Well - the full moon did create some problems :) I had a nice visit to the hospital last night, and the results of which are full bed rest until these little ones come. They are worried about my high blood pressure still, and have decided the only remedy for now is bed rest. All my bloodwork came back OK, but they couldn't get the numbers down to where they felt more comfortable.
I had them check, and baby A is still head down, so we're excited about that part, but we aren't excited to have restrictions. I am lucky to have family closeby and lots of help. I hoping this is short term, and we can just have the babies soon and get on with this! In the meantime, I'm told to get lots of rest b/c once the boys come, I will be busy!
Thanks for your prayers and support! Hopefully my next post will be the welcome post with some super cute pics!
Thursday, April 29, 2010
Wednesday, April 28, 2010
New Neighbors and 35 Weeks!
We are more than excited that Adam and Lyndsay had a smooth closing this morning and now live just a few streets away, in the same neighborhood! This will be especially nice for the nights Eric is working and I'm home alone!! The next few days will be a lot of moving and cleaning and time with the family which will be so fun! Hopefully Eric can carry our weight since I won't be able to do too much, other than encourage and smile a lot :) Adam and Lynds were here for our move and they were such a huge help that I hope we can give back. Here's a pic of Lyndsay and I from my shower... isn't she the cutest??
I also hit my 35 week mark today, which was very exciting! I had a doctor's appointment and learned that I have gained a total of 37 lbs during my pregnancy! We discussed all the options for delivery, and as long as baby A remains head down, I'm going to try for a natural delivery. If baby A flips any other way, we will need to schedule a C-Section between 37 and 38 weeks at the latest.
For those of you who like stats, I was checked and I'm 1cm dilated, 60% effaced and baby A is in -2 station. I honestly don't know what all that means, but the doctor says it means my body is getting ready, but it could still be a couple weeks, or it could be very soon. Both heartbeats sounded great, and the doctor says the babies would be in great shape if they come even today! This is great news as I'm hoping they will be able to come right home with us, and have no extended stay in the hospital!
I also hit my 35 week mark today, which was very exciting! I had a doctor's appointment and learned that I have gained a total of 37 lbs during my pregnancy! We discussed all the options for delivery, and as long as baby A remains head down, I'm going to try for a natural delivery. If baby A flips any other way, we will need to schedule a C-Section between 37 and 38 weeks at the latest.
For those of you who like stats, I was checked and I'm 1cm dilated, 60% effaced and baby A is in -2 station. I honestly don't know what all that means, but the doctor says it means my body is getting ready, but it could still be a couple weeks, or it could be very soon. Both heartbeats sounded great, and the doctor says the babies would be in great shape if they come even today! This is great news as I'm hoping they will be able to come right home with us, and have no extended stay in the hospital!
My friend, Monica who thinks the babies are coming today (b/c of the full moon or something) decided last night that we should take some pics. I am nervous to post these belly pics as they are little more skin than I like, but she did such a great job taking them and making them look good, that I am going to just do it! (Also, my other friend, Jess posted some of her belly, and if she's brave enough - so am I - thanks Jess!!)
Can't wait to meet you, boys!!
Saturday, April 24, 2010
34 Weeks
I've made it to 34 weeks now! We had some excitement this week, but it wasn't so bad. I was having high blood pressure during a non-stress test on Monday, and so they ordered some tests to make sure I wasn't on the virge of preeclampsia.
On Thursday I went back for my 2nd non-stress test of the week, and I was having contractions every 5 minutes (which isn't good). They sent me upstairs to be observed for a couple hours, and I got to see the doctor. She decided to give me the muscle relaxer to stop the contractions, and it worked well. Again my blood pressure was a little high, and she had the results of my tests. There was a little bit of protein that they were worried about, but my bloodwork was fine. She did check to see if I was dialated, and luckily, I wasn't at all. So the contractions I was having were not progressing anything. She said they will just continue to watch me, but the best news was that she said I'm beyond the point of needing to be on bedrest, and the babies would be fine if they were born soon! That means if I go into labor, they probably won't stop it!! I'm still hoping for another week or 2, so we'll see!
Eric and I are both very excited for the boys to arrive. He has begun his own version of nesting by painting whenever he gets a chance and putting the finishing touches all over the house. Our friends, Nate and Kelly will be coming over today to see the house for the first time! We are very excited to spend some time with them!
