I'm back

I didn't disappear!! Its been forever since I've updated this. We were pretty busy over the holidays. We had a great Christmas. The kids got what they wanted. Shawn got to be home with us. Couldn't have asked for more.

As for Operation Twins....were all good. I went to the Dr today. As expected all went well. Nothing new or exciting, which is always good. I'm 28 weeks and this big 'ol belly is measuring 38cm. Which means I'm measuring full term and I have over 2 months to go. Also...with my own kids I never got bigger than 37cm. so I've never been this big. We're treading in uncharted territory here as far as belly goes. This might get interesting.

Here it is....

At my last appt, 2 weeks ago, I was measuring 31 cm, so I've had quite the growth spurt.
Today, my BP and urine were both good. I'm still having some swelling in the evenings but its nothing to be concerned about. My weight was up 2 lbs, bring the grand total to 15lbs so far this pregnancy...not bad!!

Neither of these girls are head down; I think baby A is transverse breach and baby B is transverse so Dr said its pretty much guaranteed a c-section. I really don't care how they come out. It bummed me out for a while but now I don't care. I just want to get them here healthy and safe.

He said again he doesn't think I will go all the way to 37 weeks but if I do, that's the latest he'd let me go. I told him by that time I wouldn't want to go any further than that. That would be Feb 25th but since that's a Sat, I would bet they would go to Feb 27th.

I will have another u/s in 4 weeks to check on the ladies. I go back to my Dr in 2 weeks and after that it will be weekly. Good thing I like him, I'll be seeing a lot of him pretty soon.

That's about all I have to report on right now. I'm so glad I'm feeling so good right now. Fingers crossed it stays this way for a while longer.

Our Family is ready to rock the holidays!!!

Personalize funny videos and birthday eCards at JibJab!

Who is amazing??

This girl!!!!

I went to my Dr appt on Wednesday. I had to take the dreaded glucose test...yuck! But...I passed!! I'd say I'm pretty amazing!!

The rest of my appt went well too. Except that I had to fast, and was hungry and maybe a little grumpy. My blood pressure was good. I mentioned to the Dr that in the evenings I've been having swelling in my feet and hands. He said that's to be expected, especially with twins. Since my bp and urine still looks good, hes not concerned with the swelling.
The Dr and I had a serious talk about how long we think these girls will be hanging out with me. He said of course his ultimate goal is 37 weeks, but that might be a little far fetched. He said lets get to mid Feb (which will be about 34-35 weeks) and he'd be happy, anything beyond that we'll call bonus time. I'm still having these pesky braxton hicks. Since they aren't too bad yet, he didn't check my cervix. He said since I've started having them so early its probably a pretty good indicator that my uterus just won't hold up til the end. Also, my own kids came in the 37th week on their own. They both came at good weights, in fact my daughter came right at 37 weeks and weighted almost 8lbs. I'm probably lucky I didn't carry her 3 more weeks...eeek!!

So that gives us a good idea as far as planning goes. Mama J is trying to get things planned as best she can for her big trip over here. We both know that anything can happen, but at least we have a plan.

I go back Dec 28th to see the Dr again.

Here's hoping everyone is getting all ready for Christmas. I gotta get another gift for Shawn today. He will be heading home tomorrow, but won't be home until Sunday. With good roads, it takes about 16hrs for him to get home from N. Dakota. Other than that, I think I'm pretty much done shopping. I haven't wrapped anything yet. I better get on that too.

Thought this would be fun!!

1. Egg Nog or Hot Chocolate?
Hot chocolate with lots of little marshmallow's!!
2. Does Santa wrap presents or just sit them under the tree?
Santa just puts them under the tree.
3. Colored lights on tree/house or white?
Colored! Our tree is a prelit tree with white lights but we added a strand of colored lights to it.
4. Do you hang mistletoe?
No, but we should. It would be fun! Good idea for next year.
5. When do you put your decorations up?
Ideally we'd like to have it all done Thanksgiving weekend, but its usually sometime in the week (or 2) following.
6. What is your favorite holiday dish?
All Christmas candy. I love toffee!
7. Favorite Holiday memory as a child?
I love waking up Christmas morning and running to see what Santa brought us.
8. When and how did you learn the truth about Santa?
The truth?? What are you talking about?
9. Do you open a gift on Christmas Eve? I did as a kid. Not sure if I've let my kids open a gift on Christmas eve or not.
10. How do you decorate your Christmas tree?
My kids each have their own ornament for each year, and Shawn and I also get one each year too. We have those on our tree, as well as gold, red and green balls.
11. Snow! Love it or Dread it?
Love it!!
12. Can you ice skate? I've gone a few times in my life. But its usually years in between each time, so its like starting over each time. I'm not good at all. I've busted my butt a few times. To be honest, I don't love it. Its hard on my knees and ankles and after going around the rink even once, I'm winded. haha
13. What is on your Christmas list this year? A tablet. Either the Samsung Galaxy or Toshiba Thrive.
14. What’s the most important thing about the holidays for you?
Being with family.
15. What is your favorite holiday dessert?
Toffee and fudge and popcorn balls and everything else anyone wants to bake for me. I'm not a baker myself, so I just take what I can get.
16. What is your favorite holiday tradition?
Driving around looking at Christmas lights. The last few years they do fireworks set to Christmas music at the baseball stadium and we love that. I love teaching my kids about helping out those less fortunate.
17. What tops your tree?
Nothing. I've been looking for a tree topper but haven't gotten one yet. I bought one last year, but it was too heavy for the tree and just fell over.
18. Which do you prefer giving or receiving?
Receiving
19. Candy Canes: Yuck or Yum?
I don't think there yuck, but I don't eat them.
20. Favorite Christmas movie?
Home alone, Christmas Vacation, The Nativity Story, The Santa Clause, and my newest favorite is Four Christmas'
21. Weirdest Christmas song?
Probably "Grandma Got Run Over by a Reindeer" but it makes Jackson laugh
22. What is your favorite Christmas song?
Where are you Christmas, from the Grinch

Were truckin along

Well here we are in the 26th week. We've passed another milestone...were in the double digits...less than 100 days!!

