These past few days have been extremely trying for me. The boys have definitely flown right into that oh-so-lovely fussy stage without looking back. Life is complicated and wearing me out.
Both boys have taken a liking to screaming, not crying, any time you aren't holding them. Problem: I only have one set of arms. Solution: There isn't one. This leaves me in quite the pickle on a daily basis. Everyone who comes to visit and witnesses this behavior thanks their lucky stars that they aren't living in this house.
Which brings me to another topic. We are having a house guest for the entire month of September. His name is Jared and he is one of my younger brothers. He is currently in his last year of his pharmacy studies and on his way to becoming a doctor. This entire last year is to be spent in residency, and a new company or job every month. He is usually out in Kansas City with his girlfriend, Ronna. However, this month his residency rotation landed him back in the St. Louis area. Our house is closer to work for him than my mom and dad's so he will be spending most of his time here with us.
I could use the help, quite honestly...so I am excited to have someone who knows how to cook and clean and not afraid/very willing to help out when needed. And boy do we need it!
This weekend we spent a lot of time getting the finished part of the basement into a bedroom-ish type of space. We have put a mini fridge with freezer down there, he has a large flat screen tv, couch, very nice desk, and a bed with trundle (in case his girlfriend decides to come into town and stay). We also put together Evan's big boy room. Very cute! I will try to add some pics to this post once I find the time to download them from my camera. It is bear/camp themed.
Kevin is pretty excited because the twin bed headboard and dresser set are his from when he was younger. It actually goes with the motif quite well. He is currently sleeping in the big boy bed and went down without an inkling of a fight! If I weren't too tired to do or feel anything right now, I would probably be overwhelmed with joy. Instead I am just relieved to have a moment to unwind all to myself.
Tomorrow I must catch up on laundry and clean out Evan's bathroom and bathtub of all toys, etc. We are almost out of clean towels. Ha, I don't actually expect anyone to care about that last part, unless you have to smell any of us if we do happen to run out, just kind of thinking in print.
Hallelujah for having all three babies in bed at a decent hour for once! Oh heavenly silence, I welcome you!
Sunday, August 30, 2009
Thursday, August 27, 2009
So..yeah...that birth story!
Here ya go!
I had a c-section scheduled for 9:30 a.m. on July 6th. I had a pretty decent holiday weekend before that. Mom and dad came to the house and we grilled some brats, had strawberry shortcake and ice cream, etc. We live in a pretty pyromaniac-ish town, so fortunately every year some neighbors a few streets in front of our house have huge firework display battles. Each house tries to out-do their neighbors and it all ends up just as good as going to a city sponsored fireworks show - all from the comfort of our home and driveway. I was so miserable there was no way I could have gone anywhere, so this worked out great!
Monday morning rolled around and we had to be at the hospital an hour before my surgery time. Kevin had dropped Evan off at Nonna's (grandma) house the night before to make things easier on us. I slept surprisingly well and was actually quite relaxed when it came time to make the trip down the hall and into the operating room.
Kevin waited outside while the anesthesiologist did her thing and then was brought into the room so the surgery could begin. I have to say, in retrospect it was a weird experience. I'm not sure if the power of my mind did this, or if it was an effect of the drugs, but I was super calm and the whole day is quite foggy.
I remember Dr. K asking if I could feel anything and after answering no, she proceeded to make the incision. Fourteen minutes later Brennan Michael was born at 9:44 weighing 6 pounds and 6 ounces and measured 19.7 inches long. A minute later at 9:45 Carter Matthew entered this world and weighed in at 6 pounds and 1 ounce, measuring longer than his (slightly) older brother at an astounding 20.5 inches.
I very distinctly remember hearing their first squeals (no, they were not cries) and I remember saying that I must have given birth to little baby pigs. I peeked over to the nurses and saw that I had adorable baby boys instead, thankfully. I also recall one of them peeing while Dr. K was handing him to a nurse - right over my sterile field and open belly. Thank goodness pee is sterile, although I'm not sure if any of it actually landed inside of me.
