I realized today that it's been far too long since we've posted. I'll attempt to update in the next 10 minutes before it's time to feed the boys.
Our new schedule is working!!! The boys consistently go 4-5 hours at a stretch at night, and last night we got 5 1/2! WOW! It was great! Here's hoping last night wasn't just a fluke.
The Zantac seems to be working alright, but I guess it's just simply hard to tell. It'd be really nice if the boys could just tell us what's wrong, but I guess that's not part of the deal right now.
They had their 2 month check-up a week and a half ago, and the doctor is quite pleased (of course!). Will weighed a whopping 9lbs14oz and was 20.5" long, while John was up to 9lbs even and was 21" long. I told Ryan that Will is built like me and John is built like him! :) By this point, I'm guessing Will is close to 10 1/5 lbs and John is nearing the 10lb mark. It's funny - John still feels so much lighter to me!
Tomorrow marks the beginning of my 2nd week back to work. While last week was so incredibly hard, I know that it's a) for a short time and b) for the boys. Monday wasn't too bad because Mom was here, so I didn't have to worry about packing everyone up and heading out. I'm happy to say that Tuesday-Friday, I was at school around 8:00 every day! I made it to our sitters' houses at 7:30 pretty much on the button every day. Let's just hope that continues. I'm not enjoying having to wake up at 4:50am to get everything done, but I guess I'll get used to it in time...and by that time it'll be summer vacation! It felt good to be back at work and back in the swing of things, but of course I missed the boys dreadfully. I actually felt like a human, all dressed up and with make-up on. Though I can't complain about 8 weeks of lounging in my PJs until noon! And Ryan is doing an incredible job helping around the house and feeding the boys when he gets home from work and I'm still at school.
We hope to post some more pix soon. We forgot to take some last week on their 2-month-iversary, so we'll have to fudge it a bit. They'll never know, right?
Sunday, April 20, 2008
Tuesday, April 1, 2008
Chunky Butt and Small Fry
Will and John have new nicknames - Chunky Butt and Small Fry. We knew that Will was heavier, and that was confirmed today when we went to the pediatrician. John is up to 8lbs3oz and Will is up to 9lbs!
Both boys are now on Zantac for suspected reflux. They've been very fussy lately, so we're hoping that this will help calm them down a bit.
We're also going to try out a new nighttime schedule so we can get (hopefully) some more sleep. Here's hoping it'll work!
Both boys are now on Zantac for suspected reflux. They've been very fussy lately, so we're hoping that this will help calm them down a bit.
We're also going to try out a new nighttime schedule so we can get (hopefully) some more sleep. Here's hoping it'll work!
Sunday, March 23, 2008
First Easter!
Here are the boys and us on their first Easter. Grampy and Masie came up for the weekend to take care of us (all of us!).
I've been remiss...
...in informing you that our boys have pets. Indeed! Kermit and Frog! Though I only have a picture of Kermit...
Saturday, March 15, 2008
Friday, March 14, 2008
One month check-up
We went to see Dr. Schultz this morning for the boys' one month check-up. They did great! Will weighs 7lbs9oz and John is up to 7lbs1oz. Both boys are 20 1/4", and their head circumferences are the same still - 14" (I think). Their reflexes are great, and the doc was amazed at their ability to hold their heads up. She said they're doing things that are normal for 2 month olds! They're still the wonder twins... :)
Mommy and Daddy did very well too when the boys got their HepB shots!
Mommy and Daddy did very well too when the boys got their HepB shots!
Thursday, March 13, 2008
Happy Birthday!
Today is Will and John's one month birthday. My how time flies! On one hand it seems like yesterday when they were born. On the other hand, it seems like forever ago.
We have some new pix to upload. Hopefully it'll get done soon!
We have some new pix to upload. Hopefully it'll get done soon!
Friday, March 7, 2008
Reason #4,365,982 why I love my husband's job
Of course, the obvious reason is the free coffee. Then there's the great people he works with - one of his co-workers bought me a 6-pack of one of my fave beers after the boys were born. Then there's the benefits (stock options, 401K, health insurance...).
BUT, reason #4,365,982 is this... the regulars. Since the boys have born we've received gifts from 2 of Ryan's regular customers. One customer, affectionately known as "hot mommy" to the Starbucks crew, gave me a book called "Love You Forever." If you're a mommy of boys and feeling exceptionally emotional, DON'T read it. I cried for 10 minutes. Another customer today gave Ryan a card. No biggie, right? "Congrats on your 2 new bouncing bundles of joy," right? Yes, but also $100 in Babies R Us giftcards. I mean, WOW! I've met this customer before - we had a nice conversation through the drive-thru window (and yes, I've actually had a face-to-face, too) - but I wouldn't call her up and make a lunch date.
I'm humbled by the generosity of these two women...two women I don't even know!
BUT, reason #4,365,982 is this... the regulars. Since the boys have born we've received gifts from 2 of Ryan's regular customers. One customer, affectionately known as "hot mommy" to the Starbucks crew, gave me a book called "Love You Forever." If you're a mommy of boys and feeling exceptionally emotional, DON'T read it. I cried for 10 minutes. Another customer today gave Ryan a card. No biggie, right? "Congrats on your 2 new bouncing bundles of joy," right? Yes, but also $100 in Babies R Us giftcards. I mean, WOW! I've met this customer before - we had a nice conversation through the drive-thru window (and yes, I've actually had a face-to-face, too) - but I wouldn't call her up and make a lunch date.
