Practice!

We offered to watch our friends', Josie and Bob, baby on Saturday while they enjoyed brunch out. Clay was a joy and we had a great time testing out toys (he loves the jumper), feeding him a bottle, and singing silly songs. He's a very smiley and happy boy of just 5 months. We look forward to tons of play dates with the girls and Clay! Don't you love how he is looking at David so lovingly? He turned David into mush (David that is!)!

Josie and Bob -- Thanks for trusting us with your precious cargo!

Week 25

Well, it's already Wednesday and I don't have a picture, so I'll do a post anyways. My belly is definitely growing and the girls are very active. It's quite amazing, actually. Here's what's going on inside -- Head to heels, they measure about 13 1/2 inches and weight about a pound and a half. They are beginning to exchange their long, lean look for some baby fat. As they do, their wrinkled skin will begin to smooth out and they'll start to look more and more like a newborn. They are also growing more hair and if we could see it, we could could able to discern its color and texture.

We had a great weekend -- Friday we went to a friend's birthday party; Saturday we went to an art exhibit, brunch and then David had poker night and I had girls night. Us ladies went to dinner and then enjoyed chocolate fondue for dessert! It was yum! Sunday, we had brunch plans with friends who also have twins and then ran errands! Can you tell I'm trying to fully take advantage of life before it changes forever?

Baby Moon Part 2

To escape the madness of the Inauguration activities, we escaped to the Goodstone Inn in Middleburg, Virginia. Only about an hour from DC, but we felt like we had really escaped! It was lovely! The property is amazing! There are five different houses on the 265 acre property with only 17 rooms. We stayed in the Dutch Cottage and we called ahead to see if anyone was staying in the second room and to our surprise they said they reserved the entire cottage for us. David called ahead and arranged for candles, rose peddles, flowers and champagne (cider for me)...it was super romantic. We dined in the restaurant our first night and it was nearly as nice as the Inn at Little Washington (our best meal in the area...nothing still has beat the Otahuna Lodge in New Zealand). It was seven courses of amazing food and presentation. The second day it snowed and the countryside was beautiful. After exploring the quaint town of Middleburg, we cuddled up to the fire and enjoyed a day in the cottage. We will definitely return to the Goodstone! Check it out.
http://www.goodstone.com/

24 Weeks

The girls' are almost foot long (picture an ear of corn you Hoosiers!). Their brains are also growing quickly now, and their taste buds are continuing to develop. Their lungs are developing "branches" of the respiratory "tree" as well as cells that produce surfactant, a substance that will help the air sacs inflate once they hits the outside world. The girls' skin is still thin and translucent, but that will start to change soon.

My regular OBGYN visit on Friday went well. Both heartbeats are around 160. They threatened bedrest again and I fired back with the statement of "rockstar cervix" by my perinatologist and the fact that there is no clinical evidence that indicates bedrest without a medical reason prevents preterm labor. She agreed and said we'd come up with a workable solution when the time comes. What a relief. Don't get me wrong, I may happily accept staying at home instead of commuting nearly 2 hours a day, but bedrest sounds DREADFUL!!!! However, if there's ever a medical reason for it, I will not push back whatsoever.

So, do I look bigger this week?

David Has a Cold!

David has been off work for 3 days this week with a cold. Poor baby. I think he's faking it, but I have still been showering with love and affection...at a distace. He's enjoyed "camping" on the couch for the last 3 nights too. There's no way I'm going to risk getting whatever he has. Call me selfish, I don't care! :) It's all about the girls!

I put this hat on David when he was complaining about his 99.8 degree fever and the "shivers."

Week 23 or 6th Months

Check out my big belly! The girls are very active all most of the day; sometimes they literally make me jump. I can also see them squirm underneath my clothes. It's the strangest and coolest feeling ever. I'm still convinced that Baby B is going to be the trouble maker or seriously outgoing. She packs a mean punch -- let's hope she wasn't like I was at a kid or I'm going to have trouble. Mom, I need advice now!

As far as the development, more than 11 inches long and weighs just over a pound (about as much as a large mango). Blood vessels in her lungs are developing to prepare for breathing, and their ears can distinguish loud and familiar noises. A pretty uneventful week. I'll just continue to eat well and get some light exercise.

"Rock Star Cervix!"

