Progress...

I had another doctor appointment today and yay, I was 1cm dilated! It was a small victory, but much better than hearing "closed"! At least I have made some progress!

The plan is that if I have not gone into labor on my own by next Tuesday they will go ahead and schedule me to be induced either next Friday (1/9) or the following Monday (1/12). I still hope I will go into labor on my own!

Marty has the next few days off, so maybe we'll spend some time walking around the neighborhood to help nudge these guys OUT!

Now, I am going to go have a piece of cake!!!

Monday Morning Ultrasound

Well, it is a sunny day! Literally! We haven't seen the sun in days and it is nice!

Our ultrasound this morning was full of sunshine too. Our little boys are now up over the five pound mark. Baby A has an estimated weight of 5 pounds, 6 ounces, and Baby B has an estimated weight of 5 pounds, 10 ounces. Baby A is fully engaged and sitting right at the EXIT. Both also had good fluid pockets, so that was nice news. That is what I worry about most at this point. We just need some contractions to start up. Anytime now would be great!

That will be our last ultrasound before the birth, so we're in the home stretch now!!! The doctor said we "had perfect babies" and that based on their weights and no other health issues, we'd be able to bring them home with us when we leave the hospital, which was very welcome news! They are both head down, so I am going to try for a normal childbirth with epidural of course. Most of the doctors think I should try since they are both head down.

We'll keep everyone posted. We'll send emails out when they arrive and will post pictures to the blog. Until then....

36 Weeks

Wow! This is a BIG BELLY! Marty says this is cheating because it was 35 weeks and 6 days, but everyone gets it! Look at that CHEESY SMILE!

It's 5:30AM

Well, its 5:30am, and I am wide awake!! If I have a 4am'ish bathroom visit, I seem to be done with sleep these days. I guess I will chalk it up to I have alot on my mind! Jessy is hanging out with me in the study while I play around on the computer. She's curled up on her special blanket on the chair here in the study. She is pretending to keep me company, but she's really just sleeping like any smart person/creature should be doing at this hour.

Christmas came and went this year without much fanfare. I think Marty and I were both under the impression we'd have two young babies by now, but they seem to be taking their own sweet time. We sure did miss seeing everyone, but hopefully we'll make up for it next year.

On Christmas Eve, we made our third trip back to Wolf Camera, and bought my new digital camera I had been saving up for. I am excited to learn how to use it, and hope I'll be able to squeeze some photography classes into my busy schedule. I bought a beginners photography camera so I could take some good shots of the boys whenever I wanted to. I hope I'll be able to figure it out.

Yesterday, for Christmas, Marty and I got up and had a late breakfast (Jessy and Jackson even had some bacon and eggs). We decided to let them out for awhile to run in the yard. Jessy managed to figure out we have a new Invisible Fence transmitter on the front porch and she got shocked while not paying attention to the beep. I don't think we'll have any more scratches on our front door!! After she was shocked, she stood at the back door and begged to come in (this constitutes jumping as high as she can to open the door handle with her mouth!), and Jackson sat there too!
Amazing that they are in that fence all day and the minute they get freedom, they want to come inside with us instead of play! After Marty couldn't take it anymore and took them back to their fence, we got ready and went to the movies. We saw "Marley and Me". It was a cute movie, but I had read the book, so I know what happens at the end. I think I even heard Marty sniff a little bit over my blubbers! It makes you realize how much people love their pets!

Marty's parents and Jonathan came down for a quick visit last night. We went out for dinner. The only place open was the asian place in Fort Mill. Isn't that where "The Christmas Story" people eat for Christmas? Oh well, it was a good time, and no one had to cook! I hear asian food brings on labor, but no such luck for me!!

Well, I guess I should probbaly start thinking about getting ready for my doctor appointment this morning. Another non-stress test...I am glad they only test the babies stress levels and not mine!

Hope everyone had a great Christmas!!!

Visit From Stephanie

Stephanie came to Lake Wylie to visit yesterday. She turns 30 on December 31st, and obviously, I won't be able to celebrate with her. Marty and I took her to McCormick and Schmick's for an early celebration. After looking at us side by side, I now officially feel like a big, chubby pregnant woman (three chins and all)! She's still got it at 30, that is for sure! We both love her, and hope she has a fabulous time skiing in West Virginia with her buddies on her birthday!

