As of last week, I am officially in my third trimester as of this week...yet I was told by my doctor that my uterus is the size of someone in their 40th week if they are carrying just one baby. This probably explains why I have to stop and take a breath halfway up the staircase, why I am physically drained by the end of the day, and why my belly is so enormous!
Additionally, everywhere I went last week I received the same question...When is your due date?? The look on the faces when I tell them that my actual due date in May 6th is priceless....it is generally a look of horror followed by understanding when I tell them I am carrying two! Last week I must have looked huge because in one trip to the grocery store 3 different women went out of their way to tell me just how large I am. So far this hasn't really bothered me...I see the size of my belly...it is large! I'm sure that the comments will get old soon, but for now I am enjoying laughing at the commentary....Here are a few of my favorites so far:
Lady#1 in Publix - Wow! You must be ready to deliver any day now
Me - No, I'm still about 9 weeks away
Lady#1 in Publix - Oh my goodness - as she stared at my belly button!
Me - I'm having twins
Lady #1in Publix - Oh, thank God!
Lady #2 in Publix - You must be getting very close
Me - Nope, still over 2 months away
Lady # 2 - What????
Me - Twins
Lady #2 - Oh, that makes sense
Cashier at Pubix - Oh, how much longer until the baby arrives?
Me - a little over 2 months
Cashier - Are you having twins?
Me - Yes - while laughing
Cashier - Goooood Luck!
A note from one of my favorite students that I found sticking to my computer:
"I saw your hideous, huge, bulging belly button all the way across the office and I couldn't eat lunch today. Thanks a lot! Love, Tanner
I laughed so hard because I have a class of all boys and they are disgusted by the belly button as it is popping out of my shirts at this point!
Nothing but good times!
Friday, February 18, 2011
Thursday, February 10, 2011
The joys of pregnancy...
Where to start??? First and foremost let me just say that I absolutley LOVE being pregnant. I have no real complaints about the past 27 weeks. Over the years I have often heard women complain about all of the side effects associated with pregnancy and how they couldn't wait for it to be over. I am NOT one of those people. While I have complained a bit to my understanding husband and parents about the poor quality of sleep and the backaches, I haven't had a real solid complaint yet.
Throughout my struggles with fertility I would get so angry when women would complain about their symptons.....I would have given anything to puke for 10 weeks straight if that meant that a baby would be there at the end of it all.. I prayed that one day I too would be able to gain 60 pounds, only to have to lose it again, if I could just have a child. When I finally found out that I was pregnant I decided that no matter what, I would make this experience positive.....if I gained 80 lbs...oh well....put on a smile. If my face broke out in a rash for 9 months...well, that's what makeup is for. If I puked for 3 months, that was God validating my pregnancy. I think Scott and I have tried to be very upbeat and positive during this amazing time period.
I truly have appreciated every moment of every day since August 28th. From the second we found out, I feel like I haven't stopped smiling and I have never felt better about myself. I think for the first time in my adult life I stopped caring about weight gain and what I looked like and I have focused on trying to be healthy (without going crazy) and to enjoy every second of this journey since it will likely be my only chance. I have been so blessed that I have not been sick once, I have had no real food aversions (other than salad...which I don't love lettuce anyway), nor have I had any of the crazy craving you hear about. My weight gain has been great so far...not too much and mostly just belly, although I realize that should be changing any day now! I think the "glow" that people talk about has a lot to do with the energy and vibes that you put out. Honestly, I have never been happier or more confident than I am these days....even with my rapidly expanding waistline (thank goodness for elastic waistbands!). I hope this doesn't sound too boastful....I just wanted everyone to know how truly lucky, grateful, and happy I am. I am seriously amazed by this whole process everyday. Scott and I couldn't be happier and we are soooo looking forward to meeting these boys....but not that eager...we need them to stay put until April 20th!!
Thanks to everyone who has prayed for us and these boys....I beleive someone is listening.
Throughout my struggles with fertility I would get so angry when women would complain about their symptons.....I would have given anything to puke for 10 weeks straight if that meant that a baby would be there at the end of it all.. I prayed that one day I too would be able to gain 60 pounds, only to have to lose it again, if I could just have a child. When I finally found out that I was pregnant I decided that no matter what, I would make this experience positive.....if I gained 80 lbs...oh well....put on a smile. If my face broke out in a rash for 9 months...well, that's what makeup is for. If I puked for 3 months, that was God validating my pregnancy. I think Scott and I have tried to be very upbeat and positive during this amazing time period.
