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Saturday, September 24, 2011
Pictures!
Here are a few pictures that my very talented (and patient) sister in law took for us last weekend. Braxton is 20.5 mos and I am 33 weeks pregnant with the twins. Enjoy!
34 Weeks and admitting you just can't do it all...
So we made it to a pretty big milestone yesterday. 34 weeks gestation. That means that if the babies came now, according to lots of statistics they would be ok. However, we are hoping for a minimum of 37-38 weeks. How I am going to manage that given how I have been feeling lately, not so sure.
This week was a real eye opener for me. The loss of my dad was by far the hardest thing I have been dealing with and continue to deal with on a daily basis. However, aside from that major loss I have to admit that my emotional and stress levels have been somewhat constant. Definitely I have had some things pop up that threw me into a brief tailspin, but nothing that made me question my abilities to do this anymore. This week has been a true test. Unforeseen issues at work that led up to 12 hour days of non-stop demands just wiped me out. Normally, my not 34 week pregnant with twins self would have taken it in stride. This week it literally chewed me up and spit me out. I left work every night so uncomfortable I was in tears at the thought of my nightly commute. So exhausted when I got home all I wanted to do was lay down and cry. But even laying down was and is hard. The final straw was Thursday night, when I went to get on the expressway to come home and it was at a dead stop. It was like someone opened the dam, I just started balling. I just couldn't deal with it. That was what they say on TV - an 'ah-ha' moment. I can't keep doing this because the only ones I need to worry about need me to be strong and positive and not utterly exhausted and emotionally spent. They need me to keep it together for 3-4 more weeks and do my job. My REAL job. Its time I admit I can not do it all. And admittedly this was a very hard thing for me to do. Dependence is not my strong suit. But one day at a time is my motto. I have a very worthwhile reward at the end, I just need to let go for a few weeks and accept help. So wish me luck. Thankfully I am blessed with a wonderful support system.
So anyway enough about that. Let's celebrate week 34. In fact today is 34 weeks and 1 day :) My agenda - I took a shower. I am updating my blog. I might take a nap? We'll see. But rest for sure...oh and next ultrasound is Monday AM. So we get to see what they are up to. Looking very forward to that!
I hope this finds you well.
~B
Monday, September 5, 2011
32 Weeks & We Passed!
So we are fast approaching a very large milestone in a twin pregnancy. The 32 week point is a big deal in terms of the babies survival rate, minimal potential health issues should they be born at this point etc. The next big one is going to be 34 weeks. And once we reach week 37 we're doing great! 60% of twin pregnancies deliver before 37 weeks though. Here's hoping we're in the minority on this one! Our tentative delivery date is Halloween. This mom is hoping that we get to pull it up to 10/24/11 b/c I have never been a fan of Halloween. Only time will tell...
We had our last ultrasound on August 22nd. Both babies and mom are doing great. They measured about 3+lbs. each and were within centimeters of each other in terms of length. Baby A has the larger head, just slightly. And Baby B has a larger belly :) But both seem to be doing quite well and are growing at an above average rate. We like that.
The next appt. was on August 29th. That was the lovely 3 hour glucose test for gestational diabetes. Thankfully after drinking what tastes like flat Sprite with extra syrup and getting poked every hour for 3 hours, we passed that test. No gestational diabetes for us. So that too came as a relief.
Now it's just a matter of taking it one day, then one week at a time. Trying to rest as much as possible. The long holiday weekend has helped with that. We did have some unforeseen issues, not related to the pregnancy, arise recently that caused some stress but nothing that we can't work through. Gotta love being a 'slumlord' :)
We need to get a few things for the babies yet but nothing pressing. Crib mattresses, take home outfits, another boppy and cover...but that is all stuff we have time to get.
Well enjoy what's left of the long weekend. I am off to soak in what feels like the first day of fall in Michigan. Cool crisp air, the type that requires you wear a nice sweatshirt, the clean smell of cut grass and leaves burning. One of my favorite times of year...
