Mothers of Multiples, 2006 Edition

[Twinmamas]

AmyE
Amy E, 34
DH: J, 34
Married: 10/2002
TTC - whoops! a few months early
DC: DS, 4/05
EDD: Dec 28, 2006
birth date: December 6, 2006 (3xwxd)
Julia Grace, 6 lbs., at 3:24 p.m.
Benjamin Luke, 5 lbs. 13 oz., at 3:25 p.m.

angelgirl8
angelgirl8, 28
DH: dave, 28
Married: 7.6.03
TTC: 1.04
BFP: 6.2.05 after 2nd IVF
EDD: 2.8.06 (40wEDD)
Birth date: January 10, 2006 (35w5d)
Babygirl: 4lbs, 14oz, 11:08 a.m.
Babyboy: 4lbs, 2oz, 11:09 a.m.

Bernie
me: 30
DH: 34
Married: 1/18/2003
BFP: 6/29/05
U/S showing twins: 7/8/05
EDD: 3/8/2006
birth date: 2/24/06 (38w1d)
Amelia Sara, 12:30pm, 5lb 15oz, 19"
Maxwell Philip, 12:32pm, 5lb 8oz, 19"

blisswc
birth date: November 4, 2004
Ania and Alex

Brink
Me: Tina, 36
DH: Dan, 37
Married: 6/2004
TTC - 3 months
40w EDD: March 19, 2007
DC: DD, 9/05

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

Cath
Catherine - 33
DH - 35
Married - 11-10-01
TTC - 11-03
BFP - 9-15-06
Found out that I'm expecting triplets on 9-27-06
EDD - May 23, 2007 (40 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)

Isobel
Me: Isobel, 30
DH: CG, 32
Married: 04/27/02
TTC: for a year and a half before the BFP
BFP: 6/16/06
EDD: 2.20.07 (forty weeks)

Jenean
Me: Jenean, 30 (formerly known as gymwidow)
DH: Seth, 30
Married: 6/22/03
TTC: 6/22/05; success with IVF w/ ICSI
BFP: 10/2/06, u/s showing twins 10/10/06
EDD: 6/12/07 (40w)

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)
birth date: April 5, 2006 (3XwXd)
Paige Kelly: 5lbs. 7 oz.
Cole Robert: 5lbs. 8 oz.

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
birth day: February 15, 2006 (37w5d)
Alexander, 8lbs1oz, 21.5", arrived 2:27 p.m.
Audrey, 7lbs10oz, 20", arrived 2:40 p.m.

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
birth date: March 10, 2006
Nicholas: 5lbs 12oz, born at 6:12
Campbell: 5lbs 14oz, born at 6:22

LDS Angel 19
Me: Michelle, 23
DH: Aaron, 24
Married: 9/4/04
Other Children: Allison, our angel, born and died 6/17/05
TTC: 9/05
BFP: 11/16/06
U/S showing twins: 11/29/06
40 week EDD: 7/27/07

LoveBeingAMommy
Me:31
DH: 31
Married: November 2002
TTC: September 2006
BFP: October 6, 2006
EDD: June 15, 2007 (40 weeks)
Any other children: DD 5/04

Lovin'it
me: 25
DH: 31
Married: 11/16/2001
BFP: 6/29/05
U/S showing twins: 8/22/05
Ella and Nina's EDD: 3/9/2006 (Dr. thinks they will be here by Valentine's Day!)
birth date: 2/15/06
Nina: 5 lbs. 13 oz
Ella: 5 lbs. 9 oz

MiamiBeachTwins
SAHM
Love: 9-17-04
EDD: 8-25-06
Twins: 8-15-06
FurKids: 2 Cats

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

morningdew
Me: 35 (as of last week)
DH: 33
Married: 6/02
DS born 3/30/03
TTC: 7/06
BFP: 8/18/06, u/s showing twins 9/12/06
EDD: 4/30/07 (40w)
Baby Girls!!

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
birth day: 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!
Birth date: January 28, 2006
Mark: 4 lbs, 5 oz and 18.5" at 1:48 a.m.
Isabelle: 5 lbs, 5 oz and 17" at 1:51 a.m.

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
#3 due 12/06

Phen
me: Phen (35)
dh: (30)
Married: 4/20/02
Birthday: 7/13/04 (37w5d)
Thomas 3:31 a.m., 7 lbs 9 oz, 18"
Alexander 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
birth date: March 21, 2006 (35w)
Brycen Peter, 3 lbs. 14 oz.
Devon Elisabeth, 4 lbs. 7 oz.

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"

Sage
Me: Megan, 30
DH: Scott, 30
Married: 08/17/02
Children: Ashley, 8/18/05
BFP: Early July 06
Ultrasound showing identical twins: 08/09/06
EDD: 03/02/07 (40 weeks)

Sunmoonstars75
Me=Sara, 30
DH=Andy, 32
Married 09/28/02
birth day: March 8, 2005 (36w)
Audra Elizabeth 4:36 pm
Amelia Grace 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

Tandis
Me: 30
DH: 32
Married: 04/26/03
TTC: April 04 - pregnant on our first IVF attempt
BFP: 7/24/06 (blood test)
EDD: 3/29/07 (40w EDD)

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, Jad's sweet boys, and jenahdawn's darling girls.

[Twinmamas]

Birthdays and Duedates

September 18, 2003: vancouvertwinboy and vancouvertwingirl (vancouvergirl)
February 20, 2004: Chase and Tyler (2labradogs)
July 13, 2004: Thomas and Alexander (Phen)
November 4, 2004: Ania and Alex (blisswc)
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)
January 10, 2006: Girlbaby and Boybaby (angelgirl8)
January 28, 2006: Mark and Isabelle (Natgirl)
February 15, 2006: Ella and Nina (lovin'it)
February 15, 2006: Alexander and Audrey (kat)
February 24, 2006: Amelia and Maxwell [Mia and Max] (Bernie)
March 10, 2006: Nicholas and Campbell (klm2klh)
March 21, 2006: Brycen Peter and Devon Elisabeth (relly)
April 5, 2006: Paige Kelly and Cole Robert (jrsygirl)
August 16, 2006: Kaliyah and Jazariah (MiamiBeachTwins)
December 6, 2006: Julia and Benjamin (AmyE)

due February 20, 2007: two girls! (Isobel)
due March 2, 2007: two boys! (Sage)
due March 19, 2007: two boys! (Brink)
due March 29, 2007: two babies! (Tandis)
due late spring, 2007: three babies! (Cath)
due April 30, 2007: two girls! (morningdew)
due June 12, 2007: two babies! (Jenean)
due June 15, 2007: two babies! (LoveBeingAMommy)
due July 27, 2007: two babies (LDS Angel 19)

due dates are 40-week EDDs unless otherwise indicated

[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.

How long into my pregnancy will I be able to work?
The answers vary, but almost none of us were able to work up to delivery. Some were put on half-time work restrictions in the early second trimester and told to stop working altogether by the start of the third trimester, some were put on bedrest in the second trimester and were able to work from bed/home. We think it's wise to plan for the "worst" and prepare for an early departure from work.

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


For Your Reference: Best Books for Twinmamas

best twin pregnancy book (technical): When You're Expecting Twins, Triplets, or Quads: Proven Guidelines for a Healthy Multiple Pregnancy (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0060542683/sr=1-1/qid=1156444494/ref=sr_1_1/104-5495183-3136726?ie=UTF8&s=books) (a/k/a The Dr. Luke book)

best twin pregnancy book (semi-goofy but sorta helpful): Twinspiration (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1589792807/ref=sr_11_1/104-5495183-3136726?ie=UTF8)

best raising twins the first year book: Ready or Not: Here We Come! (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0974699004/ref=pd_bxgy_text_b/104-5495183-3136726?ie=UTF8)

best raising twins toddlers and beyond book: Ready or Not: There we go! (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/0974699012/ref=pd_cp_b_title/104-5495183-3136726?%5Fencoding=UTF8&v=glance&n=283155)

[Twinmamas]

K, y'all... our new thread is open.

If you have any updates, please post them in red. Also, if anyone has ideas for things to put in our FAQs, please either post 'em or PM 'em to me (the Twinmamas account), and I'll put them in that post.

THANKS!

[angelgirl8]

wow, a brand new thread!

thanks, madame threadmistress.

i hope everyone had a wonderful new year's.

cbiggers...thanks for the reassurance. i hope the girls are feeling better!


well, my babies will be born this year. more specifically, this month! ACK!

can you update my due date to 2/8/06? i know that's wrong, too, but it's my correct 40 week date!

[cbiggers]

Hey Phenny - One idea for FAQ, though I'm not sure how to make it brief: How long did you work into your pg? That question seems to pop up a lot but I am not sure how to shorten the answer. Just a thought! Thanks for starting the new thread!

[kat]

Yay for the new thread, and happy new year everyone! Hope all is well with our preggo moms and all those adorable twins (and adorable moms!).

As for me.....I think I've finally confirmed that I do indeed have the pelvic joint "separation" that my doctor mentioned a few weeks ago when I explained the pain I've been having. The past few days it's gotten worse, and it's been really difficult to walk (I've been crawling to the bathroom).

I checked out a few websites re: "pubic symphysis separation" and I've experienced just about every symptom on the list....including "may feel great discomfort during fundal height measurements at OB's office due to pressure OB puts on pubic area to take the measurement." So I guess my doctor was right, although there's not much they can do. My mom is bringing a cane to me today, which we hope will help; if not, I'll ask my doctor for a walker.

Other than figuring out what's wrong with me, that's about all that's new. We've made it through a month of bedrest. I think the bedrest has made the joint problem worse, but whatcha gonna do? I think my poor DH is especially happy that we're having twins, because it means I won't be pregnant again and he doesn't have to listen to me whine again :) (we'd always planned on having just two kids).

I've been talking to the kids a lot lately, trying to convince them that it's in their best interest to have a birthday as far away from Christmas & New Years as possible......and yet not on their momma's b-day (which is next week). I don't want to share birthday cake. :D

[Bernie]

Nothing much to report here - but I wanted to wish everyone a very happy new year!

Thanks for the new thread Phen!

[cbiggers]

kat - I had that pelvic separation pain from very early on and it continued for a while, even after delivery. Sorry to say that!!!! But, man, I know what you are feeling. There were times where I could barely walk it hurt so bad and forget about touching my pelvis or anywhere in the near vacinity. Youch!!!!!! I hope you feel better soon!

[blisswc]

I have not been around here in ages, but there are a lot of familiar names...can I join again?

My children are Ania and Alex, born Nov. 4, 2004.

BTW: SOrry to hear about the pelvic pain. I totally get it. I have been in quite a bit of pain since the kids were born and just had an MRI. Turns out my pelvis spread so much during pregnancy I tore a ligament and need surgery. Ugh.

[khouse]

Happy New Year everyone!!!

Phen: Thanks for the new thread!!!

Kat: My birthday is also next week ... when is yours??? :D

Have a great week!

[mittyrd]

Happy New Year!

[Jad]

Happy New Year!