Yesterday, we had another ultrasound. While it is sooo exciting to see the babies, it is also very nerve racking to know for sure that they are developing as expected. Dr. Poggie (my perinatologist) was very pleased. The girls' are in the 40% percentile in weight (this is among all births -- girls, boys and singletons), so she was super pleased. Baby A weighs 1.3 pounds and Baby B weighs 1.2 pounds. I only have 5-1/2 more pounds to go to avoid the low birth weight classification! This growth is totally consistent with what was expected. She did a ton of other measurements and spent a good deal of time on the heart--she again was visually excited to see that everything looked great. 4 chambers with blood all pumping very well. Baby A is now head up and spine up, Baby B is head down and face up. They will continue to move around. Unfortunately, Baby A's position didn't allow for any cute profile shots, so you here you can take a look at her perfect spine and back of her head (that's not her face). :) Baby B seems to have a stuck up nose like me.

Then, the part I was waiting for...the evaluation of my cervix. This is where the rubber meets the road on preterm labor, complications for early delivery, etc. She exclaimed, "You have a rock star cervix." Of course I wonder, how long that's going to last. She explained that typically it doesn't change much after 22 weeks, so I should be in the clear. However, I know things can change at any time for any reason. My cervix, for those of you who are dying to know, is 4.5cm. That's MUCH longer than the 2.5cm that would cause alarm. Yeah!

I had a lengthy discussion with her about bed rest (remember, my other doctor is going to mandate it). She said there are no medical studies that indicate bed rest for the sake of bed rest (i.e. no real reason) does anything except potentially cause blood clots in the legs. This is excellent news. We'll see what my OBGYN says, but I'm likely going to see how I feel before following doctor's orders if nothing is wrong. However, I know soon I will likely feel uncomfortably huge and might enjoy working from home in jammies, instead of making the 50 minute commute on metro. We'll see. Regardless, I am very happy!!!

Thank You, Papa Romley

The nursery is coming together and we're thrilled. We've decided to not take on a totally baby theme (no bright pinks or anything too baby) and make it a little more of what I'm calling "sophisticated baby." It's a bit shabby chic, sort of. We've gone with a bird theme with the use of bedding from Pottery Barn Kids and have scored some really cool bird figurines and pictures along the way. I love it (and think David does too) and since the girls' will dictate every moment of our lives after they are born, I figured why not go with a theme we love!? Plus, I've never been a girly, girl...I can't handle too much pink.

We finally have all of the major pieces of furniture for the nursery. Papa Romley (David's Dad) and Carol (Step-Mom) gave us a cash for Christmas and we couldn't think of a better place to spend it -- on the girl's room. After much searching, we found a large rocker that should give me plenty of room to feed both girls at the same time (hey, I'm hoping to be efficient in the ways I can). The chair rocks and swivels and the ottoman rocks. It's upholstered in a light green gingham. It's been scotch guarded to protect from all the spit up. So...thank you Papa Romley and Carol. The girls will hopefully love to be fed and rocked to sleep in this chair!

The Belly Popped

On our vacation to Florida after two days, my belly POPPED! I finally fit into maternity shirts and people on the street rubbed my belly and passed along their congratulations. I suppose it is about time at 22 weeks, but it's a little strange and I'm just feeling chubby.

The girls are kicking up a storm and we realized over our babymoon that they are night partiers. They love loud music and to dance around after dinner, which is actually quite painful to Momma's right ribs (they feel very brusied inside). I can now feel their dancing on the outside of my belly--David also felt their first real kick on December 30th (btw, which is the date David proposed in 2005).

The girls are growing -- they are 11 inches long and almost 1 pound. They are starting to look like miniature newborns. The lips, eyelids, and eyebrows are becoming more distinct, and they are even developing tiny tooth buds beneath their gums. Their eyes have formed, but their irises still lack pigment. Inside their bellies, the pancreas — essential for the production of some important hormones — is developing steadily.

A Potential Future Boyfriend

Lucas Jackson Willis Venner was born on December 3oth; he's one of the cutest babies we've ever seen. Kelly and Jason are doing well and we are excited to share the joys of parenthood with them as soon as our girls arrive. Congrats to our good friends!

Baby Moon & New Year

Knowing our travel adventures will be seriously cut after the girls are born, we went on one "final" vacation - a Babymoon to Florida over New Years. We started in Miami, laying on the beautiful beaches of South Beach (SOBE). We visited our friend Justin, and later explored the beautiful Art Deco district stopping in the famous Delano hotel to check out the happenin' Miami nightlife (Meredith wasn't sad she missed). After a couple of nights, we rented a car and drove West to the island retreat of Sanibel and Captiva island near Ft. Myer where we explored the island's nature preserve (David's upset because we didn't see a live aligator). New Years was out of control for David, partying with old and young. Meredith was a real trooper as she patiently watched David drink and dance the night away (see video - posted by Meredith in editing). Meredith helped David nurse his raging hangover and then drove to our final destination North to Clearwater, Fl. We caught up with David's good friend Ned and his family, and Meredith's Dad and Debi rode down on their motorcycle from Orlando to visit in the morning.

Merry Christmas!

Today was a blast. We woke up early (as usual), I made sticky buns, and we started to open presents and call family. Our parents and siblings were super generous. Some highlights include cash from the fathers and Shane, maternity pjs from David's Mom, spa goods from Gage and Jen, an advent calendar filled with goodies from Aaron & Suzette, homemade cookies and a small flexible tripod from Aunt Sylvia. David also hit the nail on the head with my gifts -- new pearl earrings (I lost the last pair he gave me...very unlike me, I know), a massage, new alarm clock, a baby book, and makeup bag. I got David a new shirt, sweater vest, overcoat, and shoes. His favorite gift a harmonica, which Santa gave him in his stocking. Unfortunately, I think the coat and shoes will be returned because David is impossible to shop for because he is so buff and short! The shoes just might not be right.

Tonight, we cooked dinner and enjoyed it with our friends Jon, Jen, Monique and Shawn. Mo and Shawn were joined by their new baby, Maya, who is soooo adorable. Hannah was there too and she was well behaved and a little lady.

It was a wonderful Christmas!!!! We hope it was for you as well!

Christmas Eve

Last night we celebrated Christmas Eve at our good friend's -- Jon, Jen's and Hannah (their 4 year old daughter). They served up an amazing meal of lobster, filet, croquettes, asparagus, and mini spice bundt cakes for dessert. It was delicious!

Over Halfway Through -- Late Post

This week was another good one full of holiday parties and cookie eating. I'm still feeling great except for definitely feeling some weird pains in my side and back when I stand too long in heels.

Christmas is this week and sadly Mom and Lanny aren't coming because they are still healing, but it's for the best. On Christmas Eve we're going to our friend John and Jen's house for dinner; Christmas Day we'll likely have some friends over (still working out the details); and the 27th we have yet another party to go to. On the 28th we leave for Florida for a week -- a few days in Miami, Sanibel Island and Clearwater. My Dad will actually be in Clearwater, so at least we'll see some family over the holidays.

My belly is bigger and the girls are moving quite a bit (I think the side pain is them digging in...it's very weird). I'm still in regular clothes (barely...I must look like a sausage stuffed in casing). The picture is from Wednesday night as I didn't get around to taking a pic until now. I imagine after our "babymoon" to Florida, I'll be back in the office in full maternity gear (can't wait-NOT!). I hate most of the stuff becuase I think it's all pretty ugly and homely looking. Oh well.

So, the girls are about 10 1/2 ounces now and around 6 1/2 inches long from head to bottom and about 10 inches from head to heel — the length of a banana. (For the first 20 weeks, when a baby's legs are curled up against the torso and hard to measure, measurements are taken from the top of the head to her bottom — the "crown to rump" measurement. After 20 weeks, they will be measured from head to toe.)

They are swallowing more these days; they are producing meconium, a black, sticky by-product of digestion. This gooey substance will accumulate in the bowels, and we'll get to see it in the first soiled diapers (some babies pass meconium in the womb or during delivery). That's gross, but apparently an important development this week.

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?

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?

Aren't you dying to know?

Well, we had a very successful visit to the perinatologist. The ultrasound went well -- we saw what the doctor called "beautiful hearts", stomachs, arms, legs, eyes, brains, spines, feet, hands. We saw it all. We also saw that they are TWO GIRLS!!!! Can you believe it? We are SOOO excited!!! David is anxious to be called Daddy. We're so happy they are growing as they should and everything looks "normal." However, the ultrasound pictures they gave us are of their faces, which is weird. Here's Baby A staring at you and the top of Baby B's head.

Now we have to come up with another girl's name. Any suggestions? BTW, we're not going to tell you the names we've picked out. There have to be some surprises, right?

Month 5 and My Belly is Growing...Finally!!!

Well, according to the "What to expect when you're expecting" book, I'm officially in the 5th month (weeks 18-22 weeks). Yes, funny math if you ask me. I guess you're squeezing 40 weeks into 9 months, you have to do funny math. This is the big week we find out the genders! Any guesses?