~B
We had our last ultrasound on August 22nd. Both babies and mom are doing great. They measured about 3+lbs. each and were within centimeters of each other in terms of length. Baby A has the larger head, just slightly. And Baby B has a larger belly :) But both seem to be doing quite well and are growing at an above average rate. We like that.
The next appt. was on August 29th. That was the lovely 3 hour glucose test for gestational diabetes. Thankfully after drinking what tastes like flat Sprite with extra syrup and getting poked every hour for 3 hours, we passed that test. No gestational diabetes for us. So that too came as a relief.
Now it's just a matter of taking it one day, then one week at a time. Trying to rest as much as possible. The long holiday weekend has helped with that. We did have some unforeseen issues, not related to the pregnancy, arise recently that caused some stress but nothing that we can't work through. Gotta love being a 'slumlord' :)
We need to get a few things for the babies yet but nothing pressing. Crib mattresses, take home outfits, another boppy and cover...but that is all stuff we have time to get.
Well enjoy what's left of the long weekend. I am off to soak in what feels like the first day of fall in Michigan. Cool crisp air, the type that requires you wear a nice sweatshirt, the clean smell of cut grass and leaves burning. One of my favorite times of year...
~B
Tuesday, August 23, 2011
30 Weeks Along...
Well last Friday marked the start of week 30 for the twins and I. We had our next ultrasound just yesterday and both babies are doing great! Baby A is measuring in just under 3 lbs, which is high end of average. Baby B is measuring in at about 3 lbs 3 oz which is above average. Both were VERY active during their photoshoot. We were happy to see everything was still going ok with both babies.
I have been feeling pretty good still. A little bit more tired then I had been. But I am carrying a lot around at this point. And working 40-45 hours and chasing a very active 19 month old doesn't help I am sure! I am really hoping that we are able to go another 8 weeks without any issues. It's the best thing for all of us. I have to go in Monday for my gestational diabetes test, I flunked my 1 hour glucose test. So now I get to go through a 3 hour test. Yay! Can you sense the sarcasm?? Hopefully that comes back ok and we don't have to worry about it. The same morning I have my check up with the Dr. I might get a delivery date planned? We'll see. I asked at our last appointment if they delivered twins at 38 or 39 weeks for a scheduled c-section and he said he had to see what the board recommended. I.e. what insurance companies pay for I am sure...:) So I'll keep you posted.
Braxton has been doing great. He has adjusted very well to changing babysitters. Nan or 'Nana' as he calls her, had to go back to work at the school so we had to change our day care situation up. We were very lucky to find a friend of ours that wants to watch all three kids once I go back to work! And at our house! The only time we need to juggle is b/t now and when the babies come. But we're making due.
Well that is the latest. So far so good. Hoping all continues to go as well for the next 2 months! They are going to be here before we know it. Exciting and nerve racking all at the at the same time :)
~ B
I have been feeling pretty good still. A little bit more tired then I had been. But I am carrying a lot around at this point. And working 40-45 hours and chasing a very active 19 month old doesn't help I am sure! I am really hoping that we are able to go another 8 weeks without any issues. It's the best thing for all of us. I have to go in Monday for my gestational diabetes test, I flunked my 1 hour glucose test. So now I get to go through a 3 hour test. Yay! Can you sense the sarcasm?? Hopefully that comes back ok and we don't have to worry about it. The same morning I have my check up with the Dr. I might get a delivery date planned? We'll see. I asked at our last appointment if they delivered twins at 38 or 39 weeks for a scheduled c-section and he said he had to see what the board recommended. I.e. what insurance companies pay for I am sure...:) So I'll keep you posted.
Braxton has been doing great. He has adjusted very well to changing babysitters. Nan or 'Nana' as he calls her, had to go back to work at the school so we had to change our day care situation up. We were very lucky to find a friend of ours that wants to watch all three kids once I go back to work! And at our house! The only time we need to juggle is b/t now and when the babies come. But we're making due.
Well that is the latest. So far so good. Hoping all continues to go as well for the next 2 months! They are going to be here before we know it. Exciting and nerve racking all at the at the same time :)
~ B
Monday, August 8, 2011
28 weeks and counting...
