33 weeks!

It is very odd, but VERY exciting to say that we will more than likely go from a family of two to a family of four THIS MONTH!!! Being pregnant has not been bad, but I am reaching the point of being miserable. I'm not complaining at all, because I would do anything for these babies, but I will say that God is preparing me for NO sleep! We bought a recliner last weekend from Lazy Boy and it is my new best friend! I've spent a lot of time sleeping in it this past week! My biggest change recently is that it's becoming very hard to breathe deeply...I feel like they are in my ribs! :) Also, I don't know if anyone else has experienced this or if I'm just odd, but I LOVE to brush my teeth right now....not joking! I literally brush them 5-6 times a day right now and I have no idea why...anyone else experience this??? :) I just can't believe that June is here and it's almost time (not quite yet) to meet Bailey and Griffin! I'm just so grateful that we have made it so far since going into preterm labor at 25 weeks. I go to my regular doctor and the specialist this week. My doctor wanted me to go ahead and come in to see him to because he's going on vacation....I'm trying to remain VERY calm about this!! I also have to go in to get my weekly shot, which I must say is not the most fun because I get it in my hip and it takes a long time to get. He told me I better stay put until he returns....tell me about it! haha I'm also very excited to go to the specialist because he will tell us how much they weigh! I'm shooting for at least 4 pounds each...with my overall goal being more than 5 pounds each. Here are two pictures from this week....the first is on the actual day of 33 weeks, but I forgot to take it until late that night with no makeup, so please excuse it! The second one is a little dark because somehow I've turned off my flash and can't figure out how to get it back on...I am about to google it! :)

Getting huge! :)

My mom is coming this week to help me organize the nursery, so I'm so excited to get that done! Let the final preparations begin....then I will do a post on the nursery! I will update after my doctors appointments!

Playing Catch Up

I'm sorry I haven't updated my blog lately! I have had things to update about, but just haven't really felt up to it! Friday night, I was expecting just to have another night in with Jacob, but about 6:00, Jacob walked out the front door and some friends walked in and surprised me with a girls night in! I was extremely surprised and it was needed for sure. It can become draining being home all of the time, so it was much needed...not to mention, a snow cone was brought to me! :)

The yummy food

The girls who surprised me!

Alyssa, Blaze, Angie, Mattie, Holly, Rebecca, and Amanda

Jacob got a night off of babysitting me and went and had a guys night as well, so it was great for both of us! Saturday, my mom and Hannah came and brought my dresser for the nursery, as well as a side table that mom found in my Grandad's barn. I can't wait to show them to you! Mom gave them a makeover and they look amazing! Another post will come on the nursery, but here is a sneak peak...my VERY talented friend, Jill, made the canvas' for the room and I LOVE them! I will show you the rest after it is completely organized and "baby ready."

"Every good and perfect gift is from above.....I feel like both are our sweet babies are gifts from above and I love seeing this each time I walk in the nursery!

We decided Bailey deserved a little pink for herself! I LOVE the way these turned out!

Sunday was my church shower (I got permission from my doctor as long as I was sitting and propped my feet up occasionally). Mom and I were discussing after we left how blessed Jacob and I are to be part of such a loving church family! The shower was amazing and I was extremely overwhelmed with the generosity of all of the sweet ladies at church and how much I feel that these babies are already loved!

Mom and with the hostesses: Linda (my Cabot mom), Angie, Mom, me, Amanda, and Dorothy

We had a great Memorial Day of laying outside in my "tropical oasis" of my pool and lounge chair. It was great having Jacob home an extra day!

I had my appointment today and am happy to say that both babies are stable and staying put! My doctor was extremely excited that we are almost 33 weeks and said he was very proud. He is going out of town next week, so the babies were instructed to stay put for at least two more weeks! Bailey and Griffin have both been head down for about a month now, but Bailey decided to flip during the last week, so she is now feet down. That really surprised me because Griffin is so much more active...our entertainment is watching my stomach move... I wish I could predict when it would happen so that I could video it! :) My blood pressure and weight were great, so we will continue on this journey! Hard to believe I've been on bed rest almost two months! Loving this sunny weather, it helps keep my spirits up! :) Summer is officially here!

Bed rest....

