We made it!

Well, our goal all along was to make it to Christmas, at which point I would be 35 weeks...here we are!! So, come already!!! I want my body back!!! Whew, needed to get that out today! Grandma and Grandpa Moore came on Sunday before Christmas to celebrate with us homebodies!! As you can see by the first picture, the twins already have their outfits for next year!! Not much more of an update yet...no babies, increased contractions and pain, and more miserable each passing day!! Pray for my husband!!! We go in every Monday and my goal was to not go back this next Monday, the 31st!! We shall see!!

It's the final countdown...(THANK GOD!!!)

All four of us went in today for our ultrasound, nonstress test and to see the doc. I'm glad it is probably our last ultrasound because that about kills me laying on my back like that. Can't handle the pressure and now I know why! Baby A is weighing in at 4.12 lbs and Baby B is weighing in at 5.5 lbs!!! That's over 10 lbs of baby in me!!!! They are still doing excellent, lots of movements and good strong heartbeats. They are both still breech, with Baby B doing lots of moving around still though. I think she is a bit of a bully in there being she is a tad bigger. Baby A was a little uncooperative during the stress testing, which makes me think she is still a little passive-aggressive! I've started to dialate (fingertip worth) and have been having increased contractions and a tad more painful ones at that! Doc says we could go in 2 days or 2 weeks, who knows! We have entered the waiting game now, as they will not stop labor if and when it starts at this point due to their size. Ideally, we will still not go until at least end of December (better chance of developing those lungs a bit more). They were calling the twins "take home babies," as their size and development thus far has been so good, they aren't thinking they will have too long of a hospital stay, which makes mom and dad pleased and thankful!!! Merry Christmas everyone!!!

"How's it going?" you ask?

I've had a lot of people call or email asking for updates, how we are doing, etc. Then yelling at me for not updating the blog...so here you go!! All three of us are doing well. I think we are all getting a little restless and wanting the next step to happen (but not yet ladies!!!). Bed rest hasn't been that bad, I feared for nothing!! It is actually a blessing at this point, especially with this weather!! Our non-stress testing is going well. Their heartbeats are strong and encouraging at this point. They are still trying to "create" room to move around and are now BOTH breech, with both heads right by my sore rib (of course, where else would they go, right?). However, my stomach is often deformed as to show their movements...."Enough already....there is no more room....I get it!!!!" We go in on the 19th for another stress test and ultrasound. I can't wait to find out how big they are now, and what position they are in. It has changed every week if you can believe that. More to come later...I will do better I promise!!

Bed Rest Day 1

December 1st, I offically started bed rest at 31 1/2 weeks. Thought a bare belly shot was in order to capture the moment....yep, it's heavy, uncomfortable, and in the way!! We also started our weekly non-stress testing, which went well yesterday. Baby A is currently breech and Baby B is still head down and kicking my sore, sore rib often. The window that has been defined as "ok to deliever" is Dec. 26th to January 11th. My doc has promised to end my misery on Friday, January 11th we hope (we moved it up from January 14th due to Travis' time off schedule). I really hope to make it to January, but I asked the doc yesterday if I'd make it to that date and he said, "No." Pretty straight forward guy!! It is nice to know my sole job right now is to take care of us three. I no longer have to fight the sleepless nights and aches and pains during the work day, which has helped already! We are all hanging in there, and I'm looking forward to catching up on all those movies over the past several years my husband never took me too!!! Love ya babe!!

The final count down!!

At our last appointment on Wednesday the 21st, doc said things continue to look good, even though I'm pretty much uncomfortable constantly!! He said that if things go extremely well, he promised me he will take them on Monday, January 14th at the latest! (Aubrey, he was orginally talking about doing it on the 12th, but that's a Saturday!!) So, I have a final date to shoot for, however, doc said he doesn't think we will make it to January. In his words, "50/50 chance at getting the tax breaks!!" Bed rest will start first week in December, as I start my non-stress tests weekly. At this point, this is more precautionary means and due to my ability to withstand the stress on my body!! Let me tell you, it's getting a little tough!!

The stand-off...

