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Showing posts with label maternity. Show all posts
Showing posts with label maternity. Show all posts

Thoughts before Walton & Whitney's Arrival

Some of my favorite posts from bloggers are those when they just speak their mind about what's going on in their life and I'm going to do just that in this post in regards to me anxiously waiting for the birth of Walt & Whitney!

As I sit here at 36 weeks pregnant, measuring 40 I am ready for Walt & Whitney to be here. People ask me daily if I'm ready and prepared. My answer to that is, you can't really be prepared for newborn twins, but I am ready to not have this giant bump following me around everywhere I go. Every once in a while I rub my belly and think about how this is the last time I will be pregnant. As uncomfortable as my bump may be at times, I do love seeing what my body can do carrying two humans. When I catch a glimpse of my body after a shower, I'm truly amazed of how it has transformed. I know I will miss it at times.

35 Weeks
Preparation:
  • I haven't read one baby book, specifically a book about twins. I was gifted Healthy Sleeping Habits for Multiples last week, but haven't glanced at it. I feel a bit unprepared, but I honestly feel everything is a case by case basis, and I might as well just wait. God knows I will have lots of time while nursing to sit on my phone and google the crap out of everything. 
  • I have been on the phone with insurance companies more than I would like trying to get all my ducks in a row for my maternity leave.  It's a pain in the neck going back and forth with my doctor's office and insurance company, but hoping that after the babies are born I can get everything solidified.  
  •  I've washed baby clothes, and Walt definitely has the advantage when it comes to the amount of outfits thanks to Turner. Gap and Old Navy have been my go-to for finding matching outfits in different colors. 
  • We're not using cloth diapers this time around. I don't have time for that, and washing them is that last thing I want to worry about. We have the closets full of newborn and size 1 diapers as well as wipes thanks to family and friends.
  • I haven't officially packed my bag, but I have started gathering things and writing down what I'll need. Turner was born in a birthing center, and we didn't intend to stay more than 6 hours there so I'm a bit unsure of what I'll need for a hospital birth (especially if the babies go to the NICU). 
A few things in my bag;
    • Pajama pants
    • Nursing tanks
    • Slippers
    • Toiletries
    • Leggings & button-down top for the ride home
    • Earth Mama Angel Baby Postpartum items; Bottom spray, Natural nipple butter, Mama bottom balm (Mama needs to be taken care of too!)
    • Nursing pillow
    • For babies; Diaper bag, swaddles, 2-3 outfits, diapers
 
