tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-78891590777442969542024-03-12T18:30:25.132-07:00Road less travelledCome follow along with me as I journey the world of surrogacy and trying to make 2 wonderful people parents!!!Bridgethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04050001216662779582noreply@blogger.comBlogger44125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7889159077744296954.post-67241820667336658172012-02-09T21:29:00.000-08:002012-02-09T21:29:38.638-08:00I've missed youIts been so long since I've blogged. I have a lot to say, but haven't known how to put it all into words. Heck, as I sit down to type, I still don't know how to put it all into words. <br />
The last few weeks have been going very well. I'm feeling back to normal. I'm all recovered from my c-section. Every once in a while, right below my incision, I get a sharp, almost burning pain. Its just one little spot. I'm thinking its nerve damage and hoping it stops soon. I see my OB on the 21st for my 6wk PP visit. I saw him 2 weeks ago and he said everything was looking very nice. I expect the same thing at my next visit. I'll go back on birth control then too. <br />
The girls are still in the NICU. They are doing very well. They are gaining weight nicely. They are still on tube feedings but have started oral feedings too, which they are tolerating very well. Hopefully they will be out in a couple weeks. The have changed in looks so much since birth. There little faces are fattening up and they are looking less preemie like and more newborn like. (I can't post pics of them, per the request of their parents, so trust me when I say...they're super cute)<br />
I stopped pumping for them last week. It was a hard decision for me. I felt like by stopping I <span style="background-color: white;">was being selfish. I had planned to pump their whole hospital stay, but it was just becoming too time consuming. I had to be home every 3 hrs and with me feeling better, the kids and I were busy. I weaned down a little then just kind of quit cold turkey. Anyone who's been there knows that stopping pumping SUCKS!!! My boobs were hard and painful. The worst of it lasted a good 3 days, but after the worst it really wasn't too bad. The last time I took milk into the hospital, the nurse told me they had 57 bags of milk. (each bag had between 4-6 or more oz). That was a week ago and the nurse told me today they still have quite a good amount. It wasn't an easy decision to stop but I do know that I provided well for the girls. I know that my milk was such a great start in life for them. I'm so happy that I could provide that to them. </span><br />
Emotionally...How am I doing?? I get that question a lot. I am doing well. I wasn't sure my whole pregnancy how it would be at the end. I always knew the babies weren't mine. I cared about them a lot but felt very differently from when I was pregnant with my kids. I have no parental attachment to the babies. When I look at them, I feel like I'm looking at my best friends kids. These girls will always hold a special place in my heart. I do get sad when I think about them leaving and heading home. I know that that will be a happy day for them. But I wonder if I'll ever get to see them again. I feel like a little piece of my heart will be leaving too. I hope that I'll get to keep in touch with their parents and maybe one day go visit them. (anyone up for a London trip??)<br />
I have struggled a bit with guilty feelings though. As much as I know its not my fault that they came so early, its still hard. My Dr has reassured me that its actually a good thing that the babies came out when they did as we would have had a very different outcome had they not. But for some reason I still harbour a little bit of guilt. I wonder if I'd of done something, anything different, could we have avoided the cord accident? And consequently early delivery? I also feel like if I do just accept that they had to come when they did, and that it was a good thing, that I'm letting my self off the hook. I don't know when these feeling will go away. I thought with knowing how well the girls are doing would make me feel better, but then I wonder...will they have any long term effects, that we just don't know about yet? I try to not let my mind go there, but I still wonder about it. <br />
On the other hand...I have such a sense of pride right now too. Being a surrogate and delivering these 2 girls has got to be one of the best things I've ever done in my life. It was easy for me to get pregnant with my own kids, physically and emotionally, but its not so easy to do that for someone else. I know that being a surrogate isn't for everyone, it takes a strong woman...and I'm one of those. When I hear the mother and grandmother tell me how much of a blessing I have been to them, its almost hard to hear that with out getting emotional. I know I'm not conceded, but I know I changed these people lives. I made a woman, who wanted nothing more than to be a mother, and who had a hell of a time getting there, a mother. And a mother to 2 beautiful twin girls. <br />
<br />
Will I ever do this again...its another question a lot. At this point, I really don't know. Right now, were just enjoying life as it is. Shawn and I do want to complete our family first. But after that I'll still have plenty of child bearing years left in me. <br />
After delivering the twins so early, I wasn't sure (and still not totally sure) if I'd even qualify, but if I can carry my next baby or babies to term, I might. My OB told me he feels very confident that I won't have a repeat preterm delivery. He recommended I not carry twins again. If I do become a surrogate again, I'd only transfer one embryo. I just don't know where life will take me. I'm just not completely closing that door right now. <br />
Well that gotten a lot off my chest for right now. I'm not sure where this blog will go, now that my surrogacy journey has come to a close. I'm going to turn my focus to my family and my self now. Since giving birth, I initially lost 23lbs, but in the last couple weeks, I've gained back 5. I typically don't get a lot of cravings during pregnancy but I get a lot after. And I don't gain much either, but if I'm not careful, I could easily gain a lot after. So as soon as I see my Dr next and get his clearance to start exercising, I'm going to hit the weight loss hard. I want to get this body in shape. Wish me luck...maybe I'll blog about my progress.Bridgethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04050001216662779582noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7889159077744296954.post-5009455946103263412012-01-19T21:29:00.000-08:002012-01-19T21:29:50.908-08:002 weeks2 weeks ago this was me...