Zac's Dr. Appt.

Zac had his 15 month check-up today and they also checked his ears to make sure the infection was gone. Of course it wasn't. Both ears were still red, more meds. Tubes will be in his near future. The doctor didn't give him his 2 shots he needed. Zac will get them in 2 weeks when we go back for another check-up. Between the two of us, it feels like we're constantly going to the Doctor! That explains why the little DID NOT SLEEP AT ALL last night. I put him to bed around 7 and about 10pm (right before I was going to bed), he started screaming. I checked on him and changed his diaper, thinking that was the reason. Nope, so I rocked him and layed him down. Right when I left his room, more screaming. I was tired so I decided we'd just sleep on the floor. Ryan doesn't do too well with Zac sleeping in bed with us. After last night's experience of sleeping on the hard floor (blankets didn't do much for comfort), we need to get a spare bed or recliner! We've been thinking about getting a recliner, so now it's a MUST! Cross your fingers we both get a full night's sleep!

Week 21

Wow, I'm already at 21 weeks! Time has gone by fast! Then it drags on towards the end. This weekend I bought another "Belly Book" that's really the name of the book. I bought one with Zac and thought it would be neat to do another one with the girls. It's a week-by-week journal and you can put your weekly belly shots in it. It's crazy seeing the difference from carrying 1 baby to 2! I had another doctor's appt. today. I thought after this appt, I would see the specialist once a month, but I'm going back again in 2 weeks. Ryan got off work in time to go with me, which was nice. The girls look great! Weighing in at 12 and 13 oz! They are getting bigger. I am still amazed every time I see 2 babies on the screen. They do each have a placenta. At first we thought they shared one, but the doc said they each have one, but they are close together. However, there are no signs of them sharing, sometimes when the placentas are close, they can fuse together. Weeks 21-24 Babies' Growth: Each twin’s weight gain during this period is substantial, doubling again to about twenty ounces each (1.25 pounds), and to a length of about twelve inches. Your twins’ skin appears red and wrinkled because of the absence of fat beneath the skin, but by the end of the month, the growth makes the babies appear in better proportion. By the end of the twenty-fourth week distinctive footprints and fingerprints have been formed. Mother's Changes: The rapid growth during the past eight weeks stretches the abdomen, causing pinkish or reddish streaks in the skin, called striae, or stretch marks. After delivery, they will fade to a light silver color, but will not disappear completely. Another skin change that may occur in some women is a brownish discoloration on the By the end of the second trimester, your blood volume has increased by one hundred percent or more over your non-pregnant levels. Red blood cells, which carry oxygen throughout the body, have increased by 50 to 60 percent. With Zac, I only got a few little stretch marks on my sides at the end of my pregnancy. This time around, I can already see them. It's my body's way of making room for the girls. I don't care, it's not like I'm going to be wearing a bikini any time soon, if ever again!

Christmas at Grandma Linda's

After Mimi's house we headed over to Grandma Linda's (Ryan's Mom). That house was a zoo! There are 5 grandkids ranging from 5 months to 2.5 years old. Next year will be even crazier! Finally the girls will outnumber the boys! I was still pretty full from eating earlier, but somehow I managed to eat more. It was tough, but I did it! Zac had a blast playing with his toys: bulldozers and trucks. Uncle Nick got each nephew/niece a cool toy. Zac got a bulldozer he can sit and ride on. Cousin Matt pushed him around the living room. Funny thing is they weigh almost the same- Zac is 15 months and Matt is 2.5! Before we left, all the girls had to sit together for a group shot, then it was the guys turn. What a wonderful Christmas we had!

