One Year Postpartum

I haven't talk much about my postpartum experience, though I touched on it here, here and there a little bit.

But now that I am a year out, I thought I would divulge a little about where I am at now.

During pregnancy I gained 40 pounds. When I look at that number, I cringe (even though it is healthy for twins). I just didn't imagine that I would be pregnant with twins or even gain that much. But I did. And a lot of it was water weight and sugar weight (I ate all things sugar).

Losing the baby weight wasn't too bad. I held onto that water weight for a few weeks due to my c-section, but it came off pretty quickly. After four months, I was 10 pounds lighter than my pre-pregnancy weight. I have since gained some of those pounds back and I am hovering around my pre-pregnancy weight.

But...

I still have loose skin on my stomach. No matter how many planks or exercises I do, I can't get the extra skin to go away. It doesn't look that bad. Only when I bed over can I see the ripples and not so tightness.

My boobs are awful. I am literally counting down the days until I can get a lift/boob job/augmentation. This has been one of the worst things for me post-partum. I used to be a 34D while on BC. Then I got off of it and I went down to a 34C (a large C). I was happy with it. Then I breastfed, pumped and had a breast abscess. Now my boobs are deflated balloons seriously in need of a lift and some life. I am barely a 34B now. Maybe a bigger A. Such a confidence killer. And I refuse to buy a new bra, so I rock my 34C bras and have gaps in them. I feel like a teenager who stuffs her bra, but I don't even stuff it.

Even though I am around my pre-pregnancy weight, I lack the muscles I used to have (and I am working on those at the gym), my thighs are thicker (but stronger. Must be the running/elliptical/stairs I am doing) and my waist is smaller (I am a zero now). I feel out of proportion.

My hair. I didn't have the thick hair while I was pregnant, but it stuck around and got thicker postpartum. Maybe the hormones, the pumping, prenatal vitamins, etc. I was really happy with it, but then I stopped pumping and it started falling out. I didn't notice it that much except when I had to sweep my bathroom floor a couple times a week. Or when I had to clean out my hair brush often. But that still didn't seem that bad. Until I started growing back the hair that I lost. And it is around my bangs and the framing of my face. I have so many "baby" hairs that it is hard to tame. And it makes me want to change my hair up everyday, but I hold back. DO NOT CUT YOUR HAIR (major cut, please trim it) until at least a year after you had your baby (per my hair stylist). I still don't think I will cut it. I am loving how long it is.

My scars are healing, but they are still very much visible and dark. I rub on scar creams on my scars at least once a day and I kneed them out (per my esthetician). My breast abscess one looks the best by far and it was done in March. My c-section is next best and my umbilical hernia is the worst. I can't wait to have them fade more and have an abdomen that looks semi normal.

My umbilical hernia has been a pain in the "tummy". Scar tissue causes discomfort, the scar is ugly and my belly button is half fixed I feel. But I said I would give it a year before going back and having a revision or laser it.

My hormones are back to normal. I went on the mini pill around 6 weeks postpartum and then back to my regular bc around 10 1/2 months postpartum. I vowed to never go on bc again after it wrecks havoc on my PCOS, but I don't want to get pregnant (for awhile or maybe never), it evens my hormones out, it makes me feel more like myself and I am too afraid to try other forms of birth control. So I will go with this now until we decide to have more children (and I know how to handle coming off of that now) or figure out something better. I am open to suggestions, so throw them at me.

And I think that is about it for my Year Postpartum. If you have any questions on any of the procedures I went through or any postpartum questions, feel free to ask. I am an open book.

Oh How Small They Are

Warning, guys, if I have any male readers, but I am about to talk about boobies here. And no not in the sexy kind of way, so you should probably click the red x in the upper right hand corner.

Ok, onto boobies and a bit of a backstory. Before getting pregnant, or even thinking about getting pregnant, I had a 34D chest. Then it was time to start trying and get off birth control. My chest went down to a 34C or 32D. After 10 months, I got pregnant and my boobies started to grow. And grow a ton.

I shot up to a 34DDD which is really hard to find at Victoria Secret. And have you seen a bra that big? It looks like a granny bra. I bought two new bras over the course of my pregnancy and they weren't the most flattering bras but still were VS.

Then it came time to have the babies (early) and I needed a nursing bra. I bought a cheap one at Target without wiring and my self conscious self hated it because my boobs were huge and saggy when not full. So I got an underwire nursing bra there. Again still self conscious and wanted something pretty because you don't feel that pretty at home with two newborns, constantly pumping and nursing and can barely shower. So I figured a nice sexier nursing bra would do some justice. I bought the Cake Lingerie Toffee Nursing Bra. It lifts, is cute and looks like a normal bra with the snaps for nursing. Note: Nordstrom will take any bra and convert it into a nursing bra for about $15 (definitely will do this next time if there is a next time).

Fast forward almost nine months and I am in the last sessions of my weaning process. It is awesome, but bittersweet. I love giving my girls breast milk, but I want my body back too. It is a constant battle inside, but my body has been naturally weaning for about a month now. I had started the process in July and by my goal date I was down to two pumps a day. Now I pump about once a day to once every 36 hours. I was still getting enough to make the girls each a bottle in the morning. But over the last three days I have noticed a change. I am only getting about 100 or so mils in 15 minutes and my boobies are tiney tiny.

I thought I would go back down to a D, maybe C, but I am not even sure they are at a C right now. Maybe a small C. And I wore my nursing bra today (it is comfy and all I have known for 9 months) and there are huge gaps in it. My precious boobs are smaller than I have ever seen them, or remember seeing them. Anyone have this experience after weaning? Will they go up a bit once I am fully done?

The good news is, I won't have to get a lift most likely. I can just do some implants. Yes I am vain and want my boobs to look good for myself and my husband. Not saying I am getting them done tomorrow, but I have been saving. I just can't believe they were a bursting DDD (to sometimes larger) to maybe a small C. Guess I wasn't ready for that part.

Silver lining is my scar from my breast abscess surgery looks pretty good on these small ladies.

And now I am done talking boobies. Men you are free to come back now. 

Another Post Pregnancy Battle

Today I am here to talk about hernias. More specifically, umbilical hernias.

On Tuesday, I went to my family physician for a yearly check-up. No big deal. But I wanted to have him take a look at my belly button. You see, when I was pregnant with the girls, my belly button popped out. I would always joke that it meant the girls were almost done baking. I guess I jinxed myself because they were born soon after that happened.

