Anyone else due in June "06

[Daniele'sTwins]

Monica...Congrats on the newhouse! Like others have said PLEASE don't lift anything!!! I know sometimes we think we can carry more than we can and we really shouldn't! I am also glad you had a good appointment yesterday! You better teach your son some manners with his private parts! LOL

Steph...Glad to hear you also had a great appointment! It is soo cool that your babies are almosty a pound each! You are doing a great job!

Steph and Lisa...I was reading about your mil's and I have to say I have the opposite thing going on! My DH's brother already has a son who just turned 2 and we are all in love with that little guy terribly. I am glad he gets a lot of love and is spoiled by his grandmother BUT my babies are referred to "Aidan's cousins"!!!! When my SIL was pregnant my MIL would call me constantly about what she had bought for Aidan and describe every article of clothing etc...She has yet to buy me a thing! When we were down for Thanksgiving (she lives in NJ and we live in RI) she made mention that next year for Thanksgiving my DH and I would have to rent a hotel room because there was not going to be enough room for everyone in her townhouse!!! I was SHOCKED! I can honestly say my parents would sleep on the kitchen floor before they would make me rent a hotel room. Now when we do all go home for Thanksgiving my BIL and SIL take the dog..but there is no room for my babies!! Trust me I could go on and on about my situation but I just wanted to give you the basics so you know the opposite can be just as bad, but you are right too. I would hate it if they were up my but as well. And Steph I hate when they stay for days too! That is one negative that they live far away, they don't just stop by.

Well, I am off to a demonstration at my cousin's house. I will post again soon! I am soooo tired!

Daniele

[qbanmom5]

Hi guys, I love reading your posts but can't help to feel a little jealous about your circumstances with your in-laws and parents. I know it sounds nuts, but DH and I are all alone and have been for the last 10 years. His family is in florida and while they are supportive (over the phone when he calls them), they are very disconnected with him and his family. THey have his sisters and their kids living over there, so these grandkids are kind of forgotten. My parents are here in California (about 60 miles away from us). They might as well be in Florida too. I have 3 kids plus now the twins and they are their only grandkids. Well, it doesn't really seem to matter, my father and his wife have their life and their travelling and I need to schedule visits in advance to see them. My mom is sick (more in her mind than physically), and uses that as an excuse to distance herself. You don't know how many times I have asked her to come live with us so that we can have some support, some help. Childcare for 3 is very expensive, so we had to live on one income all this time so one of us could stay with the kids. Now with the twins, I am on my own since DH has to work now more than ever. I wish that someone would offer to help or even buy something once in a while. My parents always stressed for us to go to school and be successful. Having kids and a family was never important for them. They would rather I be rich than have kids, is what it seems and it is really sad. If anyone offered to get my kids clothes and take them out and show them off I think I would be so happy I would cry. Theres always a flip side to things no matter how bad you think you have it. Think about it and maybe you will appreciate the in-laws more. I hope I didn't offend anyone, but it's my story.

[vthompson]

Ladies - I see both sides of the MIL problems. I don't think anyone should feel like they are offending someone else. Everyone has legitimate issues to deal with and the venting helps! Either extreme is hard to deal with. Why can't in laws just find a happy medium ;)

Valerie

[teresa67]

Just wanted to respond to the MIL problems. I have experience with both extremes. One side is very involved and the other side not involved at all.
It hurts more when they are not involved at all. You feel like they don't love your children or just don't care about you. While on the other side you might have to deal with grandparents that just adore your children and love them so much it drives you crazy. Look at it this way. These babies are ours 100% of the time for the rest of our lives. If grandma and grandpa want to have them for a day, take that as a blessing, gives you some "just me" time.
If they want to buy them clothes, take that as a blessing, you would be so lucky if they bought their clothes till they are grown. I'm sure your MIL is just so excited about these babies, and wants so bad to be in included in their lives, no it doesnt matter that they wear POLO, and I don't like it when people are materialistic either, I'd be just as happy with hand me downs or Walmart, but hey she got your babies POLO, that is nice. And your SIL with her attitude, you sound like you can handle her, I've got SIL's with attitude too, just don't let them give you any lip and they learn to keep their mouth's shut. I know it's hard putting up with MIL's, but you have a long road ahead of you in life with her and it's best to make it as smooth as possible. Plus her wanting to be so helpful might be a plus, what I'm gathering from other twin moms, at first these babies are going to be sooooooooooo much work.......Sleep will be like a great friend that has moved very far away and you will miss her very much.........we will be exhausted, sleep deprived and any help we can get will be a good thing. I love reading about all the ladies on here, from those just finding out they are pregnant with twins to those with their twins in school. Thanks.......Teresa

[Daniele'sTwins]

Trying my ticker.

[Daniele'sTwins]

Yay! I feel so official with my new ticker! Thanks for the help.

As for the MIL issues, no one should feel bad about what they say and I don't either for that matter. qbanmom5...I am very sorry you do not have the grandparent role at all in your life. That does really suck. Grandparents caqn play such a sweet role in a child's life and give you a break sometimes.

I does also suck when people think material goods measure a person's worth. I can totally see where Lisa is going with her feelings. She does not mean that she doesn't want them around she is just saying that she wishes her in laws were more excited about the little people her babies are going to be rather than what clothes they are wearing. I commend Lisa on her morals and values of not wanting to spoil her children. Yes, it is cute for a little while and then they grow up thinking they are entitled to these things and she does not want that. I too have already spoken to my husband who would love to spoil our children and told him that I know we COULD do all that for them but I want them to learn how to save their money each week and one day on a trip to Target buy it for themselves. I get nervous too because I live in a neighborhood where children are extremely spoiled! They do not ride bikes around the neighborhood they have motorized scooters, 4 wheelers, and golf carts. This is not at all the way I was brought up!

I think the bottom line here is that we ALL want what is best for our babies and this is a place that we can vent our feelings. This is also a place where we can give TMI if we need to and express our hormone rages. We should never have to appoligize for what we write, we are just stating a single oppinion, none of us are God (although that would be helpful). We are so different and that makes this board so much fun!

[teresa67]

Lisa,

I understand and I hope nothing I said was taken wrong. You are totally right in what you said, well wrote, lol. These pregnancy hormones only get worse it seems as you get farther along and EVERYTHING bothers you. I'm really impressed with your work ethic and morals, don't be afraid to let it be known to those involved in the children's lives. I am starting out this time being an older mom, I'm 38 right now, and I have decided I am not having spoiled children either, I have a 19 year old daughter that was spoiled by her dad, so I know how that goes. Have a nice evening.

[qbanmom5]

I am glad that no one was offended at me or what I said. I also understand that if my family were trying to mold my kids into little Polo fashion plates I would be unhappy too. It is true that kids don't need all of the material stuff that is often showered on them and it even makes our jobs as moms harder to teach them that life isn't always going to be easy and handed to you. Hope everyone is feeling good and that our hormones remain at bay. I know sometimes I feel like crying for no good reason. My husband is trying to be understanding, but my kids think I am nuts. Talk to you girls soon, Terri

[qbanmom5]

<a href="http://lilypie.com"><img src="http://bd.lilypie.com/8Oikm8.png" alt="Lilypie Baby Ticker" border="0" /></a>

[TMoT]

Hi All!
I've also experienced both/all sides of the spectrum as far as inlaws go, and I guess you just gotta take it one day at a time!!! How's this for strange, though: The mother of my EX (father of my older two boys) is WILD about the idea that one of my twins (from my new man) is a GIRL!!! She is just as involved in this pregnancy (even more so?) as when I was pregnant with her OWN grand-children!!! She can be a real p-i-t-a, if you get my drift, but I have to welcome even this strange turn of events with some surprise/delight...! She has a habit of picking favorites though (have any of you experienced this??), so I'm wary of how things'll go down the road. But for the meantime, as I said, just takin' it one day at a time -- and being thankful for all the good stuff!! :-)

Btw, SO HAPPY to read about all of you trying out the kegel exercises!!!! Just another thing to feel empowered about in our pregnancies! And another thing to celebrate! Hooray!

Sherry

[swineland]

Hello everyone!

As the first one to post on here about the MIL issue, I figured I should chime in with regard to the flurry of posts on the subject. It's been said already by others, but I just wanted to state my agreement about us having this board as a way to vent, a way to not be judged and an outlet for those of us who need it. For those of you who shared that your own MIL's were either gone or not interested in your pregnancy, I sympathize with you....that's all I CAN do. I have not walked in your shoes. Just as you are not walking in mine. When someone chooses to vent about how frustrating a certain aspect of their lives is, this time be it MIL's, all they are looking for is an open forum and, if the reader feels it appropriate, the same sympathy that might be offered in return. Being told to "count my blessings" and "think about appreciating them more" is, to be quite honest, something I can get from my husband. What is difficult to get sometimes is just an ear, a listener....no reply, no "fixes", no advice. Just somewhere to vent.

My two cents.

[naturalmom]

Hey everybody! My name is Melinda and I just found out a couple of days ago that there are two babies in my belly! YAY! There is a boy and a girl-so fraternal. It cracks me up that I got through half of my pregnancy before finding this out, but there wasn't really a need for a sono any earlier. I have 2 kids already-a 2 1/2 yr old boy and a 1 1/2 yr old girl.

I am technically due July 4th, but I noticed that most of the July board posters are due in Aug, so should I post up a month? I know my chances of actually delivering at 40 weeks are pretty slim.

I am feeling pretty good now, terrible m/s the first tri, but it is gone. That was my first clue something was up since I had no m/s with my single pregnancies. I had at least 2 twin dreams before I knew that I was having twins. Did anyone else? DH and I had even talked about the possibility b/c of my m/s, big belly and dreams, so when they said there were two we just laughed hysterically.

My current obsession is finding a vehicle that will comfortably fit 4 carseats. Any thoughts?

Anyway, look forward to getting to know all of you!

[vthompson]

Melinda - Welcome to the board and congratulations on the twins! I cannot imagine how shocking that must have been to find out half way through the pregnancy! However, you and your DH seem like you were slightly clued it. As for changing to another board, I think you will find that you like it here, although I may be bias! Unfortunately, I do not have any insight into vehicles! These are my first children, but hopefully someone on the board will. Well, good luck and welcome again!

In regards to all the MIL posts, I just really hope that people were not offended and no longer want to vent their frustrations. I know others have said it, but everyone should feel safe here to say whatever they want without being judged by others. I just hope that is still the case!

Well, I hope everyone enjoys their Sunday! Any interesting plans for the Super Bowl.

Valerie

[newmomx2]

Hope everyone had a good weekend - I finally finished registering and am happy about my 'theme' I went safari !! Gotta go eat - but wanted to test my ticker..

[KatieM]

:D lisa - ROFLMAO! that was classic!!! (the list of things boys will do... sorry about posting out of order - stupid preggo brain didn't let me read all the way to the end of the posts)

and congrats on the great scan results - from one huge belly to another, I don't think its going to get any easier from here on in

(I have an OB appt on thursday, so I'll let you know how huge I am...)

On another note, is anyones belly button sticking out yet???

[TMoT]

Hi, Melinda! I'm due on 11 July with b/g twins (!) and am posting to this thread too! Congratulations! You sound like you're really taking this Big Surprise in stride! Way to go!!! Do you have twins in your family?? I'm a twin myself (!g/g frat), my little sister gave birth to g/g frat twins two years ago, and my aunt/uncle are twins, etc., etc., etc. So, like you, when I was having BAD m/s, we (esp my MOM) started to suspect...! I've also got two older children -- boys aged 5 and almost-7. I'm freaking out about the idea of having FOUR children, but counting the blessings that my boys are that much older (and independent??!) and that, since there is such an age difference (new marriage), there are two in my tummy who are going to be good buddies!!!! But, yours are all so CLOSE TOGETHER in age!!!!! And you seem so calm! You have my admiration and awe! Congrats again!!!

Dreams: ...I DID also have a dream about having my twins BEFORE (the night before, in fact!) we confirmed the pg/twins by u/s!!!! I wrote about it here previously, but basically it was about a little girl who I imagined was "me" when I was little/a toddler, and the dream had a "subtitle." It said "One of them is a Fatso Blondie" (the name my mom used for me when I was small)! And, when I woke up, I said to myself "ONE" of "THEM"?!?!? Come to find out, later that morning, the doctor confirmed that it was twins! Last week, then, they confirmed that one of them is a girl too (!) -- my first! And, my _only_ Fatso Blondie! :'-) Just goes to show you! ;-)

Six-passenger cars: (YES, we've been vigorously researching this subject!) Toyota, Honda and Chrysler all have good mini-van models. This, I've heard through the grapevine, because I haven't seen them myself! Problem with m-vs/alleged "six"-passenger vehicles you have to look out for is that they're OFTEN FIVE-seater (total) vehicles which can be "expanded" to accommodate SIX passengers. This means: Loss of luggage/baggage space when you add "extra" seats; and CRAMPY position for passengers who are squeezed in the back of the vehicle on "make-shift" seats!!!!! Just look out for those caveats, and you should be okay!!!!!

In the meantime, we're planning to buy a Mercedes Viano, which is a REAL eight-passenger mini-van and thus has room for an extra passenger or two when you're travelling with the Whole Gang plus Grandma (or/and someone/thing), AND room in the rear for groceries, twin strollers, bassinettes, etc., etc. (The Viano actually has three lengths, and we're looking at the middle sized one -- about 15' (!) long!!)

A couple things about the Viano: We live in Europe/Belgium, so it's easier (cheaper?) to get German-made vehicles here. I don't know if the Viano is even on the market in the US... Also, I got ALL the inside-scoop on this vehicle from a close friend who (like us) had two older children (hers are b/g like you!) and gave birth to b/g twins two years ago. She is absolutely OVER THE MOON about her Viano! And, since they're English, they do a lot of road tripping (Belgium-England, and "beyond" too!), so that says a mouthful.

The Toyota "equivalent": I've heard good things about this vehicle too (although I forget the model-name now). In Europe, it's currently being refitted to accommodate new/future child car-seat regulations, so my partner didn't get to see it at the recent Auto Show here, but I think it might be worth a look-see for you too (and maybe more widely-available in the US?)...

Volvo also has a "six"(?)-passenger car/suv-type thing which is AWESOME too (more like a _car_ which is cool, and very safe, of course because "it's a Volvo"!), but the price tag is also AWESOME: Starts here at about $70,000!!!!!!!

Well. We're test-driving the Viano today, so I can give you a better idea tomorrow about how it handles, etc. (if you're interested). There are special Auto Show conditions in place right now, so we'll probably move quickly on buying it, and since it's a Mercedes (and because of the input we've gotten hand-to-mouth), I'm not worried about ending up with "a lemon."

Other advice, though: Don't know if you would even consider it, but the French mini-van makes (Renault, in particular), although they get good safely "marks," I've heard nothing but complaints about their inability to withstand wear and tear... And for the VW Sharan/Touran: Just double-check for the caveats about mini-vans I mentioned above....!

Wow. Spewed again!

...Melinda, congrats with all your BABIES! Good luck with your car-hunt, and pleeease keep me posted on your findings -- esp if you decide to go for that Volvo! ;-)
Sherry/TMot (Twin Mom of Twins)

[naturalmom]

Thanks for the warm welcome! Wow, Sherry, lots of twins in your family. So cool. Very little in mine (I distant set)-more in DH's but I dropped 2 eggs, so he didn't contribute to that, right? I will say that I am fertile mertile-DH looks at me and I am pregnant-hence all of the babies close in age-lol.

Thanks for advice on cars too-the Mercedes sounds cool! I bet you can get a better deal over there! I am not even sure we have it in the US yet-I will ask DH. I guess we had get our butts out there to test drive. I have always liked volvos too!

No belly button popping out yet.

Lisa, I didn't catch all of the other IL posts yet, but I would also be ticked if my IL's picked out coming home from hospital clothes without my permission-esp with first babies. And yeah, I am a big crier it seems right now, and I hardly ever cry when not pregnant. I have been more emotional with this pregnancy than my single ones.

Hey, I have a question-do you guys have any particular weight goals or are you just going with the flow trying to eat right? Since I found out there were two, I thought I should bump up caloric intake alittle. I am 19 weeks and have gained about 15 lbs. I have ordered a couple of expecting twins books, so maybe that will help. I want to deliver nice healthy fat babies:D, while being as kind to my bod as I can!

[swineland]

Good morning!

Well, I, too, have been having a rough time lately with the mood....cried all weekend seems like! My husband has a very high-stress job, has insomnia and right now is going through a "bad patch" with not sleeping (3-4 hours a night) AND the you-know-what hitting the fan at work. Well, last week was very busy for him and he was oh so happy to get home Friday night and finally have 2 days to try and de-stress. Of course, since I had ALL day to think about things and get all fired up, when he walked in the door I hit him with the MIL issue. I said everything I've always wanted to say about his parents, and while he isn't terribly close with them, once a son, always a son. I had no idea how he would react, but it wasn't pretty. He was so taken aback that 1. I had these things to say, and 2. more importantly, I chose to say them with awful timing. All he kept saying was "you couldn't wait 15 minutes after I walked in the door from this week to hit me with this?" and "it just couldn't wait a few days??". Then I started feeling bad, second-guessing myself and wondering if I truly was the one who "screwed up". He said, did you think I wouldn't find this as an additional stressor?? I said, I never meant for it to stress you out, I just wanted you to listen to me. Well, Men ARE from Mars and Women ARE from Venus. :) Also, when I was telling him how annoyed I was with her "grandmommy shower" and the long 10-day visits, he thought I was the one being selfish and making mountains out of molehills. Perhaps. Needless to say, we're fine now, but I almost threw a bowl of soup in his face.

Lisa, I completely understand how you felt being at that party over the weekend and the drinking/smoking. Like you, I could party with the best of them pre-pregnancy, but now everything is different. (Even though I CANNOT wait to have my first big glass of Cabernet when this is all over!) Also, here again, I find it ridiculous that your MIL picked out the going-home outfits! I wonder if you could suggest to her something like "hey, why don't you and I go shopping for the babies. That way, I can be sure that what we pick out is something I like too, and you can feel like you were able to buy them stuff". Not sure how "frank" you can be with her.......

Last night's Superbowl was disappointing...the commercials were horrible and we thought the calls on the field were completely one-sided. Sorry to you Steeler fans :) I know there were at least two calls that literally cost the Seahawks the game. Bad refs....bad bad. :) Oh well, it's all in good fun.....we still enjoyed watching it and are sad there is no more football to look forward to until next season. But that's ok! We've got BABIES to look forward to!

Well, I'm off to BRU to finish up some things on my registry. We wanted to register for one Baby Bjorn, but being that I'm 5'11" and my husband is 6'3", we really want the "XL" version. It just has longer straps than the original. Anyway, they didn't seem to have them there, except there were TWO on clearance! So, I am going to go buy one and just be done with it.

Also, we put together our duoglider this weekend and I was pushing it all around the house with a stuffed Pooh Bear in the front seat and a doll in the carseat. :D Can you tell I once was a bored only child???

See you guys later
Steph

[megzmom]

Just testing to see if the ticker works

[qbanmom5]

My 6 year old took this picture yesterday. Are you guys about this size? I want to see some bellys girls! Terri


<a href="http://lilypie.com"><img src="http://lilypie.com/pic/060207/Thts.jpg" alt="Lilypie Baby Pic" width="61" height="80" border="0" /><img src="http://bd.lilypie.com/8Oikm7.png" alt="Lilypie Baby Ticker" border="0" width="400" height="80" /></a>

[TMoT]

Melinda, funny about DH looking at you and you getting pg!!! Looks like you're right on the money with that one! Thought _I_ was fertile, but wow, you have me in awe! Good luck with the car-hunt. I'll keep you posted on the Viano deal...

Weepiness: I'm not joking when I say EAT YOUR FISH!!!! I had a pretty bad (inexplicable) episode of weepiness yesterday. The cause was silly, as always!, but I realized I haven't been taking in as much fish/Omega-3 as usual, and it REALLY makes a difference!!! Try eating as much red fish (salmon, rainbow trout, etc.) as you can -- if you can stand it -- and I PROMISE YOU you'll see the impact with moodiness/weepiness/depression right away! This also holds true for post-partum depression!!! Read on:

http://www.mercola.com/2003/jun/4/fish_oil_pregnancy.htm

But, if that's not reason enough, check out why Omega-3 (DHA) is SO GOOD/ESSENTIAL for your developing BABIES too:

http://www.webmd.com/content/Article/90/100860.htm

In fact, a report I read linked pregnancy/post-partum depression with the fact that babies developing in utero used up Mommy's DHA/Omega-3, which had a "negative" impact on Mommy's brain -- hence weepiness/depression. And, the only way to restore "balance" is by Mommy consuming _more_ Omega-3 rich foods (see the article, but FISH is a very good start)!!!! Gee, I've written about this so many times now, I think I might just make it another thread!!!!! ;-)

Diet/Weight Gain (Melinda again): We've had lots of discussions about weight gain on this (and other) thread/s. The golden rule for twins is "24lbs by 24wks." Don't know how well you're doing by that measure, but we SURE DO want fat, healthy, full-term twins, so EAT and GO FOR IT!!! :-) Here's a very cool link I keep posting so you can see just _what_ you need to be concentrating on for intake (and to avoid premature babies, pre-eclampsia, toxemia, etc., etc.):

www.blueribbonbaby.org
www.blueribbonbably.org/fastfood.shtml

The second link is actually about ways to even make FAST FOOD (!) work for you in pregnancy, and goes contrary to a lot of conventional wisdom "taboos"! Go figure! If ONLY there were Baskin-Robbins' here!!!!! :-(

Well, dig in and enjoy knowing you're doing good for all three of you!
Sherry

[megzmom]

Hi. When I found out that I was pg the drs told me not to eat more than 1 serving of fish per week (including tuna fish). I am not sure if its just Florida but there are high levels of mercury. So I can't wait for that once a week to come for my tuna. I also read a similar article this past month (not sure which mommy magazine). They didn't list tuna but they listed other types of fish.

Belly- my belly looks just like yours maybe rounder even though I am still -5 lbs since getting pregant. I have "gained" 3;bs since last week.

Itching- Does anybody else feel like their skin is crawling? I have a rash from scratching all over my belly. I put Aveno on after shower and Cocoa butter in the evening. I look like I have hives. I am going to soak in an oatmeal bath tonight to see if that helps.

Car- funny about the car issue. I had a 4 door saturn but with 1 child and 2 more in car seats there wasn't enough room. Luckily our last payment was the month after we found out we were expecting twins. So last month we went out and got a Nissan Quest. I liked that it had two sliding doors so I don't have to crawl with a baby to the other side. My older daughter will sit in the back. I am extreemly nervous about the ride home. I will probably sit in the back with her so I can see the babies. Not sure how comfortable it will be with a csection. I am sure that the babies will have to stay in the hosptial a little bit longer than I will. Maybe that will help me recover a little bit quicker.

Car seats- I have looked at both BRU and Baby depot. I saw one time that someone said Baby Depot was less expensive. Was the stroller you looked at just as stable? I am also looking how small it folds and how much it weighs. Any input?

Hormones-I feel all of your pains about hormones. I am so cranky lately and I know it, which makes it worse. Even though I know I am irritable I still explode. Today I was trying to get the kids chairs moved for tomorrow big FCAT test. They didn't listen, I yelled and THREW up!!!!! Right in front of my students. I wasn't so embarrassed as more mad. I haven't cried alot yet. I did get real emotional at the store this weekend. I finally went out an bought my first outfit for the boys. I am not superstitious(sp) but I am very nervous this pregnancy about buying things to early. I put it off -lying to myself that it was just until I found out the sex. I found out 2 weeks ago! As I put the outfits in the cart I started to cry a little. I was amazed how overwhelmed I was. I still can't believe that I am pregnant and having twins and they are BOYS! Does anyone get hit in the face with that every once in a while? YOu think we'd come to grasp with all the physical and emotional changes but sometimes I am still in awe!

Okay I rambled on....talk to you all later.

[Tadpoles' Mum]

Hi everyone,

I am Georgina's Mum and have only just realised that she posted on here as well as the May thread. I have been updating for her regularly on there.

She is still in hospital and things are very stressful at the moment. She is not in ptl and the babies are doing fine, but her cervix is struggling to cope and we are fighting a battle to keep those babies in there. At the moment she is 23 weeks 4 days and the doctors do not think she can make it to ensure that the babies will be okay. So tomorrow morning (Tuesday) the doctors are doing an emergency cerclage in an effort to buy us enough weeks to get the babies to a good weight. There is a 50/50 chance with the cerclage but less than that without it - the full story is on the May thread.

Please have her in your thoughts Tuesday morning.

Rae

[mmzill]

Hey everyone~

It's so good to hear that most of you are on the emotional rollercoaster too! I feel like a basket-case! I've been so weepy this past week and weekend. I think it's all the stress. But whatever, I'm ready to be over it and move on :)

Well, I guess I'm lucky, no IL problems here.....although my FIL did call and want to know if he could have "veto-power" over any names we might pick out that he didn't like. Is that crazy or what???? Oh well, I laughed it off and told him to send us a list of names he likes. He has 8 grandkids, but none (until the twins) that will carry his last name, so he's all excited.

Oh, I had a dream about twins before I knew we were having them. I think that's pretty cool, that our sub-consious sometimes warns us of what's coming.

Well, I've been enjoying reading all the posts. It makes me realize I'm not in this alone. I've got to run though, I've been so busy the past week.

~Monica

[vthompson]

Rae - I am so sorry to hear about Georgina. I will keep her and the babies in my prayers. Please keep us posted.

Megzmom - Unfortunately, I do not have details on the stroller at Baby Depot. However, we looked at both models, BRU and BD, and they seemed exactly the same, except the one at BD did not come with a car seat. I also heard the same thing about the fish as you. Actually, I asked my doctor about it today and she said you really should limit to one serving per week because of the high levels of mercury.

Terri - It looks as though you and I may be about the same belly size based on your picture.

As for the question about weight gain, I am just going to keep up what I have been doing and gain as much weight as possible. I usually snack about every 2 hours and then eat my 3 meals a day. If I don't eat the snacks, I get sick to my stomach now.

I had an appt today and everything went well. I talked to the doc about cutting my hours down and she said she would be willing to fill out the paperwork. However, if the disability insurance did not approve it, then I would have my paychecks cut. She said it is very hard to convince insurance companies of the need for bedrest. So, my DH and I discussed it and have decided to wait a few more months. :( Speaking of hormones, I almost started crying at the thought of continuing to work. I just wish I could afford to stop. But, the doc said that unless there are signs of pre term labor, it will be hard to prove the need for bed rest. I am grateful and thankful to God that there is nothing wrong with the pregnancy so far. However, it is absolutely miserable going to work. However, I will keep trudging on! Well, I better get going. Talk to everyone soon!

Valerie

[Daniele'sTwins]

Hello Friends!!!

I have GREAT news! I had my doctors appointment today and it went SO well! The tech could not find the four cysts (two on each baby's brain) at all. The doctor on duty then came in to look for himself and they confirmed that the cysts had vanished! WAHOO! I could not have been more happy! I attribute that to the power of prayer ladies! Other than that they also think my babies are fraternal rather than identical. I guess it looks like there were two placentas that joined instead of just one.
Also,
Baby A is 1lb 1oz and Baby B is 15 oz. My placenta is still very low. They did an internal us after the regular one to see just how low it is. I asked if I should go out of work (HINT, HINT) but they said that the low lying placenta is not too bad, it just means that I will need a c-section, unless of course I bleed. I came home telling my DH that we should have sex so I bleed a little...lol

Rae- Thanks for keeping us updated! I will continue to pray.

Lisa- I again have to completely agree with you about the clothes, especially becasue these are your first two babies! That would upset me too. I would just say thank you and still buy them whatever I wanted and act like I forgot that is what she said. As for the smoking! I cannot believe that people were smoking around you! That is absolutely not acceptable! My own aunt did that to me this Christmas! I was so shocked that she did that, that I just got up and left myself! People can be sooo rude!

Melinda- Welcome and congrats on your b/g twins!

Katie- No belly button popping out here...hopefully it doesn't. I have to say I hate the feeling of anything touching it now that I am pregnant!

Sherry- Wow! I have never heard of so many twins! That is sooo cool!

Megzmom- I also heard not to eat a lot of fish. I also heard good things about salmon and then again heard very bad things about it. I don't eat it at all. I will occasionally eat chunk light tuna (once every 2-3 weeks). I still eat cooked clams and calamari, but that is pretty much it for the fish. And please don't take ANY supplements without talking to your doctor first!

Valarie- I can totally realate to the work thing! I want out SO bad! I teach second grade and I am so tired faking the high energy! I can't be on my feet all the time anymore!

I am also moody! This morning I just wanted to cry because I hated my hair, make-up and this clothes situation! My maternity clothes don't fit me the way I want them to and it drives me nuts! The xs is too small and the smalls are way too big! I know I will grow into them but I hate the stage I am at right now!

Does anyone have stretch marks yet? I don't but I don't know if I would have them already or not.

Talk to you soon!

[mmzill]

Danielle - I'm so happy that your appointment went well!! That is wonderful that the cysts are gone, and it looks like the babies are growing well also. You make me sick that your XS maternity clothes don't fit anymore.....:) I'm stretching out the M and filling up the L really fast!

Valerie - Glad your appt went well too! It's always such a relief. Sorry that you or Danielle can't quit work yet! I don't know how you do it. I get so tired just walking around my apartment. I have to sit down frequently - so I admire you guys that are still working everyday.

No belly button outie for me yet either. Mine never did with my dd, but that's a good thing, because my bellybutton is so deep that if it popped out I think it would catch on everything :p I don't remember who posted the picture of their belly, but it's really cute! I feel so much bigger than that! But this is my second pregnancy.

As far as the going home outfits - I know I want to pick out the outfits they come home in!! And, I'd be offended if anyone tried to pick them out for me. That is just something the mom and dad get to do!

I hope everyone has a good day! I'm really feeling good today, yeah!
~Monica

[TMoT]

Hi, All!
LOVE the belly picture, Terri!!!!! Wow. Your six-year old is a great shot, too! ;-) I'll try to get my six-year-old to take a picture of my belly too, and we'll post it here.... We can start a whole gallery! Come on, ladies!!! :-D

Speaking of bellies (belly buttons, etc.), these last couple of days I really feel the STREEEETCHING going on...! I read that this (18 wks) is a growth spurt period, and man!, can I feel it!!! Stretch marks from my previous pgs (Baby #2 was almost 10lbs at birth!), are really starting to show! :-( Wah!!! Does anyone have tips on what to use to make the stretching go more smoothly/help to avoid scars?????? Might just google for that and see....

I have an "innie" too -- and with my second pg, it disappeared!!! I mean: stretched _flat_. Fascinating (??!). Bet no one has this though (?): A belly ring!!! I got it after my last pg (as an incentive to get that belly back in shape!?!), so I'm trying/waiting to see how far I can go before I have to remove it for good. (DO have to take it off for L2 u/s already tho...)

Danielle: CONGRATS on your awesome checkup!!! Praying is so much more constructive than worrying/panicking, isn't it?! I'm so happy for you! Just curious: Were you really SERIOUS about having sex to cause bleeding??!?!? I had bleeding/forced bedrest at 8wks -- and now I can't work for the rest of the pg! -- and, believe me, it wasn't fun (not working IS fun, though, gotta admit)!! :-( But we HAD had sex a couple days before the bleeding "incident." Also air-travel, and some pretty stressful connections, etc... But do you think it would "work"??!? And -- more importantly -- do you really WANT it to??! Yikes! ...I couldn't tell if you were kidding or not...!!!

Btw, what IS the general consensus here on SEX DURING PREGNANCY???!?! In my previous 2 pgs, I/my partner usually didn't let it stop us. But, WITH TWINS, I feel so much more leery. The doc even specifically advised against intercourse after the bleeding I had (it's a bit "too shocking for the babies" she said!!..?!?) The bleeding, btw, was VERY heavy and caused by the placenta of one twin being "abrupted"/detached from the uterine wall in _two_ places! :-( We were in panic there for a few weeks, especially the first 5-6 days, and the "hematomas" actually took weeks to heal!!! Now -- whew! -- they're ALL GONE though! *sigh* Amen!

But what about SEX then??!? Now, my partner and I go ahead, _when_ I'm in the mood, when the nausea isn't making me a sick, green vegetable -- which still happens sometimes! -- and when my hormones aren't making me a horrible, unapproachable monster! In the first trimester, the latter was much more of an "issue," and I think my partner actually liked to become "intimate" with me as a way of helping me to "calm down," cope with the moodiness, etc. In fact, I really appreciated that and found that, surprisingly, it worked (even without "full" intercourse)!

Now (in our 2nd trimester), I enjoy the "physical intimacy" much more, and even feel "in the mood"/sensual more often (unless I look in the mirror and start feeling self conscious about my ballooning size!!)!!! Even if I'm feeling self-conscious, though, I feel like this sex/"intimacy" (whatever you want to call it!) has been a nice way for my partner to help me "manage" these dramatic/alien (even in my 3rd pg!) changes my body is going through. In fact, he loves all the voluptuousness my "new" body has (that I'm so self-conscious about!), so that feeling really helps me to keep balanced and comfortable with my own changing body/self. Whew. My last pg was not surrounded with as much love and physical contact as this one :-(, so this is really a welcome (usually!!) difference!!!

But what are you all experiencing in this regard?? Are you having sex at all? Are you avoiding it? Am I introducing another taboo subject that would be best left alone??!! ;-) Well, if you're not too shy, I would really love to hear from you all. I do have my reservations about the subject (and the practice) on occasion -- and even though I enjoy the attention/intimacy, I often spend a lot of time worrying afterwards whether we haven't "done something wrong" or "hurt the babies" (!), so that can kinda take the enjoyment away. So, I have mixed feelings. What do you (and Dad too?!) all think????

Just another Can of Worms from Yours Truly!! ;-)
Sherry

[Dad of twins]

Hello ladies! You have been posting alot since I have last looked. My wife had her appointment on Fri. Everthing looks good he said. He had a hard time finding the heart beats. The Boy's were just moving all over the place. She had a break down at the office when she got weighed. She has gained 18lbs so far. She thinks that she is huge! I tell her she is not but she doesn't listen to me:p She is a little bigger than you Terri. I don't know how to post pictures.:confused:
Lisa I hate to tell you but I think those are stretch on your boobs. My wife's boobs have leaked a little too. On of her nipples had dryed white stuff on it so she picked it off and her nipple is sore and cracked a little.

Danielle I am glad your appointment went so well. You must be a very small lady to start with b/c my wife is already in a large and she is not a very big girl.

Katie my wife's belly button is flat with her belly so anyday now it will be poking out!:D Pg bellies are so cute.

Valerie my wife was home alone with my 4year old this weekend and she siad it was harder than going to work. So she is going to work as long as she can. Atleast that is what she says now!

There are photo galleries out there that show bellies with stetch marks on them. Just incase you want to see what they look like. My wife is worried about getting them. I tlod her it is no big deal but she says it is!

Well I should get going now. Good talking to you ladies! Good luck and enjoy being Pg while you can b/c it goes too fast!!

Jason
Nathan & Noha

[EBTwinz]

Jason: I just saw your post and laughed out loud. It's just funny to hear (or in our case read) a guy tell me I have stretch marks on my boobs! Too funny!!

Lisa

[Dad of twins]

Lisa that is just mean! My wife and I have not had sex since the start! 22 weeks :eek: ! It is not that bad. I understand why and I don't want to anything to happen to the boy's so I can go without if I have to! She does do things for me so I am not really going without.
Jason

[swineland]

Hey guys!

Things are going well today...feel pretty good and looking forward to my next water class tomorrow night. I am getting ready to whip out the sewing machine and make one of those Boppy Newborn Lounger pillows. http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/B0009RG8E6/103-8182619-4615821?v=glance
Since they don't carry but one or two colors, I decided to get some fabric that matches our nursery and make it myself. Anyway, I'll let you know how it turns out! If I were a newborn, I would love to lounge in that thing....it looks SO comfy!

As far as the sex goes, it's been pretty quiet on our end. We've had sex twice since my being pregnant and I have to say that neither one of us really cares about it at this point. I am really not ever in the mood....just feeling big and cumbersome and all. My husband doesn't want to "hurt" anything and is constantly worried if I'm comfortable. To be honest, we get most of our intimate time right now by snuggling on the sofa together, reading to the babies, holding hands through Babies R Us, etc. Luckily for me, while DH of course likes sex :), he doesn't go crazy if he doesn't get it for awhile. It's just not something he feels like he would DIE without, like some men.

Glad to hear everyone on here is feeling pretty good these days. I can't imagine being in a situation like Georgina, and I wish her well.

