So close, yet so far

Well I have officially passed the 30 week mark. This day seemed so far away a few months ago, but time really has flown by..at the same time, it feels like I've been pregnant forever :)

Here is a pic from this morning, 30 weeks and 2 days. DH left early so I had to resort to the mirror photo:

I call this The Great Pumpkin shot.  It's really too bad that I don't have any motivation or reason to dress up for Halloween, b/c I am sure there are alot of really creative costumes one could come up with to incorporate my big ole belly.
Weekly Stats

How far along: 30 weeks, 2 days

Weight gain/loss: After holding steady for awhile, I jumped up 3 lbs this week for a grand total of 40 lbs overall. 

Maternity clothes: Looks like the cold weather is finally here to stay, so I guess I have to find some shoes to wear other than my flip flops. I put on some boots this morning that I knew were a little loose normally (so I could actually get them on my swollen feet) and then as I was walking the heel broke. I guess they couldn't handle the extra weight! So yeah, shoe shopping this weekend I suppose. I miss just throwing on a dress and being ready. Pants are tough because almost all of them are too long on me.

Stretch marks: Not yet, but belly is getting itchy so they might be coming...

Sleep: I'm so tired all the time now. I nap almost every afternoon. At night I sleep a bit here and there and get up before the sun. It's just so uncomfortable lying down - my hands go numb, I can't breathe well... I am sure in a couple of months I will totally look back and think what was wrong with me for not sleeping any possible moment that I could!

Best moment this week: Getting some amazing gifts from both my co-workers and my husband's.  DH didn't have a shower at work but a bunch of his co-workers went in together and sent us a ton of stuff - both of our carseats, a pack-n-play, a carrier, etc. It was like winning the lottery!

Food cravings: Fruit. Fruit smoothies, raw fruit, fruit chew things, fruit-flavored popsickles...

Belly button in or out?  Still somewhere in the middle.

Movement:  Yes, mostly in the evenings. Sometimes when they are really at it I feel like they may push right through my skin! It is kind of freaky - sometimes I think DH gets grossed out by it. It's still super cool though :)

What I miss:  Being able to go somewhere without people staring and asking 20 questions. Especially when they say that I must be due any minute. Sigh.

What I'm looking forward to: Hmm. Really just getting anxious to meet these little guys!Milestones: Nothing major this week. Just happy that I have made it this far and things are going well!

My Little Linebackers!

Seriously, my babies are off the charts huge (and thankfully it's not due to gestational diabetes - I passed the test, woohoo!).  At my ultrasound this week (28k5d), their weights were estimated at 3.5 and 3.7 lbs. Yowza.  That's over 6 lbs of baby (and more than some women ever carry full-term with a singleton).  No wonder my body is starting to revolt.  But overall it is fantastic news, and I am thrilled that even if they happen to come early, they will likely at least be a good size. What a relief.

This Week's Stats

How far along: 29 weeks, 2 days

Weight gain/loss: Oddly enough I haven't gained an ounce in the past 2 weeks. Holding steady at exactly 153.8.

Maternity clothes: Sooooo over them. Now that the weather has changed, I keep seeing cute girls in cute fall outfits with cute heels or boots. And here I am in my mumu-ish getup, with my flip flops or flats. Blah.

Stretch marks: Nope. Although if they're under my belly I wouldn't be able to see them anyway.

Sleep: It's been a little better this week, but I still wake up at the crack of dawn.

Best moment this week: Getting to see the babes on the u/s.

Food cravings: Nothing in particular, but I do find myself wanting water nonstop.

Belly button in or out?  Still somewhere in the middle.

Movement:  Not as much this week. I think they are starting to run out of space.

What I miss:  My old body (which I'm realizing I'll likely never have back). So long skinny jeans!What I'm looking forward to: Baby shower at work in less than an hour!

Milestones: Babies being over 3 lbs each, working on baby books, getting crib mattresses.

Baby Shower!

So I'm a little late with this post - the baby (or babies) shower was actually on Oct. 1, but I've been a bit delinquent b/c no words can express how grateful I am for what all my friends did. The shower was amazing.

Some photos of the decor:

Diaper Cake

Onesies Station

And the food!

Cookie Pop Favors:

Blue and green cupcakes with 2 peas in a pod on top. So cute!

