Ella & Evan Pryor

This is Kari's friend Amanda, posting on her behalf. She's got her hands full lately, now that Evan & Ella are here and at home. She asked me to update everyone and put up some pictures. Everyone is doing great and getting settled at home. Kari is a fantastic mom already, doing a great job taking care of both babies and recovering from surgery, all on very little sleep!

Ella Marie Pryor
December 16, 2008
7 lbs, 4 oz



















Evan Jacob Pryor
December, 16, 2008
7 lbs, 8 oz














Settling in just fine at home...

Things I Hope Our Babies Love

As the time approaches for our babies to be born, I constantly think about what they're going to look like, wondering how I could possibly love them any more than I already do, what my hopes and dreams are for them, and the list goes on and on... I pray everyday that Greg and I will be the kind of parents that God wants us to be.

These are some things that I hope that our babies will know and love...

• Know Jesus and to always put Him first
• Know that Greg and I will always love them- no matter what
• Each other- always and forever
• Family
• To love and respect others
• That they feel protected and safe
• Learning
• Themselves
• Laughter
• Their Mommy & Daddy

I still can't believe that in 3 days we will have two precious babies to hold and love. Anytime I think or talk about it I get all teary-eyed and repeat over and over again how much I love them. I seriously can't understand how I could possibly love them any more than I already do now. I know I'll be a complete mess when I finally get to see them. I'll thank God again for bringing them to us. He knew that we needed them in our lives and we will do our best each day to make Him proud of His decision to have us raise them.

Still Pregnant!

I realize it's been almost a week since I've updated everyone. I guess there's not much to report on. Good thing is that the babies are still safe inside of me. And I suppose I was wrong about my "feeling" of delivering around the 35-36 week mark, as tomorrow will be 37 weeks (who knows... still have the rest of the day and night).

The babies seem to be doing well, but I, on the other hand, have been feeling really "crappy" (more than one meaning intended here!). I seriously haven't felt well since Saturday. There has been lots of cramping and the above mentioned discomfort. My doctor told me on Monday that it was my body's way of getting ready. In my head though I'm thinking, "Okay already! How long does my body need to get ready? Let's get this taken care of!" As you may have noticed, I'm still feeling done. The last 3 nights have been miserable. I don't think there's a body part that isn't in pain. And laying down is impossible with the insanely painful heartburn. The Tums just aren't cuttin' it anymore- they seriously do NOTHING for me! I would say that each night I collectively get about an hour and a half of sleep. Last night I just sat up and cried because I hurt so bad and was so tired- I just want to sleep! Everyone just LOVES to tease me and say that I should get use to the no sleeping thing, but seriously, I find it hard to believe that I will get LESS sleep once the babies are born. I could be wrong though. I'm just hoping that the type of sleep will then change, regardless of how much I am given.

We're still waiting on the exact time of the c-section. I've been waiting a week for the dr's office to call and I guess I missed their call yesterday afternoon. I've been staying at my mom and dad's house the last couple of days because Greg and my dad are paranoid about me being home alone anymore. Anyway, I attempted to call the office back this morning, only to get an answering machine. I left a message almost 3 hours ago and haven't heard anything back. I'm just getting irritated now. I guess I just want to know the pre-op appointment time so that Greg can let work know if he needs to come in late or leave early on Friday if it lands on that day. I'm just getting really anxious and want to know all the plans. Ooh... I just got a call from them with our appointment time. I guess the appointment is scheduled for tomorrow morning right before my NST. I'm actually glad that the appointment is earlier rather than later. I have so many questions about it... how long will it be before I can see and hold the babies? How soon after the surgery will I be able to breastfeed? And lots more. I was also informed (after I asked!) that the c-section is scheduled for 9:00 a.m. on Tuesday morning. I'll need to be there by 7:00 a.m. though. WOW! It's coming up soon... =)

I'm sure I'll be able to post at least one more time before the babies are born, but we'll see. I'll do my best to make sure information and pictures are available for all to see. I can't guarantee that there will be a lot to share right away, but I'll try to get the basics down! Please keep praying for our family... for our health and safety and our dr. (we want him well rested and alert!). =)

36 weeks!

I normally try to post a picture of what fraternal twins look like in the womb when the pictures are available (they have them for every 4 weeks). It appears that 36 weeks is the last one that they make available for you to see. I suppose they don't anticipate anyone making it to the 40 week mark (however, my friend Nancy went to 39 weeks! She probably would have gone longer had they not induced her!). This time around I thought that I'd post a comparison picture of what a singleton baby is supposed to look like in the womb next to fraternal twins. It's really amazing to see the difference! I was just thinking this morning that if I gained 3 weeks in 2 weeks, then I could be measuring at least 49-50 weeks come time for the c-section! Man, that's like being 2 1/2 months overdue- yikes! I have a feeling that the small amounts of stretch marks on my hips are now going to spread like wild fire. Hmph.

So yesterday I was out and about with my mom going to the doctor's and running a few errands. Mid-morning I decided to start tallying up how many times I am asked, "When is your baby due?" By the time the day was over, I had at least 10 on my list. When I tell them January 1, I see their eyes bulge out of their heads and it is then that I feel obligated to clarify that I'm this gigantic because of our twins. They then settle down and proceed to ask a bazillion questions and/or offer "good" advice (you know the stupid, "get all the sleep you can get now!") Unfortunately, I still get the, "glad it's you and not me" or "I feel so sorry for you" comments. It's so hard to use my filter and not respond back with an equally malicious comment. I try my best, but I'm not always successful. :P Greg reminded me that the stopping in stores with questions probably isn't going to stop. I know that when I go out with my friend, Amanda and her babies, we are always stopped. I guess people are just curious. I think I'm just cranky from being so uncomfortable. =)

The braxton-hicks were incredibly frequent last night. I would say that my stomach was hard as a rock for at least a half an hour straight. I felt a ton of pressure down below as well. The last couple of times that I've seen my mom and sister, they both have commented on how they thought I "dropped". That could be the reason for so much extra pressure. Greg was starting to get nervous last night and considered taking me in, but I wasn't having any pain with the contractions. I was finally able to fall asleep hoping I wouldn't wake up to a wet bed or painful contractions. As of this morning the babies are still in there! =)

Anyway, have fun comparing the pictures. I didn't realize how small you can be with just one baby! I'll probably be all freaked out if/when Greg and I decide to have another baby and I think I'm measuring too small when remembering what I was like before.

We have a date!

Well, I went to my doctor's appointment today and I'm measuring a gigantic 46 weeks- yikes! My doctor seemed really proud that I've made it this far. Anyone that has had multiples (or even a singleton) realizes that this is an accomplishment. Woo-hoo! Again, I feel SO uncomfortable and long for a decent night's sleep, but it's so exciting to know that I've been able to keep them plugged up for this long (and hopefully more!).