Anxiety:
  • Sleeping: How will I and the babies sleep? Where will I put the babies when I bring them home? In the individual Rock n' Plays in my room? In one crib in their room? I actually bought a baby monitor for the first time, but honestly I'm not sure if I will use it.
  • Breastfeeding: Holy crap this one scares me. I want to be able to breastfeed so badly, but the struggle is real. Mastitis twice + a baby w/acid reflux/colic that didn't gain much weight + a cut and yeast infection on my breast that wouldn't heal were all things I dealt within the first 5 weeks of breastfeeding Turner. Alex could see the pain and stress I was going through and went out and bought formula one day. I never looked back after that. This time around I really really want to breastfeed, because 1.) We can't afford all that dang formula 2.) I would feel like a superhero. Although, the independent side of me cringes thinking of being tied down due to breastfeeding or pumping. My sanity depends on getting some me-time, and is that even possible when breastfeeding twins? I am praying that it all works out. I had an in-home breastfeeding consultation by Stork Maternity Consulting last week, and am planning on having a second consultation once the babies are home.
  • I had baby blues with Turner, and the nights were the worst. I worry about experiencing those same emotions this time around, but I'm hoping encapsulating my placenta(S)..yes I will have two...will help combat my crazy hormones as well as bring in a good milk supply. I'll be using Hill Country Placentas, and on my to-do list is getting a cooler to put them in after the babies are born....kind of weird, but hey, you do what you have to do! Alex suggested this is the perfect time for him to buy a YETI cooler...bahaha. I died laughing. You want to buy a YETI to put my placentas in? I don't think so.  
  • I know that Turner is going to experience a lot of emotions with the arrival of his brother and sister. I've bought him a Big Brother book to give him at the hospital, and I'll probably put in a little treat because he loves sweets. Lately it's been taking a lot of work to get Turner to go to bed. Reading 3-4 stories, going to the restroom, telling a monster story, and then once I leave the room, he tries to come out at least 2-3 times every 5-10 minutes. It's an hour long process most nights (sometimes longer), and he only wants me to do it. I know I don't have that time when the twins are born, so it's going to be rough those first few weeks I'm sure. 
  • I always worry about the stress a new baby will put on Alex and I's relationship, but I'm praying for strength and peace during that newborn phase. Lack of sleep can make a woman say and do crazy things.  We changed churches recently, and we've really enjoyed the messages we've heard and spending time together growing in our faith. Prayer is going to be very important for both of us during those tough times.
Getting in lots of time as a family of 3! Spoiling Turner a bit ; )
In-N-Out Burger Date
Random Thoughts:
  • In regards to giving birth, I'm not nervous one bit. Even though Turner's natural birth was hard due to the pain, I'm hoping for a well-timed epidural. You can read about Turner's birth here.  I have no expectations, and understand that I might have to have a c-section. I'm optimistic that I will be able to deliver both of them vaginally since they are both head down, but who knows! 
  • Thankfully I'm not worried about my work situation this time around. After Turner was born I quit my job, and it took me 4 months to find another one. I was interviewing when he was a month old. I'm not 100% sure the amount of maternity leave I'll be getting (depends on the birth), but I know now that I will be able to leave my babies and be ok with it. My neighbor will be watching the twins during the day, and Turner will continue to go to his school.
Date night at one of my hometown friend's wedding - 35 weeks
Well, that was a lot. Thanks for sticking around if you made it through! Here's to potentially 2 more weeks of pregancy, and then I will officially be done having babies (kind of sad).

33 Weeks {Twins}

Maternity Countdown Tee
How Far Along: 33 Weeks (this is a week late so I can give you a full update on my 33rd week of pregnancy)

Babies Genders: Boy (Walton) AND Girl (Whitney) #WaltandWhit

Due Date: February 8, will deliver no later than January 25 which is when I'll be 38 weeks

Things to Note: 
- Had my 33 week appointment, which included an ultrasound, 45 min. stress test and visit with the doctor. During my ultrasound the tech was super sweet and let me see a 3d view of Whitney's face because she was in a good position for viewing. She has chubby cheeks and a button nose. Both babies are still head down and facing each other.

-  I'm definitely experiencing lots of emotions as their arrival gets closer. Anxiety, worry, joy, happiness...you name it. I haven't read one book on raising twins, and feel I'm a bit behind.

- Alex, Turner and I said goodbye to our German host daughter this past Sunday after Christmas. We turned her room back in to a guest bedroom, and that is where my mother will stay the first few weeks after the babies are born. I'm thankful we bought a 4 bedroom house.

Weight gain: 41 lbs.

Nursery: 
 - Bought a sound machine because Turner still uses his. The ocean sound is the only noise Alex and I can stand when we are on trips and share the same room with him, so I hope the little bambinos like that sound as well.

 Symptoms: 
- I pulled a muscle in my abdomen, just above my belly button and it is killing me. The doctor told me there wasn't anything I could do except take it easy. Sometimes I forget about it, and then I pick up Turner and I'm immediately reminded of the pain.
 

- Sleeping comfortably is non existent at this point. I toss and turn multiple times a night, which is not easy with my belly. My back and hips also hurt if I lay on one side too long. I don't have a special pregnancy pillow, but utilize extra pillows when needed. When I wake to use the restroom (4-5 times a night) my stomach is as hard as a rock, and the babies are up high. Sometimes they wake up and will kick Alex in the back (haha, I'm usually the big spoon).

- Swelling in the feet after standing for too long (thankfully no swelling anywhere else...rings still fit)

- Lots and lots of braxton hicks, especially when I'm walking around or running errands.

