33w3d – Contraction Marathon

I had what I am calling a “Contraction Marathon” yesterday afternoon.  All was well until about 2:30 pm (let me backup, I had two pinpricks of pink/red blood when I wiped in the AM – yes, I still check like a freak. every. time. I. pee.)…I started to feel contractions, but they felt like what I have been feeling over the last few weeks – short and irregular.  Well, at about 3:00, I felt like they meant business – they were coming more frequently but I was able to ignore them, thinking they were BH.  They continued so I called my MFM at 4:00 – they said to keep hydrating and to keep an eye on them and to call back if they got worse.

At 5:00, I started counting and I had 15, yes, 15 in an hour with varying frequency.  So, off to triage to get checked out.  The monitor showed that I was contracting every 4-7 minutes, and some were quite intense.  I was only scared for about 10 seconds – I would not let myself believe that this was it – Mr. M wanted to bring a hospital bag of sorts and I would not let him – I told him we were going to be going home, that these babies were not allowed out for at least 2 more weeks…

They did a fetal fibronectin test – negative – woo hoo! and checked my cervix (this time, the doctor used an 18 wheeler to get up there and check my cervix) and my cervix was “thick, closed and posterior”.  However, I am bleeding brown blood from the exams – this is the first time that I have bled from a cervical check and it is freaking me out – they told me brown blood is okay but that if it turns red, to come back in right away…

They gave me some IV fluids – but I was still contracting every 4-7 minutes.  Since all was looking well – they let me come home – I have been contracting on and off but I did get some sleep.  I woke up at 4:50 am because I was starving – and I just inhaled some cinn.amon toast crun.ch cereal…

I have a NST today – they want me to still go in for it – and a growth u/s, dr’s appt and NST on Friday with bi-weekly NSTs and once weekly MFM appointments from here on out – so they will be able to stay on top of what is going on.

I am trying to put all my faith in the fetal fibronectin test – and hoping that I have at least 2 more weeks…

33w2d; Raging Pregnant Women Unite

I am approaching 34 weeks – a huge milestone – and I am so excited.

So, I went for my pevlic belt fitting on Friday – what a waste of time.  The guy tried to fit me with some maternity belt – which my doctor expressly said not to use, that I needed some “SI belt” and the prescription was specific about what belt I needed.  The guy at the orthotics place (“Lazy Ahole”) tried then to give me the prenatal cradle – but it was not what the doctor was prescribing for me.  So I was like, “what does the prescription say” and Lazy Ahole, who wanted to go to lunch, was like, “uh, yeah, it is different than this stuff”, so I told Lazy Ahole to fit me for what the doctor prescribed…so Lazy Ahole measured me – I think my stomach was 51 inches – yee haw!!! – and said it would take about a week to come in.  I was really shocked that he was just so lazy – I left, called my husband and was raging about what a lazy ahole this guy was and then I started to cry!  My hormones are crazy!  I then calmed down and tried to look forward to my pregnancy massage, which Mr. M bought me for Valentine’s Day.

So, I go to this spa – and the masseuse (“Incompetent Hippie Masseuse”) – I do not think he had a clue.  He tried to lay me on the table – almost flat – and I had to instruct Incompetent Hippie Masseuse on how I should be positioned.  Long story short, it was really uncomfortable – and I had indigestion and reflux coming up and using pillows to keep me from passing out.  (I had one at a different spa about a month ago and it was exquisite – I am going back there at 35 weeks).  During the massage (which was really just him rubbing oil that smelled like olive oil on my body – he was not using any pressure) he kept telling me about what the personalities my babies were going to have since they will probably be Pisces.   Now, don’t get me wrong, I love all kinds of people – I was pierced and tattooed throughout my early twenties and definitely lived an alternative lifestyle. That being said, Incompetent Hippie Masseuse was playing that role a little too much and acted like he knew everything about pregnancy…

That was my Friday – and I was a raging bitch by the end of the day!

I do need to say that my pelvic pain is much, much better – I quit sleeping on my bolster (I ordered it from a massage place) and am just using pillows – I had been trying to lay on my side on the bolster and I think it was putting my pelvis out of whack.  So that has definitely made me feel better.

We got a TON of snow – but we are leaving the house tonight for a 50th birthday party for one of Mr. M’s friends.

