Twin moms - checking in - Page 2

[dear abbey]

I posted this same thing on the main board but wanted to tell you all, specifically - especially Starlit!

I'll apologize again for being so out of the loop. We finally got internet at our new house today after a month of trying to convince the company to come hook it up! I expect I'll be much more active now...

I had my regular appointment last Thursday afternoon (with the "big" ultrasound), where I learned that my cervix is "worrisomely" short and got sent directly to the hospital. I spent Thursday night there being monitored and got to come home Friday evening, but I'm on bed rest for the duration of the pregnancy.

Here's hoping these two girls stop trying so hard to get out! I think they are afraid their brother is having too much fun without them, and they don't want to miss anything...

Hope everyone else is well.

[Starlit]

dear abbey- I replied to you on the main thread.  =)  How has your first day of bedrest been?  I have my good days and my bad- - sometimes I have mini breakdowns, but I try to focus on the fact that I can do damn near anything for this small period of time if it will save my babies from any of the suffering that preterm birth often entails. 

How is everyone else doing?  I hope you're not still feeling sick MBG, and that you are in better spiritis Mama Love!!  Any new updates on the babies/ appts?  Have any of you gotten weight/ percentiles on your twins yet?  Last week,  Baby A was in the 20 something percentile and Baby B was in the 65th.  I try not to let myself get too concerned with percentiles and such, but am always so curious!

I failed my 1 hr glucose test yesterday- badly with a 214 =(  so I'm scheduled for the 3-hr tolerance test now. 

I'm super short of breath and tachycardic alll the time now, too- and I have trouble sleeping, too.  Lol, this pregnancy has been so rough.... I am constantly amazed at how different it is from my easy, perfect singleton pregnancy! 

[dear abbey]

Oh, Starlit - so sorry about the glucose test! Ick. And the tachycardia, and the shortness of breath...my goodness, what a rough time. MBG is right - we've had some bumps in this little group.

I'm completely with you on how weird it is feeling to have complications after a smooth, uneventful pregnancy with one baby. Twins seem to somehow throw the whole thing off-kilter. But whatever we can do (and bed rest is DOING something, even though it feels like the opposite) to get big, healthy babies here as close to their due dates as possible is what we'll do, right? :-)

Looking forward to updates from the rest of you - hope all is going well!

[Mama~Love]

Hi Ladies!

I'm so sorry you two ladies are on bedrest, but if it helps those babies be healthier, it's worth it! I have no idea what I'd do if I was on bedrest! That would cause a lot of problems, but if it's needed, I'd do it of course.

No new updates from me. My next appt. is next Wednesday. Still worried about the lack of movement from Baby B. I can't believe I haven't felt anything from him yet .

I had a horrible, horrible dream last night. It was so vivid, seemed so real, I was a bit disoriented when I woke up. I really don't want to share details, as it's a bit upsetting.

My house is such a disaster . I can't even remember when it was this messy. I have no energy to clean it (yet). DH is no help, he adds to the mess. The older kids are gone for the summer to their dads, so it's me & the three youngest ones. It's overwhelming to think about cleaning it. I'd be so embarrassed to hire someone to help with it. Ugh. I'm starting to get that nesting urge, like planning on what needs to be done to the point of craziness (yeah, washing ALL the walls & curtains is really important ), and having the urge to buy a bunch of cleaning supplies. I just don't want to bring the babies into such a messy house. It never stays clean, no matter what I try to get everyone to help keep it that way.

[dear abbey]

MamaLove - you're so right, if bed rest keeps the babies healthy, it is totally worth it. It's just weird to not be able to get my own food. I'm pretty self sufficient (as I'm sure most moms with little kids are!) - it's hard to ask other people to do things like put my laundry in the washer for me. :-)

I can hear your frustration about the house. Sounds like you will probably hit that point when you want to clean like crazy (picture 8 1/2 months pregnant woman trying to move the refrigerator to clean under and behind it, which has not been done in 8 years but is suddenly a HUGE priority - that was me with my last pregnancy!!), but until then, is there a friend or someone who could help out a little bit here and there? I hate that it is causing you stress to be surrounded by a mess that you have no energy to deal with...you need some backup. As far as hiring someone, I get the embarrassment factor...but the thing is, if you're paying them, it's their job (and they have probably seen WAY worse). You have a valid reason for things being messy, and you deserve some help.

