My appointment

Went well.  I didn't ask what my belly was measuring.  I've been peeing a lot lately, I'm swollen, and I gained 3 pounds in the past week; so I decided to check my glucose in the morning  while I was fasting.  It's been between 104-112 the past week.  I told the Dr. this, so he decided to do my 1 hour glucose screen early.  He was going to do it at my next appointment in 2 weeks anyway.  I told him I have a family history of diabetes, so I try to monitor it closely.  I did fail my one hour glucose screen.  My number was 144 and they want it under 135.  The nurse said I was only slightly high, but they want me to go ahead and get the in depth 3 hour test next Friday.

According to: http://www.diabetes.org/living-with-diabetes/women/polycystic-ovarian-syndrome.html

"Since PCOS causes high glucose levels, it can be helpful for pregnant women with PCOS to have earlier screenings for gestational diabetes during pregnancy. Gestational diabetes occurs when a woman's ability to process glucose is impaired. The mother's high blood glucose levels can lead to a large baby, immature lungs, and problems for the mother and child at delivery. A carefully balanced diet and/or insulin injections are generally used to manage gestational diabetes."

Also, according to: http://www.webmd.com/baby/features/11-things-you-didnt-know-about-twin-pregnancies?page=2

"No. 8: Risk of developing gestational diabetes is higher in twin pregnancies.

"The gestational diabetes risk is higher in twin pregnancy," says Monga. That said, the biggest risk of gestational diabetes is having larger babies and requiring a C-section delivery, she says.

"While gestational diabetes is more common, the morbidity associated with it is less common because twin babies are not big babies."

Still, moms who develop gestational diabetes during pregnancy are more likely to develop type 2 diabetes later in life, she says."

I have two factors working against me.    I'm glad I'm proactive and checked early.  I trust both of those websites to give accurate information.  Just because I failed the 1 hour test, that doesn't mean I will fail the more in depth 3 hour test.  I will be watching what I eat even closer in the next week and from here on out.  Hopefully, I can control it with diet alone.  Time will tell.  Have a great weekend!

~Sam

Week 22

http://www.myhealthyfeeling.com/22-weeks-pregnant-pictures/22-weeks-pregnant-twins/

How Far Along: 22 weeks with twins!

How big are the babies: Going off of last week, I imagine a little over 8-11 inches.  Depends on what website you are on.  The babies are no longer ounces!  They each weigh about a pound! About the size of spaghetti squash. http://www.dummies.com/how-to/content/your-babys-growth-during-pregnancy.html

Maternity Clothes: Yes

Weight Gain: 16-17 pounds.  I'm retaining water this week.  My hands and feet are swollen.  According to this: "If you are supposed to gain 35 pounds in total in your pregnancy, you may have gained anywhere between 12 to 16 pounds by the 22nd week of pregnancy."  I'm supposed to gain 45 pounds, so I'm a little behind still.  I'm afraid if I gain like I did this week, I will catch up in no time.

Belly: I should get measured at my appointment tomorrow.  I "think" I'm measuring about 28 weeks.  I'll update after tomorrow's appointment and let you know.

Stretch Marks: They have arrived.

Sleep: Whenever I can.  I even went to bed at halftime of the Pacers vs. Heat.

Best Moment of the Week: Shawn and the kids feeling both babies move and kick.  They feel them daily.  It's great!  Very few Braxton Hicks this week.

Movement: We can all feel them moving around now.  It's amazing!

Symptoms: No dairy. My empty stomach still makes me sick every morning. Sore boobs. Acne on my neck, chest, etc. Hair growth on my belly. Major heartburn, which I feel like is causing my bad breath. And I'm gassy now. Got to love hormones!

Food Cravings: Donuts, Salad from Stone House, and Nachos.

Genders: A boy and a Girl!

What I Miss: Not worrying about what I eat (deli, etc). Not puking every day. Sleeping through the night.

What I'm Looking Forward to: Our next ultrasound in 2 weeks.

Weekly Wisdom: It's easy to get hot when pregnant.  Must be the hormones.

Milestones: Babies are a pound each!!!

