23 Weeks

Today I'm 23 weeks pregnant!  The fact that I am pregnant has now been noticed by strangers, so I guess that means I'm officially a real pregnant lady.  The belly is starting to get in the way of things like putting on socks and picking stuff up off the floor.  I'm not sure what I'm going to do when it actually is ginormous...

Let's get the icky stuff out of the way.  The pelvic pain is giving me the pregnancy waddle already at times, which some people find hilarious.  Whatever, it hurts to walk, ok?  The indigestion and reflux are still very uncomfortable, and now I can add squished lungs to the squished stomach.  Yay.  I sometimes feel sick and laying down is the only thing that makes it somewhat better.  Plus I'm tired so I want to lay down anyways.  Yes, I know I'm pathetic.

The babies are kicking like crazy!  I always try to figure out what limb I'm feeling, but never can.

Christmas was so great!  I can't believe that next Christmas we will have BABIES!!!  I got lots of cute maternity clothes as gifts and so I decided I had better start breaking out the new wardrobe.  Most of them are still too big though.  My mom picked me out an adorable diaper bag.  She has good taste.  Blake even got his own baby-related Christmas gift from me.  I think he likes it. :)

Another gift I got were a few books about twin pregnancy.  I'm reading the book by Dr. Luke right now, and I'm finding it very interesting.  It wants me to gain A LOT of weight.  I have been unsure if I was gaining too much because I've gained more than most people with one baby at 23 weeks, but this book makes me feel better that my body is doing what it needs to be doing.  And there's the fact that my regular pants still fit.  Side note: What's the deal with all the pregnant ladies telling random blog readers how many pounds they've gained every week?  I don't really understand the draw, but maybe that's just me.  Something really cool I learned from my book is that twins actually develop faster than single babies, so if they were all born at, for example, 30 weeks, the twins would do better than the single baby.  Twins' growth in size also slows down sooner than a single baby's would, which signals to the body that the babies are done cooking and it's time to start labor.  So that's one of the reasons why twins are almost always born early and are considered full term at 37-38 weeks.  I still have lots left to read and learn, and I'm excited!  This book makes me feel like I'm in control and that I'm learning all the secrets to keep my babies as healthy as I can.

One Year Ago: The Big Move

One year ago today, we said goodbye to life in Hawaii! 

We woke up early to pack our last few belongings in our suitcases, sweep the floors one last time, and give the place a once-over to make sure everything looked perfect.  I had spent the last two weeks painstakingly packing, deep cleaning, repairing holes in walls, and a million other things to make sure that the apartment looked better than how we found it.  Blake helped where he could (mostly moving furniture out and some repairs), but was extremely busy with work, so most of it was left to me.  I was proud of my work.  Before we knew it, it was time for the rental company to come do their walkthrough.

I was nervous as I waited outside for Blake to finish.  I spent my time playing with our mongoose, Squeaker, for the last time.  Our next-door (actually, more like behind and next door?) neighbors had taken quite a liking to him, so they agreed to take him on after we left.  He lived outside and didn't really need to be fed, so we really didn't change anything for him when we left.  I like to think he misses us a little bit though...

When Blake was done with the walk through, he told me that the lady was not too happy about what she saw.  I was floored.  It looked so much better than when we had moved in.  In fact, we even fixed things that were broken and holes that were in the walls when we moved in.  I was upset and angry, and let tears fall down my cheeks as I thought of all of the work I had put into making that place look amazing.  If I was having any reservations about leaving Hawaii (not likely), they were definitely gone now.

"I hate Hawaii," I told Blake.

"Yeah, look at those jerks, making you cry on your last day here."

The only thing to do when you are feeling a huge lack of faith in the humanity of Hawaii is to go to Uncle Clay's House of Pure Aloha for some shave ice.  It is really the only place I felt like we really got a glimpse of what aloha is all about.  Uncle Clay likes to get to know everyone who comes to his store and he just radiates the aloha spirit.  Everyone who works there is always super friendly and nice.  Not to mention their shave ice is made with natural flavors and is thus divine.  It was a good way to end our Hawaiian life and begin a new adventure.

We made our way to the airport and saw a rainbow in the sky, as if Hawaii was telling us goodbye.

"Goodbye, and good riddance!" we said in return.

Then onto the airplane and leaving it all behind forever. What an incredible time we had in Hawaii.  It was one of the most difficult experiences I have ever had, but we learned a lot and got to experience so many things we never would have if we had stayed in Utah.  Our life in Hawaii is such a distant memory now, but it will always have a little place in my heart, even though I would never move back there again.  We might bring our kids there someday, we'll just have to wait and see.