My friends also made a bunch of other great food, and sangria, wine, etc. Everything was yummy :)

It was so fun to see so many of our friends, and everyone was extremely generous. I was exhausted by the end of the day, but it was totally worth it. I am glad I scheduled the shower earlier in my pregnancy (I was almost 27 weeks) because my energy definitely wanes more the further I get along. It also gives DH and I more time to go and buy the things we still need.

Thanks so much to my fabulous friends and family that helped plan this amazing day and were there to support us! :)

Getting there!

Well I am officially in the third trimester. Things have gone really smoothly so far and I am very thankful for that. At the same time, each day is a challenge and sometimes it feels like people don't realize how hard things are. For instance, at my last appointment with my doctor, he said "I see no reason why you can't work up to your due date." Gee...thanks?  I mean, that's great news I guess, but it is hard enough now to lug my big belly into the office and sit in an uncomfortable office chair all day - I can only imagine what it's going to be like a few weeks from now. Also, I've always assumed my "due date" would be around 37 weeks, but my dr. said he wouldn't intervene unless there was a reason to until my full due date. As in 40 weeks. Umm, what? I know by week 36 I am going to be begging him to take them out!  I guess I just have to be patient and see what happens...

Weekly Stats

How far along: 28 weeks, 2 days

Weight gain/loss: I actually didn't gain a single ounce this past week! I stayed exactly the same. I guess giving up the Ensure drinks is making a difference.

Maternity clothes: So over them now.  The shirts I have barely cover my belly.  I am just so thankful that I've had so many clothes given to me and haven't had to buy much.  One thing I did buy was a dress for my baby shower (pics coming).  Funny thing is that Pam was wearing the same exact dress on last night's Office. Ha!

Stretch marks: None that I can see. But the more I read, I am now worrying more about "twin skin" than stretch marks.

Sleep: Well the good news is I can go longer without peeing (maybe babies shifted off my bladder?). Bad news is it doesn't really matter b/c I'm still awake most of the night anyway.

Best moment this week: Technically it was last week but I had my baby shower! It was an amazing day. More in another post.

Food cravings: Fruit, mostly. Craving lighter things these days.

Belly button in or out?  Stuck somewhere in the middle, which is where I think it's going to stay.

Movement:  Constantly. So much so that my stomach reminds me of that line from Steel Magnolias: "Looks like two pigs fighting under a blanket."  Or as I heard from another twin mom "It feels like there's an octopus in there."

What I miss:  Independence.  This morning DH had to put my shoes on for me.

What I'm looking forward to: Another u/s Monday. Can't wait to see how big these kiddos are now!Milestones: Took my 1-hr glucose test this week. I assume I passed since I haven't heard anything. I was really concerned since some days my entire diet consists of sugar and carbs. Fingers crossed that no news is good news!

Busting Out

I realized I hadn't posted any recent belly pics on here, and I have really grown over the past few weeks.  To the point where people say things to me like "any day now, huh?"  I have three more months, people!! But I can see how they would think that. Here's my progression in photos:

18 weeks

22 weeks

26 weeks

And now for the really scary one...proceed with caution...

Bare belly at 26 weeks



Yikes. Seriously, how can I go three more months? My skin already feels like I have a constant sunburn from being stretched so far. But, the babies are a good healthy size and that's what matters. I can sacrifice my tummy in the hopes that they don't have to spend much time in the NICU. I never liked bikinis much anyway...sigh.



This Week's Stats

How far along: 26 weeks, 1 day

Weight gain/loss: Another 1.5 lbs this week. Making 35 total. I must pause for a moment while that sinks in.

Maternity clothes: It's getting to the point where the maternity shirts don't fully cover my belly. This is not good. Having your midriff hanging out isn't good when one is thin, much less in my state.

Stretch marks: Amazingly, none yet, but I hear they can often pop up in the last few weeks. Really hoping I can avoid them.

Sleep: I've kind of given up on deep sleep. I'm happy if I can get 1.5 hours straight.

Best moment this week: Went to an Expectant Parents of Multiples event on Sunday that was really neat. It was cool to talk to other moms of twins and get advice.

Food cravings: Appetite is definitely waning, and I've been a bit sick this week so I've really just been forcing it down.

Belly button in or out?  Still somewhere in the middle.

