22 WEEKS! !

I had and excellent appointment today! Everything looks great!  The doctor said keep laying and staying off my feet. We are making great progress!  Which makes me ecstatic, this is the week I went to the hospital last time. Dillon and Taylor are happy and very active. Deb (my np) said the more active they are, the happier they are in there. Again little miss Taylor was taking all the room, she loves to show us her girl parts! The ultrasound tech randomly turned it on in 3D, it was AMAZING!  I got to watch taylor for a minute in 3d, it is so cool! she's so cute!! Then Dr. Stetler came in and that was the end of that, maybe she wasn't supposed to, but I'm so glad she did! So I didn't get any pics of Dillon today but he too is active and doing great. The reason for all the new pressure is, he is hanging out super low! But im just glad everything is good, I can handle it!!!
I feel them move a lot now, Especially  after I eat fruit!
Today was fun and really exciting!  Im so happy!
Two more weeks until I hit my next big milestone! Come October, we will be in great shape, at that point they just need to gain weight!!
Im so thankful for all the support and help, its making all the difference in the world!
(And im excited Jason will be home all week and he's not going hunting next weekend... it will be a great week)

I seriously have the best mom ever!! Yesterday she came over painted my toes, did laundry,  made lots of good stuff and dinner. We watched a movie, played words, watched the game and she stayed the night! It was great!  Now were going to have hallah french toast!  Yum!!
Thanks mom! Your the best!! I love you!!

Update -(almost 22weeks)

Yesterday Jenny came over and I froze her with the air conditioning,  it was pretty funny. (Its not really that cold in here, but she doesn't have it, so made her cold and she loved it).  I was glad for the company, this week was super boring. Jason had to work out of town Monday -Wednesday, got home in time for bed. Thursday after he worked until 4 pm, he found out he also had to do an overnight- got home at 5 am and left at noon for hunting. I miss him, I don't feel like I saw him at all. Although, I am truly happy he is getting in plenty of hunting time this month before the crazyness begins. Its good for him and makes him happy. Im really thankful for all my friends and family who are able to help me out in the meantime.Today mom is coming over, wich will be great and Tomorrow mandy is coming!!
Jason got me a mini fridge for upstairs so I can just keep milk, water and cereal upstairs. (The fridge will be great to store milk for the babies in a few months)  between that and bottle warmers we can be ready to feed in 4 minutes! He also got a tv tray (that matches the cribs) and made a little spot for me to sit and get ready. Its helped a lot and will also come in handy in the nursery!!
I am thankful another week is just about down! As usual, im happy I have an appointment on monday.

The first outfits i bought for Dillon and Taylor

When we were at Babies R Us, I just wanted to pick out one outfit for each of them,  something that matched but wasn't the exact same. So this is what I decided on. ( I really wanted to get Taylor princessie, girlie girl stuff but I wanted a little matching. Im sure she will end up with plenty of girlie stuff! ;)

21 weeks!!