So... unless I go into labor sooner, my doctor scheduled a c-section date for Tuesday, December 16th (two weeks from yesterday). He said that they'd call me with an exact time, but he's thinking it'll be around 12:00 noon. They'll also call me to set up a pre-op appointment. As much as my doctor would like to see me make it to the c-section date, he reminded me that I could quite possibly go into labor and have these little monkeys sooner seeing how I'm now at the 36 week mark. It was so strange to hear him say that. He's always been one to tell me that I'll go so far with this pregnancy and won't have the babies early, but I've now reached the point where he says it could be any time now. I can't believe the time is almost here. I'm scared, excited, and sad all at the same time. I'm scared of the surgery, but so excited and anxious to finally meet our little ones. I've dreamed of this time all my life. All I've ever wanted to be was a mommy and it looks as though the time is almost here. The sadness is for a couple of reasons. I know that I'm going to miss the bonding time I've had all this time with our little babies. I'll miss their kicking, their responses inside when I talk or read to them, feeling Evan jump from being startled by a loud noise, and just the shear fact that I have two beautiful lives growing inside of me. I will miss that. I'm also sad for this chapter in our lives closing. Greg and I will no longer be a family of 2, but one of 4. I will miss the time that we have shared just being an "us" and all the wonderful memories we have made so far. I am so grateful that we were able to be married for a few years and continue to get to know each other, to travel and see the world together, and grow stronger as a couple. As much as I'm going to miss all of this (remember, I'm a very emotional pregnant woman right now!) we know that this is the biggest thing that will ever happen to us and what a blessing these sweet babies are. We're so excited about our future and so thankful that God has chosen us to watch over and raise His children. Hopefully we won't screw them up too much! =-)

Today was really exciting because I was able to see Evan's face on the ultrasound. We NEVER get to see his little face. I think that it's been close to 3 months since we've been able to capture him looking right at the camera. It was the most precious face ever. I told my doctor to take them out now so that I could hold and kiss them. Little Ella-bean was busy at the time and had the back of her head to the camera, which is very unlike her. Perhaps her feelings were hurt because we spent so much time looking at her brother. Greg says I have a lot of feelings so I don't see why Ella would be any different. =)

Here's Evan... look at that precious face!

I'll do my best to keep everyone posted on what's happening. I have another doctor's appointment this coming Monday and then he said he'd like to see me again before the c-section date. I'll continue the NST's until their birthday. Hopefully I'll have more to share other than complaints of my discomforts! =)

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas...

As I said before, the Christmas decorations in our house are going to be limited this year. Not only do I have a hard time putting things up by myself right now, I'm more worried about where I'm going to find the time to put things away once our little ones arrive. Seeing how we only have a few short weeks until Christmas and the fact that the babies could arrive any time now, I got my decorating done over the Thanksgiving holiday. It looks nothing like past years, but I have a really good excuse this year! =) Here are a few pics of our Christmas spirit...

Getting Close...

I can't believe in just a couple of days I'll be 36 weeks. With the way things were going for a while I really didn't foresee me lasting this long. We are so fortunate to have made it this far and are hoping that when the babies are born that their days in the hospital are minimal. Our due date is one month from today. As much as I'd like to finally meet our babies and smother them with hugs and kisses, I can't help but think that technically most other babies go another month before being born. This encourages me to keep going. My doctor told me to expect 5-6 pound babies. That's fine with us as long as they're strong and healthy.

The nesting mode has definitely kicked in to high gear! All their clothes, blankets, and sheets have been washed and put away. Their pack n' plays (one downstairs and one in our bedroom) have been assembled and stocked full of diapers, wipes, lotions, creams, etc. And it is mandatory to keep the house spotless- with my Gregy, this has not been an easy task. =) In my crazy head I can't imagine bringing home our babies to house that is not prepared-- not that I feel prepared AT ALL! I am SO excited and looking forward to finally seeing our babies, but I have this huge fear that I'm going to give birth and they're going to hand the babies to me and I'm not going to know what to do with them!! What is wrong with me? Is this normal? I hope there's something internal that just kicks in for the rescue!

Everyday I become more and more uncomfortable. It just tells me that I'm getting closer- yay! I've added a couple more "discomforts" to my list, however, I'll spare the details. It's such a chore to lift my belly up and roll over to my other side in the middle of the night. Actually, it's down right painful! My belly must be getting bigger for sure. The babies are still pretty active though, despite being told that they are out of room. Greg described all the movements to be similar to the chuck e cheese game where you hit one spot (a gopher, I believe?) and another bump shows up in another part of the belly (but, obviously, we aren't hitting the bumps in the belly!). It's so true and so funny now when this happens! =) This past week my belly has become very lopsided. I don't know what they're up to in there, but it's pretty painful when it happens. I try my hardest to "guide" them back to their spot. I almost think that it's Evan turning and laying on his side. That or Ella is coming over for a visit. Not sure. I've always wanted to capture a picture of how lopsided the belly can get, but when I get up to find a camera, they usually wiggle back to their original spot. The other night, though, Greg was able to catch the tail end of what the lopsidedness looks like. I wish I could have captured a better picture, but you can kind of see it in this picture. Silly babies. =)

Greg loves the belly and likes to look at it and rub it to say hi to the babies. He thinks it's so funny that I can't see anything below the gigantic belly. He likes to put some fingers under my belly and ask me, "How many fingers am I holding up?" He gets a big kick out of that one, especially when I tell others about his little game. =)

We still continue to read to the babies (although we've missed a night or two lately). We've now introduced some Christmas books to them. Christmas in the Manger seems to be the favorite now- lots of kicks and wiggles were received with that one! =) I keep telling the babies that they are so lucky to be born this time of year; the same time of year that baby Jesus was born. How special is that!

The other night I couldn't go to sleep. I kept thinking of the babies and all that I had to do to prepare for them. I finally went into their nursery and grabbed a couple of their blankies. I snuggled up with them in bed and quickly fell asleep. I've continued to sleep with them for a few nights and Greg and I have been taking turns switching them off to get our scent on them to comfort the babies later on. I know some people may not believe this to be true, but it worked for me one time while watching a baby just a couple of months old. The poor baby would just cry and cry, but as soon as I put one of his mommy's shirts on and held him, he became instantly settled. Coincidence or not, it makes Greg and I feel closer to our babies while holding on to the blankies that they'll soon be snuggled up in.

I go to the doctor's on Wednesday for a regular check-up. It is then that he told me he'd schedule a date for the c-section for two weeks from then (assuming Ella-girl is still breach). It'll be so exciting to have a date! We know that I could go into labor and have these babies sooner than that (supposedly 36 weeks is the average time for twin pregnancies), but it'll be nice to know that by then we'll have sweet babies to hold and love on. I could really use that to help me persevere and hang on that much more even though I feel so done.

I'll let everyone know the potential birthday date as soon as I find out! =)

Facelift

I decided that I would change the background to a Christmas one. However, new header looks as though we have a snowman pregnant with twins- haha! =) This is my FAVORITE time of year and even more so now that we have our precious babies coming soon. I realize I need to update everyone, but will do so later this weekend... off to bed.

More Cuteness!

I purchased these really cute pacifier clips. Evan's was supposed to have his "E" in block lettering, but I guess it's okay; It just looks a little more girly than I wanted. They work really well by clipping onto the babies' clothes so that when they spit the pacifier out it doesn't get lost, or even worse, fall onto the yucky floor! Yikes!