Some (although not nearly enough) overdue SO's---

Bernie - Sorry to hear you got the couch-potato order, but go you for having such a short hospital stay!

Kat - Did you ask your question about 34 weeks? Although it sounds like it may be a moot point. Can't P just carry you to the bathroom? ;)

angel - I'm so glad they're watching the babies more closely now -- and that Dave got the growth scan moved up. You are so close and all that monitoring is going to ensure those babies come out whenever they need to!

I just have to say that I am so very excited for all of you 30+ week preggos. You'll be meeting your babies so soon! And giving me some adorable pictures to help get me through five more months of this! ;) :eek:

And speaking of pictures, Phen, nice to know that someone is answering all those questions about whether or not twins count as carry-ons. Too cute. :D

As for me, I go back to my OB tomorrow for my 16 week appointment, and I will be armed with a page of questions that I need answered about how they plan to manage this pregnancy. There are enough stresses that I don't need my OB office adding to them. Wish me luck!

[lovin'it]

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v504/emmabarrus/DSC02988.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v504/emmabarrus/DSC02989.jpg

Threadmistress...I am naming my girls Ella and Nina and my husband is now 31.

[PilotsWife]

Happy New Year everyone!

I'm sorry to hear there are some sick babies and twin mammas here. I hope you are all feeling better pronto!

As for those of you who traveled this holiday - my hat is off to you! I can't imagine traveling more than 5 minutes down the road to the pediatrian's office. The very idea scares the heck out of me!

Angel - like khouse, my story sounds *EXACTLY* like yours. Baby A (Aidan) and Baby B (Ryan) were only an ounce or two apart for almost the entire pregnancy - up until 34 weeks, when suddenly the weight difference between the two was more than 20%. I too started the non-stress testing and biophysical exams - appointments twice a week. If there was any stress to Aidan (he was the smaller baby), the plan was to deliver them. They were born two weeks later (due to symptoms of pre-eclapsia). At birth Aidan was 4 pounds, 9 ounces at birth and Ryan was 5 pounds, 9 ounces. At their first month ped appointment (last week) Aidan weighed 6 pounds, 14 ounces and Ryan was 8 pounds even. I know its very stressful and you're worried - just remember that you're very close to that 36 week mark - it goes very fast - I have a good feeling that your babies are going to be fine!

MrsPuls - Congratulations on Lucas & Aubrey's homecoming!

Kat - I'm sorry about your pelvic pain, but congrats on staying home :D

lovin'it - beautiful belly shots!

Bernie - Sorry you had to experience the hospital food early - I'm glad you're at home and that your restrictions have been eased ;)

Phen - You always have such adorable shots of your boys - you have an incredible knack for having your camera ready to capture the moment.


We have been muddling thru this last month - very much sleep deprived. For the first 4 weeks, DH and I slept on the sofa (we have a large sectional - we each had a "wing" of the sofa) while the boys were in their PNP - it seemed easier to get up from the sofa then from bed at 3 AM. We finally moved back to our bedroom. The boys were in their own bassinettes (sp?) for a whole 2 nights and now they are sharing one of the cribs in their own room. (Ryan stretches and moves a lot, when he hits the sides of the bassinette, he'd start screaming.) It is such a shame about the bassinettes - they are beautiful and truly hardly been used! (They are the Eddie Bauer "B" is for Bear from BRU.)

The boys have been great - just trying to sync their eating schedules again (we were doing pretty well, but then my ILs were here for 5 days for Christmas and the schedules went out the window! :rolleyes: Now there is about an hour an half between them!). We've had a few issues with gas, so we're trying new bottles (was using Avent, now using Dr. Brown). I also have some concerns with some congestion - the Ped said there is nothing in their chests, and anything we may be noticing is in their nasal area. So, I'm thinking about getting a humidifier for their bedroom. However, my mother said she read that humidifers can be an issue because of the bacteria that can form in the water and then dispersed in the air. Anyone else know about this? Suggestions??

We need to start investigating day care choices (I go back to work end of February) - the very idea is terrifying me. Does anyone have an agency or know a nanny in the Northern NJ area that they can recommend?

[Twinmamas]

Updated to here! (welcome back, Bliss!)

[Phen]

I did a quick little FAQ entry about working per your suggestion casey. How's that sound? It was off the top of my head and definitely needs work. Are y'all feeling better now?

Geez, that sounds PAINFUL, kat! I am laughing because my DH is also into the one pregnancy, two babies idea. He called it "maximum efficiency" long before we even found out I was carrying twins!

How are you doing with bedrest, Bernie?

Great to see you, bliss! How are your kiddos doing? Geez on the torn ligament. I imagine they'll ask you not to lift the kids for a bit after that surgery. I had surgery last week and they told me not to lift anything over 10 lbs. for 4-6 weeks. I made it 5 days...and I was psyched I made it that long!

Good luck at the OB's, Jad. I hope it's a boring appointment. ;)

What a beautiful belly, lovin'it. :)

Thanks for the compliment on my photos, PilotsWife, but the truth is, I had the camera surgically attached to my hand ;) . No, I just take a ton of photos and the beauty of a digicam is that EVENTUALLY you get a good one if you take 100. I'm sorry about the bassinnettes being a bust; maybe you could at least sell them at the next twinsale and try to get back the $$? I wanted bassinettes, too, but I was worried they'd be used for a second and a half and so we didnt' get them in the end.

As for the humidifier, I'd heard a variation on what your mom said...that YES it will spew bacteria/mold into the room but only if you don't keep it clean. Keep it clean (the water tank and the filter) clean and you're set!

I got my wonderful fabulous couldn't-have-survived-this-summer-without-her nanny from enannysource.com (http://www.enannysource.com/). I also tried a nanny agency in Memphis but I didn't like a single one of their candidates they gave us.

I'm making a New Year's Resolution for my boys: we are going to get out more and meet other kids their age! My local mama friends and I are always saying "we should have a playdate" and then never do it...now we will! (I have decreed it, so it shall be) Plus now that the boys' morning nap seems to have been pushed back to 10 a.m., I can start taking them to church. Before you think I'm completely insane, I'm not talking about taking them to the actual service...just the church nursery! But it is a lovely nursery and I think the boys need to start meeting other kids their age. So we will start there.

Happy new year to khouse, mittyrd, Jad, and everyone else. And Happy birthdays (pending), too!

~ phen

[kat]

cbiggers: so sorry to hear you had the pelvic separation pain, too....but I'm hoping (in some ways for selfish reasons :) ) that you're better now?

Welcome back, bliss!

khouse: mine's the 11th (next Wednesday)....you?

Jad: are you having the u/s at your OB's appointment tomorrow (today)? Or is that another day this week? I owe you a call...

lovinit: nice belly!

PilotsWife: so good to hear that you've survived the initial weeks - you sound great!

Phen: I dunno.....I'd bet there are plenty of subjects I could photograph for rolls and rolls and after 200 pics wouldn't have anything near as good as your boys. :) Good luck with your New Years Resolution!

*********
Nothing new here, which I suppose is good news. Four weeks ago today I was admitted to the hospital. And it's likely that within four weeks from today, we'll have met our twins.......which freaks us both out every now & then. :D

[lovin'it]

I think it finally hit me that these kids are almost here! I am soooo scared of the delivery. Up until tonight, I had not thought about it...I am scared!

I am from Brazil, aka Land of the C-Section. I am so afraid of the vaginal delivery. My doctor is planning on it unless baby A flips.

Is it weird that I am wishing for a C-Section? I think it is most likely a cultural thing.

What should I expect from a vaginal delivery? I am super-intolerant to pain...great, huh?!

:( Soooo...scared!

[NJMom]

Happy New Year everyone!

Thanks for the new thread Phen. I LOVE the picture of your boys. They are so cute - I can't believe how big they are getting!

Lovin'it-great belly shots. You look terrific. Can't help you with advice on a vaginal birth (I had a c-section) but just remember, there is always pain medicine so you will be fine either way!

Angel-try not to worry too much. It's great that your doctor is watching the babies so closely so I'm sure they are going to continue to do great!

kat and khouse Happy Birthday (a little early!)

Journey-do you have anything planned for Nate and Catie's first Birthday yet? Jacob and Brayden's first Birthday is right after theirs (Feb 15th) so I've been looking into ideas. Can you believe they are almost a year old already???

[Jad]

Back from my OB appointment. They tried to cancel my growth scan for the second time in a row. Needless to say, I protested. So they measured the babies, and they're almost exactly the same size. Yay! The doctor that I talked to was good. According to her, the discrepancy between what the doctor's are recommending should decrease substantially after my next appointment at 19 weeks. I'm willing to wait and see. But I'm feeling better for the time being.

Oh, and I got signed up for the study to see if progesterone shots help prevent preterm labor. Got my "compliance" shot, so looks like I'm back on the PIO wagon. :p

PilotsWife - Congrats on reclaiming the bedroom! Sounds like the boys are doing really well! I'm no help on the humidifier thing, but I've heard they're wonderful. Hope you find something that works for you!

[vancouvergirl]

i noticed that i have the oldest set of twins in the group so i thought i'd post my thought of the day. as my twins get older, i appreciate their twinhood more and more. i have never tried to emphasize their twinhood, just the opposite really. still, there are clearly positives to having twins and at age 2 that is becoming more obvious to me. the bond between them is absolutely amazing to watch. and to think it's lifelong. they will always have that someone who understands them completely.

i guess what i'm trying to say is that i surprised myself with my first baby by loving her more and more each day and experiencing love like i never imagined. it's the same with these little ones, in addition to increasingly being surprised and overwhelmed by the love they have for each other.

[jrsygirl]

JadGlad to hear this appt was better. I too am getting the progesterone shots. a nurse comes and sticks me in the butt once a week. They actually haven't been too bad although everyone warned me they were horribly painful shots.. At this point I think I can take anything.


23w3d Update
All is OK in my world. I am getting so huge. I need to take some new belly shots. I can barely put my socks on these days let alone tie my shoes. Thank god for slip ons!

Today I am back at work after being off for over two weeks. I'm exhasueted and definitely ready to go home, take a warm bath, Let B rub my back and sleep. My Dr appt last week went well. The babies are looking great and the Dr says I'm looking way better than he expected and my cervixx is still longer than most singleton pregnancies at this point so the Dr is happy about that. As I mentioned I'm still getting my weekly progesterone shots to ward off preterm labor. Who knows if they are helping or if someone just decided I deserve a boring pregnancy from here on out.



We started working on the nursery..It's coming out really cute so I have to take some pictures. We got a ton of stuff for Christmas. Someone very close to us bought our Zooper stroller which is an amazing gift. We got a ton of clothes and the baby monitors we wanted.


We bought our cribs and bedding ourselves as well as the glider we wanted. I'll take some pics when we get the bedding and the other crib in! Hopefully soon!

[khouse]

Kat: Mine is tomorrow. When you said "next week" in your post over the weekend I thought you meant this week! :o Anyhow, if I forget on the 11th, Happy Birthday to a fellow Capricorn!!!