I'm humbled by the generosity of these two women...two women I don't even know!
Thursday, March 6, 2008
It's 4 AM...
...and my son just projectile pooped. It hit the door, the wall, the floor...an impressive feat. 4, 5 feet maybe?
Just wanted to share.
That's all.
Just wanted to share.
That's all.
Saturday, March 1, 2008
tummy time and first bath
Here's some pictures from the boys getting some tummy time (doc said it helps premies not have misshapen heads?) and their first bath!
Thursday, February 28, 2008
Two weeks??
Two weeks old already? Next thing we know, they'll be walking...then starting school...then asking to borrow the car...then...oh my!
It's been a busy week 'round here. The week started out with the boys getting their very first bath - a sponge bath since they both still had their cords at the time. Then, John lost his umbilical cord on Monday. He trumped his big bro, yet again. We went to see the pediatrician on Tuesday, where we found out that we've got a pair of porkers on our hands! Both boys gained a bunch of weight - Will is up to 5lbs14oz, and John is up to 5lbs12oz...both up from 5lbs3oz in just one week. WOW! We also went to see Dr. H (my OB) on Tuesday for my 2 week check-up. Both Doc and Amanda were sorely disappointed that we didn't bring the boys, but with the flu epidemic, we didn't want to risk it. I'm healing quite nicely, thank you. AND, while we were at the OB, Masie was babysitting....and Will lost his umbilical cord! Now we can give the boys are real bath!!
Grampy is here with us as of today. He and Masie will head back to GA on Sunday, unfortunately for us. It's been so nice to have help 'round the clock. I know we need to get in the swing of things ourselves, but we've been so spoiled! It's nice to know that both sets of grandparents are so close and so willing to come help at a moment's notice. Now we just have to get Grandma and Grandpa over this nasty flu!
Oh yeah, and we still can't tell them apart. The spot that Grampy found on John's cheek disappeared...
It's been a busy week 'round here. The week started out with the boys getting their very first bath - a sponge bath since they both still had their cords at the time. Then, John lost his umbilical cord on Monday. He trumped his big bro, yet again. We went to see the pediatrician on Tuesday, where we found out that we've got a pair of porkers on our hands! Both boys gained a bunch of weight - Will is up to 5lbs14oz, and John is up to 5lbs12oz...both up from 5lbs3oz in just one week. WOW! We also went to see Dr. H (my OB) on Tuesday for my 2 week check-up. Both Doc and Amanda were sorely disappointed that we didn't bring the boys, but with the flu epidemic, we didn't want to risk it. I'm healing quite nicely, thank you. AND, while we were at the OB, Masie was babysitting....and Will lost his umbilical cord! Now we can give the boys are real bath!!
Grampy is here with us as of today. He and Masie will head back to GA on Sunday, unfortunately for us. It's been so nice to have help 'round the clock. I know we need to get in the swing of things ourselves, but we've been so spoiled! It's nice to know that both sets of grandparents are so close and so willing to come help at a moment's notice. Now we just have to get Grandma and Grandpa over this nasty flu!
Oh yeah, and we still can't tell them apart. The spot that Grampy found on John's cheek disappeared...
Thursday, February 21, 2008
Random Photos
The filenames of the pictures should tell you what's going on specifically. And I'm not placing them in chronological order, so just sit back and enjoy!
Soooooo big....
The boys are 8 days old! Ryan is going to post a "birthday" pic from yesterday hopefully tonight.
The past 8 days have been a blur. It feels like forever ago that we were in the hospital. And we've been home for 6 days. WHAT?? :)
Both boys are doing well. They're eating like pigs and growing. The pediatrician is pleased that they've already gained weight. And our wonder twins are STILL measuring exactly the same - though Will is .1" longer. Grampy thinks he found a spot on John's cheek to differentiate between them, but we'll see if that's a freckle or a scab of some kind. For now, we're keeping their hospital bands around their ankles.
Last night we slept well. I got up every 3 hours to feed, and Ryan and Masie traded off who would help. Neither boy was fussy during the night (knock on wood), so I got a good 2 hours of sleep at a time. My body has started to adjust - the 2 hours I get are some of the hardest and best 2 hours of sleep. I've even started waking up a bit before my alarm, which is good so I can get a head start on feeding before they get hungry.
Grandma came today so she and Masie fed the boys so I could rest and get some work done around the house. I still feel like I'll never catch up, but after all, the boys ARE only 8 days old.
The past 8 days have been a blur. It feels like forever ago that we were in the hospital. And we've been home for 6 days. WHAT?? :)
Both boys are doing well. They're eating like pigs and growing. The pediatrician is pleased that they've already gained weight. And our wonder twins are STILL measuring exactly the same - though Will is .1" longer. Grampy thinks he found a spot on John's cheek to differentiate between them, but we'll see if that's a freckle or a scab of some kind. For now, we're keeping their hospital bands around their ankles.
Last night we slept well. I got up every 3 hours to feed, and Ryan and Masie traded off who would help. Neither boy was fussy during the night (knock on wood), so I got a good 2 hours of sleep at a time. My body has started to adjust - the 2 hours I get are some of the hardest and best 2 hours of sleep. I've even started waking up a bit before my alarm, which is good so I can get a head start on feeding before they get hungry.