Well, we've made it to the 28 week mark. And so far so good. Both mom and babies are doing well. As of our last ultrasound, July 22nd, both babies were measuring good and seemed to be right on track. We had our Dr. appointment on July 27th to follow up on the growth scan and the Dr. said that Baby A was measuring close to 2 lbs and Baby B was about 5 grams less, which is very minor. And both babies were neck and neck for overall size. He did say that Baby B seems to have more fluid in its sac than Baby A. And they want to watch that b/c it could be a sign of a potential issue with the baby's ability to swallow. He also said, it could be b/c I could potentially have gestational diabetes. I had my sugar test on Friday 8/5 so now I have to wait and see what the results come back with.
But overall we are all doing ok. I have gained 17 lbs total. Not too terrible considering there are two babies in there and I am 28 weeks in. I am measuring about 5 weeks bigger then I am, which too is normal. The hardest thing lately is sleeping. I am having a harder time getting comfortable. And reflux is terrible! I don't know how people live with that all the time?! Thank goodness I know there is an end to mine once these babies come. We're really hoping that I can carry them all the way through October. The more time they are in there the better. So keep your fingers crossed!!!
But overall we are all doing ok. I have gained 17 lbs total. Not too terrible considering there are two babies in there and I am 28 weeks in. I am measuring about 5 weeks bigger then I am, which too is normal. The hardest thing lately is sleeping. I am having a harder time getting comfortable. And reflux is terrible! I don't know how people live with that all the time?! Thank goodness I know there is an end to mine once these babies come. We're really hoping that I can carry them all the way through October. The more time they are in there the better. So keep your fingers crossed!!!
Wednesday, June 1, 2011
Dr. Appt #3 - Wednesday, May 25th & Updates on Life
Well we had our third appointment on May 25th. And all is well with the little ones and their mom! We were disappointed not to get another ultrasound (we have been spoiled this go around), but we did hear their strong heartbeats. Baby A was about 150 and Baby B was about 170. So far there continues to be a difference b/t the two. At our second appointment Baby A was right about 160 and Baby B was 190. But both sounded great. We got to schedule our Fetal Survey which will be Monday, June 20th. No, we have not changed our minds about finding out the genders. But we do have to see how they are measuring and comparing to one another. Hopefully as perfect as we hope. Then we follow up the ultrasound with our next appointment on June 22nd.
Overall I have been feeling great. My only issue is the lower back pain I am having. Not sure what the exact culprit is, but I get a pain in my lower back/buttocks region that changes from side to side. At times it's dull and just annoying. Other times though, it is quite painful. The Dr. said it was just pressure being applied to a nerve and not to worry. My weight has been good. Despite looking like I swallowed a watermelon, I have only gained 1 lb overall. I was up 3 lbs at appt. #2 and down 2 lbs at appt. #3. I was worried that I wasn't gaining properly (despite bulking up calories) but again the Dr. said I am right on track. Now is the time I can expect to gain. About 1+ lb per week. So we'll see. I have put my 'normal' jeans away and moved in to the elastic joy of maternity wear. Which, by the way, really needs help. Why can't expecting moms dress chic too? I did score some cute capris at Motherhood, but really cute things are hard to come by.
Braxton is doing great. He's 17 months old this weekend and man what a personality he is starting to get! It's so cool to watch. He is using more and more words. He really has the signs for 'MORE', 'DONE' and 'MILK/DRINK' down. He speaks his own little language that we haven't figured out yet, but he babbles on and on. He's starting to mimic us more and more. He is a very independent little guy. He loves to be outside. I bought him a pool to play around in and he was out in it all afternoon yesterday. He threw a fit when he had to come in for dinner. His last Dr. appt. was last month and he was 95th percentile for head and height (he grew 2 inches in 2 months) and he was 50th percentile for weight.
I also bought us a new pool to play in too! It's coming in this week. I figured of all the summers I am going to want to stay cool, this will be it. So we might as well dive in, so to speak. It's just an above ground pool, but it will be so nice to be able to cool off. And being a water baby, I can't wait. It's 24x12x52" deep. So pretty decent size. And it's not round. I really wanted to keep the lines of the deck so we went with the rectangular version.