The babies this week each weigh about 2lbs and are about 14in long. They are beginning to inhale and exhale amniotic fluid. They can hear sounds on the outside and all 5 senses' are fully formed.

Here is the latest bump shot. And as comparison...here I was just 4 weeks ago. Those girls sure are growing quickly.
I'm lucky to say, I have no new stretch marks. Lets all cross our fingers that it stays that way. I bought some bio-oil. I've heard some very positive things about it...so far it must be working.

Me....I'm hanging in there. I had a lady ask me just a couple days ago, if I was going to have this baby before Christmas. I laughed and said I have 3 more months and walked away. I'm sure she felt like she stuck her foot in her mouth, but its fun to play with people.

My heartburn is finally better. I started on some prilosec a couple weeks ago, and its worked AMAZING!!!

I'm experiencing some swelling, especially in the evenings. Today I noticed it pretty much all day. Its in my hands and feet. I had my blood pressure checked today and its still good. I'm drinking a lot and I put my feet up in the evenings, as much as I can.

I'm still sleeping pretty good. Let me introduce you to my new best friend...

My lovely massage therapist has this pillow. I asked her about it and she told me she bought it at shopko. Well guess what....they had it on sale on black Friday. I got it for $12!! Its amazing. It hugs my belly and fits right between my knees. I love it!!

Well I go in on Wednesday in the morning to see my Dr. I have my 1hr glucose test. Fingers crossed that I pass...just the thought of the 3hr test flips my stomach. I'll update after!!
Hope everyone is enjoying this Christmas season. I know my kids and I are. We can't wait for Christmas, but were loving this season leading up to it.

25 weeks

Here we are in December...where has the time gone. It seems like just yesterday I was getting pregnant.

The babys this week measures 13.5 inch's. They each weighs about a pound and a half. The website I look at says the baby this week is about the size of a rutabaga...but since I have NO idea what that is I found a replacement that is about the baby's size in length. It also says the girls are beginning to exchange their long, lean look for some baby fat. As they does, their wrinkled skin will begin to smooth out and they'll start to look more and more like a newborn. They're also growing more hair — and if you could see it, you'd now be able to discern its color and texture.

Here is my 24 week picture

Here is the 25 week picture

I thought about how I could make this picture look a little more "provocative" just by tweaking that carrot :)

Things are going well here. Nothing new to report on. I'm feeling pretty good. I've had a few different people tell me I look like I'm about to pop (I hate that expression, by the way) just in the last few days.
We are getting all ready for Christmas. Shawn got the lights on the outside of the house put up last week and lights in both of the kids room. We have garland and lights up on the plant shelves. We also put our tree up. I'm working on finishing all the shopping. I'm a great procrastinator though and I do kinda like waiting until the last few days.

Hope you all are getting into the Christmas spirit!!!

24 weeks....Viability!!!

We've reached a big milestone this week...the age of viability!! Meaning if the babies were to be born right now, they would have a chance of survival. Now, I'm not saying they are welcome to come ANY time soon, I'm just saying they would have a chance. Its nice to get to this point.

The babies are growing nicely. They are putting on about 6oz's of weight a week, mostly baby fat.
I went to my monthly OB appt today. It went well, uneventful. I've gained about 5lbs since last month. Making my total weight gain 10lbs now. My uterus is measuring 30cm. I don't understand why people tell me all the time how little I look for twins. I guess they're forgetting that I have 4 months to go, because obviously this belly is quite a bit bigger than normal.

I talked to my Dr about these braxton hicks. He said he's not comfortable with me having them this early. I didn't start getting them with my own kids until about 32 weeks. He told me if I have more than 6 in an hour or if they get very painful to go into L&D and get checked out. So far I haven't had that many and they always go away as soon as I sit or relax. Its just nice to know the parameters.

I'm going to start going every 2 weeks for check ups, so he can keep a little closer eye on me. I'll take the gestational diabetes sugar test at my next appt, which is Dec 14th. I hope I pass it. I failed it with Rylee and had to take the 3hr test, which is HORRIBLE!! (I passed that test)

He wouldn't write me a prescription for a magical pill for this awful heartburn. I've never had it this bad. If I wasn't pregnant, I'd be in seeing a specialist for it. I've tried all the over the counter stuff. I've succumbed to tums, because they work fast, but they don't work for very long. And they do make me pretty nauseous. I take zantac, but I'm only allowed to take one every 12hrs. It works for about 3hrs for me. He said its just one of those crappy pregnancy things that I have to suck it up and deal with.

Baby A is cooperating nicely, she is tucked in all nicely head down. He said she will likely stay that way. Her HR today was 150. Baby B isn't listening to me very well. She is transverse (laying cross ways, head to the left, feet to the right). Her HR was 158. He said its any buddy's guess as to what she's going to do. He said its just not likely she'll go head down. That there isn't a lot of room for them both to lay like that. Oh well, I'm still going to try to talk her into it.

Everything else is going well with us. Shawn is home and were getting this house all decorated for Christmas. Its so exciting!! Were also going to try to get most of our shopping done in the next few days.
I've got support group on Wednesday night with the agency I'm with. We try to meet monthly. Its nice to get together and talk. Share our stories and get to know the other ladies better. I also have a group of girlfriends that are with different agencies and we've all become really close and we get together at least monthly. Most of the time its more often. Were having dinner together this Friday.
It will be a good week.