I get asked questions pretty much daily about how bed rest is going and what it is like, so I thought I would do a little post about it...here are some of the common things that I hear:

• "What do you do all day??" - Well, each night (morning) I wake up at 2 a.m. and 8 a.m. to take my medicene, and am not normally able to go back to sleep after that. I love watching Good Morning America, so I watch that and get caught up on everything going on outside of this house, haha, and then I switch from the bed to the couch....change of scenery. I have read MANY books, I have written thank you notes, I have talked on the phone for hours, and I look forward every day to Baby Story and Make Room for Multiples. I told my doctor on Monday that I watch multiple episodes of a Baby Story each day and I feel like I know everything about natural deliveries and c-sections now. He just laughed and shook his head! :) Jacob does come home every day to fix me lunch and that is for sure the highlight of my day..have I said how grateful I am for his new job that allows him to do this?? Then, about 3:30, the phone begins to ring because friends are getting off of work and are calling to check in! :) Jacob gets home sometime between 5 and 6, so I spend the rest of the time chatting his ear off!!
• "Do you sleep all day??" It must be nice to catch up on your sleep!- No, not at all! I am not sleeping much at all. I told Jacob that I think God must be preparing me for what is to come because I do not take naps during the day and do not fall asleep at  night until AT LEAST midnight, then wake up every 1-2 hours. At this point, it's a wee bit frustrating when Jacob falls asleep in 5 minutes!! :)
• "I wish I was on bed rest"- Oh no you don't! :) It might have fun for a few days, even a week or two, but the thought of being on bed rest for 12 weeks is daunting for sure. It's hard to believe I've been here for 7 weeks already...for sure on the downhill slide, but it gets very hard to stay home and lay down all of the time! I must admit that it's gone by faster than I thought it would though.
• "How are you emotionally?"- Every day is different. Most days I am okay, but the times that are the hardest for me are at night and when I know that I am missing out on something. Nights are the hardest for me because it's so hard to get comfortable and I am achey from laying all day. Jacob is so sweet to rub my legs and feet for me because even though I am not doing anything, they get so sore! I think the "unknown" of the situation is one of the hardest things for me. I want so bad to make it to 37 weeks and I feel like I'm doing everything I can to make that happen, but who knows if it will work?!? I just trust in God that it's His plan and He will take care of us because He has helped us get this far. As far as missing things, it's hard knowing about things going on outside of this house that I have looked forward to, but am not getting to attend...such as my graduation for my masters degree two weeks ago (another post on that later). All of the support I have has helped me so much with my emotions and I know that at the end of this, this will all be a blur and I will think it flew by! :)
• "Are you tired of going to the doctor each week?" NOOOOO...for a couple of reasons. I love getting to check on my babies and see that things are still stable. It's nice talking to my doctor as he reassures me that we've made it another week. Another reason is that it is a FIELD TRIP! I look forward to appointments because it gets me out of the house for a few hours!

I hope that this has not been a negative post at all! I am trying so hard to be positive each day because I am SO grateful that we've made it this far, but I will be honest and say that it is extremely difficult at times. Seeing Bailey and Griffin will make it all worth it though! Thank you to everyone who has supported and prayed for me through this time...it means so much!! 32 weeks tomorrow! :)

Side note: not sure what I'm doing to do at 4:00 each day now that Oprah is not on anymore!!!!!!!!

31 weeks...pretty eventful week!

This week has been pretty eventful for bed rest! Tuesday, Jacob and I went to the specialist, which I always love to do to check on how Bailey and Griffin are doing. They both looked great, were very active, and had great heartbeats! I was also very excited to know that Bailey weighs around 3 lb. 13 oz. and Griffin weighs around 3 lb. 11 oz. Someone said they were surprised that she weighs more than he does, but he is SOOO much more active than she is, so I think he's working off those calories! :) Griffin moves ALL OF THE TIME....and when I say move, it's not little moves, it feels like he is rolling and flipping around! He was pleased with their progress and said he will see me in three more weeks. Tuesday night, Jacob had a church league softball game...anyone who knows Jacob knows that he is not afraid to sacrifice himself for the sake of sports. I thought it was really funny because he recruited Alyssa to come and "babysit" me while he was gone. Well, fast forward a couple of hours and Jacob hops into the house and he can not walk....SERIOUSLY!?!?! As sympathetic as I would like to be, this is not quite the time for this. He said he didn't do anything silly, just ran and stepped into a hole! He has been to see someone this week, who thinks he tore his meniscus....PERFECT! Our house is quite the sight to see with me laying on the couch and Jacob sitting with his leg propped up with ice/heat every chance that he gets!

