35 week update...

How far along? 35 weeks 1 day!

Total weight gain: I gained 2lbs this week! Most of which was baby but the doctors are happy to see me not loose more weight. They also measured my stomach and I'm measuring at 44 weeks if this were a single baby pregnancy. So basically I'm a giant.

Sleep: It's up and down - 2 nights ago I got 4 hours total last night I got about 7 hours. 

How big are the twins this week? At Monday's growth scan Lawton was 5lbs 2oz and Anderson was 5lbs 13oz. By today I have 11lbs of baby in me! No wonder nothing keeps this belly under cover!

Peak of the week: Getting to see the babies always ranks pretty high.

Pit of the week: I am so uncomfortable. My muscles and ligaments and spine are all starting to give out under the weight. I ache a lot. Trying to get things done has become nearly impossible. Occasionally I will get a burst of energy to get some things done but for the most part I'm pretty useless at this point. It's really hard on me to have to constantly ask someone (Mike and Jake) to complete tasks for me. It's hard to have to wait or not to constantly tell them how to do a favor I've asked. I will say I've learned a lot about myself vs who I want to be! The 

Miss Anything? Being able to comfortably sit down. My belly has dropped so when I sit it either sits in between my legs (please take a moment to picture how sexy that is) or it pushes into my thighs which is uncomfortable. I can't wait to wear cute clothes again! I can't wait to not have to worry if my belly is sticking out under my shirt!

Cravings: just sweet stuff still. 

Symptoms/labor signs: So in addition to the usual contractions I have a new add. Now from time to time when I contract I'm getting what feels like bad menstrual cramps down low and in my back. The doctor said it's usually a sign of baby A burrowing down into the birth canal and that it means my body is getting closer and closer. She also told me I'm about 50% effaced and 2cm dialated. 

Looking forward to: labor. Still. Honestly at this point it's all I want. I'm so close and I'm ready (I think). As far as induction goes I'm on the two week countdown!!

34 week update...

How far along? 34 weeks 2 days. :) we have reached a major goal! Twins born after 34 weeks have much higher chances of a healthy arrival and far less complications! Mainly in part to the size they are now as well as the nearly full developed lungs! In fact, if I were to go into labor right now the doctors wouldn't do much, if anything, to try and stop it. 

Total weight gain: up another pound I think! I'm now somewhere around +20 - I hope I can stay that or close to it!

Sleep: well it had been horrible but I've slept good the last two nights. Thank God! I was starting to loose my cool.

How big are the twins this week? I will get to see them Monday at our growth scan and know the exact weights but I would guess Anderson is probably 5&1/2 and Lawton is hopefully close to that. 

Peak of the week: what was probably my last date night with my husband. We went to dinner at our favorite place and then I surprised him with tickets to go see Kevin Hart (a comedian). We had a really good night and both realize we have to seize those opportunities to have some alone, kid-free time.

Pit of the week: Just the loneliness of being on bed rest all day. You start to get cabin fever. I was getting anxious and really moody so I started to plan a little something to do each day. Now that I've hit 34 weeks I do have a little more freedom. The hard part for me is spacing out my planned activities. This week I decided to make little thank you goodie bags for our nurses during our delivery and stay. I just put some hand lotion, chap stick, note pads, candy, etc. in them along with a thank you card for their care of both me and the babies. 

I made the little gift tags and attached them with pink and blue yarn. I'm happy with the turn out. 

I also worked on my thank you cards. My hand is locked up! I got a bunch done but unfortunately in coming back from the Charleston trip the list of who gave what vanished. :( So if you get a vague thank you from me I am so sorry! I am running off of memory. That's scary!

Miss Anything? A back free of pain. I use to think people with "chronic back pain" were exaggerating - they aren't. It is lame!

Cravings: just sweet stuff still. 

Symptoms/labor signs: Same as last week but they have slowed down some. I'm hoping for some new signs in the next week or so.

Looking forward to: labor. Plain and simple. I'm scared and anxious and nervous and beyond excited. I'm praying for good news about the babies Monday. I'm praying that we can have these two via natural childbirth. I'm praying that I am strong enough to handle whatever the outcome is. Pray with me! Please <3

34 weeks bathroom selfie on our date night. Most days I'm a lot more sweats and Mike's tshirt and a lot less dress and make up! Ha!