Grandma came today so she and Masie fed the boys so I could rest and get some work done around the house. I still feel like I'll never catch up, but after all, the boys ARE only 8 days old.
Monday, February 18, 2008
Grampy and Masie...
...made it up to the house today. They're currently feeding the boys (giving Beck and me a break). The boys are eating almost 2 full ounces at this point, and sleeping very well.
Will and John have been going to sleep listening to Beethoven and we're playing Mozart for them right now during feeding time. From U2 to bluegrass to classical. We're broadening their currently non-existent horizons.
Here's a picture from yesterday with Kate and Maddie.
Will and John have been going to sleep listening to Beethoven and we're playing Mozart for them right now during feeding time. From U2 to bluegrass to classical. We're broadening their currently non-existent horizons.
Here's a picture from yesterday with Kate and Maddie.
Sunday, February 17, 2008
2nd day at home
And we're still getting adjusted. Got pics from their first photo-op with Uncle Chris to post soon.
More later.
More later.
Friday, February 15, 2008
In case you were wondering...
Beck hasn't disappeared from eWorld. She's just being a mom. She has more important duties than I do (not to mention that I can't do some of them, like lactate).
So I'm blogging these days. She'll be back soon.
So I'm blogging these days. She'll be back soon.
Car seats and long days
John's off right now, getting tested in the car seat. Something about preemies having problems with car seats and breathing. (Will already passed).
Both boys are being bottle-fed now. Life's a whole lot easier. What had been taking 45 minutes or so now takes about 5 minutes per boy. Oh the bliss! They're taking almost a whole ounce at feedings now.
Anyway, Beck and I are enjoying the quiet of only one boy right now and indoctrinating him with Coldplay.
Both boys are being bottle-fed now. Life's a whole lot easier. What had been taking 45 minutes or so now takes about 5 minutes per boy. Oh the bliss! They're taking almost a whole ounce at feedings now.
Anyway, Beck and I are enjoying the quiet of only one boy right now and indoctrinating him with Coldplay.
Thursday, February 14, 2008
Parenting is hard
And I've only been a dad for 30 hours.
Earlier, the boys were both crying their heads off because they were cold after feeding. Beck started hurting and I had to help her out. Combined with a lack of sleep and nervousness at the novelty of being a parent... it was hard.
But it's so worth it. Beck's feeling better now. The boys are swaddled and content. And they're absolutely amazing.
Here's a picture of Dr. Heidtman (the OBGYN) with the boys right after we got back in the room.
Earlier, the boys were both crying their heads off because they were cold after feeding. Beck started hurting and I had to help her out. Combined with a lack of sleep and nervousness at the novelty of being a parent... it was hard.
But it's so worth it. Beck's feeling better now. The boys are swaddled and content. And they're absolutely amazing.
Here's a picture of Dr. Heidtman (the OBGYN) with the boys right after we got back in the room.
Almost a day old
Well. It's Valentine's Day, and we've got one heck of a Valentine's gift.
The boys are doing well. Sleeping most of the time. They had some trouble eating today. Mandy (from Lactation) said that was mostly due to the fact that they're still only 35 1/2 weeks. We tried finger-feeding them for a while, with some success. John's eating better than Will (he's trying to outdo "older" brother).
And just a warning to any who read this who might one day be in our shoes... Nurses come visit, and it's great, because they're checking to make sure mom and babies are healthy. Docs come, and it's great because they're doing the same thing. Lactation comes for the same reason. Friends and family come to visit and love and support and encourage.
But there are about 50 million people who do misc. jobs at the hospital as volunteers, etc. and they always seem to visit while we're trying to feed! So... it's easy to get frustrated, but we have to keep reminding ourselves that they mean well, they just have bad timing.
Music they're being introduced to: The Decemberists - The Crane Wife
p.s. John just threw up. It was pretty disgusting, but not in that repulsive way. Welcome to daddy-hood, Daddy.
Couple more pictures for ya (in order: 23 hours old, daddy feeding them for the first time, mommy with the boys, Don and Jayne with the boys, Martin and Pam with the boys).
The boys are doing well. Sleeping most of the time. They had some trouble eating today. Mandy (from Lactation) said that was mostly due to the fact that they're still only 35 1/2 weeks. We tried finger-feeding them for a while, with some success. John's eating better than Will (he's trying to outdo "older" brother).
And just a warning to any who read this who might one day be in our shoes... Nurses come visit, and it's great, because they're checking to make sure mom and babies are healthy. Docs come, and it's great because they're doing the same thing. Lactation comes for the same reason. Friends and family come to visit and love and support and encourage.
But there are about 50 million people who do misc. jobs at the hospital as volunteers, etc. and they always seem to visit while we're trying to feed! So... it's easy to get frustrated, but we have to keep reminding ourselves that they mean well, they just have bad timing.
Music they're being introduced to: The Decemberists - The Crane Wife
p.s. John just threw up. It was pretty disgusting, but not in that repulsive way. Welcome to daddy-hood, Daddy.
Couple more pictures for ya (in order: 23 hours old, daddy feeding them for the first time, mommy with the boys, Don and Jayne with the boys, Martin and Pam with the boys).
Wednesday, February 13, 2008
They're here! They're here!
William Ryan was born at noon today, weighing 5 lbs. 7 oz. and 18" long.
John Colton was born two minutes later, weighing the same and measuring the same!
Here's a pic, more to follow.
John Colton was born two minutes later, weighing the same and measuring the same!
Here's a pic, more to follow.
