Anyone else due in June "06

[slsmith1337]

Hi,
I am new to Twins Magazine. I am currently 7 wks 3days pregnant with twins. I am so excited but all the unknowns are so overwhelming. How will we afford daycare? Can I afford to stay home? What about vanishing twins? Are the heartbeats ok? etc.
Last Thursday I went in for an ultrasound to confirm there were not triplets. Definitely twins! Baby A had a heartbeat of 142. Iknow that is great but Baby B was 116. The doctor said anything over 100 was good. Internet says anything over 120bpm. Is 116 ok?
What do stay at home moms do for money? I am an elementary teacher. I want to stay home but what could I do to supplement my husband's salary. Any suggestions? Thank you

[Tadpoles]

I too am offically due in June, beginning of, I have olny joined today myself and was posting on the May site as I have been told my twins will be early. Isn't it all exciting, I am nearly 11 wks and time until my next scan is dragging, it is only the week after next! There are so many questions, I already have a 21mth old daughter but this pregnancy is so different I feel like a novice. I stay at home, but I live in France so things are probably very different here. I did work full time before I had our daughter and then stayed at home with her until she was a year old, I then returned to work but part time, now I have been signed off work, so I can rest, really difficult with a toddler but hey. The benefits in France are really good, their population is falling so they are begging people to start families and pay good maternity pay to make it appealing to the working woman. I get nearlly all of my monthly salary from the time i take maternity leave and for a while after the birth, the laws have just changed so it will be different from the first time and I need to check it out, however I know that it has changed for the better and that because it's twins I will get extra. The family allowence bidy also give a lump some of money at teh end of your 7th mth, to help to buy equipment for the baby, last time I got 700 Euros - have no cluse what that is in dollars but its about 500 pounds sterling lets just say, it goes a long way.

Anyway this site is great for answering questions, if there are not many newcomers for June have a luck at the may due dates, I have had a loads of fears put to bed just my reading what other are going through:)

[Cherished Angels]

I am also due in June. I am currently 9 weeks and 3 days along. I just got out of the hospital due to bleeding. I am on complete bedrest until further notice. I also have a 19 month old daughter who is a complete handful. She has no clue what is going on and she hasn't been very cooperative. I became an at home mom when I had my daughter. I don't believe in daycare personally, so I quit my job and became a housewife. As far as money goes, you always find a way to make it work. You'll have lots of sacrifices to make, but the relationship you have with your children completely make up for it.

Angel

[Tadpoles]

Hi angels,

I have posted a reply on your other thread re the bleeding and bed rest. I am due at the beging of June and have been posting a lot on the may site.

Will check in here now as well as I know there is another person.

Keep your chin up. Hard to do I know. Ther's more on my other reply

Take care

[Jillmami]

This is my first visit here. I am also due with twins the first week of June. We had a 'concern' early in the pregnancy with the location of one of the twins. Luckily after several ultrasounds and an MRI, it has been confirmed that all is well. I am looking forward to Nov. 29 which will be my next visit!! That will be my first day of the trimester 2 and I can't wait!!

Has anybody else's memory gone to the dogs? I teach and will be in the middle of a sentence and have to ask the kids what I was saying. They think I am testing their listening skills so I run with it. :p

Glad to be here and best wishes to everyone!
Jill

[Tadpoles]

Hi Jill

Welcome, I love this place and am here most days having a look around. It's become know to my family as 'The Website' as it's the only place I tend to go now.

i am also having a **** of a time with my memory, It's gone awol!!! I had pregnancy brain with my first but this time it's seems a lot worse, i guess that's having twins for you. I am really excited as my next scan is on Monday morning, so just the weekend to get through and I will be able to see the babies again. I was 12 weeks yesterday and I haven't had a scan since 7 weeks, it feels so long ago.

Is this your first pregnancy? although it's my second I feel like it's my first qs eberything and I mean everything is different this time round.

hope you enjoy it here, it's a great place to meet new people who are all going through the same things, it's surprising there are so many of us!

[Jillmami]

Thanks for the welcome Georgina! Cute daughter you have!

This is my first pregnancy. Well, I was pregnany in Jan of this year but had an ectopic. Due to my PCOS, I have to use fertility meds to get my eggs growing. After having 2 surgeries this year, our first cycle was a no go. Then, this last cycle, I had 28 follicles! So we had to resort to IVF and here I am!

How did the dr. visit go? I haven't had a scan since 91/2 weeks. We had more than normal since they thought one twin was in a dangerous location. After an MRI, all is well. I have my next visit on day 1 of week 13 which will be Nov. 30. We can't wait!

I do enjoy the site and have found a lot of useful info.

Good luck with your pregnancy and I'll see you around!

[twice twins]

Hi! This is my first day on this message board also. We are currently 9 weeks 5 days with our 2nd set of fraternal twins. Our first boy/girl twins were 3rd attempt IVF and just had their 2nd birthday last week. This pregnancy was a spontaneous conception and has been very scary for me. My first pregnancy was alot of morning sickness in the beginning and lots of bed rest in the 2nd and 3rd trimester but mostly no problems. This time, I've had bleeding for a couple of weeks and then we started the progesterone suppositories. The bleeding stopped for about 10 days and then tonight started again. It is enough to scare you to death when you see that! Has anyone else been experiencing this?

[Cherished Angels]

I've experienced the bleeding. It is a very very scary thing. I thought the worst thoughts in the world, but I'm learning that thinking those thoughts and worrying doesn't help. It actually can do more damage. I am currently on bed rest because of my situation. I was told just to relax and take it easy. I know it is hard, especially with other children. I'm in that same boat as well. I have a 19 month old daughter who is very active. You just learn to do what you have to for the benefit of those babies.

[Jillmami]

I am one week off of my 3 week bed rest. I had bleeding that we thought was just from the growing uterus; ruptured blood vessel or something. It turned out that my placenta had torna bit from one of the babies. After the 3 weeks, things couldn't be better! It definitely paid off for me. It is scary but you have to remember that you can only do what you can and the rest is out of your hands unfortunately. Follow docs orders and enjoy the bedrest! For me, my husband broke his leg a few days before my bed rest so we were really in a bind. Luckily my coworkers took turns bringing meals over every night.

Try to enjoy your pregnancy and stay relaxed. Those good thoughts and prayers do help.

Jill

[Tadpoles]

My u/s went great this morning. i was really excited and really nervous at the same time, I held my breath for the first couple of mintues but knew instantly that both were fine as they we having a party in there!! The babies are 'stacked' rather than side by side.

Baby a is the lower one and was doing all sorts of amazing movements, it was really odd to see it moving so much and not feel it. From head to rump it measured 54.8mm with a head measurement of 19.1mm and a nuchal measurement of 1.2 mm

Baby b was moving around so much that it turned it's back on us and didn't really want to be measured at all! Finally after much proding we got what we needed. head to rump measures 52.3mm, head is 19.9mm and nuchal was 1mm.

we are not going to have any more tests done as we were told we have a 1 in 7200 chance of a downs syndrome baby and thoses are good enough odds for us.

Both babies were sucking there thumbs each in it's own sack with it's own placenta. So far everything is going great, the morning sickness has all but gone, I just get the odd moment usually in the evening when I'm getting a little hungry. I feel so much more relaxed after this scan that I feel i can start enjoying the pregnancy a bit more. I have been on rest so far (not bed rest but limited outings, no work, limited lifting of our daughter). I was on bed rest for the last 3 months of my last pregnancy so I now how you feel. I ended up with a colouring book and crayons to pass the time. I also got a care parcel from my brother with a load of dvds on loan on crosswords etc... it kept me sane.

I am hoping I don't go through the same thing this time, it will be harder with a toddler!

well sorry for the long post but wanted to share the good news.

Hope you are all doing well, keep resting those of you who need to it will be well worth it.

[Jillmami]

So glad to hear that everything is going well!! Couldn't be better news! I am looking forward to my 12 week appt. as well; although it's not until next Wed. The waiting is driving me crazy! Especially since I'm on vacation this week. Oh well... will take time to enjoy the family.

Keep taking it easy!!
Jill

[Tadpoles]

Jill I thought I was going to go mad during the week before my u/s everyday took so long to go. From Saturday I was so excited I could hardly sleep, not what you'd expect for a grown woman but hey! I'm already counting down till the next one, thinking of what is going on between now and then that i can look forward to then cross off so the time goes quicker, luckily with Christmas in the middle we have a lot of family coming over to see us from the UK so I can count off about 4 weekends and then we have a few birthdays thrown in as well, so hopefully it will be here before I know it.

Let us know how you get on.

[mmzill]

Hey all -

I am new here. But have enjoyed reading all the posts. My due date is June 7, so we will see when I actually deliver. I'm almost 12 wks. Had an u/s at 8 wks and had two strong heartbeats, it looked like there was only one placenta, so we are most likely having identical twins.

We have baby girl who is turning 1 this next week. Needless to say when I found out that it was twins my heart skipped a few beats, but it's getting better. I know we can get through this.

I have actually had very little morning sickness, just really tired, but today I had an amazing amount of energy! (got all sorts of things done for Thanksgiving)

We go for our next u/s Dec 1st! Yeah! I can't wait to see them again. I'll be 13 wks by then. Well, best luck to everyone. It will be fun to go through this with others that have two peas too! Happy Holidays!

[Tadpoles]

mmzill hi and welcome,

Glad to hear all is going well, you're lucky on the lack of M/S I had it, not too bad but bad enough. Again I was and still am really tired, our 21mth old wears us out, so I guess you're feeling it with a 1yr old.

anyway great to have new people to chat to, Take care

[Jillmami]

Hello mmzill! I am due on June 7th as well! Of course, that could change at any time. But for now, very cool.

I haven't had an u/s since 9 1/2 weeks and can't wait for our next one. It is this coming Wednesday, day 1 of week 13. I have been going crazy waiting for it. There will be such a huge change in them. It is crazy that my only symptoms as of the past 2-3 weeks have been extreme fatigue, lack of brain cells/memory, and uterine pulls/tugs. I guess that's good. I seem to question pain, lack of pain, etc. It's crazy! :rolleyes:

Well, I look forward to seeing how your visit goes on 12/1 as well as how everyone else is getting along.

It's funny how quiet our board seems to be compared to May's! Not a lot of June moms expecting twins I guess. That's ok, I can't wait to hear how everyone is growing and feeling!

Good luck to everyone!
Jill

[mmzill]

This thread is quiet, oh well. We'll have to work at changing that. I hope everyone had a good Thanksgiving.

I can't wait until Thursday! I'm dying with excitment. I just want to make sure they are both still ok! I've still been really tired also. I'm hoping that will change once we get done with this trimester. Well, keep us posted!

[KristenV]

Hello all. I am new to this website and message board. I am also due in June 06 with twins. I am beginning my 12th week. My husband and I are very excited. We found out we were expecting twins at 8 weeks with an ultra-sound. We were shocked, but extremely happy. I miscarried in June at 11 weeks, and so this pregnancy is such a blessing. I do have two other wonderful children (ages 5 and 3 1/2). I have always wanted twins, but never really thought it was a possibility.

I go in next Wed. for my checkup and another ultra-sound. We are anxious to go and see how much the babies have changed, but there is always that fear in the back of my mind that something could go wrong. I have been feeling relatively well. I have been very tired, which brings on the nausea, especially at night, but it has not been too terribly bad. I am ready to get some energy back as I go into the 2nd trimester and am sure my kids are ready for me to have some energy as well.

Well, I look forward to hearing from you all as we go through this journey together.

Thanks,
KristenV

[mmzill]

Welcome Kristen -

It is so good to be able to chat with others that are going through the same thing! I live in West Virginia - and there is no support in my area for moms of multiples, so this site is a real life saver!

Only one more day till your u/s! Mine is on Thursday and I can't wait. I"m so glad that you are thrilled you are having twins.

So you will have a family of 4. I am stressed about how my daughter is going to act when we bring home two babies, she'll be 18 mos. in May. I think she's going to be a "mommy" type, so hopefully she's do really well. I'm also worried about being able to care for two at once, I spent so much time with my daughter holding her and just really enjoying that, and I know with two, it's just going to be different......does anyone else have thoughts on this?

Can't wait to hear how the u/s goes.

[Cherished Angels]

You guys are lucky having your u/s coming up so soon. I have to wait until Dec 6 to have mine done again. This will also determine if I have to stay on bedrest or if I can function like a normal human being again. I'm kind of nervous about the whole thing.

Regarding having other children, I am sure we all have the same thoughts: How is the child going to react to having not just one, but two new additions at once? Are they going to be jelous? Are they going to be klingy, mean, or helpful? I guess we won't find out until the day we bring them home. I have been trying to prepare my daughter by talking about the babies and telling her she is going to be mommy's little helper. I also tell her how much I love her just so she knows. I don't know what else you can do.

Angel

[Tadpoles]

Hi all,

haven't been here for a while, Glad to hear everyone is doing ok and welcome to the newbeebies.

I am having a cruddy day today, in fact mental and emotional breakdown might be a better way to describe it. I have vented alot on the may thread and feel completely spent now. My 21 mth old has just been a little heller today and I am thankful she has finally gone to bed for her nap. I am going to go downstairs and put my feet up and take full advantage of me time until she wakes ups, which knowing the mood she is in today will be sooner rather than later.

Talk soon.

[mmzill]

Angel,
I'm sure you are nervous. Have you had any other problems since you were on bedrest? Dec 6 is not far away. I'm so anxious about tomorrow! I can't wait.

I'm sure my daughter will be resilliant and do just fine, I just worry too much I guess.

[mmzill]

Georgina - Sorry you are having such a rotten day. It is no fun when you are tired and just want to crash, but no one else is co-operating. I hope you can get some rest while your little one is down. Good luck! Monica

[Tadpoles]

thanks Monica,

I did get a bout 1hrs snoozing in while the terror was asleep and now she's up she seems to be in a bit better mood. I rang dh at work to have a rant about 'his daughter' (she is always his when she is naughty) and tried to explain my feelings and he just didn't get it, he wasn't laughing as such but I could hear humour in his mood which didn't help mine! I feel better for the rest and have now decided that if the house is a mess and I have forgotton to take something out of the freezer for dinner I don't care! i am sure Indias nappy needs changing but she wont let me - normally she hates it if she is wet but if she is happy to have a wet nappy on then so be it, well for an hour anyway and then I will have to force her to change it otherwise she'll get a sore bum.

I love this site, just being able to rant and rave and other people fully understand what you are going through. sometimes there aren't words for the feelings so trying to explain it, even to a well meaning firnd or member of the family just turns out to be too frustrating and it never sounds as bad as it feels to you so you then think "they think I'm moaning about nothing".

anyway i know these mood swings will pass and it's not really down to be but all the hormones buzzing around in my body. I think an early night may be in order.

[mmzill]

trying to get my picture to show up - seeing if it workes

[Tadpoles]

sorry no pic.....

[mmzill]

I think it is there now, although it is small. Oh well.

Georgina- don't you just love it when our dh don't understand and think it's comical that we are in such a hormonal state?????? So frustrating.

Thankfully Alaina (my daughter) has not reached the tantrums yet, but I'm afraid just the time the babies get here it will start :) How much fun will that be???!!!!

[Tadpoles]

Yhey great picture!!!!!!!!!

It's not too small I can make evryone out - I think I got a bit crazed with mine and wanted the world to see my beautiful daughter, who today is not so beautiful! Husdands who'd have 'em? I know if it wasn't for him I wouldn't be in this emotional state anyway so I really don't know why he is laughing. all mood swings have been brought on completely by his doing, ok I know I had a little to do with it as well but I am ranting about dh's today and not wonderful wives!!!!

[mmzill]

That's right, this is all our dh's fault! I had nothing to do with it!

I'm actually starting to feel better, but now I'm really hungry all the time. I guess it's time to start putting on some weight - yeah - My energy level is getting better, so that's good. Not quite as emotional either.

[Jillmami]

Well ladies, to those of you who already have children, I don't know how you do it. :confused: I am so darn tired and I only have myself and my DH to worry about. I am very lucky in that he does almost everything around the house; so that's wonderful. I definitely admire you who can do all the extra duties.

Just had my 13 week check-up and all is well. Can't believe how much the little buggers are wiggling around! We have our level 2 follow-up ultrasound on 12/20 since we had a few issues in the beginning so that will be nice to see.

Wishing all of you luck as I know many of you have your ultrasounds in the next few days. It is so cool to see how much they have grown and developed!

Take care and welcome to the new people. I have to admit I'm a bit of a dork. I kept checking and checking for new messages not realizing we were already on the second page! :eek:

[swineland]

Hello there...
My name is Stephanie and I am a 30 year old mom-to-be of identical twins. I am 11w2d along and all is going well. My DH is 35 and we are going to be first-time parents, thanks to one successful cycle of IVF.

So far, I've been experiencing the normal 1st trimester stuff, including all-day nausea and food aversions. (Still can't eat chicken) The fatigue was something else in the beginning, but I'm happy to say now that I'm almost into trimester 2, it's all getting better. I am able to eat more and I'm not AS tired.

How often are you guys going to your doctor? And are any of you seeing a perinatologist as well? My care throughout the pregnancy will be with both OB and Peri. I've already had 4 ultrasounds and am excited that we will continue having them regularly! Maybe we'll get to find out the sex earlier than 20 weeks.

I was on an IVF message board for awhile, but now that I'm pregnant with the twins, I wanted to find a thread with other multiple moms!

Well, that's it for now....looking forward to getting to know you all and turning to the board for updates/support.

Take care!
Stephanie

[mmzill]

Jillamami - glad your 13 wk check up went well. You are very lucky that your husband does most of the work around the house. My house is just always a mess. It's amazing what a 1 yr old can get into!:D I can't wait to see my little ones tomorrow, I'm dying here!!!!!!!

Welcome to this post Stephanie! Sorry about the all day sickness. That is no fun! But glad you are getting over it and you aren't as tired. I'm only seeing my OB every 4 wks until 30wks then i think every 2 wks then every 1- I think. She is doing more u/s!!! Yeah! One every 4 wks I think. We conceived these babies all on our own:o so no Peri here, (not trying to offend anyone that had help, just baffled as to why us!) plus I live in nowhereville, so there probably isn't even one in our town.:)

[leenababies]

Hi all,
I am new here and have read all the thread so far. I am 10.5 weeks now.. Due date June 18 06'. I am getting little bit of morning sickness and (fingers crossed) no other major problem so far. This is my second pregnancy. My daughter is 2.5 yrs.
We found out about the twins the wednesday of the Thanksgiving week. VERY excited about it and lookign forward to a wonderful pregnancy.

Glad to be here and Good luck to everyone!! :)

Leena

[mmzill]

Welcome and congrats Leena! I hope you don't have any other problems either!


Well, we had our u/s today!!! I'm 13 wks 1 day. The babies were moving around alot, and it appears that we are having two boys!!!! YEAH!!!!! The u/s tech was positive about the boy part, and I saw it too, it looked pretty obvious - but we'll find out for sure at the next u/s Jan 5th. They measured 69 mm and 71 mm long and had heart rates of 159 and 153. You could see all their fingers and stomachs and hearts - just beating away.

The tech was a little conserned because it was hard to see if they were definetly in two amnionic sacs, but after about 30 mins of looking we were able to see the thin line, so that was a relief. It appears that we are having monozygotic twins that share a chorion, but have two amnionic sacs.

I'm so excited - it was so good to see that they are both still doing well. You can almost convince yourself that you aren't pregnant, when you can't feel anything and I haven't been that sick, so it was sooooo good to see that they are both doing really well.

Ok, I guess I've shared enough of my excitment. I hope everyone else is doing well.

[Jillmami]

Congrats on the ultrasound results mmzill and welcome to the newcomers. It is so exciting to see our month grow just like us! Is anybody else starting to get the serious growing pains? I feel as if my uterus is going to burst and I've just begun to really grow. :D I guess making room for two is so much different than just one? :confused: This is my first time being pregnant so I have nothing to compare it to unfortunately. This was such a rough year for us; first an ectopic, then 2 surgeries to remove one tube and finally through an unplanned, last minute IVF (due to 28 follicles) we became pregnant. 3 weeks of bedrest for a placental tear that finally healed and here I am healthy with two good looking babies as of yesterday, 13 weeks. Now I'm getting the stretching? pains that don't make me worry but are just new. I assume this is normal? I guess I'm just waiting for the next challenge to happen. Fingers crossed!

Good luck to everyone as your ultrasounds seem to be coming up soon!
Oh, is anybody else waiting until the babies are born to find out their sexes?

Take care!!
Jill

[kimberly2]

Hello, Ladies! I just came across your thread and would love to join you. (Georgina, it's nice to see you here-I was going to jump in on the May group, too, before I saw this thread). I'm 36, DH just turned forty. It's my first pregnancy, so we are a little late out of the gate, but making up for lost time!!! We finally buckled down and got "focused" on conceiving, and what do ya know, two months into it we hit the jackpot! Have always dreamed of having twins since there are four sets of frat twins within the last two generations of my family. What a joy!
FYI...
Someone in the May thread recommended a book on twins (and other multiples) written by Dr. Barbara Luke. It's a really informative and gave me a lot more of the information I was looking for. Don't have it in front of me to give the exact title, plus my sweet kitty is asleep on my lap, but I'll try to remember to list it next time. It's wonderful.
Just had my 12 week appt and only one of the heartbeats could be clearly heard. Doc thought he found the second one, but couldn't be sure. We have an appt with a maternal fetal specialist Dec. 5 to do our second ultrasound and to do the nuchal translucency (SP?) test. We feel confident everything will be fine, so we are just really excited to see the little tater tots again! I am so relieved to know that others are finding this whole test of patience between appointments excrutiating!!! Hubby and I have agreed, though, to try to really relax after this next u/s and to allow ourselves to enjoy this magical time in our life. Yes, easier said than done, but I promised him I'd give it a go.
Looking forward to sharing the journey with you...
ps---Kitty got down, so here's the title:
When You're Expecting Twins, Triplets, Or Quads-Proven Guidelines for a Healthy Multiple Pregnancy
By Dr. Barbara Luke and Tamara Eberlein

[mmzill]

Jill, I have not had real bad growing pains. When I cough my uterus hurts but that's about all so far. Glad your dr's apt went well, and that the uterine tear is all better. What a relief!

We decided to find out the sex, just because we can't wait! We are too anxions to know. Plus it will help us plan ahead. But kudos to those who can make it a true suprise! My dh and I are like kids on Christmas and can't keep a suprise for anything. :D

Welcome to this thread Kimberly - Glad to have you and congrats. I bet you can't wait until next week!

Monica

[Tadpoles]

Well it's 1am here and my sleeping pattern is all up the creek, I got so tired this evening that when dh got home he took over the baby minding and I slept soundly for a couple of hours, now although I feel tired i know that as soon as I get into bed it will be like bam wide awake.

I've been having growing pains down my sides which feels a bit like stitche. The nerve pain hasn't happened today, I am hoping that maybe one of the babies has moves a bit and released it -fingers crossed-.

Out tomorrow night, it's telethon here (a large national charity event) and the local village of my parents organise a 7km walk during the day and then a meal in the village hall in the evening. I'm not doing the walk this year but we are going to the meal so I'm looking forward to that. I did the walk last year and it was great fun, but mainly cross country, don't think it would be a wise choice to do it!

It's my mums birthday on sunday but she will still be in hospital, it's a bummer because I have been told I can't visit her what with being pregnant and also because India is a young child there are notices in the hospital saying not to take them in. I know it's for a good reason but I always see my mum on her birthday. Well she will be out begin of next week hopefully so we will have to make up for it.

We have things going on every week now until Christmas, I can't wait. Then soon it will be the new year and we can all say we're having our babies 'this year' it makes it seem so much closer.

Well I think I'm goona call it a night. Talk soon

[Jillmami]

:( well, we were all excited by our 13 week ob visit and ultrasound and then... sat. night I started having some bleeding. not too heavy but it continued into Sun. so that we went to the emergency room. babies both look great, heartbeats and all but dr. was unsure of what the bleeding was from. so, i'm on bedrest again and hopefully this will take care of itself and won't continue to a miscarriage. Fingers crossed and prayers will be plenty.

How is everyone else doing? Looking forward to the holidays? I know that I am!
Georgina, how have you been surviving lately? Have you been able to get some rest? Still feeling icky? Keep getting that rest now!

Best wishes to you all and enjoy the holiday season!
Jill

[Tadpoles]

Jill - So sorry to hear about the bleeding, Bedrest in as pain but in this case very much needed. Thankfully the babies look healthy that's a great sign. before I came on this site I used to always think that even the tiniest bit of blood meant a miscarriage was going to happen, but it's not always the case as so many of the ladies on here have proven.

I've been grabbing naps here and there, mainly when India has hers I curl up on the sofa and relax or if I'm really tired I go back to bed, the problem with that is that I never want to get up again!

The tiredness is easing slightly now, I'm almost 15 weeks so it's about time I got some energy back, the sickness has been gone for a couple of weeks although I have nightmares about it coming back! I have been sleeping well for the last couple of nights, maybe this is the end of sleepless nights for a month or so, until I get so big I can't get comfy.

Looking forward to Christmas, not long now, hopefully we will be doing our tree either this weekend or during next week, It's Indias' nursery's Christmas party next wednesday, santa will be there I think I am more excited than she is!

India is getting restless in her playroom and wants mummy to help her build something or another so I best be off, Catch you all later.

[swineland]

Jill....
I, too, am very sorry to hear of the bleeding you are experiencing and that you even have to worry about it. Pregnancy is such a big roller-coaster.....seems like you really are holding your breath for 9 months, scared to death of anything abnormal happening to you. To that end, I know several women who have had 1st trimester bleeding and they ended up doing just fine. It's a good idea about the bed rest and it should encourage you to know that the babies looked good when you went to the hospital. That's all that matters.

Hang in there!
Steph

[leenababies]

Hi all,
Has anyone been getting real bad constipation? I feel like i am a burp baby even with drinking water.. just getting too gassy which makes it real bad specially when you are out of the house and around people. I feel like anything I am eating is making me F***.. and that too really bad.. any solution for relief!!

Thanks

[mmzill]

Jill, I can only imagine how frightening it must be to have bleeding! I hope that the bedrest takes care of it and that you can be up again soon! Glad that the babies are doing well though and that at least you can see that they are wiggling around and growing.

Georgina - hope your mom had a good birthday, and that you didn't over due it this past weekend. Sounds like you have alot planned for the next few weeks.

About constipation - thankfully I have not had a problem, but I am attributing that to the fact that I eat at least one grapefruit or a couple oranges a day, they seem to go through me like grease! Citrus is something that really tastes good to me right now!

For the holidays I am flying down to Atlanta on the 14th with my little girl, we are going to be spending a few days with my best friend, then going to spend a week at my mom's! I'm really looking forward to it. My dh is going to drive down on the 23rd we will spend Christmas with my family, then over to see his mom the day after Christmas, then we are all going to come back home on the 30th.

I figured that if I'm going to get down to see my family, I better do it soon. (It's an 8 hr drive!!!) I don't think I'm going to be doing that come Feb or March! And I don't see myself doing it much once we have three little ones to take care of! ugh! I miss my family alot, but we do have some good friends here in West Virginia, so that is nice.

I'm actually working today, I left Alaina (my daughter) at a friends place for a few hrs, so I can get some work done. Well, hope everyone has a good day. Good to hear how everyone else is doing.
Monica

[momof3littleones]

i am 9.5 weeks and due July 6th. I am excited even though it wasnt planned. I have fr. boys that are 3 and a dd that is 5. How many of you have had 2 sets of twins? how common is it? I am a little anxious to find out. I have to wait till january 1st due to insurance deductible. I am dying to find out though.

[Mom26]

I am Lori a STAM of 4 and expecting twins in June of 06. This pregnancy was a total shock as it was and now with twins HOLY COW. I can't wait to find out what they are either.
I am starting to feel better from the morning sickness thing. UUUGH but I still have a rocky stomach on and off. I am gaining like crazy though so no problems there.
Anyway, nice to meet you
Lori

[Dad of twins]

Hi I am new to this too! I am different then most becuse am going to be the dad of twins. My wife is 13 weeks along and doing well so far. We are due the 14th of June, but I don't think she will make that date. We had lost a set of twins before so we were nervous for some time. We had been trying for four years and even did two rounds of invetro that did not take. So we were very surprised when we found out we were pregnant. My wife is going to work only a few days a week after they are born. Maybe you could substitute teach a few days a week or something like that. Good luck!!

[mmzill]

Welcome new moms and dad~

This is a great site! I can't imagine having 4 already, and then adding 2 more! I'm worried about having three :)

I look forward to getting to know you all, we'll go through this together!

[Tadpoles]

Hi to all

sorry I have not been around for a while, this last week has been crazy busy. I have heard that if you have already had one set of twins it's is quite possible for you to have another set, My great great grandmother had loads of kids, as they did in those days but she had a set of twins and a set of triplets!! I think your body recognises the fact that you have done it before. This is our first set we already have a toddler so I think this is the last time for us. although you know what they say, never say never!

I have my antenatal tomorrow and I am going to ask about having more frequent U/S, I am not due another until the end of jan and My last one was about 3 weeks ago. Just for my own peace of mind, I don't feel anything is wrong, I just want to make sure.

Hope you all had a good weekend

[mmzill]

Georgina - it's good to hear from you again! I was getting worried. I read your May post, sounds like you are having quite the time. Glad your mom is out of the hopsital. And that you were able to get some rest. That is sooo hard to do with a toddler!

Welcome everyone that's new. Glad to hear from new people!

I'm so excited 'cause I fly out tomorrow to go be with family! Yeah!! I'll be gone 'till after Christmas. I'm just hoping I don't get sick.

I fell yesterday on the ice, thank goodness I didn't break anything, nor did I land on my babies. Just my hip has a huge bruise and my sholder hurts. I went to the chiro, and he put me back in place, but I am still really sore!

Has anyone been feeling your little ones move yet? I think I have a few times, but I'm having a hard time distiguishing between movement and other tummy rumbles :) I'm at 15 wks and I really feel like I've started to look pregnant the past week or so, it's like my tummy has just blossomed! I'm guessing this is only the beginning though.