I'll put a pic up later.

Hope you all have a good week too!!

I was able to capture the babys kicking yesterday. Its all mostly to the right side.

But it gives you an idea of how busy these little girls are. These are what I feel ALL day!!

23 weeks

I have less than 120 days....and even less than that, as Dr won't let me go past 37 weeks!!!

Babies this week are the size of a spaghetti squash. They weigh just over a pound each. Head to rump length is about 8in and total length is about 11in. I am able to see the babies move through my clothes. They are getting stronger kicks. I've tried to catch it on video a few times but of course every time I get the camera out they stop.

My weight is up about 9lbs!! I am still sleeping pretty good. I put a pillow under my belly and between my legs and make it work. I've never really been one who has to get up in the middle of the night to use the bathroom, unless I'm woken up by something else. (namely, a certain 2yr old who comes and tries to get in my bed a few times most nights). I haven't had any cravings yet either. I just like to eat!! The worst thing right now is if I'm up too much I start getting braxton hicks and they are just really uncomfortable. I was at the store yesterday just to get some milk and started getting some painful braxton hicks, so I had to just forget about the milk and get out of there. I went home and layed down for about an hour before I finally felt better. I described them to Shawn as, imagine doing about 500 sit-ups...your belly would be a little sore right?? Got a few more today and I feel like my belly is still sore from yesterday. It'll be a lazy day for us the rest of the day.

Were all looking forward to stuffing our bellys on Thanksgiving. Hope everyone has a nice holiday. I go back to my Dr in a week. I'll update after my appt. Here's hoping we have a nice uneventful week.

This weeks picture

Here is my 22 week belly shot. I didn't get a food item. The website I was looking on list it in months now, so the 5 month food item is a papaya. I will look around for another website that lists it week by week still. And I looked at the store today for a papaya but the store didn't have one. But you get the idea right?

I had a follow up ultrasound today at the hospital. It was in place of my 20 week one I had a couple weeks ago. I have to say, the hospital did a great job of making it up to me. The tech today was super nice and she did a great job. We had mom on skype again and she spoke to her and interacted with her, which I really appreciated. It was fun to see these super little busy bodies. I'm amazed at how much they move in there. Its not just kicks I'm feeling, its full on position changes. When we started baby A (the lower baby) was laying side ways across the whole bottom, and at the end she was head down with her head so far pushed up against my cervix that we couldn't really measure it. And baby B (the top baby) was straight on head up at the beginning and by the end she had her head to my right, and I think laying breach, because her feet were smashed up against the right side of my uterus too. I'm still crossing my fingers that I'll get a natural delivery of these little ladies, but I'm starting to wrap my head around the reality of a c-section.

I think I'm good on the ultrasounds until about 30-32 weeks, unless there is complications.

I gotta say one of the great pregnancy perks is how fast my hair grows and how think its coming in. On the flip side, I got it colored last Monday and you could see my roots by Friday. Haha

That's all for now!! Have a good week!!!

Thanks for reading and following along with me on this journey.

22 weeks

Another week down!!!
The time is flying by. It seems like just yesterday I was just getting pregnant. Its been a busy week for us. We've loved having Shawn home for so long. He had to go back to work today. :( It will be hard but also nice for all of us to get back to our routine.

I'm feeling pretty good. I need to remember to ask my Dr when I see him next about this heartburn. Its waking me up at night, most nights. Nothing I'm taking is helping.

Not much else is changing. This belly is ever growing. Sometimes the skin right around my belly button burns, and I'm sure its just from the super fast stretching. I bought some bio-oil about a week or two ago. I've heard some good things about it. I tried that cocoa butter stretch mark cream with both my own pregnancies and it surely didn't help any, so I figured I'd try this. Its quite spendy, but if nothing else, it smells good.

The babies this week are about 11 inch's long head to toe and weigh about a pound!! Growing like little weeds. Their kicks are definitely becoming stronger.

I had a quick ultrasound today to reconfirm the babies gender as there was some question with one of them. Its safe to say there are still 2 little girls in there. 2 weeks ago baby A (who's on the left side) was head down and feet up to the right. Today that baby has flipped and is head up on the right. She must not be listening when I tell them both to get into position...both head down!!! I'll have to have another talk with her.

I haven't taken a pic this week yet. I'll get on that.

I also have another ultrasound on Monday. When I got my big 20 week ultrasound a couple weeks ago, the tech was just a little rude and judgemental of me and my situation, so I called and complained. (Which is something I have NEVER done before). They offered me to come back for a repeat one with a different tech. One who is going to be a lot nicer. It'll be fun to see them again. One baby had the hiccups today during the ultrasound, which was kind of fun to see.

I'm currently feeling like I'm fighting off the flu or something yucky like that. It seems to all hit within a couple hours. First it was my throat, them my neck, then full body aches and a fever. Rylee and Shawn woke up not feeling so great today too. I'm hoping we can all kick it very soon. I have a good immune system, so I've got my fingers crossed.

Before I go, I gotta give a shout out to my good friend Myrna. She delivered the most adorable surro girly yesterday. She is such a tiny little petite thing. I want to post a picture of Rylee holding her too, but I didn't take Rylee with me today to visit. I didn't want her spreading her sick germs. Hopefully soon we can get together, before baby makes the long journey home to Japan. Myrna is a superstar and had that girl in record time. I can't wait until its my turn.

I'll update later in the week, after my next ultrasound.

Just need a minute to vent

It seems like all I ever do is write about the complaints of being pregnant...but I really do love being pregnant!!! If I didn't, I never would have considered being a surrogate.

