Can you tell I am a Mom who's completely and utterly in Love?!
Tuesday, November 29, 2011
Two Peas
Went to wake the Twinkies up a moment ago for lunch and here's what I saw...
Can you tell I am a Mom who's completely and utterly in Love?!
Can you tell I am a Mom who's completely and utterly in Love?!
Monday, November 28, 2011
Two Week Checkup
On Saturday, we went to the pediatrician. Dr. Dan says my sister and I look great! We each grew 1/2" and gained over .5 lbs.
Whoever thinks I'm not old enough to hold my own bottle yet just doesn't know me! Today it's the bottle, tomorrow it's straight to the fridge to fix myself a sandwich!
Whoever thinks I'm not old enough to hold my own bottle yet just doesn't know me! Today it's the bottle, tomorrow it's straight to the fridge to fix myself a sandwich!
Saturday, November 26, 2011
Reflections From a Two Week Old Mommy
Thank you for all your warm wishes and congratulations on the birth of our two amazing miracles! I've been in a constant state of bliss and life doesn't get any better!
The twins arrived on a Friday and were PRECISELY 37 weeks. I am extremely thankful for two things:
1. To have carried them so close to "term" of 38 weeks without ANY complications, and
2. To have my energy back and feel like myself again.
(Hope you don't mind me bragging, but on Thanksgiving Day, it was in the upper 60's and we went for our first "real" walk with the kids and our two labs. I made it the full 3 miles - a feat that seemed insurmountable just a few short weeks ago, when I could barely walk to the end of our driveway)!
A Little More About F&G's Names
We didn't tell anyone the names we picked for the twins. Since we didn't know the sexes, we chose two boy's names and two girl's names. No, Fabio wasn't really ever in the running (but it made people laugh when they asked what names we picked).
Each of the Twinks is named after three very, special people...
F is named after my husband's grandfather (Francis), my grandmother (Florence) and my grand uncle (who also happens to be my Grandfather's brother because two brothers married two sisters - Frank). His middle name is "T" after my husband's grandma, Theresa.
G is named after my very good friend Georgiana, who passed away on Christmas Eve in the early 2000's from cancer - she is the person who inspired my love of travel and was always an inspiration. She is also named after my Mom's sister (Geordie) who also passed away from cancer in the early 2000's, and my grandfather, George. Her middle name comes from one of my favorite books - Pillars of the Earth.
May all these very special people continue to R.I.P.
The Birth and Delivery
Realizing that as long as I was in the hospital and there wasn't really anything my husband could do, I told him to go to work - especially since less time in the hospital meant more time at home with us after the babies arrived.
When the doctor came to my room mid-afternoon on Friday to deliver the news that the Twinks lungs were developed enough to move forward with the delivery, I was in a bit of a state of shock because I had assumed delivery would be a week away. I had not had time to mentally process that this monumental event was now mere hours away. I was definitely ready, but it was unbelievable that months of "Twinkie Baking" would be finished in an instant!
When I called my husband to tell him it was "game on" at 4 pm, in his typical stoic nature, he said he'd plan to meet me in my hospital room at 4:30 pm. It's a good thing I've been married to him for so long and immediately understood that he said this because he didn't understand the birth "process". I also know DESPISES waiting around aimlessly. In the end, his timing was impeccable - he arrived about ten minute before they were ready to take me into the delivery room.
When the medical staff asked him if he wanted to change into scrubs and be in the delivery room, he was a bit hesitant, but ultimately decided he wanted to come. I'm glad he did...
First, they wheeled me into the delivery room (which was more like the "emergency room" setting I had envisioned based on TV shows). There was a team of no less than 30 people ready to deliver the babies - no wonder why this country has a medical insurance crisis! I am not sure the role each one played, but I am sure they each had an important role.
The anesthesiologist (who called himself by his first name - "Howard") administered my epidural. Even though I have given myself THOUSANDS of injections over the past several years, I was very nervous about getting needles stuck in my spine. He made me sit on the edge of the bed and had me slump my shoulders - the one time in my life we are supposed to have bad posture.
Once the epidural started to take effect, he put oxygen over my nose and mouth, and had me lie down with my arms out to the side - just like I was being crucified horizontally. Next, a sheet went up, so I could not see or feel anything.
Dr. Bronwyn Kahn and Dr. Richard Porreco were the two doctors who would deliver the twins. As I've mentioned before, Dr. Porreco is somewhat of a celebrity in the field of Maternal Fetal Medicine. Once I was all numbed up, Dr. Porrecio came in. Just like Oprah Winfrey, the entire team worked around him.
I felt minimal tugging, pulling and and pressure. And, within what seemed like seconds, he announced the first baby was out. He asked my husband if he wanted to announce if it was a boy or a girl - and my husband said "Nah, you do it." Then I heard "it's a girl!" Less than 30 seconds later, I heard cries from a second baby...a boy. That was when I lost it and started bawling hysterically with joy (and, you'll have to excuse me, because I have tears running down my cheeks again, as I type this).
Ok...better now. Thanks Kleenex!
We chose not to find out the sexes until birth. For months, I had been convinced I had been carrying two boys and was utterly speechless when I heard it was a boy and a girl (not that it would have mattered).
They call it the "miracle of birth"...now that I've been there, "miracle" doesn't seem like a big enough word. There should be a word that is more ginormous...because the first time a mother looks at her child, it's a truly indescribable moment.
I did not realize that my husband took pictures in the delivery room until I looked back at the photos today - but he did!
Hospital Stay
Shortly after delivery, they moved me to room 1107 - where I would spend nearly a week. The private room was at the end of the hall (so we had lots of privacy) and had a beautiful view of the Denver skyline and State Capitol building.
The mornings were jam packed with people coming by - nurses, doctors and various professionals - like physical therapists and lactation consultants, to monitor me, and a second team of nurses, pediatricians and other professionals, like the hearing-and-speech specialists, to monitor the babies.
During the day, the babies would be with me in the room - and at night the babies would be in the nursery so that I could get a little sleep. I would still wake up several times each night to check on and help feed them in the nursery. All the nurses fell in love with them and F & G were the "hit" of the 11th Floor Mother and Baby ward.
The day before we were supposed to check out, F's levels were low, so they put him under lights to prevent jaundice. Seeing our son under the lights brought out his bleach-blond hair. He loved it so much that I wouldn't be surprised if he tells me one day that he wants to be a professional sunbather.
On what was supposed to be our last day, G's levels were low - so we spent an extra day so that she could "soak up the sun" too. She kept pulling down her Bili eye-band - so she looked like Catwoman.
Fortunately, they let me stay in the hospital with them as a "boarding patient" - which meant I could spend the night, but I was not under any one's medical care. This meant that if I needed so much as an aspirin, no one in the hospital could give it to me, and I would have had to call my doctor offsite.
Aunt Michele and Uncle Michael sent flowers and a few visitors stopped by - including Dave & Lisa (our neighbors from across the street, "Aunties" Anne Nelson, Sara Andrew, Jennifer Rosenthal and, of course, Bubbie Jan.
Coming Home and the Last Two Weeks
Our timing for hospital release could not have been coordinated better. "Grandma" Gaga's plane touched down about the same time we got the ok to go home, and Grandpa M's plane was due to arrive a few hours later. As we left the hospital, the first song on the radio was The Ramone's "Blitzkrieg Bop."
Becky, our night doula, arrived right on-schedule the first night to help us take care of the babies and allow Mom & Dad to get a little sleep (although Mom was so excited, that she was up most of the night anyway 0 this adrenaline rush continued for several nights, in fact, but eventually Mom hit bottom and needed sleep to).
We spent the week before Thanksgiving running last-minute errands. We realized we did not have many "newborn" size clothes - especially for a boy and warm enough for winter, since Mom did most of the shopping during the warmer-weather months, so it was off to the stores to search for a new wardrobe (hint to new moms who may be reading this blog - think zippers vs. snaps, especially when you need to change clothes at 2 am).