Safe Zone

I had several appointments yesterday, but they were great! Our first one was at 10:00 with the nurses for my NST. My sister was able to come with me this time so she got to see the babies. As they were checking my fluids and trying to decipher which baby parts belonged to which baby, we were able to see Ella's cute little face. She was hammin' it up for us! She turned her head towards the camera, drank some fluid, stuck out her tongue, and then gave a big, baby girl yawn- it was so unbelievably cute! We hardly ever get to see Evan's sweet face because of the way he is positioned. I just think that Ella makes it her mission to show off for all to see! =)

I then saw my doctor at 11:00 and that is when he told me that we are now in what he called the, "safe zone"! It was such a relief to hear that. Their lungs should be pretty close, if not fully developed by now. That was such a concern for me... thinking I'd go into labor and they'd have to delay it to make sure I got the round of steroid shots to help mature their lungs. It sounds as if that won't be an issue any longer! Dr. Troung did another ultrasound and confirmed that Ella (baby A) is still breach and Evan is transverse. He really doesn't see Ella turning around to be head down at this stage. I think she's content just staying put with her head in my ribs and feet at my bladder! Little Evan's head is on the left side of my body, with his legs and rump at his sissy's head. They're pretty squished in there... it's just a big mess of body parts! And it's still pretty clear that Evan is DEFINITELY a boy and Ella is DEFINITELY a girl. There is no way of mistaking it at this point. I go back to see my dr. in two weeks (at 36 weeks). He said that he would schedule a c-section at that point for 38 weeks (unless, of course, I go into labor first). I can't imagine going another 4 weeks! Yikes! My gut feeling is that I'll go to about the 35-36 week point, but Greg, however, seems to think I'll make it to the 38 week mark. My dr. said I was measuring at 43 weeks (I knew that it would be different from what the NP said I was at!). Regardless, I'm still huge! =)

And then, the most exciting appointment was the radiology one that afternoon where we found out the approximate weights of the babies! It took a while because, like I said, there are body parts everywhere and they are getting pretty squished. The technician was doing his best, but said that it wouldn't be completely accurate because you can't always get a good picture of their full head, abdomen, etc. So at this point, the babies are supposed to be at the 4 3/4 lbs. area and the babies' weights were...

Ella 5 lbs. 2 oz.
Evan 5 lbs. 7 oz.

Yay, babies! I was really excited to hear that they are right where they should be, but wondered why Evan grew at a much faster rate than little Ella-girl. I guess I'll try not to worry unless my dr. says otherwise. Greg says that it's because Evan is a big, strappin' boy that's going to play football while Ella is just a petite little girl. Hmmm. Okay, that works for me! =)

It appears that the babies should be gaining 1/2 a pound each now (each week) so hopefully we can pack on a little more weight before they make their appearance... the 6 pound range sounds pretty good (unless they can stay in there longer)! =) Thanks for all your prayers- they have definitely worked to keep our babies safe inside of me. Now let's all pray for Mommy, as I try to find some more room for these little ones to keep growing! =)

Family Stockings

I got the stockings I ordered from Pottery Barn that has all of our names on them. It's so fun to look at and realize that very soon we will be a family of four with our sweet little Evan and Ella. I want to put them up SO bad already, but must resist the urge and wait until the day after Thanksgiving. I always decorate our house up so much, but am afraid that this year will be VERY different with babies and all. My mom said she'd come and help set up our tree in the front room and hopefully some of the other decorations I do around the house. As crazy as it sounds, Greg and I have always purchased a real tree as well to put up in the family room (where we always are). We just love the look and smell of a real tree. But this year, we are gladly replacing the Christmas tree spot, as the pack n' play spot! =) We have a little tiny tree that we're going to put up in that room with twinkling lights for the babies to look at. Between that and the fireplace going, I know they'll love Christmas time just as much as we do! We are so blessed and know that we are receiving the BEST gifts of all this year.

Big ol' Belly!

I've had two requests in one day to update the belly shots, so here it is. It's getting kind of scary looking and I get the, "...well, you look like you're ready to pop...", comment from strangers daily. I suppose it's a good thing that the belly keeps getting bigger... it means the babies are getting bigger, too, right? Anyway, if you're not too scared to look, you'll find the latest pictures of me and our precious babies snuggled in tight.

I'm 33 weeks 4 days in these pictures. The front view picture looks like my belly is a bit lopsided. Hmmm. They must be up to something in there! =)

Happy Birthday to Me (well, yesterday!)!

Another year has passed for me. On top of that, it was the one that I think most women struggle with... I have officially graduated from my twenties. Ugh. That's right- I turned 30 yesterday. I don't like the way it sounds at all. I like the comfort of saying I'm in my twenties. I feel so old all of a sudden. Greg seems to think that I'm feeling this way because of my current condition (Although he reassures that I'm still a young, hot mama - bless his heart!). I think I'm going to have to agree with him (not about the hot mama thing). Let's face it, I probably feel old because I feel old! I have aches and pains all day, heartburn galore, swelling throughout my body, I can't shave or bathe alone, it kills me to walk around, and I pee my pants a little bit almost everyday now (yah, you heard me!). I think I may have felt a little different about turning the big 3-0 had I not had all these other symptoms. It was a good day though. My mom took me all around to all the different stores that I needed to get things from in preparation for the little ones. We then had lunch at Olive Garden and continued to shop. My feet were so sore and swollen by the end of the afternoon, but I was so glad that it turned out to be such a productive day. Greg and I then headed off to our childbirth class. Greg thought it was funny that we had birthing class on my birthday. Dork. We usually get out of our class at around 8:30 so we then went out for dessert to celebrate my birthday.

Here's a few pictures of what Greg got me for my birthday. He got me 2 dozen roses and a Willow Tree figurine of a woman with a prego belly- I LOVE them both! I was so surprised by the flowers- they're so pretty!

I got to see and hear our babies then, too, which made the day even better. I love listening to their little heartbeats. I'm 33 weeks now and we feel hopeful that we'll make it to the 36 week mark. It's crazy to think that it could be just a few short weeks now- yikes! I have no idea how to be a mommy! It scares me half to death, but at least I have a lot of gear that makes me feel a little more prepared! haha. =) Please keep praying for the babies' health and for them to stay put for a couple more weeks.

WubbaNubs!

My friend had these cute little things for her babies when they were little and said that they worked great at keeping the pacifiers in the babies' mouths. I showed them to Greg online and he picked out the pink pony for Ella and the puppy for Evan. They're so cute! =)

32 Weeks!

Well, we've made it to 32 weeks- Yay! I can't believe that we could be parents in just a few short weeks (hopefully no sooner!). That's a scary thought. I feel so unprepared. I've been writing lists like crazy on things to do still and things to get. I haven't packed my bag for the hospital, our camera and video camera still needs to be organized and set to go, pack n' plays need to be set up, and the list goes on and on. Not only that, but I haven't been able to do much Christmas shopping either. My intentions were to have it all done by now, but with all my limitations on driving and just feeling as crappy as I do... well, it just hasn't been done. I think it's safe to say that Christmas presents and birthdays coming up, should be expecting gift cards. I don't even think that Greg and I are going to be exchanging gifts this year. We've spent enough money on things that we really feel the babies need. And really, if I was to get something, I'd want it to be about the babies anyway. And are we supposed to buy Christmas gifts for our newborns? I can't really think of what they'd need or remember. I was thinking that we'd just get their stockings and maybe a Baby's First Christmas Ornament; things of more sentimental value. Hmm.