33 week update...

How far along? 33 weeks today

Total weight gain: at my last appointment I was up a pound!

Sleep: It's been bad the last few nights

How big are the twins this week? I don't know for sure but I'm hoping baby boy is getting close to 5 and sisters not far behind.

Peak of the week:  getting through our first nst and getting to watch the babies on the heart monitors for a long period of time.

Pit of the week: how uncomfortable I've gotten. 

Miss Anything? Not really no.

Cravings: sweets

Symptoms/labor signs: YES! In the last two nights the contractions have gotten crazy. Today I caved and called the doctor. They told me to head right to L&D at the hospital so that is where I've been for the majority of the day. Hooked up to the monitors and getting checked for progression. Interestingly enough at my regular appointment on Tuesday I was not dilated at all but today I am at 1cm. Not a huge deal but clearly shows things are moving towards labor. They monitored my contractions as well as the babies heart rates for another two hours and rechecked again. While I am still 1cm  and the babies look great my contractions were relatively frequent (every 6-8 minutes) and increasingly strong. After consulting with my doctor they agreed to let me go home but only on strict bed rest and I have to carefully watch my symptoms. Timing contractions, noting intensity, etc. if they get closer together or stronger or my water breaks I am to head straight to the hospital. It was surreal being there. This is really happening. They also made me bump my appointment from next Wednesday to Monday as they want to see me right away after the weekend. Since I'm getting close to 34 weeks they probably won't do much to stop me if I can make it into next week. Ahh!

Looking forward to: I don't even know! It's such mixed emotions. I'm dying to have them but I don't want them to come to early. I just want them healthy and strong enough. It's all crazy!

Here's my bump photo this week! It's the best I can do! 

It must be the hormones...

My house is quiet. Mike is at a well deserved "guys night" with some of the dads from Jake's soccer team, Jake is asleep, and I am in the tub. My new favorite place. The only place where my back and my sides get a break from the weight they bear. 

The only noise is the trickle of warm water from the faucet. (Weird I know, but I like to keep the water just barely running.) oh and the occasional sigh from one of my dogs who won't leave my side. 

Sophie - laying on guard next to the tub. She, like me, is a mom of multiples ;) and I'm convinced she's aware labor is coming. Isn't she cute? Anyways...

I'm trying to take advantage of my "alone time" that I know will soon be non-existant. I love this quiet time really. I should probably put a lock on the bathroom door for future use. 

Tonight, as I was putting Jake to bed, he asked what he asks nearly every night - "momma, will you lay with me?" Normally I say no. I can't. I have things to do or I'm exhausted and once I'm down - quite frankly - it ain't easy to get back up! But tonight my heart said yes. So I lowered my giant self into his bed. He offered to read to me from his new chapter book and I just laid there watching him sound out the big words. :) When we were all done with reading he caught me starring and just said "what are you looking at me like that for?" I smiled and just answered "because I love you!"

I laid there until he fell asleep. I watched his little breathing slow as he fell asleep and then I tried to get myself up out of his bed without making a ridiculous amount of noise. Even when I'm not carrying two babies I'm no ballerina so of course he woke a little. I bent over to kiss him and rub his head and he mumbled "I love you momma go to sleep". 

As I walked out of his room I started to cry. I wish I could put into words what that little boy means to me. He isn't perfect. In fact nearly all of his imperfections are at least partially my fault (hey Mike shares the blame here) but he is mine. He will always be my boy.  I can't imagine what my life would be like without him in it. I'd be lying if I said I was 100% sure I'd bond to the twins like I have to Jake. In fact I'm sure it will be different.  I have no doubt I will adore them. I already do, but no one will ever take Jake's place. 

I know I don't fully understand how my life will change in the next month, year, etc. and I can't say that doesn't scare me a little. For almost 9 years it's been the three of us and that's about to change. From that moment on we will be a family of 5. That to me is beautiful and scary at the same time. The thought that what Mike and I have worked at for the last 5 years will be in our arms soon... Crazy. 

I hope that my relationship with Jake will be close forever. I hope he never feels less important to me or that I'm to busy to just be his mom for a while. I hope he knows, if not now - one day, that he will always be my baby. 3

I thank God, not often enough, for the unexpected blessing He gave us in Jake. We were young and stupid and I will never doubt God's timing in putting Jake in our lives. 