Movement:  Yep. I think they have parties in there. Or fights. Not sure which.

What I miss:  Energy. Motivation. I have so many things I want to do and I just can't. I look at things around my house and wish I had a magic wand so I could just make things happen. All I can do is lie on the sofa and nag DH to do them for me.

What I'm looking forward to: Baby shower is THIS Saturday. Soooo excited. Mostly just to see people I haven't seen in awhile.

Milestones: Hmmm. I'm sure there's something. We went to a baby class on sleep management. We both left there basically thinking that we are screwed.

Starting to Feel Real!

Well our nursery furniture was delivered this week (a month early - woohoo!).  Seeing the formerly empty room now filled with cribs etc. is definitely helping it all sink in that this is really happening, and we will soon have two actual babies in that room!  Other than the furniture, the room is totally blank:

Hopefully that will change soon and we will be able to decorate a bit. Problem is, DH and I can't agree on anything! I have visions of this elegant, regal oasis with chandeliers and flowing curtains, and he wants cutesy cartoon characters or patchwork animals. I hope that we can come to a compromise soon.  We did manage to agree on a glider, after all. This doozy rocks and reclines and has a little footrest that comes out. I was a little worried about the fabric since we picked it from a tiny swatch but I have to say I am fairly pleased with how it turned out:

And now for my Weekly Stats



How far along: 25 weeks, 2 days

Weight gain/loss: 1.5 lbs in the last week. Starting to slow down a bit thankfully!

Maternity clothes: Added a little to my wardrobe after going outlet shopping!  Hoping it doesn't get too chilly soon b/c dresses and flip flops are still the most comfortable thing.

Stretch marks: Still none.

Sleep: I both long for and dread going to bed at night. I'm always exhausted, so I get excited to go pass out, but then I know it means another night of pain, peeing, and congestion.  But I am still managing to get enough sporadic sleep to function at work at least.

Best moment this week: Spending last weekend at the beach was really nice, even though it rained most of the time. Just smelling the sea air, eating boardwalk food, and watching the waves was very relaxing.

Food cravings: Fudge, fries, and other beach food!

Belly button in or out?  It hasn't totally popped, but the top definitely protrudes enough to be seen through clothing. So weird.

Movement:  The boy is alot more active than the girl. He is constantly kicking and elbowing; she is much more mellow.

What I miss:  Just being able to get comfortable. I ache all day at work, and then long to come home and veg on the sofa, only to realize that I can't get comfortable there either.  It's like you're wearing an uncomfortable piece of clothing and you think "I can't wait to get out of this!" and then you realize you can't...not anytime soon anyway.

What I'm looking forward to: My baby shower in 8 days!!! So excited to see many of my friends that I haven't seen lately!

Milestones: We had an u/s yesterday and the babies are weighing about 2 lbs each! They doubled in size over the last month. Amazing! Getting the nursery furniture was another big milestone this week.

Weekly Stats - Week 24

How far along: 24 weeks, 2 days

Weight gain/loss: About 10 lbs over the past month. I'm cool with that. Thankfully it's mostly all belly!

Maternity clothes: My wardrobe expanded thanks to my sister in law. Yay!

Stretch marks: Still none.

Sleep: Taking it whenever I can get it - naps, sleeping in cars (when I'm not the driver, of course), and sporadically through the night.

Best moment this week: Hitting the 24 week mark felt great. It's a huge milestone in that they say if your babies are born at this point, they have a better chance of surviving than not. Of course, I plan to keep these kids cooking for 12-14 more weeks!

Food cravings: Can't eat as much as before. It's becoming more of a chore and less fun..

Belly button in or out?  Starting to portrude a tad.

Movement:  They are always kicking and rolling around. I find myself sitting at work watching my tummy bulge in different areas.

What I miss:  Running. Last weekend I went and watched a half marathon that I have ran in the past. I so wanted to join them! I hope I can get back into it.

What I'm looking forward to: Heading to the beach this weekend for a little mini babymoon! It's going to be cold and rainy but it will still be nice to get away. 

Milestones:  Hitting 24 weeks as mentioned above; also, we took our first baby class last night and learned things like how to swaddle and change a diaper. We also went to target and bought our first baby clothes. After years of seeing those cute clothes in stores and not being able to shop, it was fun :)  Here is DH's first baby purchase: