Tuesday, December 16, 2008

Not a Happy Pregnant Camper

I had a routine 4 week checkup at the doctor today. Fun facts -- Baby A's heartrate was 155 and Baby B's was 166. Both normal. Both babies are head down according to the ultrasound, but they will continue to move around. My fundal height (pelvic bone to top of uterus) is 25 centimeters, which is 6 centimeters bigger than someone carrying 1 baby.

BAD NEWS: The doc told me it wasn't a question of IF I'll be on bedrest, it's WHEN!!! She said between 26 and 28 weeks, I'll be placed on modified bedrest until week 34. That means no work. I can bathe and cook my meals, but other than that I'm on the couch or in bed. I'm really bumming. You all will have to help keep me entertained. Who's known me to sit on the couch for a few hours, let alone 6-8 weeks?

Sunday, December 14, 2008

Holiday Open House & 19 weeks


Yesterday, we hosted a holiday open house. About 80 people showed up between 2-6pm and it was a great hit! We saw friends we haven't seen for a while and others we see all the time, but it was the first time all of our friends were gathered togther. We practically ran out of food -- you'd think 200 stuffed mushrooms, 250 meatballs, 300 shrimp, veggies, dips, other appetizers, and 6 different desserts would have been enough. Laura and RJ came down on the choo-choo from Philly and it was wonderful to see them! We are excited they plan to return for our baby shower on February 7th. They brought the babies their first gift, a cute and fuzzy blue elephant, which is already hanging out in the nursery.

Most were amazed that I was 19 weeks along and expecting twins. I'm still hiding it pretty well in normal clothes -- I'm not fooling anyone in my weekly sweat get-up (see picture). The little ones are growing -- their brains are designating specialized areas for smell, taste, hearing, vision, and touch. They may be may be able to hear our voice now (David has started singing directly to my bump). They each weigh about 8 1/2 ounces and measures 6 inches, head to bottom — about the size of a large heirloom tomato. Their arms and legs are in the right proportions to each other and the rest of their body now. Ther kidneys (which were all verified to be in good condition by my perinatologist) continue to make urine and the hair on their scalps are sprouting. A waxy protective coating called the vernix caseosa is forming on her skin to prevent it from pickling in the amniotic fluid. Yikes, thank goodness for vernix case-whatever!

This week marks the offical halfway point since I won't be carrying the babies longer than 38 weeks. I have a feeling the "real" pregnancy sets in soon! Besides not being able to stand on my feet for hours on end and some minor back upper back pain in the morning (I think because of my new bustiness!), I'm feeling great. Just so you know, I'm not styling every Sunday all day in this outfit; I thought it would allow us to compare week to week easier. Do you think I grew much last week?