Well that's it for now. Much more I am sure to share, but limited on time as always...hoping this finds you well.
~ B
"Each day is a little life." - Schopenhauer
Overall I have been feeling great. My only issue is the lower back pain I am having. Not sure what the exact culprit is, but I get a pain in my lower back/buttocks region that changes from side to side. At times it's dull and just annoying. Other times though, it is quite painful. The Dr. said it was just pressure being applied to a nerve and not to worry. My weight has been good. Despite looking like I swallowed a watermelon, I have only gained 1 lb overall. I was up 3 lbs at appt. #2 and down 2 lbs at appt. #3. I was worried that I wasn't gaining properly (despite bulking up calories) but again the Dr. said I am right on track. Now is the time I can expect to gain. About 1+ lb per week. So we'll see. I have put my 'normal' jeans away and moved in to the elastic joy of maternity wear. Which, by the way, really needs help. Why can't expecting moms dress chic too? I did score some cute capris at Motherhood, but really cute things are hard to come by.
Braxton is doing great. He's 17 months old this weekend and man what a personality he is starting to get! It's so cool to watch. He is using more and more words. He really has the signs for 'MORE', 'DONE' and 'MILK/DRINK' down. He speaks his own little language that we haven't figured out yet, but he babbles on and on. He's starting to mimic us more and more. He is a very independent little guy. He loves to be outside. I bought him a pool to play around in and he was out in it all afternoon yesterday. He threw a fit when he had to come in for dinner. His last Dr. appt. was last month and he was 95th percentile for head and height (he grew 2 inches in 2 months) and he was 50th percentile for weight.
I also bought us a new pool to play in too! It's coming in this week. I figured of all the summers I am going to want to stay cool, this will be it. So we might as well dive in, so to speak. It's just an above ground pool, but it will be so nice to be able to cool off. And being a water baby, I can't wait. It's 24x12x52" deep. So pretty decent size. And it's not round. I really wanted to keep the lines of the deck so we went with the rectangular version.
Well that's it for now. Much more I am sure to share, but limited on time as always...hoping this finds you well.
~ B
"Each day is a little life." - Schopenhauer
Thursday, May 12, 2011
Family of Five?
Well it's official... I made the announcement on Facebook, so that means it's definitely official doesn't it?! Ha, ha. Just kidding! Anyway, Braxton is going to be a big brother later this year! We got the news on March 14th that we were expecting - via a home pregnancy test. Our first doctor's appointment was March 23rd, where we learned that we are expecting twins!!! As of today, I am 15 weeks and 6 days along...so call it 4 months.
My first reaction was utter shock. I could not believe what the Dr. was saying. There's no way I could be having twins? I mean, I have my babies one at a time, right? Luke was in awe. He was like, "Ha! Twins!?" Wow. Twins. That means 2 more cribs, 2 more car seats, a bigger car! All of these things ran through my head as I was laying on that table. Obviously we were very excited at the news too, but it was a little overwhelming at first. Since we have had time to let it sink in, we're thrilled. The obvious nerves are there about how in the hell are we going to do this? But we will. I know we will be fine. We will be fine, right? :)
Anyway, our next appointment was April 27th, and we got another ultrasound done just to confirm that everything was ok. And it was. There were still TWO babies in there! One was jumping up and down almost waving. It was so funny! And the other was laying on it's back, moving it's arms and legs. The profile on that baby looks just like Braxton. It was amazing. The heartbeats were very different. The 'jumper' was about 150's and the other baby was about 190 or so.
So the newest additions are due November 5th. According to the Dr. I should expect to carry until about October 24th or thereabout. I feel bad because that means these babies will have a 'Halloween' birthday just like me. I always HATED that! But we'll see. At this point the closer to Halloween the better. Just stay in there and cook already!