With that said, I need a moment to vent....

Unless you've ever been pregnant, you have no idea just how much energy a baby will suck from you. And I guess I really didn't think twins would be a whole lot different, but alas...

These babies literally suck it ALL from me!!
You know its bad when Shawn mentions it to me today. We were out doing a little running around, getting a few Christmas presents for the kids. Nothing too major, we were only out for about 3 hrs (but that included having breakfast too) and he said he can tell how tired I seem. I laughed and told him when he's home, he kicks my butt. I'm not used to being out and about for that long. Right now, going to the grocery store is about all I can handle before needing a rest.

We usually take evening walks together. On a normal night we'd easily be gone for an hour, with the kids riding their bikes and I think the last walk I took with him was literally only around the block before I was beat.

We went into Target today to get a few things and I found a bench in the shoe dept and sat down and easily could have sat for a half hour, but after 2 minutes, he was asking if I was ready to go.

He is so incredibly patient and understanding of me right now. He knows he has to slow it down a little.

I also told him when I walk too much these dang braxton hicks starting kicking in and they hurt. I tried explaining it like it feels like I have a big solid heavy bowling ball strapped to my stomach and I can handle if for a while but after a little while, it becomes too much.

Ok...I think I'm done venting for now. I just needed to get that out, and now I can move on. haha

21 weeks

The babies this week are the size of a banana. They are about 11in long from head to foot. They weigh about 13oz. We are in the beginning of the 5th month.
This belly is really starting to pop out. My uterus is all the way up to my rib cage now. Getting up from the sitting position is getting a little more difficult, as my mid section no longer bends.
I'm also finding my self getting short of breath at times too. These babies are already crowding my lungs...and stomach. I'm not finishing most of my meals anymore.

They are also the getting to be so wiggly.

Enjoy it while you can babies,because before you know it...you'll be out of room.

Other than all that, everything else is pretty much unchanged.

The kids and I are staying busy. We got our first snow fall yesterday. It didn't stick, but it fell most of the day. It sure is getting cold here. We've been enjoying having Shawn home for an extra long time. He took off an extra week, to be home for Halloween. And he came home early the week before. (his grandpa passed away). Were feeling pretty spoiled, and will sure miss him when he has to go back, on the 13th. We've been getting a lot of little projects done around the house. Well its more him doing and me watching.

Hope everyone has a good week!!!

20 Weeks

This is my 20 week belly shot. My belly looks kind of small and pointy in this picture. I think its just my pants and maybe the angle. Without clothes, it looks huge. But chances are...you won't be seeing any bare belly shots of me. We can thank Rylee for that. She destroyed my belly as far as stretch marks go.

As you can see, I did not do a food comparison shot this week. Its cantaloupe week, and with the big cantaloupe recall and listeria outbreak going on I planned on just taking a picture in the store and not buying one, but I went to 2 different stores and couldn't find any. So were without.

This week, the babies are about 10.5 in in length. and about 10.5 ounces in weight. They finally have tiny eyelashes and eyebrows.

They are definitely getting stronger. I'm feeling their kicks and rolls through out the day now. I can even see them on the outside which is exciting. I've been trying to record it so I can send it to the parents, but movements are still sporadic and one night my battery died trying for so long, so I figure I'll just wait another couple weeks for that.

I am suffering from some HORRIBLE heartburn. I take an over the counter med up to 2x a day and it helps but doesn't alleviate it all the way.
I still have that pesky back pain. I took a sock and filled it with 3 tennis balls and tied it up and sometimes I'll roll on that or just lay on it and it helps a lot. I have to thank our wonderful massage therapist for that idea.

Sleeping hasn't been too much of a problem. I try to put a pillow under my belly and it helps. I roll over a lot in bed, so it only helps when I lay still, but its better than nothing.

My weight is still the same. I need to get some new pants I think. The pants I have are all getting too baggy in the thighs and butt. I think I may need a smaller size. But I am eating good. These babies are sure to tell me when I need to eat, including very late at night. Which is something I never did with own pregnancies, even at the end. A couple times in the last couple weeks, I have made a fried eggs with toast. Mmmm!!!

We made it through the first of the end of the year holidays. We had a great Halloween. I wish it would have been a little warmer but it wasn't too bad. Now on to Thanksgiving. We only have 22 days until. Shawn goes back to work on the 13th and he won't be home this year for it, so next week I'm planning to make us a nice "Thankgiving" dinner. It won't be a huge meal and there won't be turkey. (Shawn and I both don't care for turkey, we only eat it cuz its what you do on Thanksgiving) But it should be fun to do for all of us.

I hear we may be expecting some snow pretty soon. Its been making me wonder what the heck I'm going to do this year for a coat. I bought a really nice pea coat last year, but I'm guessing it wouldn't button up even now. I will need something to keep me warm, but I don't want to spend a ton. I'll have to keep my eyes open for something.

It's been a little different this time around, since both of my kids were born in June I've never experienced a full winter pregnancy.

The big announcment!!!!

Its been a busy week. I'm somewhere between 19 and 20 weeks. I had my ultrasound yesterday and an OB appt today.
I'll get to the news first...
Looks like I'm carrying a double dose of....
PINK!!

I had a great ultrasound yesterday. We were able to call the mom on skype so she could watch it. She's just so happy to see that both babies are healthy and growing nice and big. It was a big day for them. It was fun to see them moving all around yesterday. Boy are they busy little ones. Baby A measured 19w5d and baby B measured 20w2d. My original due date was March 19th and now its between the 17th and the 13th, based off the ultrasound. I'm going with March 16th (since its my birthday). He said it doesn't really matter anyway since they don't let twins go full term and they'll likely induce me around Feb 27th.
I'll get on with the pictures.