Moving on to Wednesday, Jacob had a little work "trip" that he had earned and I really wanted him to go. He has been working very hard at work and at home and I thought he deserved a little getaway. We debated it, but everything has been so calm lately, so what's one night away?!? Well, my friend Jessica stayed with me and about 6:00, I told her not to freak out, but I was having contractions about two minutes apart. I really tried to stay calm, so I called my friend Pam, who I consider the my personal labor and delivery nurse and she is amazing! She told me to go ahead and take my meds a little early and drink TONS of water. Poor Jacob was ready to come home at this point, but I told him just to wait and see. Pam's advice did the trick, because the contractions stopped. However, I did call my doctor the next morning and they wanted me to come in to check for dilation. To say that I was nervous is an understatement. Thankfully, nothing had changed, so I (and Jacob) were very relieved! He said that this is pretty common with twin pregnancies. I am now receiving weekly shots of Progesterone...I just hope I don't hit Pam when she gives them to me! :)

On a good note, our nursery is really coming together! The bedding is now in the bed and the canvas's have arrived and they are AMAZING! My good friend and coworker, Jill, did a HUGE canvas for over their bed and one with each of their names on it! I can't wait to share it, but it's not quite ready yet...soon though, very soon! :) I'm so excited with the way it is coming together!

Here is my weekly picture...some of my sweet friends threw me a shower at my house today, so I promise that I don't always dress up for bed rest! I did sit with my feet propped up most of the time, and it was nice that they brought the shower to me! I'm so glad that our sweet babies are staying put, gaining weight, and becoming more developed! My short term goal is 34 weeks right now, with my overall goal being 37 weeks....let the countdown begin!

30 weeks, Snow Cones, and an Inflatable Pool

This title pretty much describes my life these days!  I am so excited to have reached 30 weeks, but while I am more comfortable with this amount of development, I really want to go 6-7 more weeks. My doctor has said that if I make it to 36 weeks, he will take me off of my meds and "let nature run it's course." I can only hope and pray that we stay put! Bailey and Griffin are both moving around a lot! Last night, instead of Jacob putting his hand on my stomach to feel them move, we just both sat and WATCHED them....it was an unreal experience! Jacob asked me what it feels like and I told him that it kind of feels like you're laying on a raft in a pool and people are swimming underneath you and giving a swift kick every now and then. I love watching his face and his reactions when they make a big move. I know I have said it before, but Jacob has been amazing through this bed rest experience. I did ask him early on if he was going to be this nice to me the whole time and he informed me that he wasn't quite sure yet :) but I can honestly say that he's done everything for me that I've needed....I'm hoping for a pedicure from him tonight, haha, we'll see how that goes!

Growing, Growing, Growing! :)

At my last appointment, I had lost another pound. I wouldn't normally share how much I have gained, but because this is also documenting for our family, I am going to! I have gained 24 pounds up until this point and I think the waddling phase has begun for sure! I was still dilated to a 3 with 60% effacement, but my doctor said that it will probably go back and forth from a 2-3 depending on their position. They both have very strong heartbeats and are hanging in there. I did find out that I do not have gestational diabetes, so I was very relived to hear that...I think I have my fair share of obstacles right now! :) I did ask him if I had permission to lay in a pool on a raft just for a change of scenery and he said that would be great and would relieve some of the pressure. That night, my wonderful husband surprised me with this....

 It's my personal pool, which helps give me a change of scenery, although I'm sure it's very entertaining to watch me get on that raft! It's amazing to lay on it...I actually feel like somewhat of a normal person!

The other part of this part, snow cones, is a HUGE part of my life right now! I have always been a huge fan of snow cones and lived off of them at home from SnoShack and was sad when I moved from El Dorado and didn't have access anymore. However, I have found a good place here and to say that I'm addicted is an understatement! There have been days when I have had multiple...pitiful, I know! When others ask me what I crave, the answer is SNOW CONES! I have such sweet friends and a sweet husband who make frequent trips to provide me with this amazing cup of ice!

This was taken the Sunday night before I went into the hospital that Monday, don't worry, I have not been there myself since then! :)

Overall, things are about the same...I just ask that you pray that the babies continue to like living in my tummy for a little while, as well as for my emotions and patience. Some days are for sure easier than others emotionally, but I know that it would be so much worse if it wasn't for my amazing support system! My biggest hope is that I can continue this bed rest at home...it's so much more pleasant than the hospital! :) Doctors appointment with the specialist on Tuesday...will keep you posted!! :)

Another Week Down!!