Hey, do you guys have the "Linea nigrea" yet?? I have had it for a couple weeks. What a weird thing to happen during pregnancy. I mean, of all the symptoms and side effects, to have a line appear on your belly just seems funny to me!

Last night we were sitting in the nursery, just talking and spending time (we do this ALL the time....love it in there!) Anyway, I was looking at the new Duoglider sitting in the corner, all open and ready to go with my Pooh bear sitting in the front and the infant seat snapped in the back and I swear....that thing is COLOSSAL! It's the biggest stroller...I just can't wrap my head around the fact that I'm taking it out in public and going places with it. It's like a bus, seriously. Fortunately, we are getting the single stroller as well, so I'm really planning on doing the stroller/bjorn combo as much as possible. We'll see if my plan gets shot to he!! when the babies are born :)

Have a great day everyone!

Steph

[qbanmom5]

I am feeling pretty good today too. I have an ultrasound tomorrow with the peri. I can't wait to see them and to find out if they are boys or girls or both. I haven't bought a thing yet because I don't know what colors to get. Also I haven't picked out names for the same reason. I just can't wait and I will be sure to let you all know right away.

For some of the moms who are not feeling well enough to work, my Dr (bless his heart) took me off work for a month, and he says he will do it month to month to avoid problems with the disability folks. Maybe you could talk to your doctor about it.

I am drinking a gallon of water a day. I counted and it takes me 12 good sized gulps to drink 8 oz. I carry around my 1/2 gallon water jug and take 12 gulps every hour (plus a few in between since I am soooo thirsty now). By afternoon I refill it and do the same thing until I go to bed. I am getting really used to it even though at times I get sooo full. I like the fact that I eat my meals but I no longer keep eating to the point of hurling like I did before the water.

Is anyone else having braxton hicks? They aren't painful but sometimes they kind of take my breath away.

About sex, we aren't having intercourse since about 12 weeks. After that the vulvar veins started bulging and everything feels so swollen. We mess around and that is about it. My husband has always been really apprehensive with all of my pregnancies. WHich is sad because I've found that it is when I want it the most. After the kids are here, I am not very interested anymore. Sad, huh? Just sooo busy..Sorry if this is too much information, but you guys are my friends now. I don't tell my family any of these things. They don't even ask.

The breast leaking is normal now. I read it somewhere. I squeezed real hard the other day to see if the little drop I saw was milk. I don't recommend it, my nipple was killing me for 2 days. My belly button is bulging, it is just a lot lower than with my other pregnancies (6-10 years ago). Must be gravity-- everything seems to be pointing south these days.

Is anyone having their tubes tied after this? I am. These 2 will make 5 and I don't think I can afford anymore. As it is now, we outgrew our house (3 bedrooms) and our car --uuuggghhh! DH hates mini-vans, so I think we will have to get one of those gas guzzling road-hogging SUV's. Don't get me wrong, I love them too, but with the price of gas I didn't want the added expense. Also, everyone seems to have one, and when I drop off and pick up my kids it is all I see. Well, thanks and talk to you later, Terri

<a href="http://lilypie.com"><img src="http://lilypie.com/pic/060207/Thts.jpg" alt="Lilypie Baby Pic" width="61" height="80" border="0" /><img src="http://bd.lilypie.com/8Oikm7.png" alt="Lilypie Baby Ticker" border="0" width="400" height="80" /></a>

[megzmom]

As far as the sex part goes, I feel like the odd ball out. My hormones kicked into 2nd gear after the first trimester. So did my husbands. We had a bleed scare on New Years so we stayed away for a week. Then at the end of Jan, the specialists said we had a low lying placenta so no relations. She sounded shocked that we were still having relations.

I joked with my husband that he is going to now have to wait over a year. Think about it. 3-4 months until babies are born, another 2-3 months after csection, then another 4-6 months until babies are on a routine and we aren't completely exhausted. :) Hopefully for us thats not a true account. I heard that the low lying placenta moves and my go back to normal. Besides the babies safe and healthy that will be my next question!

I try not to think of going on bed rest. Yes I absolutely would love to relax and decompress from school and standing all day but I try not to think about it too much.

Sounds like alot of you are already far along on your nursery. I feel so behind. My husband just primed 2 walls yesterday and my mom is coming over this weekend to paint but I don't have any real baby furniture yet.:(

[EBTwinz]

Will this workday ever end? I swear I am just sitting here, counting the minutes until I can leave. I wish I didn't have to be here 9 hours everyday. My butt is starting to hurt from sitting in this chair.

Anyways, Steph, I just saw those lounger pillows at Baby Depot this weekend so I added two of them to my BRU registry. They do look soooo comfy! If only I knew how to sew then I would get them new colors, too. Actually, I got on this kick about 3 years ago that I wanted to start designing clothes. I asked my parents for a sewing machine for Christmas. They still joke about the fact that I have yet to take it out of the box. Maybe it's time I teach myself to sew. I don't have the linea nigrea, yet. I can see a faint dark line, but it's not too noticeable. I do notice that my stomach is hairy. I know that sounds gross, but all the sudden I have these little blond hairs on my stomach. I just love hormones!!

Terri: Good luck at your appt. Let us know how everything goes. As for the braxton hicks, I am not sure if I have them. What do they feel like? Sometimes I get mild cramping, like I am getting my period, but not as bad. Is that the same thing?

Megzmom: I didn't start my nursery, yet. Actually, I am moving at the end of the month to our new house. I can't wait. Our first project is to set up the nursery. I have all the furniture and bedding, just no where to put it just yet.

Okay, 5 more mins until I can leave. That gives me enough time to shut down my computer, check my messages, and slowly walk out the door.

Talk to you all tomorrow....
Lisa

[newmomx2]

Wow - I am jealous...since we conceived with IVF and then I was hospitalized for a week, ER twice etc...we have not been allowed to have Sex since August !!! but I am must say we are so nervous we don't really want to...of course when DH was in the military and over seas we did the whole not see each other for 6-7 months ...

Haven't been posting much lately been busy with work, getting the house ready and now I have a cold and feel like ****. Yesterday I was in the office for 12 hours YUCK and I felt like a freak show I swear people were stopping by to see how big I was not to see how I was doing - I told the guy who sits next to me we should start to sell tickets...

DH is on night work all this week (7 days) so we are not seeing much of each other - makes communication in passing short and to the point !

I have Georgina in my prayers...

All finally got my registry done and picked a safari theme ! I would like to paint the babies room but DH hates to paint and I can't right now so I will just have to make do with what I have...

Well better go get my shower and back to work.

Hope everyone has a good day

[mmzill]

Hey everyone - I hope your day is going well!!!!

Sherry - you mentioned stretching. I've got one spot on my belly (just the skin), just to the left of my belly button that hurts or maybe burns would be more accurate. I try to keep lotion on it, and that seems to help some, but I"m not sure what it is. My guess is it's the skin pulling, but there are no red marks like a normal stretch mark leaves.

Also sex......my hormones have been in over drive the last month, much to my husband's delight! I have a theory, which is by no means scientific, but a theory none the less.......We are having boys and I think their testosterome (spelled wrong) may be affecting my desire for sex. When I was pregnant with my dd, I didn't want my dh to touch me at all, much less have sex, and when we did I couldn't get an orgasm no matter how hard I tried. But with this pregnancy it's been considerably different. I am now starting to feel very cumbersome though, and not really able to move so it's much harder to enjoy it, but at least I have the desire.
We've never worried about having sex, I've never had any bleeding or any contractions so it's not been a big deal. My dh did have a time getting used to it with my first pregnancy, afraid he was going to get grabbed or something :p , but he's not worried about it with this pregnancy.

Leaky boobs is very common! It happens to me all the time, it's so annoying...but just wait until your milk comes in and you start squirting your dh!!!! :eek: I guess we have to laugh about something!!!

Steph - I don't have a dark line on my belly yet. But it is getting alot of fine hairs all over it. Also, I'm jealous about your nursery, we've yet to begin on ours, and I'm ready to get working on it! But we have to move first.

Teri - That is great that you are drinking so much water. Good for you!! I try to get 64 oz down a day, but I struggle with it. Good luck on your appointment today! I hope it goes well. Keep us posted.

Well, nothing new to report on me. The boys are moving alot more - mostly at night when I'm trying to sleep. I have the hardest time falling asleep anymore, I just lay in bed tossing and turning. It's so frustrating.

Have a good one!
~Monica

[vthompson]

I didn't have a chance to look at the posts yesterday so I had a lot of catching up to do. They have me really busy at work this week, which sucks! I like it better when I can relax at my desk and take my time. I have been completely wiped out the past 2 days and I know it is because of this dumb job! I have also realized that I am obsessed with not working. So, I will stop talking about it!! :)

Danielle - Congratulations on the great appt. I am so happy for you!!! I hope I have the same results at my next u/s. I have noticed stretch marks on my sides. However, I used to be very small, under 100 pounds. I then developed hypothyroidism and I gained a lot of weight before they could figure out what was going on. I think those marks may have been the result of that weight gain and are getting more visible now that I am pregnant.

Lisa - They did measure my tummy at my appt. However, we were talking to the doctor about things as she did it and I completely forgot to ask her what the measurements were. Oh well!! I have not experienced any leaking yet. Another lovely thing to look forward to :p I also have a hairy stomach. I noticed a lot of small blonde hairs sticking up.

Sherry - As for sex, I have noticed a decrease in my drive lately. At the beginning of the 2nd trimester, I really wanted it. Now, I have my moments but it is not as much as it once was. We are still having sex, but we are both very cautious. Then after, my DH always waits till I go to the bathroom to make sure everything is ok. It is funny how pregnancy makes you change!!

Jason - If it makes your wife feel any better, I have also gained 18 pounds so far. My doctor seemed ok with this so I am not going to worry about it.

Steph - I wish I could sew! It probably saves you a ton of money! I have noticed a line from my belly button. It is not real dark yet, but it is there.

Terri - I cannot wait to hear about your appt. I hope all goes well! I do not think I have experienced Braxton Hicks yet. What do they feel like? I will not be getting my tubes tied. These are our first babies. I am not sure if we will have more, but I don't want to close the door yet.

Megzmom - I am not nearly as far on the nursery as everyone else. We have the room cleared out and paint picked out, but not bought. We ordered the furniture but it has not arrived yet. My DH coaches high school hockey so we were waiting until after the season to work on it.

Newmomx2 - I hope you feel better. It sucks to be sick, but especially when you are pregnant. Also, make sure you are not overdoing it at work with the long hours! (sorry, I sound like your mother!!).

Well, gotta get back to work, I am already over my lunch break.

Valerie

[qbanmom5]

Hi, baby A is a 13 oz GIRL and baby B is a BOY (I missed the weight I was so emotional). She said everything looks good and no problems. The girl (Luci) is breech right now and the boy (Ricky) is the horrible pressure I feel under my right rib cage (ouch - and its his feet there). DH picked the names, he is a huge fan. I only agreed as long as I could change the spelling on Lucy and I will be picking middle names. Let me know if anyone thinks of any good ones. Talk to you all later, Terri

<a href="http://lilypie.com"><img src="http://lilypie.com/pic/060207/Thts.jpg" alt="Lilypie Baby Pic" width="61" height="80" border="0" /><img src="http://bd.lilypie.com/8Oikm7.png" alt="Lilypie Baby Ticker" border="0" width="400" height="80" /></a>

[vthompson]

Terri - Congratulations!!! I am so happy for you!! The names are very cute! Our baby A is a girl and baby B is a boy. That is ironic!!! Well, have fun buying stuff now!! It is exciting!

Valerie

[qbanmom5]

Valerie, that is sooo cute that your A is a girl and B a boy also. We are only 2 days apart (by due date) and to boot, you are due on my Birthday. Where do you live? Talk to you later, Terri



<a href="http://lilypie.com"><img src="http://lilypie.com/pic/060207/Thts.jpg" alt="Lilypie Baby Pic" width="61" height="80" border="0" /><img src="http://bd.lilypie.com/8Oikm7.png" alt="Lilypie Baby Ticker" border="0" width="400" height="80" /></a>

[EBTwinz]

Hi everyone! Well, I am not feeling too good today. I am not sure what is wrong with me. I left work early yesterday, because I felt so achey. I went home and just slept. I also feel like I am going to have the big "D". My stomach is so upset. I weighed myself and I lost 2lbs. Maybe I have a stomach bug. I came to work today but I still feel so lousy.

Missy: I know what you mean w/ people you work w/ and always looking at your stomach. One of my co-worker's DIL is about 12 weeks pregnant. She told me that her DIL is definitely not having twins because she is still really skinny. I thought, "gee... thanks. I guess I am a lard a**" And I am always hearing about how huge I am and it's only February.

Monica: I can feel my boys moving at night, too. Sometimes they wake me up. And it's hard for me to fall asleep, too. I feel like I have that restless leg syndrome. My legs get so achey at night.

Valerie: That's too funny that you got measured but forgot to ask what the measurement is. Oh well, you can always find out next time. If you look anything like me, I am sure you are measuring 6-7 weeks ahead of schedule. Is it possible to measure 45+ weeks? Because I think I will by the time I hit 30 weeks.

Terri: Congrats on the b/g twins! How exciting! I love the names! :)

Does anyone feel kicking and movement more on one side? I think both babies are still breech, b/c I feel kicking in the bottom of my stomach, but the kicking is stronger w/ the one on the left. My friend who had twins told me that when she was pregnant, the baby who kicked her the most ended up being her "needy" baby. It was the boy, go figure...

Talk to you all soon. Oh, I was reading the May threads and saw a post from Georgina's mom, Rae. It tells about her surgery. Looks like the surgery went well but she still has a long road ahead of her. Let's keep her in our prayers.

Lisa

[Daniele'sTwins]

Hi Girls! I am sooo tired all over again like it is the first trimester! I am also so sore in my legs and inner thighs. I have not had any leaking from my breasts at all though. Do you think that is because this is my first pregnancy?

As for the sex topic, no I am not having any at all. I have not since the first trimenster because my placenta is so low, my doctor told us not to. I am not really in the mood for it either. My husband is not the type to get upset about it. I know he misses it but he does not ever complain. I know he doesn't want to hurt my feelings.

Qbanmom5...Congratulations on your b/g twins! That is awesome news! My husband and I feel the same way about the van/suv situation. We have made a pack no matter how many kids we have we will NOT get a van...lol. Lets see how long we last.

Steph... I have not gotten a linea nigrea yet. Also, I registered for this cloth thing that goes into shopping carts (when the baby can sit up) so the baby can sit in the cart and not touch the bars etc...well I was thinking one baby in the carriage and one in the Bjorn. What do you think about that?

Sherry...as for the bleeding thing, OF COURSE I WAS KIDDING!!! I would never want to risk a thing!

Megsmom...I am not too far along witht the nursery thing either. My father is adding another closet to the room and then we have to paint, etc. The furniture is ready but I am waiting to have it delivered until the room is set.

Lisa...I also have blonde stomache hair! It is so weird! I asked my mother to buy me a sewing machine for Christmas. I got it and it is in the box. Now, I can't even picture taking it out! I don't even know how to sew!

Well, I have to get back to work!

Oh Yeah, by the way, Tuesday was my birthday and my husband told me we could go anywhere I wanted for dinner...I chose FRIENDLY"S!!! LOL...I am so pregnant!

[Daniele'sTwins]

I just realized I wrote "Hello Girls!"...I am so sorry Jason! I meant you too!

[TMoT]

Terri, CONGRATS on your b/g! And Valerie too!!! I think "Luci and Ricky" is marvelous! lol I've been trying "Scarlet and Rhett" out on my family members (!), but no one else is really enthusiastic! :confused: I just don't understand why not...??! ;-)

Daniele, you got me there! So glad you were joking. Duh. Silly me!!

Linea Negra: This is genetic, I think. Once you get it in one pg, it tends to repeat; if not, not. But maybe someone has had different experience?? I've never had it in any of my three pgs. But I DO find this one of the more fascinating "side-effects" of pg!!! (??!)

Streeetch Marks: I actually never got these until THE VERY LAST MONTH of my two previous pgs. Then, WHAM-O! Look out! :eek: If you feel that pulling _now_ you can almost be sure that you'll get the marks later. :-( Just wish there was more we could do than simple skin lotion/butter(ing the "ball" lol), etc. An old friend of mine actually recommended (get this) "turtle wax" -- but the _real_ thing!!! :D (Funny image anyway!) Not very pc (esp for the turtle!), but she swore by it. *sigh* At what cost beauty...?!?

Body hair/Hormones: When I was pg with my 1st, my body hair all turned blonde again (even on my toes - lol!). 'Course, he came out blonde (!), then later everything reverted to its usual icky brown on me. :-( Hormones.

Sex: Prob'ly something to what Monica writes about carrying boys and sex-drive too. (Btw, there's also a "saying" about the gender you're carrying in pg: "Boys GIVE beauty to Mommy; and girls TAKE IT AWAY"... I have to admit -- or maybe it's just the additional nausea and MASS?! -- that I've never felt less attractive in pg before. ...I'm blaming Scarlet!!!! ;-)) ...Anyways. I was dfinitely much more "into" sex with my previous two (both boy) pgs. Now, dh sometimes moans about me "not loving him" anymore... :-( It's not that I have NO sex-drive at all, but it just seems to take me a little more (affection/cuddling) to get "warmed up"... Afterwards (besides all the worry), I often feel so "wound up" it's hard to calm down and sleep too. Maybe it's just the babies freaking out about their space being invaded? Dunno. VERY FUNNY about DH being afraid of "getting grabbed"!!! ROFL :p ....Btw, thanks to all of you for being so open (arr arr) and cool about sharing on this subject. It's funny AND comforting, isn't it??!?

Georgina: I only just put two and two together and realized who Georgina is! :-( I was so excited when I started posting to this thread to see someone else living in Europe who was also a member. Then, I didn't read anything from her for a while, and now all this emotional news. :-((( George, I hope you're doing okay! You and the babies are real fighters! Hang in there!!!! If it counts, I'm just "next door" in Belgium (!), sending you all the love and good vibes I can! Please (Rae) keep us posted!!!! Much, MUCH love to G, the babies, DH and India!

It's great reading all your posts, Ladies and Gentleman. ;-) Take good care of yourselves and keep the news coming!!!
Sherry

[EBTwinz]

Daniele: I know exactly how you feel w/ feeling sore in the inner thighs. On Sunday, dh and I went to a few stores and by the time we got home, my inner thigh was so sore, I could hardly move. It's been like that all week. It feels like it's bruised. My co-workers make fun of me for waddling down the hallway like a duck. And your comment about the sex thing has me wondering... I have a low placenta, too. My doc never told me not to have sex, but I wonder if I am allowed w/ the low placenta. Hmmm... I guess I will ask at the next visit. Oh well, it's not like dh is getting much action these days, anyways.
Oh, and Happy Belated Birthday!! That's so funny that you went to Friendly's. Now I am craving a ice cream sundae... mmmm....

Sherry: I think the names Scarlett and Rhett are cute! I like your comment about how boys give their mom's beauty, however I don't feel very beautiful these days. Last week, I decided to get a haircut. My last haircut/highlights was prob right around the time I found out I was having twins. Well, I had hair that went to the middle of my back. I decided to go shorter. Apparently the stylist got scissor happy and chopped my hair off! And most of my blonde highlights, too! So, now I feel like I look 5 years older and 10 lbs fatter! My dh tries to tell me he thinks it looks great but I hate it. Thank God my hair grows fast!

Well, back to work for me. I will check in later.
Lisa

[vthompson]

Hello Everyone!

Terri - I didn't even realize that we were only due 2 days apart!! You mentioned that I am due on your birthday, well my birthday is June 27th, 2 days after yours. Crazy!!! I live in Cleveland, Ohio. How about you? That is so ironic that we have all of that in common!!

Lisa - I am sorry you are not feeling well. Hang in there! I am so tempted to call off tomorrow, myself, but I do not want to run out of days. As for the movement on one side, I feel different types of movement depending on the side. Corey seems to be more forceful with his movements, whereas Kayley still just does a lot of fluttering. At least I think that is who is moving around!

Daniele - I have also been extremely tired, more so now then ever. Happy Belated Birthday!! I LOVE Friendly's. Since the pregnancy, I crave their cheeseburgers and sundaes. Yummy!

Well, I have got to get back to work. Talk to you soon!

Valerie

[qbanmom5]

Hi everyone, I am cleaning up the house and am taking a break. My back is killing me!

Sherry: I love Scarlet and Rhett. I wanted to name my girl Scarlett (with 2 t's) before i found out it was a girl but my husband doesn't like it. Those really are cute.

Valerie: You mean that I am due on your birthday and I am due on yours? That is tooooo funny. I am just laughing out loud because I think thats sooo coincidental. Can't wait to see when we actually have them. I live in Hesperia, California; It's a small desert town between Los Angeles and Las Vegas.

Thanks everyone for your congratulations and for complimenting the names. I am really not crazy about Luci still- (I am still open to alternate spellings if anyone can think of any) but DH just adores it and is already calling them by name. Any middle names?

Back to cleaning, when can I stop cleaning. Isn't there a post on here somewhere about when to stop doing laundry and other such heinous tasks? I think its time to call the merry maids. They are called Dirt Divas where I live since I am in the desert. Talk to you all later, Terri

[mmzill]

Valerie, my b-day is on June 27th also. That's cool.

Someone asked about movement, I think Lisa, almost all my movement is on the Left side. I feel very little on the right. At the u/s they are both on that side more though.

[EBTwinz]

Valerie: I just read your message. I have been craving cheeseburgers my whole pregnancy and I am on this ice cream kick, lately. On Saturday, I made my dh take me to Dairy Queen. It was like 30 degrees, freezing rain outside. We were the only people in the store! :)

I think I may have to get a McFlurry on my way home from work.... YUM!

Lisa

[mmzill]

I just came home and read your post Lisa. I just finished a chocolate covered cone from DQ! Yum, it was good!!!!

[vthompson]

Lisa - I may need to go to Friendly's now this weekend for dinner!! The other thing I crave is chicken sandwiches from Red Robin, they are SOOOO good!!

Monica - That is too crazy that we share the same birthday!! Just think, we will both probably be mommies by our birthdays this year! Which is better then my last birthday. We went for our first ob appt from my last pregnancy on my birthday. That is when the doc found that the baby had stopped developing at some point and that I would have miscarried eventually. I went in for D&C the following day. When I found out that these babies were due so close to my birthday, I looked at it as God trying to make up for last year ;) Sorry, for the depressing story.

Terri - I must really be brain dead! I did not realize in the last post that yes, we are due on each other's birthdays. That is very exciting!! As for chores, I am not sure about everyone else, but my doctor told me she does not want me doing any of that anymore. She said that I am to go to work and that is pretty much it. I did not complain, my poor DH has to do it all now. However, he is wonderful with everything and never complains. Has anyone else's doctors gave them restrictions like that?

Those with the constipation problem, have you ever had the severe cramping from not going to the bathroom. It almost feels like things are stuck somewhere. It used to happen all the time in the beginning of the pregnancy, to the point where my doctor would have me take a laxative. Then, I started eating the flax seed, and it has really helped until yesterday. I started to get the same types of pains in the afternoon into the evening. I woke up today and they are gone, but I have not gone to the bathroom yet. (Sorry TMI). Any insights?

Valerie

[swineland]

Hey everyone!

Terri, you could spell it "Loosey", but I'm guessing that when she gets older she might not appreciate it :D

As for DQ, I have been TWICE this week! I LOVE Blizzards...M&M ones. I felt kinda guilty the second time I got one, but now that I know you guys are all hitting the Queen too, I don't feel so bad!

According to the scale, my weight gain has been roughly 16-17 pounds. I think that's pretty good given that I'm 21 weeks along. I have another OB appt on Monday and am looking forward to finding out how big I"m measuring.

Also, on Wednesday, I am flying from Orlando to Phoenix for a week to stay with my best friend and her husband/daughter. Anyone else traveling at all while pregnant?? My peri said it was fine and to go for it. I am not scared or anything (I'm a flight attendant anyway, so flying is no issue for me) but I'm the tiniest bit apprehensive being so far away. Oh well, I'm sure it will all be fine. The only thing is I have to fly standby and literally wait until last minute before a seat is released to me, if there are any. That can be kind of stressful.

Well, I'm off to marinate my salmon. I'd really like to have something else for dinner, something fun like pizza or a cheeseburger, but I know it's important to continue to eat healthy too!

See ya'll later!
Steph:p

[KatieM]

Hi guys,

not much happening in the sex department at our place, although DP is quite adamant that this is NOT ACCEPTABLE (poor thing) he has a really high drive, so this has always been an issue with us, even before the pregnancy related frigidity:eek:

I have found that a stern "quit your whingeing" and poking my tongue out at him works wonders:D

had another OB appt yesterday, all is going well - yay!

although I have put on 16kg so far (I think thats over 30 pounds:eek: :eek: ) the OB says this is not bad, and it all seems to be babies, and not extra padding - at 21wks 4 days I am measuring 30 weeks

I've also started having braxton hicks contractions (I think) is anyone else having these??? it seems a little early, and I'm getting a wee bit paranoid about pre-term labour... although my OB seems to think this is OK

also, sorry about the lack of personals guys, but I find it much easier to respond in a general way (and my stupid memory isn't playing the game with remembering names)

[EBTwinz]

I have a question for you all, did anyone stop wearing their wedding ring? I just took mine off last night. I have small fingers, my ring was a size 4 1/2. I could tell it was getting pretty tight, so when I was in the bathtub, I tried to take it off. Well, I think I cut the circulation off in my finger b/c it turned purple. So, I decided I better get it off now before someone has to cut it off me. Now I feel so naked without it! I miss my diamonds!!! :( I found a silver band that I used to wear, so that is my substitute, but it's not the same. I can't believe I can't wear my ring until after the babies are born. Oh the sacrafices...

Well that is funny we are all craving ice cream. Dh and I are going out to dinner tonight for our Valentine's day meal and I just might have to order a big dessert. It will make up for the fact that I can't drink any wine.

Valerie: Your story about your Birthday last year brought tears to my eyes. I am so sorry you had to go through all of that. At least this year's birthday will be a 100 times better! :) I had a miscarriage, too, but mine was so early that it happened naturally, I didn't have a d&c. But, my experience was pretty bad, too. I noticed some spotting so I went to the local ER instead of my regular hospital b/c I didn't think it was a big deal. Well, apparently they didn't think it was a big deal either! I was there for over 8 hours and when the doc finally came into my room he said, "Well, you're not pregnant!" I told him that I took two pregnancy tests earlier that week that were positive. Then he told me, "well, that is a different story, you just had a miscarriage". He was so blunt and insensitive. To make matters worse, the machine broke on my blood sample so I had to wait until the next day to find out my hormone levels that detects a pregnancy. Well, sure enough, it indicated that I was pregant, but not anymore. I called my own OB and they asked me my blood type, which is O neg. They asked if the hospital gave me the Rhogam shot and they didn't. So I had to go back the next night and get the shot. I sat there for another 5 hours waiting for this darn shot and they put dh and I in the nursery waiting room! Those two days were so emotionally draining.....

Anyways, sorry for the depressing stories. Now look at us! We are preggo w/ twins. :) I believe everything happens for a reason...

Can someone please tell me what braxton hicks contractions feel like? I have no idea if I am having them. I looked at the symptoms online and I kinda fit into that category. I feel like the babies are rolling at the same time but my stomach doesn't get really tight. I also feel slight menstrual cramps, but it's more nausea like right before you get your period. Is this the same thing?

Talk to you all later! Hope you all have a good day!!
Lisa

[Tiny Blessings]

Wow....once you've been gone a bit it takes quite a while to get caught back up again! It is always comforting to hear that others are experiencing the same ups and downs, though. Makes me feel a bit less like I am going crazy with my own thoughts and experiences....

There were so many posts, I lost track of all those I wanted to respond to. But in a nutshell, congrats to those who have had positive scans and are feeling better. For those who have had some rough spots physcially and emotionally, I am sorry that I haven't been able to check in more frequently and offer more support. Hopefully things will be getting better soon....

Just a few things I wanted to respond to: thanks for the recommendation to look into a water class. I signed up for a prenatal pool class at the local university. I figured it would be a relaxing, easygoing venture and a way to relieve some pressure on my body. Got to the first class on Monday night and guess what...it is a 55 minute CARDIO class! YIKES! This class is probably going to kick my @$$, but I am going to stick with it anyway. There are 2 other young ladies in the class who are around the same week as I am, only they are young and this is their first pregnancy and all and they are still wearing their NORMAL bathing suits and not maternity ones. Get my gist? When I was getting into the pool, my big belly exposed for all the world to see, the instructor asked how far along I was. I sheepishly stated that I was a little over 19 weeks, with twins, when one of the other two blurted out, "OH MY GOD!" :eek: Great... Anyway, I think the class will be good for me, so thanks to whoever recommended it a while ago.

Regarding the constipation, my doc suggested Metamucil and good lord have mercy, they have it in CAPLETS so you don't have to drink the nasty organge stuff. It has been helping me, so I am happy to continue with taking them. As always, be sure to check with your own Doctor, though, to see if it is okay for you.

Regarding the braxton's, I have had a few but not with any regularity at all and they are pretty short in duration. Lisa, you asked what they felt like. For me, it just feels like a tightening in my tummy....if you put you hand on my tummy it feels quite hard during a Braxton instead of all fleshy like it normally feels. It is normal to have them and you may be having them already but not noticing them at all. Later on they tend to get stronger and you will notice it more. They do not hurt at all...just feels different.
And the breast leakage is normal, too. I have been experiencing this and remeber being FREAKED out by it the first time around. It isn't too early and your body is just getting itself ready for the job it thinks it has to do, as your breasts don't even realize there is now a bottle option out there! :D

As for weight gain, I was at the hospital last Thursday (haven't been feeling well and experiencing an increase in blood pressure, swelling and daily headaches and was being monitored for the onset of preg. induced hyper tension...yuck!) Anyway, my weight gain to that point was still pretty limited (7 pounds). But everyone keeps saying the babies look fine and are weighing fine, so I am not going to let myself get worried. I have another appt on Tuesday and I suspect that I will show more gain from these past 2 weeks. When I was discharged from the hospital, the doc suggested I begin to cut back on my hours at work, but I have to admit that I do not feel ready to do so just yet. I am trying to leave a bit early and am shifting some meeting responsibilities to a co-worker. In a few weeks I am going to talk to my Superintendent about maybe doing some work from home and will see how that goes. I don't want to push too hard and end up on bedrest, but I also need to save my sicktime for when the babies arrive.

I haven't heard anything from my doctor about restriction of household chores....that would be a welcome conversation, though! LOL. Reality is, though, that when you have another youngster to care for this may just be nothing more than a nice thought to entertain anyway. My DH helps by putting in the laundry every morning and occassionally vaccuming and sometimes clears the table and gets the sink filled for the dishwater. We are in the middle of remodeling our kitchen and my entire kitchen is in my dining room...UGH! I wanted to do this little project before the twins came, though, so I guess I really don't have the right to complain. But doing dishes in the bathtub once the sink leaves this weekend is NOT something I am looking forward to!

Sorry for the long post. Take good care everyone!

Tina

[Tiny Blessings]

I have a question for you all, did anyone stop wearing their wedding ring? I just took mine off last night. I have small fingers, my ring was a size 4 1/2. I could tell it was getting pretty tight, so when I was in the bathtub, I tried to take it off. Well, I think I cut the circulation off in my finger b/c it turned purple. So, I decided I better get it off now before someone has to cut it off me. Now I feel so naked without it! I miss my diamonds!!! :( I found a silver band that I used to wear, so that is my substitute, but it's not the same. I can't believe I can't wear my ring until after the babies are born. Oh the sacrafices...

Lisa


Lisa, I had to take my rings off last week at the hospital because of the swelling. Also experiencing a lot of tingling in my hands from the swelling. I experienced both symptoms with my first pregnancy, but not until nearer the very end. I, too, feel naked without my rings and switched to a larger one I had that still fits for now. Having to remove your rings is a pretty common scenario during pregnancy. You were wise to get them off while you still could intstead of having to get them cut off and destroying your precious jewlery. Maybe you could consider wearing your wedding ring on a necklace around your neck if that makes you feel any better.

Tina

[vthompson]

Well, I decided to stay home from work today, even though that only leaves me with a total of 4 days. My company does not offer sick time, only vacation. Oh well! I truly think that my body was telling me that I needed to stop and rest, so I listened. I just realized as I looked over to the smilies section that there is a new one, he claps. It is cute!

Tina - I am glad that everything is better now since your hospital visit. I cannot believe you have the energy to take that water class. In the evenings, I feel like I am going to fall over. I give you a lot of credit! Thank you for explaining the Braxton hicks contractions. I, too, was wondering what they felt like. I do not think I am having any, though. I hope that is normal.

Lisa - I have not had to take my ring off yet, but I will be very sad when that day comes. I liked Terri's idea of wearing it around your neck. Thank you so much for sharing your story of your miscarriage. I felt bad at first that I had written such a depressing story. You and I seem to have a lot in common. I could not believe how you were treated when all that happened to you. I am sorry you had to go through all that. But, like you said, we are now doubly blessed!! :clap:

Katie - I am glad that your appointment went so well!

Steph - I hope you have fun on your trip. As a flight attendant, are you still flying as much now that you are pregnant? I give you credit for eating salmon. I just cannot stomach it.

Well, I am going to get back to resting.

Valerie

[EBTwinz]

Tina: Thank you so much for the explanation of the bh contractions. I think I may have experienced them. When I am laying down on my back, I can sometimes feel a hardening in my belly. I always thought the little guys were on the move b/c I can feel kicking, too. But, it's not often and I guess it's normal, so I will stop stressing about it. I like the wedding ring idea, too.

Valerie: I noticed the clappy guy, too! I wanted to find a way to use him. So, I am just going to put him here...:clap:

Have a good day everyone!! It's Friday.... :clap: ( I know.. I am a dork!)

Lisa

[swineland]

So I'm sitting here taking a break from my cleaning/laundering marathon and I was catching up on posts. I am listening to 80's satellite radio on the computer while I clean and just as I saw "clappy man" on some of your posts, "Let's Groove" by Earth Wind and Fire came on......haha....just hearing that fun song and then seeing the clappy man.....I felt like dancing!! Who's the dork now?? I'm all alone at the house with my 2 cats and a dog and about to have a Dance Party USA! :clap: hahaha

Steph

[vthompson]

So, I just had a nervous break down and I need to vent. I am being totally ridiculous, but I can't help it. My husband stopped at home on his lunch break to bring me a sandwich, which was very nice. He told me that one of his friends wants to make the first Wednesday of every month a night for the boys to go out and hang out. Immediately, I felt my body tense up and I could feel like I was going to cry. He asked me why I was being so weird, I of course said I wasn't. He then said something joking around and I began to cry. He looked at me like I was crazy and asked me if I was ok and if it was the hormones. That made me cry even more. I tried to hold it in so that he would think there was nothing wrong. He kept asking me if I was ok and if I needed anything and I said I was fine. He left to go back to work and I immediately started to cry and now I can't stop. I do not know what my problem is. I don't care if he goes out once a month for gosh sake. However, all of I sudden I started to think about how I can't plan anything because I am always so tired and feel like crap. And for some reason, I just got really upset. I have tried to make dinner plans here and there with friends and I always end up canceling because I feel so worn out and just want to go home and relax. I feel like a crazy person. Before the pregnancy, my DH and I went out all the time together. He hardly ever goes out anymore and stays home with me. But, for some reason, I just got so upset. Then I started to think about after the babies are born and if he is out how am I going to take care of both of them by myself. Now I know that this is absolutely ridiculous because we will all adjust and I will be able to stay home with them alone. I just got so overwhelmed. Sorry, I just had to vent.

Valerie

[Daniele'sTwins]

Hi Everyone...yesterday I was running a couple of errands after school when i began to get these pains in my lower abdomin. it didn't hurt very much but I knew that it was something I have never felt before so after about 40 mins. I began to time them and write it down. They were lasting from 10-20 seconds every 2-6 minutes. So after about an hour of this i called my doctor and he sent me to the emergency room right away. He checked me and i was not dialating (THANKD GOD) and then they put me on a monitor to see if I was having contractions. i guess I was having little contractions and they said i had "Uterian Irritability" but nothing that alarms them if I am not contracting. The pains started to subside so they just checked me one more time before I was to leave. Well, this doctor that came in to check me (my doctor had left) had the longest fingers! She hurt me so bad! She even made me bleed! I was so upset. The nurse said that spotting blood is common after an internal but my doctor NEVER has made me bleed before! So anyways, it was a long night but I feeling a lot better today. My doctor also took me out of work today and all of next week. The week after that is school vacation so I am out actaully for two weeks. I am hoping to do a lot of resting! My body really needs it!

