37 1/2 Weeks... 0 Days to Go!

The morning started off rainy and cold. I hopped in the shower around 6am... the whole time thinking that in less than 5 hours I would be a mom. It's the weirdest feeling I've ever had. It's not like getting married. It's much bigger than that. All things considered my nerves were pretty settled. I think I was more nervous about Zelda having to spend the night at Old Towne Pet Resort. I requested extra special attention for her but my poor baby was going to have to be without us for a night.

We arrived at the hospital around 7:15am and were escorted up to Labor & Delivery. Getting on that elevator was both scary and exciting. We sat in the waiting room where I had been a few times before when I thought I was miscarrying. It's a scary feeling but I knew that this time it was different. I had watched so many husbands/partners walk through those same doors that Mac was about to walk through, all just as nervous as they wait in those dorky paper suits. Most paced and some prayed. I remember smiling at them and thinking how lucky they were. But now it was our turn.

The receptionist in the L&D department was so excited we were expecting twins. She asked if she could take our picture before we went back. Of course we said yes, although I was hesitant because I was huge from the stomach down. Ugh! Shortly after she snapped that pic they called me back.

I was greeted by the cutest little nurse. She reminded me of a cute little old grandma. She had me change into a gown and use the restroom. We had about two hours before delivery so I knew I was going to use the bathroom at least 8 more times. Ha! The cute little nurse asked if she could see the swelling in my legs and I swear I could have caught her eyeballs in my hand if she would have looked anymore shocked. Her eyes filled with tears because she said she knew I had to be in a lot of pain and she assured me she was going to take care of me. She quickly hooked me up with fluids and made a few phone calls. The next thing I know I have three doctors and the anesthesiologist at my bedside. They were all feeling my legs. Quite embarrassing. The one doctor was a big wig and said that we would have to postpone delivery until we got the swelling under control. I was devastated. We had wait two years for this exact moment in time and I didn't want to wait. After about 30 minutes they all came back and told me that we would be going back at 10am for delivery. Uh, okay, but that was my regularly scheduled time anyway so thanks for the scare. Geez!

At around 10:00am I was told to say "see ya" to Mac and was escorted down a long cold hall and then into "the room". I have always heard how cold and sterile it feels but I wasn't prepared for it. There was about 10 people in there all adorning smocks, masks and gloves. I just had a bad feeling. All I wanted was Mackie but he was still waiting outside the door. As I entered the room I was greeted by all of them who all congratulated me on making it this long and doing was what best for our girls. They seemed just excited as me. They quickly put me on the table and a nice gentlemen introduced himself to me and told me that he would be helping me through the "spinal". At that point I felt my heart beat increase. This was the part I was most nervous about. I had a spinal tap at 17 so I know how bad it can hurt but I was told countless times by the anesthesiologist that this was nothing like that. So as I sit on the table with my hands resting on this guys shoulders he tells me to just sit still because the needle was about to go on. The tears started rolling...

"You're okay Brit."
“We need you to relax Brit."
"Please relax your back Brit."

In my head saying, 'OHHHHH MY GOOOOOSH!!!!' I couldn't bare to open my mouth.

"Brit, please relax. We have to try another needle. We can't get this one in."

In my head saying, 'OHHHH CRAAAAP!!!!' I still couldn't open my mouth.

"Brit, we apologize. We are having trouble getting this needle in as well. Please bare with us."
In my head saying, 'OWWWWWWWW!!!!!' Still can't open my mouth.

After four tries I hear, "Please page Dr. (so and so) and have him come down. We can't get any of these spinal needles to go in."

"Brit, we apologize. We are going to try one more thing."

In my head saying, 'You are such a liar McDreamy. You said you were going to take care of me.'

Finally after a few minutes that same big wig from earlier came down and told them to go ahead and try the spinal tap needle. After five time of being poked in the back they finally got the needle in. They told me they were going to put my legs up on the table because I wasn't going to be able to feel them. But not even thinking I swung my legs up on the table and about five of them turned around and said, "Who did that." I told them I did. Their response, "You did? You're not supposed to be able to feel them." Uh, okay, but I do. The looks on their faces was priceless. After a few minute though I got this rush of warmth through my body and I knew that the medicine was finally working.

And there was Mac. I was so relieved. He kept asking me if I was okay but he was all over the place. He was looking all around, but still trying to be there for me. At this point everything went by so fast but took so long, if that makes sense. I could feel every little pull and push. I remember not being able to breathe. Oh man, I thought I was dying. My heart rate dropped enough that they had to stop surgery and put oxygen on me. I remember saying to myself, "Dear Father, you brought me this far. Don't take me away from my girls now."

And then it happened... a little faint cry... and I hear, "It's a girl, Baby A, out at 10:31am." I lost it. I wanted to see Gracie Rae so bad but I couldn't move. And then as I waited to hear Hailie, all I heard was, "It's a girl, Baby B, out at 10:32am." But there was no cry. I could still hear Gracie with her pitiful little cry. Then I hear, “Baby B has faulted.” What… what the heck does that mean. I told Mac to get the heck up and go check on Hailie. And then I finally, after what seemed like a few minutes but was really only seconds I heard Hailie. It was the most beautiful sound (ask me about that sound a little later on and I’ll tell you something different… haha). My two beautiful babies were here. They were here!!!! Gracie was 5 pounds, 7 ounces and 19.5 inches. Hailie was 6 pounds, 5 ounces and 19.5 inches. They were perfect! No NICU time!!!

