Jesse Coulter

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: 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).

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


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!