Baby #3 Week 37

It's getting closer! Can't believe we are 3 weeks away from due date. I'm still feeling good but nesting in a major way. I'm feeling the time crunch that baby boy will be here in less than 3 weeks. Clothes are washed and our hospital bags are packed but I have TON of monogramming to do. After losing three things this week I have decided that our home is an unorganized disaster area (being extremely dramatic here) and it is time for a major clean out.

Some of my cheerleaders threw an adorable shower for me on Saturday. They were all such sweet hostesses and you could see their cotillion manners coming out! They gave a super sweet toast to me and baby Shep. We got tons of lovely gifts and played some really fun shower games.

We met with the doctor on Tuesday and everything seems to be good. I am not dilated and very thankful! We didn't discuss delivery options but I'm pretty set on a repeat c-section as the date gets closer. My first was pretty fabulous and I don't really see the point of laboring for hours when I'm not sure if I'm going to end up having a c-section anyway. I've been hearing tales of scars busting open too during the labor process and that is just not appealing to me!

Nesting has set in and I am an organizing machine! We are hiring a cleaning crew to do a deep clean of the house before we go into the hospital but I want to get everything organized and picked up so they can work their magic. Jay and I completed the dining room, living room, front, and hall closets last night and already have giant piles in our living room. I divided everything up into sell, donate, put away, and trash. Our system is working pretty well and I'm loving the increased closest space. Can't wait to finish up the rest of the house!

I also forgot to post this last week but we met with the pediatric urologist and learned about how they would help Shep once he arrives. I really like our urologist. He did Holden's surgery and makes me feel super relaxed. He is very optimistic that Shep's kidney will heal on it's own. They are going to put him on antibiotics as soon as he is born to avoid any infection and will do an ultrasound within his first 2 days to see if the kidney is truly blocked.  

Pregnancy Highlights:

Today's Date: Friday, March 28, 2014

How Far Along: 37 weeks 

Pregnancy Countdown: 21 days until due date!

Size of baby: Yay! Baby has reached full term. He likely measures around 18.9 to 20.9 inches and weighs about 6.2 to 9.2 pounds. He's gaining about 1/2 ounce each day. Shep is the size of a winter melon. 

Total Weight Gain/Loss: I've stayed the same at 25 pounds gained. I'm slowing down on my eating because this guy is taking up a lot of space! 

Maternity Clothes: Yes, all maternity

Gender: Boy- Arthur Shepherd Carroll

Movement: Lots of movement. I'm taking time to lay in bed each night and feel the kicks. While I'm pretty sure I'd like another baby, I am cherishing the last few weeks of this pregnancy in case this is my last. I'm trying to make memories of how all the kicks and rolls feel and what its like to grow another human :) 

Sleep: Sleep is pretty good. If I get restless during the night I'll get up and use the restroom but it's still not waking me up. So thankful for this bladder! I'm alternating moving from stomach to side to sleep. I can lay on my back too long because it is hard to breath and makes that heartburn worse!

What I miss: SUSHI! If anyone comes to visit in the hospital, this is what you must bring me! ;)

Cravings: Nothing really this week. The sweets cravings have gone back down. I am loving some orange tea though!

Symptoms: Heartburn is still there. I'm a little swollen but my rings are still fitting snugly. Thankfully no new stretch marks, nesting is kicking in BIG time, and I found out that the pain I thought was round ligament pain is really just scar tissue stretching from the last c-section. 

Best Moment this week: Cleaning! Seriously, I sound crazy but it makes me feel soooo much better to be in a clean, organized house.

Baby #3 Week 36

Well here we are... uncharted territory. I didn't have an old 36 week post to reference because the twins were making their debut at this exactly point 21 months ago. I'm still feeling pretty good and energetic. We didn't have any appointments this week so things are pretty much the same.