Christmas at Mimi's

Today, Ryan let me "sleep in" until 8:30am. He woke up and took care of Zac.We opened a few presents and then it was time to get ready for Mimi Donna's. Dinner was at noon and we enjoyed yummy Honey-Baked ham with all our favorite side dishes. I made spinach and artichoke dip. We actually opened presents first (the kids were too excited) then we ate. We all received great gifts, even the girls! Aunt Jenn, Uncle Rich, and Maddie got them 2 packages of diapers (the BEST presents ever!) and a cute pink picture frame that says "Twice Blessed." Aunt Carrie, Uncle Chuck and the kids got them very cute pink/brown onesies with matching pants and a set of receiving blankets. Mimi and Papa bought them the cutest sleep sacks with flowers on them, and pink hats to match. They are preemie sizes, they look like doll outfits! Mimi loved her "Mimi of Twins" canvas bag as did Papa and his "Papa of Twins" coffee mug. Of course Zac made out well with a ton of toys, movies, puzzles, and cute clothes from Baby Gap! Grandma Beth bought Ryan and I AMC movie passes! That also comes with a night of baby-sitting (or Zac spending the night) We haven't actually seen a movie in a theater, in I don't know how long! Dinner and a movie, what's that like? I told Ryan I get to pick the movie! I'm not sitting through or wasting my movie pass on some dumb comedy. He already suggested "Mall Cop" which comes out in January. I, of course ate too much. Hey, the girls were hungry, I can't deprive them of food, can I? For dessert I couldn't pass up Grandma Settle's banana cream pie and Aunt Carrie's sugar cookies.

Christmas Eve

Unfortunately Ryan had to work today. Zac and I hung out and played together. He has been quite the chatterbox lately! It's so amusing just to listen to him "talk." I'm sure he knows exactly what he's saying. Ryan didn't get home until about 2:30pm. He changed real quick and we were off to Aunt Becky's house for dinner. Dinner was at 3, but we didn't arrive until almost 4pm. Oh well. It was quite the crowd: aunts, uncles, cousins, grandmas, grandpas, cousins. We enjoyed yummy food, especially Aunt Charlotte's infamous sugar cookies! We opened presents and had a visit from Santa Claus! (Uncle Bud). Once again, Zac stared in awe. I'm not sure if it's the beard or the whole red outfit or what. Next stop was Aunt Rhonda's. Last year we enjoyed Mexican food, this year Zarda BBQ filled our tummies. It's nice to have a break from the traditional ham dinner. Afterwards we played Christmas Bingo. I was the first to win, I ended up with a hot chocolate mug set and Ryan was one of the last to win, with a Wal-Mart giftcard. That will definitely come in handy! While Ryan and I played Bingo, Grandma Beth kept Zac entertained in the kids' room. It was a busy, but very fun night with good food and spending time with family.

Fun at the Mall!

Today I took Zac to the Independence Center to see Santa Claus. I was dreading the crowds, but it wasn't too bad. Finding a parking spot was the worst. We stood in line to see Santa, Zac was so good! I wasn't sure how he'd react to sitting on Santa's lap. After all, I had woken him up from a nap and took him out of the warm car into the cold, rainy weather. It was finally our turn and Zac just stared at Santa! It was too funny. I tried getting his attention for the pictures, all I got was the back of his head! (with my camera). Of course you have to make a minimum purchase in order to use your own camera. Next year, we'll be going to Wal-Mart or Hy-Vee, haha! Of course those 2 places had Santa last weekend, but not this. Since he was such a good boy, I took him to the kids play area. At first, he just stood there and watched the other kids play. I walked over to a tree stump and he crawled through it. He got warmed up and was all over the place! It was a fun mother/son day!

Staying In!

This weekend was pretty uneventful, as was last weekend. With the holidays approaching, we will be very busy making the rounds to our families. So we've been relaxing. Friday night the boys fell asleep in the living room. We all love Ryan's new Mon-Fri schedule! Saturday we did our grocery shopping. For dinner, we went over to Grandma Linda's. Sunday we pretty much hung out at home. Ryan had been craving steak, so he braved the cold weather and grilled. Like he doesn't freeze enough at work! I didn't take a pic of him, but I took one of Zac after eating Doritos with lunch!

Big Boy Riding the Buggy!

Friday when I picked up Zac from Daycare, the kids were riding in the Buggy. I've been wanting to take a picture of this!

Week 20

My doctor's appt. on Friday was quick. The doc just wanted to take a quick look at the girls to make sure everything looked ok. He checked my cervix- he said we don't won't them coming out now! I was like no we don't! They look great! One of them was trying to sit on the other :) He said the longer we go with no sign of complications, the more likely that they won't happen. I go back in a week and he will do the measurements of them. He said to keep up with what I've been doing. I'm still feeling good. I'm eating more and getting tired easily. Other than that, I'm great! My belly is getting so big. I do see little stretch marks (all over) the front of my tummy! I only had a few with Zac and that was towards the end. I think it's neat as my body changes to accommodate our twin girls. I want to do a belly cast with this pregnancy. If they get sassy with me, I can always show them how big I got for them and they should straighten up!

