Big brother Aaron gets Corbin to laugh for the first time!
Turn up the volume. It's dark for the first few seconds, hang in there.
Wednesday, March 23, 2011
Thursday, February 24, 2011
RSV :(
For several days both Corbin and Cameron had stuffy noses and then coughs developed on Thursday 2/17. We had been doing the usual treatment of saline drops, nasal bulb suction, and a humidifier/vaporizer. With the coughs starting, we thought it was time to have them checked out with the doctor. However, the only appointment time available with our doctor's office for both of them on Thursday was during Aaron's concert, so I took them both to an walk-in clinic to be seen earlier. Their lungs were clear and their ears were fine, so just a virus. Roy was sick with a stomach bug on Friday 2/18, so I came home early to take care of the babies.
On Monday 2/21, their coughs were worse and lots of snot in their noses. We called their doctor's office and got a 7:30 p.m. appointment. Around 2:45 p.m. Lily was holding Corbin when he vomited all over her. Not just spit-up, projectile vomiting - Lily had to go take a shower! We were afraid he had the stomach bug that Roy had on Friday.
Roy left for work at 3:00, and before he was even out of the driveway Cameron threw up too! Aaron was holding Cameron away from him just in case, so Aaron wasn't "hit", but Lily said, "HA HA, Cameron threw up on you!" anyway. I was really glad we had that evening appointment already, especially since both of them had lost their feedings.
When I took them to our doctor at 7:30 p.m., their lungs were clear and ears fine again. Vomiting was likely from all the junk they were swallowing from their nasal congestion. She said to watch for "retracting", hard pulling while breathing in, so much that you can see their ribs. They also wouldn't be able to eat if that happened, since they'd be working so hard to breathe, much less eat.
All day I hadn't felt well, stomach upset, and I must have looked pale because their doctor got a basin out for me during their appointment - luckily I didn't need it there! So I had Roy's stomach bug, but the babies didn't seem to have it.
Roy and I spent Monday night in the recliner and on the couch, each of us with a baby on our chests so they could be elevated and breathe easier. It was a long night, especially since I wasn't feeling good either.
Tuesday during the day the temp agency (Grandma) sent Papa Bob over to help, since I still wasn't feeling well. We kept the babies on our chests again for the most part. By the time Roy left for work at 3:00 I was feeling better. Sarah came over to stay with the babies (with Lily's help, because she doesn't need a babysitter), and I got to go to Aaron's concert all by myself! I sat in the front row much to Aaron's chagrin. He sang his heart out! He's such a good singer - gets it from Daddy, not from me!
Once Roy got home and we got the big kids to bed, we were downstairs with the babies when we noticed Cameron was really having a hard time. He wasn't really crying, just mewling, and his skin tone seemed really pale. I tried nursing him and he just couldn't breathe. We were suctioning his mouth with the bulb syringe when he threw up again. By then his breathing was really labored and ribs pulling in - retracting - so I brought him into the ER around midnight Tuesday night/morning. His oxygen saturation was 88% (should be near 100%), so the nurse took us straight back to an ER room. There were about 12-15 people working on him at one point! Doctors, nurses, respiratory therapists, you name it. 2 NICU/PICU nurses came over from the children's center too. One of the PICU nurses was getting off shift, but came over anyway - bless you Ms. K! She ended up being there a few more hours.
Cameron's first IV was straight into his leg bone at a 90 degree angle - barbaric looking! They did that to get him started on Ketamine and fluids asap. Once he was sedated (somewhat) they got him intubated with a breathing tube. Since it was the ER, they had to find a tube small enough for him. He was still fighting it! Once it was in everyone relaxed a little bit. The respiratory therapists took turns hand-ventilating him. The PICU nurses took care of getting an IV in his arm. He had a good pulse in his wrists, but was really hard to stick and actually get blood. It seems that he has my veins - mine roll around and are a hard stick too. Finally they got one in his right wrist, but he wasn't happy about all the pokes!
One of the respiratory therapists was an old friend from Kenwood Elementary days, and one of the PICU nurses was also a Kenwood Kid! She was 2 years ahead of me, and grew up a block away from Mom and Dad's house. It was really reassuring to have those two familiar faces there in the middle of the night. Small world, big God!
I was holding up really well until I had to leave the room for his x-ray. Not being able to see him was bad, I started crying then. A very young male nurse with a Justin Bieber-style haircut brought me a box of Kleenex - so sweet!
I got myself together when I went back in. They got him all stabilized and we finally headed for the Women's and Children's Center. That was a long trip through the basement tunnels to the PICU. Kinda neat how it's all connected, but it's a long trip!