I am also going to post my 33 week belly pics – taken today at 33w2d.  I hope to make it at least 3 more weeks!  Bella – as I mentioned, I am starting to get stretch marks underneath the belly – you can see them in the middle pic.

Codei.ne, Hip Belt or a Walker?

OMG – this pubic symphysis pain is out of this world – I called my doctor’s office today and these are my immediate choices:

1. Tyle.nol with code.ine – no thanks, not right now;
2. Some kind of hip belt that I need to go downtown to get fitted for – okay, I will try this, they are calling in the Rx today – Miss MVK – I will let you know if it sexier than  your prenatal cradle…; and/or
3. A WALKER!!!!!  WHAT THE FUCQ?  I laughed for like ten minutes – is it totally vain of me or what – but I was like, I would try the codeine before I strutted about town with a FUCQING WALKER.  I am laughing right now like mad, crazed woman – I doubt I could maneuver it properly because of the awesome carpal tunnel wrist guards I wear (okay, now just being dramatic, I only wear them to bed).

Disclaimer:  All funniness aside, the pain was so bad at some point this morning I almost cried and could barely walk – and you know what – to keep them safe and me safe if I have to use a WALKER, then I will.  I took some regular tylen.ol and a warm bath – it helped.   Honestly, I am not complaining – I am seriously bowled over by being so lucky to be where I am right now and I want Sugar and Spice to stay in the womb for weeks and weeks more – I am not wishing them out – or unhappy about being pregnant.   But fucq, it hurts – and I hope this does not screw up my chances for a vagin.al delivery…

MFM Appointment; Hospital Bag

I had a doctor’s appt this morning – it was great to get out of the house – and great to see them on the quick in-office u/s – both still head down!  It is so cool – I can see their little bums in my stomach – especially when I have a little contraction.  

My biggest complaint is that my pubic symphysis is expanding/separating?  All I know is that I am in agony when I go from sitting to standing and when I walk about 70% of the time.  It really, really hurts.  My doc told me to take some tyle.nol and they would give me tyle.nol 3 if it continues to get worse…I hate the thought of taking another med but I am telling you – it really hurts!  

I had a non stress test today – both babies are doing fabulously – and my doc is having me come in twice a week for NSTs!  Yay – for getting out of the house and yay for extra reassurance that the babies are doing well.

Here is the list I have compiled for my hospital bag – thanks to all for your suggestions and let me know what else I should think about!

1. Nursing tops (I am going to wear the hospital gowns as long as I can so as not to ruin my stuff);
2. Slippers;
3. Socks
4. Earplugs;
5. Wireless speaker and IPOD;
6. Exercise ball;
7. Tennis balls (for Mr. M to massage me with!);
8. Twin nursing pillow;
9. Some of my pillows;
10. Computer and charger;
11. Digital camera, video camera and chargers;
12. Phone and charger;
13. Phone numbers (including my insurance co so they can ship me my pump ASAP);
14. Chapstick;
15. Lotion;
16. Snacks;
17. Case of water;
18. Maxi pads;
19. Underwear (although I have been told to stock up on the lovely mesh undies from the hospital!);
20. Lasinoh;
21. Hand sanitizer;
22. Baby blankets;
23. Diaper bag with some wipes and diapers;
24. Outfits for the babies to come home in, including hats, booties and mittens;
25. Burp cloths;
26. My own toiletries;
27. Trash bag;
28. Flip flops for the shower; 
29. Extra bag to take stuff home with me; and
30. Folder for Sugar and Spice’s paperwork.

I am SO EXCITED to meet them but I really do not want to meet them before 36 weeks!

Crying Jag

I have had a great pregnancy as far as mood swings are concerned (I do not count the sheer terror of the first tri and the sheer terror of thinking the babies have died/are dying, etc. – I feel that is a natural side effect of my history).  However, this morning, I cried my eyes out.  Over nothing.  My husband did not come running fast enough when I called for him last night (both babies were hiccuping at the same time and I wanted him to feel it, I wanted some help with some perineal massage and, even though it is impossible, I wanted to try and get a little frisky).  That on top of the fact my stepson has been a lazy bum around the house the last few days sent me over the edge this morning.  

I was on the phone with my husband’s employer – they f’ed up his W2 – and started to tear up a little.  My stepson left for class and I started crying like a five year old.  I called my sister and completely vented.  I then got in the shower and cried uncontrollably for about 5 minutes – literally like a five year old.  I am not a big cryer – but man – it was crazy and it kind of scared me!   I feel better after showering, putting on makeup, curling my hair and wearing “real” clothes and not pajamas.