If you want to see the part of the story where we arrive in Utah, read it here: http://blakeamanda.blogspot.com/2014/01/a-christmas-eve-surprise.html

22 Weeks

Merry Christmas everybody!  There's something special about being pregnant during the Christmas season and feeling a sort of connection to Mary.  This week was fun because Blake got to feel the babies kick for the first time!  He thought it was so cool.  A few days later my mom felt them too.  She gave them a little nudge and got a big kick in response.  I told my sister to come feel them, but seeing my stomach move by itself was too freaky for her, haha.  I feel them all over the place all throughout the day, especially in the evenings.  Sometimes I am mean and poke them a bit to get a retaliation from them.  It's just the coolest thing!  They're my little buddies that I bring around with me everywhere and they are always reminding me that they're there.  I do wish I could tell which one I'm feeling where. 

My belly button is now officially gone.  It will probably become an outie soon, or as my mom calls it, a turkey timer. 

I have gathered up pillows (and maybe stuffed animals) from all over the house and arrange myself a little pillow fort in our bed every night.  It has really been helping me sleep better, although I still do feel tired most of the time.

Now for the not-fun stuff.  I have the craziest indigestion and reflux, along with still feeling sick to my stomach.  It's not pleasant at all.  And these extra hormones are causing my pelvis to start loosening already.  It is getting pretty painful to walk at times, especially later in the day.  I'm just being extra careful to not overexert myself and make it worse (by avoiding things like putting on pants standing up and moving my leg out to one side...)  I feel like it's way too early for this to be happening.  Oh well. 

I had Blake take round one of my maternity pictures this week!  I have a pretty non-maternity dress that will probably not fit very much longer, and since I was already getting dolled up for the family Christmas Tea Party I figured I might as well take some pictures too.  I know it's early, but it never hurts to take more pictures.

My mom and I found some super cute stuff for the nursery!  We bought adorable fabric and are going to be making everything for their cribs starting sometime after New Year's.  It's a big project, but I have time.  Although sometimes I feel like I have very little time because they might be here in March.  There sure is lots to do and buy and decide on and learn about!

21 Weeks

I'm so pregnant!  There is no denying it now.  Even though I'm not actually big enough for most of my maternity clothes to fit yet, I keep going through the fear cycle of 'how am I going to make it 17 more weeks if I keep growing this fast?'  I did wear a maternity top for the first time on Saturday.  I suspect that soon I will give up my pride and bust out the whole maternity wardrobe.

I think my nausea has been completely replaced now by food upsetting my stomach and/or making it hurt.  Is that the same thing?  I dunno.  It isn't after every meal, and some days are much better than others, but I can still expect to not feel great at some point of every day.  And I'm still very tired.  My doctor says by this point I should probably give up on hoping I'll snap out of the feeling sick thing.  Oh well. 

Speaking of the doctor, in case you missed it, we confirmed last week that we are having two boys!  Let the nursery planning begin!  Blake loves to refer to 'my boys' and say things like 'my boys want meat' (which my family thinks is hilarious.)  The doc also said everything looks fantastic.  I have no signs of labor and they are growing nicely.  I am so grateful that everything has been going so well!

Prenatal exercise is so great!  Yes, it's super hard to make myself do it, but since I've kicked it up to about 4x a week my aching back and hips have felt like 80% better!  It's kind of a miracle.  Now to keep myself motivated...

And now for the best part of this week.  Not only am I feeling the babies move many times a day, but I have actually SEEN them kicking my stomach a few times!  It is the most incredible thing!  A few weeks ago I was feeling sad because I didn't really feel connected with my babies and wondered if I was doomed to be a horrible mother who didn't love her kids.  But as soon as I really started feeling them it was just the most wonderful thing.  I love these silly little babies and every time I feel them move it makes me smile.  I don't know what my boys are doing in there, but it sure seems like they're having fun.  I feel them all the way from way low in my stomach to right by my ribs.  I can't even describe how freaky and amazing it is to watch and feel something punch you from the inside.  It sure makes me feel better about the not-fun parts of pregnancy!

Gender Reveal!

Guess what?!?  We know the genders!  It's been a long time since we 'found out' the genders for the first time, and then later we found out that the babies might have changed their minds.  Today, we got our definite answer.  So, without further ado, here's our gender reveal party and their real genders!

We had everyone take a pin to cast their vote.

These guys guessed two girls

Two boys

And everyone else thought one of each.  To be fair, we voted for what we thought it was before we found out.

 And then we cut the cakes..........

Yep, that's right, we're having twin boys!!!  We are so excited :)

20 Weeks

Sorry about the white on white

Here we are at the big two-oh and I am feeling larger every day!  Before I was pregnant I wondered what it felt like for your stomach to grow.  Well, here's what it's felt like for me so far.  Usually I feel totally normal (aka nothing at all.)  Sometimes, especially towards the end of the day, it kind of feels like when you have eaten way too much and your stomach is bulging.  Occasionally there are minor cramps or small pains down in the lower abdomen.  It is also a little bit itchy (which I combat with lots of lotion.)  I'm sure these things will change (or increase) as time goes by, but if you were wondering what it feels like to grow a preggo belly, now you know.

