Mothers of Multiples

[Twinmamas]

angelgirl8
angelgirl8, 28
DH: dave, 28
Married: 7.6.03
TTC: 1.04
BFP: 6.2.05 after 2nd IVF
EDD: 2.12.06 (?)

Bernie
me: 30
DH: 34
Married: 1/18/2003
BFP: 6/29/05
U/S showing twins: 7/8/05
EDD: 3/8/2006

cari2
me: 32
dh: 30
married: 9/03
fraternal twin girls: born 8/05 at 35 1/2 weeks

cbiggers
Me: Casey 34 (almost anyway)
DH: Brian 34
IF due to endometriosis
m/c June 2003 - Triploidy
Successful IUI April 2004
Caroline Louise and Isabel Jean
born: 12/04/04 (36w5d)

charmcitygirl
me: 31
DH: charmcityboy, 33
Married: 3/04
TTC: nope, not even trying to get pg!
BFP: 1/26/05 U/S shows twins 2/11/05
EDD: 9/19/05
boy/girl twins
birth date: 8/14/05
Jake and Arizona (Zoe)

Jad
Me: K, 34
DH: P, 34
Married: 09/02
BFP: 10/10/05 after 2nd IVF
EDD: 06/20/06
Monoamniotic twins

journey
Me - 26
DH - 36
Married - June 17, 2001
DS - William Clark June 6, 2003
b/g twins; 40 week EDD: 2/11/05
birth day: January 28, 2005 (38w0d)
Catheryn Jean @ 3:42 p.m.; 6lbs 4ozs, 19 3/4"
Nathan Richard @ 3:44 p.m.; 6lbs 8ozs, 20 1/4"

jrsygirl
Me - 31
DH - 32
Married - September 7, 2002
BFP: 8.18.05 ( DH birthday!)
EDD: 4.28.06 (I'm sure it will change once I see my OBGYN since this is based on a single)

kakirk
me: Katie, 27
dh: Todd, 32
married: 8/17/02
angel twins Tess & Sam, 5/6/04
boy/girl twins EDD: 7/28/05
Birth Date: 7/8/05 (37w3d)
Harrison Kirkpatrick, "Hank", 7.2 lbs.
Camilla Margaret, "Lily", 6.5 lbs.

kat
Me: 36
DH: 40
Married: 9/02
IVF: 6/05
Positive beta: 6/23/05
EDD: 3/2/06

khouse
Me: Kenan 32
DH: Brian 31
3rd IUI April 2004 - 3rd times a charm! :-)
Proud Mommy to Delaney Thea and Devon Wade
Born: 12/04/04

klm2klh
Me: Kristin, 31
DH: G, 31
Married: 09/15/01
BPP: 07/25/05
EDD: 03/26/06
Ultrasound showing twins: 10/28/05


Lovin'it
me: 25
DH: 30
Married: 11/16/2001
BFP: 6/29/05
U/S showing twins: 8/22/05
EDD: 3/9/2006 (Dr. thinks they will be here by Valentine's Day!)

mittyrd
Me: Missy - 36
DH: Steve - 37
DS: Jake - 10/7/03
Married: 11/9/02
Identical boys due 9/25/05
Birth day: 7/1/05
Matthew Ryan, 8:06 a.m.
Samuel Jay, 8:09 am

mrsblud
Me: Julie (29)
DH: Brett (26)
Married: 12th October, 2002
m/c: January 04
Pg with 100mg Clomid and 1500mg Metformin
Emma and Brandon
birthday: 12/24/04 (36w1d)

MrsPuls
Me: Sarah
DH: Shaun
Married: 11/10/01
DS: 11/23/03
TWINS EDD: 1/28/05
Gender: Boy and girl
Birth date: 12/13/05 (33w3d)
Lucas: 4lbs 14oz
Aubrey: 4lbs 5oz.

natgirl
Me: Natalie
DH: Jeff
DD: Sophia, born 3/28/04
Twins due 3/11/06!

NJMom
Me - 35
DH - 45
Married - September 14, 2002
Fraternal Boys
birth day: February 15, 2005 at 33wks
Jacob Michael 4lbs 10ozs
Brayden Matthew 4lbs 5ozs

Phen
me: Phen (33)
dh: Tom (28)
Married: 4/20/02
Birthday: 7/13/04 (37w5d)
Thomas Calvin IV - 3:31 a.m., 7 lbs 9 oz, 18"
Alexander Childs - 3:33 a.m., 6 lbs 3 oz, 19.5"

PilotsWife
Me: 37
DH: 35
Married: 4-30-04
BFP: 4-15-05
40 Week EDD: 12-24-05
Boy/Boy Twins
(Brit'sBride on WC)
Birth date: November 25, 2005
Aidan Morgan - 10:02 p.m., 4 lbs. 9 oz.
Ryan David - 10:03 p.m., 5 lbs. 9 oz.


QPDoll
Tina, 31
DH = Travis, 30
Married 7/4/03
fertility issues: PCOS/IR
Conceived on 4th month of metformin and first month of clomid
Expecting di/di boys
40 week due date: August 14, 2005
Adjusted due date: July 31, 2005
Birth Date: July 23, 2005
Peter Randall at 9:20 am, 7lbs 3 oz 20” long
Nathaniel James at 10:30 am, 6 lbs 19” long

relly
Married: 11/8/3
TTC: 11/8/3
M/Cs: March 2004, May 2004, November 2004
BFP: 8/18/5, IVF #2
EDD: April 26, 2006

Saathei
Me - 22
DH - 24
Married - August 29, 2003
Fraternal? (not sure) girls twins; 40 week EDD: 6/2/05
birth day: April 24, 2005 (34w3d)
Thalia Barbara @ 10:26 a.m.; 4lbs 6ozs, 17"
Michaya Leita @ 10:27 p.m.; 4lbs 9ozs, 18"

Sunmoonstars75
Me=Sara, 29
DH=Andy, 32
Married 09/28/02
Audra Elizabeth 03/08/05 4:36 pm
Amelia Grace 03/08/05 4:37 pm

2labradogs
me: Lynn (34)
dh: 42
Married: 8/29/02
Birthday: 02/20/2004 (37.5 wks)
Identical Twin Boys
Chase - 9:30am, 6lbs 14oz, 19.75 inches
Tyler - 9:31am, 6lbs 8oz, 19.75 inches

vancouvergirl
me: 35
dh: 37
married: august 1998
dd: 6
ds: sept 18, 2003
dd: sept 18, 2003
1st IVF attempt
37 1/2 weeks
5 min apart

In our hearts, Astro's Steven Alexander and Ryan Philip.

[Twinmamas]

Birthdays and Duedates

September 18, 2003: vancouvertwinboy and vancouvertwingirl (vancouvergirl)
February 20, 2004: Chase and Tyler (2labradogs)
July 13, 2004: Thomas Calvin IV and Alexander Childs (Phen)
December 4, 2004: Caroline Louise and Isabel Jean (cbiggers)
December 4, 2004: Delaney Thea and Devon Wade (khouse)
December 24, 2004: Brandon and Emma (mrsblud)
January 28, 2005: Catheryn Jean and Nathan Richard (journey)
February 15, 2005: Jacob Michael and Brayden Matthew (NJMom)
March 8, 2005: Audra Elizabeth and Amelia Grace (sunmoonstars75)
April 24, 2005: Thalia Barbara and Michaya Leita (saathei)
July 1, 2005: Matthew Ryan and Samuel Jay (mittyrd)
July 8, 2005: Harrison Kirkpatrick ("Hank") and Camilla Margaret ("Lily") (kakirk)
July 23, 2005: Peter Randall and Nathaniel James (QPDoll)
August 14, 2005: Jake and Arizona ("Zoe") (charmcitygirl)
August 2005: two girls (cari2)
November 25, 2005: Aidan Morgan and Ryan David (PilotsWife)
December 13, 2005: Lucas and Aubrey (MrsPuls)

due February 2006: two babies! (angelgirl8)
due March 2006: two girls! (lovin'it)
due March 2006: a boy and a girl! (Bernie)
due March 2006: a boy and a girl! (kat)
due March 2006: a boy and a girl! (natgirl)
due March 2006: two boys! (klm2klh)
due April 2006: a boy and a girl! (jrsygirl)
due April 26, 2006: two babies! (relly)
due June 2006: two babies! (Jad)

[Twinmamas]

FAQs
Can you breastfeed twins?
It's been done by many twinmamas. The twinmamas on this thread who didn't BF (or pump) were usually unable to for reasons OTHER than having twins.

We do recommend finding a lactation consultant *with experience in helping BF multiples* prior to the babies' arrival, though. We strongly encourage that. Like get off the computer now and go call the La Leche League to find a multiples-experienced LC in your area!

Is bedrest a requirement during my twinpregnancy?
No, but there's a very strong possibility that you'll be put on some sort of restrictions. A twin pregnancy is a high-risk one, and even if you're having a fairly trouble-free twin pregnancy, you'll need to rest: your body is working harder than ever to grow those babies.

What are the chances I'll make it to full-term with the twins?
Full-term for twins is actually not 40 weeks, but rather 34-36 weeks, which is actually when most of the twinmamas here have delivered.

Should I not gain more weight than I would with a singleton pregnancy?
Dr. Barbara Luke has done studies showing that mothers of multiples who gained an average of a pound a week for the first 24 weeks and 2 lbs. a week for the rest of the pregnancy end up delivering healthier babies who spend less (if any) time in the NICU. She advocates twinmamas try to eat 3,500 calories a day. Take it from us...it's hard, but it's worth it.

Twinshock!

First Trimester

Second Trimester

Third Trimester

Eek! They're HERE!
Elizabeth Lyon (a twinmama) has articles she calls "sanity savers" about living with your twins once they're on the outside (http://www.elizabethlyons.com/)

[Phen]

Hi y'all! Just thought I'd bump up this new thread for us. C'mon, where are the rest of our twinmamas??

QP, pardon me for not remembering, but are you going for a vaginal or a planned c-section? You and Katie are in a race to the finish line now, aren'tcha?

angelgirl, have you gotten your doc to give you Zofran yet? I saw on LJ that you're not feeling great and are losing weight. Also, let me take the opportunity to push, er, urge you to get the Dr. Luke book (http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/detail/-/0060542683/qid=1120180338/sr=8-1/ref=pd_bbs_ur_1/103-2564578-3820604?v=glance&s=books&n=507846) as soon as possible. It's THE pregnancy book for twinmamas.

I'm going nutty planning my guys' first birthday party. We're actually having TWO (why not? we have two birthday boys... :p ). This weekend, we're having a cookout and birthday cake with the boys' cousins and aunts and grandad and everyone. Then the following Saturday, we're having a big ol' party for friends (ours and the boys). I am so excited. The boys? They hardly notice.

~ Phen

[Phen]

Oh, and HAPPY ANNIVERSARY (next week), angelgirl8! :o

~ phen

[QPDoll]

QP, pardon me for not remembering, but are you going for a vaginal or a planned c-section? You and Katie are in a race to the finish line now, aren'tcha?

