~quick mid-month update~

We had our 33 week US and appointment today.  Both babies are doing very well.  Mommy is hanging in there!  I was sent to the hospital late last week to have contractions stopped.  I am currently 60% effaced and 1cm dialated.  Dr. told me today that he just wants me to see 35 weeks.  If I am doing ok then, he might push me a little further, but he would be happy to get to 35 weeks and deliver.  I am a mixed ball of emotions about it all.  Prayers for 2.5 more weeks of "baking" are greatly appreciated.  We are so thankful that they babies are doing well.  God is GREAT!!! 

Brock Adam

Brock Adam (looks just like Caydens 32 wk US pic!)

Lynlee Grace (blowing kisses)

Lynlee Grace

~Our Twin Pregnancy: Month 8~

I have been horrible about keeping track of dates and such this month.  I haven't felt the best, and it seems that time is getting away from me.  We finished our kitchen remodel, and the bathroom is almost finished.  We haven't even started on baby prepping yet. 

At our 29 week appointment I was measuring 34 weeks.  Dr said his goal was to see us hit the 32 week mark.   I started seeing a PT to help with the muscular spasms and pain at 29 weeks as well.  I felt really good for about 5 days, but then the pain came back in full force.  Luckily it is worse at night, so I am able to get some things accomplished during the day.   I had some days of dizziness and nausesness around 30 weeks. 

 It wasn't hard to spot this Easter Egg on Easter!!

At our 31 week appt I was measuring 39 weeks!!!  Yes, I feel like a full term momma!  I have officially gained 30lbs. Both babies had good strong heartbeats on the US.  Brock and Lynlee were both practicing their breathing at this appointment as well!!! 

I can't believe how I can feel excellent one day and the next I am a complete mess.  I am so thankful for the "good"days.  The bad days are rough, but I am still extremely thankful and blessed to be carrying these babies.  I wouldn't trade the pain for anything (not even early delivery.)  I want Brock and Lynlee to be HEALTHY.  I don't want to see them hooked to tubes and wires....the thought just really scares me.  We made it to 32 weeks (our Dr's goal!)  I can't believe that we will meet them in 5 weeks!!! 

Pregnancy symptoms:  Sleepless/ uncomfortable nights, swollen feet at night, sore muscles/joints in morning,  heartburn, crazy left abdominal and back pain.
Cravings: Famous Amos Cookies (I eat A LOT of them!!!)  Chick-Fil-A milkshakes.

~Life as a Mommy~

There isn't a more rewarding job in the entire world.  I had a lot of dreams and expectations about being a mom, but Cayden has far exceeded them all.  He makes everyday joyful!  I also know that having Braxton has made me "enjoy" motherhood even more.  There are so many things that may seem little to others, but they mean so much to me.  With Mother's Day approaching I find myself with mixed emotions.  I want to be able to say that life couldn't be better, but I would be lying.  Life would be complete with Braxton here.   We will attempt to go to church this year...the past few years have been rough. To add to those years, last year we spent in the ER!!!  Praying that this year will be full of excitement and not disappoint. 

What do you do for Mother's Day?  What do you get your mom?  Shutterfly has some great Mother's Day gifts that can be personalized just for your mother.  The photo flip notebooks are great to keep in purses. 

I have also seen great deals on their Mother's Day cards.  A personalized photo card always means so much.   I try to make photo cards for family members as often as I can. 

Last year for Father's Day, I made a daddy photo brag book.  This year, Shutterfly has some cute Mommy Photobooks!!!  I would love my own bragbook!!! 

I encourage you to check out the great deals and quality at http://www.shutterfly.com/ .  If you are a fellow blogger, you can blog about shutterfly and enjoy 50 FREE 5 x 7 photocards (visit http://www.shutterflycards.com/2011/03/spring-announcements-with-shutterfly/33/ for more details.)   

Wishing you all a wonderful Mother's Day.  Please say a prayer for those woman who still long to be called mom. 

~painter for hire~

~Cayden just "helping" daddy paint!~

Our Twin Pregnancy: Month 7

~Week 25& 26~ 
 I have gained 2lbs a week for the last 4 weeks (WOW!)  Dr. said that my weight gain is still on the lower side for a woman my size carrying twins. During week 25 I felt pretty good.  We got a sneak peek of babies and they were butting heads already!  Both were breech at our 25 week appointment.   Week 26 is a different story.  I can really tell this week that the pregnancy is taking its toll on my body.  My back and hips are super sore.  I am good until about 5 in the evening, and then I am pretty much worthless when it comes to doing anything productive.  I spent 1/2 a night at the hospital on Saturday for extreme mid-back pain.  I was having lots of uterine irritibility when I arrived at the hospital, but with some fluids that seemed to ease up.  They tested for kidney/bladder infection...that came back negative.  They checked my cervix to be sure that I wasn't dialating...THANK GOD that came back negative.  However, we still don't know the cause of the pain, and it is still continuing.

~Week 27~

I am doing ok.  I can do normal daily activities, but evening are a bit more difficult.  My back gives out around 6, and I am pretty much worthless from then on.  I am beginning to wonder if something is going on with my pancreas (I am in LOTS of pain after eating dinner.)  I called the Dr, but they encouraged me to just take it easy and eat bland meals until my next appointment.  As usual, I feel Brock quite a bit, but Lynlee is hit and miss.  I am getting excited about meeting them, I just can't believe that it will be in 9-10 weeks!!! 

~Week 28~

I had my Dr appointment moved up a few days, because my pain is much worse.  I have gained 20lbs so far, and I can definitely tell.  Dr ordered a gallbladder and kidney scan for Monday.  However, on Saturday night I found myself back in the hospital.  I spent 3 nights there!  They ran every test possible.  I had several ultrasounds and even a CT scan.  All of the tests came back inconclusive.  I was released on Tuesday with no definitive answer for my pain.  I was sent home with a high dose of pain meds that don't seem to even touch my pain.  I am happy to report that both Brock and Lynlee are doing GREAT.  They don't seem to be affected by my pain.  We got to see them via ultrasound two times while I was in the hospital.  I am having a difficult time admitting that daily activities (cleaning, cooking, grocery shopping, lifting Cayden,etc) are becoming harder for me to do.  I am going to have to start reaching out for help.  I just keep telling myselft 8-9 more weeks, 8-9 more weeks!   Although I am in a lot of pain, I am still enjoying this pregnancy, and I can't wait to meet these precious miracles!!  

~First Haircut~

before

during

after

~daddy's helper~