Exercise: Walked around the mall for a few hours, played outside with my nieces during Christmas (minus joining in on the trampoline fun), lots of house work, and getting my child ready for school and bedtime every night are my workouts.

Clothing: Spandex and tunics are my daily uniform. I'm thankful to be pregnant during the winter so I can cover up my pasty white bloated legs, but putting on riding boots is some serious work. A few days ago I slipped on my Birkenstocks due to the 80 degree weather, and they felt amazing!

31 Weeks {Twins}


How Far Along: 31 Weeks (this is a week late so I can give you a full update on my 30th week of pregnancy)

Babies Genders: Boy (Walton) AND Girl (Whitney) #WaltandWhit

Due Date: February 8, will deliver no later than January 25

Things to Note:
- I threw a Favorite Things Christmas party on Friday night. It took a lot of prep work and cleaning the day of, which was a bit hard on my body. Using the Swiffer wet jet was the most exhausting part, and caused me to have a ton of Braxton hicks every time I contracted my stomach.

- Saturday night I went to a friend's tacky sweater Christmas party and my neighbor let me borrow her amazingly horrific denim jumper. It was a hit at the party, and thankfully I didn't have to worry about how I looked...because I was wearing a bag. I ate a TON, and then had horrific heartburn all night. I've been popping tums like they are going out of style.   

- I've bought the cutest boy/girl outfits lately (mostly from Old Navy & Gap).  Buying for boy/girl twins is seriously the funnest thing. I don't think if I had girl twins or boy twins that I could buy the same outfit twice, so I love it when I find matching outfits but in contrasting colors.

Nursery: Hoping to begin working on the closet very soon with an awesome collaboration. Stay tuned!

Symptoms:
-  Braxton-Hicks contractions

- Heartburn, especially during the night. Propping myself seems to help a bit.

- I wake up about 3 times per night to use the restroom.  I wake up around 3/4 I'm wide awake so I have to try very hard not to get on my phone.

Exercise: 30 min. walk. I've basically given up on exercising. At this point, every time I move I have braxton hicks contractions, and the weight is definitely putting a toll on my body so I've decided to take it easy from this point on.

Clothing: I'm really hoping that I can nurse the twins, so I've been eyeing nursing friendly tops and bras. These Bravado nursing bras look super comfy! Do you have any recommendations?

30 Weeks {Twins}

Maternity Countdown Tee
How Far Along: 30 Weeks (this is a week late so I can give you a full update on my 30th week of pregnancy)

Babies Genders: Boy (Walton) AND Girl (Whitney) #WaltandWhit

Due Date: February 8, will deliver no later than January 25

Things to Note:
- I skipped week 29 (too busy), but I traveled to Dallas for Thanksgiving. I did well in the car, but definitely had to make a few stops to use the bathroom.

- Purchased a few of the last items on our registry; Joovy Roo Twin + Stroller, Twin Z Pillow (Craigslist)

- Saturday night I met some of my high school friends downtown in Austin for a bachelorette party. I didn't leave my house till 8:45pm to meet them...I was sooo tired, but I really wanted to be there for my friend. I'm glad I went, although I really wished I could have indulged in a cocktail. 30 weeks pregnant at a bar on 6th is....funny. You get lots of looks, especially when you start dancing. By midnight I was driving home to the suburbs in my mini-van. I laugh at my #momlife sometimes. 

- Had my 30 week appointment, and the doctor told me my belly was measuring 32 weeks for a single baby. Funny because at my 28 week appointment, the doctor told me I was measuring 34 weeks. Hmmm? I didn't have an ultrasound, but got to hear both heartbeats which sounded great.

- I've really started to feel and notice the weight gain this week. I know it's necessary (I'm not eating too horrible), so when I have a negative thought about my body I just think..."You're growing two babies. Give yourself a break." I already have a plan to start the PureBarre Baby Bounce Back plan when I find the time/energy after the babies are born. 

Weight gain: 35 lbs. 

Nursery: Haven't done much other than pile the diapers and wipes in the middle of the room.

