Big Boys!

25 Weeks

Roger wanted in the pciture!  Isn't he a cutie!

Well I had another appointment with the Perinatal Specialist yesterday.  The doctor that we have seen there has been great, Scott and I both feel really comfortable with him mainly because he tells it like it is and explains things in layman’s terms.  We again were able to see both boys, check out their organs, and see how they have grown.  We were clearly able to see all 4 chambers of their hearts and see them pumping which was pretty cool. 

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!

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.

24 weeks!

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

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!

2010 - My Favorite Year!!

So in the store the other day, another pregnant lady who is about 6 weeks away, asked me if I was due in mid February too....she looked freaked out (since I was as big as her) until I told her my due date is actually early May but the boys will be here in April....she was confused... until I said the word "twins"....

Last January, after several years of trying to have a baby, my father predicted that 2010 would be my year.  Shortly after New Year's he proclaimed that because it was year 2010, it was my year...and all that I wished for would come true.  I laughed initially, but tried my best to believe.  Dad felt this way because 20 and 10 were my jersey numbers..10 on my high school soccer team and various club teams and 20 throughout college.  These numbers have always been a little lucky (at least in my head) for me so I thought I would go with my father's idea.
Well, as you know, 2010 was in fact a good year for me.  At the start of the year my incredibly handsome nephew, Declan Brady Hogan, was born. He is the happiest baby I have ever known and the pictures and videos that are sent to me keep me laughing and smiling.
In June I finished my Specialist Degree, which meant a slight pay raise.  I decided to drop the PhD program as I was trying to reduce any and all outside stress so that I could enter into the IVF procedure relatively stress free, which is supposed to help.  So, as of July 1, 2010, I have my Specialist in Educational Leadership, which means I am eligible to become an administrator....one of my career goals.
July began the craziness with the medicines and the doctor visits and with August came the actual IVF procedure.

August 28, 2010....best day ever....positive on the pregnancy test.  Since then, I have had the most amazing pregnancy.  I don't want to jinx it, but I have never felt better.  I am physically exhausted every night, but I never got sick, no real food aversions (except the thought of salad makes me gag...but I never really loved salad anyway), and no major issues.
Ever the pessimist, I prepared Scott for the worst with every doctors appointment...ex: they are going to tell me that we are at high risk for a baby with genetic disorders due to my age, my blood sugar levels will likely be elevated, etc.  Scott, like me, likes to be prepared for the absolute worst, and then be thrilled when nothing is wrong.  Up to this point, everything has been great...I cross my fingers and pray that everything stays that way, but for now I can't be happier with the way this pregnancy has gone.
The holidays were amazing, except that Paul, Alli, and Declan couldn't be here, but we're hoping that next year all of the boys can be together...Then, snow on Christmas Day....not since 1882 has there been a White Christmas in Georgia.

All in all, I am so thankful for everything that has happened this year....we are truly blessed and hope that this good fortune continues for us and our families and friends in 2011.

Does "nesting" happen this early?

So I have used my entire vacation thus far to clean the house...how dirty could it be you might ask...well, not that bad, but I have a daily "to do" list for myself that includes items such as cleaning out the pantry, purging the linen closets, packing up old clothes for Goodwill, etc.  So, there is no real "cleaning" happening here; just getting rid of crap. For example, today I am cleaning out one of the guest rooms, organizing the garage (if its not too cold) and starting our taxes.  I also have plans to tackle the master bathroom....the linen closet and cabinets have already been purged (last week's chore).  Today it is scrubbing the shower, mopping the floor, etc.  While I don't particularly enjoy this, I have a weird sense of accomplishment when I am done. Wow, that is really sad.


Last night Scott and Richard picked up the remaining furniture for the nursery so now we just have to put the cribs together.  Hopefully we'll get that done in the next week or so. Scott's going to have to do that one!   I hate putting things together....

Tomorrow I am officially at 22 weeks and time if flying by.  I looked at the list of things (per the doctor) that I have to do in the coming weeks...yikes.  I have to schedule the tour of the hospital, as well as figure out how to get there.  My plan is to do the tour by the middle of February.  It seems pretty early, but I want to be as prepared as possible in the event the these two boys get the urge to come a little early.  I pray that they don't, but I like to plan for the worst...I guess that's the pessimist in me.  I also have to sign up for a birthing class, which is pretty ridiculous since I am having a C-section....not sure that I'm going to do this. I may just attend a breastfeeding class or something.  I also want to renew my CPR and baby first aid certification...again, always the pessimist.

White Christmas in Georgia........

Sure was....When we left church on Christmas morning we walked outside to what appeared to be a "wintry mix" (Scott must have said that a dozen times before we got back to my mother's house for breakfast).
On Christmas Eve we went to Scott's grandmother's house, Memaw, to spend time with the Henson side of the family. Although we were short on time, we had a lot of good laughs.  The family traditionally does gag gifts for each other, but I simply ran out of time and energy this season so I had none to give.  We sure did get some good ones though.  Memaw, Grandma, Nana & Poppa Henson, and Richard & Jake, sure did get TJ and Matthew some awesome clothes and toys.  If we got tons of stuff this year for the boys, I am afraid of what we will see next year. YIKES!  Everyone has been so thoughtful! 
After appetizers at Memaw's, we headed to my parents for the traditional Christmas Eve dinner of shrimp cocktail, lobster tails, and filet mignon......sooooo yummy!!!  Mom did a great job again.  Dad made me my new favorite drink too...sparkling grape juice with a splash of cranberry...looks like a cocktail, tastes like one too (if you were to have a very weak bartender) but there is none of the hangover...so all around yummy.

Christmas morning we woke up to get ready for church, gave Roger his stocking with loads of canned pumpkin, cranberry, sweet potatoes, and traditional dog treats...he loved his peanut butter lollipop!  We headed to church, then to breakfast at Mom's, exchanged gifts...more great stuff for the boys...and then quickly home to get started on dinner...

With the bad weather already on its way I had to get the standing rib roast started as it was going to take about 3 1/2 hours to cook...as well as all the other things to go with it.  We planned for Tommy, Myra, and Richard to spend the night...oh, with their dogs too, in the event they were snowed in.
Mom and Dad had to get to the airport too for a flight to Denver.
Dinner was great - lobster bisque to start, prime rib, carrots and onion in a Cabernet glaze, asparagus, corn, and rolls.....dessert...a little raspberry cheesecake and cappuccino cheesecake too...although we had to rush through this so everyone could get out safely.
Good thing they left when they did (too early for my taste but had to be safe).  My parents got to the airport, and after a little trip to the ditch, Tommy, Myra, and Richard got home safe too....
All in all, one of the best Christmas weekends in a long time...snow on the ground and family that is healthy, happy, and safe...what more could you ask for...oh...I know...Paul, Alli, and Declan....maybe next year! 

Roger and his Christmas loot!

Big girl and Scotty

I swear I'm not choking Roger...he was a good boy all day!