What a Week!

Monday started out the trend of a hectic week. As I mentioned before, this is my last week of training. Of course everything that could go wrong, did! Let me recap: Monday- had to leave work an hour and a half early because Zac had a fever at Daycare. Tuesday- had to take the day off work because Zac had to be fever-free for 24 hours. Wednesday- was 20 minutes late to work due to slow traffic. Thursday- after dropping Zac off at Daycare, I got in my car and it wouldn't start! Are you kidding me? Ryan was already at work (this is at 6am) so I had to get it towed, which luckily was under warranty. It was only a dead battery. Unfortunately, that wasn't covered and the dealership charged a ridiculous amount, but what was I going to do? So I was over 2 hours late to work. Friday- I had to leave an hour early due to a doctor's appt. This hasn't stopped the girls from being active. I can't believe how much they're moving around :P

Just Thinking...

It seems like I have a lot going on right now: training for a new position at work, the holiday hustle-and-bustle, pregnant with twins, etc... We do have a nice routine established with Zac. Children really do crave structure. If he's not in bed by his usual time (7-7:30pm), he gets cranky! In just a few short months, the twins will be here! I hope we can get them on some sort of eating/sleeping schedule. The sooner, the better! For Zac's first 3 months, he had his days and nights mixed up, which was so exhausting. I had to force myself to lay down and try to nap in the middle of the afternoon. However, I was also fortunate enough to stay home with him for 4 months. That won't be an option with the twins (when I really need the time off!). I plan on taking the standard 6 weeks off. The girls are due May 9th (also the date of my 10 yr. high school reunion). I don't think I'll be able to make it! I'll probably have them mid-late April- tax time, which is our busiest time at work! I've had visions of double strollers and minivans dancing in my head :D Can you picture me pushing this around, plus holding on to Zac? This is actually one of the more slender/compact double strollers I've seen!

Day off With Zac, Time to Reflect

I had to take the day off with the kiddo since he has to be fever-free for 24 hours before Daycare will allow him to come back. I think the meds are really working, he slept the whole night through. Which means Mom and Dad got a good night's sleep as well. We were all tired from the night before. He's been in a pretty good mood today, he's only coughed a few times, still has a runny nose. He's taking a nap right now, so I'm taking advantage of the peace and quiet! It seems like I've been so busy with training at work, keeping up with the weekly grind of making dinner, doing laundry, the holidays approaching, that I haven't had time to sit and reflect about that we are truly blessed to be having twins. It was such shocking news, we are so excited and grateful that this is in our future. The one "extra" blessing changes everything! We really need/want to move back to Blue Springs to be closer to family. When we bought this house over 5 years ago, kids were not in our immediate plans, so living a little farther South didn't seem like an issue. Now with one son, and twins on the way, family is so important. There is nothing for us out here. Our baby girls are really kicking and moving around! I first felt them kick at 17 weeks. They are mostly active at night, when I'm trying to sleep! It is awesome to feel them moving around in my tummy. To know that they are growing and getting bigger every day. Before I was pregnant with Zac, I couldn't imagine what my body would look like. Now how will I look carrying 2? My labor and delivery with Zac was not "normal", but what is, right? He was 5 weeks early and I was able to experience childbirth naturally (not by choice of course, he was ready to enter the world!). I am a little nervous of the likelihood of having to undergo a C-section. I know it's more routine with twins and many women have this surgery. Just the thought of being under the knife, and knowing Ryan will be the only family member allowed, is hard. Of course, there is a chance to deliver the twins naturally. Whatever it takes, as long as they are healthy, that's all that matters. I may not wear the latest fashion trends (heck I can't remember the last piece of clothing I bought myself), instead of going to the movies I wait for them to come out on DVD, I may not have the biggest house,it may not be spotless (I know that will be put on the back burner after the girls arrive), but my life is filled with love. Everyone says children will change your lives, but you really can't explain or describe in words the love you have for your child. Where does all that love come from? It seems endless, I loved the girls the moment I found out I was pregnant, before I knew there were 2 of them, I loved the little baby growing inside me.