My first reaction was utter shock. I could not believe what the Dr. was saying. There's no way I could be having twins? I mean, I have my babies one at a time, right? Luke was in awe. He was like, "Ha! Twins!?" Wow. Twins. That means 2 more cribs, 2 more car seats, a bigger car! All of these things ran through my head as I was laying on that table. Obviously we were very excited at the news too, but it was a little overwhelming at first. Since we have had time to let it sink in, we're thrilled. The obvious nerves are there about how in the hell are we going to do this? But we will. I know we will be fine. We will be fine, right? :)
Anyway, our next appointment was April 27th, and we got another ultrasound done just to confirm that everything was ok. And it was. There were still TWO babies in there! One was jumping up and down almost waving. It was so funny! And the other was laying on it's back, moving it's arms and legs. The profile on that baby looks just like Braxton. It was amazing. The heartbeats were very different. The 'jumper' was about 150's and the other baby was about 190 or so.
So the newest additions are due November 5th. According to the Dr. I should expect to carry until about October 24th or thereabout. I feel bad because that means these babies will have a 'Halloween' birthday just like me. I always HATED that! But we'll see. At this point the closer to Halloween the better. Just stay in there and cook already!
Tuesday, January 25, 2011
Escaping Cabin Fever...
So it's January. In Michigan. It's cold. It's dark. Did I mention cold? Thankfully we have a warm weather trip to look forward to. We get to escape the cold for a long weekend and I can't wait! And for a very happy occasion - a wedding! My girlfriend Katie is marrying her best friend Sean in Florida this weekend and I couldn't be happier for her. And what a nice way to celebrate our 2 month anniversary :)
Katie and Sean's story to me, is one of things working out the way they should have. They had a rough journey that involved a lot of emotions and drama, but in the end, they were meant to be together and that's all that matters. They have a beautiful future ahead and I am excited for them to officially start their lives together!
Their wedding is a destination wedding in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. The wedding is at the W-Hotel. A very hoity-toity establishment. Check it out, it's pretty amazing actually...
Being we just paid for a pretty large wedding and our honeymoon we are not able to fund a room for the weekend at the W, so we're staying about a block away. We do get to use the pool as guests :) AND we have a BBQ Friday evening there which will be fun.
So that's what we're up to this weekend. Braxton is staying in MI with Nan and Elbert. We fly home VERY early Sunday though. He'll have fun with them I am sure.
Some other recent news... Gavigan turned 3 years old Saturday! Jace turned 2 on Sunday! Derby is on for 2011 - May 7th!!! The countdown has begun. Only 102 more days! I need to figure out my outfit...
Signing off for now.
"Whether the weather be fine, Whether the weather be not, Whether the weather be cold, Whether the weather be hot, We'll weather the weather, Whatever the whether, Whether we like it or not!"
Think warm thoughts!
Katie and Sean's story to me, is one of things working out the way they should have. They had a rough journey that involved a lot of emotions and drama, but in the end, they were meant to be together and that's all that matters. They have a beautiful future ahead and I am excited for them to officially start their lives together!
Their wedding is a destination wedding in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. The wedding is at the W-Hotel. A very hoity-toity establishment. Check it out, it's pretty amazing actually...
Being we just paid for a pretty large wedding and our honeymoon we are not able to fund a room for the weekend at the W, so we're staying about a block away. We do get to use the pool as guests :) AND we have a BBQ Friday evening there which will be fun.
So that's what we're up to this weekend. Braxton is staying in MI with Nan and Elbert. We fly home VERY early Sunday though. He'll have fun with them I am sure.
Some other recent news... Gavigan turned 3 years old Saturday! Jace turned 2 on Sunday! Derby is on for 2011 - May 7th!!! The countdown has begun. Only 102 more days! I need to figure out my outfit...
Signing off for now.
"Whether the weather be fine, Whether the weather be not, Whether the weather be cold, Whether the weather be hot, We'll weather the weather, Whatever the whether, Whether we like it or not!"
Think warm thoughts!
Thursday, January 13, 2011
New Year, New Start
A good friend of mine recently emailed me and asked if I was ever going to write in my blog again. She said she keeps checking it to see if I have posted anything new only to find the same old dusty ramblings. Well it's a new year. And what better time to refresh a commitment to something than that? So, at a minimum I hope to take the time once a month to update you on the goings on in the Liedel household.