Everyone kept saying how cute it was. I didn't think so. It is weird to have your belly button be such a cute innie to become a weird looking outtie. But  my doctor's assured me that soon after delivering my girls that my belly button would go back in. Guess what, it hasn't.

It is still almost all the way out. A tiny portion has gone back in. And now you can see where I had my belly button piercing for years too. So I have lost all the weight and then some. And I am working on toning my belly and everything else up at the gym a few times a week and still nothing has changed.

So yesterday we did the trick to see if I have diastasis recti which means separation of the ab wall. I do have a slight separation, but not more than a a finger or so width apart which means that is ok. But my belly button bulged out completely and there was a ridge on top of my belly button that extended upwards. This pretty much means I have an umbilical hernia.

It also means, I can just leave it alone or have a minor surgery to treat it. But first, I am going to see my trusty doctor who did my breast abscess surgery for another opinion. My doctor was just worried that my abs or bowels could get caught in the hernia as I have been having stomach aches lately, but couldn't pinpoint why. I couldn't tell if I was hungry, just had an upset tummy or what was going on.

So I get to go see the trusted Dr. Devia again. And can I just say that these girls wrecked havoc on my body, but they are the best and I don't regret any of this AT ALL.

Have any of you had this? Did your belly button eventually go back in on it's own after pregnancy? Did you ever get yours checked out?

Sutton and Avery's Birth Story Part 2

For Part 1 of Sutton and Avery's Birth Story, click here.

We left off with my husband and I, my nurses and my doctor making the decision that I would need an emergency c-section.  A decision I knew could happen while planning my birth preferences, but something I never intended on happening.

Once my ivy was in and everything was prepped in the OR, they wheeled me down.  My husband walked by my side telling me he loves me and that we would get to meet our girls so soon and he was so proud of me.

That husband of mine, let me tell you, he is the best thing to ever happen to me.  He is my rock.  He watched everything happen and kept it together.  He was there for me and for our children.  He is far from being selfish.  I love this man more than life itself.

Once I got into the OR, they had me get on the operating table.  Let me tell you, it was really cold in the OR.  I kept asking for a blanket, but had to wait until I got my spinal.

They had me sit on the edge of the table and hold onto my nurse.  I put my head on her shoulders and wrapped my feet around her calves.  And I waited and waited while shaking.  It took about 15 to 20 minutes to get everything prepped for my spinal.  Then it was go time.  I had to sit still, really still, so the anesthesiologist could give me a local and then the spinal.  I could feel the spinal, but it wasn't as painful as I thought it would be.  Then they helped me lay down and asked if I could feel anything.

We waited for the spinal to work and then I asked where my husband was and to not start without him.  Soon enough they brought him in and he kissed my forehead and said soon we get to meet our little girls.

Now my husband said he didn't want to look over the curtain (this was when we had our talks about labor and delivery before), but when it was go time and he was asked by the doctor, he said yes.  So my husband talked to me, kissed my forehead and watched our girls come into the world.

Now I don't know exactly what all happened while having my c-section as parts are really fuzzy, but the rest of the story is from my recollection and my husbands account of events.  And warning, the pictures are sort of graphic.

NICU beds all set up for the girls arrival

The doctor told me they were making the incision and my husband looked over the curtain.  Not much time passed and they pulled out Sutton Kira Butler.

Sutton cried immediately and she passed her apgar with an 7 and then an 8.  She was happy to get out of mommy's belly.  Sutton was born on December 29, 2014 at 2:37 am weighing 3 pounds, 15 oz and 17 3/4 inches long.

Next up was Miss Avery.  Now Avery was way up in my rib cage area and not so ready to come out.  But within seconds of taking Sutton out, Avery Madison Butler came into this world.  Avery was born on December 29, 2014 at 2:37 am weighing 4 pounds, 8 oz and 17 1/2 inches long.

Avery took a few breaths and let out a cry, but then she had some trouble breathing.  The nurses said she had an apgar of 5, then 6, then 7, but she had to be revived a bit (breaks my heart).

My husband then went over to the girls to cut their umbilical cords.

Sutton

Avery

Next it was time to deliver my placenta.  At this point, I was asking a ton of questions about the girls and asking if I could see them.  I could only see Sutton's incubator at this time and a bit of her, but I couldn't see Avery.  Also I knew something was wrong from the look on my husband's face and the anesthesiologists face.

My placenta broke inside, so they couldn't save it for us.  We wanted to dry it out and put it in a pill form, so I could take it to prevent/help with postpartum.  But when my husband asked about it, they said it had to go to pathology since it broke inside.  Once they got it out, they pulled my uterus outside of my body to massage it.  They needed it to contract and it wouldn't.  My husband said this was pretty gross to watch considering my insides were on the outside.

I was pretty out of it and losing a ton of blood at this point

I went in and out of consciousness at this point.  I was losing a bunch of blood, over 2 liters to be exact, and the anesthesiologist kept giving me shots in my shoulder and put another ivy in my right hand.  I must have had at least 10 or more shots in my shoulder.  I remember hearing them say they might have to do a hysterectomy if they couldn't get my uterus to contract.  

I closed my eyes and remember saying/thinking, I am going to die.  I have never felt so scared in my life.  I have never felt so weak in my life.  I felt like I was slipping away.  I was unconscious at one point and my anesthesiologist kept waking me up saying I needed to stay with him.  All the while, my husband is watching this go down.  He has me losing a lot of blood and his babies are about to be wheeled off to the NICU.  

The anesthesiologist told him he needed to go to the NICU with the babies.  I remember hearing this and my husband asking if he should go or stay with me.  The anesthesiologist told him to go.  And so he went.

They were still working on me and I was still out of it.  Eventually they got my uterus to contract before having to take it out.  Thank god.  I am so happy they saved it because we may want more children and I want that option.  I am so grateful the doctors did everything they could to save me and my uterus.  

I had to have a blood transfusion due to the amount of blood loss.  I will spare the photos that show the wall of bloody cloths they used on me since it is pretty graphic, but know there was 16 bloody cloths on a pocket wall.  

Once my husband was in the NICU with the girls, he was told that I was in recovery and they saved my uterus.

I only vaguely remember them transferring me from the operating room to the recovery room.  But once I was in recovery, my husband came in, and he came in with ice chips.  So happy for this as I was so dehydrated.  After awhile, my mom came in to see me and I started to feel better.  Maybe it was the demorall and morphine shots they gave me to stop shaking.  Either way, I started to feel better.  Well other than when they check your uterus and push on it to make sure it has contracted.  Ouch and they do that every hour.  That hurts so bad!

