Nov. Twins Check In 8/18

absolutelymaybe

Happy Monday ya'll! I just went to check the date for this thread and couldn't believe we're already half way through August. I swear I was just saying "Happy August!" Time is really starting to fly (at least on my end). I hope you all had a good weekend and, for all the ladies at risk for PTL, that your babies are staying safe and snug for now.

Congratulations to our latest group of ladies waving buh-bye to the 2nd tri and heading into the home stretch: @ktibbits1, @lisalynnmama, @yess0311, @CPM13, @erinwithtwins, @IntuitiveBlue and @amberej.

Also, if anyone has any suggestions for the GTKY/QOTW, please let me know! I'm just picking these at random, so if there's a burning question you'd like to ask your fellow MoM's to be, I'd love to use it.

Now for the usual...

How are you feeling? Any fun stories to share? Any US/nurseries/clothes/BS invite pics you want to AW? Appointment updates?

...and a random GTKY question...

If you could meet any person (living or dead), who would it be? Is there anything specific you'd want to ask them?

@morrkim - 28 weeks - Team Blue

@ktibbits1 - 27 weeks - Team Purple

@lisalynnmama - 27 weeks - Team Pink

@yess0311 - 27 weeks - Team Purple

@CPM13 - 27 weeks - Team Green

@zamboni00 - 27 weeks - Team Purple

@erinwithtwins - 27 weeks - Team Blue

@IntuitiveBlue - 27 weeks - Team Purple

@amberej -27 weeks- Team Purple

@MrsC430 - 26 weeks - Team Pink

@Amandakea15 - 26 weeks - Team Purple

@KimmieS1756 - 25 weeks - Team Blue

@MsMolly520 - 25 weeks - Team Blue

@tiersa_smith - 25 weeks - Team Green (until Sept. babyshower)

@absolutelymaybe - 25 weeks - Team Purple

@missvolvo - 25 weeks - Team Blue

@hubbles - ? - Team ?

As always, please let me know if you want to be added to this list or your information is incorrect.

MrsC430

Thanks so much @absolutelymaybe for keeping up w/ the check ins! It has been great seeing everyone's progress. Hope you, Ari, & Willa are doing well!

AFM- I had an U/S last week. Both baby girls are measuring around 2 pounds each, which MFM seemed to think was really good for 25 weeks. Other than that, I'm definitely starting to feel very pregnant w/ twins. My appetite is weird - anything I eat makes me super full & bloated. Exhausted & find myself getting short of breath easily. I have my glucose test tomorrow - can't wait!
(Sarcasm)

Couple of questions for you ladies - How often are you seeing your OB at this point? I don't go back for another U/S for 5ish more weeks, which will put me at 30 weeks. Thought I'd be going more often by now?

Also (hopefully this is not being too intrusive) what are your plans for returning back to work after the babies are born? DH & I are having a hard time figuring out what to do. Daycare for 2 infants (full time) ranges from $650-$850 per week in our area. Leaning towards me going back to work part time, but even that doesn't seem worth it financially. Curious what you ladies are thinking. Thanks!

morrkim

How are you feeling? Any fun stories to share? Any US/nurseries/clothes/BS invite pics you want to AW? Appointment updates?

I'm tired and have been having a ton of Braxton hicks. I have an u/s tomorrow and will probably be getting the rhogam shot as well.

Nbr A lot has happened in the last week. I went to my first meeting of the local multiples group. I started my new teaching position. I also went to a baby fair at the hospital and took a few classes and took a tour.

...and a random GTKY question...

If you could meet any person (living or dead), who would it be? Is there anything specific you'd want to ask them?

I think it would be interesting to meet some of my ancestors.

ETA
How often are you seeing your OB at this point?
2 weeks with an u/s every 4 weeks.

what are your plans for returning back to work after the babies are born?