The Liedel household you ask? Well yes. A lot has happened since my last post. Rather then rehashing the past in great detail though, I will give you the Cliff Notes version.
1. Got Engaged.
2. Got Married.
3. Had an amazing honeymoon in Maui. (P.S. If you have the opportunity/means to go there - GO!)
4. Braxton celebrated his ONE year birthday. Already...
There were lots of other events in between but those were some personal highlights I wanted to mention. Now, onto 2011.
2011. A new year. A new start. New year's eve is always a time of reflection for me. Often I feel sad that another year has past and don't focus on the fact that, another year has in fact past. And while it brought with it it's frustrations and challenges, we lived it. And now, we have it as another chapter in our story of life. Lots of memories were made and lots of laughs were had. And we need to hang on to those positives and reflect on those when things may not be so rosy.
Unfortunately, those that know me, know that my dad is in the midst of a battle against a very non-discriminating, unsympathetic opponent - Cancer. And not one that reacts well to treatment either. He is battling Cholangiocarcinoma that has since spread from his bile duct, to liver, lungs and lymphnodes. We got this news last year with a very disheartening and scary prognosis. I have to say, hearing that news made me cling that much tighter to my son, my then boyfriend, now husband, my family, my friends and all of the moments I had with all of them.
When you get news like that is forces you to see the fact that you, and the ones you love the most, aren't on this Earth forever. You have got to treasure the time you have.
So, I have made somewhat of a new year's resolution to myself. I am going to focus on the positive. I am going to be accepting of the fact that I may, or may not get everything I want to in a day done. I am going to enjoy the happy moments I have, as big or small as they might be. And lastly, I am going to make some changes that I need to make, to make things better not only for myself, but my family as well. Knowing full well this will involve taking a risk, but without risk you can not have reward.
Well I have to end this post sooner then planned. To all - Happy New Year! May this post find you enjoying the good, coping and learning from the bad, and focused on the future. Remember, yesterday is just a wind at your back, but today is a treasured gift.
The New & Ever Improving Mrs. Liedel
The Liedel household you ask? Well yes. A lot has happened since my last post. Rather then rehashing the past in great detail though, I will give you the Cliff Notes version.
1. Got Engaged.
2. Got Married.
3. Had an amazing honeymoon in Maui. (P.S. If you have the opportunity/means to go there - GO!)
4. Braxton celebrated his ONE year birthday. Already...
There were lots of other events in between but those were some personal highlights I wanted to mention. Now, onto 2011.
2011. A new year. A new start. New year's eve is always a time of reflection for me. Often I feel sad that another year has past and don't focus on the fact that, another year has in fact past. And while it brought with it it's frustrations and challenges, we lived it. And now, we have it as another chapter in our story of life. Lots of memories were made and lots of laughs were had. And we need to hang on to those positives and reflect on those when things may not be so rosy.
Unfortunately, those that know me, know that my dad is in the midst of a battle against a very non-discriminating, unsympathetic opponent - Cancer. And not one that reacts well to treatment either. He is battling Cholangiocarcinoma that has since spread from his bile duct, to liver, lungs and lymphnodes. We got this news last year with a very disheartening and scary prognosis. I have to say, hearing that news made me cling that much tighter to my son, my then boyfriend, now husband, my family, my friends and all of the moments I had with all of them.
When you get news like that is forces you to see the fact that you, and the ones you love the most, aren't on this Earth forever. You have got to treasure the time you have.
So, I have made somewhat of a new year's resolution to myself. I am going to focus on the positive. I am going to be accepting of the fact that I may, or may not get everything I want to in a day done. I am going to enjoy the happy moments I have, as big or small as they might be. And lastly, I am going to make some changes that I need to make, to make things better not only for myself, but my family as well. Knowing full well this will involve taking a risk, but without risk you can not have reward.
Well I have to end this post sooner then planned. To all - Happy New Year! May this post find you enjoying the good, coping and learning from the bad, and focused on the future. Remember, yesterday is just a wind at your back, but today is a treasured gift.
The New & Ever Improving Mrs. Liedel
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