[side note: I have a Thanksgiving post that I have been thinking about, but need to sort out some thoughts before I write them in this blog. I will do that in the next couple of days.]
Yesterday I had my 31 week OB appt. Eveything is going so well with these babies that I just hope and pray that they continue to go well. I started with my u/s and both babies are looking great. Here are some stats:
Baby A heartbeat: 133
Baby B heartbeat: 155
Amniotic Fluid: very good
Baby A: head down
Baby B: breech and facing towards my back
Baby A: measuring 31w3d
Baby B: measuring 31w4d
Baby A: 3lb9oz
Baby B: 3lb13oz
Edema: 2++, she wrote me a prescription for stockings to make me more comfortable
Blood Pressure: 110/50
Fundal Height: 37cm
Weight Gain: 39lbs
After our u/s we had our NST. Both babies were showing off and kicking a ton so they both passed with flying colors:)
We were then put in a room to meet with our OB. She came in and was very pleased with how things are progressing so far. She told us that her goal for us was to make it to at least 30 weeks and that we should feel very good that we were almost 31 weeks with a smooth twin pregnancy and that we should celebrate this milestone. She then said that her next goal for us is to get into December. I laughed and said, "my goal is to get into January!". I want to have two babies that don't need to spend much, if any, time in the NICU.
I expressed my concern that Baby A has only gained 1lb since our last u/s four weeks ago. She was not concerned since both babies are measuring ahead still, but that she will keep an eye on it as we have more u/s. She explained that there is a variation in the measurements based on who is doing the u/s and how much experience they have. Plus, each u/s can be off by up to 1/2lb. When we had previously mentioned our concern about the weight of both babies at this u/s compared to the last u/s the u/s tech said, "well, we saw Baby As face and we know he is chubby so I am thinking that he is actually closer to 4lbs right now". We could not see much of Baby B since he is breech and facing towards my back. Either way, DH and I are pleased with how big our boys are so far! The u/s tech also told us that between the weight of both babies, two umbilical cords, two placentas and two amniotic sacs I am carrying the equivalent of a 10lb baby right now. Yikes!
We talked about my c-section which is scheduled for January 12, 2010 at 37w4d. She told us that we only have a 25% chance of actually making it to this date. Now we need to work out the details of wehre Logan will go while we are in the hospital and a back-up plan in case we go earlier.
DH requested a temporary Handicap Parking sticker for me too:) I told him that when I drop off and pick up Logan from preschool that I have been parking in the handicap spots. He is concerned that I will be ticketed and have to pay a $200 fine. Plus, he doesn't want me to walk more than I have to at this point since I get tired so easily, my feet hurt if I am up and about a lot during the day and the edema in my feet and legs get worse the more I am on my feet.
Have I mentioned recently how excited I am to meet these boys?:) I can't wait until January!
Thursday, November 26, 2009
Saturday, November 21, 2009
The Perfect Nanny
Recently DH and I have interviewed a couple of nannies. We are only looking for someone 2-3 days/week in the summer and also on evenings and weekends during the school year. DH and I both work more in the summer months so we need to have someone when we are the most busy so that I can work from our home office and DH can work out in the field. Plus, we would love to have someone be available on evenings and weekends so that we can go out once in a while.
We have interviewed two nannies so far, and realized that we don't need to look any further! Both nannies we interviewed are school teachers so it works perfect for them to just work part-time in the summer months. They were both really good and we would trust both of them with our children. However, one definitely stood out.
One of Logan's teachers at school heard that we were looking for a part-time nanny and expressed interest in helping us out. Logan loves her and she is so good with the kids. She also watches some of Logan's classmates and their siblings during the evenings and weekends throughout the school year. She came over last week for an interview and we fell in love.
She has so much energy and loves kids so much. She told DH and I that she gets asked how she can be a preschool teacher and then go watch kids in the evenings without being sick of kids and her response is, "because I love kids and I don't get sick of it at all, just because". She is really friendly, out-going, enthusiastic and caring. We gave her a tour of our house and had a few questions for her and she had some questions for us. I loved that she sat down on our couch and curled her feet under her legs and appeared to be so comfortable in our house. She loves to be outside and wants to be outside with the kids a lot. She asked if our street was busy and if she could take Logan for bike rides (when I am working in my home office and the babies are napping). Plus, she has so many fun ideas and things for Logan to do since she works with his age group at school.