I am now pretty certain that I've felt the babies move!  I'm still not 100% convinced it's not just stomach rumblings, because my tummy sure is angry a lot, but it's in the right area and that's gotta be what it is!  Blake was pretty excited to hear that.  I think he is jealous that he doesn't get to feel them yet. :)

This week was definitely better than last.  I feel like the nausea is slowly but surely improving.  My stomach just gets upset really easily, so I can count on feeling sick after most meals.  I'm finding I can now handle spinach mixed in with other, non-vegetable things, like on a sandwich or in a smoothie, without it making me want to die, so I'm taking advantage of that.  I'm also starting to feel more hungry than usual some days.  These babies are working up an appetite!  I think it's really funny to say 'I'm eating for three now' instead of the usual eating for two joke.  At least that was my excuse for trying three different kinds of pie on Thanksgiving.  I'm a terrible person, haha.

I didn't have as hard of a time emotionally this week.  I am feeling a little more level.  We were also able to visit the temple, and that always helps me feel peace.  It was our first time in the Ogden temple since the dedication, so that was a good experience.  I think adding some prenatal yoga into my exercise routine has helped too.  Thank you to everyone who gave me suggestions on Facebook of what videos they liked!  I won't pretend like I have been super great about exercise.  In fact for pretty much the whole first trimester I could barely get out for a mile-long walk a handful of times because I was so trashed.  But I've been working back into it since the start of the second trimester and I know that it will help me keep the aches and pains at bay for as long as possible.  I am kind of missing the feeling of a really good workout though.  These pregnancy exercises don't really get you sweating and gasping for breath haha.  I do know that it is especially important for me to not overwork myself though because of the higher than usual risk of preterm labor.

This week is a big one, because tomorrow we should be able to FINALLY know for sure what genders these little jellybeans are!  I am glad that I've had these four weeks since our last appointment to reset my expectations from the genders the doctor told us a couple of appointments ago.  I was feeling pretty lost after the last appointment when he said he wasn't sure anymore and was leaning in a different direction because I have a hard time letting go and accepting change!  But I feel like I am ready now to be happy with whatever the ultrasound shows us.  Feel free to leave your guess here or on Facebook if you feel like it.  Two boys, two girls, or one of each?

19 Weeks: We're Halfway Done!!!

My sad attempt at disguising my now very visible bump.  What? You actually wanted to see it?  Okay fine...

Oh my gersh I'm huge!

Hooray for being halfway done!  With a normal pregnancy you'd be halfway by 20 weeks, but since my doctor said they only let twins go 38 weeks that means we're halfway at 19!  That is so weird because I really just started getting big.  I'm still getting used to the whole looking pregnant thing (though sometimes I feel like I just look fat, which I know is ridiculous, but I can't help it.)  No strangers have commented on it yet though so that's good.  I don't particularly like attention from strangers.  Unfortunately, I'm told twin babies will pretty much turn me into a celebrity in public... yay. 

One weird pregnancy symptom that I keep having is that I choke on nothing! (Or maybe my own spit, I dunno.)  Like I'll just be sitting there minding my own business and suddenly I'm choking and coughing and gasping for breath for several minutes and wondering if this will be my last experience on earth.  It's happened to me quite a few times since I've been pregnant.  Yesterday's episode was particularly embarrassing because it was during church.  Thank goodness the class hadn't quite started yet, but I sure felt ridiculous making terrible sounds with my face red and tears welling up in my eyes.  But in the end I didn't die so everything's good.

The nausea still gets pretty bad, especially in the evenings, but I think it may be starting to lessen just the tiniest bit.  Maybe?? Please?!?  At least I've started to be able to re-incorporate a select few of the foods from my no-fly list (still can't handle salads though, for which I feel super guilty.)  I am also very, very tired lately, and sleep isn't going quite as well as it used to.

The backaches and hip pain have already begun.  I am so looking forward to that increasing over the next 19 weeks.... not.  Luckily I also discovered that the yoga ball my parent's have feels AMAZING to sit on and they are letting me borrow it!  Yay! 

I'm trying to come to grips with the reality that my body is going to grow extremely huge.  It is really scary.  Go look at pictures of women 38 weeks pregnant with twins and then tell me how you'd feel about it.  I always thought I'd be one of those people who didn't get super huge with pregnancy, but that dream has been pretty much nuked.

You might be able to tell that this has been a hard week for me emotionally.  There's a lot to take in and process, and I'm not exactly as stable as non-pregnant me.  I just feel sad and cry sometimes.  Sorry to put a downer in here, but I do want to keep this real.  Emotional roller coasters are part of pregnancy, and life isn't always butterflies and rainbows.  Here's to hoping this week is better.  Maybe the Christmas season will cheer me up.  I do love Christmas time. :)

On a lighter note: The babies are around six inches now from head to hiney, meaning I've got a whole foot of baby in my belly!

Fun fact of the week: The babies are now getting covered with lots and lots of vernix, that icky white goo that is all over them when they're born.  Apparently, it keeps the amniotic fluid from pickling their skin.  I didn't even make that up.