They ended up suctioning more than five pounds of fluid from me while on the table. The nurses were quite shocked. I remember asking them if that was a lot and they all replied with a resounding yes.
I couldn't really hear what the staff was saying while I was in surgery, but I could hear them talking. I later found out that my blood pressure was really high. My doctor attributed it to me being nervous about surgery, but also commented on how calm I seemed. Somewhere along the line they also found that my uric acid levels were elevated. If you don't know where this is going, they found out I was pre-eclamptic while on the operating table.
I was wheeled into a recovery room and barely remember any of this part. Grandparents came to visit and later that evening I was sent to a postpartum room. It was HUGE! Much better than my tiny little shoebox of a room that I had when Evan was born. I guess they had sympathy on me for getting two babies at once. We definitely needed the space.
The nursing staff continued to check my blood pressure and it was almost never anywhere near a good level. Later that week after my levels never dropped, I was placed on some medicine to help stabilize it.
We came home that Friday morning and I am happy to report that at 7 or so weeks later, I feel great! The boys are growing and putting on weight, although they had a rocky start due to some breastfeeding/letdown issues. I am now almost exclusively pumping, but am unable to keep up with what they are consuming. They get all mommy's milk during the day and formula for two to three bottles at night.
I am SO glad I didn't have the twins as my first pregnancy, otherwise we probably would have stopped with them. It has been a much easier adjustment since we already knew what to expect (although not multiplied by two!) and we are settling into our new life with our wonderful family.
I had a c-section scheduled for 9:30 a.m. on July 6th. I had a pretty decent holiday weekend before that. Mom and dad came to the house and we grilled some brats, had strawberry shortcake and ice cream, etc. We live in a pretty pyromaniac-ish town, so fortunately every year some neighbors a few streets in front of our house have huge firework display battles. Each house tries to out-do their neighbors and it all ends up just as good as going to a city sponsored fireworks show - all from the comfort of our home and driveway. I was so miserable there was no way I could have gone anywhere, so this worked out great!
Monday morning rolled around and we had to be at the hospital an hour before my surgery time. Kevin had dropped Evan off at Nonna's (grandma) house the night before to make things easier on us. I slept surprisingly well and was actually quite relaxed when it came time to make the trip down the hall and into the operating room.
Kevin waited outside while the anesthesiologist did her thing and then was brought into the room so the surgery could begin. I have to say, in retrospect it was a weird experience. I'm not sure if the power of my mind did this, or if it was an effect of the drugs, but I was super calm and the whole day is quite foggy.
I remember Dr. K asking if I could feel anything and after answering no, she proceeded to make the incision. Fourteen minutes later Brennan Michael was born at 9:44 weighing 6 pounds and 6 ounces and measured 19.7 inches long. A minute later at 9:45 Carter Matthew entered this world and weighed in at 6 pounds and 1 ounce, measuring longer than his (slightly) older brother at an astounding 20.5 inches.
I very distinctly remember hearing their first squeals (no, they were not cries) and I remember saying that I must have given birth to little baby pigs. I peeked over to the nurses and saw that I had adorable baby boys instead, thankfully. I also recall one of them peeing while Dr. K was handing him to a nurse - right over my sterile field and open belly. Thank goodness pee is sterile, although I'm not sure if any of it actually landed inside of me.
They ended up suctioning more than five pounds of fluid from me while on the table. The nurses were quite shocked. I remember asking them if that was a lot and they all replied with a resounding yes.
I couldn't really hear what the staff was saying while I was in surgery, but I could hear them talking. I later found out that my blood pressure was really high. My doctor attributed it to me being nervous about surgery, but also commented on how calm I seemed. Somewhere along the line they also found that my uric acid levels were elevated. If you don't know where this is going, they found out I was pre-eclamptic while on the operating table.
I was wheeled into a recovery room and barely remember any of this part. Grandparents came to visit and later that evening I was sent to a postpartum room. It was HUGE! Much better than my tiny little shoebox of a room that I had when Evan was born. I guess they had sympathy on me for getting two babies at once. We definitely needed the space.
