s? I just recently found out that we have one really close to us and I'm thinking about going? I've heard and read that their isn't any danger, but my sil swears her ob's child was born with complications that are lingering ones b/c his wife did the 3d u/s at his office a couple of times. I'm wondering if it was just a genetic occurence that wasn't controllable, though. What have you all heard? I don't want to do anything that would jeopardize(sp?) my babies anymore than I have.
We have a twins group here, too that we are trying to sign up for. But every month something happens and we always miss it! There clothes sale is in March too, so hopefully, nothing will happen before now and then so we can at least we can make one meeting b/f the sale.
Well, hope you're having a lazy Sunday afternoon! Take it easy girls!

scottnpat

02-08-2004, 12:07 PM

Hello girls, I'm glad to hear all of ya'll sounding so happy and upbeat. I on the on the other hand have litterally had it with this pregnancy. I know it sounds horrible, but its true. I dont think that this was for me.

Ive been on this stupid bedrest thing and it has really gotten to me. I used to think that my husband of almost five years was the greatest and that we had the greatest marriage. But ever since this pregnancy, i've been so disappointed with him and as of today dont think i want to remain in this marriage anymore.

He's not bad or anything, just not what i expected. It all started with the fertility treatments, he went to almost all the appointments and all, but never offered any emotional support for me. He never understood how stressful IVF was for me. When i started taking the shots, he simply told me that he couldnt do it and left to go to work!!!! He left me at home with the shot. He just expected me to give it to myself..and so it went for almost two months...he never gave them to me..i did it all by myself.

Through this whole pregnancy he's never been there for me emotionally. Does that make any sense?? If I call and tell him I feel like eating ice cream-- he[ll stop and get some, that kinda stuff. But like, I know this is stupid, but we have not had sex in like 8 months and I'm just about 7 months pg. First it was because we were going through the whole fertility thing, then we got pg and started bleeding. The doctor said we couldnt have sex until the bleeding stopped. Well it didnt stop until like the fourth month. Then he said he didnt feel comfortable with baby A being so low in my stomach. And now we are on bedrest and sex is out of the question till the babies arrive and even then not unitil I fully recover. So, He doesnt kiss me anymore because he says he doesnt want to get me in the mood???? I feel like I've lost all sort of itimacy in this marriage since we got pregnant.

Another thing is this, I'm on bedrest and stay upstairs in my bed. Well, he left me rice krispie treats, hot bottled water, and chips up here. Thats it. So, even though he knows i'm not suppose to go downstairs, I have to go down there to eat or get something to drink. (he works from like 7:30 am to 7 pm ) .....I've been on bedrest for like 2 weeks and figure surely he knows that I need some laundery to be done for me....nope nothings getting done, so i finally tell him two days nicely that I need undies and bras, if he can please do some laundery for me...I see him take a load downstairs. I go get some clean clothes from downstairs today so i can take a shower and realize hes only done his laundery!!!!!! I had a shower here on 1/31 and the house is still a mess from it. all the gifts and wrapping paper is still downstairs where i left it on the floor. I was so fed up today that I said screw the bedrest I cant live like this, I cleaned my kitchen, washed clothes, threw out the cake from the shower, etc.....oh and of coarse made myself some breakfast....As i'm doing all this I'm getting sooooo angry at him.....So i decided that i'm going to pack my things and go stay at my mothers house where i know she can at least look after me till i have these babies.

The thing is he doesnt realize why Im so upset!!!! He keeps saying that if i needed anything I need to tell him. the thing is, I shouldn't have to tell him!!!!!right????

I think I'm going crazy.....Does it sound like i'm over reacting?

2more2come

02-08-2004, 02:33 PM

Hey Patricia,

I'm really sorry that you're in such a slump. A lot of times I feel the same way about my husband. I really think a lot of it has to do with the pregnancy hormones. Last time I was pregnant we fought all the time and I just kept thinking that we'd get a divorce after the baby was born. After Jimmy was born things started to get back to normal and here we are, pregnant again. But I'll tell you, I read about these wonderful husbands who move mountains to make their wives comfortable and happy and I get totally jealous. That's not the relationship I have with my husband, and while I resent it a lot of times, I know I have other good things in my marriage.

I also went thru IVF and I know the rollercoaster of emotions you have to go thru. And I gave myself all the shots, three a day for a while. My hubby would never think of doing anything around the house if I didn't ask him straight out, and then I usually have to ask three or four times. The only thing he's had to pick up since I got pregnant was cleaning the litter box. While he used to complain about the smell the day after I changed the entire box before, now all of a sudden it can go a whole week and he doesn't smell a thing. He thinks that because I don't go to a job every day that I don't do anything, he just can't understand that carrying twins and taking care of a four year old is pretty hard all by itself. When he comes home at nite he sits and watches the news until I finish cooking dinner, then he comes and eats. When he's finished he'll put his one dish in the dishwasher and go back to watching TV until he goes to bed. Meanwhile I have to do the dishes, clean up the kitchen, play with my son, give him a bath, and put him to bed. I usually go straight to bed after I get my son to bed, which is usually about 9:30 or 10:00.

I didn't come on here to complain about my husband, but it does feel good to vent. I could go on and on, but I won't. Basically I think you've got it really tough going thru all the pregnancy hormones and the bedrest. I wish there was something I could do to help. In the meantime, tell your husband exactly what you need him to do. You shouldn't have to state the obvious to him, but unfortunately you do have to with a lot (or most) guys. It will probably do you some good to get taken care of by your mom for a while, but I wouldn't give up on the marriage until after the babies are born and you see whether your feelings go back to the way they were before you got pregnant. You've been thru a lot, but you may just see the way he is around the babies and fall in love with him all over again.

Hope this helps a little. If nothing else, at least you know not all husbands are the prince charmings some of the girls are lucky enough to be married to.

scottnpat

02-08-2004, 03:51 PM

Lauren

thank you so much for responding. I think that you may be right. I think my hormones are just getting the best of me.

Im just a little overwhelmed by everything right now and bedrest is not helping.

I am sooo used to being in total control of everything, work/school/house/family and friends. And now I hate having to ask someone to help me, even if it is my husband. I am a 28 year old very energetic and busy person who normally can't find time in the day to sleep. And everf since I got pregnant things have drastically changed for me. My house is not clean. I took a break from school. I am on a medical leave of absence from work and my house is a mess! I used to be a social butteryfly and now I find myself eating breakfast, lunch and dinner by myself. It's just an adjustment I have to get used to, I know.

AS crazy as this sounds, it made me feel sooo much better to read that I wasn't the only one out there whose husband was catering to. And you are officially the first person I've talked to who also gave herself the IVF shots. Its nice to know others are going through the same thing.

Anyhow, i think i've calmed down. My house is cleaner and I've fed myself...I can get so cranky on an empty stomch :). Thanks again for listening and venting with me.

patricia

1+1=4

02-08-2004, 06:06 PM

Hello Everyone

Patricia: I am so sorry to hear that you are having such a hard time!! Husbands can sometimes be a bit frustrating but I can imagine not only are you frustrated with your DH but being on bedrest can be very difficult especially if you are a person that is always on the go!! Maybe you should suggest to your husband that you hire someone to come around the house once or twice a week and help with the cleaning!! Hopefully that would relieve some stress between the both of you!! It’s great to have your mom around (I wish I did) but I would always be concerned with her questioning how come your husband can’t help!! Whatever you decide to do I am sure it will be the best for the 3of you!!

Jennifer: About the 3D/4D I haven’t read anything bad but I don’t know anyone personally who has had it done!! Every time I schedule my US I wonder if I should ask for a 4D but I chicken out all the time!! Let us know what you decide

Rosalynn: We have something called Twins Plus here which is a class for 3 night that discusses the differences between a singleton birth and multiple I wonder is that is the same thing!! Our first class is on Friday night so I will report back and let you know what I learned!!

As for me I have my 28weeks US this afternoon and once again my nerves are going crazy with thoughts of bad news!! I do this to myself every 4 weeks!! As for my pregnancy all is going well I am still able to do my weekly Yoga and Pre-natal aquafitness classes which is great because you get to meet so many people and being in the water makes me forget I am even pregnant!! It’s been so hot here 40 degree Celsius and since we have no air conditioning most of my weekends are spent in a pool trying to keep cool! I have also read that just being in a pool takes the pressure off the uterus and increases the blood flow to the placenta has anyone else heard of this!!

Nikky: Welcome to May Babies I am sure you will get lots of information and support from everyone here

Well take care everyone I will check in tomorrow with an update on how my US went!!

Anne

FlaMom

02-08-2004, 07:40 PM

Patricia - I know what you mean about feeling out of control. I can't complain too much about my hubby, he has been pretty great, but he does not do things the way that I do, and if I try to correct him, it usually ends in a fight. He finally agreed to a cleaning service once a week, so that should help too. The problem I have with him is that he wants to do everything, he is kind of a neat freak (on some things) and I never get to just spend time with him. If he is not running around doing everything and complaining how tired he is, and how much he has to do, then he is out in the garage, drinking his jim beam and coke and smoking cigars (I really think he is smoking cigarettes, but that is a whole other fight!) I know he needs time to relax, so I try to understand. But. he hardly ever just sits and talks to me. It gets kind of lonely sometimes.

Jennifer, I used to be an diagnostic medical sonographer, and there is absolutely no danger to the babies with ultrasound. They are just using sound waves. The way that the sound waves bounce back dictate the picture on the screen. Now, with that said, I have not seen a 4D ultrasound yet, and I am assuming that they use the same technology, with sound waves. Just check with your doctor. If there was any danger, I am sure that he/she would warn you.

Nikki - welcome to the May Babies! Everyone here is great, don't hesitate to ask us any questions. One tip, when you type a long post, make sure to copy it before you hit submit. I think all of us has lost a long post at one time or another, and it will make you crazy!

Tara Laine - no problem with using me as an example. If it makes someone feel better, or could educate someone, go for it! I have my next appt on Thursday, and I reallly hope that he tells me that my cervix lengthened even more, and lets me off of bedrest a little bit. I miss shopping so much! I would even love going to the grocery store!

I had an OB appt on Wednesday. It was pretty uneventful, he just talked to me a litte bit about the gestational diabetes. He said something that really confused me, though. He said that if I did not gain any more weight with this pregnancy that they would know that the GD was under control. HUH?? My first question was "Have I gained too much weight?" (I have gained a total of 31 lbs and I am 28 wks) He said no, that the babies would be gaining weight while I am losing it. But, from what I understand, when you burn fat, you release ketones, which are bad for the babies. When I mentioned that, he said that they check for ketones at every visit, but that is only every 2 weeks. Maybe I should get the ketone testing strips and test myself at home. I don't know, I am still pretty confused.

OK - this is probably long enough. Sorry to be so long winded tonight. I hope everyone has a great week!

landrde

02-08-2004, 08:16 PM

Rosalynne,
With first pregnacy I was determined not to use drugs. I choose a hospital that had a whirlpool because my lamaze instructor said that it helps you relax so much that you may not need any. When I was a week late, I went out with some friends. That night I ran into a friends husband (they had a baby a couple of months early), he say that I will just go through a lot of pain and then end up taking the drugs anyways. That night, I ended up going into larbor. I went into the hospital thinking that I should just take the meds. Then I didn't diluate very fast so they wouldn't give me any meds. Then, I used the whirlpool and I relaxed so much and dialated so fast, that it was too late for any drugs. It ended up that it wasn't my decision, and I didn't have any drugs at all. I was very proud of that fact that I was able to do that, and it wasn't that bad. I'll try to do it again, but I'm not sure I will be able to with two babies.

Patricia,
I didn't have to get any shots to get pregnant, but if I did, I know my husband would not have done it. I'm sorry to hear that he isn't helping around the house. I've learned that men do not think the same way that women do. We must tell them what to do, because otherwise they just don't understand or get it. Another thing that I've learned is that withour sex, men are not as nice to their wifes. The don't even realize the are acting any differently, but I've proven the difference with my husband. You may not be able to do anything about it, just realize he is probably frustrated about it, but doesn't want to complain.

Getting a maid or having your mother come over to help one or two days a week is a great idea. Also, you may want to ask your husband to decrease his hours at work to help at home. Maybe he doesn't know what he can do to help. Seriously, men
NEED to have it spelled out. I found that the best time is to write a list of things that need to get done. Otherwise, they will do stupid odd projects that don't need to be done, and they get upset when you don't notice their efforts.

Good luck and hang in there.

scottnpat

02-08-2004, 10:21 PM

debby and francis
thanks so much for your advise. My DH came home and made dinner, he also finally set up my fridge and microwave in the bedroom. Its kinda funny---it took a nervous breakdown so that he can step up and help a little. But girls ya'll were right. He said that he really needs for me to spell out to him what I need. He asked that I start making a list of things I need. Oh and as im typing he is washing my clothes--finally. So again, thanks for letting me vent with ya'll.....it was so much needed!!!!
I forgot who asked about the 3d sonograms, but a few posts back I mentioned that I already has one done. I never asked if there was any dangers involved, so i went online and reseached a little . I didnt find anything bad listed. I go again in two weeks and my sonogropher said she would record it this time. But it was awesome. The only thing different I felt was you can actually feel the little sonogram thing pulsating on your skin. She said it doesnt bother the babies. I was only 25 weeks pg at the time, but I could definatley tell the babies looked like my DH. The sonogropher said that when I go back it'll be a lot clearer since the babies will be more plump. I cant wait!!! Oh, the color really makes a difference too.
oh Debby, thank you for sharing about your DH. It helps. I tend to envison everyone living in total bliss with thier husbands. I think i watch too much TV.
About the weight thing, I havent really been gaining much weight. I am almost 27 weeks and have gained 25 pounds but lately not much. In the last 6 weeks i've gained about 2 1/2 pounds. But the babies keep getting bigger. SO my doctor told me not to worry about gaining weight as long as the babies keep growing.
I have an appt on WEdnesday---i keep praying and hoping that he'll check my cervix and get me off of bedrest.....
----Hope everyone has good/postive doctor appts this week!
Francis, hows your bedrest coming along??

patricia
edd 5-9-04

GrnEys76

02-09-2004, 12:51 AM

Hello Ladies,

My sister found this messageboard for me just recently and sent me a link. She thought it would help in what I am going though. I have been reading all the posts and havent quite gotten through them all. But I am so excited to tell my story.

I have a 4 yr old Reina. She'll be 5 in April. For months before july2003. I was begging for another child. My argument was that our daughter would be about 5 and the perfect age to help, and I wanted one more before I turned 30. I am currently 27. I finally convinced him, them my girlfriends and I calculated the best time for conception.

Before you know it I'm Pregnant. Yeah!!! For all we knew it was a normal pregnancy. My EDD was june 12. When the doctor thought I was 17 wks Jan 5th. I had the expanded afp testing. A few days later I recieved a call from the doctor's office. Just the call worried me cause my daughter tested positive for Down Syndrome but the dates were just off. (shes fine very smart little girl) I was that my test was positive for spina bifida.

On Jan 20 we went in to the peri for the genetic counciling, and ultrasound. Beginning the u/s the first thing they tell us is there are 2 babies here. This is what we know so far. We are having 2 boys. They are Fraternal because they are in seperate sacs with seperate placentas. They say that is the best type of twin pregnancy to have. My due date is now 5/31/04. I am also told that I will be seeing a peri every month to monotor the growth by U/s. We are still shocked When will the shock ware off???

smatterchu

02-09-2004, 10:10 AM

Hey y'all,

I hope I didn't upset anyone by saying how thankful I was to have a supportive husband. That really wasn't my intention, and I certainly wasn't meaning to brag or make anyone jealous. At the same time, if it got some of you thinking that you deserved more help and attention, that's a good thing...because you are growing babies and need all the love and care you can get. I hope that came across like I meant it... ;-)

I think it is great advice to really 'spell out' your needs/priorities for your husbands. Even the most wonderful husbands are still men, and the rules apply to all. They all have extremely short memories, short attention spans and limited patience.

We've been married nearly 9 years, and I think one piece of advice that my Mom gave me...Men are boys and need lots of attention... If they do the least little thing, you just brag and brag and they'll likely be more willing to do more for the attention and adoration. -It's sort of a cumulative effect that might not happen overnight.

Secondly, I think Dr. Phil has often made a good point in saying, "You teach people how to treat you." I think that sort of goes along with the specific list of what you want and need. It seems ovbious to us that we'd need certain things, but for men it's really not. They need something they can check off....they need a concrete set of things.

Men and women have different 'love languages'....many times for men, their idea is, "I work all day to help with this pregnancy and birth."....our idea is often a bit different. Being careful not to hurt feelings on either side, it's important to express your needs and expectations. Goodness knows we've all been there...