You know what was funny, when i was walking into the hospital yesterday i had my coat zipped up and on the way out that night I could not zipper it over my belly anymore!!

Lisa...i eat ice cream EVERY SINGLE NIGHT! I have always been an ice crean junkie though. I have not had to take off my wedding rings yet. I know it is just a matter of time because believe it or not my ring size is a 3.25. People usually laugh when I tell them that. I figure I will get a fake diamond ring when that happens because I know I will feel horrible when i do have to take it off.

Steph...i have not flown since getting pregnany but I am sure you will be fine. Enjoy yourself, you deserve it!

Valarie...I am so sorry to hear about your birthday last year. I also had a miscarriage in March of 04. I was only 6 weeks along and did not have to get a d&c but it was so hard for me we decided not to try again until September of this year and here I am on the first try with twins!

Well, I will be around a lot now since I am out for a while. Hope everyone is having a good Friday.

[Daniele'sTwins]

Valarie,

Isn't it weird what our hormones will do to us! Trust me we ALL feel the same way! yesterday when I calle dmy husbands office to tell him that I was on my way to the hospital his secretary thought I was "Danielle" the manager from his other office. I snapped and said ..."No, this is Daniele his WIFE". I started to cry becasue I was not the only Daniele in his life. It was horrible! I have also become SOOO territorial of my husband since becoming pregnant. I was never jealous like this before but now that I have a big a$$ belly I am a little insecure. Especially because my husband does a lot of cosmetic stuff and he owns a few spas, the girls there are always so well put together and i feel like crap!

I guess we will have to get through it. We are going to laugh about our outbursts soon enough!

[EBTwinz]

Valerie: I know how you feel! I feel so bad that you are crying. I had my melt down last weekend. I actually sat down on the floor and cried like a little girl. And mine was brought on by dh going to a party and staying out late while I was home in bed. My dh and I used to go out every weekend. Now, we will make plans to have dinner, go see a movie, etc. and by the time he gets home on Friday night (at 6pm), I am in my pj's and ready for take out. I even fall asleep by 9am. Being pregnant takes a lot out of us. And remember, we are having twins. It's not like a "normal" pregnancy. So, if we need to rest, then we should listen to our bodies and rest. I think guy's night out is normal but it just sucks that we can't have girls night out while we are pregnant. I get so mad at my dh for making all these plans for June. My best friends are getting married and I am the matron of honor, dh is the best man. Dh is already planning this elaborate bach party and I get so ticked b/c I think he is going to leave me home by myself w/ two babies. I think once the babies are born, the husbands will not want to leave our sides (I hope...).

Maybe we all need to go to Steph's house for a little Dance party USA!! :clap:

Hang in there and get plenty of rest today. Your body is probably exhausted and you just need the rest. I know I am more emotional when I am tired.

Daniele: Glad to hear you are okay. That must have been scary! At least you get out of working... I am soooo jealous!

Everyone else, take care of yourselves! Just remember, once these babies are born, we will hopefully forget all this drama we went through to get these babies.

~Lisa:)

[EBTwinz]

Oh, and get this... I gained 4 pounds since yesterday! 4 pounds! I guess it was the two hotpockets and bowl of cereal I ate for dinner last night... :)

[vthompson]

Daniele - I am so glad that you are out of the hospital and everything is ok!!

Daniele and Lisa - Thanks so much for the words of encouragement. I love this board for this reason! You both made me feel better and less crazy! Lisa, I actually laughed when you said we should all go to Steph's house for a dance party! Lisa, I would be aggravated, too about all the plans for June. I think our DH's are trying their best, but we just look at things so much different then they do.

Well, I really need to try and take a nap. My dad had surgery on Wed. and we need to go see him tonight at the hospital.

Valerie

[swineland]

Have a great weekend everyone!

My Dance Party USA spirit has been replaced by sheer exhaustion. I lost all my energy about halfway through cleaning my house and just never regained it. (But if you guys want to come over and dance, you can do it in the clean parts!)

Sorry to hear about some of you having "scares" and spending some time in the ER. People keep telling us to slow down and take it easy, but sometimes life doesn't afford you the opportunity to do those things, i.e. working full time, caring for other children, etc. Listen to your body though and do what it tells you. I feel like this is such a critical time in our pregnancies. Since we are all about 21-22 weeks along, it's like we have about 6-8 weeks until we are at a "safe" spot...where it's still early to deliver, but the chances of a positive outcome increase tenfold. Hang in there girls!

Try not to let the hormone roller coaster make you dizzy......I've been riding it lately too and I feel like it finally let me off for awhile. So, until it comes around again, I'll just sit and eat my ice cream :)

See ya!
Steph

[qbanmom5]

Hi everyone! I am so sorry Valerie that you are having a rough day. Daniele, I am glad that you are feeling better and weren't in preterm labor. My mood swings have been crazy today. I went from feeling that I had not a problem in the world to crying because I had to pick up the kids from school instead of DH. It sounds ridiculous, i know, but their pick up is a nightmare and I have to park like a block away and walk and stand and wait then walk back to the car. May not sound like much but when the varicose veins start throbbing I just want to lay down and not get up. DH usually picks them up but when he can't I just can't stand it. Especially since I've been cleaning up the house for the past 2 days, my feet looked like huge bear claws last night from the swelling, and my lower back is killing me. I can make any situation sound miserable when I really want to. Thanks for the venting opportunity, Terri

[Tiny Blessings]

Reading through the recent posts makes me realize that we are all pretty much in the same boat regarding the emotional and physical rollercoater ride. Valerie and Danielle, I can completely relate to what you have written lately...for the past 2 weeks I have been so exhausted by Thursday that I have taken 2 sick days and I NEVER call in sick. (I have 12 weeks of sick leave accumulated after taking 12 weeks off with my son 19 months ago, if that reveals anything). Someone just wrote in about listening to our bodies and I think that is an excellent statement to make. We all KNOW that, but sometimes just keep pushing rather than taking time to let our bodies rest. I know that I tend to do so and am going to seriously rethink it for the rest of this pregnancy. So thank you, again, to everyone on this board. Whether you knew it or not, you helped me to put things into perspective and I appreciate it. :)

Having said that, time for me to get some sleep. I'll try to check in again soon.

Tina

[newmomx2]

Wow reading what you all had to say about 'breakdowns' made me feel so much better mine can 2 weekends ago ! DH and I were trying to get some stuff done and everything we started to do failed I actually told him to look out I felt a breakdown coming that I can't stop. I DID sit on the floor and cried like a baby - he just looked at me like I was a total nut - I knew I was irrational but I could not stop - !!! fortunatley aside from my cold I doubt feel close to a breakdown !

Hang in there ladies.

[TMoT]

WOW! It really DID take a long time to catch up reading all your posts! Yikes, and I really want to reply to so much stuff too! Sorry if this ends up being LONG, as usual!!! :-o

Daniele, I'm so sorry about the hospital visit!!! If this happens again, please try the following: Sit down. Drink AS MUCH WATER AS YOU CAN (I mean: ten glasses or so, or even more), as quickly as you can! And see if that doesn't calm things down.

Everyone: You can use the above "trick" to slow pre-labor contractions at any time, esp in the last trimester (but, w/twins, aren't we always a bit more at risk??!). That's according to my previous mid-wife, who was in the "biz" for 26 yrs! Apparently, the "thirst drive" center in our brains is also the location which causes contractions! So, by feeding your brain water, you can literally "trick" it into stopping contractions!! ...This also emphasizes our REGULAR NEED FOR WATER!!!! Daniele -- and everyone -- please make sure you're getting enough!!!

About that bleeding too, Daniele: I think that was BARBARIC of the ob!!! ]-( Talk about adding insult to injury. What an amateur!!!

Braxton-Hicks: As far as I understand, it is most common to get these at the end of a long (exhausting--yes) day, and often when you've finally calmed down (and then you notice them more)... I get them every night around bedtime and just "enjoy the ride." A couple of important things though ('case you don't know): BH really shouldn't go on for a long time; and, besides physically tightening your pelvis (if you've experienced an orgasm during pregnancy :clap: ??!?!? you might recognize the feeling!!) (lol about trying mr. clappy _there_!), you might also feel your heart-rate speed up and your breath get kinda taken away. In my experience, each BH lasts a good 20-40 seconds, but there are never a lot of them (a couple, three at most). It's not an unpleasant feeling at all -- very special, in fact -- and then you know your uterus is stretching to accommodate its growing occupants and to get/stay in shape for when the babies come...! :-D

HOWEVER, IF the contractions (are long? and) go on and on, like Daniele's did, these AREN'T BH!!!! Be careful! Then, like I wrote, drink LOTS of water (as much as you can stand), and if that doesn't stop the contractions (quickly), call your OB!!!!

Ring/Hands Tingling/Swelling: There are some posts on this site under CARPAL TUNNEL. Ladies experiencing tingling (or pain in their hands!) should check it out! (I found and posted some good links there, and mmzill, didn't you post there too??) Turns out that CT is NOT UNCOMMON AT ALL (=1 in 4!) during pg, and there are things you should do/avoid doing to try to manage it. It is usually caused by swelling (surprise!), so, again, please be sure you are drinking enough water!!!!!! (Also, check out what's in the below links about omega-3/pre-eclampsia... Hmmm.)

Ice Cream: :-D Remember that I also posted previously about this!!!
(www.blueribbonbaby.org/fastfood.shtml) Bottom Line: DIG IN without GUILT! I do -- almost every night too! :-) And those other hamburger/chicken-burger cravings are really good too! Just means you want PROTEIN/IRON, which is EXACTLY what those beautiful little lovelies in our tummies need right now to grow!!! :-D

Emotions/Crying Jags: You guys are gonna KILL me for posting this again, but please, Please, PLEASE make sure you are consuming your fish oil (=DHA/Omega-3 fatty acids)!!!! On all the sites I've read, doctors/scientists are saying that, more and more, this is at least as important as folic acid during pg/your child-bearing years!!!! So, if you can't take the taste of salmon, TAKE SOME GELCAPS, or make yourself drink (ugh :eek:) cod liver oil! ...I'm SERIOUS!!!!!! There is an ABUNDANCE of evidence about how important this is for your gestating babies' brain and eye development (!), and ALSO for Mommies-to-be (and ALL people in general) to AVOID DEPRESSION during pregnancy and Post-partum depression too! The emotional upheavals we're experiencing are truly chemical/nutrition-based. Just TRY getting more fish (rich in oils, esp like salmon) in your diet and see if it doesn't make a difference! (If it helps, glob a scoop of Rocky Road on top to smother the taste -- pg women are allowed to/notorius for doing these things!) :-D

I'm NOT saying this is going to make up for us not being able to go out and party as much as usual/before :-( , but maybe it'll help us to keep our (pre-pg?) heads a bit better when emotional situations crop up...?????

On pregnancy and depression:
http://www.mercola.com/2003/jun/4/fish_oil_pregnancy.htm

...Oh! Good news! I read the following link and it says you can also find omega-3 fatty acids in flaxseed oil! Now THERE'S an alternative that isn't icky!!!

But, Warning!! This article also links LOW omega-3 in child-bearing moms with toxemia, pre-eclampsia (swelling!), pre-labor contractions (!!), and premature delivery!! *eek!* Okay. Now I'll stop saying "eat your fish" and start saying "eat your flaxseed (oil)"!!!

The experts:
http://www.expectantmothersguide.com/library/pittsburgh/omega-3.htm

Btw, on constipation: Flaxseed is also highly fibrous, so it can help with that too -- same thing you find in metamucil, and it's actually yummy in crackers (like the Swedish "Crisprolls" we have in Europe)... Isn't cod-liver oil also INFAMOUS for "smoothing" the digestive process????? *blech*

*sigh* I'M SORRY to preach to everyone, but I really feel like we're "all in this together" :-), so I SO want all of our pregnancies to go well and for us to avoid the emergencies/pitfalls (so many) that can happen during this delicate time. At least, if we're doing the essentials -- Eating "right" -- really!; being "active" when we can (WAY TO GO, Tina! Show off that belly! You earned it girl!); RESTING when we feel WE NEED TO (like Valerie/Tina did! Scr3w it: A job is just a job. We're talking about our BABIES here!!!); and drinking as much water as possible -- then, we are (especially in our own minds, which is SO IMPORTANT TOO!), doing all we can for us and our babies! And don't we all really deserve that, after all??!?!? ;-)

Only other thing is to make sure you're doing your +kegels+ and sitting/standing/sleeping/moving correctly for babies. (Repeater site again: www.spinningbabies.com/pregnancy )

Just being _conscious_ of all these things (and, believe me! -- i REALIZE it's a LOT of stuff! Argh!) and supporting eachother to actually DO IT, etc., is already REALLY, REALLY GOOD! But, of course, our babies are worth it!!! So :clap: to US!!!

*sigh again*

Some quick name suggestions for Terri: Luzette ("Luzi"??!), Louise, Luiza, Lucinda (can still call her "Luci")...??? I have been calling BabyA(g) "Lulu" since the beginning, but dh isn't convinced, so I've been REALLY thinking on the "Lu***" option! :-( And, T, why not "Desi" for the boy??? I actually that's pretty cool!!!

DH and I were coming up with some pretty funny b/g name combinations the other day that I also wanted to share with you all, but maybe I'll do that in my next post 'cause I've surely already crossed the limit here!

Till then, keep movin' and groovin' Hot Ladies!
:clap:
Let's Groooove Tonight
Share the spice of Liiiife
Baby slice it right....
Etc. etc.! :-D
Sherry

[qbanmom5]

Hi all! I really like Desi, that is cute and Ricky's real name after all. I am still not sold on either of the names ( Luci especially). Thanks for the good ideas though. DH is really happy with the names and set on naming them that but I think there's a battle coming in the near future cause I may just have to put my foot down. They just don't feel like a Luci and Ricky to me. I feel really really blessed to be having these babies-I always wanted twins but thought my luck was never that good. Those names, to me, just aren't special enough. Does that make sense? Thanks, Terri

[Jillmami]

Haven't been for awhile but have been able to catch up now. I went in for a routine level 2 u/s and ended up in the hospital. cervix is 1 cm open so i had a cerclage put in and am now on bedrest. able to get up for br and a quick shower. drs are optimistic this will help for the next few months. fingers and legs are crossed! unlike georgina, i was able to go home for bedrest. as many have said, keep hydrated and get your rest!!

take care,
Jill

<a href="http://lilypie.com"><img src="http://bd.lilypie.com/oCMzm8.png" alt="Lilypie Baby Ticker" border="0" width="400" height="80" /></a>

[lpm306]

Hi! I teach a 4th/5th grade combo, and my students laugh at me all the time because I forget EVERYTHING! (Some of them are very happy, because I'll forget to collect their homework!).

I'm 20 weeks. Due June 26th. We just had an ultrasound which confirmed that we're having twin girls. Both babies are really healthy, and they weigh 12oz each.

How are you feeling? When are you due?

I'd love to swap teaching stories with you!

[Jillmami]

I teach 1-5 science and 6-8 social studies and PE. *Up until Wednesday that is. I am now done for the school year and hope to be able to cut back to just teaching 1-5 science in the fall.

I used to be mid-sentence and would have to ask the kids what I was just talking about. :confused: They always thought that I was just 'testing' them. I believe that is why I am not on bedrest. I felt great until a few days before my 23rd week. Then it started to be in the 60s here, which meant our classrooms were quite a bit toasty, and I began to swell in the ankles from standing so much. So I believe the whole cerclage was a strong message for me to get my butt in bed! :D So that's where I'll stay!

Hoping that you can last as long as you can as long as it is healthy for you and the babies. Do not overdo it!

Jill

<a href="http://lilypie.com"><img src="http://bd.lilypie.com/oCMzm8.png" alt="Lilypie Baby Ticker" border="0" width="400" height="80" /></a>

[Tiny Blessings]

Hey...there are quite a few of us on this board in the education field. I was also a teacher for 8 years before becoming an administrator for a school system. So I totally relate to the statements about the teaching and the kiddos. Funny how there are at least four of us now that I counted, plus I think there was another who was a former teacher. Maybe God has blessed us knowing that if you can put up with a whole class of whining 2nd graders or middle schoolers, etc, we can certainly breeze through a twin pregnancy and all that follows after they are born! :clap: :clap: (twin clappy guys! LOL!)

Tina

[vthompson]

I am still amazed at how many posts there are to read when I miss one day! Well, I had a very interesting Friday night. That afternoon, I started to get cramping, which felt like intestinal. As the day/evening wore on, it got worse and worse. I called the on call nurse and she said to go to the hospital. So I went, even though I had a feeling it would turn out to be my stomach. Everyone was really nice there. They monitored me for contractions, there was none. They checked the babies heartbeats and internally checked my cervix, this was VERY uncomfortable. However, the doctor said my cervix was nice and long and closed, so that is great news. They ran a few more tests and concluded that it was intestinal. The doctor actually said that the flax seed I have been eating may be too much for my system and I need to cut down. I felt kind of stupid for going, but I was glad to go home and be reassured that everyone was doing ok.

A few of you have been talking about the education field. I am licensed to teach PreK-3rd grade. I taught for 3 years and then I was layed off. Where I live, there are no jobs. So, I took a job for a technology company who sells equipment to K-12 schools. They were looking for a trainer to train teachers on how to effectively integrate technology in their curriculum and I got the job. Since mid January, we have been very slow so they have me helping out another department which means I sit at my desk most of the time. I do not really mind this because before there was a ton of traveling, within Ohio, and standing on my feet for 6 or more hours a day. I have often thought about how it would be to be back in the classroom during this pregnancy. I give all of the teachers on this board a lot of credit! It is truly an exhausting job to teach children, especially in our conditions.

Jill - I will definitely keep you and your babies in my prayers! I am glad to hear you are able to do bedrest at home. That is much better then being in the hospital.

Sherry - I am glad to hear that flax seed has the omega 3 in it. That is a much better alternative then salmon for me!

Terri - Your kids' pick up sounds like a nightmare! I cannot imagine all that walking and standing. Hopefully, you won't have to do it very much!

Steph - I agree that we are all at a very critical time in our pregnancies right now. We need to take it easy, as much as possible, and do a lot of praying!

Talk to everyone soon!

Valerie

[TMoT]

Jill, so GLAD you're okay now and welcome back! Guess you're taking it real easy now? Must be a kind of culture shock!!!

Welcome to you too, lpm36!! Hope you'll feel like one of the gang really soon!!!

Val, so glad it was just your intestines and everything is fine with the babies! Always better to be safe than sorry, but what drama! Whew. Glad it's over with a positive outcome! And hooray for flaxseed (someone actually read that marathon post of mine!) :'-) I guess it just goes to show you about how we still have to even be careful about getting "too much" of a _good_ thing... (But @#$%!! Where does it end??!) ?!?!!?

I noticed how many teachers/educators there are on our thread too, and MAN do you all have my respect!!!! :clap: Tina is right: two screaming, demanding little monsters ;-) will be a breeze for you all! I'm envious!

Terri, I understand about Luci and Ricky. It's, I guess, just a bit...erm, well... _obvious_... (??!) If you can somehow camouflage those names (which, afterall, were/are nick-names, anyway, right?), maybe Mommy and Daddy could eventually agree...?? I forgot to add one which happened to be one of the better ones on my list for "Lulu": Lucia (Lu-"CHIa" in Italian or -"SIa" in Spanish). Both versions are quite nice though. There's also "Luz" or "Luce" (which means "light" -- very beautiful!)... But then, it sounds like "loose" in English... :eek: Hmm. As for "Ricky," well I guess that would have to be "Richard" or "Ricardo"...?? Don't know how you feel about those either....

Still, your post got me thinking along the lines of other "famous" g/b name combinations (and, actually, most of them were LOVERS, so I wonder how appropriate that is, but anyway).... We came up with these -- tongue in cheek mostly, of course!!

Samson and Delilah (I LIKE Delilah, actually)
Romeo and Juliette (my six-year-old suggested this one!) lol
Fred and Wilma (lol -- The Flintstones are GREAT for b/b and g/g combinations too!)
Betty and Barney (too of course)
Scarlet and Rhett (already mentioned this one)
Sonny and Cher (my name!)
George and Martha (_think_! lol)
Bogey and Bacall (= Lauren and Humphrey... Hmm. Now we know why they used their last names???!)
Fred and Ginger
Harold and Maude
Benny and Joon
Sid and Nancy
Captain and Tenille (arr)
And (while I'm at it w/bad 70s prime-time tv), the number one brother/sister name combination of all time (Sounds like a Letterman Top Ten List!):
....Donny and Marie!!!! :p

...Does anyone else have suggestions??! I'd love to hear them -- even/especially in fun!!! We can also start a b/b and g/g list too!

b/b is pretty easy:
Fred and Barney
Ernie and Bert (btw, did you know these were actually two characters (cop/taxi driver) from It's a Wonderful Life with Jimmy Stuart?!? Wild! S. Street is a pretty interesting source for other unique names too: kermit, oscar, elmo, grover (my dh loves that one!))
Oscar and ?!? (who was that now -- from The Odd Couple?!)
Abbott and Costello
Etc., etc.

Wilma and Betty is SO FUNNY for g/g, too, isn't it??! lol

...Actually, they're all rather silly. Scarlet and Rhett is one of the nicest, but "Rhett" is unusual, granted... *sigh* It just ain't easy... Goes to show you: Something _original_ and unique, picked out one-by-one just for the two of them, is best. And, of course (T, since you know how this is, having two daughters already), how MOMMY feels about it is paramount, imho. How Daddy feels is _too_, of course! I don't know about you, but I always have a kind of "premonition" about the baby(ies)'s personality(ies) _before_ they're born. DH thinks I'm being totally wack-o on this point, but if the name doesn't "fit" my "image" of the baby/ies, it isn't gonna work -- to me. Am I the only one who feels this way??!

Btw, still working on that belly-shot. Our digital camera is kaput for the moment, but I hope that won't last long.

Btw, btw, my toe hairs are turning blond again!!!!! :eek: And I thought Linea Negra was strange!!!! (?!)

Looking forward to those name suggestions!
Global hugs,
Sherry

[Dad of twins]

You girls are just too funny! It took me forever to read all the posts. The wife is still eating as I write:D I justwanted to let you know that everything is still going well.
Sorry it is short Jason

[newmomx2]

Well it was fun to watch all the snow the last 2 days - even more fun when you don't / can't shovel - of course hubby was pretty grumpy about having to shovel by himself !!!

Jill - so glad you are home - I know how hard bedrest can be after 8 weeks I am finally a little more normal although really taking it easy I don't want to be in the hospital on bed rest - if you need good book tips let me know, I am a big reader and have lots of suggestions - Sudoki is also a favorite of mine.

Welcome to the new mommy.

And yes I have great respect for all of you mommies out there ! I work and office job in upper management -so I cart myself to meetings but get to sit in them ! Of course still doing 3 days a week from home - and loving that - feet kicked up in the recliner.

Finally a question - anyone have any information on splenda - I have avoided all other artificial sweeteners (tough given I was on south beach before getting preg - lost 50lbs before the pregnancy). I thought I read that splenda in limited quantities is okay...

Hope everyone has a good week ahead of them !

[Daniele'sTwins]

Hello Friends!

Today was a wonderful day in RI. The snow kept my husband stuck in the house all day! I cooked up a storm and got so much work done and bills paid etc.

Missy...I have been having splenda occasionally too. I really don't have reason to have it like I used to becasue i don't drink coffee anymore. I also used to cook with splenda but I have been just using sugar lately. I do think i read in "What to Expect When Your Expecting that Splenda was okay. I guess becasue it is actually made with sugar.

Jill...I am sooo sorry you are on bedrest! But I am so glad that you are at least able to stay home instead of in a hospital.. You are in my prayers.

Terri...I can't imagine what those varcose veins feel like! I am sorry you have to go through that pain!

lpm306...Yup, I am a teacher too! I teach second grade. I used to love my job but now I just don't have the energy for it anymore. Also, congratulations on the g/g twins!!! We don't have too many of those here!

Valarie...DON'T EVER feel stupid about going to the hospital! God forbid it was something with the babies and you decided not to make the call because you would"feel stupid" if it was nothing! You would never forgive yourself. By going right to the hospital shows what a good mom you are going to be. It is the kids first now, who cares what we look like!

Sherry...You are a nut with all those names! Too funny!

Lisa...Hello, hope all is well!

[mmzill]

Wow, you all were busy over the weekend!!! I'm so jealous about the snow! We got a whoppin' 1 1/2 inches :)

I'm just checking in to say "Hi" - Glad to hear everyone is doing wonderful except being pregnent :D We are in the thick of packing and moving, so I"m not going to be on here much for the next couple weeks. Hope everyone does well. Have a good week!!!
~Monica

[Daniele'sTwins]

Monica,

Have fun with the moving but don't do any of it! Just do the setting up and organizing! We look forward to hearing from you when you are all set up in your nice new house! Congrats again!

[Daniele'sTwins]

Lisa,

I am so sorry that you are having a sad day! I know I would feel so sad to be away from my friends and family too. Please know that I am here to listen the best I can and I DO know EXACTLY what you are currently going through when it comes to being pregnant with twins. I am glad that we found this website to post to each other. Sometime I don't even think my husband knows what is coming! Yesterday in the storm he was having a little bit of cabin fever! I told him if you think this is tough WAIT until we have the babies! He is a HUGE work-a-holic and he doesn't know how to just relax...he will be begging for some relaxation time soon enough!

Oh Yeah and eat some ice cream...it always makes me feel better!

[EBTwinz]

Thanks, Daniele, for being so supportive! And everyone else, too!! I just feel like I am in a funk and I can't get out of it. I am sooo thankful for this board! I swear I am on this thing all the time at work, just reading different posts and seeing how everyone else is feeling. It is good to know I am not alone.

OMG, I just looked over to the smiley box and we have new icons, again!! Check it out... :tearsjoy: :aww: :lol:

Maybe the message board people wanted to cheer us up. they know we love our silly icons!!

~Lisa

Oh, and when I told my Dh that I felt depressed today, he told me to eat some ice cream, too! LOL! Maybe I should take you all up on the advice and find myself a blizzard from DQ.

[TMoT]

awww, Lisa! I feel so bad for you!!! :-((( We moved to Belgium when I was 6 mos pg w/my first ds, and i had moments where I just sat and looked out our apartment window and criiiiiieeeed. :''-( (oh! a new and APPROPRIATE smiley/frowney :sadmeat: )... When you're pg, far from family/friends (plus my dh worked night-and-day then!) and it's your first --AND TWINS :aww: -- omg! -- it's SO HARD....!

It's easy to say, I know, but _please_ don't be discouraged. Many of us have "been there," although that might not seem like a lot of consolation right now. Just please _understand_ that you have ALL this moral support right here (though it's hard to put that into practice, I'm afraid :-( ), and hopefully that'll give you a bit more strength to get through the ups and (especially) downs....??? ;-)

...The "fish thing," unfortunately, takes some time to "work"... :-( You've really got to make it a regular part of your diet and get the fatty-acid sources replenished that have been (and continue to be) depleted in your brain (those sites i read said _oily_ fish 3x per week for non-pg folks!).... And, still, it's not going to work all the time... Especially in mid-winter, FEBRUARY (ugh -- always found this the worst month of all!), far from home/friends, and with dead-beat inlaws who don't seem to give a @#$% to boot (argh!)... (...Btw, I grew up in WNY! So I remember those days going to school in 3, 4, 5-feet of snow too! :-D It was still so much like a holiday!!!)

Besides. Extreme situations (and melt-downs) aside, I have been thinking...:eek: : Isn't the weepy side of pg one of its more "charming" aspects, afterall???!? (Maybe sounds strange to say, but...) Let's face it, how often in your life, for example, are you going to actually CRY over a friggin' dog-food commercial -- for pete's sake??!?! ;-) I eat my fish, take the supplements, etc. etc., and _still_ have this constant underlying emotional weepiness (joyful and sometimes sorrowful), that makes me really touched by even the simplest things. :'-) Isn't that also kind of beautiful in its own way????

Reminds me of what Jason wrote about us cherishing pg because it goes so fast. He was SO RIGHT about that! Now in my third and probably last pregnancy :-( , I really took his words to heart. (THANKS, Jason!! You're a real treasure!) Vomity-, emotional-ness, and *blech* physical-discomfort aside, when are we ever actually going to be more beautiful and FEMININE and doing "what we're 'made for'" than RIGHT NOW??!? Even as alien (leaky boobs, linea negra, strange toe-hair color, etc.) as it often is (!), these are really, REALLY _precious_ times. Think, especially, about those moments when the arrival of your babies hits you like a ton-o-bricks and you can actually "SEE" them in your mind's eye! When we forget all the worries and concerns for those few, brilliant seconds and the reality of THEM coming/being here really sinks in... It's SO awesome and overwhelming. Those moments, above all, really _deserve_ a precious tear or two to savour... Don't you think????? (This is SUCH a pg post here, I can't imagine anything better/worse for the moment!!) :'-)

I KNOW it doesn't necessarily make up for the loneliness, fear, worry we often feel in the course of pg (esp with TWO coming), but maybe just _thinking_ about what I wrote above, and about the love and support which does, eventually "arrive" from across the miles, might help us all weather those difficult moments, even just a little...??? Lisa, I especially hope this post puts a smile on your face (and a little mist in the old eyeball, since we're ALL entitled here -- more than ever!!), and lets you know, most of all, that you're NOT alone in what you're feeling. It's ALL _normal_ (for pg anyway!) and, as always, "this too will pass"... AND, with it's passing will come one/two of the most rewarding treasures life can bring you!!!!! :joytears:
Love, love, love,
Sherry

[EBTwinz]

Thanks, Sherry! You did put a smile on my face. I actually took my socks off to see if I have any weird toe hair. :lol:

You guys are all so great! I will write more later, but I just wanted to thank you for the words of encouragement!

~Lisa

[vthompson]

Lisa - I am so sorry that you are sad today! It is hard when others don't understand what you are going through. I feel the same from some of my friends, especially those that have been pregnant and had these perfect pregnancies. They just don't understand that being pregnant with multiples is different. At least you have all of us to vent to! I think we are all lucky to have found each other! You made me laugh when you posted with that weird icon! That was funny!

Monica - Good luck with the move and take it easy!!

Thank you to everyone who replied to my post and made me feel better about going to the hospital on Friday! I appreciate all of your support!!

Talk to everyone soon!

Valerie

[Tiny Blessings]

Hey everyone. Lisa, sorry to hear about your feeling so sad...Oh the range of emotions we feel during pregnancy...it's like being on such an emotional rollercoaster, isn't it? I am sure the impending move is really weighing on you, too and this is just added stress that isn't helping. Remember that this is a safe place to vent and share what you are feeling with those who do understand what you are going through. Here is a cheery new icon just for you... it's called group hug...how appropriate! :grouphugg

Wow...thanks for the new icons, message board gurus....they are fun, although I don't think we'll be using some for their intended use for a while (such as lost 10 pounds). :dunno:

Valerie, glad you are feeling better and everyone is so right...it is much better to be safe and have gone to the hopsital to get checked. Gosh, that is what they are there for!

Going in for a regular appointment tomorrow and will get a bedside ultrasound and get to see the little ones again...YIPPEE! :yippee: Then next Thursday going in for the big trip back for my next level II. I can hardly wait!

Take care everyone....Get some rest and take care of those little ones!
Tina

[swineland]

Hi everyone.....

Enjoyed catching up on the posts. Lisa, I am so sorry that you are/were having a "blue" time the other day. It's perfectly understandable and NORMAL. Sometimes we're up, sometimes we're down...that's life, even when we're NOT pregnant. So you have every excuse and valid reasoning for feeling "extra" down while preggers with TWO babies!! Hang in there and remember it's all temporary :aww:

I had my 22 week OB appt yesterday and am measuring 28 weeks. I've gained roughly 19 pounds and everything seems to be going good. I've also been getting the Braxton Hicks contractions every day, but nothing TOO frequent. Both heartbeats sounded great and I'm scheduled for my 4D ultrasound on March 8th. Can't wait!

Tomorrow I leave for Phoenix for a week to stay with my best friend and her husband and 2 yr old daughter. I am looking forward to the visit and hope my travel plans all go smoothly.

I am extra stressed these days about $$$. I am the one who handles all the bills, money management, etc. DH works really hard all week to bring in the income (since I went on maternity my checks are pitiful). I feel bad telling him it's not enough. It's totally frustrating though to go out to Target, get maybe 13-15 items that we NEED, spend $85 there and then fill the car with gas on the way home, that's $30....BOOM! All the sudden I've spent $110 in half an hour. We've really never had a problem with money before, though granted since I went out on maternity and am losing pay, we haven't really changed our spending habits. I know I'm going to have to stay home with the babies for awhile and so it's frightening to think that we'll basically be struggling for some time. It's transfer $500 from savings, transfer it back when we get paid. Transfer again the next week, transfer it back. Does anyone else feel like they are living kind of paycheck to paycheck?? I hate it!

Sorry for the vent..... I am very thankful for all the things we have and our health and the babies...and I know that money doesn't buy happiness, but it sure could help!! :sigh:

Well, I'll check in later today to see what's cookin' on here.

Steph

[EBTwinz]

Hi everyone!

Just wanted to wish you all a very :throb: Happy Valentine's Day!! :throb:

Nothing new to report. I am feeling better. Thanks to everyone for the support. I am so glad I have a place to come to and express my feelings and everyone knows exactly what I am talking about. You ladies are a God send!

Well, take care everyone, stay healthy, and keep those babies cooking!! :woo:

(I am loving these new icons!)

~Lisa

Oh, and Steph, be careful and make sure you check in with us once in a while so we don't start to worry about you!

[EBTwinz]

I wanted to share this website w/ you all. I was looking for a bassinet or pack and play to keep the babies in once they are born until about 3 months. This was the best option I could find. It holds up to 35lbs. I think I am going to order one. I couldn't find it at BRU to put in on my registry. They only have the mini co-sleeper.

http://www.armsreach.com/product_orig.asp

[megzmom]

Hi yall. I also went into the hospital on Saturday. I was having real dark discharge (dried blood) sorry so gross. I was feeling fine all day. I went to my first MOTTO meeting. It was so much fun. The Greater Orlando area chapter is really active.

Anyways, just as I was leaving I went the restroom. So I immediatley called the dr. He said to go into Labor/Delivery because there was no reason for this (no intercourse at all). They did a reg sonogram where the boys were so active and had great heart beats. Then they did the internal (YUCK) which showed that my cervix was still closed and long (5.8) Last month it was 7. Does anyone have info on Cervix lengths?????????

SO then the nurse came in and did a cultur test. OUCH. It hurt. She sent it off to the lab. I go today to see the dr. I was on bedrest Sun and Mon. Today is my first day back with the kids (23 4thgraders). Luckily its been easy today.

It was a horrible feeling driving(I was by myself). All the yucky thoughts go through your mind.

On a good note I am now able to feel the babies kick with my own hand! They were so active yesterday. I love it. For now they aren't kicking ribs or organs :) I have been able to feel them move for a month but never a real kick!

As for weight I am still in the negative but I am gaining this past 2 weeks. Too bad all my past sickness has now turned to cravings for all the wrong foods!!!!!!!

Thanks for listening....

[Daniele'sTwins]

Hello Everyone...
:throb: Happy Valentines Day! I really hope to God my husband remembers to pick me a up a card tonight. Seeing that my birthday is one week before V-Day I have never really been into it. Plus why should the world tell you to love me today! Not to mention the markup on flowers! I would rather put the money towards something else! I would much rather my husband come home with daisys in the summer for no reason. BUT I do love cards!

Anyways, this morning I woke up at 4am with stomach cramps and lower back pain like I was getting my period! The pain was like a 6 out of 10 but it was so consistant that I just figure it was my insides expanding for the babies. Has this happened to anyone else? It lasted a few hours. I even woke up my husband but I guess he wasn't too worried because he just went right back to sleep :crazy: And just so you know Sherry I drank a lot of water as soon as the pain came on.:spitwater

megzmon...
I am so glad things are ok and that you are not dialting! I would have been so scared too! I am glad you called your doctor right away too. I know what you mean about going by yourself, my husband works all the time so I always drag my mom with me so I won't be alone. Also, I have to say I can so relate to the "eating bad" thing. About 2-3 weeks ago when I had the stomach bug thing that I couldn't eat solid foods for 5 days I have wanted notheing but junk food! Before that I was eating very healthy. Why do you think that is happening?

Steph...:) I am glad you had a good doctors appointment! I am curious to see how you like the 4D u/s. It is pretty freaky to see exactly what those babies look like! We do not have a 4D u/s machine too close by but my husbands frind (who is an OBGYN) has a 3D, I was thinking of going during my 28th week. What is the difference between the two?

