Birthing Talk and The Beans' Shower

FYI this is going to be an uber long post (with pics at the end!! Bonus?) But I started this little blog to remind myself of all the big things happening on this twin journey of ours, and I don't want to forget any of this! So apologies to anyone else who reads this too! 

First, let me start off by saying YAY another week! I'm to that point...well, if I'm being honest, I was always at that point where every week preggo counts. I've always (and still somewhat remain) fearful that these babes are suddenly going to be fed up with the sweet digs they've got in my womb and want to make an early entrance. But for now they're still loving it...they're both growing nice and big, and my body is apparently all like "I GOT THIS". Good job, body :)

On that healthy babes/healthy mom note, we had an ultrasound and our bi-weekly checkup this past week. The ultrasound took forever and not in a good way. There are two techs that work there--one is this old, smoker, grumpy-cat of a lady (the one who scolded me for drinking so much water before my 1st!) and the other is this really pleasant, quiet twin mom. Which do you think I like better??? Friggin Grumpy Cat! Now that I know she's just like that every day, I love her. She's super fast--a get in and get out kinda lady. Which is awesome since now laying flat on my back and having someone push on my stomach for more than any length of time is not my cup o' tea. Ms. Peaceful Twin Mom is so slow and takes so long getting the babes measurements. My dislike for Ms. Peaceful rose to new levels when my ultrasound this past week took 45 mins. FOURTY FIVE MINUTES. And a lot of that time was soaked up by her not understanding the new computer system they installed....a month ago. 

Needless to say I was the grumpy cat in the room that day, and was definitely missing my Grumpy Cat lady. She knows what's up. But again, the babes are growing at a good and steady pace, so that will be my last complaint about that visit ;)

At our checkup with Dr. Fung (YAY for getting back to seeing our doc!!! She's seriously so amazing. I always want to hug her after), we had our first big birth discussion. She knows that I want to go for a vaginal birth if at all possible. Which seems like it has been possible from the beginning, since my little champion Jack (aka Baby A) has stayed low and head down. But my sweet Clare-love has decided to remain breech, and not only that, she's a tad bigger than Jack. I never thought it mattered much which baby was bigger, but turns out it totally does. If Baby B (aka Clare) is 15% or more bigger than Baby A (aka Jack), there is much greater risk that the 2nd baby would potentially not be able to be flipped once Baby A was out OR get stuck if delivered breech. So that's a bit worrisome. Right now, Clare is 10% bigger than Jack :/ which is still great for twins (they're still growing together basically at the same rate) but not so good for my "ideal" delivery plans. Fung said we'll check out how things are progressing at my next ultrasound in a month. In any case, we went ahead an scheduled a c-section for 8/19 at 8:30 am. Partly because as of right now a c/s is the safest option for my little ones and partly because I wanted to at least schedule a c/s with Fung, and not end up with some other doctor (which is the case if I just went into labor...dumb Kaiser. It's the only thing I'm hating about this insurance)

So now I am praying that Clare flips. Pleeeeeeease flip!!!! My good ol' dad said he'd bring over his inversion table, so hopefully hanging upside down a couple times a week will help :)

I'm trying not to worry too much about birth, but there are so many factors to consider and unknowns just looooming in the distance. So for now, I will just be thankful they're still locked in there, healthy little Beans, I'm healthy (no bed rest!) and we'll see how it goes. David, my forever-calm husband, reminds me of these things daily now :)

Alright, lastly we had our baby shower! It was this giant party of our friends and family (I think we did end up with upwards of 60 people) and lasted from 3 till 10pm haha. Needless to say I felt like I had the worst hangover the next day....from a baby shower ;) But the day felt so relaxed--everyone just hung around drinking, eating and chatting. These days, with everyone grown/growing up, it's so hard to get together as often as you'd like. So it was nice to spend some quality time with everyone we love before we become infinitely more unavailable! On top of this, we really were showered with so many adorable onsies, blankets, and necessities. These babes are already so spoiled!!

Sadly I didn't take any pictures (womp womp), and am SUPER sad that I didn't get a single one of David and me, but here's a couple my friends Raech, Jessica, and Jenay snapped. Glad I got at least a few! 