We also wanted to set up a "station" on our main level so that the Twinks could "live" on one floor for awhile. This involved buying a second changing table (which took hours and hours to find and almost a half-day for Dad and Grandpa M to put together), and rearranging some furniture and other items to have everything required for baby care convenient and within arm's reach.
Overall, the Twinks have been very easy to care for. They sleep an average of 20 hours and, when they do awake, it's for one of only a few reasons - they are hungry, gassy or wet / dirty. They are both very good eaters - G likes to "snack" leisurely and look around the room, while "F" is more of a "gett'er done" kinda baby, usually finishing his bottle - and sometimes more.
The day after we arrived home, Thursday, was their first pediatrician appointment. They both passed with flying colors and each only lost a few ounces between when they were born and their first appointment.
Giving birth is not quite like it is portrayed in Hollywood or the glossy magazines you see as you check out at the local supermarket with your groceries. Your stomach, legs, feet and hands will be very swollen and you will still look pregnant for many weeks. In fact, on Friday my swelling was so bad that I ended up spending most of the afternoon in our local hospital's emergency room due to extreme swelling. Fortunately, they did not find any blood clots and I was sent home in the evening.
Grandma Gaga cooked up a storm while she was here - meatloaf and fresh string beans one night, brisket the next, and Turkey (an early Thanksgiving meal) the night after. Good thing she left us with lots of left-overs since our days are now centered around feeding, pumping, diaper changes and laundry.
Parting Words
I know that so many of you who read my blog are still meandering along your road to Mommyhood or Daddyhood. Perhaps you've been where I am now, you're currently expecting, or you're still in that state of purgatory wondering if this will ever work and "Will we ever become parents?"
If you fall into the third group or have doubts, take a look to the left at my history and consider for a moment what it took to finally bring these two children to life. This was not an easy road - years of uncertainty, failure and tears, two international trips filled with hope and desire, four rounds of heartbreaking miscarriages, multiple surgeries, disappointing delays, more needles than I care to think to count (and they're not over yet - four more weeks) and thousands and thousands of dollars invested on a "crap shoot".
Yes, as I sit here today, I feel like I won thePowerball lottery of life, but the outcome could have so easily been different.
During this Thanksgiving and holdiday season, please take time to count your blessings and appreciate the good things in your life.
As I start to write this entry, the twins were born almost EXACTLY two weeks ago. As a brand new mommy, I wish I had a video camera running non-stop. Every single second is filled with wonderment, fascination and an overwhelming sense of happiness like I've never experienced in my life! (I'm also using many more exclamation points these days).
Picture at birth
Aproximately 10 days old
The twins arrived on a Friday and were PRECISELY 37 weeks. I am extremely thankful for two things:
1. To have carried them so close to "term" of 38 weeks without ANY complications, and
2. To have my energy back and feel like myself again.
(Hope you don't mind me bragging, but on Thanksgiving Day, it was in the upper 60's and we went for our first "real" walk with the kids and our two labs. I made it the full 3 miles - a feat that seemed insurmountable just a few short weeks ago, when I could barely walk to the end of our driveway)!
A Little More About F&G's Names
We didn't tell anyone the names we picked for the twins. Since we didn't know the sexes, we chose two boy's names and two girl's names. No, Fabio wasn't really ever in the running (but it made people laugh when they asked what names we picked).
Each of the Twinks is named after three very, special people...
F is named after my husband's grandfather (Francis), my grandmother (Florence) and my grand uncle (who also happens to be my Grandfather's brother because two brothers married two sisters - Frank). His middle name is "T" after my husband's grandma, Theresa.
G is named after my very good friend Georgiana, who passed away on Christmas Eve in the early 2000's from cancer - she is the person who inspired my love of travel and was always an inspiration. She is also named after my Mom's sister (Geordie) who also passed away from cancer in the early 2000's, and my grandfather, George. Her middle name comes from one of my favorite books - Pillars of the Earth.
 |
| Georgiana McCall |
The Birth and Delivery
Realizing that as long as I was in the hospital and there wasn't really anything my husband could do, I told him to go to work - especially since less time in the hospital meant more time at home with us after the babies arrived.
When the doctor came to my room mid-afternoon on Friday to deliver the news that the Twinks lungs were developed enough to move forward with the delivery, I was in a bit of a state of shock because I had assumed delivery would be a week away. I had not had time to mentally process that this monumental event was now mere hours away. I was definitely ready, but it was unbelievable that months of "Twinkie Baking" would be finished in an instant!
When I called my husband to tell him it was "game on" at 4 pm, in his typical stoic nature, he said he'd plan to meet me in my hospital room at 4:30 pm. It's a good thing I've been married to him for so long and immediately understood that he said this because he didn't understand the birth "process". I also know DESPISES waiting around aimlessly. In the end, his timing was impeccable - he arrived about ten minute before they were ready to take me into the delivery room.
When the medical staff asked him if he wanted to change into scrubs and be in the delivery room, he was a bit hesitant, but ultimately decided he wanted to come. I'm glad he did...
First, they wheeled me into the delivery room (which was more like the "emergency room" setting I had envisioned based on TV shows). There was a team of no less than 30 people ready to deliver the babies - no wonder why this country has a medical insurance crisis! I am not sure the role each one played, but I am sure they each had an important role.
The anesthesiologist (who called himself by his first name - "Howard") administered my epidural. Even though I have given myself THOUSANDS of injections over the past several years, I was very nervous about getting needles stuck in my spine. He made me sit on the edge of the bed and had me slump my shoulders - the one time in my life we are supposed to have bad posture.
Once the epidural started to take effect, he put oxygen over my nose and mouth, and had me lie down with my arms out to the side - just like I was being crucified horizontally. Next, a sheet went up, so I could not see or feel anything.
Dr. Bronwyn Kahn and Dr. Richard Porreco were the two doctors who would deliver the twins. As I've mentioned before, Dr. Porreco is somewhat of a celebrity in the field of Maternal Fetal Medicine. Once I was all numbed up, Dr. Porrecio came in. Just like Oprah Winfrey, the entire team worked around him.
The Twinkies with Dr. K
I felt minimal tugging, pulling and and pressure. And, within what seemed like seconds, he announced the first baby was out. He asked my husband if he wanted to announce if it was a boy or a girl - and my husband said "Nah, you do it." Then I heard "it's a girl!" Less than 30 seconds later, I heard cries from a second baby...a boy. That was when I lost it and started bawling hysterically with joy (and, you'll have to excuse me, because I have tears running down my cheeks again, as I type this).
Ok...better now. Thanks Kleenex!
We chose not to find out the sexes until birth. For months, I had been convinced I had been carrying two boys and was utterly speechless when I heard it was a boy and a girl (not that it would have mattered).
They call it the "miracle of birth"...now that I've been there, "miracle" doesn't seem like a big enough word. There should be a word that is more ginormous...because the first time a mother looks at her child, it's a truly indescribable moment.
I did not realize that my husband took pictures in the delivery room until I looked back at the photos today - but he did!
Baby G
Me and F
My favorite time of day was waking up at 5 am, picking up a baby, and cuddling skin-to-skin while watching the sun rise over the mountains. Several times, I have broken out into spontaneous tears.
Hospital Stay
Shortly after delivery, they moved me to room 1107 - where I would spend nearly a week. The private room was at the end of the hall (so we had lots of privacy) and had a beautiful view of the Denver skyline and State Capitol building.
The mornings were jam packed with people coming by - nurses, doctors and various professionals - like physical therapists and lactation consultants, to monitor me, and a second team of nurses, pediatricians and other professionals, like the hearing-and-speech specialists, to monitor the babies.
During the day, the babies would be with me in the room - and at night the babies would be in the nursery so that I could get a little sleep. I would still wake up several times each night to check on and help feed them in the nursery. All the nurses fell in love with them and F & G were the "hit" of the 11th Floor Mother and Baby ward.
The day before we were supposed to check out, F's levels were low, so they put him under lights to prevent jaundice. Seeing our son under the lights brought out his bleach-blond hair. He loved it so much that I wouldn't be surprised if he tells me one day that he wants to be a professional sunbather.