As we prepare to open our hearts and our home to 2 more blessings I know that Jake is preparing to become a big brother. He is excited for the babies and I know he will be amazing with them. It won't always be easy. I'm sure they will drive him crazy. Our family will likely be crazy for the next several years. Our home will be a mess, we will be late to nearly everything, I won't always look put together but I do know my heart will be full - it has been since Mike and Jake came into it and somehow it will grow and make room for Lawton and Anderson. 

It won't be long now... I just can't believe it. 

32 week update...

How far along? 32 weeks 4 days! It took me way to long to get this post out! Sorry!

Total weight gain: at the last check I was sitting right around 17lbs gained I think!

Sleep: I don't think anything has really changed... It's not great. 

How big are the twins this week? I'm sure they are both over 4lbs now!

Peak of the week:  getting to see the babies at my last appointment, and my weekend with my boys!

Pit of the week: Monday coming and being lonely on bed rest. Bed rest is really lame.

Miss Anything? Same old stuff - nothing new

Cravings: not really! Chocolate I think

Symptoms/Labor signs: Contractions, pressure, cramping, and sorry for the tmi - but I think I passed my mucus plug!

Looking forward to: I am now on weekly check ups! I also start my NSTs tomorrow! It means we are getting so close!

Update from the doctor...

So I had a big doctor's appointment today. I will be 32 weeks on Thursday so this was my 32 week (8 months) check up and growth scan for the twins!

32 weeks is a milestone! Making it to this point means I can take a deep breath and check off several risk factors. If I went into labor tonight the babies would need some time in the NICU still but chances are we wouldn't have any major issues or hurdles. 

Obviously we want them to stay in for longer but it's nice to know that at this point we can relax a little. It also means I am on official labor watch. My cervix is holding at about 3.5 cm which my doctor credits to my bed rest. As boring as it is - if it keeps these babies in and growing I'm all for it. 

At this point, if I show any signs of labor I am to go right to the Labor & Delivery unit at the hospital. I also have my hospital bag and the bag for the babies packed and ready to go. I can't believe it's that time! 

The doctor I saw today doesn't seem to think I will have to be induced and selfishly I hope not! I'm pretty uncomfortable at this point. Which makes sense when they measured the babies this week!

Lawton is measuring at 31 weeks 4 days and weighs in at 3lbs 15oz. The ultrasound tech said she's probably at 4lbs but she keeps her head buried down low making it hard to get a perfect measurement. Anderson is measuring at 32 weeks and is tipping the scales at 4lbs 7oz. If you're counting that means I have 8lbs 6oz of baby in my stomach! No wonder I've gotten so uncomfortable in the last two weeks. That's almost what Jake weighed when he was born at 42 weeks!

The babies look great and the doctor was happy with their development and growth. They also are happy with me for the most point. My blood pressure was good but I haven't gained any weight in two weeks. The babies have which means I've lost more. We went over my diet and they are encouraging me to continue increasing my calories. That being said my vitals are strong and my blood looks good so they want me to just do what I can. I'm telling you - I'm eating and having dessert every night. If the twins would rather suck the fat from my thighs I can't be mad at that ;) ha!

Also - I start going to the doctor weekly now!  Each week they will check me for labor signs, take my vitals, and monitor the babies through NSTs (non-stress tests). I will be able to tell you more about these next week but my understanding is that they will hook me up to monitors on each baby and watch how their hearts react to contractions. Exciting because it means we are getting closer!!!

I do want to take a minute to just acknowledge how thankful I am for this pregnancy. So far it's been an "easy" twin pregnancy and I feel so greatful for that. We prayed and prayed not just for these babies but that God would give us what we could handle and what my body could handle and He answered those prayers. Obviously we are continuing to pray and I will ask that you do as well. Pray that this last month of pregnancy remains healthy for both me and the babies, that when the time comes I have the strength to deliver these little loves safely. Pray that they are strong and healthy and arrive in our arms safely. That the doctors in charge of our care are steadfast and accurate doing what keeps the babies and I healthy. I can't wait to announce their arrival and I can't thank you enough for your love and support!

31 week update...