Emotions: I still cry easily. Especially when I'm tired, which is all of the time. Shawn is not allowed to say any slightly snide remarks. They make me bawl.

~Sam

Guess what?!?!

Shawn got to feel our daughter kick too!  It's a great night!

~Sam

Excited!

No!  Very Excited!  Shawn, Zac, and Abby were just able to feel our boy kick.  I felt our daughter kick, but she stopped moving then our son started moving.  Shawn's face was great!  He was surprised by how strongly he felt the kicks.  I think he's just as excited as I am.  Can you believe others can feel the babies kick now and I'm only 21 weeks?  I thought it would be too early.  Have a wonderful weekend!  Drive safe!
      ~Sam

Week 21

My 3rd graders touch my belly every day at recess.  They think its neat because its pretty firm.  I also heard, "Mrs. Scott!  I think your belly is bigger today than it was yesterday."  I think they're right.  I definitely don't have that cute basketball looking belly.  Mine is all over.

How Far Along: 21 weeks with twins!

How big are the babies: Going off of last week, I imagine a little over 10 inches and 14 ounces. About the length of carrots. http://www.dummies.com/how-to/content/your-babys-growth-during-pregnancy.html

Maternity Clothes: Yes

Weight Gain: 14.5 pound this morning.

Belly: Dr. didn't measure me last time. I think I'm measuring about 25 weeks.

Stretch Marks: I think they're starting..

Sleep: Whenever I can sneak a few winks in, I do.  We had the late baseball game tonight (7:30), so I got a nap in first.  It was great!!!

Best Moment of the Week: Anytime I can get some zzzzz's.

I need to add: Worst Moment of the Week:  I kept puking, was probably dehydrated, I was exhausted, and had many Braxton Hicks on Monday.  It was horrible!  I had 4-5 at school before I knew what they were.  My tummy got rock hard and my back ached.  I felt a little out of breath and felt like I needed to pee.  They weren't "painful", but they were "uncomfortable".  Shawn was in the field, so I needed to help both kids finish up school projects and make supper.  I would lay down on my left and drink water, then they would quit.  I would get up and they would start again.  Not fun!  If I could have stayed in bed, it wouldn't have been so bad.  Oh well.  Babies and I are fine every since then.  Not one Braxton Hicks today!!!  That's why I'm resting when I can now.

Movement: I feel them moving around daily now.  I can't wait for everyone else to feel them!

Symptoms: No dairy. My empty stomach still makes me sick every morning. Sore boobs. Acne on my neck, chest, etc. Hair growth on my belly. Major heartburn, which I feel like is causing my bad breath.  And I'm gassy now. Got to love hormones!

Food Cravings: Cheese, which I can't eat.  I did take a nausea pill and have nachos at the ball park tonight.  Let's see if they are here to stay or if I rented them.

Genders: A boy and a Girl!

What I Miss: Not worrying about what I eat (deli, etc). Not puking every day. Sleeping through the night.

What I'm Looking Forward to: The moment when Shawn and the kids can feel the babies move too.

Weekly Wisdom: Rest!  Don't push yourself if you don't have to.

Milestones:  Experiencing Braxton Hicks

Emotions: I still cry easily. Especially when I'm tired, which is all of the time. Shawn is not allowed to say any slightly snide remarks. They make me bawl.

~Sam

Week 20

I don't think I'm this big, yet: http://definingfamily.wordpress.com/twin-belly/

How Far Along: 20 weeks with twins!

How big are the babies: Going off of last week, I imagine around 9.75 inches and 12 ounces. About the size of bananas. http://www.dummies.com/how-to/content/your-babys-growth-during-pregnancy.html

Maternity Clothes: Yes

Weight Gain: 13-14 pounds, depends on the morning.

Belly: Dr. didn't measure me last time. I think I'm measuring about 23 weeks.

Stretch Marks: None, yet, but my skin is as far is it will go. They will start soon.

Sleep: As soon as I can. I wake up 4-5 times a night to pee or just because I feel uncomfortable. I wake up more and more every week. I guess this lack of sleep is my bodies way of starting to prepare me for the future.

