Jesse Coulter

Well, if you haven't seen my social media posts....Walt & Whitney are here! I wanted to pop in and give you a little life update. I can't wait to share their birth story with you...it's crazy! As I read over my last post before I went in to labor, it's crazy to think how life has dramatically changed since. I wanted to touch on a few topics I previously wrote about.

Preparation: 

• Well, my bag was semi-packed when I went in to labor, but honestly I didn't wear anything in my bag except a pair of leggings and a nursing robe on my ride home. I brushed my teeth every day and took 1 shower but that was about it when it came to using my toiletries. I ended up wearing hospital robes the entire time because I didn't want to get my personal clothes dirty. I only had a few visitors, and I honestly didn't care what I looked liked.

•  I've been using my Earth Mama Angel Baby products like crazy...thank you bottom spray and nipple balm for making me feel a bit better.

Anxiety:

• I decided to put the babies in their Rock n' Plays the first night home in their room, but honestly I felt like they were way too small to be in them. The next night I put them in a MamaRoo and RockaRoo which has been much better. I've turned them on a few times at night, but during the day they nap in them (without movement) between feedings. They sleep for longer stretches during the day (3-3 1/2 hours) than at night...of course.

•  Breastfeeding: Oh goodness....I will write a whole post dedicated to this, but I lasted a week. It honestly wasn't a tough decision to stop, because I was miserable. I've decided to pump instead, and I've had to supplement with formula when I don't make enough for each feeding. I'm pumping about 4 oz. every 3 hours, and the babies eat 2-3 oz. every 3 hours. 

• Turner loved meeting the babies, and has been super sweet. He pretends like he is a baby tiger or cat every time he is around them and rubs his face on their foreheads. I don't blame him, because the babies' faces are so stinkin' soft! My in-laws were in town the day after the babies were born and offered to take Turner home with them to Dallas for a week. At first I was hesitant, because I didn't want him to think we were shipping him off or abandoning him. But the first night we came home from the hospital was crazy. Turner was super hyper and all over the place, and I immediately knew that it would be an easier first week at home adjusting to the babies if Turner wasn't home (sounds mean, but it's true).  He has a blast with his grandparents anyway, so I know he is well taken care of and getting much more attention than we would be able to give him right now. 

• Alex and I have been doing really good together at home, even though we both have cabin fever. He's been a huge supporter when I've broken down multiple times, and given me multiple back massages when I'm so tight from breastfeeding. At night, I find myself clinging to him (I'm always the big spoon...and now I don't have a belly keeping me away). He's been able to sleep at night thanks to my mom getting up with me during the night to help with feedings, and then will watch the babies more during the day so my Mom and I can nap.

Random:

• My mom has been with me since the babies were born, and her help is more than I could ask for. I'm so thankful for her support, help, and comfort.  I think most women find comfort in their mother's being there for them after the birth of a child. Thinking about her leaving terrifies me. She will be staying with me for another 2 weeks, and I'm extremely grateful for her taking the time off of work to be with me and the babies.

• I'll be sharing the twin's birth story on my friend's podcast, The Birth Hour, next week and will let you know once it's live. 

• Alex and I actually got to go on a date when the babies were a week old. We wanted to try out the new HopDoddy location in Round Rock, and my Mom didn't really want to go and said she would stay with one of the babies. We took Walt because he had just eaten....poor Whitney got left behind on our first outing. Walt slept through the entire dinner (the advantage of newborns).

• I've taken a bath almost every night and done by hair while my Mom is here. I don't go many places other than the doctor, but it's nice to feel normal. When I was getting dressed to go out with Alex, I thought my body was smaller than it was and tried to put on some non-maternity jeans. Big mistake. I've dropped 25lbs., but my body is still not back to it's pre-baby form (obviously and that's OK). I forget how much my hips shift. I'll be wearing lots of leggings and my maternity jeans for quite a while.  

• I've received so many messages from friends and family and even strangers on Instagram about helping with the babies. I am beyond grateful for everyone's support and kinds words. I was having a few rough days ago, and I posted a photo to IG about my struggle as a new mom and experiencing the baby blues. I received an outpour of encouragement, and it definitely helped brighten my spirits!