Around 11am I was wheeled into the recovery room. Okay, I thought the room was going to be a room just for me but nope, I was in a triage style room with a lot of other women who had just given birth. Two women swept in to give me pain pills and hand me a baby. Great combination huh? At 12:35pm she puts Hailie on my chest so we could do some skin-to-skin bonding. I remember just staring at her with the purest emotions running through my body. She was mine!!!!

The next thing I remember was getting more pain medicine and being wheeled up to my private room while holding both of my little girls. As we turned the corner there was Sam standing at the end of the hall with his video camera rolling. He was SO excited that he walked backward right into the laundry bin, almost falling. It was quite entertaining to watch. Then he quickly rushed into my room to shoot more video. But he had to go out of town so as quickly as he rushed in, he rushed back out. I was so glad he got to see them.

The rest of the day is pretty much a blur. I know my sister and mom came to see the girls. There were a lot tears shed that day... only this time they were tears of JOY!

God truly blessed our family on November 17, 2011!!!

36 Weeks... 13 Days to Go!

I'm a OOMPA LOOMPA!!!!

Okay, maybe not but I sure feel like it. I'm 36 weeks/1 day and the swelling just seems to be getting worse. It's to be expected though. OB says its just late pregnancy edema. Means that my body is preparing for delivery. Not a great deal has happened in four weeks since my last post, just a lot of doctors appointments, aches/pains, increased laundry and some serious nesting.

10/18/2011 - 33 Week appointment went good. The girls were very active. Gracie is still very low and Hailie is hanging out up closer to my ribs. Gracie's abdomen is still smaller then Hailie's, but hopefully she starts growing. Doc said we don't need steroid shots at this point but if Gracie doesn't start putting on weight then I'll start the shots at the next visit.

10/22/2011 - One of the worst days of my life. Had to say goodbye to my pup pup Dexter. That's all I'm going to say because if I talk about it I'll break down hard. I'll just say that I am still broken. There isn't a day that goes by that I don't think about him. I miss him so bad!

10/25/2011 - 34 Week appointment went good. The girls were very active again. Gracie is still extremely low. She has dropped further down. She's now sitting on the nerve that causes me to leak on myself. Don't laugh! I seriously end up peeing on myself and as nasty as it sounds there is nothing I can do. I keep asking her to move up a little, but it's a double-edge sword because her feet are stuck up in my ribs. There are times where her feet get stuck and she yanks them out and let me tell you... that HURTS!!!! I'm swelling really bad to the point where I can barely walk. My legs are taking on shapes of their own and it's nasty.

11/01/2011 - 35 Week appointment went okay. The girls have jumped to the 35th & 31st percentile for the weight, which is a blessing. Gracie has something called a Grade III Placenta. It means her placenta is calcifying/maturing and will soon stop functioning. Gracie still has a smaller abdomen and long legs. Seems like she's going to take after Mac. Hailie has a larger abdomen and short legs. She may resemble Mac but she's going to have my body. Poor girl!!! As for me, the swelling has doubled. This isn't good!

11/02/2011 - Had an appointment with my regular OB. He walked in and said, "You're going the distance girl." As much as I wanted to laugh, my lips were so swollen I couldn't get them to bend upwards to smile. He was going to send me home but looked at my legs and sent me to Fairfax Hospital L&D (Labor & Deliver) to be tested for Preeclampsia. Although my BP was normal and I had no protein in my urine, he just wanted to be safe. I was sent home after an hour or so. No preeclampsia, just all babies. There just isn't a lot of room anymore.

11/08/2011 - 36 Week appointment went okay. Both girls now have Grade III placentas. I was told that Gracie's amniotic fluid level was low (half of what Hailie's is), but was still in the normal range. Three of the antenatal specialists got together to talk it over and finally decided to let me go home. They want me to do kick counts every hour. If I feel less then 6.5 an hour then I need to call my OB. Not sure how you gauge the .5 but okay.

I have an appointment with my regular OB on Friday so we'll see what he says. I wonder if he'll have another funny for me. Every time I see him I end up at the hospital so we shall see. I honestly don't see how I can go another 13 days. I can barely walk, I pee on myself at least three times a night, I have pregnancy acne which resembles a 13 years old, and getting in and out of bed or sitting on the couch has become challenging. Because Gracie's feet are so far up in my ribs, getting off the toilet has turned into a major task. I think I have created a new Pilate's position. Oh please... don't say gross... I'm just saying.

All that being said, for those of you who aren't pregnant, it really is a wonderful feeling. I have had a horrible pregnancy... a lot worse then others I know, but I wouldn't trade it for the world. Every time I feel a kick, a punch or a roll, it makes it all worth it. I can't wait to meet my girls. I continuously pray that they are healthy, both physically and mentally. And I pray that I can be a good mother. Can you tell my nerves are starting to set in?

Stay tuned...