I am STARVING today I can't seem to go more then 1 hour without eating ! I know its a good thing since I typically don't come close to the million calories im supposed to be eating, and I've yet to hit the 20 by 20-  but im running out of ideas! Although the yummy banana bread mom made is helping. It sounds good anytime of day!
We have been truly blessed by all the help from family and friends. I really hope someday I can repay all the favors! My sister is planning a shower. My friend Teresa sent me smoothie flavored tums that have been a lifesaver! Last Friday, my friend Mandy came over and took the triple stroller for us, brought and made lunch, cleaned and organized some stuff and left a dinner! Bob has been mowing the lawn and kim has offered to help with laundry and insisted on paying delivery costs to have groceries delivered so that isnt how we were spending our time together with my one activity. Yesterday was the first time and I highly recommend it! At first it was a little aggravating but once we figured it out its awesome!  You can still use coupons and if you have any issues they will come pick it up and exchange it. The nicest man delivered everything,  he's in his 60's and just does a couple evening hours during the week. He told me once you've done it a few times it makes a custom list for the things you order regularly and it will cut ordering in time in half. He put everything on the counter and in 10 minutes I was back to the couch.
I had a little visit yesterday with my np, and I was so thankful. This weekend I had a new uncomfortable feeling. A lot of pressure when I sit and sometimes a pulling feeling. Being at 21 weeks, it made me even more nervous. Thankfully everything was okay, everything still looks great. Taylor gave us a nice crotch shot, she was not sitting very ladylike! In the midst of her gymnastics routine , she layed with her knees at her arm pits! It gave us a good laugh!
I sat a little more than normal this weekend ( as opposed to laying ) and that may have been the reason things felt different. Friday jimmy was in town, and he and Justin came by and hung out for a while. Jimmy bought the babies cute onesies with airplanes on them. I'm sure they will eventually associate all plans with uncle jimmy! Saturday Jason pushed me around babies r us in a wheelchair, I was so incredibly embarrassed before we even got in the door I tried to get jas to turnaround. The lady said they have a lot of women that have to do that, but still!
It is pretty fun (and overwhelming) to look all the stuff. It's hard to know exactly what and how much you need, so we went off recommendations out of a few twins books. We were pretty surprised at how every little thing is so expensive! But its all so stinkin cute!!
After an hour I was so uncomfortable we had to go home and Finish online.
Over the weekend We also had dinners for tony's and cari's birthdays. So Even though I spent the majority of the weekend on the couch, Apparently the sitting  got to me! Im just thankful everything is still great as we creep onto 23 weeks. I realize something happening again, especially in that week is slim and none. But it is still nerve wracking!  especially when things feel different! I feel the babies move a lot now, and twice this week I felt it from the outside too! It always makes me smile!
I still cannot get over how fast the days go by! Although, I am the world's worst napper. Everyday for a month now I've been trying, I'm tired because of the broken sleep! But it just does not happen!
Even though quitting wasn't an easy situation, im really thankful I'm having this opportunity to rest and take care of my body. One thing I absolutely do not miss about work is all the smells! At this point i cannot stand the smell of perfume /cologne and hairspray! I would have been in big trouble. The chemicals would of killed me! Plus I often think about this one lady who always reeks of cigarette smoke and I don't know what. It was hard enough not pregnant, I think I might have puked on her! I do miss the girls and my clients but I am enjoying my time. I'm reading a few books on twins and the help.  It is definitely the best book I've ever read I love it!! I can't seem to put it down! ( Which never happens with me, I typically start but  never finish a book)
I couldn't be happier that time is going fast, I am enjoying being pregnant and never forgetting the enormity of it all. Im so grateful for everyday! !

All of this learning is exhausting! My head is spinning!  So many plans to make things to buy,  stuff to learn! Good thing I have a few months of nothing to do!!

Perspective

First of all, I was feeling a little overwhelmed at the bills for my portion of my cercloge surgery. Then I got the final statement and when I realized that 20 minute procedure cost $29,000, I was suddenly relieved that I only had to pay $2,800 ish and im so thankful for insurance! !  Funny how quick your perspective of something can change!
Then, I recently ordered some books that OBX recommend on multiples. They also just came,  so I just started reading one called twin sense. I am only 11 pages, (of good size print) in. It has covered how "exponentially harder" caring for twins is, then a singleton, how normal life tasks become "a virtual olympian challenge ", how you should say goodbye to all of your free time,  money, sleep etc... oh yes and how high risk it is and all the complications from pregnancy to delivery. This book could scare the crap out of someone! (I am now contemplating if jas should actually  read it) But It just makes me laugh. While I am in no sort of denial- I am well aware of what we are in for. It makes me excited!  Having your hands full, is way better then empty!  I plan to embrace the sleepless nights, endless feedings, diaper changes and tears. When you've held silent babies in your arms, a crying baby sounds like music to your ears.  (Again,  im not in denial, I realize it will all be super tough and with time get old -like tears and diapers) but I especially realize how special each moment of everyday will be and how fast it will all go by. I will absolutely cherish every second. Personally I think after watching my friends with toddlers and infants that seems harder.
Only time will tell! I cannot wait!
Im so Thankful to be a blessed with so many family and friends, who are anxious to help and be a part of the babies lives!

