Nine Pounds of Baby!

We had another great appointment today.  Sonny and Cher are weighing in at 4 lb 10 oz and 4 lb 11 oz, respectively.  They are right on track for 33 weeks!  Since the babies are getting pretty crowded, capturing good pictures of them is becoming more difficult.  As you can see below, their little heads are right next to each other, and they both have hair!

Thirty-Two Weeks!

 

We made it to 32 weeks!  

 

December 20

A Few More Pictures

The twins sailed through another biophysical profile today!  As you can see by the pictures below, they are definitely becoming more crowded, but we're hoping they'll stay put for several more weeks!

Cher's squished little face.

This is Cher's face, and she's snuggled right up to her brother's head (labeled on the left). 



Another one of Cher 

And, finally, Sonny with his hand in front of his face (as usual). 

Two Head Down Babies

Today, we had another biophysical profile, which our little ones passed with flying colors!  We also did some measurements, and both babies are right on track.  Sonny is weighing in at 3 lb 7 oz, and Cher surprised us all at 3 lb 11 oz today.  I'm pretty sure the extra ounces are all in her cheeks!  The biggest news today is that Sonny, not about to be outdone by his sister, has also shifted to a head-down position.  If both babies remain head down, we may be able to avoid a c-section.  However, since we're only at 30 weeks, they still have a lot of time to move around.  We'll just have to wait and see where they end up!

Here's Cher's little face (right side of the picture).  It looks like her lips are puckered. 

Here's Sonny with his hand in front of his face again (eye and nose on the left side of the picture). 

My co-workers also threw us a baby shower today.  Josh and I really appreciate the yummy food and generous gifts. Thanks to everyone for coming!

 

 

This isn't the most flattering picture of Josh and I, but I thought the blog could use a bit more Josh. 

Overachievers

 

On Monday, our babies rocked their first biophysical profile.  The biophysical profile consists of the ultrasound tech looking at each baby to evaluate his/her heart rate, activity level, breathing movements and muscle tone.  Amniotic fluid levels are also measured.   The ultrasound tech awards a certain number of points based on the scan, and, although I am a bit unclear about the scoring system, I do know that our babies each earned an eight.  We have been assured that this is a positive result, so we're very proud and hoping our appointment next week goes just as well! 

 

In other news, Cher did a little flip in the last week and is now head down.  We don't know if she got sick of her brother kicking her in the head, or if she heard our OB talking about how unlikely it was that she would be able to turn and decided to prove her wrong.  Either way, she's pretty impressive!  She may still be settling in after her big move because she was not in the mood to entertain visitors this week.  She had both hands in front of her face for the entire ultrasound, so there are no new pictures of her this week.  However, we were able to get a few good pictures of Sonny!

 

Sonny sticking out his tongue!

Sonny with his fist in front of his face.

Our little old man

Cher's Photo Shoot

We had another ultrasound today, and I'm happy to report that both babies are developing right on track!  Sonny and Cher are weighing in at 2 lb 12 oz and 2 lb 11 oz, respectively.  Sonny was an active little guy today, so we weren't able to get any good pictures of him.  However, after recovering from the hiccups, Cher was ready for her close-up.

Cher with her hand in front of her mouth.

Look at her chubby cheeks!

 

From now until I deliver, we'll have weekly ultrasounds and doctor visits.  Our goal is to keep the babies cooking until 38 weeks.  At that time, we'll likely be scheduling a c-section since our babies our currently presenting as breech and transverse.  I'll keep updating as these plans unfold. 

 



 

 



 

 

 

 



Twenty-Eight Weeks!

Happy Thanksgiving!

 

Today, I am thankful that we've made it to twenty-eight weeks without any signs of pre-term labor!  I am also thankful for maternity sweatpants.  Happy eating! 

Twenty-Six Weeks!

 

(November 8)

 

We have all been busy the last couple of weeks.  The twins are obviously dedicating most of their time to growing.  My sister hosted their frist baby shower last weekend, and it was perfect.  Thank you to everyone who came.  Josh and I appreciate all the amazing gifts!

 

Annie went all out with the baby decorations!

 My friends bought me a breast pump, and the card came with this illustration.  Thanks, Molly!