I'll write more later, must sleep sometime.
On Monday 2/21, their coughs were worse and lots of snot in their noses. We called their doctor's office and got a 7:30 p.m. appointment. Around 2:45 p.m. Lily was holding Corbin when he vomited all over her. Not just spit-up, projectile vomiting - Lily had to go take a shower! We were afraid he had the stomach bug that Roy had on Friday.
Roy left for work at 3:00, and before he was even out of the driveway Cameron threw up too! Aaron was holding Cameron away from him just in case, so Aaron wasn't "hit", but Lily said, "HA HA, Cameron threw up on you!" anyway. I was really glad we had that evening appointment already, especially since both of them had lost their feedings.
When I took them to our doctor at 7:30 p.m., their lungs were clear and ears fine again. Vomiting was likely from all the junk they were swallowing from their nasal congestion. She said to watch for "retracting", hard pulling while breathing in, so much that you can see their ribs. They also wouldn't be able to eat if that happened, since they'd be working so hard to breathe, much less eat.
All day I hadn't felt well, stomach upset, and I must have looked pale because their doctor got a basin out for me during their appointment - luckily I didn't need it there! So I had Roy's stomach bug, but the babies didn't seem to have it.
Roy and I spent Monday night in the recliner and on the couch, each of us with a baby on our chests so they could be elevated and breathe easier. It was a long night, especially since I wasn't feeling good either.
Tuesday during the day the temp agency (Grandma) sent Papa Bob over to help, since I still wasn't feeling well. We kept the babies on our chests again for the most part. By the time Roy left for work at 3:00 I was feeling better. Sarah came over to stay with the babies (with Lily's help, because she doesn't need a babysitter), and I got to go to Aaron's concert all by myself! I sat in the front row much to Aaron's chagrin. He sang his heart out! He's such a good singer - gets it from Daddy, not from me!
Once Roy got home and we got the big kids to bed, we were downstairs with the babies when we noticed Cameron was really having a hard time. He wasn't really crying, just mewling, and his skin tone seemed really pale. I tried nursing him and he just couldn't breathe. We were suctioning his mouth with the bulb syringe when he threw up again. By then his breathing was really labored and ribs pulling in - retracting - so I brought him into the ER around midnight Tuesday night/morning. His oxygen saturation was 88% (should be near 100%), so the nurse took us straight back to an ER room. There were about 12-15 people working on him at one point! Doctors, nurses, respiratory therapists, you name it. 2 NICU/PICU nurses came over from the children's center too. One of the PICU nurses was getting off shift, but came over anyway - bless you Ms. K! She ended up being there a few more hours.
Cameron's first IV was straight into his leg bone at a 90 degree angle - barbaric looking! They did that to get him started on Ketamine and fluids asap. Once he was sedated (somewhat) they got him intubated with a breathing tube. Since it was the ER, they had to find a tube small enough for him. He was still fighting it! Once it was in everyone relaxed a little bit. The respiratory therapists took turns hand-ventilating him. The PICU nurses took care of getting an IV in his arm. He had a good pulse in his wrists, but was really hard to stick and actually get blood. It seems that he has my veins - mine roll around and are a hard stick too. Finally they got one in his right wrist, but he wasn't happy about all the pokes!
One of the respiratory therapists was an old friend from Kenwood Elementary days, and one of the PICU nurses was also a Kenwood Kid! She was 2 years ahead of me, and grew up a block away from Mom and Dad's house. It was really reassuring to have those two familiar faces there in the middle of the night. Small world, big God!
I was holding up really well until I had to leave the room for his x-ray. Not being able to see him was bad, I started crying then. A very young male nurse with a Justin Bieber-style haircut brought me a box of Kleenex - so sweet!
I got myself together when I went back in. They got him all stabilized and we finally headed for the Women's and Children's Center. That was a long trip through the basement tunnels to the PICU. Kinda neat how it's all connected, but it's a long trip!
I'll write more later, must sleep sometime.
Monday, January 17, 2011
So cute!