Leaving the hospital

Top - Maternity Countdown Tee

How Far Along: 35 Weeks (this is a week late so I can give you a full update on my 35th week of pregnancy)

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

Due Date: February 8, but will be induced on January 26th at 38 weeks if I don't go in to labor prior

Things to Note: 

- Had my 35 week appointment, which included an ultrasound, 45 min. stress test and visit with the doctor. Both babies are still head down and Whitney was moving like crazy!  They didn't measure for size and weight, but the ultrasound tech guessed they are probably around 5lbs. 

- My induction date has officially been scheduled for Tuesday, Jan. 26 at 7pm. If I go in to labor prior my sweet neighbors said they would watch Turner until family arrives. 

- I had an in-home breastfeeding course taught this past Sunday by Stork Maternity Consulting and it was great. I'm praying that I can successfully breastfeed these babies (we can't afford formula)!

- My body is definitely showing signs that it is getting ready to go in to labor. Back pain, cramps, braxton-hicks...some days worse than others. It's a guessing game, but the doctor thinks I will have them before my induction date. 

Weight gain: 45 lbs.

Symptoms: 
- Braxton-hicks ALL the time

- Heartburn

- Sleepless nights. I wake up about every 2 hours, and either have to use the restroom or flip sides. My stomach is as hard as a rock, and the babies are so high it's painful. 

Exercise: 
- Danced at one of my childhood friend's wedding in 4 inch wedges. Honestly the wedges were super comfy, but I couldn't get very low and shake my hips like Shakira.

-  Constantly wrangling Turner. I carry him a lot on my hip or sometimes on top of my belly, and put him in his car seat multiple times a day.

Clothing: Ugh...I'm getting super bored with my clothing options. I have 2 tunics that cover my stomach and bottom, and then a few loose dresses that I wear with leggings. Thankfully all of my shoes still fit.

Cravings: No specific cravings, but I'm taking advantage of eating out at restaurants as much possible before I don't have the chance for a while. Planning lots of lunch dates with girlfriends and family dates with Alex and Turner.

How Far Along: 34 Weeks (this is a week late so I can give you a full update on my 34th week of pregnancy)

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

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

Things to Note: 
- Had my 34 week appointment, which included an ultrasound, 45 min. stress test and visit with the doctor. Both babies are still head down and doing great! They didn't measure for size and weight. I'm guessing they weigh around 4 1/2 lbs each.

- Contacted my insurance and verified that they will cover in-home lactation consulting after the babies are born. Huge relief because I need all the help I can get! I'll be using Stork Maternity Consulting in Austin.

- Saturday afternoon I started experiencing intense lower back pain, and all day I was having shooting pain down the side of my right leg. Later that night I went out with my neighbors for a girls night out, and I was having back to back braxton-hicks contractions. I kept thinking...hmmm? Am I going to go in to labor tonight, because right before I went in to labor with Turner I had the same type of back pain. I tossed and turned all night with back pain and minor contractions, but the next morning I was fine. I was a bit disappointed because I want to meet them so badly, but I know the longer my body holds out the healthier they are.

Weight gain: 43 lbs.

Nursery: Washed all of the babies' clothes as I prepare my diaper and hospital bag.

Symptoms: 
- Braxton hicks

- Heartburn

- Sleepless nights (always something on my mind...When will they come? Will I be able to breastfeed? Will I ever sleep again?)

- Lower back pain/shooting pain down my right leg from my sciatica nerve

Exercise: 
- Took a mile walk w/Turner and Alex on Sunday and then played soccer/football with Turner at the park. The weather was too nice to pass up being outdoors (60 degrees in Austin).


- Shopped for 4 hours and never sat down. My feet were definitely tired after that trip to the mall.

- I feel like a retired grandma because my daily exercise is the walk to check my mail

Clothing: I've officially felt the desire to wear non-maternity clothing. Every once in a while I attempt to look at clothes in Gap/Old Navy, but then realize there is no point. It could be a while before I fit in to normal clothes, and I have no idea what I'm supposed to wear while nursing.