Do you recognize this guy? Travis is on strike with shaving while living in "his apartment." He claims he will not shave until they are born!! Here, he has learned a few things with assembly in putting the swing together. We received this swing at my work shower that was held last weekend (11-18-07, Thanks Lori, Jackie, and Carolyn). We received more needed things like the swing, bedding, and more cute outfits, blankets and books!! We feel we have mostly everything we need at this point, but who knows!!

Growth Ultrasound #1

The girls and I (dad couldn't get away from work) went in yesterday for another ultrasound (no pics this time, well pics that we were able to take home anyway, they take a lot of pics for themselves)!! They are starting to monitor closely the growth of the twins, which was astounding to me this time!! Girl A is 2.5 lbs and Girl B is 2.6 lbs. Can you believe that?!!! No wonder I am so uncomfortable!! Doc says they are doing beautifully and are right on track. Again, they should grow like a singleton for the next couple weeks, then start to slow down. I must admit...I'm ready for this "slow down" stage!! I got extremely sick from having to lay on my back during the ultrasound, so I didn't get to look at them as much as I have in the past. But they are definately bigger!! Both of their heads are down by my pelvis (I quickly asked if they are starting their journey outward...nope!) and side by side. Made a lot of sense to me as the pressure has definately intensified down there. Doc asked about my work schedule and "slowing down." I stated my goal is to make it to Thanksgiving and go from there, although I'm starting to physically wear out faster these days!! My next appointment is the Wednesday before Thanksgiving, and to be honest, I'm expecting bed rest soon! "Lord help us all!"

"No, I'm not due next week, but here's an explanation!"

Yesterday was "Team Jersey" day at school for Red Ribbon Week. I felt this shirt was appropriate for the day....and man was it a BIG hit!! However, for some reason, it must say some where on it to touch my belly! I couldn't find it anywhere though!! Weird, I know! The common question I get these days is "How are you feeling?" My answer to that is "Just ok!" I'm definately starting to move out of the 2nd trimester feeling pretty good stage, and more into the "holy cow, I've got how long left" stage!! Travis is offically living in his "apartment," as he calls it, staying in the spare room in the basement. It's best for all of us!! The girls are more and more active each day, which is pretty neat to experience and pretty annoying as well!! They like to push on my right rib, lungs, and bladder! Actually, Baby A uses my bladder as a punching bag or the thing to take out her aggression on I think!! I guess it's better than her sister. I'm 27 1/2 weeks at this point, with our next ultrasound on Wednesday the 7th. At my last appointment last week, I was finally cleared of the gestational diabetes and told I'm experiencing pre-term labor symptoms. Needless to say, I get a little nervous every time I go into the doc at this point! But our goal is 35 weeks (or longer if we can obviously)....we can do it!!

York Shower

Yesterday, Grandma Mary and Aunt Carrie (Thank you) threw us girls a shower at the Eagles Club in York. Lots of family and friends came and celebrated with us!! Thanks to the Eilers clan who traveled far and wide to attend yesterday!! The last few pics are of a cute activity that everyone was able to do for us. Using puffy paints, they each decorated a onsie!! "Lil Diddy" is for Travis made by Aunt Carrie...the boat and his truck all have the name of Diddy!! We also had to taste babyfood...I couldn't fake that if they paid me!! I only got 3 of 9 right!! With three showers down and one to go (ladies from work are throwing me one in November), the girls' room and dresser are sure starting to fill up fast!! Dad thinks they have too many onsies and clothes....I laughed and said get used to it, there is no such thing as "too many," right ladies?

Sioux City Shower

On Saturday, October 20th, a few of Grandma Julie's friends hosted a shower for us in Sioux City (Thanks Peggy, Mary, Eileen, and Mary Lynn). And there was an extra surprise awaiting for me at this shower...a set of 4 year old girl twins!! We received more needed cute stuff like the bathtub and hooded towels (1st and 2nd pic) that will make the cutest of bath time memories later! We also continued receiving cute clothes (including swim suits) and books to share with our little ones!! I can't wait to post the pics of the the girls on the boat, with their swim suits and sunglasses (from Whitney) on!! Watch out dad!! The last pic was a gift for mom...a Twins shirt!! I will wear it proudly!!