Well, I have a doctors appointment at 4:00 today, i don't even know if they will do an u/s. I will let you know how things turn out. :

[EBTwinz]

Daniele: Please tell your doc about the cramps you had this morning. I am sure it is nothing, but just let them know so they can check you out to make sure everything is fine. It might just be braxton hick contractions. I started getting them w/in the past week. I had a couple last night. Sometimes mine feel like period cramps but my pain is never more than a 2 or 3. Other times I think it's just cramps from being constipated. Let me know how your appt went.

Megzmom: I am sorry to hear about your scare. I am so glad you are okay. I don't have any info on cervix lengths. Actually, my doc never even told me what mine is measuring. Please take it easy! I know you are a teacher and have to be on your feet all day, but please try to rest.

Steph: I get stressed out w/ money, too. I don't plan on going back to work after the babies are born so we are trying to start a budget. Right now, we are okay because we still have both incomes. My Dh makes pretty good money, but he will have to start making all the payments once I stop getting a paycheck. Plus, we have been buying stuff for our new house. I hope I win the powerball tomorrow! It's up to 300 million!!

Hope everyone else is feeling good! Valerie: where are you during the day? You used to be my chat buddy while at work!! I hope they aren't keeping you too busy. :)

I have a gross question, does anyone notice an increase in discharge the further along you get w/ your pregnancy? Mine is always clear but somedays it feels like it's more than other days. Just wondering if it's normal. Sorry for the TMI. Also, I gained 6 lbs in three weeks. Does that sound like a lot? I wasn't gaining any, in the beginning, now it seems like I am packing it all on. But, it goes right to my stomach.

Well, I will talk to you all soon. Hope your hubbys/boyfriends/sig others/wife(in Jason's case) are good to you this V-day. My dh and I never really do much for V-day, but I reminded him that I am carrying twins! :p
~Lisa

[Daniele'sTwins]

Hello...I just wanted to let everyone know that I did have a good appointment today. We listened to hte heartbeats and I did tell him about my cramps...He checked me and I am not dialating, I guess it is just uterus growing pains.

I don't really have too much discharge but I think that is common, everyone else seems to be saying the same thing.

Well, I am going out to dinner with my hubby so I have to go get beautied up!

Talk to you all soon!

[vthompson]

Lisa - I miss being your chat buddy so much during the day! Last week I had to read the posts on my lunch or at home. This week should be less crazy. However, I was in Columbus, Ohio Monday and today for the state educational technology conference. I am home now! Actually, something happened at the conference, completely unrelated to pregnancy, and I am wondering what to do. The whole reason I had to go is because since August until mid January, I was working with a school district who built 3 new elementary buildings. Our company put in the technology, which is amazing! The district has a piece of interactive technology that made them the first in the United States to get. Well, they hired a very incompetent curriculum director/tech coordinator who has no idea what this equipment does. However, she wanted to present at the conference and asked for my help. I hand picked the teachers to present and helped them with their presentations AND prepared the materials. There were several pieces in the handouts that I personally put together so I put my company logo on them. Well, she deleted any logo and put the school logo and showed up with them this morning. I couldn't believe it! I was so angry, especially because I have spent so much time and energy on developing the training program for this school. I want to email her and ask her to not use my materials for any other conference/publication. I can just see opening up a tech magazine and seeing something I did with her name on it. However, I work for the type of company that if I tell them what I am doing, the owner will probably tell me not to do it and if they find out I do it and don't ask first, he will be mad. However, this has nothing to do with the company, it has to deal with stealing from me. Anyways, any suggestions? Sorry for such a long story!

Daniele - I am so glad to hear that everything is ok with you and the babies! I am curious about the 3D/4D u/s. At my level II, the doctor did a quick 3D to get a better look at the cysts and the babies, but he did it so quick that I did not get to see it. Is it standard to have the 3D/4D?

Lisa - I am experiencing the same thing with the discharge. Some days are much worse then others. Not to be really gross, but sometimes I even change my underwear when I get home from work because they just feel damp. Thanks for the link for the co sleeper. I sent it to my DH to take a look. It looks like it would be very beneficial, especially in the beginning.

Megzmom - I am so glad that everyone is doing ok! What a scare! And to do it by yourself must have been very scary! Feeling the babies move is so awesome! I think it is my favorite part of pregnancy! :clap: As for cervix lengths, I do not have any info on that. When I went to the hospital on Friday, the doctor just said that my cervix was closed and long.

Steph - have fun on your trip and be careful! Do you have any info on what the 4D u/s is and shows? As for money, I feel the same way. I think it is perfectly natural to have these feelings, especially with 2 babies on the way. I plan on staying home with the babies after they are born, but I have to find something to do from home for money and it is overwhelming. We are trying to save money so that we can afford to live without another income for a few months before I have to find a home based job. I think that money is always a stressor, unless you are a millionaire!! Try not to worry so much, it usually works out some how.

Tina - Good luck at your appt today!

Well, I will check back tomorrow! Stay healthy!

Valerie

[Tiny Blessings]

Hi all...had my regular appt today and got see the little ones again. They are so funny...every u/s we have had they are always so close to each other or touching each other or literally on top of each other. It's weird to think that they can have such contact like that in there. My doc took a picture of the babies looking right at each other, literally face to face. How sweet....Anyway, doc said that all looks great with the boys and with mom. No more vaccuming, though :D . Bummer! He, like the doc at the hospital the other week, suggested letting up a little on the working hours. I still haven't broached this with my Superintendent but probably will during or after vacation next week.

Lisa, you asked about weight gain in a short period of time. Today, my doc told me that they expect me to gain TEN pounds every four weeks now until near the end, when there will be very little weight gain. TEN POUNDS! :woa: My husband was there and was cracking up behind the doctor because he said my eyes nearly popped right out of my head. My doc has a french accent...I literally thought that I incorrectly heard what he was saying to me! Anyway, it sounds to me like your 6 pounds in 3 weeks is pretty much right on target according to this.

Valerie...this is just my opinion as a school administrator, but I would absolutely WANT to hear from you about what happened if that person were on my staff! If you don't address it, this person will likely continue to act in this extremely unprofessional manner. Good luck no matter what you decide to do, though and try not to let it eat at you. Just remember that you can only directly control your own actions and level of professionalism in cases like this and can not take emotional ownership of the lack thereof on the part of others.

Okay.....take care everyone! And Happy Valentine's Day! :throb: (DH had my bar lined with four vases of flowers when I came home from work, each with it's own card. The first was from him. The second was from my son. The third and fourth were from each of the twins!) What a nice way to end a busy and exhausting day! Talk to you soon everyone...

Tina

[qbanmom5]

Hi everyone, I have not been online in the last couple of days-I went down to see my folks. I have been really emotional in the last 3 days _I think there was a full moon yesterday and that may have played a role. I love the names you came up with Sherry. It was Oscar and Felix btw. I told DH that Ricky and Luci were not going to fly. He was o.k. with it. I completely understand what you said about the name having to fit. I just haven't found them yet. My back has been hurting and so have my legs. Even my feet hurt. Enough complaining. Happy VDAY! I gotta run, Terri

<a href="http://lilypie.com"><img src="http://lilypie.com/pic/060207/Thts.jpg" alt="Lilypie Baby Pic" width="61" height="80" border="0" /><img src="http://bd.lilypie.com/8Oikm7.png" alt="Lilypie Baby Ticker" border="0" width="400" height="80" /></a>

[TMoT]

Valerie, I guess there's no "all or nothing," in this scenario?? You're probably not in a position to tell/politely ask this woman to restore the presentations to their "original"/intact condition or to relinquish using them??? (Btw, to avoid such an outcome in the future, you might consider sending all your info in PDF format, then they can't be manipulated/maliciously reused.) Is there a way to approach her (i.e. by email) while informing your superiors of the situation simultaneously? Eg. You can "naively" ask in an email copied to your boss (and to a conference/publication representative, if you want to be really nasty?!) what happened to the logos you put in the original presentations and ask the woman if she intends to publish them in the "new" format, without the appropriate identification. Then, you express your understandable dismay at that possible outcome, justifying your position as appropriate. In this way, you have defended your position (in which, imho, you are justified), informed your superiors, and put the woman on the spot to _knowingly_/consciously abridge protocol and "steal" your ip/work.

Another tactic you might use, if it's not too late, is the old "I need to make some last-minute updates" one. Get the manipulated docs from her, return the docs to their original state, put them in pdf and return them to her. Or, perhaps you can even circumvent this person (?) and deliver the finished docs to the publisher yourself, in their appropriate form?

Dunno. Just some ideas. It's a very sticky situation, obviously. Hard to confront straight-on, but hard/frustrating/unfair to let "slide" too... Well, anyway. GOOD LUCK! And let us know how it goes!!!!!

Discharge: I read that since the amount of blood in our systems has (more than?) DOUBLED to accommodate the babies/placenta, etc., it is really common to have additional discharge of ALL KINDS coming out of our bodies now! :eek: I have more discharge, but also am more sweaty, stuffy nosed, greasy hair (sometimes), etc. I just feel more "funky" in general than usual (maybe it's all that fish/supplements, PLUS hormones!??!)!!! Anyways. It's not unusual, unless like megzmom, it's blood!!! Btw, megzmom, did the doc say yet what that was??! Could be just "local" bleed ing (vag infection - ick), or more sensitivity because of all that extra blood circulating around your system. I have had (TMI, I know!) a LOT more congestion and even slightly bloody noses than I've EVER had in my life during this pg! Still related to that increase in blood supply though, I'm sure, so I'm not really sweating it (ar ar).

Speaking of discharge: I had such PAIN in my nipples yesterday, I thought I was going to DIE!!!!! It reminded me of lactation pain (!), so I "squeezed" to see if I might get relief, and colostrum came out!!!! I was shocked! I mean, having b/f twice in pg before, this sensation is not at all alien to me, but SO EARLY in pg to have leaky boobs (even with all you ladies talking about it already) was a big surprise! Whoa.

Daniele/cramps: Glad to hear there was no "productive" activity from those cramps and that your cervix is still closed! I have no idea about these measurements either. Maybe I'll have to google it for us, ladies...!! (?!) Did the water drinking work then?? I've never had something that sounds as strong as your "cramps," so I am curious to know if/how you managed to calm things down. Btw, is this your first pg? (Sorry. I don't remember.) Could be BH, but only you could really judge that (and your OB, after the fact, of course)... Still, sounds rather heavy for "just" BH....

Tina: The story about the Valentine vases was so sweet! :'-) How ROMANTIC! I agree with Daniele about the commercialism of the whole thing, but I'm still a sucker for such romance too!!! :-)

Terri: Felix! Right!!! I like that name, actually, even though (did you gals realize this) our babies will be born in the Year of the Dog...??! Rufus would be more appropriate...! ;-) Or, you could have one of each: Rufus and Felix (=Dog and Cat)... Why not just Tom and Jerry then??!? ;-)

...During my bed rest, I started playing online poker to kill time (I recommend this actually, though stick to PLAY money and don't play big, stressful amounts!), and when I started to get better at it (DH wants me to play with real money so we can afford having four children after the twins come!), I told him we could just name the babies "Ace" and "Spade"...!!! ;-) *Pg brain at work* 8-p

Okay. Enough of the silly names! Take care all of you (and *notice* my NEW ticker -- I was feeling so left out there for a while)!!!
x,

[vthompson]

Thanks ladies for all the advice on my work situation. I think I am definitely going to email this woman and explain my dismay and tell her that she is not to use my materials again without express written permission. I need to stick up for myself.

TmoT - I was laughing out loud at your baby names, Ace and Spade. I love to play cards. What site do you go to where you can use play money instead of real?

Tina - I am glad that everything went well at your appt. Also, I appreciate your opinion as a school admin. Thanks! That is so cute that the babies are so close all ready! If your doctors are suggesting cutting your hours, then make sure you listen to them! Your VD gift was so romantic and cute! Great job to your DH!

Terri - I am having lots of aches and pains, too! Good luck on finding names, they will come to you in time.

I will check in later!

Valerie

[EBTwinz]

Good Morning everyone! Hope you all had a nice Valentine's day. My hubby was so cute. He bought me roses (even though he said flowers are overpriced and just die in a couple days), a gift set from Bath and Body works to pamper me w/ a massage thingy, and the Notebook movie (my favorite!!)

Daniele: I am so glad to hear everything is fine! I was getting worried about you. Hope you had a nice dinner w/ your hubby. :throb:

Valerie: I would be ticked if that happened to me at work. I think you should definitely tell your supervisor. She should not get credit for your work! That b**ch! ha ha! Thanks for sharing the info w/ the discharge. I was getting worried that mine was increasing, but I guess it's normal. It just so gross!! Also, tell your work people that you need to be at a computer during the day so you can get on here and chat. :)

Tina: Thanks for the info on the weight gain. 10 lbs in a month! Wow, I don't even want to think about how much I am going to weigh by the time I have these babies. I feel like such a fatso, lately. My stomach is just so darn big!! I can't even reach my legs to shave them in the bathtub anymore. then when I am done w/ my bath, my dh has to pull me out. It's a pretty funny scene. Oh, and that was very sweet of your dh. I love the white rose idea. Too cute!

Terri: Hang in there! I think we all are having our emotional rollarcoaster days. Just another perk of being pregnant. If you ever need to vent, just let loose on this board. We are all here for you! :grouphugg (I have been wanting to use this icon...)

Sherry: Thanks for the info on the discharge question. I have the bloody noses all the time, too. And I am always congested. And I have the nipple pain. Geez, I guess I have all the symptoms you listed. LOL! You are too funny w/ the crazy name combos. Bert and Ernie are still my favorite! :)

Okay, I need to get to work. I have already been interrupted three times by co-workers. UGH! Pains in the a**es!

Oh, I almost forgot.. Monica: how's the moving??

~Lisa

[EBTwinz]

I am soooo jealous right now. My parents just called me from Mexico. They are on a vacation and staying at a spa resort. My dad had a hot stone massage and my mom had the exfoliating massage. I want those, too!!!!! Plus, my mom and I always talk to each other on our morning commutes to work and I have gone all week w/out talking to her (except a brief 10 min conversation just a little while ago). I miss my mommy!! :cry:

Okay, enough of me being a big baby. Hope you all are feeling okay. This board is slow today. I need someone to talk to!!!

~Lisa

[megzmom]

Hi ladies and guys. Thanks for the encouragement. I went to the dr yesterday and he was concerned about the bloody-brown discharge. He said if it happened again he would put me on bedrest. I am torn because financially we can't afford it even with my disability from school and second bedrest for two days was nice but my muscles and back were so sore.

Okay here is where I need some advice:
Yesterday -most romantic day- except that I fought with my husband last night. Its over the same stuff recently. I need more help around the house. If I am not doing it, it won't get done for a long time. After the dr appt and working at school all day (4th gr teacher) I had to go shopping because he didn't pick up any fruit over the weekend when I was on bedrest. I come home and its almost 6:00 and no dinner is cooking, LOTS of dishes are in the sink and laundry hasn't started either, grass isn't cut...on and on.

So I, in a ticked off voice ask him if he planned on making dinner. I stormed off and I did the dishes and laundry and made my 7yr old a mac and cheese dinner. I made a bowl of cereal for me (my favorite!). I didn't make him anything. I fell asleep on the couch for 1/2 hr then did homework and read with my dughter. Put her to bed and went to bed WITHOUT talking to my husband.

I can't sleep angry so it took me 2hrs to fall asleep. He started to snore in 1/2 hr.

MY long story: How can I make my husband and duaghter realize that I really do need extra help. We can't survive if I have to go on bedrest too early. More importantly I don't want to hurt the babies by overdoing it. I am not trying to be lazy...just don't want to do everything. I don't think I am asking too much. Should I make a "chores" list. I hate to do that because I don't want to make him resentful but I don't know what to do. I have had this talk 3-4 x before in the past 2 months. Yes, I usually do it when I am frustrated but a few times I have said it after the fact, when I am calmed down.

Id love to hear guys/girls perspective. Am I just being too emotional?

C/s- During my appt he measured the fundus and I grew 7cm in 2 weeks! I am 20 weeks and measure 28. Is that an average size. I knew I'd grown because I am SOOOOO itchy. My weight is still not an issue. I gained 4 in 2 weeks but I am still playing catch up.

Thanks for letting me vent. Any advice would be nice.:throb:

[EBTwinz]

Yesss!!! Someone posted!

Megzmom: I don't think you are being too emotional, AT ALL! My advice to you would be to sit your husband down and let him know that you need to have a serious talk. Try to do it when you aren't mad at him. That way, you two can have a rational conversation w/out fighting. Since you have already been pregnant, and I am assuming it was nothing like the twin pregnancy, your dh may not understand that you need extra rest. He is used to the singleton pregnancy where maybe you had more energy until closer to the delivery. Let your dh know that you are working long hours, on your feet, and need to come home to rest. If you don't, then there is a risk that you are overexerting yourself and could go into pre-term labor. Instead of making a chore list, maybe you could let him know the areas that you need the most help with. Instead of having a cooked dinner every night, maybe you could do sandwiches or even take out. He could be in charge of that. And use the rule, if you dirty a dish, then put it in the dishwasher. That way, you will have the dishwasher loaded and ready to run. As for laundry, maybe you could have him load it (if you trust him to do that, I know some dh's have no clue how to do laundry) and then put in the dryer. Then you and your dd can fold clothes together. this way, everyone is involved and he won't feel "attacked".
I am having the same probs w/ my dh. He isn't the cleanest person around but he will help out, when I need it. I feel bad b/c I never cook dinner for him anymore. He gets home later than I do and by then I am usually laying down. We are in the middle of moving, so I don't care if our place is a mess. But, I worry that our new home will be messy if I am not able to clean. We have already had a bunch of fights regarding this issue. So, I know where you are coming from. I just worry about you being on your feet all day. If all else fails, then just say "screw it" and let the house be a mess. It will only be until the babies are here, then you will have other things to worry about.

Hope this helps!:)
~Lisa

[vthompson]

Megzmom - I agree with Lisa, you definitely need to sit down and try and make him understand. I know this sounds kind of stupid, but maybe you could find a short article for him that explains pre term labor and the causes and what you can do to prevent it. This may help him understand better. Also, does he go to your doctor appts? Perhaps if he hears it from the doctor, he will understand better. As for the money aspect, have you put it on paper for him to see what your finances would be like now vs. if you were put on bed rest? Just some ideas. If all else fails, I agree with Lisa, let it be messy. The most important thing right now is you and the babies.

Lisa - Thanks for calling the work lady that name!!! I have been calling her that for 2 days now and it felt good that you think she is one, too :dude: (I know this icon does not go with the context of what I just said, but I wanted to use it!!), I laughed out loud about the comment regarding work and needing to sit at my desk more, I agree!!! I just wish work understood :) I am jealous of your parents and I do not even know them! It would be so nice to take off some time and go to a spa. Well, maybe we can plan that trip in 18 years from now (ha.ha!)

Valerie

[EBTwinz]

Valerie: YEAH!! You're back!!!:woo:

I don't have anything to write, at the moment. But I am sure I will think of something. I will be checking in later. I get to leave work early today b/c of an early meeting on Friday. Woo Hoo!!

~Lisa

[vthompson]

Lisa - I am SOOOOOOOOOOOOO jealous that you get to leave early!! I always start the day off strong and then around this time in the afternoon, I am dragging butt!!

I do have a question. I have noticed that at night, when I lay down, I have moments where my heart races and I feel like I am not taking enough air in. I change positions, drink water, and after a little while, it goes away. I asked my doctor last time and she said with how hard my body is working carrying 2 babies, that it is normal. However, it has been happening a lot lately. Anyone else experiencing this?

[EBTwinz]

Valerie: I only get to leave at 4pm instead of 5, but still, an hours an hour!! I am here from 8-5pm everyday. Sometimes I just eat lunch at my desk, so it's a grueling 9 hrs in my chair. UGH!

Anyways, about the heart palpitations, I do experience them. I have asthma and have to take meds, so I always attributed the racing heart to the medication since it's a side effect. And I usually take my meds at night to help me breathe while I am sleeping. But, I am sure it's a pregnancy thing, too. Everything seems to be related to this pregnancy!!

Talk to you soon, I have to attend a meeting.

~Lisa

[megzmom]

Thank you all so much for the common sense advise. I love the ideas about dirty it put it in the dishwasher. I actually implemented that last night with my dd. This is my husband's first pregnancy (daughter is from a previous marriage) but he is very supportive and yes, he goes to every appt. Its funny that you suggested he hear if from a dr. One of the coaches who is an awesome dad of 5 said the same thing today!

The washing thing is also a great solution. I am only 5'1 and its hard to reach at the bottom of the washing machine when I am not pregnant now its almost impossible. So I will try to work it out I load it, he does the rest and I fold it. Great idea!

Palpatations-I was already diagnosed a couple of years ago with mitrovalve prelapse (tiny hole in the heart). The only symptoms are palpitations. I complete cut out caffeine (never thought it affected me, it did) and I hardly had them. until now. I am the SAME way. As soon as I lay down(especially on my sides) I have horrible palpitations. I am glad to know that it may not just be my condition but just more prego side effects. I am scheduling an overdue exam with my cardiologist. I do know that with my condition I have to take an antibiotic before labor or dentist appts.

I love this place so much! I really do look forward to reading every day. I am so glad that I am not alone and in a selfish way, I like to hear other's problems because I can truly identify. Thanks again :aww: :grouphugg

[megzmom]

Hi. I am not as computer savy (shopping) as most people but I wanted to pass along what I saw at my mother of twins meeting this past weekend.

A great book to keep the babies' schedules in order (pee, bm, sleep, eat, and most importantly medicine) is called Baby Tracker www.timetoo.com (I couldn't find it on ebay or amazon)

Nursing pillow actually made for twins. It slants down on the side for the football hold. Other mom's that nursed there swore by it. www.doubleblessings.com EZ-2 Double pillow.


A Baby book for twins Twin to Twin isbn: 0689844948.

Does anyone know about the baby book from twinsmagazine? I want to keep up a baby book for them like I do with my dd but I also want to be able to give the boys their own book when/if they want it. I don't know how to do it. Any suggestions on books you found would be great.

Free stuff for twins links:

www.shoppingcartcoverstore.com/freestufftwinsusa.html

www.freebies4va.com

www.twinslist.com/freebie.htm

[Tadpoles' Mum]

Hi Girls

Just a quick update on Georgina, she is still on total bedrest, not allowed out of bed for anything, and still in a tilted position, and still in hospital - but the great news for us is that those babies are still hanging in there

She is 25 weeks Thursday, and next Monday the docs are giving the steroid shots just in case the babies decide to make their appearance too early, but she isn't having any contractions so this is just as a precaution.

I read about Jill's emergency cerclage so know what you were going through, I wish they had done it with Georgina earlier though - she had a similar problem with her first pregnancy but rest proved to be enough - not the same story with twins, and we really thought we had lost those babies.

Listen to your bodies girls - George hadn't felt any contractions, just what she thought was pressure from the low baby, but she was dilated to the point where her amniotic sac was through the cervix.

Doctors are still expecting her to deliver early, but I have a feeling she will surprise us all and go quite a bit longer now she is totally resting.

Rae

[Daniele'sTwins]

Hi Everyone!

Megzmom...Unfortunately I don't know if I will have any advice for you reguarding your DH's help. My DH is SOOO bad about all that stuff! He is such a HUGE mess maker! He doesn't put anything away, he NEVER helps around the house and I am a neat freak. When I decided he was my soul mate I had to choose between medication or letting loose a little. I have let loose a little BUT it would kill me too if I came home to a mess when i was supposed to be resting! If I am ever on bedrest I will have to be in the hospital because I would never be able to lay down with a mess all around me. BUT like the other girls said, we have to put the babies health first. What I have learned about fighting with my DH is to talk to him when he is in a good mood and never yell at him when I am upset because that never gets me anywhere. Also, I like the idea someone said about having the doc tell him. I can tell my DH something until I turn blue but as soon as someone else says something to him a lightbulb goes off in his head!!
I can also relate to the going to bed angry thing! I do the same thing to prove a point and my DH falls right to sleep and I am up all night dwelling on the fight! How can guys do that?? So basically, I just wanted you to know that you are not alone, I go through the same thing.

Valarie...My heart races sooo bad when i lay down like it is going to jump out of my chest! I swear I can actually hear it not only feel it! It is working so crazy hard for our babies!

I had a pretty good day today. A friend of mine who is due in April and I walked 1.5 miles around the neighborhood. :workout: It was the first time I have been for a "walk" since I have been pregnant. All I can say is WHAT a DIFFERENCE it is to walk around with 20 extra lbs! I love being pregnant but i do really hope to get my skinny body back soon after delivery! After the walk I had 3/4ths of a ben & Jerry"s ice cream container. I really could have had the whole thing but I would have never forgiven myself! I still can"t stop eating junk food!

[Daniele'sTwins]

Rae,

Thanks so much for keeping us posted! I agree with you, I think George is going to surprise everyone and keep those babies cooking! She is a real inspiration!

[Daniele'sTwins]

Hi girls, I hate to bring you this news but I know that we have all been concerned with Trish, the women due in May that had her g/g twins at 26 weeks...well I was reading her post on the April thread from yesterday. I can"t help but cry when I read this. I cannot imagine the pain!

I hate to inform you of this on the computer, but it is easier for me. Sophia passed away on february 9th due to pulminary/cardiac failure, she was two weeks old. We had a memorial for her on Feb 11th. I am sorry that I couldn't tell you all before this time. Jason and I will be in TN for the foreseeable future still as Ava is still in critical care at the hospital. She had a small surgery a few days ago and is doing pretty well. All of your thoughts and prayers will still be greatly appreciated.

Jason and I are doing ok. We have good minutes and bad moments. As I am sure you all can imagine this is an extremely diffiult time for us. No parent should ever have to deal with this and I pray that none of my friends and family will ever truly know how we feel.

I am crying as I write this, I know that I will always be a twin mommy, but may not be able to get online as often as I was before, I feel a little weird about staying on the twins site. You ladies have been a true inspiration to me and I wish you the best of luck with your pregnancies.

I will check back later, I can be reached at the same number and address as before.

[Tiny Blessings]

Hey everyone. Couldn't sleep....thought I would the board. I was so saddened to read about Trish's little one. My heart is breaking for her and her husband and the pain they must be in is unimaginable. Does anyone have contact information for her? An address or email or even the thread she posts on so that I can send her proper condolences and let her know that I am praying for her and sending strenth her way?

I would also like to do this for Georgina if anyone can share that information. I am glad to hear that she is keeping those little ones in.....every precious day counts for so much and increases the odds tremendously week by week! Keep up the good work, Georgina. Maybe they will let her have a laptop in the hospital so she can read our posts and feel our positive energy and prayers!

Tina

[Dad of twins]

Hello ladies. There was some real hostility towards their husbands! I am not going to write about the stuff said b/c I would get myself in trouble:crazy:
Well the wife is dong ok so far. She says that she has back pain and some other pains. I am therefor rubbing her back often. My hands are rubbed raw I think. The boy's are kicking up a storm. The wife had an ultra sound the other day and said the one kicked the other right in the head! I hope that they don't hurt eachother already! Then she said the one of them had his penis right in the face of the other. The u/s tech was going to take a picture of that but the wife said that I would not be too happy with that picture!
Well I am off from work for today and tomarrow so I hope that I can write a little more. You ladies are too busy on her for me I can't keep up!
Best of luck and hope that you all are feeling well!


Jason

[EBTwinz]

Hello everyone. I read about Trish the other day. I also cried when I read it. I feel so bad for her and her husband. I cannot even begin to imagine what she is going through. I did see that she posted either yesterday or today on the April board. She said her other daughter, Ava, was upgraded to stable. So, that is great news!! I am not sure if you ever read the other posts, but another mommy, Stacy, had her b/g twins around 26 weeks and her daughter also passed away. It just breaks my heart to think of what these women are going through.

As for getting in touch with them, I have posted a message to them on the April board. It seems like Trish is on that board more often. That is also where Stacy posts. You can always post a message for them to see. Also, I know some of the moms on the April board have Trish's address. I don't think they will post it on the board but may private message you if you are interested in sending her something. As for Georgina's address, I think you can either post here or on the May board and ask for it. I am sure her mom, Rae, will give the info to you through a private message.

Some days the aches and pains associated w/ our pregnancies are so trivial compared to what these other woman are going through. I thank God that I have the strength to come to work and am not on bed rest. My heart goes out to all of you who are on bed rest or are having difficult pregnancies. I will keep you all in my prayers. :pray:

Hugs to all,
Lisa

[vthompson]

When I read about Trish's loss, I also had tears in my eyes. Lisa, you are right in saying that our aches and pains are trivial in respect to these other mommies. As much as I hate working, I would much rather be here everyday then the alternative of a touch and go pregnancy or the very early birth of babies. I just cannot truly imagine what it would be like to loose one of my twins. The thought brings tears to my eyes.

Jason - It sounds as though your babies are VERY active!! I was laughing at what they were doing in the u/s.

Daniele - Make sure you are not overdoing it with the exercise! I worry about you :)

Rae - Thank you so much for the update on Georgina. I will continue to keep her and the babies in my prayers! I think she will go much longer then the doctors expect! It sounds as though she and the babies are strong fighters!

Megzmom - Thanks so much for the links to the free stuff. I am definitely going to start looking into the companies listed.

Lisa - We have the same work schedule. I work 8-5 with a 1 hour lunch, which I usually spend at my desk eating. It makes for a LONG day!

I am glad to hear that other people are having the heart palpitations, too. I was beginning to think that I needed to see a cardiologist. I do not remember who said it, but I also get them more when I lay on my sides.

Talk to everyone soon!

Valerie

[Daniele'sTwins]

HI Guys,

I can't stop thinking of Trish and Stacy. It is so hard to try and keep upbeat when things lik that are happening! My best friend was a fraternal twin and her sisiter died 10 days after birth because of complications with her heart but her mother never got over it. They have birthday masses for her every year and everything. Imagine sharing your birthday with your sister who has passed. It is hard for my friend and her mother too. When I found out I was having twins her mom was of course so happy for me but Lisa said her mom also did a lot of crying. I really hope someone has gone into Trish's house and returned all the duplicates of things. I think that woudl really get to me.

I know our pains seem trivial BUT in a way they are NOT. PLease listen to those little aches and pains and who cares if we look like a bunch of hyercondriacts (sp?) until the babies are born. If we don't do everything in our power to protect these little guys/gals nobody will.

Also Valarie, thanks for worrying about me. As much as I enjoyed that walk yesterday I don't think I will exercise until after the birth. I have a low placenta as it is and these damn cramps (baby growing pains). You are right.

God Bless us ALL

[EBTwinz]

Daniele is right, we should listen to our bodies. I was worried that I was started to sound like a hypocondriac because I would call my doc all the time. They even knew who I was before I said my name. And I guess I should stop complaining that I have to come to work everyday. Being here is better than having to be on bedrest (in some aspects... :) ). I just feel so bad for some of the mommies that cannot even go to the store, because they are restricted to their beds. Or Georgina, who has to stay flat on her back in a hospital until these babies are born. I admire their strength and determination to do whatever it takes to keep these babies inside until it's the right time. But, on the flip side, when I hear these stories I become so paranoid that it will happen to me, too. I hope that doesn't sound selfish. I just can't bear the thought of losing a baby. I know that none of us can bear those thoughts. I just hope and pray that we all are able to carry our babies to term (at least 36 weeks) and that our babies will be healthy.

Okay, enough w/ the worrying and sad stuff. Let's all try to stay positive!

Rae: Please let Georgina know that she is in my prayers.

Daniele: I was worried about you, too, when I heard that you took a 1.5 mile walk. I thought you were supposed to stay off your feet! Don't make me drive up to RI in the snow to make sure you aren't over doing it!! :)

Valerie: Even though we all are having the heart palpatations, maybe you should still call the doc just to make sure it's okay. I am sure you are fine, since we all seem to have the same symptoms, but just don't make me have to worry about you, too!! :)

Megzmom: Thanks for the links to the free stuff. That will be very helpful. Also, keep us updated on the dh situation. Hope everything turns out okay.

Jason: I hope your wife feels better. I have been getting the back aches, too. I make my husband rub my back at night and it feels so much better. I think one of my little guys in nestled in my rib cage. :eek:

Okay, now for one funny thing... I came home from work last night and in our mail was the new swimsuit issue from Sport's Illustrated. Let me just tell you, it SUCKS to look at those skinny b**ches in their tiny swimsuits when you are pregnant! Will I ever be skinny again????

Okay, everyone, take care.
~Lisa

[vthompson]

Daniele - I am very glad to hear that you are not going to be exercising anymore! That just seems like too much to do right now. I laughed out loud when Lisa threatened to drive up to RI. You gals crack me up!!

Lisa - I have my next level II next Wednesday so I think I will bring it up to him to be on the safe side. The last time I brought it up to my regular ob, she said it was normal. I swear she thinks I am crazy. Every month I come in there with a mile long list!! Oh well, that is what they are getting paid for! As for the sports illustrated, I was also laughing about that. :rotflmbo: I was not super skinny before the pregnancy, so I am definitely scared as to how I will look after the pregnancy. I worry about how my skin will look after the babies are born. Will it be all gross and saggy with stretch marks (sorry for the mental picture)?

For those of you who know about breastfeeding, I had a few questions that I have been thinking about. If you have a c-section, can they give you pain meds after if you are breastfeeding? I have an EXTREMELY low tolerance for pain so the thought of not being able to take pain meds, and I mean more then just Tylenol, terrifies me. Also, if you have ever had a c-section or know someone who has, does it hurt to have the staples removed that they put in to close you up? I think I have been sitting around too much thinking about things!

Valerie

[TMoT]

Hi, Gals.
So sad to read about Trish and Stacy. Made me cry too. :'-(( Besides sharing SO MUCH IN COMMON with these courageous women, pregnancy is a time when we're _especially_ sensitive to the fragility of life, isn't it? ...God, please watch over ALL of us and our babies, especially these moms/dads in special need of strength and reassurance now. And, Georgina, HANG IN THERE!! We're all routing for and praying for you and those precious babies!!! :-)

How heart-wrenching it all is... I can hardly go on with my own news which is still troubling to me, but so small in comparison... :'-(

Well, I had an appointment today and all looks marvelous as far as the babies' weight, details, etc. And, btw, I've gained 22lbs since just my 9th week, Ladies!!! I'm so proud. :10pound: (Shouldn't we use these smileys like this -- more appropriate for our situation right now...??!)

Just one thing that my doctor explained about something which came up in my last Level 2 u/s: The technician then said there was a "notch" in the pulse-rate (doppler reading) for one of the baby's placenta. Means that the bloodflow is not entirely rhythmic. I didn't know what this meant till my OB explained today that this can be because the chord is a bit "rigid" (inhibiting smooth flow of blood/nutrients) and down the line, that can slow down nourishment for the affected baby. :-( She said we won't see an effect (if any) until after the 26th Week. Till then, it's just a waiting game... :'-((( I feel rather sad and helpless about it though. Just have to keep my thoughts positive and pray for the best, I guess.... I have another L2 u/s next week, so we can see (maybe -- hopefully!) if anything has changed for the better by then. I'll keep you all posted.... :'-)

Daniele, you CRACK ME UP with your 1.5 mile walk and 3/4 pint of Ben and Jerry's afterwards!!!!! LoL :rotflmbo: I think it's AWESOME that you did that walk (one mile a day, at a good pace is realllly good for us, I read -- IF your ob doesn't advise against it, of course). So hard to find the right balance between resting and being "active" right now, though, isn't it??! Well, a good walk followed by a pint of ice cream sounds like just the kind of "balance" I could use these days! Thanks for being such an inspiration!!!!! 8o)

Daniele, I also like what you said about it being up to US to look out for us/our babies right now. It's SO TRUE! Megzmom, you are RIGHT to put your foot down with dh, and the advice of all these clever women is on the money! ...Especially since having to "undergo" bedrest, I have REALLY had to get used to things not being "quite the same" around the house as far as cleanliness goes.... :-( By "normal" accounts, DH is FANTASTIC: He comes home from a full day of work and will still cook dinner if I haven't done it by then, and -- without fail -- he does the dishes too!!! ;-)) However, it's just not "up to" the standard _I_ set for cleaning-up myself, and the rest of the house is slowly going to pot! But I have had to learn to bite my tongue and be grateful (and SHOW it!) for what he does do...