Just wanted to wish everyone GREAT baby vibes! So many of you are so close to delivery and to experiencing such overwhelming joy with the birth of your children! It is a very exciting time for so many of you!!!

A couple pictures of the girls on Christmas Day!

Delaney sitting in her new chair! They LOVE this thing! :)

http://images.snapfish.com/345958%3A%3B%3B%7Ffp335%3Enu%3D3262%3E%3B%3A4%3E4% 3C7%3EWSNRCG%3D3233439%3B896%3B8nu0mrj

Devon with a bow on her head ... compliments of Daddy! :D

http://images.snapfish.com/345958%3A%3B%3B%7Ffp338%3Enu%3D3262%3E%3B%3A4%3E4% 3C7%3EWSNRCG%3D3233439%3B895%3B5nu0mrj

Have a great week!

[Journey]

Great new thread. Thank you so much for starting it! Happy New Year everyone!!! Looking forward to all the 2006 twinnies!!!!

lovin'it - Great belly shots! You look wonderful!

PilotsWife - Glad to hear your boys are doing so well!

phen - I think you will have as much fun on the playdates as your boys will. I started taking Will to some before the twins were born, and it was so enjoyable to see him so happy out playing with other kids. He still loves getting out and the twins seen to be enjoying it as well. (Talking to other grown ups is just a bonus :) )

NJMom - Ahh yes, the 1st birthdays. I cannot believe it is almost that time already. I am not sure exactly what I want to do yet, but I really need to nail something down. The time has gone so fast and I am having a hard time believing that they are almost one. I keep thinking that there has been some sort of mistake and we accidentally skipped a few months along the way. No such luck.

jrsygirl - Looking forward to those pictures. :)

khouse - Happy Birthday! Hope you have a wonderful day. Beautiful Christmas pictures of your girls.

As for us...I have two full time walkers. I am starting to think they have forgotten how to crawl. I guess the one thing saving me is that our house is already child proofed because of Will. I have noticed that the twins are so much more independant than Will ever was...I wonder if it because they never got "all" the attention to themselves. They will not eat jar babyfood anymore, and are pretty much eating what we eat. They will eat the gerber meatsticks and pastas, but nothing off a spoon if I try and give it to them. Natie's favorite thing to do is stand on his hands and feet and look upside down through his legs. It is very cute. I have gotten a few pictures but need to get them developed.

Their first Christmas was wonderful. I wish I could post some pictures, but my digital camera broke. It was such a special day and they all looked so sweet in their little outfits. And, like NJMom mentioned, their 1st birthday is coming up in a few weeks. Wow...already...

[QPDoll]

I just noticed the new 2006 thread was up! Thanks Phen!
Kat I had that pelvic seperation thing too, but thankfully, after delivery it was completly gone. Oh how well I remember that awful pain though. Tylenol PM became my dearest friend by the end of my pregnancy.

Bliss! Great to hear from you again! Sorry about needing surgery. Blek. When will you have it?

Jad Glad to hear your appointment went well today!

lovin'it Awesome belly shots! Beautiful twin belly! I had really wanted a c/s, mainly because I was afraid of the pain. Figured it was easiest and the lowest risk. I was scared of deliverying A vag and then needing a c/s to delivery B. In the end, I went with a vag delivery (A was head down, B was breech). I chose a vag delivery because of the quicker recovery time, and i didn't have much help after the boys were born. It turned out wonderful, and really, there wasn't much pain. Thank goodness for the epidural! LOL I was scared of that too, but it was easy! I really was terrified of all of it though. They were able to turn my baby B during delivery of Baby A, so both were delivered head down.

Angel My twins were also within an ouce or two of each other during the entire pregnancy, up until 34 weeks when baby A's weight shot ahead of baby B. They were born at 37 weeks and A weighed 7lbs 3oz and B weighed 6 lbs. Now, at 5 months, they are 2lbs difference. A (Pete) weighs 17lbs, and B (Nate) weighs 15lbs. Pete is much broader shouldered/built like a linebacker. Nate is built like a baseball player, thin and muscular.

PilotsWife Sorry to hear about the bassinetts. I know the ones you have and they are beautiful. Dr. Brown bottles rock! We had invested lots of $$ on the Ventairs, but in the end switched to Dr. Browns. We got a screaming awesome deal on EBay from a fellow twinmamma ($25 for 25 bottles).

Phen Great resolution! My boys love watching the kids at the church nursery. Okay, so we only make it to MOPs so far, but Im hoping to actually get to a real church service one of these days. LOL

Vancouver I love to hear about the bond between your twins. It seems so amazing to me. :) Thanks!

jrsygirl post pictures-post pictures LOL

khouse freaking adorable!!! I love the bow picture! And golly, they have the most amazing eyes, beautiful!

Journey I can't wait to see pics of your family! Walking, iesh! Terrified of the though!

[QPDoll]

My boys are starting to interact with each other. Its cute. Mostly, they just reach over and pull or poke at each other: ears and arms are their favorite things to tug at right now. LOL I set them down on top of each other the other day, just to see what they would do. Nates on bottom, Petes on top.

http://pics.livejournal.com/bluegingham/pic/000wb7xe/s640x480

They take turns poking at each other :
Pete is eating Nates arm

http://pics.livejournal.com/bluegingham/pic/000xapey/s640x480

Pete love playing with his tongue. Its always hanging out, even with a bottle or a paci in his mouth. LMAO

http://pics.livejournal.com/bluegingham/pic/000wxr6a/s640x480

People ask me all the time, how do I tell them apart. LMAO I don't think they look anything alike! Pete has red hair, Nate has brown. Pete has blue eyes, Nate has hazel. Pete outweighs Nate by 2lbs and has a competly different build.

http://pics.livejournal.com/bluegingham/pic/000x06xd/s640x480

Anyway, not much new to really update with. They are getting tons easier, and sleeping and naping are going better. They are eating solids now, Pete is a chowhound and I can't shovel it in fast enough without him getting POd, and Nate could take it or leave it.

[vancouvergirl]

QPDoll, those are the cutest pictures!! i can't even pick my favorite.

[kat]

Drive-by to say happy b-day to khouse (adorable pics of the girls)!!!! And to tell QPDoll that those pictures are so damn cute, too!!!

[mrstim]

Can I ask all you twinmama's a question??

When did you begin wearing maternity clothes???

I was a twinmama and didn't know it, but now I'm just a singleton (7w6d) The doc told my friend who just went through the same thing that since her body had began the process of growing for two that she'd continue to grow somewhat faster, if not as fast as if she had twins. My doctor hasn't told me this, although I am going to ask him tomorrow if that's the truth.

I'm just at wits end - none of my clothes fit (well, about 3 tops and 3 skirts) and I don't really have a whole lot of extra cash to spend on transition clothes, so I'm thinking about saying to hay with it and just yanking out what maternity I have so that I can be comfortable and clothed, but I feel so stupid and silly for wearing maternity this early.

Thanks!
A

[Phen]

Happy belated birthday, khouse!

Your wrestling boys are so adorable, QP. :)

mrstim, I was in full-out maternity clothes by 9 weeks, but I'd already been wearing maternity tops for at least 2 weeks by then, and had been scraping by with regular pants two sizes too big (for my pre-preg size) by that point. I got a pretty noticeable belly before we even found out I was carrying twins (at 7w1d).
http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b3cc23b3127cce9f21df1fdb0100000016108AaOW7Zs4ZMk

Hope that helps!

~ Phen

[Bernie]

QPDoll - Your boys are adorable! I love the one of Pete eating Nate's arm - you can't help but smile!

mrstim - I don't think I broke out the maternity clothes until week 14 or 15, but I was wearing clothes a few sizes bigger than normal from weeks 10 or 11 on, I think.

khouse - happy belated birthday!

Nothing much to report here. While I was initially upset about stopping work, I now can't imagine how I would be functioning at work every day. I'm uncomfortable enough sitting on the couch - not sure how I would handle sitting at my desk! And it is nice to have more time to plan for the arrival of these babes. I'm just so excited that they are going to be here soon (although hopefully not too soon)!

Hope you all have a great weekend!

[jrsygirl]

OK, OK...here is a picture from this week: 23w4d
http://photobucket.com/albums/v231/hbd511/th_23w3d.jpg
I'm still working and feeling OK. Getting more tired but I'm going to work as long as I can and save time for when the babies come.

We're starting to look for a nanny because we've decided I need to keep working because we want to buy a new house, i make more money and have better benefits than DH, and to be honest..I can't imagine not working. Of course I'm sure I'll be changing my mind as soon as I meet our twin babies!

I don't know if anyone else was this way but I still feel a little detached from this pregnancy. After struggling so long with getting PG, not to mention all the problems I had with this pregnancy I guess I had my mind conditioned to think this might not work out. Now that I'm at 24 weeks its starting to get real.

QPDoll: Your boys are absolutely adorable! i love seeing pics of all these babies!
mrstim I stared out by wearing lots of loose clothes and ones a size or two bigger. Luckily when I first got PG it was summer and all this flowy peasant style tops were in style which helped because they were just cut with more room. I probably started wearing maternity clothes about 12-14 weeks though all the time.

[relly]

Happy New Year Twin Mamas and Twin Mommies to Be !

Thank you for the lovely new thread Phen.

Khouse – Happy belated Birthday! Such cute pics of your daughters.

QPDoll – They are adorable.

Jrsygirl – nice belly shot. I will also need to go back to work, our health insurance is from my company, DH’s company doesn’t offer it. As far as who will watch the twins, I’m hoping I’ll initially be able to rely on family while I go back part-time then I’d like to go the nanny route also.

I’d love to see more holiday pics of all the twins.

[Journey]

QPDoll - Too darn cute for words! Their sweet little faces just kill me!!!

jrsygirl - Great belly shot! You are looking wonderful.

[klm2klh]

QPDoll - Thanks for sharing the pictures of your beautiful boys! They really are adorable.

Well so much for my plan to work until 35 weeks! It looks like I will be joining some of the other March twin moms on the couch. I had a doctors appointment on Wednesday (my regular doctor was away, but I saw someone else). Apparently my blood pressure was still a little high. We had a quick ultrasound and saw that both the babies are now head down (yeah!). She also checked my cervix, which she thought was thinner than she would have liked it.

At that point she told me that she wanted me to stop working. I was pretty shocked. Not that I have a problem with stopping, but I honestly never expected that I would have to. I had planned to work another 6 weeks or so. She also wanted me to get some bloodwork done. She then came back and said that she thought that it would be best to admit me to the hospital so we could get an ultrasound and the tests done as soon as possible. I was extremely upset, but agreed that it was the best thing to do.

So we went over to the hospital (the clinic is at the same location) and I was admitted to the antepartum unit. Almost right away they sent me for an ultrasound. It took a while because there was a student doing the measurements on the first baby, but they are about 2 lb 12 oz and 12 lb. 10 oz. They also did a vaginal ultrasound to check my cervix and the tech told me that she thought it looked okay.

We went back upstairs and I had my blood drawn and we finally had a chance to meet with my nurse. Eventually my DH left and went home to get me some things.

