Double Trouble

[sarahalf]

Hi everyone~
So even though I read and read about the "false" positives with twins and quad screens..I still had one. And sure enough, I have an increased risk of down syndrome (one in 85 for my age versus 1 in 200). I am really conflicted about having an amnio, as I had one without incident with my first preg. But in my last preg, I had a miscarriage not long after the amnio showed a perfectly healthy baby.
Did any of you have an increased risk and if so...what did you do about it?
Apparently, you can have a high resolution ultrasound and the specialist I would see in Denver is excellent....
Not sure what to do!
Sara

[buckeyegal]

Kholtan--How's Bodie? I hope he's feeling better...my guess is teeth. Can you see any? I know Braeden is MISERABLE when teeth come in (like he was today). It stinks, but some cold chewy things and tylenol seem to make things better. I also use teething tablets--they also seem to take the edge off. Good luck!

Sarahalf--I actually didn't have the screen...I've heard so many mixed reviews. I have a friend who's screening came out perfect, and her son was born with Downs. I've had friends who's screening showed an increase for down's and the babies were born perfectly healthy. Too much error for my taste, so I just lived in ignorance. I also didn't have an amnio...my RE said it was just too risky with twins, so he advised strongly against it. WHat would be the reasoning for the amnio? Could they definitely tell if one of the babies had downs? I didn't think it could show that? Here's my take (and this is JMO)...there's a very good chance that both of your babies are perfectly healthy. Now, if by some chance, one of the babies would have downs--is there anything you can really do during the pregnancy (other than worry?--which, as you know--isn't good for the babies) about it? If there's nothing you can do, then it will just cause unnecessary stress. I would have gone bonkers worrying. Now, when the babies arrive, that's when you might have to deal with it...I'm not pretending that it wouldn't be very very difficult. But, remember my friend with a down's baby? He is the cutest, most friendly, huggable kid I have honestly ever met. Yes, down's is a major hurtle, but it's definitely not the end of the world. I know, easier said on my end (since I don't have a down's child), but I'm just trying to help you see a possible silver lining. I hope and pray for good health for both of your babies. Just try to stay positive and put it out of your mind for now.

[sarahalf]

Kim,
Thanks so much for the wonderful and insightful reply. You are so right on. My "increased" risk is still 1 in 85 and they forgot to factor in the n/t 12 weeks scan and lab work that they did so that might make the numbers even more favorable. I guess you always hope everything is going to go along smoothly with no complications so it threw me for a little loop today. But this is quite the adventure, quite the ride...so I am going to keep taking it one day at a time and enjoy the miracle of being preg with these two little girls~

[kholtan]

Good morning mommies!

Sarahalf~ I'm so sorry you are having to worry over something that isn't certain and VERY unlikely. A 1/85 chance is still s very far off possibility. It seems much more scary right now I am sure but try to think of it in the 85/1 chance way. I did the nuchal scan test just in the notion that I could be prepared incase I needed to be but we did nothing else. The thing I said to myself was "Would I terminate the pg knowing it was downs?" When I said no to that it didn't matter anymore. Like Kim, an Amnio wasn't worth the risk of harming either of them and I knew in my heart that regarless of any test result I needed and loved them both. It's hard but stay positive and don't entertain the negative. HUGS!

Kim~ Hopefully it is teeth. His gums are swollen but there is no real signs of teeth about to come thru yet at all. The fever was gone by bedtime and he was perfectly fine yesterday. We have those teething tablest as well. I think they do something but I don't quite know what? I think he just loves the syringe! I put them in a syringe to disolve them and then he loves it to be squirted inhis mouth. Kids LOVES all medicine. Hope this isn't a sign! JK! Did I mention his shiner? He has been standing on his own and took a digger the other night into some stacking cups that were still stacked. Had I known Annelise wouldn't wipe them out in two seconds I would have tumbled it myself. Unfortunately, his eye was a bit swollen with a little scrape on it. I just had to call him "Rocky" and "Lil' Scrapper" for the past few days and now we hum/sing Rocky music and he LOVES it. Kids kills me!