This is Dillon,  the dr took over half way through  and didn't give me any pics of Taylor :(

20 week appointment

My appointment went great today. The babies look fantastic, both measuring perfectly. Today Dillon was the active one, as always it was so fun to watch them. Kim got to come and i think she really enjoyed seeing it!
They said my body is responding well to being off my feet, my cervix actually grew. It seems like such a weird thing to talk about but it, (as we learned the hard way ) plays such a key roll in sustaining a full term healthy pregnancy. Your cervix is way up internally, its actually right by the placenta. I no longer have preva(which ment the placenta was laying over my cervix) but Dillon (baby a) is still laying low. There is a great chance he will move up as I grow but if not, just means c-section. I've grown so much, there are baby parts all the way at my ribs.
Im learning to differentiate all the things I feel. I definitely feel them move now, I've learned the last couple days a little bit a chocolate makes them go crazy. I've had hardly any since we started ivf. The other day my aunt brought muffins, and I had a half of a chocolate one and about 10 minutes later there was craziness in my belly. Since im just learning what im feeling,  at first I thought it was a contraction starting but when my belly didn't get real hard everywhere, I realized what was happening. Then the next day I had a bite of chocolate again and same thing! It was such a small amount, literally a bite! it was on top of a krispie treat I was sharing with my mom. She said for a couple more weeks before its an everyday occurrence that I feel that much.
She said while its important mentally- to get fresh air everyday , I still have to stay down. If I go to the store with Jason I need to ride a motorized cart. Yeah I think ill stay home!  She said otherwise just sitting in the shade to read or chat with friends will work... and stairs only once a day. Jason takes a cooler with milk and cereal up at night for me and I have breakfast and get ready before I head downstairs. Three weeks have gone fast so far, its not too bad. Having the company of friends and family has definitely helped! In between those times Bud and Kye are good company,  they make me laugh everyday. Im so thankful that everything is going so good! Today was great reassurance for me to see that even with the contractions, it's not affecting anything negatively. 23 will come in go before I know it. Soon enough they will be here! My little birthday gifts!!
Next week is just a quick ultrasound with my np. I will continue to the weekly checkups, which will help me get through viability with great reassurance. I love how nice and supportive they are! They really encourage me to call for anything. Just knowing I have that is a great piece of mind!

20 WEEKS!!

20 Weeks is a very exciting milestone!  This week went so fast, I feel like we just did my injection and its time again. I feel actual movement now, sometimes I think its a contraction starting and then I realize its someone moving. Im excited for the ultrasound tomorrow!

19 weeks

Lauren, Shad and Emma have been in town for a few days and its been so good to see them. Yesterday was Emmas birthday party, so that was my "activity" for the day. Im so glad we got to celebrate with them. After a few hours I didn't feel very good so we had to come, but ill take what I can get!!
The weekly injections are going much better then daily were!   Im not having any reaction to them especially if we ice before and after.
All the sickness is definitely  gone now and  im so glad!  Sometimes well most of the time- dinner is still rough, which i dont understand since im hungry all day. And a couple hours after dinner. Its kind of funny.
This week heart burn started,  im sure all the time laying down contributed as well as the pregnancy. Between getting up every two hours at night and the heart burn, I will be a pro by the time the babies get here!!
  I've also definitely popped out a little more this week, since I was up and ready for Emmas party yesterday it was a good opportunity for a tummy picture :)

Update

Having such limited activity is so hard, I don't mind the down time but I feel awful having everything on Jasons plate.  My friends and family have been so generous with help, I greatly appreciate it! Its just so hard to accept it. My friends have offered to to do everything from laundry,  grocery shopping to running errands. Today my friend offered to take the triple stroller and meet people once we get it on cregslist. My parents are spending their last day of vacation helping me. They are coming to parker to go grocery shopping for us since jason had to work today. My mom and grandma have been cooking for us so we have things we cab just heat up so Jas doesn't have to come home and cook everyday. Its all so nice, I just have such a hard time accepting it! Its much easier for me to do for others!!