I read your post on the parenting multiples board about Baby B...I bet he's just turned around or that the placenta is in the way of your feeling movement. I didn't feel much from Baby B until last week sometime, but now I feel her more. She still isn't moving as noticeably as her sister, though - I think it might be a position thing. Do you have an ultrasound at your next appointment?

[Mama~Love]

My next U/S is on July 12th. Out of my panicked state yesterday, I did buy a doppler. It was only $45, so not a lot. I figured it's worth it if it eases my mind. It should be here tomorrow.

No, I don't have anyone that could help me out. I'm hoping once the older kids come back for a visit, they can help a little. I just wish I could *keep* it clean once it's clean. I did have a voice of reason in my head say to just do one room at a time. But then I thought by the time I'm done, I'll have to start all over again with the first one. It's a never ending cycle! I guess I do have an excuse, I have a lot of kids, I work fulltime, and I'm pregnant with twins. That does deserve a bit of forgiveness, right? As far as hiring someone, I suppose that's a possibility, but I wouldn't know what to tell them to do with all the stuff! There's no place to put it, and I don't have the energy to do a garage sale. I suppose I could Freecycle it.

[Mainebirdgirl]

Originally Posted by Mama~Love 

 I guess I do have an excuse, I have a lot of kids, I work fulltime, and I'm pregnant with twins. That does deserve a bit of forgiveness, right? 

Um- YES! That deserves a lot of forgiveness. Any one or two of those things deserves forgiveness, let along all three! I totally second Abbey's comment that anyone you bring in to help clean will have seen way worse. People are always their worst critic when it comes to cleaning. The fact that you don't think your place is clean shows you're a relatively clean person- if that makes sense. The really sloppy ones don't even notice a mess. It's like when I went through a phase where I suffered from sleep-related anxiety and I told my doctor that if felt like I was going crazy. Her response (which I loved) "OH! you're not going crazy. Trust me, you're not crazy. The crazy ones are the ones who think they are fine."

I'm sorry to hear about a bad dream causing panic. I had a dream this week that I had to give up one of my twins to a serial killer- not necessarily for them to kill, but to 'train'. *shudder*. I had to decide which one to give up. What on earth? Where do these thoughts come from? It was wacky enough I could brush it aside, but I know how rattling vivid dreams can be. I hope that the doppler can give you some relief!

I am so bummed to think of you guys on bed rest! I can't imagine. Even though I don't really know you, you're in my thoughts a lot! Seriously.  

Starlit- how much do your babies weigh? Are they really different? I can't believe their percentiles are so different! I forget- are yours fraternal? Stinks about the GD screen- I hope the big test goes better. I haven't taken mine yet but it sounds awful.

I feel really lucky. After 5-6 months of regular nausea and vomiting, I haven't thrown up in a few weeks. I still have occasional nausea, but nothing like before. I can finally eat a greater variety of food and actually do things sometimes. yay!

Between my staggered monthly u/s and my monthly OB visits, I get to see or hear the twinkies every 2 weeks, which is great! Everything seems ideal. I'm 24 weeks today and yesterday they measured 1 lb 8 oz (A, the girl) and 1 lb 9 oz (B, the boy). The tech said 53 percentile and I assumed it was about the same for both since they are only an ounce apart. The u/s tech was excited about the amount of fluid that there was for them (I didn't know this was a concern?) and the babies seemed great- practicing breathing and lots of movement.

I'm starting to feel HUGE- you guys? I interact with the public a lot for work and I'm starting to get the "you look like you're expecting soon!" comments. One woman made some comment about 'carrying around extra baggage' almost like she didn't know if I was pregnant or fat. ugh. Bending over and touching my toes is so hard! Getting in and out of cars is hard! My work continues to be physical, which I think is good for me, but I am feeling big, achy, and tired. Still- it's way more manageable than how I was feeling for the first 5+ months!