Kimi~ So glad you will be here. We can make it easy for you and come to you. Sadly, we have out of towners staying with us that weekend and I am throwing a party for 25 at my house so I will be pretty busy but I will make it happen for sure. Even if it's just coffee. I would LOVE to snap a few pics of your family for you at the train depot up the road. It's such A BEAUTIFUL place to have photos and it's a walk away from you. Looking forward to seeing you! It's like seeing an old friend you have never met before!

Well, for us we have a LONG day. Yesterday my brother who owns a painting company fell from a roof and was life flighted to the hospital. They thought he broke his back but it turns out he shattered his wrist and his pelvis is in a million pieces. They are doing surgery today and the babies and I will be there most of the day. He's my younger brother (31) and he's single. . . and ADORABLE. . . for those of you may be looking for a young man to set someone up with. . .(stay focused) but he's all alone so I'm bringing the babies to keep him smiling! I hope he mends quick!

So, I finally here the little ones, better run. Take care everyone! Anyone hear from Lauralou? Miss seeing her baby pics!

Take care!
Kimberly

[buckeyegal]

Kholtan--so sorry to hear about your brother! Yikes! I hope the surgery goes okay. Good luck dealing with the babies at the hospital. Oh, I wish you lived closer...I have 3 girls who are all awesome in different ways--I would LOVE for them to meet a cutie who owns his own business (and is related to you--so I could meet you at THE WEDDING! ). My sister (24), SIL(34), and good friend (35) are having the darndest time with men right now. Shucks.


Sarahalf--I hope you feel better today. BTW--I forgot to mention that yes, I did have the nuchal test. Did you have good results on that? If so, I would just run with it. I think that test is much more accurate. (not that I know for sure...but I think that's what I've heard?)

Yeah, laura, where are you? I was wondering about XrayEm too. She has another one on the way...and toddlers....I hope she's hanging in there!

[sarahalf]

Thanks to both of you for your encouragement and hope!
I am feeling better today and I do feel in my heart that both the babies are healthy. I should have stuck with the n/t test bc mine came back great (and I have also heard that they are more accurate). My last question on this issue....do you think I should have the high resolution u/s to put my mind at ease? It is with a genetic specialist in Denver and it is all he does...I am conflicted yet I would like to put my mind at ease (although I am not sure that is going to happen at all this preg!).
So exciting that you ladies are going to meet!!! That is going to be so cool after talking via email for so long!!!
Cant wait to hear about it. And btw,it is so inspiring to hear all the things you ladies do with your kids and in life. You have so much energy...it is nice to know it comes back after preg...esp with not so much sleep!
Wonderful thoughts for recovery for your brother, as well...xo

[buckeyegal]

sarahalf--that's a tough one. On one side, if it comes out well, you will feel sooooo much better! On the other side, if it doesn't come out well, you'll be worried sick. I honestly don't know what I would do. What does DH want to do? We'll be here for you no matter what you decide. Good luck!

Oh, as for the energy???? I'm not sure I have it...but I HAVE to pretend I have it in order to keep up with these kids! Caffeine helps too! (I've been getting full nights of sleep for a while now, so that is a big help!)

Kholtan--thinking of you and your brother...keep us posted!

[sarahalf]

DH feels like I do (that babies are just fine). I think we will do the u/s , as it is not invasive and it will be an "anatomy scan" anyway (which we were supposed to have next week, too). I would not do the amnio, as I am convinced that is what caused the demise of my last preg at 23 weeks. I know it is rare to lose a baby due to amnio, but once it happens to you...you quickly realize the small risk is not one you want to take (esp bc the amnio told me what we already knew...our baby boy was totally healthy!).
I will be quizzing you in the months to come about getting sleep! I really want to figure that one out, as I am sure many of the future twin mommies do!
Sara

[tolbee]

Oh, Sarahalf I am sorry to hear about your loss of your baby during your first pregnancy. It is only natural to be concerned with the Amnio test. If it eases your mind and sounds like it does not harm the babies in any way, maybe you could do the high resolution test. I don't know how different it is from the u/s session I did with my multiple doctor, but I always enjoyed the u/s because I got to see the twinies. I felt the same way about energy. I was so tired all the time carrying twins and I thought I would get the energy back once I deliver them, but that did not happen until perhaps when they turned 3 months-old. Lack of sleep and constant demands were draining, but once you get 5 to 6 hours of sleep straight, you will feel fine. I think though my pregnancy hormone is still very much in me because my skin and hair are not back to normal yet. Twin pregnancy is so different from singleton in many ways!