"Babies" Day!!!
Today's the day we get to meet our boys! :) :) :)
After our trip to L&D on Monday night, we went to see the OB yesterday at 2. He checked everything and decided that he didn't like the fact that my blood pressure has been creeping up (lower number in the 90s). He wasn't concerned about my contractions...it was my BP that concerned him, so he decided to go ahead and take the boys today!!!!
We're headed out momentarily for the hospital, and the surgery is scheduled for 10:00. Before we leave, I'm going to get Ryan to take one last belly shot. Hopefully it won't take us forever to post it....and to post pix of our boys!
WOOHOO!!!
After our trip to L&D on Monday night, we went to see the OB yesterday at 2. He checked everything and decided that he didn't like the fact that my blood pressure has been creeping up (lower number in the 90s). He wasn't concerned about my contractions...it was my BP that concerned him, so he decided to go ahead and take the boys today!!!!
We're headed out momentarily for the hospital, and the surgery is scheduled for 10:00. Before we leave, I'm going to get Ryan to take one last belly shot. Hopefully it won't take us forever to post it....and to post pix of our boys!
WOOHOO!!!
Tuesday, February 12, 2008
Our SECOND trip to L&D...
...and we're back home. I would say "'nuff said," but I know too many of you want details.
Last night I was contracting, so I took a pill to see if they were real or another false alarm (this is per my OB). 2 hours later, I was still contracting - albeit irregularly. I called the on-call nurse, and she told me to head to the hospital.
The boys and I were hooked up to monitors, and the triage nurse was amazed at how constant my contractions were - she said the print-out looked like lots of hills. She called the doc on-call at my practice (unfortunately not my OB), and he told her to give me a shot, see if it worked, and then send me home. Lo and behold, the shot worked...and here we are.
I called my nurse this morning to tell her that Ryan and I were frustrated with the conflicting opinions we keep getting - take the pills, don't take the pills, if you're in labor they'll let you go, etc. The best explanation she could give me was that I'm in pre-term labor but not dilating yet, which is why we're at home and not holding our little boys. She's going to talk to my OB and call me back.
Needless to say (why do people say that and then continue with their thought regardless?), we're just a TAD bit frustrated by all of this...
Edited to add: We have an appointment today at 2. Pray hard!!
Last night I was contracting, so I took a pill to see if they were real or another false alarm (this is per my OB). 2 hours later, I was still contracting - albeit irregularly. I called the on-call nurse, and she told me to head to the hospital.
The boys and I were hooked up to monitors, and the triage nurse was amazed at how constant my contractions were - she said the print-out looked like lots of hills. She called the doc on-call at my practice (unfortunately not my OB), and he told her to give me a shot, see if it worked, and then send me home. Lo and behold, the shot worked...and here we are.
I called my nurse this morning to tell her that Ryan and I were frustrated with the conflicting opinions we keep getting - take the pills, don't take the pills, if you're in labor they'll let you go, etc. The best explanation she could give me was that I'm in pre-term labor but not dilating yet, which is why we're at home and not holding our little boys. She's going to talk to my OB and call me back.
Needless to say (why do people say that and then continue with their thought regardless?), we're just a TAD bit frustrated by all of this...
Edited to add: We have an appointment today at 2. Pray hard!!
Thursday, February 7, 2008
While you wait
...and we're still waiting.
Here are some pictures from today's appointment for your viewing pleasure. In the 1st one, you can see one of his eyes open! In the 2nd one, he looks a bit like Rodin's sculpture "The Thinker." Maybe he'll be the philosopher of the family.
Here are some pictures from today's appointment for your viewing pleasure. In the 1st one, you can see one of his eyes open! In the 2nd one, he looks a bit like Rodin's sculpture "The Thinker." Maybe he'll be the philosopher of the family.
Monday, February 4, 2008
...and waiting...
Went to see Dr. Greig today, and everything still looks good. The boys are a healthy 4lbs12oz and 4lbs7oz and wriggling like crazy. Baby A still enjoys kicking his brother in the face. I'm sure he's glad his brother decided to turn back head up after a week of being cheek to cheek.
I had to take 3 or 4 of my "stop the contractions" pills this week. They presumably worked, since we didn't go back to the hospital. Dr. Greig told me that if I feel like I need to take one again to just go ahead and go to the hospital - that they wouldn't stop labor at this point. So, it could be any day now!! While there's still a good chance that they'd have to spend time in NICU, the likelihood of it being a shorter stay grows more and more each day. The very selfish part of me wants them OUT so I can breathe again, but I also know that I don't want to leave them in the hospital when we come home.
This week or next week? Or 3 more weeks? Anyone wanna start a pool? :)
I had to take 3 or 4 of my "stop the contractions" pills this week. They presumably worked, since we didn't go back to the hospital. Dr. Greig told me that if I feel like I need to take one again to just go ahead and go to the hospital - that they wouldn't stop labor at this point. So, it could be any day now!! While there's still a good chance that they'd have to spend time in NICU, the likelihood of it being a shorter stay grows more and more each day. The very selfish part of me wants them OUT so I can breathe again, but I also know that I don't want to leave them in the hospital when we come home.
This week or next week? Or 3 more weeks? Anyone wanna start a pool? :)
Thursday, January 31, 2008
Waiting...