And finally, don't wait until the pot is boiling to taste the soup. In other words...if at all possible, don't bring up issues when one or both of you are upset. Sometimes there's no way around it, but anyway...

I hope I'm not being presumptious or offensive by offering some advice. Like I said, it certainly wasn't my intention to make anyone feel jealous or upset....that's the last thing any of us need...

Alright.....so I hope you all had a great weekend. Time seems to go quickly and slowly at the same time. Turning over at night is getting harder and harder, lol....no wonder some women opt for a recliner in the last few weeks....whew.

Welcome, Angela. I think the shock works differently for everyone. Even though we actually were hoping for twins, we're still amazed that they're coming....and coming soon. I don't know when it will dawn on me -- really, really. I thought it would be with the ultrasounds....or the gender results....or the kicking.....and it sort of has....but it's like a dream. You're not alone, that's for sure... We're glad you found us...

FlaMom

02-09-2004, 11:09 AM

Tara Laine - you are so wise. What great advice! I really think the bragging thing is important. Sometimes, I brag about my hubby when I am talking to my friends on the phone, and I know he can hear. I know it makes me feel good when he brags about me, so I figure it would do the same for him.

Rosalynn - I did not have an epidural when I had my daughter. I have a slight birth defect in my lower back, and when I talked to the anesthesiologist about it, he said I had a increased chance of getting a spinal headache. Also, the idea of a needle in my spinal column completely freaks me out! I figured that I would get over that if the pain got bad enough, but it never got bad enough to want a needle in my back! They did give me stadol, which kind of knocks you out between contractions, but it does not take any pain away. You hear so many horror stories when you are pregnant about horrible pain and labor, so I kind of expected the worst, but it was not as bad as I thought it would be.

With that said, I am a little freaked out about how I am going to have these babies. If they have to do a C Section, then I will end up with a needle in my back, again - that completely freaks me out!!! Plus, this pregnancy has been so much worse, pain and uncomfortableness-wise, than my pregnancy with my daughter, so I figure the labor and delivery will be worse, too! I was only in labor for 7 hrs with my daughter, and I was told that the next time, the baby would probably come a lot faster. Of course, twins usually come faster anyway, so I may not have time for an epidural. Oh well - I could sit here and speculate for hours on what it will be like, but I will just make myself crazy. I guess I will just deal with things as they come.

Patricia - I am so glad you are feeling better, and that your hubby finally came to his senses. Bedrest is going pretty good. I just really miss shopping! My mom was here yesterday, and she and my hubby completely redid our guest bathroom. Mom got to go shopping to get the new shower curtain, towels, etc and I really wanted to go. She did great picking stuff out, and the bathroom looks great, but I just miss doing stuff like that. Oh well - the up side (besides keeping the babies in, of course!) is that we are saving a lot of money with me being stuck at home - LOL!

My baby shower is on Sunday, the 15th, and I am really looking forward to that. I have a peri appt on Thursday to make sure I can go. I really hope everything is OK. My daughter has her sibling class on Wednesday at the hospital I will be delivering at (if I make it to 34 weeks) and at the end of the class, they take you on a tour of the hospital. I asked my peri, and he said I can go, I just have to stay in a wheelchair for the tour, and go straight home afterwards and go to bed. Also, this week, my mother and father-in-law will be here (Wed night). So, I will be pretty busy this week.

Welcome, Angela - I look forward to getting to know you.

OK Ladies - I hope everyone has a great week!

PS - I am 28 weeks today! Woo-Hoo!!

scottnpat

02-09-2004, 11:54 AM

Angela,
Welcome to the board! I think you'll find this particular thread informative and very supportive. I love it! As for the shock, I don't know if it ever goes away....Sometimes I think I'm over it and more excited than anything, then something happens that completely freaks me out again. Like registering for my baby shower...I kept thinking TWO of everything!!!!! On the other hand, when i feel them both moving inside me at the same time, I can't imagine it any other way.

Tara L,
Oh my gosh, I dont want you to think I was offended in any way about you mentioning your DH. I am soooo glad that other people have supportive husbands. I really enjoyed your post though. Very good advise. I enjoy getting ya'lls advise because I know that it is non-biased (sp?). If I try talking to my friends or family i end up getting a lecture on how spoiled Im acting because everyone thinks my husband is the greatest husband in the world. Please keep telling us how wonderful your DH is, that way I can turn around and read them to my DH :) He can be very competitive...

Francis,
Your post made me laugh because I balanced our checkbook today and was trying to figure out why we had so much left over. Well, it turns out that I've actually saved money by not going out to eat w/ girlfriends and by not shopping. Isn't that crazy? One of the perks of bed rest.

I have my dr appt on wednesday and I take that glucose test for g.d.I don't think I have anything to worry about, do you usually have any symptoms of having g.d?

patricia
edd 5-09-04

FlaMom

02-09-2004, 01:00 PM

Patricia, I don't want to scare you, but I had no symptoms of GD. Maybe I did, but I just attributed it to the pregnancy. Like, 2 symptoms are excessive thirst and excessive urination. HELLO - I think all of us are drinking water like crazy and visting the ladies room constantly. That's why I was pretty surprised to find out I had it. Maybe someone else can give you better info, maybe I am the exception. I hope so for your sake!

GrnEys76

02-09-2004, 02:18 PM

Thanks for the warm Welcome!!:-)

I am just curious about everyone, Do we all continue to work?? I am working 5 days a week and about six hour days. I am on my feet all day. There are days when my lower back and the area near my pelvic bone hurt so bad I feel I can barely walk. My Dr says its just pressure of the babies. However he's given me a note that I can't lift more that 25lbs. For those who are working when do you or your Dr's plan on taking maternity leave??

I am also worried about labor. My labor was so easy with my daughter although i did have the epidural. I was so ready to do it again. Now I know that I'm having twins, I'm really worried about a C or complications, Even early dilivery.

Did any one ever come to a good conclusion on a vehicle. I have to trade in my car I only have 2 seatbelts. Twins + My daughter makes three. I'm going to have to trade in my car. I don't like the minivan I drove one of my friends I just don't feel in control. Any ideas??

mainemomof4

02-09-2004, 02:54 PM

Hi Everyone-
I am new to this board and haven't had too many postings, but I sat down today and read what was going on with everyone else. I just wanted to say that I hope everyone has a great week and has good news at all your appointments.
I just got off bedrest for a placental abruption a couple weeks ago and I am enjoying seeing the outside world once in a while. I know my time is limited going out and about, because I keep getting bigger and bigger and it is not as easy to move around. I am in my 25th week and now I am thinking that end of April/ beginning of May doesn't look that far off. I am also more tired within the last couple of days than I was last week. I have an u/s next week and I am interested to see how much the babies have grown(boy/girl). I haven't had a doctor's appt in 3 weeks which is weird because during the time I was bleeding I was seeing the doctor once or twice a week with a weekly u/s. I am also having a hard time rolling over and my right side of my lower back hurts. I am sure I will just be more uncomfortable as time goes on. I feel the babies move but it is hard sometimes to distinquish who is actually moving unless it is distinctly on one side or the other. This makes it hard to keep track of movements.
Well I hope that everyone has a great week and welcome to all the new people.

Nikki
edd 5/26/04 (40 weeks)

FlaMom

02-09-2004, 03:25 PM

Angela, I was feeling the same way at about 22 weeks. I didn't even stand up all day. I sat in a desk at my job. When I went for my 23 week peri appt, the dr found that my cervix was starting to shorten, and I was put on bedrest. That was 5 weeks ago. I was planning on working until I was 26 weeks, and I was not ready to be stuck in bed full time, but I had to for the babies. My cervix got as short at .8 cm (supposed to be 4-5 cm). With bedrest, it has lengthened to 2.5 cm, but I am still on bedrest.

I am not telling you this to scare you, I just want to stress to you that you need to listen to your body. If you are hurting, it is best if you can get off of your feet as much as possible. Have you seen a perinatologist yet? My OB told me the same thing - that the pain was normal, but when I told the peri about it, he was not as dismissive. If your OB has not mentioned sending you to a peri, I would really push it.

Good luck!

doublyblessed

02-09-2004, 04:23 PM

First of all, watch out for some TMI this post! Please forgive me if I'm too personal, I'm going to try to not be.

Nikki--be sure and mention that back pain to your Dr. I could just be regular pregnancy strain, but it could also be a kidney infection. I just finished meds for a bladder infection. You REALLY don't want to let that go! I would call if you're not going in within a day or so.

Angela-welcome to our group! I think we've all enjoyed going through this with someone who knows how we feel! I agree with Frances--it sounds like you are working too hard. Most of us have seen a perinatologist at one point or another. Ask your Dr. about it. Some Drs. just aren't familiar with the risks of twin pregnancy and treat it too much like a single. Dr. Barbara Luke's book, When You're Expecting Twins, Triplets or Quads, has some good suggestions.

Anne, is there a website where I could see if we have a Twins Plus class? That sounds interesting!

Yeah--let me explain a little bit about my husband, too. For one, we're still newly weds! We were married in June and were blessed with this difficult pregnancy in August. (For the record, my home never made it to "clean and organized" to begin with!) He was 29 and had been single and a virgin until then. For one, he'd had the chance to do a lot of growing up and observing others in that time. Besides that, I only wish that I new why he turned out so well so I could make sure it rubbed off on my 3 brothers! I lived 20 years with 3 brothers and my dad who are NOT like my husband. I didn't know that thoughtful guys exsisted. I do wonder how much of it is just because it's all so new, but I'm trying to encourage it as much as I can.

From my family, I have learned some about normal men--they're not really stupid, purposefully unobservant, and hopefully, not as selfish as they try to make us think. They just are made completely different!! Women are made with "mothering hormones". The ones that make us feel for people who are hurting, do what we see needs done, and nurture our little ones. Unfortunately, men are handicapped without these! They don't NOTICE that people are hurting, and if they did, they are at a loss of making them feel better. Most don't really mind the mess (ha--we'd just think we'd got the laundry done only to find about a months worth of dirty clothes stuck is some corner of my brother's room!) And they have not the sightest idea what to do with a crying baby. They really need us to be patient because this is a handicap with most men.

Some others have given you great advise--I totally agree that men need it spelled out for them. Most men don't bother trying to figure us out because they are taught that women are impossible. We need to teach them that that's a myth. They just need to make an effort, and we need to try to make it easy.

I don't really feel like I can give you much advise, just because I am newly married, and because I've already said that my husband is wonderful, only with God's grace. But I am concerned about the sex issue that you mentioned. I hate giving this advise for the whole world to see! But I have been through a little of what you have in that area. I wasn't able to handle a lot of intimacy at the beginning of this pregnancy, because everything make me sick. Even having my husband kiss me would sometimes make me sick, which was horrible frusterating to both of us. Before marriage, I did a lot of reading up on sex because I'd waited for that until I was married as well. It was surprising for me to learn that men really do NEED it. It's an actual physical, non-escapable need. It CAN be controlled before marriage, but it's a way that men release tension. I don't really understand it as a women--I just have a good cry every few months, sometimes without a single reason. Anyway, I agree that I also noticed this affecting my husband. He would be moody and a little stand-offish. It really bothered me! Once I figured out the problem, I tried harder to remedy it more often. Of course, now both you and I are in a different dillemma. We're on "restrictions" now as well because of my contractions, etc. I know that I can't be excited in that way, but there are ways that I can release my husband w/o getting too worked up myself. You might explain to your husband exactly what gets you going and ask him not to do those things. My husband knows that I have a desire to please him, and that this is an act of love for him. I think your husband would understand that it's incredibly hard for your relationship to be strained this way. Marriage w/o intimacy is not what either of you want. Most women really need to be held and cuddled, but not really in a sexual way. We need the emotional support and comfort that it gives. Men need physical comfort just as badly. Talk to your husband and help him understand that this can be dealt with in a better (though not fully satisfactory) way, without harming your babies. You can lay there on your left side, almost calmly. It sounds like you need the closeness, and he would probably enjoy a "lubricated massage"!

Anyway, like I said TMI--please forgive me.

My glucose came back okay, but I'm a little low on iron. I feel better, so I guess the bladder infection is gone. My next u/s isn't until next Tuesday, I'm anxious to see how the babies have grown. I'm not feeling as much kicking, but I'm feeling more little movements--rolling over and things like that I'm guessing. I think they are closer to the edges of their sacks more now.

I sure hope this post doesn't offend anyone! It's certainly not my intention. Patricia, I'm really glad that you're feeling better. You can do this!! I've decided that being pregnant with twins is just a huge job, so keep working at it! You are doing everything that you can for your babies. We're all here to encourage one another, we know some of what you're going through. Keep your chin up! We've only got a few more months!! We're almost there!

8 is enough

02-09-2004, 04:33 PM

Hello girls!

He! He! I'm laughing about the dh thing!!! :)
When I went into the hospital my mil had to come and show my husband how to turn on the dishwasher and work the washing machine and dryer!!! Can you believe a man in his 30's and in the year 2004 can't even work a dish washer?! Well, after I came home he cleaned incessantly. (mine's a neat freak too). It was like, who left this cup here, who didn't put their shoes up, I'm throwing this toy away because someone left it on the dining room floor. I was like CHILL OUT! Ya'll--he even went out and bought plastic cups and plates to eat off of so the he and the kids wouldn't have any more dishes to wash than necessary! Then, after coming so close to dying, you'd think he'd be asking what I needed, but no, its look what I did, do you realize what I've been growing through these last few weeks...he he, I could have slapped him. But, I didn't. I just thanked him over and over because I knew the latter would have gotten me nowhere. And of course now I have to drive to get to dr. appts. and you know what they say...once they see you doing something for yourself, well, you better keep on doing it.
But he did hire someone-a family friend- who comes and does the chores and picks the kids up from school and takes care of Hailey so he does try.
And I agree, there's nothing wrong with us venting with each other! That's how we get things off our chests without divorcing our husbands, because most of the time things aren't always as bad as they seem. And we see that we aren't all that different, or at least or men aren't! : ) : ) I like to think that my husband doesn't always feel as though he's in with these babies yet. He's not the one feeling them move or having to waddle, or getting the attention. He's kinda on the sideline looking in, so when the time comes that he can participate, he'll jump right in.
Thanks for the 3D advice girls. I am going to talk with the dh tonight about going. It costs 200 dollars here so I can see the eyes roll now. But I'll take TL's advice and do a little butterin' up first! He He He! I love it!
And I agree with the intimacy thing. I can tell a difference when my dh and I aren't intimate for a while. Even though I know he loves me, it just seems different. So I agree, men are different--they need intimacy. They need to feel loved and most importantly, I think wanted(in that way). So we are having a hard time with that too, b/c I've just been so tired and uncomfortable with this pregnancy that it just hasn't happened. I think we'll all be ready for things to get back to "normal". But I am thankful we feel like we know each other well enough to talk about these things. Because, if we didn't have our girlfriends, we'd only have our husbands, and what in the world would we do then!!! ;)
Just kidding!

landrde

02-09-2004, 08:11 PM

I've officially lost a long posting. That is annoying!!
Well here I go again.

I went to the dr today. I'm now 28wks. I failed the tests for GD and Anemea (sp). I have to go for the 3 hr GD test on Wednesday. As for the Anemea, I got a ph for iron. For the next month I will need to go to the ob every two weeks, after that every week. I also go to the specialist every 2 weeks for an u/s. That is a lot of appointments that I'm taking time off from work for. I'm sure that it is better that being on bedrest though.

I work full time as an Assist. Controller. I've been working a lot (50-60hr/wk) the last few weeks. Fortunately, it is slowing down so I can cut back to 40hrs again and spend more time with my 1yr. old. My dh does corporate taxes, so he is going to be starting up now. My job is high stress, but low physical activity, so it's not too bad for now. I'm planning on going back to work after the babies are born. We are starting to look for a nanny very soon. If anyone has any advise about finding one, it would be very welcome.

My dr said that I need to start slowing down. She said that typical moms of twins go on bedrest at 32-34 weeks. Then hopefully I'll delivery at 38.5 weeks. That seems later then the rest of you are planning. I'm going to be so jealous once I'm 34 weeks and you all will be having your babies already!!

As for the car thing, my dh and I are arguing over it. I haven't found a minivan that I like, and we'll be trading in my car that I love. Meanwhile my dh gets to keep his BMW and his winter vehicle (2000 Jeep Grand Cherokee). That is not fair. This weekend we are going to look at SUVs, however, it maybe hard to find one we can afford and that has a convenant 3rd row.

I'll write back after my GD test on Wednesday.

