2 Weeks old

Today was your official due date! :) Thank goodness you didn't go that far, you may have been over 8 lbs! :) So you are two weeks old, and such great little babies.

You both seem to already have a personality of your own. Juliet has the funniest expressions and Nelson and I swear she knows what is going on and is interacting with us. She is always making funny faces and has smiled a few times, I am sure on purpose...even though it is quite early, these were intentional. I just know it. She is quite alert often, and although if she isn't burped well, gets fussy and gassy, she is a great little girl. So petite and precious.

Jace is like a little puppy dog. Always sleepy and just content. I think you have smiled a few times intentionally too. You turn when someone speaks and are very aware, when you are awake that is. :0)

Since you both weren't getting enough to eat in the hospital, we started supplementing you with bottles. After the first few days at home, we stopped that and now you are both feeding well. We have taken you to the doctor twice to have you weighed and make sure you are gaining back the weight you have lost, and so far so good. On Monday, February 11th Juliet weighed 6 lb 9 oz and Jace 7lb 4 oz. On Friday, Juliet 6lbs 12 oz and Jace 7lb 8oz. So that is good. When we left the hospital you had both lost about 9% of your weight, so any gaining is great!

You both do really good, mostly eating, sleeping, and pooping..per the usual newborn! At night, you do relatively well. I try to stick to a 12,3,6,9 schedule as much as I can...at night you feed around 11 or 12 then 3, then 8 usually. Which is good, but remember it takes me about an hour at least to feed, burp, and change you both. Then if you are fussy and don't go right back to sleep, I am usually up for a couple of hours. It could be worse though, so I don't think that schedule is too bad. :)

It has been super fun having twins. I am in awe still there are two of you. I just love to sit and hold you both. I love you both near me, and still haven't put you in your swings too much. Next week Nana will be leaving and then I won't have a choice but to put you in your swings more:( but its okay....I will still love all over you every chance I get.

It has been so much fun and such a blessing. I have enjoyed every single second and am so grateful and blessed! Happy two weeks my little angel bunnies!

Birth Day!

Well, good morning! Here I am ready to head to the hospital to deliver the babies! This was my final pic of pregnancy! HUMONGO!

I headed to the hospital around 6, I had to prep for 7:30 surgery. To say I was apprehensive is an understatement. I was a bit nervous for a c section, and the new experience and recovery it would require!

When we arrived at the hospital, they monitored the babies, asked more questions, gave me an iv (which is usually by far the worst part of the whole thing), washed my belly :), and just prepared I guess. Then they made me drink this nasty nasty nasty acid drink to help with any throwing up I may do....put my hat on, and walked me over the ER. Nelson wasn't allowed to come in until right before they cut me open, so I had to go in by myself. Being so hormonal, I thought I would cry when I walked into the operating room. That is a weird experience. There are at least 10-15 people in the room, including residents learning....and I had to get up on the operating table and get a spinal block. It was much like an epidural, only just a shot instead of a cord going into your back. I am not sure if I think it was any more or less painful than an epidural. It wasn't bad, but it wasn't fun either. Mostly uncomfortable and a somewhat painful, but not too bad. (And I am a wuss with pain!)

After I received the spinal block, I went numb relatively fast. They laid me down, and put up the curtain so I can't see anything. They scrubbed me up, with iodine and whatever else they do...I couldn't feel anything....and as they are waiting for the Dr., they wanted to make sure I was numb enough, so they poked my arm with a tack and asked If could feel that. Of course I could, I was numb from the chest down.....then they poke your stomach and ask if you can feel the same sharpness. At first, you can, but then it goes away. It is really weird, because the block takes away any sharpness or feeling of that sort, but you still feel the sensation of touch or pressure. Quite weird, but no pain. So finally they cut me open, and I didn't feel a thing...thank goodness! I felt a little pressure but nothing to make me sick. It was just weird. So our little Juliet Emma made her debut into this world at 8:11 am weighing 7lbs 3 oz. As she was coming out she was grabbing onto the suction tube...they all found that funny. 

Here is her first picture. (we had to hurry and take some and text them to Jayda at home so the kids could see them before they left for school!:) 

Jace Joseph made his debut a couple of minutes later at 8:13am weighing 7lbs 13 oz. He came out and started peeing....following in his big brother Kason's footsteps! :) 

 I didn't really get to even see them until they took me into the recovery room. I started feeling really woozy and weird...not sick...just fuzzy headed and weird, so they showed me Juliet I think, but I just laid there with my eyes closed waiting for them to be done. Once both babies were out, my stomach felt better, but then I could feel the Dr. and the resident (who by the way delivered them really), pushing my organs around in there....that is what it felt like and Nelson said that is what they were doing. The anesthesiologist let Nelson take a peek a few times at what was going on, but he couldn't see much for the 2 Dr.s. Finally after what seemed a little long....I was done, they lifted me off onto my bed and took me to recovery to see these two cuties!

I was still feeling so weird, I couldn't even hold them, I felt weak and woozy and thought I may drop them. So that part was not fun. They said it was from the medicine they give you so you don't throw up. I didn't puke or even feel like it, but I was so woozy after it bothered me. It took a couple of hours to go away...which was a bummer!