For you women who do strict bed rest or hospital bed rest for weeks and weeks and weeks – I give you all the props in the world.   I am a crying wreck after only a week of modified bed rest!

32 Weeks – Woot!

I am 32 weeks today – it is unbelievable.  I am barely having any contractions – besides the normal pregnancy complaints – I am feeling quite well.

Also – I have posted a poll as to when you think I will deliver – they are not allowed to come before 34 weeks so I did not even list that as an option!  

Mr. M is so cute – like a kid at xmas – last night he looked at my stomach and was like “it is getting BIGGER” all gleeful and happy because that means our little ones are still kicking ass and taking names in there.  So, without further ado – here is my 32 week belly pic – and sorry if the bare belly grosses anyone out – I just think the black t-shirt is so slimming (haha) that I wanted to get the full picture out there!

My updated to-do list is below – thanks to everyone who had great suggestions on what to bring – and Maria – please go on and on about what to bring to the hospital!

Updated List:

Start memory books - started;

Clean refrigerator – done, except for side drawers;

Get family room ready for guests – we have a pull-out but I have hundreds of books that I need to donate/organize and I need to make it more comfortable;

Clean and organize linen closet (making room for our whale of a tub and baby bath gear);

Clean and organize medicine cabinet (I hog most of it, need to make more room for Mr. M);

Finish belly picture/ultrasound book for the babies (my neuroses resulted in many, many ultrasounds!) – up-to-date, just need to add those from here on out (FYI – I am using kod.ak gallery to make the book);

Pack hospital bag (I just ordered some nursing nightgowns and a nursing bra) – I am making a great list – thanks everyone for your suggestions;

Make first aid kit;

Make/buy feeding/diapering chart to keep track of all that stuff once babies get here I bought a six month supply of this:  http://www.justmultiples.com/twin-schedule-3mos.html
 - thanks Bella!!!; and

Finish nursery – I ordered sheep wall decals, some clouds and a sun – we also had our fan/light installed – I am still waiting for my little cast.le chair and a ha.lf glider – I ordered it 8 weeks ago – ugh – should be here next week.

Spectacular Night; My To-Do List; What to Bring to Hospital

Last night was CRAZY.  My fault – but crazy.  I snacked before bed – just a “small” snack – mac and cheese with chicken and broccoli that I made.  I thought it would be fine, since I sleep sitting up on a bolster with eight pillows.  I went to bed at 11, I was up at 2:30 until about 4:30.  And then I ate a half of a turkey sandwich…  I then woke up at 5:30 throwing up and choking on the most painful, acidic bile ever, I could barely breathe.  I got that under control, went to the bathroom (had to take off my wrist guards that I sleep with to prevent carpal tunnel because I cannot wipe properly with them on – good times!!!!) and proceeded to completely slam my toes into Mr. M’s dresser.  I wanted to cry, get into the tub, fly to the Caribbean…it was rough!  I went back to bed until 9:45.  The only cool part of the night was that the babies were doing a ballet or something – they were moving around so much!  Truly – it takes the utter horror of some of this stuff down more than a few notches – grow, babies, grow!

Okay, so I need some accountability on my to-do list, so, sorry to bore you with it here (note, not in order of importance)!

1. Start memory books (started);
2. Clean refrigerator;
3. Get family room ready for guests – we have a pull-out but I have hundreds of books that I need to donate/organize and I need to make it more comfortable;
4. Clean and organize linen closet (making room for our whale of a tub and baby bath gear);
5. Clean and organize medicine cabinet (I hog most of it, need to make more room for Mr. M);
6. Finish belly picture/ultrasound book for the babies (my neuroses resulted in many, many ultrasounds!);
7. Pack hospital bag (I just ordered some nursing nightgowns and a nursing bra);
8. Make first aid kit;
9. Make/buy feeding/diapering chart to keep track of all that stuff once babies get here; and
10. Finish nursery.

My endurance is very, very limited and I cannot do much of this by myself (no lifting, etc.) – luckily for me, my stepson is home much of the time and is going to help me get all of this done!

I have all of the generic lists of what to bring to the hospital – what else should I bring to the hospital???