Rowdy Loves Stella

Nesting in Full Swing...

Marty and I spent the entire day yesterday cleaning house, right down to me scrubbing sticky stuff off the floor. When we moved in, we put those little felt scratch protectors on the bottom of all of our furniture, and they have been more hindrance than help, as they come off and leave all that real sticky stuff on our hardwood floors. Marty was amazed at how rubbing peanut butter on them took them right up. I figured if it got gum out of things, it would get that gooey stuff off our floor. So, I think that qualifies as crazy nesting instinct! Our house looks so clean right now that neither of us knew what to do when we woke up this morning.

We got a few new additions this week. Marty's parents and brother gave us an early Christmas gift, a new glider, which I know we're going to need.

My Dad also finished his contribution, a new changing table that he made. It will eventually take its rightful place in the nursery, but we decided to leave it downstairs for now in our bedroom, which by the way has been taken over by "baby stuff"!!.


I also finally got the nursery pictures hung. They are part of my Pottery Barn registry, and Dad framed them all for me.




No noticeable changes since my last post. I am still feeling "ok", just really starting to feel the pain in my back and legs. I can't tell that I have gotten much bigger, but Marty said last night that I had. I am just ready to go anytime! We'll keep you all posted....

Daddy's Only Girl

Jessy was happy to see her Dad after he returned home last night from his guys night out. I hate to think how lost she is going to be when the twins arrive!

On another note, please vote in the poll below!

Almost 35 Weeks

I've had some requests for photos of my belly size again, so here it is. Sorry it has taken so long, but photos of Kim require application of makeup and spending more than five minutes on my hair, and that only happens about twice a week at this point. Needless to say, I hate all the pictures that were taken. Marty was getting ill because we had to take about ten shots, none of which I liked, so I eventually gave up on a good one. I'm still not sure if that was the result of my crappy mood, or his terrible picture taking skills!!

This picture better sums up the way I feel here in the 35 week range. At least I have my new glider that Marty's parents and brother gave us as an early Christmas present. I am enjoying it!

Magical Number 23

23 is the number of days left until 38 weeks, and guaranteed baby arrival! Marty and I are very surprised that I have made it this far, but I will be 35 weeks on Friday. Now, that we are past the emotional rollercoaster of pre-term labor threats, we are now starting to get very anxious.

I haven't blogged much because there hasn't been too much going on. I've been traveling to the doctor twice a week now for non stress tests and weekly doctor examinations, but so far so good. My blood pressure has been great, I am up to 25 pounds of weight gain, and other than getting fussed at about sugar levels, I seem to be plugging right along. I have to believe my little guys are getting pretty tight in their living space, but they seem happy in their nice warm place. I am now officially out of work altogether. My doctors thought it would be best, and I have decided to stop being stubborn. I probably need the time to rest up anyway!! I see not alot of rest in my future!

We're still trying to get our house in order and ready for the boys, but it seems like a never ending endeavor. We may get it all done before I deliver.

We did go out on Saturday night for dinner with some friends, and we stopped by Janie and Jack to see if we could find the coming home outfits I wanted. The online store was sold out, but they had just what I wanted on the clearance rack. I am attaching a picture. We got preemie size, so they may only wear them one time, but I think they are precious.



So, we'll continue to wait it out here in Lake Wylie. We've decided not to travel for Christmas, and this will be the first Christmas I have not spent with my parents and siblings, so I am a little sad about that, but I know I have alot to look forward to in the coming weeks. I have a feeling even with that little sadness, this will be the best Christmas we've ever had!!!

Bam Bam

Bam Bam "the Cardinal" of 761 Cedar Hill Lane has now entered "Cardinal Heaven". We will think of him fondly tomorrow morning as we sleep in peace!!

Rainy Day

Does this look like a happy dog or what?! Is everyone sick of the Jessy and Jackson posts?! Well, I figure this may be their last HOORAH! It was raining cats and dogs here this morning, and Jessy's Dad didn't want to take her outside, so she won a free pass inside for the day. She's thrilled about it! Jackson, not so much!!!