I was there until around lunch time today. Apparently all of my tests came back okay and my blood pressure was great the whole time I was there, the doctor also said that my cervix measurement was borderline. So I have been released into a home care program where a nurse will come to my house check all the things they were checking at the hospital (weight, temp., pulse, blood pressure, and babies heart rates). It is so nice to be home.

I am not sure what will happen with regards to working. I have been told that my time off is "ongoing", but for at least 2 weeks. I talked to the human resources people from work and they are couriering over my short term disability stuff. I have a feeling I may not be going back.

But everything is good, I am feeling better about the whole situation and the babies are doing well and that is what is most important.

Of course, now DH and I are a bit panicked about getting the rest of our baby stuff picked out in case I have to go on more restrictive bed rest.

Also, here is my 28 week belly shot:

http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b6df22b3127cce960f6d7adddb00000016108BbMmTJm4c8

[kat]

Cross-posted from March Mommas thread:
My back is screaming at me to lie down, so I'm going to forego most shout-outs tonight......but I wanted to post a quick update after the u/s and OB appointment today.

********

So today we had an ultrasound......both babies are still head down (yay!) and will likely stay that way (well, at least the bottom baby will....the little girl may flip around after he's born).

At my OB's office, we learned that I am still 3+ cm dilated, so no change there (yay!). My cervix has shortened a little (boo!) but not enough for my doctor to do anything about it (yay!).

And the funniest/best part of today? Take a guess at how big the twins are measuring (by ultrasound). Are you sitting down? :D Twin A (boy) is 5 lbs. 11 oz. and Twin B (girl) is 5 lbs. 5 oz.

:eek: :eek: :eek:

That is ELEVEN POUNDS OF BABY and I'm only at 32 weeks. My doc had a good laugh because the ultrasound report came back with a note that said "at risk for macrosomia," (they're in the 90th percentile for size) which is next to impossible with twins. But we're all thrilled, even if it is scary to think how big they might be at birth.

She also told me that once we get to 34 weeks, they won't attempt to stop labor any more if I go into labor. She'd like me to get to 36 weeks, but 34 weeks is also a huge developmental milestone.

Oh, and Twin A (boy) has moved waaaaaay down (he's at -2 station). Let's just say that in order to find his head, the u/s tech had to ask me to take my pants completely off. Feels like he's moving into my leg! :D

Happy Friday!

[lovin'it]

KAT! Great news....it made me smile! Bedrest is paying off!

[mittyrd]

Kat: :eek: Good for you for growing such big babies!! Yikes - I'd like to see your belly shot!!

QP: They are adorable. Really. I love the pictures.

Jrsygirl and klm: Cute bellies - they both look tiny and adorable!

Mrstim: I was in maternity clothes at 6-7 weeks but probably would have been more comfortable in them even earlier.

The twins had their 6 month check up today. Matt is in the 25% for weight, length and head circumference for a 6 month old and Sam is in the 3%!! :D That is amazing given that their adjusted age is only 3 months! I'm so proud of them. The doctor could not believe how big they are. She was very proud of them as well. We survived their first cold. Thank you synagis!!

Did someone say post pictures??
My 3 favorite boys:
http://images.snapfish.com/3459834%3C4%7Ffp337%3Enu%3D3257%3E3%3B%3A%3E357%3E WSNRCG%3D32334489339%3B%3Anu0mrj

Something struck their funny bone:
http://images.snapfish.com/3459834%3C4%7Ffp336%3Enu%3D3257%3E3%3B%3A%3E357%3E WSNRCG%3D3233448934748nu0mrj

[Phen]

Aaaaa mittyrd! lookit them laughing! Oh your little guys look fantastic. :)

WAY! TO! GO! Kat! At this rate, you're gonna take the Biggest Twins at Birth crown from me, I think.

Oh klm, I'm glad you're feeling okay about the latest developments. Nice belly shot! I have to say, I had to laugh about you joining "some" of the other March twinmamas on the couch...there are a ton of you March twinmamas, aren't there?! hee.

Forgive me if you've already said, but are you doing anything for your kiddos' big First birthday, Journey?

I know what you mean about feeling detached, jrsey. But I have to say, that feeling went away the more the boys moved and (this sounds a little silly) developed personalities in-utero, and especially when I stopped working and was home all day.

I'm glad to hear bedrest is turning out to be not-half-bad for you, Bernie!

relly requested more holiday pics, and I would like to comply with that request!

Here's my guys messin' with the tree
http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b5cc03b3127cce9667559c8fa100000016108QZN2TNm4bQ

"Hurry, Mama! Open it faster!!"
http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b5cc09b3127cce96676a22ba6100000026108QZN2TNm4bQ

Sharing is VERY HARD. (funny thing is that they were fighting over an empty gift bag)
http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b5cc09b3127cce96676a153b6600000016108QZN2TNm4bQ

Their grandfather gave them each a little battery-powered 4-wheeler. Alexander loves it; Thomas cries when we put him on his.
http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b5cc07b3127cce96676a782c2200000025108QZN2TNm4bQ

Toy Overdose! (our poor playroom hasn't recovered yet)
http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b5cc07b3127cce96676a79ad1300000026108QZN2TNm4bQ

~ Phen

[NJMom]

Wow, what great pictures everyone! All these boys are just so cute! I will have to post one of my boys too. I haven't done it in so long I forget how to do it. Once I get a minute to try to remember, I will post some pictures.

klm2klh and jrsygirl-great belly shots!

kat-wow that's terrific! I'm glad your babies are doing so well! You must be getting so excited!

I can't get over that there are so may March 2006 babies due. You are all getting so close. Try to hang in there, the pregnancy can definately be tough towards the end but you all seem to be handling it really well.

Now that the holidays are behind us, I have starting planning a First Birthday party for my boys. I found some cute stuff online so I ordered everything yesterday. (Phen, I had to order the same crowns that you had for your boys - they were so cute!) I can't believe they are going to be a year old already! Where did the time go?????

[angelgirl8]

xposted:

well, one of the doctors in my office called yesterday to say my blood results were finally in and i do have cholestasis of pregnancy.

so they moved up my delivery date to jan. 17th (from the 24th) unless something looked awry on any of my tests this week.


BUT, my doctor called today and she spoke to the MFM and neither of them are happy with the cholestasis results. so this is the plan:

1. i'm having an amnio today to test for lung maturity. they'll do a test on baby A since they find that the more stressed baby (baby B) is usually ahead in terms of lung maturity.

2. if the lungs are mature (based on the amount of surfactant in the amniotic fluid), they'll deliver me TOMORROW.

3. if the lungs aren't mature, i think we're still at that jan. 17 date, although i could be wrong!

[kat]

OMG, angelgirl!! I'm sorry about the cholestasis diagnosis, but somewhat excited that they're coming soon! Even 1/17 is only next week. And it seems like just yesterday you were getting that call from the clinic and announcing your pregnancy on the IVF boards!!!

You've done such a great job (and been through sooooo much) to get them this far. Anxiously awaiting news!!

Also anxiously awaiting pics of NJMom's boys!!!

Phen, those pictures are adorable and they CRACKED ME UP!!! I absolutely love the one of them fighting over an empty box!!! Priceless.

And since I doubt I will be carrying these munchkins until 37 weeks, I doubt I'll be taking away your crown any time soon. To console myself, I guess I'll have to dig out the "practice" tiara I used to walk around with in my wedding-planning days. :D

mittyrd, LOL re: the belly shots. I'll have to take some this week & post. Strangely enough, I'm still measuring "only" 38-39 weeks (or at least I was as of last Friday.....I feel as if I've grown since then).

Good to hear your boys are growing so well!! And I cannot believe they're that big already! Weren't they just born yesterday?? :) They're so cute!

lovin'it: thanks!

[relly]

Angel – oh my gosh, how exciting! I hope both babies lungs are doing well. Good Luck.

Klm2klh – sorry about the bed rest, glad to hear you’re at home and not at the hospital and that you and your babies are doing well.

Kat – my oh my what big babies you have, nice job.

Mittyrd – all 3 are so adorable, the twins have gotten so big.

Phen – love the glowing tree pic, and the empty box “sharing” pic, precious.

[mittyrd]

Angel: Holy crap! Can't believe they might be here tomorrow!!

Kat: Anxiously awaiting your belly shots :D

Phen: As usual, your boys are soooo adorable!

[Bernie]

angelgirl - I can't believe you might see your babies tomorrow! Good luck!!

mittyrd and phen - thanks for posting those pics! Your boys are so adorable!!

[Journey]

klm2klh - You look great!!! Great belly shot. :)

kat - Sounds like you have some big healthy babies in there!!

mittyrd - What beautiful boys you have! They are getting so big!

phen - Have yet to decide what to do for the big birthday. Better get on that! Your boys are too cute. I love all the pictures!

angelgirl8 - WOW!!! You might have your babies tomorrow!?!?!? Keep us posted! I am so excited for you and cannot wait to see your beautiful babies! You have done an awesome job with your pregnancy. Not too much longer...

[natgirl]

HELLO twin mommies! It has been a very long time since I have posted here. I am sorry that I am such a terrible member of this thread!! I have no excuses except that I get too tired by the end of the day to post and I am running around all the time with Sophie. That is getting harder and harder by the day.

First of all, let me say Happy New Year to you all! COngrats on all the new babies! And, gosh, what beautiful babies there are here! The pictures of everyone's children are so adorable. It makes me so excited to see my twins!

We had a dramatic day today as I got diagnosed with Cholestasis of Pregnancy. When I logged on and saw Angel's post, I sort of panicked! Good luck Angel and I hope your babies lungs are nice and mature! When my doctor called with that diagnosis today,she made me come right in for a biophysical profile on both babies and more labwork. The babies look great on u/s. Good fluid, nice heartrates. But, now I will have to go in twice a week for u/s, NST, and doctor visit to monitor for any fetal distress. I just hope the babies hang in there a bit longer. It is too early for them to be born!

Sophie has been very aware that things are changing. She saw me taking out her 0-3 month old clothes and is getting more avoidant about any talk about babies. She even said "No babies...babies go!" the other day. It's gonna be a tough transition for her.

I am so very exhausted all the time and ACHY! Everything hurts. I know this is normal and will only get worse, but it is getting me down. I'm very hyperactive and the fact that I can't do much anymore is killing me. I still don't have the nursery ready and I have a lot of things I need to get done, but I have zero energy. DH works too much to be helpful, so my mom is doing almost everything. She is 70 years old! I feel awful about it, although she says she doesn't mind.

Well, that is enough whining for me. I hope to stay more current on the thread.

~Nat

[Phen]

TWO itchytwinmamas?! Wow! I was telling angel on LJ that I thought I had ICP when I was pregnant with my boys, but it turned out to just be a bad case of the itchies. FINGERS CROSSED that everyones' lungs are mature and are healthy as can be...and that you can get a few more things done soon, nat. :)

~ Phen

[Bernie]

Hi ladies-

Just popping in to drop off this bit from Angelgirl's LJ:

did not do amnio, babies not growing well. baby A in 24th percentile (5lbs4oz), baby B less than 3rd percentile. spent many hours at hospital, suspected preeclamsia, possible clotting issues from the cholestasis.

finally let me go home after begging and being in so much pain from hospital bed.

heading in right now for c-section sometime today.