Jenay is not ready to be a mommy ;) 

Love this girl and her awesome mom! So glad Raech could drive up from SD
(it being Father's Day weekend helped ;)

The hilarious accession number onesies my ex-coworkers Jessica and Jenay made for me.
B.2014.1.1 and B.2014.1.2. On the back it said "Gift of David Bunch"
Oh, museum humor. So good! 

Soon they'll fit into them!!!!

28 weeks!

Hello, 28 weeks!!!! I just read that viability jumps up this week to 90%. That is AWESOME and is giving me such a peace of mind. I feel so grateful that I've made it into my third trimester with no complications with myself or the babes. Saying additional prayers that this continues for 10 more weeks!

This week has been full of catching up with folks we haven't seen in a while, planning our giant coed shower, and doing random crafty things for the beans' room. I had David take the sliding mirrors off the closet and hang up some really cute teal embroidered curtains. Much easier access to all the goodies we'll be storing in the closet, and I'm sure I won't want full length mirrors in that room anyway. This mom doesn't need reminding how tired she looks ;) I'm thinking after our shower, I'll be in full on 'get-the-nursery-ready' mode. David will be so THRILLED hehe

How far along? 28 weeks 3 days

Total weight gain: Still about 27 pounds. Maybe 28? I'm not too sure

Maternity clothes?  Yep, and I got the best dresses for a baptism we had this weekend for our Godson and one for our shower. The pictures don't really make them look that cute, but I promise they are. And they are SUPER comfy, but still hug in all the right places. 
They're both Motherhood Maternity, which I've decided is my favorite maternity brand. Both these dresses are amaze-balls, and I've got a couple of t-shirts from them that somehow manage to make me look slimmer. Win. 

this is the one I got for the shower 

and this one for the baptism

Sleep: I have good days and bad. I've been waking up more needing the bathroom, or with heartburn despite taking an antacid. But I had the best nap the other day after running errands, so it sort of makes up for some sleepless nights.
Best moment this week: Hanging out with friends we haven't seen in a while. Because everyone (including us) is so busy, it's inevitable that we can go weeks (sometimes months) without seeing friends. Lucky for us, it doesn't matter how long has gone by...we always have a good time :)
Oh, and my sister-in-law giving me a big bag of newborn BOY clothes for poor little Jack, who is seriously being neglected in the clothes department. Sorry bud, but girls like clothes more anyway 
Miss Anything? Getting out of bed/car/etc easily. Yep, missing that.

Movement: Constantly, and I'm getting strong kicks now. Ladies, you were not kidding about that 'karate kicking' thing.
Food cravings: Cake! Still cake. I had David flip a u-turn to stop at 7-11 so I could get some hostess cupcakes. It was a desperate moment I'm not too proud of
Anything making you queasy or sick: Still heartburn. Not drinking enough water will make me lightheaded, but I live in California and it's summer. Anyone would be feeling that way, I think.
Gender:  Still our little boy and girl

Labor Signs: Nope! Stay cookin' little loves!
Symptoms: Nothing new. Still large and in charge. 
Belly Button in or out? Still in!
Wedding rings on or off? On
Happy or Moody most of the time: Happy. Even with those crazy strong baby kicks, I think "Good. Get nice and strong and FAT so we can snuggle you right when you make your big entrance!"

Looking forward to: Seeing all of most of our loved ones Saturday for our shower

27 week bump!

So this isn't a full-body shot, but it was my favorite from the ones David took.
I think you can still tell how gigantic my belly got in the last couple of weeks.
I feel like it grew SO MUCH from before we left.
It's blowing my mind what my body is capable of

We are back from our babymoon adventure, and LAWD almighty, it feels good to be home. 10 days of travel is enough to wipe me out anyway, but add 7 months of pregnancy onto that and my pooped-ness is a sure thing. I am really proud of myself though, for not only making it through the 10 days in Georgia and New York, but also for enjoying my time with my family, my hubby, and all that GA and NY had to offer. 

We had a check up today, and both babes are still totally fine (as am I), so looks like a bit of travel really doesn't hurt anybody! Oh, speaking of our checkup today, we had a different doctor than our lovely Dr. Fung and man alive, she was not my favorite. She started telling me all these horror stories of trying to vaginally deliver a breech Baby B. Everything she said was very rushed and in my face, to the point where I left feeling so panicked and anxious, despite the fact that once again, the babes and myself are perfectly healthy. 