Here is a picture with both heads.

Here is the cute Baby A!! Love those lips!!
And little miss Baby B!!

I drew a picture of my belly and how the babies are lying. Don't judge my artistic abilities...there is a reason why I did make Art my career.
Baby A has its head down in the lower left side and legs going across my abdomin to the upper right side, and baby B is all snuggled breach in the lower right side. I have one low lying anterior placenta, and another higher posterior placenta. Which makes sense, as I feel a lot of movement in the upper part of my stomach and not a whole lot in the bottow, where its all babies.

My stomach at my OB appt today measured 26 weeks. I'm up another 2lbs. Dr is not concerned with my weight gain, or lack there of. Babies are doing great, despite my small weight gain. My BP was great. So everything is going well. He did tell me I can see the chiropractor for my back. As that will probably only get worse the bigger I get, if I don't try to get it taken care of.

This week the babies are the size of a mango. I think they are the size of a mango, crown to rump length. Its right around this time that they are fully stretching their legs out. And head to toe their about 10 inchs. I think thats about all for this week. I'll go back to see my Dr the week after Thanksgiving...maybe my weight will be up then.

Dr said unless I start having complications, he won't order another ultrasound until I'm about 32 weeks.

Have a good weekend and have a Happy Halloween.

18 weeks

Here we are in week 18. All is well here. Feeling good!! I'm having a little back pain and it is starting to get harder to stand up sometimes. That's only because this belly is growing so quickly and it no longer bends. But that's really all. I don't really have any cravings yet. I'm sleeping pretty good at night. No weight gain since last week. I'm a little nervous to go to the Dr next week, because I'm trying to eat a lot, but I'm not gaining anything. I'm officially in all maternity clothes. I tried on a regular shirt the other day...but it was a no go. Not to hot with a stretch marked belly hanging out the bottom :)

Here's the latest picture...The babies are the size of a sweet potato...and if I happened to grab a yam at the store, I apologize. I don't know the difference between the two. The babies are between 5 and 5.5in long and weigh about 5 ounces.

We go in next Thursday for the big ultrasound. Momma J and daddy H are so excited to finally know the genders of their babies. Fingers crossed that the babies cooperate. I'll be skyping with J&H during so they can be apart of it all.

The next thing that I'm pretty excited about is I got a couple super cute shirts made.

This is my Halloween shirt. I've worn it a couple times already and I've gotten a lot of fun comments on it.
And my Proud surro shirt. I haven't worn this one out yet, but I can't wait to. I can't wait to get some fun looks and comments on it. I had these shirts made for me by a local lady. I might get a couple more. Just gotta come up with something clever.

17 weeks

We've made it to 17 weeks. The babies this week are the size of an onion. They are about 5 in long and weigh about 5.9oz. The skeleton is changing from rubbery cartilage to bone. I'm feeling the babies move now. I've felt one baby for about a week and I started to feel the other baby a couple days ago. One sits high on the left side and the other one is mid way between my belly button and pubic bone on the right side.

I'm starting to get bad heartburn...its keeping me up at night. My Dr told me it would be safe to try anything over the counter. I've tried a couple things, with no such luck. I'm also having pretty bad back pain already. I wear the belly band which helps, but I'm getting a lot of pain higher up and the band supports my lower back.
I had a massage yesterday, provided for me by my wonderful agency. (just one of those surrogacy perks, I get a free monthly massage) It sure helped a lot, but I can already feel it getting sore again. My Dr tells me that, while pregnant the body releases a hormone called relaxin, which helps our pelvis to spread and open up to prepare for labor, but it can cause the hips and or ribs to go out. When I go back to the Dr in a few weeks I'm going to ask about seeing my chiropractor to see if that will help. I have a lot of months to go, and I won't be able to live with this for that long.

Enough complaining...I am feeling good otherwise. Still no significant weight gain. I'm up a total of 3lbs. (well technically, I'm still down 15lbs) I'm eating pretty good. I haven't had any real cravings yet. I didn't really get them with my own kids though. With Jackson I got one real craving once for licorice and with Rylee I got one once for watermelon jello. So I don't expect to get "cravings". Of course somethings sounds good to me at times, but that happens even when I'm not pregnant.

I gotta add that I'm really loving this nice October weather. I've been having a lot of fun doing Halloween crafts with my kids, I made them both new winter blankets last week. Were going to the pumpkin patch and corn maze with the kids next week. I can't wait for Halloween. I'm going to be taking the cutest little witch and ninja trick or treating. Crossing our fingers for nice weather.

That's all that's going on in my life now. Starting next Monday, I'll be volunteering every Monday morning in Jackson's classroom as the reading mom. I can't wait. I wanted to be able to do that last year, but work prevented that from happening.

See ya next week!!

16 weeks

I'll start off on updating on my appts from last Friday. I started with an ultrasound. It was uneventful. Babies are looking good. They are BIG. I was 15w4d at the ultrasound and baby A was measuring 17w0d and baby B was 16w6d. They definitely haven't been effected from all my weight loss. Guess that's where all my food is going to. We didn't get a very clear view of their genders. Babies weren't cooperating. I'll go in for the 20 u/s in just a few weeks and we'll hopefully get good clear views then. My good friend Becky was up visiting from CA and she came with me. (there is your shout out!!)

After the u/s we walked across the street to my OB. I had a good appt. I've gained about 2 lbs. I still have a little protein in my urine, but Dr said a lot less than 2 weeks ago, and he wasn't concerned. Good BP. My belly was measuring 22cm. No wonder I'm really starting to feel pregnant. So all in all, everything is going well.

I have turned the corner and I can say I'm really starting to feel great. I get nauseous sometimes in the evenings but its short lived. No throwing up in a couple weeks. I'm not gaining anything, but I know I'll start too soon.