<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKdU0qq88CPs_qVvSfQb4vWyqQya3jVKIjuuSrDj9qS1Ju2dgUV0d1V-nVpkzEX9DiPpgEWuhldUlAjVO-gYgYPSf7Ky-xYcXQ4GSG6RDip7Ym4LJs1iS1Jdq2ICO5DHPJrZG_nLaGs3ia/s1600/29w6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKdU0qq88CPs_qVvSfQb4vWyqQya3jVKIjuuSrDj9qS1Ju2dgUV0d1V-nVpkzEX9DiPpgEWuhldUlAjVO-gYgYPSf7Ky-xYcXQ4GSG6RDip7Ym4LJs1iS1Jdq2ICO5DHPJrZG_nLaGs3ia/s320/29w6.jpg" width="171" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">This was taken the night before I went into labor. My belly button has never popped out like that before. I guess that was my clue, my timer had popped and I was done. </div><div align="left" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div align="left" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr8Qt9Pshcxuod4KfaiFlESPLiBGkVoBMB0CchvnJq_Da3MCxpy1IrOk3cR8H_WJQS0Sx-YA3Yu_hTA1WClEQpZMGpGALpwDgxu2Uv641fKPZ4Ccgd88oqSHGiPO3q9rpNqrmO20wdy8Cz/s1600/button.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="191" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhr8Qt9Pshcxuod4KfaiFlESPLiBGkVoBMB0CchvnJq_Da3MCxpy1IrOk3cR8H_WJQS0Sx-YA3Yu_hTA1WClEQpZMGpGALpwDgxu2Uv641fKPZ4Ccgd88oqSHGiPO3q9rpNqrmO20wdy8Cz/s320/button.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div>And now...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAvbMQY4QOGWytTsG_pgEL5LIr8OCGnOpHDpfTwGoWugLgorF2XiE7jqwZuJWQT46M0ytxs7f_UD-efYLAPh6Jqq5F0PP9g6EcltkHV29VsFY8KBN_3JSZDn2QZst_9NCB0M-LYlcXtmOY/s1600/after2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAvbMQY4QOGWytTsG_pgEL5LIr8OCGnOpHDpfTwGoWugLgorF2XiE7jqwZuJWQT46M0ytxs7f_UD-efYLAPh6Jqq5F0PP9g6EcltkHV29VsFY8KBN_3JSZDn2QZst_9NCB0M-LYlcXtmOY/s320/after2.jpg" width="192" /></a></div>I've lost 23 pounds in the last 2 weeks. I feel really good. I can breath, I don't have to pee every 30 minutes and I can touch my toes again.Bridgethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04050001216662779582noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7889159077744296954.post-52997666935972672512012-01-16T14:14:00.000-08:002012-01-16T14:14:57.821-08:00Getting back to normalIts been almost 2 weeks since the girls came and life is starting to get back to normal. <br />
Its nice to be home with my family. Shawn was home all last week which was so nice. The kids were glad for us all to be back together. <br />
Physically I'm feeling pretty good. My incision site is still sore and sometimes burns, but I'm told that that is just the nerves starting to fire again. It hurts sometimes when I first wake up, I think maybe I sleep on it or something. I'm only taking ibuprofen for pain. The Dr gave me some norco, but I haven't needed to take any since last week. I'm still moving a little slower than normal, and bending down will sometimes hurt a little. I'm technically still on driving restrictions but I've driven a couple times. A "single" moms' gotta do what I gotta do!!<br />
I've officially turned into a milking machine. I'm pumping for the girls. The hospital told me to try to pump 8 times a day, but no matter what I do, I can't seem to get more than 7 times a day in. I'm getting between 35-40ish oz a day. Last I heard the girls' were each eating about an oz at each feed and they're eating every 3hrs. So luckily I'm ahead of the game. I want to try to build up a stockpile, in case I can't last their whole nicu stay. <br />
At my last OB visit which was a week before the girls were born, I'd gained a total of 18lbs, and when I walked into L&D to give birth, I was up a total of 20lbs. I've lost it all and more. I'm down 21lbs so far. Its probably from their birth and mostly from pumping. I'm drinking a TON of water (about 120oz a day) to keep my milk supply up and that's helped flush my system out. I puffed up a bit in the hospital, from all the iv fluids they gave me. <br />
My belly is still a little poochy. I ordered an abdominal binder to try to help put everything back in its place. Maybe in another couple weeks, I'll take an "after" picture and post it. (not feeling quite that confident yet)<br />
The girls' mom and grandma came in on Saturday. They are staying at the Ronald McDonald house. They are over the moon for their little ladies. The girls are continuing to thrive. They are slowly putting on some weight, still breathing on their own, no longer needing the billi light, have had their IV lines removed. They are unbelievably cute. They are fraternal, and already have quite different looks. They are also developing their own little personality. <br />
I'm loving every minute of my time with my kids. Having just helped someone become a mother, makes me realize how fortunate I am to have my children. The emotional side of this whole journey is going to be a whole other post that I'm not yet ready to write.Bridgethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04050001216662779582noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7889159077744296954.post-26872883509706175672012-01-08T19:44:00.000-08:002012-01-08T19:44:46.759-08:00Babies just couldn't wait any longerYep...I delivered!! The girls just couldn't wait any longer I guess. Let me back up and start at the beginning.<br />
Wednesday the 4th, I was hanging out at home with Rylee. We were having a lazy day. At around 5 in the evening I started getting braxton hicks. Nothing out of the ordinary for me. I layed on the couch and started drinking a glass of water. That has always made them go away before. Well this time they didn't go away, instead they started to get a little painful. My back started to ache. That is when I made the decision to head to the hospital just to get checked out. I dropped Rylee off with the babysitter. I really wasn't in pain. Just wanted to get these braxton hicks to stop. I drove my self to the hospital. Walked in, got checked in. The nurse put me on the monitor and within 5 mins she was on the phone with my Dr. I was having contractions one every minute. She came back in to check me and I was dilated to a 5.5. I was SHOCKED. I had no idea that I was in true labor. Within the minutes, I had 4 nurses rushing into my room. It was very chaotic. At that point in time I texted Tess, she is the lady who runs my surrogate agency, and someone I now consider a friend. She was on her way down to be with me. She also called the parents to let them know what was going on. They gave me a shot of terbutaline to try to stop the contractions, they started me on Magnesium and gave me my first shot of steroids to help mature the baby's lungs. They also dropped the head of my bed down so I was laying sort of upside down, to try to keep the pressure off my cervix and to hope that gravity would help us. I stayed like that for about 2hrs. They kept increasing my mag. The Dr at that point was hoping to just buy us 24-48hrs to get the 2nd dose of steroids in for babies lungs.<br />
The pain was starting to get pretty bad during that 2 hrs. After midnight I told the nurse that I was feeling a lot of pressure and felt like I needed to push. I was checked and was told my bag of water was right there and bulging. They said I dilated to about an 8 and we weren't going to be holding delivery off any longer. I had an ultrasound done when the 4 nurses came rushing in. Baby A was breach and baby B was transverse (laying right across the top of my uterus sideways.) So we were heading into a c-section. At this point I was SO scared. I had no idea what to expect as far as how the babies were going to be. The NICU team had come into talk to us and what they told us sounded pretty scary. I was also scared to have major surgery. My Dr was amazing and very comforting toward me. I survived the surgery. Baby A came out first, she was born at 0115 Thursday the 5th. She came out screaming and weighed 3#3 and 16in long. Baby B was more difficult to deliver. The Dr said her cord was wrapped around her neck. She came out very quiet and limp. She was born at 0118, weighing in at 2#14 and 15 3/4in long.<br />
