week 38

Well, I've made it.  I successfully carried these babes for 38 weeks.  We will be induced the middle of this week.

 It is a very surreal feeling.  For 3 years we longed to get pregnant and never thought we would see the day.  Then, we finally got the news that my pregnancy test was positive and for the last 9 months I have had to consistently pinch myself to avoid denial. The nursery is ready, car seats are installed, and our bags are packed...but it still doesn't feel real.  I can't believe we will be holding these babies in our arms in just a few short days.  We are so excited but so nervous at the same time.  Doug and I  are so thankful and blessed to have reached this point.

Some quick facts about this pregnancy:

* We found out on May 31st that we were pregnant...the day after Doug's 31st birthday.

* I felt very nauseated during the first trimester, but only threw up twice. 

* My blood pressure has been consistently high from the beginning, but controlled with Labetelol 100mg twice a day. 

* I had to complete three 24 hour urines to rule out preeclampsia. All came back negative.

* I found out at the beginning that I am heterozygous for the MTHFR mutation, needing to be on extra Folic Acid supplementation.

* We found out around week 18 that Baby "B", our girl, had a choroid plexus cyst; however we believe it has resolved as it is not showing up on the last 2 ultrasounds.

* We found out on our most recent ultrasound that Baby "A", our boy, has prominence of his renal pelvises.  Most likely nothing, but will need follow up with the pediatrician after delivery.

* I have had 10 ultrasounds over the last 9 months.

* I have had 19 non-stress tests, with one more to go.

* I have gained 50+ pounds so far...oops :)

* These babies will be grandchildren # 10 & 11 for my parents, and # 6 & 7 for Doug's parents.

Well, that's it for a bit.  It will probably be a few weeks before I post again :)

weeks 36 & 37...we're getting close!

This post is just a little overdue...but better late than never. 

We went from this:

to this:

I may have forgotten to take a picture of Doug's beloved "Redondo Red Pearl RSX Type S Acura" before it drove away...but at least he has a mini version sitting on his desk he can always look at and reminisce with :) 

I had my official last day at Pronger Smith during week 36.  I really thought I would have been more emotional and sad about it, but I went home just like any other day.  I don't think it has really hit me yet.  It has been good to be home and relax for a couple of weeks.  My to-do list was full, but has slowly dwindled down.

And the preggo pic:

I didn't realize just how chubby my face has gotten :)

Stay tuned for week 38.

35 weeks and a happy new year!

Wow, two updates in two days.  I've been a bit under the weather for the last few days.  I'm finally starting to feel better...but not quite well enough to do the laundry :)  Being sick for four days with body aches, chills, and stomach grossness...I can finally say that this pregnancy has gotten the best of me.  Don't get me wrong, I have loved every minute of it, but I have been miserable for the last few days. I am so thankful for Doug.  If he cares for these babes even half as much as me, he is going to be a wonderful dad.  Unfortunately, we had to cancel our NYE plans and I spent my 31st birthday in bed most of the day. 

Other than that, things are going along well.  I can't believe we only have 3 weeks left.  Everything is continuing to look good.  The babes are very cooperative at my NST appointments...it's me that is causing the problem.  Still gaining a lot of water weight and my BP is still on the border, but no other signs of preeclampsia yet.  No more salt for me for a bit.  The pictures below don't do my swelling justice...I can only fit into one pair of shoes right now.  At least it has been warm out and I have embraced my flip flops a few times in the last week. 

This is most likely my last week of work so that I can relax for 1-2 weeks before the babes come. It's a little bittersweet at this point. I start class again next Monday too...but how perfect is it that I will be taking Pediatrics this semester.  On top of family and friends, I will always have a textbook, classmates, and instructor to refer to when I have no clue what I am doing :) 

And a few more pics from Christmas that didn't make the last post.

Week 34 and Merry Christmas!

Wow, what a difference a year can  make.  This was our second year in a row that we didn't bother putting up our Christmas tree or sending out Christmas cards.  Last year at this time we had just failed another IVF cycle and I was depressed enough that I just couldn't find the energy for Christmas cards or trees.  This year on the other hand, we were just too busy with moving and getting ready for babies, that we didn't bother.  Next year.  Promise.

Christmas was low key and quiet this year. Because we had travelled and seen family over Thanksgiving, Doug's parents decided to come to us this year wearing their work shoes...and what a help they were.  Even though our initial thought of moving into this house was just to "live" and get us by for the next 2 years until I finish grad school, Doug still has his grand ideas for remodeling.  They painted, changed out a handful of light fixtures, did some plumbing, cleaning, and organizing for us.  We left his parents at home on Christmas night with a movie and frozen pizza, and went to my parents house to celebrate Christmas.  We had a great time, despite the chaos of 9 grandchildren.  We even got some bananagrams and euchre in :)

And thanks again to my sister Nat for all of the pictures she graciously took and let me borrow.