So after I was in the recovery for awhile and all checked out well, they took me to my room. Then I got to enjoy looking at my two babies all I wanted! 

Here is Juliet, and a side view to see her pretty hair! :) She has lots of it in the back!

                           

Here is Jace and a side view...he doesn't have quite as much hair!

   

My two little Angels!

I just kept looking at them thinking, seriously? Is this real? I can't believe there are two! I told Nelson one would just seem boring. :) I just can't believe it. 

Overall, having a c section wasn't too bad. I would definitely prefer a regular birth over a c-section any day, but I am glad they were born healthy with no problems! So I would do anything for that outcome! 

The kids and Nana came up to the hospital to see the babies, Halle was sick a bit, so had to wear a mask, but they just loved them! 

 What a blessing. 2 in fact. So glad they are finally here. 

Definitely 2 tender mercies from our Heavenly Father. 

Are we there yet?

Wowser. I think I can. I think I can. I think I can.

I am so glad my countdown is so close. :) I am super uncomfortable and my joints are all lose, since that is what happens during pregnancy...so my hip are always hurting.....and pretty much doing anything but sitting on my duff is uncomfortable. And then, that is too sometimes!

Today I decided to stay home from church. It is hard enough to get them all dressed and hair fixed and such, but myself too...then climb in the van, drive to church, sit there for 3 hrs. I think I did pretty good going all the way up until last week. So the kids couldn't understand why I wasnt going...I apparently am not sick...so whats the deal?

I know they don't understand..and since to them I still do everything I can, they just don't get it. I should have stopped doing many things a long time ago, but as a mother of 6, that is virtually impossible and not a reality. And apparently besides being uncomfortalble, achy, and sore, it hasn't put me into to labor either, so be it. I am built to make babies I suppose.

You have to do what you have to do right? I asked for this, to be a mom and although I am quite miserable right now, irritable, and just probably no fun to be around....I am so grateful to be a mother and to be able to stay home with my kids. I am so grateful to have twins coming this week, and pain or not...c-section or not, it will all pass and nothing else will matter. I try to always be grateful for my blessings, because there are so many. Even though it is hard not being able to do what I want or need to do...like cleaning or organizing...and that is hard when you are about to have two new babies and you want to have a clean, organized, perfectly running house. But I just have to let go of that and move on.

Today and tomorrow are the two last days I can sit around on my duff, so I am trying to take complete advantage of that. Tuesday I have a Dr. appt and then have to do pre-admission testing at the hospital for my induction Wednesday. So even though there is laundry to wash, and things to be done.....it will have to be done a little at a time over the next two days. Because I am super uncomfortable.

My mom has been here for about 6 weeks, waiting to see if they come early...guess not. Sorry mom, you have put up with us for longer than necessary I guess. It has been nice to have her here to help do some of the cleaning and to stay with the kids when I need to go places, or Nelson takes me to the store. I know it can't be easy to be at someone else's mercy for so long, with no real independance of your own.

So here we go....in 72 hours from now we will have to new babies in our family! Can't wait.

Here are a couple of pics of me last week

37 weeks

                       Thursday





                                                                         Friday

 

Last weeks dr. appt measured me at 47 cm....he commented he hasn't seen a belly that big since triplets. I said, "well people have asked if there is an extra one hiding in there!" :) Yes, I am large... and it is time to have these babies!!!! :)

Ultrasound

Today was my last official "ultrasound," which is nice, but I was hoping when I scheduled it a month ago, I wouldn't be attending it. :) They measured the babies, monitored their breathing and movement...and made sure all was well. So far so good. They measure their heads, femur bone, and humerus bone? (the bones in the top of the thigh and top of the arm). Those measurements in the computer make an educated guess on their current weight. I knew it was likely big, but...ha. :) Juliet is guessed to weigh 6 lbs 13 oz and Jace 7 lbs 13 oz. They say it is give or take a pound, so I asked the Dr. who came in if it was likely they were 5 and 6 lbs...she said, not likely. My babies look big and they are most likely both around 7. haha! No wonder I am so very uncomfortable always. :) The Doc seemed surprise I was still carrying them because they are so big. She asked me if I was trying to break a record! Please....no, I am truly not! She asked if I had gestational diabetes, since they are so big....but nope, don't have that either! :) So even though they are big...I am glad because they will not need the NICU at all, no matter when they are born now, and that is really the biggest thing I prayed for. It is also nice to just think, any time now is great, no need to worry about anything, I am hoping my water breaks or contractions are close enough to head over the hospital. My braxton hicks are definitely more common, harder, and last longer, but still nothing to be too concerned about. At least not yet. a few times I thought maybe I might head over to the hospital, but then they subside. ;) Probably for the best,  because there always seems to be something going on I can't seem to miss......so going into labor would be inconvenient. Seems that way anyhow. I am hoping this week is fair game. Although I only have 9 more days until my scheduled c-section. I am happy for it to be anytime sooner than that. Babies are still breech, actually Juliet is breech and Jace, who is hogging all the room is laying transverse and kicking her in the head. :) He is making it known that even though she will be the oldest, he is in charge I guess. :) Maybe she just loves him enough to make him happy and move on over. (The Tech couldn't believe how far over to the left of my side she is)...she is tucked up in there. :) They both seem to have a little hair, which is normal for my kids....and about right considering my monstrous heartburn. :) But I am glad they are healthy and well and doing great! :)

Here are a few of my ailments (again not complaints...just facts)

My back always hurts. Sitting, walking, sleeping, no matter what.