Symptoms:
-  Braxton-Hicks...last Friday night we went out to eat Tex-Mex and I had braxton-hicks the entire time we were out. They continued the rest of the night as well.  I got a bit worried, and thought to myself, "I need to go put the car seats in! What if these babies come soon?!" I did some googling, and I think it just had to do with the fact that I was dehydrated (our water was shut off the entire day due to road work, so I hadn't drank any water).

- Heartburn

Exercise: 30 min. walk

Clothing: My maternity jeans are starting to fit VERY snug around my belly, and my shirts are getting much shorter. I ordered some more leggings from PinkBlush Maternity as well as a few tunics to wear with them. 

Maternity Photos {Part 1}

I had the privilege of having my maternity photos taken by photographer Todd White a few weeks ago in Georgetown. I was 26 weeks pregnant, but the black dress really hides my bump. The shoot was more fashion minded, so Alex and Turner didn't join me. Although, I did miss having them in the photos, it was much easier not having a toddler running around (plus coordinating outfits is so dang stressful). 

I did my own hair, and my makeup was done by Sarah Frey. I had never had my makeup professionally done for photos, but boy did it make all the difference! I'm so used to doing my own makeup which is very minimal, that seeing myself in darker makeup threw me off a bit but Sarah promised me that it would turn out great in photos. She was right...you can actually see my eyebrows and lips ; ). I also wore fake eyelashes which blew my mind.  I remember coming home after the shoot all dressed up, makeup done, hair done and having no where to go...sweat pants immediately came on : ( Stay tuned for Part 2 which includes a completely different outfit and scenery.

Dress: c/o PinkBlush Maternity. Shoes: Clark's. Hat: Cotton On.

27 Weeks {Twins}

Tee: Maternity Countdown Tee

How Far Along: 27 Weeks (this is a week late so I can give you a full update on my 27th week of pregnancy)

Babies Genders: Boy (Walton) AND Girl (Whitney)

Due Date: February 8, will deliver no later than January 25

Things to Note:
- Alex's co-workers through us a wonderful baby shower. We have a few items left on our baby registry, so we're putting any extra gift cards towards those....Twin Z Pillow, Baby Monitor (we never used one with Turner, but thinking we'll want one with two), Joovy Twin Roo Plus Frame Stroller, Baby Brezza Formula Food Maker and LOTS of diapers!

- Had my glucose test. I really don't understand why women complain about it so much, it's not that bad. I scheduled my appointment for 7am that way I wouldn't have to fast during the day. I chugged it, then got on my laptop and worked as the hour went by. I haven't gotten the results back yet.

- Had an amazing massage (half chair massage for my back, then laid down on the normal massage table with a big wedge behind my back & she massaged my legs/arms....heaven!)

Nursery: The nursery is complete...minus organizing the closet. See the final reveal photos HERE!

Symptoms: 
- I really felt heavy this week. My body just kind of hit a wall, and I was dragging. By the end of the day I didn't have much energy to play with Turner (the time change doesn't help).

- Tons of pressure down there...TMI, but constipation is my life these days.

Exercise: Body Pump x 2, Pure Barre x 1 - I honestly feel super strong and proud of myself when I'm lifting weights in my Body Pump class. When I look at my side profile in the mirror I think "Wow....look at that belly! Get it girl." Cue the not so pretty weight lifting face.

Clothing: All I want to wear are leggings, but I only have two shirts that cover my rear. I really don't want to buy any more maternity clothes, so I'm trying to wear a lot of my dresses. My favorite pair of maternity jeans have become uncomfortable : ( , because the waist has started to cut in to my belly. I also desperately need a new bra or two. Mine is so uncomfortable, so I tend to wear sports bras almost every day.

Cravings: Burgers, French Fries, Coke

#JesseCoulter - No. 16 {Maternity Style}

I've been having a lot of fun styling this bump, but it can be challenging at times. Dresses are the easiest option so I find myself dressing more formal. I'll likely have a capsule wardrobe by the end of this pregnancy since I don't have a ton of maternity clothes. Find more outfit photos on my Instagram here.