32 Weeks... 42 Days to Go!

It's been a while since my last post but I've been going through bouts of emotional highs and lows. Let me see if I can back track and outline what's been going on in my world.

09/18/2011 - Had my first baby shower courtesy of the woman at church. Terri and Nancy, you guys are the best. I had a really good time. My mom, sister and niece came. It was good to see my sister since I had not seen her in months. I miss her. I got a lot of great gifts for the girls.

09/19/2011 - My appointment this morning didn't go great, but it wasn't horrible. The girls are measuring the same and weights are good. Gracie was practicing her breathing. It was adorable. The only negative of my appointment is my cervix is shortening. It was at a range of 2.5 to 2.7. The doctor suggested bed rest but told me to go to my primary OB and get his opinion.

09/23/2011 - Mac and I went to the appointment with my OB who said that today would be my last day at work. He wanted me to go on modified bed rest as of Monday. He doesn't want my cervix to shortening anymore.

09/26/2011 - My weekly appointment went well. My cervix has stayed the same. Looks like modified bed rest is helping. Had my Rhogam shot. I had been terrified for months but it ended up going great because I didn't have to get it in my hips. Yay!

10/02/2011 - Had my second baby shower. Kim, Missy and Erin, you awesome!!! It was awesome to be around such good friends. I got a lot of great things for the girls. I can't wait to put away all the cute clothes and wow... we have a lot of diapers. I think over 500 now. Nice!

10/03/2011 - Another appointment. Mom went with me. They checked my cervix, which went from a 2.7-2.17 in one week. I was put on strict bed rest. This was not good news because there is just WAY too much that needs to be done.

10/08/2011 - Received devastating news early this morning. A very dear friend of mine Liz passed away the night before. She had been battling Esphogeal Cancer, but we thought she was doing better. I know she felt under the weather, but this was the last thing I expected. Mac was just over to see her on Wednesday night. My heart is broken. I love this woman more then words can explain. She had a soul like no other and taught me a lot over the 20+ years I've known her. I feel for her family, especially her mom and son. I just know what to say. So sad right now!

10/10/2011 - What a day! My hour and a half week appointment turned into four hours. My cervix had shortened from a 2.3 to 1.9. So I'm still on continued strict bed rest. They checked the girls measurements. Hailie's estimated weight is 3lbs/9oz and Gracie's weight is 3lbs/4oz. My mom, Mac and I all didn't think there was a huge difference, however, the doctor was concerned and ordered more tests. She said what may not seem like a big difference actually is. That they need to monitor me a little more closely (not sure how much more they expect), which will include weekly hookups on the monitor and that they'll do another weight check on the girls in two weeks. I asked if there was anything I could do... drink more Ensure, eat more protein and her answer was a resounding... no... there is nothing I can do. That if she isn't picking up weight when they recheck then they'll have to do more testing. They'll check to see if it's being caused by the placenta or growth restriction. She said if it is growth restriction that they'll probably go ahead and take the girls early. She wants to start steroid injections just in case that happens.

We are praying that the girls continue to grow and that Gracie catches up quickly. I can't say I'm not afraid but I put all my trust in the Lord. He is the only one in control and I have my faith which keeps me from completely breaking down with worry.

10/11/2011 - Taking it easy today. Verizon came by to relocate the router out of the girls nursery. Now my mom can get busy on decorating the way she wants. Well some what the way she wants... haha... I can't relinquish full control.

The viewing for Liz is this evening, but I wasn't cleared to go. Mac is going to the funeral tomorrow. I hate that I can't be there, but the emotional stress they feel will be too much. I know it's for the best but I just hate it. She used to refer to the girls as her little "olives" and I know she would want me to keep them safe. I miss you momma! RIP

I have an appointment on Thursday with my primary OB. Not sure if she'll send me for the steroid injection or not. Everyone I've spoken to that has had them said that they give them to you in your behind. Oh great... I dodged the Rhogam injection in the behind but I don't think I'm going to dodge this one. I have to do what is best for the girls.

Still not sleeping. Between the back pain, frequent trips to the bathroom and Gracie's feet in my ribs, it doesn't leave much time for sleeping. I find myself watching TV or just staring at the ceiling. I think the worst part is knowing that I'll be laying in the bed or couch for the rest of the day... only getting up to use the restroom. I am happy to be at home though, so I'm not complaining.

Thank you all for your continued prayers!

Stay tuned...

28 Weeks... 65 Days to Go!

So it's been a few weeks since my last post... not a lot to report.

I just got back from my chiropractor and he believes the extent of my back pain is due to my gallbladder. I go to the doctors on Monday and I'm hoping that my chiropractor is completely wrong.

I've been on bed rest for the past few days. I ended up in Labor & Delivery on Tuesday afternoon because I was having bouts of nausea and vomitting, associated with severe back pain. After being there a few hours they didn't have a diagnosis. The on call OB thinks I picked up some sort of parasite or bug, which caused the nausea and vomitting, but believes the back pain is just normal pregnancy pain associated with the way the babies are positioned.