Here is my latest shot of the ever growing belly. The babies this week are the size of an avocado. I've really started to feel movement in the last week too. I feel baby B. That baby is just below my belly button and slightly to the left. I haven't really felt the bottom baby, but I think its still pretty low.
Today I went with Jackson on a field trip and his teacher asked me when I'm due. Its the first time I've been asked that, so that is pretty exciting. I'm finally out of that awkward..."is she pregnant or is she fat" stage. I also bought myself a belly support band today. I'm excited to wear it. I'll start tomorrow. My belly hurts sometimes when I move wrong or when I stand up too quick. I think its just cuz its growing so fast.

I think thats all for now.

15 weeks

I don't have a lot to update on this week. Things are uneventful. I'm feeling better most of the time. I still tire easily. But I haven't thrown up in over a week!!!

So I had lost a total of 18lbs and after I went in last week for IV fluids I went up 2lbs, and now I dropped back down another pound. So I'm still down 17lbs. I eat, but I know these babies are sucking it all out of me. I read in my pregnancy book that with twins you should gain between 35-45lbs...I don't think I'll be making that mark. But I will keep these babies healthy. With my own kids I gained 14 & 16lbs. I do pregnancy well. My Dr has never worried about my weight gain.

This Friday I'll go in for an ultrasound and following it I'll see my OB. If I have anything exciting to update after I will.
For now I'll leave you with the latest pics. And this week the babies are about the size of a navel orange. They are about 4-41/2 inch's and weigh about 1 3/4oz. Oh and before I go I wanted to say...Last Sunday I had a fun evening with 4 of my best surrogate friends. I have made some amazing friends since starting this journey. We try to get together every month and catch up. And 2 days after our dinner Heather welcomed into this world the cutest baby girl, Samantha, and placed her into her mommy's arms. Rylee and I got to go to the hospital and visit and Rylee was instantly in love. Congrats Heather and momma P. Heather has carried and delivered 3 surrogate babe's. She is amazing and is someone I look up to.

14 Weeks

So I had my OB appt last Friday. Lets just say it wasn't the best appt I've had. I lost another 10 lbs, bringing my wt loss total to 18lbs. Not good I know, but its kinda what I do when I get pregnant. Also I was SOOOO dehydrated. I knew it had been getting bad. I had felt a few cramps (but they were up high so I wasn't too worried about them), I had this non-stop headache for 3 days and I had protein in my urine. The Dr told me to wait through the weekend and really push the fluids and see how I was on Monday.

Over the weekend it seemed like the more I drank, the more I threw up. So on Monday, off I went to the ER. The Dr in the ER told me not to wait so long next time. He said in deed I was pretty dried out. I got 2 bags of fluids and a dose of IV zofran and left feeling like a new person.

My weight has gone up 2 lbs since I got that fluid, but its held steady since.
I go back to my OB next Friday. He said he didn't want me to go a full month, in case I wasn't getting any better.
We did hear the heartbeats at the appt, they were 155 & 164. Almost what they were at the ultrasound. Also at that appt, by belly was measuring 18cm.

I also have another ultrasound next Friday, right before my appt, just to check again on the babies.

No pics this week. I'll update next week, I promise.

13 weeks

Second Trimester...Here I am!!!

We've all survived the first trimester!!! I'm looking forward to feeling better, getting more energy and gaining weight. (yes, gaining weight) I've lost 16 lbs so far. Obviously from the looks of this belly the babies aren't suffering. Maybe its all coming off my thigh's.

We had an ultrasound yesterday and got to see these adorable babies. They now look like little babies. They are fully formed and were quite active. They are growing nicely. Baby A is the lower baby, sitting right above my cervix and we used the internal probe to see that one. We got a lot clearer images of that baby.

Baby A is measuring 13w3d and had a heart rate of 155.

Baby B was a little harder to see. It was quite a bit higher up, almost to my belly button so we had to use the external wand to see this baby and it was kind of grainy.

Baby B is measuring 13w2d with a HR of 165.

Here is just a couple more cute pictures of the babies. I believe they are both baby B.

We were able to get a sneak peak at the sex of the babies. We know its still early and we can't be sure so for now I'm not going to share...yes the mom and dad do know. Let me just say every one is pleasantly surprised.

So as I said these babies are growing like crazy. My body is trying to adjust to the rapid changes. I get pain up under my ribs sometimes and I think its just from my organs all getting squished. Also I'm having some back pain. I might ask the Dr about going to the chiropractor when I go on Friday. I need to look into getting a belly band or something to help support this ever expanding belly. Sometimes when I'm laying down if I roll over too fast or when I'm sitting if I get up "wrong" it feels like I pulled something. I know its only gonna get worse the bigger I get. I'm excited to go to the Dr and get measured.

I'm stealing this food comparison idea from a girlfriend. The babies this week are the size of a peach. I tried to hold 2 peaches but that just looked awkward. And towards the end the food gets a lot bigger and with my belly I don't think I can juggle 2 watermelon's. Its fun to get an idea of how big the babies are this way.

And I'll leave it at that. I might update after my Dr's appt of Friday, if not, I'll do it with next week's post. Have a good week!!!

12 Weeks

Its been awhile since I've updated...no news is good news. Were almost out of the first trimester!!

I'm still now feeling 100% but I'm having more good days, I just can't do too much. I'm still tired more than normal. My biggest complaint now is that I can't get enough water in. My lips feel like there on fire. I try to drink enough, but I swear these babies are sucking it all up, leaving me with nothing.

I will go in next Monday to get a peak on the babies. Then I go back to see my OB next Friday.