Cravings: Soda, Chocolate. I'm taking advantage of these last few weeks and eating really whatever I want. 

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!

Tee: Maternity Countdown Tee

How Far Along: 32 Weeks (this is a week late so I can give you a full update on my 32nd 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: 
- I had my 32 week check-up on Friday, and my mom went with me for the first time. It was fun watching the babies on the ultrasound with her. At my 28 week appointment Walt was head down and Whitney was head up. Now they are BOTH head down, so that is great news. They are both facing towards each other towards my belly button, no wonder there is a battle constantly going on near my belly button.

- Walt weighs 3lb. 11 oz. and Whitney weighs 4 lb. 2 oz.. I can't believe I have 8 pounds of baby in me. My bump is measuring 38 weeks of a singleton baby. Turner was just over 6 lbs. at 40 weeks.

-Turner calls the twins' Whitney and Waltney. It really is the cutest, so I don't correct him anymore. I've been thinking about buying him a small gift to be from the babies when he comes to the hospital to visit for the first time. Any ideas?

- Big news this week! I found out that I will likely be able to take 12 weeks PAID maternity vs. the original 6 weeks I thought. I was planning on using 2 weeks of vacation to make it a total of 8 paid weeks, but now that I'm getting 12, I'm going to save the vacation days for a real vacation! My mom will be coming to stay for a few weeks after the baby is born, and Alex gets 6 weeks paid paternity leave. Thankfully Alex can split his up, so he'll take a week off or two in the beginning and then go back to work for a week or two, and then can come back home for a week. It's really flexible, and depends on what our needs are. I'm extremely grateful for that because I know so many moms are not in the same situation. I didn't get any paid maternity leave with Turner.

- I am planning on working up until the day I'm due, so I'm very thankful for a job that I can prop my feet up and work from home when I need to.

Weight gain: 40 lbs.

Nursery: 
- Excited to officially be partnering with the Container Store to renovate the nursery closet! We will be getting started after the new year. More details to come! See the full nursery reveal here.

- I set up my 4Moms mamaRoo and rockaRoo in the nursery. So funny that I won both of these in separate giveaways. I'm so glad I kept them : )

Symptoms:
-  Itching...oh the itching (particularly around my chest). I apply lotion 4-5 times a day.

- Heartburn...Thank the Lord for tums. Oh, and note to future pregnant self, oh wait, that's never happening again. Note to all other pregnant women, DO NOT drink orange juice if you have terrible heartburn. It's very painful coming back up.

- Calf cramps every once in a while in the middle of the night

Exercise: Christmas shopping, yard work, and chasing my toddler around count as my exercise these days.

Clothing: I've stopped buying clothes for myself, and have become obsessed with all things baby girl. I've discovered I'm a hoarder of leggings. I can't get enough of the adorable patterns, and I could never do that with Turner. Poor little Walt and his hand me downs...eh, he'll never notice, plus Turner had some pretty stylish outfits so he's fine. Whitney on the other hand will be sporting lots of bright leggings and headbands.

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?

How Far Along: 28 Weeks (this is a week late so I can give you a full update on my 28th week of pregnancy)

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

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

Things to Note:
- Passed my glucose test!

- Had my 28 week appointment and ultrasound. The babies each weigh 2lb 7oz. and my belly is measuring 34 weeks for a single baby.

- Co-hosted the 5th ATX Blogger Mixer and had a blast! I was on my feet for 4 hours, but honestly I felt great. I think it was the adrenaline and being distracted by such awesome women. 

- Took a girls trip to Fredericksburg and did a lot of walking. When we planned this trip months ago, I was worried I would be too big to walk around all day, but thankfully I was still trucking along.

Weight gain: 30 lbs. 

Nursery: Wanting to organize the closet soon, but won't do much till my host daughter moves out so we can utilize the guest bedroom closet for space.

Symptoms: 
- Heartburn
- Sometimes I have a lingering/aching pain down my right hamstring after standing for too long. 

Exercise: Treadmill walking (30min.)

