30 weeks and ...

I can't believe I am already 30 weeks today and that these babies could come anytime in the next 6-8 weeks (full term for twins is 38 weeks). I am still working 4 days a week - taking Wed off to relax. I am hoping to make it another 3 -4 weeks but it is getting harder and harder to make the drive to SLC every day in traffic, work 8 hours and return home in traffic again. So we will see how I do. I have had several people tell me I am crazy but I would be more crazy being at home all day doing nothing. I have also had other twin moms tell me that being at 30 weeks with twins is the same as a singleton mom at 9 months. That helped me not feel like too much of a wimp and realize I need to accept more help. They said I should limit my activities and preparations at home in between working and take care of me! I am trying but please keep reminding me. I am pretty stubborn after all. :)

In the past 2 weeks I have started to shuffle, you know like an 80 yr old that can't lift their feet to walk? Cause it hurts! I have also started getting winded walking up a flight of stairs and sometimes even just getting into bed! (We have a high bed) Heartburn and acid reflux are getting worse - good times! And of course sleeping longer than 2 hours at a time at night is rare. I know this is all a part of pregnancy and will only get worse. Just documenting for future generations and myself when I think about getting pregnant again! :)

We also picked up the crib and one of the dressers a couple weeks ago. My cute husband put the crib together and moved the dresser upstairs. The changing table/dresser is on back order and will hopefully be here by mid- June. I have the bedding all washed just need to put in the crib and bassinet. No decorations for the nursery, we will see if I get to that before their arrival! I do have a valance and drapes at least. Brad is working around the clock on our playroom. I know the babies won't need it quite yet but we figure life will be too busy to finish it later. And our nieces/nephews will need a place to play when they come to visit. (They used to play in the nursery room) We have tried to buy diapers and wipes along the way but realize we are still going to need more!

I am starting to gather items for my hospital bag and would love any tips from veteran mothers out there. Thanks to Linda, Mel and Kim for getting this list started for me last week! I have the basics - robe, slippers, socks, journal, scriptures, iPod, pen/notepad, laptop, Lansinoh cream and basic toiletries. I know I have more on my list at home but can't remember all.

Anything else moms??

Another ultrasound appointment...

We had our most recent ultrasound appointment at IMC on Wed afternoon. It is such a blessing with twins to be able to see our babies every 3 weeks moving around, being active, and seeing their individual growth. We will start with the growth stats first, keep in mind the day of the ultrasound I was 29 weeks 5 days and measured 38 cm.

Boy is measuring 29 wks 2 days

Baby B is measuring 30 wks 2 days
Boy weighs 3 lbs 1 oz

Baby B weighs 3 lbs 6 oz
Boy's heart rate 141 bpm

Baby B's heart rate 160 bpm
Boy is in the 50th percentile for growth

Baby B is in the 59th percentile.

We were surprised to see that baby B had outgrown his/her brother. The positives are that baby B is still growing and the heart beat is strong. The kidneys on baby B looked a bit more dilated than the last ultrasound and the bladder looked about the same size. We still have to wait until birth to see the extent of the kidney damage or if the lungs are present, to know the final outcome of our sweet baby B. I can feel baby B at times but with the low amniotic fluid the baby doesn't have very much room to move around. We can tell baby B is a fighter, every time we see her/him on the monitor they are trying to kick and move their arms around in very small quarters.

Our boy is growing steadily, his heart has all 4 chambers, bladder, kidneys etc.. all look good. He jumps around in my belly like a mad man and I can only imagine he will take after his dad! He was head down again this time but I swear just this past week he was doing somersaults in my belly!

We have our next ultrasound in approx 3 weeks and I start going in for stress tests 2 times a week starting the week of June 1st. They will continue to monitor both babies and we hope to make it at least to week 34 before the babies decide to come.

We are continually grateful for all the prayers and support we have received thus far. Much to the surprise of the doctors, we know that it is because of those prayers that baby B is still growing and are convince he/she will live until birth. We have also learned during this journey that we not only need to pray for the end result, but also thanks to a dear friend who has taught me the importance of praying more specifically for what exactly needs to happen, then leave it in the hands of the Lord. At this point we are praying that both babies continue to grow strong and healthy and more specifically for a miracle that baby B's lungs will develop as needed and kidneys will have minimal or no permanent damage. We would love for all of you to join us as well.

Realizations this past week...

I thought I would post some of my fun realizations this week. I am sure many of you can relate!

Hopefully you will smile a little bit!

Within this last week…

• I started getting cankles - you know where it looks like my feet are connected to my calves and no longer to my slender ankles. I miss them! :)
• My feet no longer fit in my shoes - they puff up over the top of my shoes and they look like mushroom tops!
• Brad affectionately told me I started waddling like a duck.
• Realized that finding a comfortable position to sleep in is never happening again.
• At the end of working all day it feels like the babies are going to start coming "out" a little with each step!
• I am SOOOO tired because...finally after trying to find a comfortable position all night I am so worn out by 5am I at last fall to sleep. So when the alarm goes off at 7am I have just barely slept 2 hours.
• This is only going to get worse!
  

However, with all of this I am extremely grateful for the opportunity to finally be a mom and feel very blessed!! Most of all because Brad still thinks I am beautiful! I love it when he rubs my tummy and says "You have a cute preggie belly!" or "You are such a cute pregnant mom!"

Brad has also been an amazing support during the entire pregnancy, with all the bed rest I have been on and limits on activities, he has never complained. He has always been a great help around the house but in the past 7+months he has done most all the cooking, vacuums and sweeps the floor, does the grocery shopping and does all the laundry - while also setting up the nursery, moving furniture around, and finishing the playroom. He is an amazing husband and my best friend! I am truly blessed!

Hope you all have a great day!