Went to my two week appointment at FFX Hospital on Monday. They didn't measure the babies, but did say that they looked great. Hailie is still lying in the transverse position. Her head butts right up next to Gracie's head. Gracie has switched positions and is now Frank Breech. That didn't sound so good, but the doctor said it was fine and hopefully she would move, but since I am having a c-section anyway, it really doesn't matter. I've attached a picture of what a Frank Breech baby looks like in the womb and a transverse baby.

Imagine having two of those inside you. Ouch! Good news... my placenta previa is decreasing. Yay!

I had a really great birthday too!!!! Thank you to everyone who made it so special.

The nursery is coming together. My mom is going to come over and start helping put it all together. I don't have that special touch, but her and my sister do. Should be a fun time!!!

Even though I am having a lot of problems during this pregnancy I really do feel truly blessed by God. I believe he doesn't give us more then we can handle. And that of which we go through only makes us stronger when we come out of it. I thank our Heavenly Father everyday for all the blessings he pours out over me. He truly is an awesome God!!!!

I will post more after our next appointment and get the results on how the babies are doing.

Stay tuned...

25 Weeks... 89 Days to Go!

What's been going on with me and the girls? Well let's see.

Last week Kim and I hit up Babies R Us on a Monday after work. I had a good time, especially seeing how cute she was picking out baby girl clothes. I think she was more into it than me. LOL. I am glad that she offered to help because she knew exactly what I needed since she has twin boys and a five year old. She set me straight on what was a waste and what was a necessity. We walked every aisle as she pushed the cart and I scanned... two of everything. I kept hitting one in the beginning and after a while I just gave her the scanner. Then we would trade off again. I believe she had the most fun in the clothes section. Thanks to Kim's keen eye for fashion I did walk out with some cute outfits for the girls and saved A LOT of money. Afterward we went to dinner for some more much needed girl time. So I owe Kim a big thank you for taking time out of her busy day to help me. God knows I needed it. Haha!

I felt off the rest of the week. Just really tired, sore and absent-minded. I couldn't remember anything and was walking into walls and doors. I hear it's normal so I didn't stress about it. Had a great time Saturday at a friends cookout. There were so many people there and I couldn't believe my eyes... four sets of corn hole boards. It was a site to see that's for sure. But I was a little bummed that I couldn't partake in the tournament but I still had a good time. Sunday's message was amazing. Started the morning by getting to see Steph again. I was SO happy that she was at church and looking good. I was concerned that she wasn't feeling well but I know she was happy to see everyone at church, and vice versa. It was as if Associate Pastor Jeff was telling my story... and Steph's. It was as if the message was made for us and I'm glad that we were sitting next to one another that morning. I know I really felt God's presence that morning.

Went to Fairfax Hospital yesterday for a follow-up to see how the girls were measuring and to check my Placenta Previa. The girls are looking good and measuring so so close to one another. Gracie (Baby A) weighs 1.9lbs and is back to breech (feet first) and Hailie (Baby B) weighs 1.8lbs and is transverse still (laying sideways). I guess the two of them like having their heads close to one another because they've been that way for months. So they now form an "L", which I say is their way of showing "LOVE". The doctors say that they should move but then again they say that the girls are already running out of room. We'll see. Since I'm having a c-section I guess it doesn't really matter right? As long as they continue to grow and are healthy I could care less what position they lay in. Almost forgot to add that I still have the Placenta Previa, so it's the same old routine for me... taking it easy.

So last post the big debate was whether to paint the room or not. Now that we've solved that issue and decided to girly up the room and paint it "Ballet Slipper Pink", we need to move onto the next debate. This week its baby swings/bouncers. The swings these days are GINORMOUS!!!! Seriously! Mac doesn't want two, but I don't want to be ill prepared and just get one. And we need bouncers. And activity mats. And walkers. I mean at this point it's almost like we have to move into a bigger house or add an addition on now just for all the baby gear. Our house is so small and we're not sure where all of this is going. We can't do an addition now so Mac's gym just might have to be converted into a gym/game room/baby gear storage unit. LOL. He doesn't know that yet, but we can save that for the next debate. Haha! So it leads me back to the issue of how many swings and how many bouncers? Do we start off with just one of each right now? Do we get two bouncers and one swing? Do we get two swings that also convert into bouncers? I mean, seriously... they have those ya know!!!! Ugh... so confusing!!!!!

Well the girls are kicking me right now so that tells me it's time to eat something. I go back to the doctors Monday, then the Monday after that as well. I'm on the two week visit plan from here on out, so you'll be getting more updates since I'll be going more frequently.

Stay tuned...

23 Weeks... 103 Days to Go!

Yaaaaawn! Oh I'm sorry. Pardon me. I can't stop yawning.

Since about Week 18 I haven't really been able to sleep. I think I'm averaging three hours of sleep a night, not consecutive hours. The back pain causes me such discomfort that I just can't sleep or get comfortable... well that and the fact that I was told I need to be sleeping on my left side and as soon as I catch myself sleeping on my right side I wake up again. I went from sleeping in the bedroom, to sleeping in the nursery on a futon, to sleeping back in the bedroom. Poor Mac... he doesn't stand a chance. LOL! I have a sneaky suspicion that God is using this as an example of what we'll be going through here soon. NO SLEEP! The only comfort I get from this back pain is standing up, but then it's just a matter of time before my legs and feet start to swell and then I have to sit back down, but then it's my back again. I see a pattern here. Do you? Haha! As exhausted as I am I really don't mind. I'm sure my friends and coworkers do though because my attention span is really short these days and I'm beginning to sound more and more like my husband. Yes, I'm beginning to speak Mackeneze.