Wednesday Update

Just a few brief updates for Wednesday....

I had a doctor appointment yesterday. All went well. I have gained 23 pounds now, and very happy with that. My doctor did another Fetal Fibronectin test as well, which came back negative. I've been worried since my contractions have picked up some in the past few weeks. But, that negative result is a good indication that I won't be having the boys for at least another 2 weeks, which is good. That could mean the difference in NICU and no NICU, so we are pleased about that, even though I am starting to get really anxious. We really want the twins to be able to come home with us and not have any extended stay in the hospital, so every day they stay in my belly, is a day closer to that goal.

My doctor also wanted insight into my thoughts about the birth. I think they really want me to do a c-section, which I am not against, but was hoping for a regular delivery if possible. There is the risk that I could deliver one and then still have a c-section, which I want to avoid at all costs! The boys may determine for me when the day comes, but I'll take any advice/suggestions!

The mini-van search is still in full force. We've gotten some good prices from dealers, but the BMW is causing us problems since we owe more than trade in value. We're in a quandry as to what to do. We may end up waiting until after the first of the year to buy anything. I don't think we're going to be making too many trips, other than to the doctor in the coming months. Plus, I am starting to panic a little about losing my BMW!! :(

Oh well, that is the week's update for now.

The Three Crazies...and Other Random Stuff

Wow! What a day Saturday was!! Kevin came down to visit after he and Rowdy went to the vet for a checkup. Rowdy was high on dog treats (courtesy of the three year old at the vet's office who gave Rowdy about ten treats without even asking Kevin, and of course, Kevin said nothing!) We left him out in the fenced in area with Jessy and Jackson, and it was complete chaos, but they seemed to have a good time. At the end of the day, we let them all out to roam the yard, which we've been doing to acclimate them to the Invisible Fence. Jackson won't go within 30 yards of a flag! As Kevin got ready to leave, he opened his door, and Jessy promptly jumped in, as did Jackson and Rowdy! It was SO FUNNY! I am glad Stella was safe at home with her parents! She is going to have to grow a little more before she can hang with this motley crew!

Marty and I had nothing on our agenda at all this weekend, which was nice for a change. We did ride out Saturday and Sunday to look at mini-vans. Marty got a glimmer of hope when I also test drove a Pilot, but I still think the mini-van is the direction I want to go. We looked at some used ones, but are now thinking we may get a new one instead. It is definitely a buyers market for cars!

I put out a few Christmas decorations this weekend, enough to make me happy. I had wanted a Christmas tree, but we decided it might be too much at this point. I think Marty is now having second thoughts. He said he was going to feel bad if the boys arrived before Christmas and we were scrooges with no tree! We'll see what happens, we may put out a small tree, but I did put out my lighted wreath, some of my arrangements from the wedding, along with lighted trees and poinsettias on the front porch. Laura also gave us a really nice monogrammed flag, which goes really nice with our new house.

Fun Gift for Marty

I stopped briefly at the Hallmark store on the way home from my doctor's appointment yesterday, and couldn't resist buying this cute little guy for Marty! It was waiting for him when he got home. As for an update on the real Bam Bam, he was out in full on mode this morning! The 12 gauge did return with Marty from Lexington, but Bam Bam has not met his fate yet. Matt passed along the word that it was bad karma to kill a cardinal (hence, his love for the St. Louis breed of Cardinals, not the annoying Lake Wylie kind!)

Lazy Friday

Well, it is Friday again, another week down. 33 weeks today, and feeling good. I am going to have Marty take a picture of me when he gets home so I can post.

I've been enjoying my time home this week and watching the dogs adjust to their new environment. They are so funny! The construction going on has kept them entertained, but it has not deterred them from their afternoon naps. I managed to sneak up on them today and get some shots. I do love our little pups!

Nursery Pictures

I have had lots of requests for nursery pictures. We are past the "work in progress" stage, and it is almost complete. Dad is framing some pictures that I was given to go on the wall, as well as making us a changing table that will go right under the nursery quilt that is hanging on the wall. The mobiles still have to go up, and of course, we'll add the boys names once they arrive. I attempted another virtual tour, but it didn't really do the room justice, so I decided to post still pictures. You get the idea though.....