I went to my appointments this week and the babies are doing just fine. I have no idea why, but the babies were super hyper during their NST yesterday. I hadn't had any sugar (just mac n' cheese and water) prior to the appointment, but they were about ready to leap off my body. The nurse finally decided that she'd let them settle down first and then come back to me. After a while all the movements came to a sudden stop. They must have tuckered themselves out. They're so funny. =)

I had an appointment with a NP right after (my Dr. was in Vegas- nice!). She measured me and said that I was measuring a whopping 44 weeks!!! NO WAY! I think it may have been off a couple of cm just because everyone can measure a little differently. I couldn't believe it. So I'm thinking that if my regular Dr. measured, I'd be at around 42 weeks. Who knows. Regardless, I'm getting huge. Ugh.

Since we're on the subject of being huge, I didn't realize how much a big ole belly could hinder your normal activities. For instance, take showering. Greg now has to help me dry off. He had to clip my toe nails for me the other day (I won't mention in too much detail about how he got my skin clipped in with the nail though!). He has to help me shave and he had to take me shoe shopping the other day. I now know where the phrase, "barefoot and pregnant" came from. Who can fit in their stinkin' shoes??? Okay, so there are probably going to be those people that brag about how they could still fit in their shoes and experienced no swelling... lucky them. But for me it was getting out of control. I've been wearing flip flops for most of my pregnancy, but with the weather changing the need to cover up my feet is now important (my flip flops are slippery around water). I really didn't want to spend a lot of money on some shoes seeing how I don't much more time with this pregnancy so we bought a cheap, cloggy-type shoe at Payless Shoe Source. They are not comfortable by any means, but there's no need to wear them except for those times I need to go to the doctor's.

My heartburn and restless legs are getting more and more out of control by the minute. Last night I finally fell asleep at 4:30 in the morning. After Greg left for work I was able to get in another 1 1/2 of sleep, but was rudely awakened by the yard maintenance people mowing in the backyard. In case you hadn't noticed, I get annoyed with anyone and everyone anymore. I hate feeling so agitated. I think it's just a combination of discomforts and NO sleep that's killin' me.

I thought I'd include a picture of what they say the babies should look like in me at 32 weeks. They're getting bigger and cuter by the minute! =) I've also included a picture of little Evan. When the nurse was checking my fluids last Tuesday, she saw that his arm was up to his head and thought it was really cute so she printed it out for me.

Cute little Evan!

Sorry for the delay...

Boy, it's been a long time since I last updated everyone. I've been SO tired lately and I literally had a doctor's appointment every day last week. I figured that I better update now because I've been getting panicked messages wondering if I was still pregnant, etc. Sorry everyone.

The contractions have been better lately and I haven't had any new trips to L & D. I'm really crampy every day the babies kick me relentlessly down below. The pain is so intense that I feel a tingling/numbness feeling all the way through to my fingers. I about double-over in pain, but luckily the pain instantly goes away. Weird, but I'm glad it doesn't linger. The last couple of days I can hardly walk without the feeling of intense, sharp pains and the sensation of the babies falling. I think my belly is just getting big and my body is trying to support it.

Two Fridays ago, I had my doctor's appointment and the babies were still in a breach position. He said to prepare for a c-section as the chances of the babies turning at this point, being as big as they are now, probably won't happen. I was relieved to know the plan, but scared at the same time. Who wants their stomach cut open? I know many people that have had c-sections and say that they loved it (as oppose to the MANY hours of labor I could possibly endure). HOWEVER, last Friday I went in for my routine NST appointment and the nurse wasn't able to pick up Evan's heart rate as easily as it has been the past couple of weeks (they've been SUPER good with these... because they're bigger now and were pretty much stuck in their position). She pulled out the ultrasound machine and we noticed a head down low and feet up high. Hmmm. We couldn't believe it, but Evan decided to turn head down. I knew that something was up a couple of days prior to this appointment, but wasn't quite sure what was occurring. For about two days I had experienced so much pain on my left side where Evan is. My belly would become outrageously lopsided . I thought that Ella was coming over for a visit and overlapping him, but apparently he was working hard and turning himself around. Stinker. So needless to say I have kicking way down low and way up high now. I think they have little wars inside of me now because if one starts to move it sets the other one off and my stomach looks as though it's going to jump off and leave the rest of my body. I'm getting pretty beat up these days. I love it though and wouldn't change it for the world. =)

As I said, they're still kicking a lot, but their movements are a lot different though, too. I feel a lot of big, "rolling" type movements. My stomach looks like it has huge waves running through it and they repeat these actions over and over again. I thought the doctor said they were running out of room? haha. They are now responding to my voice as well and between me talking and them moving, I feel like we're having a little conversation. What can I say... I love them so much!

We started our childbirth classes and we'll attend our third of five classes this Thursday. It's actually kind of fun. It gets me out of the house and doesn't make me feel as huge being next to other women ready to pop. There are a lot of people due at the end of January and February so it made us nervous thinking we waited until the last minute to get this in, but our doctor ensured us that we'd make it through the classes before Ella and Evan arrive. Tomorrow night we're attending a breastfeeding class. I'm really looking forward to that one.

I'll be 32 weeks this Thursday and I'm starting to freak out a little wondering if we're ready. I don't think we'll ever feel "ready", but I still feel like so much needs to be done. Ugh. I need to figure out how to get my husband on board and finish things up around here. I hate not being able to do things myself!

My doctor's appointments are every 2 weeks now (until I hit 36 weeks). I'll still attend my NST appointments twice a week and at 34 weeks, I'm back in radiology for another fetal growth appointment. I can't wait to see how much they've grown... hopefully a lot! =)

Please continue to pray that these babies stay put and don't beat me up too much! I feel done, but know that they're not, so I've got to keep going even as the discomforts rise.

Frequent Flyer Miles

That's what the nurse at Labor & Delivery told me they call expectant mommies of multiples last night. She reassured me that it was not intended to be a derogatory comment in any way. =)

So you heard me right... Greg and I made the trip to L&D again last night after having contractions throughout the late afternoon and evening. I was informed by the nurses before that I was to come in if I had 6 or more contractions in an hour. Well, I started timing contractions at 4:10 and had 5 by 5:10. And then I had an additional 2 by 5:30. It didn't really fit the criteria that they told me to follow, but I called them anyway and they seemed concerned about the 5 I had in an hour. The nurse suggested that I lie down and drink a couple glasses of water and time them for another hour and to come in if I had 4 more. I didn't notice having more than that so I just rested and waited for Greg to come home. We ate dinner and then a couple hours later proceeded to have 5 more contractions in 45 minutes. We then decided that it would be better to just go in and be evaluated. My cervix was checked and all was good, but the nurse had said that because our babies are still small, I do not need to be dilated to 10 cm to deliver babies... that is for big, full-term babies. I never thought about that. The monitors showed that I was having contractions every 6 minutes, but not all were "big" contractions. In between the contractions they could see that I had a lot of uterine irritability. An IV was put in and after monitoring for a while the doctor put orders in for a shot of Terbutaline. Fortunately, that quickly stopped the contractions. About an hour later the irritability and a few contractions came back, but they were very mild. By then it was 3 a.m. and we were exhausted. We were able to sleep a little bit in the room, but Greg's snoring woke me up about 20 minutes into the snooze. Poor guy. I'm sure I wasn't in a deep sleep to begin with. The nurse said that since things seemed to be under control we could take off.