I'm under contract through May so I can't quit without paying huge fines but I can't afford to quit anyways. I make more than DH. MIL is going to be our sitter, plus DH will be home just sleeping since he works nights. We tried just DH last year, but it was very difficult. Neither of us was getting enough sleep and were very cranky. As long as I continue teaching I won't have to pay back my grant money for my masters degree I have been working on the last 4 years.

absolutelymaybe

Update: 

Sadpants. My update is going to be lame. I had an ultrasound this evening and thought I'd get to see the babies, but it was just a swab and transvadge to measure cervix. I am extremely happy that my cervix is looking fantastic (she said it was a "48" I'm not sure exactly what that means and I felt like a dumbass for asking), but DH and I were thinking we'd get to see the babies and that was a let down. BUT I AM HAPPY. I am grateful. Yay for a good cervix! My next appointment is Sept. 4 and I know I will get to see them then. 

Next weekend is my first baby shower. It's a co-ed shower/bbq thrown by a couple of our friends, but they're using our house since one friend has a small house and the other one is in the middle of moving. I'm excited, but a little anxious. I'm a little socially awkward and a lot of these people are going to be DH's coworkers and their wives. And I'm not like a total "awww babies!" person so I'm worried I'm not going to look sufficiently "Future Mommy-to-Be" (yes, of all the things to worry about). 

Oh, and funny story. We were using our dining room to store supplies for the bbq -- including 24 hot dog buns and 24 hamburger buns from Costco. Yeaaah...today the dogs broke through their "gate" and got into the dining room. Ate every last one of them then pooped in the house. Our boxer is so bloated right now he looks like a little bread loaf with legs. 

QOTW: I would want to meet my dad's parents. They died even before my parents married (my dad is the "baby" of his family -- 9 brothers and 1 sister -- and he's approaching 70). 

CPM13

How are you feeling? Any fun stories to share? Any US/nurseries/clothes/BS invite pics you want to AW? Appointment updates?I thought I was having my GD test last week but am actually heading back for it this week. As well as an US. Excited to see the babies. Plus DH always comes with me to US appointments so I am excited to have some company. Feeling ok. Tired. Heartburn. But truthfully I can't complain. I felt this way towards the end with DD so it's no shock since I am measuring 34 weeks. If you could meet any person (living or dead), who would it be? Is there anything specific you'd want to ask them?Hmmmm... I have no idea! I am so boring...
@MrsC430 I am already a SAHM to DD but even if I wasn't I know I would be with twins on the way... no way my salary would cover day care. Plus I love being the person that is there with them. I do a small amount of freelance work to keep my foot in the door at my old job, but mostly I try to enjoy this time. I know they'll be in school before you know it and suddenly spending most of their awake time away from us. 

absolutelymaybe

@MrsC430 - Good luck on your glucose test tomorrow! I found out they don't do ours until 28 weeks. 

2 lb each! I think that sounds fantastic for 25 weeks! At 24 weeks Ari was 1lb6oz and Willa was 1lb5oz. 

I'm totally with you on the feeling bloated and full. I feel like I can barely eat anything anymore (I seriously had a protein bar for breakfast, a lean pocket for lunch and I am dreading trying to eat dinner -- I know this isn't enough food! I just don't know what else to do!)

re: frequency of doctors appointments - I see the actual doctor once every four weeks (my next appointment will be at 28 weeks) and every two weeks I have my cervix measured. I'm not sure how long that will keep up, though. 

re: daycare - DH was researching daycare in our area and figured it will be about $2,000+ a month (for both). At that point, we're almost spending my entire paycheck on having someone else watch the twins. I'm worried about pumping at work. I'm just dreading going back. I used to love my job, but I haven't felt good about it in a long time. I love the people I work with, I just don't know how I fit in with the way the organization is going. My job now isn't what I signed up for. And I don't know how I'm going to feel about living my little babies at home to go do something I don't feel good about for an extra few hundred a month. So, LONG NON ANSWER. TLDR Version: We are playing it by ear. I'm hoping we can make it work where I can stay home. I am really really hoping for that. 

erinwithtwins

How are you feeling? Tired! Insomnia is lame! Super anemic apparently my double dose of iron wasn't working so dr switched me to prescription iron which I'm scared to take. She also wants me to add magnesium and a probiotic so I don't get constipated. I need to start that soon. I have to force myself to eat (which had never been a problem)

Shower invite went out and is Labor Day weekend. Have already had a few presents show up at our house. We took our "preparing for multiples" class last Wednesday which was helpful. Wednesday is our "breast feeding multiples" class and Thursday is our local multiples group meeting which has been great. I'm looking forward to that. We have a different class every week for the next 4. Hope I'm able to make them all.