We've actually, especially early on, had LOTS of arguments about this matter and I'm really GLAD to find I/we're not the only one/s!!! It's just that sometimes the dam breaks and I "lash out" unreasonably (poor dh!), but I've slowly gotten cooler about it compared to in the beginning... It hasn't been easy though -- just takes a bit of "shutting off" your brain and focusing on other priorities -- i.e. your SELF and your BABIES! ;-)

When I was hospitalized for the huge blood-loss I had (almost lost the babies too! :-( ) in Week 8, I only got one piece of advice from the physiotherapist -- which I really try to keep in mind all the time: She said "when you feel tired, immediately STOP what you're doing and REST... Don't say to yourself 'I'm just going to finish XXX [whatever you're doing at the moment], then I'll rest,' because that NEVER happens, and you manage to really fatigue yourself that way. When you feel tired, just STOP. Period." (Sounds a bit drastic/idealistic, but maybe give it some thought, ladies, and see if you can't make it a bit more of a "routine" way of reacting to things compared to how we do now.....?)

So, I've really tried to be _disciplined_ in taking it easy, and if the kiddies sometimes have to eat a bit later, so be it. If dinner isn't ready when dh comes home, ditto (and, fortunately, he understands). One thing we're ALL guilty of, though, is "filling in the blanks" around the house for our family-members -- so they EXPECT everything to run seamlessly. Otoh, I've noticed that when I succesfully "fight the urge" to do housework, they often don't even really seem to _care about_ not having clean, matching socks, or having to eat out of tupperware containers, or whatever...!!! (Maybe there's a hidden message here???!?)

*sigh* Of course, after so long of putting up with the dust/clutter/etc. I, eventually=ALWAYS break down and give the house a good scrubbing from top to bottom, and then I feel completely DRAINED afterwards...! On the one hand, I feel "bad" for over-doing it on those occasions. Otoh, seeing those empty laundry baskets, clean corners in the stairwells and "sparkling clean" kitchen also give me a sense of "well-being." *sigh* Are we all just a bit compulsive in this way??! Maybe we need to think REALLY HARD (and not learn the hard way) about keeping our priorities straight, though... (??!)

Cramps/Cervix "Ranking": Last night, I had the WORST CRAMPS of my life -- seriously! -- ALL NIGHT LONG!!!! Reminded me of what Daniele went through with the flaxseed oil...!!! :-( I really think its (another!) stomach flu-bug making the rounds, but if I had not known better (i.e. that it didn't have anything to do with the Little Ones), I would have been in a REAL panic!!!!! Well, I can only attribute my cool-headedness (and hurty-bellyness!) to having two pgs under my belt, and sensing gastritis, as opposed to BH or something worse! We checked at the appt today just to make sure, and everything was still "fantastic" (according to doc) as far as my cervix not dilating goes....! Whew. ...Btw, I asked my doc about the "grading scale" for cervixes (cervices??!)/cervical canals, and she said it was based on centimeters... "3" is 3 cm long, "4" = 4 cm long, etc... Does this jive with what you ladies have experienced? (Note for the record ;-): When you go into labor, your cervix/cervical canal _flattens_ first (="effaces"), and _then_ dilates; which is why OBs check the _length_ of the cervical canal in us at this stage, when any discussion of dilation would mean you were even that much further "along" -- God forbid...!) My doctor is Belgian (obviously), so I wonder if what she said is accurate for in the US... Anyway, I had a "5.5" then, if that means anything...!!! :D

Valerie/Palpitations: I had my first experience of this the other night! I thought my heart was literally going to pop out of my chest for a minute there! I would have gotten nervous, but it somehow so closely resembled the "rush" feeling I get with BH that I didn't freak out. If it happens more, though, I think I might tell my doc. High blood pressure is something we esp have to be concerned with with twin pg (and for me at my age too!)!!

Valerie: That woman IS a B****! You're not alone in thinking that, but I was trying to be a bit more diplomatic in my post than I tend to be about these things. I'm really glad you're going to take some constructive action and I hope it works in your favor. You have all of our moral support, so GO FOR IT! And, btw, I think it's really cool that you posted this, other, "professional" dilemma to hear feedback from the board. Very cool to read everyone's input too. You're all so marvelous and multi-talented!!!!!

Lisa, I'm SO envious of your parents' trip to Mexico!! DH and I have been dreaming about a sunny get-away for a long time now already, and at this rate (with a future family of SIX), I just don't know when that's going to happen! Just the idea of those massages, though, already makes me feel more relaxed.... Ahhhhhhh........

megzmom, thanks for the post of all those sites! My brother will be visiting from the US around Easter time, hopefully, and I have already started my Shopping List of stuff he needs to bring along with him for the twins... That will sure help!!! :-D

Okay. I've prattled enough -- AGAIN! Keep taking good care of YouS, ladies, and I hope too, Melinda, that you are not overdoing it with the move!!

PS: Just read the Sports Illustrated posts! :eek: I have a suggestion but I don't know how you'll all take it (hopefully, you'll find it comforting!?): BREAST FEEDING burns more calories per hour than SWIMMING!!!! :-D I shedded my pg weight faster than I could EAT (to keep up w/demand) with BOTH of my babies....! Just a thought/encouragement... ;-)

[Dad of twins]

Lisa :
I don't know about your man but if I could hsve my wife pregnant all the time would be wonderfull. Well minus the emotions:crazy: I find any pregnant wome the most attractive woman in the world. I don't know what is about being pregnant but it is very atractive. So don't worry about those woman b/c you have something they don't!:bowdown:
ok well I have to go so

Jason

[megzmom]

I am absolutely putting us all in prayer. I think Trish was definately a wake up call for me.

I am already 1/2 into the pregnancy. I am not as outspoken about this pregnancy because I am so aware of the complications. Now I am even more scared and nervous.

Being super teacher and superwife, supermom is going to stop. Its funny the time I need to rest the most is when my cleaning fit kicks in. I always like a clean house but never stressed about it until getting pregnant. I think thats why dh and I had battles because he is probably jsut doing what we've always done and NOW I go and change things.

Not anymore...The cramps and aches are definately worth it and I am truly thankful now. The more they move and kick (little boxers) the happier I am.

Just like some of you, my boys also kick each other and hit each other in the face. I haven't had the u/s shock with privates in each other faces yet. :)

[TMoT]

Jason, your posts are such a treat! They always make me smile!

Leaky Boobs: Forgot to mention this!!!! I told the doc about my painful nipples episode and she said "UNDER NO CIRCUMSTANCES should you squeeze your nipples!!" She said this triggers a contraction reflex (which I remember from my b/f days actually :eek:) that shrinks your uterus and could trigger the onset of pre-term labor! :-((( On the plus side: Afterwards, when you actually start b/f, this same reflex gets your uterus back in shape and flattens that tummy! Eat your hearts out Sports Illustrated @#$%s!!! ;-)

[vthompson]

I had checked in a bunch of times before lunch, and now that I have come back, there are lots of posts!

Tmot - thanks for the info on squeezing nipples (I just realized how strange that sounds!!). That is good to know. Although it is easier said then done, try not to stress too much about the babies and the placenta issue. Right now, they are both at good weights and doing well. All you can do is take it day by day. At least you have to go to the doctor so much, so they should be able to catch any discrepancies right away. I will keep you in my prayers! Thanks for the support regarding my work issue. I like that other people are calling her names, too!! It makes me feel better!

Megzmom - I think that is a great attitude to have, we all need to give up being super anything. In fact, by taking it easy and listening to our bodies, we are being super moms because we are doing what is best for our little ones.

Jason - That was such a nice post to read. It is really great to hear that coming from a man! Thanks!

Valerie

[vthompson]

So, I wanted to order the book titled "Mothering Multiples: Breastfeeding and Caring for Twins or More" written by Gromada. I called the LaLeche group and they have the 1999 version. However, a 2005 version is coming out at the end of March. Do you think it is worth waiting for the newer version? Any thoughts let me know.

Valerie

[EBTwinz]

Busy day, today!

Jason: That was very sweet of you to write about pregnant woman. I think you just scored points with all of us. My Dh isn't into that stuff, either. I told him about the magazine and he told me that I am more beautiful than those women. Plus, I noticed he didn't even look at the magazine. I was the one flipping the pages and glaring at the pictures. ha ha!

Valerie: I was worried about the Csec too but I found some posts on this board about woman who have had them and their experiences. I am not sure where I read it, but it's around here, somewhere. If I find it I will let you know. It eased my fears. Most of them said it wasn't too bad. Also you can read the stories in the Feb and March '06 board of the mom's who have already had their babies. I think most of them had c-sections. You can always post a question for them. OH, I almost forgot.... Guess where I had lunch today???? Red Robin! I had the crispy chicken sandwich. I know you are jealous.:D

Sherry: Try not to stress over the placenta issue. I am sure your baby will be just fine. I am not sure if the level 2's are always accurate. At my last level 2, they told me that one of the babies has only 2 arteries in their umbilical cord instead of three. I guess it could affect growth at some point but he was my bigger baby by an ounce. I go back next week for another level 2 so I will let you know what I find out. Also, stop squeezing those nipples! :eek:

Megzmom: I agree with what you said. We don't need to be superwoman. We need to listen to our bodies and slow down. We are already superwomen for carrying these twins! :)

Valerie: Not sure what to tell you about the book. Maybe wait for the new version. It might have more updated info. Let me know what you decide. Maybe I need to order that book, too.

Okay, back to work.....
Lisa

[megzmom]

Nipples: oops I am not testing them out anymore! I completely forgot that too!

Book: I think its a good idea to wait. March is just around the corner and there definately could be more updated stuff. Let us know when you get it. YOu can be the guinea pig for us :)

Sprts illustrated: I agree the you all. My husband much rather have me and he's all I care about impressing. I guess with everything that has happened its not really important if you can fit back into preprego size. Just if you are happy and have a healthy family. I am sure most of the girls are not happy and definately not healthy. I'd choose mommy stretch marks over their lifestyle anyday!. Luckily I don't have any on my belly yet but I have alot on my breasts. Can you get varicose veins on your brest too? I am not sure if mine are but I have the darkest blue veins showing and at the end of the day they look bigger. TMI oops.

Level 2- What exactly is that? Is that the specialist appt or does it have to do with how far along you are? I have my specialist appt on Tuesday and I am so nervous. For obvious reasons plus last time she was so negative about the same placenta that I left so scared and depressed. I hope she ends it with a positive this time. Then the next day my 7 yr old is having surgery on her tonsils. I feel like I am living at the hospital (my ob office is on the same floor as labor/delivery as well as my daughter ENT)!!!!!!

Taxes: I was so excted this year because I saved the piles of dr receipts, etc and I was so sad that we had to meet a deductable on medical expenses. I spent over $1,000 last year but we had to meet $3,000+! Hopefully all the expenses of twins will be rewarded by Uncle Sam next year!

[Daniele'sTwins]

Ok, I just got back from my doctors (AGAIN) because those cramps that I have been telling you about since Tuesday mornign were getting so much worse! I went to see him and he checked the heartbeats and he also made sure I am still not dialting. He did say they are probably more contractions. I thought you could only have contractions when you are in labor but I guess you can have them all the time. I am just going to REST (no more walking around the neighborhood) and DRINK DRINK DRINK! He didn't say that is why, I do drink a lot but I know dehydration could cause contractions.

I also asked him if he is bothered by all the times I call is office and he said NO. I expalined to him that I have been working since I was 11 years old and I never took time out due to illness. I would always work even when I was so sick (God only knows why) but now it is not about me it is about my little boys and I will protect them. He agreed and told me that if his son is not feeling well he bothers his ped. I was glad we had that talk.

He also said that he does not think it is a good idea that I return to work after vacation next week. He did not say bed rest but he said stay home and rest. I am glad about that, it was really getting to be WAY too much with 24 seven year olds.

Lisa...:rotflmbo: You had me DYING about the Sports Illustrated! GUESS WHAT! My brother for some reason got two of the same issue so last night he gave one to my husband! I wanted to cry! I asked my brother how he could do that to me while I was getting so fat! LOL

Valarie...you asked some good questions, unfortunately I know nothing about that but I am looking forward to finding out the answers myself.

Sherry...Try not to worry about the notch in the cord. I am sure it will be fine. I like that they see you so often so if anything comes up they will grab it right away!

We are all going to be fine! I love to pray and I think it helps so much!

[EBTwinz]

I have a question, very off topic, but does anyone watch American Idol? My co-workers and I just had a discussion about how hot that Ace guy is!!! :throb: My preggo hormones were in overdrive last night! And his name made me think about when Sherry said to name the babies Ace and Spade.

~Lisa

[Daniele'sTwins]

Megzmom...you are going through so much right now, having twins is going to be a piece of cake for you! You are amazing! I think that is why women have babies and are the mothers. Men are wonderful but women are so strong when it comes to holding it all together for their family!

[Daniele'sTwins]

Lisa,

I love American Idol. I do watch it and I haven't missed a concert yet. I will most likely miss this year though...lol. I did not see it last night but I tivo-d it. I will check out Ace and get back to you!

:rotflmbo:

[vthompson]

WOW!! Super busy afternoon!

Lisa - Unfortunately, I do not watch American Idol, but I have to just to check out this Ace guy!

Daniele - I am glad that everyone is ok, despite the cramping. I think it is a good thing that you not go back to work, too! I cannot imagine being on my feet all day with all those children. Take it easy and enjoy this time off, although I am slightly jealous ;) That is so funny what you said about the SI from your brother. I would have probably started to cry, too! Crazy hormones! It sounds as though we all have great husbands, though, that make us still feel sexy and desirable, despite our own insecurities.

Megzmom - I also have the very dark blue veins on my breasts. Everything I have read saids it is normal because of the increase of blood flow. I hope your daughter's surgery goes well. Keep us updated. As for level II, that is when you go to the high risk doctor for an ultrasound. I have my regular ob and then I see the high risk doctor, too who does all the ultrasounds. That really sucks about the taxes. Next year, we will all be able to receive the child credit times 2! :clap:

Lisa - I am SOOOO jealous about Red Robin! Isn't that crispy chicken sandwich AMAZING!! Yummy! :crazy:

Well, I think I may wait until end of March to order that book. I am hoping it has good info in it. I will let everyone know how it is! Talk to you soon!

Valerie

[4redheadedboys]

Hey everyone, I normally post on the due in July thread and just lurk about here, but I wanted to respond to the c-section question earlier. This is my third pg, first w/twins and both my boys are c/s babies. First one was an emergency after 22 hours of labor. I had to be knocked out for that one and my second was planned and only had spinal. My recovery from each went really well, no complications. I was up and walking soon after each, sooner after the second one. Try not to be too afraid of the c/s, mine truly were not that bad and I was out of the hospital after 3 days with both. The best advice is to get up and walk and move as soon as they say it's ok, and they gave me this girdle like thing that holds you tight and that helped SO much!!! Ask for it if it is not offered. My twins are due July 18 and they will also be c/s babies. And then I'm done.

[Daniele'sTwins]

Lisa...when you come up to RI can you please bring some of that Red Robin...I don't know what that is! We don't have one here! I feel left out.:D

[qbanmom5]

I am sooo sad to hear about Trish's baby. They must be mourning in a way that I can't imagine. We really have to take it easy ladies. Listen to our bodies, and drink tons of water.

Lisa: That is sooo funny about Ace. The first thing I though of was Ace and Spade too. DH even asked what was so funny and he thought I was laughing because I thought Ace was cute. He's not bad, btw.

Megzmom: I really want you to take it easy. If things are a little messy, it is o.k. It is temporary. You have the rest of your life to clean up and maintain the home how you like it, but only a few more months that can change the life of your babies and your family. So go lie down. Just kidding.

Sherry: Don't worry about the placenta, leave it to God, drink your water, and rest. Oh and leave those nipples alone. Thanks for the information, I won't be squeezing mine anymore that's for sure.

Valerie: Glad to see you are doing well despite that Wench at work. I had that same question about breastfeeding and meds and I was told that hospitals are very supportive and that lots of women who had pain meds during labor are allowed to breastfeed. That was a relief to me because I plan on asking for 'em the minute I get in there.

Jason: Thanks for the morale boost. Did you ever watch the New Zoo Review? This morning I told my husband I felt like Henrietta (the hippo) when I put on my pink top. He almost died laughing. Just kind of hard to feel attractive when I am ambling around like a weeble wobble.

Before I get on with my usual griping, I have a question. My cousin's wife (25 weeks pregnant with a boy) told me today that when she had her amnio they found her AFP levels were a little elevated. I don't know really what that could indicated, I just tried to be reassuring. Does anyone know what that could mean?
As for me, I had an appointment today. I am a bit disconcerted. I saw the doctor in December for my visit and haven't seen him since. In January, I saw a nurse --the dr. was not there. Today, I saw another nurse. The doctor was again not there. They checked my urine, blood pressure, hearbeats, and measured my uterus. No one has checked my cervix. He may have in December when I had a pap. Who knows what he was doing there. Is it O.K. that I haven't seen the doctor? I normally wouldn't care, but the last nurse said my uterus was measuring 24(inches, cm whatever) and today's nurse said I am 25. How can I have only grown 1 (inch, cm, whatever) in a month? I gained 3 pounds. I feel like an elephant. Do you think today's nurse could have mismeasured? My last u/s (Feb. 8) showed they were growing fine. What would you guys do?

[Tiny Blessings]

Hi ladies and gentleman...

Went to a confernence today, so had a day away from the office and got to have lunch with a coworker at the Olive Garden....it was a nice treat (the yummy lunch, catching up with an old coworker, and being away from the daily grind). I was so exhausted by the afternoon though that I went to my husband's office and took a nap for 1 1/2 hours while he went to pick up my son from daycare for me. What is with this???? I miss my energy level and feel like an old decrepid (not to mention HUGE) person sometimes! LOL.

qbanmom5: How about calling and specifying that you want to be seen by the doctor. I can't imagine they would not honor your request and you have every right to request to do so. And for each follow up, just be sure they scheudle you with the doctor. And by the way, I have seen a Dr. each time and there has been no cervix checking. At my last appt the Dr. said they would begin doing so at each appt around week 28.

Daniele, it is good that you are going to be resting instead of being on your feet all day long...that isn't good for you. Hooray for you! And Sherry, you will drive yourself crazy worrying about something that you can NOT control....I am confident that they will closely monitor the babies, which will help to ease your mind and ensure that all continues to go well. Try not to focus on this, but instead on the positives.

Keeping everyone in my thoughts and hoping that we all keep our babies safely tucked inside for many, many more weeks so they are born healthy and safe. :throb:

Tina

PS....Pregnancy brain struck again....I had picked out the new cabinets for the kitchen and DH ordered them 2 weeks ago. Yesterday, I went to pick out the granite countertops and saw the cabinet color and burst out crying. I can't believe I picked that! It was awful and doesn't match any of the rest of my house, which we have already redone. Then the lady told me it was too late to change the color. I was miserable. Today, DH called the manufacturer and they changed to color for us (thank you, lord!). They told him he called just in time...they were staining the cabinetry starting TODAY and if he had called 15 minutes later it would have been too late. LESSON LEARNED: Preganancy is NOT the time to make major removations to the home that one must live with for the next 30 years unless a sane and emotionally level headed person(DH in this case) is there to back up each choice that is made! LOL.....;)

[vthompson]

Tina - It is so nice to get out and have lunch from time to time! I feel the same way about the energy, I just cannot make it through the afternoon. I think pregnant people should be allowed to leave work early and nap :crazy: I am so glad that your DH was able to change your cabinets! Isn't funny what makes us cry now that we are pregnant!

Qbanmom5 - I choose to not have an amnio so unfortunately, I do not know much about it. Did she ask her doctor what it meant? She could also try and do some research on the Internet, although that can freak us out even more. As for your doctor issue, I would either write down a list of questions you have for him since you saw him last and call and ask to speak to him or call and make an appt with him, not his nurse. I agree that you have every right to do that! I have not had my cervix checked at any of my appts. The only time I did was when I went to the hospital last week, but the doctor did not give me any measurements.

imhavingtwins - Thank you so much for posting your experiences with c/section. It helps to calm my nerves! After your c section, did they give you meds after the c section to control your pain? And if so, did you breastfeed? Just curious . . .

Valerie

[Dad of twins]

We went out to dinner last night at a mexican place. The wife was mad b/c she could not have a margarita which is her favorite! We were there with a bunch of friends. One of our friends is also pg with a girl. when they walked in my wife stood up to huge her. It was so funny to see two pg women try to huge each other around their bellies:clap: It was really funny to see! I know how much you woman are into food so I will tell you what she had! She had chile cheese dip and chicken casadea. I can't spell:crazy: She said it was good.
I really enjoy talking to you girls! I know sometimes I am just comic relief but that is ok with me:D If I can make you smile when your feeling a little down then I did my job.
I never really answered your questions about haveing to stand my wife on her head! They have to raise the bed as high as it can go then tilt the head of the bed as far down as it can go. So she is almost on her head!!!
I hope that all you girls keep feeling strong and enjoy the pg. Try not to let anything bother you b/c this is something special and you should savor every second of it as well as you DH's too! I have already been trying to talk the wife into number 4!! She is like "What are you thinking!!!" What can I say I like children and pg woman!! That isn't a crime:dude: That guy is pretty funny!
Alright have to go and play candy land with my daughter! She beats me most of the time. Well I hope that you all continue to feel well and enjoy!!!


Jason

[4redheadedboys]

imhavingtwins - Thank you so much for posting your experiences with c/section. It helps to calm my nerves! After your c section, did they give you meds after the c section to control your pain? And if so, did you breastfeed? Just curious . . .

Yes they did give me pain meds and I took them for a couple of days but after like day three I just used Tylenol and I did breastfeed both, my youngest was immediately after all his tests, my oldest was in the NICU for 5 days so we had to pump. Hope this helps

[EBTwinz]

Hi everyone. I am just now getting a chance to get on here. Busy morning. Meetings... Anyways, I have a question for you all. Do you feel the babies move a lot? For the past couple weeks, I felt them kick pretty hard during the day. The past two days, I have hardly felt them at all. Yesterday, I was worried about them so I poked at my stomach and then I felt two swift kicks on one side and the other one kicked me from the other side. But that was about it. I felt both of them this morning when I first woke up, but I haven't felt much movement after that. I wonder if it's because they are getting bigger and there isn't as much room to move around. What do you all think? Should I call the doctor? My stomach is getting really big, so I am assuming that they are growing. I just worry that they are okay.

Daniele: I am so jealous that you get to stay home from work! It's probably a good idea, though, since you are on your feet all day. Just no more 1.5 mile walks!!! Oh, and Red Robin is a chain restaurant, very family oriented. I guess it's comprable to an Applebees but w/ more sandwich and salad type foods. It's very yummy!!

Megzmom: With my experience w/ a level two (which my doc doesn't even call it that, I just heard it on here) is I go to the tech for a more formal u/s. Then I see my doc afterwards for the results. I don't see a peri. I just go to a reg OBGYN but I am in the "high risk" clinic. My doc usually sees high risk pregnancies. Then I will have a regular bedside u/s in his office just to check the babies heartbeats, etc. I have the dark veins on my boobs, too. And purple marks which are going to end up as stretch marks. UGH!

imhavingtwins: thanks for the info on the csec. Please feel free to jump on our board anytime. I know I am always looking at the April and May threads to see how their pregnancies are progressing.

qbanmom5: I am not sure what the AFP levels mean, either. I agree w/ Valerie, you can look it up on the internet but sometimes that is scary! It may cause some unnecessary worrying! I also think you should call the doc's office and demand to see the doc next time. You are having twins and even if nothing is wrong, you are still considered a high risk pregnancy. So, they owe it to you to see the doctor, not a nurse. And I like the idea of bringing in a list of things you want to discuss.

Jason: we enjoy talking to you, too! You always make me laugh when I am reading your posts.

Tina: I am glad you were able to change the cabinents. I prob would have cried, too! :cry: I am building a house so I know what you mean about picking out colors for cabinents. I did it before I found out I was pregnant. I am so glad I didn't have to do it now. I would never be able to make up my mind!

Valerie: How's work???

Monica: How's moving???

Okay, talk to you all soon. Oh, I almost forgot, I posted the wrong name the other day when we were talking about the mom's who lost a baby. It was Sarah, not Stacey.

~Lisa

[EBTwinz]

Well I just answered my own question. After I posted, I felt them move for the last hour. I think they changed positions because I am feeling the kicks up higher. They both used to be breech, now I think one of them flipped. That could explain why I didn't feel them, as much. When they kick lower, it's more noticeable. But, I still want to know your experiences w/ the kicking.

Lisa

[vthompson]

Lisa - It is so funny that you just posted because I was getting worried about you ;) As for movement, I have days like that, too, where the babies are definitely less active. Then, some days they will only be active at night, and other days they will be active during the day. I think I read that you should call your doctor if you haven't felt any movement within 24 hours. However, if it will help ease your mind, then I would call just to be on the safe side. Is your house almost built? Will it be ready before the babies come? That is exciting! As for work, same old boringness. Just trying to chug along counting the time till I can go home! My DH and I are going to dinner tonight and then buy a birthday gift for our niece/nephew's party tomorrow. They are 6 year old twins on my DH's side. It is my BIL's children, so the twins run on their mom's side, not on my DH's side. I am not good with doing things on Fridays after I worked all day, so we will see how this goes!

Jason - You definitely provide me with some good laughs! Keep it up!

So, I was wondering if anyone is having this symptom. I have been drinking tons of water since the beginning of the pregnancy, but I still go the bathroom almost every 30 minutes during the day. Lately, I get the sensation that I have to urinate and then it honestly feels like one of the babies kicks me in my bladder and for a brief second, I feel like I may pee my pants. This feeling comes and goes until I get up to go. I am assuming that one of them is laying close to my bladder and causing this. Has anyone else experienced this?

Valerie

[Dad of twins]

valerie: That just happened to my wife last night. She said she had to go pee then One of them kicked her in the bladder. She didn't think she was going to make it to the bathroom.
Oh by the way if it seems that we have alot of u/s it is b/c she works in the X-ray dept and they check every now and then on the boys! We already have a photo album of u/s pictures!
Lisa: I am glad that the babys are moving b/c I know how nervous you girls can get when you don't feel them for a while! That is why it is good that my wife works there b/c in times like that she checks on the boy's!

[MarineMurdock]

I bet my wife wishes they would not kick for a couple hours. They are continuously kicking, hard! It is funny, you can see them drag their foot across her stomach. I love it, she says it is very painful at times though. She is constantly battling with them for a peaceful sleeping moment. Lately it has been causing alot of acid reflux (heartburn). Doc gave us some meds yesterday for it. Glad to see another Dad on here.

[vthompson]

So, I know a couple of you go "moonlighting" on other posts. I decided to take a look at April and May today and just briefly read some of them. I found myself FREAKING out!! So many of the moms have given birth, on bedrest, lost a baby, etc. Does anyone else freak out reading them? I feel like I am now more paranoid then ever!!

Valerie

[EBTwinz]

I just went to lunch w/ some co-workers and there was a woman there w/ three little kids. There was a girl about 4 yo and a boy and girl that looked like the same size. So, I asked her if they were twins and she said yes. Then I told her that I am having twins and she told me about a support group in my area for Mother's of Multiples, but it is called Peas in a Pod. They are a branch of the M.O.M group. I did get some info on the M.O.M. group, but the meetings were later at night and it was about a 1/2 hour drive from where I am moving. Well, this group is about 10 mins away. She told me that they also make meals for you once the babies are born. I am soooo excited about this! I can't wait to go to one of their meetings!!:yippee:

Anyways, I don't think I am going to call my doc about the babies because they have been kicking up a storm since I last posted. So, I think they are okay. It's just somedays, they kick more and a lot harder. Yesterday they were pretty quiet. I think I actually woke them up when I was poking my tummy. But, today they are kicking away.

Valerie: We bought our house back in August in a new development. They started building it in Nov and it's finally done! I can't wait to move!!! We are moving next week. I have never had a house, just lived in apts or townhomes. So this is really exciting!!:woo: As for your kicking question, I do feel the little guys kicking down south. And when they kick my bladder, I feel like I am going to pee myself. I drink a ton of water, too, and I am always running to the bathroom. I think I go every 30 mins, too. And yes I get really freaked out when I read the other posts. But then there are some woman who have had their babies at around 36-37 weeks and they are fine. So, that is reassuring for me. Read the March and Feb threads. I know one woman had a csection scheduled for this week and last I read, her babies were weighing in at 7lbs each! I don't think she posted since she had them but I am sure she is one busy lady. I know that the one woman was having a lot of complications throughout her whole pregnancy and she just gave birth. She may be about 28 weeks. I hope she is okay, I know she was worried about having them too early.

Jason: That's awesome that your wife gets to see the babies so often. I am jealous. I get so excited for my appts. It's like Christmas time for me!!

marinemurdock: Another dad! Yeah! When is your wife due? How is she doing?

Well, back to work...
Lisa

[Jillmami]

Valerie-I have been reading other month's posts also in order to see what's ahead of us. I have been on bedrest for 10 days now and am on it until I deliver. Fortunately I can get up for restroom breaks and showers. I expected some bedrest in perhaps late April/ early May; not in early February!! You definitely never know what can happen and when. I now have a hospital bag ready to go just in case. Even if it's overnight!

To the two dads... I don't know if it's better to have constant kicking or not too much. :confused: I think because of my height and the fact that I wasn't slender or average weight to begin with, I don't feel them too much. I also know their position is a bit funky. But they are healthy and move enough.

qbanmom5 - I would definitely request to see the doctor. Twins are more specialized and I would let them know you do not feel comfortable just seeing the nurse. My doctor recently told me that they are discovering more and more women carrying multiples that have issues with dilating. Even to just 1cm in 2nd trimester. That is caused by extra pressure, stress, etc. It is important to have the cervix checked on those regular appointments. I would say something if I were you. If I did not have my cervix checked at my 23 week appt., we would have possibly lost both babies due to early dilating :xfingers:

Again to the dads, glad you are here! It's always nice to get the male perspective!

Keep listening to your bodies, get lots of rest, and of course... drink that h20!!

Take care,
Jill

[Daniele'sTwins]

Hi Everyone...

Lisa...I checked out Ace and yes he is so cute! I also like Chris because from the first time he was on auditioning his wife/girlfriend was so excited for him. Didn't he take in her two kids like his own or something? I though he was sweet.
As for the movement of the babies, I feel the same as you! A lot and then like nothing for so long. i don't know why that is either.
I also stop all twins I see! I feel like I have to let the mom know that I am having twins too! LOL. I am glad you did stop her and now you know about the Pea in a Pod group. That sounds like so much fun! Please make sure to share any info you get from the group.
I can't believe that the babies were 7lbs a piece! YIKES! I am hoping for 36 weeks myself, not sooner. That would put me at May 16th and I think that would be perfect. When I went to my appointment two weeks ago my babies were already 1lb a piece so I think they will be big babies anyway. My goal is at LEAST 5lbs closer to 6lbs would be fabulous but 7lb is scary!

Qbanmom5...I agree with everyone else on the topic of asking to see your doctor at your next visit and then here on in in your pregnancy. That is one of the reasons I left my last OBGYN. Anytime I had a question or a problem they would have the nurse call me and never the doctor. Don't get me wrong, the nurse was SO nice and she had better bedside manner than the doctor but I was going through a miscarriage at the time and the doctor never called me! I was so insulted.

Tina...I agree with your feelings of "Old and Decrepid". I feel like I walk like an old lady and it is not even due to my belly size but all the pain in my legs and knees!
I laughed when I heard about your cabinets...I can't make up my mind for anything anymore! I am constantly changing my baby registry, I don't know if I could pick out things for a house right now.

imhavingtwins...Thanks so much for your post on c-sections. I am having a c-section too and I love to hear when people say it is not that bad!

Jason...I am so glad that you love your wife's pregnant body! My husband claims to love mine too. I have to say I do as well. I have never felt more femine in my life.

MarineMurdock...Your pictures are great! How long were you in Iraq? Thanks for all you have done for us!! As for the heartburn, I get it very little when I lay down but it doesn't bother me too much. I heard (wht may be an old wives tale) that when you get heartburn it is because of the baby having a lot of hair.

Valarie...I know what you mean about reading the other threads! I feel like when I look on them all I do is CRY! My mother came by the other day when I was reading them and I was hysterical and she told me not to go on that anymore. She said read some good stories instead! I can't help it. I feel terrible for those families! I am so glad my doctor took me out of work. I want to cook these babies with no stress!

Jill...I am so sorry you are on bedrest! But I am so glad your doctors are on top of you! We need healthy happy twin babies! We will do anything for them even if it is to lay in bed all day ...WHICH I KNOW IS NOT COMFORTABLE! A few extra hours of sleep is great but bedrest is tough work and I give you so much credit! You are doing a great thing for those babies! You are already a great mom!

I am feeling pretty good today. I found a website that was very informative on pumping and breastfeeding. www.medela.com They answer so many questions !

[TMoT]

Hi, All. It's been a while for me! Ended up having to go to the hospital yesterday with those cramps I told you about...! :-( It took them FIVE HOURS to deduce that I had gastro-interitus (generic name for "stomach/intestinal problems" imho!), which I had been telling them from the moment I walked in the door!! I was livid, on top of suffering like a beast -- being pg, sick from the flu-bug (which is causing all this), and being shuffled around all over the HUGE hospital complex, on foot, in the rain! :-((( Well, they gave me some anti-cramp medicine, and (see if this isn't ironic!) a treatment to help me retain water since I was in jeopardy of becoming dehydrated!!!! The Queen of Water Intake! Go figure. :-( Well, I took the cramping medicine twice and everything seems over now, so I've stopped. I has the side-effects of making you retain water (!) and raising BP, so I figured I need as little of that as possible.... I feel flu-ey, but on the mend anyway (I pray), so I hope I'll be back to my normal, grumpy pg self by the end of the weekend! ;-)

Got to see LOTS of the babies though!!! DH stayed with me in the hospital, and the ER staff couldn't figure out what to do with me, so they sent us to the OB/GYN ward (!) where we got a very nice u/s done!! ;-) Small perk in this big drama. Little Girl had her legs crossed modestly and was sucking her thumb. She and her brother were laying head-to-head and looking up, like star-gazers. Sweet as could be. :-)

Next L2 u/s on Friday. I'm excited about that!!!

Movement: It's true that no movement isn't good and too much movement isn't either. But, imho, at this stage in the pg, it's not as much of an issue as it is later on... In the last 4-6 weeks of pg#2, my mid-wife asked me to keep a mental "movement chart" in my head each day. After a while, you begin to see what a "usual" pattern is for your baby/ies. There are also some benchmarks (x# of movements per day, but I don't remember) which you can probably find online... REALLY though, don't worry about this now, unless you feel a LOT of movement accompanied by contractions. Then, you have something to be concerned about 'cause it could mean babies are in distress. But if it comes to that, I'm SURE you will KNOW without uncertainty that something is "wrong."

...Each time I see the little ones on the u/s I'm amazed at how much they're moving around and how little I actually feel it. ;-) Granted, you all are a bit further along than I am, but don't forget, there's the issue of your own weight, # of prior pgs/uterine "thickness," location of the placentas, etc., etc. that you also have to take into account... In our 7.5-8-9th months you'll be feeling all the movement you want (and then some!), I can assure you!!!! In the meantime, I wouldn't recommend jabbing at the little ones to illicit a response from them, sillies!!:crazy: Try to keep in mind how fragile they (and their environment) still are at this stage. If anything, I read that Daddy's "voice" through a paper-towel roll (honest!), or a hot/cold cloth on your belly can be more "gentle" ways to provoke them to move now, if you really want them to...! ;-)

I also distinctly remember ds#1 JUMPING when i accidently made a loud noise in the bathtub (i.e. shower head hitting side of tub) when I was 8mos along in pg with him. Remember: Noise carries in water, and they are sitting in water to begin with. So, if you really MUST ;-), maybe the bath is a good place to "experiment" with getting babies to move...??? ;-)

Bladder Blows: When I walked into my physiotherapist's office at 7mos along with pg#1, I said "@#$! Today I feel like he's just SITTING ON my bladder!!!" And she replied, "Well, the way you're standing right now, he IS!!!" I don't know if this has anything to do with the bladder punches you guys are feeling, but try this: When you are standing and/or walking (AT ALL TIMES, in fact), try to keep your pelvis "rocked" forwards (like you're walking with your hips/pelvis first -- and if you were to bump into someone/thing it'd be your pelvis that hits before anything else -- Imaginary, I know, but you get the idea!). If you're doing it "right," you'll feel your tummy naturally tuck "in" (imagine that!!) and your lower back flatten out. Then (here's the important part) the babies will move "back" into a kind of void/space within your pelvis that is specifically THERE for THEM. They, consequently get off/away from your bladder, where they (technically) are not supposed to be, and hopefully, your bladder won't be as much of a convenient punching bag for them...