On what was supposed to be our last day, G's levels were low - so we spent an extra day so that she could "soak up the sun" too. She kept pulling down her Bili eye-band - so she looked like Catwoman.
Fortunately, they let me stay in the hospital with them as a "boarding patient" - which meant I could spend the night, but I was not under any one's medical care. This meant that if I needed so much as an aspirin, no one in the hospital could give it to me, and I would have had to call my doctor offsite.
Aunt Michele and Uncle Michael sent flowers and a few visitors stopped by - including Dave & Lisa (our neighbors from across the street, "Aunties" Anne Nelson, Sara Andrew, Jennifer Rosenthal and, of course, Bubbie Jan.
Auntie Anne
Bubbie Jan
Coming Home and the Last Two Weeks
Our timing for hospital release could not have been coordinated better. "Grandma" Gaga's plane touched down about the same time we got the ok to go home, and Grandpa M's plane was due to arrive a few hours later. As we left the hospital, the first song on the radio was The Ramone's "Blitzkrieg Bop."
Becky, our night doula, arrived right on-schedule the first night to help us take care of the babies and allow Mom & Dad to get a little sleep (although Mom was so excited, that she was up most of the night anyway 0 this adrenaline rush continued for several nights, in fact, but eventually Mom hit bottom and needed sleep to).
We spent the week before Thanksgiving running last-minute errands. We realized we did not have many "newborn" size clothes - especially for a boy and warm enough for winter, since Mom did most of the shopping during the warmer-weather months, so it was off to the stores to search for a new wardrobe (hint to new moms who may be reading this blog - think zippers vs. snaps, especially when you need to change clothes at 2 am).
We also wanted to set up a "station" on our main level so that the Twinks could "live" on one floor for awhile. This involved buying a second changing table (which took hours and hours to find and almost a half-day for Dad and Grandpa M to put together), and rearranging some furniture and other items to have everything required for baby care convenient and within arm's reach.
Overall, the Twinks have been very easy to care for. They sleep an average of 20 hours and, when they do awake, it's for one of only a few reasons - they are hungry, gassy or wet / dirty. They are both very good eaters - G likes to "snack" leisurely and look around the room, while "F" is more of a "gett'er done" kinda baby, usually finishing his bottle - and sometimes more.
The day after we arrived home, Thursday, was their first pediatrician appointment. They both passed with flying colors and each only lost a few ounces between when they were born and their first appointment.
Giving birth is not quite like it is portrayed in Hollywood or the glossy magazines you see as you check out at the local supermarket with your groceries. Your stomach, legs, feet and hands will be very swollen and you will still look pregnant for many weeks. In fact, on Friday my swelling was so bad that I ended up spending most of the afternoon in our local hospital's emergency room due to extreme swelling. Fortunately, they did not find any blood clots and I was sent home in the evening.
Grandma Gaga cooked up a storm while she was here - meatloaf and fresh string beans one night, brisket the next, and Turkey (an early Thanksgiving meal) the night after. Good thing she left us with lots of left-overs since our days are now centered around feeding, pumping, diaper changes and laundry.
F & Grandma Gaga
The Twinkies and Grandpa M
We wouldn't have it any other way!Parting Words
I know that so many of you who read my blog are still meandering along your road to Mommyhood or Daddyhood. Perhaps you've been where I am now, you're currently expecting, or you're still in that state of purgatory wondering if this will ever work and "Will we ever become parents?"
If you fall into the third group or have doubts, take a look to the left at my history and consider for a moment what it took to finally bring these two children to life. This was not an easy road - years of uncertainty, failure and tears, two international trips filled with hope and desire, four rounds of heartbreaking miscarriages, multiple surgeries, disappointing delays, more needles than I care to think to count (and they're not over yet - four more weeks) and thousands and thousands of dollars invested on a "crap shoot".
Yes, as I sit here today, I feel like I won thePowerball lottery of life, but the outcome could have so easily been different.
During this Thanksgiving and holdiday season, please take time to count your blessings and appreciate the good things in your life.
The two most important men in my life...I love you both!
Saturday, November 19, 2011
Hijacking a Post - The CCRM Summer (2010) Cyclers - WE DID IT!!!!
As a new Mom of one week, there are so may thoughts swirling through my head right now...so much I want to document and share, but where to start and finding the time to do it right now? (I've been up since 2:30 am and notice the time of this post is 4:43 am).
Oh, I know...let's start here, and I'll try to add first week details in subsequent posts:
Hijacking a Post
For those of you who read my blog and are still on your journey, I thought you might enjoy reading this post that I copied from my friend's blog.
About eighteen months ago, when we started with CCRM, I joined a message board with six other women. Through time, we have kept up our connection and these women have become very, very special to me - even though I've never met some of them. It is a beautiful post that summarizes our journey together.
It brightens my heart to look at a star-lit sky and know that when we started, we all wished upon those stars. Today, I am overjoyed each time I think that these nine "CCRM Summer Cyclers" will forever be connected when, from all across North America, they look upon the same stars in the sky each night.
Thanks for documenting this Lisa!
This post is one of pure celebration...yesterday the IVFC forum thread "CCRM Summer Cyclers" saw the last but not least, Flygirl, give birth to B/G twins...how cool is that to have a birthday that fell on 11/11/11?
But what's so awesome about this particular thread is that ALL of us came out of the trenches together and with babies to take home! I would venture to say that its a VERY rare occurrence when all cyclers in any particular IF forum thread come out on the other side. A testament to the skill of the CCRM staff and LUCK without a doubt.
The thread was filled with ups and downs as we started our ERs, ET's and FETs throughout the summer of 2010. We all followed in RachelDiana's footsteps as she waded through the ER/CCS/FET process first, we rejoiced when LC1 broke the news she was expecting twins; we remained cautiously optimistic for Jasperina upon the news she was carrying triplets and then cried when she lost the identical twins and hung on hope for her singleton; we cried for Flygirl when her first FET resulted in yet ANOTHER m/c; the Summer Cyclers helped me through the mixed feelings a pg brings after previous pg losses and they rode the progesterone/threatened pg rollercoaster with me as LN10 battled to stay viable (a special prayer for LN10 was even said by Flygirl at St. Peter's Basilica in Rome as she toured Italy last fall); we rejoiced in the news that AuntieEm10 was expecting twins and hearts sank to learn of her fall that resulted in many broken bones and a harrowing road to recovery while pregnant with twins (!!); and finally we held our breaths as Flygirl's 2nd FET attempt resulted in yet another pg and remained cautiously optimistic that drugs to counteract a newly discovered blood clotting disorder would work...
And so I bring to you the results:
RachelDiana: Baby Girl born June 2nd, 2011
LC1: Boy/Girl twins born June 13th, 2011
LisainSK (moi!): Baby Boy born June 28th, 2011 *somehow I butted myself in front of Jasperina as I wasn't due until July 20th!!*
Jasperina: Baby Boy born June 29th, 2011
AuntieEm: Girl/Girl twins born September 13th, 2011
Flygirl555: Boy/Girl twins born November 11th, 2011
For a total of 5 baby girls and 4 baby boys, 3 singletons and 3 sets of twins.......WOW!!
We managed to rack up over 27 forum pages before the babies were born and have added about 3 additional pages since June 2011...needless to say...we're all busy mamma's now!!
Oh, I know...let's start here, and I'll try to add first week details in subsequent posts:
Hijacking a Post
For those of you who read my blog and are still on your journey, I thought you might enjoy reading this post that I copied from my friend's blog.
About eighteen months ago, when we started with CCRM, I joined a message board with six other women. Through time, we have kept up our connection and these women have become very, very special to me - even though I've never met some of them. It is a beautiful post that summarizes our journey together.
It brightens my heart to look at a star-lit sky and know that when we started, we all wished upon those stars. Today, I am overjoyed each time I think that these nine "CCRM Summer Cyclers" will forever be connected when, from all across North America, they look upon the same stars in the sky each night.
