April & May 2008

[rebeccaj]

hello everyone,

babyb, welcome back!

Lisa, congrats on the job - so happy for you that they cover IVF - it makes all the difference. Here's to you being in the new job as short a time as possible!!

so how much weight has everyone put on? Mine has suddenly started to pile on which makes me a bit nervous! I hardly put anything on in the first trimester but now have put on 21lbs!! Was conviced it was all in my bump and boobs but I am now sure that my bum and hips are joining in the new look I have NOTHING to wear anymore, even a pair of maternity jeans I bought are now a bit tight! this whole pregnant thing is turning out to be v expensive!!

So we've finally decided on the urban mountain buggy - we want a side by side and it seems to be the narrowest (28"). It does seem on the heavy side but the advantage is that it takes a carry cot which I think we'll need. Hopefully it will last the twins until they're about 4. Hayley, the one you're getting looks great - I tried to find a dealer over here but I couldn't.

I'm back at work on Monday - dreading it to be honest but it's quite nice to know that there is an end in sight. I'm lucky that I don't need to be on my feet all day.

OK must get up and on.

Happy 2008 to all

Rebecca

[Cocoa]

HEY LISA!!!! WHAWHOOOO Girl!!! Here comes your 2008 baby(ies)!!! I am so happy for you that your IVF is covered now... I will tell you a tiny story about me where God worked in a mighty way...

In (very) short... I have wanted another child for 12 years. In 1998 my DH cancelled our long awaited adoption just a day before we were to get her picture. Later I found out he was with another woman. After years of terrible pain many who knew me could not believe that I could still be praying for my marriage and for a baby after all I had been through. I never stopped praying and wanting this for me but also in very large way for my son too. I would think... what about 30 years from now and I'm/we're gone? Who will my son have? Cousins? Their kids? Yes, that's wonderful but no one is there like family is... So I kept praying and believing. Five years ago my DH came home. Two years ago God woke me up out of a sound sleep and told me to go buy my SUV "for the twins" (YES, He told me "for the twins" that day too - He had also picked out the make and model for me so I knew where I was headed). A few hours later I drove home in my 7-passenger car... Still no baby at that time though and it didn't look like DH would be cooperating either. I still believed. Fast forward - at the IVF clinic a little more than a year ago we were told we would have to undergo marriage counseling (due to my DH past indescretions) before they would let us go through the process. They would not give us a time frame for this counseling. My DH finally agreed to go and after 6 months and a very long letter from the counselor in support of us the clinic was more than happy to work with us. Thus began my protocol. After ALL the pain of all the years and ALL the struggle and the loss, I felt that in getting to the point of cycle dates (with a transfer date!) that I could not be nervous... it had to be a process that I calmly incorporated into my daily routine as the days and protocols came and went. I was so NOT stressed because I was SO sure that this was what God had finally planned coming true that I let it go completely. Both blastos (the ONLY 2 to make it out of 11 fertilized eggs) took and not only that I have my little boy and my little girl. When the time comes NOTHING can stop the inevitable and when God promises something then 1) you know it in your heart and 2) nothing and no one can stop it from happening... You WILL have your family my dear. You have already told me that you feel your children alive in your heart and in your dreams and that's proof enough to me that God is speaking. All my love and prayers to you... BABYB... are you listening?

So girls, I have officially gained 29lbs at 23w YIKES!!! HOWEVER... my OB said I have edema and boy can I attest to that!!! I am VERY swollen in the legs. You know what she told me to do? EAT!!! She said she knows I am not eating enough and drinking enough because of my urine results AND that the weight is WATER. I can't really eat very well at all because I get instantly bloated. Anyone else?

I received my fetal doppler today. I rented it for 3 months but I stupidly got the one that displays the fetal HR. STUPID because the numbers go up and down all over the place (and sometimes really low) and it unnerved me. OB said baby A - girl - now has the slower HR so what am I thinking? Bad.... If you get the doppler - DON'T get the display...

OK, you haven't answered my ? - WHEN are you ladies having your showers??? I asked my girlfriend to plan it at 31w (end of Feb). I still don't know how long I will be working. Work for me is constant motion/driving so I may have to go out due to being unable to move

As far as strollers go - I have the side-by-side twin combi on my registry. I really liked it at BRU and it fits through doorways too !!

love to you all

xxxCocoa

[Vlada]

Hello evrybody,
Cocoa to answer your question:
I am planning on having my baby shower in the beginning of March. I will have two. One will be with family and one will be with friends. Meaning one will be kinda boring and the other one will be lots of fun ha ha ha
Vlada
PS I think so far I have gained about 13 pounds, I will know for sure when I go to my OB on Jan 18th for my diabetes test.