Clothing: It's starting to get cold, and I'm wanting to wear leggings more everyday. My non-maternity leggings are starting to become uncomfortable, and I only have a couple of pairs of maternity leggings. I might need to invest in 1 or 2 more pairs for the holidays (or I can just do a lot of laundry). See my outfits here.

Cravings: N/A

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

How Far Along: 26 Weeks (this is a week late so I can give you a full update on my 26th week of pregnancy)

Babies Genders: Boy AND Girl

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

Things to Note:
- I traveled for work this past week, and I did much better than I thought. I had a bit of swelling in my feet, and a bit of back pain. Alex found the trick to giving yourself a massage when you have neck/back pain, and it's AMAZING! Want to know the trick? A lacrosse ball!  I surprisingly had no nausea on the plane, which I usually have when I'm not pregnant...weird that it was gone.

- Thinking a lot about if I'll be able to breastfeed TWO babies. I'm not holding myself to any standards, but I definitely want to try. I had a rough time with Turner. It would save us a TON of money, but I'm worried about long nights, getting super stressed out/anxious, a changing diet (Turner was so gassy, they wanted me to stop eating dairy....and I LOVE cheese). I know it might sound selfish to think about my sanity over my baby's health, but I do think formula fed babies turn out just fine.We'll see what happens.

- Had maternity photos taken in Georgetown, TX by photographer Todd White. I worried about being huge by the third trimester, so I scheduled them at 26 weeks but I wish I had waited a bit longer. I'm not as big as I thought I would be (although, I'm about the size I was with Turner at 40 weeks).

Nursery: It's the final week of the One Room Challenge! I can't wait to show you the BIG REVEAL this Thursday, so stay tuned.

Symptoms: 
- My back and feet ache after standing for too long.

- I felt hiccups for the first time this past week and it was the sweetest thing. I know it was Walt because it was on the left side of my stomach which is where he is positioned.

- Still having Braxton-Hicks contractions 3-5 times a day.

Exercise: N/A (maybe a little if you consider walking in an airport way too long)

Clothing: I am now starting to think about the clothes I'll need post babies! I bought a pair of house slippers and a cute baseball cap because I know I won't be getting around to doing my hair much during those first few weeks/months. I'd love to get some comfy pajamas, sweat pants, and maybe some cute workout leggings (for actually working out as well as trips to the store).

Cravings: French fries, Dr. Pepper/Coke...all the healthy things my doctor recommends ; )

How Far Along: 24 Weeks

Babies Genders: Boy AND Girl

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

Things to Note:
- Had a 24 week ultrasound and Dr. appointment. Babies were healthy and weighed 1.6 oz each. Whitney was kicking Walt in the face like always. It's getting harder to see the babies profiles as they get bigger and start squishing each other. I asked about a 4D ultrasound, and the Dr. said it's not worth it because I won't be able to see their faces well. Walt is head down and Whitney is breech. We know that Walt will be delivered first, and if Whitney is smaller than Walt, then she can most likely be delivered breech if she doesn't turn.

- Still getting over being sick this past week, so didn't do any exercising which was killing me.

- Made a few Craigslist purchases...Twin Z pillow, Britax double stroller and diaper bag.

Weight gain: 25 lbs.

Nursery: Currently on week 4 of the One Room Challenge and the room is almost complete! I need to add a few last minute touches and hang the curtains, but I will be done by the time I'm 26 weeks. See what I've done so far on my Week 3 post.

Symptoms: 
- Lots of kicks and movement all over the place. I have to put two hands on my belly when I start to feel kicks because they are spread out.

- Sleeping good, and haven't needed to use extra pillows for support which is surprising.

- I can't count how many times I use the restroom during the day.

Exercise: N/A other than wrangling my son

Clothing: I purchased a beautiful maxi dress from Kohl's for my upcoming maternity shoot with Todd White. I scored it for less than $40, and it's non maternity so even better. You can see my fashion posts on Instagram here.

Cravings: Cereal, I eat it for breakfast and a late night snack most days

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!