Dress: ASOS Maternity. Shoes: Creatures Boutique
Top/Jeans: Old Navy Maternity. Shoes: Birkenstocks
Top: Gap Maternity. Jeans: Old Navy Maternity. Shoes: Gap.

23 Weeks {Twins}

Maternity Countdown tee

How Far Along: 23 weeks (P.S. I'm posting these a week late so I can give you a full update of how I felt during that actual week)

Babies Genders: Boy AND Girl

Things to Note:
- Realized that we NEED a ton more diapers (we have 2 boxes we received from friends). I can only imagine what our grocery bill is going to turn in to once we add in diapers (and formula if we have to).

- Was sick most of the week and still am with some type of sinus/respiratory infection or could be due to allergies. I'm not 100% sure, but all I know is that having a cough while carrying twins SUCKS! So painful.

Nursery: Currently on week 3 of the One Room Challenge. I realized I only have about 2 weeks to pull the whole nursery together because the 5th week I'll be out of town for work, and the 6th week is for final photos and the big reveal. I'm kind of freaking out thinking of the last minute things I still need to get.  See what I've done so far on my Week 2 post.

Symptoms: 
- My stomach is tightening a lot, especially when running errands, walking or exercising.

- Feeling kicks in the morning, lunchtime and evening when I sit down, but I don't feel double the kicks. I always wonder who is doing the kicking.

- I tried to nap in the passenger seat of my van while Alex drove us home from a weekend trip, but it didn't go so well. It was painful to bend my side and try to lean against my pillow, so I had to sit straight forward and try to sleep...no fun.

Exercise: N/A, too sick

Clothing: Going back and forth between fall and summer clothes. I've worn heels out to a few events and people seem surprised, but they either very LOW or wedges. Dressing up at least once a week makes me happy ; )


Cravings:
- Salty snacks, Mexican food, burgers.

- Last week I made Alex run to McDonald's at 8pm to grab me a large fry and coke. McDonald's coke is sooo much better than any other coke, and the those salty fries are heaven!

21 Weeks {Twins}

Maternity Countdown Tee

How Far Along: 21 weeks

Babies Genders: Boy AND Girl

Things to Note:
- My friends, Katie and Josh, along with my Mom and Sis hosted a baby shower for Alex and I over the weekend. I decided months ago to have my shower early because I wanted to make sure it didn't coincide with the holidays, and I wanted to have plenty of time to know what to buy/save for.

- Purchased a matching Britax car seat, IKEA cribs and a few Rock n' Play sleepers via Craigslist.

Nursery: Decided to participate in the One Room Challenge and complete the nursery in 6 weeks! Follow along my journey, as I will be posting updates every week till the big reveal on Nov. 12th.

Symptoms:
- Definitely feeling baby kicks and maybe a few Braxton hicks contractions. I'm not 100% sure if the tightening is from a contraction, or if it's the position the babies are in.

- Every time I do Body Pump, my stomach gets extremely hard and the babies drop super low. It's a very uncomfortable feeling. Are they mad because I'm moving so much?

Exercise: Body Pump (weight training), 30 min. walk x 2

Clothing: It's still super hot in Texas so I've been wearing non maternity summer dresses and non maternity stretchy jogger pants before it gets cold. At this point, I'm pretty set on basic fall pieces, but I am interested in purchasing some comfy post pregnancy pajamas, slippers and nursing bras. I remember after Turner was born I wore the same pair of pajama pants and interchanged two nursing tanks from Target every day.

Cravings: Caffeine...soda and tea. I try not to have more than 1-2 glasses per day.

19 Weeks {Twins}


How Far Along: 19 weeks

Babies Genders: Boy AND Girl

Things to Note:
- Baby shower evites have been sent out for my upcoming shower in October, and I've registered on Amazon. I love that I can pull from other websites to my Amazon registry! 

- Alex, Sophie (our host daughter) and I traveled to Dallas to see Garth Brooks in concert. As I sat there enjoying the concert, I began to feel tiny baby movements. I remembered that 3 years ago, Alex and I were in the same venue watching Coldplay and I was also feelings the same tiny movements with Turner in my belly. Such a sweet experience.