Hopefully she will be reporting here soon with news of her babies!!

[Bernie]

Nat - I can't believe you were diagnosed with cholestasis too - what are the odds? I have a friend who went through this IRL, and I remember how miserable and itchy she was- I'm so sorry you have to go through this too!
Hopefully those babies stay put a while longer and continue to grow nice and big. Good luck!!

Nothing much to report here. My OB appointment yesterday was pretty uneventful (sheesh - he didn't even measure my belly!). Looking forward to my u/s on Friday so I can see how big these kids are.

Hope everyone is doing well!

[mittyrd]

Oooohhh - Good Luck Angel - Can't wait to hear the news!

[jrsygirl]

Good luck Angel!!


I had a 24 week appt today. It was pretty ho-hum. Everything looks good. I was borderline on my 3 hour gest. diabetes test so they said they will probably want me to do it again at about 28 weeks.
The long awaitedquestion has been answered as well..they told me o bring my disability papers to my next appt (2 weeks) because they're giving me another 4 weeks to work. She didn't necesarily say "bedrest" but she certainly doesn't want me commuting to the city everyday.

The good news is that the babies are growing, big and about the same size. (1lb 8oz). and more importantly my cervix is still really long so they decided against a cerclage. She even said if I asked 10 weeks ago how I'd be at this point she would have said on my back in bed- and she's shocked I'm not. So I guess thats good :)

[PilotsWife]

Good luck Angel - can't wait to hear about the happy arrival!

Glad to hear your appointment was boring Bernie :)

Natgirl - I hope you are as itchless as possible - great news that babies' look strong and healthy!

I need a reality check from you experienced twin mommas please - would you please share what your typical daily routine looks like (or looked like around the 6 - 7 week mark) - I realize that "typical" is a misnomer but I need to know if what our day looks like is in line with everyone else in terms of development and my organization :o . I've been reading along with the December 05 Mommies thread - but those are singleton babies and it's really hard to judge where we are since there are double the number of babies. DH and I have watched a few episodes of TLC's Bringing Home Baby - and neither of us can help but sometimes yell at the screen - "You only have one! You slacker, stop complaining!" I realize one baby is not easy, but when you have two, sometimes you can't help but think, god this would be cake if there was only one. Don't get me wrong, I wouldn't trade in either of my boys for anything in the world and can't picture just having one of them, I guess I'm more than a little tired and worried.

[charmcitygirl]

pilotswife if memory serves... at 6 or 7 weeks, jake & zoe were still sleeping quite a bit and i was waking them every 3-4 hours for feedings, round the clock. literally, there was just a lot of sleeping, eating and pooping ;)

so on saturday the hub took the kids to his parents house for the day while he did some work over there and watched football. i took that opportunity to work on getting our guest room/office cleaned out and let me just say:whew! so freaking exhausting. that was the first time i'd been alone in my own house since the babies were born and i really overdid it. not to mention that i missed them like crazy... it was also the first time that i'd spent the entire day without them. when i saw dh walking up to the house, i practically knocked him over trying to get ahold of those kids!

in other news, i've been kinda wacky the past few days. been having some nightmares about the babies... one of which included them being kidnapped. then i find out last night that a girl i know (not well) was abducted in iraq on saturday. her translator was killed and her driver escaped. she's a journalist who has been living in the mideast for a few years now. it's crazy and i just really wish i didn't know about it.

so enough about that.... so excited to hear about angelgirl's babies. the sexes are a surprise, right?

[mittyrd]

Charmcity: I heard that journalist was from the Boston area. Are you from this area?

Pilot'swife: I always say if that I had a singleton everything would be such a piece of cake too. Although when I did just have a singleton I thought it was the hardest thing in the world at the time. In fact, looking back, the twins have been easier than DS was but maybe that is b/c I am "experienced" now.

[charmcitygirl]

mittyrd no... she dated a friend. i was living in nyc at the time. they broke up a few months after she left to live and work in jordan. i remember that she couldn't get to the mideast fast enough.

[khouse]

Sending wonderful & healthy baby thoughts and vibes to Angelgirl!!!

[Phen]

Am SOOOO impatient to hear about angel's babies' arrival! I thought about her all day long and, I must admit to pestering DH with questions about the night the boys were born. (like "do you remember when...?" "and remember when...?") Lots of nostalgia here today, I can tell you!

jrsey, hey, I think 28 weeks is just about when I stopped working. GO YOU! for doing better than the OB expected!

Let's see...Pilots Wife, I am trying to remember life when the boys were 7-8 weeks old! I think my help had all gone home by then, so it was just the two of us. I think that is also when I was given the go-ahead to re-join Weight Watchers, so I started taking the boys to weigh-ins and meetings about then (it was our Big Outing of the day, plus the WW leader turned out to be a twinmama herself [though hers are in their 40s] and she would cheer me on and coo over the boys). I read back in the boys' LJ (yes, I have a blog for the boys. At first I thought it was kinda silly but now I find it helpful!) and it looks like we did start doing Daily Outings (whether walks in the park, WW weigh-ins, or a grocery store run) at about 8 weeks. Know what's funny, though? I wrote this when they were 9 weeks old...great minds think alike, eh, mittyrd?
I'm not feeling like I fit in anywhere.

All the new mamas I know IRL only have one baby and I can't help sometimes feeling jealous about that. I can't run in a store real quick if I have the boys with me (as fast as I am about setting up the DuoGlider and popping the SnugRides in that sucker, it still takes 5 minutes at each end, and I don't dare wake them up half the time) and when we want to go out to lunch with Tom and some friends, we have to automatically eliminate a ton of restaurants because the stroller won't fit in there [or the two carriers won't fit].

Yet I'm also getting angrier and angrier by some people's throwaway comments about having twins (mainly "oh I couldn't do that.") It makes me mad because I think that's rather like they're putting themselves down...why do they think they couldn't Do What Needs To Be Done for twins? Why do they doubt themselves?

I don't think I'm a supa-supermom because I have two. I just get through each day (yes, like the creaky old AA anthem: "one day at a time"), and y'all must trust me on this. I have all kinds of fears that each boy is being neglected emotionally in some way because I have another one to tend to besides him. But going into this with a "ohhhh I couldn't do this!" mindset?? I dunno. It makes me mad. Irrationally mad, I know.

Anyhoo.

Hope your birthday was great Kenan...which means that Kat's is comin' up very soon!

I know you're all shocked, but I don't have any photos to post today.

~ Phen

[lovin'it]

Am SOOOO impatient to hear about angel's babies' arrival! I thought about her all day long

SAME HERE! I have "guarded" LJ and here like a dog....hoping to hear something!

I have my 32 week appointment with the perinatologist tomorrow. I hope I have good news...any news.

I went to the OB yesterday and the first thing he said to me was..."8 more weeks." I wanted to kick him. I am planning on 4 more weeks. It puts me on 36 weeks and that is good enough, isn't it?

I am desperate here...I can't sleep, nothing fits me, nothing fills me...as in food, 4 weeks sound very attractive.

Sorry...I am in a terrible mood lately!

PS: One more thing...the OB said that because I am a Latin-American woman, pregnant for the first-time, and having twins...I have a 60% chance of developing toxemia (which I believe is pre-ecclampsia, right?) So, yeah...great day at the OB!

Hugs...Emma

[srnka]

Hi, all of you wonderful twinmamas. I need help.

My best friend will be having twins in June. And I would like to give her something that would make her life easier in the beginning. Unfortunately I live far far away from her, so I can't really offer my own help. But what products made it easier for you in the very first weeks.

She will also have to stop working in March. It's the law there for high-risk pregnancies (she is considered high-risk because she's over 30 and expecting twins) so I was thinking of getting her a gift certificate for a nice foot massage and pedicure to help releiving those tired feet from carrying 3 people. Does that sound like something you would have wanted?

[charmcitygirl]

srnka a pedicure... oh how i dreamed of pedicures ( i was on bedrest and couldn't get 'em). yes, a pedi would be a great gift for a twinmama. other helpful things, especially if she won't have a lot of help after the babies are born, would be cleaning service and food delivery. in the beginning, i really like having a sling, a boppy, bouncy/rocker seats, and the thing i needed most of all but didn't have enough of was preemie sleepers. cute outfits are nice and all, but they were (and still are at 4.5 months) still mostly in sleepers and rompers.

singleton jealousy yep, here too sometimes. mostly it's when i need to run quick errands, or if i have a baby in a sling and i think on a whim, it would be nice to go for a walk. then i start thinking about what it would take to get them out for a walk and i just bag the whole thing. it would be much easier in nicer weather. in the cold, it's just too much bundling to go out on a whim. it's really frustrating sometimes. i go to the grocery or out shopping and i see all these mommies with their one baby and it just seems so easy. i just can't do that. but none of that is to say that i wish i only had one. i really am just crazy about jake and zoe and if i can't take them to the grocery, so be it ;)

angel where are those babies already?!

[NJMom]

I am also impatient to hear about Angels babies!!!

srnka-a pedicure is a great idea because your feet get really sore. Another idea is a couple preemie outfits, bouncy seats or a swing are also helpful.

jrsygirl-glad your appointment went well. I stopped working at 28 weeks too. I had a 1 hour plus commute each way and the doctor said it was too much. Are you in Northern NJ? I had my boys at Morristown Memorial, what hospital are you going to deliver at? Morristown was excellent. The nurses/doctors in the NICU were outstanding.

lovin'it-hang in there, you are sooo close. I felt the same way you do when I was at 32 weeks, I had had enough.

PilotsWife-When my boys were that age we were still basically waking them to eat about every 3-4 hours and still not getting much sleep. I didn't take them out too often but did venture out to the park or the mall once in a while.

I too have definately had singleton jealousy. My boys are at the stage now where they have outgrown the carriers but don't walk yet. It takes FOREVER to get all their stuff together to go out, then I have to put their socks on at the last minute (or else they take them off before we get outside) then coats, then take each of them one at a time to put them in the stroller at the bottom of the stairs, just to push the stroller out to the van and put them in their car seats. By the time we finally get going, I am exhausted! I try to limit my outings to one stop per outing so I don't have to go through this routine 2 or 3 times. It would be so easy to just carry one baby out to the car and that's it! I totally adore my boys and wouldn't trade having them for anything, but one baby at a time would definatey be much easier.

One more thing Pilotswife, I saw and episode of TLC's Bringing Home Baby where they came home with twins but the girls mother was basically taking care of the babies most of the time!

BTW, don't you all hate the expression "Double Trouble"?

[relly]

Kat – Happy Birthday!

I had an appt. yesterday, all is just fine, the babies are 1 lb. 6.5 oz and 1 lb. 8 oz at 24 wks.

Hoping we here about Angel’s babies soon.

[Bernie]

Happy Birthday kat!