Quick Update

We had an ultrasound this morning, which we had been eagerly awaiting for 4 weeks. Here are the results:

Baby A - 4 pounds
Baby B - 4 pounds, 12 ounces

Both babies were already doing their "practice breathing" which we were told indicated very healthy, happy babies. You could see their little torsos moving up and down.

Cervix - Length had decreased from 3.5 to 2.7, so we're definitely seeing some changes there.

Fun fact - Since I got up at 6am I have tinkled 8 times!!!

Belly Shots!

Below are some pictures from our maternity photographs a couple of weeks ago. I am sure I am breaking some kind of copyright law by posting these, but I couldn't resist sharing a few of them. They are just scanned in on a scanner, so not perfect clarity, but you get the idea. I thought these three in particular were really good. I think Marty was such a sport for going along with this, but he has been pretty good about being a good sport!

One Year Ago Today....

I married this cute guy! And I love him even more today than I did then!

Baby Shower #3

As promised, here are the pictures from my third baby shower. Stephanie and Laura sponsored this brunch themed shower, and it was held at the JH Adams Inn in High Point. The food was SO GOOD! I am so lucky to have such wonderful friends! I really enjoyed seeing all my friends from my days in Lexington.

Here are two of my favorite girls in the world! Stephanie and Laura....

A shot with my mom , grandmother and Kristi Jean!

Me, Mom, Mom Watts and Laura

Can you tell I am a CPA?

Kristi and Matt gave each of the boys these two frog robes! They are so cute!

Hiding the belly.....

Productive Weekend

Since everyone was off for the long holiday weekend, Marty and I begged for some help this weekend from our parents. Buster came down on Friday and helped Marty mow the yard and get some final touches done in the back yard for the dogs. On Saturday, Mom and Dad and Judy came down to help as well. Marty and Dad spent their time working on assembling baby items, mainly the pack-n-plays, stroller and both swings. The girls mainly went through our baby shower gifts to help get clothes/blankets/towels washed and put away. I had no idea it was going to be an 8 hour job, and I still have a load in the dryer and a load in the washer right now. Hopefully Marty and I can finish it up today. But, I am glad to have this behind me. The nursery is looking good, and I will probably post some pictures later in the week when we get a few last touches on it!

Pack-N-Play Assembly

The Mass of Clothes...

Grandmother 1

Grandmother 2

Jessy, totally lost and confused!

Jessy's Dad is Still her #1 Guy! She's pretty tired after the long day too!

We're going to try to get eveything finished up today and get our house in order. I have about a million thank you notes to write too! I hope to put a hole in that project today as well. If the Panthers play like they have the past few weeks, I am sure that will open up some time in my Sunday afternoon schedule.

Homecoming for Jessy and Jackson

Jessy and Jackson returned with us last night to Lake Wylie. The evening and this morning was a complete circus! I can't help but think this is preparation for the circus to come in a few more weeks!

Both dogs were a little out of sorts last night when we got home, especially since it was dark. Both of them noticed the Invisible Fence flags immediately though! Marty spent most of the day outside with them, and I think they are both more acclimated to their surroundings. It is nice to be able to let them out of the fence and not worry about them taking off down the street.

Jackson is out with Marty right now finishing up his work in the yard, and Jessy whined enough to come in. She is on her favorite cushion on the couch!

BIG Doghouse, BIG Trouble

BIG Doghouse: Well, Jessy and Jackson will be returning to Lake Wylie tomorrow, whether they are ready or not. Marty and I have lamented over how to shelter them in the yard. As most of you know, I tend to overachieve, so the dog houses I was looking at online were a little out of our price range. I am very concerned about Jackson having the space he needs. So, we found an animal supply place today in Rock Hill that had dog houses, BIG ONES! Of course, I had to have the biggest one. Marty thought it was too BIG, but I turned on the pregnancy pout, and into our truck it was loaded! I am laughing out loud now just thinking about how big it is!!

BIG Trouble: What I am going to be in when these pictures get posted on the Blog!!!! Marty is a shy blog celebrity!