Monica

[momof3littleones]

You know, I am only 10.5 weeks pregnant and i already look like I am about 4-5 months. I am 200 lbs. and 5.8 so i am a little chubby already, but I cant fit into my regular clothes now and I have lost 5 lbs. Everyone tells me it is normal to show sooner especially after already having twins. I diont get my u/s until Jan 5th. I am dying to find out if it is twins again or not

[newmomx2]

Hi everyone, This is my first time posting I am due June 8th with fraternal twins - I don't know the sex yet but hopefully can find out on our Level II u/s in Jan. I read through the posts and have to say it is very nice to read everyone stories and know I am not alone. Here is our abbreviated story. After 3 years of trying we succeeded in our first IVF attempt with twins ! I have had some difficulty from the beginning - I was in the hospital for 3 days before we even knew I was pregnant because of some fertility complications. I have also had bleeding at 9weeks and 13.5 wks currently I am on modified berest until the end of the year when I have a follow-up with my doctor....it has been tough but my work has been great allowing me to work from home a few hours a day allowing me to avoid disability - I have a team of 7 and have a pretty important job so it is good to stay on top of things from the comfort of my home where I know my babies are getting taken care of...

Well I wish everyone luck and am excited to join.

-M

[swineland]

Hello there everybody!

I just wanted to say that I had an ultrasound today at 14weeks and we were able to identify the sex of the babies! They're BOYS!!!!!

We are ecstatic! It was only supposed to be a transvaginal ultrasound to check my cervix, but while we were getting a view glimpses of the babies the sonographer said "oh, I know the sex of one baby!" and I looked at the screen and immediately saw it. I said "They're boys!!!!". Of course, my DH was totally confused as to how I could make out anything on the screen. Nevertheless, we both got a little choked up.

Happy Holidays to you all and look forward to hearing your updates as well :)

Steph

[Jillmami]

Steph - WELCOME to the board! My story is quite similar to yours. We became pregnant on our 2nd try at artificial insem. but had an ectopic. After two surgeries, we did 1 round of IVF and discovered we were pregnant with twins! I too had bleeding early on and then around 13.5 weeks. After a month of bedrest, I am doing ok now. We just saw both babies for our level 2 u/s yesterday at 15 weeks 6 days. They are both doing well so we are breathing a sigh of relief for now. Hopefully things will continue to go well for you. It's great your work is so supportive. So, welcome! I look forward to seeing how things go with you. My edd is June 7.

To everyone else, I am sorry for not posting for a while. My last post was when I had to go to the ER for bleeding. I was kind of waiting to see how things went at my dr. appt. I hope that everyone is getting everything ready for the holidays and that nobody has overdone it! Is everyone going to find out the sex of the babies? We have decided to wait.

Well, I'm off to get a last few things done. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!!
Jill

[Daniele'sTwins]

Hello everyone! My name is Daniele and I am new here. I am 27 years old and I have been married for 19 months. We decided to start trying for kids last February and I did get pregnant on our very first try but later had a miscarriage after just 5 weeks. We decided not to try again for a while and then I had oral surgery and my doctor told me not to try to get pregnant until November so he could do some xrays before I got pregnant but in September my dh and I could not wait anymore and on the very first try again we got pregnant! I found out at 8 weeks that there were two babies! To say I was in shock was an understatement. I first yelled at the doctor thinking he was kidding us and then when I looked on the screen myself I started hyperventalating and crying (happy of course). These are our first children....and there are no twins in our family.

I am fifteen weeks now and I am loving being in the second trimester! I was sick every single day before this! I am a second grade teacher and I did not have any energy for these poor kids! I am starting to get a little more energy now, which is nice.

I am actually having an u/s tonight and we are hoping to find out what we are having. I am a planner! I need to know.

I have a quick question for those of you that know whether you are having identical or faternal twins...My doctor says that there is no way of telling what they are until they are born! I didn't believe him and now after reading your posts I definately don't! Why did he say that?

Everyone seems so nice here I can't wait to "grow" with all of you!

Oh yeah one more question...How much weight have you all gained so far? I am 15 weeks and I have only gained about 6 lbs, I don't feel like that is enough but my belly is already big.

Daniele

[swineland]

Hi there....
Jill, I think you've got me confused with someone else on the board. I have not had any bleeding in my pregnancy, or bedrest. It's no biggie, I just didn't think you had the right person in your last post :)

Danielle, a lot of times they don't know if they are identical or fraternal twins. They know for us because we did In Vitro and one of our embryos split into two, thereby creating identicals. Hope that helps!

Merry Christmas, everyone!

Steph

[Daniele'sTwins]

Hello Everyone! My DH and I found out last night that we are having boys!!! I have to say that I am very happy and extremely shocked! I could have put my life savings on two girls. I thought for sure that there was at least one girl in there but I was wrong. I am so excited! The more i think about boys the more thrilled I am. I have since started the search on bedding and things! My husband says we should start shopping this weekend, I had to remind him this weekend is Christmas. What a nice surprise. Now names! We did have two girl names picked out...lol I guess we will put those on hold for a while.

The doctor and tech think they may be identical because it looks as though there is just one placenta. Also both babies are 4 ozs a piece and they are the same size! Yay, they are sharing their vitamins! One heartbeat was 145 and the other was 146. The doctor also said they are in the 90th percentile of singletons.

Daniele:)

[newmomx2]

Hi Jill - I think you meant me (Missy) not Steph in your reply - and you are right our stories are so similiar they are scary my edd is 6/8/06, and it looks like we both were at the ER at 13.5 weeks for bleeding - pretty eery - I am still on bedrest but trying to enjoy the holidays - it should be a quiet one this year since dh is working and I can't travel - I will try to rent some chick flicks. My next doctor's appt is 12/28 that is when I find out if I can go back to work - bleeding has stopped so I am hopefull - next u/s (Level II) is not untl 1/23 - I can't wait !

Happy Holiday's everyone

[Jillmami]

Sorry Steph and Missy for the mixup! My poor brain! I teach middle school and half the time I'll stop in the middle of a sentence and have to ask the kids what I was just saying. They insist that I am just trying to 'test' them. ;)

Missy, it sure seems as if things are the path to recovery for you. Fingers crossed and we'll add you to our prayers. Why are they waiting so long for the level 2 u/s? We have had two in the past 5 weeks and are scheduled to have another one in 4 weeks and then after that every 4-6 weeks for monitoring. I am still paranoid each time I use the bathroom however that something will not be right. I need to just get over it and enjoy the pregnancy! (Whether in bed or not!)

Has anyone discussed bedrest with their drs for 3rd trimester? Has anyone been told that they will be on modified bedrest/rest after a certain week or is just wait and see how things progress?

Daniele, my husband would be ecstatic to have twin boys. He feels they are much easier to raise than girls. We have decided to wait until the big day to find out though; want to enjoy this pregnancy as much as we can since it might be the only one we get to experience.

Well, I'm off to get grocery shopping done for the big day. Merry Christmas to everyone and make sure not to do to much this weekend but relax and enjoy the family fun!

Jill

[newmomx2]

No problem on the mix up. Hope you enjoyed the holidays - it was a quiet day at home for me - no travel allowed and hubby was working. The issue with the Level II u/s is a scheduling problem with the only place in DE - they were not taking patients til the end of March - so my first u/s will be in Philadelphia 40 minute drive...ugh - my doctor is working to get the rest in DE so I don't have to drive so far. Apparently a new Doctor is opening a practice in Feb and she said she is going to try to get me in with him. I did have u/s every week for the first 12 weeks and one in the hospital on 12/5 - just not a Level II. I can't wait for the next one - I want to see how much they have grown. My belly is measuring 25cm already.

I was at the Doctor yesterday am and I am to continue to work from home for another couple of weeks. She also indicated I will probably be on bed rest at the end again but it is to early to determine for sure and when at this point.

Enjoy the rest of the holidays

[Auneka]

Hello everyone! I have had so much fun reading all your posts about June babies and the physical and emotional things that go along with being prego. My due date is 18 June and I am 15 wks 6 days so far. Atleast that is what has been calculated for me. This is my first pregnancy and conception was normal with no IVF. My husband and I were very shocked as well and I think I am still going through phases of shockness.:)

I have a U/S on Jan 3rd and I am hoping they will be able to tell the sexes. I am really not sure what the best week is to detect the sexes. Anyone have a suggestion? My pregnancy so far has been really smooth. I have not had any morning sickness or any other complications except nose bleeds, sleeplessness and congestion. Oh and also the pain associated with sneezing and trying to go nbr 2 with mild constipation. I was worried at first about the lower pain but after reading all these posts I feel more at ease that it is normal. I have yet to feel any movements although I try everyday to feel around for any.

I am also starting a new job Jan 3rd and I plan to only work until I can't anymore. So far I had been unemployed since October and my going back to work is necessary financially. I am nervous yet excited to get out of the house again. I guess since I have had no complications my going back to work should be ok.:confused:

I am nervous also because my Husband is in the Army and is scheduled to deploy in the summer of 06 right after the babies are born. Talk about stress and wanting to go crazy. I keep myself sane and positive each day knowing I am strong and well balanced. I have a big extended family that is very supportive so I know I have moral and physical support which will really help.

So sorry for the long post but I am just excited to read and be able to post to other expecting mommies that are approx the same dates as myself and being able to compare or get opinions. This really is great and relieving in many ways. I hope to read lots more posts in the future about everyones progress. Take care and have a happy new year.:)

[rara]

Hello everyone - I am new to this site and not even sure I am "posting" correctly. I was due July 4th but have been told I will go in June without question, but when is not clear. I have a 18 month old son Brian who is a handful for sure. I was completely floored to hear I was having twins. I cried for 2 days. Not sure why exactly. Mostly afriad that I won't be able to handle 2 new babies and a busy little boy. I am 13 weeks and finally adjusting to the news. Everyone is so positive and it's nice to read all the helpful things people have to say. - Rara.

[Tiny Blessings]

Hi all...I just found this site yesterday and am so exicted to read about everyone's experiences to date! I am 14 weeks along now and am so excited about having twins! When I first told my husband that we were pregnant, he smiled and said, "Oh Jesus...we're going to have twins!" Little did I know, he had been dreaming about twins for the past two months and I was only 4 weeks along! For weeks before my first ultrasound, we joked constantly about "the twins" amongst ourselves, but it was just that...a joke. Then came the ultrasound and the doctor matter of factly stating that there were definitely two heartbeats. My jaw must have hit the floor! I even asked him if my husband had called to play a prank on me... I took hubby out to dinner that night, wondering how I was going to tell him that our now longstanding joke was actually a reality. Guess what...My husband didn't believe me for two days! :)

We still don't know the gender of the babies and whether or not they are identical or fraternal. My doctor couldn't tell at the last two appointments. We are going in for a Level 2 ultrasound at the end of January and I can hardly wait...I confess I don't really know what "Level 2" means, but I do know that it is much better than the old Model T ultrasound machine my OB uses!

I have so many things I want to ask you guys....I'll save many of them for later, but has anyone given any thought to a vehicle? Since my son is so young, I really need something that will comfortably house three carseats. I have a Chrysler Pacifica now that I absolulutely LOVE, but it only comes with buckets in the middle row and the back row is difficult to access. I know there will be lots of suggestions for a minivan, but gosh I really hope to use that as a last resort as I have never been much of a minivan fan despite it's obvious practicality. Are there any other vehicles out there that are wide enough to house 3 carseats comfortably? I would love to hear some suggestions!

Okay, my son is about to wake up so I have to go. Hope everyone is feeling well! Happy new year to all! :)

<a href="http://lilypie.com"><img src="http://bd.lilypie.com/NXoam5.png" alt="Lilypie Baby Ticker" border="0" /></a>

[Auneka]

Tiny Blessings, first I have to say Congrats w/the twins. I was just as shocked. I think I almost started to cry and said "but I only wanted one"..lol I am more than happy it's twins though. My Husband too had told me from the get go that we are having twins and of course I shrugged it off. I am anxious to go in Tuesday for our U/S and hoping they will be able to tell what the sexes are. I can't wait!

I know the car situation as well. When my hubby deploys we are going to trade both our cars in to get one. We definetely do not need two car payments while he is gone. I am seriously considering a Kia Sorento or maybe a Saturn Vue. Both are inexpensive but we shall see. My hubby has a Chrysler Sebring and I have a Saturn Ion now but I want an SUV type vehicle that is easier to manuver two carseats plus everything else. I still can't make up my mind yet but I will eventually.:) Goodluck with the car hunting and we'll talk again I am sure.:)

[Mommyhas4]

Hello everyone! My name is Daniele and I am new here. I am 27 years old and I have been married for 19 months. We decided to start trying for kids last February and I did get pregnant on our very first try but later had a miscarriage after just 5 weeks. We decided not to try again for a while and then I had oral surgery and my doctor told me not to try to get pregnant until November so he could do some xrays before I got pregnant but in September my dh and I could not wait anymore and on the very first try again we got pregnant! I found out at 8 weeks that there were two babies! To say I was in shock was an understatement. I first yelled at the doctor thinking he was kidding us and then when I looked on the screen myself I started hyperventalating and crying (happy of course). These are our first children....and there are no twins in our family.

I am fifteen weeks now and I am loving being in the second trimester! I was sick every single day before this! I am a second grade teacher and I did not have any energy for these poor kids! I am starting to get a little more energy now, which is nice.

I am actually having an u/s tonight and we are hoping to find out what we are having. I am a planner! I need to know.

I have a quick question for those of you that know whether you are having identical or faternal twins...My doctor says that there is no way of telling what they are until they are born! I didn't believe him and now after reading your posts I definately don't! Why did he say that?

Everyone seems so nice here I can't wait to "grow" with all of you!

Oh yeah one more question...How much weight have you all gained so far? I am 15 weeks and I have only gained about 6 lbs, I don't feel like that is enough but my belly is already big.

Daniele

Daniele: To answer your question about identicals, your doctor may not have given you a complete answer. MOST doctors can tell at 11 weeks if you have 1 placenta or 2. A good perinatoligist could tell you for sure. There are several indicators besides the placenta if they can't tell if there is one or two or if they are fused. One indicator is the thickness of the membrane that seperates the babies. If the membrane appears thick it probably means you have 2 placentas. Think of it as sac-placenta -placenta -sac. You have 4 layers there so it looks thick. If you only have one placenta it's just sac-sac and is very thin.

If you have 1 placenta - you are having identicals. If you have 2 placentas they could be either and unless they are different sexes you won't know for sure without a DNA test after they are born.

In pregnancies with 2 placentas - 1/3 are identical and 2/3s are fraternal.

My peri says that they always tell you at 11 weeks because after that it gets harder to tell. If the placentas are very close to each other they will form what is known as a "twin peak". Think of the top of a heart coming together. That is an indication of 2 placentas. No peak means just one.

Here is a link to a great web site that gives you pictures:
http://radiology.rsnajnls.org/cgi/content/full/220/1/68

Hope this helps answer your question. Hope your doctor gets better at explaining things.....

-Jeanette

[Jillmami]

Welcome to all of the new moms!! It's wonderful to have more people!

As for the best time to find out the sexes, we have chosen not to so I'm not sure.

Jeanette, nice job explaining fraternal/identical twins. I know that I am having fraternal. The placenta have been quite separate since about 6 weeks or so. They are now close but are separated by a thick wall which indicates there being two walls there. (As you described.)

Tinyblessings - as for the level 2 u/s, we have had 2 of them so far. They are performed by people who have an additional 4 years of training and they are done on much better equipment so you get a much clearer pic as well as a more discerned eye to look for any potential problems. We can't wait for ours every month as you get to really see the babies in detail.

Auneka - You certainly seem to have a lot going on. It appears that you are handling things well by staing calm and relaxed. I am sorry to hear about your husband having to leave so soon after the babies. It will be nice that he gets to be there for you during delivery and the first few weeks. Family, as you said, will be of utmost importance. It's wonderful that you have tham support system already there. Good luck with your new job and take it easy.

Well, continued good luck to everyone as we begin a new year! Take it easy and here we grow... :D

Jill

[Mommyhas4]

The best time to tell the sexes is anytime after 16 weeks. The thing to keep in mind is sometimes if they tell you it's girls, it could be boys.

Depending on the person doing the ultrasound and how good they are.

My first one I only had ultrasounds done by the ob's office. They told me I was having a girl until my water broke at 29 weeks and the peri's office did an u/s and told me it was a boy.

If you are seeing a peri, then you can pretty much bank on what they tell you, but anything before 16 weeks may change as the view gets better.

My best friend is pregnant with a singleton and she is one week ahead of me. They told her it was a girl at 11 weeks and she banked on it - now at 21weeks she found out she is having a boy and is completely bummed because she has two already...

-Jeanette

[Daniele'sTwins]

Jeanette...thank you so much for the explaination. Unfortunately I don't have a peri. At 8 weeks I had my first u/s and you could tell that the babies were in two different sacs but when they took the picture you could not even see the separation of the two. When I showed the u/s picture to someone I know that has identical twin girls she told me that they were identical...i wondered why my doctor didn't tell me that. At 16 weeks I went to an OBGYN that is a friend of my husbands for an u/s and he and his tech told me that it looks like just one placenta and that they were definately two boys. My doctor doesn't know I went to him so on Jan 11th I am just going to act surprised again...lol

Auneka...I give you so much credit for your strength. My husband works 13 hour days 5 days a week and he also goes in on the weekends to do paperwork. He even went in on Christmas Eve and he owns the business! You are going ot inspire me to lay off my husband a little bit. I am lucky to have my family as well.

So how is everyone feeling? My back has been hurting and I hate not being able to lay on my belly while I sleep. Is it strange that my back hurts more when I lay down? I feel like I can never get comfortable. I guess by me not sleeping I am getting ready for my babies! Also, how is everyone's appitite. My doctor says that my weight gain has been fine but I feel like I ate so much more before I got pregnant. I am much more picky with what I eat and I used to eat EVERYTHING! I also get full so fast! I do crave sushi but of course I can't have that.

Also, is it just me or is second trimester like having PMS?

Daniele

[Tiny Blessings]

Hi again. Many thanks for the warm welcome and for the responses. It is nice to read about what others are going through, too.

Thanks, Jill, for the explanation of the Level II u/s. Now I really can't wait for January 29th! We won't get many of those, as I have to drive more than 2 hours to the nearest one, so I guess I will have to enjoy the one or two that I get during this pregnancy. My first son was born with a very rare birth defect that required major surgery. I am wondering if a Level II will pick up on things like that? I have emailed my son's surgeon in Boston and he told me that they have the technology there to detect such defects prior to birth, but my doc here says no way. (I tend to beleive the experts in Boston, as we were in three hospitals in Maine with my son who all said there was nothing they could do, but once we got to Boston they said it was quite do-able.) My goal this week will be to find out more and see if I will be taking a trip to Boston or not! :o

Rara, I also have an 18 month old son and my first worries were about how I was going to keep up with the level of attention he needs when the twins arrive. I am sure it will all work out just fine, but I do wonder how he will take it all when the time comes. I have already purchased a set of small twin baby dolls at the store to present him with so that he, too will come home from the hospital with his own "babies".

Danielle, I am experiencing the same appetite issues that you and some other have described...I have not very interested in food although my tummy keeps expanding at a rapid rate, it seems! My doc says not to worry as later in the pregnancy I will make up for it with a significant increase in appetite (YIKES!) And congrats on finding out that there are two boys coming! What fun!

Thanks to Auneka and Lisa for the vehicle recommendations. I guess I just need to accept the fact that this is the end of buying vehicles for looks or performance or creature comforts and going for strict functionality! :D

<a href="http://lilypie.com"><img src="http://bd.lilypie.com/yeWSm5.png" alt="Lilypie Baby Ticker" border="0" /></a>

[Mommyhas4]

One more thing - if you guys haven't signed up for Upromise yet, I highly recommend it. Especially if you are buying things for your babies online. If you go through their site to buy stuff, or if you just buy stuff at the grocery, they give you FREE money for college. Your kids don't even have to be born yet.

Sign up now and put yourself as beneficiary and then change it when your kids are born. I already have saved $300 for Jackson's college education and it was all FREE money from big companies. For example - you go to the grocery and buy Coke. Coke then puts money in your college fund - FREE!

They have been around a few years and it's completely safe. You can even have your parents sign up and help you save even more.

The reason that I thought about it is that I just signed on to check my balance and Eddie Bauer is having a January special.

www.upromise.com

-Jeanette :)

[Auneka]

Afternoon Mommies!! Feels like just another day. I just wanted to thank those that had responses to my inquiries. Also to fill in on some small things. I too have back pain and find it very difficult to find a comfy position to sleep in. I was a side sleeper before getting pregnant which was an advantage but I wake up at night on my back having to go pee really bad. I can never get comfy enough. My appetite has always been picky but now even pickier. I feel that I eat the same as I did before getting pregnant. I too can only eat small portions before I am full.

Can anyone tell me why they say to sleep or lay on your left side. I have been quite curious. Oh and when is the best time to start going to parenting classes, lamaz etc. I kinda know but just looking for tips from others.

Daniele's Twins: Hang in there. I can understand the feeling greatly. Not only is my Hubby leaving this summer but he is also leaving in February for about a month for training. This whole being apart is frustrating but necessary in the long run. Your Hubby does work long hours I will give you that.

Well I hope you all have a great day and wish me luck at my U/S tomorrow. I am crossing my fingers to being able to find out the sexes. I too want to start buying things but want to know what they are first.:)

[mmzill]

Welcome all the new people, I actually feel new because it's been so long since I've posted. I've been gone for the Holidays and am just getting back on my computer. Lots to catch up on.

It's so nice to see more people on this thread! It's wonderful to be able to know that others are going through the same thing!!!!!

The question from the previous post was about laying on your left side. They recommend that because there is a artery that runs down the right side, that when you lay on that side has a chance of getting pinched, plus I think you have more major organs on that side of your body, so they get pressed on too from the weighed of the babies. I have a really hard time laying on my side - it kills my shoulder - So I try to put a pillow under my hip to tilt me that direction and keep my sholders flat. It worked with my last pregnancy, so I'm hoping it will work with this one.

Our u/s tech told us at 13 wks that we are having boys....but I'm waiting 'till the one on Jan 5th to be positive. They definetly looked like boys, but they look so similar at that age! :) Ours are idenical, we can tell because of the thin separation membrane and only one placenta.

I have been having back pain, mostly when I lay down. But no other real problems, I finally have gotten my energy back! I really feel like my stomach is starting to pop out! But I've not been hungry at all, I'm afraid that I'm not eating enough.....

Well, I've rambled on enough.
Monica

[Tadpoles]

Happy new year to you all,

Welcome to all the new mums to be, I haven't had a lot of time over the holidays to post, I have done my normal posting on the may thread so if you're interesyed take a look. Hope it's all going well with everyone and that their tummys are growing. My certainly has and I have sometimes got the pg waddle when I'm tired, feel like I'm 30 weeks not 19!!!!

[mmzill]

Lisa -

I have gained very little weight too, which is concerning me also! And like you I've not been consistent with my vitamins, so we are in the same boat. I've also not felt them moving yet....which maybe it's too early, but that's worrying me. My level II is on Thursday - so I guess we will know then how everything is. I have been trying to drink enough water, I do get thirsty, but have no real appetite.

Hope all goes well at your Level II.
Monica

[Tiny Blessings]

Hello fellow Mommies....hope that everyone is feeling well today!

Lisa and Monica, I am not quite as far along as you guys but have had a similar experience with the limited weight gain. From appointment to appointment I have either lost a few pounds or have gained very little. My tummy keeps expanding, so I know there has got to be growth and development going on in there! I attribute the limited weight gain to my stunted appetite and nausua, which certainly slows down the eating! (Not to mention having an active 18 month old to chase around the house! :rolleyes:
Now normally I would be thrilled by the prospect of limited weight gain, but I understand the concern this can raise. During my first pregnancy I hadn't gained much weight to this point, either so I assumed that it was all normal. Now I am wondering about that....At my last appointment my doc told me it was fine to have lost a pound or two...have you guys heard otherwise from your doctors???

I have another question for the mommies to be....do you plan to utilize separate cribs for the twins or purchase a divider for a single crib so they can be nearer each other? Just wondering what others are thinking about doing....

<a href="http://lilypie.com"><img src="http://bd.lilypie.com/m0KAm5.png" alt="Lilypie Baby Ticker" border="0" /></a>

[Daniele'sTwins]

Hi Girls,

I have to say how happy I am to have all of youwhen I read your posts! Finally people who are going through the same exact thing as I am! I just got the Dr. Luke book yesterday and my DH and I have been worried about my weight gain (not my doctor however) so we looked me up. It says I was underweight when I first got pregnant, I was just under 100 lbs and only 5 feet tall (I think this is why everyone is in such shock that I am carrying twins). Well, I have only gained 9 lbs. I think that is godd but it irrates me and gets me thinking when people say "you don't look like your are carrying twins".

Then like some of the rest of you I am starting to worry becasue I don't think I have been feeling any movement. My books say I should and that twins you should even feel it sooner...so now today I ordered a doppler...lol

Daniele

[Kellirae]

Hello, i am new to this website as well. I am due on 6-11-06. I am currently 17 weeks. I am excited and nervous all at once. I already have two girls at home so we will have a house full. Emily will be 6 in Feb and Kaelyn will be 3 at the end of January. I go for my ultrasound next week and i can not wait to find out what we are having. I am hopeing that there will be atleast one boy since we have two girls at home.
This pregnancy is alot different than my last. I am so tired all of the times, i can't sleep at night i have aweful heart burn, my back hurts i did not feel like this the last time until the very end. Like the last two or three weeks. I hope it is not going to get worse!! How is everyone else feeling?

Kelli

[Tadpoles]

I am now starting my 19th week although remember that in France they count 41 weeks as gestational period and not 40 so although my given due date is June the 8th if I was in the UK or in the USA it would be 1st of June.

I have lost weight since the start of this pg a total of 3 kilos which is about 6.5lbs, I was worried to start with but not anymore, I have got my appetite back and seem to be stuffing my face, my tummy is also the size it was when I was about 24/25 weeks pg with our daughter, the babies are moving and my last visit to the drs went well and he was not concerned with the weight loss.

I think everybody is different and your bodies will react to a multiple pg in different ways. I gain weight fairly early with my singleton pg. For me it seems that the babies are taking my 'extra' weight and as long as I eat enough to keep me going and to give the babies a healthy diet and have decided to stop worrying - besides which when I made this promise to myself my appetite came back with a vengence!!!

If you are concerned though always check it out with your dr.

[mmzill]

Hey everyone, I hope you are all doing well. I had my Level II u/s today. It was so much fun! For me, the past few weeks I just havn't really felt pregnant, so it's so wonderful to see that the babies are doing well. Their hearbeats were 139 and 145 and they are 1/2 lb each. Everything looked perfect. They are definetly boys! So we are thrilled about that, since we have a 13 mo old girl. They are very active, although I still can't feel much, only flutters.

I've only gained 2 lbs this pregnancy! That really freaked me out, but I asked the dr about it and she said it's not a big deal, my uterus is definetly growing, measuring 24 cm, so that's good - she told me not to worry about it, so i'm trying not to, just trying to eat more.

Lisa, I hope your u/s went well today also. Anxious to hear how it went.
Monica

[Tiny Blessings]

Moncia, thanks for the update on your Level II....what exciting news! Now you get to focus on names...hooray!

Hope everyone is feeling well!

[Daniele'sTwins]

Hi Everyone!

Lisa and Monica...Congrats on the two boys! I am having boys too! The doctor thinks mine may be identical because he has only seen one placenta since the beginning. I can't wait to see these little guys! I give so much credit to the people that wait until their delivery to find out the sex but my DH and I absolutely could not wait.

I started with a little heart burn this week. It is not that bad, just a little every night. I am hoping that will be the extent of it.

Does anyone else know what they are having? How about names?

My fathers name is Nick and my DH's dad is Rico so we are thinking of the name Nico and I also love the name Luca. I think I want them both to have my dh's name for their middle name because I don't want them to grow up and one feel bad that one has his dad's name and the other doesn't. My DH is Paul.

Talk to you soon!
Daniele

[Jillmami]

Congratulations to everyone who has had successful o/b visits in the past week or two!! :D We have another level 2 this Tuesday and our 20 week o/b visit in a week and a half. However, we have decided to not to find out the sexes; we want it to be a surprise. These are our first children and we have decided to make as much of it as possible considering all the troubles we have had.

Lisa - I'm with you re: doctors and news. Why do they tell you something they are not sure about especially if it is bad news. Then on top of that, they talk about how it's probably nothing. We were told around 5 weeks that we would have to wait until around 12 weeks to possibly terminate one of the babies as it was in a bad location. Then around 7 weeks, they said that the heartbeat/size was a bit smaller and that we shouldn't be surprised it there was no heartbeat by the next visit. We even had an MRI to confirm the position was actually ok. Now, here we are 18 1/2 weeks and both babies are just fine. Talk about being under serious duress. argh!! My thoughts and prayers are with you and the babies and I'm sure that everything will be just fine.

Someone else mentioned how they have decided to stay calm and relaxed and enjoy every moment. That is how I have been. It won't do any good to stresss/worry so until I have positive news that something is awry, I feeling great about things.

Jill

[mmzill]

Thanks for the congrats everyone! And all the little boys that are coming in June, well maybe May, but even so, that's terrific.

There is no way my dh and I could wait 'till then to find out the sex. We are way too impaitient, but that's awsome that some of you can.

Lisa, I'm sure that is frustrating to hear about things that aren't just perfect, so you worry, but then the dr says "oh don't worry about it" It's so wonderful to see that they are doing ok in your tummy though. I have thought many times that it would be so cool to have a a see-through uterus and skin while you are pregnant, just so you can see them. I think that would be awesome.

I hope everyone is having a good weekend. We have started looking for a house to buy. We are currently in a 2 bdrm apartment, which just won't work for 3 kids! I just hope we find something soon, so that we can move while I still have energy, I can already tell that my stomach is limiting my mobility, ugh! We're going to have to get a larger vehicle also, probably a mini van (much to my dh dredding) but are going to wait on that until closer to time, since what we have now will work temporarily.

It's so great to hear how everyone else is doing. To know others are going through this helps me out so much!

[swineland]

Hi there everyone...
I, too, have been extremely busy with the holidays and company, dr's appts, etc. So, I have not been able to post on here in a while.

So great to read about all the new folks and also to get updates from everyone! We are expecting our first children, identical twin boys in June 06. We had a nice long ultrasound on the 5th and everything looks great. The heartbeats were 146 each and they both weigh about 6 oz.

They were moving ALL around, which is funny b/c I still can't feel them. As somebody else said, I feel a flutter every now and then, but it feels more like stomach issues than anything! At 17 weeks today, I have only gained about 9 pounds. Nobody seems to think anything about it, as neither my perinatologist nor my OB have mentioned it. I do feel, though, that I'm not gaining enough. I guess I am.....my tummy measured 20weeks last Wednesday. I am really trying to eat as much as possible, but I find that I am getting fuller faster and if I force myself to eat more, then I start feeling sick and uncomfortable. I've been pretty good with the prenatals....have taken them every single day since about a month prior to starting IVF. I also take Expecta, which is a DHA supplement containing Omega-3 oils. It was coming with my Stuart "Duet" prenatals, but after the samples ran out it ended up being $30 a month! The Expecta is about $12 for a 30-day supply, so I just take one with my regular prenatal.