So my week has consisted of talking baby showers and crib bedding. I have the best friends anyone could ask for. Now onto crib bedding... so I spent nine hours on the internet on Sunday looking at every dang crib bedding set known to man. Finally narrowed it down to a few and ordered one yesterday just to see how it would look. I was so excited to get it in and put it all together on the crib and then my good friend tells me, "You shouldn't use bumpers or quilts." "Uh... (insert the really long pause of confusion here)... what?" Yes, that was my only come back. She explained to me about SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome), so naturally I went home and researched it, as well as found it listed in my handy go to books about babies. All the research I did said not to use bumpers or quilts. They did say that there are new "breathable" bumpers. Yay, because I just feel a little more comfortable with something in the cribs have open slats all the way around. So anyway, I think we've decide to just create our own little nursery for the girls where we use sheets and accessories (i.e., mobiles, wall art). We can make it our own. But the next hurdle is coming up with something both of us like. I like more of a safari theme and Mac is definitely going the girlie route. He never seizes to amaze me! LOL!


I just signed us up for our "Deluxe Maternity Tour" at Fairfax Hospital. Yay... this should be fun! I also signed us up for the "Baby Care" class. Yikes... this should be interesting! We're going to learn about all kinds of ways to take care of a baby. But in our case we'll need to double that. This is a little frightening, but with Mac by my side I'm a little more comfortable. He's a calming presence for me and has a great memory. Unlike me during this pregnancy!


The big challenge for the week... trying to cross my legs. What was once something that was second nature has now turned into a struggle. Thank goodness I wear pants a lot to work because I now can grip under the pant leg and hoist my leg up over my other. I give it an extra little pull just to make sure it doesn't slip off. You ladies know what I'm talking about. Even the ones who don't have kids yet. I have an excuse... my uterus is growing rapidly. I am only assuming that this would account for the "waddle" I now have. Yes... I walk like a duck because walking any other way just isn't an option right now. QUACK QUACK!

Our next big appointment is August 22nd. The girls will be measured again. I pray that they are on track like last time. I don't feel myself getting any bigger and it concerns me. I wonder if the girls will be playing when their on camera? I wonder if their both still transverse? I have so many thoughts on how they're up to in there. I just can't wait to see them!!!!

Stay tuned... next update at 25 Weeks!

21 Weeks... 117 Days to Go!

Well well well!

Monday was our big 20 week u/s. That was enjoyable and informative. We arrived at FFX Hospital around 8:20am and by 8:45am I was back on a bed ready to see our two little boogies. The nurse went through everything she was doing and answered any questions we had. I had a lot... shocker! Mac sat quiet, almost stunned at how much the babies had grown. She measured every part of their little 10" bodies... the head, brain, stomach, kidneys, bones, etc. The nurse couldn't get Baby A to cooperate. She kept poking her finger deep into my stomach and jiggling it so we would get Baby A to stop moving for a minute but it didn't work. She moved on to Baby B for the gender reveal. I was so excited to find out what they were. She said, "Well, see these three white lines? Well that's your baby girl." We said, "Okay cool." and moved back to Baby A to see if there was any chance we could get it to stop moving long enough to reveal the gender and the next thing we see on the monitor is her do a complete flip and reveals herself to us. That's right, its another girl. Mac and I looked at one another is sheer disbelief. I told the nurse to go back and do it again because I believe that middle line was a penis. She gave me the whole, 'Who's the nurse here?' look. So she went back again, after Baby A did a few more flips and sure enough, those three white lines told us that it was a girl. The nurse told me to get cleaned up before we meet with the doctor and walked out. Mac slumped over in his chair, put his hand on his head and said, "Well I guess I'll be buying that gun sooner then I thought." I asked if he was disappointed and he said not at all, he was just trying to get prepared to living in a house with four females (me, twin girls and Zelda), then having to deal with his mom. He said he was going to pull his hair out... and he's already bald. LOL!!!!

WE'RE HAVING TWO GIRLS!!!!!

You could not have paid us to believe that we are having two girls. I mean we thought two boys or maybe one of each, but two girls. We are thrilled but both of us have our concerns. Mine are more of will I be a good mom to these two little girls. Will I be able to raise them as good Christians who love the Lord as much as I do? Will I be able to be that mom that will help build them up to have a good self-esteem? I grew up in a house without a lot of hugging and verbal "i love yous"... will I be able to break that and ensure that these two grow up not being afraid of being hugged and feel comfortable saying "i love you"? I guess as long as I keep trusting God he'll help me with all these hurdles as we get to them.

I love looking at my belly when they are moving and kicking. It's one of the coolest things I've ever experienced. Mac finally got to feel them move. He immediately pulled his hand back. He wasn't freaked out but I think for guys it's just not conceivable. He likes watching my belly though when they are moving. It's the best when he talks to them. And that's all I'll say on that matter just in case any of his friends are reading this. I don't want to embarrass them. LOL!!!