Nursery: I searched and searched for a rug (HomeGoods, TJ Maxx, At Home, Target, Walmart, Rugs USA, Overstock.com), and finally found one from HomeGoods that I think will work perfect in the nursery. It might be a tad small (5x7), but I won't know for sure until I get the cribs in the room.

Symptoms:
- Feeling a few kicks here and there, but only 2-3 times a day.

- The day after I did Body Pump, I had the weirdest kink in my hip so it was a bit difficult to walk that day. Not sure if it was due to pregnancy or not, but I'm definitely listening to my body when it comes how much weight I lift while working out.

Exercise: Body Pump (weight training), 30 min. walk x 3

Clothing: I made an Old Navy/Gap order this week, and bought some long sleeve tees and fall dresses. Next up on my list is a pair of maternity jeans. I have one pair of skinnies, and really would like a second pair.

Cravings: Burgers (still a regular at In-N-Out Burger)

18 Weeks {Twins}

Tunic: Maternity Countdown Tee
How Far Along: 18 weeks

Babies Genders: Boy AND Girl

Things to Note:
- Baby shower evites have been sent out for my upcoming shower in October, and I've registered on Amazon. I love that I can pull from other websites to my Amazon registry! 

- I've realized how ridiculous buying a stroller for twins is. Thank goodness for mommy Facebook groups where I can get advice.

Nursery: I bought a metal initial of the baby's names at Hobby Lobby for $8 and it got me so excited. I've been hunting for a rug for their room as well. Honestly, this nursery is stressing me out. Decorating for two genders is turning out to be more difficult than I thought, and being on a tight budget doesn't help.

Symptoms: Feeling a bit of baby movement. I've started putting a pillow between my stomach and bed at night for comfort, and I've had to start rolling out of bed.

Exercise: Body Pump (weight training) x 2, 30 min. walk x 2

Clothing: Whoa Nelly, the belly is here! Seriously it popped up overnight and I'm if my shorts/pants don't have elastic in them, they are not an option. I'm still wearing non maternity tops, mostly because I wear t-shirts and they are long.

Cravings: Sour Candy, Burgers & Sweet Tea. I think for the first time Alex might actually be tired of eating hamburgers. I don't think he ever thought he would see the day. If we're going to eat out, my top two requests are Dos Salsas for cheesy tex mex or burgers (P. Terrys, In-N-Out, Mighty Fine, Hop Doddy).

W is for...

Alex and I have known for quite a while that we wanted to call our next son, Walt. No reason behind it other than the fact that I like older names (no it's not from binge watching Breaking Bad). But throw a baby girl in to the mix and we were a bit stuck. We went back and forth over a few names, but finally settled on Whitney for a matching W. Walton and Whitney, we're so excited to meet you! Follow their journey under #WaltandWhit on Instagram.

Baby Moccasins: Old Navy ($12). Wire Letter: Hobby Lobby. Faux Sheep Skin Rug: Walmart

Nursery Fabric

I am having a hard time deciding on what fabrics to use in the Twin's nursery. I love color but I usually choose neutrals when it comes to decorating because they are safe and easy to coordinate with. I found an amazing fabric store, Fresh Modern Fabric, on Etsy and here are a few of my favorites! What are your thoughts? Which fabric is your favorite (think coordinating for a boy and girl)?!

All images via Fresh Modern Fabric

17 Weeks {Twins}


How Far Along: 17 weeks

Babies Genders: Boy AND Girl

Things to Note: When I found out the genders I immediately went shopping! I bought some cute matching hats/socks that are blue and pink, and then bought some girly outfits since I have none. I climbed in the attic and grabbed a huge tub full of Turner's baby clothes and began to organize them in the babies' dresser.

Nursery: I'm so ready to get the nursery started, but I can't fully begin the decorating process till around November. The nursery is currently being used as a guest bedroom and has a queen bed in it. I hate to not have a guest bed for family and friends, so I'm going to wait till the beginning of November to take down the bed. 

Symptoms: A few cramps when exercising, stressed but that's due to some exciting things going on at work

Exercise: Body Pump, 30 min. walk x 3

Weight Gain: 8 lbs.

