N14 Twins Check In (9/22)

absolutelymaybe

Hope everyone had a great weekend!

I just wanted to start out by saying a big CONGRATULATIONS to @yess0311, our first N14 Twins Check In mama to move into the category of Outside Babies! Erick Manuel (3lb 11oz) and Arielle Isabel (3lb 12oz) were born at 31 weeks 5 days on 9/17/14. You can see them in all their adorableness here on the birth announcements thread. Thoughts and prayers to you for a speedy recovery and hope your little ones get to come home soon!

How are you feeling? What's on your mind? Give us an update!

...and a random question

What haven't you been able to do during your pregnancy that you look forward to doing again once your babies are born?

Outside Babies

@yess0311 - Welcome Erick Manuel and Arielle Isabel- born 9/17/14

Inside Babies

@morrkim - 33 weeks - Team Blue

@ktibbits1 - 32 weeks - Team Purple

@lisalynnmama - 32 weeks - Team Pink

@CPM13 - 32 weeks - Team Green

@zamboni00 - 32 weeks - Team Purple

@erinwithtwins - 32 weeks - Team Blue

@IntuitiveBlue - 32 weeks - Team Purple

@amberej -32 weeks- Team Purple

@MrsC430 - 31 weeks - Team Pink

@Amandakea15 - 31 weeks - Team Purple

@KimmieS1756 - 30 weeks - Team Blue

@MsMolly520 - 30 weeks - Team Blue

@tiersa_smith - 30 weeks - Team Pink

@absolutelymaybe - 30 weeks - Team Purple

@missvolvo - 30 weeks - Team Blue

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

absolutelymaybe

The Good:

• Babies are still in there and moving around! One day at a time, but there's nothing seriously wrong with me or this pregnancy. I am thankful for every day I can say that.
  
• My work threw me a shower last week, which was fun. A little awkward (I'm kind of shy around people I don't know well) and I was trying to hurry opening presents so people could go back to work, but I was in awe of all the effort they put in to throw the shower. It was amazing! 
• I cleaned out the babies' closet (of course, now the guest room is a disaster, but the babies' closet is all organized and preeeeety!). All the clothes are washed and put away in their dressers. Oh, and DH put up a couple floating shelves and they look wonderful! Helps with storage since the babies' room is pretty freaking small.
  
• I won my fantasy football head to head this week (first time EVER!)

The Bad:

• The swelling has started. Even though I'm not on my feet much (desk job), at the end of the day my feet are swollen -- to the point I go home and put them up and there's not a lot I can do. (DH has been a fantastic help, though. He insists I stay down -- which is hard because I am the type of person who wants to always be doing something -- and helps out when he can).
  
• I've been feeling a little overwhelmed with everything lately and might need to take some time away from TB to "regroup." It might be a couple hours or a couple days, but seeing this morning's heartbreaking birth announcement, I just...couldn't. I mean, I know we are never truly safe, but I was starting to finally feel confident and now I'm back to worrying. And I can't tell DH what I read or why I'm worrying because he'll just worry, too. I'm so torn because I love it here and want to be here to support everyone and be a part of the community, but sometimes it's just information overload and I feel like I'm burning out.
  

What haven't you been able to do during your pregnancy that you look forward to doing again once your babies are born?

Running! I really hope I can find the time to get back into it. I didn't realize how much I would miss it until I couldn't do it anymore. 

ktibbits1

@absolutelymaybe I completely understand how you're feeling... I had to take a break from the N14 board after all the early losses (aside from these check ins) because it just made me worry way too much.  I feel terrible because I know everyone is on here for support, but it is absolutely heartbreaking. 

CPM13

@absolutelymaybe Hang in there. It's true- we are never really "safe" but if you think about it too much it can consume you. I remind myself frequently that MOST pregnancies result in healthy babies and that life happens the way it happens for reasons we may never understand. It doesn't always help, but usually it does. 