We stayed in the hospital for 5 days.  And in those 5 days, I lost all modesty, gained two new baby girls, also gained a new love for my husband as a daddy, and experienced a whole lotta love.

This wasn't exactly the labor/birth I imagined, but it got my babies here safe and sound.

And if you read through the whole two parts, way to go.

Sutton and Avery's Birth Story Part 1

I guess the girls birth story really starts on Friday December 26, 2014.  We had dinner at my aunt and uncles house (in-laws) in Truckee that evening and when we were driving home, I started to feel some pressure and was more uncomfortable than usual.  When we got home, I tried to go to sleep, but the pressure and achiness was too much.  There were tears, lots of movement and lots of trips to the bathroom.  Nothing was working.

My cousin, Ashley, had given me some benedryl for the itchiness and sleep, so I decided to take one.  This was after about an hour of my husband rubbing my back and me in pain.  I went to sleep and thought maybe my uterus is still expanding.  I was only 33 weeks, 2 days, so there was no way this was labor.

Saturday we went about life as usual and nothing happened.  Sunday we did the same.  We even ran to Target to pick up some of our hospital bag toiletries and said we would pack up that week just in case and get the carseats installed too.  Rory and I had dinner together at a little Taiwanese place, grabbed our pup and headed to his parents house to have dessert and hang out with my brother and sister-in-law before they left the next day.

While we were hanging out, I started to get uncomfortable.  Just moving around a lot mostly.  We decided to head home and on the way, I felt a pop of movement.  Like one of the babies rolled over or something.  Then there was some relief, but the pain started to come slightly.

We got home, got ready for bed and I had a bit of blood (slight tiny tinge) on the bathroom tissue, but let it go.  I fell asleep for maybe a half hour to be woken up by pain.  It was pretty constant and more painful than Friday's episode.

I was constantly trying to go to the bathroom, lay down (which hurt the worst), sway back and forth, cry, get down on my hands and knees and ride the pain out.  I couldn't tell if these were contractions because there was just a lot of pain almost the entire time.  I would have some relief occasionally, but not enough to think it was contractions.  I seriously thought I just had bad gas or constipation.

Then I went to the bathroom once again and more blood on the toliet paper.  I told Rory that I thought we should go to the hospital just to get it checked out, but that I would be embarrassed if it was just gas and I was sorry.

So we grabbed a few things.  My husband grabbed my iPad, my purse, my shoes, changed himself, gave a treat to our pup and we were off.  We never got the chance to pack a bag which I was really sad about because my sister got me the weekender bag I wanted (Herschel Supply Co. Ravine Weekend Bag).

At 11:15 ish off to the hospital we went where I could barely sit in the seat.  I tried laying down the seat, tried moving around in the car and moaned in pain the entire 10 minute drive.  Once we got to the emergency room drop-off (also where you go if you are in labor and it is after 10 pm), I took off out of the car to get in a wheelchair.  My husband wheeled me to labor and delivery.  I could barely stand up, let alone answer the questions I was being asked.  Instead of taking me to assessment, they took me to a delivery room.

The entire time, I kept asking for water because I was so thirsty, but they said they couldn't give me any yet.  They needed to monitor the girls with the fetal dopplers and do an ultrasound to see the positions of the babies.  I told them I wanted a vaginal birth and they said they would do everything they could.  They paged my doctor and started the process of seeing where I was at.

The babies heartbeats were great.  I am surprised they could get a read since I was constantly moving and changing positions because nothing felt good.  They checked me and I was a 4/5 and 100% effaced.  There was no turning back.  These girls were going to be born soon.

An ultrasound revealed baby A (Sutton) was head down and dropping.  She was ready to go.   But her little sister, baby B (Avery) was still cozy up in mommy's ribs sitting transverse (sideways).  They said it is risky to delivery a baby that early that is transverse because they weren't sure if they could get her to turn.  At this time, they checked me again and I was at 9 cm dilated.  We talked our options, and c-section it was.  Emergency c-section.  I was devastated.  Lots of tears.

This is the face of pain.  I am not a cusser, but I did manage to cuss quite a bit while being assessed.  Man oh man, did the pain hurt.  And that is my lovely nurse who helped me keep it together.

I was telling my husband to call our family and that I needed him there.  That I loved him and I was so sorry the girls were coming this early.  We are pretty sure my labor started Friday and maybe we could have stopped it if I had went in, but we can never be sure.  And this is the way God had intended us to bring our little girls into the world.

Stay Tuned for Part 2 of Sutton and Avery's Birth Story.

Oh Hey Friday - Postpartum

It's Friday and I have managed to show up to my blog again.  This is a big deal for me let me tell you.  But I really wanted to join in on the link up fun over at September Farm.

In honor of Oh Hey, Friday link up, I am going to tell you about my five favorite postpartum items.  These things have gotten me through my last almost 4 weeks since giving birth to my beautiful daughters.  I still can't believe my daughters are here!

Original Belly Bandit Beige L
target.com

Pottery Barn home decor
potterybarn.com

Earth Mama Angel Baby Natural Nipple Butter 2 oz.
target.com

BKR Silicone + Glass Water Bottle in Chip
shopthetrendboutique.com

One.  Belly Bandit.  I read on several mommy blogs that the Belly Bandit is a must.  When I researched it, I wasn't too excited about the $50 price tag, but after wearing it for a few weeks, it has been a lifesaver.  Not only does it provide support for my back and stomach, it helps keep my c-section incision less painful and seems to be shrinking my belly.  It also helps support my breasts when I am pumping.  So far, so good.  I will do a postpartum body post soon and show you my results so far.

Two.  Pottery Barn Cozy Robe.  I got this robe as a wedding gift with our monogrammed initials and all.  I now wear this robe constantly.  Not only is it super warm, it is soft and cozy.  Plus it shields myself when pumping.  When I am at home, I am living in this thing.  Trust me, you will live in a robe postpartum.

Three.  BKR water bottle.  I bought this during my pregnancy and used it religiously throughout my pregnancy.  And now it is even more important.  I can't get enough water now due to pumping and starting to breastfeed.  This bottle is made of glass, but has an awesome silicon type wrap around it.  My water stays cold and I can take this water bottle everywhere with me...especially to the NICU.  I got mine in the color holiday.