Best Moment of the Week: The moments that didn't involve puking.  LOL!

Movement: I feel them moving around daily now.

Symptoms: No dairy. My empty stomach still makes me sick every morning. I think morning sickness has gotten worse again lately. Ugh! Sore boobs. Acne on my neck, chest, etc. Hair growth on my belly. Got to love hormones!

Food Cravings: Chicken Taco Salads

Genders: A boy and a Girl!

What I Miss: Not worrying about what I eat (deli, etc). Not puking every day. Sleeping through the night.

What I'm Looking Forward to: The moment when Shawn and the kids can feel the babies move too.

Weekly Wisdom: Go to bed before 10.  If you don't, you will regret it the next day.

Milestones: Halfway there!  Being twins, I'm probably over halfway!

Emotions: I still cry easily. Especially when I'm tired, which is all of the time. Shawn is not allowed to say any slightly snide remarks. They make me bawl.

~Sam

Almost halfway...

I will be 20 weeks in 4 days.  I've gained 13-14 pounds.  I'm not going to make the 20-25 pounds by 20 weeks.  Not for lack of trying. I eat a lot.  http://www.drbarbaraluke.com/FAQ.aspx

It's the last question.  Sorry Dr. Barbara Luke, its not for lack of trying.  Ask everyone around me, I eat constantly.  As long as my Dr. isn't concerned, I guess I'll try not to stress over it.

Twins usually arrive on average around 37 weeks, so technically, I'm probably over halfway.   I'll probably gain 50 pounds over the next 17 weeks, LOL!

I just pray they aren't born too early and that they are born perfectly healthy!

Have a great week!

~Sam

Week 19

Getting even bigger.

How Far Along: 19 weeks with twins!

How big are the babies: Going off of last week, I imagine around 8.5 inches and 10 ounces. About the size of mango's.

Maternity Clothes: Yes

Weight Gain: 12-14 pounds, depends on the morning.

Belly: Dr. didn't measure me last week.  I think I'm measuring about 22-23 weeks.

Stretch Marks: None, yet, but my skin is as far is it will go.  They will start soon.

Sleep: As soon as I can. I wake up 4-5 times a night to pee or just because I feel uncomfortable. I wake up more and more every week. I guess this lack of sleep is my bodies way of starting to prepare me for the future.

Best Moment of the Week: I was changing into PJ's last night and decided to stretch out on my back for a minute.  Shawn made me laugh and we noticed my belly button pops out when I laugh.  Weird, but funny.

Movement:  I feel them moving around daily now.

Symptoms: No dairy. My empty stomach still makes me sick every morning. I think morning sickness has gotten worse again lately.  Ugh!  Sore boobs.  Acne on my neck, chest, etc.  Hair growth on my belly.  Got to love hormones!

Food Cravings: Chips and Salsa

Genders: A boy and a Girl!

What I Miss: Not worrying about what I eat (deli, etc).  Not puking every day. Sleeping through the night.

What I'm Looking Forward to: The moment when Shawn and the kids can feel the babies move too.

Weekly Wisdom: Don't wait to pee.  When you have to go, don't hold it.  Boys like to bounce on bladders and make you feel like you're not going to make it in time.

Milestones: Almost halfway there!

Emotions: I still cry easily. Especially when I'm tired, which is all of the time. Shawn is not allowed to say any slightly snide remarks. They make me bawl.

~Sam

Blessed

I just wanted to take a minute to let you know how blessed we're feeling.  We married over 7 years ago.  At the time, we had no idea what life had in store for us.  We've hit some big bumps along the way, but I wouldn't change any of those life experiences.  Shawn and I are very happy with our lives.  Would we love better paying jobs?  Of course, but who doesn't.  One of those bumps was infertility.  Now we are going to be a family of 6 soon.  This just seems so unreal.  3 1/2 years ago, it was just Shawn and I and we didn't know what was in store for us.  If you had told us on New Years of 2010 that we would have 4 kids before 2014, I don't think we would have believed it.  Now we have 2 amazing kids and 2 more on the way.

