11.5 Months... 12 Days to go Until the Big Day!

I just realized what a bad job I've been doing on keeping up with our blog. I could totally cut myself a little slack and say that I have twins so I just don't have the time. The truth is though, I do have the time, but only when they're sleeping. Which if any of you know my girls, they take after their daddy, who does NOT like to sleep. I really did pray while I was pregnant that at least one of my girls would like to sleep. Yup, nope, that didn't happen. They like fuss because their so tired but sleep... what is that?
DST (Daylight Savings Time) started off good but hasn't gone exactly the way I would like. Hailie slept ALL night (it was daddy's night with her). Gracie on the other hand was up at 3am (her normal is 4am), but I was able to get her back down around 4:30am and she slept until 6:30am, which would have been 7:30am if we didn't have to put the clocks back. She wakes up every morning and says, "Ellll da... Ellll da", obviously calling Zelda to come join her on our bed. So, unfortunately it was mommy's night with Gracie but that's okay because I got to cuddle with that little bundle of fire. The day after wasn't so great. The girls were and have been crabby and went to bed at 6:30pm last night and up at 4:30am. When does this get better? When will they get it? Oh wait, that's bound to never happen if they're anything like me because I still don't like it and the time change really does a number on me.

It's been four months since my last post and my oh my a lot has changed. Hailie is an official walker. It is the cutest thing ever. I'm not sure she can get anymore proud of herself. She makes the sweetest faces and the sounds that comes from that little mouth is too much for me to handle at times. She loves to hug and snuggle. She definitely is my emotional baby. Her feelings get hurt very easy so I know we're going to have to tread lightly with her in the future. Now Gracie on the other hand is our little defiant spit fire animal lover. LOL. She has a love for animals of all kinds, including stuffed one. The majority, if not all of her animals have some kind of funky drool laden, food infested gook on them because she is always "mouth wide open" kissing them. Beware, she is a kisser and she isn't worried about how much drool falls in your mouth or on your face. She eagerly awaits Zelda to lay down so she can again, "mouth wide open" grab her by her whiskers and plant one right on her tongue. Yes, I know what you're thinking... "OMG... I can't believe she lets her kids do that.", "Oh gross!", "That's disgusting.", "Bad parenting." Uh, sure, you can think all of those things but don't dare let me hear you say them. Haha! I, we, try our best to shield the girls from slobbery doggy kisses but sometimes accidents happy. I'm just happy that my girls love animals and aren't afraid of them. At least not right now. And I'm so extremely blessed to have a 120lb dog who LOVES these girls. She even whines when they cry. They have a bond and I couldn't be happier. I just wish Gracie would stop being slick and feeding Zelda her puffs and Mum Mum's. LOL! Gracie has started to stand by herself unassisted and I'm sure will be walking very soon. She's going to be our brainiac I think. She likes to dissect things and then try and do them. She also has about eight words in her little vocabulary, "Ma ma", "Da da", "El da", "Cook Cook (Cookie Monster)", "Ba ba", "Uh oh", "Ar fa (careful)", and "El ma (Elmo)". She also attempts to say Big Bird but I wouldn't even begin to know how to spell out how she says it. Haha! As I mentioned before, she is my little spit fire. She will slap, scrape and poke you when she's mad. Yes, she gets mad. I think she gets this from me, but not because she's seen me do it. LOL! We've had a couple bad round of sickness. First Hand, Foot & Mouth Disease (still upset about this one), and now going through the classic change of weather sickness. This one is actually worse than HFMD. The girls are miserable. Can I say that again? They are miserable. It's no fun for them or us. I'm just hoping it runs its course quickly so I can have my fun loving little cupcakes back.