Four.  Pump Ease Hands Free Bra.  Since this momma is a pumping momma for the meantime, I needed a hands free bra to be able to do something other than hold the pump bottles up for 15 to 30 minutes (that was in the beginning).  I finally caved and bought this one in the blue with white polka dots.  It has three different clasp sizes and I used two of them depending on which bra I have on.  I am able to write out the labels for my bottles, check email, instagram, eat a snack, drink water, etc.  Love this thing.  And it will come in handy when I go back to work too.

Five.  Earth Mama, Angel Baby Natural Nipple Butter.  After pumping for about a week and a half, I had sore nipples.  I was trying to be a hero and have the suction up higher for more milk (gotta feed two babies) and it was making my nipples sore and scabbed up.  So I did a bit of research and consulted with the lactation women at the hospital and decided a nipple butter was the way to go for me.  I didn't want the lanolin as it stains more and I didn't like the consistency.  But I love this nipple butter.  I use it daily and it hasn't stained my clothes and helps with the soreness, cracked nipples and it doesn't have a bad smell.

The Girls Are Here!

Wow, I guess it is time to dust off the ole blog and let you all know why I haven't been around the last almost two weeks.

These two bundles of joy are why…

Meet Sutton Kira Butler (left) and Avery Madison Butler (right)

Sutton Kira Butler
December 29, 2014
2:37 am
3 pounds 15 ounces
17 3/4 inches long

Avery Madison Butler
December 29, 2014
2:37 am
4 pounds 8 ounces
17 1/2 inches long

My girls, more specifically Sutton, decided to arrive a bit early.  They were running out of room and wanted to meet their daddy and I.  We are beyond blessed to have these little girls.  Life is definitely a struggle right now as we hadn't prepared for them to be here so soon, but we are making it work.

I am going to work from home for a bit, so I can go see the girls in the NICU everyday while their daddy is at work.  Once our beauties are ready to come home, then I will go on full maternity leave.  It wasn't what we imagined, but this is so much better.

I am blessed to visit my darlings twice a day to take their temperatures, change them, feed them and cuddle them.  Daddy visits once a day during the work week, but weekends, he sees his girls twice a day.

Get ready for a crazy birth story as I had a really bad emergency cesarean section.  I am truly lucky to even be here right now.

So please bare with me on the sporadic posts.  I hope to get to a more steady posting next week (maybe).  In the meantime, check out my beautiful babies.

Sutton

Mommy with Avery

Daddy with Sutton

Avery

 Sutton

Avery

Oh how these girls have stolen my husband's and my hearts.  I love you girls.  Please keep my girls in your thoughts and prayers so they can get strong and healthy and come home from the NICU soon.

32 Weeks and Christmas Eve!

Merry Christmas Eve all.  Not sure who is actually reading posts today in blog land, but I decided to write this early, so I can enjoy the day with my family.

Wow, oh wow, we are in our 32nd week of pregnancy.  Let me tell you, it is harder than it looks to carry twins at 32 weeks.  Everything hurts, everything is hard and you just want to be done, but you know these babies need to bake in there a bit (several weeks) longer.

I had my ob appointment Monday where I found out that I am measuring at 40 weeks.  That means I basically am full term with one baby.  Holy wow.  No wonder it was hard to pee in a cup at the doctor's office.  And by hard, I mean I peed on my hand.  Sorry if that is TMI for you all, but when you get to the near end of pregnancy, things get a bit too TMI for EVERYONE.

Babies heartbeats were strong and they were moving and grooving in the belly.  I wonder how they even have any room left in there because momma sure can't move much.  It is hard to bend over, take my clothes off, get dressed, get out of a chair, not have swollen legs/feet, grip anything, etc.  You name it, we have it going on folks.

Anyway, enough complaining.  Onto the weekly update. 

How far along: 32 Weeks

Babies are the size of a: Jicama

Babies are: According to Babycenter babies should weigh around 3 3/4 pounds and around 16.7 inches long each.  We should know more on their growth progress on Tuesday when I see the perinatal doctor.  They say babies should be gaining about 1/2 a pound a week which would make them around 4 pounds 8 ounces and 4 pounds 1 ounce.  Yikes that is almost 9 pounds in my belly.  No wonder I feel huge!

Babies are growing fast and now have toenails, fingernails and real hair.  Their skin is becoming more soft and smooth and they are plumping out.

Maternity Clothes: All day, everyday.  My wardrobe is getting smaller by the day due to my belly getting bigger by the day.  Some shirts are way too short now and I am trying to make due with what I have, but I may have to give in and buy a few more pregnancy tank tops to put under my clothes so I don't look like a hillbilly.  And I am down to two pairs of shoes.  Oh how I can't wait to wear a pair of heels or cute boots again.

Stretch Marks: None and I am hoping I don't get any in the last few weeks of pregnancy.

Sleep: Awful.  I am now sleeping at an incline which helps with the breathing issue since baby B loves to lay on mommy's ribs/lungs, but then I get really bad carpal tunnel.  So I exchange one bad for another.

Symptoms: Carpal tunnel, backaches, swollen feet, pelvic pressure, shortness of breath.  I am just one big walking pregnant mess, haha.

Best Moment of the Week: Christmas is here in two days and I can't wait to spend it with family.  I have friends arriving daily and I can't wait to see them all.  Plus we found out that we have 3 to 5 weeks left before these babies come based on their size, my size and how I am progressing.  Shit is about to get real here folks and I will be a momma very soon.  I.CAN.NOT.WAIT.

Movement: Dancing little machines.  In the ribs to the bladder, these girls are moving like crazy and I LOVE IT!

Cravings: Pasta, pizza, sushi and sweets.  Same as usual.

Gender: Two precious baby girls.

Belly Button In or Out: Out.

Wedding Ring on or Off: On, but on my right hand.

Anything Making You Queasy or Sick: Nothing really unless I don't eat often enough.

What I Miss: Sleep, being able to sleep on my stomach and being able to get out of cars/off the couch/out of bed/etc.

What I am Looking Forward to: Christmas and family/friend time.

Labor:  Nothing yet, but my body sure is gearing up for it.

Nursery: So so so close.  Just a few more things to do and we are finished.  I love sitting in the chair in there and staring at everything and all the progress.

Emotions: Feeling good, but overwhelmed by everything.  So basically my hormones are kicking in full force and I could cry or be happy at an instant.  Today I am happy and so looking forward to these next few days.
Until next week (33 weeks)!