One of the things we tend to do during pg, especially after a long, tiring day, is let our lower backs "sway"/arch forward -- thus exacerbating the size of our bellies, and "pushing" the babies forward/out of their normal "nest" down/inside our pelvises. (Does any of this sound familiar??) It is TERRIBLE for your back to do this!! It contributes HUGELY to back/leg pain and also (something I found out by experience) can exaggerate "fundal height" measurements on the OB check-up table...

...If it helps for getting the correct back/pelvis position -- and btw this REALLY works for me when i'm laying/trying to fall asleep too! -- I often think of a "faberge egg" sitting in it's tripod, to get the "right" image of how I should "hold" my body/back. ...Do you know what I'm talking about here? Maybe I'll try to find an image to include if that might help!! Here's one (I've actually seen these, when I lived in Moscow where I got pg with ds#1!! How ironic!!):

Check out especially PICS #2 and #3!!
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/in_depth/photo_gallery/3725417.stm

In my head, the babies are The Egg (appropriate!) and your pelvis is The Tripod = three-legged "holder" which the egg sits in. (Too bad we don't have a third leg! Then maybe this problem wouldn't happen, eh??!!) ...When your back is arched, the "tripod" becomes off-balance (=tipping forwards) and the egg is "dangling" over the front edge of it. Otoh, if your hips are "rocked" forwards (lower-back straight, tummy "tucked"!), the tripod is level, the "egg" sits down in the tripod, and the babies have more room, more comfortable space to "hang out" in. ...Just my idea... ;-) Wonder if it might help anyone else???!?

Fundal Height Measurement: On this note... Personally, I don't think this is the best/most accurate way to tell how much you/babies/uterus have grown from one check-up to the next, because of what I wrote above. So, for the woman who wrote about only "having grown 1 inch/cm in one month's time"-- Don't Panic, imho! But, of course, I'm not an OB. Just to try to get the measurements as consistent as possible, though, MAKE SURE that your lower-back is as _flat_ on the consultation room table as possible when the measurement is done (as opposed to accidently arching your back and creating extra "room" under there), because the difference this can cause in the resulting measurement can be HUGE (several inches one way or the other!), as I've experienced. Just a pointer/something to keep in mind.....

Ace and Spade: I'm so glad you all got such a kick out of this name "idea"!! BUT I'm bummed I don't get to check out the "real" Ace myself! Wah! ...Btw, do you think that's his REAL name???! Would any of us, honestly, name our son "ACE"??!?!? Hmmmm....

Valerie, I forgot to mention this, but I play online poker at Hollywoodpoker.com (??!)... My handle is (FORGIVE the obscenity, but this name had me in stitches too) "damimhard"!!!!! LOL It's actually the name of a not-so-good electronica track my dh once played for me. Liked the title better than the music, actually! So, V, if you're ever online (and I DO recommend this as entertainment for bed-bound Mommies!), see if you can find me! I usually play the PLAY MONEY (!), medium-sized ($25-50) blinds, Pot Limit tables with FIVE players. Wow. That's pretty specific. Hopefully (even with the time difference), you'll find me sometime and we can chat and play Texas Hold'Em together!!! ;-) (Btw, there are many more women on these sites than you'd imagine! They all just have ambiguous or very masculine-sounding names (like mine)!!) LOL

Till then. Much love to everyone, and take care of those precious Faberge Eggs of yours!!!!

[EBTwinz]

I just have a quick question for you all. I am busy packing today so I don't have much time to write. But, yesterday morning I woke up w/ excruciating pain in my left calf. I woke my Dh up and he had to massage my leg. I couldn't even move my foot. It was horrible. It was like my leg locked up. My Dh told me it was a cramp, he used to get them while playing sports. But, the pain has persisted all day long. It just feels really sore, like a pulled muscle. And I had a hard time sleeping last night because of worrying that it will cramp up again. Today, my calf is still sore. I just want to make sure it's a cramp and not a blood clot, because I know pregnant women are prone to blood clots, too. BUt, I checked the symptoms and I don't have any swelling or redness. Is anyone else getting cramps? I read that cramps are common, too. I just really feel like I pulled a muscle. :eek:

I will check back later. Packing and moving is not fun while you are pregnant!!!

Lisa

[vthompson]

Lisa - It seems as though cramping is normal during pg. Maybe this one was so bad because you have been packing. Perhaps it is just a little too much for your body to handle. Did you try sitting down for a little while or change positions? As for blood clots, I do not know enough about them to know the symptoms. If the condition persists, I would call your doctor just to be on the safe size.

Tmot - I am so glad that your hospital visit proved to be nothing too serious, although the waiting and anticipation can be very aggravating. That is what happened to me last week when I went, it just turned out to be stomach issues. However, it is better to go and make sure then not go at all. Thanks for the poker site, I will definitely have to check that out!

Daniele - I have checked out the medela site before, they do have some very good info. I also think that if you buy one of their pumps, you can ask questions to their on staff lactation consultant. The advice your mom gave you about staying off the other posts was the same thing my DH told me because I get so upset for the other families and start to worry about my pregnancy. It can just be so stressful to think about all that could happen. But, I am trying to have a very positive attitude as to how I think the rest of this pregnancy will go! It is just very hard sometimes.

Jill - Thank God the doctor had checked you at that appt. I am glad that they are on top of things for you. Hang in there with the bedrest and keep checking the post to pass time! When did the doctor start checking your cervix? I was just curious. My ob hasn't checked mine yet.

I have my next level II on Wed, very anxious to see the babies again! So, I really screwed up this weekend. We were out with some friends last night, they are also pregnant with twins, identical girls. Anyways, my DH and I decided not to tell anyone the names of the babies, except you guys :) However, I always call them by their name when DH and I talk about them or when I talk to them myself. Well, in conversation, I accidentally referred to Corey by name. This is the second time I have done this! I felt so bad! We are going to try and continue to keep it secret, but my mouth seems to be preventing it.

Well, I am going to nap! Talk to everyone soon!

Valerie

[TMoT]

Lisa, good luck with the packing/move!!!! Sorry about your leg, though! :-(

I've been having this kind of cramping (less severe than what you describe, but really chronic) ALL ALONG! It happens where you would normally get "shin-splints" (a typical problem for runners -- soreness/"spasms" where the tendons attach to the bone in your calves); and even a lot of massage, etc., doesn't make them go away... I checked online for some advice on treatment/prevention, but there isn't a lot that's conclusive. At least, with this, you know you're not alone, though!!!

http://www.babycenter.com/refcap/pregnancy/prenatalhealth/250.html

On the site, it suggests that our "new" pg posture, extra weight, etc. causes unusual strain on our calves that wouldn't be there otherwise. Not 100% sure of this conclusion, but maybe. I find that the cramps come on days when I've done a lot of walking around as often as when I've been much more sedentary, so I just don't think that's it. Honestly, I think (sigh) it's another vitamin/nutrition question (or maybe a combination of the two things?), but who knows?!??!!!

In my first pg, the doc suggested magnesium supplements and that made the cramping go away. Before you do this, though, check with your OB (there are implications for calcium retention, etc., with mg supplements). This time around, that doesn't seem to be working as well though... :-(

My sister had the same thing with her twin pg and she drank a glass of tonic water before bedtime (when the cramps usually set in the worst), and said that worked really well. Now, I'm about ready to try anything...

At least that's a couple of pointers.... Of course, a nice warm bath before bed (my mom's usual "treatment" for all that ails you -- and, afterall, she's a mom of twins too!), can do a lot to take "stress" out of your body, and cramping, hopefully, too. ESPECIALLY after a long day of packing/moving!!!

Well, try some of these things out and please let me know how it goes!! If you find something else that works, I'd also love to hear about it!

And, GOOD LUCK with the move!! :aww:
x,

[teresa67]

Sherry,

One reason for leg cramps is the babies are "greedy" for minerals and will take it from your body, resulting in leg cramps. Be sure your on a good prenatal.
You might want to talk to your doctor about taking 2 prenatal vitamins each day, double up on the dose. My doc has me on 2, she did the research for twins and says its alright, just dont double up on your iron pill if your taking one.
There's a book, called , twins, triplets and quads.......don't remember the official name. It has a study in it showing benefits from taking 2 prenatals for the twins.

My doctor told me she had a twin mom that took the 2 prenatals and she's never seen an easier delivery, this woman had no labor pains. Now that sounds like one in a million to me, but it may help the leg cramps.

[TMoT]

Valerie, thanks so much for the words of support! I'm stressing now about the fact that they said my blood pressure was "high" during the ER check-up, and I keep having these near-collapses when my blood sugar runs low... (Is anyone else having this????) ...Yesterday, I saw that the sugar in my urine (have these urine test strips from pg#2 still) is a bit elevated. NOW, of course, I'm worried about dehydration (as ER doc warned), pre-eclampsia (the BP thing!) AND gestational diabetes! :-((( Just getting paranoid, I suppose, but I'm ONLY half-way through this pg!!!

*sigh*

Hope the negativism will pass. It's just not like me, but I'm starting to feel like it's an up-hill battle, no matter how cautious, careful and positive I'm trying to be... :-((

Hope you're all coping well -- especially Jill and the bedrest. (Jill, get on the poker site too and me and Val will be your table buddies!) My love and emotional support to you all!
:grouphugg

[TMoT]

Teresa, thanks a BUNCH for that tip! I'm definitely going to look into it! Wish I'd have known even SOONER!! :-D

Thanks!

[Tiny Blessings]

Hello all. Nice to see another dad joining us now...it is great to get the male perspective from you guys.

I haven't gone to the other threads to check out the progress of those ahead of us pregnancy wise. (GEEZ...I barely have time to keep up with this one!) But I don't think I will now that I have heard from some of you ladies. I don't think I can handle any more to worry about! Does that seem crazy?

Lisa, it sounds like maybe you had what is referred to as a charlie horse? I have had this happen once during this pregnancy and a few time later in pregancy with my first. It can be quite painful and having DH massage your calf is great. The muscle pain should relent within a few days. If it happens again, try to get your toes pulled upward (even though it hurts) to relieve the muscle cramping as soon as possible. You want to stop the cramp ASAP to minimize the after affects. (besides, you want to stop it ASAP cuz it hurts like h*##)! Good luck....hope your calf feels better soon.

Sorry to hear about your illness, TMOFT.....glad that everything is good with the babies, though. Sounds like that was a cute u/s pic!

As for the kicking and movement, it is pretty normal for the kiddos to have more active days and more placent days, just like us. As long as you are feeling them periodcially things should be just fine. Another way to "wake" them is to drink some fruit juice, as the natural sugars really get them moving! (I always drink juice 20-30 minutes before my u/s appts to really watch them go.....don't know if the u/s techs like it, but who cares!)

Is anyone else struggling with numb/tingling hands and finding relief? This happened with my previous pregnancy, but it is occuring much earlier and worse this time around. Mine continues to prgress and I have taken to wearing wrist braces (how attractive!) My hands are constantly tingling and my grasp is really compromised. YUCK! The wrist splints help to stablilize my wrists and I am hoping it will help....

Valerie, Good luck at you level II on Wed. Mine is on Thursday. Can't wait to hear your update!
And Lisa...take it easy with the moving today! And congrats on the new house!

Tina

[Jillmami]

Valerie - I have been having level 2 u/s since quite early in my pregnancy since they thought that baby B was in the cornual position and would probably need to be terminated. After an MRI, all turned out to be just fine. (Thanks for the unwarranted stress on that one! :woa: ) They pretty much have taken a look at it each month since. I was doing just fine at my 19 week u/s but at the 23 week, that's where they discovered my plug completely gone and the 1cm dilation. Not to mention that baby A's head was snuggled right up to the opening of the cervix. :eek: Luckily, nothing had descended into the cervix canal. I had no symptoms except for pain in my pelvic bones when I stood up. Nothing different with discharge than what most women on here have described. Needless to say, I was very lucky with the dr. appt. timing considering I teach out in the country an hour from a hospital. I believe it was God's suttle way of telling me to get off my feet and rest!! ;)

I too have had numbness. I notice it gets worse when my arms/hands hang off the bed. I wake up and have to rearrange myself. I have been trying to do some gentle all-over stretching; especially with ankles/calves/shoulders. I feel like my body is becoming jello-like with all this bedrest. When the babies are born, they will have more muscle tone than me!!

Seems as if, aside from a few minor side effects, you are all doing quite well. I continue to include you all in my prayers :pray: Best of luck to you all!

[Jillmami]

Here is a site on both numbness and muscle cramps in the 6th month. Just scroll down to the section on leg cramps; the numbness/tingling follows. Hope this helps you ladies!


http://www.askdrsears.com/html/1/T010600.asp

[vthompson]

It seems like a busy Sunday!

Lisa - I hope your leg is feeling better. A lot of people have posted some really great ideas so hopefully you find some relief.

Jill - What a stressful first half you have gone through! You make sure you stay off your feet and keep those babies in there. :nod: I will continue to keep you and everyone else on the board in my prayers.

Tina - I am sorry, but the only time I have the numbness/tingling is at night if I stay on one side for too long. Usually, if I change positions, it goes away. I hope you find relief! Good luck at your level II this week.

Tmot - you need to try and stop stressing yourself out! You are doing the very best you can with this pregnancy so please remember that! Just keep up what you are doing and follow your doctor's orders. I think we all feel out of control at times with the pregnancy, like no matter what we do, thinks may still happen. Just try and stay positive and know that we are all hear to listen!! :grouphugg

Valerie

[TMoT]

Thanks a LOT for the link, Jill! How are you doing, btw?? And, Valerie and Tina, thanks for the encouragement. :'-) Think I'm actually feeling better already. I'm sure it has something to do with being under the weather. You know how that is.... :-S

Carpal Tunnel/Hand Tingling: I've actually seen several posts here about tingling/carpal tunnel in pg (there's also a whole separate thread on this for those of you suffering: please check it out) -- happens really frequently and seems to go away with birth, if you're fortunate! One thing I recall is that the tingling/numbness comes from swelling, so you have to be sure to be getting enough water to not retain...although that may/may not have anything directly to do w/CT or tingling. Something I read also indicates that Omega-3 (AGAIN!) might help w/pg-related CT. So, once again, just make sure you're getting enough fish (!) and/or supplements and/or flaxseed -- but be careful of the laxative effect of the latter as Daniele experienced. ;-o

Thanks again for the words of support. It all really helps!!
:)

[vthompson]

For those moms who have had babies before, when is a good time to pack your hospital bag? Also, any ideas on what to put in it? Do you have to have only nightgowns, or can you wear loungey type pants? I am probably jumping the gun, but I have been thinking about it...

Valerie

[TMoT]

Valerie, I think it's a natural question. In our case, who knows when this can happen -- but the later the better, naturally! Personally, I think I'll have my bag ready in the seventh month. (And remember: You can pack a separate "labor" bag -- don't ever know if you'll actually need this! -- a small "short-notice" bag for yourself/babies AND a third bag for dh to bring later for you/the babies, if necessary...) There must also be good tips about this online, but things I can think of off the top of my head are.....

FOR MOMMY
+Specially for Labor+ (maybe all packed in a gym-bag, ready-to-go, somewhere...)
Comfy/short- or no-sleeved Jammies or a t-shirt/sweatpants/shorts (unless you're planning to labor in water/a bath which is SUPER! ;-))
Heavy Socks (sometimes feet get cold)
Throat Lozenges/Candy (to keep your mouth "fresh" esp if you might have to take meds and can't drink)
COOLER? Stocked with juice, water, fresh fruit (bananas!), healthy snacks (some women recommend "sports"/cereal bars, glucose "candies" and/or sports drinks too -- for stamina!!)
ICE is also nice during labor, esp if you've got the cooler!
Massage "materials" (lotions/creams, incense, "tools" for dh to use on Mommy between/during contractions:-)
Radio/music-source w/your favorite tunes (calming ones, esp...)
photos of loved ones
inspirational material (?? very personal)
yoga/active-birth materials (breathing instructions, labor "position" pics, web downloads, etc.)
reading material (magazines, etc., in case you have to go in early and have spare time between contractions...??!)
towels/washcloths (if dh can put a cool, wet cloth your face during labor, this brings a lot of relief)
birth "ball" (like a big punching balloon to sit on between contractions;-))
Etc.

+For Hospital Stay+
Nighties or Jammies -- whatever you find comfy, and something easy for nursing, if you plan to do that :-D; be prepared to layer since hospitals can be hot and stuffy and/or cool at night
Socks -- for at night/walking around, if need be
Small cosy blanket and/or pillow from home, if you prefer that to hospital-issue ;-)
Robe (for trips to public areas)
Slippers (ditto)
Shower Accessories (esp. don't forget your toothbrush/toothpaste, contact lens sol/glasses, etc.!)
BIG Undies (for wearing those horrible post-partum pads which are almost like diapers! Be prepared to toss them afterwards, if need be. Sometimes hospitals provide "throw-away" undies or you can buy/bring them yourself if you can find them in the drugstore)
Proper Change of Clothes (can still be maternity, don't be discouraged!), Coat, Shoes, etc. - for when you leave the hospital :-D
Camera (don't know how you feel about this, but I have pics of ds#2's birth and I am SOO HAPPY to have saved that moment on film -- a little less intrusive than a movie-camera maybe; also for when they're in the hospital room with you and you want souvenirs... ;-))
Notebook/paper/pen - to keep by your bedside and record important info about your room, phone number, feeding/visiting schedule, etc.
Cell phone - you can't usually use these in the hospital room, but maybe in some designated areas to make/receive calls, just in case
Healthy Snacks (seriously -- don't forget: It's still hospital food!)
Water (they'll bring it to you in the hospital, but you might want your own supply)
Vitamins (ditto)
Mom and Dad's ID cards, etc. - you and dh have to/can fill out babies' birth info forms before you leave the hospital, usually
Insurance Coverage/Hospital Admittance Papers (for when you walk in the hospital door. NOTE: Some hospitals will let you fill all these out beforehand and they'll keep them on file for when you arrive for the birth. Just ask your OB/hospital)
Other paperwork (might be some things specific to your hospital so, again, just ask!)

+Especially for Breastfeeding+
b/f pillow
b/f bra (x2?)
bra pads (never used these, but you might have to for leakage, esp in the beginning)
La Leche League "The Womanly Art of Breastfeeding" book ;-)
Lansinoh nipple cream (endorsed by LLL)
pump - ?
bottles - ? I think the best system for pumping/storing/feeding is the _Avent_ one with disposable bottle liners for pumped milk. Jmho... ;-)


BABY STUFF (Bring enough for TWO, times the number of days you'll stay!!) :-) :-) (Tried to do this in order of importance, but....)
bonnets/baby caps - babies can't regulate their body temps well so they get cold really easily
mitties for little hands - ditto, and they scratch themselves (btw, you can "bite" sharp nail corners off - it's easier/safer than using scissors/clippers on tender fingers/nail-beds)
booties/socks for little feet
washcloths/baby towels for baths
bath accessories - VERY GENTLE washing soap, lotion, etc. (Here's a place with GREAT organic (vegan even!) baby products: http://www.aubrey-organics.com/categories1.cfm) Only bathe babies if you REALLY want to wash off that lovely new baby smell, but don't feel pressured to do this right away -- they're just FINE/lovely/DELICIOUS-smelling when they come out! ;-) (Btw, I recommend you wait to wash their baby caps, then give 'em a nice whiff when the babies themselves no longer have that "new baby" smell!! ;'-))
onesies - t-shirts that snap at bottom
jammy "sacks" for babies - best for them/easy for Mom, even tho they might get lost in there
and/or "normal" baby jammies w/snap-away bum and "footies"
Special Outfit for Pictures
bibs - even if you nurse, they still will burp/barf ;-)
shoulder cover/burping pad (or a blanket)
baby blankies
diapers IF the hospital doesn't provide them
travel clothing - jacket w/hood, etc., depending on weather, but don't be afraid to wrap them up snuggly warm
carrying accessories - baby papousse/moses basket
stroller, if necessary
!CAR SEAT! (Some hospitals won't let you take baby/ies home without proof that you have this!)

..........Geeeeeeez! This was a real trip down Memory Lane recalling all these details! Made the memories so clear (esp about the "new baby smell" -- sigh), and made the coming Event so tangible. Thanks, Valerie! :'-) Hope it might be useful to you/other women on the thread. Looking forward to hear what the other Mommies have to add!

xox

[vthompson]

Tmot - Thanks so much for all the great info! I thought it was so cute what you said about the new baby smell. I am definitely going to use your ideas and start to prepare a list. The only other question I have is after the birth, do you have to wear a nightgown so doctors have "access", or can you pack pants to wear. . . I am not one for nightgowns, that is why I am asking.

Thanks again!!!

Valerie

[EBTwinz]

Wow, it just took me a long time to catch up on the posts. Busy weekend!!

Thanks to all who posted about the leg cramps. Miss hypocondriac (me) thought it was a blood clot, so I looked up the symptoms at midnight last night, just for reassurance. I came across a website that said if you eat a banana right before bed, the potassium is suppose to help w/ the cramping. So, I ate a banana. My leg is still sore today, but it's not as bad. I am pretty sure it was a charlie horse. I hope none of you get one, because they do hurt like h*ll!! Mine lasted for at least 10 mins. It was horrible!! I couldn't move my foot, my leg just locked. I sat in a warm bath right away but my leg was so sore all day long. You guys gave me some really great suggestions. I take a warm bath every night before I go to bed, but I didn't take one on Friday night. That is when I got the cramp. I am going to ask my doctor about taking 2 prenatals. It makes sense, since we have two babies in there.

Moving/packing is so stressful! I feel bad for my dh because I will only pack a little bit then go lay down. I know he is a little frustrated but I hope he understands. But, don't worry, I am taking it easy and not overdoing it. Just little bits, in moderation.

Sherry: I feel so bad that you had to go to the hospital. Are you feeling any better today? And please try not to stress and worry so much. I know, easier said than done. But, you always seem to have great advice for us and it looks like you do a lot of research, so I am sure you know that these things you are worrying about probably won't happen. :)

Valerie: I get scared when I read the other posts, too. My Dh told me to stop reading it, too. I guess I like to prepare myself for the "worst case scenario" and hope that it never happens. I think I will stop reading the other posts, for a while. I just have no idea what to expect w/ a twin pregnancy so I worry about every little thing!! As for a hospital bag, I was thinking about that, too. I think I will pack a pair of lounge pants, slippers (I have a pair of the Uggs clogs, they are great because you can wear them outside, too. I highly recommend them!), nightgown that I think you can get at Motherhood, and the babies clothes. And tolietrees, like toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, makeup, hairbrush. I am sure I will forget something and will make Dh run home. We are only about 20 mins from the hospital. The one think I hope I don't forget is my camera!

Tina: I only get the numbness at night if I am sleeping on my arm or leg too long. Then once I switch to the other side, it goes away. I heard about carpal tunnel in pregnancy. And thanks for all the info on the cramps.

JIll: Thanks for the website. I just looked it over and there is some great info on there! Also, are you feeling better?? Make sure you get lots of rest!

As for everyone else, hope you are all feeling well and resting. I have my glucose test this Wednesday (anyone else have to do that yet?) and a level II on Thursday. I can't wait for that!! I feel really sore today, legs, back and stomach muscles. I am sure it's because of packing, but hopefully my doc will want to cut back my work hours.

And for everyone that has an appt this week, please keep us updated!!

~Lisa

[EBTwinz]

Valerie and Sherry: I just read what you both said about new baby smell and it reminded me of what my Dh said. He woke up one morning and said he had a dream the twins were born, but he missed their birth and when we came home from the hospital, there were three of them! :eek: Then he said that he is so excited for the babies to be here and he can't wait to smell them! I thought that was cute! :)

~Lisa

[Daniele'sTwins]

Teresa...first of all congratulations on making it to the single digits! 98 days to go for you! As for the two prenatla vitamins I asked my doctor right away when I knew I was having twins but he said I still only need to take one. I am curious to know what other doctors are saying.

Jill...I can't believe all that you are going through right now! I am so glad your doctor caught all that when he did! Prayer does help! Stay rested and keep us updated.

Tina...That is so funny that you said that about tingle/numbness because the same as Valarie and Lisa about just when I sleep and only on the side I sleep on so I just have to turn over...Well now last night it was both arms, even the one I wasn't laying on! They just kept both going numb.

Sherry...For the record no big deal but it wasn't me that took the flaxseed. i did have a very bad stomach bug for a week with fever but I have never had flaxseed.
I wrote down a list from your list and I can't believe how much we have to bring with us! Wouldn't it be easier to have the docs just come to us? WOW! How come when I see people walking in the hospital to give birth they just have a gym bag?

I went with my husband last night to register for more things at BRU becasue everyone keeps telling me that I did not buy enough stuff. Is anyone finding it difficult when it comes to what you get two of and what they can share? Like swings, vibrating chairs, jumparoos, etc? What is everyone else doing. And as for the monitor...did anyone register for one? They each only have one "eye" and we will have two cribs eventually. I figure at first they will share a crib but when they are sharing a crib they will be in my bedroom with me. Curious to know what you are all doing. Well, I am going to go down the street to meet a friend for breakfast. I will talk to you soon.

[vthompson]

Daniele - It was actually me who takes the flax seed. As for registering, I registered for 2 bouncy chairs, 2 excersaucers, 2 play mats, 2 carseats/carriers. As for swings, someone is giving us one so I am just going to see what the babies like better, the swing or the bouncy chair. If they both like the swing then we will purchase another one. I hope that helps!!

Lisa - I have not had the glucose test yet, my doctor mentioned it last time, though and said it would be coming up soon. I am glad to hear that you are being cautious with the moving and packing. Make sure you listen to your body!

As for taking 2 prenatal vitamins, I also asked my doctor about this and she said no to just take 1 so that is what I have been doing.

I was actually going to ask what people were doing about putting the babies in the same crib for a while. We were all set to do that, and then I read that the chance for SIDS increases when they are in the same crib together. What are everyone's thoughts?

It seems like we have a couple level II's coming up this week so Good Luck to everyone!! Talk to you soon!

Valerie

[Daniele'sTwins]

Valrarie,

I heard about that SIDS thing too. I don't plan on keeping them in there together for more than 3 months. When they start to turnn and move they will be separated for sure for that very reason. I also got those sleep positioners, did you? I know that I have heard that babies should be placed on their back but lately when I watch the baby story I have been seeing a lot of people putting babies on their sides. I am wondering if the back thing is changing. Thanks for your input!

Lisa...I am glad you are listening to your body and taking breaks while packing!

[newmomx2]

Wow - you have all been busy - sorry to hear so many have had to recently visit the ER - but better safe than sorry. I am so frequently visited with aches and pains I am never sure what is considered a problem...last 2 days I keep getting periodic pain in my vagina area and don't know if this is normal or means something else....my doctor has never checked my cervix - in fact they don't appear to do u/s at my doctor's office - I only get them at the level II? Is that normal?

I go for my next Level II on Wed - and I am excited - they should be able to measure my cervical length and check to ensure it is not dilated right? My MIL is coming along so this trip should be interesting. Then on Friday we go to the Doctor's office I am guessing I will be sent for a glucose test since I will be over 25weeks by then...can't remember who is having one this week - let me know how it goes and what it tastes like - this is all new to me...

To top off the week I go to visit our lawyer Friday afternoon so we can get our wills written - somewhere in between I will be working. Still going into the office 2 days per week and the remainder is from home with my feet up in the recliner :)

I am hoping maybe this week my Doctor will put me back to all work from home again - I want to make sure I am not pushing it...today we are going to try to go have lunch together since we are both off for President's Day :clap:

Phew - guess all that babble is what happens when you don't post for awhile. As for the other boards - I have read some - but now stopped because it gets me to freaked out...In some ways the closer I get to the end but yet not yet in the 'safe' zone I get more scared that something is going to happen....DH tells me to chill out !

Oh and is anyone starting to out grow their maternity clothes already ! Most of mine were from a friend and I am already at pocket capacity - and my butt seems to get bigger as well ugh!! I am not sure what to buy to ensure they will be big enough til the end - and I plan on being here til the very end fat and miserable..

Well I better go getting hungry and need to kick my feet up some more.

Take care everyone - and let's get some positive thinking going....NO NEGATIVE THOUGHTS ALLOWED :D

[EBTwinz]

I think my body is falling apart. All morning, I have had this pain in my right side, it's right above my right hip. It feels like a pulled muscle. I think I have a pulled muscle in every inch of my body. I was debating on whether to call the doctor or not. If it doesn't go away, I might call them. I pulled a muscle in that same spot when I was in high school, so I am sure that is all it is. Plus, I can feel a baby laying there. My stomach popped out this weekend, so hopefully it's just stretching pains.

Daniele: As for registering, I only registered for one swing, bouncy chair, jumperoo, etc. My SIL is giving me her extras, if I need them. As for the monitor, I just registered for the one my SIL has b/c she said it works great. I can't remember what it is though, I will have to get back to you on that one. I wanted to get one w/ a camera, but I wasn't sure how it worked w/ two babies.

Valerie: I was worried about SIDS, too, but I heard that you should keep them together for the first three months. After that, it's off to separate cribs b/c they can start to roll around. I am buying the original co-sleeper. It holds up to 35 lbs and it goes right up to the side of my bed. I can't remember the website, I think I posted it last week. But, if you google it, it will pop up. I don't want to put them in the big crib until about 3 months. I just worry something will happen to them and I feel better having them right next to me.

Missy: I used to have the pain in my vaginal area, too. But, now it's more on the inside of my leg. I am sure it's normal, but if it gets worse, call your doctor. That's a good idea about the will. I was wondering if I should do one. I think I may do a living will in case I am out of it and my DH needs to make a medical decision for me. I guess I have been putting it off, hoping that I won't need one. And, yes, I am growing out of my maternity clothes, too. I feel like my shirts are creeping up on me. I refuse to buy more clothes until I can't wear what I have. Plus, I am not sure when I will be done w/ work so I don't know if I will need more work clothes. I order all my clothes from the Gap maternity site online. Sometimes they have really good sales. And my butt is getting bigger too!:( I just sent some pics to my family and friends and my aunt emailed me to say I look chubby. I have always been thin, except for gaining some weight this past year before I got pregnant. But I swear the wt gain was b/c my body knew it was going to be pregnant.

Okay, I am hungry and need to find out if the drug reps dropped off lunch. Talk to you all soon.
Lisa

[megzmom]

Cramps: I don't know if it was mentioned but instead of taking more medicine try eating more bananas. I know runners that get cramps eat them alot. Also I read not to point your toes when stretching. Not sure why.

Tingling: I have Carpal/Tunnel syndrome in both hands from my first pg 7 years ago. I had surgery on my right hand but not on my left. Right now my left wakes me up alot. I DIDN"T get it during pregnancy like most women, I got it from BREASTFEEDING! I used the hand pump the hospital gave me and it caused the syndrome, no lie! I used it so much the first 2 months to prepare going back to work. After that I finally bought a single electric pump and it was awesome. Now I got smart and bought the double medela, like most of you talk about. I found that the ugly splints never helped. I did take ibuprofen (sp) and still didn't feel like that helped much eaither. What I have heard that it does go away after you have the babies. If it doesn't, do not wait too long to get checked out. I can cause PERMANENT neerve damage.


Double the items: I registered for 2 of everything but they don't look the same. In a twin magazine they said that if you have different swings/bouncers than the babies won't be as bored plus they all have different stimili. Luckily I got a swing and two different bouncers from afriend so I registered for another swing and 2 diff. exesaucers.

Cobedding: I missed the original post on this. Are most of you keeping your babies in the same bed for the first 3mths? I am going to use the playyard like I did with my daughter and keep them in our room. In a way I hope they have the heart/breathing monitors when they come home. I saw it on Baby Story and the parents are alerted when one isn't breathing correctly. I figure at 3 months they still will be at a 1-2 mth developmentally.


Movement: I have also noticed that the boys move only at night and hardly during the day. I do feel them move to the bottom after my lunch (maybe becuase its the only time I sit down). That is the most painful for me having so much weight down there. I am scared about their routine...signs of sleepless night :)
I go for my Level II tomorrow. Pray that all is good the boys.

[vthompson]

Megzmom - When I registered, I also choose 2 different play mats and excersaucers, I figured it would give them more to look at. I cannot believe that hand pumping is what caused your carpal tunnel, that is crazy! I am glad that I did not decide to just do a hand pump now. I must have seen that same Baby Story with the monitor. I also thought how much that would help to ease some fears when the babies come home. As for cobedding, I was all for it until I read that it can increase the risk for SIDS so now I am worried. I am definitely going to have them co sleep while they are in our bedroom, I just do not know what I am going to do when we put them in their cribs. My babies have some crazy patterns with movement. For days I will only feel them at night and then they will switch to during the day. I am afraid that they will not be the type of babies that are put on a schedule easily! Good luck at your level II tomorrow. Make sure you post with an update.

Lisa - I absolutely cannot believe that someone called you and told you that you looked chubby. I was very angry for you when I read that. Don't people realize that you are not chubby, put pregnant! As for your body falling apart, maybe you didn't even realize it, but you may have done too much this weekend, especially with bending and stretching. Be careful!!

Missy - I have pains in my vaginal area often. I used to get them more in the beginning, but I still feel them from time to time. I hate pains anywhere from the boobs down, they make me so paranoid! Now that I started to get level II's, my regular ob no longer gives me u/s. I have also not had my cervix checked from her, only at the ER. As for getting it checked at the level II, I was wondering the same thing, if they could do it through u/s. I have started to feel like my maternity pants are getting tight. However, like Lisa, I am going to wear what I have until I absolutely cannot wear them anymore. I just cannot afford to buy anymore clothes.

Talk to everyone soon!

Valerie

[Jillmami]

Valerie,

They are able to check my cervix on my level 2's. They did have to go vaginally since there wasn't much to see because of the head and the fact that it was empty. That's how they discovered my dilation. Normally, they check. I specifically asked because of the pains I was having if everything was ok. Also, from symptoms presented to us in one of our multipes classes. Never hurts to ask!

We have our first check up with our perinatologist this Friday. It has been two weeks since my cerclage was put in and I am anxious to see how things are holding up!

Since I've been on bed rest, I haven't had to worry about maternity clothes. That's at least one area that I can save money on! :D

Megzmom - hoping the ultrasound is a good one!!

[Tiny Blessings]

Hi everyone. Just wanted to chime in on the "What to Bring" topic:

Regarding what to bring to the hopsital, Sherry's list was quite comprehensive and from that you should be able to pick out those items that you feel would be important to you. Personally,I definitely did NOT bring all that much. Just an overnight bag with a digital camera for those first days of photos (no icky private shots for me...way too personal!), the various toiletries for showering, overnight clothes (robe, slippers and nightgown), and an outfit for myself and for the little one. I would suggest that you buy extra toiletries like small shampoos, toothbrush/paste, makeup, soap, etc now and just stash them in the bag so you don't have to pack anything when THE moment finally arrives. :crazy: In the case of twins, we should plan on a few days of outfits. Sherry gave good advice about the maternity clothes...I figure it it fits me now at 5 months it should fit me fine after birth. Comfy is key, especially if any of us end up with a C-section. And extra undies are helpful in case of staining. Trust me, you will not want to wear the hospital issue ones as they are like fishnet stockings, but in huge granny panty fashion. I also opted to bring my own sanitary napkins (the most super absorbancy you can find), as the ones the hospital has are HUGE and diaperish and do not have that nice dry-weave feature. And loungy pants or nighties are fine, as long as you are comfy. I don't know if loungy pants would be okay with a c-section, though, but maybe. There was not need, Valerie, for the doc to have "access" (that was a cute way to put it! lol). I even had to have an episiotomy (spelling?) and there were no requests for access even then. ;) At that point, haven't we really been through enough????

I also brought his baby book, as there was a page in it for the baby footprint, which the nurses placed in his babybook when they took his footprint for the birth records (this was hubby's job...to make SURE the nurses got the footprint in that book for me!) Oh, and I did use chapstick, as all that panting tends to dry your lips out. A calling card or pre paid phone card and a list of phone numbers is helpful if you plan on making your own calls (we chose to relay info to one person who was our designated contact person so my phone didn't ring all the time when I needed to REST!)

Maybe my hospital is different, but they provide all that other stuff for the babies (washclothes, towels, hats, hand mitts, booties, diapers, baby soap, baby lotion, etc). My hospital has all the misc "equipment" there such as birthing balls, etc. I had taken a childbirth class and never used any of the focal points or cd's or anything like that...just enjoyed (as much as possible) being in the moment with DH after waiting all those months for labor to begin! I also found that my hospital had all the snacks, fruit, popsicles, drinks, water, and ice right there so for me there was no need for a cooler. I was in the hospital for 2 days, but never once had an opportunity to read or do anything leisurly like that...during labor, too busy and after, too tired or had visitors.