GrnEys76

02-09-2004, 09:27 PM

Frances- Thanks for the advice. As far as ther peri my first u/s was with one, that's how I found out I was having twins. Although at that time I wasn't in this pain. My next Appt is March1 for the peri, And once a month every month after. But I'll be sure and mention the pain and see what im told.

Rosalynn-Ill have to buy that book suggested Dr. Barbara Lukes When your expecting twins tripplets and Quads. Thanks for the suggestion.

I got a call from the Dr office today. My 1 hour glucose came back with elevated levals. I have to go back on tues the 17th for a 3 hour glucose. They say the day before not to eat anything too high in sugar, and balanced meals. I am told I have to fast, I can't eat or drink anything for 10hours befere. When I go in they'll take blood, I'll have to take the orange drink again, wait an hour. Then they draw blood again. Wait another hour, more blood. Then one more hour, and more blood. I am told that some women pass out or throw up so I cant leave during the 3 hrs. Has anyone had to do this?? And how did it go?

FlaMom

02-10-2004, 08:22 AM

When I took the 3 hr GD test, I did not have any problem with it. The orange drink just tastes like really sweet orange soda. It just made me a little shaky. There was a woman there who had a problem getting it all down, apparently it was making her nauseous. I guess all of that sugar on such an empty stomach can be upsetting. You do have to get stuck with a needle four times, but if you do it a lab, usually, the techs are really good with the needle, since they do it all day long. The worst part was that I was so hungry! It was also pretty boring waiting an hour between each time they drew blood.

I was on bedrest when I had to do the test, and my husband was freaking out about me not being in bed for 3 hours (well, 4 with travel time). So, my husband blew up the air mattress and made me lay down in the back of the minivan between each stick. It was not that bad, since we have a DVD player in the minivan, we watched Indiana Jones. It did make the time go by faster. We did have to sign a paper saying the we were leaving the lab, but they said that as long as I did not jump around or move alot, it was fine.

Bottom line - unless you have a pretty sensitive stomach, you should be fine.

Good luck!!! GD really bites! I miss my sweets so much!

doublyblessed

02-10-2004, 11:36 AM

Is everyone else decided on names? It's taken us a while to find stuff that we both like. I'm about 8 years younger than Kirk, so he seems to like the trendy 80's names--Stacy, Jessica, etc. Anyway, I like older "pretty" names, or unique names. I think we are both settled on naming one Julia. Probably Grace or Faith as a middle name. We also like the names Kierra and Kianna. (But not together-too similar.) What do you think of those names? My dh mentioned that they may be borderline strange. We may just go with something a little more "heard of", like Kara. What are your baby names?

Also, have you found a good place to find baby room decor at a good price? $75 for a little quilt and $45 for bumper pads?!? I DON'T THINK SO!!!! I can't even decide whether to just paint, then find bedding to match, or find bedding, then paint to match! I know, very silly, but I've never done this and I'm awful at decorating!

FlaMom

02-10-2004, 03:48 PM

Rosalynn,
We have chosen the names James Patrick, III, after my husband and his father and Margaret Frances, after our grandmothers. We named my daughter, Deborah Ann, after our mothers. I really like the traditional names, which are not really common right now. Plus, we like that we are honoring our family.

I really like the names Julia and Kierra or Kianna. Both of the K names are really pretty. That will be a hard choice to make! I think I like Kierra a little bit better, don't know why.

As far as decorations, I chose a bedding set at BRU and we are painting to match it. It is primarily yellow and green and has little animals on it. My choices were pretty limited with boy/girl twins. They are outrageously expensive, though. It's pretty ridiculous!

doublyblessed

02-10-2004, 06:01 PM

Frances, thanks for responding! I do like your ideas of traditional names. Kianna is almost a mix of my husband and his sister's names-Kirk and Shawna. His mother's middle name is also Ann. Do you think Julia would sound okay with Kianna? We don't want rhyming or too similar of names, but we'd like them to go together.

TL--what does Baby Bargains say about baby bedding sets? I've almost been thinking that I'll take a friend up on her offer to sew some bumper pads, you buy crip sheets anyway, and the comforter is mostly for decoration most of the time. I just can't justify spending a ton of money on something they'll never care about, and will only use for about a year. Maybe I'll still give in, though. :)

FlaMom

02-10-2004, 06:08 PM

Hi Rosalynn,
I really like Julia and Kianna together. They are both really pretty, and they flow together well, IMO. Have you thought about middle names?

1+1=4

02-10-2004, 06:29 PM

Hi Everyone

Jennifer: I found your story about your DH very familiar!! I as well have to laugh at the entire DH thing because I just got a call from him saying “I was reading one of the forms today and we have a twins class on Friday you didn’t tell me” I simply reminded him that yes I did tell him(on many occasion) and wrote it down on our “to do” calendar a month ago! So even writing it down they don’t seem to get it!! :-)

Debby: Like I have mentioned I have been feeling great during my pregnancy and do not plan on going on maternity leave until I am 34-35wks. This is for 2 reason if possible I would rather spend most of my 12month leave with the kids and if I do have to go on some sort of bedrest of modified work hours my Dr may give me a medical certificate so this won’t be counted in as Maternity leave!! I do have the added bonus that I work as an IT consultant so I sit at a desk all day and not on my feet!!

I am really getting concerned about this entire GD stuff two of my friends which are having singleton pregnancies have just been diagnosed with GD, what chances to I have!!! My GD test is next Wednesday and although I have been feeling great during my pregnancy I wish there was some kind of indication that I may have GD or not!! From what I am reading there is no real symptoms!!

NAMES NAMES NAMES!!

What a difficult decision for us!! We can’t seem to agree since as soon as we mention a name we think of someone we know and have that instant association!! We don’t know the sex of the babies all we know is that they are identical so we need to decide on 2 boys and 2 girls names!! As of today we have official decided on one boys name Hayden and a girls name Olivia and that is about it!! we are struggling with 2 more name maybe Cameron for a boy and Isabelle for a girl but I am sure that will change in the next few weeks!!

As for the baby room we have decided on a “Winnie the Pooh” theme very neutral!! Plus we live in a rented apartment and can’t paint the walls so I found these great wall “Stick up” so I can at least decorate a bit!!

I had my ultrasound on Monday when I was officially 27wks and 5 days and the babies looked perfect one baby was 2pounds 11onces and the other at 2 pound 10ounces so just hovering around the 50th percentile which is good!! The babies are getting so big now that you can’t get a very good look at them during the ultrasound but don’t get me wrong I love seeing them no matter what!!

Enough of me babbling on!! How is everyone else???

Anne

EDD 5/5/2004
28wks (today) YIPEEE one big milestone

GrnEys76

02-10-2004, 09:05 PM

Frances- Thanks on your input on the GD. I was told to bring something to read, because most likely I wont be able to leave. Yes it is beging done at a lab, I have more confidence there. How did your results come back? ok I hope?

Rosalynn-- I like both of your K names. Maybe not together, but if you like the idea of the two with the first names beginning with the same letter. Just remember over all it's your choice.

As far as names go for me. DH has a hispanic backround, so I am really set on hispanic names. For Example my daughter's name is Reina Adele, Reina means Queen in spanish, Adele is My great grandmothers name. I am expecting 2 boys. We have chosen one name Carlos Fabian for one of them. For the other we can't come to an agreement. Some of the names he picks are hard for me to pronounce (and I speak fluent spanish), let alone my family who aren't bilingual. The other hump on the name thing is we don't want anything too commen.

By the way I love having you ladies to share with..

8 is enough

02-11-2004, 05:55 PM

Hllo everyone--happy hump day!
Just wanted to let everyone know that my level 2 u/s went very well today. We did find out for sure that we are having two girls! They weigh 1# 11oz. and 1# 7oz. which they said at this stage was the 50% range for a singleton baby. But I am 25 wks, so I'm wondering how much weight do they gain every week, because Anne, your babies are weighing a whole pound more and you are only two weeks ahead of me.
Everything else looked great too! One was kicking her sister's belly and her sister was retaliating by kicking her back in the fanny. It was too funny! As you can tell, we're very relieved and excited. I'm looking forward to hearing about you all's u/s this and next week too!
:)

1+1=4

02-11-2004, 11:25 PM

Hi Jennifer

When I had my ultrasound at 23wks and 1 day they both weighed exactly 1lb 6ounces so my guess is that you are right on track!! If you look at Dr Barbara Lukes book on one of her pages she gives you the weeks and the average 50th percentile weight!!

I got these numbers off of another tread hopefully this will help

23 weeks 555 gm 1 lb 3 oz
24 weeks 655 gm 1 lb 7 oz
25 weeks 750 gm 1 lb 10 oz
26 weeks 850 gm 1 lb 14 oz
27 weeks 975 gm 2 lb 2 oz
28 weeks 1100 gm 2 lb 7 oz

You sound like you are doing very well

Cheers
Anne

GrnEys76

02-11-2004, 11:45 PM

I noticed alot of talk about how much your babbies are weighing now. Do you have to ask or do they just tell you. I have no Idea how much my babbies weigh should I be worried??

FlaMom

02-12-2004, 09:11 AM

Angela,
I am sure if there as something to worry about with your babies' weights, the Dr would say something.

I used to be a sonographer, so I can read the sonograms and I usually know exactly what I am looking at, but I am sure if you ask the tech, they will tell you the weights, heartrates, etc. They can't give you any diagnostic information, the Dr has to talk to you. I am not sure where you are, but in some countries, the rules are different. I think it is pretty standard in the US, though.

Hope this helps.

scottnpat

02-12-2004, 01:51 PM

Hello ladies,

Glad to hear everyone is feeling good and having good doctors appts. I had an appointment yesterday. I also took the glucose test. But i think I messed up. They had told me to not eat anything sweet a few hours beforehand, but my DH treats me to lunch on Doctor appointment days since we're out anyway. Well we had lunch at the cheesecake factory.....and why bother eating lunch there if you're not going to have dessert. So I had desert about 30 minutes before the glucose test. Pretty dumb.

AS for my appointment, I go every week so he can check my cervix. And yesterday he said it seems my cervix is thinning out or getting softer. I really don't understand what softer means??? can anybody share some insight? Anyhow, I'm taking the steriod shot today and tomorrow to help the babies lungs develop faster just incase they come early. I hate that I only have sonograms done every 4 weeks!!!! Anyhow, I have an appointment on the 23rd, and she (the sonogropher) takes 4d pictures for us. So if I can figure it out, I'll scan it and have it available for ya'll to see the difference between that and a regular sonogram.

I love hearing ya'lls stories about your husbands!!! They always bring a smile to my face!!! :) Well remember I mentioned things with my DH were better after having a big fight/talk?? Well things have still been good between us, so I decided to test him last night....I know that was horrible of me!!! But at 10:45pm we were in bed and I told him that I really "needed" to have a bananna milkshake. He looked at me for a long time, got up and drove to find me a milkshake.....He passed the test!!!! I was so proud of him! So, Rosyln, I think I may take your advise now and give him so "special" TLC. HAHAHA.

oh nursery themes....I love the stuff from Pottery barn for kids. If you dont have one available its online. Anyhow, their stuff is soooo nice. But it is also very expensive...anyhow, we have an outlet store about 30miles from here so I got my stuff sooo cheap!!! The mobiles were 50.00 each at the store and I got themfor 13.00 each at the outlet....definately worth looking into.

As for names, i'm thinking of Nicholas Scott and Ava Nichole. (scott is my DH name) What do ya'll think? I'm really not sold on the girl name yet....I also like Emma Leigh, Hailey Nichole, Emily Michelle, and Alexandria Rae. Maybe ya'll can help me make up my mind.

patricia
5--8--4
Tomorrow is 28 weeks...Yippie!!!

smatterchu

02-12-2004, 04:14 PM

Hey Y'all,

I'm just quickly checking in before I leave for tonight's Marvelous Multiples class....

Someone had asked me to check the Baby Bargains book on bedding...I'll do that and let you know what they say. I have a couple of suggestions myself, but I'll see what the book has, first... Patricia, I'm jealous that you have an outlet....although we might have on in Orlando. We used to have a Pottery Barn/William-Sonoma one in Memphis...nice....

Okay -- Frances can probably give me detail, but here is what I know about cervix thinning. When it is long/hard...it is unripe or not likely to open....as it prepares to open, it ripens....shortening and softening....does that make sense? I'll have to ask my Dr. about the steroid shot - whether or not that can just be done as a matter of course, or what...

I can't believe we're all so close....I'm mildly freaking out, lol... Mostly, I'm looking at my house/schedule/life and thinking...how in the world. I don't know enough....I haven't slept enough (not that you can 'bank' sleep....I haven't prepared....eeeeeek, lol.... Alright then....breathe......ahhhhhhhhhhh......nope, still freaking out, lol....

Dang, Patricia, he did pass....and with a BANANA shake??? Unless you live near a Dairy Queen or maybe a Sonic, that would be a pretty tall order. I definitely think he deserves some special attention, shall we say... Just don't let him think that one thing is directly related to the other....you don't want a "quid pro quo" arrangement where he starts marking up some sort of tally in his head. "Let's see.....I took out the garbage and brought her french toast in bed....tonight's gonna be my lucky night...." No - you don't want that.... If he asks what brought this on, just say...."You've just been so good to me lately, I really appreciate it and it makes me feel so loved. And even though we can't get together like we used to, I still want to take care of you...(wink)..." Anyway -- never mention specifics with this sort of thing, or he'll think it's some sort of barter system, lol.... ;-D

Alright, I'm so late....(surprise). I am looking forward to having the boys so I can blame my lateness on them.....right... ;-)

You all have a good evening ....get your feet up..... eat/sleep/drink..... and as Frances' and my Peri told me last time...."stay pregnant"

1+1=4

02-12-2004, 06:08 PM

Hey Everyone

I thought I would have a bit of a vent about my MIL not sure how everyone else relationship is with there MIL but I could just strangle mine sometimes!!

Just to give you a bit of a background she is about 70yrs old and is very very old world thinking. She was devastated that I didn’t take my husband last name and when I tried to explain to her that I have built my career with my maiden name and don’t want to change it but I am more than happy to be called by my husbands last name at social events I am still considered the evil daughter in law!!

Well it’s official we have had the first BIG disagreement about the twins and daycare!! She has advised me that she will be hiring this woman to help her around the house and that I should leave the kids with my MIL and this other woman!! I kindly replied that I would rather leave them at daycare for 2 reasons 1) I want to try and keep a somewhat decent relationship with my MIL and if I don’t agree with the way my MIL raising the kids I will have to tell her what I would prefer and I will get a response “I did it for all my kids and they turned out OK”
2) I have idea who this “other woman” is what she does her background with kids or people for that matter and I am not about to leave my kids with some strange woman!!

How does everyone else get along with in-laws??

Anne

newmannsmomtoo

02-12-2004, 06:35 PM

Hello Ladies,

Glad I was finally able to get internet access to check up on everyone. Sounds like everyone is doing well.

I had a doctors appt. on Friday, Feb. 6th. He found that my cervix had thinned considerably more and sent me to the hospital. I was put on bedrest and Magnesum to stop the contractions. Worst medicine ever. Well I was contracting pretty bad and the doctor did not think he would be able to stop the labor, but he did. Well, today is Thursday, Feb. 12 and my little girls were born this afternoon. The are 27 1/2 weeks old. So far things are looking ok for them. The doctor said they are doing exactly what he would expect them to be doing at this age. We are definetly keeping our fingers crossed and saying our prayers that things will continue to get better.

Wwll, I gotta run, nurses just arrive. Will check back soon.

Karen

mainemomof4

02-12-2004, 06:42 PM

Karen,
Congratulations on the birth of your girls. My prayers are with you and your family. Keep in touch and let us know how they are doing.

Nikki
edd 5/26/04 boy/girl

FlaMom

02-12-2004, 07:26 PM

Well, I had my peri appt today and my darn cervix shortened again! Now, it is down to 1.6 cm. At first, the sonographer told me that I could not go to my shower on Sunday. When she went to get the Dr, I just started crying. It is not just missing the shower, I am just so sick of bedrest! I was really looking forward to seeing all of my friends and getting out of the house. Usually, I can keep a positive attitude, but I guess I was just hormonal today.

So, by the time the Dr came in, I was bawling! He realized that I really needed a break from bedrest to save my sanity, so he told me that I could go as long as I reclined in the car on the way there, and laid down once I got there. I called the place where we are having it, and they have a sofa and a big comfy chair, so I will be able to lay down, no problem.

He also said that when and if my cervix gets down below 1 cm, he will put me in the hospital. He really wants me to get to 34 weeks, which is 5 wks, 4 days away. I will just have to hang in there.