Also, anyone else having trouble at night with achy hips??? Mine are awful! It feels like someone has been going at them with a hammer. I've tried the pillow between the legs and it helps a tiny bit. I toss and turn ALL night long. My husband has now taken over the guest room :)

Steph

[Daniele'sTwins]

Hi Steph...Congrats on the boys! I feel like there are a lot of boys here! As for the sleeping I do not sleep already. My hips have not bothered me but my mid to lower back hurts so much all the time. I also toss and turn all night but my husband sleeps through everything!

I have another level 2 on Wednesday...I can't wait to be able to see them again! I am hoping that they are still boys...lol. I have been hearing so many horror stories about being told the wrong sexes of the babies!

As for the mini vans...I am sorry girls but I have still not broken down yet...lol

Daniele

[vthompson]

I am brand new to this forum and I have spent a lot of time reading everyone's posts. It is comforting to be able to relate to the problems that everyone is having. It makes you feel like everything is ok when others are experiencing the same symptoms. Well, I am 16 weeks along with twins. I was taking Clomid at the time of conception so these babies are "drug induced". Before this pregnancy, I miscarried about 7 months ago. My husband and I are ecstatic for this pregnancy ;) So far, both babies are doing well, but mommy is not :( I have had all day sickness from the beginning. Now, I have severe constipation and a sour stomach. I am having trouble sleeping at night and tons of aches and pains. At times, I just cry because it is so frustrating to feel this sick all the time. However, I just keep telling myself that I can handle the sickness as long as the babies are doing well. Our level II ultrasound is on the 24th of this month. We are very anxious to find out the sexes! Well, I look forward to reading more posts! Good luck to everyone!

[mmzill]

Steph - congrats on the boys. My hips hurt me alot! Especially when I lay flat on a firm surface (like the dr's exam table) I had this same problem with my last pregnancy, the two things that I found to help was; going to the chiropractor (one that I trust) that helped alot. The other thing was I bought a pregnancy pillow. It's shaped like a horseshoe, I think I got if from BabyCenter.com - it was like $60, but was well worth it! It gives me support on all sides and feels great! I can't lay on my sholders long because they hurt so with this pillow I'm able to prop my hips up on one side but have support for my belly on the other side, but my sholders are still relatively flat. (My husband is not a big fan of the pillow, because it takes up considerable space in the bed, but guess what, if he gets to sleep all night, I should too! :D

Welcome to the new mommy, sorry you are feeling so yucky! That is no fun. Hopefully that will pass soon. Glad you've joined this site. I really enjoy hearing from everyone and knowing that I am not alone!

[Tadpoles]

Hi All,

haven't posted on here for a while, i have barely been keeping up to date on the May thread. Where is the time going? It feels odd to see other threads have been started with people expecting in July and Aug 06, When I first came on here there was no june thread hence the reason I jumped on board with the may crowd, now seeing new threads later in the year makes me feel i'm part of the old experienced crowd.

Tell me about not sleeping, jeez the last couple of nights have been awful. I just can not get comfy, pillows here there and everywhere, but once I think I'm comfy either dh moves or I get a cramp and it's time to start over. I have on occasion thought about sleeping in the spare room just so I can spread out!

Had a visit with my dr yesterday, all seems to be ok. Have my next u:s in 2 weeks can't wait haven't seen the babies since nov! Had a proper kick last night, I have been feeling movement for a while now on the inside but last night I was lying on the sofa just relaxing with my hands on my tummy and felt either a kick or a punch right into the palm of my hand. It was great!

The peeing constantly has started again, day or night it doesn't seem to matter, I hate it as the toilet is the other end of the house and downstairs!!! I have to walk miles.

Well I'm off now to grab a rest before India gets home from my parents house.

[vthompson]

I am so glad to hear about everyone's sleeping problems. It is good to know that I am not alone! I seem to wake up everytime I roll over. Then, I am up for hours and finally fall asleep when it is time for my alarm to go off. It is very aggravating! I have not felt the babies move yet. Should I be concerned or are there other people out there who have not felt movement yet? I had a doctor's appt on Friday and the heartbeats were both strong, but I have not had an u/s since December.

[Daniele'sTwins]

Hi Everyone... I just heard some great news. My mother just called me on my lunch to let me know that she talked to someone in HR at her work and they told her that MY doctor could write HER work a note to take up to 15 weeks medical leave to help me with the babies!! Have you ever heard of this?

Vthompson and Lisa...I am with you both about feeling too much movement. I have had a lot of streching pains too. The first time that happened to me was about 30 mins before my last doctors appointment I was intears becasue my left side hurt so much I thought something bad was happening but it wasn't, thank God! I do also get pains in my legs, almost like I had worked out too hard the day before. Is that how it is for you Lisa?

Monica.. I have that pillow too. It is very comfortable but my dh is not a fan because he thinks it took the place of him...lol I used to hug him before the pillow came in.

Lisa...i really like your names too! I have always loved Ethan and I actually had a dream that I named my baby Bradey at one point! Very cute.

Now I have a question. Sometimes i feel very week, during the day not necessarily at night when i am most tired. It is almost like my arms and legs are about to go numb. Does this happen to anyone else?

Daniele

[vthompson]

I realized that I never gave my name when I first replied . . . It is Valerie. Well anyways, I have been having a lot of pains. I just got that pain in my left side yesterday that Daniele was talking about. It scared me to death! I also get a lot of pains in my pubic area. I asked my doctor about them and she said they were normal, just part of the stretching process. Lisa, I have also been getting pains on my thighs, and yes, it feels as if I pulled a muscle. Those just started. All of these aches and pains are driving me crazy as I try to analyze if there is something wrong!

Has anyone thought about breastfeeding? I am going to try it, but I am confused on breast pumps. The electric ones are very expensive compared to the manual pumps. Does anyone have insight as to what is best to buy? Also, with 2 babies, is it ok to supplement with formula so that you are not the only one feeding the babies?

[Mommyhas4]

I realized that I never gave my name when I first replied . . . It is Valerie. Well anyways, I have been having a lot of pains. I just got that pain in my left side yesterday that Daniele was talking about. It scared me to death! I also get a lot of pains in my pubic area. I asked my doctor about them and she said they were normal, just part of the stretching process. Lisa, I have also been getting pains on my thighs, and yes, it feels as if I pulled a muscle. Those just started. All of these aches and pains are driving me crazy as I try to analyze if there is something wrong!

Has anyone thought about breastfeeding? I am going to try it, but I am confused on breast pumps. The electric ones are very expensive compared to the manual pumps. Does anyone have insight as to what is best to buy? Also, with 2 babies, is it ok to supplement with formula so that you are not the only one feeding the babies?

Valerie: I have 2 kids that were both NICU babies and the pump that you can rent from the hospital is by far the best ( and cheapest) option. The second best, if you want to buy one is the Medela double pump. And of course you can supplement with formula. It's doubly easy if they are NICU babies because they will be on bottles to begin with anyway. But even if you are lucky enough to skip the NICU, you can supplement and have Daddy take a few night feedings. Not in a row of course or you would explode!

If you are in the NICU - the pumps at the hosptial and the Medela pumps are interchangable. You can just take your cups and tubing with you and pump while you are at the hospital (most have special rooms already set up for this so you don't have to run home to pump every three hours). They will give you the cups and tubing in the hospital if you let them know ahead of time that you will want to breast feed.

Also, buying extra cups is so worth it. Trying to continually clean and sterilize the same set is tedious (especially when you have to do it every 3 hours). When you have to pump for 20 minutes, then feed for 2 babies for 20 minutes each and then clean and sterilize equipment it's hard to find time to sleep in between!!

Monica: Check out the Tahoe. My husband refuse to buy a mini-van and the Tahoe fits all 4 of our car seats very well and it's like driving the Taj Mahal.

Anyway - hope this helps!

-Jeanette

[vthompson]

Jeanette,
Thank you so much for the information. I will definitely look into renting one from the hospital.

Valerie

[mmzill]

Valerie - I have an Ameda electric pump that I got with my first pregnancy. It works well also, but buying one can be costly. Our hospital doesn't rent them, so I had to do something else. I am going to try to breastfeed. It gives babies extra immunities that they need. I'm going to set a goal of 4 wks and then go from there. It takes a while for the babies to get the hang of things. I have also read that if you give them a bottle too early it can lead to nipple confusion, so I'm going to try to not do that, unless it's out of my control. My dd took to nursing like a pro, so I'm afraid that I'm a little spoiled. I've heard that boys are slower learners. I am thinking about supplementing some, by nursing one for one feeding and giving the other a bottle......unless I get really good and nurse both at once! yikes! that's a scary thought! :p

About front pelvic pain. I had it terrible with my dd, but i've not noticed it so bad this go 'round. They say that the pregnancy hormone relaxes your ligaments so that you can birth a baby.....or maybe two in our case, :D anyways the dr always told me that aches and pains were pretty normal unless there was bleeding, abnormal discharge or a pattern type contraction.

We think we have found a house. We are excited about that! There is one more that we are going to look at tomorrow, but if we don't like it we are gonig to make an offer on the other one.

Well, better go - good to hear from everyone.

[vthompson]

Monica - thanks for the info on breastpumps. I appreciate the advice. I think I am going to look into how much renting vs. buying will be. I am glad to hear that you had pelvic pains with your first pregnancy, that makes me feel better. Also, congratulations on finding a house! That is so exciting. I wish you and Lisa good luck with both of your moves!

Lisa - Don't apologize for your post yesterday. That is what we are all here for, to listen and vent to each other. If I were in your situation, I would feel the same frustration. I don't blame you at all. As for the Dr. Luke book, I am also reading it. I too, found the weight gain insane! I decided to do the best I could and follow my doctor's orders as well. Sometimes I think I read too much between books and Internet. It can be difficult to organize all that information and make informed, healthy decisions.

Well, I hope everyone is doing well.

Valerie

[Tiny Blessings]

Hello everyone....It's been a while since I've had a minute to catch up on everone's posts. I enjoy reading through them each time. This group is growing fast (with new mommies and with expanding bellies! :o )

Now that I have reached the 16 week mark, I feel that some of the exhaustion and fatigue is starting to lesson a bit. I am still very tired, but it doesn't seem as bad as it was. I have also been less nauseous in the morning. Maybe I am about to enter the easy stretch...the second trimester was the easiest with my first son. Did anyone else start to feel less fatigue at this point?

Valerie, I agree with Jeanette that the Medela is an excellent pump. I purchased one with my first baby and it was an absolute blessing as my son was a NICU baby and then hospitalized for eight weeks. It was nice to be able to pump in the hotel, in the hospital, and even in the car as it has an adapter. My portable Medela was as powerful as the hospital pumps, worked quickly and the hospital provides the tubing, breast cups and storage bottles in a sterilized package. I would highly recommend it. If you have friends who are done having babies, you might be able to buy theirs and just purchase the new tubing and breast cups. That is how I got mine and I will never regret it.

I, too, plan to breastfeed the babies. I was really unsure about it with my first and thought I would only breastfeed for the first 8 weeks or so. As it turned out, I just weaned my son once I found out I was pregnant again and he is now 18 months! For me, it was a very positive experience and I will defintiely do it again. I am a bit worried about having two to breasfeed, as I think I will be sitting in the nursing chair nearly non-stop in the beginning. I will return to work after 12 weeks, so I will need to pump and do some bottle feedings so they are ready for that once I return to work.

Regarding the car, we have been looking into the minivan, although begrudgingly. I had a Tahoe and I agree that it is an awesome vehicle...I loved everything about it and it gives such a comfortable ride! We traded it for a lower car (a Pacifica) when I was pregnant with my son, however, as I am not very tall (5'3") and I was concerned about the height and having to hoist the baby and car seat into the vehicle. Jeanette, how do you easily access the third row, or are your kids old enough to get in and out of their carseats on their own? And can you fit 3 carseats across the second row? I have large carseats as I bought the Britax models and I abolutely love the safety and comfort features. I ask as I would definitley consider another Tahoe in a hearbeat, but wonder about easy access to row three. With mine, you had to flip down a seat in row 2 to get to row 3. Maybe they are different now?

Lisa, I named my baby Ethan....I must say that I love the name! And Bradey is a great name, too. How nice to be able to refer to them by name...I still call our babies "the twins". We have our level 2 on Jan 27, so hopefully will find out the gender then...I can hardly wait! Our next ultrasound is next Friday and I am so excited to see the babies again. I have felt them moving (baby on the right seems to be more active than baby on the left). I feel as high as a kite when I leave the office after having seen them flipping around in there without a care in the world!

Take care everyone.....

Tina
<a href="http://lilypie.com"><img src="http://bd.lilypie.com/SWu2m5.png" alt="Lilypie Baby Ticker" border="0" /></a>

[vthompson]

Lisa - I also have been really tired. After lunch, I feel like I am going to fall over. I wish I could just work in the morning but still get paid for full time :) I have also been having the same appetite problems. I feel extremely hungry, but then I start eating and I feel full. It must be the babies pushing on our tummies!

For all the mommies that gave advice on breast pumps, I have another question. Did you buy it ahead of time or did you wait until after the babies were born? Probably a silly question, but being a first time mom, I feel lost in this area! :confused:

I am getting so anxious for my level II. It is on the 24th, it can't get here fast enough!!

Well, hope everyone is feeling well! Look forward to more updates.

Valerie

[EBTwinz]

Hey all, did you know about this?

Do you have any type of program for multiple births?

We offer a one-time gift of coupons to parents of twins, triplets, etc. To receive this gift, please send a copy of the birth certificates to:

U.S. Requests:
Kimberly-Clark Corporation
Department QMB
P.O. Box 2020
Neenah, WI 54957-2020

My SIL did some research for me and sent this regarding free stuff from Kimberyl-Clark. They make Huggies products.

Just thought I'd share the info. I was pretty excited to hear about it! The more help, the better!

~Lisa

[EBTwinz]

And here is the book I mentioned. You can buy it on Amazon.

Ready or Not...Here We Come! The REAL Experts' Cannot-Live-Without Guide to the First Year with Twins (Paperback)
by Elizabeth Lyons "The alarm goes off-in the form of a cry from one of your two new bundles of joy..."

~Lisa

[Tiny Blessings]

Valerie: If you have decided to purchase a breastpump, I would recommend doing so before the babies are born. That would allow you to bring the pump with you to the hospital or have someone bring it before you are dischaged. Then you can have the nurse or lactation specialist show you how to work it and properly position everything. Hopefully, you and your babies will all be discharged together but, in case of a NICU stay you will be prepared with your own portable equipment this way, too. My son was trasnported by ambulance on day two to the NICU and remained hospitalized in Maine and then in Boston for 8 weeks total and it was a god send to have my own pump everywhere I went. Besides, after the babies have arrived, you will not likely have the time to shop or order the pump and then have to wait for it to arrive. :p

Lisa: Thanks...I am glad to hear that maybe my nausua will now be a distant memory! In the meantime I will stick with what has been working (an Ensure shake in the am and then by around 9:30 I can usually manage a few pieces of toast pretty well).

I still feel very tired...I even asked my Doc if it were possible to die of exhaustion! LOL. By 1 or 2pm I am feeling completely wiped out and can barely finish the day never mind picking up my son from daycare, driving home and getting dinner ready and doing the day's laundry. My son goes to bed at 7pm and I follow soon after. My 79 year old grandmother spent 2 weeks with me at Christmas and I was embarrased to realize that she not only has more energy than I do but stays up WAY later, too! :eek: Geez....what the heck is happening???? HaHa....

Had to drive into the big city today for a conference, so took advantage of the opportunity to go to the mall and an actual maternity shop! (Just have one rack at Walmart where I live and it is all summer stock despite my complaint to the department mangaer). Regardless, it will feel great to have some pretty, professional outfits to pick from. My hubby smiled and said as long as it makes me feel good it is money well spent.....how sweet.

I hope that everyone is feeling good today and can get an extra day of rest with this long weekend....YIPPEE!

Tina

<a href="http://lilypie.com"><img src="http://bd.lilypie.com/eUiKm5.png" alt="Lilypie Baby Ticker" border="0" /></a>

[mmzill]

Hey everyone, hope you are having a good weekend.

I've not been really tired since week 14 thankgoodness! I was wondering if you are all taking Iron. I think it's in most Prenatals, but you might need alittle more due to the extra demand for it from two babies. I think they generally test for Anemia at the start of the third trimester, but it might help to ask sooner. With my dd, I was slightly Anemic and the Dr had me start taking an Iron supplement. It helped alot. With this pregnancy, I've been taking one from the start.

Valerie, I would definetly buy a pump before hand also. Once they are here, you probably won't have time - and may really need it immediately.

Got to go feed my family. Monica

[vthompson]

Thanks everyone for the breast pump info. I appreciate it!! I just feel so lost in this area. I actually have dreams about breast feeding and I how I don't know how to do it. So obviously, it is on my mind!

Well anyways, I am starting out by saying that I realize that I am crazy :o I was 17 weeks on Saturday and all of a sudden, the past few days I have felt pretty good. The nausea has almost gone away, my energy picked up, and I feel more like my old self. I realize that it may be temporary, but for now, I feel pretty good. The part that makes me crazy, is now I am analyzing everything wondering if I feel good because there is something wrong (remember, I said that I was crazy :) ). And it doesn't help that I haven't felt the babies move yet. Anyways, is there anyone else out there with these crazy thoughts?

Valerie

[mmzill]

Valerie, you are not crazy. I was telling my dr last week that it was wonderful to hear the babies heartbeats because I had almost convinced myself that I'm not pregnant, I just have a growth in my stomach. I think the first month of the 2nd trimester is just like that. (I had the same problem with my dd) You are feeling good and can't feel the babies, so there must not be anything in there. . . . .. obviously that's not the case!

Has anyone started looking for crib bedding? We are having two boys and I'm really struggling to find anything that I like. (Well- I found one I really like, it's the Vintage Fire truck by Wendy somebody, you can get it at BRU, but it is way too expensive, if I only had to buy one it wouldn't be so bad, but two!) Oh well the joys of twins. I found one Noah's ark one that is really cute and says Two by Two on it, it's not as pricey but we'll wait and see. The designer on the Ark one is Brandee Danielle.
http://www.brandeedanielle.com/bed_set.html
that is a link, if anyone wants to look at it.

Hope you all have a good day!

[mmzill]

Lisa - My dr told me to take additional Iron with my dd, and I've never stopped taking it since then. I take an Iron that I get at a Natual Foods store, it's called Easy Iron, it's supposed to be absorbed by your body easier. One problem with adding iron may be that it makes you more constipated :o But I guess we can't have it all . . .

[vthompson]

Monica - I took a look at your bedding, it is really cute!! We started looking and we like this bedding called Leap Froggie. However, once we find out the sexes, this may change. I was also amazed at the price, but it seems like most run in the range of 150-200. I just figured we would register for it and see what we get at the shower.

Lisa - That is great that you were able to find your bedding on sale. That helps a lot! As for your question regarding the pressure in your vaginal area, I do not get the exact feeling that you were talking about. However, I do get pains and other feelings often. I think that it may just be a part of the whole process. My doctor said that unless you experience bleeding, then not to worry.

Monica and Lisa - Thanks for talking about your worries with something being wrong! It makes me feel less crazy and eases my mind :) I am just so glad that I found this forum!!

Hope everyone is doing well!!
Valerie

[Jillmami]

It is so exciting to hear how everyone is doing and what they are doing. I still only feel slight flutters from time to time but I think it's because these are my first kids and the fact that I'm 5'11" might contribute as well. Us large gals had more room to start with! :D

Everyone's nursery plans sound great so far. Cute bedding! My mom is doing our quilts/bumper pads. We are painting the walls a lime green and have lime, yellow, white, and turquoise in the bedding/accents. Since we are not finding out the sexes of the babies, we wanted something non-gender specific that we could add more masculine/feminine touches if necessary. My mom found this cute fabric to use in the quilts. It is from Dr. Seuss and has Thing 1 and Thing 2 on it. So she's using a few squares of that.

I haven't experience any pains except for stretching and feeling as if my bladder is a trampoline. :eek: Although the other day, I felt the weight of my belly for the first time as I was doing things at school. And it's only just begun...

Well, I'm off to get some errands done while I still feel like it. Glad to hear how well everyone is doing. We are entering the big growing phase, right? Enjoy!!

Jill

[swineland]

Hi everyone!

I've been busy and have been lurking from time to time reading all of your posts. It's so comforting to know that we are all going through the same thing at roughly the same time, and that if we have any questions/concerns we can post them here.

I noticed one of you said you were 5'11" and that you haven't really felt the babies kick yet. I am also 5'11" and have been curious as to when I am going to feel them! I thought maybe the height had something to do with it, but who knows. Actually, in the last 3 or 4 days I have started to feel some fluttering....more like a heavy flip-flop kind of feeling. I thought I felt them move about a month ago, but I think I was mistaken, given the feelings I'm getting now.

We have also started on the nursery. Our bedding is here: http://www.modernessentials.com/viewitem.cfm/item_id/533. It's pretty simple and modern, which is reflective of our decorating sense anyway. All of the furniture is white and we'll be painting the walls a grayish green color. So excited!! I know it'll be a nice calm soothing room to be in for endless hours with the babies.

I'm 18weeks along and feeling pretty good. I go tomorrow for just a regular OB check. I think I've gained about 10-12 pounds so far....what have the rest of you gained??? I'm always worried about not gaining enough!

Well, I better get going. Talk to you all soon!
Also, I've started a website for our boys....if you want to check it out, it's http://winelandbabies.tripod.com. Anyway, hope all is well with everyone.....have a great day!

Steph

[mmzill]

Steph - I looked at your website, it's very nice! I've got a few pics up on a yahoo site also if anyone wants to see them http://photos.yahoo.com/mmzill
I also like your bedding. I really like the simple bumper. I spent most of the evning last night looking for bedding and am still not really happy with what I've found. I may try to make something, but that sounds like a lot of work! Jill, you are lucky that your mom is going to make yours!

As far as movement, I'm 5'3" and I've not felt a lot of movement yet. A few slight kicks, but nothing on a continual basis. At my apt at 18 wks my uterus was 24 cm - but I've only gained like 2 lbs ( I think i'm repeating myself) Oh well.

I'm now almost 20 wks and feeling a lot bigger! And I've started having heart burn!

Lisa, glad you are going to get blood work done for the Anemia, that way you will know if you need more iron.

Well, good to hear from everyone. Have a good day!

[Daniele'sTwins]

Hi Everyone!

I hope everyone is doing well. I did not have such a good Sunday. I was home alone in the morning getting ready for church (my husband had to run to the office quick) and I was talking on the phone to a friend and carrying down a bowl of coco krispies down the stairs. Well, I walked down about three and fell down about 11. It was horrible! The bowl flew up in the air and hit me on the eyebrow (and broke) and I landed on the floor with a puddle of blood. I hit every possible body part except for my belly! I called my mother who then called the ambulance. It was a big commotion! I did go to the hospital for an ultrasound and the babies were moving all around and their hearts were fine...THANK GOD! I am just extremly sore right now with bruises everywhere.

ALSO...last week my doctor called at night (never a good thing) to let me know that my placenta was very low. He said it would not be a problem with a c-section though. AND he told me that both my boys both have Chroid Plexus Cysts on their brains! I was at first a wreck, but the doctor told me that this is very common and that the cysts should go away at about week thirty. I also looked it up on line and it really looks like no big deal...UGH He does however want me to go for a more in depth ultrasound to make sure there is nothing else to worry about.

Jeanette and Lisa...thanks for all the info on the breast pumps. I also want to breast feed and I am hoping to try to do it at the same time! I know it is wishful thinkng but hey a girl can dream can't she???

Lisa...Congrats on the new house. I had my house built while I was planning my wedding...I know it is so much stress moving in and making things a home! I looked for that book you were talking about. I went online, to the barnes and noble store and to Borders and could not find it anywhere. I do love your bedding! That is so pretty!

Monica- I love the Noah's ark theme! I was going to do that too. I completely agree with you on the amount of money for bedding, with two babies i felt like I had to look for the most affordable.

Steph- I am due on the 16th so we are in the same boat. I am 5 feet exactly and I have gained about 12-13lbs so far. I was underweight when I got pregnant ( I lost 13 lbs after having oral surgery) so I am glad to have gained so much already. My doc says that my weight is great. Your bedding is so nice too.

As for me I also got my bedding at Babies R' Us because I felt it was a good price and they have so much to choose from. I picked out the Clover Fields set. It matched the room perfect. The nursery is a sage green. I got my cribs, changing table, dressers, oversized rocker, etc from Bellini. I liked the cribs becasue they went from cribs, to toddler beds into full beds. The wood is a coffee color.

Is anyone getting an extra changing table for thier living room? My house is a colonial so I will probably be downstairs often. All my friends with children keep telling me to get an extra changing station so that I do not have to keep going upstairs throughout the day to change them. I laugh because I cannot imagine my house with all this baby stuff...lol.

Daniele

[vthompson]

Lisa - That is great about your blood work. At least you don't have to add another supplement to your day.

It was fun to look at everyone's bedding and pictures.

Stephanie - your website is a great idea! It gives everyone a chance to share in your pregnancy.

Lisa - I really like the colors in your bedding. Thanks for the tip about Baby Depot. That is where the cribs are that we want. I did not know about the discount.

I have added a link to the bedding that we are going to use as of right now. After we find out the sexes next Tuesday, it may change. We will see!
http://www.burlingtoncoatfactory.com/IWCatSectionView.process?Section_Id=35365&lc=bc

Some of you mentioned heartburn, I also get it, mostly at night. I found that eating a Tums or 2 seems to help so I can fall asleep. My doctor said they were safe. As for weight gain, at my 16 week appointment, I gained a total of 10 pounds since the beginning of the pregnancy. I am only 5'0 so I really would of thought I could feel the babies by now (I am currently 17 weeks). I am just trying to be patient and not worry about it.

Well, it is great to hear from everyone. Have a great day!

Valerie

[newmomx2]

Hi Everyone - I have been vacant since xmas...I spent the last 30 minutes catching up. It is great to see so many new additions and that everyone is having the same feelings that I have been having.

On the weight gain front I only gained 2-3 lbs til about Mid Dec then all of a sudden in the las 5 weeks - I packed on like 10 lbs - and my belly got huge, I am getting worried about the fast weight gain...I go see the Doctor next Thursday and will inquire...I am sensitive to this since I had lost 50 lbs before getting pregnant.

My first Level II is next Monday the 23rd and I am so excited I am not sure how I am going to make it til then..I heard heartbeats on 12-28 but that was the last time....I feel occasional flutters and til I read all your replies was afraid I should be feeling more.

I worry constantly that I am not eating enough of the right foods - I think once I hear that everyone is well will I settle down again.

I am still on bed rest have been since 12/5 - and let me tell you having a strong nesting urge and not being able to do much about it is driving me nuts...hoping to be released from bed rest at my next appt...fortunately I can work from home and have been doing so effectively the entire time. My team at work is very supportive.

Finally on a side note my Grandma, whom I am very close with passed away right after xmas - I didn't even get home to see her because I was not to travel - Doctor's orders. I was able to get home for the funeral..been a stressful week and a half - I am really hoping for at least 1 girl so I can give part of my Grandma's name to her....

Okay I am done rambling - I will visit more frequently going forward..

FYI 5 month mark tomorrow Wahoo

[newmomx2]

For the person who was having constipation issues - I recommend whole grain fig newtons, colace(my doctor told me to get sold over the counter), and lots of water.

[Jillmami]

Just when I think I am caught up on the board, I feel so behind! Here goes...

Daniele - I am so glad that you and the babies are ok! The things our bodies to in order to protect our children; born or not! Take it easy and be careful. I have noticed over the past few weeks at times that I don't pay attention to my footing at times. I think that especially as our bellies get bigger and our balance changes that holding onto the railing is a good idea. But thank goodness you are all safe.

Regarding websites, a friend of ours sent her baby blog to us and my husband thought it was such a great idea that he started to research possible sites. We came across babycrowd.com. It's pretty cool in that there's a journal, a photo album, a guest book, monthly reflections, etc. Here is the link for ours if anyone cares to see how it works. Still time to sign up for it! My relatives/friends across the country love the access. Our password is: miraclemiles (my hubby's idea.)

http://babycrowd.com/jr/online/jillmami/welcome.html

It's so exciting to see/hear about everyone's nursery ideas. I can't wait to get started on it. I just have to wait for someone to get the room cleared. I want everthing done now unfortunately but have to remember my hubby can only do so much. As it is, he insists on doing all the cleaning, shopping, etc. I will enjoy it for as long as I can. ;)

Well, I'm being called for dinner. I am so excited to hear how everyone's latest appts. have gone. Sounds as if we are all developing quite well and our journey of growth is really taking off!

Continued well wishes everyone!
Jill

[vthompson]

Daniele - First, I would like to say that I think we were posting our replies at the same time because even though my reply is after yours, I did not read what you wrote until today. I just don't want you to think that I didn't care enough to respond :o Thank God that you and the babies are doing well. I cannot imagine how scared and stressed out you were! It is amazing how well our bodies adjust to situations like that! As for the extra changing table, I was going to put the pack in play in our family room and use the changing table that is attached to that.

Lisa - I also feel like I check in on this site more then I work! It really helps to pass the day. Since I got pregnant, I have such a hard time concentrating on my work :)

Newmomx2 - I am so sorry to hear about your Grandmother's passing. That can be stressful at any time, especially when you are pregnant and unable to travel. Hang in there! :D

As for the constipation, I was also told by my doctor to eat 2 tablespoons of ground up flax seed each day. I mix it with oatmeal and you can't even taste it. I have tried everything else, and this has actually given me some relief. You can get the flax seed at a health food store. Make sure you drink a lot of water with it.

Jill - your baby blog is adorable!! I am sure your family and friends love to keep in touch with you! As for the nursery, I am also anxious to get mine done! My husband is the same as yours, he will not let me do anything. He even moved our bed downstairs into our spare bedroom temporarily so that I can be right next to the bathroom. Just when you think you know your husband, he completely surprises you with his over protectiveness! ;)

Well, I really need to get back to work. Talk to you later!

Valerie

[Daniele'sTwins]

Hi Everyone...