Our photographer and friend Tiffanie took some incredible pictures of Cameron and Corbin. Here is a preview from her blog. If you ever need a patient photographer, Tiffanie is incredible! Be sure to mention us if you give her a call. Her website is http://www.tiffanielloydphotography.com/.
http://tiffanielloydphotography.blogspot.com/2011/01/two-of-kind.html
More random snapshots here:
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=60424&id=629331190
http://tiffanielloydphotography.blogspot.com/2011/01/two-of-kind.html
More random snapshots here:
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=60424&id=629331190
Tuesday, December 28, 2010
An Interesting Night - God With Us
God takes care of us. Last night about 2 a.m. I was heading to bed, but needed to feed the babies first. Corbin was fussing, and Cameron was sleepy, so I put Cameron in the pack'n'play and picked up Corbin. As I turned toward our bed I felt blood dripping down my legs. It's been a week since the c-section, so I thought I must have passed some clotting. I handed Corbin to Roy and told him I was going to clean up.
When I got into the bathroom, I couldn't figure out where the bleeding was coming from. The blood was thin too, and dripping a lot. Roy asked me if it was my incision, and he was right. He put the baby back in the pack'n'play and came to help me. I grabbed a towel and he helped me back to our room where I laid on the bed. "Honey, what do you want me to do?" I told him to call 911, this wasn't normal. So as Roy is calling 911, both babies wake up and they are hungry and screaming. Roy handed me his phone to call my mom to come over, and picked up the babies. Aaron woke up and Roy told him what was going on. As Aaron was tearing up, he said, "Daddy, do you want me to take a baby?" Aaron was upset but calm. Thankfully Lily was spending the night at her bff's house, or she would have been really, really, really upset.
We also called our friends that live around the corner to come help with the babies.
I remembered from the c-section that when the spinal/epidural was put in my blood pressure dropped and I felt very nauseous. I was feeling pretty normal though, so I thought my blood pressure must be okay.
The ambulance got there, 2 EMT's and 1 student EMT. Roy had told 911 I was conscious and holding pressure on the wound, so they didn't use lights or sirens. They took my vitals and my blood pressure was 142/80, a little high. I was able to walk down the stairs and out to the stretcher. Of course, I'd bled through my undies, so I'm parading out the door in just a hoodie, sleep bra and the towel I was holding over my incision. They put a very warm heavy blanket on me as soon as I got on the stretcher, which kept me mostly covered and warm. We only live 5 minutes from the hospital, so they had just enough time to check my vitals again in the ambulance, and let the rookie/student EMT call ahead to the hospital.
The ER was not busy at all, so I was seen right away by a doctor, P.A., and 2 nurses. Dad brought Roy down right behind the ambulance, so they were both there right away too.
The steri-strips were soaked with blood and fluid, so they were taken off. I had pictured my incision "unzipping" or something terrible like that, but it was just a small area less than 1/2 an inch that was leaking. The doctor checked it out and showed me how it wasn't thick blood, it was mixed with fluid, like when a blister pops or leaks. He used an ultrasound machine to see if he could see any pockets of pus or fluid, and nothing showed up. He consulted with the OB/Gyn doctor on call, Dr. Barker. He's been around a long time, and agreed with the ER doctor. If it was bright red blood or really thick, it could have been an arterial bleed, but the drainage seemed to be stopping on it's own. The official diagnosis is Wound Dehiscence, or wound failure. We'll keep an eye on it and change the dressing as needed. I could have more drainage, but not like the first gushing/dripping that scared us so much.
Despite the intense situation, GOD WAS WITH US, because:
1. Lily was spending the night with her best friend, so she didn't have to go through such a traumatic experience.
2. Mom and Dad were home and came over right away.
3. Rhea and Andy live 6 houses away and got to our house in no time. Rhea's mom was staying with them for the holidays, so their kids were taken care of at home.
4. My sister Sarah started praying for me as soon as I called her.
5. Ambulance/EMT's were at our house in 3 minutes or less.
6. Blood pressure/vitals were stable.
7. We caught the injury right away, since we were still up with the babies.
8. Roy thought to check my incision site.
9. Aaron sprang into action right away and helped Daddy with the babies. (Aaron wouldn't go to bed until we got home).
10. Despite leaving half clothed in the middle of a very cold night, I was kept warm and got to the hospital and treatment without issue or delay.
11. Dad thought to go back home and get me some clothes and my coat.
12. A family from church had brought us an extra meal for tonight, so that's one less thing to worry about today.
13. The nurse that discharged us and the twins last Friday had given us extra pre-made Similac for the babies, just in case we needed to supplement. Rhea, Andy and my mom were able to feed the twins immediately and get them to sleep.
14. We were awake when it happened, so there was no delay in treatment, and Roy was right there with me the whole time.
15. I didn't have to stay in the hospital, which was very good since I'm nursing the twins. As soon as we got home I snuggled in with Corbin for a good long nursing session. That was the best medicine for me. We woke Cameron up to eat too, then we all slept a few hours.