The boys parties sound great! Do you have a theme? Love the bbq party, sounds fun. Of course the boys arn't into it. Its more a party for the adults to celebrate their first year. LOL Wait till they get their cake...then watch out - they will be bouncing off the walls. LOL

I'd love a planned c/s, but its not the way my OB does things. If they are both head-down, were going to try for a vag delivery. Of course, worry-wart me is scared to death of delivering A vaginally, and ending up having a c/s with B. Induction at 38 weeks if they haven't made their appearance yet.

Im on my 4th size of maternity clothes, but I've only gained about 30lbs (I know, way under Dr. Lukes guideline.)
What the heck size will I be after the pregnancy?

Katie - are you here yet?? Is 7/14 your adjusted-38 week due date, or 40 week? Looks like were in a race with each other. Welcome home from Boston! How was the move and how are you doing?

[Astro]

Looks like I'm joining. We're still in shock mode. :) (expecting it to last quite a while). DH and I went through IVF, after having my betas checked every other day for 6 days, the RE said looks like we'll have one baby... We went in for our ultrasound today. (6 weeks 4 days). The RE said, "look, see the heart beat.... and wow, there's another one." :D :D

me: Astro age 38
DH: 36
Married: September 2003
U/S showing twins June 30 2003
Due date: 2/19/2006 ?

[Phen]

Congratulations Astro!! WOOHOO!

QP, I wore maternity clothes until my guys were probably about three or four months old. I re-joined WW when they were 8 weeks old, but still had that darn twinskin to deal with (truth be told, the twinskin is still around to this day and I've lost all 65 lbs. of pregnancy weight + 8 more pounds). The maternity tops are helpful if you're nursing (extra roomy for the boobs), and the early-stage maternity stuff (with the small stretchy band around the top) was helpful with the belly.

~ Phen

[angelgirl8]

phen...thanks for officially starting the thread! i'm going to call my obgyn after the holiday if i'm still not feeling well!

DH is reading the dr. luke book as we speak!

and thank for the anniversary wishes!!

astro...so excited for you! welcome!

[mrs_barkley]

Hijacking your thread for a minute. Phen we started a summer 2004 moms thread over here. I hope you will come join us! :)

[QPDoll]

Congratulations Astro!!!

Phen, I've gone through L, XL, 1X, and now am in 2X maternity clothes. Im just wondering what size range of maternity clothes I will be in when they are born. LOL Im not carrying out front, Im carrying WIDE and I haven't really gained much (but my thighs have still managed to grow!) The pregnancy trigged graves disease/overactive thyroid, so half of the pregnancy was fighting to simply regain weight.
I wonder, if Ive only gained 30lbs, will I weight less than I did when I got pregnant?? :cool: Oh, me and my fantasy world. LOL

Twinskin...ugh...why can't they just do a quick tuck while they got me all opened up. LOL Is there anything to be done to get rid of it - besides surgery?

Im going to try to nurse, but Im not wholeheartedly set on it. Im afraid of the exhaustion of those first few weeks, I can't imagine the exhaustion of adding nursing to it. But I want to give it a try at least.

[Astro]

Thanks everyone for the congrats and welcome. It still doesn't feel "real"... whatever that is. :)

QPDoll - hope you're enjoying this nice weather. The lovely weathermen keep saying clouds and rain, and I keep waking up to sunny Seattle. I wish it'd rain. The progesterone is making me too hot to appreciate the sum. :)

Question for everyone here based on the Dr Luke book (just picked it up this weekend). How many of you stayed with your regular OB and how many of you went out to find a maternal-fetal medicine specialist as suggested by Dr Luke?

Just trying to figure out if it's really needed....

[mittyrd]

Just a quick note to say the babies are here: Matthew Ryan and Samuel Jay born July 1, 2005 at 8:06 am and 8:09 am. Both are teeny, tiny and will be in the NICU for the next 3 months. I just got home from the hospital. I'll write more when I get a chance.

[Phen]

OHMYGOSH, mittyrd! Please do update when you can and let us know if there's anything we can do for y'all. Welcome to Matthew and Samuel!

Astro, I started out with an RE, but he released me to an OB at around 10 weeks (although the RE did monitor me through to the start of the third trimester). I debated the whole MFM thing, and in the end, decided that I would go if anything started showing signs of going wrong or getting scary, but it never did, so I stayed with my OB. That was a long way of saying "no," huh? But everyone's situations is different, of course.

QP, oh I was miserably disappointed to find that I still had a ton of pregnancy weight left on me after I delivered the boys. As for twinskin, I keep reading articles about how Pilates and other exercise will actually make it go away...I haven't exercised in months, though, so I can't tell about that.

~ Phen

[QPDoll]

How many of you stayed with your regular OB and how many of you went out to find a maternal-fetal medicine specialist as suggested by Dr Luke?

I changed OBs at the start of my 2nd tri. My local hospital didn't take our insurance (and it doesnt have a level 3 NICU), and my OB doesnt have privelages at the hospital closest to us with a level 3 NICU. My OB aso didn't believe a twin pregnancy was any different than a singleton. I was starting to have problems and she dismissed them and took 4 days to call me back regarding my problems and concerns. So I called the big hospital and asked for a referral for a high-risk OB.

Are you in Seattle? Im in Bremerton, rejoicing in todays rain. The heat is a killer.

Phen, thanks for the info! How are things going for you? Did the boys enjoy their bday party??

Congrats Mittyrd Welcome to the world, Matthew and Samuel. Please update when you can, and I pray for a short hospital stay for your boys.

[mittyrd]

I'll try to write this as I remember it but all of this has been such a blur - it happened so fast - I swear we are going to wake up and find out this was just a bad dream.

Thursday morning I had a doctor's appt. I complained about a lot of achey pains in my right ovary but he laughed at me and told me it was "ligament pain". I had also noticed that my belly had dropped significantly. Anyway, other than all that I felt ok and was just annoyed that the doctor didn't offer me any sympathy. Thursday evening, I was getting Jake ready for bed and I started having a few contractions around 6:30 pm. I didn't think too much of it as I often had contractions when I was sitting on the ground. Around 7 pm they started coming more regularly. I put Jake to bed and the contractions were getting stronger. DH was out so I didn't call anyone thinking they would go away. By the time DH got home around 8 pm the contractions were every 10 minutes and more and more painful. I had DH call the doctor and they told me to go to L&D right away. We dropped Jake off at his daycare provider's house and went to the hospital. They started me on tirbutiline (?sp) right away and even though I thought the contractions were getting better, apparently they weren't on the monitor. By then they were every 3-4 minutes. So then they started me on Magnesium and they started getting stronger again. They checked me for dilation and I was 3-4 cm so they sent me right away by ambulance to Boston. By the time I got there the contractions were only every 20 minutes so I thought I was doing better. When they checked me I was 100% effaced already but still at 4 cm. THe doctor told me I would be in the hospital for the remainder of the pg whether it be 2 days or 3 months. I cried b/c of Jake. As it turns out they had to deliver by c/s 2 hours later b/c I continued to dilate and they couldn't stop the contractions despite all the magnesium. I only got one shot of celestone 8 hours previously and the doctors were trying to hold on for 48 hours so that I could get 3 total to mature the lungs. So I had the babies 13 hours after the contractions started - the babies were 27 wks 3 days.

THe babies cried at delivery but were intubated within minutes. I got to see them for a couple of seconds before they sent them to the NICU. They anticipate they being there until the end of Sept. They are actually doing really well. THe nurses and doctors keep saying that they don't know they are only 27 weeks and think they are older. They also say they act like babies who got the 3 shots of celestone, not just one. They remained on the ventilators for only the first day and now they are both on CPAP. They have lots of spells when the CPAP is out even for a minute so they will be on that for a while. THey started on small amounts of feeds already and they are still getting TPN. I am a pumping fool so hopefully, I'll be able to make enough milk for them. Matt is just under 2.5 pounds now and Sam is just over 2 pounds.

It's been hard b/c I had to leave them in the hospital which I know is the best place for them but still sad. I needed to come home for Jake b/c he was having a very hard time without mama home. Poor guy is so confused. I'll try to post pictures later if I can figure out how to download them. Please keep them in your prayers.

[mrs_barkley]

mittyrd,

Hugs to you and your little family from a long time lurker here! Sounds like they are doing great so far! My DD was born at 28 weeks so I understand what you are going thru. I know both me and my DH cried all the way home when we had to leave my DD at the hospital. If you need someone to talk to, please feel free to send me a private message or e-mail me thru my profile.

[angelgirl8]

mittyrd...sending love to you and your new twins! good to hear they are doing well. hope you are doing well, also. let us know if you all need anything.

ETA: i love their names...just beautiful.

astro...obviously i'm at pretty much the same point you are, but we are going to stick with my obgyn for now. we really like her and she has delivered tons of twins (and she has her own). unless i become more high risk than just a normal multiple pregnancy, we are going to stay with her. she's affiliated with one of the top hospitals in the city, so we're comfortable with that as well.

___

well, i've been released from my RE! as of today, i am released to my obgyn. our first appointment is on 7/15. i've been feeling unbelievably nauseated so i got a prescription for zofran yesterday. took one pill last night but i'm feeling pretty good today.

[QPDoll]

Missy, It sounds like your two are doing really well - and have made quite an impression on the nurses. Its great that their lungs are developed like they had received all the shots! I know they have a lot of developing and growing to do still, my prayers and thoughts are with you all.

[Astro]

QPDoll I'm actually over in Redmond (east of Seattle)
mittyrd Congratulations on the babies. I hope their time in NICU goes fast and they get to come home sooner than expected.
angelgirl8 Congratulations on getting released from the RE's. Looks like I'm a little over a week behind you, so hopefully I'll get released soon as well. :)

Next US is tomorrow evening. I'm getting nervous as both my DH and I have been having nightmares about them finding a 3rd little baby in there. :eek: Two's going to be plenty for us. We'd like to stick with our two and hope to make it to a happy and healthy delivery with them.

[kakirk]

GAH! HOW have I missed this thread??!?! Stupid, 37 weeks pg lady!!!

Missy, I will keep you & the twins in my thoughts. I don't know what hospital they're at in Boston, but I have 1000% confidence in any of the three "big" ones (MGH, BIDMC, or B&W). Do keep us posted on how they're doing.

Astro, I've only seen perinatologists for both my pregnancies. Once we knew it was twins after IVF#1, I read Dr. Luke and decided to go with a MFM. Frankly, it was probably the smartest decision I've made in all of parenting. While I lost my first pregnancy (despite being monitored closely), I was already established with a fantastic doctor who, incidentally, specialized in the condition I have (incompetent cervix). And, as a result I've been taken care of so well through this whole pregnancy that I don't think (even with a singleton) I would ever go back to a regular OB.

I see you're in Redmond -- I'm in Edmonds (Hi QP!), and I've been going to the UW. They have a FANTASTIC "prematurity prevention" clinic which is staffed by perinatolgoists. I'd be happy to PM you the info if you're interested. I've been VERY, VERY happy with them. As premature birth is a high risk for any twin pregnancy, and even higher for someone with IC like me, it was SUPER important to deliver at a hospital with a Level III NICU (whcih the UW has). Further, their L&D floor has a dedicated perinatologist, AND a neonatologist, along with anesthesiologist on the floor 24 hours a day (no paging someone in the middle of the night to come in from home). That was huge for me.