• Cleaned out room (including all furniture and beds) - this immediately made the room feel ready to decorate!
• Bought IKEA cribs and Hemnes dresser, put together, and set up in room
• Put rug in the room I had previously bought from Homegoods(5x7)
• Decided that the closet doors in the room were way too old and squeaky. I mentioned to Alex about replacing them, and he suprisingly was on board and wanted to replace ALL the bi-fold closet doors in our house. So...we went to Lowe's and bought 8 bi-fold doors. 
• Painted all the doors (2 coats of Sherwin-Williams Snowbound pro-classic latex paint...leftover from painting our bathroom). We'll be installing them next week. 
• Did a lot of window shopping at Target, Homegoods, Ross and AtHome. If you're like me, you take a TON of photos on your phone for inspiration. I took enough that I was able to make a small inspiration board (see the last photo).  
• Found an amazing lamp from Homegoods for $22 (including the shade)
• Cashed in an Amazon gift card and bought a Keekaroo Peanut Diaper Changer
• Started laying out frames and art along the wall (most that you see below were gifts from my talented friend Katie)

• Preview/Inspiration

• Week 1

How Far Along: 22 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:
- Super emotional watching the Leftovers Premiere...I was SOBBING during the opening scene. Any mothers feel the same way? I also cried on the way home thinking about holding two babies constantly, and the thought of Turner feeling lonely or sad that I wasn't giving him enough attention.

- Collecting a list of twin pregnancy books on Amazon I want to read (specifically in regards to sleep and breastfeeding), but I'm running out of time. I really really want to try breastfeeding, but I am terrified. I had such a hard time with Turner, so I can't imagine how it will be with two.  Praying for guidance, support and the right help.

Nursery: Decided to participate in the One Room Challenge and complete the nursery in 5 weeks! Follow along my journey, as I will be posting updates every week till the big reveal on Nov. 12th.

Symptoms: 

- Indigestion and heartburn have officially kicked in. I'll eat a bowl of cereal for breakfast, and a few hours later I'll have heartburn. I can't imagine what spicy Mexican food is going to do to me!

- Constipation...TMI, but it's true.

Exercise: Body Pump (weight training) x 2, 30 min. walk x 3

Clothing: Received an awesome package in the mail from Envie De Fraises with some beautiful maternity dresses. I wore one to my baby shower, and will be sporting the others to work very soon!

Cravings: N/A

How Far Along: 20 weeks

Babies Genders: Boy AND Girl

Things to Note:
- Had our 20 week ultrasound and both babies are healthy and growing! I prayed and prayed prior to our appointment for a good report, and was so thankful to hear good news. Baby A is a boy (Walt) and is on the bottom. The doctor advised he will be delivered first. Baby B is a girl (Whitney) and she is sitting right on top of Walt (right near my belly button). Poor Walt was getting kicked in the face by Whitney, and he kept squirming trying to get out of the way.

- Got the go ahead from the doctor to travel/fly for work when I'm 26 weeks pregnant. I wasn't sure what the risks were with twins when flying, but I'm good to go.

- Alex felt kicks for the first time...very sweet moment. Turner on the other hand doesn't want to feel them move.

Nursery: Excited to be getting these indigo dyed crib sheets from Etsy shop, Shop TeAdoro. 

Symptoms:
- Feeling sharper movements. My belly will randomly get hard in certain spots and I can feel the babies bodies pushing up against me.

- Starting to notice a bit of swelling after exercising. I'm definitely beginning to "fill out" a bit, and noticing changes in my legs and arms. I gain most of my extra weight during pregnancy in my thighs/hips. I try hard not to worry about weight gain, because I know the babies need it (plus I love food).

- Can only sleep on my right side. For some reason, every time I try to lay on my left side I experience extreme discomfort in my ribs/side, so one of the twins is in an odd position. 

Exercise: Body Pump (weight training), 30 min. walk x 3, 1.5 hour hike at the Barton Creek Green Belt

Weight Gain: 17 lbs.

Clothing: Trying to find underbelly maternity jeans that don't cost an arm and a leg. I will be set if I can find a pair of distressed/boyfriend style jeans and 1 pair of black jeans. I absolutely despise over the belly maternity jeans (they sag and drive me crazy).

Cravings: All food...wanting to eat everything in sight.

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)

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).

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