Patricia - I have no idea what it means for the cervix to get softer. I know what it means for it to get shorter, but not softer. The steroid shots should really help, though. Good luck keeping those babies in longer!

I really like the names you have chosen, and I am glad that your hubby passed the test.

I hope everyone has a great weekend.

GrnEys76

02-12-2004, 07:31 PM

Congrats on your girls. How does it feel mom? Happy to hear that things are going well. Keep us informed on how they are doing.

Best wishes with your girls

GrnEys76

02-12-2004, 07:47 PM

Francis your daughter is 4? Will she be five soon? How is she taking the idea of 2 babbies?

My little girl is 4 going on 5 in April. At fisrt she was a little miffed. When we told her she cried. Then we showed her the u/s pictures and she wanted to know what one was the boy and what was the girl. When we explained there were 2 brothers she was mad again, She had her heart set on a baby sister and only one. Now she seems to be accepting the idea. Kissing my belly saying she loves them and wants to help.

Do you have problems giving her a bath?? Mt belly is getting in the way. I'ts too hard to neal and lean over the tub. What about you?

8 is enough

02-12-2004, 10:55 PM

Karen, I replied to your post on the main page, but let me say again, that I know you've had a tough time, and I hope now that you can relax just a little knowing your babies are doing well. I know that they are earlier than you'd hoped, but I am confident they will be two healthy, beautiful little girls. Please keep us updated!
TL- what are you trying to do--put us all in hysterics? :) I thought I would die laughing when I read your post!
And Patricia, you bad girl, yes you should reward that husband of yours! he he he!!! That was pretty good! I don't think my dh would've even looked at me!
And girls, with those shortening and softening cervixes, please rest. I know you have already, but after reading about Karen's little ones, we know it will be worth it.
OOOHHH! Patricia-you and me both girl! I love pottery barn too!!! Well, actually I don't care much for the adult things but the kid stuff is out-of-this-world cute! I do know though that JC Penney's also has some "remakes" of items just like PB for half the cost as well, such as the little house shaped shelving unit. So you may want to check them out too. And I love all of your names, I don't think I could choose just one.
Luckily Anne, my mil is pretty good. She doesn't butt in hardly ever and when she does, if I don't really care about the advice she's giving me, I just kind of say OK and change the conversation. She gets the point. Now my sister's mil-that's another story. I would have never married that man knowing what else I was getting. So, I know how hard it can be. Good Luck! but stand up, lovingly, for what you want--these are your babies, not hers.
Yikes, and I don't even want to think about GD or any other tests!!!

smatterchu

02-13-2004, 11:34 AM

Hey y'all,

Well, I just got my 1 hr glucose levels....and they were 144. The nurse said they liked to see them below 140, so I have to take the 3 hr test....just 4 points! Booooooo, lol...

Soooooo, for those of you who have taken one or both GD tests, did you find out what your numbers were? Obviously, I'm hoping that I'll be able to pass the 3 hour...we'll see. I did fast before the test, so I can't blame it on that....oh well, we'll see what happens next week.

Patricia, how did your test results come up after your lunch at Cheesecake Factory? -Just curious....hope they were good. If not, be sure and tell them that you had just eaten before...they might just have you come back and take a 'fasting 1 hour' and see if the numbers are any better.....rather than having you go through the whole 3 hr.

Well, I'm going to get something for lunch...just wanted to check in and see how y'all were doing. Starting tomorrow, I'll be offline for a few days, but I'll check in a few more times today.

GrnEys76

02-13-2004, 12:01 PM

TL- I am also scheduled to take the 3hr on tuesday. I wasn't told what my levels were for the 1 hr, just that they were elevated. Did they tell you that you had to fast for 10 hours before?? I'll let you know how mine goes.

landrde

02-13-2004, 07:23 PM

Karen, Congrats on the babies. How much did they weigh? Take care of yourself and those babies. Hopefully everyone will be able to go home very soon.

This morning I had my 3 hr GD test. I guess I don't get the results until I go back in two weeks. I also went for another u/s. Everything looks good, except the dr is concerned about their weight difference again. Not a bad issue, but I need to go back in 10 days for another one.

Does anyone else have any physical problems during their u/s? I get dizzy and feel like I'm going to pass out. The tech. says that it is common and some people even vomit during it. I needed to lay on my side through most if it today and it turned out ok.

Well someone was asking what the babies should weigh at the different weeks. I'm not sure if they are normal, but here are the weighs of my last apts.
Wk 19 Both A&B were 9oz.
Wk 21 A 12oz B15oz
Wk 24 A 1lb 6oz B1lb 8oz
Wk 28 A 2lb 1oz B2lb 7oz

So far I've gained 25 lbs and I'm measuring out to be 31wk of a singleton pg.

Well I have to go my dh rented a movie and is waiting for me.

scottnpat

02-14-2004, 11:12 AM

Hello ladies,

Happy Valentines day to you and the babies....I guess this is officially their first valentines day--how cute!

Karen,
congrats on your babies....I will keep them in my prayers. What did you name them? Did the doctor tell you about how long they'll stay in the hospital?

Francis,
I think you're at your baby shower today. Have fun and enjoy your day out. I can totally relate to your crying episode. I was in the hospital 3 days before my shower and the doctor had just told me he thought I should stay a few more days....thats when I lost it!!! I think I kinda freaked him out because he discharged me and said I could also go to the shower. He said to sit and relax all day but it was really difficult to just sit around. I hope you get most of what you need.

TL,
i gotta admit i'm a little sad that you won't be online for a few days...your emails are sooo funny. they always bring a smile to my face! I had my glucose test on Wednesday and I haven't heard anything yet...how long does it usually take? I thought I remembered her saying that they would only contact me if i needed to do the 3 hour test.HMMMMM.....maybe I'll call on Monday.

Anne,
Try telling your MIL that you prefer daycare because of the big tax write-off (sp?).....

---this is such a strange v-day...for the first time ,i didnt get my dh something (not even a card) because of this bedrest thing. I know he understands, but i feel so cheap.....I'm going to try to make him a card online or something.

c-ya
patricia
edd 5-8-04

FlaMom

02-14-2004, 06:51 PM

Hi Everyone,
I hope you all had a great Valentine's Day. Hubby was so sweet. My little girl stayed home from preschool yesterday because my in laws are in town, so she missed her school Valentine's Day party. So, we told her we would have a party tonight after dinner. Hubby bought us both presents and flowers, plus he got some cake mix, and DeAnn got to make cupcakes with her Pop-Pop - she had so much fun! Then, my MIL and FIL left to go have their Valentine's Day dinner, and Hubby made us a wonderful dinner, salmon, rice and a great salad. Plus, he got me and DeAnn beautiful cards. I guess I will have to find a way to thank him tonight (wink, wink!).

Patricia - I know what you mean. This was the best Valentine's Day we have had together, and I could not get him anything! All the more reason for the big thank you tonight!

Angela - My daughter was 4 in November. She really is excited about the babies. I don't know if I told you all this yet, but she told me that I was having twins before I knew it. When we told her I was pregnant, she said "Mommy, you have two babies in your tummy!" I was like - yeah, right, kid! Imagine my surprise when I had my ultrasound that confirmed it! Also, from the very beginning, she has said that it is a girl baby and a boy baby. Before we found out, I tried to tell her that it might be two boys or two girls. She would insist and argue with me about it to the point that she cried! When I told her that the ultrasound had confirmed a boy and girl, she just looked at me like, "Yeah - Ma - tell me something I don't know!" It's really kind of wild. She constantly talks about all of the things that she has to teach her babies when they come out. I don't think she quite realizes that they will not be able to play right away, we have tried to tell her that. Hopefully, she will not be too disappointed.

Karen, Congratulations on the babies! I will keep them in my prayers - please keep us updated on how they are doing.

Anyway - my shower is tomorrow - I can't wait to get out of the house and see everyone!

I hope everyone has a good Sunday! I will let you all know on Monday how my shower went!

GrnEys76

02-15-2004, 07:42 PM

Frances- that is the cutest story about your little girl. Funny how she kinda knew what she was gonna have as siblings. My daughters pre-school did a walk to the mailbox thing, a few days later I recieved a valentine card from her school. It said "To my baby brothers Happy Valentines Day! I love you!" It was so cute I droped a tear.

Hope everyones Valentines went well. My DH had a dozen red roses sent to my job at 10am. I was so surprised I never expected shuch a thing. When we both got home from work I recieved two teddy bears from him, and one from my daughter. It wasnt much but it ment alot to me.

Take care Mommies

miricale2

02-16-2004, 07:47 AM

first of all i havnt writtin in a long time. im very busy goin to collage and work. this week is my last week of work though. so i started seeing my doc every 2 weeks now has anyone else? ive been stressin out for like the last month. my babies dad has been so rude, and i cant stand it! i already took my son and left for a week, it would have been longer but he called cryin and beggin for us to come home and give him another chance. so i did b/c i love him so much. however nothing has changed. see he just started workin like 2 months ago and now hes to tired to watch his 20 month old son. i go to school at like 7am and get home at like 2 with a brokin heart b/c hes up all alone. this is why we left!!! he gets up with him now but as soon as i get home he falls aslepp. i tried tellin him how tired i am workin goin to schol and then comin home to take care of our son. but i can do it b/c im mom and i guess us moms have more belief in ourselves. it just gets so hard at times. any advice.?????????????? that is just are biggest problem, there are more but just little things.

v-day was okay he gave me roses jammies a card, with an apoolgogy for his behavier, candies and just little things. but now that its over its like he stopped carin already.

now he went to his freinds house and isnt home yet it's 530am he was supossed to be home by 12.

alright thanx to everyone who lisened to all that ive just benn stressin out and i had to get it out.

hope everyones doin good!!!!!!!!!!!

mamala

02-16-2004, 08:01 AM

Hi Ladies,

I haven't had a chance to say Hi until now. I am expecting b/g twins May 20, and have a 6 year old boy who is very excited about his siblings coming. The pregnancy has been ok, the main problems being placenta previa and blood in my urine (detected during urine cultures- I don't see any blood.) I am loading up on protein to try and grow the babies and the uterus so my previa stops.

Of course, I feel as big as a house and very uncomfortable! And I haven't had a decent nights sleep for months! But I am so thankful and grateful that things are going as well as they are.

I look forward to chatting with everyone,

FlaMom

02-16-2004, 10:03 AM

Hi Everyone,
I hope you all had a great weekend. I had so much fun at my baby shower! It was so nice to get out of the house and see all of my friends. I got some great stuff, not to mention plenty of checks and gift cards. Hello online shopping!!!

Angela, that is so cute that you got a valentine in the mail from your daughter. With all these hormones, I would have started bawling! How sweet.

Welcome Heidi! I am also having boy/girl twins. My 40 week DD is 5/3, but the Dr's don't expect me to get past 3/22. My cervix has been shortening, then lengthening, then shortening again since 1/6. I have been stuck on bedrest since then. Most of the time I can keep a positive attitude, but sometimes it is pretty difficult.

miricale2 - I am sorry you are having a tough time. I don't really have any advice for you, just know that we are here to listen.

I hope everyone has a great week. I know a couple of you are waiting on your gestational diabetes test results - let us all know how it goes.

scottnpat

02-16-2004, 12:07 PM

Hello girls,

Hope everyone had a great weekend.

My DH was off from work yesterday. I LOVE WHEN HE”S OFF! I took a few hours off of bedrest and had lunch with him, then we went shopping for baby clothes. Everything is sooo cute. Although I couldn’t really find what I was looking for. I’m looking for matching boy/girl outfits. Has anyone found anything?

These are my first babies, so I’m completely clueless to the clothing thing. Ladies, please tell me if I’m on the right track. ….This is what I have been shopping for …

• 0-3 months clothing for the months of May-June-July (summer clothes)
• 3-6 months clothing for the months of aug-sept-oct (some summer and fall clothing)
• 6-9 months clothing for the months of Nov-Dec-Jan (winter clothes-holiday clothing )
• 9-12 months clothing for the months of Feb-March-april

Is that about right?

Francis, I’m so glad you had a good time at your shower. Were you exhausted afterwards?

Heidi,
Welcome !!!! I am also having a boy and a girl. I noticed you said you were taking protein to help grow the babies…Is this because of the placenta previa, or something you’re doctor recommended ?

Miracle2,
I’m so sorry to hear about your problems….Try not to stress out to much, the babies can feel that kinda stuff. If you need to vent, we’re hear to listen!

No call from my doctor yet about my GD test….hmmmm.

Patricia
Edd 5-8-04

doublyblessed

02-16-2004, 02:53 PM

Karen!! You had your babies!! Wow!! Congratulations, and we'll be thinking and praying for the little girls, and for you. Please let us know how they are doing!

Pat, I asked about clothes sizes on the First Years board a while back and decided that I'd better not buy too far ahead! There was actually quite a variety! Here's what I got:

4-7 month old twins--wearing 6-9 mo. clothes
4 mo.--wearing some 3-6, mostly 6-9
4 1/2 mo.--wearing 3-6
6 mo.-- small one (born at 3.5 lbs.) wearing 3-6...bigger one (6lbs. at birth) wearing 6-9 and some 12 mo. stuff
6 mo.--wearing 3-6
2 1/2 mo.--wearing 3-6 (tall babies)
13 1/2 mo. olds--wearing 12 mo., some 18 mo. stuff (small babies)
10 mo. olds--wearing some 12 mo., mostly 18 mo. stuff (big babies)

So, you can tell that I got quite a variety of responses! I'm estimating that mine will be the 0-3 stuff until at least a couple of weeks past their 40 week due date. So, through May. Then I'm buying 3-6 summer stuff, too. I'm trying to hold off after that, even though I really wanted to get the stuff that's on sale now! I'm trying to only buy bigger stuff that can be used either way, by just adding a sweater, or using a short sleeved shirt with winter jumpers.

Frances, I'm glad that you had so much fun at your baby shower. I'm having mine on March 13. Hopefully it's not too close to my due date! My Dr. expects me to hold off until around the middle of April. My mom is also holding a "proxy baby shower" for me where she lives in south Texas. She's going to invite everyone over, have games and snacks and everything, I just won't be there!! She's going to video, and I'm going to call while they have it. (I kinda think it's weird, but really sweet of her.)

Also, that was a really neat story about your daughter! You'll have to remember it, so that you can remind her when she's older. I had a dream that my SIL was pregnant, then she found out about a week or 2 later that she was! A few weeks ago I had a dream about another girl at church that wasn't really ready to be pregnant. I told her about it, to tease her. (Her hubby's been ready for a while.) And I found out on Saturday that she is!! I'm not superstitious, but I did think it was funny.

I go to the peri tomorrow for another u/s. Yay!! I'm anxious to know how much they've grown in the last 3 weeks. It seems like my belly grew another couple of inches this last week. I also gained about 5 lbs. over the weekend...aaaaaah! My weight has done that the whole time--I don't gain for a week or 2, then I gain a ton in a few days. Really weird!

Get this! Ya know how I told you that I went to the hospital for a bladder infection? Well, they gave me medicine and that helped for a few days. Then I started to feel bad again and decided that it must be back. So I scheduled a Dr. visit. At first they said that it was because I hadn't been given enough medicine, so they went to double check. It turns out that nothing was wrong!?!? I still don't get it!! It was a little embarrassing! She did say that part of it was ligaments stretching, which I've had all along, but the other just sort of went away on it's own. Go figure!

We've got the baby room painted!!! It's slow, but mostly finished....window in, walls up, sheetrock, insulation, texturing, and now the paint. We went with a cream on top and a light pink on botton. It's got a hint of mauve more than baby pink. Hopefully it can grow with them. We're going to put a white chair rail at the dividing line, and have all white trim. It should be really nice! Still no specific theme or decor, though! It just matches a quilt that I think would be pretty in there.

Guess that's all for me. I'll tell ya how the peri visit goes. I'm hoping that my cervix hasn't shortened any more! I think it was like 3.4 last time, which they weren't worried about, but it had still shortened since the last time they'd checked. Also, baby A had less amniotic fluid last time, and baby B hasn't been moving much these last few days. Worries, worries.....But the Lord is still in control! He's the One who's given these babies to us, and He the One Who will keep them!

scottnpat

02-17-2004, 10:10 AM

rosalynn,

Guess I'll shop from stage to stage. I'll start with some summer clothes. Do you think there is a need for some preemie clothing, seeing as how they'll probably be early?

I got a call from my doctor today. GD test results in! Turns out i'm anemic (sp?). So i need to start taking iron. ANd my sugar levels were high so i need to go take the 3 hour test tomorrow :(
I've been meaning to ask though, is anyone else taking a tablet of 1 mg of Folic acid in addition to thier prenatal vitamins? Since I got pg the doctor said that since they were twins to take both. But now with the additional iron pill, that makes 3 pills a day. UGHHHH!!!