How are you feeling? What's on your mind? Give us an update!I feel really good. Started to have some hand and feet swelling but still not awful. I think only noticeable to those who know me well.  Found out that twin A (who had been head down) is now breech. I'm kind of bummed about it. I know he/she could still flip but I also know with twins it gets a little too crowded in there to count on it. Trying acupuncture to try to flip em around. Fingers crossed. Hoping to avoid a C-section, although it isn't the end of the world if I can't. I am just concerned about how DD will handle my not being able to pick her up, etc after the babies get here. I think the transition will be rough for her and my being stuck on one floor of the house and not able to carry her for a few weeks will not help that. Fingers crossed that acupuncture or spinning babies will help. What haven't you been able to do during your pregnancy that you look forward to doing again once your babies are born?1. Running! I ran until I was 5 or 6 months along with DD but for some reason this pregnancy it just never felt quite right so I stopped after a month-ish. I miss it so much. It helps put my brain in a good place. 

2. Sleeping in any old position I feel like

3. Copious amounts of sushi, carpaccio and any other really undercooked animal protein I might want. 

morrkim

Good
I think the bh might have slowed down some. I had an u/s last week baby a was measuring 3lb 13oz. Baby b was 4 lb 2 oz and they were both head down still. Doctor didn't say anything about taking me out of work.

Bad
I was having some pain on my right side yesterday, but luckily it went away. Someone commented that I look like I dropped since they saw me Friday. My doctor is having surgery and doesn't think he will be back before I deliver.

I miss sleeping in different positions, but I know I probably won't be able to completely since it hurt to sleep on my stomach with dd bfing. I miss being able to do rides at the fair if I have the opportunity.

MrsC430

@absolutelymaybe‌ I can definitely understand where you're coming from. I'm at a loss & heartbroken by the announcement myself. Know that your fellow twin mamas are by your side, and supportive of any break you may need. Hugs!

@CPM13‌ You totally have me craving "undercooked animal protein" now!

The good: I had a 30 week ultrasound w/ MFM last week. Babies are healthy and growing right on track. Baby A was estimated at 4.5 lbs, Baby B at 3.5 lbs. I was surprised by the pound difference between them, but the doctor wasn't concerned and is calling them "bigger" for twins. My GD test was normal, so hopefully they're just taking after my tall & bulky DH.

The not so good: Long story short - we currently rent a condo. The owner (our landlord) filed for bankruptcy, and we're being forced to move within the next couple of months.

Luckily we were able to find a new apartment, but the timing obviously couldn't be worse. IDK if it's the hormones, but I'm stressed and feeling like a failure of a mom. Yesterday I started packing up the (finished) nursery that I had worked so hard on... cue the ugliest cry ever. Life goes on and I know that everything will be okay, but I did not envision bringing my babies home to unpacked boxes and chaos.

Thanks for letting me vent

absolutelymaybe

@ktibbits1 - Thanks! I am feeling a little better (busy morning working and got good news -- they're working toward putting in rooms for nursing moms so hopefully I'll have access to something when I come back for maternity leave. So helped take my mind off of things.) I just try to tell myself that just because someone had a loss doesn't mean I will. I just feel so awful for them and have no idea how to respond.

@CPM13 - Thanks! I try to tell myself the same thing. Just for some reason this morning it got to me. I'm feeling better. I'm glad you are still feeling good. Sorry to hear about A flipping breech. Both of mine are breech (and haven't flipped since...ever). I'm okay with a c-section, but like you concerned about the recovery time. I can't imagine what it would be like already having a child to care for, though, in addition to the twins. I really hope your acupuncture and spinning babies (I didn't know they did this for twins?) will work and you get tour v-birth! Oh -- and kudos to running as long as you did with your daughter!

@morrkim - Congrats on your head-down babies and those seem like great weights! Hopefully the pain is nothing serious. As for babies dropping, I'm not sure about anyone else, but mine are up and down depending on the day. Some days it looks like they dropped, but by the next morning they are back digging their skulls into my ribcage again.

@MrsC430 - Thanks! I'm glad you had a good appointment and on the "bigger" twins. That's great that they are growing so well. Sorry to hear about the living situation. The timing is awful, but I'm glad you were able to find a place so you at least have somewhere to go. I hope you are able to reestablish your nursery in the new apartment without too much pain.

@IntuitiveBlue - Flawless!? Wow! I don't think there is a higher compliment than that. Congratulations on everything going so well and on healthy baby growth! *Raises water bottle* Here's to at least five more weeks of continued awesome!

amberej

Had an ultrasound last Thursday, they both are doing great and growing like crazy, baby boy is 5lbs 1oz and baby girl is 4lbs 6oz! Im really starting to slow down here lately.

Non-stress test was today heartbeats are strong and moving a lot, having some Braxton hicks.