Thanks for documenting this Lisa!
Ode to the CCRM Summer (2010) Cyclers - WE DID IT!!!!
But what's so awesome about this particular thread is that ALL of us came out of the trenches together and with babies to take home! I would venture to say that its a VERY rare occurrence when all cyclers in any particular IF forum thread come out on the other side. A testament to the skill of the CCRM staff and LUCK without a doubt.
The thread was filled with ups and downs as we started our ERs, ET's and FETs throughout the summer of 2010. We all followed in RachelDiana's footsteps as she waded through the ER/CCS/FET process first, we rejoiced when LC1 broke the news she was expecting twins; we remained cautiously optimistic for Jasperina upon the news she was carrying triplets and then cried when she lost the identical twins and hung on hope for her singleton; we cried for Flygirl when her first FET resulted in yet ANOTHER m/c; the Summer Cyclers helped me through the mixed feelings a pg brings after previous pg losses and they rode the progesterone/threatened pg rollercoaster with me as LN10 battled to stay viable (a special prayer for LN10 was even said by Flygirl at St. Peter's Basilica in Rome as she toured Italy last fall); we rejoiced in the news that AuntieEm10 was expecting twins and hearts sank to learn of her fall that resulted in many broken bones and a harrowing road to recovery while pregnant with twins (!!); and finally we held our breaths as Flygirl's 2nd FET attempt resulted in yet another pg and remained cautiously optimistic that drugs to counteract a newly discovered blood clotting disorder would work...
And so I bring to you the results:
RachelDiana: Baby Girl born June 2nd, 2011
LC1: Boy/Girl twins born June 13th, 2011
LisainSK (moi!): Baby Boy born June 28th, 2011 *somehow I butted myself in front of Jasperina as I wasn't due until July 20th!!*
Jasperina: Baby Boy born June 29th, 2011
AuntieEm: Girl/Girl twins born September 13th, 2011
Flygirl555: Boy/Girl twins born November 11th, 2011
For a total of 5 baby girls and 4 baby boys, 3 singletons and 3 sets of twins.......WOW!!
We managed to rack up over 27 forum pages before the babies were born and have added about 3 additional pages since June 2011...needless to say...we're all busy mamma's now!!
Sunday, November 13, 2011
48 and a Few Hours Old
Thanks for all the wonderful comments on the birth of our two miracles! I am living in a dream and have had an ear-to-ear smile on my face since Friday.
I'm still at the hospital and can't post pictures from my iPad. So, I'll just try to summarize the last few days (or at least as much as I can remember) and post pictures later this week - once we're home.
The Delivery
Once the amnio test confirmed the twins' lungs were mature, the doctors scheduled me for a c-section at 4:30 pm.
First, the nurse came to explain the entire procedure and get me to sign consent forms. It was nice to go through things with a semi-clear head.
Next, the anesthesiologist (he called himself "Howard") came in to ask questions about my medical history and prior reactions to anesthesia. He then explained what the epidural process would look like and had me sign more consent forms. He was clearly very experiencced and had a great personality. I knew I was in good hands.
About 30 minutes prior, Dr. Porrecio came in and briefly went over the c-section procedure. It was clear that he is the "executor" and everything else about the procedure revolves around him. As I said in previous posts, it's like having Oprah deliver these kids - so I imagine things work the same on her set. She shows up to do what she does best, and hundreds of other people address the details.
My DH arrived around 4:30 pm and the nurses started to "prep" me. They had my DH change into scrubs. Never saw him in scrubs before - pretty sexy!
We delivered in the L&D surgery room - so it did look like what I imagined from TV. Operating table, overhead lights, walls lined with medical equipment, everything was sterile, etc. There were no less than 25 people in the delivery room. It was strange to have all that attention. Dr. Porrecio and Dr. Bronwyn Kahn (another doctor in his practice) arrived very last.
They took me into the delivery room first and Howard adminisered the epidural. He had me sit up to give me the initial shots, then I lied down on the operating table with my arms spread to either side. I felt like I was being crusified in a horizontal position. Very quickly, everything below my armpits went numb. They then brought my DH into the operating room, sat him in a seat by my head and put up a drape so I could not see anything below my arms.
I felt some pressure below the curtain, but before you could blink your eyes, one baby was out. They asked my DH if he wanted to announce the sex and he said "no, you do it" - so the next words I heard were "It's a Girl!" Within 30 seconds, the second baby was delivered and I heard "It's a boy!"
They quickly brought F up by my head to show me for a second and the next sound I heard was one of the babies crying. I started gushing tears...not believing what I just heard!
Within seconds, they rushed both babies to the nursery to perform all the necessary tests. My DH said G(Baby "A" who was my gymnast) was quiet and hardly cried, and F (Baby "B" who was my "couch potato") was like a squirmy worm. While the Twinkies were in the nursery, I was being "sewn up" and then taken to a "recovery alcove" to wait with my DH.
About 15 minutes later, we were taken to a recovery room and introduced to our babies for the first time. I was heavily drugged and don't remember much, but I do remember the beautiful sight of seeing them for the first time. I don't know which was more miraculous - seeing their HB's for the first time or seeing them for the first time. They both were equally astounding.
The rest of the evening was spent holding them, feeding them, and in a drugged haze feeling like I was on top of the world.
My DH made some phone calls, but I don't remember much because the next day I kept asking him "Did you call so-and-so?" and him replying "Don't you remember? You talked to them too." No, I don't remember much.
Saturday, November 12 - Day 2
Even though my DH went home (there was no reason for him to stay here with me and our dogs don't do well alone for the night) and the kids went to the nursery, I cat-napped all night. It seems like each time I woke up and asked if the Twinkies had been fed, they either already had or the next feeding was at least an hour away - so I didn't get to feed them that night.
I woke up early and had them bring F in (since he was up too) while G stayed in the nursery. F and I snuggled, skin-to-skin, for a couple of hours (he slept and I smiled and cooed) and it was the most magical time of the day! I am so glad I got to spend the alone time with him.
The day was filled with various medical professionals stopping by - nurses, doctors, lactation consultants, and other professionals stopping by. Between feedings, burpings, snugglings, checking vital signs, pumping, and various other activities, it was a whirlwind of a day, but one of the greatest days of my life.
I remained on a clear-liquid diet all day - meaning I could eat nothing but broth, tea, and italian ices. Fortunately, I was so overwhelmed with joy, I didn't have much of an appetite. Despite being on liquids, my bladder didn't get very full - so the nurse encouraged me to drink more fluids.
Sunday, Novembe 13 - Day 3
By the time I went to bed last night, I was so overtired that I didn't know how tired I was. I woke up in the middle of the night with a FULL bladder and terrible cramps (probably a combination of my full bladder and [hopefully] my uterus starting to contract). They had been measuring my urine and this time I nearly overflowed the measuring cup - so they let me off of that test.
I got up around 5 am again, and this time retrieved both of the Twinkies from the nursery. While F slept in his bassinette, I snuggled skin-to-skin with G. All I could think about was how I still feel like I was living in a dream. We both fell back to sleep for about two hours and didn't move a muscle.
Today was again filled with visits from various medical professionals testing me and the babies.
Both kids passed their hearing tests - where they hook electrodes all over their bodies and play clicking noises in their ears. I can't say I am surprised, based on how they'd wiggle around in-utero any time I was around live music.
Our "normal" OB - Dr. Stettler - was on-call today and came to see us. He said we all looked wonderful and allowed me to take a picture of him with each twin. When I mentioned that I was surprised that it was a boy and a girl, he said "Really? You didn't know?" I replied, "Nope - the only people in the world who knew were you, the u/s tech and the Twinkies themselves."
My DH and I are now getting very good at swaddling, feeding and changing diapers. My DH even reminded me to wipe G from front to back (a detail the nurse said most Dads who have their first daughters forget).
Despite pumping and trying to get the Twinks to latch onto my breasts, my milk has not come in yet. The nurses said to keep at it and confirmed it may take up to a week for it to happen (or it may not, but at least I know I've given it my best shot).