I've attached the weekly belly pic (I'll try to keep this up) and boy I feel like you can see a difference this week. Hello Babies! Here's what's shaking with the kiddos:

Head to rump, they are 5 1/2 inches long (about the length of a bell pepper) and weigh almost 7 ounces. They are busy flexing their arms and legs — movements that I can feel everyday! Their blood vessels are visible through the thin skin, and their ears are now in their final position, although they're still standing out from his head a bit if they have Benson or Romley ears. A protective covering of myelin is beginning to form around their nerves, a process that will continue for a year after they are born. If one is a girl, her uterus and fallopian tubes are formed and in place. If we're having a boy, his genitals are noticeable now.

Stay tuned for what will hopefully be an exciting post this weekend. However, there is still a chance their "stuff" may be hiding from the doctor.

Longstanding DC Traditions

Last night we continued two holiday traditions that seem to be a staple since I've arrived in DC over 8 years ago. Earlier in the evening, we went to the White House Open House for Executive Office of the President Staff. We toured around checking out the decorations and the official White House Christmas Tree. I love the gingerbread house, which is made from 150 pounds of chocolate; they do a version every year.

Later that night, we had our annual holiday party with my closest DC buddies. I think the party has been going on since 2001 (too many glasses of wine at these parties to remember exactly, I suppose). It was a different dynamic this year...not as crazy...as three of the five ladies are pregnant (with Diana just announcing that evening she was 14 weeks along!). We had a great time with tons of food, a hilarious gift exchange of outrageous gifts, a little "Guitar Hero" and lots of story telling from previous years. A few of our "crew" have moved back to the Midwest (Kristen, Josh, Tanya and Travis) and they were missed, but we still rallied until after 2am and enjoyed copious amounts of red wine (unfornately, us pregger babes did not induldge).

It's Beginning to Feel A Lot Like Christmas

Tomorrow is December 1st -- how on earth did that happen? On Thanksgiving we put up our tree and played Christmas music. This year, there was no spiked eggnog though :(
We're excited for our holiday party on December 13th and all of our friends who will come. Only one family member will be able to make it -- my cousin, Laura, who lives in Philly and her husband, RJ -- but we are very excited they are making the trip just for the party. Then, a few weeks later, my Mom and Step Dad are coming all the way from the good ol' Hoosier State to celebrate Christmas with us. I'm looking forward to dragging my Mom to the baby store to finish up our registry. Maybe we can accomplish a few more baby errands/tasks while they here too.

The picture is of our tree; pretty, eh? Happy Holidays Everyone!

15, 16 and 17 Weeks

I've been a slacker and not writing because I've been hoping to post some pictures. Our last doctor's visit went well, passing our latest blood test (the AFP) with flying colors. The RN had a hard time finding Baby A, but the doc found him/her right away. My next ultrasound is on 12/12 and we'll find out their gender!!! I'm soooo excited. Everyone keeps asking what I think they are -- I have no idea! How would I have a clue?

So, onto their developments (Btw, besides a cold which lasted a week, I feel fabulous!)--

The babies are 5 ounces and are 5 inches from head to bottom. The skeleton is changing from soft cartilage to bone, and the umbilical cord — her lifeline to the placenta — is growing stronger and thicker. They can bend their joints and sweat glands are starting to develop. Their hearts are now pumping about 25 quarts of blood each day, and this amount will continue to increase as your baby continues to develop. Isn't this insane? Now you have a good idea why I'm no longer running...I'm huffing and walking on an inclined treadmill! Last week, the ears are very close to their final position and the patterning of the scalp has begun. They have tiny toenails.

Attached is a picture of what the babies are supposed to look like at 17 weeks, and a picture of my belly at 17 weeks, 1 day. I'm starting to show (no one has said so yet), but all my clothes still fit...they are snug!

Thank you Grandpa & Grandma Benson

As you all expected because we are crazy planners, our nursery is coming along. My Dad bought us a dresser/changing table/hutch. We love it! Also, thanks to our friend Brian for helping David lug it up the stairs. We also ordered a crib and hoped to put it together over Christmas when my Mom (Gram) and Lanny (Step Dad and Gramps) will be visiting, but we were required to return it within a week if we didn't like it. So, by default, not anal planning, we have a crib and dresser already assembled -- which totally freaks me out. It makes David excited (I think it's because he doesn't know yet what we're in for--ha ha). Here's a picture of the nursery so far.