I also have my weekly appt tomorrow. Last week he said my cervix felt softer--we'll see what he says tomorrow....

I swear I'm getting arthritis in my hands.they feel horrible! Anyone else?

Patricia
edd 5-8-04

FlaMom

02-17-2004, 10:51 AM

Patricia,
I have had the same exact thing with my hands! When I wake up in the morning, they are a little swollen, not too bad, but they feel so stiff, I can barely hold anything. It gets better throughout the day, but when I used them to do anything, like squeeze the bulb on the blood pressure cuff, they hurt. I don't have swelling anywhere else, so I have not been too worried. I have my OB appt tomorrow, though. I will ask him about it.

Good luck on the GD test tomorrow. I will be rooting for you - believe me, you don't want it, I miss my sweets so much! I told my husband that he has to pack a snickers bar in my hospital bag. As soon as these babies are born, I am eating it!

Angela - did you ever hear about your 3 hr GD test? I think you took it last week.

Anyway - I am having a pretty uneventful week. My in laws left on Sunday (thank God!). My MIL was driving me crazy - long story! So, I have been enjoying the silence. It's wild, I complain about bedrest, but you get used to a certain routine, and when it is disrupted, your nerves get shot - at least that is how it is for me. I guess I am just a creature of habit!

Hope everything is going good for everyone - Patricia - let us know how it goes with the peri - have you had your steroid shots yet - do they hurt as bad as I have heard?

2more2come

02-17-2004, 05:16 PM

Hello Ladies,

Hope everyone had a good weekend. I personally thought it was too long! Since I'm not working now and it was a long weekend we had a lot of company - my stepmother came Saturday and stayed until Sunday (not bad, she babysat Jimmy so we could go out to dinner). On Sunday my father-in-law and my niece came and stayed until Monday. I couldn't wait for everyone to leave and my DH to go back to work and my son to go back to school so I could get a few minutes to myself! But overall it was a good weekend.

Heidi, welcome to the board. My due date is also May 20th. I'm hoping I can hold out until the last week of April. If I do, I'll have my c-section then, but my doctor said he'll be happy if I make it to April 15th.

I'm not really buying any clothing for the babies. I don't know their sexes, and how many neutral outfits can you buy? But I also know from when Jimmy was born that absolutely everyone I knew gave me at least one outfit for him, and some gave two or three. I'm expecting to get that many clothes for the new babies, and not really have to buy them clothes until after their first year. I could be wrong and not get as many clothes as I'm expecting, but I'm going to wait and see. I've already gotten a few outfits for Christmas gifts, and I still have all of Jimmy's old stuff, so I'll make due until I'm able to get out shopping if I have to.

We finally took the first steps to get ready for the babies. We got rid of the bar we had in our family room. The next step will be to move our desk and file cabinet down to the family room and get rid of the spare bed that's in the babies' room. Once the room is cleaned out we can start turning it into a nursery and I can pull out all my old stuff and see what we'll still need.

The other thing we did was order a new car. We decided to go with the Acura SUV. We were expecting to have to wait about a month to get it, and that would have been okay, but they said it will be ready for us on Thursday. My DH is freaking out. We still don't know what we're doing with our cars. We're not sure if we'll keep one and sell the other or sell both and get him a new car, too. He really needs one, but he may have to wait. But I'm pretty excited about my new truck. I can't wait to get it. But I'll really miss my car, and I'll especially miss driving a standard. I've never owned an automatic car in my life, but I guess I'll get used to it. Maybe my DH will decide to keep my car and I'll still be able to drive it once in a while. We'll see.

I hope everyone has a good week, and like TL said, Stay Pregnant!

smatterchu

02-17-2004, 05:57 PM

Hey Y'all,

Welcome New May Mommies!!

I'm back!!! For the holiday weekend, we decided to take a quick trip over to St. Pete Beach...from our house, it's about 2 hours to the coast. I was a little worried to go at this stage, but I knew this was probably our last 'munchkinless-Valentines Day' and the last mini-vacation we'd get for a while.

Just to be safe, I did print out the names and maps to the Tampa hospitals with Level III NICU....hoping I'd never need them, of course. It felt kind of weird doing that, but I knew better than to go off without it.

Anyway, the weather was pretty crummy on V-Day, but it was okay because that was our travel day. We spent most of the time piddling around the house getting packed. Traffic was pretty snarly, so we got to the place at around 6:00 p.m. I'd made reservations at a local steakhouse (Silas Dent's) for 8:00, because I knew we'd probably be eating late....and we did, lol...

When we go to the beach, we usually stay in one of those little 50's beach motels that are right on the water. The decor is all authentic with the same block 'n stucco exterior and deco stylings. It's a cute little place...everything was in great condition, and I love being able to walk out of your door onto a beachfront patio. The sun came out on Sunday, and we spent lots of time floating in the pool. There were mostly retired folks at the place, so we were the only ones brave enough to do the pool...it was heated, so we didn't care. We found a few new restaurants we hadn't tried before, but we mostly relaxed. We didn't have to be anywhere, and we took a nap in the middle of the day.....did some reading...it was great....

On Monday, we came back in the morning and did some things around the house. Well, I rested on the couch while DH changed out the radiator on the Jeep...thank goodness he's handy. Hopefully this will help keep the Jeep going for another few years....we really don't want to have to go vehicle shopping right now...

Okay, so then on Monday we went for our long-awaited 4D ultrasound. Ummmmmm, yeah......that's $400 and 4 hours we'll never get back, lol....

First, a bit of perspective....let me just say that I am extremely thankful to have had a very smooth pregnancy and to have seen no problems on this, or any other ultrasound report. I know that the ultimate goal is a healthy set of boys and that this little video is just a cheap souvenir compared to the years and years of love and joy that the real babies will bring. I know that....I know that if this is the worst u/s visit I ever get, I should consider myself the luckiest person in the world....

I know that every day, thousands of women aren't just disappointed, but devastated at the news they hear in imaging appointments. I know...I should shut up and be thankful for what I have....but I would be lying if I didn't say I was very sad and disappointed.... a bit angry.....slightly helpless feeling about the whole thing. I know I can vent to y'all....and I appreciate that. I told DH, "I just want to cry...." when I got home....and I did. He's still getting used to the concept of not necessarily having to 'fix' things that upset me. There was no fixing this...just letting me get it out....and I felt better. Even still, I dreamed about it last night...that should be the end of it, I think.... ;-)

Anyway.....according to the u/s tech, we really should have done this closer to 20 weeks with twins especially, but it sure didn't stop them from knowingly making our appointment and taking our money, did it? It seems that the boys are pretty big, were positioned in front of each other and the current fluid ratio at this stage isn't the best for those kinds of images......it's either that or this particular tech just sucked....who knows. Frances, didn't you do this kind of thing....any credence?

Anyway, we were supposed to go in at 6:30...(but were supposed to be there at 6:00). As we arrived, it became clear that they were short-staffed, and DH and I both agreed that we'd rather just come back if they were going to rush things, etc... At closer to 7:15, somebody finally came out and told us it would just be a few minutes more. Apparently, the girl scheduled was sick and this other woman was staying late to do it....great. I asked....'do we need to reschedule', but when she heard how far along I was, she didn't want to wait any longer, etc....I guess...so in we went at 7:30....

Anyway, it was the biggest waste of time ever.... There aren't any of those 'elective' 4D centers around here where you can just pop in and get some good footage and go, unfortunately. We actually had to go to a hospital imaging center and just pay it out-of-pocket rather than wrangle with insurance.

Well, because of the litigious society we live in, once they turn the machine on, they have to do a complete exam....regardless. -That way, you can't come back and sue because they didn't find some abnormality, etc...and I can totally understand that logic....it sucks, but still.... In other words, within the first minute, she could tell this wasn't going to be a good candidate for a 4D, but she still had to spend the next 2 hours getting measurements and **** like that. Even though I get an u/s every 4 weeks....even though I had one 2 weeks ago and would be getting another one in 2 weeks....grrrrrr.

So at the end, she said, "Well, we're done...I did get some footage on the tape -- about 6 minutes. Now 'the next time', you'll really want to do this earlier....blah, blah...."

THE NEXT TIME?? She made it sound like it was a monthly spa appointment....."Next time, you might want to try the coral polish....." Oh my cow!! And I'm sure I'm just hormonal, but that just sounded so flippant and insensitive. Regardless of our future family plans, I made it clear to her that I wasn't sure that there would be a next time...that this was probably it for us....our only opportunity. (Besides, even if we did have another one, I'm not sure we'd do the 4 d again....oy)

Oh, but Debby, I can answer your question about phyical problems during the u/s. Basically what you're dealing with is that vena cava vein that the babies are sitting on when you lie on your back. Some folks are not susceptible to it, but it sure gets me. When I wake up on my back, I notice that my left leg is numb, lol....some people get even sicker or pass out. During the 2 hour u/s, I definitely had to reposition several times, and she even said to let her know if I started to feel sick or faint during the exam. What's ironic to me -- they know we aren't supposed to be on our back, but they always want us to lay like that....for exams, for u/s or even for labor, many of the times.....it's bull... ;-)

Sorry if I'm sounding a little punchy today....it's the first day back from the weekend and I'm getting kind hungry. I'm getting up from here in a second, but I did want to check in before I get too far behind..

Well, I'm interested to hear how everyone's 3 hour tests turn out. I am not sure if I am going to do mine tomorrow or on Thursday. I'm really hoping that it's okay....like you, Frances, I do not want to give up my sweets...(sigh)...

Hey Patricia....Awwwwww, it's nice to be missed. I missed you guys, too! I wish you all could have come to the coast with me....we could have waddled along the beach, lol... Sorry your sugar is a little high....good luck on your 3 hr.

Okay -- DH is home....I'll finish reading/responding later....glad to be back.... Talk with y'all soon.....

FlaMom

02-17-2004, 09:14 PM

Tara Laine - I did not do the 4D us when I was a sonographer. It has been almost 10 yrs since I was doing them, and of course, the 4D is relatively new. I have heard though, that it is good to do the 4D later in pregnancy, once the baby(ies) have some fat on them. If you do it too early, they just look like little skeletons in there. The fluid thing does make sense, though. The ultrasound waves need fluid to travel through - that is why in early pregnancy you have to have a full bladder - it uses that fluid to travel through. Once you get big enough, then the waves just travel through the amniotic fluid. I can see where the lack of fluid would cause some imaging problems.

I hope that made sense. That was pretty unethical of her to go ahead and do the ultrasound if she could not see much. She could have at least switched to the 3D machine - I am sure that was cheaper, and it still would have covered their tails.

Anyway - sorry you had such a rotten experience. At least we can all learn from it.

GrnEys76

02-17-2004, 10:16 PM

Hello Ladies.

Welcome to new May Mommies.

I has my 3 hr GD today. It was more boring than anything else. At least it gave me time to get half way through Dr. Barbara Luke's book. I hope everything comes back ok.

I was reading a responce on the vehicle situation. I dont want to get rid of my standard either. I have never owned am automatic. I'll let you know what we decide on.

I have been noticing some numbness in my hands in the mornings only. Not too much. But today for the first time I realized that one shoe was much too tight than the other. So I guess I am having some swelling.

I also bought a few premie outfits. I dont think it's a bad idea because most twins are born early.

Take care Mammas

FlaMom

02-18-2004, 09:30 AM

Hi Ladies,
For those of you who are still looking for crib bedding sets - check out www.overstock.com They have some really pretty ones for good prices.

newmannsmomtoo

02-18-2004, 10:27 AM

Hello Ladies,

Glad to hear everyone is doing well and staying pregnant. Thank you so much for your kind words and prayers, we can sure use a lot of both of them.

My daughters, Emily and Madelyn, are doing as well as can be expected for as little as they are. Emily was 2lbs 11oz and 14.5 inches long and Madelyn was 2lbs and 13.75 inches when they were born. As usual, they both have lost a little weight which is to be expected in the first week or so after birth. They are both moving in the right direction. We know we have a long, hard road ahead of us, but each day that they are stable and not taking any steps backwards is a blessing. They are both so adorable. They look like perfect little babies. Thanks again for your kind words and prayers and I will be checking back soon to keep updated on everyone else.

Thanks,
Karen

Ellie

02-18-2004, 11:00 AM

I just read where you are a teacher. I am a teacher as well and am expecting twins. I'm so sleepy in the afternoon too! Just the other day I took a nap as soon as I walked in the door. I slept until 11 pm. Do you get sleepy during the day? I am fine until the afternoon. I stay hungry ALL the time! Are your school children excited for you? The children in my room think it is so cool to have twins. This is my first pregnancy. My husband is elated. I know you are exhausted with another child as well. Hope you get some more energy soon! How far along are you? I'm right at 3 months. Best wishes, Ellie

scottnpat

02-18-2004, 03:48 PM

Hello ladies!

Tara Laine,
Welcome back. I am sad for you and your u/s experience! :(
I had one done at about 24-25 weeks. But I really loved it. I could immediately tell the babies looked like my DH. BUT, she only did the u/s for about 10 minutes, just for the fun of it. I dont think I would have needed any more time. Francis is right though...the sonographer said it was best to wait till I was a few months further along. She said that they would have more body fat and would look more like real babies. I have an appointment on Monday, so I'll let you know how my experience goes this time.

Angela,
I also had my 3 hr glucose test today. The whole thing is so dumb! The waiting room is tiny---no magazines, books, or tv. They didnt let us leave. So i basically slept for 3 hours. Doctor said we should have results my Friday. Let me know how your results turn out.

Francis,
I think you had a doc appt today. Any word on why are hands are acting up? I had an appointment today but completely forgot to ask...

As for my doc appt today I was a little disappointed. LAst week my doc said my cervix was closed but was starting to soften. Today he said I was 1 cm dilated and 50% effaced (sp?). Anyhow, he stressed the bedrest for one more week. He'll see me next Tuesday and said that If my cervix changes more by then, then he'll need to admit me to the hospital. I was soooo sad to hear this! So you better believe I'm going to stay in bed for the whole week!!!!!

How was everyone else's doctors appointments??

Karen
I'm so glad to hear your babies are doing good. I'll continue to say extra prayers for them and for your family. I know this must be a difficult time for ya'll. Please keep us posted!!!!!

patricia
edd 5-8-04

smatterchu

02-18-2004, 04:13 PM

Hey y'all,

Before I forget, I wanted to mention about the sort hand/wrist thing....

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome During Pregnancy
by William Hagberg, MD

Extra fluid (water retention) can lead to repetitive strain illnesses (RSIs), a group of ailments that can be an annoying -- if not disabling -- nuisance for expectant moms. Carpal tunnel syndrome (CTS) is a painful problem that 28 percent of pregnant women have to endure. (etc, etc..)

Here is a link to the whole article: http://pregnancytoday.com/reference/articles/carpal.htm

I might have had a touch of it this weekend, because I had my thumb crooked over the top of a vase that was balancing on my knee for the 2 hour car ride (smart)... When I got to the motel, my hand was sore....by the next morning, it was useless!! I was so pathetic, lol...and hubby tried not to get tickled at me, but I'd try to do something....it was kinda funny. He had to hook and unhook my bra for me...had to open some bottles, etc... Thankfully, after a couple of days of working it out, it is back to normal - but it did not like being kept in one position for so long.

The good news is that it doesn't stick around after pregnancy - so you're not likely to have this for the rest of your life. If you do a search for pregnancy carpal tunnel, you should find some remedies. I might try to do a search later on....gotta get a shower in a minute....tonight is youth, and it's my turn to go.

Patricia and Frances, I totally agree about waiting later than sooner for the 4d...I'd heard the same thing. I certainly didn't want a video of my boys looking like "Skeletor" or something!! So yeah, I thought I was doing the right thing by waiting until now -- but not waiting any longer. DH and I think that part of it might have been the tech making excuses....some was unavoidable, but it's hard to say what another person might have managed... It seemed that she was trying to get the 4d on too big of an area...rather than just zooming on the face or something...

Patricia, I'm sorry you didn't have anything with you to read or something. I hadn't thought about taking a laptop or something and maybe watching a DVD.....hmmmmmm. That might not be bad. I sat and read before, but that was an hour....don't really want to do that for 3 hours, ya know? I hope your results turn out well. Sorry your cervix is starting to do tricks....you just never know, do you?