31 Weeks. Getting Closer.

31 weeks here and we are so close to being done, but yet so far away.  Baby girls made this momma beyond uncomfortable yesterday and a bit scared that labor was going to start, so I took the day off.  From everything.  I laid on the couch ALL.DAY.LONG with my little Walter dude and watched mindless tv.  I only got up to get water, pee and eat.  I promised myself I would watch my sick leave and not take any days unless necessary.  Well yesterday was necessary.  And with all of the upcoming days off/doctor's appointments and upcoming maternity leave, I should have enough saved up for 16 weeks off.  But I probably will only take around 12 weeks.

So please forgive me for my late baby update.  A picture may or may not make it into this post as I feel like a whale and really feeling under the weather.

How far along: 31 weeks, 1 day

Babies are the size of a: Coconut/Pineapple.

Babies are: According to Babycenter and The Bump, babies should be measuring around 16 inches long (but ours are around 17 inches as of last week) and weighing in at 2.5 lbs to 3.8 lbs (but we know that babies are around 3.9 lbs and 4 lbs).

Babies are getting so big that they are crowding mommas lungs and pushing on her bladder.  The only way to grow more is to grow outwards.  All five of babies senses are developed and working.  They are moving around, making faces, hiccuping, swallowing, breathing and pedaling around mommas uterus all day long.

Maternity Clothes: All day, everyday.  I have a few Old Navy sweaters that are long and non-maternity, but I have officially phased out most other non-maternity shirts as my belly is too big to contain.  I tried to wear a normal longer t-shirt and since the babies started dropping, my belly hangs out.  Way attractive.  I only have two pairs of shoes that fit too, so there is limited choices between uggs and flats.

Stretch Marks:None yet, and hopefully none appear.  I had my dermatology appointment last night and the good news was, no stretch marks.  The bad news: 2 or 3 biopsies after the babies are born.

Sleep: Awful.  It is easier to take naps or short sleep intervals as I am really UNCOMFORTABLE.  I can only lay in one position for a bit before having to change positions.  Oh sleep how I miss thee.

Symptoms: Carpal tunnel, backaches, swollen feet, pelvic pressure, shortness of breath.

Best Moment of the Week: Taking a day off to myself even though it was because of the babies, it was so worth it.  Mindless tv and relaxation is just what the doctor ordered.  Plus last Saturday we saw Daniel Tosh and he was amazing as ever.

Movement: Dancing little machines.  In the ribs to the bladder, these girls are moving like crazy and I LOVE IT!

Cravings: Pasta, pizza, sushi and sweets.  Same as usual.

Gender: Two precious baby girls.

Belly Button In or Out: Out.

Wedding Ring on or Off: On, but on the right side and not sure how much longer I can wear them at all. I just feel lost without them and don't want to take them off.

Anything Making You Queasy or Sick: The nausea has come back, but I haven't thrown up.  Just all around feeling queasy at times.

What I Miss: Sleep, being able to sleep on my stomach and being able to get out of cars/off the couch/out of bed/etc. easier.

What I am Looking Forward to: The Nevada Wolf Pack bowl game this weekend, relaxation, finishing the last bits of the girls room, packing my hospital bag and Christmas.

Labor:  Nothing yet, but I must keep taking it easy and letting these babies bake as long as possible.  Please oh please let me make it to 36 or 37 weeks.

Nursery: So so so close.  Just a few more things to do and we are finished.  I love sitting in the chair in there and staring at everything and all the progress.

Emotions: Feeling pretty good though I had a mini meltdown by myself since no shoes fit and some of my go to shirts are now too short and I don't want to buy anything new.  Why can't I wear sweatpants and slippers all day, everyday. 

30 Weeks

Another week checked off the pregnancy countdown.  Folks, we have made it to the 30s, week 30 to be exact.  I can't believe how time flies.  If this were a singleton pregnancy, we would have 10 or so more weeks, but since this is a twin pregnancy, we have about 6 to 8 weeks left.  Wow.  I can't believe our girls will be here that soon.  They will be here next month!  Crazy to think about.

Update on our perinatal appointment:  The girls are weighing in at 3 lbs 8 oz and 3lbs 1 oz for a total of 6 lbs 9 oz.  That is the size of one full term baby.  Wow this momma is really carrying lots of weight.  The doctor said the girls are on target to gain at least half a pound per week with an estimated weight of 6 lbs 8 oz and 6 lbs 1 oz at birth (around 36 to 37 weeks).  They are doing very well and he says momma looks great, but to be prepared for more back aches and more weight added to the front of my belly (only can go out from here).  And I must keep my eye out for consistent Braxton Hicks because he doesn't want me to go into labor too early, and if I do, we can stop it if diagnosed early.  So our goal is babies due around January 21st - 28th.

Wow the flash did nothing for my complexion this morning.  Sorry about the ghostly white look.

How far along: 30 weeks

Babies are the size of a: Cucumber/Head of Cabbage

Babies are: Baby A (who still has more amniotic fluid) is weighing in at 3 pounds 8 ounces and Baby B is weighing in at 3 pounds 1 ounce for a 11% difference.  As long as we stay under the 20% difference rate, we will be fine.

The babies brains are getting bigger and their skin is smoothing out.  An important fact: the babies bone marrow has taken over production of red blood cells meaning they will be able to thrive more once they are born.  They are strong enough to grasp a finger now!

Maternity Clothes: All day, everyday.  As I have said before, I still manage a non-maternity shirt here and there plus my non-maternity Old Navy leggings, but otherwise this bump is too large to contain.

Stretch Marks: Good news, my lovely waxer lady said I have no stretch marks yet and my stomach is growing beautifully.  I call that a win and thanks to the obsessive amounts of coco butter I use in the morning/day and the coconut/lavender oil I use every night.

Sleep: Still crappy.  Though I get a bit more here and there.  I just wish I could sleep for a total of at least 7 hours a night regardless of how many times I wake up each night (around 3 to 5).

Symptoms: Carpal tunnel, backaches, swollen feet.

Best Moment of the Week: Hanging out with friends (at my friends birthday celebration) and seeing the girls on their growth scan Tuesday.

Movement: Dancing little machines.  In the ribs to the bladder, these girls are moving like crazy and I LOVE IT!

Cravings: Pasta, pizza, sushi and sweets.  Same as usual.

Gender: Two precious baby girls.

Belly Button In or Out: Out.

Wedding Ring on or Off: On, but I am not sure how much longer they will be.  The hands are swollen from the carpal tunnel.