Visit to San Diego & David's Birthday

So, here we are nearly past the 14 week mark without a post. We've been busy. On Saturday, we left for San Diego to visit David's Mom and Step Dad for the long weekend and to celebrate David's 38th Birthday. It'd been a year and a half since we'd seen them and it was nice to catch up. We celebrated Thanksgiving early and talked a lot about the babies. I also was able to see two very good friends -- Chris and Lauren. It'd been forever since I'd seen them and it really great to catch up. Thanks to Lauren for driving down from Santa Monica with her new 3 month old (ADORABLE!) baby.

At a happy hour for David's birthday on Friday, everyone was polite enough to say they couldn't believe I was pregnant (we finally told all of our friends). Today, however, I put on a suit and the pants are getting a little snug! I imagine in the next few weeks, I'll be busting out the bella band (a band you use to keep your pants up when they are unbuttoned or unzipped) since I'm not ready for maternity clothes yet. Speaking of, I ordered some from Old Navy and they are all SO BIG! I can't imagine I'll actually fit into them soon. It's scary. Unfortunately, I haven't taken any pictures. I'll fix that for the next post. [We're going to the USMC Birthday Ball this weekend, so there may be a fancy picture of us worthy of posting.]

As for the babies -- This week's big developments: they can now squint, frown, grimace, pee, and suck their thumb! In other news: the babies measure 3 1/2 inches from head to bottom — about the size of a lemon — and weigh 1 1/2 ounces. His body's growing faster than his head, which now sits upon a more distinct neck. Arms have grown to a length that's in proportion to the rest of his body. (Their legs still have some lengthening to do.) There's even an ultra-fine, downy covering of hair, called lanugo, all over their bodies.

Babies Abound!

This week, I learned two of my girlfriends are also pregnant! One is due on April 30th, just 4 days after us; the other is due in late July. We're incredibly excited to be able to share our pregnancy ups and downs with our close friends. Also, I visited another good friend, Josie, yesterday and her 8 week old baby is doing really well. She loaned me some maternity clothes and a few books to help get me started (except on the books since I've ready gone through about 7 twins books).

As for the babies, they are the size of medium shrimp (3 inches long) and weigh nearly an ounce. Their Fingerprints have formed on thei tiny fingertips, their veins and organs are clearly visible through their still-thin skin, and their bodies are starting to catch up with their heads— which makes up just a third of their body size now. If baby A is indeed a girl, she now has more than 2 million eggs in her ovaries.

I still feel great. I went to the gym 6 days this week and continue to do lots of cardio (not running...seems too weird) and some light weights like I used to. I'm also attending weekly yoga, but I wonder how that will evolve as my tummy gets bigger. I've put on a few pounds, but I still fit into my clothes and I don't think anyone can tell I'm growing.

Until next week....

12 Weeks

Today we had our 12 week ultrasound. They test for all sorts of stuff to make sure the babies are developing all of their pieces and parts correctly. They also test for downs syndrome. The doctor said the babies are "perfect" and everything looks "normal." What a relief. It was incredible! They took tons of pictures while they did the ultrasound. I've attached one for you to check out.

BTW, the doc is convinced Baby A is a girl. Not so sure about Baby B.

10 Week Appointment

I had my 10 week prenatal appointment yesterday. I was a bit worried because I knew they were going to use a doppler fetal heart rate monitor and 10 weeks is the earliest they can detect a heart rate with this device. It's a little probe they put on your belly and it has a speaker that broadcasts what it picks up; it's pretty generic if you ask me. Since I've heard a lot about "vanishing twin syndrome" (don't get me started, it's scary), I was stressed that she would only be able to find one heartbeat. Well, she squeezed goo all over my lower belly and started searching. Baby B (right) was detected right away with a heartbeat of 178. Baby B is about 1 inch below and to the right of my belly button. She searched and searched for Baby A (left) and finally found he/she about an inch by my left hip bone -- really far away from Baby B. Baby A's heart rate was 171. They probably don't even know they are sharing the womb with each other! Over time they will soon realize they are sharing space. Those heart rates are normal and that was really the extent of my doctor's appointment except for my doc asking if we had local family to help us. She suggested we get a postpartum doula to help us, especially at night. No problem; I can follow doctor's orders! She also said I will only go to 38 weeks; they will induce if I don't go into labor by then. She also said it's likely that I may go on bedrest around week 24. There's nothing I can do to prevent it, it's just the norm, unfortunately. That's really going to SUCK!

I'll write again at week 12, which is when we will have elective genetic testing -- another sonogram with a nuchal translucency blood test. It will detect downs syndrome and other chromosonial disorders. Soon after, we're going to finally tell everyone the secret we've been dying to tell everyone since August 30th!