If your hospital is nearby, you could arrange for a tour and ask them what you should or shouldn't bring. That should help you pare down the list significantly. You don't want to walk in there with a whole u-haul worth of stuff! :crazy: Remember, everything you bring in, you have to lug out again, plus more from gifts! One other tip: for those well-meaning folks who send flowers or items to the hospital, either suggest ahead of time that such items be sent to your home when you get there or have DH take some home from your room each night, as it gets tricky balancing a dozen differnet vases on the way home from the hospital!

I also found it helpful to not have to worry about some of the baby related items when leaving to get to the hospital. Have a separate bag/corner set aside within the house for items that DH can bring after the babies are born. Items such as the car seats, breast pump, special outfits and blankets for photos, taking the babies home in, etc. These are items you won't need right away and it will give DH an important job to do and make him feel needed and involved at a time when Mommy is getting a whole lot of attention. And Sherry is right...those layette sleeper gowns are GREAT....they do provide mommy with "easy access" (that was for you, Valerie! :D ) for diaper changes and they stay warm as they are so little and the gowns are elasticy at the bottom and stay closed.

Just like everything else, this is a personal decisoin about what to bring...bring what you think is important to you and what you think you will find helpful. DH can always bring you things from home if you have an extended stay and need books, laptops, etc. Okay, I already wrote too much and this is the only topic I wrote about. I'll sign off now and check in again later. School vacation week this week! YIPPEE! Take good care, everyone!
And don't forget to post about those appointments this week!

Tina

[megzmom]

I think everything was covered plus alot I didn't think about.

My extras
1. Pack your own toilet paper. Especially if there for a few days or natural delivery. Hospital is not absorbant or comfy. I also heard people suggest bringing your favorite lollipops or hard candy so suck on if there is along wait before delivery.

2. Practice with your dh to put in the baby seat ahead of time. Even take it to the local police dept to have them check it. I was so panicked on the drive home. Luckily I knew they were perfectly save. The carseat unit should not move when you wiggle it. When harnessed in you should only fit 1 finger between the belt and baby. It is hard guessing the size of the baby. So having everyhting setting before will cause for less panic and stress when taking them home. I had to adjust the tightness of the belts in the parking lot so make sure you know how ahead of time. I actually liked driving with my dd carseat ahead of time. I will probably put mine in in around a month. I don't mind driving with it for 1-2 months.

[vthompson]

Tina - thanks for all your input and ideas on what to bring. It helps to narrow done what is important. Many of the things that you mentioned that your hospital has, so does mine. That makes me happy, less packing!

Megzmom - Thanks for all your input, too. I am definitely going to play with the car seats before. That was a good idea.

Valerie

[TMoT]

Hospital Bag: Gee. Your hospitals have so much more stuff than mine did, Valerie and Tina!! POPSICLES?!?!?!!! I'm downright envious!!!! ...I gave birth once in Belgium and once in Atlanta, but the second hospital birth wasn't planned (I was going to have him at home but my placenta abrupted before contractions started! :eek:) ...I was also going to suggest what Tina said about doing the "tour" of the hospital beforehand (luckily I had still done this with ds#2!). Get all that paperwork, etc., in order, learn what the hospital has "on offer" -- for labor and baby-/Mommy-care, etc. -- and KNOW where you have to go when the moment comes -- no time to ask for directions then!!! Sometimes it's ER, sometimes it's the Maternity Ward... You have to know!!! ;-)

As a matter of fact, even with ds#2, I NEVER had the luxury (?!?) of labor before birth. I had the nice, comprehensive gym-bag ready, but never got to use it in either case! Both of my deliveries were DONE under four hours from the very first "sign"...! WONDER what it will be like with TWO....!!!!! :eek: Again!

Lists/Baby Goodies: Wow! So nice to read so many posts about this! I'm getting anxious after hearing about all your lists! I don't even have a list and plan to get so few things!! I will get the co-sleeper thing and read it's great for twins (healthwise, emotionally, etc.) to sleep close together when they're little. Being a twin myself, I can _totally_ relate to this! When my sister and I were toddlers and in separate cribs, we used to even reach our hands out -- across the room! -- and pull our cribs together (they were on wheels) so we could share the same bed. :-) My mom would come in the next morning and find we had swapped places, or more usually, were both in one or the other bed... ;-)

About same/different stuff: I have two boys who are relatively close in age (21 months) and I habitually buy them the _same_ stuff (maybe in different colors), so they don't fight about who gets what! In the beginning, when our twins are still little, I'm sure this won't make a big difference (esp if they are b/g), but just a word to the wise for when they get a bit older and more concerned about what's "fair"..... ;-)

SIDS: There are a LOT of variables which contribute to SIDS (cramped sleeping space -- pillows, stuffed animals, etc. -- too many covers/heating up baby, sleeping on the tummy, etc.), but I never knew sleeping with your twin was one of those variables!!!!! I took a list of SIDS risk-factors off a SIDS website for us to have here:

"Most deaths due to SIDS occur between 2 and 4 months of age, and incidence increases during cold weather. African-American infants are twice as likely and Native American infants are about three times more likely to die of SIDS than caucasian infants. More boys than girls fall victim to SIDS.

"Other potential risk factors include:

smoking, drinking, or drug use during pregnancy
poor prenatal care
prematurity or low birth-weight
mothers younger than 20
smoke exposure following birth
overheating from excessive sleepwear and bedding
stomach sleeping"

(MORE at: http://kidshealth.org/parent/general/sleep/sids.html )

So, a LOT of these factors we can control -- whew! Unfortunately, a relatively low birth-weight is probably par for the course with mutiples, so more risk there. Otherwise, try to look out for the other things (besides the obvious, like smoking!, which I'm sure none of us are doing!!), and that's about the best you can do... :-)

"Family Bed": More on the crib/sleeping subject... I personally have had my boys in a "family bed" situation until about 2-2.5 years of age, each time. First, because they both breastfed for the first 12-13 months (also while I worked); and later (after birth of ds#2), because it was only the three of us for a while there... After that, I put them directly into single beds with a child "rail." Warning, though: Since they're big enough to move around at that age, you can't "fence them in" once they're in bed. And they tend to be more difficult to "discipline" to stay put. I've never been a mom to keep my kids from coming to me in the middle of the night, but a highly-mobile toddler can be extremely exhausting -- and impact mommy/dh relations, if you're not in agreement on the topic! ;-)

Nonetheless, I've always found the Family Bed arrangement to be convenient for b/f, nursing baby/toddler ailments, etc. Plus, it helped me to be more "reassured" about how Baby was doing during the night (I could hear their soft, regular breathing myself). And, I must confess, after very busy/long days away from eachother, sleeping together (or, at least "falling asleep" together) was a very warm and reassuring way for all of us to get the physical contact, comfort and reassurance from eachother that we had missed out on during the day... :-) Kinda miss those days/nights now that the boys are so big, actually....!

Well, so, bottom line: I'm planning to buy a co-sleeper and/or a height-adjustable play pen or two (one for each floor of the house), and then put the twins directly into "normal" firm, single beds when they're older. I think I'll let them sleep together as long as they can/want to/don't disturb one-another, and play it by ear after that. Will definitely get a new baby monitor (if I can't find the old one!), but don't think i'll bother with a camera (let dh wire a web-cam if he wants to -- that's really his thing!!). ...For the moment, dh is supportive of the Family Bed idea, so we'll do that to begin with and see how far it goes. Just my plan. Don't know what you all think about this, but I know that SIDS nightmares can seriously affect a new Mom's outlook. Otoh, if you avoid the above risk-factors, having babies together and/or in your own bed, or very close by really has its rewards, imho!!

Vaginal Pain: By this, do you ladies mean "pelvic floor" pain?? I mean -- the bottom of your vagina where you sit????? I've had this during my previous pgs (but it started at a later stage), and have just started having it now with this pg. Would you describe it as a kind of intermittent "ache" that isn't terribly painful, just uncomfortable (or even alarming since it's "down there")???!? If so, that IS what I have too. To be honest, I think it's babies' heads pushing down on your vagina, literally. If I recall (but this hasn't happened again yet either), it's also where you can feel "hiccuping" when it starts -- rythmic "bumping" on your pelvic floor when Baby/ies hiccup/s from ingesting amniotic fluid.... Seriously don't think it's something to worry about (but how can we avoid that?!!); just reminds me personally to do my Kegel exercises.... ;-)

Valerie/Daniele: Funny. I had originally had Valerie's name in that post, but switched it around 'cause I thought I was mistaken! Well, too many mommies having stomach cramps I guess then!!! :-( SORRY for the mix-up and I hope your tummy troubles are getting sorted out. Sure wish I could say the same about mine for the moment.... :-(

U/S Cervix Check: I'm starting to get the feeling that the u/s in my OB's office can't tell a lot of information now anyway... The screen resolution is so low, and the babies are so big, she can't even get one of them in the "shot"...! So, I really do think the cervix check is one of the more important things to have your OB do on your regular visit there (although, admittedly the u/s is fun and something I really look forward to anyway!). After my recent trip to the ER, I would like to have my OB start checking my blood pressure, urinary blood sugar and weight, of course, at each visit, too. The latter two things I can do at home, but I haven't yet built up the courage to check cervical dilation at home myself (!), although -- with proper hygiene, gentleness, etc. -- I suppose it can be done. But, otoh, what would you check for?! And how would you know if things weren't "normal"??!? Best to just leave this to (and, yes, DEMAND it from!!) the professionals...! ;-)

CT: I got this -- not enough to require surgery, whew! -- AFTER childbirth too!!! Mine came mainly from not handling (lifting/carrying/"passing") my newborn carefully. Didn't help that ds#2 weighed over ten pounds at birth either!!! With b/f, I also felt that they were literally draining my bones, joints, _teeth_ of calcium (!) the whole time -- so I never stopped taking my prenatals during b/f either! Since there are apparently several possible causes of CT (including a badly-designed breast pump, @#$%!, unfortunately!!!), I found a site (for gardening -- but okay!) on lifting and hand posture "tips" to avoid CT. Who knows?!? Might help us too -- now (esp for all you people who are moving!) and _after_ Babies are born...?!?!

CT avoidance tips -- look esp at "Bending/Lifting," "Elbows" and "Wrists (Grip)": http://www.youcanbefit.com/ergogard.html

Looking forward to hearing about those Level IIs this week, and worried about you, Lisa! Please find out what's going on with all your ache-iness, and let us know how you're doing!!! Also love what your dh said about baby smell...! Awww... :'-) Looking forward to news about your cerclage holding up too, Jill!!!!

[TMoT]

For anyone tempted by my previous post to check around "up there" :eek: :crazy: :
http://www.birthingnaturally.net/birth/progress/exam.html

Sum: Even good HYGIENE and wearing gloves apparently doesn't help against pushing unwanted bacteria _back up into_ the cervical canal with "finger" checks!!! Wonder what this means for that "periscope" thing... More of the same, probably. Eeek.

Otoh, I found another site that lists "cervical postion and dilation monitoring" (ahem) as an option for natural birth control (a Google cached page: http://64.233.179.104/search?q=cache:jcwnEpW3tVoJ:www.mayoclinic.com/health/natural-family-planning/WO00035 )!! :confused: Go figure!

[vthompson]

Tmot - Thanks for the info on the cervical exams. Personally, I think I will be leaving it up to my doctors!! Also, the info on SIDS was very informative. The vaginal pain you described is what I am experiencing. Of course, the doctor said it was normal, but as you said, any pain down there makes you paranoid!!

Talk to everyone soon!!

Lisa - How are your feeling today?

Valerie

[EBTwinz]

Hello!

Valerie: I am feeling a lot better today! :yippee: My leg pain is almost gone and the pain in my side is gone. I figured I was just stretching. Last night, as I was getting ready for bed I checked out my stomach in the mirror. I swear, it doubled in size yesterday! My Dh just stood there w/ his mouth hanging open and said, "wow, you are going to be huge!" :eek: I am getting scared!

I see pics of other women when they are 30-35 weeks. I don't know if I can handle being that big! I tried to post a pic of my belly on here but it wouldn't work. Does anyone know how to post a pic?

Thanks to everyone for all the advice on hospital bags, car seats, SIDS, cervixes, etc.

Well, I really don't have much to write. I will check back later. Hope everyone is feeling well!! Keep us updated on those appointments!

~Lisa

[EBTwinz]

I have a cute story. Well, it's strange but cute. This morning when I woke up, I was sitting up in bed. My cat came up to me and laid down on my leg. My shirt was exposing my belly so my cat started to sniff the right side of my tummy. Then he licked it a couple times. All the sudden, a baby kicked right where he licked! I think it's so strange that animals can sense things like this. He's going to be such a great big brother! ha ha!

~Lisa

[vthompson]

Lisa - I am so glad that you are feeling better today! I was getting worried about you ;) The story about your cat is so cute!! I wonder if the baby felt the cat licking? That would be cool! Try not to stress out about your size. I think we are all surprised at how much our bodies can handle at this point. Just think, the babies must be growing like weeds, which is what we want! Unfortunately, I do not know how to post a picture. I don't have a digital camera, so I have never tried it.

Valerie

[Tiny Blessings]

Hi everyone....

Well, I guess all that chatting about the hospital bag got me thinking, so when I went to the store today I picked up my sample sized toiletries, etc. Since this is a school vacation week, maybe I'll work on getting that bag set up so I can cross that off the list of things to get done.
I also got the Easter shopping done...I find myself trying to think ahead for holidays "just in case" I can't get out to do it. I know DH would go out and make it happen, but in my mind it makes me feel better to have prepared for it anyway. We ususally have a big Easter dinner here with about 15 folks, but this year I have said that I am not going to do it. It is just too much to prepare a huge meal, get the house cleaned in proper fashion, do the big dinner thing, arrange an egg hunt, and to clean up afterwards. And it isn't just the prego thing (although that is MOST of it), but plus my kitchen is non-existant and fridge and stove are housed in the dining room. I will be happy with hiding a dozen eggs for the little guy and then heating up a hamsteak for us. LOL....oh my, how my standards keep falling! :crazy:

When at the store, I also picked up one of those maternity belts....does anyone have one or plan to use one? It is supposed to support your belly and help with lower back pain. I have read about them in books, so figured I would try it out. Anyone have any experience with them?

Lisa, the cat story is so sweet....my cat has "sensed" my pregnancies both times and while he isn't usually a lapcat, whenever I am pregant he is all over me and my tummy. How strange....animal instinct at it's finest, I'd say! Maybe you should write that story in your pregnancy journal or in the baby book to remember it by...LOL

Hope you are all feeling well today and my thoughts are especially with those on bedrest. I have already decided that IF I have to go on bedrest, I am definetly keeping my laptop nearby so I can still communicate with "my girls". And where have the two daddy's been? I havent' seen them here in awhile.

Tina

[qbanmom5]

Thank you guys so much for the info on the hospital bag. I have 3 kids already and seriously do not remember what I took. I do know that I forgot a lot of things cause I ended up wearing the granny fishnet underwear and using those huge pads.

Hope everyone is feeling better and taking it easy. Remember to drink your water. Yesterday, I was sneezing (have allergies) and I think I pulled a muscle. For the rest of the day, sneezing, coughing, and even laughing hurt. It feels better today, but do you think I could have hurt something. Everyone is still moving around fine, and DH says he is sure that I just pulled a muscle. Of course I was thinking I separated the placenta from my uterus. I love to exaggerate. Has this happened to anyone?

My stepmom told me yesterday that she is planning a shower for me. SHe has it scheduled for the 3rd week of May. I will be 35 weeks then. I told her it was kind of late, but she insisted she wants to do it when the weather is nice. They may just have to do it without me. I really appreciate it especially since I've never had a shower and because with twins every present will help, but I don't know how to tell them that I don't know where and how I will be at that time. They seem to think its the same as a singleton pregnancy.

How to upload pictures: First you need a digital camera. Then, you save the pics onto your hard drive or if you have a memory stick that goes right into your computer just put it in. You will need a photo host, I signed up with photobucket.com for free. You go there, and you click upload and find the picture (either from your hard drive or from the memory stick). It will take a little bit depending on your connection speed. I have dial up and I can only do 1 picture at a time. Once uploaded, it will allow you to copy the "code" of where your picture is. Then I go to lilypie where my ticker is and I click edit. There is a space next to the ticker where it says Browse. There you will put the code of where your photo is hosted and voila, it will appear. My knowledge is limited so sorry if I am not using the correct vocab. I am looking forward to all of your pictures. I will be updating my belly soon since it is considerably larger now.

Also, just to update you all, I called the Dr. Office and he will see me on my next visit. Thanks for all your advise and good luck to all, Terri

[EBTwinz]

Okay, let's hope this worked...

[EBTwinz]

Yeah, it worked. I am only going to leave the pic up for a little bit, but I wanted you to see what my tummy looks like. This was taken at 24 weeks, exactly. Anyone else this big? Don't mind my swollen face and messy hair.

Tina: That is a good idea, to stock up on tolietries now. As for a maternity belt, I really haven't thought of it. Where do you get them?

Valerie: Thanks for the "pick me up" about my size. But now you can see for yourself, I have a big tummy! :D You have to get a digital camera so we can see your tummy, too!!! :)

Terri: Thanks for helping me get the pic on here. As for your shower, is there anyway she can move it up? 35 weeks is pushing it. I am having mine in March, when I will be around 28 weeks. I just want you to enjoy your shower, especially if you have never had one. And at 35 weeks, you will either be very uncomfortable or maybe even giving birth! Just a thought....

~Lisa

[megzmom]

Tina: I always wanted to buy one but I keep growing SO fast that I am afraid it will fit one day and not the next or worse it doesn't work. PLease let us know if you notice any difference. My back and lower abdomen hurt so bad that I will buy it for even a little more comfort.

Bras: I know most of you have gotten a size larger. Do you buy regular bras or maternity bras? I was a small A with my first pregnancy and after nursing stayed at a B now I am a full C. I just bought a reg bra yesterday because I figure I can still use it a little while after unless I stay the same size again. What are yall doing?

I wont be able to post until Friday. We are having our level 2 today and my daughter is having her tonsils out tomorrow. Say a prayer for our house full of medical issues

[vthompson]

Megzmom - I hope everything goes well with you and your daughter! You are definitely in our thoughts and prayers! I bought some bras towards the beginning of the pregnancy, I went from a C to a D and have actually noticed the D's getting pretty tight lately. I was going to try and hold off a few more weeks and just buy the nursing bras. Does anyone know when you should start buying nursing bras?

Lisa - I am currently 22 weeks and I can definitely see myself getting as big as you in the next few weeks, so don't worry! You are not alone!

Terri - I have not actually pulled a muscles yet, but when I sneeze, the forcefulness of it does scare me sometimes. As for your shower, I agree with Lisa, that is WAY too close to have it. I have noticed that people just do not get how different a multiples pregnancy is in comparison to a singleton. I would just come out and say that there is no way you can have the shower that late in the pregnancy. Tell them the doctor said it isn't a good idea. People always believe what the doctor saids! :crazy: I am very glad that you are getting in to see your doctor!

Tina - I think that is a very wise idea to not do a big Easter dinner this year. That would be way too much for you to handle. I have not bought/used a maternity belt. I am anxious to hear if it works. I thought the same thing about bed rest and the laptop. My laptop is from work so I am really hoping that they let me take it with me if I am on bedrest, otherwise, I do not know what I will do without you girls!!

Valerie

[Jillmami]

Lisa - If you look at the top of the page, I have my pic and I'm just a few days ahead of you. We look similar bellywise. I am 5'11" and was not a rail to begin with but rather the full type. :crazy: I have noticed that I have only gained weight in the tummy which is good. However, being on bedrest from week 23 on could cause ANY muscle I had to completely disappear! I will definitely get my :workout: with twins though!! :D

Hope everyone's week has started off nicely. Just think, every day is a success!

[EBTwinz]

I think my belly is even bigger than that picture right now. And it's only been a couple days since that pic was taken. Also, my hair is pulled back (I really don't have a mullet). :)

Bras: I ordered a nursing bra a while ago and have been wearing it. I think I got it at Gap maternity. My other bras were too small. I went from a B to a C. I used to be an A a couple years ago. I always wanted bigger boobs, now I want my small ones back so I can go braless in the summertime. I also wear a lot of those cami's w/ a built in bra, but you can't wear them if your boobs are too big.

Megzmom: good luck at your level 2 tomorrow! And I will keep your family in my prayers.

Valerie: I noticed a big change in two weeks w/ my stomach. It seems like it just popped! I am going to try and find the link to the other mom's who posted pics. I hope it doesn't scare you guys like it scared me! :eek:

Jill: I also gained most of my weight in my tummy. A little in the butt, too.... Our stomachs do look similar. I heard if you breast feed, you can lose a lot of weight at first. I am hoping that is true!

~Lisa

[EBTwinz]

okay, here is the website w/ some twin mom's pictures.

http://www.twinsmagazine.com/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=41871

[vthompson]

HOLY CRAP!!!!!!!!! I now see why you were worried, Lisa. How is it possible for our tummies to get that big!!!! Oh my goodness! I am definitely going to start taking some pictures, though. I do not have any since I became pregnant.

[newmomx2]

Lisa - I have not allowed my DH to take a picture but I am 24wks 5 days and I swear I grew 2 inches this weekend - I am easily as big as you are - I have gained 25lbs in 24 weeks mostly in my butt and belly - I can definitely tell when there is a growth spurt - I can't believe how much bigger it will get - people at work are starting to stare...ugh

Take care all - I have my Level II tomorrow and I am excited.:clap:

[Tiny Blessings]

Wow...those pics are scary.....I am frightened to death of stretch marks. I didn't get any with my first pregnancy and would love to think I could escape them this time around, but having seen those pics I just don't think it is going to be possible. I faithfully "butter the ball" at least twice a day, but this looks like it is going to take more that than..a small miracle perhaps! LOL

I have been taking pics and also did throughout my first prengancy. I went back to compare my size now to the first time around and I am easily looking more like I did 2 months further along with pregnancy #1. YIKES! I will try to upload pics and get a pic on here, too. I feel like my size is pretty comparable to the pics you guys have posted.

Someone mentioned they didn't have a digital camera: Mommy tip of the day: register for one! They are AWESOME for editing at home and sending off to everyone via email on online photo albums. Saves times you won't have to print, develop, and mail out once the little ones arrive. And if you don't get one, buy one. They are relatively inexpensive and you can even print off pics at home or email them into Walmart or any other place and they mail them directly to you. EASY and a great time saver! You will NOT regret getting a digital camera, that is a guarantee! :D

RE: nursing bras: The tags on nursing bras are generally titled "maternity/nursing bra", and for good reason. I have already switched to them as they are more supportive and are quite comfortable. Remember, I nursed up until I was about 6-8 weeks along with this pregancy, so my breasts never really returned to their "normal" size anyway. And for some support at night I wear a lightweight comfy sports type bra (which you will likely want if nursing, as it keeps the soreness down from your nightshirt rubbing against your nipples. (Geez, the things we get into on this site!) So anyway, it isn't too early and you may find that it is more comfortable for you to switch over to them now or relatively soon anyway.

I haven't tried the maternity belt yet...just got it today. I am going to, though. I got it at Walmart and it was pretty inexpensive. I got a L/XL so I figure it will fit for quite some time (of course, that was BEFORE I looked at those pics! HA). I'll let you know if it helps with the back pain. I figured it was worth a try.

Can't wait to hear about those Level II results, ladies!

Tina

[Dad of twins]

Hello ladies you have been very busy!
Lisa you look great! My wife is about the same size and she is 23 weeks. I know I keep sayni this but there are some thing about pg woman that drives me crazy:crazy: They are just soo sexy!
I have been trying to get my wife to get materinity bras and a belt but she just puts it off. Her boobs are huge. She went from a small c too HUGE! But all they are is a tease b/c I can't touch. She does not think that she will be working much longer. She started haveing contractions yesterday and called the Dr but he didn't seem too worried about it.
Well I can't write too long but just wanted to say hi to my girls:D I hope that you all are feeling well and good luck!

Jason

<a href="http://lilypie.com"><img src="http://bd.lilypie.com/OeA1m5.png" alt="Lilypie Baby Ticker" border="0" width="400" height="80" /></a>

[EBTwinz]

Okay, I am sitting here trying to force myself to drink this glucose drink. I have such a weak stomach and I am dry heaving as I drink it! I am actually pluggin my nose to get it down. UGH! It's a little 10 oz bottle and it looks like orange soda. They gave it to me to bring home and then I have to go over to the lab to get my blood drawn in exactly one hour. I have to hurry and get this down so I can leave. The lab is about 10 mins from where I work. I will let you know how the rest of the test goes. I am gagging!!!!

~Lisa

[EBTwinz]

Okay, I am back from my test. All I had to do was sit there until my hour was up. They were a little snotty to me b/c I told them it took me 10 mins to drink that stuff and I guess I am suppose to drink it in 5 mins. Whatever. Then the lady who drew my blood was rough. It actually hurt! There was another pregnant woman in there waiting for her test. She hardly looked pregnant and I look like I am ready to give birth!

I guess I just wait until they call me with the results. I hope I pass b/c I don't think I can sit there for 3 hours and get my blood drawn 3 times! I am glad I work at the hospital so I can check my results in our computer system. I will keep you all updated. Cross your fingers for me!!!

Hope everyone is feeling okay, today. Daniele and Monica: Where are you two??? I am starting to worry!

~Lisa

[Dad of twins]

Lisa: You work in the hospital? I did not know that! What do you do? You don't have to say if you don't want. I am sorry that the didn't go that well. I hope that everthing is ok.
The people that my wife X-rays alwasys ask if she is due this month and she tells them no just twins. Then they say good luck! Like we don't know what we are in for.
Well have to go cook lunch for my little girl

Jason<a href="http://lilypie.com"><img src="http://bd.lilypie.com/OeA1m5.png" alt="Lilypie Baby Ticker" border="0" width="400" height="80" /></a>

[vthompson]

I went for my level II this morning. Everyone is doing great! The best part is that the cysts on Kayley's head have disappeared! We are so happy! Corey weighs 1 lb 3 oz and Kayley weighs 1 lb 4 oz. The doctor said that everyone is on target! They gave us some 3D pictures. They are amazing! Corey really looks like a baby. Kayley was being camera shy so her 3D looks kind of weird.

Lisa - I am so sorry you had such a hard time with the test! I am scared now, because I also have a terrible stomach. I hope that I can drink it! I also did not realize you worked in the hospital. It is funny you mentioned Monica and Daniele because I was also starting to get worried!

Jason - it is great to hear from you! I also hate that look or those comments that people give me when they find out I am having twins. They act as though our lives are going to be miserable. If only they knew how blessed parents of multiples feel!

Talk to everyone soon!

Valerie

[Daniele'sTwins]

Well, I was back in the hospital emergency room last night! It was 4:00 when I began to have a lot of pressure in my vagina and it just kept getting worse and worse. Then at about 5:30 I began with more contractions (I also had contractions on Thursday and ended up at the doctors office). I called my doctor and he sent me right in to rule out pre-term labor. We did not know if the pressure meant that I was dialating. When I checked in the women there checking me in new me. The even remembered my address because this is becoming a weekly thing for me these days! At first they could not find Baby "b"'s heartbeat so they rushed me to a room and it took a couple of people to find him. I honestly was not too worried about that becasue baby "b" is SOOOO active I knew he was just hidding out somewhere and he had been. Then they checked me for dialating and again that God I was not. We ended up being able to leave the hospital by 10:00pm. My mother and Paul again had no dinner. My mother said that the only good thing about these weekly trips to the hospitla is that she is bound to loose some weight from not eating dinner! She has truly been a Godsend!

When we were leaving the hospital I had this constant urge to go pee. I peed but the pressure to "go pee" never left. I thought maybe I had a UTI but that was ruled out. Upon coming home it got worse, then worse, then worse! I was in so much pain! It was like the feeling that I was going to have an accident not stop with no relief. I couldn't sleep! Finally at about 2:00am I was crying so bad. I thought the doctor on call did something to me that did this! I couldn't stop crying and I was getting pretty loud with my prayers (poor DH) . Finally at 4:00am i had this really sharp feeling in my bladder, like someone was pulling a knife out of it. I even lost my breath for a second and then all of a sudden the pain of having to go to the bathroom disappeared! I think one of the babies had a foot or arm deep into my bladder and it was causing this terrible pain/go pee sensation! This was no joke it was horrible! Needless to say these babies are grounded for their first month of life!

Lisa...I am almost 24 week and my belly looks like yours. I was small framed like you too to begin with. I have gained 22 lbs so far.

Tina...Ho wis that maternity belt? Also, I am glad you are not planning on doing Easter this year. I am going to my mothers myself. I just want to relax, we will be getting close at that point.

Terri...I agree with Valarie on telling her that your doctor said no way too. My shower will be on April 2nd. That puts me at 28 weeks and I wouldn't want to go after that. But if there is no way of you changing it maybe you can go and just don't unwrap anything. Not to be rude but that would be too much work for you at that point.

Megzmom...I hope your level 2 went fine and your DD is having a quick recovery from her surgery. As for the bra question I was a 32 b now I am a 34 C and I think because my bras are getting tight. I have not bought a nursing one because how will we know what size to get? I guess I could get a C.

LISA>...okay, as for those pictures you sent us...HOLY CRAP! Did you notice the big difference with the first girl from 6 months to 6.5 months! I have always thought pregnant women were the most beautiful and I have always LOVED the bellies but I am sorry "Twin" pregnant bellies after 6 months are just no longer cute! My husband is going to be in such shock!

Well, I have to go rest becasue i do not want anymore of those contractions. I should be around more this week so I will try to keep up with this board.

[Daniele'sTwins]

Valarie....WAHOOOOOO!!! I am so happy for you! The same thing happened to me a few weeks ago with my level 2. I knew we would both me fine but doesn't it feel great when they confirm it! It so puts your mind at ease!

By the way I forgot to mention a trip to my husbands office on Monday. One of the front staff girls told me that my butt was getting bigger! I told her that I always had a big butt and she said, "No, it is getting bigger!!" then she proceeded to walk like she was bowl-legged with a big butt! B%^&CH!! LOL

[EBTwinz]

I just checked my results and my hematocrit was low, but higher than last time, so I guess that means I still am in the "safe" zone. (no iron pills). My glucose results were a 50. I don't know what that means, but it was in blue, and whenever the results are in blue, it means normal. So, I guess I am okay. No GD for me!!

Valerie: I am SOOOO excited for you! I am so glad that the cysts are gone!! And the babies are at a great weight. Keep up the good work! (I feel like your personal cheerleader! :yippee: ) And the test wasn't that bad.... I tend to over-dramatize everything. But, I am not going to lie, that stuff is gross!

Jason: Thanks for your kind words. You can compliment us anytime you want! :)

Talk to you all soon,
Lisa

Oh, and about working in the hospital, I work in psychiatry. The outpatient clinic is part of the hospital, but located off campus. I am the clinic coordinator/case manager of the child dept., which means I do the assessements on the kids that come here for treatment and manage their care. It's so stressful. And the parents can be a huge pain in the butt!

[EBTwinz]

Daniele, just saw that you posted. I am reading it now....

[EBTwinz]

Oh Daniele!!! My heart was beating fast when I read your post! Thank God you are okay. Did they say why you were having contractions? And then not being able to find the heartbeat!! But, you know your body and can tell if they are moving around. I guess the little guy was being a trouble maker :) .
You had me laughing when you said they are grounded for the first month of their life. I used to joke that when my kids are older, if they ever have the flu, I am still making them go to school b/c I had to come to work everyday, throwing up my guts due to morning sickness. It's payback.. ha ha!

Then the bladder... Dear Lord, we are going to have to put you in a protective bubble!

Well, thank goodness you are alright. Just please take it easy. I was worried about you the other day, I sensed something was wrong. I think it's our pregnancy intuition... :D And I can't believe that B**ch told you your butt is big! The nerve of some people.

Now I am all fired up!! ha ha!

Well, I just talked to one of the doctors and they said a "normal" glucose level is 70-120. Mine is 50, and that was after drinking that sugary stuff. Does anyone know what it means to have low blood sugar? I know that high blood sugar means diabetes, but I am not sure about the low. Now I am going to have to research it on the internet.

~Lisa

[Daniele'sTwins]

Lisa...I think LOW blood sugar means not enough ICE CREAM!

I just called my husband...he said that is called Hypo-Glycemia and you need to eat more/frequent meals. I also asked him if you should have more ice cream and he said YES! (he is a Physician Associate/Assistant) It does help living with someone that went to med school...lol. He doesn't practice OB but he had to at one point and he even delivered babies!

[Daniele'sTwins]

OH YEAH...Lisa, he said it won't hurt the babies. That was important, sorry to have forgotten that.

Yes, doctors said my cramping yesterday was contractions again and the pain in my vagina was probably stretching again.

[vthompson]

Daniele - I felt like Lisa, my heart was also racing as I read your post. I am SO glad that everything and everyone is ok!! You need to stop scaring us like that :D That has to be so nice to have your DH to ask questions to. Very comforting! I absolutely cannot believe that lady told you that you had a big butt! How dare she say something like that to someone. Some people are amazing to me!

Lisa - It sounds like your test came out pretty good, now make sure you are eating more! I don't want to have to come to your house :)

Daniele and Lisa - Thanks so much for sharing in my excitement about my appt today!! I just love this board!

Valerie

[Tiny Blessings]

Hi everyone. Just checking in to see how everyone is doing. Valerie, I am sooooo happy about your good news. What a releif that must be to know the cysts are gone...HOORAY! I wonder, will these little folks ever truly realize the worry they put us through even months before they were ever born? LOL....

Daniele, I am sorry to hear of your scary experiences. Glad that everything is better now. Get some rest and relax....this is such a critical time for us and those little ones! I meant to try that belt today, but forgot to put it on. I'll try to remember for tomorrow, as I have a long car trip ahead and maybe it will help having it on to avoid the back pain that always comes from the four hours in the car.

Lisa, if we lived closer we would be working with the same clientel. I work in special ed and know our local children's pysch unit nurses by name! Plus my good friend Heidi does the exact same job as you. How cool....

Jason, keep us updated on your wife....I hope she is doing okay!

I had DH take a few photos of my tummy this am. I am going to try to post them while the little one takes his nap. Wish me luck....

Tina

[EBTwinz]

I am an idiot. I read the wrong results. The 50 grams was the "glucose administered" which means I drank 50g of glucose. The actual result is still in process.
I started reading things on the internet and thought I was going to lapse into a coma from having low blood sugar! But, thanks everyone for your responses. So, now I have to wait just a little bit longer.

But wouldn't it be nice if the doctor told me that my problem was not enough ice cream! ha ha!!!

~Lisa

[EBTwinz]

My glucose level is 120. I am in the normal range, but just barely. So, instead of eating more ice cream, I think I need to stop eating it! I think anything higher than 120 means GD.

Daniele: Can you ask your dh if 120 is high? I nominate him to be our medical consultant... ha ha!

~Lisa

[teresa67]

Lisa,

I'm diabetic, 120 is as high as they want you to go.

[Daniele'sTwins]

Valarie... I love this board too! Maybe if we all stay in contact after the babies are born in like 3 years we could all meet in Disney World! LOL

Lisa...it looks like sugar free ice cream for you I am sorry. I am just curious as to what you ate for breakfast before going. I am not having my test until Monday the 6th. I am a BIG sweet eater though, but I think you can already tell that about me.

My friend who is pregnant just came by and brought me a spinach calzone for lunch. She always comments on my house being so clean and then laughing that it won't be for long...I am going to prove them all wrong! LOL Two little boys don't make too much of a mess do they? LOL

I have another question...DO any of you eat lunch meat? I am actually questioning if you eat turkey. I never did my first trimester because I read all that stuff on lysteria but them my doctor told me that it was so rare and that I could eat it but not to buy it from the market and eat it after a couple of days. He told me to eat it when I first buy it.

[EBTwinz]

Teresa: Based on your experiences, do you think I will have to do the 3 hour test? Now I am worried that I am on the border of having GD. One of the docs I work with thinks I will have to re-do the test. I just don't want to sit there for 3 hours and have my blood drawn by the mean phlebotomists!

Also, if anyone has had to have the 3 hour test, how do they draw your blood? Is it a ***** on your finger or vein in your arm. I just wonder if they run out of room on the arm.

Daniele: All I had for breakfast was a bowl of Cheerios, plain. No fruit or juice. And that was an hour before my test. I do eat a lot of sweets, too, so I guess I have to cut back on that.

Lisa

[Tiny Blessings]

Trying to post a pic of my tummy....