I waddle...that is probably not the right word......it is more than waddling, sway..maybe. swaying from side to side.

Sleeping is probably the most uncomfortable thing to do. When I lie on one side it is only a matter of time before my hip starts to hurt, rather badly and my rib, so I must force myself to turn over.

Turning over while sleeping...VERY DIFFICULT...imagine around 15 or more lbs on top of your organs, and you painful back muscles trying to haul it over to the other side...ouch. very hard.

Laying on my right side for some reason is more difficult than the left. I automatically have  terrible heartburn, and my hip and rib hurt extremely fast. I would avoid it but it is impossible when my left side hurts.

I should probably sleep in the recliner down stairs...although I have gone down early in the morning, sleeping down there does not seem appealing. Although it would be more comfortable probably. Still hurts my back to sit for a long time, need lots of pillows.

My cankles are permanent until about 2 weeks after deliver. I retain so much water, all someone has to do is spit and  would soak it up.

Although a c-section seems a little scary to me and is unknown, I welcome it with open arms to take away all the pain. I am quite convinced the pain after a c-section will be minimal compared to all the aches and pains I feel now. :)

Everyone stares are my stomach, no my face, not my cankles, just the big round belly in the middle. I guess it is entertaining really, on everyone's account. :)

Each week at church, it is the same expressions and comments... "Oh, you are still here, I am surprised you are still pregnant...." while they look at my HUMONGOUS belly. :) But oh you still look good! :) hahaha.

I find it funny everyone says you look good...because I know when I am down to my normal size, which is very much smaller than what I am now...that is when people will be comfortable enough to say, "yeh, you were so huge!" :) haha.

I am always sweating somewhere...even in the 7 degree temperatures. Whether is is my swollen fat feet, my hands, my large belly hanging over my thighs...yes, somewhere. At least I am not cold. :)

Well, I am sure there are many more things, but for now, my back hurts and I am getting up from here. :) So excited to meet these two little angels from Heaven. I can't believe it. 2 babies! I can't believe it is finally here and all my wishes for twins is becoming a reality. What a blessing. I cannot wait to see them and hold them.

34 & 35 Weeks

 35 weeks

34 Weeks 1 day

I am getting rounder everywhere.....full of water.....and swollen...its a wonder how my chubby nubby fingers can even type. :) 

Notice I am running out of clothes to wear so I wear Nelson's shirts...at least a few of his fit me....I am too big for some of them....good times. :) ha!

I am scheduled for a c-section for February 6th at 7:30 am.....so unless I go into labor before then on my own....that will be their birthdays. February 6th sounds like a good day. :) 

3 weeks and counting

My last ultrasound (2 1/2 weeks ago) proved they are growing....Juliet was 4lbs 9 oz and Jace 5 lbs 3 oz. That was awhile ago....my next one is in a week....so we'll see just how big they can get. :) They are hanging in there nicely...I had an appointment yesterday and they were good, both are still breech and Jace is laying sideways...talking up all the room in there....so probably no room for Juliet to turn...who knows. I am awaiting a phone call to schedule my c-section for the first week of February. We'll see if any luck turns them by then, but if not...I will survive.

There isn't much to report, I am sleeping horribly, my back aches a lot from carrying around all this weight in the front....walking is a chore in and of itself and I am exhausted 22 hrs out of the day. :) But I am not complaining. Just reporting. :) Oh yeah, and I am officially swollen from head to toe. Maybe neck to toe. :) My doctor said yesterday, "oh you look so good.....you only look pregnant from here down!" (holding is hand at his neck. :) haha. Well....regardless......I am HUGE. :)

I will take a pic tomorrow and post the last two week pics.....tomorrow  I am officially 35 weeks. They are baking in there quite nicely!

Sunday at church everyone kept commenting...oh we are surprised to see you here!!! ;) I think it is funny...everywhere I go no one looks at me anymore....they automatically go straight to my belly!!!! I guess I don't blame them...if is oddly humongous and draws a lot of attention. :)

Diaper Shower

I am unsure whether to post this here or on the other blog...so I will post both.
Today my mom and friends, held a diaper shower for me. Always grateful for diapers...since we are going to need a lot of them! It was a fun shower with great friends and food! We got diapers for all sizes! A few people have given us some other things, a few clothes, two gorgeous white crocheted blankets, two cute crocheted outfits....we are thankful for everyone sharing their talents and giving to us so generously! We have gotten a lot even from the beginning and have been truly blessed.

In case you are looking through the pictures, apparently I measure (around ways) 51in. ;) Ha!!!!!