I'm grateful for my God that watches over us before we even know what's happening, for family and friends that will drop everything at 2:30 a.m. and take care of my babies and lift me up in prayer, my oldest son who stepped up with a maturity I've never seen from him before, and my husband who loves me and takes care of me even when he's scared to death. I am truly blessed.
When I got into the bathroom, I couldn't figure out where the bleeding was coming from. The blood was thin too, and dripping a lot. Roy asked me if it was my incision, and he was right. He put the baby back in the pack'n'play and came to help me. I grabbed a towel and he helped me back to our room where I laid on the bed. "Honey, what do you want me to do?" I told him to call 911, this wasn't normal. So as Roy is calling 911, both babies wake up and they are hungry and screaming. Roy handed me his phone to call my mom to come over, and picked up the babies. Aaron woke up and Roy told him what was going on. As Aaron was tearing up, he said, "Daddy, do you want me to take a baby?" Aaron was upset but calm. Thankfully Lily was spending the night at her bff's house, or she would have been really, really, really upset.
We also called our friends that live around the corner to come help with the babies.
I remembered from the c-section that when the spinal/epidural was put in my blood pressure dropped and I felt very nauseous. I was feeling pretty normal though, so I thought my blood pressure must be okay.
The ambulance got there, 2 EMT's and 1 student EMT. Roy had told 911 I was conscious and holding pressure on the wound, so they didn't use lights or sirens. They took my vitals and my blood pressure was 142/80, a little high. I was able to walk down the stairs and out to the stretcher. Of course, I'd bled through my undies, so I'm parading out the door in just a hoodie, sleep bra and the towel I was holding over my incision. They put a very warm heavy blanket on me as soon as I got on the stretcher, which kept me mostly covered and warm. We only live 5 minutes from the hospital, so they had just enough time to check my vitals again in the ambulance, and let the rookie/student EMT call ahead to the hospital.
The ER was not busy at all, so I was seen right away by a doctor, P.A., and 2 nurses. Dad brought Roy down right behind the ambulance, so they were both there right away too.
The steri-strips were soaked with blood and fluid, so they were taken off. I had pictured my incision "unzipping" or something terrible like that, but it was just a small area less than 1/2 an inch that was leaking. The doctor checked it out and showed me how it wasn't thick blood, it was mixed with fluid, like when a blister pops or leaks. He used an ultrasound machine to see if he could see any pockets of pus or fluid, and nothing showed up. He consulted with the OB/Gyn doctor on call, Dr. Barker. He's been around a long time, and agreed with the ER doctor. If it was bright red blood or really thick, it could have been an arterial bleed, but the drainage seemed to be stopping on it's own. The official diagnosis is Wound Dehiscence, or wound failure. We'll keep an eye on it and change the dressing as needed. I could have more drainage, but not like the first gushing/dripping that scared us so much.
Despite the intense situation, GOD WAS WITH US, because:
1. Lily was spending the night with her best friend, so she didn't have to go through such a traumatic experience.
2. Mom and Dad were home and came over right away.
3. Rhea and Andy live 6 houses away and got to our house in no time. Rhea's mom was staying with them for the holidays, so their kids were taken care of at home.
4. My sister Sarah started praying for me as soon as I called her.
5. Ambulance/EMT's were at our house in 3 minutes or less.
6. Blood pressure/vitals were stable.
7. We caught the injury right away, since we were still up with the babies.
8. Roy thought to check my incision site.
9. Aaron sprang into action right away and helped Daddy with the babies. (Aaron wouldn't go to bed until we got home).
10. Despite leaving half clothed in the middle of a very cold night, I was kept warm and got to the hospital and treatment without issue or delay.
11. Dad thought to go back home and get me some clothes and my coat.
12. A family from church had brought us an extra meal for tonight, so that's one less thing to worry about today.
13. The nurse that discharged us and the twins last Friday had given us extra pre-made Similac for the babies, just in case we needed to supplement. Rhea, Andy and my mom were able to feed the twins immediately and get them to sleep.
14. We were awake when it happened, so there was no delay in treatment, and Roy was right there with me the whole time.
15. I didn't have to stay in the hospital, which was very good since I'm nursing the twins. As soon as we got home I snuggled in with Corbin for a good long nursing session. That was the best medicine for me. We woke Cameron up to eat too, then we all slept a few hours.
I'm grateful for my God that watches over us before we even know what's happening, for family and friends that will drop everything at 2:30 a.m. and take care of my babies and lift me up in prayer, my oldest son who stepped up with a maturity I've never seen from him before, and my husband who loves me and takes care of me even when he's scared to death. I am truly blessed.