I truly have appreciated every moment of every day since August 28th. From the second we found out, I feel like I haven't stopped smiling and I have never felt better about myself. I think for the first time in my adult life I stopped caring about weight gain and what I looked like and I have focused on trying to be healthy (without going crazy) and to enjoy every second of this journey since it will likely be my only chance. I have been so blessed that I have not been sick once, I have had no real food aversions (other than salad...which I don't love lettuce anyway), nor have I had any of the crazy craving you hear about. My weight gain has been great so far...not too much and mostly just belly, although I realize that should be changing any day now! I think the "glow" that people talk about has a lot to do with the energy and vibes that you put out. Honestly, I have never been happier or more confident than I am these days....even with my rapidly expanding waistline (thank goodness for elastic waistbands!). I hope this doesn't sound too boastful....I just wanted everyone to know how truly lucky, grateful, and happy I am. I am seriously amazed by this whole process everyday. Scott and I couldn't be happier and we are soooo looking forward to meeting these boys....but not that eager...we need them to stay put until April 20th!!
Thanks to everyone who has prayed for us and these boys....I beleive someone is listening.
Tuesday, February 1, 2011
3D Photos
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| TJ Sucking his thumb |
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| Matthew |
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| Head to Head |
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| TJ's leg, but Matthew's feet at the top! |
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| Matthew's hands holding the back of his legs. |
Last week, Scott, my parents, and Scott’s parents all went to “Peek-a-Belly” in Woodstock to view 3D/4D ultrasounds of the boys. For those of you who have not heard of this, it is an ultrasound where you can see clearly the faces and bodies of the babies. This technology has been around for a few years, but is getting less expensive and thus more popular as time goes on. I think I can speak for all of us there that this was a pretty amazing experience.
Because Scott and I have seen so many ultrasounds of these little guys, it wasn’t so much an “emotional” experience, but more like getting towards the end of a mystery novel; we were finally able to catch a glimpse of what our boys look like. On the other hand, this was a pretty emotional experience for my parents. They have been painfully aware of the difficulties in getting to this point and for them to be able to see these babies wiggling and kicking and interacting with each other was pretty special. I saw tears of joy come to their eyes as they were able to see their newest grandchildren.
The technician began with “Baby A” or TJ as we like to call him. TJ was quite the little mover and shaker once again. We were quickly able to see his little face and body. The images were amazing. We saw his long, muscular leg. At least it looks long…but also pretty solid. He was really moving everywhere but we were able to get some really good pictures of him.
The technician moved on to “Baby B”, our little Matthew. He was calmer than his brother, but still moving quite a bit. At one point Matthew had his feet crossed at the ankle and had his hands pulling his thighs closer to his body. His thighs looked pretty thick too.
As of last night, the boy’s heads are next to each other and their legs and arms get tangled up in one another. In the one picture of TJ’s thigh, Matthew’s feet are right there in the middle of things. I am starting to understand why “they” say that putting twins in the same bed at night helps them sleep together. After spending all of this time cuddled together it must be unnerving to be separated from each other.
On that note, I really have to remember to not complain about being uncomfortable when I try to sleep. I have basically created a “pillow fort” around me while I sleep, trying to get a few consecutive hours of good sleep. My back has been aching while I lay in bed, so I try to sleep somewhat upright, which does seem to help. What doesn’t help is the cat trying to sleep on top of me all night! But, for all of the discomfort that I feel, I can’t imagine how tight the space is for these little guys. They are now at or above 2lbs each and with my short torso and Scott’s genetics, man…these guys must be ready to get out and stretch. And, since we have a little less than 3 months left, they are really going to hate being in there as the get bigger and bigger.
Friday, January 21, 2011
Big Boys!
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| 25 Weeks |
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| Roger wanted in the pciture! Isn't he a cutie! |
According to the doctor, they are growing at a healthy rate and everything seems to be going great with this pregnancy (knock wood now). From what I have read, most women that are preggers with multiples are having to visit the doctor every 2-3 weeks at this point, but since blood work, weight gain, blood sugar levels, and blood pressure has all been great, my team of doctors have all said that I only need to come in monthly, which makes me relax a bit. However, I am sure that my next set of appointments in mid February will change to every few weeks since we will be within 2 months of delivery at that point.
Back to the boys…..they are a good size right now – T.J. is 1lb 13 oz and Matthew is 1 lb 14 oz; so they are pretty even with each other. The average size at this stage is 1 ½ lbs, so they are continuing to be a few ounces larger which is great. I really wanted to get some good ultrasound pictures yesterday but both of these boys refused to cooperate and were face down and folded up in fetal position…how dare they! We did get a clear view of their spines, which made them look like little alligators…kind of strange.
Both boys have been VERY active lately. I feel T.J. kicking/moving all day long. Could this be signs of what he’ll be like as he grows up?? Matthew on the other hand tends to be relaxed throughout the day, but when he wants me to know he’s there, boy does he! His kicks or movements are done with force and purpose. I can actually see my stomach “jump” when he kicks. Scott finally saw my belly jump last night. I think he thought I was making it up until then. Scott can also feel them kicking now, although sometimes they stop as soon as they feel his hand…are they Mama’s Boy’s already????