QP, July 14 is the day I turn 38 weeks; my doc always said she didn't want me to go past 38 weeks so that's what i had in my sig. Incidentally, the schedule wasn't great for me to have a c/s on 7/14, so I'm scheduled for 7/15 now (38+1). :D

As for what's up with me...Not a lot! I had my cerclage taken out yesterday, hoping it would put me into labor but alas, it did not. As such, I'm on a wait-and-see holding pattern. I'm scheduled for a c/section or induction (my choice) on July 15 if I don't spontaneously go into labor before then. I have two NST's between now & then too.

It's only EIGHT MORE DAYS!!!!! :D

[QPDoll]

It's only EIGHT MORE DAYS!!!!! :D

OMGISH! Is that all!?!?!?! *~*~*~*~labor vibes*~*~*~*~
So how much worse is 37 weeks in comparison to 34/35 weeks?

My DH "wants" me to go to 38 weeks, I think he is sadistic. 7/16 is my goal, 36 weeks. (ten more days) But I think Im going to be like you and go all the way. (boo-hiss)

I was bad today. I snuck out of the house and got a mani & a pedi, AND a haircut. *heaven*
Oh, and DH tried to install the carseats in the truck this weekend....um...yeah...they don't exactly fit. Were screwed!

[crazycaro]

Missy, I just wanted to stop by to congratulate you on the arrival of your earlybirds. I had Ruby at 31 weeks and am happy to talk to you at anytime, with any questions you might have about what is ahead. They sound like they are doing wonderfully for being born so early.

Thinking about you lots, I know how hard this is.

Caroline

[angelgirl8]

katie...i can't believe you're 37 weeks! that's wonderful. i also can't believe you have that giant B as your avatar. don't think we can be friends anymore. :)

[mittyrd]

Thank you all for your prayers and support.

Katie: The boys are at NEMC. We feel really confident with their care so far.

Here are some pictures:

Sam:
http://images.snapfish.com/3443973523232%7Ffp45%3Dot%3E2348%3D4%3A%3B%3D448%3 DXROQDF%3E232394%3B%3A96%3A%3A6ot1lsi
http://images.snapfish.com/3443973523232%7Ffp54%3Dot%3E2348%3D4%3A%3B%3D448%3 DXROQDF%3E232394%3B%3A9%3A249ot1lsi
Matt:
http://images.snapfish.com/3443973523232%7Ffp58%3Dot%3E2348%3D4%3A%3B%3D448%3 DXROQDF%3E232394%3B%3A9%3B288ot1lsi

[angelgirl8]

mittyrd...they're so tiny and beautiful! look at all that hair! how are they doing? how are you doing?

[kakirk]

Oh Missy!!! They're just beautiful!!! Absolutely perfect! And I'm sure you're getting the best care out there; I just can't say enough about the quality medical care that I experienced in Boston. I'm so happy that your boys are there. Will continue to be thinking about you & your family lots. :)

Angel, hey, it's just impossible to NOT be a Sox fan after living in New England. I swear. YOU try it. :D

K

[angelgirl8]

katie...hey, i lived in boston for 5 years and managed to stay true to my yankees. although you do get caught up in the excitement sometimes!

____

question...i never looked into any of this before because i didn't want to look ahead but are there different kinds of prenatal testing i should be looking into? or testing i shouldn't do?

my first obgyn appt is on 7/15 so i guess i'll talk to her about this then!

[kakirk]

Bah...Angel, I was getting you confused with Astro who is in Seattle; I thought you were teasing me for switching from a Mariner's loyalty to a Boston loyalty. And you're a Yankee's girl??? Ugh...things could get ugly 'round here come October! ;)

The only testing I did was a nuchal fold scan about 11 weeks. We're in the low risk category (I'm 28), so we didnt' feel the need to do any further testing. A lot of the "standard" singleton tests (like the AFP/quad screen) have wicked high false positive rates for multiples pregnancies so that wasn't even offered to us.

Katie

[QPDoll]

We haven't done any of the 'standard' tests either, because of the high inaccuracy rates with twins. I also was changing OBs around the time of the Nutchal test timeframe, so we never had it done.

My Peri's opinon is that we have a ton of level 2 ultrasounds, and most things will show up on those too.

Missy: Thank you for sharing the pictures! They are beautiful and perfect. I love their little noses! They are just tiny bundles of joy! Thank you again for sharing!

[MrsPuls]

Can I join in here?

Me: Sarah
DH: Shaun
Married: 11/10/01
DS: 11/23/03
TWINS EDD: 1/28/05
Gender: Will find out in 6 weeks at the next ultrasound. Guessing Boy and girl

We're just getting over the inital shock, and starting to think clearly. I just have so many questions.....

[QPDoll]

Welcome Sarah!!

Twin-shock can be overwhelming, and it comes and goes.
Feel free to ask questions as you think of them! The girls here have been great, I still pepper them with questions as they come up.

[Astro]

Hi Everyone.

We had an Drs appointment last night and saw the twins. Today on the way to work, something felt wrong. By the time I got home, I had filled a pad with blood. Major cramping and bright red blood. We were sure we lost the kids. Went back to the Drs this morning, the kids are ok. I'm on bedrest for the weekend. Hopefully the twins will stay put and be good. The bleeding is from around the placentas. They're 7 weeks 5 days.

[Journey]

Hello! Do you mind if I join here, too? I like following along with everyone, but most everyone seems to be disappearing from WC!

Mitty - Your boys are absolutely beautiful! What perfect little babies :)

[angelgirl8]

welcome sarah!!

astro...that is unbelievably scary. rest up! when do you go back to the doctor?

[QPDoll]

Astro! how scary! How are you doing now? When do you go back to the doctor next?

Journey! Nice to see you!

Im late posting these, and I will be taking new ones tomorrow, but here are my latest belly shots. What I can't believe is that each month, I consistantly measure 8 weeks ahead (fundal height). This month, Im measuring 47, which is 13 weeks ahead! These guys have really GROWN in the past month. Monday, we have another ultrasound - Im excited to see what their guestamated weight is. Last month, they were 4.0, but I have grown a LOT since then.

These are last weeks. I can't wait to take this weeks, I know I have grown a lot the past couple of days!

34 weeks:
http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b5d924b3127cce92e4b3e48d4f00000015108IaM2TJw1aAh ttp://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b5d924b3127cce92e4b3e10c7a00000015108IaM2TJw1aA

and a progression:
http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b5d924b3127cce92e4b7dc8d7500000016108IaM2TJw1aA

[sunmoonstars75]

mittyrd - Those babies are too precious! Keeping all of you in my thoughts. Glad to hear they are receiving such great care.

Astro - you too are in my thoughts, I hope the bed rest this weekend does the trick.

Journey - HI! Glad to see you over here.

QP - you look so cute! I wish I would have taken more belly shots, I was too self conscious about my already plus sized self! I know I grew a ton the last few weeks while I was in the hospital! Keep up the great work, they'll be here before you know it :)

angelgirl - like most of the other responses, we didn't do the testing. It wouldn't have changed the way we handled the pgncy, so we opted not to put ourseves through it.

Sarah - Welcome!! I love this group of mamas, I am sure you will learn lots here. I remember from the other board that you used to live near me - are you still there? If so, you can PM me and I can get you the local multiples info, they have a pretty active group here. And I have some twin books laying around if you are interested...

Kate - Sending lots and lots of labor vibes your way!!

Hiya Phen! I can't believe the boys are going to be one next week! Have a wonderful time at the big bday par-tay!

Well, the girls are four months today. We are having so much fun with them. They are smiling and talking up a storm, with some strong consanent sounds starting a week or two ago. Still no rolling over from a flat surface, but they do it all the time when they are on their boppies, front or back, so I am sure it will happen any day now. They have been sleeping in more, this week until 9 am or even later (DH is in HEAVEN!) after gong to bed around 10 PM or so, but I have been taking them for walks almost every night, so I am sure that helps. We've gone to the grandparents' houses twice so far (about 2.5 hours away) without little to no difficulty, and we are headed to central/upstate NY for a family reunion in August, so I will have to let you know how the flight goes. Otherwise, just staying super busy, between working FT and being a "single mom" at night during the week.

Have a great weekend ladies :D

[QPDoll]

They are smiling and talking up a storm,
What? No pictures after a comment like that?? :confused: LOL
Sleeping in till 9am...oh you give me hope that it can happen. Everyone just tells me awful stories.

And lol - I am plus sized, even to start with. My start picture was taken just before I was diagnoised with Graves Disease, a thyroid problem that means basically that your body eats itself. I dropped a lot of weight my first trimester. So I went from a 14/16/18 to a 12, and am now in a 2X (some shirts are 3x, but they are a little big still...not for long though, Im sure).

I didn't like my pictures until the third trimester, but now I don't care. And with my huge ole belly, it makes my chub in my first pictures look smaller. LMAO Im just *really* thankful that Im carrying so far back instead of all out front. Although that has its drawbacks too. Until this month, people have been telling me 1) I don't look pregnant, I just look like a "really big woman", or 2) that I don't look like I have two in there (Im like, well, the doctors are pretty sure...).

[sunmoonstars75]

QP - I post pics in my LJ, if you are over there, I will friend you (and anyone else that wants to see the girls). Just PM your username :D

Katie update:

Here is a phone post from LJ:
“Hi everyone. Just want to let you know that I'm in the hospital. I'm going to be delivering by c-section probably within the next couple of hours. My blood pressure was up today so they sent me on up. I'll keep you all posted.”

YAY! Lots of happy, easy delivery vibes to you, Katie! If I see anything more, I will be sure to post again.

[sunmoonstars75]

Here I was so excited about Katie, I forgot everything else. It took us awhile to get to sleeping til 9, but we got there finally. We have been working on them sleeping later because DH takes care of them during the day while I work and then he leaves for work as soon as I get home. Some nights, he doesn't get to bed until 2-3 am so every extra hour in the morning helps.

I was very plus sized, but thanks to trying to keep up with the girls and BFing, I am about 20 lbs under my pre-preg weight. I have a joke with another BFing frined of mine that I am going to nurse the girls until they are 8 just so I can be a skinny minnie ;) I carried really high, so I didn't really look very preggo, and certainly not twin preggo until the end, and I was in the hospital by that point. Though a couple people's descriptions of me that last week (head, BELLY!, toes) cracked me up. It's like everything finally caught up with me at the end.

[paisleydays]

Hi twinmamas! Just wanted to let y'all know that Katie's babies have arrived!

Harrison Kirkpatrick "Hank" is 7.2 pounds &
Camilla Margaret "Lily" is 6.5 pounds.

Mom Dad & babies are all doing great!

[Phen]

HURRAY HURRAY!!! HURRAY!!!!

~ Phen

[saathei]

CONGRATULATIONS to Katie and Mittyrd!!

Between going on vacation and the server issues last week, I was only able to register just now. So....

Saathei
Me - 22
DH - 24
Married - August 29, 2003
Fraternal? (not sure) girls twins; 40 week EDD: 6/2/05
birth day: April 24, 2005 (34w3d)
Thalia Barbara @ 10:26 a.m.; 4lbs 6ozs, 17"
Michaya Leita @ 10:27 p.m.; 4lbs 9ozs, 18"

Thalia's now 10 lbs and Michaya is 9 lbs 12 ozs! They have been doing great - they now hold their heads up like pros, and are really alert. They're so much fun! :D

[angelgirl8]

katie...congratulations (again!) the names are absolutely gorgeous! so happy for you and your family!