Oh, and did I mention, that Logan LOVES her? I can't even describe to you how excited he was when she came into our house. In fact, before she came over he asked me where DH and I were going when Miss M came over. I told him, "no where. We are going to stay here and talk with her for awhile". He looked at me with a hugely disappointed face and said, "Well, I want you to go somewhere because I want to play with her by myself". And when he went to preschool the next day he went running into her classroom to thank her for coming over.
To top it off....Yesterday Logan had grandparents day at school. Both my dad and my MIL went to school with him for the day. I saw my dad last night and he said that he met our nanny. She came up to them and started talking and explained that she is going to be our nanny. I love that she made herself known to my family. My dad said that he thought she will be a great fit for our family.
Now, if everything goes well next summer I will have to convince her to come every summer!
We have interviewed two nannies so far, and realized that we don't need to look any further! Both nannies we interviewed are school teachers so it works perfect for them to just work part-time in the summer months. They were both really good and we would trust both of them with our children. However, one definitely stood out.
One of Logan's teachers at school heard that we were looking for a part-time nanny and expressed interest in helping us out. Logan loves her and she is so good with the kids. She also watches some of Logan's classmates and their siblings during the evenings and weekends throughout the school year. She came over last week for an interview and we fell in love.
She has so much energy and loves kids so much. She told DH and I that she gets asked how she can be a preschool teacher and then go watch kids in the evenings without being sick of kids and her response is, "because I love kids and I don't get sick of it at all, just because". She is really friendly, out-going, enthusiastic and caring. We gave her a tour of our house and had a few questions for her and she had some questions for us. I loved that she sat down on our couch and curled her feet under her legs and appeared to be so comfortable in our house. She loves to be outside and wants to be outside with the kids a lot. She asked if our street was busy and if she could take Logan for bike rides (when I am working in my home office and the babies are napping). Plus, she has so many fun ideas and things for Logan to do since she works with his age group at school.
Oh, and did I mention, that Logan LOVES her? I can't even describe to you how excited he was when she came into our house. In fact, before she came over he asked me where DH and I were going when Miss M came over. I told him, "no where. We are going to stay here and talk with her for awhile". He looked at me with a hugely disappointed face and said, "Well, I want you to go somewhere because I want to play with her by myself". And when he went to preschool the next day he went running into her classroom to thank her for coming over.
To top it off....Yesterday Logan had grandparents day at school. Both my dad and my MIL went to school with him for the day. I saw my dad last night and he said that he met our nanny. She came up to them and started talking and explained that she is going to be our nanny. I love that she made herself known to my family. My dad said that he thought she will be a great fit for our family.
Now, if everything goes well next summer I will have to convince her to come every summer!
Monday, November 16, 2009
Her.oux Family Benefit
Last night I had the honor of attending the benefit for Andy (my ex-boyfriend) and his son. I went with my DH, mom, dad, sister, brother-in-law and cousin. The event was held at a St Paul bar/restaurant who is known to support law enforcement. When we were walking toward the event I was so thankful for such a rare nice day for November in Minn.esota. It was a crisp, sunny day and the temps were around 50 degrees. Perfect weather for an outside event.
I thought that I would have a hard time at the event and be a crying mess like I was at his wife, Bri's, wake, but there was such positive energy in the air for the family that it was so easy to feed off of that energy and know that we were all pulling together to help the family in the wake of their loss.
I saw and spoke with a lot of Andy's family members. A few of them came up to me and started talking or I just happened to run into them while I was walking around looking at silent auction items. I talked to his uncle and his aunt for quite some time and heard of another very sad and sorrowful story. Andy's cousin,whom he was the closest with growing up, was married a couple of years ago and had a baby one year ago. His wife found out at 33 years old that she has breast cancer. The family found out while Bri was fighting for her life after giving birth to Leland. Words can not describe the sadness I feel for their whole family during these tough times.