Another piece of good news was that I got the PICC line taken out Thursday. WOW... I am so happy to have that thing out. My arm in general has some healing to do because I am allergic to latex and I had latex bandages on my arm since May. I'm sure it will heal up just fine!

Went to see my OB this morning and she was just thrilled at the way things are going. The only thing that concerned her was the "Placenta Previa" that has developed with Baby A. She said it's normal and that it should move back up on it's own. Once again it Baby A is stirring up trouble. We're going to have to watch out for her when she's born. Haha! My OB got the results back from the scan and was impressed that both babies are measuring almost exactly the same. We won't find out if they are identical until after they are born. They'll do a blood test at that time. Whether they are or not is not relevant to us. We just can't wait to meet these two!!!!

I want to thank all of you for your well wishes and funny commentary on our recent post about having two girls. Mac and I spent the past couple nights laughing about them.

Stay tuned...

18 Weeks... 2nd Trimester... 151 Days to Go?

So I have some catching up to do. It's been a month since my last post but not much has happened.

June 10 (14 Weeks) - Had an appointment with my OB. She did a quick sono to see how things were going and both babies looked good. Mac went to the appointment with me and got to hear the heartbeats for the first time. I couldn't help but notice the smile on his face. The joy of watching a grown man who never shows any emotions smile like that just melts my heart.

June 23 (16 Weeks) - Had an unscheduled appointment with my OB thanks to the "angry birds" in my neighborhood. Yes, they were physically trying to attack me. I mean literally they were dive bombing at my head and making this horrible screaming noise. All I could think about was the movie "The Birds". I understand they were just protecting their young, but dang, they made me fall up the curb. Didn't they realize that I had to protect my young as well? I guess it's every woman for themselves at this point. It is on!
* Okay I have had enough of these birds. What started out as one or two has now turned into five or six. It's hard to count when their all dive bombing you at the same time. What the heck?
* Yup, I think I proved to those birds that I'm not playing anymore. I have precious cargo to protect too and they can't keep making me sprint, juke and fall off the curb anymore. I now carry a long chain with me and when I get to that street I start swinging it around in the air (like a lasso). If you come within two feet of me again you're going down.
* Mission accomplished. I think we have a mutal understanding now. They stay perched on the power lines while Zelda and I continue on our way.
* Sono was great! Babies looked good.

July 6 (18 Weeks) - Had yet another unscheduled OB appointment. I started having some weird pains on the left side late on the 4th while we were at a friends house. I chalked it up to just overdoing it that day. Come Tuesday afternoon the pain was shifting and it was more piercing. I went in for a quick sono and it turns out that what I was feeling was caused by Baby B moving from the left over to the right. Who is was now laying on top of Baby A.

July 8 (18 Weeks) - The pain has subsided some. I'm gathering Baby B might have gone back to the left side because I had some shifting pain last night. I also received my fetal heart doppler, but I'm not sure how to use it. I might take it to church on Sunday and see if Kim has some time to show me.

As far as any other ailments this week, I woke up Thursday morning with horrible arm/neck pain on my left side. I figured since I'm suppose to be sleeping on my left side that it was just irritated from that, but as the day went on my left ear, shoulder and neck started killing me. By the end of the night it hurt to eat, drink or swallow at all. Woke up this morning in worse pain then when I went to bed. I have a feeling it's either an inner ear infection (but I have no temp) or it's my TMJ flaring up. Regardless, I called the doctor and they said I could take Tylenol, so that's what I'm going to do. Hopefully it will go away because I'm really tired of this pain and I hate taking meds while I'm pregnant.

The nausea is still hanging around but not nearly as bad as in the beginning. I think the Hyperemesis is still there but is being controlled and I'm happy about that. God has heard our prayers and I know he wants me to be able to enjoy some of this pregnancy.

On a good note, I was able to go two days in a row, plus another day in between with no fluids at all. I suspect that I will need to continue on heavy doses of Pepcid because the acid is the worst for me at this point. However, if I can get to five days in a row with no fluids then I can get the PICC line out. My OB doesn't want to do anything until after 20 weeks. I agree and can wait another two or three weeks. I've made it this long, what's a few more weeks?

So we go for the big Level II U/S on Monday, July 25th. I know most of you are anxiously waiting for the news on what we'll be having. It's no secret that Mac and I believe it's two boys, but not to sound too cliche', we'll take whatever God blesses us with. We just want two very healthy and happy babies. I have had so many people tell me their opinions on what we're having (for those that I've asked, this doesn't include you). All of which have been myths, so I thought it would be fun to include some of the myths I've heard and then add my two cents worth. Haha! Here we go:

Little girls aren't always sweet. Extreme nausea means you are having a daughter. - Extreme nausea... isn't that called Hyperemesis! That settles it then, we're having two girls.

Pay attention to which way you lay down in bed tonight. If you prefer sleeping on your left side, you'll have a boy. Right side? Your pregnant with a girl. - Well I usually always sleep on my right side. I only switch to the left side when I realize I'm on my right. No wonder I'm not getting any sleep. Again, girls it is then.