 

The day after their shower, Sonny and Cher got to see Madonna!  My mom and I went to the concert, and we were lucky enough to get moved from our nosebleed seats to the floor.  I am happy to report that she sang Like a  Prayer, and it was amazing!   While I was happiest hearing her older songs, Cher loved it all!  She was on the move the entire time.  Sonny gave a couple little kicks, but he seemed pretty indifferent to the show. 

 

On Tuesday, Josh and I started a three-week childbirth prep class for parents expecting twins. This week, we talked a bit about what life would be like with premature infants.  Although I am planning to carry these little ones to at least 37 weeks, it is good for us to be prepared for other outcomes.  One of the things we talked about was the importance of flu shots.  If Sonny and Cher are born early, they will have weak immune systems, so we will ask that anyone coming to visit us either in the hospital or at home have a flu shot. 

 

I am heading to the doctor for a quick appointment on Monday.  This lucky girl gets to visit the doctor every two weeks now to be checked for signs of pre-term labor.  Hopefully, these appointments will all be uneventful, but I'll keep updating. 

 



 









Sonny's Photo Shoot

 

Today, we had another ultrasound, and it was all about Sonny (Baby B).  Cher (Baby A) was practicing her yoga, and somehow managed to have both her hands and feet in front of her face.  Although, we don't have any new pictures of Cher to post, we can happily report that both babies are right on track for 24 weeks.  Sonny and Cher are currently weighing in at 1 pound, 9 ounces and 1 pound 8 ounces, respectively.  

 

 

 

Sonny's Profile (with mouth open)

Sonny's Profile

Sonny's Face

Sonny's Face - his little hand is in front of his mouth.

Family Pictures

I wanted a few pictures of our current family (before it almost doubles in size), so last week our brother-in-law, Daniel, took some pictures of us at St. Kate's.  Thank you, Daniel!

(Coop is checking out the ducks in this one)



Twenty-Two Weeks (and one day)!

(October 12)

Clearly, Sonny and Cher are growing!  They are also on the move.  I've been feeling little flutters and rolls for weeks now, but this week they started kicking!  With the number of arms and legs in there, I'm pretty sure it's going to look like I'm carrying an octopus soon.

Cribs. . .

The nursery is starting to come together.  We have both cribs and a dresser set up.  Next on the list is decorating!

Crib #1 done!

Getting started on crib #2

Two cribs!  Does this scare anyone else? 

Twenty Weeks!

September 27

 

I thought the pictures of me were getting boring, so Cooper joined me this week!   

I Got You Babe

We learned a lot about our little ones today.  They are both measuring right on track for 19 weeks, and their little organs are developing normally.  Finally, we learned that Baby A is a girl and Baby B is a boy!  As a result, Babies A and B will henceforth be known as Sonny and Cher!



 







Innapropriate pictures of our babies flashing you!

 



Cher was ready for her close-up today.

 



Sonny didn't like showing his face, so here are his adorable feet.

 

Cher's profile (She was kind of a show-off today)

 

A quick glimpse of Sonny's face before he turned away.

 

Eighteen Weeks!

September 13

 

 

The picture this week was taken in my office.  This expanding belly is starting to make sitting at my desk all day long a bit uncomfortable, but other than that, I am feeling great.  I am not as nauseous and have a bit more energy.  I am looking forward to tackling the nursery in the upcoming weeks! 

 

A couple of weeks ago, I had a blood test for spine defects and Downs Syndrome.  The results were normal, so we are thrilled!  I know these are just two of many things that could go wrong with the pregnancy, but it feels good to have two less to worry about. 

 

In other news, I had to to go shopping for maternity clothese for the first time this week.  I now have a pair of maternity leggings, and I think everyone should own a pair! They are the most comfortable pants ever.  Mine will be making appearances at Thanksgiving Dinners for years to come :)

 



Our First Big Baby Purchases

This weekend, we picked out and ordered our car seats and cribs (pictures below)!  They will be arriving this week.  Having two cribs set up should really make this whole twin thing sink in!