On Thursday I went back for my 2nd non-stress test of the week, and I was having contractions every 5 minutes (which isn't good). They sent me upstairs to be observed for a couple hours, and I got to see the doctor. She decided to give me the muscle relaxer to stop the contractions, and it worked well. Again my blood pressure was a little high, and she had the results of my tests. There was a little bit of protein that they were worried about, but my bloodwork was fine. She did check to see if I was dialated, and luckily, I wasn't at all. So the contractions I was having were not progressing anything. She said they will just continue to watch me, but the best news was that she said I'm beyond the point of needing to be on bedrest, and the babies would be fine if they were born soon! That means if I go into labor, they probably won't stop it!! I'm still hoping for another week or 2, so we'll see!
My belly just gets bigger by the day!!
Eric and I are both very excited for the boys to arrive. He has begun his own version of nesting by painting whenever he gets a chance and putting the finishing touches all over the house. Our friends, Nate and Kelly will be coming over today to see the house for the first time! We are very excited to spend some time with them!
Monday, April 19, 2010
Chickie's and Pete's
I think we are trying to get out as much as possible as we know that changes are just over the horizon :) Steph has wanted to go down to Chickie's and Pete's for a couple weeks and I think it's one of her pregnancy cravings! Everyone was able to get babysitters, and it was an excellent adult night out - except we missed Jen who wasn't feeling too well!
We sat in some normal Philly traffic, but got seated pretty quickly in the back of the restaurant, which was nice because there was a Phillies game on with lots of loud fans. Monica and Eric were nice enough to drive down since thier car seats the most people (thanks Eric!!) Enjoy some pics of our very fun night!
We sat in some normal Philly traffic, but got seated pretty quickly in the back of the restaurant, which was nice because there was a Phillies game on with lots of loud fans. Monica and Eric were nice enough to drive down since thier car seats the most people (thanks Eric!!) Enjoy some pics of our very fun night!
The men and the tower of fun
Jay was happy to serve the others
Cute couple - Eric and Monica
Mommy and Daddy to be
Jess and Kev in his Phillies Gear
Steph and Dan - ready to eat!
Poor Jen - didn't get to come - Jay looking silly!!
Yumm Crab Legs
The boys all enjoyed the crab legs (OK, I did too, but luckly there weren't pics of my messiness)
Thanks everyone for a great night out! We really enjoyed spending some adult time with each and every one of you!!
Thursday, April 15, 2010
Twinkie's Update - 33 Weeks
I've had 3 appointments this week, and so I thought it would be a good time to update on the twinkies! We are doing good lately and getting really excited for them to come! I have to make it to 34 weeks to deliver at my local community hospital, and I'm really happy that I'm almost there (next Wednesday!).
I'm now having regular non-stress tests and ultrasounds to make sure everything is going fine. Each time I see the doctors, they say everything looks great, and we just have to wait. At the growth ultrasound this week, we found out that baby A is 4 lbs 3 oz and baby B is 4 lbs 1 oz! They are in the 39% and 36% which I was told is great for twins. They still have both heads up and together as high as they can possibly be. There is still a chance they could flip to head down, but they are quickly running out of room to move.
Here is my latest belly pic - I think I just look like I'm full term for a single, but since I technically would have 7 more weeks, I can't even imagine what I would look like if I made it that long!
Enjoy the latest ultrasound pics of baby A - Baby B had his head turned, so we couldn't get any cute pics.
I'm now having regular non-stress tests and ultrasounds to make sure everything is going fine. Each time I see the doctors, they say everything looks great, and we just have to wait. At the growth ultrasound this week, we found out that baby A is 4 lbs 3 oz and baby B is 4 lbs 1 oz! They are in the 39% and 36% which I was told is great for twins. They still have both heads up and together as high as they can possibly be. There is still a chance they could flip to head down, but they are quickly running out of room to move.
Here is my latest belly pic - I think I just look like I'm full term for a single, but since I technically would have 7 more weeks, I can't even imagine what I would look like if I made it that long!
Enjoy the latest ultrasound pics of baby A - Baby B had his head turned, so we couldn't get any cute pics.
Another Profile of Baby A
Precious boy! I think he looks like Eric...
Girl's Night Out
The girl's decided to have one last big night out before all the pregnant girls have their babies! I am due first, but Jess and Steph are not far behind! We are all excited to have infants around soon, but trying to enjoy a night out before it all starts!
The girls that can still walk around enjoyed some pre-dinner shopping, and Monica was nice enough to head over to Borders with me and relax since walking around too much causes contractions. While we were there, we did get some of the last things I need prior to the twinkie's arrival - baby books! We got some really cute ones that I need to start filling out soon!