If your hands are dry during pregnancy, you are having a boy; soft -- expect a girl. - My hands are always soft... it's called using lotion. Girls again!

Your favorite pregnancy foods may tell you what sex the baby is. If you're craving citrus while pregnant, you're having a girl. - Well, I have been craving oranges. Again, girls!

If altering hormones makes your skin break out, expect a girl. - Well holy crap! If anyone has seen me lately they would know that my forehead has broken out like a pepperoni pizza. I'm sure I could call Domino's and have them add it to the speciality pizza menu list. Girls again!

If you feel as though you're gliding through they day, you'll have a girl. Stumbling? It's a boy. - Finally... I'm a klutz. I run into at least one wall a day. It's boys!

Craving salt during pregnancy? Potato chips, pretzels, and popcorn means a boy is on the way. Need a little something sweet? Ice cream, chocolate, and candy means you're having a girl. - I crave salty and sweet at the same time so some of you may get your wish according to this. It's a boy and a girl!

If you're experiencing pregnant mood-swings, expect a baby girl to arrive soon. - This could go either way because most of the time I'm just my usual happy self, but honestly, doesn't everyone have a mood swing or two when their pregnant? Seriously!

If you're carrying the baby low on your stomach, expect a boy. If it's high, you're having a girl.
If you're carrying baby in front, it's a boy. Is the baby weight spaced all around your middle? It's a girl. - If you go by this myth (and I've heard it 100 times), then I'm having one of each because my front, middle and back are all gaining at the same speed. Funny they didn't mention anything about what if your legs get so big it looks like you're growing another set of thighs? I mean, let's talk about that one. Where's the myth on that? Huh?

Get baby advice from a nephew or friend's little boy. If a toddler boy shows interest in your belly, you'll have a girl. If he ignores you, it's a boy. - I think of my friend Kim's two boys Justin and Tyler when I am pondering this myth (okay I don't really ponder it). They aren't the least bit interested in my belly so I would assume that they know I'm having two boys? We should ask them Kim.

If you pick up a key by the round end, you're having a boy. If it's by the long end? A girl - What does it mean if I always pick my keys up by the king ring?

And the latest stats according to Facebook:

85% - Boy/Girl
10% - Boy/Boy
5% - Girl/Girl

Stay tuned...

14 Weeks... 2nd Trimester... 186 Days To Go?

I have reached my 2nd trimester finally... but the lovely Hyperemesis hasn't gone away just yet. Good news though, my mornings are tolerable. I still feel nauseous and dizzy but I force myself to eat a little something (english muffin w/peanut butter) before I get my day started. I follow it up with a Zofran (anti-nausea) and some apple juice. The doctors took me off all prenatal vitamin because they were too hard on my stomach. Now I take two flintstones vitamin and two folic acid pills. Did anyone love flintstones vitamins when they were a kid? I know I did and my mom never had to fight with me to take them. Let me just say that they are nothing like they were back in the day. It takes everything I have to chew them. And no, they won't let me take they gummy vitamins because they won't digest, which comes from the Hyperemesis. Anyway, the evenings are still hard. I start fading around 4pm and by 7pm I'm no good. That is the time I get my daily IV fluids/meds. It takes about two and a half hours to finish up everything so by that time I'm either already asleep or about to be.

The weekend was good. Two good weekends in a row. Yay! Saturday Mac didn't have to work so we got up early and went to a friend's sons baseball game. We have seen them in a long time so it was really great to catch up. And their baby girl is so beautiful!!! Can't wait to hangout with them once I'm feeling a little better. After the game we went to the carnival at Springfield Mall so I could get a funnel cake. Yum! The rest of the weekend we just chilled out. Made to church and got to see my three favorite little ones there. I'm sad that I can't run around and play with them but they are wearing Mackie out. Haha!

It was very apparent that God was talking to me yesterday at church. The message was on parenting and it really hit home for me. God knows my struggles and insecurities with my own maternal relationship and I think he wanted me to hear him loud and clear. In my adult years I have only come across a couple girlfriends who actually do things with their mothers. It baffles me every time I'm with one of my friends and her phone rings and it's her mom on the other end just calling to see what she's up to? "Uh, what? Really?" That is foreign to me. But seeing that and hearing about their closeness gives me hope because that is the type of mother I want to be when my kids are older. I want to have a relationship, not just a connection because I gave birth to them. I'm so glad that I have friends that I can learn from and come to for advice. And their moms have really become like surrogates for me. Thank you all... you know who you are!

So Father's Day is approaching fast and I want to get Mac something. Do you have any suggestions for something small to get him? I know it's premature since the babies aren't here yet, but I think it would be nice.

Oh, before I close, we got the results back from the First Trimester Screening, which tests for Down’s Syndrome Trisomy-21 and Trisomy-18. The results were better than expected. Both babies received an A+ and the doctor said even though I'm at "Advanced Maternal Age (36)", that my results were as good as someone who was 20. I go in on July 25th for my "Level II Ultrasound". This is a big one where they look at all areas of the baby. Mac is going to this one and I can't wait to see his face when he hears the heartbeats. So far he has been amazed when I bring home pictures. Next OB appointment is this Friday. Can't wait to see how much they've developed since my belly is now starting to stick out a little more. It doesn't really resemble a baby bump but more like a beer belly. LOL.