Just as I imagined, my DH is a natural at being a Dad. Even though he is quiet and extremely stoic, the babies bring out the best in him and he talks to them in his witty, but sincere manner. For example, when they cry because he's changing their diaper he says, "Hey, this isn't much fun for me either." He even calls his daughter things like "sweetie pie"! It's so cute.
Both babies have long, lean legs and fingers and toes longer than any I've ever seen on a newborn. The nurses think the babies are going to be tall like their Dad.
Well, it's now 11:30 pm local time - time for another feeding, a sesison with the breast pump, and time to get some shut eye.
Until next time...
I'm still at the hospital and can't post pictures from my iPad. So, I'll just try to summarize the last few days (or at least as much as I can remember) and post pictures later this week - once we're home.
The Delivery
Once the amnio test confirmed the twins' lungs were mature, the doctors scheduled me for a c-section at 4:30 pm.
First, the nurse came to explain the entire procedure and get me to sign consent forms. It was nice to go through things with a semi-clear head.
Next, the anesthesiologist (he called himself "Howard") came in to ask questions about my medical history and prior reactions to anesthesia. He then explained what the epidural process would look like and had me sign more consent forms. He was clearly very experiencced and had a great personality. I knew I was in good hands.
About 30 minutes prior, Dr. Porrecio came in and briefly went over the c-section procedure. It was clear that he is the "executor" and everything else about the procedure revolves around him. As I said in previous posts, it's like having Oprah deliver these kids - so I imagine things work the same on her set. She shows up to do what she does best, and hundreds of other people address the details.
My DH arrived around 4:30 pm and the nurses started to "prep" me. They had my DH change into scrubs. Never saw him in scrubs before - pretty sexy!
We delivered in the L&D surgery room - so it did look like what I imagined from TV. Operating table, overhead lights, walls lined with medical equipment, everything was sterile, etc. There were no less than 25 people in the delivery room. It was strange to have all that attention. Dr. Porrecio and Dr. Bronwyn Kahn (another doctor in his practice) arrived very last.
They took me into the delivery room first and Howard adminisered the epidural. He had me sit up to give me the initial shots, then I lied down on the operating table with my arms spread to either side. I felt like I was being crusified in a horizontal position. Very quickly, everything below my armpits went numb. They then brought my DH into the operating room, sat him in a seat by my head and put up a drape so I could not see anything below my arms.
I felt some pressure below the curtain, but before you could blink your eyes, one baby was out. They asked my DH if he wanted to announce the sex and he said "no, you do it" - so the next words I heard were "It's a Girl!" Within 30 seconds, the second baby was delivered and I heard "It's a boy!"
They quickly brought F up by my head to show me for a second and the next sound I heard was one of the babies crying. I started gushing tears...not believing what I just heard!
Within seconds, they rushed both babies to the nursery to perform all the necessary tests. My DH said G(Baby "A" who was my gymnast) was quiet and hardly cried, and F (Baby "B" who was my "couch potato") was like a squirmy worm. While the Twinkies were in the nursery, I was being "sewn up" and then taken to a "recovery alcove" to wait with my DH.
About 15 minutes later, we were taken to a recovery room and introduced to our babies for the first time. I was heavily drugged and don't remember much, but I do remember the beautiful sight of seeing them for the first time. I don't know which was more miraculous - seeing their HB's for the first time or seeing them for the first time. They both were equally astounding.
The rest of the evening was spent holding them, feeding them, and in a drugged haze feeling like I was on top of the world.
My DH made some phone calls, but I don't remember much because the next day I kept asking him "Did you call so-and-so?" and him replying "Don't you remember? You talked to them too." No, I don't remember much.
Saturday, November 12 - Day 2
Even though my DH went home (there was no reason for him to stay here with me and our dogs don't do well alone for the night) and the kids went to the nursery, I cat-napped all night. It seems like each time I woke up and asked if the Twinkies had been fed, they either already had or the next feeding was at least an hour away - so I didn't get to feed them that night.
I woke up early and had them bring F in (since he was up too) while G stayed in the nursery. F and I snuggled, skin-to-skin, for a couple of hours (he slept and I smiled and cooed) and it was the most magical time of the day! I am so glad I got to spend the alone time with him.
The day was filled with various medical professionals stopping by - nurses, doctors, lactation consultants, and other professionals stopping by. Between feedings, burpings, snugglings, checking vital signs, pumping, and various other activities, it was a whirlwind of a day, but one of the greatest days of my life.
I remained on a clear-liquid diet all day - meaning I could eat nothing but broth, tea, and italian ices. Fortunately, I was so overwhelmed with joy, I didn't have much of an appetite. Despite being on liquids, my bladder didn't get very full - so the nurse encouraged me to drink more fluids.
Sunday, Novembe 13 - Day 3
By the time I went to bed last night, I was so overtired that I didn't know how tired I was. I woke up in the middle of the night with a FULL bladder and terrible cramps (probably a combination of my full bladder and [hopefully] my uterus starting to contract). They had been measuring my urine and this time I nearly overflowed the measuring cup - so they let me off of that test.
I got up around 5 am again, and this time retrieved both of the Twinkies from the nursery. While F slept in his bassinette, I snuggled skin-to-skin with G. All I could think about was how I still feel like I was living in a dream. We both fell back to sleep for about two hours and didn't move a muscle.
Today was again filled with visits from various medical professionals testing me and the babies.
Both kids passed their hearing tests - where they hook electrodes all over their bodies and play clicking noises in their ears. I can't say I am surprised, based on how they'd wiggle around in-utero any time I was around live music.
Our "normal" OB - Dr. Stettler - was on-call today and came to see us. He said we all looked wonderful and allowed me to take a picture of him with each twin. When I mentioned that I was surprised that it was a boy and a girl, he said "Really? You didn't know?" I replied, "Nope - the only people in the world who knew were you, the u/s tech and the Twinkies themselves."
My DH and I are now getting very good at swaddling, feeding and changing diapers. My DH even reminded me to wipe G from front to back (a detail the nurse said most Dads who have their first daughters forget).
Despite pumping and trying to get the Twinks to latch onto my breasts, my milk has not come in yet. The nurses said to keep at it and confirmed it may take up to a week for it to happen (or it may not, but at least I know I've given it my best shot).
Just as I imagined, my DH is a natural at being a Dad. Even though he is quiet and extremely stoic, the babies bring out the best in him and he talks to them in his witty, but sincere manner. For example, when they cry because he's changing their diaper he says, "Hey, this isn't much fun for me either." He even calls his daughter things like "sweetie pie"! It's so cute.
Both babies have long, lean legs and fingers and toes longer than any I've ever seen on a newborn. The nurses think the babies are going to be tall like their Dad.
Well, it's now 11:30 pm local time - time for another feeding, a sesison with the breast pump, and time to get some shut eye.
Until next time...
Friday, November 11, 2011
A View From the Hospital - They're Here!
Welcome to the world:
Girl - G.A. 5 lbs, 10 oz.; 19.25"; 4:59 pm
Boy - F.T. 6 lbs, 1 oz.; 19.25"; 5:00 pm
Mom and kids are doing great! Pictures coming soon!
Girl - G.A. 5 lbs, 10 oz.; 19.25"; 4:59 pm
Boy - F.T. 6 lbs, 1 oz.; 19.25"; 5:00 pm
Mom and kids are doing great! Pictures coming soon!
A View From the Hospital - Update 4
Several hours have now passed and I have been "hanging out" in bed all day.
It's now about 2:45 pm and the anesthesiologist came in about 30 minutes ago to review his part of the procedure. Most of what he said went over my head, but the most important thing is that I am in good hands and we are going to be pain free.
Dr. P stopped in a few minutes ago to confirm we are all set for 4:30 pm.
Even though we are within hours, it still doesn't seem real. We have waited so long for this moment...it's hard to believe it's here!