Kimberley, oh I am so sorry to hear about your brother's accident. I hope he recovers quickly... I have a friend in Japan who's single and looking haha!! Thanks for taking time to see us even though you are very busy! Yes, the Train Depot is beautiful. I've gone to a wedding once up there. Of course, I can come by near Eagle as well because my DH's uncle lives near Collister. That's probably easier. You, Kim and others who are pro at raising twins are like my idols amd I am just so thrilled to finally meet you!! Hope Bodie is feeling better!

Kim, I drink coffee, too, of course living in Seattle doesn't help! I am not as active as I used to be with my DS to years ago. With him, I was out and about everyday, visiting different people and places. With twins, just the thought of pushing my double stroller, taking them in and out of the carsets tires me. I probaly think too much and I must just DO IT, but I don't seem to be able to snap out of this laziness. What can I do... Now that your twins walk, is it harder to be outside with them by yourself? I just have this vision of my twins running away from me in different directions at the park. That won't be good!!

I have a general question about double jogging stroller. Well simply, do you have any recommendation? I want to start jogging again and having a two-year-old, we have to chase him on non-paved areas. So, I think it's time for us to buy one.

We went to Green Lake in Seattle today to meet up with a friend of mine from college. She's from Sri Lanka and has a two-year-old girl. Her daughter was incredibly adorable! The twins did well in the stroller but did not nap at all. I hope they will learn to sleep in carseats before the big trip to Idaho.

Anyway, I better get things done now that they are sleeping.

Take care!

Kimi

[Dakota]

Hi everyone. I've been reading your post for the last week since I found out that we are having twins. I enjoy your post and have learned a bunch from you already.

I do have a question. Did you up your pre-nats to two a day since its twins? I havent picked up my twin books yet and forgot to ask my RE about it and I was just wondering. Any help would be great.

Thanks, and congrats!!

[sameera]

Hi Dakota - Welcome to the board!

Congratulations on your twin pregnancy

My OB put me on Prenate DHA - Once a day

which are like horse pills ugh! but I will take em as long as I need to for my babies..

and as well as Folic Acid pills - which I have to take twice a day!!

So, I guess it depends on the dosage - I could be wrong but prolly be best to ask your OB or RE just incase.

Sameera

[sameera]

Hi Girls - sorry I haven't posted in a while..

I went for my OB appt today and both the babies are doing great!

Baby A: 156bpm
Baby B: 146bpm

They both measuring right on target How exciting!!

The u/s tech was 90% sure one of them is a boy, she is not sure about the other one cause both babies were moving around so much - poorthing couldn't get a good glimpse.

have you guys been experiencing or experience round ligament pain?? and contractions or anything??

Sameera

[sarahalf]

Sameera,
So exciting all is going well and you think you have one boy!! You were really hoping for at least one boy, I think?!
I have def starting experiencing the ligament pain and I feel like I start the day looking "ok" and by the end I feel huge! I am wondering what the next ten weeks will bring.
Has anyone noticed strange heart flutters? I feel like it must be because of increased blood volume but that seems to be a strange side effect~
I go for my high res u/s this Thurs. I would like to say Im relieved I am halfway there (today!) but I am still kind of pins and needles on a day to day...
Dakota, welcome and congrats on twins! I am also on a one a day horse pill. I take it at night so I dont feel sick from it. I cant imagine having to choke down two!

[kholtan]

Good Evening Mommies!!!

Sarahalf~ I can't say I had RLP or the heart thing but it still sounds like everything is going well so hurray!!! Time is passing so fast and I bet you are getting more excited everyday. Keep up the good work! Sorry to hear about your last pg. I would be scared too even though in your head I know you know it's a different preganancy, the mind doesn't always rule. Have faith and keep your mind positive!
As for energy. . .I may be hyper-active. . .just alittle! Ok, A lot! Preganancy just didn't slow me down and I have no secret. Partly I just love watching the kids see new things so I just let it motivate me to get out. Cleaning the toilet. . . hmmmmm? Not so motivated!