[robinsonpr]

Aww Cocoa what a touching story!!! It's just had me in tears! (the hormones don't help!!!). I love hearing happy ending stories like that.

We don't really have baby showers here in the UK. We only really have "wetting the babies head" after the birth. Which tends to be the DH and his mates going out and getting bladdered and smoking big fat cigars while Mummy stays in with the new addition(s). Nice. I think we should try and get the shower tradition going over here!

I've been measuring my belly regularly, and it's really started expanding!! I haven't been monitoring my weight as I don't own any scales (I refuse to have them in the house in case I don't like what they say!!!). My prenatal notes have my weight so I'll check how much I've put on next time I see the midwife.

Love,
Hayley xx

[Mandy J]

Yeah, its such a shame we don't have baby showers here, I saw it on 'friends' and am so sad I won't get one here! But quite a few of my patients have been giving me gifts for the baby (teddies, photo frames etc) when I see them.

I've put on 18lbs so far, is this a bit too much for carrying a singleton? I must admit that I do enjoy my food, and have used the pregnancy to go off the 'weight watchers' healthy eating, well, I am eating healthy stuff, just its topped off with cake too!

Mandy
x

[Cocoa]

OMG!!! You don't have baby showers in the UK??!! You mean you buy all the furniture and stollers and car seats on your own? Wow!!! That makes it REALLY expensive for you... I don't know where the tradition here begin but I like it. Only we only have a baby shower for baby #1. Since I am having twins and its 15 (almost) years later I am having one.

I don't know when I will start my leave from work as it depends on how well I can move the closer I get to my due date. It would be nice to work as long as I can like to spring break in March (last day would be March 20) but who knows.

My babies seemed to have calmed a lot. I don't feel them as strongly or as often but I rented a doppler so I can hear them move and kick (as well as hear the HBs) and I don't feel all the kicks it seems.

I am sooo tired today. I had trouble sleeping the last few nights and last night I dreamed all night and slept for 9 hours. I STILL want to sleep but I get anxious when I feel like I waste the day away. One of my dream segments had me deliver one baby and then later two more were delivered all via c-section but just under the skin. Weird as I am not carrying triplets. Two were so tiny - about 3 or 4 lbs but they looked like early gestational fetuses. The other one, a girl, was HUGE!!! like 8 or 9 pounds maybe more. She looked like a regular baby. Just so weird...

I know there's lots of girls on this board due in April/May who don't post here so I am giving an open invitation to them all to share with us here and join our group!!!

I have another anatomy scan on Monday afternoon. I guess they check on growth and organ development. I will try to stay calm about the slow down in the fetal movement I feel until then. At least I can check on the HBs though...

xxxCocoa

[woodcliff]

xxxxx

[woodcliff]

xxxx

[CroElla]

Hi ladies,

I don't post too often but I'm reading yours almost every day.

Lisa, I have to (cowardly) admit that in the time of your biggest sorrow and pain I could not find words good enough to share with you. I thought that what ever I come up with, won't have any meaning. I did cry...I don't think that there is any girl on this forum that didn't reading your story. And now, I admire your strength so much!! I know, people might say that life goes on, but mothers don't just go on. It takes extra dose of courage to be this person that you are today. I am sad for what happened to you, but at a same time happy that you decided to give another try. I am not much of a help, but this girls are the best pals person can hope for.

Cocoa you described it perfectly!! FAITH! This is what I believe carries us all and help us to get up in the morning and go on.

As for me; my one failure with IVF before this successful one, for both me and my husband was the worst moment in our lives. My doctor told me that I should stop trying; that my eggs are just not good enough any more; that the egg donor is our only chance. We changed the doctor. I changed my entire diet (tossed all dairy products and gluten), went to the acupuncturists; and holding my husbands hand stubbornly decided to give another try. (The other doctor gave us 5% chance to succeed). The result is this wonderful pregnancy. I couldn't wish for the better one! I didn't have any m/s, so far I gained 7 lb, I can walk around and do things as usual; the only thing that changed is I sleep 11 hrs per night (and sometimes take a nap during the day). Also, I am sticking to my diet plan, and I never felt healthier in my life. I have to mention that I am not a picture perfect woman!!! I am overweight (have at least 30 extra lb)!And not the youngest; will be 38 soon) Two weeks ago we found out that this little miracle is a GIRL:)

As you noticed, I don't post too often and for that I beg your forgiveness;, but I am reading your posts and sharing your happy and sad moments almost every day.