My DH is finishing some things up at work and will be here at 3:45 pm. Grandma C and Grandpa S are on standby - waiting for news, while Grandma & Grandpa K have no idea yet and will be called by Dad once the Twinks are born.
Until after delivery...ciao!
It's now about 2:45 pm and the anesthesiologist came in about 30 minutes ago to review his part of the procedure. Most of what he said went over my head, but the most important thing is that I am in good hands and we are going to be pain free.
Dr. P stopped in a few minutes ago to confirm we are all set for 4:30 pm.
Even though we are within hours, it still doesn't seem real. We have waited so long for this moment...it's hard to believe it's here!
My DH is finishing some things up at work and will be here at 3:45 pm. Grandma C and Grandpa S are on standby - waiting for news, while Grandma & Grandpa K have no idea yet and will be called by Dad once the Twinks are born.
Until after delivery...ciao!
A View From the Hospital - Update 3
It's 11:45 am and the amnio is complete and being processed in the lab. As the nurse described it, they withdrew some "baby pee" from Twin B and are testing it for a chemical that indicates lung development. They want the levels to come back between 50 and 100. She also explained that they typically try to draw from the larger baby because the smaller baby knows delivery can happen anytime. The larger baby gets "lazy" so lung development sometimes doesn't happen as rapidly.
I was put on the monitors again and they started an IV - which is good because I haven't eaten since last night (turkey with Swiss on rye with string beans and baked Lays). At least I got some greens down!
Ok, the nurse just came in and said my levels were 76.7 - so looks like it's going to be Twinkie time tonight!
I was put on the monitors again and they started an IV - which is good because I haven't eaten since last night (turkey with Swiss on rye with string beans and baked Lays). At least I got some greens down!
Ok, the nurse just came in and said my levels were 76.7 - so looks like it's going to be Twinkie time tonight!
A View From the Hospital - Update 2
It's 9:45 am MT and I just saw Dr. Porrecio (finally got to meet the legend)!
He agreed that it makes sense to do an amino to check lung maturity on one of the Twinks and, if it shows the lungs are mature on one baby, assume they are mature on the other, and deliver this evening.
Stay tuned!
He agreed that it makes sense to do an amino to check lung maturity on one of the Twinks and, if it shows the lungs are mature on one baby, assume they are mature on the other, and deliver this evening.
Stay tuned!
A View From the Hospital (No Twinkies Yet)
On Wednesday night / Thursday morning, I had such severe back pain that I didn't get to bed until 3 am. By 1 pm yesterday afternoon, it hurt so much that I called my nurse and she sent me to the hospital.
They hooked me to the monitors, did some blood tests,and everything still looks great. I am starting to have some contractions, but not enough to be considered labor. I guess just to be sure, they had me spend the night here.
I knew it wasn't back pain related to labor because it was a constant pain in my upper back vs lower back - as if someone kicked me in my ribs or cinched a belt below my breasts. I am very thankful we live in the day-and-age of Vicodin. Even though I cat-napped most of the night, it definitely took the edge off of my pain.
The doctor I saw last night said that based on the discomfort I have been in, it might make sense to deliver today. I still haven't wrapped my head around that...
I am waiting for her to make rounds. Stay tuned for an update...
They hooked me to the monitors, did some blood tests,and everything still looks great. I am starting to have some contractions, but not enough to be considered labor. I guess just to be sure, they had me spend the night here.
I knew it wasn't back pain related to labor because it was a constant pain in my upper back vs lower back - as if someone kicked me in my ribs or cinched a belt below my breasts. I am very thankful we live in the day-and-age of Vicodin. Even though I cat-napped most of the night, it definitely took the edge off of my pain.
The doctor I saw last night said that based on the discomfort I have been in, it might make sense to deliver today. I still haven't wrapped my head around that...
I am waiting for her to make rounds. Stay tuned for an update...
Tuesday, November 8, 2011
36 Weeks 3 Days - Update and Belly Pics
Now that we are close to delivery, these last couple of weeks are tough...
I was so sick on Sunday, that by evening (after my 4th or 5th session of tossing-my-cookies for 30-45 minutes each time), my husband called the doctor and they had me come into the hospital to pump fluids into me. This time we went to the correct hospital. I was so impressed by the staff and nurses. Since they knew we were on our way, they had all my records and read my history prior to our arrival. All I had to do was to confirm the details! It was such a pleasure to not have to go through my entire medical history again and again.
They hooked me up to monitors and confirmed, once again, the babies are fine and I am not having contractions. This time, their heartbeats were in the 130-140 range and 10-15 BPM apart again. They gave me another new drug for the nausea - Reglan - and so far it seems to be working. Despite some back pain and occasional, sudden cramps (because the babies are running out of room), I've felt pretty good the last two days.
Both babies have grown again. Within the last two weeks, I put back on 4 lbs and I can tell my belly is bigger again. I didn't have measurements this week, so I don't know what they are estimated to weigh, but I do have my last detailed ultrasound scheduled for next Monday (11/14/11).
Baby A's head (the one with his head typically in my right hip) curled around so that their head now sits by my left hip with their feet sticking up near my right ribs. Baby B's head is in my left ribs and is in the fetal position - with knees bent and feet near my belly button. It's as if Baby B is sitting right on top of Baby A's head.
I had my nurse take some belly shots:
Meeting the Donor
Last night, I watched an interesting documentary on PBS called "Donor Unknown" about a teenage girl who wanted to meet her sperm donor.
It turns out that this guy donated hundreds of times (sometimes up to 4 times a week) and, even though the California Cryobank tell donors who ask that they will limit the number of children produced by any one donor, the director admitted they are in business to make money and it isn't true.
The girl registered on donorsiblingregistry.com and found what looked like to be 20 half-brothers and sisters scattered across the country. Several of them have met, and some of these kids met their donor.
At the time this guy donated, he was in his late 20's and was a model who performed in a male review. The clinic "embellished" his profile by adding things like saying he was a "dancer / actor" and enjoyed karate and gymnastics. Instead of being the business executive, doctor or professor many of his children dreamed he would be, they discovered he is now a "beach bum" who does drugs recreationally, rescues animals and lives in a cluttered and dirty older mobile home in Venice Beach. Although the original girl who started to seek him out seems to be very accepting of his lifestyle and anticipates continuing a relationship with him, I wonder what the other kids and their parents really think.
Right now, I don't understand the instinctual drive some kids feel to meet their donors. When we went through IVF, the doctors gave us only a 5-10% chance of succeeding with my own eggs and the risk for genetic abnormalities was high. If we used donor eggs, we had an 85-95% chance of success and the genetic risks were substantially lower - so the decision was very easy.
I also wonder if her motivation to find her sperm donor and his family was largely motivated because she was raised by a lesbian couple (I did not point this out to get into a discussion of if gay or lesbian couples make good parents - I am simply stating a fact). The girl explained that she had a good life and was raised by two parents who loved her deeply, but it was also implied that she was looking for the "father" and grandparents she never felt she had. In fact, several times during the documentary, she called the donor her "father".
I have never, for even a millisecond, once felt that these two miracles growing inside our body weren't my husband's and my children. They always were, are and always will be...regardless of genetics. My preference right now is that this never comes up, but if it ever does, I hope that if we are ever faced with that predicament, we will be strong enough to support our kids in what is right at the time.
I was so sick on Sunday, that by evening (after my 4th or 5th session of tossing-my-cookies for 30-45 minutes each time), my husband called the doctor and they had me come into the hospital to pump fluids into me. This time we went to the correct hospital. I was so impressed by the staff and nurses. Since they knew we were on our way, they had all my records and read my history prior to our arrival. All I had to do was to confirm the details! It was such a pleasure to not have to go through my entire medical history again and again.
They hooked me up to monitors and confirmed, once again, the babies are fine and I am not having contractions. This time, their heartbeats were in the 130-140 range and 10-15 BPM apart again. They gave me another new drug for the nausea - Reglan - and so far it seems to be working. Despite some back pain and occasional, sudden cramps (because the babies are running out of room), I've felt pretty good the last two days.