Tina

[Tiny Blessings]

I am so frustrated...I have been trying for almost 2 hours to get that silly pic to post and I just can't do it. I even went to that photobucket.com and can see the pic there, but just can't get the lilypie ticker to accept it, I guess. Which one should I be selecting from the converted photo options (the one recommended for message boards, ebay, or the other ones??) Then I figured I would just attach a pic to my profile and though it would appear, but as you can see, it does not. Can anyone help guide me through the final steps of this process? I thought I was pretty savvy with technology, but apparently I am NOT! LOL Phew...gotta let this go and let my blood pressure come back down a little! :sigh: Sorry for the ranting...

Daniele, I do eat lunch meat....mostly all natural turkey meat and occassionally some ham but not often on the ham. I have never heard of this and am interested in hearing more. Does it refer to just pressed meat/processed meats or all natural, too????

Lisa....I can tell you are cocnerned about your glucose test results. I wonder...have you asked your doc if he/she is concerned and what the results may mean for the immediate future? He/she may not think there is much to worry about yet and that could help set your mind at ease. It would also help to know from him/her what to expect if there is a level of concern. I would suspect that they will continue to monitor you and keep you aprised of what would happen next.

My level II is tomorrow and I can't wait to see the boys again! Talk to you ladies again later!

Tina

[vthompson]

Tina - Unfortunately, I have not tried to post a picture so I cannot help you! I hope someone can! Good luck at your level II tomorrow! It is so exciting to see the babies. I love it, even though my level II's always take 3-4 hours. After the technician does her thing, we always have to wait forever for the doctor. However, he always takes time to answer questions, so I try to be patient!!

Lisa and Daniele - I was never a sweet eater until I got pregnant. Now I crave it to no end. There is a girl in my office who always has those bite sized candies (snickers, peanut butter cups, etc.). Everyday, I tell myself to not taking any, but I can't help it. I am now really second thinking all the sweets I eat.

Lisa - Try to not worry about your results. I would call your doctor and ask today so you are not worried all night about it.

So, I took the day off today for my level II. I got home around 12 and ate lunch and then took a nap. It amazes me how good I feel compared to how weekdays usual go at this time!

Valerie

[EBTwinz]

I am getting ready to leave work and prob won't post until tomorrow morning but I did look up some info on the internet and it said a normal level after the test can range up to 140, anything over 130 may need to be re-tested. I think I am okay. I have my level II tomorrow afternoon and then meet w/ my OB after the level II, so I will talk to him about it tomorrow. I just hope the brightness around the one twin's heart is gone. I get so excited, yet worried, when I go for these things. I just want everything to be okay.

Thank you everyone for being so supportive. I don't know what I would do w/out you guys!

Tina: I will try to help you post a pic but I will have to give you instructions tomorrow. My brain is mush right now!

Valerie: I am jealous!!!! I wish I had off today. But, I am only in a half day tomorrow and have off next Mon-Tues for moving.

Talk to you all tomorrow!
~Lisa

[newmomx2]

Had my Level II today and was happy to see those little guys :yippee:

Baby A is at the bottom and already head down 1 lb 13 oz; Baby B is horizontal across the middle and 1 lb 10 oz. The tech said as long as the baby on the bottom is head down then you can deliver they will turn the other one around after the first one comes out ! She also said after about 28 weeks they probably won't change position to much - no more room !

Great news was my low lying placenta has moved up and out of the way so no one appears to be blocking the exit :clap:

I go see the Doctor on Friday and hope that my Blood Pressure is good and that my weight gain does not cause any issues - I am starting to feel fat and worried about all the gain by the end :scale: (although that doesn't seem to stop me from wanting to eat sweats).

Lisa let me know what the doctor says about the glucose test - I have not had it yet and am thinking that will be a follow-up from Friday's appointment I am keeping my fingers crossed for you...

I also asked the Tech about the vaginal pulling/pain I have been feeling she agreed this is likely the stretching of the uterus - she also said they don't check the cervical length the doctor will do that and they don't usually start til around 28 weeks..unless you are having pre term labor symptoms.

Valerie I am glad to her the cysts went away - one less thing for you to worry about - we have enough rolling around in our heads these days.....

As for the lunch meat questions - I always read to avoid deli meat including hot dogs - I have eaten a few sandwiches but have generally tried to avoid...but have never really asked my doctor regarding this...

Well better go must watch my TiVOed General Hospital - big TV night tonight with American Idol and Women's Figure Skating !!

[TMoT]

Wow! Busy, busy...!

Valerie, CONGRATS about your excellent level II! That's enough of a boost to keep you going strong till the next one I bet! I'm so happy and relieved for you!

Missy (just saw your post!), CONGRATS to you too!!! I actually read (on the spinningbabies site) that twins can turn up to a bit later than 28 weeks. More like 32, but I guess that depends... Good that Baby A is in the right position anyway! Keep doing what it says on spinningbabies to KEEP him there :-)!!!! About blood sugar, please see what I found/wrote below....

Lisa, your picture is AWESOME! Don't dismay about size! (Btw, I checked out that pic gallery a long time ago and was TRAUMATIZED! I'm never going back there again!) You look WONDERFUL in comparison!!! Also, if it's any encouragement, my tummy is as big as yours and I'm only 20 weeks! ...Just one thing: Stand up STRAIGHT!!!!! :crazy: I don't mean to lecture -- as always! -- but you do look like you're "slouching" (otoh, is there any other way in pg???!) A tip (I wrote a SAGA about this in my last post, but I'm sure no one read it!!): Try "rocking" your pelvis forward (sticking your hips forward) when you're upright to keep the babies in the pelvis "pocket" that's made for them. It will take the pressure off your lower back AND bladder (Valerie?), and give the babies more room to move around. ...I have a sway back and LOTS of trouble with posture, esp during pg, but if you really make a concerted effort, you'll see that the burden gets a bit easier to carry, plus it's MUCH BETTER for the babies -- honest!!!

I also LOVED the story about your kitty! That was SO sweeeet!!!

About Blood Sugar: I've been worried about this too. My grandpa was diabetic and I tend to actually have low blood sugar ("hypo-glycemia" as Daniele's dh says)... That can be as bad for bringing on GD as the other way around, though, so the most important thing to do, as I read (but, Teresa, correct me on this please if I've got it wrong), is to keep your blood sugar level _constant_, all day and all night (with an 8-10 hour gap for "fasting"). That means: No sugar "bombs" (eek. I guess ice cream qualifies as that! wah!) and no going long periods without food -- especially protein. Plus, you'd be surprised at what metabolizes as "sugar" in your body!!! Lisa, that bowl of cheerios, even without added sugar, is loaded with complex carbs=sugar!!!

A site I checked out (once again!) on _preventing_ GD says you can either cut out _processed_ carbs all together (white wheat flour, white rice, etc.), or ALL "white stuff" (same list, plus refined sugar); but refined sugar intake should be stopped completely, as a minimum. =NO candies, sweets, etc!! :-(( Otherwise, you also need to consume +protein+ with every serving of carbs you have in order to help your body metabolize the sugar (and check this out: even PEAS qualify as "carbs" so you gotta be informed about what you're eating!).... Just more stuff to bear in mind! :-( And SORRY I always seem to be the one bringing up this kind of preachy stuff, but I hope it might help _somebody_ out there...!!!

The GD prevention "tip" site: http://www.plus-size-pregnancy.org/gd/gd_prevention.htm

And, Lisa, good luck with the level II tomorrow! Can't wait to hear how it goes!

Tina, it might be the size of the file you're trying to post as a picture. I had this problem too. Check and be sure it's (well) under the maximum listed on the site (100kb, I think)... And, good luck with your level II too!!!

Maternity Belt: I replied on a previous post by Monica (mmzill) about this -- btw, Monica, where have you been?? I hope you're doing okay!! -- because I asked my OB about getting a maternity belt during pg#1, and he advised me against it because of the following: He said that, over time, a maternity belt tends to cause a _weakening_ of the very muscles we need to have strong, firm and active for labor/delivery (not to mention good baby position, avoiding c-section, etc.)... I don't know what this says to you all, but I think it makes sense. The HARDER thing to do (but, hopefully, more rewarding over time), is to work on getting/maintaining good posture during your pg to help avoid the muscle aches, strains, etc., that make it so uncomfortable. (To start with, please see what I wrote above/previously about standing/sitting/walking with your pelvis "rocked" forward...) And, of course, REST when you need to/your body asks for it -- as much as you can/are able!!!!!

Boob size: GAH! ONE size??!?!?!!! I must have grown at least TWO (THREE??!) by now! (Seriously. That weight I've put on feels like it's a least HALF above my bustline!!) Arrgh! 8-S I've resorted to wearing a sports bra. Everything else tends to bind so painfully, and even the sports bra has seams in it that itch/hurt over time. In case anyone was wondering, you shouldn't even think of buying nursing bras till you're eight months along....

Daniele, your post had my heart racing too!! I had those stomach cramps last week (and I'm just getting over the related flu) which had me in absolute AGONY. Good that you at least knew the babies are okay. That's the most important thing, of course!!! ...Sorry about the baby on your bladder, also! ...PLEEEASE try sitting/laying/standing the way I mentioned above to see if he "gets off" of there. It really should help. I keep posting this site for reference, too. And although it isn't totally clear, it does help with tips on good pg posture that might help you avoid the painful bladder "attacks"....

http://www.spinningbabies.com/pregnancy.html

Valerie/Sneezing: Sorry about the pulled muscle, Valerie! :-( YOW! ...When I feel a sneeze coming on, IF I have time (!), I try to tighten my pelvic floor muscles (remember: those Kegels!) to keep it from ripping through my tummy... _Sometimes_ that works...!

Important Tummy Muscle Tip: Btw, does everyone know that we should NOT BE USING OUR TUMMY MUSCLES FOR ANYTHING right now??!?! NO sit-ups (in case you were still including them in your work out regime); and NOT EVEN sitting up (from laying down) "chin" first...!! From now until about two months after we give birth (!!), we should be FIRST rolling on our side, THEN, using our arm/s to push off the bed/couch/chair/tub, and THEN sitting upright, from a sideways position. Otherwise, you're pulling those tummy muscles in ways they're not meant to be working for the moment, and ditto for after the babies come (the muscles need to "heal" first, and other exercises exist which are meant to help them do that -- NOT sit-ups!). As IF we ever needed an excuse not to do sit-ups....!!! :yippee:

Can't wait to hear about the Level IIs. Mine is on Friday! :-D

[teresa67]

TMot,

Fasting sugar levels in the morning should be under 100, but not too low.
After eating......1 hour or 2 hour check, whatever your dr tells you, you shouldnt be over 120. Hopefully none of you ladies will have to deal with this.......because it is a pain in the a**. It's hard to be pregnant and not be able to eat like you want.

Sherry......I wish I had your energy, you seem like a high energy person.

Thanks for the website, it is very interesting.

[vthompson]

Regarding lunch meat, I also read that it can cause listeria and asked my doc about it awhile ago. She said that the studies do say that it can cause listeria. However, she told me that if I have it once in awhile and I am eating it from a place that seems clean, then I probably have nothing to worry about. I LOVE turkey sandwiches, so I have eaten it from time to time.

Sherry - I agree, you do seem like you are full of energy :) I am jealous! Good luck at your level II this week!

Newmomx2 - That is so great about your level II! Especially that your placenta seems to be moving up! Our babies are in the exact same position right now!

Lisa - good luck at your level II. I am anxious to hear the results!

As for cervix, I asked my level II tech yesterday and she said that they check it through the u/s when I come and the doc will do internal exams, but not for a few weeks.

Valerie

[Dad of twins]

Hello ladies!
I had my wife read some of the post that you all wrote. She was like they really enjoy you on here? I said yes I keep them laughing and plus a dad's point of view. I showed her the pictures that Lisa said to go to and she was like "Do you think I can even get that big?" I then responed very carefully. No honey I don't think you will be that big:D
She checked n the boy's yesterday and they now are both head down! That baby B is just all over the place. The u/s tech told her to get a four D picture she would have to be put on her head again b/c they are that low. I think I have talked the wife into buying a maternity bra but there are not to many stores that carry them up here and she does not want to buy one online without trying it on.

Lisa: I am the one that makes people laugh but when you said that the 50 stood for how much you took I was rolling on the floor! Sorry to make fun of the test but it was funny.

Tina: Good luck posting a pict. Don't let it get the best of you.


Well my daughter wants to play so I have to get going. I hope you all have a great day!! Feel good!:throb:

Jason

[Daniele'sTwins]

Tina...putting up my pic took me several days too! I could not just take it off my camera or what was on file for some reason I had to scan the picture and make sure to bring down the pixels so that it would not be too big.
Good luck on your level 2 today!

Valerie( I finally noticed I have been spelling your name wrong forever, sorry) and Lisa... Goood luck on your level 2's today! I am sure they will be fine but I know how exciting they are!

Missy...you had a great level 2! Your babies are so nice and big! I am glad your placenta has moved up. I am hoping that mine has too. By the way, I am so glad you mentioned those hot dogs. Guess what I ate Tuesday 3 hours before the hospital. I wonder if that had anything to do with it. I will just avoid them now. I don't even like hot dogs too much but I was craving them for some reason.

[EBTwinz]

I was getting tired of looking at my big belly so I took my pic off my ticker.

Daniele: About the lunch meat issue, I also heard that you are to avoid any lunch meat unless it's fresh or heated. I have been eating turkey sandwiches, once in a while. If I go to subway, I always have them heat the sandwich. I really haven't had much ham. I used to love ham, but I am not digging it too much now that I am pregnant. As for the hotdogs, I ate some in my first trimester, b/c I didn't know we were to avoid them. Then my doc told me that one or two isn't bad, but not to make a habit of eating them. It's funny, I was craving a hotdog the other day, too! ( I just re-read this, I guess a hotdog is ham... duh!)

Tina: As for the picture, save it on your hard drive. I saved mine in "my pictures" under "my documents". Then when you go to the ticker site, there is a place where you can upload a pic. Hit browse and look in your "my picture" file then hit select. It should just pop up. Then once you have it, highlight the area, cut and paste in your sig. Hope that helps. Good luck today at your level II. Keep us updated!!

Missy: Great news on your level II! :yippee: I am glad to hear your placenta moved. One of my placentas is low so I am curious if it moved.

Sherry: Thanks for the info on the GD. I know I eat too many carbs. I can't help it!!!! It's my family's fault, I grew up in an Italian family and ate pasta and bread for every meal!!! And my grandfather would force sweets on us! It's a wonder I was so skinny as a kid. As for my posture, I noticed that my back looked curved in that pic, too. It may have been how I was standing. I took dance lessons for 15 years, growing up, and my back always seemed to be a little curved. I guess I am just flexible!

Valerie and Daniele: I will definitely keep you updated after my level II. I have it this afternoon, so I will prob post this evening. I am getting nervous. I am always like this on the big day. Last level II, there was the bright spot around one twin's heart and the other one has two arteries instead of three in the umbilical cord. but, I am not sure if they got a good reading on him. He was my bigger twin, by an ounce, so I am curious to see how much they have grown. Knowing me, they are prob 2 lbs each!

Jason: Glad I can provide some entertainment! :) I have been a bit of a ditz, lately. :duh: Even my co-workers made fun of me for reading the wrong results. The nurse told me that she didn't want to say anything but 50 is REALLY low and she was surprised I wasn't in a coma!! ha ha! I am an idiot!!

Talk to you all soon!!!
~Lisa

[vthompson]

Lisa - Try to not worry today about your level II, although I do the same thing! Try to think about happy things, like seeing the boys again! :)

[TMoT]

Aww! Lisa, I really LIKED your picture!!! I guess if it made you self-conscious though...?!!? ;-) I did gymnastics for eight years when I was younger, too. Hence, the sway back. :-( Looks beautiful in movement but is so bad -- especially for pg! Well, you know what I mean about walking/standing/etc. with your hips foward then....

We eat a LOT of pasta too. Dh and I are vegetarian, but I picked up fish again in this pg just for all the things I've been preaching about. ...Hard to kick the carbs, but we don't have to really, as long as we make sure to eat plenty of protein at the same time (and try to focus on _whole grain_ bread (pasta?!), rice, etc.).....

Lunch Meat: I don't eat meat, but there are sure some GREAT veggie/high-protein (usually soy) alternatives to lunch meat that are SAFE to eat during pg... Why don't you ladies take the opportunity to check those out??! Kroger has an excellent selection of "Boca Burgers," etc. Maybe they also have soy sandwich "meat" too, or "tofurkey" or some such...??!? That hotdog craving is just telling you how much you need protein, so maybe you can find something that satisfies your tastebuds, isn't "risky" and gives you the nutrients you need too??!??

Looking forward to the L2 news....

[mmzill]

Hey everyone - I only skimmed the posts on this last page, but it sounds like everyone is doing fine. Glad to hear the appointments and u/s are going well!!!

We are moved, but definetly not settled!! Our internet is not set up at the house yet.....grrrr.....so, I can't get on here and read or post much of anything. I'm at my husband's work right now on one of their extra computers. :)

I'm doing well, but feeling really big! I also don't think my boys are moving enough, but when I lay down and consentrate on them, they are moving, just not as forcefully as I thought they would be.

Well - I hope to have interenet at home SOON!!! I'm dying not knowing how all of you are doing and miss keeping in touch!

Have a good day everyone!
~Monica

[vthompson]

Monica - We have all been asking about you so I am so glad that you checked in! We have been worried! Glad that the move went well. You will feel settled in no time! Talk to you soon!

Valerie

[vthompson]

Ok, so the strangest thing ever . . . I noticed on Tuesday that if felt like I burnt my tongue, but knew I didn't. I opened up my mouth to look and there was a perfectly formed circle on my tongue. It has gotten slightly bigger and just feels weird, like when you burn your tongue. I called my doctor who seemed stumped and made me an appt for Monday to take a look. I have looked all over the internet and cannot find anything. Now I am worried that I have some weird flesh tongue eating disease! Does anyone know of strange mouth problems that can occur during pregnancy? I think I may try and rinse with salt water for the next few days and see if it gets better. I am probably being paranoid . . . just wanted to vent about it!

Valerie

[teresa67]

Lisa......sorry I'm not familiar with the 3 hour test....I've been diabetic for 5 years.

I think they will make you do the 3 hour test......and cereal is the worst thing you can eat, it raises your sugar level way up. Try eating protein for breakfast........like 2 eggs, with toast and then cereal if you want......the protein slows down the carbs from turning into sugar, so you blood sugar does not go up as if you just ate plain cereal by itself.

[sheriba]

HI!
Sorry I have been traveling & working my tail off and haven't written. Looks like everyone is making progress. We went to the doctor today for our monthly check up. I am 25 weeks along and all looks great! The babies’ heart beats are strong and I am growing as I should. I currently measure 2 months ahead of where I am and I even hit the gaining of 24 pounds in 24 weeks! I will go to the doctor every 2 weeks from now on and get sonograms every 3 weeks to make sure all is well. (Our next one is in 2 wks and we can’t wait to see them again!) OH i get to have the 1 hr gestational diabetes test next time too! I guess I just drink some juice and get blood drawn after 1 hr. Fun fun fun!!

Starting on Monday (Feb 27th) I am grounded…. I get to hang out on the couch or bed with my legs up and act like I have the flu! Bottom line, I get to not do squat and get to rely on my husband (and those good sports who will come over) for my every need! Sounds like a blast doesn’t it?! :rotflmbo:

I asked my Dr why we didn't have the Level II and he said all is well now, we don't need that at this point. If he sees that we do, he will schedule it.
It is funny to see/hear about others and the differences in doctors and what they want to do with each of us. Oh well....

Sorry about the tongue thing Valerie. Never heard of that... hope all is ok w/that.

I hope everyone is healthy and doing fine (ok as fine as we can be!).

Sheri

[EBTwinz]

I am home from my level II. Baby A is 1lbs, 8oz, Baby B is 1lb, 10oz. They are growing on target. The brightness is still there on A's heart and B still only has two arteries in the umbilical cord, but the way they explained it to me is that is really doesn't mean anything. SO, I feel a lot better. I have to start going every 2 weeks. I am still working full time but will prob have to either cut back or quit in a month.

Well, I will write more, later. DH needs the computer.

Lisa

-Valerie: I have no clue what is going on w/ your tounge. Let me know what they say.

[TMoT]

Valerie, FREAKY about your tongue!!! :eek: Never heard of such a thing, but pg can be straaaange -- as we all know!! Just for reference, what color is the "spot"?? Only thing I can think of is thrush or some such thing (=yeast), if the spot is white... If that's it, treatment is easy/standard, but your doc will tell you... In the meantime, you can try a rinse with baking soda too (to lower the ph level in your mouth). Can't think of much else...!!

Sheriba, nice to hear from you, and to know you get to slow down a bit (LOT) now!! Awesome about your weight and progress. Congratulations! Be sure to take advantage of the down-time -- you deserve it, and you'll need it!!!

Lisa, so great to hear about your big babies!!! :-D :-D Just so you know, a friend of a friend had the same thing with the umbilical cord of her little girl (singleton) pg, and her daughter was born naturally and with _no_ complications!! So, stay confident! Hope the next u/s brings even more good news!!!

Teresa/Valerie, I don't know if I'm a "high-energy" person...??!?!! I guess I just blab a lot and type fast == dangerous combination! ;-)

Btw, we're all _still_ battling that tummy/flu bug I mentioned before (why I was in the hospital a week ago)! DS#2 is sick now too :( and I have CONSTANT pressure/"activity" in my lower abdomen which makes deciphering what is BH or otherwise very difficult. Just trying to keep hydrated is a real challenge, but I'm doing my best... :-S

Tomorrow is my L2. I'll check in afterwards to let you all know how things look for Rhett and Scarlet....! ;-)

[newmomx2]

I don't have much time but I wanted to respond to Valerie about the tongue. It could be something called geographic tongue - I developed it one day in college for no apparent reason and have had ever since. It is benign - sometimes hurts more when I am sick or eat ice cream...some theories suggest it indicates a zinc or B12 deficiency but my dentist said no real proof - since it really does not hurt anything I try to ignore - I am guessing maybe it is caused by a deficiency and maybe yours just appeared because the babies are sucking something you need out of you body...look it up on line you can probably find pictures. Also call your dentist they may know more then the doctor - they spend a lot more time in mouths!!

Congrats to all on good u/s - welcome back Monica.

Later everyone I need to head home from work was here since 7:30 - looking forward to work from home tomorrow and a visit to my doctor !!!

[TMoT]

Monica, I meant to say "welcome back" to you too!!! :-D Hope the move went okay, and as ridiculous as it sounds (!), try not to stress too much about re-settling. Bit by bit you'll get there! ...How are you and the babies doing? You must be excited about the new house too. WOW. Enjoy the feeling of (finally?!) "arriving," and bask in it a while. The rest will come in due time -- as it always does! Keep us posted....

[michelle giss]

Hi all,
I am new to message board, I have been reading lots of posts but only decided today to introduce myself. (see introductions!). I am not too sure how to use forums but I will learn.

I am due on June 6, which makes me 25 weeks and 6 days pregnant with boy/girl twins. We also have a 3 year old daughter Emily.

Have had a few complications with this pregnancy but the babies are growing right on target and good size for dates.

I had to have an emergency cervical stitch inserted at 20 weeks due to my cervix opening. I am on light duties and partial bed rest.

We are from Melbourne, Australia. Hope you guys dont mind me joining in this thread so late in pregnancy, it seems like you all know each other really well.

good luck to you all and look forward to chatting.
Regards,
Michelle

[Jillmami]

Michelle - Welcome! I am due the day after you and had the cerclage put in at 23 weeks. I am on strict bedrest until further notice. We have a level 2 u/s tomorrow. However, I will do whatever necessary to ensure 2 healthy babies! Glad that you posted! Seems like we have lots in common!

Glad that everyone else's appts. have been going well. Enjoy the weekend and take care!

[Daniele'sTwins]

Good Morning Everyone...

Monica...Welcome back, you were definately missed! I hope you haven't been working too hard on your new house!

Valerie...I also have no idea about your toungue but that would drive me nuts! I hate having a burnt toungue so if that is what it feels like that stinks! I hope it goes away soon.

Sheri...Congrats for being out of work. Now you can concentrate on relaxation!

Lisa...GREAT level II! :yippee: I am so glad they put your mind at ease about the babies. They are so nice and BIG! I love when the babies gain weight because it just ensures how healthy they will be!

Michelle...Welcome to the board. We are getting pretty comfortable here with each other but we also LOVE to add new people! Thanks so much for joining us!

I am going to try to spend the entire day here at home in my PJ's. I want to have a full day of rest. I will be checking in throughout the day.

[vthompson]

Well Ladies, I am seriously loosing my mind! After my tongue episode yesterday I started freaking out wondering what could be wrong with it. Of course, I thought the worse, like my tongue was being eaten away by some strange infection. Anyways, I started to think very hard about what I did during the week that could have caused it. I realized that on Monday, I was brushing my tongue when I let the dog in and held my toothbrush in my mouth while I did it. Well, I have one of those Crest spinbrush toothbrushes, which I kept on while I held it in my mouth. My DH took the toothbrush and put it up to the circle on my tongue and it was a perfect match! I feel like such an idiot! Now everytime my DH and I look at our toothbrushes, we start laughing. My mom calls today to ask me how my crop circles are!!! Well, thanks to everyone for their advice and support on my crazy tongue!! I hope I can at least cause a good laugh for everyone today! :rotflmbo:

Daniele - Have fun on your resting day!! I wish I could join you! It is so cold here, only 25 degrees right now. I think it is only going to be in the low 20's all weekend. Those are the days when you wish you could stay in your warm pj's! BTW, don't worry about spelling my name wrong!! I am used to it! My maiden name was Karban (pronounced like the element Carbon). I do not think anyone ever spelled it correctly!! :)

Michelle - I am so glad that you have decided to join us!! We all look forward to getting to know you better! That is great that both babies are growing as they should! Keep up the good work with the bedrest!

Newmomx2 - Thank you so much for sharing you experience with me about the tongue issue. I really appreciate it! I just feel bad that it was really my own stupidity!!

Tmot - Good luck at your level II today! Make sure you post so we can find out how everyone is doing. I am sorry that you guys are still so sick! Hopefully you will get relief soon! Stomach problems are the worse because you cannot always tell if it is baby stuff or tummy problems!

Lisa - I am so glad that both babies are doing well!! It sounds like they are growing like weeds! Make sure you also keep up the good work!! (now it is my turn to be your personal cheerleader!!) :yippee: As for the other 2 issues, if the docs aren't worried, then you should really try to not be either! They would tell you if you had something to worry about! I am so excited for you that you may get to cut back or stop working soon, I know you and I have been dreaming of those days! I asked my work yesterday if I could cut back and work part in the office and part at home. They seemed supportive of it but said they would need to talk it over so we will see. I hate waiting for answers!

Sheri - It was so great to hear from you! It sounds as though everything is going well! Make sure you take it easy and relax! It won't be long before we are all wishing for just a few minutes of relaxation (LOL).

Valerie

[EBTwinz]

Hi everyone! Sorry I didn't post again last night. We got home from the doctor's and my dh needed to use to computer. I decided to take a nap and ended up sleeping until 8:30pm!! I can't take power naps, anymore. My naps are like 3 hours long!!

Anyway, thanks everyone for the encouragement w/ my level II results. I forgot to tell you all, I passed my glucose test!!!! :yippee: I am not worried about the bright spot or the umbilical cord issue anymore (well, not too worried...) The tech told me that she saw three babies that day w/ the same brightness and it's more common than you think. It also does not indicate anything unless they had the cysts, kidney probs, etc... The babies were so cute. They are both head down (YEAH!!) and laying on top of each other. ACtually, one has their stomach on the other's head. My placenta fused and is no longer low, so the doc told me that there is still a really good chance I can have them vaginally. According to my doc, the next four weeks are crucial and I am supposed to limit all activities. I have to keep my feet propped and not overexert myself. He said he doesn't want to risk PTL, even though I have no symptoms. So, we all need to take it easy these next few weeks.

Valerie: That was too funny about your tounge. My dh actually thinks he has that geographic tounge and I told him about your tounge. glad to hear it's not serious. :D

Daniele: I am jealous, I wish I was in my pj's all day. It's cold here, too. I just don't feel like working.

Monica: Glad to hear from you. You have a lot of catching up to do, as you can see we have been busy chatting away. Keep us updated w/ the move.

Sherry: Let us know how your appt went today. And thanks for letting me know about your friend. I like to hear that other people experienced the same thing and had great results.

Michele: Welcome! Please feel free to chat w/ us anytime. We are all very open with each other and love to make each other laugh.

Sheri: Glad to hear from you. Take it easy and rest!!!

Okay, I am out for now. I have to catch up on my work.

~Lisa

[EBTwinz]

I just noticed my arm. There is a huge bruise where I had the blood drawn and the person who drew my blood blew out my vein! I am kinda ticked off. She was really rough with me. Next time I go in there, I will make sure she isn't the person who drew my blood. That b**ch!!

[TMoT]

:rotflmbo: Valerie! :rotflmbo: You are a _scream_! I was so worried (and, I confess, _intrigued_) by your tongue "mystery," and now you've gone and solved the riddle yourself!!! Hysterical. Should've maybe kept us guessing for a while to see what other hypotheses we could have come up with for your "crop circles"! LOL None would have beat the real thing, I'm sure though! Kudos to you for that memorable episode!!!!

Michelle, WELCOME! I'm also in another time-zone from most of these ladies (Europe=Brussels, Belgium), but they somehow manage to tolerate me anyway... ;-) I guess you'll be online earlier than _me_ even, but maybe we'll have the chance to chat now and then. I'm having b/g twins too and have two older boys (5 and 7), but I'm only at 20 weeks now. Take good care of yourself with that cerclage, and looking forward to hearing how things go for you all...!!

Daniele, ENJOY your day! I had to get up early for my Level II, otherwise it would have been a great day to stay in jammies all day long here too...! Otoh, the sun looks like it has finally decided to _shine_ :yippee: so it was nice to have a small outing this morning. Still cold though. Brrr.

Lisa, congrats on the glucose test!!! You keep things exciting, I must say! And good news about the brightness not being so exceptional. All the rest is wonderful, so just try to keep that in mind!!! (-:-) (That's "my" new twins smiley!!)

About my own L2... Everything went swimmingly!!! :-))) Both babies are "spot on" for 20 weeks of growth, and all their organs, vessels, bones, etc. are perfectly formed! Whew. "Scarlet" was head-down, "Rhett" (#2) was breech (!), and they were facing eachother -- like "yin and yang" dh said. ;-) And... The "notch" in the cord pulse-rate is GONE!!! :yippee: Means that the cords and placentas are in good condition, no "obstruction" and everything is working properly. Whew. Everything, EXCEPT Mommy! When the doc finished his exam, I nearly passed out getting off the exam table! Whew. Seriously. The checkup took such a long time and he had been pushing so much on my tummy that I lost oxygen and nearly fainted!!!!! :-( Doc told me to lie down for a while, because I was "somewhere between white and green," which I did, and I took a serious two-hour nap when I got home. Feeling better now.... Whew. (Also got some _darling_ pictures btw... :-D)

That flu bug is still with us in a serious way, which didn't help with my condition at the L2. And thanks a lot, all of you, for your well-wishes!!! ...Kiddies will be at their Belgian grandparents' for the weekend, so I WILL have a couple of days to lounge around in my jammies, do nothing, and hopefully recover. :-D Cleaned the kitchen and straightened up the house this morning just to be able to "be sane in a quiet space" for a couple days. Looking forward to that... :-) Of course, dh has social plans for us (bday party tonight and a music event tomorrow night). I'm really excited about the thing tomorrow (some London electronica DJs, but don't know how much you all care about that kinda thing!), but there was also a nice event last weekend that we had to give up on at the last minute because of "my condition" (I remember Monica griping about this same thing. Girl, I hear ya!)... Wah. Wah. Boo-hoo. Wah. ;-) Well, we'll see if I'm up to anything truly "exciting" this weekend -- depends a lot on just how much lounging and relaxing I'm able to get in during the daytime, I guess. Keep you posted.

Till then, a wonderful weekend to you all, take care of YouS, and catch up with you again soon!

PS Sorry about your arm, Lisa! ]-( I had something similar before that left a HUGE spot on my inner elbow (?!) for, like, a week! When they start digging, you just know something is going to go wrong! @#$% -- my sentiments too! ]-(

[Tiny Blessings]

Hi Everyone....
Welcome to the new mommy Michelle! There were so many level II's this week...congrats on all of the good reports, ladies! Sherry, what a relief about the cord. Lisa, your results were great, too and I am so happy for you and was glad to hear your glucose results are fine. Thanks for the hints on the pictures...I will to post it that way later on. And Valerie, your story about the tongue was a funny one...thanks for sharing it. It was good to hear from you again, Monica. Don't push it too much with the moving and all, though.

Yesterday was my big Level II day...here is my update:
We learned that it is almost cetain that the boys are IDENTICAL (YIPPEE) and they are a good size and developing great. Baby A weighs in at 1 pound 1oz and Baby B at 1 pound 3 oz. They gave us some 3-D pics this time and they are so great! The boys were hugging and snuggling each other during the picture and it was so sweet! That 3-D stuff is really something!

I asked about the cervix measurement and she said anthing over 2 is fine. Mine measured at 6mm, so she said that was great.

There was one downer to the visit, though. The u/s tech suspected and the doctor confirmed that although I have two placentas, both cords are originiating from one placenta. He explained the dangers of this and of twin to twin transfusion syndrome and needing to closely monitor the babies from this point on. I will see him again in 4 weeks and then every 2 weeks after that. While he was talking I was trying to remain calm, telling myself he was talking about "maybes", right? He was very sobering and cautious, though, and I became more and more frightened the more he talked. He did say that for now, everything looks fine with the boys and they appear to be growing equally.

Does anyone else have two babies sharing one placenta?

Oh, and by the way, I did use the maternity belt yesterday and I really liked the support it offered my lower back. It was a day long trip, and usually my lower back is KILLING me after it, but I did not experience the lower back pain like I generally do. I asked the doctor about wearing it and he said it was helpful to support the lower belly and prevent back pain and it was fine to use it. He never said anything about the muscle things that Sherry's doctor mentioned...I would have asked only I didn't read that until just today. Maybe I'll ask my regular OB at my next appt in a few weeks.

Glad everyone's babies are doing well. HOORAY for us!

Tina

[Tiny Blessings]

trying to post my belly pic again...keep your fingers crossed for me....

tina

[vthompson]

Tina - I am glad that both babies seem to be doing great! Although it is easier said then done, try to not worry. The good news is that you will be seeing the doctor often so they should be able to catch any problems. Unfortunately, I do not have any info on your condition. I think that is so cute that the babies were hugging each other! The 3D pictures are so cool! It is amazing that they look like actual babies, not like aliens with big eyes(LOL).

Sherry - I am so glad that you appt went well and both babies are doing great! We all need to keep up the good work! I had a similar episode to you when I went for my level II, just not as bad. I think laying there for so long on your back causes problems. Whenever I get up, I feel dizzy and nauseous. Actually, the past 2 times, after a certain amount of time laying on the table I started to feel sick. However, I tried to ignore it so that I could still see the babies!! I am glad that you went home and took care of yourself! Make sure you take it easy this weekend, get plenty of rest in before you go out partying!!

Lisa - I am so sorry that your arm is having problems. That woman is a b****! I agree that we all need to take it easy for the next few weeks! This is such a critical time for all of us! Congrats on the test results! That is great! I know you were worried about more tests!

Well, I need to go warm up my lunch! Talk to everyone soon!

Valerie

[vthompson]

BTW, Tina, great picture of your belly!

Valerie

[EBTwinz]

I am on the verge of a nervous breakdown. My DH just told me that we may not be able to settle on our house on Monday. We may need to wait until Wednesday. Apparently, the place we are moving into didn't do our property inspection for occupancy. Our house has been done for the past two weeks. What the heck is their hold up??? We have movers helping us on Monday, appliances being delivered on Tuesday, among other things. Plus, we have to be out of our townhome by Tuesday. I told my dh that he better fix this, right away or I am going down to their office in person and threaten them! For some reason, I think that I should have extra priviledges because I am pregnant. I told my dh to tell them that I am preg w/ twins and I HAVE to move in on Monday. To add to my frustration, I had to run down the street to get lunch since I didn't pack today. On my way, some big pickup truck w/ teenagers cut me off. So, needless to say, I whipped them the finger and said the F word. I never do that!!! I hope my boys didn't hear me! I am not a very good mother right now. And to top it all off, McDonald's only gave me 5 Mcnuggets instead of 6! I almost called them to complain!!! They can't deprive a pregnant woman out of her nuggets! Now, one twin gets 3 of them and the other only gets 2. It's just not fair!!!!!

Okay, I need to settle down. I didn't read any of the new posts yet, I will have to respond later.

Thanks for letting me vent,
Lisa