Saturday, December 25, 2010
TMI Alert - The babies are born!
What an adventure! Tuesday, Dec 21st we welcomed Corbin and Cameron into the world. The c-section went well. I was nervous about the spinal, but after 2 or 3 tries it went in. My feet and legs immediately started feeling warm and tingly as they laid me down on the OR table.Then my blood pressure dropped and I got very nauseous, like they had a tube and a puke tub under my chin. They had warned me it may happen, but I'd had no food or drink since midnight, so it was just dry heaves. Not fun but it subsided as my blood pressure went back up and I felt fine. The anesthesiologist was very diligent in telling me what to expect, what may happen, asking how I was feeling, etc. He said Dr Olson was pinching me really hard, and I didn't feel a thing - ready! By the time Roy was brought in I was feeling good again, grinning from ear to ear. He held my hand as they got started.
There was some Christmas music playing, and as the babies were born at 12:03 and 12:04, one of my favorite Christmas songs came on, Christmas Canon by Trans-Siberian Orchestra with little kids singing. I said to Roy, "I love this song! I have it on my iPod! And the babies are being born to it!"
The baby on my right side had been referred to as Baby B in the womb because he was up higher than Baby A. However, the baby on the right was actually born first, so he became Baby A. I was pretty sure it was the one on my right that came out first. No pain, but there's definitely tugging and pressure with pulling out a baby. Then some more tugging and pressure on my chest and Baby B (formerly Baby A in the womb) was born! Suddenly I could breathe again, without all that weight in my belly. What a relief!
Then hearing them both screaming and crying made me smile and cry all at once. A nurse brought Roy over to the babies! He said "they have dark hair!" Finally they called out their weights. Baby A was 6 lbs 14 ounces - "What?! WOW!" and Baby B was 6 lbs 9.4 ounces - "They're SO BIG!!" The atmosphere was so happy, joyful and full of celebration! I wasn't able to have my glasses on during the c-section, just in case I needed an oxygen mask, so they brought the babies in nice and close for me to see. Baby A had dark hair and very long fingers. His skin was so soft! Baby A looked a little different than Baby B, but dark hair too. The nurses asked Roy their names and he said, "Oh no, I've got to consult with my wife before we decide who's who!" Roy followed the babies into the recovery room across the hall, where I could still hear them crying and crying!! Before long I was all stitched up and transferred off the OR table and back into a bed. Then I was wheeled into the recovery room too. Roy came right over and told me they were perfect! His said his gut said Baby A was Corbin and Baby B was Cameron, but he wanted me to see too. Once I saw them, I agreed with Roy, it just felt right.
More later!
There was some Christmas music playing, and as the babies were born at 12:03 and 12:04, one of my favorite Christmas songs came on, Christmas Canon by Trans-Siberian Orchestra with little kids singing. I said to Roy, "I love this song! I have it on my iPod! And the babies are being born to it!"
The baby on my right side had been referred to as Baby B in the womb because he was up higher than Baby A. However, the baby on the right was actually born first, so he became Baby A. I was pretty sure it was the one on my right that came out first. No pain, but there's definitely tugging and pressure with pulling out a baby. Then some more tugging and pressure on my chest and Baby B (formerly Baby A in the womb) was born! Suddenly I could breathe again, without all that weight in my belly. What a relief!
Then hearing them both screaming and crying made me smile and cry all at once. A nurse brought Roy over to the babies! He said "they have dark hair!" Finally they called out their weights. Baby A was 6 lbs 14 ounces - "What?! WOW!" and Baby B was 6 lbs 9.4 ounces - "They're SO BIG!!" The atmosphere was so happy, joyful and full of celebration! I wasn't able to have my glasses on during the c-section, just in case I needed an oxygen mask, so they brought the babies in nice and close for me to see. Baby A had dark hair and very long fingers. His skin was so soft! Baby A looked a little different than Baby B, but dark hair too. The nurses asked Roy their names and he said, "Oh no, I've got to consult with my wife before we decide who's who!" Roy followed the babies into the recovery room across the hall, where I could still hear them crying and crying!! Before long I was all stitched up and transferred off the OR table and back into a bed. Then I was wheeled into the recovery room too. Roy came right over and told me they were perfect! His said his gut said Baby A was Corbin and Baby B was Cameron, but he wanted me to see too. Once I saw them, I agreed with Roy, it just felt right.
More later!