Both babies have grown again. Within the last two weeks, I put back on 4 lbs and I can tell my belly is bigger again. I didn't have measurements this week, so I don't know what they are estimated to weigh, but I do have my last detailed ultrasound scheduled for next Monday (11/14/11).
Baby A's head (the one with his head typically in my right hip) curled around so that their head now sits by my left hip with their feet sticking up near my right ribs. Baby B's head is in my left ribs and is in the fetal position - with knees bent and feet near my belly button. It's as if Baby B is sitting right on top of Baby A's head.
I had my nurse take some belly shots:
Meeting the Donor
Last night, I watched an interesting documentary on PBS called "Donor Unknown" about a teenage girl who wanted to meet her sperm donor.
It turns out that this guy donated hundreds of times (sometimes up to 4 times a week) and, even though the California Cryobank tell donors who ask that they will limit the number of children produced by any one donor, the director admitted they are in business to make money and it isn't true.
The girl registered on donorsiblingregistry.com and found what looked like to be 20 half-brothers and sisters scattered across the country. Several of them have met, and some of these kids met their donor.
At the time this guy donated, he was in his late 20's and was a model who performed in a male review. The clinic "embellished" his profile by adding things like saying he was a "dancer / actor" and enjoyed karate and gymnastics. Instead of being the business executive, doctor or professor many of his children dreamed he would be, they discovered he is now a "beach bum" who does drugs recreationally, rescues animals and lives in a cluttered and dirty older mobile home in Venice Beach. Although the original girl who started to seek him out seems to be very accepting of his lifestyle and anticipates continuing a relationship with him, I wonder what the other kids and their parents really think.
Right now, I don't understand the instinctual drive some kids feel to meet their donors. When we went through IVF, the doctors gave us only a 5-10% chance of succeeding with my own eggs and the risk for genetic abnormalities was high. If we used donor eggs, we had an 85-95% chance of success and the genetic risks were substantially lower - so the decision was very easy.
I also wonder if her motivation to find her sperm donor and his family was largely motivated because she was raised by a lesbian couple (I did not point this out to get into a discussion of if gay or lesbian couples make good parents - I am simply stating a fact). The girl explained that she had a good life and was raised by two parents who loved her deeply, but it was also implied that she was looking for the "father" and grandparents she never felt she had. In fact, several times during the documentary, she called the donor her "father".
I have never, for even a millisecond, once felt that these two miracles growing inside our body weren't my husband's and my children. They always were, are and always will be...regardless of genetics. My preference right now is that this never comes up, but if it ever does, I hope that if we are ever faced with that predicament, we will be strong enough to support our kids in what is right at the time.
Saturday, November 5, 2011
If You're Pregnant, Order This "Free" Planner
This weekend, we went to a new baby store that recently opened in our city and they gave me a free copy of Peg Perego's baby planner. I SO wish I had this book nine months ago!
It's jam packed with useful info, checklists and suggestions, like what to ask when interviewing child care providers, what different vitamins are and why you might want to take them, meds that are safe to take during pregnancy, what to pack in your hospital bag, a place to record names and telephone numbers of who you want your DH or family to call when you give birth, lists of things to do as soon as your baby is born, etc.
If you don't have this already, I strongly suggest paying the $3.95 shipping to order one: [url]http://www.pegperegoplanner.com/your-free-planner[/url]
I do not have any type of affiliation with Peg Perego, nor do I benefit in any way from you requesting a copy of this book. I was just so impressed with the info that I thought other pregnant women might find it helpful too.
It's jam packed with useful info, checklists and suggestions, like what to ask when interviewing child care providers, what different vitamins are and why you might want to take them, meds that are safe to take during pregnancy, what to pack in your hospital bag, a place to record names and telephone numbers of who you want your DH or family to call when you give birth, lists of things to do as soon as your baby is born, etc.
If you don't have this already, I strongly suggest paying the $3.95 shipping to order one: [url]http://www.pegperegoplanner.com/your-free-planner[/url]
I do not have any type of affiliation with Peg Perego, nor do I benefit in any way from you requesting a copy of this book. I was just so impressed with the info that I thought other pregnant women might find it helpful too.
Double the Pleasure!
(WARNING: If you have a weak stomach for "morning sickness", you may want to skip reading this post.)
Tonight, I was feeling pretty good, so I talked my DH into taking me out for one of my favorite meals in a chi-chi area if town called Cherry Creek - a chopped chicken salad at "Houston's" Restaurant (they renamed the restaurant to "Hillside" recently, but retained the same menu) followed by one of their specialties you can only order in Denver - a sundae with local homemade vanilla bean ice cream, candied pecans, fresh whipped cream, and a hot fudge sauce made with Belgian chocolate that is to-die-for (and I'm not even a chocolate lover). I would recommend going here just for this dessert - that's how good it is!
I finally figured out one of the benefits of "Morning Sickness" - I got to enjoy the meal twice...going down AND coming up!
If any of you are in or visiting Denver and go to this restaurant, know that the menu is extremely limited, the food is overpriced, and they charge you for things that you'd expect to be included (like bread to go with your salad) - but what they do, they do right - so it's a splurge.
Tonight, I was feeling pretty good, so I talked my DH into taking me out for one of my favorite meals in a chi-chi area if town called Cherry Creek - a chopped chicken salad at "Houston's" Restaurant (they renamed the restaurant to "Hillside" recently, but retained the same menu) followed by one of their specialties you can only order in Denver - a sundae with local homemade vanilla bean ice cream, candied pecans, fresh whipped cream, and a hot fudge sauce made with Belgian chocolate that is to-die-for (and I'm not even a chocolate lover). I would recommend going here just for this dessert - that's how good it is!
I finally figured out one of the benefits of "Morning Sickness" - I got to enjoy the meal twice...going down AND coming up!
If any of you are in or visiting Denver and go to this restaurant, know that the menu is extremely limited, the food is overpriced, and they charge you for things that you'd expect to be included (like bread to go with your salad) - but what they do, they do right - so it's a splurge.
Friday, November 4, 2011
The Final Countdown Update - 14 Days to Go!
Happy Friday! I LOVE Fridays...not only are they the end of the work week, but Friday, March 18th was the day we transferred our embryos that have become our two miracle Twinkies. So, each Friday is one week closer to meeting our babies.
Today marks exactly 36 weeks. And, in less than 14 days, we will FINALLY be able to hold our babies in our arms, look deep into their eyes, coo sweet-nothings into their ears, have them wrap their tiny hands around our pinkies, tickle their soft feet, watch them yawn and smell the tops of their heads! We're almost in SINGLE DIGITS until we meet them!!!
Although the lyrics have no relevance, I've had the chorus of Europe's "The Final Countdown" running through my head all day. What else can I say, except that I was a teen of the 80's - when male rockers had big hair, wore makeup and tight leather pants, and looked more like women than dudes. (Although the whole neon clothes, rubber bracelets, off-the-shoulder sweatshirts, big hair bows, leg warmers and shoulder pads is something I won't miss if we never see those fads again in my lifetime).
I confirmed Monday that my c-section is now officially scheduled for Friday, November 18th at 7:30 am (so we have to be at the hospital at 5:30 am) and will be performed by Dr. Porreco - the "Oprah Winfrey" of Maternal Fetal Medicine doctors in Denver - there is no one better.
This week, my nausea has persisted, my belly grew again (I put back on 3.5 lbs and now appreciate help getting out of chairs), and back pain has finally kicked in. I often feel like someone took a belt and tightened it right around my upper rib cage. A bath and once-a-week massage do seem to help, but I am fortunate that I have held out this long with almost no back pain.
I did develop a new side-effect in the last two days - nose bleeds (oh joy!). I think they're being caused by the combination of the blood thinners I'm on, the dry weather and the change in seasons.
Yesterday evening, when I went to take my blood thinner shot, I noticed that my belly dropped. Like any woman nearing her due-date, I immediately Googled to find out more. The consensus was that it happens because the Twinkies are running out of room, and it doesn't necessary mean that I'll go into labor soon. One woman even said they could shift higher again...ugh!
