Jesse Coulter

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!

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: 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.


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!