The nursing staff continued to check my blood pressure and it was almost never anywhere near a good level. Later that week after my levels never dropped, I was placed on some medicine to help stabilize it.
We came home that Friday morning and I am happy to report that at 7 or so weeks later, I feel great! The boys are growing and putting on weight, although they had a rocky start due to some breastfeeding/letdown issues. I am now almost exclusively pumping, but am unable to keep up with what they are consuming. They get all mommy's milk during the day and formula for two to three bottles at night.
I am SO glad I didn't have the twins as my first pregnancy, otherwise we probably would have stopped with them. It has been a much easier adjustment since we already knew what to expect (although not multiplied by two!) and we are settling into our new life with our wonderful family.
Thursday, July 16, 2009
My Poor Neglected Blog
Sorry, Mr. Blog. You have been severely neglected. Life is extremely busy with two new ones in the family. My mom is here for the rest of this week. She will leave for the weekend and go back home - she is taking Evan with her to see his PawPaw (and to give me a break). We kept him home from daycare on Tuesday so that he could be in some of our newborn pictures that we had scheduled. I won't be doing that anytime soon by myself OR with someone here. It was a mess all day. I definitely could NOT have handled it if Mom weren't here, and even then we were having a hard time.
I hope to post their birth story soon (when I have time - so look for that one in about two years). Sometime within my last week of pregnancy I had developed pre-e, so I am on blood pressure meds for the time being as well.
I promise, promise, promise I will try to update soon and with some pictures of the big day!
I hope to post their birth story soon (when I have time - so look for that one in about two years). Sometime within my last week of pregnancy I had developed pre-e, so I am on blood pressure meds for the time being as well.
I promise, promise, promise I will try to update soon and with some pictures of the big day!
Thursday, June 25, 2009
Recent Happenings
Sorry (again)...I've been a crappy blogger lately. I have had a lot of nothingness going on that has kept me somewhat busy. If that makes sense.
Since I've last updated, I've had a few routine doctor appointments and two trips into Labor & Delivery. Both times the contractions were close but were eventually stopped/slowed since I was not dilating any further.
Currently, I am 1.5 cm dilated and 50% effaced. My gut tells me these kiddos are going to hang on until the bitter end. July 6th can't get here soon enough! I think I've come to terms with having a c-section. I'm definitely not excited about it, but I know it is the best decision for my little guys. I'd hate if anything were to happen to them because I was stubborn. Dr. K is still willing to give it a try if that's what I really want, but the slight risk of it all doesn't sit well with me.
My weekly biophysicals have been going really well. They pass so easily, which makes me happy since the odds are that they will be just fine when they are born.
I want to take a quick second to say congrats to my online twin sister, Lindsay. She recently gave birth to her boy/girl duo and I can't wait to see pictures of them! I think we've become pretty close in the past few months even though we are literally states apart. We have so much in common that it's almost unbelievable. Congrats again, Lindsay!
In other news, there is a grandparent war going on in our household. Each week we get asked by Kevin's parents and my parents if they can watch Evan for the weekend. We finally put our foot down and kept him last week - considering it was Father's Day weekend and all! Anyway, both sides are sprouting some serious jealousy issues over who gets to see him more. LOL Every time I talk to my dad on the phone he has to "double-check" and ask/make sure who is actually watching Evan when we will be in the hospital with the twins.
Dad, please stop asking...it still hasn't changed. Sorry, you live an hour away and not in the direction of the hospital, not to mention you would have to take four days off of work (even though I'm sure you wouldn't mind). Kevin's parents are only 20 minutes away and the live right along the way to the hospital...and can take off from work at the drop of a hat. I regret to inform you that you will never win this one - but you are more than welcome to come and spend a few days here with mom while she is off work and helping us get adjusted to our new family/lifestyle. I'm sure Evan would love coming home from school to see his PawPaw sitting on his couch!
Since I've last updated, I've had a few routine doctor appointments and two trips into Labor & Delivery. Both times the contractions were close but were eventually stopped/slowed since I was not dilating any further.