[QPDoll]

Congrats Katie!!!!! Welcome to the world, Hank and Lily!

sunmoonstars75: Im still learning how to use LJ, but my user name is bluegingham (I so lack imagination and yes, I have a sucky user name to prove it).

[sunmoonstars75]

Congrats Katie! So excited for you, Todd and the new babes :) Welcome Hank and Lily!!

QP - considered yourself friended. LJ does take a little getting used to, but I am sure you will get the hang of it.

[saathei]

QP - I friended you also. And I like your user name. :)

[Astro]

Katie Congrats on your wonderful new family. :D

[mittyrd]

Katie: Congratulations!! Those babies are a great size!!

Matt & Sam are hanging in there. Matt is having a lot of spells and they are considering re-intubating him. I got to Kangaroo hold Sam today for 20 minutes and I loved it!! Thanks to everyone for all your support and prayers.

[QPDoll]

Missy, thanks for the update! Did they re-intubate Matt? How is he doing today? How wonderful you were able to hold Sam, I can't imagine what a wonderful experience that was! More prayers and well wishes for you and your boys!

****
35w 2d:
Ultrasound today went GREAT. Both boys were deamed "perfect". Then the tech asked me what exactly am I feeding these guys?!?

I have 12lbs 4oz of pure BABY in me! :eek:
Baby A is 6lbs 12oz
Baby B is 5lbs 8oz

We had aniticipated them to be 5 1/2lbs at BIRTH, based on their growth patterns and gestational weight chart. We were laughing the other day that they could be pushing 6lbs if I went to 38 weeks. Holy crap, I can't believe how BIG they are already!!!

[Astro]

QPDoll Wow, that's a bunch of babies in there. :)
mittyrd Congratulations on Kangaroo holding Sam. Glad to hear both boys are doing well.

As for us...after our scare on Friday, I spent the weekend on bedrest and went back to the REs today. Both babies are still there, hearts are still going like crazy, and bleeding is decreasing. :D :D

[angelgirl8]

mittyrd...how are the babies doing today? so happy you got to hold sam for a bit!

qpdoll...those are some big babies! good job growing them.

astro...SO happy you and the babies are still okay. was worried about you over the weekend!

______

things are looking green over here. threw up (first time) yesterday and i'm very unthrilled about that. started taking zofran, though, so hopefully that helps.

question...for those of you who experienced m/s: when did it stop?

[saathei]

angelgirl8 - Not what you'll want to hear, but my m/s cleared up at about 18 weeks. I still had a couple random bad days, but 18 weeks is where it stopped being every day, and when I could stop taking the Zofran.

Astro - Glad you and the babies are OK!

QPDoll - Man, your babies are sooooooo big! Congratulations!!

[mittyrd - So glad you were able to kangaroo hold Sam. :)

[QPDoll]

question...for those of you who experienced m/s: when did it stop?

Mine stopped at 10 weeks. It completely dissapeared overnight!

[angelgirl8]

saathei...thanks! (even if it's not what i wanted to hear). were you throwing up that whole time or just nauseated? and did you take the zofran every day? i'm not thrilled with taking it, but it seems to do the trick!

also, i see you're on LJ...can i friend you? i'd love to follow you and your twins!

qpdoll...10 weeks sounds good! thanks.


has anyone heard (or had the experience) that m/s is worse for women who are pg with twins?

[Journey]

QPDoll You look great!!! I love the belly shots. :) Your babies are huge!! That's awesome!

Katie Congratulations on your healthy babies! What wonderful weights, and I love their names. :)

Saathei Glad to hear the girls are doing so well.

Mitty Glad you were able to hold Sam. Sending you more warm thoughts.

Astro That's great news! What a relief.

Phen Are you ready for your boys' 1st Birthday?? Hope you have a wonderful day with them!

Nathan and Catheryn are doing great. They move all around the living room, and are getting impatient to crawl, I think. They are having trouble at night for some reason. They were both sleeping through the night, and now they are waking up every few hours. I am napping them in different rooms so they sleep longer than 20 minutes, and I wonder if they are waking each other up too much at night. With 3 little kids, the house is never really quiet, so I hope they are able to get used to that. I will be back with a couple new pics in a bit.

[Journey]

Just wanted to post a couple pictures

http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b5d932b3127cce929fac6cf63100000016108AbsWThy4aNs
http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b5d932b3127cce929fac56f60b00000016108AbsWThy4aNs
http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b5d932b3127cce929fac54f60900000016108AbsWThy4aNs

[angelgirl8]

journey...those pictures are way too cute!

[Phen]

angel, I was sick until the start of the second trimester. Just queasies, no barfing. A lot of people say that twinmamas have twice the m/s, but it didn't seem out of hand to me.

Nice going on the big babies, QP!

Thanks for the updates, mittyrd. I think of you and your boys every day and can't wait for the day you report that they're coming home.

Yay on the good report on your babies, Astro!

Ack, crawlers, journey?! Wheeeeeeee! The fun is REALLY beginning now.

Today my guys turned one! It's so trippy. I can't believe it when I look at photos from a year ago.

July 13, 2004
http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y46/applebutter/mamaboys2004-2.jpg

July 13, 2005
http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y46/applebutter/oneyearwithmama.jpg

And here they are at their party last weekend.
http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y46/applebutter/birfday.jpg
http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y46/applebutter/morebirfday5.jpg

xoxo

Phen

[looty]

Delurking to say that everyone's babies look adorable and that I am thinking of Mittyrd and Astro.

By the was Phen you look great too! :D

[Journey]

Ahh Phen, you are so beautiful with your boys. Hope you had a wonderful day! :) Happy Happy Happy Birthday Beautiful Boys!!!!

[angelgirl8]

phen...oh, those hats again! happy birthday to your boys (again)!

and thanks for the info on your m/s. i'm worried because i heard it can be worse for twinmamas and i'd like it to not be!

anyone else have m/s severity/timing info for me??

have my first obgyn appt tomorrow...no idea what to ask!

[Bernie]

Can I join you over here? I just had my second post-IVF ultrasound, which confirmed that there really are two sacs - with heartbeats!! :D

My stats:

me: 30
DH: 34
Married: 1/18/2003
BFP: 6/29/05
U/S showing twins: 7/8/05
EDD: 3/8/2006

Phen - Happy birthday to your boys! They are just adorable!

[sunmoonstars75]

Congrats and welcome Bernie! Your due date is my girls' first birthday :D

angelgirl8 - I never had any m/s to speak of - save one incident with my toothbrush one fateful morning. Everyone was convinced I was having one of each because they "cancelled" each other out.

journey - your babes are getting SO big! I love your updates, it lets me know what I am in for shortly.

Phen - Those boys are so cute, and you are looking pretty fabu yourself there sweetie :)

QP - Such big babies, hopefully you'll have them soon!!

[mittyrd]

Bernie: Congratulations!

Phen: Happy Birthday to the boys! They are so handsome! You look great too - How do you feel?

Journey: Your two are just adorable too. How is your older son handling everything?

Angel: I was one of the lucky ones in that I never had m/s with this pregnancy.

My boys: they are doing much better. Thank you to everyone for all your thoughts and prayers. I was pleasantly surprised when I went to the hospital yesterday and found them off of CPAP. YAY! They were starting a trial off of it and as of 5 am today they are still off of it and just on nasal cannula for oxygen. They still aren't gaining much weight so they went up on their calories yesterday. I'm still pumping every 3 hours which is getting tedious but I know it's best for them right now so I'll keep doing it. I can't believe they are 2 weeks old today. DH & I were talking yesterday how weird it is that we have 2 more babies but we really don't have them yet. It's like I had them and dropped them off somewhere. It's a very strange feeling.

[kat]

May I join over here?? Like Bernie (who seems to be living a parallel life :D), we just had our second post-IVF ultrasound today and saw two heartbeats, so I guess it's official. :D

Me: 36
DH: 40
Married: 9/02
IVF: 6/05
Positive beta: 6/23/05
EDD: 3/2/06

*******

Those are some gorgeous twins on the last page!! It makes me so excited about being a twinmamma, even though right now I feel pretty crappy. "Just" queasiness, no throwing up, although I'm at the point where I think throwing up would bring me at least a few minutes of relief.

Since I "outed" myself on another CC thread, I'm going to do it here.....Phen, I dunno if you remember me from way back when, but I was katbride on the WC (before picking this ridiculous anonymous name for TTC purposes). We had quite a few mutual friends back in the day -- Iolanthe, cdworkin, etc. (Now *those* are some blast-from-the-past names!). Your boys are gorgeous (and mommy ain't so bad herself ;) ).

Ugh. Must. Go. Lie. Down. NOW.

[Bernie]

MIPG - it does seem like I am stalking you a bit, doesn't it? I swear I'm not!
Congratulations on the ultrasound - I am so glad everything was okay!

Hope everyone else has a great weekend!

[kat]

...or that I am stalking you. (Which I am not, of course). :D

Thanks mucho. Happy weekend, everyone!

[Phen]

SHUT UP. of course I remember you, silly MIPG/katbride Hurrah! Hurrah!!

Welcome to Bernie, too!

And YAY!!! on the CPAP-less boys of mittyrd!

This is too much excitement for me. I must go lie down now.

~ Phen

[angelgirl8]

mipg?...YAY! did i miss the part where you saw 2 heartbeats?! where have i been?

feel good! i have to tell you, actually throwing up does not make you feel better...it's unlike a virus or anything. ick!

bernie...congratulations! so many twins!

___

very very early question: dh and i were just looking around our tiny 1-bedroom today and figuring out what furniture we would eventually move and what we would get rid of and that brought us to the sleeping question. i would think we would not have a full size crib in the beginning, but then do the babies sleep in different bassinets? i was under the impression that they like to be close together, but i'm not sure a bassinet is big for too?

i know i don't have to worry about this for a long while (and shouldn't be!) but we were bored on a stormy, humid day!

[sunmoonstars75]

Another Twinmama? That's three in a blink of an eye, how exciting!! Congrats MIPG? - H&H pregnancy to you :)

angelgirl - the girls slept in a PNP on the lower level with us until I started sleeping upstairs, then in our room for awhile. We moved them to a crib in their room together at about 9-10 weeks (right as I went back to work), and their own cribs a few weeks after that. Audra loves to sprawl out while she is sleeping and Amelia likes to move, so it was best (and they started sleeping better) when we separated them.

Just wanted to let you know there is no doubt Audra is my daughter - she talked up a storm today, even got really loud between 9-11 tonight. Even after she fell asleep, she was still talking! DH & I were cracking up, it was so cute!!

Off to keep reading Harry Potter...

[MrsPuls]

I haven't been in here in a while, so I'll have to catch up on the reading.

I do have a question though.

Where i work I don't have any sort of short term disability, or coverage for maternity. Our family depends on my income and we really are at odd on how we're going to survive without my income if I were to need bed rest, or be on leave for an extended period of time. We can fake it for 2 months or so, but nothing more. Does anyone know of any programs or help we can get to make it through this? We're trying to save as much as we can, but it really won't be enough.

:confused:

[kat]

Hi -

Just a drive-by to post that I changed my username from MIPG? to kat, because I was sick of that name (never liked it on the WC, so why I used the same name when I came over here, I'll never know!!!).

