How big can we grow?!?!

I'm huge. Here is a pic of me today at 26 weeks, 3 days with the dynamic duo (orange shirt) and a pic of me at 40 weeks (the due date) with my last surro baby (one baby girl). WOW!!!!

My sappy, emotional, hormonal revelation

Wow, it's just amazing. I've been pregnant for awhile now. I've cared about these babies from day 1. But now that I've seen them in 3D/4D, I'm just blown away. There are REALLY two babies in my womb! I know this pregnancy hasn't been easy by any means, but seeing those pics make it even more worth while. I feel more protective of these kiddos now. No, I don't want them. I love them, but only as a surrogate should. I'm very excited about being a part of their lives. And I know the day of their births will be a day of celebration. It will be bittersweet...as my days of caring for them will be complete, yet their mommy and daddy will be just beginning their life journey with their dreams come true. Surrogacy is a beautiful thing and I feel so blessed to have been chosen to be part of this miracle.

Strike a pose!

So I saw Dr. K again yesterday. I've had so much pressure, I just knew he was going to tell me I was on bedrest from here on. But nope...all is well! He did the fetal fibronectin test, which helps determine if it's likely labor will start within the next 2 weeks. They said they'd call if it was positive and, of course, we're praying for it to be negative. So far, so good...I haven't heard from them! He'll be doing this test at my appointments every 2 weeks for awhile. My blood pressure was 110/60 and I'm finally starting to gain some weight. We scheduled the fetal echo for April 16th and I will be going for my glucose tolerance test and other bloodwork before my next appointment on 4/9. :)

I also had the 4D ultrasound repeated today. The babies cooperated a little bit better. We got quite a few pics of Lucas, but Kyla is so low (hence the pressure) that it was hard to get many of her. She is quite active though and was throwing her head back and kicking like crazy. Lucas had his bottom in her face...lol. That's right...he's breach now! He has time to turn still and, even if he doesn't, it's no biggie. As long as she's head down, we should be good to go with a vaginal delivery.

Lucas is on top, Kyla is on bottom. Aren't they precious?!?!

100 days...

We have 100 days until the due date! (However, I have a feeling these little ones will be here before then.) Wow...this pregnancy is flying by!!!!

Baby Shower and 4D Ultrasound (take 1)

Sunday, I flew down for the baby shower. I had such a great time seeing all the babies' friends and family. I felt like I fit right in, even though I either hadn't met quite a few people or had only met them once or twice before. The babies got so many things and I think Niki and Nathan are almost set. The family was so thoughtful and bought me a few things too. I was shocked, as it was supposed to be Niki's day...but I am very grateful and appreciative.

Yesterday, Niki and Nathan came up for a 4D ultrasound. Unfortunately, the babies had plans of their own and decided to play a game of peek-a-boo and hide-and-seek. We caught glimpses of Lucas, but his cord was in front of his face and he kept his little hand up by his cheek. Kyla was hiding, yet she was so very active. We couldn't really see her face at all. So, we're going to try again on the 27th of March. Maybe (hopefully) they'll be a bit more cooperative then.

Here's Niki, Nathan, and me just before they left to go home.


We're 25 weeks today! I can't believe we're so close to the 3rd trimester already! Guess it's about time to start a new poll...

(There's a poll in the upper right hand corner of this blog. There's a bigger one at www.twins4nandn.babypool.com . Please go take a guess!)

Viability!

We're 24 weeks today! Not that we're expecting or wanting the twins to come anytime soon; but if they did (God forbid), they'd have a chance of surviving! Today is a major milestone!

It's obvious the babies are growing well. Take a look for yourself! ACK!


Yes, it's real. See?

The pressure is on...or low...or something.

Well, as Niki posted, we had quite the surprise last week at the u/s! I think it's been a welcome surprise though and I love that I can now call these little ones by their names!

I've been having a tough time, but I'm hanging in there. I almost passed out again this morning in class. (Yes, this has happened in the past.) I missed the test I studied all weekend for, but obviously the teachers were very understanding and said I can finish it later. They insisted I get checked out and bring a release back before clinicals on Wednesday. So I did and they (the nurses and the doc) think it's just the pressure from the babies lowering my blood pressure and keeping blood from getting to my brain. I'm still not 100% convinced it's not partially my blood sugar, but I'll talk to Dr. K more about that Thursday at my appt. They said there's nothing I can really do about it, but the nurse suggested standing up or changing positions every 30 minutes or so. Normally, that's not an issue, but it might be kinda hard to do during lecture. Guess I'll just have to take more breaks. ;)

I have cut pretty much everything from my life, with the exception of school, my family, and the pregnancy, but I know that's still a lot. David and the kids have been pretty good about letting me sit on my butt when I'm at home and save my energy for school. I'm trying so hard to make it through this semester. Part of me wishes I could just give up, but I'm already half way there. It's one thing if the dr says I HAVE to, but I'll be so angry at myself if I just do it on my own. My dr says I'm doing just fine though and that I just have to adjust to the uncomfortableness of twins. I think I can, I think I can, I think I can...lol. :)

On the upside, I've been feeling these babies move a lot...so at least I know they're doing well. I feel like I whine so much that I must appear very unhappy, but I really am happy. It's great to know the babies are thriving! And seeing Niki's and Nathan's expressions at the ultrasounds and reading their posts make me smile ear to ear. :D

Change of plans

Yesterday was our Level II u/s.  It was so exciting to see our babies on the screen again.  They look like real babies! LOL  About halfway through the process, though, we got a surprise.  It seems that Baby 2, the one that was a bit shy last time, is actually a boy! :-)  So it looks like we're going to get one of each. :-)

Baby Boy- Lucas Grey (?)

Baby Girl- Kyla Rose

Ugh! No luck

The consignment sale had a few double strollers, but none I liked.  The one that I might have considered was broken in a couple of spots and there's no way I'm going to settle for a broken stroller just because it's $75.

My MIL bought a couple of puzzles and a stuffed lady bug (was supposed to make noise, but apparently only two of the 6 buttons work).  I have yet to make any purchases for the babies.  Honestly, I think I have what I need.  Some diapers and a onsie or two.  That's all we need, right?  ;-)  I'm just no good at this shopping thing. :-P