What a Monday

After a nice and relaxing weekend, today was tiring. Zac had a runny nose and had been coughing over the weekend. I figured it was a little cold, with the weather getting colder and the bug that's going around. Last night was a LONG night. He cried in his crib and just wanted to be held. I'd put my hand on his back and pat him back to sleep. But the second I turned to leave, he lifted his head up, looking for me and started crying. He'd stop every time I touched him. So I finally put him in bed with us. Ryan has to get up between 3:30-4am, so he opted to sleep on the couch. Zac fell asleep right away and was fine the rest of the night. However I got a call from daycare about 2 this afternoon. He'd been coughing a lot and had a fever... meaning I had to pick him up. Of course I get off work at 3:30, but what can you do? I made a doctor's appt. for 4pm. Turns out the little guy has a DOUBLE ear infection and beginning to get pink eye, again. Darn daycare and the dirty little kids. This will be the second time for pink eye. My first week of training for my new position at work, Zac got an ear infection (Halloween). Ryan took him to the doctor that time around, now this is my last week of training and I had to leave early. I have to miss tomorrow as well, since he has to be fever-free for 24 hours. Then I have to leave an hour early on Friday, for my appt. with the perinatoligist. The doctor said if Zac gets another ear infection, we'll have to seriously think about getting tubes put into his ears. If it means no more infections, then I'm all for it. Ryan had several as a child and all 4 of his siblings and his nephew have had tubes. What a day, I left work at 2pm and didn't get home until 6pm.

Relaxing Weekend

After a busy weekend last week, it was nice to just kick back and relax. Saturday Zac and the other 4 grandkids got their pictures taken for Grandma Linda for Christmas. Let's see 5 kids ranging from 4 1/2 months to 2 years equals exhausting. We got one pose where most of them were looking at the camera. Last year there were only 3 grandkids, next year there will be 7! I don't think we'll be doing this again for awhile. Afterwards we went to the grocery store and relaxed for the rest of the evening. We watched Fool's Gold with Matthew McConaughey and Kate Hudson. It was alright, the previews looked better. Sunday we all actually slept in (9am!) Sunday is my designated cleaning day. While I cleaned house, Ryan put the ingredients for stew in the crockpot and Zac helped him make chocolate chip cookies. Zac also helped us eat them too! He has a sweet tooth already.

Week 19

Wow, I'm at 19 weeks already! The notecard I'm holding up says "Week 19" it's hard to read. I feel good. Although it is hard carrying Zac down the stairs and putting him in his carseat in the morning to go to daycare. I haven't had any crazy cravings, just eating more at meal time.

Busy, Busy

Sat/Sun Dec 6/7 We all worked up an appetite and picked up lunch and went over to Grandma Beth's house after Zac's haircut. All of us went to visit Aunt Jacey and her new baby boy Evan later in the afternoon. He's so precious! We had to make a stop at Grandma Linda's next, for Cousin Rachel's 2nd birthday. Everyone had already eaten and presents had been opened, but there was some leftover! Zac enjoyed the cake with pink icing. Zac was ready for bed by the time we got home. Ryan brushed all of the dogs' hair and I gave Freddie and Pebbles a bath. We relaxed by watching Step Brothers with Will Ferrell. Sunday was cleaning day: I got caught up on all the laundry and swept and vacuumed the house. I got to fight with the crowd at Walmart, but it wasn't nearly as bad if I had gone on Saturday. Later in the afternoon we visited Mimi Donna and Papa Randy and enjoyed hamburger stew and homemade bread for dinner.

Zac's 1st Haircut!

Saturday, Dec. 6 We had a pretty busy weekend. Ryan had been on vacation for the past week. He'd been working Tuesday-Saturday for over a year, and it changed back to the "normal" Monday-Friday. It was nice to be together for 2 days in a row! We went to Blue Springs and stopped by the bank to take care of a few things and to see Emma and Cindy who were both working. They were excited to Zac and the updated sonogram pics. After we left there it was on to get my hair trimmed, which was long over due. Vicki was of course busy on a Saturday, but managed to squeeze Zac in for his first haircut! He sat on my lap and looked around. He did pretty well. Vicki had to follow him with the scissors every time he turned his head. But all in all, it went great. He looks like such a big boy now, with the curls cut off. Papa Randy will be so happy. He's been threatening to take Zac to the barber himself, if we didn't do it soon! There were a lot of curls to save.