Anything Making You Queasy or Sick: The nausea has come back, but I haven't thrown up.  Just all around feeling queasy at times.

What I Miss: Sleep, being able to sleep on my stomach and being able to get out of cars/off the couch/out of bed/etc. easier.

What I am Looking Forward to: Going to see Daniel Tosh this weekend.  Loved his comedy show last year in Tahoe and I am sure I will love it this time.  Especially since we are front row and I am hoping he makes fun of me and my hugely pregnant body, haha.

Labor:  Thankfully nothing yet and hopefully nothing until around 36 weeks (my personal goal) or later.

Nursery: We are getting closer and closer to the finished product.  My husband has their names and mobiles to hang and I have a few more things to set up.  Good news is, we have almost all their clothes, blankets, swaddlers, bath towels, changing pad covers, etc. washed and ready for them.  Just need to take count and put away a few more things before the nursery reveal.

I love going into their room daily.  I love seeing how it has turned out, knowing they will be in there in less than 2 months and seeing the transformation.  It is everything I wanted and more for their room.

Emotions: Feeling pretty good emotionally.  Physically is another story.

Weekend Update and Randomness

Sorry for the lack of blogging yesterday.  I was too busy getting my Green Monday shopping on (?).  I didn't even know about Green Monday shopping day (or whatever it was called) until perusing around on amazon looking for stocking stuffers.  Then I went into panic mode and tried to figure out what to get everyone so I could get the second best deals of the month (next to Cyber Monday).  I managed to get my mom and sister something and even a little cardigan wrap for myself (oops).  I (we, as in my husband and I) still have a bunch of online shopping to do and he gets nagged about it daily because this hugely pregnant girl wants to avoid actual stores if possible (which it isn't sadly).  But we are well on our way to getting most of our shopping done.  Phew.  That was long winded.

We did a lot this weekend and of course I only have two photos to show for it.  Boo.  But these two are quite funny and mostly the same.

These were my feet Friday evening.  I got the biggest laugh out of this sight and showed everyone and anyone I could the next day at my friend's birthday party.  Can we say cankles big time?!  Don't worry, they don't always swell like this and my OB saw them a few hours before and didn't seemed concerned.

My OB appointment went well even though I waited for an hour and a half to be seen.  Ouch.  Not sure I am liking their new office.  I never waited more than 20 minutes before the move.  The bad news: I gained about 7 to 8 pounds in a month (yikes to all that amazing holiday food).  The good news: my doctor said it was fine since the babies are gaining weight like crazy right now.  I am measuring around 35 or so weeks now, but I am just about 30 weeks now.  Plus we got a better idea on when we will deliver.  And it all depends on my appointment this afternoon with my perinatal for our growth scan.  Hopefully my little girls are chunking up and packing on the holiday weight too.

Friday I also got my hair done and it feels even more amazing getting your hair done while being pregnant.  Awe back to blonde.  Plus she can hold the hair dryer and do wonders to my hair as my hands can barely hold the blow dryer on a daily basis.

Saturday we went to our child birthing class.  It was an all day class, but it went super fast.  We learned a lot about labor, delivery, where we would do everything, our options and figured out our plan (birthing preferences).  I can't wait to meet our girls, but boy am I scared about the whole laboring process.

Saturday night we went to my friends birthday dinner and then out for drinks.  Well dessert for me, drinks for everyone else.  It was so good seeing my friends and showing off the huge bump for those that haven't seen it in awhile.

Sunday I was pretty lazy around the house.  But I did manage to vacuum, do some of the girls laundry, grocery shop, decorate the Christmas tree (it has been up with lights, but no decorations), clean house a bit and watch the awful Niners lose to the Raiders.  Ugh, Niners season is over.  So sucky/crappy/awful/bad/anyothertermassociatedwithsucking.

Oh and I managed to prep our holiday food for our day at the office on Monday.  Every December, we sign up for a day and bring in breakfast food.  My husband and I made, 2 pounds bacon, french toast bake (that wasn't all gooey and gross, but amazing), juice and cookies.  I called it a win with how much I can actually move around lately.

Today brings a pernatal appointment where we get to see the girls and a day to pick up our new Digital SLR camera.  I can't wait.  Can you believe Christmas is in 15/16 days? 

How was your weekend?

Oh and one last photo from the last home Nevada Wolf Pack game.

Best tailgate crew.  My husband and I are on the far left front row.

29 Weeks

I can't believe we will meet these cute little babies possibly next month.  Care to take any guesses on when they will arrive?  I am now 29 weeks and this holiday season is flying.  Before I know it, it will be January and we could meet them any day.  But please stay in mommy's belly all cozied up until at least January 21st (36 weeks).

 Sorry for the dark lighting. This was taken at 6 am.

How far along: 29 weeks, 1 day

Babies are the size of a: Head of Cauliflower/Butternut Squash

Babies are: Weighing around three pounds each and measuring around 17 inches each (we will know a more definitive answer next week at our monthly growth scan).  Babies are getting fatter and fatter as the days go on.  They are packing on the pounds like their momma during this holiday season.

Muscles and lungs are continuing to mature and are getting stronger by the day.  Another exciting development for the babies is their teeth are forming in their gums.  

Maternity Clothes: All day, everyday.  Though I prefer my Old Navy active leggings over maternity dress pants.  Just add a sweater, boots and I am all set for the day.  It is all about comfort now.

Stretch Marks:Maybe one.  I can't tell if it is just an indention from my pants/shirt/sweatshirt.  But I am keeping the belly lubed up with coco butter throughout the day and coconut oil/lavender mixture at night.

Sleep: Oh how I miss thee.  Sleep isn't going very well with this carpal tunnel crap.  The wrist guard helps, but I still get numb and now my right thumb is starting to act up.  It helps if I sleep on my right side, but I am not supposed to do that very often or for very long.  If I could get the carpal tunnel to go away, then I could sleep so much better.

Symptoms: Carpal tunnel, backaches, swollen feet, exhausted and all around feeling like a whale.

Best Moment of the Week: Seeing family from both sides and enjoying the holidays with them all.

Movement: Oh these babies are moving ALL.THE.TIME.  I feel kicks on my bladder and into my ribs so many times per hour.  They are really dancing in there.

Cravings: Pasta, pizza, sushi and sweets.  Same as usual.

Gender: Two precious baby girls.

Belly Button In or Out: Out.

Wedding Ring on or Off: On, but they have been moved to my right hand as my left hand is experiencing carpal tunnel so it is often too swollen to take the rings off my left hand.