Karen, I'm so glad to hear from you. I'd been thinking about you these last few days. In fact, today I am as far along as you were when you had them. I counted ahead when you told us so I'd know what that was like on my pregnancy...so today is that day for me. I hope you are lining up lots of help and able to get things ready for them. If you ever get around to doing one of those picture pages (like many of the moms on here), we'd love to see your darlings. Do you live close to the hospital? I'm glad they're doing well....please keep us posted. You all are in our prayers...

Well, I should get up from here. I need to get something to eat and take a shower. I'll catch up with y'all later...

GrnEys76

02-18-2004, 10:27 PM

Karen,
It's good to hear the little ones are doing well. Well keep praying for them. Sooner than you know it they'll be healthy as possible. Keep us all posted on their progress.

Patricia,
I'm surprised the dr's office didn't advise you that you couldn't leave. They told me before hand. I knew to bring a book. It was boring to be there like I said but I'm glad they advised me to bring something to read. I don't know when I'll get my results, but maybe I'll call Friday since I'm off. Let me know about yours.

By the way I think we have names Probably Carlos & Christian.
What do you all think??

Take care Mammas

mainemomof4

02-19-2004, 03:22 PM

Hi Everyone,
Today I had a great doctor’s appointment and I wanted to share the news with all you May Mommies. I have been reading about other people’s appointments, so I thought I would chime in and share mine.
Just a little background: I am pregnant with fraternal boy/girl due 5/26/04. At 16 weeks I had a placental abruption and was put on strict bed rest for 7 weeks. This meant moving in with my parents most of the 7 weeks, and leaving my husband with two kids and all the responsibilities of home. This was a very stressful time for us because no one knew what was going to happen and the Dr. said that there wasn’t much they could do for me because I was under 23 weeks. The bed rest worked, the bleeding stopped and I have been at home now for a month. I still take it easy, but I can do light housework, and go out if I need to. My kids have been a huge help around the house. They are 12 and 9.
I had a u/s today and the babies are doing great! Baby A (girl) weighs 2lbs. (62 %) and Baby B weighs 2lbs 7 oz. (96%). The %’s are there weights compared to other fetuses their same age. There fluid is good and my cervix was almost 5cm! I couldn’t believe that. I thought for sure with all the weight I have put on and the weight of the babies I would have a thinner cervix. I am very thankful for all the good news that I got today. I also had to take the hour glucose test. I am hoping that comes back in good shape.

Karen- I am happy to hear that you littles are doing so well. Please keep us posted on their progress.

Patricia- Good Luck on your 3 hour glucose test. The part that I don't like about that test is the fasting. I feel sick if I don't have anything first thing in the morning.

I hope that everyone had a good week and enjoys the weekend,
Take care,

Nikki
edd 5/26/04

landrde

02-19-2004, 09:36 PM

Hello everyone,
I got the results of my 3 hr GD test. It came back negative, thank God. Now I just need to remember to take my iron pill and my prenatal. I'm not very good at remembering to taking pills, which got me pregnant to begin with :) When I went to my peri last week I asked him to check the length of my cervix. He hasn't done this yet and I'm 29wks. He said that there was no need to because there were not signs of anything. Doesn't sound strange since everyone else's doctors keep checking it?

I have been shopping for SUV's this week. We almost bought one. We are looking at Ford Expeditions or Explorers. The Expedition is a little too big. The Explorers are a perfect size (with the 3rd row), but that is only in 2002 or newer models. Therefore, they are more expensive. We may end up buy one on Ebay. They have the best prices.

I think it is a great idea to not buy any clothes until you see what you get from friends and family. Although the temptation to buy something for your babies is hard to fight.

Karen, hang in there with the babies. My niece was born 7 years ago at 27 weeks, weighing 2lb 1oz. I remember how hard and scary it was. It was difficult to watch knowing that there was very little you can do to help them. Just remember that they are amazingly strong, and they just need some time to grow stronger and finish developing. We are all praying and thinking about your new family.

Get this, my mom lives in Florida. She wants to help me toward the end of my pregnancy and be here when the babies are born. She called and told me that my dad has his yearly physical scheduled for April 30, and I need to wait until after that for them to come up and help. It was too hard to change the appointment because they are booked well in advance. Therefore, she feels that I should wait until after that to go on bedrest or have the girls. My due date is 5/3. What is she thinking?lol

It sounds like everyone is doing well. We are getting closer by the day!! I think the denial stage is finally wearing off and I'm finally starting to get my hopes up that everything will be all right. Good luck to everyone, and remember this week is almost over!! One more down, 10 weeks (or less) to go.

mamala

02-20-2004, 01:10 AM

Hi everyone,

Thank you for the warm welcome. I don't check the board daily, and it seems like a lot has happened.

Karen- congratulations and good luck to your little ones!

Patricia- you asked about placenta previa and eating more protein. My doula told me to eat more protein to grow the babies as big as possible, which would also grow my uterus more, and might move the placenta into a better position. I'll ask my dr. about her theory at my appt Fri.

Good luck to everyone!

OneOfEach

02-21-2004, 10:05 AM

I started reading this thread about a month ago but I had “technical difficulties” in posting. Turns out the board is just not AOL friendly & I have to use the Explorer browser.

Just reading your posts has been very helpful to me, I feel like I know most of you already! So I guess I should introduce myself. My name is Victoria. I live in Upstate New York with my DH John. We are expecting a boy and a girl on May 6th, first time parents.

We have picked out names already, Brianna Elizabeth and Macaulay Charles. We wanted their names to reflect our Irish heritage and also be a bit unusual. We already have started calling Macaulay “Mac!”

We had our 28 week U/S on Friday, 13 February and everything is good. Brianna weighs 2lbs, 7oz and Mac weighs 3lbs, 1oz. I guess they’re a little big, especially since I’m only 4”11’ and weighed 115 pre-pregnancy! I have gained 40 pounds so far, but the doctor says all is well so the weight isn’t really bothering me. I took my GD test last week as well, and that was fine. I did turn out to be anemic however, so I got an Rx for Iron. I feel blessed that I haven’t really had any problems with this pregnancy, especially since I’m 36 years old.

I am still working and hope to continue as long as possible. I am an editor so I just sit at a desk all day. My doctor said that as of 28 weeks I could go on disability any time I was ready, but I feel great so I want to wait.

We don’t have the Multiples birthing classes in our area but we did just finish the 5week regular course offered by our local hospital. Our instructor was very good, always including extra information on twins just for us. She actually did extra research on a couple of occasions to accommodate my “Twin” questions.

We also went through the new car thing. We decided on an SUV, a Nissan Xterra. John is a mechanic and swears by Nissan! He actually has a 1983 Nissan (then called Datsun) Pick-up that he drives several times a week and after 20 years it still runs beautifully! The Xterra comes with the latch system standard, is big enough inside for the car seats, stroller, and playyard (not to mention our dog, Fat Eddie) and isn’t so big outside that you feel like you’re driving an 18 wheeler. I love it!

Our nursery is being sheet-rocked, painted and wallpapered this week-end. We decided on a Winnie the Pooh theme that suits boy/girl twins nicely, it’s called “Pooh and his Hunny Pots.” We’re going to keep them in one room for the first year at least, then move them into their own rooms, I guess. We just bought a 100 year old Victorian that has 5 bedrooms, so space isn’t an issue. It is a fixer-upper though, so every project seems to be a big one!

Our shower is March 6th so I’m trying to wait until after that to do most of our shopping. I did already get a travel system though. We decided on the Eddie Bauer tandem with infant car seats. I chose it because it was the only one I could find where the front seat was reversible. We got it online at Strollers-for-less and the shipping was free!

This has turned out to be much longer than I intended but I had a lot of catching up to do. I hope everyone is well and continues to be so. Lets all make it to May!

Luck and God’s Blessing to you all,

Victoria

floridaboater

02-21-2004, 10:24 AM

Hi everyone -
I am new to the boards and just had to say hello. I am 36 and blessed to be having twins (26 weeks along), EDD 5/30/04, but the doctor said to plan on delivering the last week in April, first week in May. I had braxton hicks two weeks and ago and serious pelvic pressure. Although I'm not on bedrest and am still working full-time, he said the days of cooking, cleaning and shopping are gone. Any time I can put my feet up, I have to. Therefore, my husband pretty much has me on bedrest when he's around. :) He bought an inexpensive laptop and hooked it up wireless, so I can lay around the house and spend hours on this board!

Did anyone out there have a hormone rash? Although it feels like it's subsiding, I still itch a lot at night and on top of being extremely uncomfortable already, the itching doesn't help.

I also want to know if we HAVE to sleep with extra pillows or is it only if we are uncomfortable? I've tried extra pillows, body pillows, etc. and it doesn't help. I just go between the bed and couch all night.

Well, just wanted to say hello to the other May mommies! I can't believe it's right around the corner. Oh - we don't know the genders - we want as many surprises as possible!

Michelle from Florida

scottnpat

02-21-2004, 11:54 AM

Hello May Mommmys!

Victoria and Michelle:
Welcome to this site. I think you'll be very happy here. Feel free to chime in anytime. After typing your reply you may want to copy it first, in case you get logged off the site, you wont have to retype everything. I learned this the hard way!

Victoria,
We are very close in due dates so i'll probably be asking you a lot of questions to compare to. I am due 5-8 and also have a boy and a girl. I have my four week sonogram on Monday which will put me at 29 weeks 4 days. I can't wait to see how much they weigh now. The last time we checked I was 25 weeks pg and they were a little under 2 lbs.

Michelle,
My Dh also set me up on a wireless laptop so I can be on the computer all day. I can spend all day reading everyone's posts. I only wish this site had a "chime"everytime someone responds. I stopped working at 25 weeks and I'd never thought I'd say it, but I really do miss work. Also, I think the extra pillows are just for comfort. I sleep with two under my head, one against my tummy and in betweeen my legs and one pushed up against my back. That's the only way I can get myself comfortable. Lately, I have been having the best sleeps ever! Once I knock out, I dont wake up until my Dh alarm goes off in the morning.

I'm glad everyone glucose test results are coming back negative. I got a call from my doctors office yesterday. Turns out my results were borderline, and I have to re-take the stupid test!!!! I have another doctor appointment on Monday to make sure I Haven't dilated anymore, so he'll tell me when to re-take it. Also, remember I was suppose to take the steriod shots to help the babies lungs develop ? Well when I went to the doctor appt last week we were so into the whole cervix thing, that we completely forgot to get the shot. I asked yesterday about it, asking if I'll be taking it on Monday, the nurse said that since the lungs are fully developed at 30-32 weeks of pg and since im already 29 weeks, there is no need to take it anymore. I dont know that sounded kinda wierd to me......Anyone else been told this?

okay long enough....

patricia

smatterchu

02-21-2004, 12:23 PM

Hey y'all,

Welcome new mommies! I hope everyone is having a great weekend so far.

I tell you what, it seems like every weekend we wind up doing everything EXCEPT working on the nursery, lol... I know we'll get to it later tonight, but today has been a bit off track...

Last weekend, we took off for the beach - which I justified as necessary in light of future events. When we got back, DH wound up working on the Jeep - replacing the radiator that had started leaking. Thank goodness for online parts and a hubby who knows how to work on cars....but it wound up taking all afternoon.

Well, sometime this week, the driver's seat in the Jeep starting giving away and has essentially broken altogether. Great. Soooo, in order to safely drive that vehicle, DH and I had to locate a seat as soon as possible. I found a local parts place, and they had what we needed at one of their other locations - so DH took off in the other car to get the seat. It's about a 3 1/2 trip both ways, so we decided I should stay home. The good news is that this seat was $75 v/s $350 new from the dealer. It's an old Jeep anyway, so that's cool... Anyway, it seems like this weekend will be just as busy as any other -- hopefully we can get some stuff done tonight/tomorrow...oy...

Oh - and before I forget it.. Patricia, I'm glad you reminded me. You can 'subscribe' or something to different threads, and that will e-mail you when there is a new post. I think there is a button or something at the bottom of the thread, maybe...

And finally, if you go to 'usercp', I think you can set it to 'activate cookies' or something and that will keep you logged in all the time. I finally figured out how to keep it from locking me out. Hopefully that helps...

Well, I took my 3 hour glucose on Friday - not sure when I'll get the results back. I have a Dr. appointment with my OB on Monday and my Peri on Tuesday. I hope everyone else's test results and appointments go well this week.

I don't know about y'all, but turning over in bed is getting harder and harder...it's crazy, lol... Luckily, I don't find myself doing much tossing and turning, but boy is it a process, lol....

Hey, Michelle, where in Florida are you? I'm up in Clermont, outside of Orlando. Great to have you new mommies join us.

I guess I should sign off....I'm trying to do this on my laptop (love my wireless) and I need to shift positions before my leg falls asleep, lol...

landrde

02-22-2004, 09:20 PM

Hi girls, and welcome new moms.
I just read another trend about a Mom shopping with her three kids. She turned around and saw the twins, but not her two year old. Then she saw a man walking away with her daughter. He started to run, but she was able to get her daughter back. The police are looking for him.

I was shopping today with my 1year old. She is constantly walking away from me. It is so scary that there are people out there doing things with/to our children. I have a hard time keeping track of one child in a store and still get my shopping done. Three is goning to be almost impossible. I think that I'll need to leave them home with dh or get a sitter whenever I go out!!

FlaMom

02-23-2004, 07:05 PM

Hi Everyone,
Sorry I have been MIA for a few days - I have been so cranky the past couple of days - I just felt like screaming or crying all of the time. I guess I am going a little stir crazy, plus, I am nesting like crazy, and of course since I am on bedrest, I can't do a darn thing about it. The nursery is not even close to done. We do have everything, it is just piled up in the room. My poor husband is working his butt off trying to keep the house in order, and going shopping for everything we need (he absolutely hates shopping - I love it, so it makes me mad when he complains about it, and I am stuck here and can't do anything - I soooo want to go shopping for baby stuff!), so he has not had a chance to do anything to the nursery. Of course, I have been snapping at him like crazy and bursting into tears at everything. I think he is ready to have me committed. He has been so sweet, though. He just takes my abuse and hugs me, which of course makes me cry even harder!

My dogs are driving me nuts! We have 3 - a lab, dalmation mix and a shepherd mix. I love them dearly, but being with them 24 hrs a day/7 days a week is making me crazy! Anytime I get up to go to the bathroom, there is always one under my feet. I usually end up screaming at them and putting them in the back yard all day, but then of course, I feel guilty about them being out all day. They sit at the sliding glass door and give me those eyes!

I have my peri appt on Thursday - it will be nice to get out of the house, but I have a feeling he might put me in the hospital. He said if my cervix gets below 1 cm, he is admitting me. I was at 1.6 cm two weeks ago, and I have had a lot of pain lately, and my belly seems to have grown a lot, so they are getting bigger. I guess we'll see on Thursday.

Anyway - I hope everyone is doing better than me! We are on the home stretch - I can't believe the time is almost here!

I hope everyone has a good week.

scottnpat

02-24-2004, 12:28 PM

Hello ladies,

I've also been posting in the bed rest post, so I'll try not to repeat myself too much.

I hope everyone is doing well and all doctors appt are good.

I was having contractions this past weekend and came into the hospital to get it all checked out. Turns out my cervix is now 100% effaced and I am 2 cm dilated and baby A has positioned her head right on my cervix. (she was breech all along) I was also having contractions every 2 minutes, so they admitted me and I'll have to stay here until the babies are born or until 34 weeks. ( I am currently 29 weeks 5 days) . Babies are doing good though. Baby A weighs 3.5 pounds and Baby B weighs 3.8 pounds. I was also finally given the two steriod shots to help their lungs develop. Let me tell ya'll, that shot hurts!!!! It really burns, I was so not prepared for that!

TL,
I think it was you who suggested going into "usercp" so that I wouldnt get logged off anymore. Anyway I fixed it!!! Thank you sooo much....What a life saver, I dont need to copy/paste anymore! I LOve it!

Oh Frances, not that this makes it any easier to deal with, but I've noticed from others posts, I dont think anyone has finished thier nursery yet. I dont know about you, but that makes me feel a little better. :) --- please keep us posted about your doctors appointment on thursday.

doublyblessed

02-24-2004, 02:20 PM

Hello ladies!

Wow, I feel like it's been a long time since I've posted. I've been able to be on my feet more lately, which has been really nice.

Welcome to all of the new May mommies!! Glad you found us!

Victoria, I love the name Brianna Elizabeth!! I would probably consider Brianna pretty seriously, but we already have one at church.

Karen, please keep us updated on your sweet babies, if you read this. We're thinking of you!

My last peri appointment went well. My cervix was only a little shorter--3.1 cm. He's not at all worried about it.

