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.

33 weeks, a baby shower, and a new home

So much going on right now.  I've made it to 33 weeks.  Other than my borderline blood pressure and swollen ankles and hands...I'd say I'm doing pretty good.  Constantly being scolded for doing too much and being told to take it easy.  I had an ultrasound for growth last week which revealed baby girl at 4# 8oz and baby boy at 4# 4oz.  They both have their little heads down and it looks like the boy is in position to come out first...assuming I don't need a C-section.  We are counting down the weeks to #38...only 4 to go. 

My wonderful and generous co-workers threw me a baby shower last week.  Unfortunately, I didn't get too many pictures.  The Olive Garden for lunch and ice cream cake for dessert was delicious!

And, we moved to our new place and are in the process of getting settled.  Slowly, but surely, it is starting to feel like our own.  We have so much more living space...and it is so quiet in this neighborhood compared to where we used to live. 

And...I made it successfully through the semester.  Finals are passed and I am enjoying a bit of a break.  I can't decide what sounds better...May 2013, three more semesters, or five more classes.  Either way you look at it, I can see the end!

Merry Christmas all!

29 weeks

Our impromptu photo shoot in Iowa while we visited to celebrate Thanksgiving & Christmas last weekend....A.K.A. Thanksmas :) 

A certain little boy just hopped out of the hot tub and decided to join us :)

On another note, we have been living with my parents for the last 2 weeks as we are currently homeless. We officially sold our house on Friday the 18th and plan to close on our new place this Monday, the 28th. Life is busy and hectic right now with the semester wrapping up and moving and preparing for two little ones and Christmas...but it is totally worth it. I am feeling well and have started having OB appointments twice a week now with non-stress tests at each visit. Only about 8 more weeks to go!

baby shower 11/5/11- 27 weeks

A special thanks to my mom Lois, and sisters Priscilla and Natalie for throwing me a wonderful baby shower! We had a lot of fun, consumed plenty of good food, and received a ton of gifts to welcome these two babies. Doug's parents were able to come out for the weekend.  It was great to see them and spend some time with them as well. 

moving on

Even though you have all heard me complain about how small this house was...and the headaches it gave us, I will miss it. We put so much hard work into making it our own.   But, it is time to move on and have more living space. Sorry the pictures are a little blurry...I may have taken them from the website :) 

26 weeks...only 12 weeks to go

one pink, one blue

Wow, it has been quite some time since I have updated this.  I think I am way overdue my promise of once a month postings.  I have made it to 21 weeks, and it feels great!  We had an ultrasound at 18 weeks and found out that we are having a boy and a girl!  We did find out that Baby Girl has a choroid plexus cyst on her brain...so we had to go for a level 2 ultrasound within the week.  We met with the high risk OB and he really wasn't very concerned.  He said it has been linked to genetic abnormalities like Down's Syndrome, but that it probably isn't anything, as bone growth and heart function look normal.  He gave us the options of amniocentesis, fetal heart echo, or nothing...we opted for nothing as all it will do is raise our medical bills and our level of worry.  I'm feeling well, other than feeling hungry all of the time.  I have a fear of putting on too much weight as I have already reached 20#, but hey, it averages out to 1 # a week so far.  If I keep up with it, I will only gain 38#'s right?  

Baby Boy

Baby Girl

On another exciting note, we have a contract on our house!  We just have to get through the home inspection tomorrow and hope they don't find any major problems!  So, we may be homeless for a little while right around Thanksgiving if all goes as planned.

We also welcomed a new nephew this past week.  Isaac Seth was born to Adam (Doug's younger brother) and his wife Kate.  Can't wait to meet and snuggle that little guy!

All right, maybe you'll hear from me in another month or so :)