Week 18

Saturday, Dec.6th Look at my belly! The girls are sure growing in there! Once I get over the morning sickness, I truly do enjoy being pregnant. I love watching the changes my body goes through, knowing there is another life, in this case 2, growing bigger and stronger every day. I feel pretty good. It's time to break out the maternity clothes though, my shirts and pants are getting to be a little snug! I can tell I can't walk as fast as I normally do. This is especially true at work. The IRS campus is so big, but I guess the exercise is good for us! Mother’s Changes- If not experienced earlier, you will feel the twins’ movements sometime this month. By the twentieth week, the uterus is slightly below or just at the level of the umbilicus. In fact, around eighteen weeks, a woman typically finds out she is having twins after having an ultrasound—although many may have an inkling due to fertility treatments or just a hunch. In many women, a darkened line, called the linea negra, may appear at this time, extending from the umbilicus to the pubis. This discoloration fades soon after delivery. During pregnancy, there is an increased tendency to develop varicose veins and hemorrhoids, so you should wear supportive stockings, elevate your feet whenever possible, and be sure to include ample fiber and fluids in your diet. Multiple Facts: * The natural incidence of twins is one in eighty-nine births. * About two thirds of all twins are fraternal. Half of these pairs are boy/girl; one fourth are girl/girl; and one fourth are boy/boy.

Appt. with the Perinatologist

Thursday, Dec. 4th Today I had an appt. with the perinatologist, who specializes in the care of the mother and fetus at higher-than-normal risk for complications. Our big question was to see if they would be able to tell if the twins were fraternal or identical. I left work before my lunch break and Ryan and I went to Winstead's in Overland park for lunch. I'd been craving a strawberry milkshake and it was yummy! My appt was at 1:30pm at Mid-West Perinatology off of I-435 & Quivera, right behind Overland Park Regional. The perinatologist and her assistant were both very nice and made me feel comfortable. I was still shocked and amazed when I saw both babies on the screen. She could tell right away that they were identical! We could even see the thin membrane separating the sacs. They are still girls :) As far as she could tell, everything looks good. The doctor confirmed they are in 2 separate amniotic sacs (which is ideal because if they share one, the risk of complications increases dramatically) and she believes they share a placenta, which is common. They weigh 7-8 oz. each. We could also see their hearts beating which was fascinating! I go back again on the 19th for a quick check-up and again on the 30th for the measurements, etc. of the twins. After the appointment, I had another appt at 4pm with my regular OBGYN. We had a little time to kill, so we went to Best Buy to look at cameras. I was going to get another Canon, which was the one I lost. But I found a Sony Cybershot camera I liked better. It has 10.1 meagapixels, 5X optical zoom for shots that are clear and upclose, smile shutter detection and a 3.5 in LCD touch screen. I have to have a big screen for viewing, my Canon had a 3 inch screen. The touch screen will take a while to get used to. I hated having to buy another camera, but I can't live without one either! I guess that's my Christmas present to myself! Then it was time for my other dr. appt. We listened to the heartbeats and went over signs of preterm labor. The doctor wants to be aware of them and to call right away if I have any symptoms. While we were at the doctor's, Mom had left me a voicemail saying she hadn't heard from me yet and was kind of worried. I think she forgot about my second appt. When I called her back, I told her the specialist's office had better technology and they saw... 3 babies!! She said "Christina Marie! You're kidding right?!?!" I said "Yes, we're kidding." She was at work and I could tell that she was about to start crying, that's why I didn't keep playing along. She was concerned of the health of the babies, especially since Zac was 5 weeks early, and multiples always arrive earlier. I thought she was going to kill me!

Week 17

Sat/Sun Nov. 29th/30th- Saturday we hung out at home during the day, since the weather was cold. That evening we went to Grandma Linda's for Thanksgiving leftovers. Zac and I love the pumpkin roll! Sunday we had an appointment to have our Christmas pictures taken. Zac did really well- he actually smiled! We had to wait for about 30 minutes, but he was a happy boy. I was pleased out how well the pictures turned out. Afterward we went to Babies R Us to look at double strollers, the selection is very limited. Then it was off to Grandma Beth's for tacos, my favorite! Twins more than double their weight this month, about 10 oz. each. The eyebrows, eyelashes, and hair on their heads begin to form and the nails become visible on their fingers and toes. By the end of this month, the muscles have become well-developed, and both babies are quite active— so anytime now, I should be feeling their kicks and wiggles! Aunt Kelsey took the belly shot this weekend. She was real excited, haha.