They will be turning one on the 17th of this month and although I'm happy for them I'm also very sad. I don't want my little babies to grow up. I am loving this age and phase when they want to try so many new things and accomplishing so much, but still need me at the same time. I know that each milestone is better than the last and that it gets to be more fun the older they get, but I still don't want them to grow anymore. LOL! I'm planning a small, intimate gathering for family. I have a really small house and it wouldn't fit all of the people I would want to invite. There have been a lot that have been a huge part of the girls life, as well as ours. Of course it's going to be a cupcake themed party. Uh duh, did you really think it would be anything but? Geez!!!! Picked up some cute decorations, not the ones I wanted but I'm a full time working mom and just don't have time to DIY anything. I'm hoping the girls will look back on this birthday and know that it was one that we are so thankful for. We just never imagined it happening and here God blessed us two-fold. There's so much to be celebrated that day! It's been an emotional, wild and love filled 11.5 months since my little girls arrived. And when I say little, I mean little. Hailie just hit 19lbs, but she lost a few when she was sick. Gracie just hit 18lbs. She's slowly catching up to her sister. Two very different body type, two very different personalities, but two very very beautiful and sweet baby girls. I love them with all my heart... when I say all I mean all people. They are my world!!! I am told often that I need to take time for myself but honestly I can't. I miss my girls so much during the day. So much so that my heart literally aches, and the last thing I want to do is to spend another hour away from them to go workout or get my eyebrows done. I would rather be spending it with them. So yes, eventually I will get around to working out and lost this 30lbs I gained since having them, and eventually I will get around to waxing the two bushes that are housed over my eyeballs, but for right now I'm content to look like an unpruned topiary.

7 Months... We're Making Memories!!!

Where has the time gone? Can I please inject my girls with a potion that will stop their growth now (please no one turn me in for child abuse or mental illness)? I'm at a point in the girls life where I just want them to stop growing. They are so adorable and they still rely on me. I'm so scared of not being needed. Is this normal?

We have been making a lot of great memories. The girls are reaching milestones that you and I take for granted. I marvel at Hailie's strength and determination. That girl will be crawling very soon. She can now get up on all four's and move back and forth, we'll this morning she actually made the motion and crawled... backward. It was adorable! She was trying hard to get over to her sister and with every movement she just kept getting further and further away. She had eventually crawled her way backward clear to the other side of the room. It was amazing to watch. Little Bit is making great strides as well. She can now hoist herself up on her arms and hold there for a few seconds. Some may think that she's behind, but it's okay, she's little. It will take her time to build those muscles up. She's still babbling and moving those hands and feet nonstop. We think we're going to have one who's a little more book smart and one who's going to be a little more athletic. Either way, they are both going to be given the same amount of love and affection that they deserve.

I've started reading a new trilogy... "Baby Signs", "Baby Hearts" and "Baby Minds". Anyone who knows me knows how hard it is for me to find five minutes to do something relaxing, like read, so I read them during my lunch hour at work. I recently finished "Baby Signs" and can't wait to start working with the girls. If they pick it up quickly it will be a lifesaver. We're not concentrating on strict ASL signing, but rather baby friendly signs to help Mac and I understand their needs a little better. I'm enjoying reading "Baby Hearts" at the moment but I have bouts of complete sadness. I've only made it to Chapter Two, which talks about how the hearts of babies are so delicate and how if you heart that little heart it can cause it become hard and pitted, like a peach seed. It speaks of security attachment and how if we don't provide for them so early on that they will likely go through their infancy feeling insecure and unloved. I'm getting choked up just writing this. The thought that I have ever done anything to my girls to cause their little hearts to hurt stirs emotions greater than a F5 tornado.

So how have the girls been doing over the last few months? Very well thank you! They are growing at a good rate but still in the lower percentiles for their height. Hailie is in the 25th-50th percentile for her weight and Gracie is in the 5th-10th percentile. I don't really do anything with these numbers when the doctors give them to us. As long as she says they are growing nicely then I'm happy. I know Little Bit is putting on weight because she's starting to develope little chubby cheeks. Nothing like Miss Hailie though. They are both below the 5th percentile for their height but it's okay, they're going to be petite like their momma. LOL!

The girls are starting to add new sounds to their vocabulary which makes for the best entertainment when they start chatting with one another. I hate to eavesdrop so early on but I can't help it. They are more and more interested in books. Hailie coos everytime her daddy reads, "Thank You God for Daddy" (thank you Stephanie Brooks) and Little Bit cracks up every time I read "Goodnight Moon" (thank you momma Liz - RIP). I'm not sure why she thinks it's so funny but that's okay. I never pass up an opportunity to see my girls smile and laugh. Both like to reach out and touch the books now. Hailie is a page turner though so I can see we're going to have a battle on our hands later on. Ha!
Both girls are getting plenty of leg exercise with some added development stuff in there as well. Little Bit is a fan of the Jumperoo and Hailie likes the Exersaucer. Tried to switch them a couple days ago and that didn't go so well. Switched them back and both were happy as could be. Miss Hailie is sitting up on her own unassisted for just under a minute and Little Bit can make it a few seconds before she starts to resemble the Leaning Tower of Pisa. LOL.

