Miracle Diet!

Friday's doctor visit was good. Both babies have strong heart rates and movement and there's plenty of amniotic fluid, etc.

I, on the other hand, somehow lost 4 lbs. in one week. My endocrinologist (gestational diabetes doctor) warned this could happen with GD. Clearly I've been eating plenty of food, but for some reason the diabetes is not letting me store the nutrients.

Prior to the weight loss, all my doctors were pushing me to schedule a c-section for 38 weeks, instead of 39 or 40 weeks. I was struggling with their logic (there was none given). However, now that my weight is an issue, I'm more comfortable agreeing to a scheduled c-section at 38 weeks.

If you've been keeping up with this pregnancy then you know 38 weeks is this Wednesday (care to guess when I'm having the c-section?). Yup, you guessed right . . . Wednesday. The extraction of my children will be Wednesday morning.

I have another BPP and pre-op appointment scheduled today with the ob/gyn. Let the countdown begin!

Two of Everything

Still pregnant . . . and I'm starting to notice a pattern with my mother. She seems intent on feeding me two of everything. Two servings for dinner, two peaches for dessert, two fried eggs in the morning, etc. (I'm on to you, Mama). In all honesty, she's probably the real reason I've made it to 37 weeks.

In other news, after all my complaining yesterday about the ob/gyn group I forgot the time of my appointment and missed the BPP. They rescheduled it for today.

I'm tired ALL the time right now. The doctors say this is normal as every ounce of energy I have is going towards nourishing the babies (so five naps a day is normal . . . good to know).

The Practice of Incompetence

That would be my ob/gyn practice. They want to schedule a c-section for next week (yup, I was told it had to be a c-section or find another practice . . . I might be exaggerating, slightly).

The woman in charge of scheduling such events is conveniently on vacation until Monday. She called me yesterday (right before the end of her shift), left a message stating the c-section was scheduled and to call her for the details. I called and got her voicemail which informed me she's on vacation for the rest of the week.

So now I have to wait until Monday to get the details surrounding the birth of my children? Clearly unhappy with this situation I call the front office, explain my situation and ask if there is anyone covering for Jennifer while she's on vacation.

Apparently, Jennifer is the only one who can access this information (great job security, Jen). Which means, I have to wait till Monday before I know the date and time . . . for the BIRTH OF MY CHILDREN. I was actually told this was okay since I wasn't scheduled until the end of next week (how very thoughtful of a complete stranger to tell ME how to feel).

I have a BPP scheduled today, then I meet with one of the doctors at the practice. I also plan to talk to someone about this 'Jennifer situation' (insert cat claws and appropriate sound effects).

Made It!

I'm officially full term today! I've made it to 37 weeks. The world's LONGEST 37 weeks known to man. Some people think I've made it this far because I'm tall and have the room to carry these babies comfortably (personally, I think this is a disservice to short people).

So, I've decided to attribute my success to a life of leisure and constant pampering by my sweet husband and in the last few weeks by my mother (yes ladies, you now have full permission to insist on papering and leisure living . . . you're very welcome).

Now that I'm full term, I'm officially ready for these babies to make their grand debut (okay, I've been ready for a few weeks). But, before I start trying to naturally induce labor I'm going to see the new Transformers movie (it's all about priorities)!!

36 Weeks Update

We 'tried' to do an NST (non-stress test) yesterday. Nugget was very cooperative. Wizard, however, refused to sit still long enough to get a good reading. They eventually moved me to another room for an ultrasound. Once we got in there, Wizard decided to go to sleep and Nugget began her daily exercise routine (oh dear, signs of things to come?).

Anyway, both babies are doing great and I'll be full term tomorrow!!

Belly Break Dancers

Still pregnant. Obviously the babies are very comfortable in the womb (or perhaps they're smart enough to avoid their parents even now). Either way, they are wearing me out. Every night for about an hour they like to practice kick boxing, break dancing, playing tag, etc.

I'm officially in the 'this-is-so-uncomfortable-make-it-stop' phase of pregnancy. I'd gladly trade the bulging belly for sleepless nights of constant nursing, crying and diaper changing.

Friday I saw the Maternal Fetal Medicine specialist. We did a growth scan and the babies looked great. Good heartbeats. Nugget is 6 1/2 lbs. and Wiz is 5 1/2 lbs. which is great for their gestational age. They want me to do a NST (non-stress test) today and they mentioned possibly checking my cervix for dilation.