Uncle James baby-sits Zac!

Friday, Nov. 28th Uncle James was in town from MU for a week over Thanksgiving. Ryan and I both had to work today, the day after Thanksgiving and Zac's daycare was also closed. Luckily Uncle James saved the day! He spent the night Thursday night and was here to take care of Zac... all day. They had a good time together. They played in his room for the majority of the day, only stopping to eat and nap time! Uncle James did have to change a couple dirty diapers, after our 2 Thanksgiving dinners! I feel so lost without my camera, still can't find it.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Thursday, Nov. 27th Ryan and I have a lot to be thankful for this Thanksgiving. We have a healthy, happy 14 month old son and twin girls on the way who are also healthy. Our family is truly blessed. Even though we are excited and nervous about having 3 children under the age of 2 will be like, some couples are not as fortunate as we are. We sometimes forget that just because some are ready to start a family, it doesn't always happen. We had dinner at Mimi Donna's at 1:00 in the afternoon. The girls and I were hungry. The food Mimi and Grandma Beth prepared was so tasty! Zac loved the homemade macaroni and cheese! For dinner, we headed off to Grandma Linda's at 5:30. Even though Zac and I had plenty to eat earlier, we still managed to eat some more. We can't pass up good food! Ryan was too full to eat. What a great day with family!

Out to Blue Springs

Saturday, Nov 22nd We drove out to Blue Springs today. It was long overdue for Ryan to get his haircut. We also saw Grandma Beth. We went to Golden Corral for dinner. That place is the place to be on a Saturday night! I forgot what a variety of food they have. Ryan was excited about the liver and onions- I know, he's weird. I enjoyed a big salad and of course their rolls! Zac ate really well too- hamburger, mac and cheese, green beans. I was too full for dessert, but the boys made room. We all left with our tummies full and Zac fell asleep on the way home.

Week 16

I took a belly shot this week, but unfortunately I've lost my camera. I gave Zac a bath on Tuesday night. He was splashing his hands in the tub and looked cute. So I recorded him/took pictures. After that, I'm not sure what happened to it. Either I misplaced it or Zac took off with it. So Week 16 never got uploaded onto the computer.

Week 15

Babies’ Growth- Weeks 13-16 Monday, Nov. 17th During this month, your babies grow very rapidly, each gaining about three and a half ounces for a total weight of about 4.25 ounces. The body length of each twin can triple to be about six and a half inches by the end of the sixteenth week. Your babies’ kidneys will have formed and begin to function, excreting urine into the amniotic fluid. The twins’ heartbeats can also be heard during this month. Your babies move around actively within the uterus, stretching their arms and kicking their legs, but these movements may still be too faint for you to feel.

Breaking the News to Family!

Saturday, Nov 15th We headed over to Mimi Donna's and had Grandma Beth meet us there. I wanted to tell them the exciting news in person rather than over the phone. They were excited to know what we were having. I had also bought a cake from the cookie factory to celebrate, but they weren't allowed to look/eat it until they saw the sonogram picture. I placed the sonogram picture on the counter for Mom to see. Mom and Donna saw the 2 babies right away! I recorded the moment, and I wanted Mom's reaction on tape! It was priceless. She was in complete shock! Then we celebrated with the cake. While Mom was waiting for us to arrive, Donna asked her if she thought we might be having twins. Mom said no, she thought we were having another boy because I didn't sound too happy on the phone. She knew that I wanted a girl. Ha, little did she know... It was a very emotional few days.

The Most Shocking News of Our Lives!

