Pregnancy Update: Week 37

How far along? 37 Weeks!!
Total weight gain: 38 lbs (Pre-pregnancy weight: 115 lbs). I don't even know how I'm gaining weight. I barely eat anymore.
Babies are the size of: The twins, are as long, as a stalk of Swiss chard.
Babies' development: From what I hear, the twins are running out of room. They're growing so big. That all these things I'm feeling, are the babies stretching and wiggling. No more hard kicks. :(
Estimated length of babies': About 19.13 in
Estimated weight of babies': Around 6.30 lbs. That's each baby. I know that my girls are quite that big. But still. That a lot of baby!
Maternity clothes: Clothes?? Why do pregnant women need to wear clothes? I'm pretty sure, I've worn pjs for days. Weeks even. And now, I don't even want to do that! Everything is irritating my belly. I've begun to wear underwear and big shirts around the house. Except when we have visitors.
Stretch marks: I'm moisturizing, like my life depends on it! No lie!! But I'm pretty sure, that I see a little stretch mark coming on. And my new BFF....she's just keeps on getting darker.
Sleep: Sleep?? What is that? I can't get comfortable to sleep. My belly is just too big. Last week, I was all about sleeping. This past week, almost nothing at all!!
Best moment this week: Installing our car seats. It just made all these things so real!! 5 days until our induction. I'm nervous and excited!!
Miss anything: Sleeping. Being comfortable in my skin. A belly that doesn't itch so much. My word!! I look like a crazy lady, scratching my belly.
Movement: It's definitely not the hard kicks, from a few weeks ago. More like turns, wiggles, hiccups, and hands and feet pushing against my belly. At first, that was a little spooky. But it's something that I'm growing to love. I almost feel like I can grab the girls' hands. :)
Food cravings: Thanks to this lady, I'm back to loving crispy tortillas with cheese. Not quite a quesadilla. Better! And water with orange slices. Yum! I can't get enough!!
Gender prediction: 2 beautiful little girls!!
Anything making you queasy or sick: Eating more than half a sandwich. I can't eat too much. Or else I get sick to my stomach. Also, trying to bend over. Good thing I don't have to tie any shoes.
Labor signs: Braxton Hicks contractions are happening more and more every day. I get at least 1 bad one a day. I have to stop what I'm doing. Just to get through it. The Drs. tell me, this is very normal. And actually really good for me and the girls.
Symptoms: Light headed, when I do anything to exert myself. If I get up too quick, lie on my side, bend over, laugh too hard. I'm also incredibly sore. Like I've run a marathon or something.
Belly button in or out: It's as out as you can get!
Wedding rings on or off: They're very tight. But I managed to jam them on, for both of our outings this week.
Happy or Moody most of the time: I've been on "Cloud 9" all week! Singing to my girls. Taking in these last few days of pregnancy.
Looking forward to: Finally holding our girls!! This week. I just can't believe it. After all we've been through. This is just a miracle. Soon we'll have Gwen and Melia to hold. And love!!

I'm Not Alone!!

OK, so I should be in church right now. Should. But you know the situation. I'm on bed rest. Just 10 days from being induced!! And well, I can't contain myself. James left for church about an hour ago. I'm sure he won't be home, for another 2 hours. That's the tough part, of worshiping, an hours drive from where you live....

That means, I've got some time to kill. The minute hubs hit the door, I hit Pinterest. And these pictures, just made me smile!!

 

Do you get it? It's Christmas decorating....for a nursery!! First of all, I adore little Harper's nursery. And Jessica's blog. Which I originally found through Pinterest. Because of her amazing chalkboard skills!! If you personally know us, now you know!! That was my inspiration, for our mass amount of pictures....with the chalkboard!!

I'm not completely sure how I missed this post. But I found the pictures on Pinterest. Just now! And I just couldn't help myself, I had to go to the post!! The thing is, I've been buying Christmas decorations for the girls. I've ordered some online. Including an "Elf on the Shelf." And I might have also convinced some friends, to pick me up a few things.