Lisa, Thanks for letting me know about the baby you know that had the same cyst. A friend of my husbands who happens to be an OBGYN has five children and 3 out of the 5 had the same thing as well and they are completely fine. I know that the doctors have to tell you the worst possible case senerio to cover themselves, I can understand only because my husband is also in the field. It also helps when he is not nervous about things medically I don't panic as much as i know i would.

Newmomx2...I am sorry to hear about your grandmother. I know that losing my grandmother was like losing my own mother. I hope that you will stay strong for your babies, they need you to.

Valarie-- Please don't worry about missing my post yesterday! Thank you for your support. I am feeling much better today, just a little sore when I sit down...lol

I know a lot of you have been mentioning the pack and play. I did go and look at them...do you think it is big enough for two babies? If you all think so I will register for it but I thought it would not be worth it for too long. Also, I registered for the Peg-Perigo (sp?) side by side stroller at babies r us.

It was so light and it didn't seem wide at all. I spoke to a twin mom while I was there and she said that she got both the side by side and front and back at her shower but does not use the front to back ever because the kids really don't like it. What is everyone else doing about strollers?

As for the constipation I bought Prune Juice and I was aking shots of it but it is soooo gross I just can''t do it anymore. Unfortunately constipation has ALWAYS been an issue for me even before pregnancy.

Daniele

[Tiny Blessings]

Hello everyone...just spent some time catching up on everyone's posts. A lot has gone on in the past few days, it seems. I am sorry to hear about your frightening fall and phone call from the doctor, Daniele! I am so relieved that you and the little ones are fine. I had never heard of that cyst before..thanks for sharing the information with us. I was also sorry to read about the loss of your grandmother, newmomx2...My heartfelt condolences. Hope you are cleared from bedrest soon so you can enjoy this middle part of
your pregnancy.

How exciting that folks are getting the nursery ready! I remember the excitement of chosing the border and desinging the nursery with my first pregnancy. I don't have much nursery stuff to do, as I plan to have the babies in bassinettes in our room the first three months or so and them move them down to the existing nursery. Just need to get the extra crib. I am waiting on bedding to find out the gender of the babies, but I like the ones everyone has selected and shared!

I think the pack n'plays would be wide enough to comfortably house both babies for awhile. I think it is a good investment, overall. The only drawback is that once they ourgrow the upper level that hangs at the top, they are so low to tfe floor and you have to bend way down to access the babies. I still think they are great, though. I have one and my son used it for months in my room after he outgrew the bassinet and I wasn't yet ready to let him sleep away from me. He is now 18 months and uses it for his naps at daycare. Plus, it is also easily portable enough to take with you if you are going overnight somewhere (like visiting relatives or in a hotel if the hotel doesn't offer them).

As far a getting a second changing table, I guess it has never occured to me that a second table would be useful. Honestly, I used the changing table whenever I was in the nursery. Otherwise, I changed the baby whereever he was at the time...usually on a blanket on the floor or on my bed, etc. This is just based on my experience, of course, but I wouldn't invest the extra money in a second changing table based on my situation.

My level II is next Friday (God, I can hardly wait!!!) If I hear that there is a little girl included in there I will not be able to resist picking up a few girl things! (Already have a son, so if there are two boys I am all set!) Tomorrow I have a regular appointment and will get an updated u/s, but just the regular one. Still, I can't wait to see them again as it has been since Dec 22nd since my last ultrasound!

Everyone take care....this entire state (Maine) is covered in ice today, so it was a snow day for me! YIPPEE! I have enjoyed relaxing and staying in my sweat pants all day long for a change! :p But seriously, be careful going outside during these winter weather months.....

Tina

[allyf8903]

i just thought i would drop a line and let you all know that i am new to this board. I have been reading a lot the past few months (i think scared to join) i guess to face the fact of myself having twins. I have a 2 1/2 year old and due for twins on June 2nd. my doc already told me that he will deliver them the beginning of may. I am done with work On February 9th. I have come to terms of the fact that my hubby and i are having twins, but still nervous.

looking for advise. talk to you all soon.

Ally
mother of Adrianna 8-9-03
identical g/g twins due June 2nd

[Daniele'sTwins]

Ok, I am going to register for the pack and Play now...thanks for the advice.

Jill...thanks for the website idea! i love yours and I have already begun one for me! i will post it once I have more info on it!

I have an appointment tomorrow with my OBGYN but not an ultrasound. I do have an appointment at the Prenatal Diagnosis Center (level II) on Feb. 2...because of the low placenta and the cysts. they will be looking for any abnormalities. I am remaining positive. I feel confident that everything will work out fine.

Tina...Lucky you! We need another snow day really soon!

Daniele

[Daniele'sTwins]

Welcome to the board Ally...If you are nervous then this will be the best place for you to be. We are all nervous but know this is the best blessing ever.

Daniele:)

[allyf8903]

i am just nervous. how the heck am i gonna get through this! :):confused: but i guess that God would not give me something that I wouldnt be able to handle. Like i had said i have been scanning though the posts for the last serveral months and have gotten great ideas and knowing that i am not the only one going though this, i am thankful! Glad that there are others who are scared like me, curious like me and all that stuff.

I found out by going to my ob thinking that i might have something wrong with my pregnancy or problem with my gall bladder. (really bad pocket of gas) that was fine and she did a vag and told me it was twins. i instantly cried! my hubby didnt go b/c i told him not to. not worth him missing work too. but did i wish he was there! his mom came with me instead. :) she was really excited but i cried!

enjoying the thought now knowing that i will be experiencing things that everyone i know has never been through! especially seeing that they are identical and no twins in either family!

how did u find out twins?

[mmzill]

Welcome Ally! It's taken me a while to get used to the idea of twins too. My daughter will be 18 mos in May, so I'm scared to death of having two, not to scare you first time moms, but babies are so much work the first few months! And to think of having two at once......oh well, I'm sure we will all get through it one way or another. By the way, I cried too! But am getting more and more excited.

Glad to hear everyone is doing ok! I've almost fallen a couple times, but caught myself. I think our center of gravity is just changing so fast that we really have to be careful.

Sorry Newmomx2 about your Grandma. It's so hard to lose someone so close.

I can't wait to hear about everyone's u/s's!!! I have my next apt on Feb 2nd. I can't wait to see my babies again!

I went and bought some material for bumpers yesterday! I'm really excited about it. So last night I spent like 2 hrs sitting on the floor cutting out material....by the time I got up, I could hardly move! I told my dh not to let me sit that long on the floor again! :) My hips were killing me!

Hope everyone has a good day!
Monica

[vthompson]

Welcome to our group Ally!! We are all so glad that you joined us! I agree with everyone that we are all scared in some way so this is the best place to vent and ask questions. Hopefully, you enjoy it as much as I have. There has been several times that I posted something that was worrying me and it was so comforting to find out that other people were feeling the same aches, pains, and nervousness as me. I was using fertility drugs, but believe me, it was still a shock at first. I agree that once you get used to the idea, you would have it no other way!!! :)

Daniele - good luck tomorrow! I am sure everything will be great! Let us know how it goes!

Monica - I wish I could sew like you! I give you so much credit for taking this on. You are going to save yourselves a ton of money!

Tina - When I read you had a snow day, I was jealous :o I used to be a teacher until I was laid off. The thing I miss the most is the days off!!!

Lisa - We also went with the Graco DuoGlider stroller. All the reviews I read seemed very positive.

Well, it is almost time for me to go home :D Talk to everyone soon!

Valerie

[newmomx2]

Wow busy day on the board !

Thanks for all the support, I didn't realize how much I missed the board until I got caught up.

Good luck to all with upcoming u/s - Danielle hope you feel better, keep us posted.

Ally - welcome - I know how scary it is even, even though we used fertility as well we were still surprise and I think I have started to panic the last few weeks with all the work to get ready - we don't even have a room cleared yet for the nursery !!! My nesting instinct is in overdrive. I think my inlaws are coming Sunday to help get things moved...


Talk to you all soon

[swineland]

Hey everyone....
Quick question...
I noticed that several of you said you were already registered! My DH and I hope to get that done by the end of February. My question is this: did you have a prepared "twins" list that you took with you or, assuming you registered at BRU, did they provide one for you as a guide?? I want to be organized and not just let loose with a scanner and have a free-for-all going on! I would have no idea where to begin or what to deem as "essential" and what to deem as a "would like to have".

Just curious as to everyone's registering experience.

Thanks!!
Steph:D

[Daniele'sTwins]

Steph...When you register at Babies R Us they give you a list to go by. It makes things a lot easier. They did not have a list for twins but I think I pretty much knew what to get doubles of but things like swings and that vibrating chair I only did one, they will have to learn to share and take turns early on :D


Ally... I, did not have fertility problems. I was pregnant in Feb 05 but lost the baby in just 5 weeks. My DH and I decided not to try again until September and got pregnant on our first try again. At 8 weeks I went for a vag (i think so early because of my miscarriage) and my doc told me I was having twins...I too cried! I yelled at the doc actually thinkinghe had to be kidding! I even made him "swear to God" (like I was 12yrs old). The things that make me most nervous is that my husband is a work-a-holic so I am afraid to do it alone. I am on the other side lucky because my husband is a work-a-holic and I will be able to take time out of work. i keep trying to look at the bright side of everything. Another thing that keeps me excited is people's reaction to my "twin pregnancy". I am only 5 ft tall and was 99 lbs when I got pregnant. It is so funny to hear people say "YOU...NO WAY!!" I love it now. And remember this, if someone says you better you than me say..."I was thinking the same thing!" and if they say Boy you are going to have your hands full, tell them..."Better full than empty". People dream to be as lucky as us, you will do fine!


As for my appt tomorrow I don't even know if he will do an ultrasound. I hate the appointments without the u/s I always feel like they are such a waste of time!

Daniele

[vthompson]

Lisa - Do not feel guilty!!! I think you are over thinking your comment! I did not even give second thought to it. I know exactly what you meant! My doctor told me ahead of time that the drugs I was on could cause twins. I knew that going in, but what I meant yesterday, was that no matter how you got twins, it is still a shock because you do not believe it could happen to you. Like I said, don't feel guilty!!!

Daniele - I agree about the appts. with no u/s. They do feel like a waste of time. It is just so relieving to see the babies. I wish they would do an u/s at every appt!

As far as registering, we are going next week. But, I took a look at a few sites, including BRU for an idea of what we need. I am very anal retentive, so I made a checklist of what we should get, how many, and what was being donated to us so that we could use the list when registering. Plus, I was trying to fill time at work :o

I was wondering what people were doing about working after the babies are born. For those of you that are staying home, did you tell your employer yet? I am really struggling with this. If I tell my company I am not coming back, then I loose out on part time disability that they pay in the event that I go on bed rest. My husband and I cannot afford no paycheck sooner then what we are budgeting for. I feel guilty, though, like I should tell them. Plus, I am a horrible liar so when people ask if I am coming back, instead of saying yes, I say, oh I am going to try. I just wanted to know other people's opinions on the subject.

Well, have a great day! I too need to look like I am busy here at work!

Valerie

[vthompson]

Lisa - well, like you, I am also really busy at work :D Anyways, I checked out your website and it is really cute! It makes me want to make my own! Also, thanks for the info on your job. It made me feel better that I am not the only one that has not officially told their job I am not coming back!!

Talk to you soon!

Valerie

[vthompson]

Lisa - By the way, I read on your website that you found out you were pregnant the day of the OSU/Penn State game. My husband and I were actually at that game! My husband's college roommate's uncle is the AD at Penn State so we usually go down every year for a game. This year, we got to go down for the OSU game. We are from Ohio, so unfortunately, we are OSU fans. However, when we go to the game, I pose as a Penn State fan. I love to go to the bookstore and buy new gear to wear!!! Anyways, just thought it was a coincidence!

[Daniele'sTwins]

Valarie...I think we are in the same boat when it comes to work. I am a teacher and every school system is so different with taking time out so I am in the process of finding out what to do right now. My plan was... to go out in April for the rest of the year and then take a year off next year. I honestly do not think I will be returning but I also tell everyone that I don't know what I am going to do yet. I do this because I know all the women I work with want to stay home with their children but unfortunately cannot. I don't want to "rub it in" that i won't have to work.


But...my doctor has not said anything about taking me out of work ever. I was going to try to make it to April vacation but my husband asked a few other OBGYN's that he is friendly with and they all said that a woman carrying twins (especially that my placenta is so low) should not work after her 24th week. Have any of you heard this?

Lisa...I am going to take a look at your website now.

Daniele

[vthompson]

Lisa - That is crazy that we were at the same game. Actually, the couple that we go to the game with and stay with, his wife, Jen Curley (maiden Frazier), went to Penn State. I realize it is a huge school, but thought it would be funny if you knew her! Yes, I still live in Ohio, born and raised! My husband and I live in Cleveland. I went to Cleveland State and my husband went to Allegheny, which is in Pennsylvania. I think we are just both fans of OSU because it is ingrained in you from an early age :) My husband is 5 years older then me. He was out of college when we met, I was a sophomore. We have been together for almost 8 years, but only married for 2 years in April. It is crazy when I think about how long we have been together!! Well anyways, where does your brother live in Ohio? And by the way, you can't fight the urge to become a Buckeye (just kidding!!) :D

Daniele - I have read that when you are carrying twins, you should stop working after 24 weeks. However, my doctor has not mentioned it either. She said that I may be put on bed rest but did not give me a definite time frame to take maternity leave. She basically made it seem as though it depends on the pregnancy and any complications. Part of me wishes I could stop working now! Of course, I do not want anything to be wrong with the pregnancy, I just want to stay home! I would just much rather be at home resting then here! I am glad that you tell people the same thing at work. I am going to try and stop worrying about it. I am sure that my job will get over it ;)

Well, talk to you soon! I am sure I will also be checking back later!

Valerie

[swineland]

Hey all...

What's the difference between a "beside ultrasound" and a "level II" ?? I get an ultrasound every time I go to my perinatologist, but I haven't the foggiest idea what you guys mean by bedside and level II. Clue me in!!! :D

Steph

[swineland]

Thanks for the clarification on the ultrasounds. I was assuming that a Level II was something I hadn't had, when in fact I've had 3 or 4, but that's because I'm seeing a perinatologist and my pregnancy started out in a peculiar situation.

Anyway, hope everyone is feeling good today! I'm off to print up some Sudoku puzzles from USA Today......I'm addicted :)

STeph

[newmomx2]

Wow - another busy day on the board.

I used IVF and they put 2 embryos in the DR said the chances were less than 10% they would both work ---so we were still shocked (although realized there was a good chance) I took no offense to any prior comments ! We tried for 3 years and are so blessed now that I don't care how we got here :)

As for the work question - I am so torn on this - I make 2 times more than my husband so I can not stop working and it breaks my heart whenever I think about it. I do think I may cut back to 4 days a week to get an extra day with my babies AND I am lucky to get 5 weeks vacation and 12 holidays a year so I will utilize them to my advantage as well. My husband works a rotating swing shift so the good news is we won't need day care but 2-3 days a week - that makes me feel better. He of course has voluntered to quit and be a stay at home dad - I don't think he knows what he is in for :o

As for stopping work I would be happy if I could go back to work :o I have been working from home since 12/5 and let me tell you I miss the human contact !!! Doctor said she will probably get me back but for a short time and then home again..as long as I stay out of the hospital and everyone is healthy I can deal with it.

Since I can't really go register yet I decided to do so online - it is kind of fun to add to your registry from home !

Well I better get back to work...

[mmzill]

A very busy day indeed!

I'm a SAHM, but with my first pregnancy, I worked up until the end - and wasn't worth a cent! Always online looking at baby things, reading this or that, so I can relate to not wanting to be at work! I don't blame you for not wanting to tell your employers, I think I would just say that I'm not sure what I'm going to do. I love being able to be at home, and wouldn't traid it for the world, but it's not for everyone. My best friend stays home, but really misses the adult interaction, so best wishes to everyone trying to make up your minds about it!

About registering, when we went to register for my dd, I was completely overwhelmed! I had no idea what to register for even with a list, but once we went to the store and did something, I then got online and read reviews and changed my registry after the fact. That was a blessing, because we don't have a BRU here, so I couldn't have gone to the store to change it if I wanted to.

Does anyone feel like they are getting huge!!???? I don't think I look that big to others, but boy, my stomach is getting so firm and filled out. I still haven't gain alot of weight, but I sure feel like I have it in my tummy! But I'm half way there!!!! YEAH!! (Actually probably more than half way, but anyways!)

Hope everyone has a good day!

[Daniele'sTwins]

Hello Friends...I just wanted to let you know that my appointment went fine. He really just weighed me and we listened to the heartbeats on the doppler and they sound great. I have gained 15 lbs in 19 weeks...and to think I was nervous that I wasn't gaining enough!

My Doc said that when I go to the Prenatal Diagnostic Center on the 2nd of February that they will tell me right away if they see anything abnormal. I really feel confiant that they will not but I am still glad to be going.

I am not cooking dinner tonight my DH is getting home at 7:45 (that is early for him) and he is picking up steak sandwiches!!! Yummy.

My husband says I am waddling now!! I didn't think I was...lol Is anyone else "walking pregnant" yet!

Daniele

[vthompson]

Monica - I also feel bigger then I look. I think the mom notices it most because we are the ones that are carrying all the extra weight. I am already feeling the effects of the weight on my butt when I sit for long periods and in the back of my legs. I can't imagine what is going to be like in the next 2 months :eek: I am so glad to hear that you had a hard time concentrating at work, too. I feel useless here! I work with mostly men, many who are single, so they just don't get it!

Daniele - I am so glad that your appointment went well! What a relief! As for the "pregnant walking", I find myself waddling from time to time, especially if I am tired or worn out. My husband also noticed it before I did!

I am so glad that it is Friday. My level II is on Tuesday and it can't get here fast enough. Well, I am sure I will check back later. Have a great day!

Valerie

[vthompson]

Lisa - I have not actually seen the babies move, I barely feel them move at this point. But I can't wait for all that! I am anxious! As for dreams, I constantly have weird dreams. I had a dream that my husband left me while I was pregnant and I was really mad at him when I woke up! I have also had several dreams about bleeding. It is crazy what we dream about! I do not think you are crazy at all!! I feel like I have a glorified case of PMS. I absolutely cannot stand certain people I work with, sometimes I feel like I want to punch them when they get on my nerves :o I was never like this before pregnancy. I was more like you, I would just do whatever they asked of me and try to do it to the best of my ability. Now, I don't want to even do my own job, let alone anyone else's. I find myself wanting to just hide in my office rather then deal with people here!!

By the way, what is Soduko? A couple of you have mentioned it and I have no idea what it is.

Valerie

[Daniele'sTwins]

LISA...I was actually laughing out lout whenI read about your dreams!! YES i can totally relate! I have dreamt that my dh was cheating on me and that I had alien babies that were vicious! Last night I dreamt that my husband was doing cocaine!! We were laughing this morning. I also feel as though my personality is changing. Iwas out to dinner last Sat night with a bunch of friends for my husbands birthday and one of my dh's paitents (who looks like Barbie) came up to him and said, "Hi! I was just talking about you to a whole bunch of women in the ladies room!" My husband said, "this is my wife Daniele" and I turned around and said "HI, I AM HIS WIFE" .....As if she was trying to steal him from me! It is hard to describe myself to you but let me just say I was so upset all night that I was mean to someone! I feel like I have been very territorial of him all of a sudden and I was NEVER like that!

As for seeing the babies move I have not yet....My butt is getting bigger too.

Oh yeah Lisa...I was working on my website thing like you last night but everytime I try to put pics on they say they are too big! Yours looks great.

Daniele

[mmzill]

Well, talking about dreams.....about a week after we found out I was pregnant, I had a dream that we were going to have twin boys! I woke up in a cold sweat, saying "No Lord! Not me!" So four wks later at my u/s when the tech said it was twins I didn't know what to say! That is by far the strangest dream I've had. Did anyone else have an idea that you were going to have two, before you knew for sure?

I've not seen them move yet, and only barely felt them. I'm anxious to be feeling them on a regular basis.

Daniele, glad your appt went well. My next one is Feb 2nd also, I can't wait!

Monica

[vthompson]

Lisa - your dream had me laughing out loud at work!! It was very funny! I needed the comic relief!

Monica - I did not have any feelings that I was going to have 2 before I found out. That is crazy that you dreamt that! Your body must have been giving you a sign.

Right after we found out about twins, I had a dream that we went for an ultrasound and they couldn't find either baby. All of a sudden, there was a ledge on the u/s screen and 2 frogs came swimming up and sat on it. They were both smiling and waving at us and the doctor said that our babies were doing great! It was crazy! I think that is why we are leaning towards the bedding with frogs. I thought it would be funny!

Valerie

[2peasurprise]

Hello Everybody:

I am a newbie to Twins Magazine as well as this board. I am due with twins June 15th so I just passed my 19 week mark...almost halfway there:) The doctors are pretty confident that there is only one placenta so we are thinking we are expecting identicals. Not sure what their gender is because the babies were not cooperating during my last ultrasound...am so anxious to find out though.

I am really excited about finding this supportive message board! On top of all of the first time mama worries and complete lack of information and experience, my husband and I are currently living in Germany on an international work assignment for his job. I have been feeling extra nervous and isolated here! We have been here for just over a year and are expecting to return to Michigan October 2006. So...our twins will be born here in Germany without the help and support from our family.:eek: We have found a wonderful OB though that we highly respect and trust so he has helped put my mind at ease somewhat.

Well I am looking very forward to jumping in here! :)
Danielle

[Jillmami]

Danielle - A big welcome to you and glad that you found the site! I am sorry about the babies not being born among your family and friends. However, it sounds as if you found a wonderful doctor that is a huge part of the process. It seems as if you are both making the best of things. It will also be a cool story for your kids to tell one day!

I moved an entire closet's worth of 'stuff' to the spare room's closet since we are making my old office into the nursery. Of course I took a 3 hour nap afterwards! ;) The nursery is finally on its way.

The dreams are funny! Definitely good for a laugh. I have had some strange ones but not that crazy.

Well, I'm always hungry but nothing sounds good. So I am off to the store to search the aisles for something that strikes my fancy. Take care everyone!

Jill

<a href="http://lilypie.com"><img src="http://bd.lilypie.com/SMbFm8.png" alt="Lilypie Baby Ticker" border="0" /></a>

[twinsmakethree]

Hello Everyone,

I am new here, well maybe not new ive been lurking for months now enjoying the comraderie that is here. It is sooo nice to be with people who can relate. My name is andrea and I am 5mths pregnant with g/g fraternal twins. I am a stay at home mom with one 13yr old daughter whom I home school, my husband and i have been trying for 11 yrs to have children, our final step was IVF and we were blessed to succeed the first try. My due date is June 8th. I wish I could catch up with all the other post and speak of my journey as well but that will take to long:) Anyway I will share my strange dream. I was pregnant and a group of friends and i were in charge of inspecting animal shelters when we got to this one a kangaroo jumped out and begin running away he got hit by a car and took his leg off and kissed it and hugged it threw it to the side and began to run again eventually i caught up with it and had a conversation with him and realized he didnt want to be caged in so we hugged and cried together and returned him to a better home strange huh:eek: Im still trying to figure it out!! It continues with me having my twins and somehow we are on a voyage to visit people in jail, i dont know. Anyway thats the starngest dream I have had since my pregnancy others have been different but not strange!

Well I cant not wait to jump in on the list I hope everyone is having a wonderful Sunday!

<a href="http://lilypie.com"><img src="http://bd.lilypie.com/2ikim5.png" alt="Lilypie Baby Ticker" border="0" /></a>

[vthompson]

Welcome to our new mommies, Danielle and Andrea. I think you will find comfort being a part of everything, at least I have! :D

Andrea - after such a long journey, you and your husband must be really excited! How is your daughter with everything? Is she excited? It should be nice to have an extra pair of hands when the babies are born!

Danielle - That is incredible that you are in Germany. I agree that the story will be really fascinating to tell your children some day! I hope that the twins cooperate next time so you can find out the sexes. The suspense must be overwhelming! I have my level II this Tuesday to find out the sexes. I am so worried that they will not cooperate. I am going to have a little talk with them before we go :p

Well, I am feeling really worn out today so I am going to rest. Have a great day!

Valerie

[TMoT]

Hi, Ladies! This is only my second post to this forum, and I can't even find my previous one anymore (was over a month ago)! I just wanted to write because I saw that at least two other moms expecting twins at around the same time as me are living in Europe! What are the chances of that?!? I am guessing you are Americans too (?), and probably facing some of the same challenges I am for the moment... Besides the ups and downs of twin pregnancy, I am also struggling to get my hands on good/cheap twin equipment (stroller, especially!), and would love to share experiences! Otherwise, I'm 39 (!), a mommy of two boys (ages 5 and almost-7), and we know from u/s that at least one of the twins is a boy too! I know they're fraternal because we have LOTS of twins in our family, including ME!!! ;-)

Had a rocky 16 weeks so far, though. Bleeding/hospitalization in my 8th week, LOTS of nausea (added to a "pre-existing" gastro-reflux condition I have!), and fatigue, of course! So, I've been on bed-rest and reduced physical activity, but things seem to have started getting better in the second trimester. Not working for the moment, so that helps a lot, but I wouldn't be able to survive without all the slack my honey has picked up... Amazing (surprising, disappointing??!) how the world can still survive so well without me running around playing Drill (or, as I like to say "Grrrl") Sargeant! Hmmm. ;-)

Wonderful, inspiring and comforting to read your posts, and I'm looking forward to sharing thoughts/experiences with you all on this thread!
Sherry
(Twin Mom of Twins) ;-)

[TMoT]

I just wanted to add (to my novel above) that I also had a dream about having twins before I actually knew about them, like Monica! Maybe because I had already been hearing about it from EVERYONE (that I was GOING TO have twins -- like I've earned it or something at my age!), or whatever, but... The very night before our pregnancy "confirmation" u/s visit to the obstetrician (Thanksgiving Day, in fact), I woke up having dreamt about a little girl who looked a lot like me when I was little (I think?) -- and a lot like my younger sister's toddler twin girl -- and the dream had a kind of subtitle that read "One of them is a 'Fatso Blondie'" (my mom's nick-name for me when I was a little twin!)...!!! And, I thought to myself "ONE?"... of "THEM"?!?!?!?!!! And, voila, when the doctor held up the "v"-sign and mouthed "there are TWO in there," I wasn't so much surprised -- as, well, SHOCKED!!! The chances that I naturally conceived twins were already pretty high (given my age, genes, etc.), plus I had been having TERRIBLE m/s. So the "surprise" element when we got the news was a bit lacking, but that didn't (and still doesn't, sometimes) make up for the fact that my partner and I were hugely SHOCKED by the idea of there being two little babies in there!!

*sigh* Isn't it great that some of the most wonderful things in life are entirely NOT of our own doing??!??!!!! :-D
Sherry

[mmzill]

Welcome Danielle, Andrea and Sherry! This board is great! It is so nice to know that others are going through this crazyness too! Sometimes I feel all alone, but I get on here and read other posts and it always lifts my spirits!

Andrea, our due dates are really close! Mine is June 7th.....although I'm sure I'll deliver by May 20th or so, at least I'm not wanting to go the full 40 wks :D, 38 would be great, but that's enough, if we make it that far I'll be begging for induction!:D

Well, hope everyone had a wonderful weekend. I must go feed my dd breakfast.

[mmzill]

Lisa, I'm not having a bloody nose, but mine is so congested! I wake up in the middle of the night and can't get back to sleep 'cause I can't breath! I think it is the dry air......and being pregnant I'm sure has something to do with it! :) It has something to do with everything now-a-days!

[Tadpoles]

Just thought I would let you know that I have been put on complete bedrest rest until the end of this pg. I went to see my gyno on friday because I had not been feeling very comfy and had back and hip pain, when he examined me my cervix was open by about 1 -1.5cms. The babies are fine though and do not seem to trying to leave, it's my body, I just get to a certain stage in the pg and my cervix starts to open, it happened with India and I was on bedrest from 23 wks until 35 and then on modified rest until the end, which turned out to be 2 days overdue. However we have a full scan on weds and the dr is going to check me again, if I have stayed as I am I get to stay at home on rest but if i have opened anymore I have to go into hospital until the end - guess which one we are hoping for, as I am only 21.5 wks!!!

Have done a full post on the may thread if you want to know all the details

take care

[vthompson]

I do not get bloody noses, but every time I blow my nose, blood comes out. It is pretty gross and annoying. I am also very congested.

Welcome back to the new mommy, Sherry! We are glad you joined us!

Lisa - I am sorry you are not feeling well today. Hang in there! I still have days like that, where it feels like the sickness is returning, and then I feel ok for a few days. Usually after lunch, I start to feel pretty crappy!

Tadpoles - I am sorry to hear you are on bedrest, but at least the babies are doing well! It will be over before you know it! Hang in there! :)

Valerie

[Daniele'sTwins]

Welcome to the board Danielle and Andrea! Danielle, that is so awesome that you are having your twins in Germany!

I am home today, SOO SICK! I could not lift my head up all day yesterday. I had a fever and still do along with a horrible stomach bug! I could not eat a thing yesterday and I just tried to eat some soup right now but I could only have two bites! I have been against taking any meds in the past even though it is proven safe for the babies - **** I wont even drink decaf coffee! BUt I am taking tylenol now becasue I heard that a fever would hurt the baby. Who should I call about this? I am scared to call my OBGYN because he has offered me the flu shot twice and I have refused both times. Although this is not the flu. I have never in my life felt this way.

UGH...as for the bloody noses. I heard that it was common during pregnancy. I don't really get bloody noses but I, like Valarie do get blood each time I blow my nose.

Tadpoles...I hope you get some rest!

Daniele

[Daniele'sTwins]

Okay, I did call my OBGYN...he said to keep drinking lots of fluids and that if I feel dizzy and lightheaded then I would have to be admitted to the hospital:eek: ...I am going to go get another drink!

My Poor Boys! I feel like the worst mom today!

[sheriba]

Hi there! I too am new to this site and any message boards! I am really due 6/9 but as we all know they will not make it to wk 40. Therefore my target date is May 20th! We are thrilled to know that we are expecting one of each and it is perfect as it is our first, last and only pregancy.
I have tons of funky dreams but it would take too long to write so I will spare you all! I do have a lot of drainage/little blood but I hear that is common too. Gosh, so many things that go on w/the body it is incredible to me.
The biggest thing we learned in our "Multiples Class" was that we are to gain 24# in 24 wks for healthy kiddos. Did you know that? I thought that the weight gain would come at the end of the pregancy but it will slow down due to lack of space and we don't really know when they will be delivered too. So, I suggest everyone eat if they haven't and FORCE yourself to if you aren't hungy (which is my case) to eat small snacks all day long....and eat just about anything you can for calories. At my last appt (17wk) I had only gained 1# and I was happy about that. Of course, that was before I learned about eating now - to stock up for the kids - so that when I can't eat, they will still get food from my stock pile! :-)
Again, HI to everyone else expecting officially in June!! I hope to hear/learn many great things!