I was elated at how much my babies had grown. They were 27 weeks, 5 days and weighed 2 lbs. 10 oz. and 2 lbs. 13 oz. Three weeks before they were only 1 1/2 lbs.!! They're probably 3 lbs. by now!! I'm SOOO glad that we've made it this far! I'll be 29 weeks on Thursday and I feel like we're getting closer and closer to that "safe zone".

Someone asked about preemie clothes. I'm not buying any until after my showers. I did hear, though, that Sears carries a brand of preemie clothes that goes up to 7 lbs. rather than the normal 5 lbs. So, that's a way to get clothes that will fit our babies, who will probably be little, for a little bit longer. I haven't checked it out myself.

Frances, I'm so sorry that you're getting so restless. I was never on complete bedrest for more than a few days. Keep your eyes fixed on that goal--two healthy, big babies that you can bring home with you!! How many weeks until they let you off of bedrest?

Patricia, I'm sorry to hear that you are in the hospital!! It's great that you can have your computer there, though! Glad we can still keep up with you. Hang in there! I had a friend who stayed dialated to a 5 for quite a while with her singleton...She continued to work until she delivered at 37 weeks. Crazy IMO!!

My nursery's not done either! It's still missing light fixtures, outlets, heating duct, trim, carpet, shelves of any kind.... Thankfully, we're going to have the babies in a pack'n'play bassinet in our room for a while. So, I'm not worrying about it. My hubby has so much on him! I can't fuss about it, he's been so good under the stress.

Frances, thank you for sending me to overstock.com!! I caved and went ahead and bought a crib set! I hadn't found anything that I liked enough to even think of spending $160 on. I found a darling set on there, though, in an "english garden" type of style. It was only $60!! They sell all of the same stuff at annaclairedesigns.com for $130!! The one I got is called "retro baby".

I'm actually having company over tonight!! Well, they are bringing me dinner and I asked them to eat with us. :) It will be so nice!!

Oh, here's something to NOT DO!!! I registered at Babies R Us for a duoglider, then saw that the one at Baby Depot is on sale. (I think it's the same carseats that you got TL. I don't know if they would give you a store credit for the difference if you didn't get yours on sale--they are $58.99 at our store until March 18th.) Anyway, when I saw that, I mentioned to my mom that that was what I was going to get. My mistake was that I waited for about a week to go online and take the one at BRU off. When I did, someone had bought it!!! The biggest item!!! I was shocked. Anyway, I called my mom to tell her about it, and she acted upset---she'd bought the other one! Grr.... Only 2 baby gifts have been purchased and it's too strollers, how crazy. Anyway, her's isn't returnable!! (Baby Depot policy) Thankfully the person getting my shower together knew who got the other one, and I was told that it will be taken care of.

Hope everyone is having a great week, and I'll look forward to hearing about your Dr. visits.

mainemomof4

02-24-2004, 02:41 PM

Hi everyone-

The last time I posted I had a great doctors appt. and was waiting to hear back from my hour glucose test. I heard yesterday that everything is normal. I was so relieved! On the nursery front...ours is not done either but my DH looked at my ever-growing and has really put the push on to get it done. I haven't had a shower yet, so I don't have many things for our babies but I am hoping to have one next month. Both our families are into having surprise parties,so I am sure one is planned..we just don't know about it.

Rosalynn- I am glad to hear that you are doing so well and your babies are growing at a good rate

Karen- I hope you keep us informed of your babies progress. I think of you often. It must be wonderful to hold them.

Frances- I know it is hard to be on bed rest but think positively You are doing a wonderful thing for your babies. I was on strict bed rest for 7 weeks it is not easy.

Patricia- Sorry to hear that you are in the hospital. You are lucky to have a laptop I am sure it makes the day go a little faster. Please keep in touch so that we know how you are doing. Good luck to you.

I am going to with my Mom to Babies R Us to add more to our registry because I think my DH and I were too conservative in what we thought we would need with two babies. I love going there and looking at all the things they have now for babies. My youngest son is 9 and it is amazing to see all the new products that are out there. This message board has helped me to add some things that are helpful with twins that you may not think of getting if you had just one baby.

I hope that everyone has a great week and good luck at all you doctor's appt.s and u/s's.

Nikki
edd 5/26/04 boy/girl
DS's 9 and 12

8 is enough

02-25-2004, 11:12 AM

Good afternoon everyone.
Welcome all new moms!
It was"good" to hear about everyone problems. I mean, like, at least I'm not alone. I'm not sleeping well either. Last night I was up seven times to go to the bathroom, although not unusual, I even went 3 times in an hour!!! And it's like moving Mt. Everest when I try to turn over.
You know, we haven't checked for cervical changes either. I know some of you were having symptoms that brought exams, but when is the "normal" time frame they would check with twins? All of my other pregs have been singletons so they didn't check until right at the end.
Our nursery isn't finished either, but it's on its way. Are you all as impatient as I am? Once I get started I can't stop! But the walls are painted-light yellow on bottom, lighter yellow on top, and white chair rail in the middle. I made the blankets and dust ruffle and curtains in a large floral print and matching stripe(for the duster) to kind of feel like a cottage style room. The cribs are white and even though I bought two, they will be staying in our room in a bassinet, too, until they start moving really well. We need a changing table, which my mil's husband is going to make in the form of a shelf (out of pb catalog) so we can use it later, and we need a rocker or glider. I can't believe how expensive gliders are!!!
Well, my glucose test is next week. I've got my fingers crossed.
I'm still praying for you all on bed rest! I couldn't hardly stand being as still as I had to be after my hospital stay so I sympathize with you!
A suggestion for the suv seekers-think about the expedition twice. We have one(newly bought 1 year ago May) and now we are going to have to sell it. We have the captain seats in the middle so it only seats 7--of course, we'll have 8 so passenger van for us. But even if we did have 7, the back doesn't have a lot of space--as a matter of fact, it hardly has any space. The back seat does go down in two separate places, so that may work for you if you need it from time to time, it just won't work for us. So think about that. But other than that it is a nice vehicle.
Well, hope everyone is having a great week!

newmannsmomtoo

02-25-2004, 12:24 PM

Hello Ladies,

Glad to hear everyone is still pregnant. I know how hard it is for all of you on bedrest, either at home or in the hospital, but speaking from experience, it is welll worth it not to have your babies born early and have to spend less time in the NICU.

Our girls, Emily and Madelyn, are doing well. Madelyn will have to have surgery when she is bigger, she has a closed esophagas (sp?). It has nothing to do with being born premature, they just don't want to operate until she weighs about 4 lbs. She had stomach tube put in this morning so they can drain out all stomach acids and not worry about them refluxing into her lungs.The procedure went just fine. I was not able to go to the hospital because I had a touch of the flu yesterday with a fever and they did not want me in the NICU. Emily is doing just fine, they are able to feed her 6cc of breastmilk every 3 hours and she is tolerating that well. Both are still doing as well as expected. Hopefully, they will be big enough soon to be taken off of their ventilators. That seems to be the next big hurdle. But as the doctors keep telling us, we are in this for the long haul, day by day. Also, they are both gaining weight, which is another good sign.

Just as the rest of you, my nursery is not finished. I have everything except the crib and the recliner, but now I will have time to get is done before the girls come home. I think I will wait a little longer, until we get some more good news from the doctor, just so I don't jinx myself. I am sometimes too scared to fix up the nursery, if you know what I mean.

Thanks again for all of your thoughts and prayers. Believe me, you are all in my prayers that you continue to stay pregnant as long as you can. I don't wish this experience on anyone. I love reading about your good doctor's appointments. I can't wait to start reading about your deliveries, but let's hold off on those for a while.

Thanks again and I will check in often.

Karen

doublyblessed

02-25-2004, 01:53 PM

Karen,

I'm so glad to hear that your girls are going so well! What do they weigh now? I'm glad that Emily is taking the breast milk well. Do they feed Madelyn by IV? I'm sorry that Madelyn will have to have surgery. That sounds tough on someone so little. Let us know when it is. I will be praying for all of you. Thank you for the update! We are all interested in keeping up with your progress!

1+1=4

02-25-2004, 04:35 PM

I hope everyone is doing OK and the Dr appt and US are bringing back some good results!!

Karen glad to hear that the babies are doing well hang in there I think/pray for you, DH and those babies!!

I haven’t written in a while since everything has been pretty much uneventful but I read everyone posts everyday and love to hear about all the things that are going on!! I had my OB appt last week and all is fine all he really did was check my blood pressure, weight and the babies heartbeats and position!! I have an appt with the midwife this week and an U/S next week so hopefully all will be fine! The one thing is that my OB and I discussed my birthing plan. I would really love to have an unmedicated vaginal birth but he has told me that even with both babies head down I will still have to have an epidural!! Has anyone else had this conversation with their DR.?? What does your DR say??

Cheers
Anne 30wks
EDD 5/5/2004

floridaboater

02-25-2004, 08:06 PM

Hello everyone -
I am 27.5 wks along and had a regularly-scheduled doctor's appt. today. Long story short, he said I need to stop working, effective next Friday. He basically said I am fatigued, high risk with twins and need to get my feet up and relax. He did do an exam and everything looks good, so I know this is a proactive approach and I need to appreciate it. I am not on strict bedrest, so that is good. I see that a few others of you stopped working around 25 weeks, was that due to any physical issues or just precautionary like my doctor is doing?

Michelle

doublyblessed

02-25-2004, 08:49 PM

Anne, good to hear from you! I did ask my Dr. and she said that I would have to have an epidural in place because of the increased risk of c-section with twins. I also wanted an unmedicated birth. My Dr. did say, though, that they didn't have to put any medicine through it, unless it was needed. That is, I have to have the tube in place, but not nessessarily the meds. They just need to be able to numb me quickly. I don't know if I'll be able to refuse meds after going through the work of getting it in! My hospital has it where it drips constantly, then a pump just in case you have break through pain. In any case, I could just give it like one little pump when it gets really bad and still not use the steady meds.

Michelle, I wasn't working when I became pregnant, so I can't really give you an answer. I thought that if I took it easy on my own, I might not be put on bedrest. As it turned out, I was in the hospital at 20 weeks, then spent some time on bedrest when I came home. My Dr. was pretty layed-back. She really just said that I could resume activity, just keep the contractions under 6 an hour. That was WAY too lenient for me!! I stayed pretty low after the scare. I'm starting to do more now, though, we seem to be actually doing better! I was SOOO EXHAUSTED from the very beginning that I don't know how some of you managed to work until now! I'm doing good to do housework---and I don't mean all, I mean ANY!!

Tomorrow is 29 weeks, YAY!!

FlaMom

02-25-2004, 09:48 PM

Hi Everyone,
Anne - I haven't talked to my Dr about the epidural yet - that kind of makes me nervous, though. I really, really do not want an epidural. The thought of a needle in my back completely freaks me out! When I had my daughter, the pain never got bad enough for me to want them to put a needle in my back. Plus, I have a birth defect in my lower back (no big deal, one of my vertebrae did not develop exactly right), and the anesthesiologist told me that I have a bigger chance of getting a spinal headache, or of the epidural working unevenly. I guess I will have to talk to the OB about it on my next visit.

Michelle - my peri pulled me out of work at 23 weeks because of a shortening cervix. Before that, I had talked to my OB, and I was going to stop working at 26 weeks just as a precaution. But, when they took me out at 23 weeks, I was pretty much worn out and was ready to stop working.

Karen - I am so glad the babies are doing well. Thanks for keeping us updated. We are all thinking of you and your family.

I am feeling much better about the bedrest. I guess the hormonal surge has subsided! (for now anyway!) LOL! I have my peri appt tomorrow, and I am actually OK with the idea of going to the hospital if he wants me to. It would only be for 3 1/2 weeks (I will be 34 weeks on 3/22), and if I was in the hospital, I definitely would be laying down more. Of course, I could be fine, and he might not put me in the hospital, but I am trying to get ready for the possibility.

Anyway - I will let you all know how it goes tomorrow. I hope you all have a good rest of the week. Stay pregnant!!!

Maymom

02-26-2004, 06:53 AM

HI, My peri told me to rest(bed),but not all the time ,however i have few questions regarding bedrest ,how much time/hours per day you guys lay on the bed,which position we need to use right ,left or lay flat.If i plan to sit which is the best way to sit ,i mean in a sofa , do i need to keep my feet up etc...how much time can i spend sitting ,or walking/standing in the house.

Thanks a lot for all for your help,i am 27 wks 2 days with EDD of 5/25/2004(0 weeeks) ,and my cervix is 1.97cm as of this tuesday...
here i go to bed again ..check this board in an couple of hours

Thanks

2more2come

02-26-2004, 07:40 AM

Good morning, everyone. Glad to hear everyone seems to be doing well.

Karen, so glad the babies are gaining weight and getting stronger. I'm sure it's hard on you to have to go to NICU every day to see them, but hopefully they'll be strong enough to come home soon.

I saw my peri last week. All he really did was a quick ultrasound, not a level II. Both babies are head down now, at their last u/s they were both breech, so I guess they still have some room to flip around. Although I don't know how. I feel like my stomach has doubled in size in the last week, and I feel like I am growing too fast for my skin to keep up! I'll have another level II next week, I can't wait to see how big the babies have gotten.

I had my second 1-hour glucose test this week. Anyone else have to do two? My first one was about a month ago and I did great, my level was even low, so I thought I was all done with that. But they said since they did it so early they have to do it again, no matter what the last results were. I should get the results of this test tomorrow. I'm going to my OB's for a non-stress test. Has anyone done that? What is it? You would think I would remember since I did have a child before, but I don't. Is this where they just strap a belt on to check for contractions?

Well, I got my new car. I got an Acura MDX. It's beautiful, but I'm still getting used to it. I've never driven an SUV before. My plan had been to put Jimmy in the middle with a baby on each side of him. Since he's always ridden in the middle I didn't think it would be a big deal. Well now he's getting used to sitting next to the window and sitting in a booster seat. He's lovin' life, and he's never going to want to sit in the middle. I guess I'll just deal with it when the time comes. It's just so hard for me to reach all the way around him to buckle in the seat belt. It was a lot easier to just do his car seat straps, but he really grew out of his car seat.

I also have gotten to be sooo tired again. All of a sudden I can't make it thru the day without a nap. And it doesn't help that I'm so uncomfortable all the time that I can hardly sleep at nite anymore. Until last week I was thinking I'm in no hurry for these babies to be born, this pregnancy is going great, etc. Now I am so uncomfortable I don't know how I'm going to make it another nine weeks. But I need that time. My nursery isn't even started yet. I don't even know what we're going to do with it. I thought I had picked out the bedding I want, and would go from there, but now I don't even know if that's the set I want. I need some help here, and I realize no one is going to do it for me. I guess I need to get moving with it all.

Has anyone gotten a double breastfeeding pillow? I've seen them advertised in Twins magazine, but have never seen one in a store or in BabyCenter. I have a My Breast Friend, and I'm wondering if it would work for two, or if it's just too small. Any ideas?

I hope everyone has a lovely day. It's finally starting to warm up here. The snow is just about melted and it's supposed to be in the 40's today so I can finally get my son outside to play!

FlaMom

02-26-2004, 09:00 AM

Maymom - I am surprised that your peri did not put you on stricter bedrest. You might want to call and talk to a nurse in his office and ask her to clarify exactly what you can do. When my peri first put me on bedrest (I was at 2.5 cm), they were not really clear, and I did not know what to ask. I pretty much just sat in the recliner most of the afternoon, and when I went back in two weeks, my cervix had shrunk 1 more cm. That's when they told me to lay down all the time. I can only get up to go to the bathroom, eat and take one shower a day. I am not saying that this is what you need to do, but you should call the peri's office and clarify.

Lauren, I know what you mean about your skin. I am not sure if my belly can stretch any more, and my belly button has just popped out. I hope that does not mean I am done! LOL! I've still got 3 weeks and 3 days until I am 34 weeks (not that I am counting or anything!) :-)

Also - congrats on the new SUV - those Acuras are gorgeous! I have a Honda Odyssey that we just got in November that I just love! I am moving my daughter to the rear middle and putting the babies in the middle row. I've talked to her about it, but hopefully she will be OK when it actually happens.

Patricia - I see what you mean about most of us not having the nursery done - that does make me feel a little better. :-) My mom, hubby and one of my best friends have all promised to work on it this weekend, so hopefullly, they will make some progress.

I hope everyone has a good day!

FlaMom

02-26-2004, 03:21 PM

Hi Everyone,
This is the same thing I posted on the bedrest thread, so sorry if it is redundant for some of you! I am typing on my side with one hand, so it is easier to just copy most of it.