We had a fantastic evening at Melting Pot. It was my first time, and they had a great girls night out deal for a 4 course meal, so we all got to try a variety of cheeses, salads, meats and of course chocolates! Could it get any better for a group of ladies? I don't think so!
The girls that can still walk around enjoyed some pre-dinner shopping, and Monica was nice enough to head over to Borders with me and relax since walking around too much causes contractions. While we were there, we did get some of the last things I need prior to the twinkie's arrival - baby books! We got some really cute ones that I need to start filling out soon!
We had a fantastic evening at Melting Pot. It was my first time, and they had a great girls night out deal for a 4 course meal, so we all got to try a variety of cheeses, salads, meats and of course chocolates! Could it get any better for a group of ladies? I don't think so!
Group Shot
Jen and Steph anxious for the food to come
Steph and Jess - beautiful pregnant girls!
Monica and me - not my favorite pic - but I'm 8 months pregnant...
Silly Girls eating the yummy food
Steph brought home some Dessert for her men
Thanks girls, for a fabulous night out! We'll have to do it again soon!!
Monday, April 12, 2010
Nesting...
Well, I'm almost 33 weeks now and in full nesting mode. Luckily my sister-in-law, Lyndsay and mother-in-law, Peggy, have been extremely helpful! The boy's room is all set-up, we got a loveseat for the room, all the clothes are now washed, and we even have a changing area and pack 'n play set-up downstairs. I have my hospital bag packed now, and I'm ready to go any day! I'm still hoping for a couple more weeks, but feeling great about having everything ready!
The cribs all set-up!
New loveseat
Cribs - just waiting for some babies!!
Changing area - notice the dog tail hooks from Aunt Lyndsay waiting for the bathrobes!!
Diapers and wipes all set
Bookshelves and cute saying
Downstairs changing area - Aspen had to test out the pack 'n play
He also loved the jump-a-roo that Grandma Schmidt got for us!! Look at his legs :)
With the exception of having a car that works with 2 big carseats, we're ready to go. We'll be selling our Acura RDX and looking for a larger car that can accomodate the car seats and have room for others to come along too (either an SUV with a 3rd row, or a minivan) The car seats will fit for the short term, luckily, but I'm hoping to get the car situation taken care of quickly!!
Tuesday, April 6, 2010
Best Friends already!
I went in for a non-stress test yesterday as the new normal routine. They like to monitor the babies for 1 hour 2 times/week to make sure they are 'reactive'. They just check the heart rates and monitor me for contractions. Twins are often difficult to monitor, so they had the usual 4 nurses in there searching and searching for baby A's heart rate. They tried for about 45 minutes before they gave up and sent me over for another wonderful ultrasound.
After about 30 minutes of waiting, I headed over, and had the usual. They were checking for movement, heart rate and breathing. Baby B passed within about 20 seconds as he was having a dance party. Baby A was moving around a lot, but he wouldn't raise and lower his diaphragm. They usually wait about 30 minutes for them to do this as it shows they are practicing the breathing motion. At about 28 minutes, he finally did it, and I was so proud!
During this ultrasound, we discovered that the boys had moved around quite a bit since the last one I had (only 3 days ago). Baby A has always been head down, which was a good sign because it pointed to a natural delivery. Well, he must've been missing his brother, because he has now flipped, and as you can see from the picture below, their heads are now together. The doctor said they can both still flip, but currently baby A is now breech, and baby B is transverse (which means he's laying across my belly on top of baby A).
Dad has been praying for baby B to turn head down, and I think somehow there was a miscommunication somewhere! Hopefully we have quite a few more weeks for them to figure out the positioning!
After about 30 minutes of waiting, I headed over, and had the usual. They were checking for movement, heart rate and breathing. Baby B passed within about 20 seconds as he was having a dance party. Baby A was moving around a lot, but he wouldn't raise and lower his diaphragm. They usually wait about 30 minutes for them to do this as it shows they are practicing the breathing motion. At about 28 minutes, he finally did it, and I was so proud!
During this ultrasound, we discovered that the boys had moved around quite a bit since the last one I had (only 3 days ago). Baby A has always been head down, which was a good sign because it pointed to a natural delivery. Well, he must've been missing his brother, because he has now flipped, and as you can see from the picture below, their heads are now together. The doctor said they can both still flip, but currently baby A is now breech, and baby B is transverse (which means he's laying across my belly on top of baby A).
Dad has been praying for baby B to turn head down, and I think somehow there was a miscommunication somewhere! Hopefully we have quite a few more weeks for them to figure out the positioning!