Also, I might have to start wearing a label: 

TWINS- EDD Oct 13th. No they don't run in my family. No I did not undergo IVF or hormone treatments, God just gave me a big old surprise. One boy, one girl. I don't know if we're "done" having children yet, but thank you for your interest in our family planning.  

Lately I've been hit with the reality of having 2 infants to care for. Holy smokes! Sometimes I think I'm at an advantage with this being my first given our lives will be turned upside-down regardless of one or two. Other times, I feel like the world was made for singletons, I'm a freak of nature, and that I will never be able to sleep again once they arrive. 

We have so many things we need, and it's so overwhelming... but I have a million things to be grateful for so I will count my blessings and continue to enjoy eating lots of ice cream while I can!

[Mama~Love]

Thanks MBG! I think I've finally realized we have too much stuff. Time to do a clean sweep & downsize quite a bit. There's stuff everywhere piled up that never gets used. The kids' book shelves are overflowing, I'd like to see that reduced by half - and they'd still have plenty to read. I should just make a list of what I want to get done. Maybe that would help me feel organized a bit (I think that's my biggest problem!!).

I'm so sorry you had such a terrible dream too. At least we know they were just dreams, and not reality!

Yay for not puking ! M That has to be a HUGE relief for you! I am so lucky to have never had a problem with that. I must have a stomach of steel or something. Sounds like your babies are growing well, and how exciting to see or hear them every 2 weeks! I wish I could have that, it would really ease my worries!

Oh yeah, I feel so huge already! I haven't gotten any comments from anyone yet, thank goodness! I feel I need a sign that just says "Yes, I AM pregnant, not just fat!" . I have had some strange looks, like they're wondering if I'm just really fat, or pregnant. I hate it, people either look at my chest (I'm very well endowed ) or look at my belly, or both, since hardly anyone looks me in the eye.

Yeah, the thought of caring for two is overwhleming for me, and I already have 6 kids! Someone left some baby boy clothes at work yesterday, and I picked through them (some were pretty stained up), and a bit of reality set in. There's so much we have to do yet!

Maybe I need to eat more ice cream too..........

[dear abbey]

More ice cream for everyone. Big bellies = big babies. Grab your spoons, ladies.

[Mama~Love]

I have no ice cream . Might have to order some through MIL; she owns the local cafe . My favorite is Denali Caramel Caribu . Vanilla ice cream with chocolate caramel cups with caramel sauce ribbons mixed in .

[dear abbey]

MamaLove - was today your appointment? How did it go?

[corrabelle]

Not having twins...but my sister just found out that she is! She's 23 weeks, and in a LOT of shock now-she didn't get an ultra sound until last week, and nothing had indicated twins until then. I guess they're supposed to catch this in bloodwork, and dopplers etc, but didn't.

 These are her first! So i'll be checking in on this thread for her. She's freaking out. But thrilled.

I do have one question, that she's been asking ME (to which I have no clue..) can twins share a crib for a while? In the beginning anyway?

[dear abbey]

My friends who are twin moms say yes, definitely. How long it lasts apparently varies depending on the twins, but they can at least for a little while.

Congrats to your sister. It's definitely shocking. I still can't believe it's happening to me, either.

[corrabelle]

That will be a relief...since her apartment is the size of a postage stamp...they're looking for a larger place. Common sense tells me that twins could share a crib until they start rolling over and attacking eachother...haha. I didn't know if there was some pediatric rule though. (There seem to be a lot of those...)

[dear abbey]

The "official" position on it is that babies should never share a crib. I work for a child care resource and referral office, and we're forever teaching training classes to providers where we tell them that they cannot legally put two babies in one crib. But twins are different...at least that is what all the twin moms say. I guess we're going to try it and see how it goes. I've heard some moms say to put a rolled up blanket between the two babies so they don't squish each other. It seems like at least in the beginning, it would be comforting to them since they are so used to being together.

You might want to ask on the Parenting Multiples board, too...lots of people there who have been there and are doing that!