I just got back from my peri appt, and my cervix has not changed in the past 2 wks, so no hospital yet!! It was measuring 1.5 cm, I think it was 1.6 cm last time. I am so relieved! Thanks for all the good thoughts and prayers.

Both babies are doing great. They both weigh 3 lbs, 10 oz. Jimmy punched the transducer a couple of times, cracking us up! They are both head down, and he said there was a good chance they would stay that way. Woo-hoo! Hopefully, they will both stay head down and I won't have to get that epidural. I still have to talk to my OB about that. It could be just wishful thinking. Tara Laine, I got to see Dr. Fuentes this time - he is really nice!

I hope everyone had as good a day as I did!

doublyblessed

02-26-2004, 04:12 PM

Frances, WOW 3 weeks, 3 days! That's not very far away! Is that as long as they'll let you go, or are you just hoping to go then? I've been counting down to 36 weeks--7 weeks left today! My Dr. thought I might go around 34-36 weeks. We'll see! I'm glad that you don't have to go to the hospital and that your babies are head down. Good job!

Lauren, it's great that your babies are head down! Mine were at 20 weeks, and low, which scared me. Now they are kind of all over the place. Baby A has stayed pretty much head down, but today I'm pretty sure that I felt someone laying transverse along the top of my tummy. It was towards my left side, where baby A is. I'm still not sure exactly how much the dividing membrane keeps the babies on there own side!

During my one NST, they just strapped belts on to watch my contractions and the babies heart rates at the same time. I think the Dr. is going to start regular NSTs for me next weeks. Is anyone else already doing these? I'll feel better, because sometimes they lay in ways where I don't really feel their movement much, and I start to worry.

I think I'm going to get the EZ-2-nurse pillow from Double Blessings. I've really heard the foam one recommended. Double Blessings sells them for like $50, plus $8 shipping. I found 2 sites that sell them for $49, free shipping. One was breastmilk.com I've also been watching e-bay. I actually met a mom with 3 month old twins that lives in my city!! I've e-mailed her a couple of times. I'm hoping to get one at our twins sale that is next weekend.

Hope everyone is having a great week!

newmom

02-27-2004, 01:39 PM

Hi Everyone,
I've posted a few times on the general board, but this is my first time posted to May babies. I am expected twin g/g 5/14/04 (40 weeks).

I'm about 29 weeks right now and still working, but I cut back to part-time two weeks ago. This last week I've been absolutely exhausted. I'm seeing my doctor this afternoon for my regular check up and the glucose test.

My husband and I have finished our nursery--everytime I go in there I get so excited and can't wait to have my babies.

I'm glad I found this website, it really helps to share and to talk to others who understand exactly what we are going through.

Cherie

doublyblessed

02-27-2004, 04:58 PM

Hi Cherie!

Welcome to the May babies thread!

I'm also due with twin girls on 5/14/04!! Very cool! The ladies here are great--I'm sure you'll find lots of good advise and encouragement. Thanks for joining us!

FlaMom

02-27-2004, 06:18 PM

Hi Cherie,
Welcome - I look forward to getting to know you!

8 is enough

02-27-2004, 09:11 PM

Good evening girls!
It's so exciting to hear everyone's good news! Can you believe how close we are getting!? Like single digits with weeks and all!!! I said I couldn't wait til May got here and boy, is it almost here! I can almost hear giggles when I read your posts and hear about all of your ob and peri visits! I hope you can hear mine--I'm so excited. My dd saw my veins in my belly and went to get a washcloth so she could "wash away those marks". She thought I'd taken a marker and written on my stomach. I tried to explain about veins-but to no avail-they were still marks that weren't coming off. She was quite upset at me for drawing on myself and her sisters!
I'm excited to see that some of you are going to nurse your babies. I am going to try to nurse mine also. I've thought if it gets too hectic I may try to pump and feed one by bottle, one by breast and then rotate every other feeding. What do you think? I just don't want to spend all day feeding and this may help the kids feel involved by being able to feed them too. Any suggestions are welcome!
Ohh girls--good luck with the pain free birth! I wish I could! I"m such a baby when it comes to pain b/c I have such a low tolerance for pain. My sister had her babies naturally and it was a wonderful experience every time!

scottnpat

02-27-2004, 10:01 PM

Hello ladies,

Everyone does sound so happy and optimistic!!

Cherie,
Welcome!!! I can't tell you how jealous I am that you have your nursery done already!!!!! I think you may officially be the first one to have completed it! :)

Frances, I am sooooo happy for you and your latest doctors appointment! I am so glad that you dont have to be admitted. OH, our babies almost weigh the same thing!!!! Baby A is 3.9 lbs and Baby B is 3.11 lbs. How cute they are, right?

I started my special diet today for the Gest Diab. I dont think that it would normally be that bad, but since Im in the hospital the food in this hospital is soooo gross!!!! I am actually getting used to being here, and it really isnt that bad, but the food......OMG, there is no reason for it to be sooo bad! Iwas basically living on fruit, OJ, chips and take out food. Now they've taken it away from me! I know this is horroble, but I have a secret stach of candy bars, and i ate one earlier......BAD, BAD, BAD!

The floor that Im on is mainly for high risk pregnancies, so there's about 4 of us here on bedrest who have twins. Well the nurses usually come and check on me about once an hour and today they hardly came by at all. Finally late in the afternoon the nurse came by...I asked her if they were very busy today and she said that one of the patients with twins had to have an unplanned emergency c-section today and the babies are still very young. She said it was a frantic morning just dealing with the parents emotions and concerns and now the babies who went straight to the NICU. ANyhow it really made me reflect on how lucky we are to still be "baking". So with that said.....Rub your tummies and give babies a kiss tonight! :)

30 Weeks today!!!!!

2more2come

02-28-2004, 09:28 AM

Hi everyone,

I had a good appt. at my OB's yesterday. He did the non-stress test. Both babies are doing great with perfect heartbeats and tons of movement. That made me feel better since I hardly ever feel Baby B move, but it must be because the baby is either kicking one of my organs, or Baby A. I had been having a lot of BH contractions this week, and of course, as soon as I got hooked up to the monitor they all stopped. That's okay though, as long as they stopped I know they weren't anything to worry about. My OB said he wants to start doing NST's on me every week from now on. Anyone else up to every week appt's yet? I'm still seeing my peri every two weeks, next week I'll see them both on the same day. They also said I'm a little anemic and have to start taking iron again, ugh! But I'll do it, I've been so tired this week I can't make it thru the day without a nap anymore. And that's about it.

I mentioned to DH the other nite that we're down to single digits, nine weeks to go, max. I thought that put the fear in him to start working on the nursery, but he'll be gone all day today at work and he leaves tomorrow nite on a business trip. I have a strong feeling that nothing will be done by the time the babies come. But even if that happens it won't be that big a deal. I'd like the babies to sleep in my room for a while when they first come home, so there will be time to do the room. But I really want to start taking all my old stuff out of the attic and I want to start bringing home all the stuff my sister has for me, but I just don't have any place to put it all. That's the main reason I want the babies' room cleared out, to put all this stuff in. Maybe if I just start piling it up in the middle of the living room he'll get the hint!

Jennifer, when I was in the hospital after I found out I was having twins, one of my nurses was a mom of twins. Her advice was to nurse one and give the other a bottle, and switch at the next feeding. That's what I'm going to try doing. But I'm not going to try to pump enough for every bottle, I'll supplement with formula. Even when I just had one, he got one or two bottles of formula a day and I nursed him the rest of the time and he was big, strong, and very healthy. He did get all the benefits of the nursing, but I could leave him with someone else for a while and he was fine about taking a bottle. Hope that helps.

GrnEys76

02-28-2004, 04:10 PM

Hello ladies,

It's great to hear that everyone is doing well. It looks like I am so much further behind you all. I havent been on in a while so Im not sure if I said so but I got the results from my 3hr GD and everything is fine.

This last week was tough for me. I am still working and I am curently 26 wks about to be 27 wks. I work at a fast food resturant, this means I am on my feet about 5 to 6 hrs a day. My feet are beginning to swell. My big worry is that I think I overdid it on Thursday. I had about 2 hrs left of my shift and started feeling flushed, along with that I was feeling menstural like cramps. My boss let me sit on a stool for the duration of my shift. I have Fri and Sat off but return on Sun to work. On Mon I will see a peri then my ob. With all the experiences you all have been through, any idea what my ob might say? This pregnancy is so new to me. When I was pregnant with my daughter I never worked. I wonder if my job is taking a toll on me and my body. I am always sleepy and its getting harder and harder to get comfortable, walk, and getting up and down from the bed, couch, car, etc.

Does it get better?

doublyblessed

02-28-2004, 08:29 PM

Jennifer, it's fun to hear you so excited. I'm glad that things have calmed down for you a little bit! And I enjoyed the story about your daughter. I'm so looking forward to having fun kid stories to tell. I've always loved children, I've been a busy babysitter for a number of years, and I finally get to have my own. I know it will be so different to have my own rather than watching brothers or others' children, I can hardly wait!

I don't know about the one by bottle, one by breast thing. To me, that sounds like having all the work of both! I've set a goal to try my very best to breastfeed both for a year. It can be done! I'd like to try to tandem nurse. I'm going to invest in one of those EZ-2-nurse pillows that everyone loves over on the breastfeeding board. It seems like that's the main tool that makes tandem nursing doable. And I'm also preparing myself to do nothing but nurse almost around the clock for the first month or 6 weeks! I know it will be hard at first, but it will get easier!

Cherie, I'm a little jealous that your nursery is done, too! We've had to add on a room for ours. My dh is installing the light fixtures right now. It sounds like we are getting close with the carpeting and tile (for the hall connecting the baby room to the house. We put the room in the garage.)

My family is visiting in a week and 1/2. My brothers will probably be staying in the baby room and I'm hoping to have the heating vent in and carpet, too.

Pat, I'm sorry that your hospital food is so bad! Especially since you need to be there for a while. I'm hoping to deliver in a somewhat small women's hospital where my Dr. works. I spend a weekend there at 20 weeks. The food was great, just because they don't have a cafeteria and it was catered. Of course, it was inconvenient because my dh had to go out to get food for himself.

Angela, please mention to both your Dr. and peri about how much time your work requires you to spend on your feet. It really sounds like you need to rest more!

2more2come

02-29-2004, 06:25 AM

Angela,

I'm sure your job contributes a lot to how you feel, but you're also hitting the homestretch of your pregnancy! I don't work, but I feel the same way you do....I'm always tired and it gets harder every day to get comfortable or to get up from a chair or my bed. I also feel like I've started to waddle this week. I don't know for sure, and everyone is too afraid to mention it to me, but I really don't think any of this will get better until the babies are born. Good luck to you.

GrnEys76

02-29-2004, 10:30 PM

Rosalynn~ I definately plan on letting the peri and my ob know how I am feeling. After having 2 days off I didnt even feel like working today. I definately feel ready to take some time off.

Lauren~ You just confirmed my thoughts. I think that there is more pressure on my back and abdomen because I am on my feet all day.

I'll let you ladies know what happens at my appts tomorrow. Thanks again

smatterchu

03-01-2004, 12:59 PM

Hi y'all,

Welcome New May Mommies!! It's hard to believe that we are finally in the home stretch. I have a feeling that it will go slowly and quickly at the same time. I just hope that we can just 'stay pregnant' for as long as possible.

Karen, it's always great to hear from you. We all think of you often, and we are pulling for you all during this exhausting time. Hopefully, you will all be able to settle in to your new family.

Like many of you, we haven't exactly gotten the nursery done either. A few weeks ago, I was starting to get panicked, and it wasn't helping that DH didn't seem as concerned. I kept trying to explain to him that we didn't have time to sit around and that one of our girls had already had her babies.....so it could definitely happen sooner than later.

I don't know if it's my growing tummy or the fact that I'll be 30 weeks this Friday, but something appears to have lit a fire under him in the last week or two - thank goodness. Things are in no way complete, but it's starting to come together. Sure, if they came right now, we would just have them in our room anyway - but it would be so nice to have everything in order before that time. I don't know about y'all, but somehow I must be overcompensating for my lack of actual experience and organization. I figure if I have a nicely set up nursery, it will at least look like I have a clue, lol....right??

Speaking of that, I have baby stuff all over the kitchen & family room right now. Yesterday was my shower, and I was so exhausted by the end of the day. I'd spent part of Friday and Saturday trying to get the house ready for my Mom and her friend who would be coming down for the party. They were going to stop by the house before/after, so I wanted it to look nice...especially since one lady had never been there before.

Anyway, DH did most of the work, but there will always be things that I can't trust him to see - much less take care of. (I appreciate his 'big picture' view when it comes to my laziness, but I need him to have a sharper eye when it comes to prepping for company. I am just amazed at the things he won't even notice as we're cleaning, lol...)

Meanwhile, I came down with a sore throat on Friday morning. All weekend and today, I have been trying to clear out the junk that has settled in my throat/chest. I get more stuff every day, so hopefully that means it is 'productive' and will be gone soon. I haven't had a fever, so hopefully it's allergies or just changing weather or something. I sure miss getting to take the 'good stuff' for these kinds of ailments. I miss my Nyquil and other meds, ya know?

The shower was good - we had a good turnout, I think. It was mostly people from our church, and we really appreciate them throwing us one. I grew up in Tennessee and we have only been in this town for about a year. We have friends from church, but our roots don't 'run deep' just yet - so I didn't really expect anyone to do anything. I sure was relieved when they offered.

We got a double baby monitor set, two bouncy seats (the Fisher Price Ocean ones I wanted so bad - yay)...we got a lightweight Jeep double-stroller from my mom....a boppy....two bathtubs (so we'll exchange one)....some great little outfits and sleepers....and a bunch of great necessities like baby spoons, washcloths, bath stuff, bibsters, disposable snack cups, nursing bottle sets/drop ins, diapers, wipes & stuff like that. I've started on my Thank You notes already, because I do not want to have something happen and me not get these out. I've got several done already, but I need to go in there and get some more done.

One thing I'm so glad I did. I found this great 'Mom's Organizer' book at Beall's Outlet for about $5.00....it has great pages full of tips and lists for new Moms. Each section has a little divider tab so you can find things easily -- with places for emergency numbers, baby sitter names/contacts, lists of allergies/issues....etc... In one section, it has a page for shower guests to register and put their name and address. On the next page, your hostess can write down each gift and who gave it to you. The nice part was that my friend only had to flip back and forth to get the right spelling for the givers. And....I have a nice list of addresses for my envelopes.

Now one shower I went to actually had guests fill out their own envelopes and then we were entered in a drawing. When you got your thank you note, the envelope was in your own handwriting. Obviously, it's up to you how you want to do things, but I know my deceased Grandmother would kill me if I did that, lol.... ;-) It's a time-saver, no doubt about it, though...

Well, my 'Marvelous Multiples' childbirth class was over this past Thursday. As the teacher jokingly said, 'You all have graduated, so you are now prepared to bring these babies into the world." HA!!! I will say that I loved the class, but I am so happy to have my Thursday nights back. It is such an ordeal to get showered/dressed and drive to downtown Orlando. I loved going, but I will love staying home even more. ;-)

This weekend is our local Twins Club Sale for spring. We are so lucky to have hit our pregnancies at this time. It sounds like most of the cities' fall on the same schedule for sales. We timed my shower for this past weekend so we'd know what we had left to purchase. I can't imagine going to the sale before the shower -- so this is perfect for us.

Start seeing my OB every two weeks now. I go Peri, OB, skip, OB, Peri. My last Peri appointment was good (cervix still at 4 cm at that time). Hopefully this past weekend didn't do too much damage. I tried to rest when I could, and the sore throat/stuffy head made sure of that, lol... Anyway, I hope to take it easy this week...

Got a question - how much time will your husbans/partners be able to take off to help? Also, will you have any help beyond that?

Patricia, it's so great that you can check in with us from the hospital. Just hang in there...every day/week is a milestone at this point.

Angela, I agree that you need to think about your health and the babies right now. For any of us, we have to be clear to our OB's and Peri's about our situation, because they are counting on us to fill them in. If he does give you restrictions - be sure to ask questions about specifics. Frances has point that out, and my Muliples class teacher said the same thing. Bedrest or Rest is a huge spectrum of activity. I know it's hard now, but you want them to be as big and healthy as possible when they are born. The longer they 'bake', the more likely they will sleep well and eat well when they come home -- this will be very important, as you know. ;-)

I'm getting up from here for a while. You all have a great week. I hope you all continue to have good appointments and test results. By the way, my 3 hr glucose results were surprisingly good -- yay!! I'm so sorry that some of you are having to deal with GD...that is no fun!!

Get rest and stay pregnant.....don't forget to drink....