Tuesday's appointment was great. Both boys passed their BPPs, though it took a while for them to "perform" and show us that they are indeed practicing breathing. Doc still wants me to go at least another week, and I think at this point I'm measuring about 44 weeks pregnant. We'll know on Monday (appointment with the peri) how much they weigh, but I'm guessing somewhere around 4 lbs each by now. Doc lifted some of my restrictions, though I'm still on pretty strict bedrest. I can sit at the table to eat (WOO!), and he encouraged me to get up and stretch my legs every now and then. No marathon shopping trips or even short trips to the grocery store, but it's nice to know I can get up at times other than when I have to go to the bathroom.
The carseats are in Ryan's car, as is our bag....now we just have to have babies and we're all set! Ryan did a great job installing the seats!
Today marks 33 weeks, 5 days. The nurse in L&D reminded us that white boys have the hardest time as preemies - apparently they're referred to as "wimpy white boys" in the LDRP (Labor, Delivery, Recovery, Postpartum) ward. We just pray that their lungs are developed enough that they won't have to stay in the NICU long...or at all!
I've been blessed to have some company this week. Our friend Melissa brought her 6 month old daughter Carissa over for a couple of hours yesterday, and today our friend Jill brought 3-month old Sarah over. It was nice to have a bit of company, and Henley and Dabney both loved it! It was fun to see them interact with little ones. I think they're going to do really well.
In the meantime, we're just waiting...
The carseats are in Ryan's car, as is our bag....now we just have to have babies and we're all set! Ryan did a great job installing the seats!
Today marks 33 weeks, 5 days. The nurse in L&D reminded us that white boys have the hardest time as preemies - apparently they're referred to as "wimpy white boys" in the LDRP (Labor, Delivery, Recovery, Postpartum) ward. We just pray that their lungs are developed enough that they won't have to stay in the NICU long...or at all!
I've been blessed to have some company this week. Our friend Melissa brought her 6 month old daughter Carissa over for a couple of hours yesterday, and today our friend Jill brought 3-month old Sarah over. It was nice to have a bit of company, and Henley and Dabney both loved it! It was fun to see them interact with little ones. I think they're going to do really well.
In the meantime, we're just waiting...
Wednesday, January 30, 2008
the long awaited picture
Sorry it took so long to post this. My wife's been asking me to do it for about a week now.
So here it is! The 32-weeks picture!
So here it is! The 32-weeks picture!
Saturday, January 26, 2008
Our 1st trip to L&D
Greetings from our borrowed recliner (thanks, Chris and Melissa)!
R and I took our 1st trip to Labor and Delivery (L&D) last night, as I spent the better part of yesterday feeling under the weather and getting some contractions. I spoke to 2 different nurses at our OB practice, and both wanted me to go to the hospital to be monitored. I'll give you the short version...
We spent a total of about 2.5 hours, most of the time with me and the boys being hooked up to monitors. Both boys are doing wonderfully - the nurse said they were "jumping rope" because they were so active. I, however, had about 5 pretty decent contractions within less than an hour, so I got a shot to make them stop. They didn't completely stop, so I got another shot about an hour later, and we headed home about 10-15 minutes after that. I now have instructions to be on strict bedrest until our next OB appointment, which is Tuesday afternoon.
I've spent most of the day in the recliner, watching Mom do things around the house and listening to Dad and Ryan make huge amounts of noise upstairs with the construction. I'm rather bored and stir-crazy, but it's not too bad. I've had more contractions today, but not to the extent that I feel we need to go back to L&D. We'll see how the rest of the evening progresses...
R and I took our 1st trip to Labor and Delivery (L&D) last night, as I spent the better part of yesterday feeling under the weather and getting some contractions. I spoke to 2 different nurses at our OB practice, and both wanted me to go to the hospital to be monitored. I'll give you the short version...
We spent a total of about 2.5 hours, most of the time with me and the boys being hooked up to monitors. Both boys are doing wonderfully - the nurse said they were "jumping rope" because they were so active. I, however, had about 5 pretty decent contractions within less than an hour, so I got a shot to make them stop. They didn't completely stop, so I got another shot about an hour later, and we headed home about 10-15 minutes after that. I now have instructions to be on strict bedrest until our next OB appointment, which is Tuesday afternoon.
I've spent most of the day in the recliner, watching Mom do things around the house and listening to Dad and Ryan make huge amounts of noise upstairs with the construction. I'm rather bored and stir-crazy, but it's not too bad. I've had more contractions today, but not to the extent that I feel we need to go back to L&D. We'll see how the rest of the evening progresses...
Thursday, January 24, 2008
Babymooning and a general update
R and I forgot to mention a couple of weeks ago that we were able to get away and take a "Babymoon." For those of you not "in the know," babymoons are an up-and-coming thing amongst pregnant couples. Sort of a "last hurrah" before baby arrives. We knew that we couldn't go far, so we opted to spend the night in Greenville, at the B&B where we spent our wedding night. We didn't stay in the same room, but we had a great time! We went to Smoke on the Water for dinner - a great, kinda chi-chi Southern BBQ restaurant. Hard to explain, but really good. We wandered/waddled a bit around downtown that night, and we spent Saturday hanging out too. We drove out to our old house to make sure it was still standing, and we went to the used bookstore (The Silver Chair) that R's former manager at 'bucks now owns. And we went to see "National Treasure" because we're nerds like that. All in all, we had a wonderful time!