[Mama~Love]

dear_abbey - I did have an appointment yesterday, just didn't have time to post before work. Everything is fine, I'm 23 weeks & measuring 34, both HB's were nice & strong. I didn't pay attention to my weight. After the nurse left as I was waiting for the Dr., Ihad a few moments to relax (I was actually there alone - kids were at Grandma's - that doesn't happen often!). So what did I do?? I started crying. Everything is so stressful & overwhelming right now with working. I was hoping to have my tears cleared up before she came in, but I didn't. So, I told her what was wrong, and she basically said to check with work about the details of short term disability, and to let her know exactly what she needs to write for me to go on leave, basically whenever I want, but she said definitely before I see her again (which is 8 weeks - I see her Physician's Assistant in between). So, there's an end in sight !

[dear abbey]

MamaLove- I'm sorry your quiet breakdown moment came in the office, but I'm so glad they are telling you to stop working. :-)  Hopefully that will give you a break from some of your stress!

Even though I'm still working from bed, I'm actually feeling things are a lot more manageable since I'm not on the front lines in my office every day.

And hooray - your babies are doing great! No need to worry about baby boy not moving as much, then? He seems to be doing just great!

I'm all for not paying attention to our weight, by the way. :-) As long as I'm gaining and not losing, I'm fine.

[Mama~Love]

The baby boy was moving quite a bit when she was using the doppler, I just never felt it. She said it's probably his postion and/or the placenta blocking the movement. As long as I hear that heartbeat, I'm not worried.

I'm so glad that I'll be able to quit working too. It's the biggest stessor in my life right now.

[Mainebirdgirl]

Great! Nice to get the confirmation that the boy is moving when you don't feel anything- that must make you feel much better.

I'm also glad that your doc is going to help you out and hopefully you can rest and recover away from work! How did DH respond to the news? Has he been more helpful and supportive lately?

AFM, I am huge and tired. I think I have grown since Sunday- as I carried the same box for work Sunday and yesterday and yesterday I could barely manage it since my belly was sooo big and in the way. Yesterday my boss told me that I'm bigger than she was for her singleton pregnancy at 9 month. Gee thanks! Meanwhile, I am walking for miles on soft sand beaches a day, and feel constantly hungry and like I'm not even eating enough for the twins! So I feel healthy and things, I just think I'm gigantic. 

Work has been really stressful this week and this weekend should be crazy as well. Being responsible for the protection of an endangered species that lives in very public and crowded locations is a nightmare. This week I've found two dead chicks (a very big deal when there are so few of them), got completely yelled at by a 95 year old (whom I need to keep happy for work) and accused of a variety of things that are not true, had to response to an alarming report of a dog killing a chick, dealt with a report that we missed an entire nest (not true), and now the necropsy from the chicks has revealed some strange things and many of my observations have been called in to question by some very important people on the job. I'm physically exhausted and constantly pushing myself, and emotionally drained by feeling like my work and abilities are under scrutiny. Today and tomorrow are much needed days off, but I'm afraid there is so much going on that I will still have to work.

I'm constantly checking my work email for a huge response I wrote last night, I'm hoping for a little bit of relief and to hear that there is nothing needed of me so I can enjoy the day with a good friend who is visiting from far far away.

Hope you bed rest ladies are staying sane and that you're getting excited about not working Mollie!

[Starlit]

That's awesome that you get to stop working Mama Love!! I can't even imagine working right now- I don't know how you ladies have been doing it!  MBG, how long do you plan on working?  I am sorry things have been so stressful for you at work too- - I hope you get a chance to rest this holiday weekend and enjoy the time with your friend.

Abbey, I'm hoping to hear a positive update from you- that your ffn came back negative and that you're home in your own bed!

AFM, well- it's official... I now have gestational diabetes on top of the rest of it. =(   I'm REALLY hoping I'm able to control it without needing any medication!  Other than that, I'm super excited that I haven't had to be hospitalized for about two weeks now!!  I was starting to have a phobia of going to my appointments because everytime I went in,  I ended up being admitted.  So it's been super nice to feel like a semi-normal pregnant person again lately (besides not being able to do anything ). 

Hope you all have a great holiday weekend!