Currently, I am 1.5 cm dilated and 50% effaced. My gut tells me these kiddos are going to hang on until the bitter end. July 6th can't get here soon enough! I think I've come to terms with having a c-section. I'm definitely not excited about it, but I know it is the best decision for my little guys. I'd hate if anything were to happen to them because I was stubborn. Dr. K is still willing to give it a try if that's what I really want, but the slight risk of it all doesn't sit well with me.
My weekly biophysicals have been going really well. They pass so easily, which makes me happy since the odds are that they will be just fine when they are born.
I want to take a quick second to say congrats to my online twin sister, Lindsay. She recently gave birth to her boy/girl duo and I can't wait to see pictures of them! I think we've become pretty close in the past few months even though we are literally states apart. We have so much in common that it's almost unbelievable. Congrats again, Lindsay!
In other news, there is a grandparent war going on in our household. Each week we get asked by Kevin's parents and my parents if they can watch Evan for the weekend. We finally put our foot down and kept him last week - considering it was Father's Day weekend and all! Anyway, both sides are sprouting some serious jealousy issues over who gets to see him more. LOL Every time I talk to my dad on the phone he has to "double-check" and ask/make sure who is actually watching Evan when we will be in the hospital with the twins.
Dad, please stop asking...it still hasn't changed. Sorry, you live an hour away and not in the direction of the hospital, not to mention you would have to take four days off of work (even though I'm sure you wouldn't mind). Kevin's parents are only 20 minutes away and the live right along the way to the hospital...and can take off from work at the drop of a hat. I regret to inform you that you will never win this one - but you are more than welcome to come and spend a few days here with mom while she is off work and helping us get adjusted to our new family/lifestyle. I'm sure Evan would love coming home from school to see his PawPaw sitting on his couch!
Tuesday, June 9, 2009
Make Up Your Mind Already!
Dr. K is out of town this week on vacation with her family. I thought I had an appointment today with one of her associates, Dr. L. I was wrong...the appointment is really tomorrow, but the receptionist took one look at my massive belly and asked another associate if he could see me this morning so I wouldn't have to make another trip in. Dr. J was nice enough to oblige - I really like him and remembered seeing him once in L&D when I was pregnant with Evan.
Everything looks great still. I've been having TONS of pain when I walk, get up, roll over, etc. As it turns out, the pubic bone is actually two bones and at this point when baby is head down and entering the pelvis, these bones begin to separate and move with the associating hip joint. I somewhat remember experiencing these pains with Evan, but never this bad.
Not only are there two babies in there (more weight), but it turns out that our "active" baby B has still not made up his mind. For now, he has decided to take a liking to the head down position like his brother. Yeah, that's two heads pressing down into my pelvis now - super fun!
Dr. J did an internal exam on me just to double check the pain I was feeling and followed with some words that made me excited and annoyed at the same time. "There's no change in your cervix." Hmm, don't get me wrong, I am really happy with the fact that the odds are holding strong of these boys staying in there for a while longer and I will have healthy, big, and happy babies. But, really...all this pain and no change?
Dr. J had some great words of wisdom to end the appointment with: "You are important to us, but let's be honest, those babies are what are really matters at this point!". Keep hanging in there babies, mom's pain is not in vain and it will all be worth it!
Everything looks great still. I've been having TONS of pain when I walk, get up, roll over, etc. As it turns out, the pubic bone is actually two bones and at this point when baby is head down and entering the pelvis, these bones begin to separate and move with the associating hip joint. I somewhat remember experiencing these pains with Evan, but never this bad.
Not only are there two babies in there (more weight), but it turns out that our "active" baby B has still not made up his mind. For now, he has decided to take a liking to the head down position like his brother. Yeah, that's two heads pressing down into my pelvis now - super fun!
Dr. J did an internal exam on me just to double check the pain I was feeling and followed with some words that made me excited and annoyed at the same time. "There's no change in your cervix." Hmm, don't get me wrong, I am really happy with the fact that the odds are holding strong of these boys staying in there for a while longer and I will have healthy, big, and happy babies. But, really...all this pain and no change?