I finished all meds this past Monday. Thankfully!!

The babies are the size of a plum. This belly of mine is growing. Here's the latest...That's about all I got for now. I'll update again next week after my appts.

10 weeks.

Quick little update...

I took the latest belly shot last night...Looks like the babies are growing nicely. Babies are between the size of a prune and a lime.

I'm still feeling crappy. I wish I could go to sleep and wake up next month. I'm not eating a lot, I throw up a lot and I'm still losing weight. I'm down 11.5 lbs. The Dr isn't too worried because the babies obviously aren't affected.

I can feel pulling and tugging on my stomach if I get up too fast or move wrong. I need to check out one of those belly support bands soon. I also get pain under my ribs occasionally, I'm pretty sure its from my organs having to shift, since my uterus is growing SO quickly.

In other news...Jackson starts first grade on Tuesday. He's so excited and I'm excited for him. I know he will do so well. He excelled in kindergarten. I'm excited to be able to volunteer in his class this year too, since I'm not working.

I think that's all for now, I saw that middle of next week the temps are supposed to go down a little which makes me ecstatic!!!

Quick Check-in

So I went to see my OB today. Which, by the way, I LOVE him. He delivered both my kids and he's got the best bed side manner. He is very supportive of me being a surrogate, he actually has a couple other surrogates as pt's. One is also pregnant with twins. So I know he's treading down familiar territory.

Everything at my appt went very well today. I am 9w4d today but my uterus is measuring 14 weeks. It gets me a little worried since the babies are still so tiny and my belly is already measuring a month bigger. But it is nice confirmation that they are growing nice and big.

The Dr said he likes to see twins go to about 36-37 weeks. We discussed the possibility of having a c-section (which I do not want). He said the only way we can deliver vaginally is if both babies settle in the head down position, but that most twins go one head up, one head down. We'll know closer to delivery though.

I will go back and see him again in 4 weeks.

Until then, I'll update if anything exciting happens.

9 Weeks

I'm 9 weeks today.

How the babies are rapidly growing. They are the size of green olives.

I'm feeling ok. Just waiting for these next few weeks to pass. I'm down 9 pounds. Not a lot is staying down. I'm really trying to focus on getting in enough water. I feel dehydrated most of the time. The heat is not helping.

So I know its early but I swear I'm starting to show. You be the judge. (Beware these pics were taken at 11 at night)By the looks of things...it might get a little scary. I know I shouldn't be surprised, I was showing with Rylee at 12 weeks and there are 2 babies in there, but holy smokes!!!

I have my first OB appt this Friday, and I'm really looking forward to it. I'll update after.

Have a good week.

I graduated!!

Today I went for my last ultrasound at the reproductive clinic. I'm done with them and get to start seeing my regular OB!!

Babies are looking GREAT!!!Here is a pic of both of them. Its not the best picture of them but baby B is quite a bit higher up so it was hard to get both of them in the same shot. They are awfully wiggly too.

Here is Baby A, the closest baby to the cervix. Baby A is measuring 9w0d with a heart rate of 175.

And, here is Baby B. This one is measuring 8w5d with a HR of 172. Both babies are perfect. They still have little yolk sac's but their placenta's are starting to grow and is taking over now. On baby A's pic you can see the umbilical cord coming out the front.

After my appt I walked across the street to my OB's office and made my first appt with them for next Friday. Everything is rolling right along.

8 Weeks

Today I'm 8 weeks pregnant. I go back in for my final ultrasound at the reproductive clinic this Friday and if all looks well I'll "graduate" from the clinic and start seeing my regular OB. Can't wait, because I LOVE my OB.

I haven't started showing yet but I guess I'm getting pretty bloated at night, because I feel very pregnant at night. I'm down 8lbs. Weight loss in early pregnancy is normal for me. Lets just hope its not like it was with Rylee. (I lost 25 with her)

I'm still getting nauseous but I've got some good meds for it. I'm throwing up about once a day. I still have NO energy and I get hot flashes that make me feel like I might pass out. I think the hot flashes are from the estrogen pills I have to take 3 times a day. I'll get to stop these meds in about a month.

So, needless to say, were not doing much around our house. I find my self on the couch most of the day. My housework is seriously falling behind. But I'm trying to not let it bother me. I get a spurt of energy every few days and I pick up the mess and get the dishes and laundry done then.

Jackson starts back to school in a few weeks and he can't wait to start 1st grade. I haven't started buying him school supplies yet. I know I should but shopping is not high on my priority list right now. Shawn will be home next week and I usually fell pretty good when he's home, which is a good thing, because were always on the go when he's home.

That's all I got for now. I'll update on Friday after the ultrasound.

The Kangaroo Pouch

So I haven't said anything about all this to my kids yet. I was really waiting until the 7week ultrasound to confirm heartbeats. I thought Jackson might be confused if I tried to explain everything to him, and it didn't work out like we hoped.

I heard about this cool book, that was written by a lady that owns a surrogacy agency in CA. Its a cute story about a kangaroo who's pouch is broken and she can't put her baby in it, so another mama kangaroo offers to put their teeny tiny baby in her pouch to grow big, and when its big enough to come out, she gives the baby back to its parents.

I ordered it and it finally came tonight. I read it to Jackson, then we talked about what the story was about. Once I knew he understood the story line, I told him that I did that, that I have a friend, and her tummy is broke and she can't grow a baby in it, so we took her 2 babies and put them in my tummy and I'm gonna grow them big and when they are big, they'll come out and we'll give them back to their mom and dad.
He told me he thinks its weird but really cool. He also said he's glad were not going to have to have 2 babies live in our house, and hear them cry and change their diapers.
I feel such a big relief that he knows, and that he's cool with it. I was and have been pretty worried about how he would react.