Sunday, December 19, 2010
Random things I've learned with a 38-week twin pregnancy
No matter how big you buy maternity shirts and pants, only 1 or 2 are going to still fit at the end, if you're lucky.
Being tall helps with carrying babies, but not with keeping your belly or ankles covered.
Being hugely pregnant in winter is nice because it's not hot outside, but it would have been nice to just throw on a giant maxi dress every day.
My belly measured 53 cm (53 weeks) as of 37 weeks along.
I swelled up like a water balloon the last 2 months.
You will need help getting dressed, at least socks and shoes/slippers.
Buy big slippers that look enough like shoes to get by. I wear a women's 11, had to buy men's 11/12.
A good foot soak equals an instant nap.
Lotion on stretch marks doesn't help, but it feels good.
I got huge lumpy stretch marks. They look like veins, only lighter. Ick.
My belly button never popped out, but it stretched so much I wish it would have just to relieve the pressure.
Edema (swelling) doesn't necessarily mean pre-eclampsia, but it made me worry. My blood pressure and protein were fine at every visit.
Blood pressure cuffs get tighter with every visit.
The babies can still squirm around enough to be ornery during non-stress tests, even at 37 weeks.
My hair grew like crazy - thicker, if not longer. I had a haircut every 4 weeks, and we thinned it out every time.
Sticking with a low-carb gestational diabetes diet really wasn't that hard, if I ate at home or brought my own snacks and lunches. Trying to adhere to a low-carb diet while out to eat or at someone else's home is killer though, especially around the holidays.
I swallowed my pride and used a motorized shopping cart twice, once at Target, and once at Walmart. The Walmart one was more comfortable, and the backup/reverse beeping wasn't insanely loud like the Target cart. Walmart was nicer about helping with the cart too. They brought me a fully charged one from the other entrance without a problem.
My incredible husband has had to take on everything at home. He's doing laundry, dishes, cooking, cleaning, grocery shopping, etc, while I sit with my feet up or take a nap. That's a really guilty feeling.
Our older kids (8 and 11) also help, but they are kids. They load the dishwasher, then Daddy comes home and rearranges it!
I've learned some standard answers to most twin-specific questions, like fraternal or identical (we won't know until they're born), do they run in your family (they do now), they'll probably be small (about 6 lbs each so far), was this planned (one baby was planned, but God gave us two). No really rude questions yet, but I've been forewarned by other twin moms!
Straight chairs with armrests are my worst enemy. Can't lean forward to eat because there's no room for my belly.
The swelling in my fingers and feet leaves my fingertips and toes feeling cold all the time, but they feel warm to other people. When Lily and I soaked our feet in a warm bath, my feet finally felt warm. If I hold onto a cup of hot cider, my fingers eventually feel warm too. So my typing has been somewhat sloppy, which drives me crazy - I am a spelling/grammar freak!
The handicapped bathroom stall is always for pregnant women too. Wait for it if you need to, sometimes you'll need the handrails to stand up!
An SUV with a 3rd row seat will not work for twin babies and two older kids. Get a van, preferably a Toyota Sienna - Swagger Wagon.
Involve the older kids. Our 8 year old daughter loved helping fold the baby clothes, and came along to an ultrasound. Our 11 year old son said the whole ultrasound thing was "creepy", but he helped out a lot around the house. He talks about his "little bros".
With the 2 older kids, baby gear was purchased or given to us as we needed it. With the twins, everyone was incredibly generous and literally gave us everything, all at once. Now that's overwhelming!
I bought new bottles, and my friend reminded me that she gave me the same kind - 13 of them! Took the new bottles back - duh. Eventually we figured out that we had 3 infant bathtubs (only need 1), and way too many 0-3 month clothes. We kept the clothes that we really liked, and gave the rest away. I hope we don't regret it later!
Most baby websites and books are for single pregnancies. They might have a section or chapter for multiples, but it's worth it to get twin/multiples books specifically. I also liked twin-pregnancy-and-beyond.com. Other MOMs (Moms of Multiples) are invaluable resources too - both for info and for what you'll really need with twins.
My family has officially diagnosed me with "baby brain". I can't remember anything for long, or it takes me a little longer to get a joke or comprehend what they're talking about (with everyone, not just the kids). So I've resorted to lots of note writing, and then I forget to read the note anyway. I have multiple reminders set on my phone for everything, IF I remember to enter it. Roy gets me to all my appointments on time though. He's only missed 3 appointments - the 12 week ultrasound when TWINS were discovered (I'll never live that down), and two NST's. He says any time he can't make it, something weird happens - like that very first ultrasound - "Oh, I see there's two babies here." TWINS!