We had our now-weekly appointment on Tuesday, and everything still looks good. Both babies are now head-down, which would explain the huge amount of movement and wriggling that I felt over the weekend. I'm physically pretty exhausted and miserable, and the doctor told me to "hang in there" for another few weeks. Today is 32 weeks and 5 days, meaning they want me to go another 2 weeks and 2 days minimum. My patience/stamina/long-suffering is wearing thin! We go back on Tuesday for another check-up and then also for non-stress tests and bio-physical profiles. Basically they'll make sure both babies aren't under duress, and they'll also monitor breathing, movement, etc.
We do have a belly shot at 32 weeks to post, but I'll have to get R to do that when he gets home. Stay tuned!
We had our now-weekly appointment on Tuesday, and everything still looks good. Both babies are now head-down, which would explain the huge amount of movement and wriggling that I felt over the weekend. I'm physically pretty exhausted and miserable, and the doctor told me to "hang in there" for another few weeks. Today is 32 weeks and 5 days, meaning they want me to go another 2 weeks and 2 days minimum. My patience/stamina/long-suffering is wearing thin! We go back on Tuesday for another check-up and then also for non-stress tests and bio-physical profiles. Basically they'll make sure both babies aren't under duress, and they'll also monitor breathing, movement, etc.
We do have a belly shot at 32 weeks to post, but I'll have to get R to do that when he gets home. Stay tuned!
Thursday, January 17, 2008
Babies' 1st Snow!
The 5 of us (myself, the boys, Dabney the cat and Henley the dog) have been officially sequestered to the house by Daddy....because there's ice and snow all over the front steps (all 4 of them) and the front walk. I guess it's not really any different from other days, since I mostly stay at home anyway, but I have missed going to Starbucks to see Ryan and get my morning coffee - decaf of course.
Today marks 31 weeks and 5 days - I can't believe it's been this long! The boys are more active than ever, and sometimes it feels like they're trying to push their way out through my ribs and stomach. It's hard to believe that they'll be here sometime in the next few weeks. It's been a great journey, but I'm SOOOO ready to meet them!
We're now seeing the OB every week, and we'll start seeing the perinatologist twice a week (for non-stress tests and bio-physical profiles) in just a few weeks - if we make it that long!
Off to stay warm and enjoy the beautiful scenery!
Today marks 31 weeks and 5 days - I can't believe it's been this long! The boys are more active than ever, and sometimes it feels like they're trying to push their way out through my ribs and stomach. It's hard to believe that they'll be here sometime in the next few weeks. It's been a great journey, but I'm SOOOO ready to meet them!
We're now seeing the OB every week, and we'll start seeing the perinatologist twice a week (for non-stress tests and bio-physical profiles) in just a few weeks - if we make it that long!
Off to stay warm and enjoy the beautiful scenery!
Thursday, January 10, 2008
baby's first sneeze (and other various items, like an ear or foot)
Here are a few pictures from our latest 3D ultrasound. The boys are weighing in at 3 lb. 1 oz. and 3 lb. 5 oz. Doc says they're "beautiful" and right on track. Beck's pretty miserable not teaching and sitting on her rear all day long, but she's making it. I took her out to WildWing tonight, so she can't complain about too much, right? Well, maybe not. Enjoy!
Friday, January 4, 2008
Being "celebrities," Nesting, and Ruth and Rhonda
R and I went to a breastfeeding class last night (isn't my hubby GREAT?), and at break, I asked the nurse-instructor about breastfeeding twins, etc. She got so excited and is looking forward to when we deliver. At the end of the class, she decided to introduce the "celebrities" in the class - us! It's strange to think that having twins makes us "celebrities," especially when 1 in 33 pregnancies these days is twins (as opposed to 1 in 100 a generation ago)...according to wikipedia, but we all know how accurate wikipedia is.
Apparently one of the signs that delivery is coming is a phenomenon called "nesting." This is when moms-to-be start having crazy cleaning and organizing urges, and many people say that nesting means that baby -or in our case, babies - will be coming within a few weeks or so. I'm not sure if I buy this or not, but I have found myself wanting to clean and organize and straighten and do laundry for the boys. Or maybe it's just because I'm bored since I'm not at work! :)
The past few nights I've had some really weird dreams, but last night's takes the cake. I dreamt that I gave birth to the twins, except for the fact that they were GIRLS! Not only were the girls, but they had long, shoulder-length blonde hair. AND, before we had a chance to name them, the nurses named them Ruth and Rhonda. In part of the dream, Ryan was trying to figure out how the docs and ultrasound techs got their prediction wrong, and he pulled out one of the ultrasound pictures that showed our very obviously boy babies. His only explanation was that what we saw was a finger instead of...well, you know. The only thing I can figure out about the names is that one of Ryan's fellow seminarians and his wife just welcomed twin girls Ruth and Rhiannon. Go figure. The dream DID get me thinking that maybe I shouldn't be doing laundry yet - especially with all the boy clothes! Oh, you gotta love crazy pregnant women!