James on the other hand, thinks I'm a nutcase!! Why would I want to decorate the nursery?? With Christmas decorations. After 10 years, you'd think he would know me by now! Little by little, I've been handing the decorations over to Lola. You know, our nursery is still a secret, to James and I.

But I know Lola. And I know her LOVE of all things holiday! Christmas included!! She decks out the kids' rooms at the hospital. Every holiday. So I knew my girls would be in good hands. This post, just solidifies, that we're not nuts!!

I like how the decorations aren't too much. Or overwhelming. Just perfect. Adding the charm and magic of Christmas, without too much "in your face." A few fun additions. Splashes of holiday cheer, and color.

Between you and me, that doll, she just caught my eye!! I don't know what it is. But I just have to have her. Or something really similar. I've left a comment for Jessica, and hope to hear back soon. 23 days 'til Christmas. Y'all my girls NEED that doll!!

And that red polka dot blanket. You can bet your behind, that I called this lady. Who by the way, is helping to transport some pediatric burn victims today. Flying back and forth, between our hospital, and the nearest burn center. Please keep them all in your prayers. It was a tragic accident. I'm just grateful, that our hospital has an amazing team. Including this gal!

Between flights, and work, I managed to get in touch with her. Sent her this picture. And asked her, if she might have some time, to make me 2 blankets. :) I was prepared to beg. But I'm so blessed. With a friend, who has a heart, the size of Texas!!

Then I sent James a text. With this picture. And told him, he needed to stop by the fabric store. To pick up some similar fabric. His response, "Gotcha babe!" I love him so!! Now you all know, why these 10 years, have been such a blessing!!

I should probably stay off of Pinterest. You know, for at least the rest of the day. :) Before I get into any more trouble. Dream up anymore ideas, for my girls. And spend more money. Happy Sunday!!

Pregnancy Update: Week 36

How far along? 36 Weeks!! I NEVER thought I'd get this far. Wow!!
Total weight gain: 36 lbs (Pre-pregnancy weight: 115 lbs). Can I get a bulldozer, to help us get around? My back is refusing to do anymore work.
Babies are the size of: A canary melon. Again, I turned to this girl. She not only told me what a canary melon is. Lola brought me one. :) It was so sweet, and delicious! Right up my alley!!
Babies' development: The twins' wrinkly skin, is not so wrinkly anymore. There are starting to pack on the lbs. :) Our Dr. can't get over their chunky thighs!!
Estimated length of babies': About 18.66 in
Estimated weight of babies': Around 5.78 lbs. Each people!!
Maternity clothes: Are we talking clothes here? I live in pjs and big shirts. I've done "graduated" out of most of my clothes. Maternity and all! James bought me 5 pairs of "super maternity, flannel pjs." I'm wearing the heck out of them! With some men's white "muscle" shirts. Size XL please!! When we have to leave the house, I've got 2....maybe 3 outfits to wear....
Stretch marks: I'm seeing a hint of something. But I'm not completely sure if they're stretch marks. Here's to hoping they're not. And all moisturizing is doing it's job!! But oh that line....she is so present!!
Sleep: Honestly, it's all day, every day. I'm up 3 hours, I sleep 3 hours. Like clockwork. I never realized you could sleep this much. Or be completely exhausted at times, with this much sleep. But obviously, my body needs to rest. So resting we are!
Best moment this week: Our appointment on Wednesday. Paperwork was completed. December 12th, is the "Big Day!" The "cherry on top," both girls have gained weight. between 6-9 oz. People that means I'm carrying over 11 lbs of baby!!
Miss anything: Moving with ease. A good, solid 6 hours of sleep. Without 5-6 potty breaks. Tying my shoes. Heck, I miss my shoes!! And my clothes. Oh, and eating a complete dinner.
Movement: All day. Every day. It's so amazing!! The girls like to be on the same side of my belly. That means, momma has a lopsided belly....most of the time! On Wednesdays, we have the girls' appointments. On Fridays, we have our regular appointments. Between any given Wednesday and Friday, the girls go from "head up," to "head down." The Drs. just crack up!!
Food cravings: Rudy's BBQ. It's all I can think of. Maybe it's the commercials. Maybe it's my neighbor. Crazy thing is, I've never eaten there! I could also go for this lady's pineapple upside down cake. Yum!
Gender prediction: Still 2 beautiful little girls!!
Anything making you queasy or sick: Still the mention, thought, or smell of flan. I know!! Totally weird.
Labor signs: At least 2 Braxton Hicks contractions a day. Once in a while, one will be really bad. Like I need to stop, and breathe it out. I've had a couple at night. That wake me up. I actually had one on Monday night, that brought some tears. I can tell, we're getting closer!
Symptoms: Just soreness. I feel like I've been working out, 24/7. My muscles are so sore!! My back is the worst. And when I try to bend over, I get so light headed.
Belly button in or out: Completely out!! I wonder if she will ever go back in....
Wedding rings on or off: On, but they are definitely getting tight. On Saturday, I couldn't even get my rings on. I halfway think, that has to do with all that Thanksgiving food....
Happy or Moody most of the time: Happy most of the time. I can definitely tell you, I'm a lot more emotional. I've watched Giuliana and Bill a few times this past week. When Duke was born. Balled my eyes out!!
Looking forward to: Meeting our girls!! All of it. Holding them, snuggling them, feeding them, dressing them up. All of it! I'm so glad that we've scheduled my induction for December 12th. I now have a date to focus on. :)