Roy couldn't come to the last non-stress test (NST) because school was delayed for the older 2 kids. Baby A wasn't cooperating so they had to bring in a 2nd nurse to help find his heartbeat. I was changing position, eating an apple, drinking some water, anything to get both babies active. Then they brought in an ultrasound machine and the doctor on call to find it their heartbeats. It was hard to see anything on the ultrasound because of all the swelling/edema, but once they got both babies' heartbeats on the monitors, they passed the test without any further problems. We said if Daddy had been there, they would have been good!
At this point, I'm 2 days away from our c-section date, and WE ARE READY TO MEET THESE BABIES!!
Roy would like a redhead, and I'd like a Latino baby. Maybe we'll get one of each!
Being tall helps with carrying babies, but not with keeping your belly or ankles covered.
Being hugely pregnant in winter is nice because it's not hot outside, but it would have been nice to just throw on a giant maxi dress every day.
My belly measured 53 cm (53 weeks) as of 37 weeks along.
I swelled up like a water balloon the last 2 months.
You will need help getting dressed, at least socks and shoes/slippers.
Buy big slippers that look enough like shoes to get by. I wear a women's 11, had to buy men's 11/12.
A good foot soak equals an instant nap.
Lotion on stretch marks doesn't help, but it feels good.
I got huge lumpy stretch marks. They look like veins, only lighter. Ick.
My belly button never popped out, but it stretched so much I wish it would have just to relieve the pressure.
Edema (swelling) doesn't necessarily mean pre-eclampsia, but it made me worry. My blood pressure and protein were fine at every visit.
Blood pressure cuffs get tighter with every visit.
The babies can still squirm around enough to be ornery during non-stress tests, even at 37 weeks.
My hair grew like crazy - thicker, if not longer. I had a haircut every 4 weeks, and we thinned it out every time.
Sticking with a low-carb gestational diabetes diet really wasn't that hard, if I ate at home or brought my own snacks and lunches. Trying to adhere to a low-carb diet while out to eat or at someone else's home is killer though, especially around the holidays.
I swallowed my pride and used a motorized shopping cart twice, once at Target, and once at Walmart. The Walmart one was more comfortable, and the backup/reverse beeping wasn't insanely loud like the Target cart. Walmart was nicer about helping with the cart too. They brought me a fully charged one from the other entrance without a problem.
My incredible husband has had to take on everything at home. He's doing laundry, dishes, cooking, cleaning, grocery shopping, etc, while I sit with my feet up or take a nap. That's a really guilty feeling.
Our older kids (8 and 11) also help, but they are kids. They load the dishwasher, then Daddy comes home and rearranges it!
I've learned some standard answers to most twin-specific questions, like fraternal or identical (we won't know until they're born), do they run in your family (they do now), they'll probably be small (about 6 lbs each so far), was this planned (one baby was planned, but God gave us two). No really rude questions yet, but I've been forewarned by other twin moms!
Straight chairs with armrests are my worst enemy. Can't lean forward to eat because there's no room for my belly.
The swelling in my fingers and feet leaves my fingertips and toes feeling cold all the time, but they feel warm to other people. When Lily and I soaked our feet in a warm bath, my feet finally felt warm. If I hold onto a cup of hot cider, my fingers eventually feel warm too. So my typing has been somewhat sloppy, which drives me crazy - I am a spelling/grammar freak!
The handicapped bathroom stall is always for pregnant women too. Wait for it if you need to, sometimes you'll need the handrails to stand up!
An SUV with a 3rd row seat will not work for twin babies and two older kids. Get a van, preferably a Toyota Sienna - Swagger Wagon.
Involve the older kids. Our 8 year old daughter loved helping fold the baby clothes, and came along to an ultrasound. Our 11 year old son said the whole ultrasound thing was "creepy", but he helped out a lot around the house. He talks about his "little bros".
With the 2 older kids, baby gear was purchased or given to us as we needed it. With the twins, everyone was incredibly generous and literally gave us everything, all at once. Now that's overwhelming!
I bought new bottles, and my friend reminded me that she gave me the same kind - 13 of them! Took the new bottles back - duh. Eventually we figured out that we had 3 infant bathtubs (only need 1), and way too many 0-3 month clothes. We kept the clothes that we really liked, and gave the rest away. I hope we don't regret it later!
Most baby websites and books are for single pregnancies. They might have a section or chapter for multiples, but it's worth it to get twin/multiples books specifically. I also liked twin-pregnancy-and-beyond.com. Other MOMs (Moms of Multiples) are invaluable resources too - both for info and for what you'll really need with twins.