This was definitely not the delivery story I expected to be sharing with you all. I never thought I would have these girls this early.<br />
My Dr came in Thursday morning after I'd had some rest. He told me after he went home he thought and thought and couldn't figure out why I'd delivered so early. I had no warning signs, no infection, no bleeding. Then he told me that it hit him.<br />
Baby B's cord was wrapped SO tightly around her neck that he is convinced that she wouldn't have had much more time. If the meds would have stalled my labor by even a few more hour's, we would have a totally different outcome.<br />
My Dr told me that he felt like God had a plan for these babies and that they needed to come out when they did. After hearing that, a lot of guilt was lifted off my shoulders. <br />
I am so grateful that my body gave me a warning sign and that I listened to it. <br />
I have so much more to share, but it will take some time to get it all out. <br />
A few thanks...Tess, she was amazing. She got right down to the hospital, when I needed her. She stayed with me until middle of the night, she held my hand through surgery (which was one of the scariest times of my whole life) and she checked up on me the whole weekend. She went way above and beyond for me and I'm forever grateful. <br />
Also to J, the mom of the babies. I was so worried that she would question me, what I did or if I could have done something differently to have a different outcome. I've skyped her everyday since the girls were born and she's never made me feel like she blames me. She was thankful I told her what my Dr said and she is so thankful that we have the outcome that we do. <br />
I have tons of amazing friends and family. They all prayed for me and the babies, visited, called and facebooked me. <br />
The staff at the hospital was more than I could have asked for. Every person was more than nice, helpful and no one made me feel awkward, esp in the nicu, being only the surrogate mom and not the biological mom. They've let me come and go as I please, the nurses and Dr's have also jumped on skype everyday to update mom and dad. They were all just so awesome. <br />
Were not going to be sharing pictures of the babies right now, as they are just a little too little. As they get bigger and healthier I may get to. Take my word for it...there super cute!!!Bridgethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04050001216662779582noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7889159077744296954.post-53634656308421561082012-01-02T12:59:00.000-08:002012-01-02T12:59:06.159-08:0029 WeeksHere we are...29 weeks. The 2nd week of the 8th month. The babies this week weigh a little more than 2 and a half pounds each. About the same as a butternut squash. They are also about 15in long. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7p-NN1zmRX4/TwIWmr8ackI/AAAAAAAAAMc/8q4Zooox0eg/s1600/29w1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-7p-NN1zmRX4/TwIWmr8ackI/AAAAAAAAAMc/8q4Zooox0eg/s320/29w1.jpg" width="231" /></a></div>I think I look pretty good from the front. :)<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hg1GSmF2ovU/TwIWrvNUuFI/AAAAAAAAAMk/lgoD4rHCLcU/s1600/29w4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-hg1GSmF2ovU/TwIWrvNUuFI/AAAAAAAAAMk/lgoD4rHCLcU/s320/29w4.jpg" width="180" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">The babies muscles and lungs are continuing to develop. Babies bones are sucking up lots of calcium now. I've added 1000mg of calcium a day. I read that adding calcium will help with leg cramps in pregnancy. And oh boy have I had some nasty leg cramps lately. I'm still feeling pretty good. I tire out very easily and I can't do much with out getting out of breath. My house work is taking a hit right now. I do what I can and Jackson has been a pretty good help too. Somehow, together, we'll all get through this. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I can't believe that sometime within the next 2 months we'll be meeting these little ladies. I'm hoping its later rather than sooner. I want them to keep growing for a while longer. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">As uncomfortable as I am right now, I will take it, to make sure these girls get to stay put. I feel like I felt the last couple weeks of my own pregnancies. Like "I'm done". Its easy to get through then knowing you only have a couple weeks to go, but when I think I have close to 7 weeks it seems daunting. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">Here is a picture I found online...its twins at 28 weeks, but it gives you a good idea of what they may look like. </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--pREXUr_A9s/TwIaSmQAU2I/AAAAAAAAAMw/_bPMVDqJ25g/s1600/28weektwins.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="249" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/--pREXUr_A9s/TwIaSmQAU2I/AAAAAAAAAMw/_bPMVDqJ25g/s320/28weektwins.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>Oh ya...except these girls aren't head down. There both laying kind of cross ways. <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">I see my Dr a week from tomorrow. Hope everyone has a good week. Did you all have a good New Years?? We did!! Despite a sick little girl, we spent the weekend up in the mountains and had a lot of fun!!</div>Bridgethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04050001216662779582noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7889159077744296954.post-77204014647242936622011-12-28T20:34:00.001-08:002011-12-28T20:47:22.534-08:00I'm back<div>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. </div><div>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. </div><div>Here it is....</div><p><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlb6285LU6PDmW-vg1DPRpt4gO0vgsPa1XLY-jp_zSbBC2wRL9gk-iP8fIQP3iZu-02SOmtxkk4QwW_0ysthWeC0Wl2hKnevjyL7Yv-myejG6f9bfwWv56WoAHr2ww2OllUdE4p8aDE3P5/s1600/28w2.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 193px; height: 320px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5691405068270094866" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlb6285LU6PDmW-vg1DPRpt4gO0vgsPa1XLY-jp_zSbBC2wRL9gk-iP8fIQP3iZu-02SOmtxkk4QwW_0ysthWeC0Wl2hKnevjyL7Yv-myejG6f9bfwWv56WoAHr2ww2OllUdE4p8aDE3P5/s320/28w2.jpg" /></a>At my last appt, 2 weeks ago, I was measuring 31 cm, so I've had quite the growth spurt.<br />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!!</p><p>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. </p><p>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. </p><p>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. </p><p>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.