And We Have a Date!!

We had our weekly "Baby Checkup" today. I don't know if I've said this before, but every Wednesday, we have a Dr.'s appointment. For the girls. To make sure everything is going a OK. To check on their growth and progress. We've had a few scares along the way. And I now understand, the importance of 2 Dr.'s appointments a week.

Since the beginning of the month, we've been "toying" with some dates. For induction. There was one date, since my 2nd trimester, that has always come up. December 12th. Which totally made James crack up. You know, all the 12/12/12 thing, that's going on. James kept joking with me, that we'd finally get our babies. As the world is ending.

Well, today we did the paperwork. Signed off on everything. All of our Drs. agree, and are ready. Are you serious? Yes, we are!! In 2 weeks, I'm going to be induced!! I'll be 37 1/2 weeks! And it will be December 12th. 5am. We'll be that much closer, to becoming parents. Folks this has been over 10 years, in the making!!

Pregnancy Update: Week 35

How far along? 35 Weeks!! Can we all say "Wow!!"
Total weight gain: 35 lbs (Pre-pregnancy weight: 115 lbs). Y'all notice that? I'm 35 weeks along. And I've gained 35 lbs. Wonder how much more I'll gain.
Babies are the size of: A honeydew melon. That's pretty big y'all!
Babies' development: The twins' are like their momma. They're starting to get ready for birth. And now, should be "head down." I say, should, because Melia was "head down" last week. At this week's appointments, she's been "head up."
Estimated length of babies': About 18.19 in
Estimated weight of babies': Around 5.25 lbs
Maternity clothes: I'm sticking to maternity leggings. I will admit this. I may have cut out the waistbands of 3 pair, just this week. The waistbands are really starting to bother me. But I do enjoy, dressing up for outings. You know, our appointments and such. But yesterday, was just a comfy day. It's the only way, I could get through Thanksgiving, being this pregnant.
Stretch marks: Nothing yet. But this line is still going strong!
Sleep: I'm exhausted! And I've started to nap, multiple times a day. As in, a few hours up, a few hours asleep. Y'all is this normal??
Best moment this week: Having our family here. They don't live near us. So it's nice, when they can come for a visit. Man have we missed them! It just made our Thanksgiving so special. We even managed to hang the Christmas decorations. And by "we," I mean my mom and momma-in-law. :)
Miss anything: Eating without feeling like a "stuffed turkey." I also have to admit this, I miss my pre-pregnancy clothes. And the way I felt in them.
Movement: The girls move around all the time. I just adore watching, and feeling them. James and I just LOVE to watch them at night. They get so active, right before bedtime. It's wonderful to watch them. Making all their cute movements. Hiccups are becoming a regular too! Which I just adore!!
Food cravings: Anything pumpkin. But this might have something to do with the season. And these 2 wonderful ladies, that are cooking for us. But really, I can't get enough of it!!
Gender prediction: 2 beautiful little girls!!
Anything making you queasy or sick: Heavy perfume. I discovered that Wednesday. At our appointment. When this lady walked in. With such strong perfume. I had to wobble on out, of the waiting room.