I had an opportunity to briefly talk with Andy's dad. He gave me a hug and asked how I was doing and told me to take care of myself. I reassured him that I am being closely monitored during my pregnancy. Then he told me something I will never forget. With tears in his eyes he said, "Kris, I was extremely impressed with you coming to the wake and sending that beautiful card to us. Thank you so much. It meant a lot to us." I told him that I was happy to and that Andy, Bri and Leland will always have a special place in my heart.
A little while later I saw Andy's mom and went up to her to say hi. She was laughing and smiling and then when she saw me she started crying and gave me a huge hug. After we were done hugging she asked me how I was doing and about my pregnancy and told me to take care of myself. She told me that she was so happy that I came and told me that Andy is a great dad and that he insists on doing every feeding, bath, temperature check (to check for infection since little Le.land was born with part of his liver outside of his body), etc. She was telling me that she is going to watch Le.land when Andy goes back to work as a St Paul Police Officer working 10p-8a. She told me to make sure that I say hi to Andy before I leave.
A little while later I saw Andy talking to the media. My mom, cousin and I were standing off to the side watching him holding his precious angel baby in his arms. When he was done being interviewed he turned and saw me standing there and came running up to me and gave me a huge hug. As we were hugging he said, "I hear you are having twins." He told me congrats and we had a chance to chat for a few minutes. I also had an opportunity to introduce him to my DH. We are planning on getting together sometime when things settle down.
DH told me as we were leaving, "Andy is a really nice guy." I looked at him and laughed and jokingly said, "Yes, dear. Did you expect me to ever be with someone who wasn't nice?" I was so glad that DH and Andy were able to meet and I thanked DH for coming. He was glad to come and, like me, felt good to be able to contribute to the benefit.
Below are some articles on the event:
I thought that I would have a hard time at the event and be a crying mess like I was at his wife, Bri's, wake, but there was such positive energy in the air for the family that it was so easy to feed off of that energy and know that we were all pulling together to help the family in the wake of their loss.
I saw and spoke with a lot of Andy's family members. A few of them came up to me and started talking or I just happened to run into them while I was walking around looking at silent auction items. I talked to his uncle and his aunt for quite some time and heard of another very sad and sorrowful story. Andy's cousin,whom he was the closest with growing up, was married a couple of years ago and had a baby one year ago. His wife found out at 33 years old that she has breast cancer. The family found out while Bri was fighting for her life after giving birth to Leland. Words can not describe the sadness I feel for their whole family during these tough times.
I had an opportunity to briefly talk with Andy's dad. He gave me a hug and asked how I was doing and told me to take care of myself. I reassured him that I am being closely monitored during my pregnancy. Then he told me something I will never forget. With tears in his eyes he said, "Kris, I was extremely impressed with you coming to the wake and sending that beautiful card to us. Thank you so much. It meant a lot to us." I told him that I was happy to and that Andy, Bri and Leland will always have a special place in my heart.
A little while later I saw Andy's mom and went up to her to say hi. She was laughing and smiling and then when she saw me she started crying and gave me a huge hug. After we were done hugging she asked me how I was doing and about my pregnancy and told me to take care of myself. She told me that she was so happy that I came and told me that Andy is a great dad and that he insists on doing every feeding, bath, temperature check (to check for infection since little Le.land was born with part of his liver outside of his body), etc. She was telling me that she is going to watch Le.land when Andy goes back to work as a St Paul Police Officer working 10p-8a. She told me to make sure that I say hi to Andy before I leave.
A little while later I saw Andy talking to the media. My mom, cousin and I were standing off to the side watching him holding his precious angel baby in his arms. When he was done being interviewed he turned and saw me standing there and came running up to me and gave me a huge hug. As we were hugging he said, "I hear you are having twins." He told me congrats and we had a chance to chat for a few minutes. I also had an opportunity to introduce him to my DH. We are planning on getting together sometime when things settle down.
DH told me as we were leaving, "Andy is a really nice guy." I looked at him and laughed and jokingly said, "Yes, dear. Did you expect me to ever be with someone who wasn't nice?" I was so glad that DH and Andy were able to meet and I thanked DH for coming. He was glad to come and, like me, felt good to be able to contribute to the benefit.