[Babyb]

Hi ladies! I've been down for the last 36 hours. Starting to really feel all the side effects of pregnancy and it is beating me up. The Constipation is HORRIBLE! I've go for 7 days without a movement (TMI). Yesterday, I really started to get a bad headache, felt very toxic and had cramps. I took 6 Colace Pills and drank 2 fiber shakes and apple juice, etc -- NOTHING. Finally a little (and I say little) relief today. Am I grossing everyone out yet? My hubby and I decided that I need to get back on my first trimester diet (or at least some modified version of it). SO, really focusing on pumping up all the high fiber food (bran, fruits like apples and prunes [prunes not my favorite], lots of beans and avocado, etc.). Going to cut back on heavier meats and other food items that don't digest well. As difficult as it is to get back on s strict routine, the consequences of NOT doing it are WORSE!

One of my boys is also sitting low hitting my nerve so it is difficult for me to walk. Suffice to say, I'm not feeling the greatest these days.

Weight -- I'm too afraid to get on the scale. My DH says I look about the same size as I was right before delivering Sienna. So, I guess at 19 weeks, I look and feel damn near 40 weeks. I can't believe how long I still have to go before I deliver.

As for a shower, I'm thinking I'll do one in Feb. I'm afraid I might not be up for a big wahoo later on in the pregnancy so I'm planning something earlier rather than later. I'm not going to do a typical shower this time. I think my DH and I are just going to throw a gathering to celebrate our situation. I'm sure my gal pals will tell everyone where we are registered, but want this to be a party that my Dh's friends can feel comfortable attending.

Strollers . . . still deciding. We like the urban mountain buggy, but it is VERY HEAVY. Then again, all the twin strollers seem to be extremely heavy. Guess I just need to start developing my arm muscles.

Cocoa: Thank you for sharing your beautiful story and YES, I am listening. We will try again for our little girl after this pregnancy. Still deliberating whether we will chance it with my eggs or not. We will make this decision down the road. In the meantime, trying to focus on these boys.

Love to you all.

[Cocoa]

Hi Ladies:

CroElla... Wow haven't seen a post from you in a long while!!! I am so happy to hear that you are progessing well and in health... you are correct it is faith! and it is faith that has gotten me through the last ten years and I look to God and the faith that He has graced me with to bring me all the way through and eventually home one day...

BabyB... Oh dear!!! I am so sorry you are experiencing such discomfort. I have plenty of those days myself but mostly due to pressure as my little boy moves very low from time to time. The peeing every 20 to 40 minutes is quite annoying yet not as painful though it can get quite uncomfortable. I can't take colace as I have tried on 2 occasions to get relief that way and ended up with gas and intestinal pain. It worked but in my mind so not worth it. We are allowed to use Miralax and now that is what I will use if I get to the point where I haven't gone in more than 2 days. I am glad to have read that you will try for more children and look toward your little girl. There is a reason for all things and though sometimes some of the bad could be avoided - as it is our decisions that sometimes put us in situations that cause the pain - all pain is an opportunity for growth. You have an angel in Sienna - she has certainly changed your life and I am sure for the better. You will have her to share with your boys and then it will be you, your DH AND your boys who pray for your 2nd baby girl never forgetting how she came into your life...through your love for Sienna and the strength gathered from that love.

I am retaining quite a bit of fluid and I read that celery helps as a natural diuretic so I ate some today. I hope it works as I look like a wrinkled sheet when I wake up in the morning. I also feel pins and needles when I stand too long (which is only about 2 or 3 minutes).

WC: I was thinking that working to March 20th may be too long yet I don't want to get in a lazy non-moving rut and being at work keeps me using my muscles and such. Its so hard to know that the right thing. I get crazy with "what if I cause my own pre-term labor, what if my cervix starts to change and I don't know it... what ifs... yikes!!!" when I think about working that long - I mean will bed rest stave off all those fears or make them worse? I've decided I have to just take it one day at a time and my OB says she'll sign me out on disability when I feel I need to go. Also, I hear you about the baby shower v. just having a celebration. My question would then be when - celebrate before or after the birth? I mean I know you want to be comfortable so when would that be? When you're big as a house or when you're exhausted and still sore after the babies come BUT then your company can see the precious little ones? It's so different when carrying twins than carrying a singleton... so much to think about!