[mmzill]

Daniele, sorry you are soo sick! (I refused the flu shot too, alot of them have mercury in them, and I didn't want that in my body) From what I've read, you shouldn't let your fever go higher than 102 degrees. I'm not sure who you should call though. Hope you feel better!

Georgina - I was wondering what happened to you, but thought you were just posting in May, hope everything works out and you keep those babies in there!

Sheriba, welcome! I also have heard it's better to gain the weight in the beginning, but I'm really having a hard time with it! So, I hope I start catching up. My dr doesn't seem concerned, hopefully everybody will grow ok even if I haven't put on 24 lbs yet! :)

OH something exciting happened this weekend. Friday night I was laying on the couch, with my hand on my stomach and I actually felt one of the babies move!!! I was really excited! He kicked me quite a few times too, then I got my dh to feel and he quit :) Oh well. I've not felt them much since then, but that was a real treat! Can't wait to feel them regularly.

[vthompson]

Welcome Sheriba! I cannot believe how many new mommies have joined the forum in the past few days!! It is exciting. I have also heard about the weight gain, I am trying my hardest, but at my 16 week checkup, I had only gained a total of 10 pounds. I hope I gain more as the weeks pass!

Monica - That is so exciting about feeling the babies move! I think I may have begun to feel some movement. It started Thursday. It is hard to tell the difference between that fluttering and my stomach rumbling. However, at times, there is so much feeling that I assume it is more then just my stomach.

Daniele - I am so sorry that you are sick. Don't think that you are a bad mom!! You are resting, and that is the best that you can do for you and your babies! I hope you feel better soon!

Well, my level II is tomorrow. I can't wait! I feel like a kid on Christmas who thinks that going to bed real early will make the morning get here faster :p

Well, talk to you soon!!

Valerie

[2peasurprise]

Hi Everybody!

Wow did I really miss out on all the action being away from the board the last couple of days!
Thank you for the warm welcome...I already feel like one of the bunch.

Andrea, Sherry, and Sheriba - - So glad to have so many of us just finding this treasure:) Welcome to you as well!

Sherry - - Wow...someone else who understands the additional challenges of living abroad while going through this! It is bittersweet for me...special in lots of ways as well as extremely frightening at times! Can't wait to continue to swap stories! We have found it challenging as well to find reasonable gear because as I am sure you are well aware, there are rarely bargains. I have had the best luck through the American Women's Club. In fact it looks like I am picking up a 2 year old convertible crib with mattress (in excellent condition) this week for 100 Euros. :)

Georgina - - So sorry to hear you are on bedrest but that is good news that the babies are doing OK. Hang in there! Do you have help with your dd?

Daniele - - What a bummer to be sick:( I had a similar sounding bug(s) in early December and know all too well how miserable that is. Glad to hear that you called your OB...don't ever be scared to do that because that is what they are there for. I called mine right away when I was sick like that and he helped me tremendously. In fact I started worrying about the babies so he brought me in for an ultrasound to ease my mind. Take care of yourself!

Valerie - - We are going to do the frog theme for our nursery as well but don't have your same funny connection to a dream. Instead, my dh and I have both felt that as we have gotten to know our "wild" little ones through ultrasounds as they flip and jump around continuously, we thought that frogs seemed very fitting:) Plus, I really wanted to find something that brought in the light green color because I just love that, regardless of whether we have girls or boys. Have you picked out your bedding yet? I have found a line of crib bedding with a few frog choices that I think we are going to go with - - Brandee Danielle.

I have laughed so hard at all of your dreams! I was a strange dreamer before my pregnancy but now I am off the charts!

I am glad that many of you are not feeling the big kicks yet. I am mostly feeling just the small flutters/movements that only I can feel because I think I am aware of them from the inside as well...my poor dh is feeling left out because he wants to feel all of this. We have only had one evening last week where the baby on my left was positioned just so and kicking so hard that it literally moved your hand up and you could just watch my skin moving. My dh was so excited and has tried to feel something every night since then but no such luck. I will be glad, like most of you, when I can feel the big ones regularly. I am glad you are in the same boat because I was getting a little concerned because my OB has been telling me for a few weeks now that I should start feeling them.

Anyone feeling a lot more pressure or cramping lately? I have been much more uncomfortable than I have before. I am not sure if I am stretching so much and going through a big growth spurt right now or what but I have to lay down much more for relief.

[mmzill]

Valerie ~ I hope your apt goes well!!!! I'm sure you can't wait!

Danielle ~ I love the Brandee Daniele line! I really like the Noah's Ark one she has. I'm trying to do something similar with what I'm making.....we'll see how it turns out.

[TMoT]

Hi, all. I just read Sheriba's post about gaining 24lbs in 24wks, and I've seen the same thing online about moms-to-be of twins. I also saw a very informative link on another forum about diet/nutrition (which goes quite a bit against so-called "conventional" wisdom)... Please have a look to get some pointers about packing it on (never thought I'd be singing the praises of weight-gain, but pregnancy makes us do strange things...!)

www.blueribbonbaby.org

This doctor links low weight-gain (esp in EARLY pregnancy) with a LOT of complications (understatement) in late pregnancy/birth. So I really think it's worth checking out for all of us NOW.

Another interesting link (although we're still a bit early for this, and the implications for twins is less obvious) is:

www.spinningbabies.com

They inform pregnant women about GOOD (=for baby) positions in which to sleep, sit, etc. -- mainly to make us hyper-conscious about how our baby/ies is/are positioned during pregnancy, and to facilitate birth. I suppose a lot of you experienced moms out there have heard this sermon before (about active birth, etc.), and I would LOVE to hear about what you've gone through in labor, but since so many twin deliveries end up in cesarean due to wrong positioning of the babies, I figured we could use all the help we can get...!

Last thing: I was wondering if anyone of you out there has heard of/is considering "infant potty training"/"elimination communication"/diaper-less babies, or whatever you want to call it?

(Another site: diaperfreebaby.org)

I heard about this from my best friend when she was pregnant with her second baby -- they did it and she LOVED it! (Btw, she's now pregnant with her third, so I'm lucky to have someone else very close to swap war stories with!) I just very much dislike the idea of adding to all that industrial waste (for producing disposables), the COST of diapers -- especially if you have two in diapers at the same time (many of us have already been there) -- and the stench, environmental damage, etc., etc. Of course, there are all the icky/unnatural implications for our babies walking around in messy diapers too (!), so, hmm..... Anyways. I was convinced I wanted to try this when I knew I was pregnant, but now that it's going to be TWO, I'm not deterred, just looking out for anyone who might be considering the same idea so we can share experience.....

Okay. That's enough as for my thoughts of the day. If it's not this kind of stuff, I'm searching for low-priced twin-strollers online all over Europe!! And, btw, Danielle, I don't know where you live in Germany, but the diaper-free people have a club there that meets regularly. AND, I've found that -- as far as buying twin baby stuff in Europe goes -- you're in a good spot! We'll probably end up making a trip to Aachen to get our twin stuff -- or order it from a German site (good one: www.kidsroom.de).

Sorry for blabbing! Looking forward to hearing what you all think about these topics...!
Sherry

[newmomx2]

Hi everyone.

First welcome to all the new mommies - this board is really growing...Quick recap on myself is that I am due 6/8 so targeting midmay....I have been on bedrest (full then partial) since 12/5 so Georgina I know how you feel it is hard but you and the babies will be fine !! If you need good book recommendations let me know.

Well I went for my first level II today and we are having 2 boys. DH is pretty upset he wanted a little girl so badly, he is happy that everyone is healthy but sad that he may never have his little girl...he is afraid he can't be as affectionate to a little boy - I think he will be surprised once they arrive. As I said everything looked great only issue was that one of the placenta's is very low lying and the doctor is concerned and thinks that is what caused the bleeding early in my pregnancy - she said it might move some more but they need to keep a close eye on it - not sure if I will be released back to work or not...

In terms of weight gain - I freaked out yesterday when I realized I went from only gaining 2 #s in 13 weeks to 13 #s in 7 weeks...of course my stomach is huge but the Doctor wanted me to keep weight gain to only 30...

Welcome again to everyone new...and for all having u/s in the next few days /weeks GOOD LUCK

- Missy:o

[mmzill]

Lisa, glad you are feeling better! It's no fun to not feel in the mood to be at work, but you have to be there anyways!

Sherry, Thanks for the links on weight gain and diapering. I know my husband would love to not have to diaper these babies!!!! :D I'll check it out.

Missy, Congrats on the boys!!! I'm suprised that your dr said you should only gain 30 lbs! I gained 38 with my dd, and everything I've read on twins says you should gain 40 or more......ugh, but anyways, glad the apt went well and that the babies are doing well.

Anyone have names yet? We are having a really hard time picking out TWO boy names. I think it's hard enough to find one name you really like, much less four! (first and middle) anyways. We like Payton, but that's about all we've come up with.

[Tiny Blessings]

Welcome to all of the new folks joining this board....how wonderful that we get to literally "grow" together.

Valerie, good luck with your Level II tomorrow. I can't wait to read your next post about how everything goes...how exciting! I go in for my Level II on Friday and I can hardly wait!

Regarding the weight gain issue, I am a bit alarmed by the whole 24 pounds in 24 weeks statement. YIKES! At my doctor's appointment last week I learned that I finally gained another pound for a grand total of 3 pounds in 17 weeks. I simply can not force myself to eat, as I tend to still vomit in the morning and have a limited appetite at dinner. My best time is at lunch when I can tolererate food and keep it down. My focus has had to be on making every bite healthy and nutritious when I can eat. I joked with my hubby that I have a bit of pre-pregnancy stored up fat already, so that should keep the babies going just fine until I can tolerate food better. :D

My belly is really popping out now and I look far more pregnant than I really am. On Friday, was at the hospital for my father in laws surgery. I was wandering down the hall looking for the nearest bathroom when I discovered that I was wandering through the birthing wing.....given that my tummy is bulging out so much, I hightailed it out of there but fast before some overzealous nurse strapped me down to a bed before anyone knew what happened to me! :p LOL

I have been having some crazy dreams, too , and they are quite vivid and seem so real. Weird.....

I was sorry to hear of the illness and bedrest issues that some of you are experiencing. Remember to do whatever your doctor asks as the most important thing is to keep our babies safe! Take care everyone!

Tina

<a href="http://lilypie.com"><img src="http://bd.lilypie.com/TSxqm5.png" alt="Lilypie Baby Ticker" border="0" /></a>

[sheriba]

Thank you all for the kind welcome! :p I am excited to find out about this site!!

I must say, I am getting bummed that I can't feel the kiddos yet. I guess that will come shortly. I will ask when I go to the Dr. on Thursday, for my 21 wk checkup. I am sure I will feel much better when I hear their hearts beating at least! :cool:

Has anyone joined the Mothers for Mulitples in their area? I found out they have an 'honorary' membership until the babies are 3 mo old. The cost is only $30 / year too after that. They meet 1 x / mo. I will attend the first meeting in 2/14 and let you know more about it then. In the mean time, you can check out http://www.nomotc.org/ to find your local organization.

I hope everyone is feeling better now too!!

Question, but what is DH -- many of you write in your notes? (Dad??)

[newmomx2]

In terms of names for my new boys, which was NOT easy - girls we very easy boys took a lot of negotiating....our forerunners are Corey David and Tyler Edward (David is my hubby's paternal grandfather and Edward is my paternal grandfather which we thought would be nice. I liked Ethan as well !

Lisa - I was cracking up by your comment about how when people ask when you are due you bow your head and mumble June - that is how I feel they expect you to say next month but no it is 4 more months !!! - I have been having issues tying my shoes lately ! I will say even though I started to gain weight in the last 4 weeks it is all in my stomach...curious to get the Doctor's opinion.

Sheriba - funny you mentioned Mothers of Multiples I just called my local chapter today and left a message to get some information - I am really hoping that some local gals can give me some advice on day care options...that is a big stressor for me..:eek:

I have not felt anyone kick when my hand is on my belly but I do feel them move around more and more these days...and someone keeps kicking my bladder like I don't have enough bladder control issues to worry about...haha

Anyone have heartburn - that has been my new develoment this week - Mylanta ultra chewables is my new best friend:)

Valerie I am excited to get an update !!

[Tiny Blessings]

Hi...just checking to see how your Level II went, Valerie. I will keep my fingers crossed that all went well!

Lisa, I have been experiencing the back pain on the right side for the past few weeks. Seems worse as I go throughout the day. I work in the school setting so most days can leave by around 3:30, but there have been days when I have wondered if I was going to make it to the end of the day. Getting up and walking around helps. Are you able to to do that at all?

Is anyone NOT finding out the sex of the babies? My level II is Friday and I am on the fence about finding out. Part of me wants to, but another part wants the element of surprise. DH definitely wants to know, so perhaps one of us will leave on Friday knowing! HA! I didn't find out with my first pregnancy and it was kinda nice. I guess I have some thinking to do before Friday, eh!

Take care everyone...

Tina

<a href="http://lilypie.com"><img src="http://bd.lilypie.com/s6rhm5.png" alt="Lilypie Baby Ticker" border="0" /></a>

[vthompson]

Hello Everyone! I cannot believe how many posts I had to catch up on after not being at work today! Well, I had my level II today. We are having a boy and a girl so we are VERY excited!!!! :) However, the doctor did find 2 small cysts on the girl's head. He said that everything else looks perfect so his opinion is that everything will be fine. He said that these often go away and mean nothing, especially if everything else looks good. I have to believe that he would not have been so reassuring if he thought it could be more. Of course, my husband and I came right home and did some research and everything our doctor said was true. However, if it was more, it can mean that she has a chromosomal defect. The doctor said that babies born with this defect often miscarry or die shortly after being born. I am really trying to not be worried, especially since the doctor does not seem to be worried. I think I remember someone else writing about this, but I cannot remember the details. Does anyone have any insights?

Missy - Congratulations on the boys! It is so exciting to finally know the sexes, isn't it?

Well, I would love to respond to some more posts, but I am so tired and I think it is time to call it a night. Talk to you soon!!

Valerie

[mmzill]

Hey everyone!

Valerie, that's great that you are having one of each! (I don't remember, are these your first?) I'm sure that the cysts are nothing to worry about, but I know if it were me, I'd be really having a hard time not worrying. Glad everything else checked out. It's so nice to be able to see them and that they are still in there!

About Mother of Multiples, I checked into it back in November, and there is not a local chapter in my area:( I was bumbed, but oh well. It sounds like a really good group.

Lisa, I like Ethan and Brady! I like Corey and Tyler too! We are still debating on what we want.

Tina - we could never wait until delivery to find out the sexes! My dh and I are like kids on Christmas, and just can't wait! But best of luck to you if you choose to. I would die of anticipation though :D

I spent the morning yesterday looking for more fabric for the bumpers, I'm working on the animals.....it's been difficult to find what I like. Then I ate at Panera Bread - one just opened here!!! Yum, I love eating there! Today is going to be more low key.

Someone asked about DH - dear husband, DD - dear daughter, DS - dear son, and so on.

Have a good day everyone!

[Tiny Blessings]

Valerie...one boy and one girl....HOORAY! You must be very excited. And now it is time to chose some names! And think of the great shopping trips ahead now that you know the sexes! :p I agree that if there were somethng that really concerned the doctor he/she would have said so. Is the cyst something that they watch over time and will you go in for another Level II in the future to see if they have gone away? I never knew this was so common! This board can be very informative.

Lisa, sorry to hear that the back pain continues. Hopefully this will let up to give you some relief soon. I wish I wasn't working today...have a cold/flu thing that I have been fighting off unsuccessfully. Trying desperately to save up every possible sick day that I can for when the babies come, though.

Take care everyone...gotta get back to work.
Tina

[vthompson]

Thanks for everyone's encouraging words! We will go back in 4 weeks for another level II. The doctor said that usually the cysts disappear between 22 and 28 weeks, or something like that. As for what it is called, I think it is something like what you mentioned Monica. It had some really strange name.

As for names, we have come up with names, but we decided to keep them a secret from our families and friends so that they have a surprise when they are born. However, I figured I can share them with you guys. We have chosen Corey Michael and Kayley Anne. I know someone else posted that they like Corey. I hope it is ok that we have also chosen it :) We went back and forth about the spelling of each name and in the end, decided to go with the Irish spellings, according the baby book of names we have.

Lisa - I am sorry that your pains are so bad today. I usually have those problems if I did too much, like running errands, or too much at work. I am VERY jealous that you are at home today!! ;) I just can't wait to stop working! Thanks for the story about your friend and your own story. It is much more relieving to hear that someone else was in a similar situation and everything worked out well.

Danielle - I know you posted this awhile back, but you mentioned the frog bedding. We are going with a print from Kidsline called Leap Froggie. I found it at Baby Depot. Here is the link if you are interested in taking a look http://www.burlingtoncoatfactory.com/IWCatSectionView.process?Section_Id=35365&lc=bc
I have checked out the brand you mentioned, and she also has some very pretty prints.

By the way, what does LOL stand for? I have seen it in several posts.

Well, I really need to get back to work :( I will check back later!

Valerie

[KristenV]

Hello All. I haven't written in a while, it has been very crazy around our house. I am now 20 weeks along and we went in last Friday for our level II ultra-sound. We are having a boy and girl. We are thrilled, that is exactly what we wanted. Both babies look very healthy and are measuring within an 1 ounce of each other. My other two (son - 5 yrs., daughter - 3 1/2 yrs.) are very excited.

I have been feeling pretty well, the heartburn has set in. Chewing gum seems to help it go away. I tend to get it in the middle of the night. I have the normal back and pelvic pains, but other than that am doing great.

I have started looking at infant car seats and strollers. Does anyone have any preferences on these?

Well, it is good to be back and hear everyone's updates, I am sure we will be talking soon.

Kristen

[anniepac]

Hello to all expectant mothers !!
I am new to this forum. I am currently 19 weeks pregnant with twins. I have a daughter who just turned 2 on Monday. I am feeling completely overwhelmed over the past week or so. I am extremely irritable and seem to lose my patience very easily. I have never been depressed before, and only had mild mood swings with my first pregnancy. I currently work f/t in the medical field and have a husband who travels frequently-- therefore the majority of household and parenting tasks are left to me when he is gone. When he is in town he is a tremendous help.
We are so excited about the babies, but this overwhelming feeling is taking the joy out of the pregnancy.
I was completely fine without any depressed/anxious feeling until this past week.
Any words of advice would be greatly appreciated!

[Tiny Blessings]

Valerie the names you picked are great...how exciting to be able to refer to them by name now! We kept our DS's name a secret, too until after he was born and it was fun to have the little secret and to have an announcement of the name when he was finally born. By the way, LOL stands for "laugh out loud".

AnniePac...welcome to the group. Sorry to hear that things are getting you down right now. I also work f/t and have an 18 month old and I realize that it must be very difficult to do so much of the parenting and daily chores on your own without passing it off to you DH during those times when you just are too tired to do any more. Is there anyone else who can help you out in any way? Family nearby or a neighbor or friend who can pinch hit every once in a while? Perhaps you may find some strength and comfort in this board, as folks are very supportive of each other here.

Kristen, I did a lot of research on infant seats before my son was born. (Had time then as I didn't have kids yet! LOL) I went with the Graco infant seat for the safety ratings and the conveneince of 2 base units to keep in my car and DH's truck. Very convenient. Plus it came with a stroller that the seat snapped right into. Since then, however, I have discovered the Britax line and have switched all of my seats over to that brand. They are big, but have excellent safety ratings and it is very comfortable. My son used to cry every time I put him in his other seat (I think it was a Cosco Omega that we got as a shower gift)....the moment I switched seats he has been fine ever since. The positioning is much more natural and when he falls asleep his head doesn't topple forward like it did in the other one. So anyway, this is just my experience and preferences, of course. I am sure that others will have varying opinions and suggestions, too. As for a stroller, I haven't decided yet. I kinda like the frame stroller that the 2 infant seats snap into, but I am not convinced yet that I would use it a whole lot. Plus I would then have to get another after they outgrow the infant seats after a year or so.

Good night everyone....too tired to stay up any later tonight. Need to get some rest for a long day tomorrow.

Tina

[TMoT]

Dear AnniePac,
I was where you are with my second pregnancy -- but you have it in MAGNITUDES! Partner who worked a lot/was not home, little one/s under your feet, running a household, (a job??), AND +pregnancy+!!!!! AAAARGH!!!

I'm sorry I can't offer a lot of advice on "how to manage" a situation like that. Lord knows, I was desperate (also living in a foreign country -- still am), with no family around, etc., etc...! BUT, to try to avoid depression, at least, please check out the post I made to another thread yesterday, and follow the link in there (Omega-3 Fatty Acids (fish oil) against Depression) for more info:

http://www.twinsmagazine.com/vbulletin/showthread.php?t=36318

Bottom line is: (*IF* YOU CAN MAKE THE TIME TO FEED YOURSELF "appropriately" at all) EAT YOUR FISH!!!!!!!! (blech, maybe, but good for pregnant mommies -- and all people!)

Good luck. My heart is with you!
Sherry
Twin Mom(to be) of Twins

[vthompson]

AnniePac - I cannot imagine how overwhelmed you feel. Working f/t, parenting, and house chores is extremely time consuming. Unfortunately I do not have any words of wisdom. All I can say is the babies will be here before you know it! So try and hang in there! Is there anyone else that could help you while your husband is traveling? Hopefully being a part of this board will help you, too. At least you can express your frustrations!

Lisa - how are you feeling today? I hope better!

Kristen - Since I am a first time mom, I do not know much about car seats/strollers. However, we did purchase the Graco dual glider stroller. You can put both car seats in the stroller and then when they grow out of those, it is a regular double stroller. As for car seats, we have to get Graco Snug Ride because that is what fits in the stroller. I hope this helps!!

Well, I have to get back to work. I am having a really hard time being here today. I really cannot wait to stop working!

Valerie

[2peasurprise]

Hello everybody:)

Have been away from the board the past couple of days so I have a lot of catching up to do here...

Monica - - Another fan of the Brandee Danielle line...there are so many great ones to choose from! I was actually contemplating the Noah's Ark theme at one point before I settled on frogs. Kudos to you for making your stuff...I wish so badly that I knew how to sew! Please let us know how it all turns out.

Sherry - - Thanks a bunch for all of the informative websites to check out...looking forward to reading further. Glad to hear we are in a good place to find stuff...still looking for more bargains.

Missy - - Contrats on boys! Don't freak out about your weight gain. If it is any consolation, I have gained at least 20 pounds so far. My doctor was finally pleased at my last appointment because he kept telling me he wants to see me gaining weight more steadily. He wants me to gain about 50 pounds total:eek:

Valerie- - Congratulations on your girl/boy pair! What sweet names you have picked out. I can imagine it must have been frightening to hear your doctor mention cysts. Our doctors are the ones with the medical background and experience though so I always try to keep my concerns to his...I know it must be hard though because that is always easier said than done.
Also, thanks a bunch for the link to your Leap Froggie bedding! It is adorable as well. I am actually going to get the clothes peg and drawer knobs from there because that will coordinate with whatever frog bedding I end up going with.

Kristen - - Wow...another boy/girl pair:) Congratulations! Great news that both babies are healthy and thriving too!

Anniepac - - Sorry to hear you are having a tough time right now. Sounds like you have your hands full. Hang in there and keep posting on this board because I think you will find it so supportive.

Lisa - - I am exactly like you with feeling anxious and worried about new pains I am experiencing. Don't ever feel silly about getting things checked out though...you can never be too cautious! Glad to hear everything is OK and it must be nice having the peace of mind now.

I think that pretty much catches me up now so hopefully I can stay on top of the conversation now:)

[vthompson]

Lisa- I would not feel silly for being cautious! We do not know what to expect. From what I read, if you are in pre term labor, it can be stopped if you catch it, so I don't blame you for going. I would have done the same thing! Also, your doctor told you to go so you had to follow their directions :)

Danielle - I am glad that you found the bedding site useful!

By the way, I know a lot of people have been posting the sexes of their babies. So, in case I missed anyone, congratulations to everyone who knows the sexes and has successful level II's.

Well, hope everyone is well!

Valerie

[Dad of twins]

Hello Ladies!
I look at this site every now and then but I don't write that often. My wife and I have a four year old daughter and now we are having twinn boys! She is now 20 weeks along and feeling ok. We had been trying for aleast three years and now god has blessed us with the twins. The Doc has already told her that she is done work at 28 weeks! It has been an experiance for sure.
I asked her if she has had any weird dreams and she told me no. My wife said that she is very congested but no bloody nose. I could see the boy's moving last night! That is pretty cool to see. She said that they move all the time. They must be fighting already!
Is anyone else having another baby shower? My wife is worried about have on again. I told her that is would not be a big deal but you know woman:p
Well I have to go hang with the daughter so talk later.

Jason
edd June 14

[sheriba]

Hi Dad of Twins! Nice to see a guy on the site! Just so you know, I found out on the first 'real' visit to my OB that I would be on bedrest (I can work w/my feet up but not make meals, shop, clean etc) starting week 25!

That being said, I went for my 21 wk check up -- all is great. I just have 1 month of 'freedom' left! The biggest thing I learned today was if post partum depression runs in your family or if you think you might get this (more than the 'blues' which is normal) that you should contact a Psychologist now, visit him now, and be ready if you do really need it after the babies arrive. My mom suffered from this, and I brought it up to the Dr. and he gave me a name of someone that specializes in this. Regarding weight, I finally gained 8# so I am at 16# now have 3 weeks to gain 8# to 24# (with the 24# in 24wks). My Dr told me from the start 35-45# but again, I thought that would come in the end, but wrong-need to gain it now to be safe.
Oh, still not feeling the kiddos....bummer.

Lisa - Hang in there. I am with you, first time pregancy, I don't have a clue what I should be feeling or where things should really hurt or how much is "normal". Every day seems to be an experience.
The funniest is when I sneeze, the 2 ligaments (by the belly button) get pulled and it really hurts! Eks..:eek:

Everyone, have a great end of week!! It's almost the weekend! We are going to put one crib together to see what it will be like in the room, trying to figure out the spacing for two! Plus the painter needs to know the height for the mural he will paint in Feb.

Happy dreams and feels :cool: to you all,
Sheri (Sheriba is my work alias, fyi)

[anniepac]

Thank you Ladies -- for all the support!! I feel much better today. I think this group is helping already. :)

?? To ALL Re: when there OB has suggested to stop working. My OB recommends at 28 weeks, I am on feet the majority of the day. DOes that seem to be pretty average?

WHat is census on High-risk OB for a twin pregnancy? I am still seeing my regular OB, however I constantly hear that I should at least have a consult with a high-risk group. I have had only 2 Ultrasound -- 1 at 8 weeks when they said my uterus was measuring large - that is when we found out that we were having twins. They originally thought it to be a single sac pregnancy- then I was sent for a level 2 which showed a membrane separating the babies however only 1 placenta. I was not scheduled for another until 20 weeks ( 1 week to go and super excited!!) I can feel them moving so much I can not wait to see them again.

I hope all are feeling well!! Have a great night
Annie

[twinsmakethree]

Hello Everyone and thanks for the warm welcome!


I thought i would be able to post more this week but it has been very hectic. First my DH was sick and we know when men get sick it's pretty much the end of the world for them! Wednesday morning i woke up and noticed blood on my night gown so of course I had my husband rush me to the ER only to find out two hours or more later that I was suffering from a bad case of hemrroids:o needless to say i was very embarrassed. I received my second level two today and was told everything looks wonderful except:eek: my second baby had a light mark on her heart, but i was told not to worry about anything because the other signs are not there and my triple test came back normal, so that was a huge relief, although they asked me if I wanted an amiocentisis(sp??) I declined since the chances of down syndrome was way below 1 % and that can increase the risk of miscarriage( as told by my dr.).

So I had two seperate appointments in one day on top of the homeschooling and my schooling Im pretty wiped out. I go back for my next level two in 4 weeks but i get a regular ultrasound every three weeks . Its pretty cool because we have pictures of them from the time they were 8 cell zygotes, so to see there development is awesome. My daughter saw them today for the first time and she was in awe! She's really excited about being a big sister after wanting siblings for so long( i told her wait until they start borrowing your things!!).

Well thats my update

AnniePac- I know it may not seem so right now but it gets easier, hang in there!

Valerie/kristen- Boy/girl twins that is wonderful May they be blessed to be healthy and may your delivery be one of ease

Missy- Congrats on your two little boys with the danger of sounding redundant may they also be healthy and your labor be one of ease.

Ok I have to hit the books or at least act like i am:p

<a href="http://lilypie.com"><img src="http://bd.lilypie.com/o7bJm5.png" alt="Lilypie Baby Ticker" border="0" /></a>

[twinsmakethree]

Sorry i forgot i needed to ask can anyone tell me how to find the right position for sleeping.... I sleep on my left and the babies are kicking so much i feel i shouldnt be on that side, but sleeping on my right has become uncomfortable and sleeping on my back feels like im pulling something on the side of my belly. i was going to buy a pregnancy pillow but i dont know if they really work has any one brought one and if so did it work and what kind is best. Between snoring( dont ask), bathroom trips, and chaging sleeping positions, I feel like im up all night!

[TMoT]

I keep reposting this link, but that's because I think it's pretty cool! ;-)

www.spinningbabies.com

She basically says "make a 'nest' of pillows for your tummy to rest in and sleep on your left-hand side as close to on your tummy as possible" (This position makes your tummy a 'hammock' for babies and encourages the correct birthing postion...among other things!) You should also give her site a read-through for SITTING position, exercises, AND last-minute "tricks" to get baby/ies in position even _during_ labor!

Good luck and a good night's rest to all!
Sherry

[vthompson]

Hello Everyone! Another busy day on the board! I left work early yesterday and today. The past 2 days I have felt extremely worn out. Walking to the bathroom at work felt like a mile. I do not feel like I need to sleep, just rest. Has anyone else had days like this? I am always overly tired, but the past 2 days seem to be much worse.

Lisa - We actually got our stroller at Baby Depot, but it is the same as the one at BRU. One of the prints is being discontinued so the stroller was on sale. It is funny you mentioned Daniele, because I was also wondering what happened to her!