Clothing: My bump has officially made it's appearance, and my maternity jeans fit. My loose fitting maternity tops are still too big, so I'm still wearing non maternity tops and tees.

Cravings: Burgers. I've been eating a lot of burgers throughout this pregnancy. I frequent In-N-Out almost twice a week for lunch. Animal style cheeseburger and a side of fries to go!

Twin Gender Reveal

Alex and I had a simple gender reveal, but it was SO exciting! Everything is better when it comes in twos ; ) We had our ultrasound 2 days prior, and it was so hard for me not to rip open the envelope with the results. Prior to our appointment, I bought wrapping paper and 4 pairs of baby moccasins at Old Navy, with the intention of taking 2 pairs back after the reveal. Gold for girls and gray/brown for boys.

The morning of the reveal, I layed out the shoes and gift boxes in my guest bedroom and handed my host daughter the envelope. I asked her to read the results and put the correct pair of shoes in each box, and then hide the pairs she didn't use. I left the room, and waited patiently for her to finish. After the boxes were sealed tight I wrapped them and added bows. 

As you can tell I was a bit excited about having a GIRL!
  And a BOY!
Great to have my best friend in town who is also expecting a month after me!

16 Weeks {Twins}


How Far Along: 16 weeks (I'm actually 17 today, but I'm a bit behind so I'll post 17 weeks in a few days)

Babies Genders: Boy AND Girl

Things to Note: Had my 16 week Dr. Appt and ultrasound. It was extremely hard not to find out right there what the genders were, as the tech told us see could tell the sexes within 30 seconds! I definitely think there is a boy in there...I'm 98% sure I saw male anatomy. Babies were moving around and looked like they were fighting each other. Hearts and brains looked to be in good shape and they are growing at the right pace. Thank you Jesus for healthy babies, that's all I ask for.

Bought 4 pairs of baby moccasins from Old Navy for the gender reveal...I was so excited!

Symptoms: Cramps when doing Zumba, Waking up at least once a night to use the restroom
(although this was normal prior to pregnancy)

Exercise: 30 min. walk x 2, 30 min. Zumba + Strength Training. That will definitely be the last time I do any sort of dancing or jumping exercise.

Weight Gain: 8 lbs.

Clothing: Still wearing non maternity clothes. Maternity jeans and shorts are too big and the tops look like bags, so I'm sticking to stretchy shorts and using a hair band for closure on my regular jeans.

Cravings: N/A, my appetite has definitely subsided this week, but my belly looks like it grew a football inside over night!


First Trimester

Here's a recap of my first trimester. I was lucky enough to have a very easy pregnancy with Turner, and this twin pregnancy isn't much different other than my extreme appetite and need for sleep (ALL the time)! This will be the last time I'm ever pregnant, so I'm trying to savor these moments.


Week 4

Activities:
  • Whoo hoo...two positive pregnancy tests!
  • Told family via phone or text
  • Chose new OBGYN, Scheduled Dr. Appointment - (made appt for when I'm 9 weeks)
  • Downloaded pregnancy app - already annoying and telling me I can eat unpasteurized cheese....yeah, I don't think I'm going to stick with that one.
Feelings:
  • Fear and worry set in - will I have a miscarriage? Will the baby be ok? I have seen friends experience some horrific things, and I now realize how blessed I am to have had a healthy baby.
Symptoms:
  • Bloated...hoping my belly shows sooner this time around
Exercise:
  • I started working out more, because I knew that in a few short months it would be very hard to work out....specifically crunches. I also had good energy, so there wasn't anything holding me back.