David and I learned today how much we love our doctor, and appreciate how calm and mellow she is. I'd be much more of a mess if every time I went in for a check up, I heard stories of various other patients. It's bad enough I Google everything!

How far along? 27 weeks 3 days

Total weight gain: 27 lbs. Apparently I'm doing great with my weight gain, and could stand to gain more (according to Dr. Crazy Pants.) I'm gonna stick with the I'm-gaining-enough and not worry about it. People always say 'trust your body', and I'm realizing that is all too true.

Maternity clothes?  I feel like just deleting this question. Of course. Although it reminds me, Dr. Crazy Pants measured my belly today (something our normal doc has never done) and I'm measuring 32 weeks. Whaaaaaaat I mean...I guess it's to be expected since there are two babies in there but it still shocked me all the same.
Sleep: I slept great on our trip, despite the southern humidity. I think it was because we were so busy in GA for D's wedding, and we walked all the time in NYC. I was really diligent about taking Pepcid before bed each night, and was still up a couple times to use the bathroom, but for the most part, good sleep.
Best moment this week: Coming home, and doing absolutely nothing for a whole day. David was downstairs and I was upstairs. 10 days together and we need a break ;)
Miss Anything? I can't really think of anything. I want to say 'not feeling huge' but I'm about to go grab a scoop of ice cream, so I can't complain too much haha

Movement: All day and all night. But now I'm getting some freaky pushy-outy movements. Not just tummy rumbles. Stuff pokes out and then melts back in. It is so creepy and it makes me laugh every time. 
Food cravings: Omg, the last couple of days all I want to do is eat sweets. I would kill for cake right now. Or brownies. But like, a lot of brownies. I bought some Jell-o pudding cups to hopefully curb this crazy sweet tooth.
Anything making you queasy or sick: No. Still just heartburn like crazy. Tums Smoothies? You are delish. And I want to eat tons of you.
Gender:  Still our little boy and girl

Labor Signs: No, although I think I've been feeling Braxton Hicks contractions? I really don't know. I only say this because sometimes by belly gets really tight, hard, and heavy and I don't exactly feel crampy, but it's similar. 
Symptoms: Super big belly, I'm finally noticing my hair/nails growing like mad, aaaaaaand heartburn. No swelling yet, thank goodness! 
Belly Button in or out? I maintain that it's in still, although David yesterday said it's totally disappeared haha. (he's wrong)
Wedding rings on or off? On. Still don't want to give them up!
Happy or Moody most of the time: Happy. But I did almost cry yesterday when David went to pick up pizza for him and a salad for me, and I thought he forgot my salad. I was really almost in tears. Oh, hello hormones. I was wondering where you've been. 

Oh, and today I did freak out about labor. I mean...LABOR, HELLOOO. Scary shit, y'all. I like being very organized and always having a plan and I know that's just not going to be the case. 
Looking forward to: Our baby shower in a couple of weeks!

25 Week Bump

I wrote everything (and took that slap-dash pic) below a few days ago, before we left for Georgia. But now I'm here, and having the best time!!! I missed my family, all my girlfriends, and am definitely enjoying all the wedding festivities! My body is starting to revolt against me though, so today I'm definitely taking it easy. Good thing it's a day of pampering ;)

Well, I've been cleared to go to Danielle's wedding/our epic NYC vacation!!! I'm still a bit nervous about how long we'll be gone, since yesterday I vacuumed my stairs and felt exhausted after. BUT my doctor doesn't seem worried at all about our flights, which is what [initially] made me the most nervous. So feeling hopeful that everything will be fine!

How far along? 25 weeks 3 days

Total weight gain: 25 lbs. Yep, it's in my medical record and everything

Maternity clothes? Full on maternity. I'm trying to find something perfect to wear for our baby shower, but I'm either overthinking things or there just isn't the perfect dress out there
Sleep: Started taking Pepcid before bed at the recommendation of my doc, and it's changed my life. I'm no longer waking up from horrible heartburn. Win!
Best moment this week: Being cleared to fly and getting my hair done. Nothing beats being pampered.
Miss Anything? My sister!! It makes me sad that I've gone this far in my pregnancy and haven't really been able to share it with her. BUT good thing I'm seeing her next week :) 