On another note, all the instructions and guidelines that I have read about car seats indicate that the safest place for infants is in the middle of the backseat.  Because I overthink everything, I am already concerned about my children being at an immediate disadvantage.  As a parent of twins, do I place both of them by opposite car doors, at an equal disadvantage, or does the safe, middle seat go to the "nice" baby on a given day?  These are the questions that twin literature should address.  As much as I'm enjoying reading about c-sections, micro preemies and the psychological torment that can result from matching outfits, I could really use some practical, day-to-day advice that doesn't lead to soul crushing fear. 

Britax B-Safe Infant Car Seat

Child Craft London Euro Style Stationary Crib



Sixteen Weeks!

August 30



Last night, Josh and I went to a cloth diapering demo by Do Good Diapers.  We have both successfully diapered a doll, so we’re totally ready for twins, right?   Has anyone reading used cloth diapers? What do you think?  We’d appreciate your insight!

Two Little Heartbeats

In the last couple of weeks, we've seen both a midwife and the OBGYN who will see us through the rest of this pregnancy.  At the first appointment, the midwife pulled out the measuring tape for the first time, and we learned that, at 14 weeks, I was already measuring at 19 weeks.  Apparently, the twins are growing!  After that appointment, we said goodbye to our midwife and moved our twin pregnancy on to an OBGYN.  With Josh out of town, my sister accompanied me to meet the new OB, where we got to hear two little heartbeats.  I was surprised at how easy it was to distinguish between the two heartbeats.  One baby was scooting around with a heart rate of 141, while the other was relaxing with a heart rate of 137.  There is an old wives' tale that says a heart rate over 140 means you're having a girl, while a heart rate under 140 means you're having a boy.  Something to think about. . .

Our next appointment/ultrasound is at the end of September.  We hope to find out the sex of the babies at that time, so stay tuned! 

Fourteen Weeks

August 16

Things I've Learned

When the ultrasound technician turned the screen so I could get a good look at Babies A and B, I went into a state of shock that prevented any logical questions from forming.  I did manage to say, "so there are two in there?'"  After that, nothing. . .  Other than alarm bells going off, there was absolutely nothing going on in my head.

So, in the couple weeks following this news, I've tried to gather some information about twins.

I found this list of factors that may increase a woman's chance of having twins at whattoexpect.com.

• You have twins in your family.
• You're African American.
• You're 35 or older
• You've been pregnant before
• You've had twins before
• You're undergoing fertility treatment
• You're overweight
• You're tall

You may have noticed that the only category I even remotely fit in is "you're tall," and I don't think 5'8" is considered that tall.  The moral of this story - Josh and I having twins is a HUGE surprise!

Other things I have learned: 

• When it comes to twins and family history, it is the mother's side that really counts. Since there is absolutely no family history of twins on my side, we can safely say that family history did not lead to these twins.  
• Our twins are in their own sacs, but we have no idea if they are identical or fraternal.  Fraternal twins always have their own sacs, but this also occurs in 20-30% of identical twin pregnancies.  Unless we eventually find out that we are having both a boy and a girl, we won't know if they are identical or fraternal until the day they are born.  
• An average twin pregnancy lasts 35 weeks, so it is likely these babies will be arriving at least a few weeks early.  

Next week, Josh and I are meeting with my midwife one last time.  After that appointment, she will refer us to an OB, who I will see through the rest of my pregnancy.   I'll make sure to post updates after all of my appointments.  

Twelve Weeks

Here's a picture of me and the start of my bump at 12 weeks!

August 2

Baby A and Baby B

As many of you know, Josh and I are expecting twins in February!  I wanted to start this blog so anyone interested can keep up on the craziness coming our way.

On August 1, I went in for my first big prenatal exam.  When my midwife asked if I had any concerns about my pregnancy, I said that I had just one completely irrational fear - twins.  I told her that I had no family history, but it was still something I was worried about.  She calmly told me that my chances of having twins were somewhere between one and three percent but promised me an early ultrasound if she found any symptoms of multiples during my exam.  Needless to say, later that afternoon an ultrasound technician introduced me to Baby A and Baby B.

Without further ado, here they are:

                                                       Baby B                         Baby A

Baby A (who is not very camera friendly at this point)

Baby B  

Both Heads