Appointment updates/frequency. See my OB once a week for a quick ultrasound. Check HB, fluid, position etc. last week she did a little more and printed photos. It looks like baby B is flipping us off lol. I may frame it. Every 4th week we see the MFM for the hour+ growth scan. At 24w they were both 2.2 lbs (95%). Can't wait for their weigh in next Wednesday. (28weeks) I think then I see him every other week.

...and a random GTKY question...

If you could meet any person (living or dead), who would it be? Is there anything specific you'd want to ask them?

Jim Morrison or Jimi Hendrix.

Daycare. We don't have any family around at all. so we are going to get a night nanny at first. Fall is DHs really busy time and luckily my slowest so I'm going to take 3months off at half pay and then decide what to do for the new yr. feel like a nanny or daycare will be similar to what I make so decision will be based on my sanity.

Yay to another week down

missvolvo

@absolutelymaybe - our babies are measuring almost exactly the same! 

We signed up for our 5 week birth class starting in September and hired a doula.  Is anyone else getting a doula?  My husband thinks it's crazy, but I would really like a natural birth! 

I have been seeing my OB every 4 weeks and then starting in September it will be every 2 weeks.  I am also having growth and development ultrasounds every four weeks which I scheduled in between my regular appointments so that I am there every 2 weeks anyway.  

As for daycare, it would not make any financial sense for me to keep working and pay for daycare for twins.  So my dream of being a stay-at-home mom will come true!  (Though I do love my job right now and will definitely miss it!)

MrsC430

Thanks for all the input ladies! I really appreciate it Glad to hear everyone is doing so well!

@absolutelymaybe I like the protein bar idea. I'll have to try that. Any brands/flavors you really like?

ktibbits1

How I'm feeling: Large and uncomfortable (depending on what time of day I step on the scale I've already gained 35-40 lbs! With 10 weeks possibly to go!), more tired, still have numbness/pain in my wrists, lots of pelvic joint pain when walking or even just rolling over in bed, but still happy and blessed to be having these little ones!

@MrsC430 I didn't think the glucose test was that bad, hopefully it's not terrible for you!  I've been the same as far as appetite, I'll think I'm starving but the littlest bit will make me full and uncomfortable.  For protein bars, I like Luna and Think Thin (they aren't diet bars despite the name), and one of the doctors I work with loves Quest bars, I think they're a bit expensive but I'll probably give them a try.

As far as going back to work, I am not planning on it due to the cost of childcare outweighing my paycheck.  Plus, I wanted to be a SAHM anyway so twins was a perfect excuse  Just remember whatever decision you make for now doesn't necessarily have to be permanent!  

I've been seeing my OB every 4 weeks.  After my appointment next Friday I'll be seeing her every two weeks.  I don't see an MFM and haven't had my cervix checked, I was wondering at what point that happens...

@missvolvo I think it'd be great to have a doula, but I don't think we'll be hiring one.  I was on the fence about having an epidural or not, but at my last appointment my OB said she almost insists that I have one so that I can stay somewhat "in control" during labor... maybe that's BS but I don't think I'm going to argue

I'll be starting a four week prepared childbirth series class in September so looking forward to that, as well as a one day breastfeeding class.  Hoping they stay put so I can finish those!  Whew long post

absolutelymaybe

@mrsc430 - I've been eating the Life Choice protein bars (I prefer the double chocolate or peanut butter chocolate, but Walmart only had Chocolate Mint this past week and you could tell they were stale and they are so nasty -- ugh!). I chose these because they have about 20g of protein and less than 200 calories per bar, the highest protein to calorie ratio the store had. 

You could probably get a better selection if you checked out a health foods store like GNC. 

DH used to do weightlifting and his friend gave him some protein shake powder that's like 40g of protein for 130 calories, so I'm going to start drinking that as soon as I remember to have him bring it home. Not sure what the brand is or what it's called. 