Modified Bedrest

Today was my last day of work.  On Friday, I had eight contractions in one hour, to be followed by six contractions the next hour with cervical pressure…I went to triage and thankfully, my cervix was still long and closed.  This was the fourth time I went to triage from work for contractions, just does not happen when I am relaxing at home…so the docs suggested, and I was finally ready, to not work anymore.  The short term disa.bility paperwork will be completed this week and I am to be on modified bedrest.  I have to say, I do not think I am capable of doing much more than that – my feet hurt, normal shoes do not fit, I have grotesque swelling if I sit for too long without my feet up high, I am getting carpal tunnel, my hands hurt most of the time, I am sleeping with wrist guards, my hips hurt and I cannot go out and do anything for more than an hour.

And I would not trade it for anything – I want to keep these two safe and sound and in utero for AT LEAST four more weeks.  Seriously, I am not worried about the physical discomforts, they are temporary but I only have one time to do this right, to make sure that they are healthy.

I am worried about being physically fit enough to take care of them once they do get here – seriously, I am a wimp, I am afraid I will not be able to carry both car seats, carry them, etc.

I am going to keep busy with non-physical stuff – like internet shopping!, starting their memory books and organizing the nursery.  And reading books from ebooks.   And incubating these babies FOR AT LEAST FOUR MORE WEEKS!!!

Question for Internets – Doubl.e Joggin.g Stroll.er

We have most of our baby gear – but I am totally torn about which double jogging stroller to buy.  Prior to IVF, I used to run – up to 8 miles a day – and I would really love to get back to jogging of some sorts (to help take off the 15 IVF pounds and the probably 55 that I will gain from this pregnancy).  So, Internets, please tell me – which double jogging stroller did you buy, why and do you love it?

Growth Ultrasound; Coffee Cans

I had my every-4-week growth scan today at 30 weeks 5 days – these babies are ROCK STARS!!!  Their estimated weights are as follows:  

Our little man – 4lb 11 oz (81st percentile)

Our little lady – 4lb 10 oz (80th percentile)

Yes, people, I have an estimated 9lb 6oz of baby in me – and I could not be happier.  They are growing – and growing well – my uterus, which I have hated with all of my being at times, is holding up and taking care of these two and they are thriving.  I am so, so thrilled.  I have gained 45 pounds so far and every pound is worth it and every pound I gain after this will be worth it if they are born big and strong and healthy and are able to avoid the NICU.  Please, please, please let that happen!  

The news gets better – they are BOTH head down.  Woo hoo – and my doc (I had an appt right after) told me that the chances of them moving to another position is small at this point – especially since they are so big.  I will do a c-section if I have to but I would give a few toes and shave my head in order to deliver vagi.nally.  Our little lady was also practice breathing – amazing to see – and did get the hiccups at one point – so cute.  She also kicked her brother in the head – we got a picture of that – which we will display with the one of him kicking her in the head!

I go strictly to a MFM practice and I have seen a bunch of different doctors there – this doctor was great.  He made me laugh when he was talking about how women pregnant with multiples start to get angry when they reach 37ish weeks – they are like, aren’t they supposed to be out by now?  He said that, in his experience, 40% of twins are born before 37 weeks and that 60% are born after 37 weeks and that I have a good shot at making it that far – no gestational diabetes – and although preeclampsia is always a possibility, my blood pressure is fabulous – it was 110/70 today.  

He did say that they would fill out my short term disa.bility paperwork whenever I am ready – I am measuring full term, the swelling of my feet and ankles at the end of the day is hideous (my stepson says my ankles look like coffee cans – tee hee) and I get a contraction when I go from sitting to standing almost every time.  Plus – I am flat out exhausted after working for even 6 hours.  And my shoes do not fit – I just ordered slippers that look like shoes (that is what I am going with) to start wearing…  And the foregoing will only get worse with time and I would really, really, really love to make it to 37-38 weeks but I have a feeling my uterus is going to give up on me before that…

So – happy, happy, joy, joy – all is well for now and I have stopped googling cord accidents and placent.al abruption and the like – I really, really want to enjoy this.

Finally, I am still overwhelmed by others’ generosity – my family, friends and coworkers are simply incredible and have been uber generous to us – we have just about everything – I will be finishing the nursery over the next few weeks and I promise to post pictures – it is going to be really cramped in there – but super cute.