Apparently one of the signs that delivery is coming is a phenomenon called "nesting." This is when moms-to-be start having crazy cleaning and organizing urges, and many people say that nesting means that baby -or in our case, babies - will be coming within a few weeks or so. I'm not sure if I buy this or not, but I have found myself wanting to clean and organize and straighten and do laundry for the boys. Or maybe it's just because I'm bored since I'm not at work! :)
The past few nights I've had some really weird dreams, but last night's takes the cake. I dreamt that I gave birth to the twins, except for the fact that they were GIRLS! Not only were the girls, but they had long, shoulder-length blonde hair. AND, before we had a chance to name them, the nurses named them Ruth and Rhonda. In part of the dream, Ryan was trying to figure out how the docs and ultrasound techs got their prediction wrong, and he pulled out one of the ultrasound pictures that showed our very obviously boy babies. His only explanation was that what we saw was a finger instead of...well, you know. The only thing I can figure out about the names is that one of Ryan's fellow seminarians and his wife just welcomed twin girls Ruth and Rhiannon. Go figure. The dream DID get me thinking that maybe I shouldn't be doing laundry yet - especially with all the boy clothes! Oh, you gotta love crazy pregnant women!
Thursday, January 3, 2008
Just hanging out
Today marks the first day back to school for my students and colleagues. And let me tell you, it was NICE to sleep in this morning until about 8:00! I think it's going to be really hard to get back in the swing of things once I do go back to school. But I guess at that point, it'll be a completely different "swing of things" with 2 little boys added to the mix!
I got word today that the water was going to be shut off at the high school from about 2:00PM on. Good thing I'm NOT at school today, or else they'd have one unhappy pregnant lady on their hands. No bathroom breaks!
It's been a productive day, though I'm sure I've spent more time on my feet than I should. I took down all of Christmas (except taking the tree out of the stand...that's Ryan's job, especially considering it's too heavy for me) and redecorated the house with non-holiday items. I've gone through some maternity clothes that people have loaned me - and I repacked the clothes that don't fit anymore. I need to start doing laundry to get ready for the boys, but I don't have anywhere to put their clothes because my maternity clothes are in their dresser! Silly Mommy!
Who can believe that we'll be the parents of twin boys anytime within the next 5-8 weeks? WOW!
I got word today that the water was going to be shut off at the high school from about 2:00PM on. Good thing I'm NOT at school today, or else they'd have one unhappy pregnant lady on their hands. No bathroom breaks!
It's been a productive day, though I'm sure I've spent more time on my feet than I should. I took down all of Christmas (except taking the tree out of the stand...that's Ryan's job, especially considering it's too heavy for me) and redecorated the house with non-holiday items. I've gone through some maternity clothes that people have loaned me - and I repacked the clothes that don't fit anymore. I need to start doing laundry to get ready for the boys, but I don't have anywhere to put their clothes because my maternity clothes are in their dresser! Silly Mommy!
Who can believe that we'll be the parents of twin boys anytime within the next 5-8 weeks? WOW!
Tuesday, December 25, 2007
Thursday, December 20, 2007
Going out with a bang
Yesterday was my last day of school for quite some time. It's hard to believe I won't be back to school until March or April! I thought it would be an uneventful day - aside from the baby shower that 7th period APUSH had planned. Nothing much planned in any of the classes, especially since I knew the kids wouldn't want to do anything. Imagine my surprise and shock with I almost passed out during 1st period! I got really dizzy and hot and spent practically the rest of the day sitting. My blood pressure was fine, so who knows what was wrong! I guess I needed a sure sign that I was done teaching for a while!
The baby shower was great. The kids had asked what we wanted/needed, and I told them newborn-sized diapers. Boy did they deliver! We got a bunch of newborn diapers and some other cute things too. They're great kids!
I realized that I never posted about the faculty shower last week! Shame on me! Mary Beth and Bonnie did a great job planning everything, and almost the entire social studies department (all men except for me and Holly) showed up! Quite a few people dropped by, and it was a good time. Ryan was even able to come!
The baby shower was great. The kids had asked what we wanted/needed, and I told them newborn-sized diapers. Boy did they deliver! We got a bunch of newborn diapers and some other cute things too. They're great kids!
I realized that I never posted about the faculty shower last week! Shame on me! Mary Beth and Bonnie did a great job planning everything, and almost the entire social studies department (all men except for me and Holly) showed up! Quite a few people dropped by, and it was a good time. Ryan was even able to come!
Tuesday, December 18, 2007
Update - 27 weeks
We went to see both docs yesterday, and everything went well. My hemoglobin is back up, so I don't have to double up on my iron pills anymore. WOO! The peri was VERY pleased with how things are going. The boys are growing right on track - even right on track if they were singletons and not twins! Baby A is 2 lbs, 2oz. and Baby B is 2 lbs even. Physically, my body is measuring a full 40 weeks.... and there's still LOTS of time to go! The peri is SHOCKED at how well I'm doing physically. He said most women of smaller stature pregnant for the first time with twins go on bedrest at 22 weeks. And here I am at 27 weeks, 3 days, still going strong! Ryan has decided to put me on bedrest after Christmas break, and the peri agrees with him. He told me that at 31-32 weeks, I will feel much like a women pregnant with one at 40 weeks. It's hard to think about not coming back to school in January, but I know I will appreciate the rest...and the boys will too!
Baby A is currently head down, and Baby B is currently head up. We got to watch Baby B kick his brother in the face numerous times. They love to cuddle and be close, but I guess Baby B needs his leg room. Maybe that means they'll be tall like their daddy! We can only hope!
It's strange to think that these boys can come at any time. I asked the OB how delivery will work since we're doing a C-section, but it's not like we can exactly schedule it. He said we'll most likely come in for a routine check-up, and he'll discover that I'm in labor (most likely because of dilation). Then it'll be go time!
This week's veggie--a head of cauliflower! Though only based on weight (2lbs) and not on length.