Obviously I don't need to say anything to Rylee as she's just too young and will probably still be too young when the babies are born.

Check out the beauties!!!

We (Shawn and I) went in for another ultrasound yesterday. All is well in baby land. We got to see the babies again. They look a little bit bigger, though there both the size of a grain of rice right now. Itty Bitty!!!
Here is Baby A...the baby that is sitting closest to my cervix. Baby A is a little bit bigger, measuring in at 6w4d. Which is what I was at the ultrasound.

And here is Baby B, snuggled down in the corner. Baby B measures 6w2d. The nurse said this is normal and that both babies are looking absolutely perfect.

I'll go back August 12. If all looks well at that appt I will start seeing my regular OB and no longer have to be seen at the reproductive clinic.

In other news, I'm still not feeling 100%, but I'm doing ok. I'm taking B-6 and unisom at night, it seems to take the edge off. I feel like I need to eat ALL the time to feel ok. As soon as my blood sugar begins to drop I feel like crap. I'm just counting down the days til this first trimester is over, and I can move on to feeling good again.

I've had some awesome friends, who've had twins themselves, give me some tips and inside advice. Its nice to know what to expect, but frankly, they both scared the begebe's outta me!! haha

That's all for now, I'll update with anything exciting!!

Double Trouble!!!

So we had our first pregnancy scare this morning. I woke up to blood. That's never a good thing in pregnancy. But let me tell you, when I've been entrusted to care for someone else baby it makes it even scarier.

So I called the clinic and went right in for an ultrasound.

I had to get Rylee and I dressed and in the car in 10 minutes, drive 30 minutes to get to the clinic which means, we were rushing. I was so scared the whole way. I thought for sure something was wrong.

Now let me say, I know bleeding in the first trimester is normal. And bleeding with IVF is even more common. I know this. But this wasn't like a little spotting, this was a lot of blood.

But...

We got good news at the ultrasound...or should I say...we got double the good news.

That's right...

TWINS!!!

We saw two healthy babies and their little hearts were just a beatin' away!!!

We go in on Friday to check on the babies again. Momma and daddy are pretty excited to say the least.

I'll update on Friday with more photo's.

Quick Update

I went back in to the clinic today for my third and final blood draw. My labs were 12,654!!!
The nurse that emailed us the results said things are looking terrific. My first doubling time was 31hrs and now its every 45hrs. Still very good. Doubling time is expected to slow down to between 72-96hrs.

Of course were not exactly sure whats going on in there yet...all we know is everything is going well.

I have my first ultrasound scheduled for next Friday the 29th. at 3pm. We should get to see a heartbeat then.

I have defiantly been feeling the effects of this pregnancy, in just the last couple days. I have been a little nauseous but the worst is how incredibly exhausted I feel. Not so much tired, as I don't want to sleep, just lay down and do NOTHING!!! Which with my 2 kids isn't always possible.

Intended Parents are very excited!!! Will update more next week after the ultrasound.

IT WORKED!!!

So I have some good news!!! Someone's expecting...Congratulations to 2 very happy people.

I took this Friday night. Then...

This on Sunday morning.

I went in to the clinic Saturday and this morning for my blood tests. They check my level of HCG (the pregnancy hormone). My first number was 118 and my second number was 323!!! I'm told they want to see the first number at least 25. And they want to see the number double in the 48hrs. So I think I have nothing to worry about.

I'll go back in 10 days, next Thursday, and have a repeat blood test, to make sure its still progressing and if it is, we'll do an ultrasound in another 10 days.

Thats all I got for now...I'll update when I know more.

The children were nestled, all snug in their beds

And by children...I mean we transferred 2 of the most beautiful 5 day blastocysts. They are now resting, nestling quietly in my uterus.

We got up early this morning and caught the train to Czech. It was a 2 hour, nice smooth quiet ride. Beautiful country side. I saw fields and fields of sun flowers. I didn't take any pictures tho, we were all too busy talking.

Upon arrival, we stopped an grab some delicious Kebab...don't let the picture scare you...its so yummy.Then we hopped on the tram and headed to the clinic. This is the front enterance to the building.
Inside there are a few different kinds of medical offices. Plastic surgery, oral surgery and Reprofit, our clinic. (which took up 2 floors)

We signed in. The Dr sat down with the 3 of us and went over the embryo's. Out of 63 eggs, they got 32 embryo's. (I know, I'm working with Super Woman) On day 5 she still had 29 embryo's. 4 grade 1, 5 grade 2 and I'm not sure, he just said the other 20 were very good too. (Wasn't exactly speaking my language) All I know is, the Dr was very optimistic. He gave us a 60% chance of it working. I'm hoping luck is on our side.

I was very impressed with the clinic and the staff. It was very nice inside. The staff were all very nice and helpful. Though, only the Dr spoke english.

After meeting with the Dr, we went to the procedure room. I dropped my drawers and got into postions. (no photo's...sorry to disappoint)

The embryologist, was in the next room and showed us the 2 embryo's we were going to transfer, on a screen in our room. Then the nurse used the ultrasound wand to find my uterus. Dr said my lining was like a cushion (Go ME!!!) And the embryologist came in with the goods. We watched the dr place them where he wanted them and VOILA!!!!
I must say...very different from any other conception I've been a part of.

I had to lay flat on my back for a few minutes, then I got up and got dressed. It didn't hurt at all. Felt very similar to a pap smear.

We caught the train back to Vienna and I've been laying around ever since. Dr advised me to "take it easy" aka, bedrest, for 1-2 days.
The clinic gave me this as a parting gift. The dr said I'll know in 13-15 days...but who is he kidding...I'll be peeing on a stick in about a week.