Sameera~ Nice checkup! Isn't it great to know they are both doing well? I loved that moment of relief and to top it off at least one boy. I cannot say in words how wonderful boys are. I think everyone should have at least one of each because they are so different and yet you just think that nothing could be better with both when you are aolone todether. Twins are just so amazing!!! Good luck!

Dakota~ Congratulations!!! You are so blessed! Welcome aboard as well. I thinkyou will find these twim mommies to be of great help and we love to see new mommies. The baby days seem so far away and I live thru you! I was on one PV a day and the max dose of iron. Everyone is different and your OB probably takes into account your blood work ect. . . so I'm sure you are doing what's right for you. They are huge though aren't they? Good luck and we are glad to have you aboard!

Kimi~ Thanks for the thought regarding my brother. He's on the mend but still cannot walk yet so it's slow. Do not owrry about coming to us. You are on vacation with 3 kids and I live here. . . I am coming to you!!! Wherever is fine with me as well. My only available time is probably Sunday late afternooon or evening and Monday anytime. If that doesn't work I can try for something on Friday but Saturday is WAY too crazy. Like I said, my kids travel really well and I can bring them anywhere! Cheerios. . . an amazing drug!!!!
As for strollers. . .My jogger is a Dreamer Design and I like it. I don't love it but I got a great deal on it and it strolls like a caddy! I wish it had more bells and whistles but it works for me. Our local twin group is always selling their BOB strollers which I hear are amazing. If you are interested I can ask and you can take it home with you!

Kim~Thanks for the thought! I wish I could find him a nice girl. The kids do great at the hospital. Not a tear yet. Today Annelise was patting him as if to say "It's alright uncle Wade!" So sweet. She's such a care taker already. I could seriously have 100 just like her. I posted some new pics our blog as well. You can check out the life vests in one picture where Bodie was falling asleep in it in the water. Adorable! Hope all is well with you. Anymore boat adventures?

Must run for I have written a novel and need to go spend time with dh before bedtime. Have a great night everyone and thank you for the kind thoughts regarding my brother. I appreciate it so much!

Hugs~
Kimberly

[woodcliff]

Kimberly, how awful about your poor brother! I wish healthy thoughts his way...and for the family. It's stressful for all of you! (But Annelise...who sounds like a natural sweetheart and ready to make anyone feel better!)

OK, Kimberly, Kim, Kimi (so nice to only have to remember one derivation of a name!)...and anyone with twins older than 3.5 months...

I apologize ahead of time for selfishly coming on only when I need advice.
BUT I don't know what I'm heading for, re: in months 5, or 6, or 8...ie: how much 'help' I'll need.

My dilemma: I have a helper who wants more hours than I need someone. My babies are easy (although my son loves to scream when he's hungry or tired)...and just a joy for me to hang out with.

I have spent all my time with them since week 7 (but had help 24/7 for the first 6 weeks), save for someone helping me around 4-5 hrs most days...I love it...

They are such a joy, and sleeping through the night...

well, the nanny wants 10 hours per day! I don't need it, and resent it cuz she's never free for me on weekends but offers her services cheaper to friends or people who take her to a swimming pool (kind of stupid choice, but she's young)...she comes to me to make her real $$$.

I only need her around 20 hrs per week...which means I may lose her (fine with me, her 'tude is bugging me, but the babies know her and I don't want to hurt their world...ahem, like they'll remember)
but I wonder if I'll regret this latter, when the babies are crawling and mobile?
Will I lose my mind then and really, truly need a second person with me all day?
I OFTEN feel having a second person around slows down my 'courage' to go out and about with the babies...
I do have another young girl who loves to sit for me (I'm normally in the house at the time)...and she's lovely...
OK..sorry to go on.
Any wisdom on what i"m in for in coming months, and if I'm nuts to let go of a good helper (I'm also tired of spending $$$$$ on her)

THANK YOU