I'm totally exhausted today and have been laying on the couch falling in and out of sleep. I just can't get comfortable and the urges to go to the restroom every 45 minutes to an hour keep me up. Ugh. I've had 5 contractions in 20 minutes just laying on the couch so I'm getting really frustrated. How long is this going to go on for? I hate to know the answer. My biggest fear is that I'm going to go in one day and they're going to tell me that I must be down with strict bed rest for the duration of the pregnancy. The nurse told me to just take it easy and not to do extensive lifting (no more than 3 lbs!) or walking (like around the mall). Little does she know, though, that I am pretty much on modified bed rest now and just lay around for the most part. . Aw, dang it! Just had a 6th contraction. Wish me luck and please pray for the cooperation of my body and health of our babies.

Lots of Growing!

Yesterday was a big day... well, big for someone that doesn't do a whole lot of anything anymore. I had my regular NST appointment at 8:30 and then another radiology appointment at 10:00 to check the fetal growth of the babies. I was super excited about that appointment because I knew that they would calculate the approximate weight of each baby. Each week I read about where their weights should be, but knowing that those are always approximate numbers. It was tough because they make you drink at least 32 oz. of water 1 1/2 hours prior to your appointment so that you have a full bladder. However, prior to that appointment I was at my NST appointment and they have me laying practically on my back so that they can chase down our little monkeys to monitor. I hate drinking water to begin with, but attempting to do it primarily in a flat position was a challenge. I got it down though and waddled my way down stairs to the radiology appointment. By the time I got there, I already had the scare that I may pee my pants (Ella is relentless as she uses my bladder as a punching bag!). Even scarier was the thought of having to hold it for the 1 1/2 hour appointment (I had two 45 min. appointments).

I was so excited because I got the best technician ever! She showed me everything on the screen. It was so different from our last appointment. And the appointment only ended up being about 25 minutes because she didn't have to check everything like they did before; she was just checking for their growth. She said that everything looked good and that my cervix was really long and not opening. I was so glad to hear that they couldn't find a way out the escape hatch! I had asked her how long it would take for the doctor to get the report and let me know their weights and she quickly responded and said that she could give them to me right then- Yay! So here are their approximate weights (these weights could be + or - a few ounces)...

Ella 3 lbs. 3 oz.
Evan 3 lbs. 1 oz.

Go babies go! I was so excited to hear that they were growing so well. Most of my books say that they should be around the 2 1/2 lb. area, so I was shocked and excited to hear that they were not only where they should be, but had a little more meat on their bones than expected. I was 29 wks. 1 day at the appointment and they were measuring 29 wks. 6 days and 29 wks. 4 days. We were so excited to hear that they were so close in the measurements, too. They always say that one twin is larger than another, but it would be nice if they could stay close to each other's weights.

Here are some pictures that the technician printed out for me. At one point, she exclaimed that Ella had hair so you can make it out a little on the picture of their heads together (little white lines sticking up).

Ella facing the camera... her arm is across her chin. Look at her sweet eyes!
Evan's cute little profile!
Their heads together (they ALWAYS are!). It's so sweet!

Super Cute!

I decided that at the rate that I'm going, who knows how much longer I'll have freedom to get out and about. With that said, I went on a shopping spree at one of my favorite baby boutiques - Ragamuffin. I took a couple of breaks and sat in a chair I found in one of the dressing rooms... haha. I'm sure I looked pretty stupid, but who cares. I had a 20 % off coupon on a day's worth of purchases so I decided I'd take advantage of it! The diaper bag I wanted was from there so I figured I better get it now with the coupon. I still haven't told Greg the exact price that I spent yesterday... yikes! My mother-in-law knew that I was going shopping there so she asked if I wanted my birthday money early, so of course, I went along with her suggestion! =) So here's a few pics of some of the things I got yesterday... so cute!


Hats and headbands for little Ella!

Cute Baby Lulu outfit! Look how cute the back is!

Cowboy outfit for precious Evan!

And my cute diaper bag! I love it! =)

28 Weeks & Getting Huge!

That pretty much says it right there! I feel so gigantic anymore, but it's only going to get worse. It's okay though... I figure I shouldn't worry about it now and can take care of it after the babies welcome us. =)

I went to my appointment yesterday and the nurses said that I only had one contraction. They didn't say anything about continuing the bed rest thing so I'm going to just take it easy and see how my appointment on Monday goes. My NST appointments are being scheduled for every Monday and Thursday. I know it's a lot of doctor's visits, but I feel so much better about being there and being monitored. Heck, I'm bored at home anyway, so it guarantees me an outing twice a week!

These appointments are intended to be 20-30 minutes, but... not with my babies. My little stinkers are quite fond of hide and seek. The nurses had to "cheat" many times and find them on the ultrasound machine before placing the monitors on them. And then it was only a couple minutes later (if not sooner) that they would take off again probably exclaiming, "catch me if you can!" This game went on for 3 hours! I felt really bad for the nurses, but they're so sweet and patient. They kept telling me that it will get better each week as they (or I) grow and run out of room. I think I may need to start taking Starbucks orders and pamper them from time to time just so they don't hate me! =)

Here's a picture of what the babies should look like in me now at 28 weeks. Take a close look at the woman's belly... they don't over-exaggerate at all!

My Second Home

Well, things have been busy around here again. Things are always exciting and I'm becoming more accustomed to my "special case" title.

Greg and I went to bed around 10:30 Monday night (which is WAY early for us) because he had to work at 7 the next morning. I woke up at 12:00 to use the restroom, pop some Tums, and then again at 2:00 (this every 2 hour schedule must be my preparation). When I got up at 2:00, I came back to bed and started getting really bad cramps that wouldn't go away and actually progressed to pretty severe ones. I turned over to Greg and asked him to hand me the water bottle because I thought maybe I needed more fluids. After laying there a few more minutes, Greg decided that he needed to take me in and have me checked out since the pain was still there and not easing up. We quickly got dressed, grabbed the number for Dameron's Labor & Delivery and took off for the hospital.

We got there at around 3:20 and they hooked me up to some monitors. They showed that I was having contractions every 4 minutes or so. They quickly gave me a huge glass of ice water and an IV for fluids. They say that many times dehydration is a source for contractions and can be stopped with adequate fluids. After about 1 1/2 -2 hours they decided that lack of fluids was not the reason for the contractions. The doctor ordered a shot of Terbutaline, which is supposed to relax the soft muscle tissue in the uterus, in turn stopping contractions for most women. The nurse warned me that I may have some side effects due to my mitral valve prolapse. Fortunately, the side effects were minimal (increase in pulse and shakiness), but more importantly, the pain went away!