My ultrasound this week was so fun, it was just a quick appointment with my nurse practitioner. We watched the babies for a few minutes and she was taking all the room, she kept stretching her little legs out. It was so cute but she kneed her brother,  kicked him and pushed him right out of her way. She was very busy moving all over the place and sucked her thumb a couple times. He didn't have a whole lot of room to do much, he was just hanging out. We saw him move a little just rolled over, and moved his arms a little. Its so cute,  Im so thankful for the amazing technology! 
I have an other big appointment on the 15th. Its the 20 week appointment so they will do anatomy again now that they are big enough to measure all the bones again. 
Im so thankful for the opportunity to be at OBX they take such good care of me, they're so patient, understanding and supportive. Its made it so much easier!  Especially through  these next few weeks. In my heart I believe everything will be good this time but sometimes its still scary!!
Well I truly can't thank everyone enough for all the generosity,  love,  prayers and support!  It means the world to us!!

Resting

I know over the next four months I will get board,  but the days go faster then I imagined they would.
Since I can only walk the stairs once a day I have to shower and grab everything and anything I need  for the day.
I am starving all the time now,  especially when I wake up. so I've been getting ready downstairs.
I definately notice a difference in my body, I feel best when im laying on my side. Although, I have to get up constantly! Im hungry every hour or maybe two and have to pee like every ten minutes! Eating and drinking for twins is a full time job! But a job im happy to do, anything they need!  
Im still trying to wrap my head around not going to work for so long its so weird. Every time my phone rings my first thought is still where is my appointment book.
I feel awful for Jason, since IVF I've been a little worthless. I went from doing everything to practically nothing and it keeps getting worse. Now he has to do all the laundry because I can't do the stairs. Im not aloud to push a vacuum or grocery cart, lift or carry groceries so we do that together sunday. I used to do it all on Monday so we didn't have to spend the weekends doing it. He is so understanding and supportive,  thankfully!  I worry about it more than he does but its not in my nature to sit around and do nothing and have people take care of me!! What can I say, I am the most high maintenance preggo ever! Good thing its twins and we will be done! Its so many blessings all in one!
Im trying to make the best of the down time, like my friend said its the last four months of my life I will have to myself!  Today I read about breastfeeding twins. Its pretty interesting,  its an experience I cannot wait for!
I have a nurse visit tomorrow,  I like that I go weekly now its great reassurance!  I assume ill have an ultrasound. The last one was when we found out the sex, it seems like a long time already, im so spoiled! 

Bud loves bed rest!!

18 weeks

Well, as per usual- never a dull moment in this journey.  18 weeks brought with it a new weird feeling. I hoped it was babies moving,  but no such luck. After 3 days of this new feeling and realizing it was only happening after being on my feet, I called the dr on Thursday. After one hour of work, it began again. To my surprise the nurse said it was contractions and I needed to cancel my afternoon, get off my feet and drink a liter of water. She instructed me if it got worse to call back. As you can imagine, I FREAKED out!  That is not a word I want to hear for months! 
At my appointment Friday, for the 3 hour glucose test, I also saw a nurse and doctor for contractions. They basically said at that time, everything looked good. So medically they were not going to make me stop working, but if I was ready they supported it. Every nurse  I talked to that day gave me different advice  and opinions. Most, including family said,  with a history, multiples again,  and that I've already had both bleeding and contractions its time to stop. Then After stressing out about it all weekend, cancelling saturday and staying off my feet most of the weekend- I realized it was only happening when im on my feet for about an hour and when im not constantly drinking water ( which is pretty much impossible with 120 ounces a day).
my nurse practitioner called monday morning with good news, I do not have to gestational diabetes!! We talked about the whole thing and she made the decision for me. With that said i spent 5 hours yesterday canceling my clients. It was bitter sweet,  of course ill do whatever it takes,  this pregnancy  is my first priority. But It made me realize how much I love what I do, and I  adore my clients! I will miss them. But I look forward to the future and hopefully they will be happy with Coreen but still want to come back in the spring... I've done so many of them for so many years,  they are friends,  we've built relationships and I truly charish that. So many called yesterday,  and were genuinely concerned.
This truly becomes a new chapter in my life. Im closing  one door and opening another. For 11 years, life has been pretty much the same everday. Now it will be different,  I look forward to being not only a wife and hair stylist but a mother! Finally!  The in- between time  is a pretty weird, exciting, and scary feeling!