We've booked our family beach trip to Chincoteague Island the last week of August. I am so excited to see how the girls like the beach. I purchased a neat little cabana for them, and us to, so we can stay out of the sun when we're resting. I am hoping the girls like the beach and hoping that they will actually sleep on the beach or I can see myself having to stay inside more than I'd like. We rented a house on the channel so I'm hoping that Mac and I can spend some quality time fishing while the girls nap or while they play. I figure they'll be 9 months at that time so they should be a little better at sitting up and playing. Thank goodness for Pack-n-Plays, but I'm afraid my girls will not like this new found idea of mine. We'll have to start trying to put them in it next month to get them use to it.

Well until next time, God Bless. I hope to blog a little more frequently but I think I said that last time too. Welcome to the wonderful life of being a new mom to twincesses!!!! I wouldn't trade this life for any other in the world!

Oh and you ask am I still sleep deprived? HA HA HA HA... is that a joke?

Easter 2012 - The Girls 1st Easter

Kodak Gallery: Brit's Photos - Easter 2012 - The Girls 1st Easter

What an exciting weekend for the girls and our family!!!

Saturday we took the girls to see the Easter Bunny for the first time.  They were neither excited or afraid.  In fact, Gracie almost fell asleep on the bunny's lap and Hailie just had a look on her face like "Hurry up so I can get back to sleep."  Both girls made mommy and daddy very proud!!  They got a lot of attention of course.  Anytime you go somewhere with a long tandem stroller with matching car seats and two babies dressed a like you always get:

Stranger: "Awwwww, are they twins?"
Mom:  "Nope, I just got pregnant twice at the same time and had them back-to-back."

Stranger:  "Are they boys?" 
Mom:  "Yup, they were having a huge clearance sale on the magenta flowered car seats.  And we're allowing them to express themselves freely even at such a young age by letting them wear lilac pants and flowered bibs."

NOOOOOO they are not boys!!!!  Geez!!!!  Haha!

After seeing the bunny and spending way too much on pictures, we went over to Aunt Brandy's to dye eggs with the family.  I dyed one egg this year but it was a cool one.  :)

Sunday was a great day!!  We started off at church, where the girls were a HUGE hit.  They received a lot of looks and attention.  I'd like to think it's just because their so dang cute but I'm sure the little frilly outfits they had on played a part.  The girls did excellent in the service.  At one point Hailie started babbling to grandma and granddaddy and a sea of heads turned around to see where that cute little voice was coming from.  Nothing like the purity of a babies babbles.  Mac had to take Gracie out in the the atrium because she was babbling too loud.  I'm so grateful we have a Pastor who loves kids.

After church we went back to Brandy's where the girls received more Easter surprises from the bunny.  The girls looked on as Cousin Reese and Marty ran around looking for eggs.  Yes, Marty may be 15 but when the bunny hides eggs with money in them, I don't think there's an age limit.  LOL!!!  We finished up the day with baths and called it a night.

I'm so grateful to have these two beautiful babies as my daughters.  We were reminded this weekend just how truly blessed we are.  God has shined his light down on our family.  This past weekend was such a good lesson on never giving up on God and the miracles he can create.  Hailie and Gracie have been awesomely created by God especially for us and I intend on trying my hardest to be the best mother I can be... even if they don't want to talk to me when they're teenagers.  Haha!

I love you my precious little cupcakes!!!  You bring such tremendous joy to my life!!!

3.5 Months... What A Ride!

So it's March already? Really? Where has the time gone? I feel like it was just yesterday we were bringing the girls home from the hospital. The past few months have been an adventure. As I keep venturing down memory lane remember all the good days and bad days, I'm brought back to November 17th when God blessed us with two perfect little girls.

The past two years had been full of highs (two pregnancies) and lows (two miscarriages). Then having a very long and difficult pregnancy was just as taxing emotionally. There wasn't a day that went by that I wasn't reminded about how quickly things can change and go in a direction that isn't as promising.

Throughout the past two years the one thing I never did was give up on God. He had a plan for us and everything I went through was leading up to the best day of my life. I trusted Him for He is the only one that knows my destiny. I will NEVER give up on him.

Just look at this perfect picture of peace... this is what it's all about for me these days.


I wouldn't change how things played out for a minute. Well maybe I would forego all the water weight and mini stroke I suffered in the hospital after delivery but that's small in comparison to how great my life is now.

I thank you Father for not giving up on me... for not giving up on us... for trusting us to care for and raise two of your precious children. I hope I make you proud... and them!

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!