This might sound crazy.  I'm not quite sure how to word it.  It's not that I don't feel pregnant, because I definitely do now.  I guess it just doesn't all seem real, yet.  In a way, I sometimes forget I'm pregnant.  The puking, the heartburn, and the movements now make it real.  I can feel our younger son moving around right now as I type this.  He's the booger that keeps giving me these strong urges to pee 24/7.  I have a feeling I'm going to have these moments of disbelief until they are in our arms.

I was the same way when we first got our older 2 children.  Even when we adopted them and changed their names.  It didn't seem real at first.  I was finally a mom and Shawn was finally a dad.  We were responsible for them.  All the decisions were on us and we have to figure out  how to be the best parents we can be.  Its real now and we wouldn't change it for the world.

Apparently, we do things in 2's.  Become parents to 2 overnight and then get pregnant for 2.  We also like to keep the teams even.  Although, Abby and I point out that the dog is a girl, so we really outnumber the boys. ;-)

I have had a cold since last Wednesday.  I'm not sure if its the drainage, but I have been extremely sick to my stomach.  Its been so bad that the Zofran for nausea/vomiting doesn't always help.  I hope this cold goes away soon.  I'm not sure how much more of it I can take.  The twins hate when I puke.  They move around a lot.  Shawn laughed at me because I told them if they didn't like it, the shouldn't make me sick.

I love teaching, but I cannot wait for summer break.  I'm hoping my morning sickness will get better if I don't have to get up quite as early.  I can lay around until the worst passes.


I'm writing this out because I want to be able to look back one day and remember.

Have a great week!

~Sam

A few pics

Our Baby Boy

This is about the time he grabbed himself.

Our Baby Girl 

Since she was upside down, I took flipped the pic upside down.

Our Baby Girl's Feet

Can you tell she has them crossed?  This is right before brother kicked them.

I hope you enjoyed and are as excited as we are!

Have a great weekend!

~Sam

Details

When we started the ultrasound, we started with Baby A who was in front and down low.  His placenta attached to the front of my uterus.  Right away she could see his gender and asked if we wanted to know.  I said definitely.  I was watching the screen and I was pretty sure he was a boy.  After she confirmed it, our little boy decided to grab his "manhood" (as Shawn put it).  The ultrasound tech laughed and said it was actually a good thing cognitively.  She said its already the first thing on his mind.  Our babies are very active.  It was amazing to watch them on screen and feel the flutters at the same time.  Now I know who to blame when I have those sudden urges to pee, lol!  After we saw everything and she said he was perfectly healthy, we moved on to Baby B.

Baby B's placenta attached to the back of my uterus.  The ultrasound tech said that was perfect that they weren't together.  Baby B is much higher.  They were both normal and looked healthy.  Right away I could tell Baby B was different and I figured she was a girl right away.  Again, she measured almost identical to her brother.  We were able to see that their bellies were full of amniotic fluid.  Our little girl had fluid in her bladder too.  It was fascinating.  Both babies are laying with their heads and feet together.  As we were checking out their feet, brother decided to kick sister.  She wasn't too happy about it and started bouncing and kicking around, which I told the ultrasound tech I could definitely feel. She said as hard as our daughter was kicking, she wasn't surprised.

Both babies measured 18 weeks 0 days, which is what they are.  They both weigh 8 ounces.

According to this chart: http://www.dummies.com/how-to/content/your-babys-growth-during-pregnancy.html

They are perfect.  18 weeks, 8 ounces, and around 7.8 inches long each.  I have over a foot and a pound of baby I'm carrying around now.  I can't believe how big they are now!  Our last ultrasound was at 8 weeks 4 days.  Huge difference!

According to this: http://www.i-am-pregnant.com/Pregnancy/calendar/week/18

I should have gained between 11 and 13 pounds if I were pregnant for 1 baby.  That's what I've gained with TWINS!  The Dr. wasn't concerned with my weight.  As long as the babies are perfectly healthy, he's fine with my weight.  I might just be one who gains it all later.  I hear almost daily about how small I am for having twins.  Today is the start of my 5th month.  I heard 2 days ago, "My friend looked due by the time she was 5 months.  You look small for 1 baby."  This stressed me out hearing it daily.  Seeing 2 perfectly healthy babies made me "almost" cry during the ultrasound.  It was close.  They are not small, but perfect.  I imagine I will look like an elephant before long.  It's just taking me a little longer to get there.  Knowing there is such a slim chance of either one having any neurological issues is comforting.  Well under 1% chance now.