So, could you please update my stats? Just a changed username. Thanks!!!

-kat

[Phen]

angel asked:
do the babies sleep in different bassinets? i was under the impression that they like to be close together, but i'm not sure a bassinet is big for too?
My boys shared a crib (or PNP bassinette) for the first 8 weeks of their lives. We separated them at that point because they were waking eachother up a ton by smacking eachother in the head (also they caught colds and needed to sleep in their carseats--only room for one carseat in the crib). But, you're right...they do like to be together; my guys used to wake up if one of them was taken out of the crib for diaper changes or something. The hospital kept them in the same bassinette, too.

Mrs Puls, you said you don't have maternity coverage, but does that mean no maternity leave? The thing we learned when I was working during my pregnancy was that even if you don't have short-term disability, your maternity leave can kick in ahead of time. That is, if you were to get (say) 4 weeks paid leave that people typically use after childbirth, you'd instead begin those 4 weeks paid leave whenever you stopped working (went on bedrest, or whatever doctors' orders are) during the pregnancy. It means, suckily enough, that you have no time "left" after birth. Do you have any vacation or sick leave saved up, though? My HR person was very helpful in trying to work it out so that my sick and vacation leave covered a couple weeks in there for me (I stopped working altogether around 28 weeks).

Okay, kat, I'll make the change! :)

Tomorrow we're going to Memphis to see Alexander's cardiologist (he was born with a VSD, or a hole in his heart) for a checkup. They haven't seen him since mid-December! I can't wait for them to see how much he's changed and grown since then. They are going to fall over with shock. He's like a different child now. Most of the time, we don't even remember about the VSD anymore.

~ Phen

[QPDoll]

Well, Im off to the hospital again. I started bleeding tonight. Im not having contractions (just a few braxton hicks, but nothing beyond normal), but the charge nurse told me I needed to come in. Maybe the boys are going to decide to come out on their own?

36 weeks and 3 days...hospital labor run round #2.

[Journey]

Bernie and Kat - Welcome and CONGRATULATIONS on your twins!! Wishing you both a healthy pregnancy!!

Mitty - So glad your boys are doing so well. Hope you are able to take them home soon!! Will is doing pretty well. He has days where he is more needy, but I think that is normal for his age. He gets really goofy and somewhat obnoxious when he is needing a little more attention, so I try and stay as tuned into him as possible. Overall, he is really doing great with the babes. They are starting to interact with him, and he is loving it. He has his dad's outgoing personality and loves to be the center of attention, so the bigger the audience, the better, as far as he is concerned!! :D

Angelgirl - Ours slept together in the PNP for a while. It worked pretty out pretty well.

sunmoonstars - Too cute about Audra!!!

Phen - Good luck at Alexander's appt.

QPDoll - Hope everything is OK. Please keep us posted!

Catie has a very noticeable calming effect on Nathan. He has to be held all the time if he is the only one awake, or he just cries. But as soon as Catie is up from nap and back with him, he is perfectly fine. He does not like to be alone at all.

I had to take Nathan to the Dr yesterday because he is throwing up all the time. Dr said he has extreme reflux, but he is growing fine so I am supposed to back off milk a little and add more solids. Hopefully that helps.

Catie is just as happy as can be these days. She spends most of her time on all 4's, even when she is supposed to be sleeping!! She has these big beaming smiles, like she is just so proud of herself...Nate does the same thing when he is standing. Everyday they let their own little personalities and strengths come out more and more. It is amazing how different they are, yet so alike at the same time.

[QPDoll]

just an update.
Home from the hospital, they coudln't find a reason for the bleeding and it stopped. They kept me overnight, but I didn't get much sleep with all their needles and tests and such. Im sooo tired. And cranky.

Im so ready to be done, now!

[Journey]

QPDoll - So glad everything is fine. Hope you are able to get some good rest.

[kat]

Ditto, QPDoll. Hope you're feeling more rested now!

Journey, I think it's so sweet that your twins have a calming effect on each other! It's stories like that that make me feel good about having twins (right now, frankly, I feel too crappy to get excited about it....and in fact, the thought of taking care of two babies when I feel this crappy is pretty overwhelming).

[Journey]

We decided to give the bath seats a try. Nathan and Catheryn are still a little small since they aren't quite sitting up by themselves, but it was really nice bathing them together. They weren't quite sure about each other in the tub, either, so that was pretty cute. I bought another high chair and they both now eat with the family. I had them outside on a blanket while their big brother played, and they refused to stay put. My days of having them stay where I put them are numbered! Then I am sure the real fun will begin, with 3 little ones on the move! I guess I am so used to just having to keep tabs on where Will is, that it is going to be quite a change trying to keep an eye on all of them...

http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b5d901b3127cce92a62913a73f00000016108AbsWThy4aNs

[QPDoll]

Oh gosh, they are cute! Nathan looks like he is just chillin out, just adorable!

[mittyrd]

Journey: Cute picture! I can't even imagine yet how hard it will be to keep tabs on 3!!

Phen: How'd the doctor's appt. go?

Kat; Congrats!

QPDoll: What a PIA to go through but think of how big and healthy those kids are going to be!!

My boys: So far so good. Can't remember if I told you that they got transferred to the hospital near me (and where I work) over the weekend so I'm happy not to be traveling into Boston every day. They are still on monitors and oxygen but overall doing good. I've been kangarooing them a couple times a day and I love snuggling with them. I'm still pumping around the clock which is getting tiring but I know it is best for them. I'm going back to work in a week and a half so I can save my time for when they come home. At least I'll get to pop in on them off and on all day although I won't be able to hold them for an hour at a time like I've been doing. That will be hard but I think I need the time with them when they come home. I wish it didn't have to be so long before they come home :(

[Phen]

QP, I am telling you, that cranky mood is a harbinger of labor! I'd bet money that you'll have them in the next week. Yay!

I'm jealous, journey! We only have one of those bath chairs and it doesn't even work properly in our bathtub (the suction cups don't work on our pebbly-bottomed tub surface). That is a sweet story about the calming effect.

Oh, that's great news, mittyrd. I imagine they wouldn't move your boys if they weren't doing beautifully, right? What's the criteria that will graduate them out of the NICU and home? My college roommate's son was born 7 weeks early and he was in the NICU until he hit 5 lbs. and could regularly breathe on his own; are your boys looking at the same goals?

Thanks for asking about Alexander's doctor's appointment. It DID go very well (or, rather, as well as a toddler having to go through an echocardiogram -- they're not supposed to wiggle during that test, but good luck on that :rolleyes: ). The "moderate"-sized hole in his heart that they found shortly after his birth has NOW CLOSED COMPLETELY! Good as new! We are so happy. Of course, we kinda had an inkling that maybe the hole had closed...he has made amazing progress since the last doctor's appointment and almost looks like a different child from seven months ago. The doctor hadn't seen him since December and, at yesterday's appointment, was not entirely sure which boy was his patient...that's how improved he looked. :D

Anyhoo, after the appointment we had their One-Year photos done. The boys picked out the Pooh prop to pose with; they wouldn't stand still for more than a split-second (long enough to take a photo) with any other prop.
http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b5d938b3127cce92b23bade39d00000035108QZN2TNm4bQ

Hope our new (preggo) twinmamas are managing to get past the queasies and twinshock.

~ Phen

[Bernie]

Still working through the twin shock (and working my way through Dr. Luke's book), but so far, I'm pretty light on symptoms - except for constant hunger. I have another ultrasound tomorrow, so hopefully seeing the little guys and hearing their heartbeats again will make it feel a little more real.

Phen - the boys look so cute in their one year photos! I am so glad to hear the good news about Alexander!

QPdoll - Hope you're doing okay and getting some good rest at home.

mittyrd - Glad to hear that your boys are closer to home now! I hope they are continuing to make great progress.

Journey - That bath picture is adorable!

Hope everyone has a great day!

[Journey]

Mitty - That is GREAT news!!! I am so glad your boys are closer to home. Counting down until they are home with you!

QPDoll - I'm with Phen...you should be having babies really soon!! Can't wait! :)

Phen - So glad to hear about Alexander!!! How wonderful. Their picture is just adorable! They always look so happy... :D Must be the awesome Mama...

The team work has begun...I put Nate and Catie on their backs on a blanket and went to get their big brother dressed...when we came back out, they were both on their tummies, still on the blanket, but across the room playing with Will's Little People Farm and they had dumped the little tub of animals...I can just picture them pulling each other on that blanket across the room to tackle the farm. Goof Balls...they get that from their brother (and their Daddy!!)

[QPDoll]

just checking in. Still pregnant. Cranky and tired of not being able to move.

[snowzilla]

Hi Twin-mommas! Tina asked me to keep you informed if she goes into labor....

She is at the hospital right now, being induced, and should be having her boys very, very soon. Wish her luck! :)

[kat]

Good luck and congratulations, QPDoll!!!!!!!

[snowzilla]

I am happy to announce:

The safe arrival of

Peter Randall at 9:20 am, 7lbs 3 oz 20” long

and

Nathaniel James at 10:30 am, 6 lbs 19” long.

Tina/QPDoll delivered the twins this morning with no c-section or complications and they all expect to go home on Monday. The babies appear full term & great. Mom & Dad are doing well. :)

[Phen]

Way to GO, QP! Welcome Peter and Nathaniel! (thanks for letting us know, snowzilla)

The boys went to their 12M pediatrician appointment yesterday. Funniest (not haha funny but how weird funny) thing is that the boys weigh exactly the same: 21 lbs. 10 oz. Thomas is 29.5" tall, and Alexander is 29.25" tall (DH thinks Alexander must've been slouching).

The ped pronounced them "beautiful!" and sent 'em home with instructions to:

* begin the transition from formula to WHOLE MILK. Huzzah! Huzzah! (I am weeping with joy about this one)
* turn those carseats around;
* start doing more sippy-cup action with an aim towards eliminating bottles (and being Totally Sippy-Cup) by October.

Then the boys had two shots, but we delayed two other shots (MMR, maybe?, and chicken pox) due to my being on chemo at the present time and those two shots are live vaccines and dangerous for me to be around. Anyhow, the boys were really really offended about the shots. DH said Alexander gave him a look as if to say "you betrayed me!" Hee.

~ phen

[mittyrd]

Congratulations QP!! What big boys you have!! Yay!

[Astro]

Congratulations QPDoll and Travis. :D :D

[cantwait]

Since I "outed" myself on another CC thread, I'm going to do it here.....Phen, I dunno if you remember me from way back when, but I was katbride on the WC (before picking this ridiculous anonymous name for TTC purposes).

OMG, katbride! I was lurking in this thread and found your post! I always wondered what happened to you. Your proposal story is still the BEST EVER. I was cantwait on WC too (you poked in my very neglected journal from time to time - Tuscan-themed wedding) and now I have a little munchkin of my own. TWINS! Congratulations! Best wishes to you and DH.

Edited to add - how rude of me, I forgot to congratulate QPDoll and all the other fabulous twinmamas! I have so much respect for all of you, growing and raising these beautiful children!

[Bernie]

Congratulations QP!

[T&M'sMommy]

Congratulations Tina!!

Phen: I love that avitar of your boys. Those shirts are such a great message! Wishing you all the best.