Twins Makes Three - I have not purchased a pregnancy pillow, but my DH (I can use this abbreviation now that I know what it means :p ) bought me a body pillow for Christmas and it has been a God sent! I put one half in between my legs and the other under my stomach. It really helps me at night. I can relate to your level II ultrasound. The doctor found 2 cysts on our daughter's head but said not to worry about it because everything else looked good. It is hard to listen to them, but you have to trust that the doctor is telling the truth. I also declined the amniocentesis for the same reason. It is amazing what can happen in one pregnancy!

Annie - My doctor has not set a time for me to stop working. I kind of wish she would, though, so I have something to look forward to :) As for high risk doctor, I am not really sure what the protocol is. I think it depends on your ob. If you are worried, though, it can't hurt to see one. When you went for your level II, was it with a high risk doctor?

Sheri - That is great that your appt went well! I am slightly jealous that you have an end in sight for work :o I wish my doctor would give me some sort of time frame. I go back to see her on the 6th so I think I will bring it up.

Jason - Welcome! It is nice to see a dad getting involved! As for baby shower, these are my first babies so I am definitely having one. However, I do not see why your wife couldn't have a 2nd baby shower, especially with twins. You need so much more now, it would be way too expensive to buy all that yourself!

I hope everyone has a nice weekend!

Valerie

[megzmom]

You sound just like me. Anytime off and I am glued to TLC and Discovery channel and like you I am a worry-wart. I am 18 weeks and just diagnosed with Monochorionic/Diamnionic so I have been a spaz for the past 2 days. Luckily I have alot of coworkers and friends that have same experiences. I am very concerned about going on bedrest and premature delivery. Official due date is in June but the perinatalogist said early May. She also said I'll go on bedrest since I am a school teacher and on my feet all day.

Any advice on homebusiness? I am very good on computers and such. Love to stay home with my boys. I have a 7 year old daughter and didn't have the urge to stay home like I do now.

Thanks,
Heather

[mmzill]

Hey everyone~

About a pregnancy pillow. I bought one with my dd and have it still. I sleep so much better with it! It is a U-shaped one and I love it! It does take up a considerable part of the bed, so my dh isn't real thrilled, but I am very glad I got it. It just supports me all around, and makes sleeping so much better. Plus - I use it so my head and shoulders are elevated and that seems to help with hear burn. Anyways - I'm glad I spent the money.

Welcome dad to the site - this is my second pregnancy, but we are having another shower. There's a ton things that you'll need more of, so I don't feel bad about having another shower at all.

Glad all the apts are going well, even if there are a few worries, it sounds like everything overall is looking good. My next Level II is Thursday.....I can't wait!!

About strollers, we have a Graco Snugride car seat from my dd, so we are going to use that and my best friend has the same one - that we are going to borrow, anyways - I think we are going to get a Duoglider (hopfully in Metropolitian) We haven't completely decided, because I'll have an 18 mo old when the boys are born, so maybe we should look into a triple stroller. But having one that the car seats snap into is WONDERFUL!!!!! I used it all the time when my dd was small and it is great! So for you first time moms, that's my suggestion. My dd didn't have any trouble with her Snugride (I know some babies don't like them) Anyways - I really have been happy with all the Graco products we have used. (Pack n play, and Travel sytem)

I also have a Baby Bjourn (or Snugglie) that I'll use - maybe carry one twin and the other in the stroller with my dd in the stroller too........ugh, I get tired even thinking about it!!! I don't think I'll be going to the store by myself with all my kids ever again :o lol

Annie - I know how you feel about being overwhelmed! I woke up on Monday with that same feeling of "How in the world am I going to be able to take care of THREE kids!!!" I live 8 hrs from family, so am really by myself also, we do have friends here that will help, but it's not like having family close. Anyways - my conclusion is that we'll get through it. One way or another, I'm not the first mom of twins with a toddler, so somehow, I'll get through it too.

And pain - I've been having lots of pain in my hips and pubic bone area! OUCH! I must be loosening up for these kids to come out.....lol.

Heather - what do you mean diagnosed? I have identical boys with one placenta, so I have the same thing......but I'm confused as to what you meant. I know that there is a risk of Twin to Twin Transfusion Syndrom with one placenta, but that's all I knew of.

Well, hope you all have a great weekend!
Monica

[newmomx2]

Hi everyone - I daresay I have been feeling pretty good the last 2 days, but Lisa I SOOOOO know what you mean about worrying about every twinge, ache, and mild pain...I usually wake up with groin pain - I think a pinched nerve - I found once I started to use my body pillow it helped a lot ! I have really started to feel the babies the past 2 days ! I even felt one kick through my stomach but I couldn't get DH there in time..

I love all the patterns that everyone has been choosing for the nurseys...I am stuck on an animal theme - partially because the room already has Noah's Ark border from the previous owner (how ironic..) There is a safari pattern from Baby Depot I like at the moment.

As for strollers I got a Snap N Go double since they will be born so close to summer I am hoping to get out of the house and take walks. I will register for a regular double stroller to use when they out grow the Snap N Go. As for car seats I am thinking Graco but currently am worried about how to hit 2 car seats into our Jetta - YIKES ! We have an SUV for the second vehicle but occasionally will need to use the car.

It is kind of funny so many of you are talking about when you get to stop working - I finally was told I can go back, albeit 1-2 days and the remaining 3 days will be at home...it will be good to go in the office occasionally then I can get my new laptop and see my employees in person...they probably are forgetting I am their boss. Work is great and we are interviewing a contractor to cover while I am out - hopefully the temp is not to good - haha..I am planning to only go back 4 days a week but haven't told my boss that yet...

My doctor did seem to think I may be home on bed rest again by 28 weeks...

Question to all - if you are having a shower what week are you planning for,,,my mom is stressed out that I won't make my own shower - I will need to travel 1 1/2 hours and currently the planned it for end of March..

Okay I am done rambling - good luck to all with Level IIs in the next few days, for those you have just found out the genders congrats, and to everyone who was worried about outcomes of their ultrasounds - chin up the Doctor's job is to give all the facts and it is our jobs as mothers to worry, from what I ready nothing to serious...

- Enjoy your weekends.

[Daniele'sTwins]

Hi Everyone! What an ordeal! I have been reading your posts but for some reason I was not able to post any reply's...it said it did not recognize my password and that it was changed to some number but then when I would plug the new one it wouldn't let me use that one either! I thought I got booted off for writing "the opposite of heaven the other day"!! LOL

Lisa and Valarie...Thank you so much for looking for me. It was so funny when I saw that you had both written something, I was yelling at you through the screen "I AM RIGHT HERE!"

Well this may be a little long because I have a lot to say to you guys. I have actually been jotting down notes so that I would be ready.

Sheriba- Welcome to the board. I am planning on calling the Mother of Multiples in my area too. There is actually one not too far from me. I think it would be fun. I thought about it during the first trimester but realized that it does meet kinda late on a weekday.

Monica...that is soo cool that you felt the babies move. I think I felt a kick the other day too but I haven't since so now I am second guessing myself. And I lOVE the name payton.

Valarie...When I saw you writing about the cysts and I couldn't get on I was going crazy!! My doctor found one of those cysts on BOTH of my boys. I am NOT at all worried. My cousin who is due 2 weeks after me just found out her baby has one too! They are sooo common and almost always go away before the baby is born. There is also only a 1% chance of any malformation with this and they would have been able to see that in your level II. That is why I am going for the level II Thursday. Now as for your one of each!! That is so cool and I love the names you have chosen!

Lisa...How are you feeling? I am actually so glad that you went to the hospital. I am like you and don't ever want to be "that" paitent but you know what it is no longer about us is it. We are here to protect our little babies so who cares what anyone things of us right!

Sherry...Thatnks for all the websites. Also for the stroller I got the Peg-Perego. I think it is called Aria. It was so light and not too wide either. It is made in Italy.

Missy...Congrats on the two boys!! You are like the most of us I think! Most of us are B/B's on this site still. You also picked some nice names. I love doing the middle names with meaning. I am not however because I want both boys to have my husbands name as their middle name (then again I guess that is meaningful...lol). I was afraid that one day one would ask me why the other one got dad's name and he didn't.

Tina...I know you were going to the docs today!!! Did you find out???

Kristen...Congrats on your B/G combo too! As for the car seats I got the Graco Infant snug ride and I got the peg perego stroller. I think it is called Aria.

Annie...Welcome to the board. I feel so at home here! I hope you do too. We getr sad and frustrated too. Voice yourself and we will all help as much as we can.

Jason...Welcome to you too! and congrats with the boys! It is so nice to see that you are involved.

Twinsmakethree...I am SOOO sorry to hear about your hemeriods. I have always had a fear of that. As for the spot on your babies heart I am sure everything will be fine. If the doc was really worried he would say it outright...they have to. I do have the preg. pillow myself and I LOVE it! It was well worth the $60. I first heard about it from Kelly Rippa and she was going on and on about it so I had to look into it.

Monica...It is so funny that you said you will never be leaving the house again becasue I think about that ALL OF THE TIME!!! I think of all my friends with one and things are so easy for them...then I picture me and am like oh no how can I get to Target with two babies??

Heather...I am right with you on the discovery channel! I will absolutely never watch that again! I was watching the twin to twin thingy and it made me way too nervous! As for home business did you ever think of Ebay? I once cleaned out my closet and sold it all on ebay. I made pretty good money. I am also thinking of doing it again becasue I have so much stuff I am bringing home from my classroom.

Now as for an update on me...today is my first day feeling better. I was out of work all week with a fever and the "stomache thing" It was absolutely horrible! I did not eat solid foods from Saturday night all the way until Yesterday! My doctor sent me to the hospital Wednesday for an IV and 3 bags of fluid. I really thought I was not going to make it through! But thank God I am feeling better now.

So many of you are talking about when you are out of work and I have to say I am so jealous!!! My doctor is such a straight arrow! I honestly think you have to be bleeding in order to be out of work! I am contemplating calling my reg doc (who I only met with once...the best doctor in the world moved out of my state) and tell him I want out.

Well, I told you that would be a long one but I really missed you guys! I am so glad I found this board!

Daniele

[Daniele'sTwins]

Hi Newmomx2,
My shower is not a surprise. My due date is 6/16 (yeah right) and my shower will be on April 2. I hope I am feeling okay by then. I only have to drive like 45 mins though.

Daniele

[Jillmami]

I was wondering if anybody else is suffering from swollen ankles. The strange thing is that it's usually just my left ankle. Anyone have any guesses as why just the one?

Jill

[Tiny Blessings]

Hi everyone....boy, you miss a day or two and there's so much to catch up on...I have enjoyed reading everyone's recent posts.

Our level II was on Friday. It went great and we did find out the sex of the babies. We are having two BOYS, exactly what my dh dreamed when he dreamed we were having twins before I even knew I was pregnant! Gosh, if he could only dream the lottery numbers! LOL. Seems like lots of us are having boys on this board, doesn't it? My dh is thrilled thinking that we have a good start to our own sports teams counting our first son. :D Both babies looked great and weighed in at 9 oz each. Everything measured well and found out that there are two sacs and two placentas, something my docs here coudn't tell. They weren't able to tell us if they are identical or fraternal. I guess the only way to know from here is to do the DNA testing, but is cost over $500. Guess I'll wait and see if they look exactly alike when they finally arrive. ;)

We go back for another level II in 4 weeks. It was great fun to watch them interacting in there. Baby B likes to stretch out and he was constantly kicking his brother in this head or stomach....he even had his tiny butt in Baby A's face several times. I didn't realize they could move so freely from one side of my uterus to the other. In fact, they currently aren't using the left side at all and Baby A is to my right and Baby B seems quite content in the middle behind my belly button. Guess it won't be too long before there things get cramped and they will have to move to their "separate corners". We got a 2 hour video tape and a CD with 84 pics of the babies. I am already looking forward to the next one in February!

Jill, I am just starting in with the swelling in my ankles and it hasn't been really bad yet. I remember from my first pregnancy that you need to keep your feet elevated as much as possible when the swelling starts. It is something your doc will want to follow pretty closely. My biggest issue lately has been the back pain and mostly on the right side...it is every day now and doesn't seem to be going away. Guess I'll have to call my doc this week to check on it, but I suppose it's normal.

Hope everyone is feeling well today. Gotta go put the little one to bed so the mama can get to bed, too. Take good care...

Tina

[TMoT]

Oddly enough, Jill, if you don't drink enough water, your body starts to want to retain it more -- hence, the swelling. But maybe you knew that?

You should also be concscious of your posture when you stand, sit, etc. You might be putting more weight on one foot that the other, or cutting off your circulation in one leg, etc.

...If you're really concerned, ask Dr. Rachel. But to start with, make sure you're drinking at least EIGHT glasses of water a day, and see if that helps. Hope you get some relief!
Sherry

[Jillmami]

Sherry - After I thought about it, I realized that I stand more on my left leg than my right. It hasn't been swollen all weekend even though I walked around for various things. It isn't the same as when I teach. I thought that I sat most of the day but after thinking about it, I stand a lot when I got into other teacher's rooms to chat and catch up. No more of that! :D

Thanks for the info. It is hard to get my water in during the teaching day so I make up for it at night. (potty breaks are tough when I don't have any preps 2 days/week.) THAT will HAVE to change.

Hope that everyone is feeling great and enjoying their weekends!!

Jill

[swineland]

Hey everyone!

Gosh, seems like there are almost ALL b/b twins on here! We bought our Graco Duoglider travel system today.....big step! I like it alright, although it just seems kinda plastic-y and flimsy. But all I've heard are really positive reviews, from online sources to people in the store....so I guess it's alright!

Anyway, wanted to get everyone's opinion/plans re: breastfeeding. Up until now, I've been pretty sure that I wanted to give it a shot and when I'm not feeding them directly, then pumping. However, the more I think about it and the closer it gets, the more I read and all...I really think now that just doing formula might be easier for everyone. The babies have to eat 8-12 times per day PER BABY, they feed for 1/2 an hour or so....that's basically going to be breastfeeding ALL day long. I want to make sure I have time to devote to other things too......diapering, playing with them, walking, etc. Anyway, I just wanted to see what the consensus is and what is everybody planning on doing when the babies arrive????

Hope everyone is feeling good! I, too, have had some swelling and am definitely having a hard time with side belly aches and back pain. By the end of the day, I am squirming like a fish and can't find a comfy way to sit/lay. Sleeping has been better, though, so that's good. I have found out that if I lay on my side all the way over so that I'm ALMOST on my stomach, but not really, it kind of cradles my tummy and it's comfy. Then I kick my leg over the top and it seems to work. FINALLY! I was starting to think my sleeping days were ALREADY over :)

Sorry for the rambling.....good day ladies! (and Jason)

Steph

[newmomx2]

All - only have a few minutes today (trying to get taxes etc in order)

But found this website and thought it had some cool stuff including neat Thank You notes etc...

http://www.justmultiples.com

[mmzill]

Steph - on breastfeeding, I'm considering alternating feedings, so one gets breastmilk and the other formula, then switch. But unless you have someone to feed them a bottle, we'll still end up spending most of our day feeding our babies. From what I've read, breastmilk has the best nutrients that we can give our babies, and immunities - they don't get that from formula, so I'm going to at least give it a try. I'm going to pump too, so others can take the night feedings sometimes.

There's a book I read - it's very bias toward breastfeeding, but it has really good info and is encouraging that it is possible to breastfeed two or more. It talks about how to be succesful at BF and different positions and setting small goals at first and seeing how that goes. It's called, Breastfeeding and Caring for Twins; Mothering Multiples by Karen Gromada - I had a hard time finding it and ended up contacting the local LaLache League, and they had it. But have enjoyed reading it.

I breastfed my dd, and really enjoyed it. It was uncomfortable the first week or so - but it's soooo much easier to take a boob with you than bottles and formula when going out!!!! :) At 7 mos or so I started supplementing with formula and weaned her when I found out I was pregnant with twins at about 10 mos. She has been a very healthy baby and I'm really glad I did it. BTW - if you are ever out at the mall, Motherhood Maternity will let you breastfeed in their changing rooms - and I found that most department stores have no idea if you are using there changing rooms as a breastfeeding hideout :)

I am not trying to hurt anyone's feelings that may not want to BF, so please don't take it that way. BF is not for everyone and that's ok, don't let anyone make you feel bad because of how you choose to feed your babies!!!

Ok, enough from me. I hope everyone has a great week.
~Monica

[TMoT]

Had a L-II u/s on Friday and found out we're having a boy and a girl!!! We've already got two boys (5 and almost-7), so Little Girl will be very spoiled! These are the first with my new partner (and probably last for me, since I'm 39!), too, so we hit the jackpot! Yippee!

Jill, I know it's hard to drink enough water during the day, but doesn't drinking in the evenings keep you running to the potty all night??? Wah. My (twin) sister teaches second grade and started a "water drinking" program in her class for ALL her kiddies (since it's good for their brains too, of course), so maybe you could try something like that with your students...? (Don't know how old they are but...) I asked her if that didn't mean the kids were running to the bathroom all day, but she explained to me that the bladder is like a balloon -- the more you drink, the more it expands to accomodate how much you drink. So even if you drink a lot, you don't necessarily have to run to the toilet more often just because you're consuming more liquid... Maybe you could get your students involved in your pregnancy in this way and give yourself a bigger "support group" to do what you have to do for you and your babies?? Gee. I don't know. Just an idea...!!!

Monica, THANKS for the tip about breastfeeding and the book title!!! Since I live in Belgium, I don't know how easy it'll be to come across the book, but maybe I can order from amazon.co.uk. I'll definitely try! I breastfed both of my two little boys and I LOVED IT!!! Needless to say, they did too -- and they grew into fat, healthy little porkers very quickly! (Warning: Preaching starts here...!) There are SO MANY ADVANTAGES to breastfeeding, this is really worth a look for all of us -- especially since bf with twins is that much more of a challenge! One big thing, if your family is prone to allergies (as mine is), and you happen to have a baby with a tendency towards asthma/chest congestion/etc. (which I also did -- boo hoo), you should keep bf going AS LONG AS POSSIBLE. If you can manage to bf till 12 months, the babies' immune systems get a healthy jump-start which lasts their WHOLE LIVES, and helps big-time in the fight against future allergy development!!! ...As hard (exhausting, depleting) as it was even breastfeeding just _ONE_ baby sometimes, I kept telling myself "one year in MY life is NOTHING compared to what it means for this baby in the context of his WHOLE life." That, plus the rare, unequalled bonding element, kept me going for all those months, and months, and months....!!!!!

And about pumping: I don't know if we'll have the luxury of "one 'free' boob" (arr, arr) during feedings (!), but that's the best/easiest time to make stock of Mommy-milk for future use. While Baby (A or B) is feeding on one side, you pump from the other side. (After "letting down,") Your breasts produce healthy/nutrition-rich milk "on-the-fly" so there's NEVER any worry of either baby going hungry even if you sneak in a "pump" on one breast before giving it to baby. But good luck! This is an ideal scenario which I would love to/HOPE TO actually experience!!!

Also (Oh gosh, now I've started!), that said, you have to be careful about alternating breast/bottle, especially in the early days/weeks of babies' lives... No matter how "high-tech," a bottle nipple can NEVER emulate Mommy's breast (NOR illicit the same, jaw movement/sucking action from baby which is so essential for natural facial structure (muscle/bone) development), and this can result in so-called "nipple confusion" in especially young babies. They end up not "knowing" how to suck one or the other kind of "nipple" appropriately, and because nursing from Mommy takes that much more effort (=reward too), baby starts to "prefer" bottle-fed milk over b/f... :-( Pacifiers can cause the same outcome. All this to say: Just be aware. ;-)

Out of curiousity, how many of you are planning to breastfeed your twins anyway?????? We will sure need all the support we can get! Not to mention that maybe we can share tips about the equipment out there that will make the task, hopefully, that much easier. A page I've bookmarked:
http://www.doubleblessings.com/Search.bok?category=Feeding

Okay. I've spewed enough for today. Can't wait to hear what you are all planning about breastfeeding. Please le me know!!
Sherry

[TMoT]

Sorry Ladies! I got a note from michtown (Nana) that the link for spinningbabies wasn't working (thanks, Nana!), so I checked it... It SHOULD BE:

http://www.spinningbabies.com/pregnancy.html

For some reason, I'm getting a blank page when I load it now. :-( Can anyone else try and see if they get it to work? What a pity if it were offline now... Boo hoo!
Sherry

[vthompson]

I cannot believe how many posts there are! I really need to respond more on the weekends!!

Heather - I am also looking for things to do from home when the babies are born. I have decided to quit working out of the house, but I need to do something from home to supplement income. I found this website which lists job opportunities that can be done from home. I hope it helps! http://www.wahm.com/jobs.html

Newmomx2 - My mom is having my shower on March 25th, 3 months before my actual due date, but closer to 2 months before the babies will probably be born. We were just afraid that if we went into April or May that there was a possibility for bed rest.

Jill - I am sorry you are experiencing swelling! Hopefully, your doctor will be able to give you some tips for relief!

Tina - Congratulations on the boys! That is wonderful! It does seem like there are a lot of boy/boy twins on this board!!

Stephanie - I am going to try and breastfeed, however, I am not going to put pressure on myself. I will try it out and if it doesn't work, I am going to be open to partial or full supplement from formula. I am going to invest in a good breast pump, though. That way, dad can do some feedings.

Sherry - Congratulations on the boy/girl combo! I am also having one of each. It is very exciting!

Daniele - I am so glad that your problem was resolved so you could come back to the board! When I first learned about the cysts, Monica had mentioned that she thought your babies had the same thing. It was very relieving to hear that you were not going to worry about it! Thanks for the words of encouragement. I am sorry that you were so sick last week. That had to be scary! I am glad that you are feeling better!!

Not much new from my end. We finished registering this weekend so that is a relief! Although, I am still overwhelmed by how much there is. I put the Medela breast pump on my registry, even though it is over $300. I wasn't going to do it, but my DH had a good point. He said either someone gets it, or we don't get it and have to buy it ourselves. I just feel funny. I don't want people to think that I expect someone to spend that kind of money. But then again, people do go in on gifts. I am sure I am just over thinking it as usual! Well, I really need to get to work! I have spent the last 45 minutes reading the posts and replying :eek:

Valerie

[teresa67]

Hello everyone,

I'm from the May Mommies Thread.....was bored and reading threads.....thought you might be interested in looking at a breastfeeding twins website
www.karengromada.com

[vthompson]

Lisa - I am feeling better today, but still don't want to be working. I just feel so tired and run down. On the weekends, when I can lounge around, I feel a lot better. Oh well!! As for the stroller, the one we got from Baby Depot did not come with a car seat. However, with the price of the stroller and 2 car seats, it was cheaper then the stroller at BRU and an extra car seat. Good Luck!

[vthompson]

Lisa - I took a look at that site, too and thought the same thing about the pictures! It looks crazy to feed both babies at once! :eek:

[vthompson]

Lisa - You crack me up!!! I looked at that same position and wondered how in the heck did she get both boobs on the bed, too! That seems virtually impossible to me! Not to be gross, either, but I was also amazed at the size of some of their boobs!! If I had that big of boobs, I would fall over! :) I have to say though, that the pictures offered a lovely conversational piece today to help pass the time! Talk to you soon!

[mmzill]

Lisa and Valerie - You crack me up!!!! I just looked at the pics too. OMG! It would definetly take some huge boobs to accomplish that position! The mental picture of having two toddlers hanging off me is a bit much I must say! There sure isn't anything discrete about it!!! I'm trying not to think too much of how it's all going to work. I just hope it does.

Lisa - on the pillow - I got mine at Babycenter.com - so you may look into it there, but you may also have a good store get it from. I love mine! Ok, I think I've said that enough, but I really do!

[mmzill]

I hope you can find it. We don't have BRU here. Your DH will just have to deal :) We have to get our rest!:p

BF is natural and I'm all for it, but not for flashing everyone else!!!

[vthompson]

The thought of puppies hanging off of my boobs made me laugh out loud at my desk!! :p I definitely agree that I will try to be more discreet when I b/f. Also, I plan on trying not to strip down naked to do so ;)

[swineland]

Hey all..

Yeah, I went on that website too and looked at those photos. I agree with those of you who thought it was a bit much to sit there without even a shirt on while breastfeeding. I can just see me sitting on my sofa, shirtless, and having my MIL plopped down right next to me...I DON"T THINK SO!!! I'll be in the bedroom with just my husband. I don't know what it is.....I know that breastfeeding is natural and that's why we even HAVE breasts, but when I look at those photos...I just think "that looks so unnatural". Something about squatting on a public beach with my boobs hanging out and a kid on each one.....just seems a little too "I'm breastfeeding and I don't care if it makes anyone feel uncomfortable". Have a little discretion for crying out loud. Sorry if that offends anyone...it's just my opinion, which doesn't mean much :D And I surely do appreciate the links some of you have posted with info about bf and the LLL....haven't made up my mind yet of what I'm going to do. DH doesn't care one way or the other, as long as they are fed!

Babies have been kicking up a storm!! I have seen them every day, poking out of my belly. Not too far, but a little "bump" every now and then. If I want to see it "on command" I just sorta play some piano keys on my belly and they respond!! I've been at my mom and dad's house all week and so my husband has yet to see or feel any of this. He's dying for me to come home so he can see it. (I'm sure the laundry needs doing, too!) I'm driving back tomorrow. It's only 3 1/2 hours, but needless to say by the time I get out of the car I feel like the un-oiled tinman!

Next Level II is on Thursday and I'm starting my prenatal water class on Weds. night. I'm so excited. It's offered at the hospital's fitness center in the "warm water therapy" pool and is supposed to take the weight off, add some buoyancy and relieve your backpain, stress on your joints, etc. Anyone else been doing exercising? I tried a prenatal yoga DVD and it was just too much...had you doing the downward dog and side angle poses.....I just felt that with this pregnancy, being a little more high-risk and all, and considering what we went through to even GET pregnant, it seemed like too much bending and stretching for what I was comfortable with.

Anyway....sorry I'm so chatty! Mom and I just got back from seeing Match Point with Scarlett Johansson. It was very good..... but I had to pee so bad and didn't want to miss anything....2 1/2 hours later I was ready to explode!

Anyone planning on just using a Boppy for the breastfeeding?? I see they have the special pillows on the "twins" sites, but the Boppy seems good enough.

Ok, enough now!
Steph

[Tiny Blessings]

Sorry Ladies! I got a note from michtown (Nana) that the link for spinningbabies wasn't working (thanks, Nana!), so I checked it... It SHOULD BE:

http://www.spinningbabies.com/pregnancy.html

For some reason, I'm getting a blank page when I load it now. :-( Can anyone else try and see if they get it to work? What a pity if it were offline now... Boo hoo!
Sherry


Hi Sherry....I just get a blank page, too.

[Tiny Blessings]

Hi all....a lot to catch up on today, but finally finished reading the posts. I'd like to chime in on the breastfeeding thing....(and by the way, some of those pics were scary!!!!) LOL

I think it is a very personal choice. I b/f my son and will never regret it and I am so glad that I did. I was very nervous about it, wondered if I could do it, etc. so committed myself to trying it for the first 6 weeks or so and then would decide from there if I would continue. Fast forward 17 months....I finally weaned Ethan when I discovered that I was pregnant!

I do plan to breastfeed the twins, but again I am apprehensive about how to manage this on top of handling my son, too, as he is going to need attention during all of this commotion of bringing two new babies into the house. I am not concerned about producing enough as I was quite a producer. I am mostly worried about how much time will be spent nursing and distributing my time for the twins and my son. I have decided that this time I am going to again commit myself to trying for 6 weeks and then decide from there. And I am keeping my mind open to the idea of supplementing with formula if needed.

I like to research everything before jumping in, be it a car seat, a stroller, a crib, or b/f and formula. I read alot of information before deciding to try b/f my son. While there are numerous benefits to b/f, especially for preemies, I really feel that each of us has to decide for ourselves what is best for us and our babies. For some, that will be b/f. For others, it will be formula. And for some it will be a combination of both. I think that all of these options are okay.

Valerie: I have the Medela pump and it is, in my opinion, the greatest investment I made with my first son. Even if you don't get it as a gift, you will not regret spending $300 on it as it works so well compared to others. And ladies, don't waste your precious time with handpumps... ;) Let's face it, even the farmers don't hand mik the cows anymore!

Hope everyone is feeling well today. I am off to put a hot pack on my aching back before bed. Lisa, my pain is always on my right side, and radiates from my lower to mid back. I found out at my Level II last week that the baby A is on the right and Baby B is in the middle behind my belly button. I wonder if that is why??? Anyway, have you found any ways to alleviate the pain that you could share? I'd be interested. I've been hitting up DH for massages but don't want to press my luck too much and spoil it for the rest of this pregnancy when I might REALLY need it! :o LOL

Good night everyone....

Tina

[KatieM]

Hi Guys...

have just found this board, FINALLY - a place to talk to others in the same boat...

a very quick intro:

currently 20 wks pregnant with boy/girl twins, and have had a dream pregnancy so far (aside from some minor nausea, and tiredness)

this is my first pregnancy, so nothing seems weird to me (if that makes sense???)

have a HUGE belly - fundal height at 19 weeks was 26cm (26 week size)
and have put on loads of weight (10 kgs so far - I think thats about 22 pounds - whoops!) although that may be from the "license to eat"...

I have my own business, so am trying to stay at work as long as I can (although I'm about as useful as a brick right now, I keep looking at the internet and not getting anything done!!!)

cheers,

Kate

:D

[2peasurprise]

Hi Everybody...feel like I have been away forever but have not been feeling well and trying to take it easy. I also read the May thread and post there so I have been feeling shocked and overwhelmed with the news there.

Trish, from the May thread, delivered her babies as someone just mentioned around 26 weeks. She lives in Ohio and was in TN with her dh and ended up delivering. She had no complications prior to this! She has an amazing story and is a very strong woman! Pray for her new baby girls - Ava and Sophia.

Also I believe Georgina posts between both the May and June threads. I saw her mom just posted an update for her on the May thread and she has been hospitalized for her bedrest right now. Sounds like there might be hope she can come home again on bedrest but has not been decided yet.

To all of the rest of us, I think some of these stories are wake-up calls to take it easy and really listen to our bodies. I know I have certainly stopped trying to push myself so much and am trying to build in more rest periods.

And to end on a happy, non-scary note...a big welcome to you Kate:) I am pretty new here myself and have only had the chance to post a couple of times but already love this board! Welcome!

Have a good morning everyone and I will try and check back in later:)

[vthompson]

Stephanie - I am not currently taking any exercising classes. However, that water one sounds very relaxing. I may try to look for something in my area. As for the Boppy, I registered for 2 of them. I hope they work!