My family has officially diagnosed me with "baby brain". I can't remember anything for long, or it takes me a little longer to get a joke or comprehend what they're talking about (with everyone, not just the kids). So I've resorted to lots of note writing, and then I forget to read the note anyway. I have multiple reminders set on my phone for everything, IF I remember to enter it. Roy gets me to all my appointments on time though. He's only missed 3 appointments - the 12 week ultrasound when TWINS were discovered (I'll never live that down), and two NST's. He says any time he can't make it, something weird happens - like that very first ultrasound - "Oh, I see there's two babies here." TWINS!
Roy couldn't come to the last non-stress test (NST) because school was delayed for the older 2 kids. Baby A wasn't cooperating so they had to bring in a 2nd nurse to help find his heartbeat. I was changing position, eating an apple, drinking some water, anything to get both babies active. Then they brought in an ultrasound machine and the doctor on call to find it their heartbeats. It was hard to see anything on the ultrasound because of all the swelling/edema, but once they got both babies' heartbeats on the monitors, they passed the test without any further problems. We said if Daddy had been there, they would have been good!
At this point, I'm 2 days away from our c-section date, and WE ARE READY TO MEET THESE BABIES!!
Roy would like a redhead, and I'd like a Latino baby. Maybe we'll get one of each!
Monday, December 13, 2010
37 Weeks and Counting
Nope, no babies yet. I'm officially on leave from work as of today. I have extreme swelling in my feet, legs, and hands, but no pre-eclampsia - blood pressure has been insanely normal. We plan a c-section on Dec 21st, and my doctor is pretty sure we'll get there. I have some mini-projects to do yet, but mostly getting lots of rest for next week. Last night I had a few Braxton-Hicks contractions, which freaked Roy out, but they were far apart and nothing to worry about.
The babies have passed their weekly non-stress tests, although Baby B likes to get off the monitor just enough to make the nurse re-position it. We wonder if these trends will continue after they're born?! Both babies are around 6 lbs as of our ultrasound this past Thursday (Dec 9th). My belly is measuring 52 weeks. We wonder how big these babies will be in 1 more week?!!
I have swallowed my pride and used the motorized carts at both Target and Walmart, and I must say Walmart's carts are way more comfortable. The kids were slightly embarrassed, but I can't walk around for more than 5 minutes without major back pain. I just make sure my belly is sticking out enough for everyone to see (ha!).
Roy got a ton of groceries over the weekend, so I'm set to be home this week with plenty of healthy snacks. He's under so much stress doing everything at home now too - we're usually partners with the household stuff. Aaron and Lily have been very helpful too, but they're still kids. They loaded the dishwasher, then Roy re-loaded it, but the idea is there that the kids need to clean up after themselves (i.e. rinse your cereal bowls!). We got a fabulous new laundry sorter so our hallway doesn't become a big laundry heap (again). I do wonder how the pets will react to the babies. Loki (dog) has been my shadow lately, always under my feet or nearby. He knows something's up. The cat doesn't care at this point, but I bet she hides in the basement a lot after the babies are home. It's her "safe place". Fine w/me.
Off to nap!
The babies have passed their weekly non-stress tests, although Baby B likes to get off the monitor just enough to make the nurse re-position it. We wonder if these trends will continue after they're born?! Both babies are around 6 lbs as of our ultrasound this past Thursday (Dec 9th). My belly is measuring 52 weeks. We wonder how big these babies will be in 1 more week?!!
I have swallowed my pride and used the motorized carts at both Target and Walmart, and I must say Walmart's carts are way more comfortable. The kids were slightly embarrassed, but I can't walk around for more than 5 minutes without major back pain. I just make sure my belly is sticking out enough for everyone to see (ha!).
Roy got a ton of groceries over the weekend, so I'm set to be home this week with plenty of healthy snacks. He's under so much stress doing everything at home now too - we're usually partners with the household stuff. Aaron and Lily have been very helpful too, but they're still kids. They loaded the dishwasher, then Roy re-loaded it, but the idea is there that the kids need to clean up after themselves (i.e. rinse your cereal bowls!). We got a fabulous new laundry sorter so our hallway doesn't become a big laundry heap (again). I do wonder how the pets will react to the babies. Loki (dog) has been my shadow lately, always under my feet or nearby. He knows something's up. The cat doesn't care at this point, but I bet she hides in the basement a lot after the babies are home. It's her "safe place". Fine w/me.
Off to nap!
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