Movement: Getting strong kicks now. Like entire belly shaking kicks. Earthquake tummy.
Food cravings: Nope
Anything making you queasy or sick: No! So long stomach issues!
Gender:  Still our little boy and girl

Labor Signs: Nope. Although any kind of pains make me think it's labor signs. Deep down, I know it's round ligament pain and/or indigestion but I still pay attention to them.
Symptoms: Still have such low energy. A few hours of activity is still my limit. I forget what it's like to go-go-go all day. How the hell did I ever go to Disneyland??
Belly Button in or out? Still in! I figured out the band-aid trick to cover up the gaping hole that it is, and shall be using it for D's wedding :)
Wedding rings on or off? On. I don't want to give them up!
Happy or Moody most of the time: Happy! Although I did snap at David last night when he kept pulling me down to kiss him as he lounged on the couch. Even though it was sweet he kept wanting to give me kisses, he thought I was being coy by pulling away. But oh no, bending over like that was not good, and I finally had to yell STOP IT. It was a totally irrational response but I'm going to chalk it up to hormones. And obviously I apologized right after ;) 
Looking forward to: Getting my nails and toes done on Thursday. Thanks, Danielle for getting married so that I can treat mahself

24 Week Bump!

Such a great week!! Finally took the 3 hour glucose test that I've been putting off since I failed the 1 hour one when I was like...8 weeks :/ But good news--not diabetic!! Hooray for healthy mamma!! (not anemic either, yay!) And we just got back from our monthly ultrasound and the beans are right on schedule for their size! Clare is 1 pound 10 oz and Jack is 1 pound 11 oz :) I hope they stay that close in size. The ultrasound proved to be very entertaining as well, since Clare flipped up in me, and now has her feet right on top of Jack's head. She was stretching out her little legs, basically kicking Jack right in the face. So much that he finally put his arm up to block the kicks. It was hilarious! Me, David, and the tech were all dying laughing. And here I thought that she was the calm one!! I'm sure it's going to be a running trend that I can't keep up with these two ;)

How far along? 24 weeks 4 days

Total weight gain: still about 20. Not sure, I'm going to get weighed on Friday so I haven't bothered doing it at home. I've decided not to care really about it anymore, since the babes are growing perfectly, I don't have diabetes, and I still try to eat healthy(ish) and often. 

Maternity clothes? Yep. And excited to wear the pretty maternity dress I got for Danielle's wedding next weekend!
Stretch marks? Still no
Sleep: Oh, sleep. I love and hate you. I miss my first trimester when I could sleep soundly for 12 hours straight. Yep. Said it. I miss my first trimester.
Best moment this week: Finding out I don't have diabetes (glad those 4 needle jabs brought tidings of joy), seeing the beans on the big screen, and hearing that they're growing nice and big and strong. 
Miss Anything? My sister!! It makes me sad that I've gone this far in my pregnancy and haven't really been able to share it with her. BUT good thing I'm seeing her next week :) 

Movement: Still all the time. I don't know any of their 'triggers' (like, drinking OJ or more movement at night when I'm resting). They seem to move about whenever. But I've been noticing more movement when I'm standing or walking. It used to just be when I'd sit
Food cravings: Nope
Anything making you queasy or sick: Still the heartburn battle, but it's not constant (yet). I have been sticking to milder foods just in case, which has been helping. I ate some tikka masala the other night....what was I thinking.
Gender:  Still our little boy and girl

Labor Signs: Nope
Symptoms: Nothing new
Belly Button in or out? In but nearly flat
Wedding rings on or off? On. I've got my 'fat' ring all ready to go though. It's starting to get HAWT here
Happy or Moody most of the time: Happy!
Looking forward to: Seeing extended family next week, D's wedding, and our NYC trip! Lord, keep these babes healthy during our trip!!!!!

A Grateful Heart

Just a quick post.....

Since finding out that we're having twins, I've found myself scouring the internet/instagram for twin mom communities, advice columns, and daily blogs. They have been so helpful in preparing my mind for the adventure we've found ourselves in. 

But something that a lot of these writers of blogs, websites, and instagrammers have in common is infertility struggles. Since twin pregnancy is a very common result with ivf treatments, a lot of twin moms inevitably went through ivf. These moms are so brave to be sharing their stories about infertility and the real struggle it can be to start a family. I feel so absolutely blessed to be a small part of their community, just by carrying twins myself and  I'm infinitely aware just how lucky David and I are that we haven't had infertility struggles. 