We had our hospital tour last night. After the tour, they brought us and another couple expecting twins to the NICU (which I guess isn't a part of the basic tour). The NICU staff was wonderful and friendly, and it was very nice looking, as far as intenstive care units go, and I hope that is the last time I have to go in there!

Towards the end of the tour, we passed by an open room, and the couple inside were cuddling with their newborn twins! Turns out that I had met the couple in the waiting room at my OB's office on Monday, right before they were sent to the hospital. Not sure why, but seeing those babies made me very teary!

Speaking of my hospital -- I'm watching A Baby Story right now, and they filmed this episode there (the one with the Giants kicker). Pretty cool.

I hope we hear from angelgirl soon!

[kat]

Thanks for the b-day wishes!!!!

As I just posted in the March Mommas thread, I am cranky today and not much in a posting mood......I've had better birthdays. :D Anyway, the damn pelvic pain was sooooooo bad yesterday that P came home from the office to find me literally whimpering on the couch (he initially thought I was in labor). I couldn't get up and felt so completely helpless. Walking to the bathroom (only a short walk from the couch) took 20 minutes. It feels just like an ankle sprain....only it's in the pelvis so crutches won't help; instead I have to walk on it.

Today is a little better but I didn't sleep for longer than one hour at a time last night (actually I was pleasantly surprised that I managed to sleep for an hour at a time).....which meant that I was constantly in "dream" sleep....and boy oh boy did I have some doozies!!! Incredibly bizarre.

Friday I have an appointment with a rehab medicine doctor and then an appointment with my OB. We're going to have to get our hands on a wheelchair between now and then.....or else I'll have to allow about four hours to get from the front door to the doctor's office! :D

Babies are both fine -- I think they've moved even lower (he was at -2 station last Friday), or at least I think she's joined him in "dropping." We'll see what my doctor says; maybe it's all in my head.

Is it terrible to think "once we get to 34 weeks (on 1/20), I'm going to do everything in my power to INDUCE labor"??? Maybe when I actually get to 34 weeks I'll think differently, but now that's how I feel....even though I should hold on as long as possible.

SO ANXIOUSLY AWAITING angelgirl's NEWS!!! I've never gotten into LJ so those of you who do will have to keep us updated!!!

[Phen]

Am watching LJ like a hawk and there is still no post from Mr. angelgirl. Hmph.

~ Phen

[khouse]

Quick post:

I am slow today ... what does LJ stand for? Oh, maybe Live Journal??? :o Yes, can't wait to hear news from angelgirl or Mr. angelgirl! Very exciting!!!

Kat: Happy Birthday!!!!!!!!

Phen: Thought of you today when we purchased our blackout shade for the nursery!

NJMom: We hear the "double trouble" saying constantly and my DH just looks at them with a big smile and says "for us it is a double blessing".

Hope you are all doing well!

PS: Srnka: A pedicure/foot massage is a GREAT idea! As a matter of fact, those were my favorites once the babies arrived!

[lovin'it]

Hi girls...

As I said yesterday, I had my 32-week appointment with the peri this afternoon. Before I go into that...I need to tell you about the awful night I had. Baby A has finally found my ribs and what an awful pain it is when that child kicks me there.

So...I did not sleep one lick...nothing...I watched the clock changing the times...I tried to find a comfy position...nothing. Then, at 7am, I made myself some breakfast. I ate it and DH gave me some Benadryl. It knocked me out for about 3 hours.

Then, we were off to the Peri. I wasn't seen by the usual Peri...which is okay...although I love her. The babies are super healthy and looking good. Baby A is head down. She is 4lbs14oz. She is my rib kicker. She was sooo active today during the visit. Baby B is breech. Another wild child....super healthy, looking good. The Dr. gave me a 3D picture of her. She is sooooo cute. Has the cutest lips! She is another big girl...4lbs12oz. I have about 10 lbs of baby in me, people!:eek: My husband was so emotional throughout the whole thing...:p

My kids are almost as big as yours, KAT!

The Peri said to hang on until 37 weeks....argh! 36 sounds sooo good to me...unless I can figure out how to sleep...then, I will go as long and they want me. She had no sympathy for me...just told me that I am 5'4'' and so petite...it's normal. :rolleyes:

No bedrest, no restrictions...(I am not complaining...I NEED to work...and my job is very laid back) so, she walked me to get my first NST. Took another hour there and everything looked good. Baby B had hiccups....so, that is why it took so long.

On a side note...It's amazing to me what lack of sleep can do to a person. I have clinical depression normally. Thanks to the pregnancy (and A LOT of therapy)...I haven't had to deal with it...I have felt great. On Monday, I brought up to the OB my fear and concern about PPD, so, he counseled me to talk to my Psychiatrist. Yesterday, I had a chat with her and she told me to go on 50 mg of Zoloft. I started it today...but, I noticed how low I feel today...and I know it's all thanks for not sleeping! Incredible!

NJMom - Thanks for the sympathy...it's reassuring to know that you have all been where I am.

Been thinking about angelgirl all this time. Hope everything went well with her.

Thanks for being here ladies...It's nice to chat with people that have been where I am!

Hugs to all...

[jrsygirl]

Can I askyou twinmamas a question? How much do you spend a week/ or month on formula and diapers ? DH and I are trying to budget for my maternity leave and I want to be realistic.

NJMom: We're in Monmouth County- I'll be delivering at Monmouth Medical which is south of us a bit but the closest in terms of NICU - i think its a level 3.

[relly]

Lovinit – you are an inspiration, keep on doing what you’re doing!

Where oh where is the news on Angel’s babies . . .

[kat]

Can I askyou twinmamas a question? How much do you spend a week/ or month on formula and diapers ? DH and I are trying to budget for my maternity leave and I want to be realistic.




Obviously I can't speak from experience, but I've been buying diapers and the prices (on sale where I can) have been between 19 and 30 cents per diaper. From what I've read, in the beginning we can expect to use approx. 150 diapers per week.

I'm planning to breastfeed so I can't help you on the formula question - have absolutely no idea how much it costs.

I'll bet the "views" on this thread are skyrocketing, just waiting for news from angelgirl!!!!

[Phen]

I am about ready to start calling NYC hospitals to find out about the angelgirl babies. No joke.

How much did we spend on diapers and formula? Well, as kat mentioned she's doing, I did a lot of pre-shopping for diapers, using coupons (register coupons are especially good deals and combined with the ones the diaper companies send you? Even better). If it's a particularly good sale, I'll buy sizes they're not even in yet. And since last summer, I've been taking advantage of the monthly deals they run on amazon...usually either Pampers or Huggies will have a special there where if you buy a random number ($69 or $89, it ranges) worth of their products, you'll get a $20-$40 amazon gift card. Combine that deal with free shipping and it's often a HUGE savings over "regular" stores (for me, anyway. I don't have a Sam's Club or similar within an hour's drive of me, so even if it's a slightly better deal to buy from SC, I'd still "lose" the money on gas etc.).

I did the same with formula (buying on amazon -- they sell bigger canisters of Similac Advance than our WalMart or anywhere). Until I ran out of coupons, anyway. And don't forget that twins are supposed to get a free case of formula from each of the formula companies ... you go through your ped's office to get them (from the formula reps). My ped's nurse lied to me and said she couldn't get the formula from the Similac rep, but one day I ran into the Similac rep in the parking lot and talked to him ... he gave me the most enormous stack of Similac coupons. I think the boys stopped drinking formula before I ran out of those coupons.

Anyhow, on average, I'd say we were going through about two and a half big $21 tins of formula a week. I know that sounds like a lot, but keep in mind that for the first five months, Alexander was on a High Octane formula (double the powder for his bottles than Thomas had) for his VSD.

~ phen

[Phen]

I overlooked some posts!

srnka, the only thing about the pedicure/foot massage idea is that a lot of doctors won't allow them for pregnant women until close to delivery, as some foot/leg massage may trigger pre-term labor. Products that made it easier in the beginning? A Boppy (though I didn't BF, and BFing twinmamas may recommend something else), the double stroller, baby monitor. TiVo...

I got tired just reading your post about going out with twins, NJMom! There's a little article in the brand-new issue of TWINS Magazine that is about Going Out x 2. I had hoped it would have some helpful tips, but it was mostly a longer version of what you just wrote (only not as funny)!

Sounds like your babies are growing very nicely, relly! Does your OB tell you anything like if they're measuring on-target for singleton babies their gestational age?

Oh, I loooove the sound of your hospital tour, Bernie, especially the bit with the newborn twins. :)

kat, don't forget, if you can ever get out of the house (stop laughing!), a lot of stores (grocery stores, Target, etc.) have those little motorized scooters you can ride on around the store. I wonder if you could rent one to ride from your couch to the bathroom... ;)

Hey, how is the blackout shade working for y'all, kenan?

Excellent weights there, lovin'it! I cried a lot when my OB asked me to go to 39 weeks (when we set the csection date when I was around 34-35 weeks). The next week I went in and started to beg to get an earlier date and he said "oh, okay!" and scheduled me for a day shy of 38 weeks. Of course, the boys decided to come a day earlier than that, but still... maybe closer to the date the OB will change his mind?

~ Phen

[charmcitygirl]

a free CASE of formula?! i need to check that out asap!

[Candy]

Hi Twinmama's!

I was hoping you guys can help me out. I recently met a woman with 8 month old twin daughters. She has NO help at all. (She lives next door to my dad. He introduced us) Her DH works a lot too. She rarely ever leaves her house, so I plan on going over there atleast once a week to take walks with them, play with the girls while she showers, etc. Not sure what else I can do other than giving her adult interaction & such.

One of the girls doesn't sleep much at all. I recommended the book Health Sleep Habits, Happy Child. It helped us quite a bit, and I know there's a small twin section in the book. Any other books to recommend? She doesn't have much time to read though as I'm sure you all can relate.

I guess what I'm wondering if you can guide me toward some twin mama support groups, play groups, etc.

Please PM me so I don't take up too much space on your thread.

Thanks so much!

:waving: Hi Journey & Phen!

Candy

[PilotsWife]

srnka - I heard the same as Phen - that pedicures could cause pre-term labor due to certain pressure points that could be stimulated during the massage (but I'll tell you I sure wanted one as my due date approached!) As for things I've learned that you desparately need in the beginning (in no particular order) - BIBS - can't have enough of them (and I had seriously under estimated the value/need for them!), PREMMIE SLEEPERS - like what Charmcitygirl said - can't have enough and this is what my boys wear 24/7 - nothing easier (for both us and them ;) ) - in fact my first adventure out of the house at 2 weeks of age was to Babies R Us to buy many more premmie sleepers (I was tired of washing the same 4 sleepers - I had plenty of 0 - 3 months, but hardly any premmie). This leads me to the next item - BABY STAIN REMOVER (formula can leave some nasty stains!) and finally - lots and lots of BOTTLES (because repeated washings make mommy's hands look about a century old!)

Charmcity - I would imagine it would be *so* easy to overdue it when there is no one home - no interruptions - wow! What my closets could look like - but boy, my back would kill me!