Teppie & The Labor Movement

My girl Steph came to visit us last weekend. She introduced me to the Real Housewives of New Jersey (officially addicted).

Folks, it's true what people say about finding distractions in the last few weeks of pregnancy. The weekend flew by with her visiting, now I need to figure out what to do this weekend . . .

I'm officially ready for the Labor Movement to begin. The house is in order, the nursery is finished, the babies' clothing has been washed, and I even made Dave take me for a walk last night. Maybe we'll eat some Indian food this weekend. . . drink Castor oil . . . do some squats (halfway kidding). I'm grateful to be at 36 weeks and will gladly carry these babies for as long as they want to go.

I plan to quit seeing my ob/gyn clinic once the babies are born. They are pressuring me to schedule a delivery date for the babies sooner than 39 weeks. When I asked for a medical reason I was told scheduling was safer because the care would not be given under emergency circumstances (I'm pregnant, not ignorant).

Turns out the practice has approx. 75 women delivering in July and would like to schedule as many of them as possible (yes, the doctor actually told me this). That is NOT a medical reason but an administrative one.

Today I see Dr. Chicken Little, who no longer deserves the nickname. since I've made it past 34 weeks she's become very relaxed. We'll do a growth scan and check the health of the babies.

That's all for now.

Nursery Is Finished

We finally finished the nursery . . . well, for now anyway. I still have some decorative ideas for the room, but they can wait a few months. Here's what it looks like:

This is Wizard's crib. We opted for a corner changing table, not the most attractive, but my sister had one for my nephew and I loved it. You can face your baby while you change the diaper which is a big help when they get bigger and more mobile.

Here's Nugget's crib. Poor Nug, that dresser in the corner is filled with baby boy clothing right now. My mom washed every bit of baby clothing in the house and I finally sorted it last night. Turns out I have about two days worth of pajamas and onesies for Nug and about a weeks worth for Wiz. All my girlfriends had baby boys, so most of the hand-me-downs are for a boy. Looks like Nugget will be a tom-boy for a little while.

Hey Babies, What's Your Sign?

If the babies are born on or before June 20th (that would be this Saturday) then I get to have little Gemini's running through the house.  Here's some reasons why this would be cool:

• Gemini is most compatible with Libra and Aquarius (both Dave and I are Libra)  

• Gemini is the twin sign (hello!  how cute is that?)

• Famous Gemini include:  Ralph Waldo Emerson, Stevie Nicks, JFK, Clint Eastwood, Marilyn Monroe, Liam Neeson, Prince, Johnny Deep, Anne Frank, Paul McCartney, Nicole Kidman, and Prince William

If they are born on or after June 21st, then the babies will be Cancer.  Sadly, Libra and Cancer have the greatest overall incompatibility (yes, I am aware of the irony and now high probability of having two Cancer's roaming the house).  

Some famous Cancer's include:  

• Jack Delinger (criminal)
• H. Ross Perot (political nutball)
• Mike Tyson (scary crazy)
• Princess Diana (bulimic and misunderstood)
• Maximillian (failed Emperor of Mexico)
• King Henry VII (real ladies' man)
• Camilia Parker Bowles (the other woman)
• OJ Simpson (come on!)
• Richard Simmons (no comment).
  

All kidding aside, there are some pretty cool famous Cancer people:  Meryl Streep, Dalai Lama XIV, Tom Hanks, Kevin Bacon, Henry thoreau, Bill Cosby, Harrison Ford, and Robin Williams.

Today I'm officially 36 weeks, so I don't feel too guilty about wanting Gemini's by the weekend.  Things are going good on the baby front.

BPP Update

Had the follow up BPP ultrasound yesterday.  All is well.  Wizard's fluids look healthy again and Nugget is doing good.   

The technician didn't know why the change occurred.  One possible reason could be his bladder was full on Friday which would affect his amniotic fluid levels temporarily.  Another being his position in the womb could have been hiding some of the fluid during Friday's scan.

Either way, it's a relief he's still healthy.  Could have done without the stress of not knowing over the weekend.  

Thank You Internet & Social Networking Websites

Last Thursday I had lunch with an old friend from high school.  Thanks to Facebook and blogging we've reconnected.  It's been 15 years since we last saw each other.

One thing I can say, time has not changed this ageless beauty, she looks amazing.  We had lunch downtown and I got to meet her lovely husband.  It was the highlight of my week (no, not the lovely husband meeting, but the old friend reunion).