Tina - Thanks for sharing your experience with the Medela pump. Hearing other people's stories helps me to feel more confident in my breast pump choice! I also enjoyed your analogy to the cows milking. That made me laugh!

Kate - Welcome to the board and congratulations on your boy/girl twins! I think you will find comfort in everyone here!

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

Valerie

[newmomx2]

Hi everyone.

Welcome Katie congrats on the b/g twins. This site is very comforting..

Well I went to work(in person) for the first tim in 2 months ! It was kind of funny because some people were like 'why have you been out' then they saw my belly and went owe nevermind...it was also embarrassing I ran into a lady in the rest room who was pregnant but barely showing and she is due only 2 weeks after me - I look like a cow !!! I got home after 11 hours and boy was I exhausted - glad to kick up my feet today and work from home - I don't go in the office again til Thursday. I think I can handle this 1-2 days per week - kind of the best of both worlds...

I was laughing hysterically about the comments on the breastfeeding pictures - I would like to breast feed but am scared about doing it and how to be discrete I really don't want anyone getting a 'show'! Perhaps they need a site on how to be discrete while breastfeeding 2 !

Question - anyone have any bladder control issues when sneezing - I started sneezing on Sunday and had to run to the bathroom because the force of my sneeze almost made me pee my pants ;) hope that doesn't happen at work...

I am excited because this weekend I am going to finish my registry - my sister in law is going to come help me....we also have a new dual rocker recliner being delivered by lazy boy this weekend and I am excited to get our living room rearranged !

Well take care everyone - and sleep well !

PS - Georgina I hope you feel better soon

[twinsmakethree]

hello everyone!!

Wow gone for a couple days and there is so much info to read. I'm glad to see everyone is doing well, it seems I am the only g/g on the list, huh? I have been getting coaching classes on breastfeeding twins( using dolls) which at first seemed kind of difficult but now i feel fairly comfortable with it, we'll see when the real thing appears. I am planning to give them bottles maybe two months or so after birth this is so my dh and dd can also "enjoy" feeding time as well as give me a break if need be. I was told a month or so afterwards will help them not to be confused.

Thanks alot for the sleeping position help, I did not get the pillow yet, but I have huge pillows in my den that i now use and i prop it between my legs, my husband doesnt like being on a small part of the bed, but I am now comfortable, besides the 3 am and 5 am bathroom times!

i am sorry to hear about the early births,I pray all will be fine with both the girls and the mother. In two weeks I have to take a test to determine whether or not im in danger of having an early labor, it is called fetal fibronectin test if anyone wants information the website iswww.marchofdimes.com under quick reference and fact sheets.

I am a nervous wreck right now thinking of all the possibilities so i lose myself in shopping:D

Ok well its back to studying I hope everyone have a great week

andrea

[KatieM]

I am definitely going to try breastfeeding - tandem in a perfect world...

a friend of mine has b/g twins that have just turned 1, and is full of useful info - so I'm picking her brains as much as possible!!!

She tandem feeds using the "football hold" - one under each arm, propped up on pillows on the couch

Tandem feeding is not something to attempt in public! - my friend says the hardest part was getting everyone organised and latched on in the early days... but once she had a routine with the babies, it wasn't too hard (yeah, right!)

As far as the flashing the boobs part goes, I reckon that after the birth part, with legs akimbo, and strangers peering at my nether regions with bright lights, its not going to worry me too much...;)

[Tiny Blessings]

[QUOTE=newmomx2]

Question - anyone have any bladder control issues when sneezing - I started sneezing on Sunday and had to run to the bathroom because the force of my sneeze almost made me pee my pants ;) hope that doesn't happen at work...


NewmomX2....
This has happened to me occassionally, too and also happened for awhile after the birth of my son. My doctor told me that you can try to strengthen the pelvic floor by faithfully doing the Keegal exercises (spelling??). Wearing a panty liner will help alleviate your mind in case of a sneezing attack at work. It feels like a humiliatiing thing to have happen given our ages, doesn't it? LOL
Tiny Blessings

[mmzill]

Tina - I laughed so hard on your comment on farmers hand milking the cows! Hooking your boobs up to an electric pump is quite the experience - It gives you a new respect for cows!!:o

Lisa - glad you got your pillow! Don't you just love the comments others give about your due date / twins / your belly size........they are so welcome :)

About peeing on yourself...... I have had trouble with that since my dd was born. But it has gotten alot worse in the past few months. Liners is what I use to make sure I don't embarress myself. Oh the joys of pregnancy!

Katie - welcome to this site! It's great. I really have enjoyed reading everyone's posts.

Stephanie - The water classes do sound wonderful! We have a YMCA here, I may look into what they have to offer. I haven't been excersizing at all...other than running after my 14 mo old. :)

Well, we are closing on our house on Thursday. I'm really excited, but also overwhelmed with all the things that need to get done to move.....plus hearing about the May mom's having their babies kind of scares me. I don't want to do anything! But I'm so ready to be settled. If any of you want to see pics here's a link to our photos site http://photos.yahoo.com/mmzill

Oh, I showed my DH those pics of the breastfeeding last night, he was quite astonished! We both had a good laugh.

Well, I hope everyone had a good night.
~Monica

[qbanmom5]

Hi everyone! I have been lurking/reading and occasionally posting for a bit and now I have decided to join the crew. You all seem sooooo funny and supportive. I can't wait to know all of your names and be able to respond to your posts individually. I am 35 and this is my 4th pregnancy. I have 2 girls (6 and 9) and 1 boy (almost 8). I thought I was done but procrastinated in tying my tubes. Now look at me! I am due June 27 and am about 19 weeks. I don't know yet what I am having because at 15 weeks they said it was too soon ( I think they were too lazy to look). I have another u/s on the 8th of Feb and hopefully I will know then. We would like a boy and girl or 2 boys. We will see. I have loved reading all of your posts and would like to share my experiences.

So far I have gained about 18 pounds. I haven't really been trying either-- just really hungry sometimes. My back has been killing me (lower back and down the right leg). I was limping cause it hurt so bad and it turns out I messed up my opposite ankle from the overuse. Now it just hurts to walk period. At about 16 weeks I went to the ER cause I thought my kidneys were throbbing. It was muscle strain and I was embarrassed.

The dr. has me drinking 8 oz of water every hour that I am awake. I used to hate water and now my mouth gets really dry when I don't have it. I go through 3 -4 32 ouncers every day. Since I started about 2 weeks ago my weight gain has slowed down so that is good.

I feel huge, and I laughed at the posts about mumbling that you are due in June. People see my huge belly and still look apalled that I have soooo much time to go. It is funny the reactions I get from people. Usually they are excited and they touch my belly. Some people think you are lying and look at you like "yeah right". Someone even asked if I was mormon as if that would explain something.

I too thought the breastfeeding pics were kind of gross. It just looks so barbaric or something. I think I really really want to pump only. I tried bf all of my kids and the longest I made it was 3 weeks. My oldest 3 are a year and a half apart and it seemed soooo much time to take away from them especially since my hubby was working and I didn't want them to see my breasts out and I would go in my room while the toddler ran amuck it was a mess. I don't know if it will be better now with 2 babies. At least the other 3 are older and can do without me for little bits of time. But if I am feeding all day I don't know. I think at least if I pump they can help me feed. Let me know what you all think.

I know I am new and this is embarrassing but I really want to know. Does anyone else have varicose vulvar veins? Don't laugh! It really exists and I now have them and they hurt. Standing hurts and the dr. says there is really nothing that can be done. It is a result of the pressure. Ugghhh If anyone else has these, I would love to hear about it so I don't feel like the only one in the planet.

Hope we all have an awesome pregnancy and delivery and good luck to all of you, my new found friends. Thanks, Terri

[KatieM]

great to have another newbie!

bad luck about the varicose veins... don't have any myself, (yay) but do know others with them (they've been told to wear these special "supportive" undies, that have to be quite tight - doesn't sound too comfy):eek:

re breastfeeding: any amount of time you breastfeed for is great for your babies, in the way of antibodies etc, so don't beat yourself up over this, and even if you don't bf at all, your babies will still thrive (think about all the people you know, and see if you can tell who was breastfed and who was bottlefed)

my personal opinion regarding the pumping only is that it would take up too much time (ie: not only do you have to pump, you have to feed as well - I figure just cut out the middleman, and do it all at the same time:D )

you could always do both, ie bf one baby, while one of your older children bottlefeeds the other with expressed milk (just my 2 cents)

on the boob subject, why does it bother you to be semi-naked in front of your children? (just curious - I grew up in a house where just about everyone ran about in the nuddy when looking for a clean pair of pants!!!)

good luck for the coming ultrasound!

[2peasurprise]

Well I am officially on complete bedrest until further notice:( Have been having quite a bit of contractions so we finally went to the hospital. My cervix has started to shorten so they have put me on complete bedrest. They think that maybe this is resulting from the beginnings of an infection or something so they have started me on antibiotics and doubled me up on my oral magnesium and I go to see my doctor next Monday. I feel fortunate that I can be at home for my bedrest as long as there are no further changes in my cervix. I am already getting so antsy though! I am praying that this complete bedrest will only be temporary and eventually I can start resuming some activity. My poor dh...we are already bracing ourselves but he has so much on his plate right now having to take over as homemaker and taking care of me. Since we are living in Germany we have no family around to help us so my dh has to carry the entire burden:( Times like this I sure do miss living at home close by our families!

I think this board will be my saving grace throughout this period because I am so antsy! That is another thing about living overseas...we do not have satellite television in our place (historic building won't allow it) so I have basically no television to at least turn on and occupy my mind. My German is not good enough to understand German television and the only thing we get in English is CNN World News and BBC news. Anyone have any good book recommendations?

Thanks for letting me vent here! I will check back in often as long as we can work out something to have my computer by me on the couch. Have a good day and continue taking care of yourselves!:)

[vthompson]

Wow! I posted before I left work last night and when I came in this morning, there were already so many posts!!

Danielle - All I can say is hang in there! I know it sucks now, but it is the best thing for you and the babies. Can your family send you some movies (in English :) ) At least you would have something to watch. As for books, I do not have any recommendations. Since I got pregnant, I have been reading baby books. I really need to broaden my reading material ;) However, I have read a few books from Nicolas Sparks and they were all really good. Well, check in as often as you can! I am sure it will help a little!

Terri - Welcome to the board! We are glad to have you! I think you will like it here! As for the varicose veins, I do not have them, yet, but I have heard of them being normal. I cannot imagine how uncomfortable you must be! I am just curious, but how did you know you had them? I cannot even see down there anymore because of my belly :p I guess I am just wondering what to look for. As for the breastfeeding, just do what makes you comfortable. You will know what works best for you and your family.

Monica - I took a look at your pictures. Your house is gorgeous! You must be so excited to get settled in. Good luck with the move and make sure you take it easy! Let other people do the moving and lifting for you!

Andrea - Is that test standard, or did you have to request it from your doctor?

Newmomx2 - It sounds as though you are very excited to go back to work a couple days a week! I am glad that you were able to work that out! As for the peeing thing, I have not personally experienced that, but it makes a lot of sense. I also heard that the Keegle exercises helps that issue!

Lisa - Any word on stopping work yet? Have you approached the subject with your doctor? I have an appt on Monday and I want to bring it up, but I am not sure how to go about it. I thought I would just start crying and tell her how much I hate working (just kidding!!). The stressful thing is that unless she signs off on the disability insurance form, I won't get any compensation if I leave work early. I just don't know what she is going to do.

Well, I have spent almost an hour reading posts and replying so I really should get back to work. Maybe getting fired will solve my problems :) (that is a complete joke!!)

Valerie

[vthompson]

Lisa - we must have been posting at the same time because I did not see your post until after I posted mine. I could not find the May mommy's story about her birth so I did not know anything about the bowl movement thing. Was she trying to go and the baby came out? That thought of that scares me. I, just like you, have to strain A LOT to go to the bathroom. I am freaked out now!! Do you have the website for the May mommy's post? As for the softener, I used that for awhile and it did not work for me. I have started eating ground up flax seed every morning and that at least helps for things to move through, but I still have to strain (now I feel like I am giving TMI).

Valerie

[Dad of twins]

You girls are too funny! I sit here laughing most of the time. That link with the woman breastfeeding is crazy. It looks like they are so happy. How could you be that happy with two children latched on? I guess I won't get that part. I wanted my wife to b/f but she will not even try it. Her choice!
My wife also had those vercose veins with our daughter, and now she is swelling so she will proabily get them this time. She says that they hurt sooo bad! It will be good for her to know that other people get them b/c we do not know anyone else that has had them.
She keeps telling me that she might not make the 28 weeks before she goes on bed rest. The boy's are moving like crazy:D . We already have name picked out for them Nathan and Noha! Do you girls like the names?
I really enjoy talking to you girls. My wife laughs at me but I don't care. She knows that I am a dork and so do I:p . O well that is me!
Talk to you later Hope that you all feel good
Jason

[twinsmakethree]

Just wanted to quickly reply to Valerie and Lisa regarding my test in two weeks for pre-term labor. I did not have to request it nor am I having any kinds of problem, the dr. said my service looks good its just a precaution. I might be having it done because I go to a perinatal dr. during ivf i had thrombosis which placed me on medicine( that I stopped taking) so I had to go to a perinatal, maybe thats why she is giving me this preventive test.
I would still ask your dr. if you can get this as well, maybe it can help to have peace of mind

Have a great day everyone!
Andrea

[mmzill]

Here is Trish's post - it was on the April board.

Hi guys. It's Trish. I was discharged from the hospital today. Life is so crazy. I think I have cried buckets of tears since thursday. I had NOT had any problems aside from my gall bladder, I woke up after about an hour of sleep on thursday at around 1 am and felt like I had to have a BM. So I got up and couldn't laid back down and at 2am got back up and tried again, but when I wiped I had pink on the paper, so I woke Jason up. I called the hotel front desk and asked about the nearest hopsital, luckily, it was Methodist North in Mephis (about ten minutes from our hotel) and we got there around 3:15 ish, I had some cramping, but really thought it was gass pain...it was very low in my stomach though. Got to L&D and got hooked up to the machinery and they knew I was having contractions, so they called the DR, she had them check me and I was only 1 cm, so she told them to give me some meds and send me home. Well, I told my nurse I had to potty, so Jason and I went into the bathroom and I told Jason something was not right and he ran to get the nurse and she came in and I said somethingis coming out of my crotch and I stood up and was leaning on the helper bar in the bathroom and I said again, something is coming out. I had Sophia standing up in the bathroom you all. Not kidding. The nurse caught Sophie on her way out...FYI, umbilical cords are bungee like. The nurse pulled the help button thing in the bathroom and life went crazy. They got me back to my bed and cut Sophia's cord, I heard her cry as the nurse ran her out of the room to the NICU. The DR arrived and had anesthia called and they planned to take Ava c-section cause she was transverse and her cord was in a funky position. I started to have more contractions through the magnesium sulfate (which made me feel like I was in ****, it was sooooo hot) Well, I was presenting Ava'a placenta in thebirth canal, so I had an emergency c-sec.

Sophia had a really rough first night and then she has been doing well, Ava did well at first and has had some complications. She is still on her respirator and probably will be for some time. Her pulminary bleeding had stopped, but seems to have started again, so she is being watched closely. I will PM Jana and Kim with my info and they can send to you.

Jason and I are staying on base in TN until the girls come home. EEK. His command has put him on orders down here and we have free housing for the first 30 days.

I am getting ready to go to the hospital to visit the girls, but I will post again tomorrow.