I can say that I am definitely feeling pregnant now. I'm large and in charge. I am having a hard time fitting into maternity clothes because my belly is BIG. My trusty old navy tanks from last time are still fitting with room and as soon as I get home I pair one of those with comfy leggings. I'm still not at the point where I want to deliver, actually quite the opposite. I've got less than four weeks to go and so far so good!

I'm feeling lots of pressure and would guess that baby is head down. I'm feeling a lot of movement/kicks in my hips and it's a weird sensation. At 5 foot 2 there is not a ton of room for baby in my belly. He seems much happier when I am standing up or laying down vs. sitting.

Pregnancy Highlights:

Today's Date: Friday, March 21, 2014

How Far Along: 36 weeks 

Pregnancy Countdown: 35 days until due date!

Size of babies: A Coconut. The baby weigh between 4.2 to 5.8lbs and should be between 17.2 and 18.7 inches long.  I'm guessing S is measuring at a good 6lbs by now

Total Weight Gain/Loss: I'm up a pound this week making the total 25 lbs. Not too bad. I am still feeling swollen but not NEARLY as bad as with the twins. Rings are still on but shoes are a little snug. 

Maternity Clothes: Yes, all maternity

Gender: Boy- Arthur Shepherd Carroll

Movement: Lots of movement.

Sleep: The heartburn is creeping back in and I've woken up twice for tums (could be the fact that I had spicy food and oj before bed too)

What I miss: drinking a beer on the deck

Cravings: Seriously craving sweets. Dinner is not complete without dessert. I've also had a think for oj lately.

Symptoms: Heartburn and lots of contractions. Some that stop me in my tracks but nothing consistent. Also lots of round ligament pain getting in and out of the car or standing up too quickly.

Best Moment this week: sunny days playing outside with my kids! This sunshine has made us all sooo happy!

Baby #3 Week 35

Yay for 35 weeks! This was my last post with the twins so next week will be a completely new place for me! Thankfully I am still feeling great and not ready to have this baby yet. Towards the end of the evening I'm definitely moving slower but all in all everything is really good!

I had a Dr. appointment on Tuesday and learned that I gained some weight and my tummy was measuring a little big (35 weeks at 34.5 weeks). I got to see my primary doctor, who I hadn't seen since the very beginning. He is definitely my primary for a reason. He is so calm, kind, and reassuring. I told him about the specialist asking about diabetes and he actually apologized because he thought it was rude. He told me that I have a gained a perfect amount of weight and passed my diabetes test with flying colors and not to worry about the size of this baby.

We started talking delivery options and thinking that planned c-section is the way to go. After talking with Jay we are thinking that we want to push it out to 39.5 weeks instead of 39. This gives us an extra weekend to get things done. I know that babies come on their own time but having this little plan makes me feel a little more in control (which we all know I thrive on). I'm heading back in at 36.5 weeks to start the lovely "manual checks" for labor signs and to firm up delivery plans.

We are trying to finish the nursery this weekend. We haven't spent a lot of time on it during the week because we are staying up later with the gorgeous sunshine and then tiring out once the kids go to sleep. We did purchase a shelf for the closet and I got a few things organized. I'm planning to do all of the laundry tonight and get all of his clothes hung and diapers put away. I've also got to put some hours in at the sewing machine to applique and monogram a few things for baby.

I'm going to spend some time this afternoon looking for hardware for Shep's dresser. It came with these plastic casters that are hideous! I've convinced Jay to do two more projects before we call it a day. He's making a toy bin and shelves out of reclaimed wood that we have leftover. I'm so excited to see how these projects turn out. I love how this nursery has so many personal touches. My nursery projects for the weekend include white-washing the pallet wall, waxing the crib, and painting this really cool mirror I picked up at homegoods the other night. I have a feeling we'll be cutting it close between getting all the fabric sewn and completing the finishing touches!

Pregnancy Highlights:

Today's Date: Friday, March 14, 2014

How Far Along: 35 weeks 

Pregnancy Countdown: 35 days until due date!