<br /></p>Bridgethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04050001216662779582noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7889159077744296954.post-53340874583723873122011-12-17T08:50:00.000-08:002011-12-17T08:51:32.941-08:00Our Family is ready to rock the holidays!!!<div><div style="border-radius: 10px; width: 567px; background-color: rgb(233, 233, 233); -moz-border-radius: 10px;"><object id="A64060" data="http://aka.zero.jibjab.com/client/zero/ClientZero_EmbedViewer.swf?external_make_id=mYXHSZ3WZ25zzTZF&service=sendables.jibjab.com&partnerID=holidays" width="567" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" height="319" wmode="transparent" pluginspage="http://www.macromedia.com/go/getflashplayer" quality="high"><param name="wmode" value="transparent"><param name="movie" value="http://aka.zero.jibjab.com/client/zero/ClientZero_EmbedViewer.swf?external_make_id=mYXHSZ3WZ25zzTZF&service=sendables.jibjab.com&partnerID=holidays"><param name="scaleMode" value="showAll"><param name="quality" value="high"><param name="allowNetworking" value="all"><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"><param name="FlashVars" value="cornerRadius=10&external_make_id=mYXHSZ3WZ25zzTZF&service=sendables.jibjab.com&partnerID=holidays"><param name="allowScriptAccess" value="always"></object><div style="text-align: center; margin-top: 6px;">Personalize funny videos and birthday <a href="http://sendables.jibjab.com/ecards">eCards</a> at JibJab!</div></div></div>Bridgethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04050001216662779582noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7889159077744296954.post-26369992907057125362011-12-16T08:51:00.000-08:002011-12-16T09:03:40.416-08:00Who is amazing??<div><font size="5">This girl!!!!</font></div><div>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!!</div><div> </div><div>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.<br />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!!</div><div>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. </div><div>I go back Dec 28th to see the Dr again. </div><div>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. </div>Bridgethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04050001216662779582noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7889159077744296954.post-75375473436978353362011-12-13T19:13:00.000-08:002011-12-13T19:36:23.539-08:00Thought this would be fun!!<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4db1L2meMzfl8wBJsh_UfVeEVe9BoPcnPZHr4b-4J1sAcu0wMopQR9hpOEpcKBdDTeEbVz8KBwmeFRo2TW0QtHDJx99h1rbfsphTRZ4TMfOM6ahfTeOsqWZGD7LvdOWLwzF2sACWEN6pQ/s1600/snowman.png"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 230px; height: 320px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5685822369125037810" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4db1L2meMzfl8wBJsh_UfVeEVe9BoPcnPZHr4b-4J1sAcu0wMopQR9hpOEpcKBdDTeEbVz8KBwmeFRo2TW0QtHDJx99h1rbfsphTRZ4TMfOM6ahfTeOsqWZGD7LvdOWLwzF2sACWEN6pQ/s320/snowman.png" /></a><br />1. Egg Nog or Hot Chocolate?<br /> Hot chocolate with lots of little marshmallow's!!<br />2. Does Santa wrap presents or just sit them under the tree?<br />Santa just puts them under the tree.<br />3. Colored lights on tree/house or white?<br />Colored! Our tree is a prelit tree with white lights but we added a strand of colored lights to it.<br />4. Do you hang mistletoe?<br />No, but we should. It would be fun! Good idea for next year.<br />5. When do you put your decorations up?<br />Ideally we'd like to have it all done Thanksgiving weekend, but its usually sometime in the week (or 2) following.<br />6. What is your favorite holiday dish?<br />All Christmas candy. I love toffee!<br />7. Favorite Holiday memory as a child?<br />I love waking up Christmas morning and running to see what Santa brought us.<br />8. When and how did you learn the truth about Santa?<br />The truth?? What are you talking about?<br />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.<br />10. How do you decorate your Christmas tree?<br />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.<br />11. Snow! Love it or Dread it?<br />Love it!!<br />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<br />13. What is on your Christmas list this year? A tablet. Either the Samsung Galaxy or Toshiba Thrive.<br />14. What’s the most important thing about the holidays for you?<br />Being with family.<br />15. What is your favorite holiday dessert?<br />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.<br />16. What is your favorite holiday tradition?<br />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.<br />17. What tops your tree?<br />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.<br />18. Which do you prefer giving or receiving?<br />Receiving<br />19. Candy Canes: Yuck or Yum?<br />I don't think there yuck, but I don't eat them.<br />20. Favorite Christmas movie?<br />Home alone, Christmas Vacation, The Nativity Story, The Santa Clause, and my newest favorite is Four Christmas'<br />21. Weirdest Christmas song?<br />Probably "Grandma Got Run Over by a Reindeer" but it makes Jackson laugh<br />22. What is your favorite Christmas song?<br />Where are you Christmas, from the Grinch<br />Bridgethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04050001216662779582noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7889159077744296954.post-33980058793622866502011-12-12T19:54:00.000-08:002011-12-12T20:12:47.479-08:00Were truckin along<div>Well here we are in the 26th week. We've passed another milestone...were in the double digits...less than 100 days!!</div><div>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. </div><div> Here is the latest bump shot. <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9sCQ2AW89ju73ssDcaSczrSrNO2bUIAvCeXT5tRNDPXDtrWisVSaW6H0ka1dvxXetlrfF05nIsi7XMFlm0_4ThVBQr-O5iNEjr3_bl2kYOr2wrT9AoVWcJeOhO1XYcCjo8YwtcBSuXn0Q/s1600/26w1.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 207px; height: 320px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5685457911839420962" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9sCQ2AW89ju73ssDcaSczrSrNO2bUIAvCeXT5tRNDPXDtrWisVSaW6H0ka1dvxXetlrfF05nIsi7XMFlm0_4ThVBQr-O5iNEjr3_bl2kYOr2wrT9AoVWcJeOhO1XYcCjo8YwtcBSuXn0Q/s320/26w1.jpg" /></a>And as comparison...here I was just 4 weeks ago. Those girls sure are growing quickly.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdBOFVA7uFGWgIBmyS4hhWLGo_rY5tFDHBsVkq2nujCL6Hmh43dLTYc6IFm_gLYl_7c04aMwALIjFApA8KTzhRoTgFKZrjzGDqogla9aqIsqkTQpKdEAS13pOyGH2bgoQQjPFMuFVP3tri/s1600/22w5.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 191px; height: 320px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5685458171851474258" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdBOFVA7uFGWgIBmyS4hhWLGo_rY5tFDHBsVkq2nujCL6Hmh43dLTYc6IFm_gLYl_7c04aMwALIjFApA8KTzhRoTgFKZrjzGDqogla9aqIsqkTQpKdEAS13pOyGH2bgoQQjPFMuFVP3tri/s320/22w5.jpg" /></a>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. </div><div>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. </div><div>My heartburn is finally better. I started on some prilosec a couple weeks ago, and its worked AMAZING!!! </div><div>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. </div><div>I'm still sleeping pretty good. Let me introduce you to my new best friend...