What haven't you been able to do during your pregnancy that you look forward to doing again once your babies are born?

I can't wait to sleep on my stomach, be able to go up and down the stairs without being out of breath and bend over to pick up things of thefloor with ease... It's the little things!

ktibbits1

@yess0311 Congratulations on the arrival of your little ones!  

I had a growth U/S today, Miles is weighing in at 4lbs12oz and Sadie at 4lbs7oz.  They've both put on about 2 lbs in the past month so I'm glad they're still growing and doing well!  Both are head down still as well.  I have an appt with my OB Thursday, hoping it's the standard, "everything looks good, see you in a couple weeks" that it has been so far.

I'm missing: lifting weights and being in shape!  I've gained almost 50 lbs, which makes me wonder if people are lying to my face when they say I look small for twins... or maybe that "for twins" qualifier is the key Also SO missing alcohol and sushi!

missvolvo

I had a little pre-eclampsia scare last Friday - my blood pressure was a little high and my legs were so swollen - but after I was sent to the hospital triage, all the tests came back normal and there were no concerns.  I really don't want to get pulled out of work yet so I am taking some vacation time here and there just to rest and put my feet up a couple afternoons a week.  On the other hand, I think we have come up with names!  John Mario and George Anthony. And our nursery is getting set up.  I feel like things are coming together, which is good since now I am little nervous about getting pulled out of work or the babies coming early.  Ultrasound on October 1!

I'm missing cold cuts, particularly boarshead, and I don't even like coldcuts that much!  Also missing being able to sleep through the night though I don't think I'll be getting that back anytime soon!

ktibbits1

@missvolvo Yes! Sleeping through the night! I forgot there was such a thing

tiersa_smith

Hi ladies! Congrats to @yess0311‌ on the birth of your twins. Glad to hear they are doing great and wishing them a quick time through NICU and that they will be home with you soon.

How are you feeling? What's on your mind? Give us an update!

Good- I've been in good spirits trying to finalize my sons first birthday on Saturday. I'm looking forward to all his excitement at his party as this is his last time to be the only center or attention. My birthday is this Friday and I'm looking forward to the four course meal I expected lol and I'm gonna try to go out with my husband. My next appointment is on Monday so I look forward to the weight updates on twins and hope both heads are still down and they are more even in weight. Thursday is my last day at work

Bad- my belly has dropped so in feeling more pelvic pressure and the joint between my hip and thigh hurts especially on the left.

I must say the losses and the early births scare me. I'm 31 weeks I Friday and I haven't flown to Miami as yet where I will have the babies so that makes me a bit nervous. I'm praying baby stays and grows bigger before delivery.

What haven't you been able to do during your pregnancy that you look forward to doing again once your babies are born?

Kickboxing, sleep on my tummy. Get real wild with my DH. Really run and play rough with my son. Wear high heels!

MsMolly520

How are you feeling? What's on your mind? Give us an update! 

Feeling slowwww. I have entered waddle territory and have started wearing my belly brace more consistently. It truly helps take away the pelvic pressure! 

I had an u/s appointment with MFM at 29+0 and everything looked great. Baby A was measuring 3.3lbs and Baby B was at 3.6lbs. I had an OB appointment today and got confirmation that the RCS has been scheduled at the hospital on November 14th. I'll be 38+1 and just crossing all fingers, toes and praying we make it. Although if we don't, I have come to an inner peace that everything will somehow be okay. 

What haven't you been able to do during your pregnancy that you look forward to doing again once your babies are born? 

Sleep on my back! Play on the floor with DS without being super uncomfortable. And eat pizza without the consequence of heartburn.

Edit: paragraph fail

erinwithtwins

Wanted to wait until after my appt today to answer ...

How are you feeling? What's on your mind? Give us an update
Been an interesting roller coaster of a week. Felt great over the weekend went to a concert and a party. Not sure if it was a consequence of too much fun over the weekend Then the babies both went transverse and I've never been so uncomfortable in my life. Cried myself to sleep for two nights. Couldn't sleep and both sides hurt so badly.
Felt baby A flip last night and feel so much better now. He's back to head down.

Had our MFM appt and growth scan today and the boys are huge!! 5.6 and 5.7 lbs! I'm a little nervous how big they are going to get but super excited they are bigger than smaller. He said gestational age is way more important for development than weight. He suspects my blood sugars are wonky but I keep passing all the tests.