Anything Making You Queasy or Sick: The nausea has come back, but I haven't thrown up.  Just all around feeling queasy at times.

What I Miss: Sleep and being able to move easier.

What I am Looking Forward to: Our childbirth class on Saturday, surprisingly. 

Labor:  Thankfully nothing yet and hopefully nothing until around 36 weeks (my personal goal) or later.

Nursery: It is coming together little by little.  I am almost done washing clothes and putting things up.  Now onto the walls (few of the gifts we got have to be put up) and unpacking all the things mommy and daddy bought on cyber Monday once they come.

Emotions: Feeling pretty good emotionally.  Physically is another story.

28 Weeks

Another week has flown by and now we are into our 28th week of pregnancy.  Wow.  We are officially in the third trimester and nesting mode has fully kicked in.  Bring on the holidays (the last ones without the twins being here other than in mommy's belly), food and family time!

Two little turkeys in my belly on Thanksgiving

So where are these babies at?

How far along: 28 weeks, 2 days

Babies are the size of a: Eggplant

Babies are: Getting fatter and fatter.  I am sure they are measuring around 2 1/2 to 3 pounds by now (we don't have another growth scan for 2 weeks) and are around 14 to 15 inches long.

The girls can blink their eyes and are sporting some eyelashes (hopefully like their daddy because he has super long lashes).  Their eyesight is increasing all the time which means they may be able to see the light that filters through my belly.  They are still developing their brains at a rapid rate (and showing brain activity with dreaming) and adding on the fat (big time) to get nice and plump for the outside world.

Maternity Clothes: Yes and some non-maternity stuff.  I just buy a size up (usually up to medium) and rock those sweaters.  I did a bit of shopping at Old Navy this weekend and scored some active leggings (which I intend to use as normal leggings for work) and two sweaters for $35.  The sweaters were only $10 each.  Killer deal and didn't break the bank.

Stretch Marks: I have one, but it isn't as noticeable right now.  I freaked out because my sweater left a huge mark on my belly and I thought I got a big stretch mark there, but nope, it was just an indention.  But I do have that dark line that runs from the belly button down now.

Sleep: Ehh.  I have been having some carpal tunnel issues in my left hand so sleep has been a big issue this week.  So much that I cried in the shower yesterday morning because I am so tired and my hand won't stop tingling.  But I caved and bought a wrist guard yesterday.  Good news is, I woke up twice last night and slept a ton.  Not enough to catch up on my sleep, but we are working on it.

Symptoms: Carpal tunnel, backaches, swollen feet, tired, nasal congestion lack of sleep.

Best Moment of the Week: Seeing the babies on the ultrasound as always.  Plus we have so much family time this week that my heart is bursting at the seams.

Movement: Oh these babies are moving ALL.THE.TIME.  I feel kicks on my bladder and into my ribs so many times per hour.  They are really dancing in there.

Cravings: Pasta, pizza, sushi and sweets.  Same as usual.

Gender: Two precious baby girls.

Belly Button In or Out: Out.

Wedding Ring on or Off: On, but they have been moved to my right hand as my left hand is experiencing carpal tunnel so it is often too swollen to take the rings off my left hand.

Anything Making You Queasy or Sick: Nothing right now.

What I Miss: Working out and being able to move easily.  I feel like I need to roll off the couch, have help out of the car and struggle to get out of bed due to my belly getting bigger and bigger.

What I am Looking Forward to: Everything this week has to offer.  Baby appointments, family time, Thanksgiving, food, Christmas tree cutting, hospital tour, working on the nursery and meeting these girls in a few short months!

Labor:  Thankfully nothing yet and hopefully nothing until around 36 weeks (my personal goal) or later.

Nursery: It looks like a total mess, but I am sorting through things today, putting stuff up, doing laundry and in full on nesting mode.  I can't wait to share the nursery with you all.

Emotions: Feeling pretty good.  My heart is bursting at the seams with all the love and family time this week!

Happy Thanksgiving Eve!

Hospital Tour and an Update

Last night we took our hospital tour.  Sure I have been in this hospital a few times, but mostly for death stuff.  But we finally got to see the good stuff.  The nursery full of the cutest babies, pre-registering, seeing where we would have our little girls pretty soon and scoping out food options.

The entire time I felt like a deer in the headlights.  Wide eyed at everything that was explained to us.  I can't believe this is really happening in a few short months.  From the assessment to the labor and delivery to the postpartum.  Plus we have some extra decisions to make....who we are allowing in the labor and delivery area (max three others than myself), pain intervention, etc.  I am so happy we have started our birth plan (I know they don't always go as planned) and can make some additional contributions to it.  Plus we were told to pack our hospital bags now because you never know when it is going to happen.  It was all so surreal and exciting all at once. 

But again, I still can't believe how real this is all getting.  Ok, I knew it was getting real when my bump and boobs got really big really fast, but now that we are taking tours and taking classes (December 6th), and the girls will be here before we know it.  I can't wait to see their precious faces, hold them and shower them with kisses.  Plus the idea of seeing my husband hold these babies melts my heart.  Oh pitter patter.

So now my hunt starts for packing a hospital bag for myself, the babies and my husband.  Please send me your links on what to include, what not to include and any advice you all have.

In the meantime, I have my last fluid check appointment with my Perinatal doctor in a couple of hours.  So say some prayers that baby girls are good to go and we only have to see the perinatal doc monthly for growth checks.  But at least I get to see their cute little faces on the ultrasound today.  They have been moving a ton today in preps for their shots on camera/ultrasound.

Until tomorrow for my weekly bump date.   

27 Weeks (the last week of my second trimester)

It is Wednesday again which means it is bump/pregnancy update.   I know you are all on the edge of your seats waiting for my update.  So without further ado...onto the babies.

  27 Weeks and counting

How far along: 27 weeks, 1 day (last week of the second trimester)

Babies are the size of a: Head of cauliflower/rutabaga

Babies are: Growing and doing so well.  I can't believe how much they have grown in the last month.  On Friday (at 26 weeks, 2 days) I was measuring 31 weeks.  Yikes.  How big is my belly going to get?

Babies are getting on a better sleep/wake cycle and finally opening and closing their eyes.  Their brains are very active now, but still developing.  That is why momma needs to up her protein intake.  The lungs are still maturing, but babies could survive outside the womb if they came at this point.  Which they better stay inside and bake as long as possible.