Below are some articles on the event:
- This is a big article that was on the front page of our local newspaper on Sunday morning: http://www.twincities.com/ci_13787019
- This is the website for their benefit: http://www.herouxfamilybenefit.com/
- This is Le.land's Caring Bridge site: http://www.caringbridge.org/visit/lelandheroux/mystory
- This is a video clip of the event (I am the one hugging Andy- I have a pink shirt long sleeve shirt and grey short sleeve sweater on. I think it shows us hugging two times in the clip): http://wcco.com/video search the videos for "Benefit Held for Family of Still.water Cop Who Died".
Wednesday, November 11, 2009
Restrictions
Today I had my 28 week OB appt. Everything is still going really well with the babies and with me too. Here are the stats:
Blood Pressure: 104/56
Cervical Length: Long
Babies: Kicking each other while we were listening to their heartbeats on doppler
Urine: negative for proteins
Weight Gain: 37 pounds (although I had quite a bit of swelling in my legs today)
Fundal Height: 34cm
Not too much to report since I will now be going in every two weeks for an u/s, non-stress test (NST) and OB appts. I will get a lot more information when I go in for my u/s and NST. I have made my next three appts. Each appt I will end up being at my clinic for 3-4 hours to complete all three of these appts.
My OB told me that she usually takes people off of work around this time. I explained that I work from home and am self-employed, which she was fine with. She wants me to tell her if I get too fatigued so that she can take me off of work. DH usually lays his guys off when the ground freezes, but this year they might stop working sooner so that he can be home more to help me with Logan.
Today we also talked about restrictions. They are:
no lifting >15lbs
not to be on my feet for more than two hours at a time
no driving >1 hour at a time
Nothing too restrictive. I have been feeling really tired lately so she also encouraged me to rest or take naps more often. I have been trying to, but my little Logan keeps me on my toes.
As we were ending the appt she told me that she was going to have her scheduler call me in the next couple of days to schedule my c-section. WOOOHOOOO! I am so excited to get a date in mind so that I can start planning where Logan will be spending his time while we are in the hospital for four days. I also realize that the babies could come before my c-section so I need to have a Plan B too. Also, I can not wait to meet these little angel boys!!:)
My next u/s, NST and OB appt are scheduled for November 25.
Blood Pressure: 104/56
Cervical Length: Long
Babies: Kicking each other while we were listening to their heartbeats on doppler
Urine: negative for proteins
Weight Gain: 37 pounds (although I had quite a bit of swelling in my legs today)
Fundal Height: 34cm
Not too much to report since I will now be going in every two weeks for an u/s, non-stress test (NST) and OB appts. I will get a lot more information when I go in for my u/s and NST. I have made my next three appts. Each appt I will end up being at my clinic for 3-4 hours to complete all three of these appts.
My OB told me that she usually takes people off of work around this time. I explained that I work from home and am self-employed, which she was fine with. She wants me to tell her if I get too fatigued so that she can take me off of work. DH usually lays his guys off when the ground freezes, but this year they might stop working sooner so that he can be home more to help me with Logan.
Today we also talked about restrictions. They are:
no lifting >15lbs
not to be on my feet for more than two hours at a time
no driving >1 hour at a time
Nothing too restrictive. I have been feeling really tired lately so she also encouraged me to rest or take naps more often. I have been trying to, but my little Logan keeps me on my toes.
As we were ending the appt she told me that she was going to have her scheduler call me in the next couple of days to schedule my c-section. WOOOHOOOO! I am so excited to get a date in mind so that I can start planning where Logan will be spending his time while we are in the hospital for four days. I also realize that the babies could come before my c-section so I need to have a Plan B too. Also, I can not wait to meet these little angel boys!!:)
My next u/s, NST and OB appt are scheduled for November 25.
Sunday, November 8, 2009
French Fries
Today we had a bunch of errands to do and then my parents came over for dinner. While we were out and about, DH asked me what we were going to do for lunch. I told him that I hadn't thought about it since I was still full from breakfast (I made pancakes, sausage, and fruit). Logan was in the back seat and heard us talking about lunch and informed us that he would like Mc.Donald's since he has not had it in awhile (Mick.ey Ds is a treat at our house). We agreed and said that we could go there for lunch.
As we were pulling into the drive-thru I told DH that all I wanted was some fries since I wasn't that hungry. Logan responded: "Mom, if you get french fries then you have to make sure they are cooled off because if you eat them then they might burn the babies tummys".