<br /></div><p><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMUV_W0fF6vCeE4Oci2TS3y0jdMpciMcWlOdjxP4MoCmtMmmTNF7uKRfydK9JhOZdyircWDUnN64tZDqBndY79_qLiKLoUNtRHu3_FhsQG3VxGjwRF9N0RjnzdLxdKnVMmKG5uIvIBTOS8/s1600/pillow.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 320px; height: 191px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5685459590002954290" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMUV_W0fF6vCeE4Oci2TS3y0jdMpciMcWlOdjxP4MoCmtMmmTNF7uKRfydK9JhOZdyircWDUnN64tZDqBndY79_qLiKLoUNtRHu3_FhsQG3VxGjwRF9N0RjnzdLxdKnVMmKG5uIvIBTOS8/s320/pillow.jpg" /></a>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!!</p><p>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!!<br />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.<br /></p>Bridgethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04050001216662779582noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7889159077744296954.post-17597274407778350032011-12-05T17:42:00.000-08:002011-12-05T17:58:51.734-08:0025 weeks<div>Here we are in December...where has the time gone. It seems like just yesterday I was getting pregnant. </div><div>The babys this week measures 13.5 inch's. They each <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">weighs</span> 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.</div><div><br />Here is my 24 week picture<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKFZlWa7ZuEKdGFs5nqvHcJm_oQUj1aZgNti5hrIJfHfbz86HqUMX5OGjNWbIVIYQTRcpYa-iqmeHEUAGi4JmFYAbQ81G3miXiZKnT2B4fI1IEbZ-XD0h3nvHgiUJRshcwiT9UBtFNztNU/s1600/24w.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 178px; height: 320px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5682826408335824802" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKFZlWa7ZuEKdGFs5nqvHcJm_oQUj1aZgNti5hrIJfHfbz86HqUMX5OGjNWbIVIYQTRcpYa-iqmeHEUAGi4JmFYAbQ81G3miXiZKnT2B4fI1IEbZ-XD0h3nvHgiUJRshcwiT9UBtFNztNU/s320/24w.jpg" /></a></div><p><br />Here is the 25 week picture<br /></p><p><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiLO4fzh-5dYeDzuGL3Y0NEeXFD8fJ2pDqYA_GAv7Jp1zJMNw-wV6lHfchMTRI_39Tah21iLoCaJ3Zn7Qhku51pUNqQYypb1EkV5sZflVXLdH7H1aKOBv44zgVoEQlb_iQ6oDEFZGyl1U7/s1600/25w2.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 197px; height: 320px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5682826650708105506" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgiLO4fzh-5dYeDzuGL3Y0NEeXFD8fJ2pDqYA_GAv7Jp1zJMNw-wV6lHfchMTRI_39Tah21iLoCaJ3Zn7Qhku51pUNqQYypb1EkV5sZflVXLdH7H1aKOBv44zgVoEQlb_iQ6oDEFZGyl1U7/s320/25w2.jpg" /></a>I thought about how I could make this picture look a little more "provocative" just by <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">tweaking</span> that carrot :)</p><p>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.<br />We are getting all ready for <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">Christmas</span>. 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. </p><p>Hope you all are getting into the Christmas spirit!!!<br /></p>Bridgethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04050001216662779582noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7889159077744296954.post-90402605748917112142011-11-28T20:27:00.000-08:002011-11-28T20:50:15.766-08:0024 weeks....Viability!!!<div>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. </div><div>The babies are growing nicely. They are putting on about 6oz's of weight a week, mostly baby fat.<br />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. </div><div>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. </div><div>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)</div><div>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. </div><div>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. </div><div>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.<br />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.<br />It will be a good week. </div><div>I'll put a pic up later. </div><div>Hope you all have a good week too!!</div>Bridgethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04050001216662779582noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7889159077744296954.post-74560268216436708332011-11-27T13:44:00.000-08:002011-11-27T13:46:35.651-08:00<div>I was able to capture the babys kicking yesterday. Its all mostly to the right side.<br /><iframe height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/I4DIrovTbWc" frameborder="0" width="420" allowfullscreen=""></iframe></div><div><br /><iframe width="420" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/tuKO1jFjrlI" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe><br />But it gives you an idea of how busy these little girls are. These are what I feel ALL day!!</div><br />Bridgethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04050001216662779582noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7889159077744296954.post-20160634927687868202011-11-19T13:18:00.000-08:002011-11-19T13:37:58.661-08:0023 weeks<div>I have less than 120 days....and even less than that, as Dr won't let me go past 37 weeks!!!<br /><br />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.<br /><br /><p><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip-JC_kUArY0Q8pq1SbXTNaPNVExgRYgk1PlYTDOyGhWEnH6oBJGH9DbXrK-L4EjM9qX1OuN2nPM6fMD8PChF7yLscTdUMtagwg7WedCeijQ2zELZhZREKI7YZpLKeiZvKhMurtQ81AoGh/s1600/23w6.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 230px; height: 320px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5676821059827913218" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEip-JC_kUArY0Q8pq1SbXTNaPNVExgRYgk1PlYTDOyGhWEnH6oBJGH9DbXrK-L4EjM9qX1OuN2nPM6fMD8PChF7yLscTdUMtagwg7WedCeijQ2zELZhZREKI7YZpLKeiZvKhMurtQ81AoGh/s320/23w6.jpg" /></a>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. </p><p>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.<br /></p></div>Bridgethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04050001216662779582noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7889159077744296954.post-72842399869075386842011-11-14T18:16:00.001-08:002011-11-14T18:31:18.325-08:00This weeks picture<div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhytc3ZP7CdSJa7oqiyBN7ixQ41hmghMgrQ63kmwN_7ub0yoMnq7Kka4pFX1DKbimWo3v2UmKvoS4iVJ0iUSjbK8EtQvRodC7KqMHGxzl5pyDcW1_1NHivHiS6OFW5WY7yX2lk7lOvC0CTJ/s1600/22w5.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 191px; height: 320px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5675040985163328114" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhytc3ZP7CdSJa7oqiyBN7ixQ41hmghMgrQ63kmwN_7ub0yoMnq7Kka4pFX1DKbimWo3v2UmKvoS4iVJ0iUSjbK8EtQvRodC7KqMHGxzl5pyDcW1_1NHivHiS6OFW5WY7yX2lk7lOvC0CTJ/s320/22w5.jpg" /></a>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?</div><div>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. </div><div>I think I'm good on the ultrasounds until about 30-32 weeks, unless there is complications. </div><div>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</div><div>That's all for now!! Have a good week!!!