[angelgirl8]

such great things going on around here! i've been away in boston for the last few days, but i'm back and catching up!

qpdoll...congratulations!! guess phen was right with her prediction! so glad everything went well and the boys are here!

phen...what wonderful news about alexander's heart and the boys' checkup!

mittyrd...so happy to hear the babies have been moved and are doing well.

___

let's see: i think the twin-shock ended the week after my positive beta but this darn m/s has stuck around. can't seem to shake it. still taking the zofran every day.

otherwise, things are good. my nuchal translucency u/s is this thursday. can't wait to see them again!

[cbiggers]

Sheesh!! How did I miss this and be gone sooooo long from our twinmommas?? I changed my user name on here from clrobinson1 to cbiggers, so everyone can know who I am.

Here's my info:
Me: Casey 34 (almost anyway)
DH: Brian 34
IF due to endometriosis
m/c June 2003 - Triploidy
Successful IUI April 2004
Caroline Louise and Isabel Jean
12/04/04

Hi everyone!!!!! Gotta run. Girls have become mobile and someone sounds into something they shouldn't be!

[angelgirl8]

casey...i was wondering where you were!! i can't believe the girls are mobile!

[cbiggers]

You and me both on the mobility!!!!!!! It's exciting and scary at the same time. I'm happy about it though, just makes life a little more interesting!!!!

[Journey]

:) QPDoll - CONGRATULATIONS on your baby BOYS!!! I love the names ! They had such great weights, too! And , I have to admit, I am officially jealous that you were able to have them without a C-section...that was my dream...but I am very happy for you and can't wait to see those big beautiful BOYS!!!

Phen - Glad your boys are doing so great!!! Congrats on making it to the milk and forward facing car seat stage.

Angelgirl - Hope the m/s decides to leave you alone soon!

cbiggers - Good to hear from you! Your girls are on the move!? How time flies! Mine are not far behind. They are pulling themselves all over the place and Catie is sooo close to actually crawling. Mixed feelings here, too. I kind of like having them stay where I put them, but I guess that can't last forever.

What a great day!!! I just love it when new babies are born...it just makes me smile! :) :)

My little babes are doing great. They will be 6 months on Thursday already. I think Natie is 20 lbs. I am anxious for their appt.

[Astro]

strollers?

I know I'm getting way ahead of myself here, twins aren't due till February. But a family member has offered to buy us a double-stroller for the twins, so I'm trying to research. There's all kinds of pro's and cons to the side-by-side and in-line styles on the web, but what have you ladies found? I'm thinking of a stroller that'll be useful when they're really small, so it'd need to fit two carseats (bucket seats), also recline.

Any opinions, expereince? :)

thanks

[cbiggers]

Astro - We now have three strollers and I love them all for different reasons. Our girls are now almost 8 months old so stroller needs have changed a bit.
1. Graco Duoglider System - Fit the carseat carriers when they were small. Has a nice basket underneath and I mostly use that stroller now for when we go to the mall to go shopping. I couldn't have lived without they travel system when they were tiny and still in their carriers. I like the tandem for stores because it seems to go through clothing racks, etc. pretty easily. Downside: Whoever is in the back (usually Isabel) loves to kick the front seat and now she's also figured out she can reach Caroline's head and loves to pull her hair. Also, it is long (we call it the limo), but not too bad.
2. Jeep Side-by-Side - We got this stroller because it was cheap and we just thought we would need it for traveling. It works great in airports and to gate check and to get it onto the security x-ray machines. This is fast becoming my fav stroller and somewhere down the line, I'd love to get a little nicer (MacLaren, Peg, etc) side-by-side. The downfall to this particular stroller is that it has no basket underneath so I only use it if I know for sure that I'm not buying anything. (yea, when am I NOT buying things? :rolleyes: )
3. B.O.B. Jogger - LOVE this stroller for walks and my daily walking trip to the grocery store. It has an o.k. basket underneath that fits my groceries and a great sunshade that keeps the girls out of the sun. Major downfall is that it doesn't even come close to fitting through doorways, so I only use it when I know there are automatic doors or if DH is sure to be with me.

Our stroller needs seem to change and I like having more than one for different things. I have no clue if the side-by-sides fit the carriers. Good luck and also, it's NEVER too early to start figuring this stuff out!!!!!!!!!!

Journey - Can't wait to hear how big the kiddos are! My girls were both 19lbs at their six month!!!!!!!

[Journey]

Astro - We have the jeep front and back. It was a gift from my BIL. The stroller itself is really nice, but I personally do not care for it. It is way too long. It is also VERY hard to manuver. Forget about trying to get in a door by yourself. There is a lot of storage underneath, but that is one of the only pros IMO. It only holds a carseat carrier in the back, so we couldn't use it before the babies were about 4 months old and a little more stable. I personally would like to get a side by side. Like cbiggers said, though, I am not sure if they can hold carriers or not. I also have to agree that it is never too early to start deciding these things!

cbiggers - 19lbs at 6 months!? That's great!!! I love their picture :)

[kat]

Congratulations, QPDoll!! Can't wait to see them!

Speaking of which....well hello, cantwait! Long time no chat. :) Congratulations to you, too, on being a momma! Hope all is well, and thanks for the well-wishes!

Astro: hahahahahahahaa. Um, I'm not due until early March and already have done a ton of research on this issue. :D Obviously I have no first-hand experience, so what I say won't be valuable like the moms on this thread, but I've heard good things about the Double Snap-and-Go as a carseat carrier for the first few months, and side-by-sides for later. I'll have to go and check out some of the side-by-sides in person -- I have a friend who had the MacClaren Twin Traveller a few years ago and loved it (mainly b/c it has a great harness system and full recline). But now I've read kinda mixed reviews (though still 90% positive) about their customer service. I've generally read good things about that stroller, but as I said we'll have to wait & see how we like it in person. It's expensive, too, which stinks....but since we're not the type of people to spend a ton of cash on the nursery, I think we can splurge a bit on the stroller if we like it.

Anyone have any experience with either of those two? I'm curious, too! :)

*******

Final RE appointment yesterday. Saw the twins, 1.7cm each, hearts a-flutter. Tomorrow is my first official OB appointment (I'll be 8w5d tomorrow). Gonna ask about CVS, and gonna try to delicately suggest that I go to an MFM for that. I'm not seeing my actual OB tomorrow -- she's unavailable until later in August -- but instead I'm seeing a new guy in her office(graduated from med school in 2000), just for this first appointment. I think I can use the "since my regular OB is not available, maybe I should go to the MFM" line. We'll see. In a way, I'm glad that I'm not seeing my regular OB; if I offend the new guy, I won't feel as bad. :)

Anyway, I know that at our hospital, there's a MFM who lists "CVS" and "multiples" as her areas of specialization/interest on the website, so I may gently suggest that he refer me to her just for the CVS. I know how important the "years of experience" is for CVS!

Feeling generally better overall. I wouldn't say "great," but I'm not so weepy/whiny sick, either. Still have huge aversions to many foods, but the nausea comes & goes, rather than remaining constant. I'm just thankful I get breaks!

[angelgirl8]

kat...share some of those nausea breaks with me!

kat and astro...we haven't started thinking about any baby gear yet, but i have no idea what we'll do about strollers over here! we really don't have space for even one stroller, let alone a few (we're in a one-bedroom apartment). i also need a stroller that folds easily for cabs and gets on the stroller and navigates city streets and gets through doorways in the city easily! that's a lot to ask!

[sunmoonstars75]

Congrats QPDoll!!! Welcome Peter and Nathaniel :)

Strollers - We have the Combi Twin Savvi, and I love it. It's the only one I have, so I've been using it from the beginning with the girls. It's really light, and folds up nice and small, so it fits in our trunk, a must. The baskets are an okay size, but a little hard to put stuff in when the seats are reclined. And it folds and unfolds very quick and easily, It doesn't turn on a dime, but other than that, I've really enjoyed it. We looked at the Eddie Bauer tandem one, and the reviews said it weighed between 40-50 lbs (mine weighs about 18) and would not fit in a trunk. But the front seats could be turned around so the kids could face each other instead of one in front and one in back. I thought that was very cool. I think your best bet would be to head to a store that carries them and test drive a bunch. We did, read some reviews online (Amazon, Baby Bargains, WC had a double stroller thread back in the day), asked people with double strollers what they liked and didn't, and then shopped for the cheapest price. Good luck!!

I think teething has started in our household, and I am either going to need a bigger bottle of Tylenol or a bottle of my Smirnoff Raspberry ;) Audra had all sorts of fits last night, it was terrible to hear her in that kind of pain - it rivaled the shots scream. And Amelia didn't seemed bothered by the cries, which bothered me even more. Tonight was much better, thanks to the addition of Orajel to our house (we had some, but the bottle got misplaced - now we have two and a container of the gel in applicator sticks). Hopefully this doesn't last too long - we have a flight to catch next week, and I pity anyone else on the plane if Audra's teeth are bothering her. Though doc suggested giving them Benadryl before we leave to dry up their sinuses and help them sleep better on the plane. I haven't decided if I am going to dope up my kids or not, I will have to let you know.

[2labradogs]

hey ladies, I haven't officially joined, but I do have twins! Some of you may remember me from WC - I was Santa Barbara and my sons Chase & Tyler were born 2.20.2004. Just wanted to chime in with some stroller experiences - I have had 4 strollers so far.

Double Snap-n-Go - A great stroller for carseats. Bare bones tandem stroller, good for the first 4-5 months. Try to buy it used from you local twins club.

Combi twin Savvy - This one is a great light weight sbs stroller and I loved the snack tray, but after my boys got older and heavier it became harder to steer. The storage basket is really small too.

Dreamer Design Ditto Jogger Stroller - very, very nice jogger. Love it. Similar to the B.O.B. that Cbiggers has, it is also very wide. Great for outside walks (or runs - if you are into that :) ), horrible for the mall. Takes up a ton of space in the back of the car.

Favorite all around stroller - Mac Twin Traveller. Handles well, is very comfy for C & T. No snack tray, but it's ok since C & T can hold their snacks now. It also folds easily. Storage basket is just ok, but way better than the Combi. Fits great through doors - like the Combi.

Kat - Congrats on your pregnancy - your babies are due just about the same time as mine were in 2004.

[mrsblud]

Hi guys I am finally here!

Sassydog from WC

I have 7 month old Emma and Brandon!

I am currently on the hunt for a umbrella fold strollel to take on holidays with us - I currently have a love n care twin sporty jogger.

[angelgirl8]

santa barbara and sassydog (but with your new names!)...hi!

santa barbara...i always loved seeing pictures of your boys! thanks for the stroller info.

kat and astro...now you've got me making stroller lists, lest i lose the valuable info i'm getting here!

___

have my nuchal translucency u/s tomorrow...totally nervous. normal, right?

[Astro]

angelgirl8 I'm glad you're nervous about your test. Mine is in 2 weeks, and I'm nervous. I'm also very glad your a week or two ahead of me. :) I get to hear what's coming from you first. Are you still taking progesterone? When do you stop? My RE said to take it through the first week of August, but then what?

[angelgirl8]

astro...i responded to you in the IVF thread and have no memory of what i said because i had to go look up when i stopped! silly brain. it's in there, though!