A teacher went on bed rest a while back because she had an incompetent cervix.  I asked about it and how they can tell.  The Dr. said its hard to tell when someone has one, but my ultrasound showed a normal cervix.  He said it was not funneling, so that's a good thing.  I know, stressing over nothing.  We've just waited so many years for this, I don't want anything to go wrong.

I have terrible allergies this spring.  I never have spring allergies.  Again, pregnancy does that too you.  They were so bad, they turned into a cold.  The Dr. said I could take Sudafed and allergy meds.  I had the pharmacist double check both before buying them.  I can only take the Sudafed that you need your license scanned.  The ones up front are not pregnancy safe.  I hate taking meds when pregnant, but I feel horrible, so I have to.

It was an amazing day!  As soon as the kids got off of the bus, they ran into the living room where I was sitting.  Zac's first words were, "What are they?"  They were dying to know.  They were so excited!  Once they're born, Abby wants to hold the girl first and Zac wants to hold the boy first.  After a while, they want to switch.  I "think" we have names picked.  We plan on keeping it a secret until they are born.  Who knows, we may change our minds before then.  We have 22 weeks to go.  I hope everyone has a wonderful weekend!!!

~Sam

The Big Reveal!

We had a wonderful ultrasound.  Everything was perfect and right on.  Both placentas attached on different walls of my uterus   They were healthy and strong.  We saw both sides of the babies brains.  We saw and heard all 4 chambers of their hearts working.  We could see blood flow to and from their hearts and umbilical cords.  Their femurs measured right on.  We have a very slim chance of any neurological problems now.  The ultrasound tech even said quad screens are unreliable, especially with more than one baby in there.  Both measured 18 weeks exactly (which is what they are) and both weigh 8 ounces.  I can't believe I'm carrying around a pound of baby now!

Is the anticipation killing you?  Baby A, which is lower is a healthy baby boy.  Baby B, which is nice and high is a healthy baby girl.  Both babies are transverse.  We'll see if they stay that way.  Thank you for all of your thoughts and prayers!  We are blessed!!!

Have a great week and weekend!

~Sam

18 Weeks

Definitely getting bigger...

How Far Along: 18 weeks with twins!

How big are the babies: Around 5.5 inches and 5 ounces. About the size of sweet potatoes.

Maternity Clothes: Yes

Weight Gain: 10-12 pounds, depends on the morning. It really fluctuates.

Belly: I imagine my uterus is measuring about 21 weeks.  We'll find out for sure tomorrow.

Stretch Marks: None, yet..

Sleep: As soon as I can.  I wake up 4-5 times a night to pee or just because I feel uncomfortable.  I wake up more and more every week.  I guess this lack of sleep is my bodies way of starting to prepare me for the future.

Best Moment of the Week: Our BIG ultrasound tomorrow!

Movement: Once in a while they play on a trampoline in there.  Not daily, but I definitely feel them more.

Symptoms: No dairy and I'm mostly better. My empty stomach still makes me sick every morning.  Growing boobs.

Food Cravings: Chocolate cake for my birthday.  Shawn made it and it was amazing!

Genders: We will find out tomorrow!

What I Miss: Not worrying about what I eat (deli, etc). Sleeping through the night.

What I'm Looking Forward to: The moment when Shawn and the kids can feel the babies move too.

Weekly Wisdom: Don't push yourself when you're sick.  It just makes you worse.

Milestones: Feeling flutters without poking around.

Emotions: I still cry easily. Especially when I'm tired, which is all of the time. Shawn is not allowed to say any slightly snide remarks. They make me bawl.

~Sam

Is it tomorrow, yet?

Tomorrow is the big ultrasound!  I'll post on Facebook as soon as we know.  Have a great night!

~Sam