Dad-in-training...

So, we've all heard 'em..."Men don't think they need directions, so they just start putting things together without really knowing how"..."Learning how to use all your baby gear is step one to becoming a parent, one with many pitfalls I might add", etc, etc. Well, after our shower yesterday, I was of course chopping at the bit to get our stuff sorted and put together. These pics come after already putting the pac-n-play together (that of course came with a few heated debates on how to do that, along with the Bears game in the back ground), now came the bouncy seat....when he put it on his head to try and figure it out...I decided this too should be captured!! I only wish I would have captured more of what this day had in store!!! Gotta love a man who will be determined as such to please the ladies in his life, all during a football game!!! "Thank you and Love ya daddy!!! And we're sorry your Bears lost!" Girl A and Girl B

Lincoln Shower

Three friends from high school (Thanks Kim, Gena, and Tessa!!) threw our first baby shower in Lincoln this weekend. For us parents-to-be, it was nice to start getting the "stuff" we need to feel prepared for this life changing occasion! We received lots of great stuff (inlcuding the bouncy seat, need to know for future posts), played some "smelly" games (see pic of me holding the dirty diaper), and had some fabulous cupcakes (Thanks again Gena!! I love 'em!!).

Big Sister...

As some of you have heard me say, Josie has been different throughout this pregnancy (even before I was showing), like she some how knows she is going to be a big sister!! She's always liked to cuddle with me when we sit on the couch and early on she started laying her head on my belly, which she never did before. So, we thought we would catch the "big sister bonding moments" on camera!! Plus, the last picture gives you a good belly shot (24 1/2 weeks)! Doesn't even look comfortable anymore Josie!!

Mom-in-training...

Today, I'm VERY tired after a long night with the twins (yes, you read that correctly!). Last night they were BOTH very active, more than they have been to date, and kept me up almost all night. I tried everything...talking to them, rubbing my belly, even getting up to rock them (I read that some where, so I gave it a try). It all worked as long as I kept doing it! As soon as I stopped for a couple minutes, off they went. And now, they are definate kicks and/or punches, not the bubble kind of thing, getting me in the ribs, etc.! I think they were fighting last night!! Seriously, quite the night!! I guess this is a little taste of what is to come...I was close to waking their father up to help man the situation!! Let us pray...please lord, let us have sleepers on our hands, not night owls who want to live up to the saying, "girls just wanna have fun!!" AMEN!!!!

Drum role please...

Twin A and B cooperated nicely to share with us that we are having two little girls!!! Travis is definately out numbered now...Girls rule the house, right Josie?!! They look perfect!!! They are both about 1 lb. each currently (Twin A is actually a little bigger), which is right on target. We are told that they should follow suit as far as growth as a singleton would until around 32 weeks (I'm 22 today), and then may start to not grow as much. The doc again commented that he is pretty darn sure that they are fraternal twins, being "we think" they have their own sac and placenta (but again, can't say for sure unless you do testing). This is the most ideal case for twinning! Better chances of having a healthier pregnancy and babies! We like that!! The two of them are already fighting for space (which makes mom a little nervous on how this will all play out!). They lay head to feet, meaning, Twin A's head is by Twin B's feet and visa versa! So, we saw a little "horseplay" should we call it? Let's just say at this point, there were some cheap shots thrown by both!!

Twin A

Girl A is very dramatic and posed perfectly for the profile shot!! She is laying at the bottom of my belly, but changed positions quite a few times. Although she gets the brunt of the pushing/kicks, etc. being at the bottom, she gets her shots in when she can. She's just not going to take it, I guarantee that!!! When taping her heart rate, she moved constantly, so we couldn't get a consistent taping. Pictures though, no problem!! Pic 2 is sharing her news with everyone, showing between her legs (nope, no penis inbetween there!!!). The trick is to look for 3 white lines to indicate girls...can you see um?