[QPDoll]

Not much time for an update, but thought I would share a couple of pictures!

http://share.shutterfly.com/osi.jsp?i=EeENGbJk4atHsg

Tina

[angelgirl8]

tina...the photo link isn't working for me! hope you're doing well!

____


question (again): i posted this as a thread this morning but i thought i'd ask you ladies, too.

i've been struggling with when to tell people we're pregnant. we're really excited, but we went through a lot to get here and are very nervous.

i'm 12 weeks now and i have my nuchal today and we were considering telling people after the test if everything went well.

however, i've been feeling nervous about it. what if something goes wrong? i know i can't wait forever, and i'm already starting to show so i wanted to see what other twinmamas did!

my early morning question (http://constantchatter.com/showthread.php?t=3551)

[Phen]

Tina, I love the photo of Nate "just born" -- he looks like he's beseeching you to do something (PLLLLLLEASE Mama?). They're beautiful...and so much hair! Hope you are all getting sleep.

angel, we told our families and friends and coworkers after the 8w ultrasound (the second time we saw their heartbeats)....although some family we didn't tell until 9w (but that was more because we wanted to tell them in person and 9w fell on Christmas Day).

Strollers, we've got the Graco DuoGlider and the Combi TwinSavvy. I loooove the TwinSavvy, but could not have survived early twinmamahood without the DuoGlider. It enabled me to get out and about and run errands when the boys were still in their infant carriers. The basket underneath the DuoGlider is incredibly roomy; I've done quite a lot of grocery shopping with just the DuoGlider for help.

Hi to our long-lost twinmamas Casey, Lynn, and Julie!

~ Phen

[cbiggers]

QP - Great pics!!!!!! Adorable!

Angel - I think by 9 weeks we had pretty much let the cat out of the bag. I had to tell work because I was sooooo sick and was already starting to show. Plus, we were just so excited we couldn't keep it to ourselves anymore!

Nap protest going on, so gotta run! Hope everyone is doing great!

[ginadc]

Hey gang,

Thought I should sign in here! We are expecting twins in September via domestic adoption, and are just over the moon with excitement. We had been "activated" by our agency literally 24 hours when we were notified that a prospective birthmother had chosen us as parents for her boy-girl twins. What a wild ride! We will be going out there in September to be there for the birth; she really wants us there at the hospital, so I might go out there a few days early so as not to miss things, depending on what the doctors say.

All this information about twin strollers is very useful! We have been going back and forth between the Twin Savvy and the Aria Twin; thought about the Maclaren Twin Traveller but lifting it was just a huge chore for me; the weight's too much. Has anyone here tried the Inglesina Twin? I've also heard good things about that one, but can't seem to find it in a store near us to check out? We're thinking of just getting the double Snap 'n' Go for the first couple of months.

I'm really looking forward to (and going to NEED!) perspective from experienced twinmamas!

[Astro]

Tina Those are very handsome boys you have. Does Pete have blond hair? Congratulations again. Hope you all are settling in nicely. If you need anything, feel free to ask. I'm not too far away, just a boatride and drive. I'd be happy to bring groceries or food over on the weekend, but it'd have to wait a couple weeks due to company. I'd just drop it and drive off, so it wouldn't interefere with naps or feedings.

angelgirl8 My DH and I struggled as well, but we decided we had to tell a few (2 each) close friends and immediate family (siblings and parents) as soon as we were pregnant. Many of our friends have had miscarriages, and we knew we'd need their support if something were to happen. Now that we're at 10 weeks and both the RE and OB feel very confident about this pregnancy, we're telling some more friends. No general statements and no telling big bosses until 12 weeks. You and Dave will figure out what works best for you, and whatever you decide will be right for you. Remember, you guys are in charge and only you two know what'll work best for you during the pregnancy. :) (Short answer is there is no right or wrong for any of this)

Phen I love the pics of your boys. Can't believe they're a year old. I hope they had a great birthday.

cbiggers nap protest? oh NO!

ginadc congratulations on becoming a twin momma. :D :D Good luck on the crash course between now and September.

Feeding question: Do most of you tandem feed (either bottle or breast)? I was reading in a book that you need to learn to feed the twins at the same time, otherwise you'll spend 10-15 hours a day feeding!

[ginadc]

Hey Phen,

I saw that you mentioned that the boys slept in a PNP bassinet in your room for the first few weeks. We were trying to figure out our plans for that, and I wasn't sure if two babies would be too smooshed in a PNP bassinet. I know they'll be quite small, but still, the bassinet is much smaller than a crib. So yours were comfy there?

[angelgirl8]

phen...love the avatar of the boys! thanks for the "telling" info!

gina...congratulations!

tina...ahhh...i can see the pictures now! the boys are adorable. and you all look so happy!

____

had my nuchal this morning. everything looked good on ultrasound, so it's just a matter of waiting for the blood results to come in next week. i'm trying to figure out if these blood results are one of the tests that carry a higher false positive rate with twins. anyone know?

our immediate families and close friends already know we're pregnant because they were in on the IVF schedule and everything, so now i just have to decide if the u/s results were good enough or if i want to wait for the blood results!

[Phen]

gina, I've been meaning to email you since Meg told me the wonderful news about your TWO BAYBEEEEEES. I couldn't find anything other than the DuoGlider and the TwinSavvy to test-drive, so we sorta gave up and just went with those two. Yes, the boys shared a PNP (for naps) for a few weeks...we kept it in the living room so that whoever was On Duty could enjoy TiVo when the little tyrants, er, babies were sleeping.

Here's a photo of them in the PNP bassinette when they were four weeks old. They could both fit in there for another two or so weeks after this, I think:
http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b4d633b3127cce99fcda627e5c00000026108QZN2TNm4bQ

If you are wondering whether or not to even get a PNP, wonder no more! They are invaluable for travelling overnight (Thomas sleeps in our PNP when we go visit family and we borrow another one for Alexander), or even just for taking the boys to visit friends who don't have a babyproofed house (we set up the PNP in our friends' living room and throw a ton of toys in there with the boys and they bash around, all safe and sound).

angel, I dont know about the bloodwork and false positives. I always get those tests mixed up; is the nuchal translucency the same as the AFP?

Astro, tandem is MUCH EASIER. I pumped for a few weeks and we fed the EBM in bottles; that way Daddy and our other helpers could feed one baby while I fed the other. When the helpers went home, I used a boppy and some pillows to bottle-feed both boys at once. Here's a photo of my method:
http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b4d727b3127cce99fcd18e58b400000026108QZN2TNm4bQ
We also used liberal propping-of-bottles (with burp cloths, rattles, small stuffed animals, etc.). I know it's not recommended that you prop, but whoever said that hasn't been up at 4 a.m. with two hungry babies who can't hold their own bottles.

~ Phen

[Bernie]

I haven't even started thinking about strollers and stuff, but I am dutifully taking notes, just in case I can't find this thread when the time comes to start shopping.

Angelgirl - so glad to hear that everything went well today! We've also been trying to figure out when to tell people. Similar situation -- we've told our friends and family who knew about the timing of our IVF cycle, and a few other people - but we haven't made it really public yet. I think I am going to hold out until I get back from vacation at the end of August - which will be a bit past 13 weeks.

Tina - the boys are so cute!

Gina - Congratulations!

Phen - you make it look so easy!

[ginadc]

Thanks, everybody! Phen, I've been thinking about you too: how are you getting through the summer?

So the boys slept in the PNP bassinet for naps? What about at night? Did you put them in their cribs right away or did you have some sort of bassinet setup in your bedroom for the first bit?

We are definitely getting at least one PNP, and perhaps two since our house is 3 stories and my office is on the third floor! I'd have one in my office (my current plan is to start back to working at 3 months with half-day daycare or nanny), and then we'd have one on the first floor as well. Is that overkill, or will I welcome having a place on each floor to put them down/change them without having to schlep the PNP up and down stairs?

Studying your boppy technique; I know I'm going to need to get proficient at that very quickly!

[mittyrd]

Congrats to the new twinmamas!

Phen: Thanks for posting the photo of tandem feeding - couldn't picture in my head how to do that.

Strollers: I bought the duoglider and 2 people have donated their used double strollers to me. I have no idea what kind they are but they look really nice (side-by-side).

Update on my boys: Matt hit 3.5 pounds today and Sam is now 3 pounds 2 oz :D So Matt has gained a pound since birth and Sam just over 1/2 pound. They will be 4 weeks old tomorrow. I can't believe it's been 4 weeks already. They both had eye exams today and have stage 1 retinopathy and will have another exam in 2 weeks. I'm still having a hard time dealing with the fact that I don't get to see them much and hold them even less. I can only hold them at certain times and only if they can tolerate it without desatting or spelling. Sometimes I feel like I didn't even have 2 babies b/c I just dropped them off somewhere. It's strange.

[saathei]

Catching up... just got back from our second family trip! Congrats to all our new twinmamas!

Strollers - We just have the DuoGlider right now, and I like it alot. I couldn't imagine not being able to snap the carseats in - it's such a lifesaver to be able to move the girls about without unstrapping them and such. I also love the big basket. The only beef I have with it is that some of the nonessential parts, like cupholders and the front canopy, have easiliy broken.

PNP - We had them solely in the PNP bassinet for awhile, but they didn't sleep that well in it, and we ended up cosleeping most of the time anyway. Now we have them only in the crib, and they sleep way better. I think it's because the little mattress thing in the PNP is rather stiff, and even a firm crib matress was more comfortable for them. But like Phen said, it's a lifesaver for travelling, and they definitely weren't/aren't smooshed - if you get the full bassinet, there's quite a bit of room!

Tandem feeding - If you are planning on nursing, you should get the giant twin nursing pillow. I don't have one, and I just can't seem to get them positioned right! So I nurse one while the other cries, then nurse the other, then bottle feed them both together. I prop them up on pillows like this:

http://pics.livejournal.com/pleiades829/pic/00067138

and then pop the bottles in their mouths. Then I burp them one at a time. Fortunately, our girls are efficient eaters so I'm not feeding ALL the time - it takes about an hour, and then I have another 2 hours or so before we start again.

[mrsblud]

Hi all

angel - we didn't tell till I was almost 13 weeks - the day I had my nuchal - reason being that I'd already had one miscarriage, and we found twins at 6 week u/s, then at 8 week u/s Dr said that one was smaller and he didn't think it would survive - I then had to wait till the nuchal u/s to find out if I was having 1 or 2.

Feeding - I have two boppy type pillows and lay them in that and hold the bottles. I have hardly fed them seperately - mainly only when out, and when one is still asleep.

[ginadc]

Well, so much for me being part of this group.

I just got a call from the (former) birthmother's social worker; she has decided to parent the twins. The social worker was pretty shocked; she had seemed to be pretty determined. But she was getting a lot of pressure from her mother, sister, and the baby's father, and she had stayed out of touch with the SW all this week, not returning her calls about doctor's appointments and so on. (I kind of had a squicky feeling yesterday and today when we hadn't heard from SW, but kept telling myself I was being paranoid.)

Today SW got a letter from her, saying that she had been having nightmares and waking up in a cold sweat, and that she just couldn't do it, that we seemed like the perfect family but that she owed it to the father to give him a chance to have his kids. (I will not comment about my opinion on that, given his history with her.) The SW said she sounded like a totally different person in the letter than she's been over the past few months, when she's been very emotional about the decision but clear that it's the right thing.