So excited to say that I am officially 29 weeks!!! I didn't post last week because I was sick for a couple of days around that time and didn't have the energy or motivation to take a picture and post. However, now I am feeling much better and am loving this beautiful weather! It's much nicer to look out the window and see sunshine instead of the monsoon that we have been having. I did go to the doctor on Monday and he was extremely pleased with my current status. He said that I'm much more stable now and he thinks that's because the babies positions have totally changed and they're higher up. I believed him immediately that they had moved because they feel like they are having the time of their lives flipping inside of my tummy! :) Bailey is now transverse across my ribs and Griffin is breach underneath her. He said that's great though that they're able to move that much because they have all of the room that they need and the support that they need. Bailey, Griffin, and I have pep talks each morning about how proud I am of them for staying put, and also that we still have approximately eight more weeks to go! 28 weeks was my short, short term goal and 30 weeks was my big goal, which seemed forever away when I was 25 weeks. The goal for twins is 37 weeks, so I'm praying that we can make it that long (even if it means laying down for eight more weeks) so that they are fully developed and we don't have to stay in the hospital! Here is my 29 week picture that I took before my doctors appointment on Monday (I do not dress up everyday)! :)

I have for sure feel like I'm growing, but that's such a good feeling because it means that they are growing and preparing for their little lives in the "real world." I did lose three pounds from my last appointment, but he said that's probably because I've gotten rid of some of my water weight from not standing all day long. I told him not to worry, that I am for sure not on a diet! :)

As far as bed rest goes, I handle it differently depending on the day. Some days are for sure easier than others, but on the days that are difficult, I just remember and remind myself that it is totally going to be worth it and this is just one small sacrifice that I will pay as the mother of Griffin and Bailey! I have had great support from everyone....Jacob comes home for lunch each day and fixes me lunch and visits for a little while. It's even more obvious now what an answer to prayers that his new job is because he is able to be in town and come home to check on me periodically and everyone in his office has been SO understanding of this situation. I have also had friends just come sit to visit during the day and after work, as well as bring me snow cones (thank you Holly and Alyssa)...which I am addicted to! :) I will say that it has been an entertaining time to be on bed rest with the royal wedding, the flooding in the area, and the death of Osama Bin Laden...the news has for sure been something to watch! Thank you for all of the continued prayers and support, it makes this situation so much more bearable knowing that we have such loving friends and family!

YEAH FOR THE THIRD TRIMESTER!

My two, sweet babies!

Jacob and I went to see the perinatal specialist today that was our doctor when we were in the hospital. He specializes in high risk pregnancies, so it's always good to go for a check up with him! I was very nervous for this appointment after how our last one went, but it could not have gone any better. My blood pressure is great, so that's one worry we don't have to consider right now and I'm very grateful for that because I know that can really complicate things! He said that I have no progressed anymore, which is a great thing obviously...he said that what I'm doing (bed rest) is working great, so to continue that for now. I am also still taking my medicine four times a day (including setting my alarm for 3 a.m.) and he said we will stick to that. He said that if I can make it to 36 weeks, he will take me off of it and let nature "run it's course."

Our sweet babies looked wonderful! He said that they are developing right on track and are both in the 50%, which is exactly where he wants them. Griffin has grown a lot in the past two weeks and now weighs 2 lb. 7 oz., which we are very excited about...makes me feel much better to be out of the 1 lb. range. Bailey is a "smidge" bigger weighing 2 lb. 8 oz. They both had great heartbeats, so that was another plus! After he finished his measurements, he asked me I minded him trying to see their faces using the 4D ultrasound. Do I mind???? NOOO, of course I don't care! At first, Griffin did not want his picture to be taken...which takes after his Daddy! He was face down and did not want to cooperate. However, we did get him to cooperate a little later. He has completely flipped and is now feet down! Bailey, OF COURSE, cooperated perfectly, haha....I am already seeing their little personalities! Thought I would share their beautiful pictures with you...they're a little blurry, but you can see their sweet profiles!

Griffin

Bailey

Bailey hiding her face with her arm

Just wanted to include a picture of my "bed rest partner"...Cooper has been great company!

So thankful that today's appointment went so well...let the bed rest continue!! :)