The doctor came in to check my cervix and perform a swab test on me. Thankfully my cervix was long and closed, meaning that even though I was having contractions, they weren't causing my cervix to open and allow my little ones to escape! The doctor told me about a test that they do now to predict whether or not you are prone to deliver within the next 2 weeks. The test is called Fetal Fibronectin and it's very similar to a pap test (oh, joy!), whereas they swab fluids around the cervix. They're looking for some fancy protein that shows up usually 1-2 weeks before labor begins. It took about an hour to get the results, but all is good... the test was negative! Yay! Greg and I were both SO tired and just wanted to sleep. Greg was able to squeeze in about an hour, but I was so uncomfortable and worried that I couldn't get a wink of sleep in. About an hour an a half after my shot of Terbutaline, I started getting some irritability back. The nurse said that they may need to give me another one. The doctor was seriously considering admitting me, and I was freaking out about that. I was just so frustrated with my body and couldn't understand why my uterus was doing what it was doing. It's something way out of my control, but it's so upsetting when I think of my babies coming too soon. It makes me so emotional. It's a hard concept to put your mind around when you know how great your babies are doing inside of you, wiggling and dancing all around, but if they were to come out at this point they could face so many complications. You feel like your failing to take care of your babies and putting them in harm's way. It's very overwhelming. The doctor and nurses reassured me that it isn't anything I can control. This is very common for twins and seeing how my uterus hasn't ever been stretched before, it's stretching at a more rapid rate the first time around. Based on what my doctor measured last week, I should be measuring about 37 weeks now (I'm 28 weeks tomorrow), obviously close to someone being full-term.

As the doctor was deciding on whether or not he should admit me, he asked if I worked. When I told him that I didn't, he asked if I could do this same thing (laying around, AKA bed rest) at home. He finally decided that I could go home seeing how the contractions had pretty much stopped and I had another NST in just a couple of days (tomorrow). So after 8 hours in the hospital, we were free to leave!

I'm glad to be home, but it's so lonely and boring. I hate laying down because I can't get comfortable and my heart burn is ridiculously out of control. I don't even have to eat anything to make my throat and chest feel like they're on fire. I feel so bad for people that have this as a normal condition.

Sorry for the downer post... I just want to keep everyone updated on what's going on. Please pray for me and the babies. We just keep praying that the Lord's plan is to keep them in me for at least another 6 weeks.

So we've decided to share...

Although I had originally said that we would NOT share our babies' names before they were born, we have decided to... now that we've officially picked their names. This was actually more Greg's idea as he was chomping at the bit wanting to share! =) He knew that I would probably be asked a million times at the shower (which I was) if we had decided on their names and he wanted me to be able to share. We're hoping that since we've finalized this that people will not be stupid (sorry!) and say anything rude or insensitive about them.

So their names are...

Ella Marie Pryor and Evan Jacob Pryor!

I LOVE "E" names and we liked how simple, but sweet they sounded. Marie is my middle name and my grandma's. The rest of the names have no real significance to them... we just liked them! =)

Showered with Gifts!

Last Saturday was my baby shower and I absolutely LOVED it! It was so much fun and we were so blessed with all the wonderful people that showered us with so many gifts! I couldn't believe how much we were given! Greg and I are truly blessed with such wonderful friends and family!

It turned out to be much warmer than I had anticipated so I felt really bad for my guests (especially those in the sun! Thanks for all of those that sat there so that everyone else could be more comfortable!). Everyone was really sweet, though, and didn't ever mention that they were burning up! I put some of the pictures of the party on the slide show below. If you roll the cursor over the picture a caption will appear. You can speed up or slow down the slide show by clicking on the "-" or "+" symbols on the slide show box.

Enjoy!

So I lied...

but, I didn't mean to! I had full intentions of posting nursery pictures at the beginning of the week. This week has just seemed really busy and by the end of the day I couldn't work up enough energy to go up and take pictures of the nursery. The nursery still needs a little work as far as picture hanging, etc., but it's coming along. The baskets in the storage tent already look cluttered to me (from the picture) so I'm going to have to work on that... it's really bugging me! I suppose I should get over the obsessive desire to have everything look picture perfect or otherwise I'm going to have a major meltdown once the babies come. Well, here you go- I hope you enjoy! =)

A (VERY) Long Update

Please note that I started this post on Friday, but became very busy and didn't publish until now... obviously! =)

Luckily, I have been fortunate enough not to remain on bed rest - Yay! In some sense bed rest sounds somewhat appealing... you get to lay around in bed, watch t.v., eat in bed, have people wait on you... but, really, it truly stinks. As I've said before, I don't like having to depend on people and it's SO uncomfortable having to tell people how to help you (laundry, meals, giving medication). Not to mention all the aches and pains you accumulate by laying on your big butt days on end. My hips and back just ached and to top it all off I seem to have added restless legs and extreme heartburn to the ever-growing list of discomforts. Let's just pray that I don't have any more bouts of those bed rest periods!

Last Thursday I went in for my 1-hour glucose test. I got horribly sick during the test, but was glad to have it done. As luck would have it, I got a call Monday night to inform me that I failed (I like how they make it sound like you did something wrong) the test and needed to come in for the 3-hour glucose tolerance test. Nice. I was informed that they like to see glucose levels under 139 and I had a result of 147. I decided that it was probably better to get it over with so that I wouldn't be thinking about it all week and stressing. Tuesday morning Greg dropped me off at the lab before he headed off to work. My mom was going to join me to waste the 3 hours away. I did my first of four blood draws and then proceeded to drink the nasty, flat lemon-lime drink. I try my best not to have sugary snacks and this just put me over the edge. I almost threw-up about 5 times during the process of downing it in the 5 minutes they allow. I went into the waiting room feeling tremendously ill, but was trying my best not to allow it all to come back up as they would cancel the test and I'd have to come back another day. I sat there in agony getting sicker and sicker. Finally, I quickly walked up to the receptionist and told her I needed to lay down right then. They took me to a little bed in a small room off the laboratory. As time went on a got even more ill; I was feeling nauseous, clammy, shaky, and light-headed. And as luck would have it I couldn't lay down well because apparently glucose gives me incredible heartburn, too. The technicians would come in and ask me if I was okay and I would say that I wasn't feeling well, but that I'd be okay. The head supervisor then came in and told me that I didn't look good at all; She said that I was all clammy and as white as a ghost. She told me that if I was feeling all those symptoms then they needed to stop the test. This was right before I was due for my second blood draw and did NOT want to stop the test seeing how I had to do the yuckiest part of all already. After monitoring me, she called out to someone else saying to call in "special teams". WHAT?! I was so out of it by then, but I remember thinking "what in the world is special teams???" Within 30 seconds that small room was filled with nurses who were asking me a bazillion questions and taking my vitals. It sounds kind of scary, but I was in a thick fog. I remember just telling them that I was pregnant with twins and always have protein in the morning after I wake up. The drama went on and on, but eventually the sugar started to wear off and I gained a little more composure. I convinced them to let me continue. After they learned I had been on bed rest and was being treated for a UTI, they called up to my doctor, who said he wanted to see me right after. They took me up in a wheel chair where I waited to see my doctor. During that time in the waiting room I started having sharp pains and tightening in my middle abdomen. They hurt so bad and continued for the 10 minutes prior to them bringing me in. I was really scared and started to cry as they walked me back to the room to monitor the babies. Now, of course, all the pain went away once they hooked me up to monitors, which is best anyway... didn't want that pain. The babies were fine, but looked very lethargic. :( They were probably just as hungry as I was. The nurse said that I still had a lot of uterine irritability. That makes sense seeing how they wouldn't let me drink anything during the fasting and testing period. The doctor did an ultrasound again and checked my cervix, which was long and tightly closed. He assured me that everything was fine, but to take it easy. Phew... what a day!