Labor signs: Braxton Hicks contractions are becoming more regular. My Dr. told me, that I'm starting to "prepare" for the birth too! I'm thinning, and have begun to dilate. Apparently, my body thinks we're at 40 weeks.
Symptoms: Tired all the time!! My belly also itches like no other! And feels like it could be on fire. I've also noticed, my appetite is going away. Very quickly!!
Belly button in or out: Oh. Emm. Geee!! She is out!! As far as one could get. You can even tell through my clothes.
Wedding rings on or off: On. But I have to admit, they are getting tighter.
Happy or Moody most of the time: I'm a "happy camper." But also quite emotional. After everyone left this morning, I cried. Like a big 'ol baby. Because everyone else, went "Black Friday" shopping. Who does this? This very pregnant lady!
Looking forward to: The holidays with our girls. I just can't wait! We've all got our Christmas pjs. James bought so many presents today. Our decorations are up. We just have to wait for our beautiful girls.

Colorful Monkeys

I'm pretty darn sure, that by now, you know about my love of monkeys. It didn't really start until I was pregnant. That first time. And it has only "peeked out," while I've been pregnant. Believe me, I don't usually have stuffed monkeys hanging around.

But now that the girls are almost here, I find myself drawn to little monkeys. We bought some larger stuffed monkeys. At Babies-R-Us. And I asked my friend to decorate them. So that we can hang them on our hospital room door. After the girls are born. I seen this years ago on YouTube. But I can't find that video. :( My friend also made something similar for another friend of hers. But with a baby sheep. So cute!

James already knows, if there's a monkey on a onesie, blanket, or pair of pjs....were buying it. Times 2!! We're not all crazy here. Just a few stuffed animals, a set of Christmas ornaments, and some cute clothes. You know, with monkey faces, on the bums!!

Who knew that my hubby would join in, on all this madness?? I know! Shocking!! But one afternoon, I was cruising through Pinterest. Drooling over all these pictures. Am I the ONLY one that does this?? It proved to be too much for my pregnant self. I fell asleep. And when James got home, he noticed the last picture I was looking at....

Yes, I know! Shocking I tell you! But James hunted down the pattern on Etsy. From what I was told, by the firefighters, it took a few days. And a few of them. And maybe a few of their wives. Who knew it was that hard to find??

In case you're wondering, I don't have a "crafty bone" in my body. But my friend, is beyond talented!! Beyond folks! She did our entire nursery. And I'm thinking, I might need to put in some overtime, this Summer. Just so she can decorate our entire home!! I hear the nursery is AMAZING!! In case you're new around here, James and I, aren't going to see it until we bring the girls home. But I know Lola's work. And I know, it is gorgeous!!

Well, to make a long story short, Miss Lola outdid herself. And recreated this fun outfit. Just for our girls! In about a 3-6 month size. Because my dears, the twins' closet, is overflowing at the moment. With all these teeny, tiny clothes. And this will definitely be something fun, to dress them up in. You know, when it's warmer out.

I still can't believe James. He's "Mr. Wonderful" I tell you! And Lola, for making the cutest little things, just for our girls. I can't wait to dress them up. And take loads and loads of pictures!! Yes, I'm positive, that I'm going to be "that" mom!!