Within the last three days, I strongly believe my male labrador has caught on that we're having babies. He's suddenly been sniffing my belly and won't let me out of his sight for more than a few minutes. He even sat outside the shower today waiting for me to finish. Poor puppy (yes, he's about 13 years old, but he'll always be a "puppy" to me) - little does he know his world is about to be turned upside-down!
I can't tell you how many people don't believe us when they ask the sexes and we say "We don't know." I guess it's the norm these days, but I have actually had many people say to me "You know, but you're just not telling, right?" No, we honestly don't know...and it doesn't matter.
As I've written before, the Twinks love live music. Last Sunday, we went to a Mexican restaurant and there was a Mariachi band playing. The Twinks were dancing the Paso Doble - stomping their feet and snapping their fingers. Today, it's a dance recital in Mom's belly, tomorrow they might be a contestant on one of my favorite reality shows - So You Think You Can Dance.
Yesterday (Thursday), I was fortunate enough to find a deeply-discounted, last-minute seat to a matinee performance of The Lion King (did I mention that I LOVE not working?!). Knowing that my due-date was so close to when this play was coming to town, I was hesitant to buy a ticket. By Tuesday I was willing to take my chances that the Twinkies would not arrive in the next 24 hours. It was a WONDERFUL play - the acting was great (especially the actors who played Zazu - the bird who acts as Mufasa's advisor, Timor & Pumba - the warthog and lemur who sing "Hakuna Matata" and the singer who played Rafiki the baboon), the sets were astounding , and the costumes were exquisite. With the incredible job Julie Taymore did on this production, it's hard to believe that Spiderman After Dark was such a flop. I am so glad the Twinkies and I had a chance to see it! In their usual fashion, the Twinkies "sang and danced" the entire 2 hours and 45 minutes.
On Halloween, we had our quarterly all-employee meeting at work. Since I had a Dr's appointment that ended just before the time the meeting was to begin, and the two offices are not that far, I "sneaked" into my office for the one-hour meeting. It was good to see everyone...I do miss them. An hour was definitely my limit - by the time the meeting ended, I was ready to come home and nap (which is exactly what I did).
Like most years, we had lots of Trick-or-Treaters visit our house. Our neighbors turn their yard into a haunted "village" (complete with their friends as actors), so people drive to take their kids to see their house. This year, it seemed like we had more little munchkins Trick-or-Treating and it got me so excited for next year - when we get to dress up our Twinkies!
As for shopping, Amazon has become my new BFF. I love that they give "Moms" one full year of Amazon Prime for free (as long as you order at least $25 of stuff that is "Amazon Mom" eligible). You don't even need to be a Mom to sign up - Dads,Grandparents, Aunts and Uncles can sign up too! It Seems like I check their site at least once a day to see what's on sale. Most recently, I ordered the CD and companion book of Marlo Thomas' "Free to Be You and Me" (you should know this if you were a child in the 70's), a couple more flannel Halo sleep sacks, and some Aden & Anis 47" x 47" swaddle blankets (so many moms rave about them).
So, that's the news from our little corner of the planet...
Today marks exactly 36 weeks. And, in less than 14 days, we will FINALLY be able to hold our babies in our arms, look deep into their eyes, coo sweet-nothings into their ears, have them wrap their tiny hands around our pinkies, tickle their soft feet, watch them yawn and smell the tops of their heads! We're almost in SINGLE DIGITS until we meet them!!!
Although the lyrics have no relevance, I've had the chorus of Europe's "The Final Countdown" running through my head all day. What else can I say, except that I was a teen of the 80's - when male rockers had big hair, wore makeup and tight leather pants, and looked more like women than dudes. (Although the whole neon clothes, rubber bracelets, off-the-shoulder sweatshirts, big hair bows, leg warmers and shoulder pads is something I won't miss if we never see those fads again in my lifetime).
I confirmed Monday that my c-section is now officially scheduled for Friday, November 18th at 7:30 am (so we have to be at the hospital at 5:30 am) and will be performed by Dr. Porreco - the "Oprah Winfrey" of Maternal Fetal Medicine doctors in Denver - there is no one better.
This week, my nausea has persisted, my belly grew again (I put back on 3.5 lbs and now appreciate help getting out of chairs), and back pain has finally kicked in. I often feel like someone took a belt and tightened it right around my upper rib cage. A bath and once-a-week massage do seem to help, but I am fortunate that I have held out this long with almost no back pain.
I did develop a new side-effect in the last two days - nose bleeds (oh joy!). I think they're being caused by the combination of the blood thinners I'm on, the dry weather and the change in seasons.
Yesterday evening, when I went to take my blood thinner shot, I noticed that my belly dropped. Like any woman nearing her due-date, I immediately Googled to find out more. The consensus was that it happens because the Twinkies are running out of room, and it doesn't necessary mean that I'll go into labor soon. One woman even said they could shift higher again...ugh!
Within the last three days, I strongly believe my male labrador has caught on that we're having babies. He's suddenly been sniffing my belly and won't let me out of his sight for more than a few minutes. He even sat outside the shower today waiting for me to finish. Poor puppy (yes, he's about 13 years old, but he'll always be a "puppy" to me) - little does he know his world is about to be turned upside-down!
I can't tell you how many people don't believe us when they ask the sexes and we say "We don't know." I guess it's the norm these days, but I have actually had many people say to me "You know, but you're just not telling, right?" No, we honestly don't know...and it doesn't matter.
As I've written before, the Twinks love live music. Last Sunday, we went to a Mexican restaurant and there was a Mariachi band playing. The Twinks were dancing the Paso Doble - stomping their feet and snapping their fingers. Today, it's a dance recital in Mom's belly, tomorrow they might be a contestant on one of my favorite reality shows - So You Think You Can Dance.
Yesterday (Thursday), I was fortunate enough to find a deeply-discounted, last-minute seat to a matinee performance of The Lion King (did I mention that I LOVE not working?!). Knowing that my due-date was so close to when this play was coming to town, I was hesitant to buy a ticket. By Tuesday I was willing to take my chances that the Twinkies would not arrive in the next 24 hours. It was a WONDERFUL play - the acting was great (especially the actors who played Zazu - the bird who acts as Mufasa's advisor, Timor & Pumba - the warthog and lemur who sing "Hakuna Matata" and the singer who played Rafiki the baboon), the sets were astounding , and the costumes were exquisite. With the incredible job Julie Taymore did on this production, it's hard to believe that Spiderman After Dark was such a flop. I am so glad the Twinkies and I had a chance to see it! In their usual fashion, the Twinkies "sang and danced" the entire 2 hours and 45 minutes.
On Halloween, we had our quarterly all-employee meeting at work. Since I had a Dr's appointment that ended just before the time the meeting was to begin, and the two offices are not that far, I "sneaked" into my office for the one-hour meeting. It was good to see everyone...I do miss them. An hour was definitely my limit - by the time the meeting ended, I was ready to come home and nap (which is exactly what I did).
Like most years, we had lots of Trick-or-Treaters visit our house. Our neighbors turn their yard into a haunted "village" (complete with their friends as actors), so people drive to take their kids to see their house. This year, it seemed like we had more little munchkins Trick-or-Treating and it got me so excited for next year - when we get to dress up our Twinkies!
As for shopping, Amazon has become my new BFF. I love that they give "Moms" one full year of Amazon Prime for free (as long as you order at least $25 of stuff that is "Amazon Mom" eligible). You don't even need to be a Mom to sign up - Dads,Grandparents, Aunts and Uncles can sign up too! It Seems like I check their site at least once a day to see what's on sale. Most recently, I ordered the CD and companion book of Marlo Thomas' "Free to Be You and Me" (you should know this if you were a child in the 70's), a couple more flannel Halo sleep sacks, and some Aden & Anis 47" x 47" swaddle blankets (so many moms rave about them).
So, that's the news from our little corner of the planet...