Week 5

Activities:
  • Went to ER and had an ultrasound done which is where I was surprised to find out I was having TWINS!
  • Called my OBGYN the next day and requested an earlier appointment, but they wouldn't move me up. Then the nurse told me it's possible I'm not having twins due to something called a pseudo sac, and that the ER docs aren't specialized in reading ultrasounds. OMG....the emotions! You're telling me there is a chance I might NOT be having twins? What the heck am I supposed to do for the next month?
  • Scheduled an appointment with an ultrasound tech because I couldn't wait a month to be for sure, and I wanted to know prior to vacation. 
Feelings:
  • Holy crap, am I really having twins? I barely slept an hour that night. I kept googling "breastfeeding twins, tips for having twins, items you need for twins, etc." 
Symptoms:
  • Bloating
  • Threw up on Saturday a ton but wondering if it was due to pregnancy or a stomach bug
  • Extremely hungry all the time
  • Drowsiness definitely hit me this week. I blogged a lot less and stayed up till about 9pm. Prior to pregnancy I would stay up writing till midnight.
Exercise:
  • Body Pump
  • Tone It Up Bikini Series Youtube Workout
  • Yoga

Week 6

Activities:

  • Scheduled an ultrasound because my doc wouldn't see me before 9 weeks, and I wanted to know for SURE if I was having twins before I went on vacation. 
  • Deleted pregnancy app....they are so annoying. 
Symptoms: 
  • Ravenous...craving burgers and very fatty foods
Exercise:
  • Zumba - almost passed out after about 30 minutes, did strength training for another 30 minutes
  • Walked a mile during lunch

Week 7

Activities:

  • It seemed like FOREVER waiting a week till my ultrasound. Alex and I met at the ultrasound office on Tuesday 6/23, and after 30 minutes of trying to fill my bladder the lady was finally able to see the sacs. She saw one sac very well, and saw the heartbeat immediately. She spent a lot of time taking photos and measuring, and then continued to look for another sac. She seemed a bit disappointed, and couldn't seem to see anything....UNTIL she said "I see another heartbeat! You're having twins! I was so happy! As crazy as the emotional train I was on the past week, I really didn't want to see one of the sacs disappear. 
  • Went to my new OBGYN orientation
Symptoms:
  • Just as hungry as last week. I fill up VERY quickly, but then am so hungry an hour later, I feel like I'm going to pass out. Cravings - soup & salad
  • About to fly to Hawaii and worried about getting nauseous
Exercise: 
  • Body Pump 
  • 30 min. walk
  • Zumba

Week 8

Activities:
  • Tons of activities in Hawaii
Symptoms:
  • I think vacation took my mind off of being pregnant, because my symptoms were more subdued. I was tired all the time, but I blamed that on all the activities we were doing during the day. We would wake up around 6am every morning and go to bed by 9 or 10pm.
  • Bloated, my belly felt huge
Exercise: 
  • Surf Lesson
  • Swimming
  • Hiking
Week 9

Activities:
  • Had my first apt with my OBGYN and confirmed that I am DEFINITELY having twins.
  • Took a nap in the back of my van during lunch because I was so tired I felt like passing out.
  • Gained 5lbs and I'm pretty sure it's all in my boobs.
Symptoms:
  • Extreme exhaustion which led to the need for lots of car naps during my lunch break (see photo below)
  • Boobs hurt constantly (this continues through week 12)
Exercise: 
  • NONE and not ashamed

Week 10

Activities:
  • Took family/announcement photos with Austin photographer, Lindsey Rivera. She was wonderful!
  • The size of my stomach has decreased, I guess I'm just not as bloated this week.
Symptoms:
  • Extreme cravings for Burgers, sour candy and ICEEs
Exercise: 
  • Piyo (Pilates/Yoga class)
  • BodyPump


Week 11

Activities:
  • Dentist appt. - thankfully my doc ok'd for me to have some fillings done.
Symptoms: 
  • N/A, other than the occasional need for a nap. My hunger was finally subdued this week. 
Feelings: Dreaming of how their nursery will look. Will it be gender neutral for 2 boys or 1 boy and 1 girl? 

Exercise:
  • 2 x 30 min walk
I'm very thankful that I had a smooth first trimester (as you can see I skipped the 12th week..no big news to report). No real nausea, but mainly extreme exhaustion and the appetite of an NFL lineman. The babies are healthy and growing, and I'm excited to start feeling their movements during the second trimester! I also can't wait to find out their genders on August 27 at my next appointment. I have an ultrasound at every monthly appointment, which is so fun!