Twin B

Girl B was the stubborn one today...we had to do some poking at her to get her to pose for the camera. She, like Girl A, didn't mind showing her butt to the camera, but didn't want to show her face (isn't that the technique of choice when someone is mooning the camera?) Again, Pic 2 is pointing between her legs as she is showing you her butt!! Not very lady like little one, we'll have to talk about that (yeah, since I'm so lady like!!) She is at the top of my belly and kicking her sister frequently!!! We were told she will have a "better shaped head" than her sister, since Twin A gets the brunt of all the kicks at the bottom!! Interesting, huh?

Am I there yet?

Here is the full bare belly to date...21 weeks today! I feel them more and more every day! They were really active during the Bears/Chiefs game this past weekend! Travis says that means they are Bears fans...I say they are football fans!! One week to go to find out the sexes...get your bets in!!

Our last kid-free vacation...

...was this past weekend in Chicago. We decided awhile ago that we would take a trip to Chicago every other year for a Bear's game. There was no question which game we'd go to this season, Bears vs. Chiefs. (Go Chiefs!!) This trip ended up to be a life altering occassion for Travis (first pic)!! For those of you that don't know, that is Mike Ditka, Travis' idol! He said he about fainted (let's take bets on if he feels that way when the twins come!!). We did A LOT of walking, eating and sleeping on this trip!! What can I say, I like me some pizza these days and where can you get better pizza! The middle pic is at the Navy Pier, pay close attention to the belly, although that picture doesn't do it justice! 20 1/2 weeks and counting...

First scare as a parent!!

Yesterday, I finally gave in to my "irrational thoughts" of concern. I was told that at my next appointment, I would definately feel the twins. That appt. was suppose to be in a week and I wasn't even really questioning feeling them. If anything, I could feel Baby B, but nothing from Baby A. (Travis and I think that Baby B must take after me, and Baby A must be the "chill" one taking after him!!) Along with not feeling them, my breathing is severely compromised at this point! So, I went in yesterday unscheduled to get checked out. He found Baby B's heartbeat right away, which sounded good with lots of movement. After what seemed like 10 minutes of searching for Baby A's heartbeat (I thought I was going to have a heart attack), my doctor reported with a smirk on his face that Baby A is hiding behind Baby B, that's why I only feel them on the one side!! So, it's offical, Baby A is already pulling stuff on mom, therefore, definately takes after dad. Breathing wise, they think I may be developing asthma again (as I had it when I was a kid) and the fact that I'm measuring like I'm 24 weeks pregnant and I'm only 18. So, the twins are literally taking my breath away!!! God love 'em though!!! FYI-We find out the sex of the twins on Sept. 26th at our next ultrasound! Stay tuned...

Finally looking "pregnant"

At 171/2 weeks, I'm finally starting to look like I'm pregnant, not just gaining weight! It's a milestone I've quickly figured out that us mom's-to-be eagerly anticipate! "That's right, I'm gaining weight, and I'm SUPPOSE to!!"

One year later...

Who would have thought this is what we'd be doing on our 1 year anniversary? Not us!!! One year later, we spent the day shopping for baby furniture, buying diapers, and eating at Outback!!! So much for fun in the sun, etc.!!

Again, charting our "progress"!!

I was feeling quite "large" this day, so I thought I should capture the moment and progress made at 14 weeks. Starting to feel much better, yet still in my comfy fat pants laying on the couch, probably watching "A Baby Story"!! Our next appointment is August 13th. Maybe I will be able to actually take in information other than..."two babies"!!!

First Ultrasound

A LONG wait to our first ultrasound ended on July 16, 2007, when to our complete and utter surprise, we are indeed having TWINS! It was Travis' favorite joke to tease me with prior to this appointment, but it looks like it back fired on the jokester!! "We" are already teaming up on daddy!! Baby A and Baby B are doing well and making mommy VERY ill!!!

We're Pregnant!

On May 24, 2007, we found out we were pregnant!! This picture was taken two weeks after that to start "charting our progress" thus far! Needless to say, we have a LONG way to go for "progress"!! At this point, mom and dad were the only ones who knew!!