I feel a bit guilty now thinking back to how betrayed/scared/regretful I felt when we first found out we were having two babies instead of one. I now see that God really was just doubly giving, and it's been all of the ivf mommies I follow who have helped me come to this state of gratefulness. 

Thank you, brave women who share your stories. I'm sure you do it for your benefit, and the benefit for others struggling with infertility, but it has helped me tremendously as well.

Clare and Jack, I can't wait to have you here with me. I know I'm already your mommy, but I can't wait to give you a hug, and thank you for coming into this world exactly as you should have. Two by two, leading me to lionhearted women who have unknowingly made me more humble, grateful, and loving.

xo

23 Week Bump

David was being such a dork, making me laugh my butt off when he was taking this week's photo, and he was so proud that he got 'candid' shots. I had to put this one up in honor of all the times he makes me laugh (even though I look like a total goob)

This week has again been blessedly uneventful. I did have a little moment of panic (I mean...I can't go a week without panicking about something) when I realized Clare doesn't move as much as Jack. At least, I don't think she does. She's on my left and Jack is on my right and most of the movement I feel is heavily on my right. Luckily I Googled this phenomenon of one twin moving more than the other and turns out it's totally normal. Which makes a lot of sense, I suppose. But things like that only make sense once your irrational fears are put to rest. Phew! 

How far along? 23 weeks 4 days

Total weight gain: still about 20. 22? Idk...it depends on what pre-preggo weight I'm going off of. According to the charts at my doctors office (i.e. when they actually started tracking my weight...) I've only gained 17 pounds. But I know better!!! Either way, my doc said I look great, and as long as I'm gaining, I'm doin' good

Maternity clothes? Yes. And sadly, I don't fit in any of my pre-pregnancy clothes anymore, with the small exception of sleepwear (um, little night gowns are my best friend ever!), some leggings and jackets. But all my summer dresses--forget it. I never realized before this that all my dresses have a cinched waist. And the few that don't no longer accommodate my HUGE boobs. I do have quite a few super cute maternity things, but I still miss my larger wardrobe.
Stretch marks? Nope!
Sleep: Heartburn woke me up a couple nights this past week, which was super annoying. What 26 year old gets heartburn!? It blows my mind the way that my body is reacting to growing two little humans. I mean, it should be NBD amirite? But other than that, I've been sleeping great, hooray!
Best moment this week: Going to our checkup after a month of no appointments, and hearing again that the babies are great (both head down and facing each other!!) and the placentas look great. I love me some good news :)
Miss Anything? It seems like such a trend, but I still miss being my old size haha. It hasn't stopped me from gaining weight, or taking it easy, and it helps that David acts like there isn't a giant belly between us when we snuggle. BUT, I'm still not loving rolling out of bed or feeling like I'm going to tip over when I bend down (ahem...shaving my legs or painting my toes? Ya, that counts as yoga now)

Movement: All the time, and David feels and sees their kicks all the time too. It's been fun
Food cravings: The other day I reeeeally wanted grape juice, but I didn't get any and I'm not too put out about it, so I'm wondering if it was a real 'craving'. I think that week of loving orange juice way back when was my only real craving.
Anything making you queasy or sick: Not really. Eating too fast makes me feel woozy. I feel like half my problems come from eating. Not eating enough, or often enough, or too late in the day, and apparently now too fast. I feel like I have to sit with a plate of rice in front of me and just eat one grain at a time, so by the time the day is over, I'm full! :/
Gender:  Still our little boy and girl

Labor Signs: Nope
Symptoms: Heartburn, aaaaaand that's about it
Belly Button in or out? In but nearly flat
Wedding rings on or off? On
Happy or Moody most of the time: Happy!
Looking forward to: Another fancy ultrasound next week. And our doc appointment that will clear me for flying to Georgia for D's wedding (not like I haven't been 'cleared' this whole time. My doc hasn't even looked concerned that I'll be flying/traveling for 10 days. I know it's all in my head, but still! A girl likes to have peace of mind!) 
Not looking forward to? The three hour glucose test I've put off forever that I have to take next week as well :/ I'll be at the doctor's a lot this week....