I have to LOL that I'm eating/drinking weight lifting stuff. Got to love twin pregnancies. 

absolutelymaybe

Can i say how jealous I am of all the wonderful breastfeeding and birthing classes you all are taking advantage of? Our hospital (which has a level III NICU and I hear is fantastic to have babies at), has one crappy birthing class and from what I've heard I'm not even going to bother taking it (they just go over the basics, stuff I already know from reading, and a lot of it isn't even going to pertain to me anyway). 

missvolvo

@absolutelymaybe - not sure where you are located, but I'm not taking the hospital birth class.  I found my birth class through my doula and I was surprised to find out how many birthing classes are out there!  Try starting with BirthNetwork National (not all states have chapters).  Or just search for birth classes within your area.  

@ktibbits1 My practice also strongly suggests an epidural with twins so that if there is an issue they can do the C-section without knocking you unconscious.  I am still up in the air about the epidural, but even if I do have one, I feel that a doula can help with so many other aspects of labor that it is important to have one.  My husband 100% DISagrees with me, but I am doing it anyway.  If I knew my particular OB could deliver my babies I don't know if I would feel as strongly, but if I get a couple of the other doctors at my practice, I definitely want some support when it comes to making decisions! 

erinwithtwins

@absolutelymaybe. We are finding most of our classes through a breast feeding store and our local multiple group.

FYI after trying 5 different protein powders on my own, including some stupidly expensive ones the pregnancy nutritionist at my MFMs office recommended the whole Foods 365 vanilla whey protein (2 scoops) it's been the only one that doesn't hurt my stomach or taste gross

absolutelymaybe

@missvolvo -- Thanks! I just took a look at what the other local hospital has to offer and saw they have some. It's funny, because they're not as high tech and state of the art so I just assumed they didn't have as much to offer in other areas. Wrong! They actually have more classes available. I am going to look into them. I think they are open to people not giving birth there.

@erinwithtwins - I am so sad that it appears our multiples group is defunct. Their webpage expired and no one responded when I asked to join their Facebook. We don't have a breast feeding store either. We must be really behind the times.

 Oh, and I will check out the protein powders. 

CPM13

@missvolvo Due to some complications with my daughter I was considered higher risk for a c-section but still wanted to try to have a vaginal birth (and did) but to avoid being knocked out for a c-section I was given an epidural without any medication... it did restrict my movement a bit which sucked but it is another option... 

amberej

How are you feeling? Any fun stories to share? Any US/nurseries/clothes/BS invite pics you want to AW? Appointment updates?

Feeling the usual...tired! I have been dealing with restless legs here lately which has not been fun. My 21/2 year old has been so curious about the babies, he loves to feel them move...it's so cute!! I have another ultrasound tomorrow, I can't wait to see them and see how much they have grown!

yess0311

Hola ladies!! @absolutelymaybe thank you for keeping up with the updates.  So sorry I have been MIA..I've been working a lot of extra hours so I don't get too behind when I leave for maternity leave.  By the time I get home I just want to knock out!!

AFM..I have been feeling super exhausted lately! I am definitely starting to feel extra pregnant.  My belly is getting bigger and bigger, my feet are swollen, I get shortness of breath and pelvic pains are getting worse and worse.  My co-workers threw me a surprise baby shower last week...it was super nice of them! I had an u/s with MFM on the 12th and babies were measuring at 2 lbs 7 oz and 2 lbs 6 oz (this was at 26 wks 3 days) and then I had another one yesterday because my OB dr was concerned that I still don't feel too much movement from baby A and they were measuring at 2 lbs 12 oz and 2 lbs 10 oz (27 wks 3 days) which seems big to me.  Now I'm scared I'm going to give birth to 2 huge babies!! :-/  yikes! lol The important thing though was that both babies seem fine and she is going to do a stress test on me once a week for now to make sure they are both moving.  Also, I failed my 1 hr glucose test (boo!!) but passed my 3 hr one (yayy!!)   

@MrsC430 I was seeing my OB once a month and as of 24 wks she started seeing me every two weeks.  Now with the stress test she may see me once a week.  But I don't know when my next u/s will be.  I was getting u/s with the MFM once a month but at the last one he didn't ask to schedule another one so I don't know when my next one will be.  I'll ask my OB on Monday when I see her again.  