Well that's it for now. Hopefully I'll post more now that I'm feeling a little better. Hope you all have a blessed day!

Stay tuned...

11 Weeks... Hyperemesis and Hospitalization

It's been a few weeks since my last post and I hate to say that things have gotten worse. I have been in and out of the emergency room for weeks. My weeks have been nothing short of miserable. Here is a run down of a given week.

Monday & Tuesday
8:30am - Wake up
8:50am - Take a shower. Get sick.
9:15am - Steam work clothes/Get ready for work.
10:15am - Stop at McD's for a CinnaMelt and Half-cut tea (half sweet/half unsweet)
10:30am - Start my day at work (feeling nauseous every minute of the day).
5pm - Drive home praying not to get sick.
6pm - Get sick.
7pm - Try to eat dinner.
7:30pm - Get sick.
8:30pm - Get sick.
9:30pm - Get sick.
10:30pm - Get sick.
11:30pm - Get sick.

Wednesday, Thursday & Friday
Too weak/sick to work.
9am - Wake up (nausea begins).
6pm - Get sick.
7pm - Try to eat dinner.
7:30pm - Get sick.
8:30pm - Get sick.
9:30pm - Get sick.
10:30pm - Get sick.
11:30pm - Get sick.
ADD A TRIP TO EMERGENCY ROOM ONCE A WEEK ON THURSDAY & FRIDAY FOR I.V. FLUIDS AND MEDS.

Saturday & Sunday
I'm lucky if I get out of the house. And I've missed church, which for those that know me know that I hate missing a Sunday.

This past Tuesday I had a follow-up appointment and my OB sent me immediately over to Fairfax Hospital where I was admitted right away for "Severe Dehydration/Malnutrition due to Hyperemesis". I spent Tuesday and Wednesday there where they had me on IV fluids/meds nonstop. I begged to come home so they let me leave Wednesday evening. They placed a PICC line in (goes through my arm up through my chest and down to my heart). It hurts but I'm dealing. So this is what my life consists of right now... daily IV fluids/meds given nightly through the PICC line. Mac spent three hours with the Home Health Care Aide yesterday learning how to administer the fluids/meds. It looks like this will be my life for a couple more months, or until this Hyperemesis decides to go away. After doing a ton of research it appears that it normally subsides between the 12th-20th week, or is it possible (10-20%) for it to last until the day of delivery, or it can even last months after delivery.

Hyperemesis a rare condition but it is serious. I decided to include a few testimonials from real women who have gone through this. My emotional state is very close to how these women felt. I hope after reading these it will help people understand more of what I'm going through, especially for those that keep telling me "its just morning sickness and we've all gone through it."

"I am terrified. and praying every night that this won't happen to me again."

"You are screaming inside 'HELP ME' as the doctor is explaining this will all pass in X number of weeks. I feel like I'm dying a slow death."

"Everyone told me I would forget all about [HG] the minute they put her in my arms, but they were wrong. It is. forever in my head. was it all worth it? I am torn. Nothing can compare to the love you have with your child. but to say it was all worth it is something I don't feel completely comfortable saying." Angie N., West Orange NJ

"I entered this pregnancy believing that pregnancy was a healthy and natural life change and not an illness. I couldn't go to work. my husband had to help to bathe me because I was so weak. since I lost over 30 pounds. my father [came daily] to care for me and. take me to my appointments. my sisters shopped for food." Juliette P., Warminster, PA

"I ended up losing my job and my life for nine months. was told it was in my head. little treatment was offered... at 6 weeks pregnant. all i wanted was the pain and sickness to stop and was told I would have to. terminate. I have grieved every day for that loss. with awareness. and proper [information] maybe people. [with HG] can be taken seriously and given proper care. doctors can do operations that you'd never think. possible, yet they cant stop [HG]. its heartbreaking, and soul destroying." K.N., Lancashire, England

"My plea to the world of non-HGers: quit suggesting crackers! IT is really frustrating that there is such lack of awareness that even some health care providers will recommend things (like crackers) that may help for regular morning sickness, but are like suggesting a band aid to someone with a broken arm. I lost 10% of my body weight in about 6 weeks, have had so many IVs for dehydration that I can't even count. The suggestion of crackers is insulting." EG , Seattle, WA

"My best friend (24 years old) died from what I believe was HG. She died over a year ago and her condition went 7 months undiagnosed before she died. Serpil

"I went through several different emotions... I hated myself, the pregnancy, my life. I had panic/anxiety attacks because I felt so trapped in my own body. I felt like I was going to lose my mind." Danielle O., Knoxville, TN

"I would sleep on the floor of the bathroom most nights. My husband didn't understand what was happening at all and got very irritated with me. I would just cry all by myself and other times I was too sick to even react to anything at all. I have never felt so alone in my entire life." M

And this one sums it up...

"[She] has been bedridden in darkness - with no TV, no ability to read, barely able to talk, for the last 7 weeks. A steady and heartbreaking moan can be heard coming from her room. she hangs on, because she knows if she terminates, she will never have the courage/strength to try again." Gail, NJ