Today I had my regular appointment with my doctor. We got to see baby boy and baby girl who are now blinking their eyes. It was so cute! Baby girl's heart rate was 142 and baby boy's was 138. Usually his is higher than hers so that was a change. I was told that in 2 weeks I need to start coming in twice a week for NST's (non-stress tests). They'll put monitors on the babies just to make sure everything is okay. I also go back into radiology for a follow up fetal growth appointment. This is where they measure the babies and we can find out approximate weights for each of them. I'm really looking forward to that, but hoping we don't get the same evil technician.

My baby shower is tomorrow and I'm SO excited about it. It will actually be at my house, which sounds crazy to most people, but I love to entertain and have parties/events at our house. Just from planning other showers for friends, I've been able to see what I would have wanted for my own shower one day. I've really enjoyed working on it with family and a few friends. Plus, I figured it would be easier this way (at my house) seeing how the gifts would already be here and we wouldn't have to pack them all up and unload them. My mom and grandma are coming over this morning to help with last minute clean-up and family friend, Cindy, is driving me over to the party rental store to pick up the tables/chairs/linens this afternoon. I know the day is going to fly by! I'm hoping I can squeeze in a pedicure before tomorrow. I used to get them all the time, but seeing how I'm not working anymore I've been trying to be good and space them out a bit and save money. This seems like a good time to pamper myself! =)

I keep saying I'll post pictures of the nursery, but I had decided to wait because I thought that I'd like to show it in person to those that will be attending the shower... as oppose to snapshots online. I'll post pictures FOR SURE on Sunday or Monday after the shower.

Bed Rest

Well, you really didn't think that we could go a few weeks without some more drama, did you? Unfortunately, that's exactly what has happened. I'm sitting in bed right now because I'm being forced to; I'm officially on bed rest until Monday (hopefully no more than that!).

It was midweek when I realized that I wasn't feeling too well and felt a lot of crampiness. Since I'm repeatedly told (or made to feel like) I'm over-reacting, I kind of dismissed it as normal growing or stretching of the uterus. The pain continued for a couple of days and progressively got worse so I decided to call in and check to see if it was normal. Labor & Delivery told me that I should come in and have it all checked out. By this point I was convinced that it was the best option as fluids weren't reducing any of the pain or cramping.

They put monitors on the babies and they seemed to be just fine. They were moving all around, which made it very difficult for the nurses to keep them hooked up. One nurse actually had Greg hold down the monitor on baby girl so that she could track down baby boy. Baby girl kept kicking the monitor; this is pretty typical for her as she kicks me any time I place any kind of pressure on the area she's in. Stinker. The monitor showed that I had a lot of uterine irritability and despite the fact that I had been drinking extra fluids, they gave me two huge glasses of water to get down. The cramping wasn't going away so they hooked me up to an IV and gave me two bags of fluids. In the meantime though, I had a few contractions, one of which I felt pretty bad. It really scared me. I just kept thinking that they can't come now... I'm only 25 weeks... my precious babies are too tiny and aren't ready. People like to tell you not to stress, but how can you not in this situation?

My doctor gave me some vistrol (sp?), which was supposed to relax the uterine muscles. It was then that he told me to be on bed rest Friday-Sunday. I kept being told that cramping was a normal thing for multiples, but my doctor said that it is not wanted. He told me to come back if I have more of these symptoms. I was examined and my cervix was long and closed tightly, so that was a relief. As I we were being discharged, I was informed that I had a UTI. Supposedly, this can cause uterine irritability as well. I haven't ever had this type of infection so I didn't really know what to expect and I still don't think I have the obvious symptoms. I was prescribed antibiotics so hopefully this will clear up any issues and I can be off bed rest on Monday.

This has been very scary for us. Please pray for my health and, in turn, the health of our babies. The thought of going on an extended bed rest scares me half to death, but I'd do it in a heart beat to keep these little ones safe inside me.

Oh, and to nephew Grady, Paige, and Levi... sorry we're missing your milestone birthdays this weekend; it makes me so sad to miss them. I get really emotional everytime I think of it.

Secret Verse

I don't have a lot of pictures of the nursery to share, but here are a few that are extra special to Greg and I. We wanted to make sure the room had some scripture in it; something that only we knew was there when you walked into the room. We pray everyday for protection of our little babies. The scripture is written on the primed wall of the wainscoting before we painted it. Every time I walk in the room I'm reminded of God's presence and how much He has blessed us.

I ran downstairs at one point and came up to find this written on another section of the wall... Greg wanted to write something, too, even though we did the other together! =)

What a week!

It seems like forever since I've posted anything, but this past week has been such a hectic, stressful week. Two trips to Dameron's Labor & Delivery isn't an ideal week for me. So here's the story...



Last weekend I was having a hard time feeling baby boy. Even though I have only been able to feel the babies for a few weeks or so, it had become almost predictable as to when I'd feel the babies and where each would move. Pretty much all last weekend I couldn't feel him move so I emailed my doctor Monday morning informing him of the situation and asking if it was something to be concerned over. He emailed me back that evening and said that I should make an appointment for the next day (Tuesday) just to make sure things were okay. I called the appointment line and after patching me through to the advice nurse and then hospital (Labor & Delivery), I was told that I needed to come in that night and have the babies monitored. Supposedly, if there is no fetal movement for a 24 hour period, you are to come in (good to know!). At that point, I was really freaked out and started bawling my eyes out. I called Greg at work and he rushed home to take me in. They were able to get the heart rates and view them on an ultrasound. Baby boy had a strong heart rate but he was just laying there. After being discharged, Greg and I both decided that we were unsatisfied with their assessment of the babies (can you tell we're new at this?). We decided that I would call the clinic during regular hours on Tuesday and get in to see someone (my doctor would not be in until Thursday). I called the next day and believe it or not, they would NOT make an appointment for me and instructed me to go BACK to Labor & Delivery if I was still not feeling baby boy. Crazy! Again, stressed out to the max, Greg came home from work and we made the drive back to the hospital. This time we wanted to ask more questions (was his cord in the right place? was he sleeping?, etc.). All checked out well this round, too. This time the doctor commented that he is right next to the placenta (which we already knew) and that serves as a cushion between him and I, perhaps drowning out kicks and other movements. He was moving during this visit though. I felt him move one time, but it was comforting to see him move and not be able to feel him. I like knowing that I don't need to feel him in order to know he's okay. We also noticed that he is much higher now than he was a couple of weeks ago. Our babies like to grow! Since those stressful visits, I have been able to feel the babies regularly, which I like! =)



As for the nursery, we are still working on it. I got the window coverings up, but not much else has been completed. My parents picked up the cribs, mattresses, and my chair last weekend for us and Greg and I should be assembling them this weekend-- Yay! I feel like the rest of the house has gone to pot since we've begun the whole nursery project. Oops. Oh, well. I might as well get used to that one, huh?



As of yesterday, I am 24 weeks along. My niece, Kayli, will be super excited to hear that the babies may be able to taste now. Taste buds have been the topic of many conversations with her. She seemed to think it was weird that the babies weren't able to taste was I tasted all along.