</div><div>Thanks for reading and following along with me on this journey. </div></div>Bridgethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04050001216662779582noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7889159077744296954.post-78647396996511275882011-11-12T20:09:00.000-08:002011-11-12T20:32:04.747-08:0022 weeks<div>Another week down!!!<br />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. </div><div>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. </div><div>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 <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">spendy</span>, but if nothing else, it smells good. </div><div>The babies this week are about 11 <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">inch's</span> long head to toe and weigh about a pound!! Growing like little weeds. Their kicks are <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">definitely</span> becoming stronger. </div><div>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. </div><div>I haven't taken a pic this week yet. I'll get on that. </div><div>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. </div><div>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. <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-error">Rylee</span> 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. </div><div> </div><div>Before I go, I gotta give a shout out to my good friend Myrna. She delivered the most adorable <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_4" class="blsp-spelling-error">surro</span> <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_5" class="blsp-spelling-error">girly</span> yesterday. She is such a tiny little <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_6" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">petite</span> thing. I want to post a picture of <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_7" class="blsp-spelling-error">Rylee</span> holding her too, but I didn't take <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_8" class="blsp-spelling-error">Rylee</span> 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. </div><div>I'll update later in the week, after my next ultrasound. </div>Bridgethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04050001216662779582noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7889159077744296954.post-41141514185413763012011-11-09T19:57:00.000-08:002011-11-09T20:08:13.031-08:00Just need a minute to vent<div>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. </div><div>With that said, I need a moment to vent....</div><div> </div><div>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...</div><div>These babies literally suck it ALL from me!!<br />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. </div><div>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. </div><div>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. </div><div>He is so incredibly patient and understanding of me right now. He knows he has to slow it down a little. </div><div>I also told him when I walk too much these dang <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">braxton</span> 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. </div><div> </div><div><span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">Ok</span>...I think I'm done venting for now. I just needed to get that out, and now I can move on. <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-error">haha</span></div>Bridgethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04050001216662779582noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7889159077744296954.post-50982581698806420312011-11-05T18:05:00.001-07:002011-11-05T18:20:25.567-07:0021 weeks<div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTc76UP4yvgjf676UDTvx8cG2SUF8XLcsdiIt2B0ic1cByDC71eZATnKzhf2QdWDZeyzZV3sa0qzIUH4V_k9nPDAwc9nXQqxDCwtz_trbVq8tR9Kx25aW07wVTPSl7KMdXneDnneXcNUfW/s1600/21w2.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 194px; height: 320px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5671682818441523714" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTc76UP4yvgjf676UDTvx8cG2SUF8XLcsdiIt2B0ic1cByDC71eZATnKzhf2QdWDZeyzZV3sa0qzIUH4V_k9nPDAwc9nXQqxDCwtz_trbVq8tR9Kx25aW07wVTPSl7KMdXneDnneXcNUfW/s320/21w2.jpg" /></a>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.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgawSJOQlaR-HOLotAwrPqISONX2hMzQQ-WTP9iOZN9eVcEzVHz1EAuoDvoL03ZP1NEu81tY6_eNu4IeOMgiy2nhxY-n4XUTfDJh7jj9VZuqPamxOEZnUSybpmF9ga2twinUPE7hZo1ANb/s1600/21w3.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 206px; height: 320px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5671682943996470786" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgawSJOQlaR-HOLotAwrPqISONX2hMzQQ-WTP9iOZN9eVcEzVHz1EAuoDvoL03ZP1NEu81tY6_eNu4IeOMgiy2nhxY-n4XUTfDJh7jj9VZuqPamxOEZnUSybpmF9ga2twinUPE7hZo1ANb/s320/21w3.jpg" /></a>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.<br />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. </div><div>They are also the getting to be so wiggly.</div><div>Enjoy it while you can babies,because before you know it...you'll be out of room. </div><div>Other than all that, everything else is pretty much unchanged. </div><div> </div><div>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. </div><div>Hope everyone has a good week!!!</div>Bridgethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04050001216662779582noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7889159077744296954.post-73968899224558192932011-11-02T13:11:00.000-07:002011-11-02T13:31:57.301-07:0020 Weeks<div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqi7d9zn1u6zihE8xNLlnenqrIeFwLU8a0tm7vbuTRx_6swbjP-DVdOcpsX0OjtwBxcnwFZjXby2suXxxA-zH2iLH2BUT8ZyW8HbApZ2O0Nr_-LR_zWfIqwG-Urr8lc45yvXNdQAPsP4yO/s1600/20wbelly.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 191px; height: 320px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5670494062616494242" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqi7d9zn1u6zihE8xNLlnenqrIeFwLU8a0tm7vbuTRx_6swbjP-DVdOcpsX0OjtwBxcnwFZjXby2suXxxA-zH2iLH2BUT8ZyW8HbApZ2O0Nr_-LR_zWfIqwG-Urr8lc45yvXNdQAPsP4yO/s320/20wbelly.jpg" /></a>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. </div><div>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. </div><div>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. </div><div>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. </div><div>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.<br />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. </div><div>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. </div><div>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!!!</div><div> </div><div>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. </div><div>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. </div><div>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. </div>Bridgethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04050001216662779582noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7889159077744296954.post-14635576096895401852011-10-28T10:17:00.000-07:002011-10-28T11:00:43.939-07:00The big announcment!!!!