Size of babies: A Coconut. The baby weigh between 4.2 to 5.8lbs and should be between 17.2 and 18.7 inches long.  I'm guessing S is measuring at a good 6lbs by now

Total Weight Gain/Loss: I'm up 4 pounds. I didn't weigh myself last week so I'm guessing I've gained it in the past two weeks which is fine by me. I was hoping to stay under 25 but looks like it'll be more like 30. My total right now is 24 lbs. 

Maternity Clothes: Yes, I have around 3 tops that fit. It is so hard with spring weather. I don't want to buy any more clothes but can't really wear my sweaters anymore.

Gender: Boy- Arthur Shepherd Carroll

Movement: OMG a ton! He is nuts. Jay finally felt him going crazy and was all how do you sleep with all that going on? 

Sleep: Back to sleeping really well. Not waking up during the night at all :) LOVING IT! This is crazy but I am still halfway sleeping on my tummy! I tried doing this at Jay's mom's house when we stayed a few weeks ago and couldn't. Our mattress is super soft and I'm thinking that is the only way this works for me. We've been talking about getting an new firmer mattress but will definitely be waiting until we are DONE having children :) 

What I miss: getting out of my seat without round ligament pain. It has been intense! Also wine.

Cravings: Last night I wanted proscuitto soooo badly! I have a serious love for that stuff but only the really good ($30/lb) kind so I only buy it when I really want a treat!

Symptoms: Not too many. I have contractions at night that will stop me in my tracks but none are consistent. I need to use the restroom more frequently and I've got a lot of pressure happening on my hips and pelvis. 

Best Moment this week: Watching Holden love on baby Shep. He always points to my belly and says baby and will randomly run up and give my belly a hug and a big kiss! On the contrary, Emma Cate is terrified of my belly and stays as far away as she can!

Week 28

It's been a fun week around our house! After a stressful and busy Saturday, our nursery is almost complete and we're in love with it! Also very thankful for everyone that helped make it beautiful! 

My ultrasound last week was everything I could have hoped for and so relieved to see that the babies are doing so well. 

Is is safe to say that things are calming down around here?

I'll wait to make that statement until I take my three hour glucose (gestational diabetes) test. Yes, unfortunately I failed my 1 hour test at the doctor's office this morning. Not by much but still a fail. I'm more upset than I thought I would be about it. After reading more about it, I don't want to do ANYTHING that puts my babies' health in jeopardy. Gestational diabetes is complicated to explain. I've gotten some information here. It also seems like I'll need to start working out more. I can't really imagine this as uncomfortable as I am. Maybe I should try swimming laps...

Pregnancy Highlights:

Today's Date: Wednesday, April 25th, 2012

How Far Along: 28 weeks

Size of babies: A rutabaga. The babies are 13.6-14.8 inches long and weigh between 1.5 to 2.5 pounds (still in the same ranges as last week). 

Total Weight Gain/Loss: 17 pounds. I am actually down three pounds from last week. My eating pretty much stayed the same so I'm thinking it is just me adjusting to pregnancy. At the doctor today Emma Cate's heart beat was 145 and Holden's was 133. He must have been sleeping :)

Maternity Clothes: Yes, and even some of the tops are getting short. They did my belly measurement at the doctor today and I'm measuring at 35 weeks. 

Gender: Girl- Emma Cate and Boy- Holden.

Movement: There has been some crazy belly dancing going on in there. They also respond pretty well to rap music. I think they like the bass like their mama.

Sleep: Sleep was much better this week! I can still make it through the night (we'll 5:30am) without a potty break!

What I miss: tying my shoes without help

Cravings: None really this week. I figured that I would fail my glucose test so I started stocking up on healthy protein filled items. I had greek yogurt for the first time in forever and realized how much I missed it! Almonds have also been a yummy snack.