Thank you all for your thoughts and prayers, please continue to pray for us all.

~~~~~~~I think the idea of having our babies at 26 wks scares us all! I so don't want them to come that early!

No vericose veins here - at least I don't think so.

Danielle - Rest up! We all need to do more of that I have a feeling. I hope that you can manage. Sorry you are over there by yourself.

Terri - Welcome! It's so weird to think that all of us are from diffent places - Europe, Australia, US - and other places, but because we are pregnant with Twins, we are connected. It's kind of cool.

Jason - I like the names. We are thinking about Nathan also, but not sure. It is my dh middle name.

Lisa - sorry your dh had to find another resting place last night :( at least you got some sleep! My dh does not take up much of the bed, so he sticks it out beside my throne :p

And Valerie, I think you asked about the house - the pictures that are online are of the house we are closing on tomorrow! (We are currently in an apartment) We really liked the hardwood floors too. I think we are going to try to get them refinished before we move in. There are a couple places that are worn, but for being built in 1930 the house is in great shape! I can't wait!

Well, I must go feed my dd. Have a good day!
~Monica

[qbanmom5]

Thanks for your welcoming messages. About these veins.... I got them at the end of my pregnancy with my last child. I guess because of the weight with this preg so early on they are back. The only way I know what they are is because when I got them last time, my old ob told me what it was. All I could feel is pain and one side of my pubic area felt a little more swollen than the other. I freaked and asked the doctor and when she saw it she told me what it is. Trust me, i can't see my area anymore either so there is nothing really to look for. Unless you have your husband do ,then you're on your own. Make sure you are standing because they shrink away when you lie down.

About nudity/toplessness around the kids, I just don't feel comfortable with it. Some people are, I know. I guess I am just more comfie covered up. Talk to you girls later, Terri

[babiesmk4]

Hi everyone, I am new to this board, I am due on July 10, but was told middle of June was likely. I have a 5 and 2 year old girls, and miscarried twice this past year. So finding out we were having twins was an AWESOME blessing.

VThompson: When I was pregnant with my first little girl they found cycsts also, told me they would go away and had a very slim chance of chromosomal defect. We went home feeling the exact same way as you. We had a perfectly healthy normal beautiful little girl. With our second little girl they said they had found one and the same thing. Again we had a perfectly healthy normal beautiful little girl. It is becoming more and more common because of the ultra sound equipment and techs who can now see them. I am a pediatric nurse also and the doctors I talked to said it is common and most likely they will disappear, but if they do not, they are not harmful and will do no damage to the baby. Hope this helps.

I am 17 weeks and am feeling movement just on my right side.(that's where we heard their heartbeats also.) How do you know if you are feeling both though. Just a little nervous. We miscarried our little boy around this time 17 1/2 weeks and am being very paranoid right now. HELP.

[TMoT]

babiesmk4: I'm due on 11 July and posting to this thread too!! How cool! We are just one day apart! First encounter with someone with such a close due date! ...I also have two older kiddies: Boys -- 5 and almost-7. I'm in a new relationship with these (b/g) twins on the way, too, so we're really excited!! (And I'm *39* so these will probably be IT for me...!!!!) :'-)

About movement: I'm getting little flutters, but not enough to put me "over the moon," just yet... I honestly think it's a bit early still -- their bones are only NOW starting to harden. In 2-3 weeks, I suppose we will start to feel more. In the meantime, you can be SURE they are moving, we just don't feel it! And, if you EVER figure out which one is doing the moving, please let me know! That seems like it would be really difficult to do until much later in the pregnancy.

Hang in there. Don't fret. Things are going to be fine! KEEP TELLING YOURSELF that they WILL!!!! :-)

Jason: If your wife is swelling already, please tell her to DRINK MORE WATER! It might not help her to avoid vericose veins (which btw, are hereditary and can be VERY painful), but the swelling can only worsen vericose veins, I imagine. (Btw, if the v/v are painful, they can sometimes be treated pretty easily, with a saline injection, and POOF! Gone. She might ask her OB/GP about this if it's really bad....)

Otherwise, about WATER (I've posted this phrase a dozen times already, but that's because it's true!!): Your body tends to retain water when it's not getting enough of it!!!!! Jason, your wife should be drinking AT LEAST eight glasses of water a day -- preferably MORE since it's twins -- and you can even join in! It's GREAT for both/all of you!!!

An anecdote, shared by my previous mid-wife, about a daddy-to-be who also drank 64+oz of water per day to help "encourage" his wife: He lost 60 POUNDS during her pregnancy!!!!! Mommy GAINED weight, of course (!), but she eventually got back to her pre-pregnancy weight...! ;-) Moral of the story: If you drink a lot of water even when you're not pregnant, it can help you lose weight, and it also makes you feel great! So, Jason, there's the challenge!!!!!

BM/Delivery: I've never heard of such a thing!!!!! Ladies, ladies ladies!!! A trip to the bathroom WILL NOT induce pregnancy in a woman whose uterus is CLOSED, whose pregnancy is progressing 'normally' (i.e. no other signs of a delivery on hand: no pre-labor contractions, no lost mucus plug, no presenting baby, etc.), and who has carried other babies to full-term with no complications. In the case of poor Trish/inshockmom, there were certainly extenuating circumstances that, unfortunately, put her in labor before she was due which had NOTHING TO DO WITH the fact that she was going to the bathroom at the time!!!!!

...Do you all remember with your first babies (those that have them) that one of the signs of the onset of birth is, in fact, the urge to "poop"??! (My physiotherapist even used that as an example of +how+ to push when you gotta get those babies out -- you have to use _the same (="Kegel") muscles_ as for pooping!!! (This also explains why some women actually _do_ have a small bm in the process of baby-delivery -- but docs/nurses are totally prepared for that and clean it up QUICK -- so no worries about humiliation!) In fact, to have a good delivery (and confidently use all the muscles you need to get the baby out), you gotta GET OVER THE FEAR of pooping on the delivery table!!! (?!) Just like now: Ladies, after this story, please DON'T BE AFRAID of using the bathroom -- for goodness' sake!

Reading her post, it appears that inshockmom was already actually IN LABOR (very prematurely, unfortunately), had symptoms OF LABOR (i.e. baby's head/placenta presenting) which she _interpreted_ as a need to poop (very normal thing to do), and in the process of her BM, she began delivering the babies. :-(

I had a very similar experience with my first son: I "needed" to poop really badly (which went on for a good hour or so), and come to find out, I was in labor -- his head was presenting and I was dilating! (Thank God, it was only four days before his due-date, so...) By the time I got to the hospital, I was 8cm gone and had to head straight for the Delivery Room!! ...Doesn't such a scenario (i.e. that you're in labor, don't know it, go to the bathroom and the baby comes) seem infinitely more plausible than the idea that we need to go poop and, somehow, with our pushing and shoving for the BM, we push the baby out?!?! Hmmmm.

I actually know a similar story about a woman (my friend's neighbor) who delivered twins on the toilet HERSELF at 26 weeks!!! BUT she had a _history_ of premature delivery -- AND twins!!! She admits herself that she was in denial about the fact that she was in labor at the time, because of her previous experience: She had already given birth to preemie twins once before...! Thank God, they are ALL fine now, though -- and isn't that comforting to us and to Trish going through the same thing now??!! Anyway, I think she is a heroine! AND, I think Trish/inshockmom is too! All our love, strength and courage for getting through this tough time with those sweet, beautiful little babies to YOU, Trish!!! We're praying for you all!!!

My Point for US: PLEASE don't let us get all anxious about using the toilet because the pushing and shoving we do might make us go into labor for our twins! (That won't help with the constipation, not one iota!!) If your body is truly going into labor, not going poop is, unfortunately, not going to stop those babies from coming! :-( In that case, you just have to be conscious of what is happening, like Trish was, and get to the hospital as quickly as you can!!

In the meantime, there are some good things we can do to help ensure a healthy pregnancy and that, hopefully, can lessen our "fears" about such an unwelcome scenario presenting itself:

About Constipation, TWO IMPORTANT THINGS:
1. Eat your fiber! BRAVO to the mommy eating flax seed every morning! Put it in your salads, sandwiches, on pasta, etc., too! It's very good for you and just what we need to get things moving through, as she said.
2. DRINK WATER!!!!! (lol) See what I wrote above about that! That fiber uses a LOT of liquids to work efficiently (just like our bodies). If your system is "dried up," your BMs will be hard/dry too and it'll take that much more work to get the job done. Do yourselves a favor and give your body some more lubricant for smooth functioning...! ;-)

About musculature in The Nether Regions:
DO YOUR KEGEL EXERCISES -- 50x per day for the rest of your lives!!!!! Do we all know what Kegel/pelvic floor muscles are?? Do we know what the exercises are? I hope we are all busily doing these exercises already, but just in case, here's my quick amateur explanation (the "professional" one is here: http://www.babycenter.com/refcap/baby/physrecovery/1154885.html):

The "Kegels" are the muscles on the "pelvic floor" (the "peeing" and "pooping" muscles! lol) of your body, which also need to be strong and flexible to use during labor/delivery (also for sex :-) and for peeing, controlling BMs...). This also makes it essential that these muscles get back in shape _after_ pregnancy (esp w/episiotomies and tearing) -- in order to help avoid incontinency in later life!!! (And, believe me, at almost-40 I'm thinking HARD about these things!! ;-)) That's why they say "50x per day for the rest of your lives"!!! Ahem.

The exercises: There ARE LOTS!!! But, the most important one (the one we all know) is the "squeezing/releasing" around your vagina/rectum that can actually stop/start flow of urine when you pee. (GAH! I never thought I'd be writing this kind of stuff here!!!) I won't go into all the details for obvious reasons, but there are lots of variations on this 'squeezing'/holding/releasing you can do which gives your pelvic floor muscles different kinds of workouts -- all GOOD for pregnancy/posture/labor/delivery!!

One exercise in particular I remember from my physiotherapist, which I +would+ like to share, though is called "THE ELEVATOR" (!!):

To do it, you start at your bum, tightening/squeezing the muscles in a straight line going up, one-by-one in "stages," to your vagina, "past" your vagina, up "into" your gut until you are literally tightening your tummy muscles. Hold a bit at each "stage" then hold at the "top"/tummy; then go back "down" the elevator, releasing each muscle in stages, till your bum. That's ONE "turn." You can do it as fast/slow as you want, but you should do it, say ten times per set once a day, and increase the number of sets you do per day over time. Whew. Sounds like a lot of work, doesn't it? Believe me, to get over your fear of going poo-poo (!) and to have more confidence during delivery, you should really DO THESE! At LEAST do the "basic" squeezing/hold/releasing exercise -- as I said, 50x per day, every day for the rest of your life!!!!! ;-)

Unfortunately, NONE of these things can stave off a premature labor if Mother Nature "decides" it's time for those babies to come (although LOTS of water right at the moment you start to experience pre-labor contractions is something my mid-wife saw 'work' countless times). BUT we can at least, I hope, get some comfort from the fact that we are doing all we can to make our pregnancies as healthy (and happy!) as possible -- for us and for those precious little ones we are carrying. ...Just another word to the wise, from your local Blabber Mouth here, in case anyone might benefit -- which, of course, I truly hope you will! ;-)
Sherry

[vthompson]

Lisa - I am in a similar situation as you. I had a miscarriage in June and I am also terrified of anything happening to these babies. I do not think you totally get over loosing a pregnancy, even if it was early on. I do like what you said about having twins and how that is God's way of giving back the baby you lost. That is a really nice way to look at it! As for the bm, I also have the same fears as you. Being my first official pregnancy, I am just afraid that I will miss the signs of pre term labor. It is funny how your fears change as the pregnancy progresses. First, I was afraid of miscarrying and now I am afraid of the babies coming too early. So many worries :( As for the disability you asked me about, my company pays into a short term disability insurance for each full time employee. One of the things that qualifies is pregnancy bed rest. While you are out, the insurance pays 60% of your salary. If you work part time, they pay the difference between your full time wages and your part time wages. However, you have to provide them with paperwork from the physician and copies of your chart. They can always deny if they want and then you get nothing. I am going to ask my doctor on Monday if I can at least cut my hours down to part time. I am really hoping she agrees and signs off on the paperwork. The company I work for does not qualify for FMLA because we don't have 50 employees. We have 48, not kidding!

Sherry - Thanks for all the info about the exercises. I am definitely going to look into that. As for the water, my doctor has been pushing that from the beginning. It was hard to get used to drinking all the water, but now it does not even phase me so it does get easier! I actually find myself feeling the need for it if I have not gotten enough in one day.

babiesmk4 - Welcome to the board and congratulations on your pregnancy! I do not blame you for being scared, I would be, too. In fact, I still am! However, try to not worry and enjoy the pregnancy, which is easier said then done. Always feel free to vent to the board, it really helps! Thank you for sharing your experiences with the cysts. The more people I hear who have been in this situation, the more it eases my mind. As for feeling both babies, I have no idea how to tell the difference! I still just feel flutters internally. I can not put my hand on my stomach and feel anything yet. I can't wait until that happens. It seems to make sense, though, that if both of their heartbeats were found on one side then that is where you would feel the movement.

Terri - I do not blame you for feeling uncomfortable about nudity/toplessness. I am the same way. I just do not think I will be comfortable with my children seeing me in that way, especially as they get older.

Monica - thanks for posting Trish's story. I had a hard time trying to find it on the other boards. I will keep her and the babies in my prayers! I do agree that it is a wake up call to how sensitive the next weeks are for all of us.

Andrea - Thanks for the info on that test. I am going to ask my doctor when I go for my check up on Monday.

Jason - I really like the names you picked out for the boys! Keep posting! I enjoy reading replies from a dad's point of view!!

I will check back in later!

Valerie

[allyf8903]

how is everyone feeling? i havent posted all but once on this thing, but thought i would drop a line and say hello.

wondering what themes everyone is doing for their babies nursery? i am really racking my brain over this:) :) Just wondering.

Ally
mom to
Adrianna 8-9-03
Identical Twin girls EDD 6-2-06

[Dad of twins]

It seems that alot of us here have had a misscarage before. We have had two misscarages, one set of twins and one single, but we also have on daughter and now pregnant with the boys.
Adrinanna: we are doing a noha's arc theme. Lots of animalsand colors. There seems to be alot of stuff out there in that sort of design.
valerie: Yeah we like tha names too. My wife works in a hospital so she gets to see all sorts of crazy stuff. Then she come home and gets all worried about the boys comming out too soon. She said that she saw a woman that had a 4lb baby and now she is like the boys have to be aleast 5.5 lbs. Everyone has worries about the preagnancy and even when they get older.
Sherry: I have been telling her to drink more water but I can't say it too much or she will get mad at me. You ladies know how it is when your man naggs you about something. You just don't want to hear it!
Terri: My wife had those veins for my daughter,and we think that she is starting to get them this time. When we had our daughter her head was so low the whole preagnancy. They had to stand her on her head to get a picture of the baby's head. We thought that is why she had the veins. This time we don't know if she will get them or not. Good luck with them!

Ok I guess that I have wrote enough for today! I am a slow typer:confused: Well best of luck ladies until next time
Jason

[Daniele'sTwins]

Terri...welcome to the board. Wow, four pregnancies! That is my dream. I would love to have a big family! My husband says he only wants three s
children but I want at least 4. I dream of big family dinners every Sunday with tons of grandchildren.

Danielle...how are you feeling? I am sorry you are on complete bedrest but it is the best for your kiddos! I oersonally love to read and I am trying to read as much as possible now becasue I know that will end shortly. I agree with the person who likes Nicholas Sparks books, he one of my favorites too but I am currently reading his book, "At first sight" and I am making myself finish it. It is very hard to get into. I just read a book called "Something Borrowed" and the next one was "Something Blue". they are written by Emily Giffin. I actually looked forward to going to be everynight to read them. They are really juicy!

Lisa...Good luck with your appointment today. I have one too at 2:00. It is my level II u/s at that Prenatal Diagnosis Center becasue of those cysts they found on my boys. My DH has to work so my mom is coming with me. I was told by my doctor they tell you everything right on the spot if there is anything wrong. I am not worried at all though. As for the bathroom issue, I cannot relate. I NEVER go to the bathroom! Even before I was pregnant I would go once every two weeks!

Valarie...I will keep you in mind when Ia m at the visit today. I REALLY am not worried but I will tell you anymore info I get on these cysts.

Monica...I love your new house! Congrats! But more importantly, your daughter is soooooo beautiful!

Jason...I do like the names Nathan and Noah a lot.

Sherry...congrats on your boy/girl twins. That little girl will be well protected by all her brothers!

Sheph...good luck today on your level II. Make sure you tell us all about it! I have one today too.

Kate...welcome to the board and congrats on your b/g twins!

Now, as for the breastfeeding. I am really going to try to do it and my goal is tandem feedings. I personally was a formula baby and I turned out fine but when I think of how and why God made my body the way he did I just feel like that is what I am supposed to do. I also registerd for that $300 pump (medula?) and I don't know if I will get it? Maybe my grandmother, mother in law or a group together gift. But if I don't get it I will just buy it.

How has everyone's eating habits been? When I was ssick last week I could not eat solid foods for 5 days! Now that I can eat again all I want is doughnuts, chocolate, ice cream etc! I went to the market yesterday and bought so much junk food! I came home so mad at myself! I am not like that usually! Right now I want some cookies so badly but I cut up a pear instead, (Holy not working!!!)

Has anyone started to interview for pediatricians yet?

Well, I am off to work on my babycrowd website. It is still in progress but if you want to take a look... www.babycrowd.com and then my name is mallaritwins. You do not need a password to get in.

Daniele

[vthompson]

Daniele - I checked out your site. Very cute!!! Your husband sounds like a funny person. I am also finding myself craving sweets, which I never really did before the pregnancy. Sometimes you have to give in or you will just keep craving! However, you should pat yourself on the back for choosing the fruit! I know that was a hard decision :D I have not started interviewing for pediatricians. I don't really know where to begin. My girlfriend highly recommends her's so I may start there. Good luck at your u/s today! I would greatly appreciate any info you get. Thanks for thinking of me :)

Jason - did they actually put your wife on her head for the u/s picture? That seems crazy :eek:

Ally - We are doing a frog theme for the nursery. It has greens, yellows, blues . . . It is cute!

Lisa - Good luck at your appt today! I am anxious to hear if they let you decrease your hours, especially since I want the same thing :p

I know I may have missed some of you who have appts and u/s this week so Good Luck to everyone! I look forward to hearing the results!

Talk to everyone soon!

Valerie

[TMoT]

Sorry, Ladies. Didn't mean to imply anything about the BM/early labor thing. You obviously have reasons to worry about miscarrying :-( , but I wanted us to try to stay focused on the POSTIVE things we can do, in place of worrying, to keep our minds/bodies off those negative scenarios (which, unfortunately, are always there)... In all events, we know how important it is to stay positive, of course, while still being prepared for anything! Just the ups and downs of pregnancy, I guess, as Valerie was writing about!!!!

Daniele: THANKS for the words of congrats! And congrats to you on going for it with b/f!! I'm definitely going to do the same thing (i nursed LOTS w/my first two boys!). Added benefits for your own body you'll note are: uterus gets back "into shape" much FASTER w/b/f because nursing causes contractions which return uterus/muscle back to normal; AND, you'll lose that "extra" pregnancy weight (if you have any!) quicker too! My first OB explained that the "added fat" we put on during pregnancy (butt, thighs, etc.) is really "stored energy" expressly for breastfeeding. So, when you b/f, you burn that "stored energy" off -- very fast, I might add from my own experience! Nice added reward for all the effort we (will) go through to b/f!!! And about Pregnancy Diet and your cravings, check this out (posted this before too, but...):

http://www.blueribbonbaby.org/

I read an article on there that actually talks about making so-called "junk food" (including ice cream!) work for you during pregnancy, but I can't find it there anymore! Boo hoo... :'-( (Like that's gonna stop me from eating ice cream almost EVERY day, though!!!) ;-)

Jason: Try to drink that water yourself to inspire your wife! If you can do it, it won't be as much like nagging if you then bring her a glass of water and ask her nicely to "join you"...(?!?!) Of course, it's for the best of those babies, and as much of a pain as it is, the lessening of swelling, fatigue, constipation, etc., will give your wife that much more comfort too.... (???)

Sleeping/Sitting etc. Posture: I posted previously about the correct position in which to sleep, etc., but the url was wrong. :-( This, plus the kegel exercises I posted about (and the water!) are such important things for Babies, I wanted to re-post the CORRECT link here. Please be sure to read some of the details and do all you can to give your babies a good position throughout pregnancy and labor/delivery. It, again, will help you to ensure you're doing the most you can for their sake (and yours) to bring about as smooth a labor/delivery as possible -- even given the added "variables" involved in having more than one! Please check this out:

http://www.spinningbabies.com
And, specifically, about twins: http://www.spinningbabies.com/QandAs.html

Sorry again if I offended anyone with my previous post. The road to ****, as they say... :cool: ;-) Hang in there and, above all, THINK POSITIVE!!! :)
Sherry

[EBTwinz]

I had someone send this to me in an email. I thought it was funny. For those of us having boys.....

RAISING BOYS

The following came from an anonymous Mother in Austin, Texas... Things I've learned from my Boys (honest and not kidding):

1.) A king size waterbed holds enough water to fill a 2000 sq. ft. house 4 inches deep.

2.) If you spray hair spray on dust bunnies and run over them with roller blades, they can ignite.

3.) A 3-year old Boy's voice is louder than 200 adults in a crowded restaurant.

4.) If you hook a dog leash over a ceiling fan, the motor is not strong enough to rotate 42 pound Boy wearing Batman underwear and a Superman cape

It is strong enough, however, if tied to a paint can, to spread paint on all four walls of a 20x20 ft. room.

5.) You should not throw baseballs up when the ceiling fan is on. When using a ceiling fan as a bat, you have to throw the ball up a few times before you get a hit. A ceiling fan can hit a baseball a long way.

6.) The glass in windows (even double-pane) doesn't stop a baseball hit by a ceiling fan.

7.) When you hear the toilet flush and the words "uh oh", it's already too late

8.) Brake fluid mixed with Clorox makes smoke, and lots of it.

9.) A six-year old Boy can start a fire with a flint rock even though a 36-year old man says they can only do it in the movies.

10.) Certain Lego's will pass through the digestive tract of a 4-year old Boy! .

11.) Play dough and microwave should not be used in the same sentence.

12.) Super glue is forever.

13.) No matter how much Jell-O you put in a swimming pool you still can't walk on water.

14.) Pool filters do not like Jell-O.

15.) VCR's do not eject "PB &J" sandwiches even though TV commercials show they do.

16.) Garbage bags do not make good parachutes.

17.) Marbles in gas tanks make lots of noise when driving.

18.) You probably DO NOT want to know what that odor is.

19.) Always look in the oven before you turn it on; plastic toys do not like ovens.

20.) The fire department in Austin, TX has a 5-minute response time.

21.) The spin cycle on the washing machine does not make earthworms dizzy.

22.) It will, however, make cats dizzy.

23.) Cats throw up twice their body weight when dizzy.

24.) 80% of Men who read this will try mixing the Clorox and brake fluid.

[TMoT]

Lisa: Congrats on all the excellent news at your appointment!! Now, please check out the link I posted about "spinningbabies" to do your best and get those babies turned the other way!!!!!
http://www.spinningbabies.com

I also found the link on fastfoods I wanted to share with you all:
http://www.blueribbonbaby.org/fastfood.shtml

:p Enjoy!!!
Sherry

[megzmom]

Hi Moms and Dads.

I feel much better since my last post. I haven't been sick in 3 days so the scale has stayed the same. I am still 10 lbs lighter than when I got pregnant and babies are growing healthy so I am happy. I went for my appt yesterday and I am just turning 19 weeks and fundus(sp) is 21.

I was so excited to hear that your babies prefer one side too. I thought mine were already crazy like me. Mine love my right side and lower bottom (complete opposite of my pregnancy with my daughter 8 years ago) She was all over but ususally in my ribs.

I have some computer questions sorry...dh I think that means dad but not sure. How do you get the cute little pea in the pod with weeks at the bottom?:confused:

I was suprised how early I am swelling with this pregnancy. I knew I would be not this early. But I guess its normal. Plus I am a teacher and on my feet all day. I never sit down.

Jason- I love the names. We picked Nathan for a while-I love Nate! But we choose -for now :) Benjamin Ryan and Zachary Elijah (Ben and Zack)

We are expecting b/b and my husband is a sports freak so I had no say in the decor. I choose the All Star theme. Which is nice because BRU, Baby Depot and Target all have similar coordinating items. We registered this past weekend. I am overly excited and probably registered way before necessary but with the scare a week ago from the peri dr (monochorionic twins) I didn't want to sit by and worry. I wanted to celebrate the news of b/b and shop!

Like most of you I had a miscarriage before. I had one 8 years ago, before my daughter was born. But I have been paranoid this time, even with a successful birth under my belt with all the possible complications. I think it also has something to do that I tried for 1 1/2 years and couldn't believe when the test was positive.

I complete relate to the oops when you sneeze. I haven't peed but discharge comes out (sorry TMI):o . I have started to wear liners from now on.
I am also worried like some of you of have the babies pop out when you strain. I was really scared since I have been so nausiated and sick for the past few months.

breastfeeding - I really like the idea of switching babies between formula and nursing. I couldn't get the football hold down with my daughter. I know each baby is different so I will try the tandem hold first. Besides the obvious health benefits, no one mentioned NO WASHING BOTTLES as a benefit to b/f.

Is anyone still able to sleep on the stomach (slightly). I am 100% a belly sleeper and up until a couple of nights ago was able to sleep almost on my belly. My left leg is pulled all the way up but it was nice. Any suggestions for belly sleeping would be great. My hips and abdomen muscles kill me on my side.

I am so greatful for this website. I have only been on for a week but I am already an addict!:(
Talk to you all soon.

[TMoT]

Lisa's last post reminded me of an EXCELLENT email on pregnancy/hormone 'changes' that I really wanted to share with you all!!!!

Pregnancy Q&A:
Q: Should I have a baby after 35?
A: No, 35 children is enough.

Q: I'm two months pregnant now. When will my baby move?
A: With any luck, right after he finishes college.

Q: What is the most reliable method to determine a baby's sex?
A: Childbirth.

Q: My wife is five months pregnant and so moody that sometimes she's borderline irrational.
A: So what's your question?

Q: My childbirth instructor says it's not pain I'll feel during labor, but pressure. Is she right?
A: Yes, in the same way that a tornado might be called an air current.

Q: When is the best time to get an epidural?
A: Right after you find out you're pregnant.

Q: Is there any reason I have to be in the delivery room while my wife is in labor?
A: Not unless the word "alimony" means anything to you.

Q: Is there anything I should avoid while recovering from childbirth?
A: Yes, pregnancy.

Q: Do I have to have a baby shower?
A: Not if you change the baby's diaper very quickly.

Q: Our baby was born last week. When will my wife begin to feel and act normal again?
A: When the kids are in college.

10 WAYS TO KNOW IF YOU HAVE "HORMONE ISSUES"
(memories from that first trimester...!!!)
1. Everyone around you has an attitude problem.
2. You're adding chocolate chips to your cheese omelet.
3. The dryer has shrunk every last pair of your jeans.
4. Your husband is suddenly agreeing to everything you say.
5. You're using your cellular phone to dial up every bumper sticker that says: "How's my driving-call 1- 800-".
6. Everyone's head looks like an invitation to batting practice.
7. Everyone seems to have just landed here from "outer space".
8. Your home thermostat doesn't seem to be cooling no matter what it's set on.
9. You're sure that everyone is scheming to drive you crazy.
10. The ibuprofen bottle is empty and you bought it yesterday.

:D

[TMoT]

Megzmom, congrats on your good appointment! As long as the babies are growing, looks like the weight gain issue is under control! Glad you can hold things down nowadays too. That sure is a relief I welcome when it comes too, since I'm STILL suffering from nausea on and off, almost every day. :-(

About swelling: Please check what I wrote previously (at least 5x!) about drinking water. It's VERY important -- to avoid toxemia, pre-eclampsia, etc.!!! I posted the same suggestion for another teacher here too: Try to make drinking water a class-wide initiative (it's essential for young, growing brains too!), and maybe that'll help you to get better/more h2o intake during the day...???

Baby Position: Check the http://www.spinningbabies.com site about where the babies are/where they should be. According to her, a singleton baby's butt should be on your lefthand side, under your ribcage, and it's head down in your pelvis. That means kicking would be on your right ribs (!) and jabbing on the right side of your tummy! From what you say, it sounds _good_ for you if all the action is taking place on the right...! 'Course, with twins and so early on, who knows?!?!?!

Sleeping on your Tummy: Same site says this is fabulous and even IDEAL! She tells us to always keep our tummy _lower than_ or _on the same level as_ our spine when laying down (i.e. tummy-down on the mattress, OR laying on your LEFT side); and knees below waistline when standing/sitting. To summarize: Your belly button should always be pointing STRAIGHT FORWARD, or DOWN. Period. These are GOLDEN RULES (and easy to remember!), so please try to think about/respect them during your pregnancy!

To be able to keep sleeping on your tummy, Megzmom, this site suggests making a 'nest' out of pillows for your tummy and laying "in" that, face-down, to sleep. She even has pictures for this, if you check the spinningbabies link...

One more thing while I'm at it on Mommy's Posture: NO SQUATTING after your 30th week! And, the same woman recommends -- if you have to do rigorous, bending or stooping work (sweeping, mopping, vacuuming, changing/playing with baby, etc.), she says to do it _ON YOUR HANDS AND KNEES_ (with knee-pads on)!!!!!!!! Isn't that a SCREAM?!? It not only saves your back, but it's actually GOOD EXERCISE for your womb and gets babies in a good position!!!!!

dh = darling husband; or, in my case (since we're not married), "darling, honey..." ;-)

Sneezing/"Oops": Be sure to do your kegels (see my previous post)! If you "leak" when you sneeze, that means your pelvic floor muscles need some work -- esp for the sake of your labor/delivery! And, if you think it's bad now, imagine what condition those muscles will be in after delivering two XX-pound baby boys!!! If nothing else, fear of future incontinency is what's keeping me on the ball with my kegels. A pluspoint: You can do them anytime during the day (sitting, standing, anywhere!) and no one will know it. Get your pelvic floor in shape and throw away those pantyliners!!!! ;-)

Good luck, and congrats again on your good report! ;-)
Sherry

[Twins+1mommy]

Hey everyone! Well this is my first time replying so give me a break if i do something wrong...........Well iam currently 20 wks and 3 days and i'am also due in June of "06", but doctor says they will come early due to the preterm labor symtoms i have had since, i was 6 wks pregnant..... This pregnancy was planned, but never thought i would be twins.......i have a lil son that is currently 16mths......We thought he would be our only son, due to the fact that i was told i would never have kids because of an ovarian cysts history.....So when i found out i was pregnant again i was thrilled......but then when we went to the hospital because i was bleeding, we feared for the worst.....at the hospital they took us to get an ultrasound....and the look on the technicians face was unbeliveable.....she ofcourse couldn't tell us anything, but she made us worry......the doctor right away came in once we were back in the room to tell us the babies were fine???babies???? plural????:confused: we asked him babies????he than said Yeah, your have two sacs!!! WOW!!!! i'am only 20 years old, and i didn't take any thing to have multiple's . and plus according to that doctor i would never have kids......Now i have one and i'am pregnant with twins! i was sooo happy..... Everything had been going good until i was 10 wks pregnant, i was placed on complete bedrest :( it was a sacrifice i had to make......i still than continued to bleed, and at 16wks got a cerclage put in......so now, i'am still on bedrest and reading about twins more than ever. i had a doctors appt. last week and found out we are having Fraternal twin Girls!!!! and they look great.....

[Daniele'sTwins]

Hello Friends,

:mad: I just wanted to let you all know that my appointment yesterday was non-existant! I ended up taking the whole day off and my mother took a half day to be with me. I filled my bladder and walked into the clinic...when I gave them my name they couldn't find me in the computer. WHen they finally did locate me they told me that I was actually schedualed to come in on Monday the 6th!!! I was so upset with myself at first because I thought it was my prego brain but I had the paper the doctor sent me in my bag and it said right on it, written by his secretary...Feb 2 @2:00, Please come with a full bladder! So now I have to wait until Moday. Not to mention all this time I have been taking out of work for being sick etc. I feel like I should just be out now but I am not getting anywhere either (like Valarie and Lisa). I wouldn't care so much but I teach second grade and me being in and out is not good for these little cuties! I would be upset if I was a parent and the teacher was out all the time!!

Twin+1mommy...congrats and welcome to the board!

megzmom...I am so glad you feel better. I think we all go through our sad/nervous times. You fit right in!

Lisa...your post on having boys made my mother laugh but scard the SH%$ out of me!!!! LOL

Daniele

[mmzill]

Danielle - sorry about the appt! How frustrating!!!! I can only imagine how upset you are!

Welcome Twins+1mommy! This is a great site.

Glad the other appts went well.

We had a very busy day yesterday, so by the end of the day I didn't want to move. My pubic bone was killing me, hurt to move either of my legs! Oh well.

We closed on the house yesterday - that went well. And we had a dr's appt. The babies look great. Still two boys - in fact one had his hand on his wee -wee the whole time :p (That's a boy for you) Anyways - they weigh 13 oz and 16 oz and look to be right on track with growth. I've only gained 6 lbs since the beginning, but the dr didn't seem worried since the babies look great and they have enough fluid and such. One main concern for us is the Twin to Twin Transfusion Syndrom because of only having one placenta, but the tech didn't see any problems with growth discrepencies. All their body parts look great too!!!!! YEAH! I was very happy about that!! Oh and my fundus heighth is 29!!!!eeeeks~!!!!!! I'm 22 wks now......oh we have so far to go yet!

Well, I've got a chiropractor's appt today, I'm hoping he can help my hips out some. I hope everyone has a good weekend!
~Monica

[swineland]

Hi everyone!

Daniele, that sucks about your appt. yesterday...I would have been livid! I understand about what a production it is to get to these visits. Our peri is about 45 minutes away and I always take my husband, so he has to arrange to get away for a bit and then I have to pick him up/drop him off. It's definitely a big appointment that we all look forward to and I am sorry they didn't fit you in.....not right.

Our level II was yesterday and everything went great. The boys had another anatomy scan and all the measurements checked out good. Right now, at 20w4d, they weigh 13 oz and 14 oz. I was very happy to hear that at this point they are already almost a pound! Makes me feel very positive in terms of any preterm labor. I've still only gained about 14 pounds....but I guess that's pretty good. Anyway, their heartbeats were 143 and 145 and they were positioned sort of sideways, heads together on my right side and feet/legs both over on my left. (Which is why I'm getting ALL of the kicking action on the left...) In a week I go to my reg. OB and will find out how many weeks I am measuring, curious for that.

Been sleeping a LOT better thanks to my newfound position of turning as far as I can so that I'm ALMOST on my stomach, but not completely. Then, I take my top leg and stretch it across to the left, which sort of stabilizes my body and keeps it from putting too much pressure on my belly. Not sure if the above description elicits a weird mental picture or not, but it works for me!

The prenatal water class that I did Wednesday night was wonderful! If you have something like that in your area, you should def. try it. It was 45 mins of exercises in the regular lap pool, wearing a buoyancy belt and using various items such as foam weights and "noodles". I felt like I was finally getting some exercise without risking anything, no sweating or going crazy :p
Then for the last 15 mins we got into the warm water therapy pool and did stretches....it was so relaxing. Needless to say, I'm going back for sure!

Well, I hope everyone is feeling okay and taking it easy. My feet are feeling swollen these days, not actually visibly swollen, but they feel tight and tingly. Anyone else?? DH and I are going to register this weekend at BRU and I'm so excited! My parents bought us the Graco Duoglider travel system and we are going to register for one of those Graco Snap n Go frames for just one car seat. That way one of us can use that and the other can carry one in the Baby Bjorn....walks, the mall, etc. The double stroller will definitely be used, but I can't picture myself taking it into the grocery store....how would THAT work?? I CAN, however, picture me going to the grocery with one stroller (putting food in the big basket underneath) and a baby on my chest. That could potentially work...... potentially being the active word there :)

Have a great weekend everyone!
Steph

[vthompson]

I cannot believe how much I miss when I am unable to post from work. I actually had to take notes so I wouldn't miss anything! They have me helping out another department and I have been swamped. It makes the day go by fast, but leaves little time for personal Internet use :p (of course I realize that I shouldn't be doing that at work!!) Not to give too much info, but have other people had a lot of discharge lately? It just seems like there is definitely an increase (TMI).

Sherry - don't apologize for your post on b/m. I know you were just trying to calm all of us down! That is what the board is for :) That article on fast food was great! It made me feel better for splurging and giving in on my cravings. I also found your Q/A post to be hilarious.

Lisa - I am so happy that you had a great appt. I also enjoyed the poem you posted. It had me laughing out loud. I am sorry they won't let you stop working :( I will let you know what my doc saids on Monday. I am going to try and get my hours cut first and see how that goes.

Megz Mom - I am so glad you are feeling better and that your babies are doing well. I know this is probably a very stupid question and something I should know the answer to, but when you say monochrorionic (sp?) twins, does that mean they share a placenta? I used to sleep on my belly, but now I find it very uncomfortable.

Twins + 1 mommy - Welcome to the board and congratulations on your girls! I cannot believe you have been on bed rest for so long. I give you a lot of credit for doing what is best for you and the babies. Hang in there and post on the board, I think you will find it helpful. I think it is a miracle that you already have a child and are pregnant with twins after what the doctors told you. That is wonderful!

Daniele - I completely understand your frustration with your appt and I am sorry you had to deal with that! I don't think doctors always realize how excited we get before appts! Well, at least the 6th will be here in a few days.

Monica - Congratulations on the close of your house! That is very exciting. I am also very happy that you had a great appt. It is always reassuring!

Steph - That is great that you also had a great appt. So many successful appts this week!! The sleeping position that you described sounds like mine, except I also use a body pillow between my legs. I cannot say enough about the body pillow. You asked about swollen feet, I am not currently experiencing that. However, most days I can wear jeans and tennis shoes to work so I think that helps. I am sure being on your feet all day has a lot to do with it. By the way, I give you a TON of credit for thinking about taking the twins to the grocery store :D I do not think I am ready to think about that yet!!

Well, my lunch is almost over. Talk to everyone soon!

Valerie

[swineland]

Just venting...

My MIL wanted to give me a baby shower up in her hometown, filled with her friends and neighbors and people I have met, but don't know very well. She wanted to do it in March and after much thinking I told her I didn't feel that flying to Maryland at 27 weeks was a good idea. She said it was ok.....no hurt feelings and don't worry about it. However, she is still going ahead with a "grandmommy shower" (that's what she calls it). I have heard of these before and it's usually where the friends/family of the Grandma-to-be throw her a party and give her gifts (I guess portable cribs, "worlds best grandma" t-shirts, etc). I was like, oh that's great! I think you should definitely celebrate it and let your friends have a party for you.....have fun. Then she informed me that the shower is really for me, even though I won't be there and she's calling it a "grandmommy shower" and she is going to open up all of our gifts. I said, oh, so they'll bring gifts for us, but you'll open them?? The answer is yes. I think that is TOTALLY strange and selfish. She's had her babies, this is our time to experience the "showers" and open presents, etc. To that end, I do not want to be THAT person, the one who says back "but I want to open the gifts". I think that sounds childish and I won't go there. So, whatever. If I had it the way I wanted it, totally stress-free, she would have a nice luncheon with her friends and any gifts they want to send can be sent directly to our home. Instead, my MIL and FIL are going to load up the Expedition and drive everything down here, thereby having a reason to come stay for another 10 days. (That's a WHOLE other story)

Sorry guys......I just had to vent.....

[swineland]

Also, Heather..... I noticed you live in Kissimmee. I live in Hunters Creek, just north of Kiss. off John Young Parkway. Wonder if we have the same OB!

[swineland]

Thanks for the reply, Lisa! Sounds like we are in the same boat. As with you, my MIL has a heart of gold, is trying to do the right thing, but just keeps screwing it up. And get this: DH and I are BOTH only children....so these are the first and only grandchildren for both sets of parents. It's insane. What bothers me is this: my mom and dad, while always available for us and very much a part of our lives, have lives of their own. They travel, they play tennis, they work, they socialize.....I never have to worry about them b/c I know they are content. Vice versa, if my mom doesn't hear from me in a week, she assumes I'm busy, not that I'm dead. They are delighted about the twins and can't wait, but they have things going on in their lives too.....and as it should be. ON THE OTHER HAND, my MIL and FIL don't have lives. They live in the same small town they have always lived in, all of their friends live in the same small town, all of their friends' grandkids are a mile away and my husband is like the only person to have ever moved away (the place is smothering). So, to that end, she spends day and night making US the primary focus in her life.....WE are the eggs in her basket and it is just WAY too much pressure for me. She always tells us how much they wish they could see us every day and how it kills them to live so far away. That WE are the MOST important things in their lives. Let me tell you, I just got back from a nice week-long visit to my parents in South Florida. I got back on Tuesday and today my MIL calls and was almost mad or put-off that she hadn't talked to me in a week. I was like, you do know I was out of town right? My husband, who does not want to get involved, says "well, she just thinks of you as one of the girls"....well guess what? I'm NOT one of the girls. I wish they would travel and go see things and not make us the sole focus and purpose of their lives. You know, I am just going to let this one go and not say anything about her "shower" and opening our presents. I just want to try and be the bigger person here. Believe me, I'd love to.....but I'm the kind of person who likes to avoid confrontation at all costs....so, she wins.

Sorry guys about our In-Law bashing!!!

Steph
<a href="http://www.tickercentral.com"><img border="0" src="http://www.tickercentral.com/view/5nyv/1"></a>

[megzmom]

Steph- I can't believe how close we live! Small world. I live in St. Cloud and work in Kissimmee and my OB is in Celebration. For those that don't know Mickey's house this isn't far apart at all. I LOVE my reg obs. They are the BEST!!!!!!!!

TMOT-I was doing the Kegal exercises in the beginning but havent lately. When I started them during typing the boys moved! I love feeling them move. I felt my first real KICK last night. I thought my daughter (who was next to me punched me) when I realized she didn't I almost started to cry I was so happy.

Anyone know how to put the ticker -picture thingy at the bottom of our replies? I love to know how many days to go!

Daniele - I would be so upset at your appt too! I am blaming myself for forgetting everything lately. Luckily my students help me locate items all over my room. I still never remember 5 min later if I've taken my vitamins or not. I'm going to get a weekly medicine dispenser so I'll always know. I had the similar thing this week with my appt. The doctor was called away and we weren't told until 40 mintues after sitting in the waiting room they suggested to go out to eat and come back after closing and the dr would see me. Thats why I love them. Ends up he had a csection to do.

[swineland]

Heather,

You can go to lilypie.com OR tickercentral.com and get those little tickers set up there. Once you finish customizing it, just copy and paste the "code" into your signature. (On this twins message board, go to the top under where it says "welcome" and find "User CP", click on that and then on "signature". Just paste in your HTML code there and each time you post a message the ticker will pop up).

Hope that helps! I just set mine up today.....I was having ticker-envy!

By the way, are you hoping to deliver at Celebration Health? My OB delivers there and I just LOVE that hospital....it's so nice. However, there is no NICU and we might end up at Florida Hospital downtown. Also, the Celebration Fitness Centre is where I signed up for the prenatal water class......it's wonderful!

Steph

[EBTwinz]

just seeing if this works....

[swineland]

I re-read this and had to edit b/c I left stuff out: My MIL also said that she saw some other cute clothes, but since they weren't Polo, she didn't buy them. okay, who is the heck cares if a baby is wearing Polo clothes? She just wants to show them off and take credit for how they are dressed! Why couldn't she use that money and put it towards a college fund? Or better yet, just don't spend that much money on baby clothes! Okay, now I am done venting. Sorry, I just get so worked up about it and have no one to vent to. My dh tells me it's her way of showing her love. Whatever.....

My husband says the SAME exact thing.... "Oh, she is just excited" or "let her have her fun". It totally bugs me that he is not immediately on the horn, calling her up and saying "mom, knock it off". However, most men don't do that anyway I guess. He just tries to keep the peace and if he can get me to relent, then the problem goes away and he doesn't have to get involved. Smart strategy, now that I think about it.

What is UP with the Polo clothing?? That's ridiculous! You should tell her that Wal-Mart is having a nice sale on baby clothes...hahaha. :D

Steph

[vthompson]

Steph and Lisa - I cannot imagine what you are going through! In laws can be so aggravating. The most annoying part is that you are expected to just sit back and let them act the way they want because that is just how they are.

Steph, I don't blame you for just wanting to let the shower go. You know you should say something, but you know it will only make things worse. You are in a hard situation.

Lisa, What is up with the Polo clothes? No one even knows what "labels" a baby is wearing for Gosh sake!! Like you said, take the money and use it for a college fund!

My MIL is the opposite of yours. She is my DH's stepmom and she hasn't called once through the pregnancy to see how me or the babies are doing (and his parents live about 5 minutes from us). However, she makes it seem like she wants to be considered his mother because she took care of my DH. She can be such a b**** sometimes it drives me crazy. She expects everyone to call her. For example, she won't call my mom to offer help with the shower, but acts offended that my mom hasn't called her yet. I can usually let her roll off my back, but since the pregnancy I have a hard time doing that!

Steph - thanks for the ticker info, I am going to try it now.

On another note, many of you have mentioned the size of your stomach. My doctor has never measured mine. Is that normal?

Valerie

[vthompson]

Just testing my ticker!