In regards to going back to work, I plan on taking my 4 weeks of maternity leave (6 wks if it's a c-section) and then another 4 weeks off from vacation days I saved up.  I plan to go back to work full-time.  My DH works evenings so it kind of works out for us as far as not needing daycare.  And both of our parents live near so if we need someone to watch them here or there they have both offered to help.  Although I work for a politician and elections are in February so who knows if I will still have a job after that!! :-/

If I can meet anyone dead or alive I would probably want to meet my mom's mom.  She passed away when my mom was younger and everyone says she was a blast to hang out with.  Besides..rumor has it she hid a box of money somewhere in their old house. lol

MsMolly520

@absolutelymaybe‌ Thank You for keeping the updates going! I didn't have a chance to update last week but I saw your nursery pic. LOVE! 

How are you feeling?

Slowing down. At 24 weeks I measured 30. I get tired very easy and sleeping is getting a little more difficult. I'm getting up multiples times to pee and have trouble breathing when I lie down (I'm sleeping at an incline). Fun times. But I know it's nature's way of prepping for the sleepless nights ahead.

I had a growth scan at 24w5d - Baby A measured 1lb.11oz. and Baby B at 1lb.10oz. We got some really good profile shots and it got me excited to meet these little guys!

I bought two plush boy dolls and plan on introducing the concept of "babies" to DS. I also bought a couple books related to New Baby but he's more interested in Dr. Seuss right now (lol). I'm interested to see how this goes!

I've been seeing my OB and MFM every 4 weeks. After my next appointment, at 28 weeks, I'll start seeing my OB every 2 weeks. At 32 weeks it jumps to twice a week for NSTs. I will only see MFM once a month for growth scans throughout the pregnancy.

tiersa_smith

How are you feeling? Any fun stories to share? Any US/nurseries/clothes/BS invite pics you want to AW? Appointment updates?

Feeling good can't complain. Babies are coming along nicely. My shower is in 2 weeks so I'm counting down and I'm so excited about it being a gender reveal. My coworkers are all betting and getting into it and coming up with strange theories as to what they are lol. Appointment is next week Friday

...and a random GTKY question...

If you could meet any person (living or dead), who would it be? Is there anything specific you'd want to ask them?

My grandmother on my fathers side. I heard so many stories on what a sweet soul she was that I would just love to meet her and have her meet my kids

Hope you guys had a good week!

lisalynnmama

Hi ladies!  Once again, I am checking in late.  I wanted to wait until after my appt. yesterday to update.  Everyone looks good (both girls and me!).  I have my GD test tomorrow (bleh!) but know it has to happen.  I only did the one hour with my first pregnancy so I am worried about how I will feel during the test.  

I have most of the girls' clothes washed and put away now.  That was my project for last week.  DS was born six weeks early with no explanation, so I am trying to get as many things ready as early as I can just in case.  I am hoping that Murphy's Law will mean that since I am completely "prepared" that the girls will stay put for a while.  

DS turns three this Friday!  I cannot believe it!  We are having a party this weekend and I hope it goes off without a hitch.  Poor kid is firmly in the threes now with his behavior.  I fall into bed each night out of pure exhaustion due to the pregnancy but also due to dealing with the emotional roller coaster that is a three year old.  Woof.  

I'm curious as to whether anyone else is having belly button pain.  I know that sounds super weird but my girls are both so low and they seem to like to push out right around my belly button.  It hurts!  I am also waking up every morning feeling like I did 1000 sit-ups.  Ouch!

Also, is anyone else working out regularly?  I am still trying to do six days a week but I am finding my body is really telling me to STOP IT.  Ha!  I have gone from 40-60 minutes of working out a day to barely 20-30 a day.  Just wondering if anyone else has any maternity/pregnancy workout video suggestions?  

If I could meet one person, it would be Elvis Presley.  I love him and would love to hear him call me mama and to just ask him about his life.  

tiersa_smith

@lisalynnmama I have the same belly Button pain. Mine pushed all the way hurt a bit and then went back in. Must be a game they are playing lol. Could it be that I'm having girls too? Oh and I think you should copy and paste this into the new check in that was this Monday! I posted late last time and I think our buds missed it.

lisalynnmama

tiersa_smith Thank you for letting me know I posted on the wrong update!  Pregnancy brain strikes again!