Symptoms: Braxton hicks and lots of trucker burps. I also learned today that I failed my 1 hour glucose test by 2 points! They want you to be at 135 and I was at 137 and 135 the two times they ran it. I'll be heading into the doctor next Wednesday for the three hour test. Until then I'm sticking to a protein and veggie filled diet. Buhbye carbs, fruits, smoothies, and sweets :(    

Best Moment this week: Seeing the nursery complete!

The other day while finishing up the nursery, I noticed my reflection in the mirror. Figured I'd take a pic of my bump busting out of my shirt.

27 weeks 4 days

27 weeks 5 days

sneak peak of our pics from the maternity session on Saturday

Your baby's the size of a rutabaga!

Putting on layers of fat, your baby now weighs in around 1.5 to 2.5 pounds and measures about 13.6 to 14.8 inches.

So Exciting & 27 week U/S stats

I'm excited to finally share my news that I posted almost two weeks ago! My parents are moving back to Charlotte! My Dad just accepted his new job and put in his notice at the old one. Technically, my dad will be moving and working right outside of Philadelphia. He and my mom are going to buy a house in Charlotte and she'll live their full time. He'll fly out to Philly on Monday mornings and fly back to Charlotte Thursday evenings or my mom will fly up to stay with him. I am so excited for this awesome opportunity for him :) I'm also excited because Philly has some of the best children's museums in the country and it'll be fun to bring our little family up to visit :) The Atlanta house will be going up for sale soon and we've already been emailing links for Charlotte houses.

In other news, I finally had my ultrasound yesterday and learned why I haven't been feeling Holden kicks on my right side. Seems like this little fella is nestled quite comfortably across my upper stomach. His feet and Emma Cate's feet are in the same spot. So I've been feeling him kick this whole time. He is also quite the mover and I can see him wiggle across the top of my stomach especially after I've been drinking orange juice.

via

This is one of the only pictures I could really find explaining that shows somewhat what the twins look positions look like. Holden is a little higher up, basically sitting right under my breasts (oh that's why its hard to breathe!). 

The babies are measuring really well! At my last ultrasound they were a few days behind schedule but now they are measuring right on and a few days ahead!

Here are the 27 week stats:

Emma Cate is weighing in at 2lbs 4oz. She is measuring at 27 weeks and 1 day. She's calm and peaceful with a heart rate of 137.

Holden is weighing in at 2lbs 5 oz. He is measuring at 27 weeks 3 days. He was a busy little boy and had his heart rate up to 144.

Both my blood pressure and weight gain were perfect (thank God!) and my cervix was holding strong at 4.67 cm. Average for a singleton baby is between 4cm and 5cm. Anything below 2.5cm puts you at risk for preterm birth (and bed rest).

The doctor I saw yesterday was very confident that I would make it to 38 weeks and they would schedule at C-Section at my 38 week due date, July 4th. He also told me that I could schedule it for the 5th or 6th if I didn't want them to be born on July 4th. 37 weeks is the average delivery time for twins so hopefully I'll go into labor on my own but if not we know they'll be born by July 6th :)

If the babies' stay in the same position they are in now, I will definitely have to have a C-section. Emma Cate has been in the same place every ultrasound and Holden has moved from breech (feet down laying beside her) to this lovely transverse position. My doctor said he wants both babies head down in order to even try for vaginal birth. I'm not thinking that we are going to have the option.

The ultrasound tech tried to get us pictures of the babies but it was hard. Their isn't a lot of room and she couldn't get body shots, only ones of their face. This was NOT my favorite ultrasound tech so hopefully the next time we'll be able to get some 4D pictures before they are too squished!

I also thought I spotted my first stretch mark but instead it's a lovely spider vein about the size of a pencil eraser. It popped up near my right hip of all places. I don't know which one is worse!   Besides that, my lower stomach is stretching out pretty good but no marks yet. My belly button ring scar is super tight and looks strange. I still have a pretty deep belly button and I'm wondering if it will every turn outie!

Week 27

As I've learned last night, I've almost made it to a huge milestone. Evidently with twins making to to 28 weeks is a great step. The next big one is 32 and then 36 is basically home plate.  