The next few weeks will be interesting as I continue to get larger and these boys continue to pack on the pounds! Next week we will have a 3D/4D Ultrasound done…hopefully we get a few good pictures for their baby books!
Saturday, January 15, 2011
24 Weeks....13 more to go!!!
Today I had another routine appointment and it appears everything is looking good and is pretty normal. So far my weight gain is fine, haven't gained but 14lbs total...not too terrible at this point, especially since I just got through the holiday season. We heard the heartbeats again and both sounded strong. TJ's heartbeat was 150 and Matthew's was 140 (110-160 is normal at this stage). Next week we meet with the Perinatal Specialist again to check everything out in detail. The following week we will have a 3D/4D Ultrasound done...stay tuned for those photos!!
So far I've been feeling pretty good, except the last few nights sleeping has been tough. I can't seem to get comfortable, other than sitting upright in bed, which is not comfortable, but at least I can close my eyes. Lying on my side feels like an impossible task at this point, so I can’t even begin to imagine how I’m going to feel in 3 months.
These boys have been kicking.... a lot....the are pretty active within 20 minutes or so of eating. I guess they get a bit of energy from my breakfast, lunch, and dinner! TJ seems to kick more often, but Matthew's kicks feel stronger. Scott has been able to feel them kick a few times,which has been pretty cool. Not sure what that means....I wonder if it is any indication about their personalities. We'll see in a few months.
Due to the major snow storm this week (a whole 6 inches) I have been out of school all week. Trust me, I enjoyed sleeping a little later than usual, but being stuck in the house until Thursday was pretty bad. The snow came on Sunday night around 9pm and we had 3 or 4 inches within an hour. Since Georgia does not have adequate resources for snow removal, we were stuck at the house. Roger loves the snow and wants to stay outside and play…unfortunately it is too cold for Scott to stay out and run around with him. At least being stuck in the house I was able to get a lot done….I cleaned a lot, loads of laundry completed, worked on the nursery a bit and just organized things all around. At least I was productive.
So far I've been feeling pretty good, except the last few nights sleeping has been tough. I can't seem to get comfortable, other than sitting upright in bed, which is not comfortable, but at least I can close my eyes. Lying on my side feels like an impossible task at this point, so I can’t even begin to imagine how I’m going to feel in 3 months.
These boys have been kicking.... a lot....the are pretty active within 20 minutes or so of eating. I guess they get a bit of energy from my breakfast, lunch, and dinner! TJ seems to kick more often, but Matthew's kicks feel stronger. Scott has been able to feel them kick a few times,which has been pretty cool. Not sure what that means....I wonder if it is any indication about their personalities. We'll see in a few months.
Due to the major snow storm this week (a whole 6 inches) I have been out of school all week. Trust me, I enjoyed sleeping a little later than usual, but being stuck in the house until Thursday was pretty bad. The snow came on Sunday night around 9pm and we had 3 or 4 inches within an hour. Since Georgia does not have adequate resources for snow removal, we were stuck at the house. Roger loves the snow and wants to stay outside and play…unfortunately it is too cold for Scott to stay out and run around with him. At least being stuck in the house I was able to get a lot done….I cleaned a lot, loads of laundry completed, worked on the nursery a bit and just organized things all around. At least I was productive.
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| 24 weeks! |
Saturday, January 8, 2011
Big Congrats!
In an earlier post I told everyone about what an amazing year 2010 was for me and Scott. At that time I wasn't able to share all of the good news. A few days ago my big brother, Paul, received word that he was going to be hired to be the next Head Coach at Coastal Carolina University (D1) in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina.
After 10 years at the University of Colorado serving as the Associate Head Coach, Paul has finally been given the opportunity to run his own program. I am sure this is going to be an amazing opportunity for him and his family as they make a new life for themselves in South Carolina. Paul has worked so hard, for so long, as anyone inside the CU programs can tell you. He is an amazing coach and I can't wait to see what he does with his talents on the east coast.