<div>Its been a busy week. I'm somewhere between 19 and 20 weeks. I had my ultrasound yesterday and an OB appt today.<br />I'll get to the news first...<br />Looks like I'm carrying a double dose of....<br /><font style="color: rgb(255, 102, 102);" size="5">PINK!!</font><br /><font style="color: rgb(255, 102, 102);"></font><br /><font style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);" size="4"><font size="3">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</font>. <font size="3">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. </font></font><br />I'll get on with the pictures.<br /><br />Here is a picture with both heads.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3-Zkv2wTdhpmcVfCLMRhxvj-O-ElHdtauMnmMZYDYY6uXGvqi05U2TqK0AGk9j-QcHkJQltCQW4jp1KYrCLR7Z5Vrb-6fgi5yY8JE6LuGnDoCsBVnSR4tL54pJgLzhIelpr_6QFSHmNLh/s1600/20w1.jpg"><font style="color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"></font><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 320px; height: 248px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5668595842048371218" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3-Zkv2wTdhpmcVfCLMRhxvj-O-ElHdtauMnmMZYDYY6uXGvqi05U2TqK0AGk9j-QcHkJQltCQW4jp1KYrCLR7Z5Vrb-6fgi5yY8JE6LuGnDoCsBVnSR4tL54pJgLzhIelpr_6QFSHmNLh/s320/20w1.jpg" /></a><br />Here is the cute Baby A!! Love those lips!!<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVmuAKSoa_fsn2hovPc99siO6jiRdswGj2Gg9Gr3SVoQPDtxrw_Q84U1STjNTO-8Q5ClTLcYLnZcE9xEVrk1wJRMPhSy-PCHjf5ry6ZE6IkElnFadXNbeXxtR2WDLuiEhyphenhyphenc3Yt3NLytAJk/s1600/20w8.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 320px; height: 239px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5668596893011232674" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVmuAKSoa_fsn2hovPc99siO6jiRdswGj2Gg9Gr3SVoQPDtxrw_Q84U1STjNTO-8Q5ClTLcYLnZcE9xEVrk1wJRMPhSy-PCHjf5ry6ZE6IkElnFadXNbeXxtR2WDLuiEhyphenhyphenc3Yt3NLytAJk/s320/20w8.jpg" /></a>And little miss Baby B!!</div><p><br /></p><p><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrZ01mZCBhTt8Uj-uDHSkelQnkcsws-K3MXoKSFUz0I40CVtCUQPij3gPfqv9t1zRtQ4f0TrIFEoFmfZCe67kPa4qYC8uzV6hsosTniOfWaTwJz2GtKg5eygXWBwAfcMsnrMjC0jKjVkmj/s1600/20w5.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 320px; height: 246px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5668597251053135010" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrZ01mZCBhTt8Uj-uDHSkelQnkcsws-K3MXoKSFUz0I40CVtCUQPij3gPfqv9t1zRtQ4f0TrIFEoFmfZCe67kPa4qYC8uzV6hsosTniOfWaTwJz2GtKg5eygXWBwAfcMsnrMjC0jKjVkmj/s320/20w5.jpg" /></a><br />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.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNZAT7K1fkVa6EuAQVg-GZf1MmZWIYQlTENcVRLYYPA5-jf5muaiCH8zi015l2L3oqsRSrg8vVwmZybIXWav0b6k7Vff4Eyt1_QTyPMHV6InM_v_cWORKzVeuIEXQJcD9C3SDEBsgXSHph/s1600/drawing.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 206px; height: 320px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5668597824776184146" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNZAT7K1fkVa6EuAQVg-GZf1MmZWIYQlTENcVRLYYPA5-jf5muaiCH8zi015l2L3oqsRSrg8vVwmZybIXWav0b6k7Vff4Eyt1_QTyPMHV6InM_v_cWORKzVeuIEXQJcD9C3SDEBsgXSHph/s320/drawing.jpg" /></a>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. </p><p>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. </p><p>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. <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN7rlsE9Y14OzuHdhuqB5az3kQOYTx8EpsZeZNwU9xWlfhEozqkciqBoQV_P_kHiB79B83N91maWUpuq6mo4RyRREkw16W7RFvEfzFdleYmV5mDOumtK5a5InM0mH6Ajtlxe3WSM-oC3Od/s1600/19w2.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 189px; height: 320px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5668600196242705842" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN7rlsE9Y14OzuHdhuqB5az3kQOYTx8EpsZeZNwU9xWlfhEozqkciqBoQV_P_kHiB79B83N91maWUpuq6mo4RyRREkw16W7RFvEfzFdleYmV5mDOumtK5a5InM0mH6Ajtlxe3WSM-oC3Od/s320/19w2.jpg" /></a>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. </p><p>Dr said unless I start having complications, he won't order another ultrasound until I'm about 32 weeks. </p><p>Have a good weekend and have a Happy Halloween.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTV8ILo_otIQCF0YlIZGw8lgRJy7oFcF8vBLUaakELF72r6_Qvn2uHD-iApVsr_HSDt4kMnGPCMEsmrq8VLhE8c9niQYNoUVH-RPfQodzLDnb6PF7SkHUeuonm3LN-XFVCjqc3Kovxmz6B/s1600/halloween.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 240px; height: 320px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5668604352472615954" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTV8ILo_otIQCF0YlIZGw8lgRJy7oFcF8vBLUaakELF72r6_Qvn2uHD-iApVsr_HSDt4kMnGPCMEsmrq8VLhE8c9niQYNoUVH-RPfQodzLDnb6PF7SkHUeuonm3LN-XFVCjqc3Kovxmz6B/s320/halloween.jpg" /></a><br /></p><div><div></div></div>Bridgethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04050001216662779582noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7889159077744296954.post-11513847205267013212011-10-21T20:25:00.000-07:002011-10-21T20:42:48.489-07:0018 weeks<div>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 :)</div><div>Here's the latest picture...<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRjyRxZLm46zfqLtJ8Cw_7FWRR8nyFf5LPdtMdE51nY6uF9wXnF5J0uLNBYn1ZvW5ImqGK0vcMiHXhQRLLtMMRIed45htN9182R0ZlYF5iwORRcr5-AiYLwyQqA1E5-SWdKgaEw80IQUV-/s1600/18w3.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 194px; height: 320px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5666153988112102242" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRjyRxZLm46zfqLtJ8Cw_7FWRR8nyFf5LPdtMdE51nY6uF9wXnF5J0uLNBYn1ZvW5ImqGK0vcMiHXhQRLLtMMRIed45htN9182R0ZlYF5iwORRcr5-AiYLwyQqA1E5-SWdKgaEw80IQUV-/s320/18w3.jpg" /></a>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. </div><div>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. </div><div>The next thing that I'm pretty excited about is I got a couple super cute shirts made. </div><div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbKzpGJIqsfrBfLjna86T-7A57I5TpSfvPzf8SiPEKD_hFu4eU-Up7pGu7uFrm-cZeA0Oq5Vw7IbxudHp4sk8n-YLgqwRvx3BnmVTasMGVze1TcLTo01s5fZ9Bcmo2VhC9Rd0NjG3xtnA7/s1600/shirt1.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 178px; height: 320px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5666155499736314418" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbKzpGJIqsfrBfLjna86T-7A57I5TpSfvPzf8SiPEKD_hFu4eU-Up7pGu7uFrm-cZeA0Oq5Vw7IbxudHp4sk8n-YLgqwRvx3BnmVTasMGVze1TcLTo01s5fZ9Bcmo2VhC9Rd0NjG3xtnA7/s320/shirt1.jpg" /></a>This is my Halloween shirt. I've worn it a couple times already and I've gotten a lot of fun comments on it.<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiodd_6E7ei_bz5TDtw3jzT-K7PgXzwShixUGK9tQ-jhyphenhyphenolikApXIr0Z1_1NFOw2KHMuzHLZjt5oO95apP3v86Mi5dhofPasQ_fRoeOjpbD1GM4gMKkXEF5vafi6hXf7ASU3XhOE6mXx8uR/s1600/shirt2.