Jay and I enjoyed our first baby class last night. The class was supposed to be about multiples but it seemed more like it was general baby knowledge with "but you'll need to do this with twins instead" thrown in along the way. Jay and I watched our first birthing video and OMG I know its natural but a C-section is looking pretty good to me right now... Jay was so cute and had me write down questions to ask the doctor as the class progressed. The class covered a lot about preterm labor and I feel better about knowing the signs now. The lady that taught the class was a triage nurse at my OB's office and encouraged us to call the OB nurse line at anytime if we had questions. We also talked a lot about breastfeeding and I'm still committed but overwhelmed trying to make it work with two. Evidently boys like to eat around every 2 hours and girls every 3-4 hours. I think my whole day is going to be spent feeding these little ones. We have another breastfeeding class tonight taught by a lactation consultant who specializes in twins. It will be interesting to compare the two. 

Pregnancy Highlights:

Today's Date: Wednesday, April 18th, 2012

How Far Along: 27 weeks

Size of babies: A head of cauliflower. The babies are 13.6-14.8 inches long and weigh between 1.5 to 2.5 pounds (still in the same ranges as last week). 

Total Weight Gain/Loss: According to my scale, 18 pounds so far. I've averaging about three pounds a week for the past month and and am feeling huge! Everyone is noticing how big my belly has gotten and and I don't know how I feel about it. Before I had only gained inches in my belly but now I feel like I've gained a bit in my thighs too. My arms are quite puffy and cardigans are my best friends. Time to start really watching what I'm eating and getting that exercise in! My gluclose test is in a week and I waiver between stuffing my face with sugary things because I think it will be my last week or eating really healthy to get a jump on helping lower my blood sugar levels. My doctor thinks that I will probably fail my gluclose test because of my PCOS, levels at the beginning of pregnancy, and that I'm carrying multiples.

Maternity Clothes: Oh yes.Although I saved some money by wearing a pre-pregnancy dress to my baby shower. It kept riding up in the front and was a bit awkward. School is cracking down on too short dresses so I'm playing it safe in maxi-everything 

Gender: Girl- Emma Cate and Boy- Holden.

Movement: Earlier in the week movement had slowed a lot. It picked up yesterday and today. I woke up to full flips last night. I can see them moving around a lot from the outside. Most of the kicks are happening on the upper left half of my belly. Occasionally I'll get some fighting moves where I feel one baby kick or punch and then the other baby gives it right back. Cannot wait for my ultrasound tomorrow to see what the little boogers are doing in there!

Sleep: And I thought last week was tough... my back hurts so badly that I cannot get comfortable to sleep by the end of the night. I am back sleeping a ton because I just can't get comfortable on my side. I woke up at 2am last night burning up and wide awake. After tossing and turning for an hour I fell back asleep hard until 6:45. I'm going to start trying Tylenol PM at night to help me make it through the night. 

What I miss: sleeping soundly, being comfortable in my bed, being free of back pain

Cravings: Last night I wanted a McDonald's cheeseburger. I got one. It was gross and my stomach was upset all night. I've been eating candy like a fiend. Time to grocery shop so I have healthy foods to crave!

Symptoms: Major back pain. I cannot find a comfortable position at all. I haven't watched any tv lately because I can't get comfortable on the couch. I've also had a return of trucker like belches. Yuck. At our pregnancy class, we learned about braxton hicks and were told that everyone will have them at some point and that we should feel our uterus harden like a ball. I've been getting cramps that feel more like period cramps and haven't felt any hardening sensations.    

Best Moment this week: Seeing all of my best girlfriends (minus Nikki and MC) and my family at our fabulous baby shower! Pictures to come when Mom visits this weekend!

26 weeks 1 day

26 weeks 6 days

Your baby's the size of a cauliflower!

At 13.6 to 14.8 inches and 1.5 to 2.5 pounds, she's not just getting bigger, she's getting smarter.