Kat - around 33 weeks I started to feel so aweful from acid reflux (I couldn't hold down any food I ate after 6 PM and kneeling at the porcelin throne every night) and feeling so big, I cried to my husband that I couldn't do it anymore and I wanted them out! I started quoting Rocky - "just cut me Mick" - Hang in there - you're almost there!!!!

Lovin'it - Yes, toxemia is the same as pre-eclampsia. Re: lack of sleep and depression - you are so brave. Depression runs in my family and I was on Wellbutrin (spelling?) about 2 years before I got pregnant. I had been/am terrified of suffering from PPD (I read Brooke Shields' book for all the help/support I could get). The other day I had been running on negative sleep and I totally broke down on the phone with my mom - she is now convinced that I am suffering from PPD and is begging me to call my OB and ask her to call in some anti-depressants. I've since gotten some sleep and feel a lot better but fear that those feelings are just lurking a few inches below the surface. My 6 week appointment is tomorrow - I should mention this to her, but right now it, I feel a bit funny mentioning all of this.

Forumula & Diapers - I haven't priced out diapers, so I can't say anything about this. Formula: 1) we got 2 cases of free formula from Similac and 2) we've been buying the pre-mixed formula - 6 bottles (one case) is between $28 - $34 dollars - for twins, a case lasts about 3 days (at least right now).

Phen, Charmcity & NJMom - thanks for the schedule info! Can I ask you when did your schedule start to change and what did it look like? Once they started to get more active, how did you balance getting things done with interacting with them? And when I say get things done, I mean like laundry, dishes, etc? I need something to model my day after - please help! And I feel like a bad mommy not interacting with my boys more....I am going to my first twins club meeting on the 25th - I can't wait!

(ps - this has taken me forever to write - sorry if it is a bit rambly...)

[lovin'it]

PilotsWife - I'd say better safe than sorry! I'd go ahead and mention it to her. She'll write you a prescription and you can fill it whenever you feel you need it. Right before I got pregnant, I was on both Zoloft and Wellbutrin. I did a lot of research on both and figured out that neither have any influence on babies. I got pregnant while taking it. I did stop taking it after a while...as I said, I have felt fantastic. A lot is thanks to therapy and a lot to hormones that the babies have given me.

I have found myself lately wondering if I really wanted to be a mom or thinking that the world is over once I have kids...or even worse....having them and not wanting them. I know that is not who I am. I wanted these kids more than life itself. I was ready to have them when I made the decision to get pregnant...so, I know that depression is starting to come back to me!

But...I will show depression that I am bigger and stronger... ;)

[Phen]

Found this tonight. Y'all will surely appreciate this.

15 Dumbest Twin Comments
15. "I could never do it." (Oh really. What would you do? Would you put them on the curb with signs around their necks that say, "Free to a good home. My mom can't do it."?)

14. "Do they have different personalities?" (No. They are the same human being divided into several parts.)

13. Said by a stranger, "They're identical, right?" Mom answers, "No. They're fraternal." Stranger response, "They are NOT!" (OK. You're right. I have no idea what I'm talking about. These are not my children. I thought it would be fun to borrow them from a mom down at Baby Gap. It's been more than an hour. I guess I should return them.)

12. "Are they 'paternal' twins?" (Yes. They have a father. There was only one virgin birth.)

11. "Just wait till they're older. It only gets harder." (Thank you. I woke up this morning hoping I'd receive a word of discouragement while pushing a cart of preschoolers down the cereal aisle.)

10. "When one cries, does he wake the others?" (No. Multiples cannot hear each other's cries because they all communicate with their special telepathic language only.)

9. From a perfect stranger: "Were they in the same sac?" (Hello. Nice to meet you, too. Will you be sharing your gynecological history with me as well?)

8. "Are they developmentally behind?" (Well, let's see. They're 3 years old and thus far, all their graduate school applications have been denied. We'll get back with you on that.)

7. "How do you do it?" (Haven't you seen the Nike commercials?)

6. "Are they natural?" (Nope, their arms and legs are made of silicone.)

5. "You must be SO busy." (Are you volunteering to clean my house?)

4. "Did you take drugs?" (Well, there was this one time in college....)

3. "What do you do when they all cry at the same time?" (Sometimes I cry. Sometimes I go to Starbucks.)

2. Said to a mom of boy/girl twins: "Are they identical?" (Uh. Not exactly.)

1. Only one comment could be voted No. 1. Drum roll, please. After a stranger had been informed that the toddler boys were twins, she asked a simple question: "Are they brothers?" (Enough said.)

~ Phen

[lovin'it]

Phen - You have made me laugh once again today! The one asking if they were natural was my favorite!

BTW, people ask me all the time if I took drugs! I guess it's the days we live in!

[charmcitygirl]

phen that list is so funny... i think i've been asked 95% of those questions already.

lovin'itI have found myself lately wondering if I really wanted to be a mom or thinking that the world is over once I have kids...or even worse....having them and not wanting them. once they are here, believe me, you'll never question wanting to be a mom. my pregnancy wasn't even planned and i was petrified when i found out i was having twins. i spent my pregnancy trying to convince myself that it was all a mistake and that i really wasn't having twins after all ;) but now that they are here i don't know any different. thank god they are my first kids.

formula/diaper costs i am really spoiled... my mom mostly buys formula and diapers. with my formula checks, though, formula is about $16/can and they go through a can in ~2.5 days (~$45/week). i haven't bought diapers in a few months (i got 5 cases at my shower) so i'm not too sure about that but we go through about 12-15/day now, maybe 15-20/day in the beginning. also, don't forget about wipes (i got 2 cases at my shower so i don't know the cost of these either).

pilotswife re: schedules now that J&Z are napping more regularly, i can get things done around the house during a nap. or while they "play" together. here's what yesterday was like (they are 5 months):

8:00am wake, get changed & eat
8:45am go down on activity mat for play; quick kitchen cleanup
9:15am mommy joins them on mat for some tummy time/play
9:45am whining begins... pop in baby einstein; more kitchen cleanup
11:00am eat, get changed, then nap; vacuum
1:30pm more play time for zoe, jake still napping
2:30pm zoe screams her head off... rock to sleep, jake wakes briefly & goes back to sleep
4:00pm wake from nap, eat, get changed
5:00pm start getting ready to go to nanny's (my mom) for dinner
5:35pm strapped into car seats, getting ready to snooze for 1/2hour
6:15pm walk into nanny's, get passed off and sit and listen to nanny talk for 1/2 hour about her day
7pm-10pm lots of action from aunt & uncle, grandparents, quick cat naps here & there
10:45 get home, get changed, eat, sleep.

most days are similar to this. walks and outings get shoved in there sometimes but now that it's winter we don't do that much. dh generally takes over when he gets home from work around 6pm. that's when i make dinner, do laundry, take time for myself. but i always put them to bed around 9:30-10:30pm.

i think they started to nap more regularly at around 3 months. before that, they really slept all the time, with little bursts of alertness. i would put them in their crib to look at the mobile, put them on their mat, maybe do a little tummy time. really, there's not much you can do with them when they are so little. i felt the same way... i was worried that i wasn't giving them enough play/attention. now i can see that they can/will play independently, and together. you will def. get alone time with each baby at some point b/c they won't always nap at the same time. oh, and i try to sneak in naps or shower when they nap in the afternoon. or i'll shower during their morning nap. not that i get to shower every day... ;)

and you thought your post was rambling....

[Bernie]

cross posted from march moms

Just got back from my growth scan. Both babies are looking good. Baby A is about 4 pounds, and baby B is 4 pounds 3 ounces. The best news was that there has been no change in my cervix. It's still measuring about 2 cm, and it hasn't dilated at all. So it looks like this forced rest has been doing me some good! But Baby A is still breech, so it looks like I am definitely heading towards a c-section.

Still no word from Angelgirl, huh? I've been checking her LJ like mad!

pilotswife -- Are your guys still in preemie sizes? I've been trying to figure out what size stuff they will need at the beginning.

Hope everyone has a nice weekend!!

[kat]

STILL no angelgirl news???!??!?!?!?

Phen: hilarious list. I'm sure I'll get a ton of those. Right now, I just get (after I tell them we're having a boy & a girl), "Oh, how wonderful! So you're done then, right?" I mean, yes, in our case we plan to be done. But since when is that something to be assumed or something you discuss with strangers??

And I would LOVE one of those motorized scooters! Instead we got a (free) rusty old walker (see below). Not exactly the same thrill. :)

Bernie: yay for no dilation and a nice long cervix!! And your babies sound like they're growing really well, too (so double-yay!). Good job on the bedrest!!!

*********

I spent the entire day in hospitals & doctors offices. First to the rehab medicine doctor for my pelvis problems. Long story short, it's not as bad as it could be but things are definitely out of whack (did you know that you get double the relaxin when you're expecting twins?). I already had hypermobile joints (and the relaxin makes it worse), so I suppose it's not surprising to me that my one big pregnancy problem has been joint-related.

Anyway, I also went to the Physical Therapist, who showed DH some stretching-type exercises for me (where he manipulates my hip) -- turns out that one side of my pelvis is turned the wrong way and this is supposed to help.

She also gave me a (free!) donated walker -- looks like it's been through WWIII but who cares -- it helps to take my HUGE weight off the pelvis, so I snagged it up. I've gained 52 lbs. so far during this pregnancy (and I was almost 20 lbs. heavier than normal before I got pregnant, thanks to Clomid and the IVF drugs). I am not kidding when I say that I weigh more than many football players on tv. How wonderful is THAT??

Then I went to my OB's office for my regular appointment. Unfortunately (or maybe not ;) ), I am now 4+ cm dilated (from 3+ last week). Cervix is still about 2 cm, though, and baby A is still "only" -2 station.....so although she won't yet ease up on the activity restrictions, she DIDN'T SEND ME TO THE HOSPITAL. Oh, the joy! :D

She said we've officially reached the point where they wouldn't try to stop labor if it started in earnest. She also said that because of all the discomfort I'm having (and the fact that the twins are not small LOL), she'd agree to induce at 37 weeks instead of the normal 38.....but of course none of us feels very confident that we're gonna get there.

Now I desperately need a nap (a full day of activity when you've spent the last 6 weeks on bedrest really wears you out, you know?). Plus I only had four or five hours of crappy sleep. :)

The kids are moving like crazy.....baby A (the boy) is also head-butting my cervix....I think he wants out. :D

Happy weekend, everyone!

[QPDoll]

On a side note...It's amazing to me what lack of sleep can do to a person. I have clinical depression normally. Thanks to the pregnancy (and A LOT of therapy)...I haven't had to deal with it...I have felt great. On Monday, I brought up to the OB my fear and concern about PPD, so, he counseled me to talk to my Psychiatrist. Yesterday, I had a chat with her and she told me to go on 50 mg of Zoloft. I started it today...but, I noticed how low I feel today...and I know it's all thanks for not sleeping!

I also have a history of depression and was fearful of PPD, with good reason. I started on paxil before the boys were born and it made a big difference. The hormone drop, lack of sleep, and overwhelmed feelings still made PPD really hard for me, even with the paxil - however I wasn't being monitored at the time. I think if I had been, they would have upped my dosage. It should have been upped. After a couple of months, with experience, sleep and hormones leveling out somewhat, the PPD greatly improved.