How far along? 31 weeks 2 days. The last two got away from me though I can't really tell you why... I don't do a whole 

Total weight gain: I couldn't guess at this point. When I think I'm up I'm down. Twin pregnancy is wild. I know the babies are getting heavier so I feel sure I've gained. Turning over in bed is nearly impossible without me feeling like I've ripped something.

Sleep: Pregnancy Insomnia is very real. I haven't been able to fall asleep before 2 a.m. in who knows how long. Every night I dread bedtime. I know it's a solid 4 hours of misery - laying there tossing and turning, trying to crack my knees, drinking water, going to the bathroom, adjusting my pillows, etc. It usually involves at least one bath - warm water seems to help my knees and make me sleepy. I know it's preparing me for being up with the babies - but why is it then it's a fight to stay awake?! 

How big are the twins this week? According to my app they are getting big - somewhere between 2.8 - 3.8 lbs each.   I feel like they are over 3 lbs each.

Peak of the week:  My mom coming hands down. She did so much work. My closets are organized my house is in order - the whole thing made me totally relax... Some. ;)

Pit of the week: My mom leaving :(

Miss Anything? Being comfortable

Cravings: no - eating is still a chore!

Symptoms/Labor signs: Contractions (Braxton Hicks) - swelling, numbness in my feet, all of the typical last trimester stuff

Looking forward to: Going to the doctor next week and hitting another goal of 32 weeks! 

Nursery Sneak Peek!

Coming up with a theme that worked for opposite sex babies was a little challenging for me. I looked through a lot of options but in the end I couldn't find anything that I was really excited about. That's when I found CozybyJess on Etsy. She is a wonderfully talented lady who not only makes custom baby bedding, but she actually designs her own fabrics. These aren't fabrics she purchases at her local craft store - she actually designs the fabrics herself. This was amazing because she could coordinate fabrics for the babies without them being to similar - just what I was looking for. With her ability to create fabrics I could "girl up" Lawton's bedding while still coordinating with Anderson's slightly more masculine bedding. 

Anyway, here are some sneak peek pictures from our nursery... It isn't completely done but we are really close! Hope you like it as much as we do...

This is the door to the nursery - that chevron framed thing is a cork board where my plan is to put our first family picture of the 5 of us. You can see our deer head laying on the changing pad- he's hung up now and looks great! This room isn't very big and we are cramped for space so we utilize the closet a lot.

Also I should mention - with two babies on the way we are on a budget! So both the dresser and the cribs came from IKEA! I absolutely love this dresser - it's a white laqer finish and is very sturdy! The price - just $149. I wish we had the room for the 8 drawer dresser in this same style but it was to big for our space.

Next up - Lawton's crib!

Ok so - you can see some imperfections on the wall - those are currently awaiting Mike's handywork to patch and touch up paint. It's a little hard to see but her sheet  is little fawns in light pink, tan, mint, and navy. Her bed skirt is an Aztec looking geometric printin the same light pink and white, and her blanket in the corner is in the same coordinating colors in an arrow pattern. The only thing missing are her teething guards which will go at the top of the side rails and will be in the same arrow print as her blanket. There is a navy pillow in the crib that says "I'll love you forever" it came from Homegoods and I love it! The artwork I made - the frames are from IKEA. The mobile I made as well after seeing one similar on Etsy. The Etsy mobile was $65 - and I was sure I could make it cheaper. Especially since I needed two! All in all I got everything I needed to make two mobiles for about $40 from JoAnn's. Thanks to coupons and doing it myself I saved $90!!

Here is Anderson's crib...

Similar story on his! His pillow says "hello there handsome" ;). Again I made his artwork - the little green one is metal arrows I found in the scrapbook section. His sheets are bucks (since he's way to manly for fawns 😉) the stuffed baby deer in his crib was $7 at IKEA. His blanket is the same arrow pattern as hers but in his colors - we are also waiting on his coordinating teething guards to come in! The cribs, by the way, $69 at IKEA - if you've ever crib shopped you know what a DEAL that is! We choose to leave them natural wood - but the possibilities are endless - you can paint or finish them anyway you want!

I love how their little areas turned out! I wish you could see it in person - it's even cuter! The next time I post a picture hopefully the cribs will have something even cuter in them!! 😍