Maternity Clothes: Yep still rocking them.  But my maternity work pants suck because they itch and stretch out that I have opted for leggings at work now.  No one seems to notice or care, so leggings it is.  Plus I need to up my game on some sweaters for this bitter cold weather.  Suggestions on places to get cute sweaters maternity and non-maternity at a great price.

Stretch Marks: I have one, but it isn't as noticeable right now.  I freaked out because my sweater left a huge mark on my belly and I thought I got a big stretch mark there, but nope, it was just an indention.  But I do have that dark line that runs from the belly button down now.

Sleep: Ehh.  I have been having some carpal tunnel issues in my left hand so sleep has been a big issue this week.  So much that I cried in the shower yesterday morning because I am so tired and my hand won't stop tingling.  But I caved and bought a wrist guard yesterday.  Good news is, I woke up twice last night and slept a ton.  Not enough to catch up on my sleep, but we are working on it.

Symptoms: Carpal tunnel, backaches, swollen feet, tired and nasal congestion.

Best Moment of the Week: Having the twins baby shower.  We are beyond blessed and received so much.  We don't have much left to get (the car seat purchases will hurt though), but so much to set up and lots of laundry to do.

Movement: Lots of baby kicks and movement.  Still no hiccups, but these babies love to move, press on my lungs and bladder and have some kick boxing workouts inside.

Cravings: Pasta, pizza, sushi and sweets.

Gender: Two precious baby girls.

Belly Button In or Out: Out.

Wedding Ring on or Off: On, but they have been moved to my right hand as my left hand is experiencing the carpal tunnel so it is often too swollen to take the rings off my left hand.

Anything Making You Queasy or Sick: Nothing right now.

What I Miss: Working out, not being in so much discomfort, holiday drinks (eggnog and brandy, hot chocolate and peppermint schnaps, etc.), moving with ease, and basically anything that involves being active.

What I am Looking Forward to: The last home game for the Nevada Wolf Pack football team.  Tailgate theme is chili cook-off.  Since I can't cook for more than 30 mins (max), we will be bringing a dessert, but you bet your tush that I will be enjoying lots of yummy food.  Plus we are going through our baby shower stuff, setting some of it up, seeing what we still need and going into full nesting mode.  I love it.

Labor Signs: We have some Braxton Hicks contractions going on, but no signs of labor.  Thank the heavens for that.

Nursery: We put up the gold polka dots last week and now we got a bunch of things from the shower to start setting up.  Our girls are going to be so spoiled and I can't wait to reveal our nursery to all.

Emotions: Good, but more emotional this week over my exhaustion.

Stay tuned for a baby shower post soon.  I hope to get the camera today or tomorrow to start my post.  I can't wait to show you all how amazing it was.

26 Weeks

We have made it to week 26.   This week is full of lots of fun regarding our babies.  Not only do we have our baby shower this weekend, but we saw our precious little girls on the ultrasound yesterday and they were so cute.  One was yawning and had the perfect little profile ever.  Pouty lip and just gorgeous.  The other was being silly and had her legs folded up to her face.  She was in the breach position, but still cute as ever.

Babies are moving around and prepping for birth (but not for another couple months please)! Baby A was head down by my bladder and I suspect she is the one kicking/punching/headbutting my bladder and making me feel like I am going to pee my pants at any moment.  Baby B is right up in the rib cage area and she was in the breach position.  Both are movers and shakers and perfect in every way.  Please stay that way sweet babies.

Onto the weekly update.

Don't worry there will be lots of bump photos this weekend from my shower!

How far along: 26 weeks

Babies are the size of a: Butternut Squash/Head of Lettuce

Babies are: Well we have more official updates on the babies sizes.  They are currently measuring 2 pounds and 2 pounds 2 ounces.  I am not sure how long they are at the moment, but websites suggest they are around 15 inches each.  They are ahead of schedule, so that is a bit more comforting since twins usually come early.

This week our babies eyes are forming and they will soon be able to open them up.  Their eyelashes are growing too which hopefully they get their daddy's long lashes.  Babies are building their immune systems and taking breaths too.  We even saw them breathing on the ultrasound yesterday.  So amazing.

Maternity Clothes: Still the same clothes.  I did manage to buy two pairs of sweats (I live in them when I am not at work or having guests over), a cardigan and another shirt.  I need some more sales and cute stuff to spice up this wardrobe.

Stretch Marks: I am really sad to say I found my first stretch mark on the underside of my belly on the right side.  I kinda felt it, and then saw it in the mirror.  There may have been a tear or two.  I love these babies more than anything, but my body is taking its toll here.

Sleep: Just ok.  Between the stuffy noses, the nightly trips to the bathroom and the lack of room for the babies in my belly, sleep is getting harder.  Though last night I passed out fast and only woke up twice.  I call that a major win! 

Symptoms: Backaches, skin stretching and overall exhausted.

Best Moment of the Week:  Seeing our little girls on the ultrasound screen and how beautifully they are doing.  I just love them more and more every moment and can't wait to meet them.  I can't wait to see their faces, smell them (nothing like "the" baby smell) and hold them.  I am one proud momma here.

Movement: Lots of baby kicks and movement.  I love watching my stomach move and feeling the babies kick at me.  I often talk to them after their kicks and this is definitely one thing I will miss once they are born.
Cravings: Fruit (big time apple kick), ice cream and pizza.  Same as always.
Gender: Two precious baby girls.
Belly Button In or Out: Mostly out.
Wedding Ring on or Off: On, but tight.  Might have to move them onto my right side and figure something out soon.  So sad.
Anything Making You Queasy or Sick: Nothing right now.
What I Miss: Working out.  I see all these mommies to be who are still working out (anywhere from 16 weeks to 25 weeks) and I feel a pang of jealousy.  I want to go on a run, take a workout class, walk my dog, or something.  I did manage two shorter walks with my hubby and pup this weekend and it felt great.  I am stretching at home, but that is about it for this momma.
What I am Looking Forward to: My baby shower this weekend thrown by my mom, sister and mother in law.  I can't wait to spoil these girls!
Labor Signs: We have some Braxton Hicks contractions going on, but no signs of labor.  Thank the heavens for that.
Nursery: It is coming along even more.  We have both cribs up, the recliner in, some of the decor done (polka dots on the wall and mobiles) and things are moving along in there.  I absolutely love their room right now and can't wait to have it complete.
Emotions: Way better this week than last week.  Things are more calm at work, things are great at home and just a overall sense of happiness this week.  Let's keep it that way please.