We are heartbroken. We just have to pick up the pieces and start over, but it's so hard. This match felt so right. I keep telling myself that maybe this means that something else is out there, a situation that's meant for us, but THIS one felt like it was meant for us, you know? I keep trying to find something about this that I can comfort myself with, but it's not easy.

DH and I talked about it and we told Tosha (SW) to reactivate us right away, so that we wouldn't be waiting any longer than necessary. She said that our adoptive family specialist, Laurie, had told her as soon as she heard about this that she had to get us activated again right away, that we're just the perfect couple and someone will pick us again soon. Then, of course, we'll have to deal with the fear that this will happen all over again. But we just have to keep going.

In any case, odds are that it won't be twins again if and when we are matched with another situation--so looks like I'll be saying a fond farewell to this group after barely having been part of it. Sorry!

[Phen]

Oh Gina, I'm so sorry for you and E, I can't even say.

~ Phen

[cbiggers]

Gina - I am so, so sorry. What a blow. I'm very sorry that you have to go through this. I'll be thinking of you and praying that the baby meant for you will soon be in your arms. Take care!

Feeding - I tandem feed my girls (well, now they hold their own) by sitting sideways in my double chair with a pillow on my lap. I put both girls on there and that way I can hold their bottles. I can also talk on the phone and change the channels when they are positioned right! ;) When they used to burp halfway through, I'd prop one bottle while I burped the other and then switch. I definitely recommend feeding them at the same time.

PNP - We've only used ours for travel. Our girls slept in one crib until they were about two months old and then they were seperated. Caroline is a rambunctious sleeper. The PNP worked great for us when traveling though. They both slept fine.

Mitty - It sounds like the boys are really gaining some good weight. I hope they continue to improve so that you can bring them home soon! I can't imagine how difficult it must be. Hang in there!!!!!

Not much new here. WEll, I shouldn't say that. The newest form of recreation in our household seems to be "tackle the sister." Caroline finds it hysterical to sneak up behind Isabel and pull her over and then lay on top of her. I tried to get it on video today but was a little slow. Needless to say, Isabel doesn't find this quite as amusing as Caroline does! Momma thinks it's pretty funny! The girls are as close to crawling as they can get without actually crawling. They are pulling up on things and go nonstop now! And I thought I was tired before.

Hope everyone else is doing well! Take care!

[kakirk]

I'm short on time so I can't reply to everything...

Congrats to my fellow PNW'er QP!!! Your boys are just darling!

Gina I'm so sorry for this setback in your journey to parenthood.

Missy I'm pleased the twins are doing so well!!

Regarding feeding, I nursed the babies one at a time for the first two weeks while they were learning to latch, and now I tandem feed exclusively. Seriously, it has changed our lives!! We still have to supplement a bit with formula, and for that daddy (or another helper) feeds one of them, but any time I nurse, they're both on there at the same time. I LOVE it.

Speaking of nursing...the screamers call! :D

Katie

[natgirl]

Hi,

Just introducing myself. I found out today that we are expecting twins. I am in utter shock. There are no twins in either of our families. I am sure I will adjust to the news eventually, but for now I m trying to wrap my brain around this news!

Me: Natalie
DH: Jeff
DD: Sophia, born 3/28/04
Twins due 3/11/06!

[Kymba]

Hey Natalie - no twinmama here, but I saw your post and couldn't resist popping up to say hello! Kymba here, remember me from waaaay back when, during the old WC days, we both got married at PE? Good to see you again, and with a Sophie and new babies coming! Congratulations!!

I'm due any day now with our first, baby girl Zoe, over in August 05 mamas.

I'm over on LJ as well, with the same handle if you ever feel like popping in! kym [at] lyricdesigns.com

[2labradogs]

Nat - I just saw your LJ post - whee! I am glad you made your way over here - you will have some twin preggo buddies to chat with! Twins don't run in my family either, so I know what you mean about being surprised!

[khouse]

Hi Ladies ...

Friend of cbiggers and thought I'd join in on the twinmommas fun! Casey and I delivered the same day, same hospital. Both twin girls! What a small world!

Here's my info:
Me: Kenan 32
DH: Brian 31
3rd IUI April 2004 - 3rd times a charm! :-)
Proud Mommy to Delaney Thea and Devon Wade
Born: 12/04/04

Thanks!

[cbiggers]

Natgirl - Congrats on the twins! Twinshock eventually wears off (I think! :p )! There are some great women here to help you out! Good luck!!!

Kenan - Yea! My fav RL twin buddy! I'm so glad you decided to join here! See you tomorrow!!!!!

On a side note, not only did Kenan and I deliver same day, same hospital, both girl/girl twins, but we have the same exact wedding anniversary, both of our husbands are named Brian and they are both in pretty much the same work profession. They are our "alternate universe" friends!!!!!! Kenan is great and I know she'll make a great addition to our twinmommas!

[angelgirl8]

gina...i am so so sorry that you have to go through this.

welcome khouse and natgirl!

cbiggers...the game the girls play sounds like fun! does isabel never knock over caroline?

katie...i hope to be able to nurse as well as you do! i plan to pick your brain in 6 months or so!

[mittyrd]

Gina: I'm so sorry

Welcome new twinmamas!

Thought I'd drop off some new pictures:

Sam saying he's had enough of the pictures:
http://images.snapfish.com/3445884%3B23232%7Ffp58%3Dot%3E2348%3D4%3A%3B%3D448 %3DXROQDF%3E232399775%3A297ot1lsi

Sam in his party hat:
http://images.snapfish.com/3445884%3B23232%7Ffp63%3Dot%3E2348%3D4%3A%3B%3D448 %3DXROQDF%3E232399775%3B%3B3%3Aot1lsi

Matt:
http://images.snapfish.com/3445884%3B23232%7Ffp3%3B%3Dot%3E2348%3D4%3A%3B%3D4 48%3DXROQDF%3E232399775%3A%3B6%3Bot1lsi

Big brother:
http://images.snapfish.com/3445884%3B23232%7Ffp47%3Dot%3E2348%3D4%3A%3B%3D448 %3DXROQDF%3E232399775%3B%3B%3C6ot1lsi

[khouse]

mittyrd: such sweet photos!

natgirl: Congratulations on the twins! As Casey said, the shock does wear off! :) Yet, sometimes I still think "how did I get here?" ... one pregnancy and two babies!!! :D It's been nothing but special to have two beautiful daughters at once! Enjoy your pregnancy ... it goes by fast!

cbiggers: I wasn't going to metion our other coincidences until the gals got to know me a little better. Nothing like scaring them off with our "alternate universe" similarities. :D See you tomorrow!

Thank you again for welcoming me into the Twinmommas group!

[2labradogs]

mitty - your children are precious, just precious. Thanks for sharing.

casey & kenan - what a crazy coincedence...so cool you two found each other!

Kenan - I love the names you picked, they sound great together

gina - I am sorry, I hope some happy news comes your way very soon.

katie - way to go on the breastfeeding!

regarding feedings - I must agree with other moms, tandem feeding is the only way to go. With both babies on the same feeding/sleeping schedule you will get a chance to take a little break. Until Chase & Tyler learned to hold their bottles (around 5-6 months?) we propped bottles (supervised of course!).

[Journey]

I have so much catching up to do, but I have some craziness going on upstairs. Congratulations to all the new twinmamas! I love all the pictures of the babies!!

Just a quick post of 6 month old Catheryn and Nathan and Big Brother Will

http://www.shutterfly.com/jsp/proceserv.jsp?uid=8AbsWThy4aNs&rostate=67b0de21b83c0cce154e&co=-1&js=1122885168890&rx=304&ry=304
http://www.shutterfly.com/jsp/proceserv.jsp?uid=8AbsWThy4aNs&rostate=67b0de21b83c0cc61546&co=-1&js=1122885209100&rx=304&ry=304

[Bernie]

Just popping in with a brief question--

Did any of you experience random spotting during your pregnancy? I will be 9 weeks tomorrow, and yesterday I noticed a very small amount of brown spotting. It's very very light, but it is still sticking around today - so I'm feeling kind of nervous. I talked to the nurse at my RE's office (even though I am officially discharged) and at my OB's office (even though my first appointment is not until Monday) and they both said not to worry - unless there is a major amount of red bleeding and cramping. I think I do have some very light cramping - but this is pretty consistent with what I have been feeling over the past month or so.

I know I am probably worrying over nothing -- but knowing that isn't making me feel any better!

Journey - the kids are so adorable! They all have such beautiful smiles!

[Astro]

Bernie random spotting? I've got that now, and am thankful. I had full on heavy bleeding three separate times. The first time was bright red, cramping, soaked 2 maxi-pads in 2 hours. I thought for sure I lost the kids, went in for an ultra-sound and everything was fine. I've heard brown spotting is common in the first few weeks and nothing to worry about. So the short answer is random brown spotting is no problem, cramping is normal. :) Bright red heavy flow could be fine, or could be something else. If it's bright red heavy, call your RE or OB immediately. Good luck.

mittyrd Your boys look so sweet. :) Glad to hear they're doing better.

Journey Your kids personalities sure appear to be coming through on the pictures. They look like oodles of fun. :)

[angelgirl8]

mittyrd...the boys are beautiful! how are the babies doing?

journey...what fantastic pictures! what happiness!

bernie...i had some random brown spotting from about 9.5 to 10.5 weeks. weird, but doctors said it was wasn't a problem!

astro...hi! how are you doing?

[Bernie]

Thanks! Not sure why - but hearing it from you ladies makes me feel better than hearing it from my RE and OB!

[Phen]

Welcome natgirl! We are gonna have a flood of cute twinpics next winter. :D

~ Phen

[NJMom]

Hi Fellow Twinmammas! I'm so glad I found you. I never had much time or patience to learn the new WC format so I've been away for quite a while. I would love to join here though! Here are my stats:

NJMom
Me - 35
DH - 45
Married - September 14, 2002
Fraternal Boys
birth day: February 15, 2005 at 33wks
Jacob Michael 4lbs 10ozs
Brayden Matthew 4lbs 5ozs

I hope all is well with everyone and I'm glad to be part of this new thread. I will send pictures as soon as I can figure out how to attach them!

[angelgirl8]

njmom...hi! can't wait to see pictures.

____

new question: my obgyn yesterday called with some blood results and said that i have hyperthyroidism (pregnancy-induced, presumably). i'm going to see an endocrinologist (like i haven't done that before!) tomorrow to see whether i need to control it with medication or what.

my dr said that it's not unheard of in pregnancy, esp. with twins so i wanted to see if anyone had any experience!

she also said it causes nausea, so that might be why i'm still feeling so darn ill.

[QPDoll]

njmom...hi! can't wait to see pictures.

____

new question: my obgyn yesterday called with some blood results and said that i have hyperthyroidism (pregnancy-induced, presumably). i'm going to see an endocrinologist (like i haven't done that before!) tomorrow to see whether i need to control it with medication or what.

my dr said that it's not unheard of in pregnancy, esp. with twins so i wanted to see if anyone had any experience!

she also said it causes nausea, so that might be why i'm still feeling so darn ill.

I don't have a lot of time to post, but just wanted to let you know I was dxed with the same thing during my first