Snoogles are for Snuggling

I've been waking up with sore hips from trying to assure I stay on my sides all night. I finally decided something had to be done so I began researching pregnancy pillows. I of course, ordered the one with the best reviews and it is called a SNOOGLE!! I love the name and it is amazing!!! I'm so glad I decided to get something. It wraps all around my body and has a part of the pillow that goes between my knees to help with hip pain. It is working wonders! Craig even admitted to me that he has snuggled up to a few times, thinking it was me. The only disadvantage is that it takes up quite a bit of space, so Craig is worried that as my tummy grows he may get kicked out of bed. Poor guy. I hope not. This is what it looks like:

We've been getting more serious about deciding on cribs, dressers, and other baby related items. Last week I called to register for a childbirth and breastfeeding class we will take in April. Everything is going very smoothly so far. I'm hoping I will be able to feel the babies moving soon....I almost 15 weeks already. Time is flying by!

When we first found out we were expecting, we made the decision that we would plan a "babymoon" vacation. On February 21, we are leaving for a 6 night stay in Riviera Maya, Mexico. Here is a link to the resort we're staying at, if you're interested. http://www.iberostar.com/EN/Riviera-Maya-hotels/Iberostar-Grand-Hotel-Paraiso_3_117.html It will be a time of complete relaxation, with several swimming pools, a white sand beach by the ocean, at an all-inclusive, adults-only resort. We are really looking forward to having a nice vacation before our babies arrive!

I have an appointment on Wednesday, so will update after that.

13 week ultrasound

We had a really good time at our ultrasound today! It was an hour long look at our little ones and every body part! The main test that was being run was a pre-cursor test for Downs Syndrome andTrisomy 18 (another birth defect). The ultrasound tech measured the amount of space behind the neck of each baby and also pricked my finger for 6 small blood samples, both of which are being sent to a processing lab. Apparently with those two pieces of information they will be able to tell if either one of the babies has early signs of either disability. Throughout the ultrasound, MANY pictures were taken....she gave us four to bring home to share with you. :) The first one is Baby A and the second is Baby B.

Here are each babies stats (this is the best I can remember):

Baby A is lying up and down with feet down. It's heartbeat is 158 and head to rump measurements are 72mm.

Baby B is lying side to side somewhat. It's hearbeat is 152 and head to rump measurements are 67mm.

They were both moving around a lot and it was fun to watch them float around. :)

I've started taking belly measurements, and although I won't make those numbers public, my belly has definitely grown! I would say I definitely look pregnant now instead of just a little thick around the middle. I'm still feeling great and seem to have regained much of my lost energy from the first trimester.

Unfortunately, we don't have another ultrasound until early March, when we will find out the sexes. Seven long weeks without a look at our babies. I hope I don't go crazy waiting! haha

VOTE!

I set up a poll for you to vote on what you think we're having. I have no feeling one way or another, but I'm interested to see what you all think. It will stay open until I am 20 weeks...when we should be finding out the sexes. Happy voting!

From the Mouths of Babes

I have to share this because I thought it was adorable. A five year old in my class at work was touching my belly a few days ago. She said, "Wow Nicole, your belly is pretty big. Are you having a baby?" I replied, "No, I'm having two." Her eyes got really big and she said, "At the same time?!" Ah kids. Gotta love 'em.

As a major side note, I ate two eggs last week and they didn't make me nauseous. I'm officially over my egg aversion! Yay!

12 weeks!!!

I made it through the first trimester! A huge sigh of relief...

We've starting telling more people about the pregnancy now that we're through the most fragile stage. Today I told the girl who was asking 6 weeks ago if I was pregnant. I apologized for having to lie and she understood. She's had a baby, so she understands why it's a good idea to wait to tell people.

I've had lots of questions about whether we want boys, girls or one of each. I think we will be very happy with whatever we are given. We just feel fortunate to be expecting and to have made it so far without any problems.

I will write more after our appointment next Thursday and should also have some good 3D ultrasound pictures of the babies! For now, you'll have to be satisfied with my first belly picture!

I'm a normal pregnant woman now

It's weird. I don't know if I like being normal. I got so used to the weekly ultrasounds, the numerous phone calls and appointments in Spokane with our fertility specialist. It's going to take me awhile to get use to being normal.

That all being said, the first appointment went well. I met my very friendly nurse who was really excited about twins. She gave me a lot of good information in the form of books, journals and folders that I need to sit down and read. She also informed me that I get to pee in a cup each time I go visit them. Oh joy. Thankfully, I had downed a water bottle on my way to the office this morning (I guess I was thirsty), so I was ready to provide a "sample". She did all the typical nurse stuff (weight, blood pressure, questions about medicines and vitamins I'm taking). I then got to go into my OB's office to meet her. My first impression was that she was very business-like, but that she seemed knowledgeable. She told me all the important information about making sure to eat a balanced diet, drink lots of water, get enough calcium and take my prenatal vitamin. She also asked me a million questions about my health, Craig's health and our families health history. The only point of contention came when she told me that with twins she likes to do a scheduled c-section around 38 weeks. I'm not against c-sections, and I realize because we're having twins I may have to have a c-section but I thought it was interesting that that's her normal protocol for twins. I told her that if both babies were head down and about the same size I really wanted to try to deliver vaginally. She replied that we could decide when it got closer, but that I needed to realize the possible risk to myself and the babies if after the 1st one was delivered, the 2nd went breech and she had to do an emergency c-section. Okay, I understand that. I will continue to discuss it with her and try to persuade her, but ultimately she's the one with the experience delivering twins (2-3 sets/year), so I should probably trust her. The next part of the appointment was fun...she did a transvaginal (internal) ultrasound on a machine that was about 100 years old! I'm not kidding. The thing was ancient! It was great to get a peek at the babies though. They are both growing really well...they went from 18mm to 42mm in 2 weeks!! They more than doubled their size!! Wow! They were both moving around a lot. She said they both looked great. I'm not going to post the pictures because they aren't very clear.

My belly is getting bigger, though I've only gained 5 lbs. I asked my Dr. about weight gain and she told me not to worry about that, but just to focus on eating well. As a result of the growing belly, I've been using Palmer's Cocoa Butter twice a day, every day since I was 6 weeks along (thanks for that tip Susana).

I'm still feeling great. My energy level seems to be improving and my after work naps are only necessary on occasion. I'm quickly approaching the 2nd trimester. I'm not sure where the time went, but I'm really trying to enjoy every moment of pregnancy!

I have an ultrasound on January 21 (I will be 13 weeks). Apparently the office I'm going to only uses a 3D ultrasound machine, so we are looking forward to seeing our babies in 3D in a couple weeks! That will be an hour and a half appointment and our first external ultrasound. Exciting!

Thank you Amber!

I had lunch with a dear friend, Amber, today. Amber and I went to school together in 6th grade before I moved to Moscow. We have continued to stay in touch over the years and since she only lives 35 miles away from me, we decided to meet. Amber has two sets of twins, so it was nice to hear her advice on various pregnancy and baby related items. She also brought me a huge Rubbermaid tote full of maternity clothes!!! Yay! Some of them look huge right now, but alas, I'm sure it won't be long before they fit me perfectly. :)

I am looking forward to our appointment on Wednesday, when I will officially become "normal" as I meet my OB for the first time. I'm crossing my fingers for an ultrasound so I can see how Cherry and Apple are doing. I also have a list of questions to ask, so I hope I get enough time to ask them all.

Still feeling great...somedays I have to remind myself that I'm pregnant. Bet that won't last for long...haha