[QPDoll]

Can I askyou twinmamas a question? How much do you spend a week/ or month on formula and diapers ? DH and I are trying to budget for my maternity leave and I want to be realistic.

We purchase supplies at Costco, and we often have coupons. We average about $300 a month in baby supplies.

diapers - $60 a month (big bulk box of Huggies at Costco)

formula - $200 a month - ginormous can of Similac Soy from Costco. We often have coupons for $5 off each can, we trade Infamil coupons for Similac with people online. For whatever reason, we get infamil coupons but not Similac.

wipes - about $30 a month. We just get one big refill bag about once a month.

Oh, buy infants Tylonal at Costco too. Its about $12 for 2 bigger sized bottles. In the regular store, its about $8 for one tiny bottle.

[QPDoll]

I too have definately had singleton jealousy. My boys are at the stage now where they have outgrown the carriers but don't walk yet.

BTW, don't you all hate the expression "Double Trouble"?

I fear that stage, and its fast approaching for us. Its hard enough to get loaded with them in carriers, Im dreading when they outgrow them and still aren't walking yet.

I too, have singleton jealousy from time to time. Don't get me wrong, I love my boys and all that, but man, twins seem like quadruple the work. My SIL always wanted twins and she came to help us out the week they were born. She looked at me in the wee hours of the morning and said that she didn't know how any does this. Its hard, and she wouldn't wish it on her worst enemy. Of course, that first week is hard, but it does get better! But there are days when I just don't know what Im doing to do to survive. Days when they just both want to be held, neither will sleep, nor when they do sleep its not at the same time so Im still holding screaming babies all day.

Yesterday, I went to the grocery store by myself with the boys - for a *major* grocery trip (unlike just picking up a loaf of bread). Of course, it was pouring-ass raining outside (ahh....Washington). The boys were in the side-by-side stroller because I can't push the tandem one one-handed. So they got wet because it doesn't have a cover. We look like a freak show and everyone has to stop and comment. Im pushing the stroller and pulling the cart. At checkout though, they opened a lane for me, unloaded my cart, loaded my cart, and then loaded my groceries into the Durango. (too bad they can't come home with me and unload too.) I got home, dropped the boys infront of the TV (*gasp* yes, the TV!), still in their carriers so they couln't roll into trouble and I unloaded the groceries. By then, they were very antsy for a bottle, but thankfully, Baby Einstein kept then entertained long enough for me to bring the groceries into the house.

Speaking of crying and screaming babies. Nates reflux is getting really bad again for some reason, and golly, its non stop screaming going on here! And he wont sleep. He took a one hour nap yesterday. Thats it. And then wouldn't sleep unless we were holding him. Finally we just let him CIO (which I hate doing because of his reflux), but in the end, what could we do??

[mittyrd]

Phen: Thank you for the laughs this morning!

The twins decided to be nice and sleep through the night :D but Jake decided the joke's on us b/c he decided to get up at 2 am, take an hour to fall back to sleep with his foot in my face and then start his day with a "hi momma, hi dada" and a kiss at 4 AM. (loved the kiss though) Oy, we just can't win...

[Jad]

Just got back from our "babymoon," so I'm a little behind. We went to sunny Mexico. The doctor wasn't *thrilled* with the choice, but he said that he wouldn't tell us *not* to go and that if we *were* going to do it, 17 or 18 weeks was the time. So we went. :D And the funny thing is, I worried less about the babies there than I do here.

I promise I'll read through what I missed and come back with comments, but I have a quick question first and then a present. My question. How early did you all have Braxton Hicks contractions? Anything in particular seem to bring them on? I think mine started at like 15w3d, which seems so very early that I can't help but worry. At my last appointment (16w) my cervix was still fine, but I had a ton yesterday and I was a big mess. I want so much to enjoy this pregnancy and not worry so much, but it's really tough.

Now my present. 17w1d twinbelly. :D

http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b6df35b3127cce9682ac057f1c00000025138AaOGzZy5cs_

[Phen]

copied from angelgirl's LJ tonight:
fastest post ever. more information than you ever needed to know from a very harrowing experience to follow.

suffice it to say: my babies are here. i am home from the hospital with one of them and the other is in the NICU doing okay. we are floored by these babies. i never thought i'd feel this way. amazing.

will have more words after sleep.

NOW: i never got to do this, so anyone want to play "guess the sexes"?!

Beautiful belly, Jad! I'm afraid I can't be much help on the B-H (I never really could tell that's what they were, which I guess that means mine weren't bad), but I hope they ease up for you soon.

~ Phen

[AusMarchBride]

Phen, you just beat me to it, I was coming in here to post angelgirl's update :D

[Phen]

Great minds think alike, right? ;)

~ Phen

[AusMarchBride]

Phen Great minds think alike, right?

Well, the great minds part I'm sure is true for you, not so sure for me, but I'll run with it ;)

[Bernie]

Congratulations angelgirl!! Very glad to hear the good news! Hope you're recovering okay!

[Jad]

Hooray for the angelbabies! I'm happy beyond words that they're both doing well. :D :D :D

Still behind on the catching up. My bad. :o

[mittyrd]

Angel: Congratulations!! I can't wait to hear your story AND the sexes!

[relly]

Congrats Angelgirl !

My guess - both boys. Take care and looking forward to hearing more.

[kat]

Oh. So. Happy that angelgirl and her babies are doing well. CONGRATULATIONS, angelgirl!!!!!

(And just so you know, your short post had a wonderful effect on me....because I am having a very cranky, uncomfortable, sore, tired, miserable, I-can't-believe-some-of-you-made-it-to-36-weeks-without-killing-someone kind of day.....and it's good to read your post and "remind" myself what the prizes are at the end of the journey. :D).

Thanks, Phen (and similarly-great-minded Ann) for posting that - those of us who don't have LJ (or, rather, don't ever go there) really appreciate it!!

And Jad, that belly shot is AWESOME! I should've had P (your P, not mine LOL) take all of my pregnancy photos. :D You look fantastic, and I hope you feel fantastic after the babymoon......even with the BH stuff. I'm not much help in that department, but I know angelgirl had a bunch of them -- she may have even started a thread or two about them in "Pregnancy" and/or "Parenting". You might want to take a look-see over there to see if she mentions how far along she is when they started.

[khouse]

Congratulations Angelgirl & family!!! My guess ... both girls! :-)

[QPDoll]

How early did you all have Braxton Hicks contractions? Anything in particular seem to bring them on?

Beautiful twinbelly!

I started having noticable BH contrx around 16-19 weeks. Over-doing it and not drinking enough water would bring them on. Too much walking (like going to Target to register) would bring them on. Sweeping the floor would bring them on. I ended up going on "house arrest/bedrest" at 19 weeks, meaning limited activity. Full out bedrest around 26 weeks I think.

[mittyrd]

For those of you whose twins are no longer sleeping together:
1) when did you separate them?
2) was the transition hard for them?
3) how did you place the cribs in their room (next together, across the room from each other, etc.)?

I am really torn about separating them although I do think once they transition (and I expect it to be hard at first) they may end up sleeping better. I guess my real issue is that to separate them, I need to take them out of my room and put them in their room and I am still too nervous about not having them in my room. Oy vey, I need to make a decision about this.


Speaking of having them in my room, we ended up with all 3 last night :rolleyes: We lost our heat and Jake was freezing and ended up snuggling next to his mama all night. OK, I loved it, but I am TIRED!!

[QPDoll]

For those of you whose twins are no longer sleeping together:

1) when did you separate them? 4.5 months, when they started kicking a lot at night and ended up kicking each other a lot.
2) was the transition hard for them? I don't think they even noticed a difference. It was harder on us than them...they were growing up!
3) how did you place the cribs in their room? Their bedroom only allowed us to place them end to end against one wall.
[/QUOTE]

[cbiggers]

Oh, I've been MIA and missed so, so much!

First, congrats to angelgirl on sweet angel babies! I am anxious to hear the full report. Since I saw 9 week old boy/girl twins today, I'm going to throw out boy/girl.

Jad - Beautiful belly shot! You look great!!!! As for BH's, I had them from early on, though I can't remember exactly. But, I know it was before 20 weeks. I ended up on full bedrest at about 28 weeks, on terbutaline to calm contractions. I don't know if those qualified as BH's, or real contrax. Not sure of the difference. Anyway, I had some sort of contrax for a very long time!

For those of you whose twins are no longer sleeping together:
1) when did you separate them?
2) was the transition hard for them?
3) how did you place the cribs in their room (next together, across the room from each other, etc.)?
1. I think around 3 months. Isabel stopped wanting to be swaddled and would kick and squirm too much.
2. I don't think the transition was hard on them, but it was hard on me. I didn't want them to be "lonely."
3. Our nursery is tiny and the cribs are in an L-shape against the walls.

kat - You can do this!! Hang in there. You are doing great and I promise you'll make it through without actually hurting anyone!;)

We are doing well here. After two weeks of sickness, during which I went back on my crazy medicine (Paxil), we are now all better and doing well. The girls are just growing up like crazy. Their new favorite word is "Wow." They'll point at anything and say Wow. It is so darn cute. Here is a recent pic of them in their new "lounge" chairs.
http://images.snapfish.com/345%3A67%3B3%3A%7Ffp336%3Enu%3D3236%3E459%3E%3A48% 3EWSNRCG%3D323346%3C4%3B%3A%3C3%3Bnu0mrj

[Phen]

1) when did you separate them?
8 weeks, when they both caught colds and slept in their SnugRides, in their own cribs. We tried, but couldn't fit, both carseats in one crib. Plus it was time, anyway; Thomas kept whacking Alexander in the head.

2) was the transition hard for them?
Not that we noticed, no.

3) how did you place the cribs in their room (next together, across the room from each other, etc.)?
They are on opposite sides of the room from eachother, but it's a TINY room, so they are still able to throw things at/to eachother. Actually, we had to put Thomas' crib at an angle because otherwise he was messing with the blinds and breaking off the slats.

Here's a photo of them in their cribs (I snuck up on them after a nap)
http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b6df32b3127cce96c3189d148e00000016108QZN2TNm4bQ

And this is our New Favorite Game. One boy lies on the Aquadoodle mat and the other one drags him around the room. The poor Aquadoodle never gets used for its original purpose anymore! (and, yes, that is a Santa hat on Alexander. We can't get him to stop wearing it.)
http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b6df32b3127cce96c163b195af00000015108QZN2TNm4bQ

~ Phen

[khouse]

Hi All!

Answers to questions:
(1) When did you separate them: We put them each in their own crib at about 3 months when they were able to roll over and move around.
(2) Transition: They really didn't notice much. I think Delaney had a bit of trouble falling asleep the first night only because she would usually tilt her head a bit towards Devon's.
(3) Cribs: Our nursery is large enough that they are able to be on opposite walls. Here is a picture ...

http://images.snapfish.com/345%3A6%3A2%3A9%7Ffp336%3Enu%3D3262