Baby Kumquats

We're at week 10. They are finally fetuses or is it feti? I feel great and spent the Columbus weekend in Boston walking miles and miles all day.

Here's what's going on with their growth -- Though they are barely the size of a kumquat — a little over an inch or so long, crown to bottom — and weighs less than a quarter of an ounce, the most critical portion of development is complete.
The fetal period is a time when the tissues and organs in his body rapidly grow and mature.

They are swallowing fluid and kicking up a storm. Vital organs — including his kidneys, intestines, brain, and liver (now making red blood cells in place of the disappearing yolk sac) — are in place and starting to function. Details are starting to form like tiny nails forming on fingers and toes and peach-fuzz hair beginning to grow on tender skin.

Boston

We had a fantastic time in Boston checking out the sites (freedom trail, various museums and galleries, shopping, eating well, etc). We just happened to be there on Columbus Day and here's a picture of us with Chris.

Two Grapes

Well, here we are in the 9th week. The babies are an inch long — about the size of a grape — and weigh just a fraction of an ounce. They are starting to look more and more human. Their essential body parts are accounted for (how amazing!). Other changes: the babies heart's finishes dividing into four chambers, and the valves start to form — as do their tiny teeth. The organs, muscles, and nerves are kicking into gear. The external sex organs are there but won't be distinguishable as male or female for another few weeks. Their eyes are fully formed, but eyelids are fused shut and won't open until 27 weeks. They have tiny earlobes, and her mouth, nose, and nostrils are more distinct. The placenta is developed enough now to take over most of the critical job of producing hormones. This is all according to the typical development pattern and that's what I'm hoping is going. I still feel great.

I've been learning a lot this week (already read a book on twins and starting another). What is stressing me out mostly is eating enough. I've read twice that I need to eat about 3,200 calories. I think that has to be extremely high for my size and it's something I'm going to follow up with my doctor on at our next appointment (she said 2,200 calories with one baby). I will also likely put on 35-50 pounds. I'm going to be HUGE!!!! Also, something to chat about with the Doc. Also, I'm up at night thinking about logistics -- How I will nurse them? How will I manage them in a dual stroller? Should we set up one nursery or two right now? How does co-sleeping work? How will I do this when I'm all alone after David goes back to work and all the visitors are gone? I need to remember tons of people have done this and I don't need to figure it out right away.

The News Gets Even Better

After a bit of a scare this weekend (a tiny bit of bleeding and I freaked out), the doctor sent us for an early sonogram. I'm 8 weeks -- a critical period -- and we were worried about miscarriage. Since we weren't due to hear the heartbeat until our next prenatal appointment on October 17th, I was very anxious. The technician checked out my uterus, ovaries and then went for the embryo (btw, it's not a fetus until 10 weeks). After what felt like 15 minutes waiting, I questioned what the dark splotches were on the screen and if there was heartbeat. She pointed to the dark splotch and said here's the baby -- AND HERE'S ANOTHER!!!!! Yes, we're having twins. Yes, we are freaking out. This only happens 1.1% of the time naturally, so I guess we're just super lucky and fertile. They are fraternal or dizygotic, which means they have their own sacs. From what we've read, we have 50/50 odds of them being same sex or both sexes. We're excited and scared and DYING to tell everyone, but we're waiting until week 12, just to be safe. She said everything looks great -- totally normal for 8 weeks. The heartbeats were 172 and 181, for Baby A and B. My doc says to rest this week and then I can go back to the gym. I also have to take 500 extra miligrams of calcium. For those of you who are wondering, I feel great. I have not had morning sickness at all; I only feel a bit tired. I am incredibly lucky -- to be carrying twins and to feel so well. P.S. I've included the first pics of the babies. It's amazing!

Best Birthday Present Ever!

On August 30th, I was given the best 34th birthday present -- a positive pregnancy test. The weekend couldn't be better as we were spending it with my family at our lake cottage in Michigan, just like I did every summer as a child. It just seemed to be appropriate to find out such incredible news with the some of most important people in my life there, including my 87 year old Granny. However, we didn't tell anyone. They will just have to wait.

Starting a Blog

Here we are, Creating a blog! We could just pick up the phone and call you, but we thought this would be a fun way to keep our family and friends up to date on our hectic lives. This was David's idea back in October 2007 and we never kept it up. Well, now we have a real reason because there are lots of changes underway--We're having a baby! We're just not yet out of the woods yet, so these posts will be here for you to view once we hit 12 weeks. I'll recap the events as we go along.