In other news, I'm still very much pregnant.  Babies are kicking regularly.  I had my BPP on Friday and there was some minor concern about Wizard's status.  His amniotic fluid and growth rate looked a little low.  I was told to drink a lot of water and get a ton of rest over the weekend then come in for a second BPP ultrasound on Monday.  We'll see how he's doing later today.

35 Weeks Update

Apparently the best way to keep the extra pounds off during pregnancy is to become a diabetic.  I've gained a total of 35 lbs. this pregnancy, the recommended weight gain for twin pregnancies is 35 - 45 lbs.  I was happily on the 'fat track' during the second trimester (would have been content to gain 50 - 60 lbs. in ice cream weight).  Alas, my body had other plans.  

I met with my ob/gyn and endocrinologist this week.  The ob/gyn wants to schedule a c-section for 39 weeks if I haven't gone into labor by then, this would happen around July 8th (if my mom keeps cooking and pampering me the way she has this week, I just might make it to 39 weeks).

The endocrinologist (diabetes doctor) said my glucose levels looked good.  As long as I maintain these levels I don't have to visit him again until after the babies are born.  I asked for a gold star or some sort of certificate of completion for my hard work.  He said I'll get two beautiful babies in the end (cheapskate).  

I'm now required to get an ultrasound every week.  I have a BPP (biophysical profile) scheduled for today.  This will check for mobility, heart rates, muscle tone, breathing and amniotic fluid levels.  I have no idea if they will check for cervical dilation.  Since I've made it past 34 weeks my appointments have become very relaxed and hands-off.

That's all for now.  

Custom Quilts!!!!

Yesterday was an amazing day.  I received the babies' quilts from my good friend Tricia!  Personally, I think she did a fantastic job on these one-of-a-kind gems.  I'm so happy, I've been rendered speechless (a true first).

If you'll remember, I wanted quilts designed based on two collage pieces I purchased from Anthropologie earlier this year.  My babies have no idea just how lucky (or fashion forward) they really are!!! 

By the way, Tricia opened an online homemade children's clothing, bags, drapery and slipcovers business earlier this year.  Check her website out Tricia Reeves Designs and if you like her work, send her some business.  I'm one satisfied customer!!!

Without further ado, here are pictures of the quilts and the artwork that inspired them:

Wizard's quilt

Owl artwork

Nugget's quilt

Peacock artwork

Clueless Update

Overhead at the pool:  'Hey!  When I spin around, I can see my own hair!'

Attack Of The Killer Kankles!

I'm not the first pregnant woman (nor will I be the last) to suffer the discomfort and beastliness of pregnancy induced leg swelling.  At this point the swelling starts after standing for more than five minutes.  Here's what my feet looked like after 30 minutes of shopping at BabiesRus (aka BRU) over the weekend.

Good thing I have a secret weapon to combat this malaise.  Their called compression socks (recommended by Dr, Kammer) and while they aren't the most attractive wardrobe item I own they get the job done.  I wear them at night before I go to bed and in the morning (like magic) my legs are normal again.   

Here's what my feet looked like the day after my shopping spree to BRU.

Looks like Kammer's ridiculously expensive medical degree is slowly paying itself off (I am eternally grateful).  For those interested, you can get compression socks at any drug store (I got mine at Walgreens for $30).

The babies are still incubating.  Like my dogs, they seem very food oriented.  Dinner time is when I feel them 'exercise' the most.  Today I have a doctor's appointment with my ob/gyn, not sure what to expect.  

Clueless Update

QUINN:  Which head will come out first?

ME:  Well, I'm hoping a body is attached to the head, but we think Wiz will be first. 

The 32-Year-Old Baby

Does a mother always look at her children as her 'babies' no matter how old they get?  My mother thinks so.  She kept calling ME her baby all day.  There is something very reassuring about being reminded you are someone else's child, especially when you are weeks (maybe days, but probably weeks) away from becoming a new mommy yourself.  

Clueless Update

Quinn felt the belly yesterday and freaked out.  'I didn't know it felt like a real baby was in there!!'  

Let The Invasion Begin

School is out for the summer and my mom is on her way here to spend the week days with me while Dave's at work.  Princess Quinn and her BFF are also making an appearance for the week (I was told the beach and pool were the main attractions).  I'm officially old enough to think my mom visiting is cool.  

My mobility is decreasing.  A 30 minute shopping trip puts me out of commission for the rest of the day.  The babies are thumping around on a regular basis.  They are big enough now that I can tell which one is moving when.