This news has answered not only Paul and Alli's prayers, but those of my parents, mine, and I am certain, all of Alli's family's prayers as well. What a great move professionally. This move is also going to put the Hogan's about 6 hours from us in GA and probably 4 hours from Alli's family in Charlotte. It is going to be awesome to have them close by, and yes, a 6 hour drive for a Hogan is close by.... I think my mother has been crying about the good news for 2 weeks...that is, when she wasn't packing up Paul's house at Christmas! And in continuing with tradition,my father has probably already checked out Paul's soccer schedule for the Fall and mapped out what games he will be attending. (My parents rarely missed a soccer game that Paul or I played in throughout our years in college). Paul....did you want to look at Dad as an Asst. Coach.?????? You know he will give you his thoughts after every game...LOL
On a personal note, the news of Paul's job makes me so happy. Finally Paul is closer to us. Alli and I can spend time together when I take the boys out there and move in at the beach for the entire summer and I can finally get to know the happiest baby in America! I am so excited that my boys and Declan will actually be able to see each other grow up in person, rather than through Skype. I can't wait for the day that those 3 crazy boys are running all over Nana and Pop's house or all over the beach!!!!
I sure do hope Paul and Alli are ok with weekend visitors and crying babies! Seriously though, I couldn't be more proud of Paul or happier for him as he starts this amazing new endeavor. We love you Chooch!
http://www.goccusports.com/sports/w-soccer/coas-w-soccer-body.html
http://www.cubuffs.com/ViewArticle.dbml?DB_LANG=C&ATCLID=205072891&DB_OEM_ID=600
http://www.bigsouthsports.com/ViewArticle.dbml?DB_LANG=C&DB_OEM_ID=4800&ATCLID=205072672
After 10 years at the University of Colorado serving as the Associate Head Coach, Paul has finally been given the opportunity to run his own program. I am sure this is going to be an amazing opportunity for him and his family as they make a new life for themselves in South Carolina. Paul has worked so hard, for so long, as anyone inside the CU programs can tell you. He is an amazing coach and I can't wait to see what he does with his talents on the east coast.
This news has answered not only Paul and Alli's prayers, but those of my parents, mine, and I am certain, all of Alli's family's prayers as well. What a great move professionally. This move is also going to put the Hogan's about 6 hours from us in GA and probably 4 hours from Alli's family in Charlotte. It is going to be awesome to have them close by, and yes, a 6 hour drive for a Hogan is close by.... I think my mother has been crying about the good news for 2 weeks...that is, when she wasn't packing up Paul's house at Christmas! And in continuing with tradition,my father has probably already checked out Paul's soccer schedule for the Fall and mapped out what games he will be attending. (My parents rarely missed a soccer game that Paul or I played in throughout our years in college). Paul....did you want to look at Dad as an Asst. Coach.?????? You know he will give you his thoughts after every game...LOL
On a personal note, the news of Paul's job makes me so happy. Finally Paul is closer to us. Alli and I can spend time together when I take the boys out there and move in at the beach for the entire summer and I can finally get to know the happiest baby in America! I am so excited that my boys and Declan will actually be able to see each other grow up in person, rather than through Skype. I can't wait for the day that those 3 crazy boys are running all over Nana and Pop's house or all over the beach!!!!
I sure do hope Paul and Alli are ok with weekend visitors and crying babies! Seriously though, I couldn't be more proud of Paul or happier for him as he starts this amazing new endeavor. We love you Chooch!
http://www.goccusports.com/sports/w-soccer/coas-w-soccer-body.html
http://www.cubuffs.com/ViewArticle.dbml?DB_LANG=C&ATCLID=205072891&DB_OEM_ID=600
http://www.bigsouthsports.com/ViewArticle.dbml?DB_LANG=C&DB_OEM_ID=4800&ATCLID=205072672
Monday, January 3, 2011
Back to work...and the countdown begins
This morning was not a pleasant one...back to work after 2 weeks off. It was difficult hearing that alarm sound at 5:30am. Oh, well, I can look forward to the numerous days off this semester, which makes me happy.
9 days until 1 day off for MLK Jr. Day (January 17th)
28 Days until Winter Break - 1 week off (February 19-27)
41 Days off until 2 Furlough days March 17th and 18th (if we are off..can't keep it straight in my head)
61 Days until Spring Break - 1 week off (April 2- 10)
68 Days until Maternity Leave - 6 weeks and then it rolls into Summer Vacation (April 19-July 24).
These are school days mind you, I don't count the weekends...but I can just know that I only have 68 more wake-ups until I am officially done and the boys are here. It is kind of scary...I have lots left to do at school and at home to get ready...but I think I'll get it done. If not, life will go on!
9 days until 1 day off for MLK Jr. Day (January 17th)
28 Days until Winter Break - 1 week off (February 19-27)
41 Days off until 2 Furlough days March 17th and 18th (if we are off..can't keep it straight in my head)
61 Days until Spring Break - 1 week off (April 2- 10)
68 Days until Maternity Leave - 6 weeks and then it rolls into Summer Vacation (April 19-July 24).
These are school days mind you, I don't count the weekends...but I can just know that I only have 68 more wake-ups until I am officially done and the boys are here. It is kind of scary...I have lots left to do at school and at home to get ready...but I think I'll get it done. If not, life will go on!
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