Here's a good picture of what the babies should look like right now in my tummy. I have some pictures of the nursery that I will post this weekend hopefully. I'm exhausted and think we'll head up to bed now.

Your baby's growing steadily, having gained about 4 ounces since last week. That puts him at just over a pound. Since he's almost a foot long (picture an ear of corn), he cuts a pretty lean figure at this point, but his body is filling out proportionally and he'll soon start to plump up. His brain is also growing quickly now, and his taste buds are continuing to develop. His lungs are developing "branches" of the respiratory "tree" as well as cells that produce surfactant, a substance that will help his air sacs inflate once he hits the outside world. His skin is still thin and translucent, but that will start to change soon.

The Sweetest Thing!

Okay, so I'm sure everyone thinks that their babies are the most beautiful, precious things ever, but I am SO in love! We had our Womb With a View appointment on Saturday and it was wonderful. Grandma and Papa Folstrom, Grandma and Papa Pryor, Auntie Kristi, Uncle Ian, Kayli, and Kevin (cousins) came along with Greg and I to see our sweet babies. I was so worried that they wouldn't be able to make out the pictures very well seeing how they're still so little and don't have a lot of fatty tissue on them yet... but, I was pleasantly surprised! They looked like real babies, as oppose to the skeletons we usually see on the screen. It was so amazing!


Baby girl was the first to get pictured and boy is she fun! She is such a crack-up! The first set of pictures we have of her is with her legs up over her head completely. We had to come back to her because we couldn't see her face very well. Later on she decided to show off her cute little face and then there was no more shyness! She was such a ham... giving us all these poses and profile pictures. My friend Amanda said she's going to let me borrow her daughter's (little Paige) "America's Next Top Model" onesie... so appropriate! Also, when it was time to picture her brother, she decided (once again) that she wanted to be in the picture as well. For almost all of baby boy's shots, her little bottom was right up in his face! She is so naughty. The funny thing is that he didn't do much about it. He would just move his head all around trying to dodge her bottom. It's so funny because I think that these babies already have mine and Greg's personalities! He's so mellow and calm, while I'm a little more... well... maybe high-maintenance. =)


Baby boy's pictures are not as clear again because his head was right next to the placenta, clouding his face some. The owner was trying to get better pictures, but she said that it was hard because they always wanted to be so close to each other. That just melted my heart to know that they have each other to be close to.


We were able to get their heart beats recorded to stick on the back of the frames we have for them. It'll be so neat for them to hear how fast their hearts would beat while inside mommy's tummy. I'll want to remember it always, too.


The babies move quite a bit now... especially after I eat. Yesterday I was down quite a bit because my ankles and feet are swelling up something bad... seriously, I've never seen them get so big. I'm scolded constantly to take it easy, but it's so hard! Anyway, yesterday I did and I read a lot to the babies. I didn't feel anything while reading to them, but as soon as I stopped they started up again. It's probably just coincidence, but I like to think that they were just laying there listening to mommy read to them. =)


I forgot to mention a couple of things in my last post about my doctor's visit. He said that I was measuring at 30 weeks (if I had a single baby) and I was 22 weeks at the appointment. He said that I was right where I should be. He also informed me that I now have a 10 lb. weight limit to lift. You have no idea how hard that is, seeing how everything seems to be heavier than that! A gallon of milk weighs 8 lbs. so you can see how limited I am now. It's really tough to rely on people to help me out, but it's SO worth it! I had no idea I would love these babies as much as I do and I haven't even met them yet.


The nursery is coming along. We worked all weekend (and then some) on it. Greg is so incredible! The wainscoting on the wall is complete and the crown moulding is too. I just need to get someone to paint the two for me. Hopefully Greg can do that tonight, but I don't want to push him too much. He's been working crazy hours lately. This week he works 9-5, but that schedule rotates. For those that don't know already, Greg has been working a new job the past 6 months. He is a pharmacist for DVI (prison) in Tracy... no longer one for long term care facilities (although he's been working part-time with that job too! That will end this month, thank goodness!) He's been really excited to work on these projects though. It's his way of contributing to the nursery and making it nice for our little monkeys!


I'll post pictures of the progress with the nursery soon, but here are some pictures that are much cuter to look at! =)


Our Precious Boy!


... with his mouth open!




Our Sweet Little Girl!


... with her hand over her face like it's a
hard life in there!

... and her cute little feet and

chunky thighs!

Right on track!

Babies are doing great! We had our appointment yesterday and it went really well... my blood pressure was good, my weight was up (Ugh!), and most importantly, the babies are growing great! Our doctor said that the report from our "big" ultrasound was great and the babies are right on track - thank you, Jesus! Our official due date is January 1, 2009 and baby boy was measuring at December 28th and baby girl was December 29th, so they're the same size and really close to the original due date. Their heart rates were 154 (baby boy) and 143 (baby girl).

Dr. Troung has found that I am very gullible and makes fun of me. Even though I feel like an idiot most of the time, it's nice to feel so relaxed around him and be able to joke around. We're so lucky to have a doctor that puts up with the list of questions I prepare for each and every visit; he doesn't rush us at all. And we've now learned that I'll get so see the babies at each and every visit - Yay! He said that it's too difficult to identify each baby accurately with just the heart rate machine. He could sense my excitement. Really, we think he gets more excited about seeing the babies than we do! It's so funny to see him get all riled up about it! It always makes me giggle...

Something random, but something a pregnant woman never wants to hear while waiting for her appointment... While waiting in our room for our doctor, we heard this lady shouting out at the top of her lungs with what must have been the most agonizing pain ever. I have no idea what was going on... probably don't want to either. I immediately looked at Greg and said that I wanted to go home now. All I knew was that I didn't want whatever she was having done. Yikes!

I had to fill out a preadmit form and was reminded to do a glucose test before my next appointment. From what I've heard, the glucose is nothing great; quite the opposite, in fact. Oh, well. I'm supposed to start signing up for my classes as well. They include a late-pregnancy class, childbirth class, breastfeeding class, and Hello Newborn class. Sounds like a lot (they're not mandatory, but free!), but I LOVE this kind of stuff. In my packet on information they gave me there was a little paper stating signs of preterm labor. Here's what was listed: 1.) Low, dull backache coming and going, 2.) pelvic cramping, and 3.) fluid leaking from... you know where. Really? No to be weird or gross, or both, but these things have been a common occurrence from week 6! So great! One more thing to worry about. :P

Our plans are to work on the nursery again this weekend. Greg has a 3-day weekend and we're hoping to accomplish a lot... crown moulding and wainscoting on one wall. We also have an appointment with Womb With a View tomorrow morning. I wish we could have had a later date, but they said that the latest I could come in with twins is 23 weeks. It'll be so fun to see their cute little faces, even though they won't be very chubby right now. =) They're supposedly close to a pound each and 11 inches long. Oh, and did I mention that I feel the babies ALL the time now!? It is the most amazing thing! I tear up most of the time, but I love just laying there talking to my babies. Greg and I read to them every night. I let him do it most of the time because they hear my voice all day long. It's so cute to hear his enthusiasm. He's going to be a great daddy!

Hopefully I'll have some pictures to post this weekend from our appointment tomorrow! =)

Here's the latest belly picture (22 weeks)... I'm having trouble getting the slideshow to work!