Friday, April 2, 2010
Hospital Visit #2
Well, we did have a little excitement this week, and got to visit the hospital again. It was very similar to my last visit, and I'm happy to say myself and the boys are doing just fine :) I was having quite a few contractions yesterday, and I'm still in the phase where more than 4 contractions/hour warrants a call to my doctor. Well, I was having about 6/hour, and so we decided to give them a call. The doctor said I should go to the hospital just to be safe, so they could stop the contractions.
We arrived in the ER as usual, and the labor and delivery nurse came and took me upstairs in a wheelchair. We hadn't scheduled a tour through the new labor and delivery area yet, so before we went to the brand new triage room, she wheeled me around and let me take a look. The room was huge, and extremely nice. But I'm still not ready to visit it too soon!
They did the usual and hooked me up to the monitors, and started an IV. The boys are much bigger than before, so they were easier to find, and both heart rates looked great. I had about 7 contractions the first hour, so the doctor decided it was time for some muscle relaxers (to stop the contractions). They gave me the terrible shot, and it didn't take long to stop everything. My tests came back positive for another infection, so then they started the antibiotics.
By this time it was clear that I was going to be able to go home soon, so I sent Eric off to work (night shift), and my wonderful mother-in-law and father-in-law came to the hospital to take me home. We arrived home around 2:00 AM, and I slept in really late today. I'm going to be taking it easy this Easter weekend, and trying to enjoy the amazing weather too!
I start getting my non-stress tests 2 times a week next week and an ultrasound the next week. I'm still not on bed rest, and I'm hoping that I can continue to take care of myself enough to not have the doctor's tell me to slow down. Eric has been wonderful through it all, and I'm so excited to see him as a father.
We arrived in the ER as usual, and the labor and delivery nurse came and took me upstairs in a wheelchair. We hadn't scheduled a tour through the new labor and delivery area yet, so before we went to the brand new triage room, she wheeled me around and let me take a look. The room was huge, and extremely nice. But I'm still not ready to visit it too soon!
They did the usual and hooked me up to the monitors, and started an IV. The boys are much bigger than before, so they were easier to find, and both heart rates looked great. I had about 7 contractions the first hour, so the doctor decided it was time for some muscle relaxers (to stop the contractions). They gave me the terrible shot, and it didn't take long to stop everything. My tests came back positive for another infection, so then they started the antibiotics.
By this time it was clear that I was going to be able to go home soon, so I sent Eric off to work (night shift), and my wonderful mother-in-law and father-in-law came to the hospital to take me home. We arrived home around 2:00 AM, and I slept in really late today. I'm going to be taking it easy this Easter weekend, and trying to enjoy the amazing weather too!
I start getting my non-stress tests 2 times a week next week and an ultrasound the next week. I'm still not on bed rest, and I'm hoping that I can continue to take care of myself enough to not have the doctor's tell me to slow down. Eric has been wonderful through it all, and I'm so excited to see him as a father.
Visit with a Baby Wolf & more!
We headed down to Annapolis to visit our friends (and my co-workers) Denee and Ryan to meet their newest addition who arrived on March 1st. The drive only took about 2 1/2 hours, and we had a great time meeting the little guy. It was awesome to hold him and see such a small little newborn, and made me even more excited to meet our boys!
Everett is a great baby and really showed the boys how to behave :) Denee and Ryan also moved into a new house recently which was so cute, and in such a cool area. We are excited for the boys to meet Everett, but not too soon!! Enjoy some pics of the family and us holding the boy!
Precious baby Everett! He couldn't be cuter!! (He has a pirate outfit on too, which is amazing!!)
Everett is a great baby and really showed the boys how to behave :) Denee and Ryan also moved into a new house recently which was so cute, and in such a cool area. We are excited for the boys to meet Everett, but not too soon!! Enjoy some pics of the family and us holding the boy!
The Wolf's - Denee looks amazing for just 3 weeks after having a baby!!
Eric got some practice holding a baby... wonder where he'll put the other one??
After our visit to Annapolis, we stopped by Baltimore to see my cousin, April her husband, Chris and their place. Luckily, April's sister (my cousin too :)), Sarah was there, and we got to spend some time visiting them. They are having a baby too, and we couldn't be happier for them! They are close by too, which will be awesome once all the babies arrive. We'll have to have some Nettleton family outings to the East Coast to visit all the new baby cousins!!
It was a long day driving all over the east coast, but it was worth it to spend some time visiting friends and family. We figured once our family doubles, we might not have the same freedom, so we took advantage of one more road trip! Eric is still under the assumption that these things will still occur regularly, but I'm not so we will have the same mobility :)
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