Ok, tired today so going to sign off!

Love you all!!!

xxxCocoa

[woodcliff]

xxxx

[rebeccaj]

hello ladies,

I have a new symptom - just to add to the sexiness of my new figure I have developed swollen ankles like an old lady!! does any one else have this? My pregnant friends reassure me that it's normal and to put my feet up but that's extremely hard when your working a 10 hour day - any suggestions?

Planning on working for at least 10 more weeks but that's only if the doctor will allow me (and the hubby); hoping to reduce my hours at some point but we have an incredibly busy January and February so it's not likely before then.

We attend our first class this weekend called Multiple Exepectations - makes it feel real and looking forward to actually meeting some other mummy-of-twins-to-be!

No baby shower for me unless a friend plan one without me knowing. I may live in the US but still too English to sign up to a registry. In the UK it's really traditional to wait until after the baby(s) is born before getting anything and then it's usually clothes or toys. My parents have offered to buy the buggy which is nice and we've finally settled on the Mountain buggy although I hear it's on the heavy side.

So apart from the sexy new ankles, everything is still going well. The babies are kicking away which is very reassuring even if it has made me give a little yelp in the middle of meetings! Excited to hit 24 weeks on Monday - I guess for us twin mummies that's the start of our third trimester? is that true?

Love to all of you

Rebecca X

[Cocoa]

Hi Girls!!!
OOOHHHH... sexy swollen ankles??? Well, I beat you to that one a long while ago my dear. In fact, I took my ankle socks off tonight after wearing them for a mere 3 hours and I had THE sexiest elephant ankles one could conceive of ... AND I have eaten 3 pkgs of celery in the last week too!!! It's not working...

I have finally reached 24w!!! Yeay!!! It would be nice to think it but we still don't reach trimester 3 until 28w - twins or single I am so big I can't breathe after I eat or drink the littlest bit. My tummy hurts from all the stretching that is happening so quickly too. Like Woodcliff I have this terrible pain in my upper back that keeps me awake or wakes me up if I am lucky enough to finally fall asleep. Speaking of sleep... I just can't get into a good position no matter how many pillows or where I put the them!!! (that deserves a double cry AND sympathy for me please... ).

So I have gained probably 30lbs (lots of fluid! and bbs are 10lbs EACH! I just know it) but the babies are VERY healthy... On Monday (23w5d) Baby A - my girl measured 1#9oz and Baby B - my boy measured 1#8oz (you go girl!!!!) I feel him all the time and when he kicks my cervix it can get quite crazy as it feels as if he's hitting a nerve and it makes me jump but also kind of tickles too. Hard to describe. I have another growth scan on Feb 6th. I think since I am not being followed by a peri that my OB prefers my cervical check to be done this way too. My cervix measured 39mm but 35mm with contraction like pressure. The tech said I was the "poster girl" for a long cervix with twins at 24w . I said as long as I don't have to "pose" for the picture then I was OK...

BabyB - I hope your "discomfort" has "evacuated" the situation and you are feeling better.

Where are all my other ladies???? Who's due first from our group????

Anyone gone off work yet? How about you SciTeacher? How are you?

I don't know about you gals but I am VERY emotional and I get VERY cranky (sometimes I "hate" people and I hate myself for that). I am so much better being at work than at home - I am actually nice at work

Ok - gonna go and hope to hear from you ALL soon!!!!

xxxCocoa

[Vlada]

Hello Ladies,
Cocoa, I think I might be the first on the schedule because of my c section, but I am sure that all of you twin mummies will have your babies earlier than me.
Rebecca, i am not registering for my baby shower either, too much hassle, so I just asked everybody for gift certificates, and nobody minded either. I will have my first shower ( with friends) on February 24th, I know it is kinda early, but I don't wanna have it too close to my due date and I will probably have my second shower with family in the first week of march.
Well, I got a bladder infection, so I have to be on antibiotics now, it sucks, because I think that I am getting yeast infection from them.
I am glad that everyone is doing good!!!!
Vlada