He just amazes me by how much he is already thinking of the well-being of the babies and they aren't even here yet! Every couple of days he mentions them in some way or yells into my microphone (belly button), "Hi Brothers! I can't wait to meet you!". On Friday he even went into my bedroom to get me more pillows to help make me more comfortable, even though I was fine and didn't mention that I was uncomfortable. I love that I have an almost five year old who is so thoughtful. Once these babies are born I can't wait to see how good of a Big Brother he is!
As we were pulling into the drive-thru I told DH that all I wanted was some fries since I wasn't that hungry. Logan responded: "Mom, if you get french fries then you have to make sure they are cooled off because if you eat them then they might burn the babies tummys".
He just amazes me by how much he is already thinking of the well-being of the babies and they aren't even here yet! Every couple of days he mentions them in some way or yells into my microphone (belly button), "Hi Brothers! I can't wait to meet you!". On Friday he even went into my bedroom to get me more pillows to help make me more comfortable, even though I was fine and didn't mention that I was uncomfortable. I love that I have an almost five year old who is so thoughtful. Once these babies are born I can't wait to see how good of a Big Brother he is!
Wednesday, November 4, 2009
Pictures and Baby Purchases
In the last couple of weeks I have been buying, buying, buying things for the babies. I have been trying to hit sales and use coupons, but let's face it: baby stuff is spendy! We had to buy another crib and mattress, blankets/covers for their car seats, monkey accessories for their room, bottles, diaper bags, receiving blankets, regular blankets, onesies, nuks, clothes...and, well, the list could go on. But don't worry, I'm not complaining. I am actually enjoying every single penny I dish out to buy all of this baby stuff. I mean, I have been waiting for this for three years. Even though I already have Logan, I got rid of a lot of stuff one cold winter day last winter after IVF #4 failed. Really, I couldn't stand sitting and looking at all of this stuff in the closet any longer.
Today I was out buying clothes for the babies and I kept thinking about how DH said that it will cost less to prepare to have these babies than it did to conceive them. I love this perspective...it helps me not feel so guilty for spending so much money:) After I went to the Car.ter's store, where everything was 50% off, today to buy some clothes I called DH. This was our conversation:
Me: Just so you know I spent $164 today on clothes for the babies.
DH: Cool! Did you get some good stuff?
You see, that's what I love about my DH. Never has he questioned me in what I have bought. I think that even though I am the one doing most of the shopping he is enjoying making these purchases just as much as I am. Heck, it beats the alternative of the last three years of endless tears and sorrow, right?
On to the pictures. I am a bit behind so I have 25 week and 27 week belly pictures and some fun pictures of Logan.
25 week belly pic (taken in my backyard)
27 week belly pic (taken at my sisters house)
27 week bare belly pic (taken at my sisters house)
Logan and my two nieces on Halloween (taken at my sisters house)
Logan carving pumpkins (taken at our house)
Logan and daddy at the pumpkin patch
Logan and I at the pumpkin patch
Logan with scary teeth (taken at our house)
Enjoy!
Today I was out buying clothes for the babies and I kept thinking about how DH said that it will cost less to prepare to have these babies than it did to conceive them. I love this perspective...it helps me not feel so guilty for spending so much money:) After I went to the Car.ter's store, where everything was 50% off, today to buy some clothes I called DH. This was our conversation:
Me: Just so you know I spent $164 today on clothes for the babies.
DH: Cool! Did you get some good stuff?
You see, that's what I love about my DH. Never has he questioned me in what I have bought. I think that even though I am the one doing most of the shopping he is enjoying making these purchases just as much as I am. Heck, it beats the alternative of the last three years of endless tears and sorrow, right?
On to the pictures. I am a bit behind so I have 25 week and 27 week belly pictures and some fun pictures of Logan.
25 week belly pic (taken in my backyard)
27 week belly pic (taken at my sisters house)
27 week bare belly pic (taken at my sisters house)
Logan and my two nieces on Halloween (taken at my sisters house)
Logan carving pumpkins (taken at our house)
Logan and daddy at the pumpkin patch
Logan and I at the pumpkin patch
Logan with scary teeth (taken at our house)
Enjoy!
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