Overall a pretty good week besides the pain.

@absolutelymaybe‌ hang in there!! I totally understand the grief! I had to back away early on because I was driving myself crazy reading everyone's loss stories. I still am not reading the birth stories. Did once and was sad for days. I know that may sound selfish but it's how I stay sane

...and a random question

What haven't you been able to do during your pregnancy that you look forward to doing again once your babies are born?

Lifewise
Sleep on my back! bend over to pick something up without hurting, not drop so many things. Sleep for more than two hrs. Save $$ on toilet paper. Not think twice about moving things. I'm not used to asking for help. And the biggest one. Breathing normally. The low blood pressure and anemia dizziness are simply no fun.

Food wise...
Drink a glass of expensive tequila over ice !! I bought the breast milk strips that test your milk for alcohol and can't wait to try them out. Sushi and bloody steak! Also just being able to grab a sandwich. Or a coffee. Or hibiscus tea. Ok now I'm hungry.

Have a great week ladies!

absolutelymaybe

Just found out my MIL is scheduling my shower for Oct. 26. You know, when I'll be 35w2d? LOL. Whatever. I will try my best to make it :-) 

lisalynnmama

Hi ladies!  I am back to complain!  HA.  Seriously, I am so uncomfortable now.

How are you feeling? What's on your mind? Give us an update!

My hips have decided that they want in on the pain party so now standing up and walking are painful.  My feet have started to swell (doc said it is normal and not even that bad) but it hurts and I know from experience that it won't go away until after delivery (and probably even a week or two after that).  I have this urge to DO ALL THE THINGS but also to DO NOTHING.  Anyone else feel this way?  Had my first BPP this week and the girls both look perfect.  My bp is excellent and so is all of my bloodwork.  My doc called me a rockstar and that was a nice pick-me-up on Tuesday.  I will now be going every week for appointments.  I was 33 weeks yesterday and if I make it to next Tuesday, I will officially be more pregnant than I have ever been.  My water broke with DS at 33 weeks, 5 days and I am just trying to get to Tuesday. That will be a big mental help thing for me, I think. One funny thing:  I had to go online and order giant size underwear because my bump is so huge that it has rendered all of my current underwear basically useless.  I needed the big panties so I can, hopefully, stretch them around the bump and keep them off of my c-section scar.  Underpants rubbing on that all day long hurts, yo!  

What haven't you been able to do during your pregnancy that you look forward to doing again once your babies are born?

So many things!  Not be in pain anymore.  Bend over.  Get out of bed without feeling like I might die.  No more nausea.  Having energy.  Breathing.  I could go on and on.  

absolutelymaybe

lisalynnmama said:

Hi ladies!  I am back to complain!  HA.  Seriously, I am so uncomfortable now.

How are you feeling? What's on your mind? Give us an update!

My hips have decided that they want in on the pain party so now standing up and walking are painful.  My feet have started to swell (doc said it is normal and not even that bad) but it hurts and I know from experience that it won't go away until after delivery (and probably even a week or two after that).  I have this urge to DO ALL THE THINGS but also to DO NOTHING.  Anyone else feel this way?  Had my first BPP this week and the girls both look perfect.  My bp is excellent and so is all of my bloodwork.  My doc called me a rockstar and that was a nice pick-me-up on Tuesday.  I will now be going every week for appointments.  I was 33 weeks yesterday and if I make it to next Tuesday, I will officially be more pregnant than I have ever been.  My water broke with DS at 33 weeks, 5 days and I am just trying to get to Tuesday. That will be a big mental help thing for me, I think. One funny thing:  I had to go online and order giant size underwear because my bump is so huge that it has rendered all of my current underwear basically useless.  I needed the big panties so I can, hopefully, stretch them around the bump and keep them off of my c-section scar.  Underpants rubbing on that all day long hurts, yo!  

What haven't you been able to do during your pregnancy that you look forward to doing again once your babies are born?

So many things!  Not be in pain anymore.  Bend over.  Get out of bed without feeling like I might die.  No more nausea.  Having energy.  Breathing.  I could go on and on.  

I can definitely feel that. I managed some energy last weekend to get the twins' closet organized and that was a BIG accomplishment. Now I'm back to..."I really need to (fill in the blank)....but I don't feel like it"