Dr. J had some great words of wisdom to end the appointment with: "You are important to us, but let's be honest, those babies are what are really matters at this point!". Keep hanging in there babies, mom's pain is not in vain and it will all be worth it!
Wednesday, June 3, 2009
Not a Whole Lot
I don't have much to write about right now. I went in for my biophysical profiletoday. We got a really super nice ultrasound tech this time and ended up with a ton of adorable pictures of the boys. I think she was having fun and playing around most of the time, but who knows. Both boys passed with flying colors. Their breathing was awesome, much faster than last week!
The ultrasounds are really starting to hurt though. I'm not sure if it is because my belly is so big and my skin is stretched so far already or what. But, man...I did not feel good at all when Kevin and I left. It actually irritated my uterus and was giving me some pretty strong contractions. I ended up having to take one of my terbutaline pills. I am still shaky from it.
I also had to stop by the lab and have my blood drawn to check my thyroid again. By this time I was ridiculously tired and could barely stay awake.
It is safe to say that I am not feeling well at all today. :(
The ultrasounds are really starting to hurt though. I'm not sure if it is because my belly is so big and my skin is stretched so far already or what. But, man...I did not feel good at all when Kevin and I left. It actually irritated my uterus and was giving me some pretty strong contractions. I ended up having to take one of my terbutaline pills. I am still shaky from it.
I also had to stop by the lab and have my blood drawn to check my thyroid again. By this time I was ridiculously tired and could barely stay awake.
It is safe to say that I am not feeling well at all today. :(
Tuesday, June 2, 2009
Maybe It Isn't So...
I had my weekly appointment with Dr. K today. Both babies look fantastic and despite how rundown I feel, everything is pretty much going great - all things considered. Still having contractions on and off, but I don't even bother paying attention to them unless I've had them for two hours with no signs of slowing (I know, shame on me!). I am measuring 50 weeks and am scheduled for another biophysical profile tomorrow to assess the babies' breathing abilities again.
These boys have flipped so much, that for a while now I have given up about obsessing over how they will be delivered. However, there is a growing chance that I will be able to attempt a natural birth again. According to Dr. K, at this point it is highly unlikely that they will make any drastic shifts until they are born. That being said, A is presenting and didn't look like he was going anywhere - he's pretty good and settled into my pelvis. B is still transverse, but Dr. K mentioned this was a favorable position for him to be in since most of the time the transverse baby will flip to vertex after baby A has been delivered.
At this point I'm not going to get my hopes up and begin thanking my lucky stars. In my experience, when I get really excited things are starting to look in my favor, that's when the situation takes a turn for the worse. I am still leaving their delivery in God's hands, fate, whatever you want to call it.
Next week Dr. K is out of the office, so these babies need to stay put for at least two more weeks. Coincidentally, when my dad came to drop Evan off this after spending the weekend with my parents, he took one look at me and proclaimed, "I give you two weeks!" My dad is a very intuitive guy, so I'm now curious if he had a bizarre dream that is leading him to this conclusion. He usually ends up being right. I guess only time will tell...
These boys have flipped so much, that for a while now I have given up about obsessing over how they will be delivered. However, there is a growing chance that I will be able to attempt a natural birth again. According to Dr. K, at this point it is highly unlikely that they will make any drastic shifts until they are born. That being said, A is presenting and didn't look like he was going anywhere - he's pretty good and settled into my pelvis. B is still transverse, but Dr. K mentioned this was a favorable position for him to be in since most of the time the transverse baby will flip to vertex after baby A has been delivered.
At this point I'm not going to get my hopes up and begin thanking my lucky stars. In my experience, when I get really excited things are starting to look in my favor, that's when the situation takes a turn for the worse. I am still leaving their delivery in God's hands, fate, whatever you want to call it.
Next week Dr. K is out of the office, so these babies need to stay put for at least two more weeks. Coincidentally, when my dad came to drop Evan off this after spending the weekend with my parents, he took one look at me and proclaimed, "I give you two weeks!" My dad is a very intuitive guy, so I'm now curious if he had a bizarre dream that is leading him to this conclusion. He usually ends up being right. I guess only time will tell...
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