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 320px; height: 191px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5666155852364713858" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiodd_6E7ei_bz5TDtw3jzT-K7PgXzwShixUGK9tQ-jhyphenhyphenolikApXIr0Z1_1NFOw2KHMuzHLZjt5oO95apP3v86Mi5dhofPasQ_fRoeOjpbD1GM4gMKkXEF5vafi6hXf7ASU3XhOE6mXx8uR/s320/shirt2.jpg" /></a>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. </div><div><br /> </div>Bridgethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04050001216662779582noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7889159077744296954.post-78922451981003465722011-10-11T13:14:00.001-07:002011-10-11T13:34:36.427-07:0017 weeks<div><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1IKwfxMurfPS9Lvbse_VQFNvDh79Elts9eazBLk2iD7_EZx2a1P7MzMS-P5VapEtTuTf2Pih_drURisn_ViptYrqRqM0YbFh4Gc1J8L8E7dGLKvGfom2hSgKvTzToj-Hug5L_v1KM-PlY/s1600/17w2.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 202px; height: 320px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5662330718336332114" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1IKwfxMurfPS9Lvbse_VQFNvDh79Elts9eazBLk2iD7_EZx2a1P7MzMS-P5VapEtTuTf2Pih_drURisn_ViptYrqRqM0YbFh4Gc1J8L8E7dGLKvGfom2hSgKvTzToj-Hug5L_v1KM-PlY/s320/17w2.jpg" /></a>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. </div><div>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.<br />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. </div><div>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. </div><div>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. </div><div>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. </div><div>See ya next week!!<br /></div><div></div>Bridgethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04050001216662779582noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7889159077744296954.post-44392839716404006082011-10-05T19:12:00.000-07:002011-10-05T19:29:16.032-07:0016 weeks<div>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!!)</div><div>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. </div><div> </div><div>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. </div><div>Here is my latest shot of the ever growing belly. <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMN60IygwHZ2YDSfAjGl8d7j73DSVFvFtliDZbLEOSL6rlDkLBEEUVdQmOadXJ7Y0QJyqmtj6StuHsvoUn_wV_fycgAvyHwwGd9fsNQm_fv5sP9M0XxyVK_ZBbOFT668QJmTU7o3ojHek0/s1600/15wgreen1.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 203px; height: 320px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5660198578803606914" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMN60IygwHZ2YDSfAjGl8d7j73DSVFvFtliDZbLEOSL6rlDkLBEEUVdQmOadXJ7Y0QJyqmtj6StuHsvoUn_wV_fycgAvyHwwGd9fsNQm_fv5sP9M0XxyVK_ZBbOFT668QJmTU7o3ojHek0/s320/15wgreen1.jpg" /></a>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.<br />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. </div><div>I think thats all for now.<br /></div>Bridgethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04050001216662779582noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7889159077744296954.post-33094909733738462822011-09-27T21:43:00.000-07:002011-09-27T21:57:39.676-07:0015 weeks<div>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!!! </div><div>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. </div><div>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.<br />For now I'll leave you with the latest pics. <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinYYQPQfJ536yYOhkcmtOzoQoS-2S9y_EO8oJpZVh0ohyphenhyphendFno1r7P0IMDZwr_vyDdLFwpmorDkBH0Uc_obJw3j3gmb0HUzbeYB_TJkxGgY8N15Yv6jPOptL7Cg9LLr1MG-_zJNSBHkPeZ9/s1600/15w1da.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 198px; height: 320px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5657267889976649714" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinYYQPQfJ536yYOhkcmtOzoQoS-2S9y_EO8oJpZVh0ohyphenhyphendFno1r7P0IMDZwr_vyDdLFwpmorDkBH0Uc_obJw3j3gmb0HUzbeYB_TJkxGgY8N15Yv6jPOptL7Cg9LLr1MG-_zJNSBHkPeZ9/s320/15w1da.jpg" /></a>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. <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3gIoDyTlSPl-3Schr7yoyN4G9c14W0GM5oxhomQoQQ9nQW0Dd6VhVwc3Uy8Y14bBM0XN6DnJR23Z_cYNPlFeSuM7gth7mAF2hgwsM7kyOMtHYQrBnI8T6Ad1iGN34KNh7Yubus5kK-dmk/s1600/15w1db.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 214px; height: 320px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5657268492770694690" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3gIoDyTlSPl-3Schr7yoyN4G9c14W0GM5oxhomQoQQ9nQW0Dd6VhVwc3Uy8Y14bBM0XN6DnJR23Z_cYNPlFeSuM7gth7mAF2hgwsM7kyOMtHYQrBnI8T6Ad1iGN34KNh7Yubus5kK-dmk/s320/15w1db.jpg" /></a>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. <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">Rylee</span> and I got to go to the hospital and visit and <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">Rylee</span> was instantly in love. <a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhptborvrzTx1bMyntWQT-Lh9HaS1JlZL-Y7DtgOzhqKOHdQUdruTUo_fenHZOvEzG1s7GwvmGE79gdxZomoGX4JqfTJa46YH6IrK1gGbkbZ0aX86VomBwER59URP07QRv062aTrDBgzaTP/s1600/ryleeandbaby.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; width: 191px; height: 320px; text-align: center; display: block; cursor: pointer;" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5657269703062327250" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhptborvrzTx1bMyntWQT-Lh9HaS1JlZL-Y7DtgOzhqKOHdQUdruTUo_fenHZOvEzG1s7GwvmGE79gdxZomoGX4JqfTJa46YH6IrK1gGbkbZ0aX86VomBwER59URP07QRv062aTrDBgzaTP/s320/ryleeandbaby.jpg" /></a>Congrats Heather and momma P. Heather has carried and delivered 3 surrogate babe's. She is amazing and is someone I look up to.<br /></div>Bridgethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04050001216662779582noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7889159077744296954.post-40941189871627016012011-09-22T20:17:00.000-07:002011-09-22T20:24:58.989-07:0014 Weeks<div>So I had my OB <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">appt</span> last Friday. Lets just say it wasn't the best <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error">appt</span> 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 <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-error">SOOOO</span> 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.</div><div>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 <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-error">zofran</span> and left feeling like a new person. </div><div>My weight has gone up 2 lbs since I got that fluid, but its held steady since.<br />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.<br />We did hear the heartbeats at the <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_4" class="blsp-spelling-error">appt</span>, they were 155 & 164. Almost what they were at the ultrasound. Also at that <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_5" class="blsp-spelling-error">appt</span>, by belly was measuring 18cm. </div><div>I also have another ultrasound next Friday, right before my <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_6" class="blsp-spelling-error">appt</span>, just to check again on the babies. </div><div> </div><div>No pics this week. I'll update next week, I promise. </div>Bridgethttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04050001216662779582noreply@blogger.com0