Just A Spoonful Of Peanut Butter . . .

Does help the medicine go down for our first born, Lavender.  Turns out she has a bladder infection, possibly causing her accidents.  Twice a day she gets a cocktail of pills to help clear the infection.  

She could care less about the medicine, it's the delivery method that gets her tail wagging.  We stuff the pills inside a piece of peanut butter on bread.  

Bailey gets one too sans-meds (can't play favorites).  Here's hoping giving medicine to our babies will be just as easy . . . 

The nursery is almost finished, just a few finishing touches and we'll be ready for the babies.  We'll de-dog the car this week and get the car seat bases installed.

That's all for now.

Eleven Pounds of Baby

Met with the Maternal Fetal Medicine specialist yesterday.  They did another growth scan.  If Baby A is still Wizard then he is around 5 lbs. 2 oz. and Baby B (Nugget) is 6 lbs. 3 oz..  Folks, that's approximately 11 lbs. of baby in my belly (trust me, I feel every ounce).

Now that I'm at 34 weeks they will no longer do the preterm labor test or check my cervical lining.  The reason being if I go into labor now they will not try to stop the process.  Both babies have good strong heartbeats and at the moment both heads are down (will she still do the c-section . . . I'm not telling).  

We'll be spending the rest of the weekend getting the house ready for babies . . . just in case they decide to come next week.  Dave is pretty confident I won't go into labor until the end of June (this could be denial talking).  

Have a great weekend, ya'll!

34 Weeks Update

I did it!  Made it safely to 34 weeks (where's my prize?).  At 34 weeks the babies' lungs are well developed, this is true even for singleton pregnancies.   Going into early labor at this point, while not ideal, would be okay because the babies have a good chance of survival outside of the womb.  

Things are getting a little crowded in the belly, lots of movement.  I have an appointment with the Maternal Fetal Medicine specialist tomorrow.  I'm not sure if they will do a growth scan.  These babies feel like they are 5 lbs. each, which would be good weights for this stage of the game.

The nursery is a slow work in progress.  Hopefully we can have it finished by the end of the weekend.  We just received two mattresses in the mail today!  I think we now have all the major items (a truly wonderful feeling for this ruffle-feathered mama).

Since being diagnosed with gestational diabetes, I haven't gained any additional weight.  The diet is not difficult (just boring and annoying).  Imagine watching commercial after commercial for made-from-scratch biscuits (darn you McDonald's), or soup/salad and bread stick lunches for only $6.99 with your beautiful and perfectly teeth- whitened friends (thanks, Olive Garden); yet knowing you can't run off and enjoy these cravings.  

Rational Emily (does she still exists?) understands the pros of not gaining too much pregnancy weight . . . shedding the pounds post delivery should be easier.  She also understands this is temporary; once the babies come I can binge on high-fat ice cream, greasy pizza and artery clogging cheeseburgers.  However, highly-hormonal, sleep-deprived, chronically-fatigued, uncomfortably-pregnant Emily just wants to eat an entire chocolate cake without potentially damaging her babies (simple request, really).

Don't get me wrong, I can go out to eat.  In fact we celebrated our 7th wedding anniversary on Monday (a very low key affair).  I wanted to go out for dinner, which can be challenging when trying to monitor your total carb in-take.  I picked Outback due to their very helpful online diabetic nutritional guide.  

The main goal was to fit dessert into the meal.  I enjoyed a salad, lean steak, green beans and HOT FUDGE SUNDAE (using no sugar added, low fat ice cream, of course)!  My glucose reading was 121 two hours post dinner, the goal is 120 or less (not bad in my opinion).  

As we get closer to 37 weeks (considered full term for twins), I'll try and update more frequently for those curious about the approaching 'Big Reveal'.  

Work In Progress

As promised, here are some before and after photos of the new house.  We've managed to get the kitchen and living room organized (approximately 30% of the house).  Dave deserves a spa day and I do believe he's man enough to accept one.  

We've been in the house full-time for over a week now.  Things are coming together slowly but surely.  Every night after work Dave is either painting some wall or moving heavy crap from one room to another.  

A huge 'THANK YOU' to my girl Ash for visiting us on moving day.  She spent the evening organizing our kitchen cabinets.  Folks, she's got skills, our spices have never been so organized.  

THE KITCHEN

Before

After

THE LIVING ROOM

Before

After