Stay tuned for a 28 weeks picture....to be posted this weekend.
Baby A is currently head down, and Baby B is currently head up. We got to watch Baby B kick his brother in the face numerous times. They love to cuddle and be close, but I guess Baby B needs his leg room. Maybe that means they'll be tall like their daddy! We can only hope!
It's strange to think that these boys can come at any time. I asked the OB how delivery will work since we're doing a C-section, but it's not like we can exactly schedule it. He said we'll most likely come in for a routine check-up, and he'll discover that I'm in labor (most likely because of dilation). Then it'll be go time!
This week's veggie--a head of cauliflower! Though only based on weight (2lbs) and not on length.
Stay tuned for a 28 weeks picture....to be posted this weekend.
Saturday, December 8, 2007
Spoiling the Stones
We have amazing friends. And I have amazing students. Yesterday has unofficially been dubbed the "spoil the Stones" day. My 4th period AP class threw us a baby shower (no - it wasn't a surprise because they know I don't do surprises very well), and it was great! Ryan surprised them by changing his work schedule so he could come! They all gave very generously - diapers, wipes (one girl bought us a box of over 400 wipes, I'm guessing from Sam's or somewhere like that!), cute clothes, blankets, our bath center, our changing table pad, and...... OUR DOUBLE STROLLER!!!! We were shocked...and incredibly grateful. One of my students also hand-carved the boys a whistle and a rattle - amazing!
To top off the day, our friends Kevin and Emily (AKA kevandem) hosted a diaper shower for us last night. We had a great time fellowshipping with couples close to us, and of course we thoroughly enjoyed Em's culinary delights. We now have a carload of all sorts of sizes of diapers and more wipes! We are so thankful to have such wonderful friends.
This week's vegetable: an English hothouse cucumber! Very specific, don't you think?
To top off the day, our friends Kevin and Emily (AKA kevandem) hosted a diaper shower for us last night. We had a great time fellowshipping with couples close to us, and of course we thoroughly enjoyed Em's culinary delights. We now have a carload of all sorts of sizes of diapers and more wipes! We are so thankful to have such wonderful friends.
This week's vegetable: an English hothouse cucumber! Very specific, don't you think?
Sunday, December 2, 2007
For Emily...
Emily commented that she was surprised our son wasn't wearing a bow-tie in the 3D picture from our last ultrasound. Thanks to my oh-so-talented brother-in-law, well... take a look! :-)
Tuesday, November 27, 2007
Speechless
This is my (Ryan) first time posting in quite a while. All of you who regularly check this page out have my wife to thank for all of the updates. But here's my turn. We went back to Dr. Grieg today, and got our first 3-D ultrasound shots. And it absolutely stunned me. Here's a little sample of what we got to see. Alas, we only got to see one of our boys. The other was turned the other way, so we couldn't see his face.
Gives you a whole new sense of Psalm 139:
For you formed my inward parts;
You knitted me together in my mother's womb.
I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made.
Wonderful are your works;
My soul knows it very well.
My frame was not hidden from you,
When I was being made in secret,
Intricately woven in the depths of the earth.
Your eyes saw my unformed substance;
In your book were written, every one of them,
The days that were formed for me,
When as yet there was none of them.
Gives you a whole new sense of Psalm 139:
For you formed my inward parts;
You knitted me together in my mother's womb.
I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made.
Wonderful are your works;
My soul knows it very well.
My frame was not hidden from you,
When I was being made in secret,
Intricately woven in the depths of the earth.
Your eyes saw my unformed substance;
In your book were written, every one of them,
The days that were formed for me,
When as yet there was none of them.
Hole-y Corn"dawgs", Batman!
Pregnancy silliness coming out with the title of today's blog, can you tell??
Today we'll travel to see Dr. Greig, the specialist. Hopefully we'll get a good report and I won't be put on bedrest yet. But after the first day back to school from Thanksgiving, I'm almost ready for it! I'm beat!
Lots going on in the Stone household, like:
There's an enormous hole in our ceiling! We're finishing the attic for Ryan's office, and there's a big ol' hole in our ceiling as of yesterday.
AND:
The babies are now the size of ears of corn (hence the reference in the title).
AND:
I'm ENORMOUS! This is my big ol' belly at 24 weeks. I can't believe we still have 3 months to go! Please take special note of my outfit - red and black in honor of the Bulldogs for beating those pesky Yellow Jackets. You know I had to wear red and black and gloat to my 3 die-hard GT fans in 7th period. I'm so nice.
More to report this evening or tomorrow, I'm sure.
Today we'll travel to see Dr. Greig, the specialist. Hopefully we'll get a good report and I won't be put on bedrest yet. But after the first day back to school from Thanksgiving, I'm almost ready for it! I'm beat!
Lots going on in the Stone household, like:
There's an enormous hole in our ceiling! We're finishing the attic for Ryan's office, and there's a big ol' hole in our ceiling as of yesterday.
AND:
The babies are now the size of ears of corn (hence the reference in the title).
AND:
I'm ENORMOUS! This is my big ol' belly at 24 weeks. I can't believe we still have 3 months to go! Please take special note of my outfit - red and black in honor of the Bulldogs for beating those pesky Yellow Jackets. You know I had to wear red and black and gloat to my 3 die-hard GT fans in 7th period. I'm so nice.
More to report this evening or tomorrow, I'm sure.
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