Thursday, Nov. 13th I had an ultrasound appt. at 3:30pm and doctor's appt. to follow. This was scheduled when I was 15 weeks because the doctor wanted to make sure my due date of May 9, 2009 was accurate, since Zac was 5 weeks early. They can do this by taking different measurements of the baby. We were hoping to also find out the gender, but didn't think that would be realistic until at least 18 weeks (that's how far along I was with Zac). Ryan couldn't take off work to go with me. I was ok with that, because like I said I figured they would just tell me if the due date was correct and I'd have to back a few weeks later to find out the gender. I didn't break a tape to record the sonogram and I went by myself. The sonogram technician was the same woman that did Zac's, it was deja vu. So I layed on the table and she put the warm gel on my belly. Right away she said "TWINS!?!" I said "shut up!" and started bawling immediately. She said "Don't you see them on the screen?" I did, but I was in utter shock, amazed, confused, I went through a lot emotions in next few moments. She handed me the box of Kleenex and asked me to try to lay still because she was trying to look at the babies. I knew we were going to have our hands full with another child. Zac would be about 19 months when the second would arrive, 2 in diapers, etc. Now add ANOTHER one?! She asked if we wanted to find out the gender, and I said yes, still thinking she wouldn't be able to tell. She asked what we already had, I said a son. I said deep down I want a girl, so I guess I have a fifty-fifty shot now. She was pretty sure they were both girls. So more tears, of joy! I had wanted a summer baby, my birthday is in February, and I could never have a pool party or anything since it's in the winter! We were thinking about starting to try in October, but I got on a baby kick and didn't want to wait a few more months. So we started trying in August and 2 weeks later I was pregnant! With Zac I was on the depo shot and after I stopped taking it, my cycle was of out whack and it did take a few months to get pregnant with him. After he was born I got on the pill. I just couldn't believe that she said twins. Sure enough, there was one shot where they were both together. She said that would probably be the only one, because they'll be too big next time. Of course I didn't bring the tape and I was by myself. It was a lot to take in without Ryan with me. The ultrasound took almost an hour, checking both babies. My weight at this point is 123 1/4 lbs. and blood pressure is 112/80. I've gained 4 lbs! Then I had to wait to see my doctor. When he finally came in the room, I said we need to talk. He said what? I said "have you looked at my chart?" He said no and took a look. He said "congratulations!" He then talked about things to watch out, as far as taking care of myself and preterm labor, etc. I decided to wait until after I got home to tell Ryan. First off, I didn't want to wreck the car telling him the news and 2) I wanted to see his reaction in person. Of course 71 Hwy was under construction (when isn't it?) and I had to crawl through that mess. I didn't get home until after 6pm. Ryan was very excited to hear how the appts. went. I told him "Good thing the house we're looking at has 4 bedrooms." He said "What?!" I said "you heard me." He goes "There's' 2 in there?!" And I start crying so more. I was so emotionally drained by the end of the evening. Tears of joy, worry, fear, excitement...

Week 14

This week's big developments: Your baby can now squint, frown, grimace, pee, and possibly suck his thumb! Thanks to brain impulses, his facial muscles are getting a workout as his tiny features form one expression after another. His kidneys are producing urine, which he releases into the amniotic fluid around him — a process he'll keep up until birth. He can grasp, too, and if you're having an ultrasound now, you may even catch him sucking his thumb.

Week 13

Fingerprints have formed on your baby's tiny fingertips, her veins and organs are clearly visible through her still-thin skin, and her body is starting to catch up with her head — which makes up just a third of her body size now. If you're having a girl, she now has more than 2 million eggs in her ovaries. Your baby is almost 3 inches long (the size of a medium shrimp) and weighs nearly an ounce. Size of a shrimp, huh? I could eat baby!

Week 12

The most dramatic development this week: reflexes. Your baby's fingers will soon begin to open and close, his toes will curl, his eye muscles will clench, and his mouth will make sucking movements. In fact, if you prod your abdomen, your baby will squirm in response, although you won't be able to feel it. His intestines, which have grown so fast that they protrude into the umbilical cord, will start to move into his abdominal cavity about now, and his kidneys will begin excreting urine into his bladder. Meanwhile, nerve cells are multiplying rapidly, and in your baby's brain, synapses are forming furiously. His face looks unquestionably human: His eyes have moved from the sides to the front of his head, and his ears are right where they should be. From crown to rump, your baby-to-be is just over 2 inches long (about the size of a lime) and weighs half an ounce. Still feeling crappy. But I can tell I am starting to show more earlier.

Week 11

Your baby, just over 1 1/2 inches long and about the size of a fig, is now almost fully formed. Her hands will soon open and close into fists, tiny tooth buds are beginning to appear under her gums, and some of her bones are beginning to harden. She's already busy kicking and stretching, and her tiny movements are so effortless they look like water ballet. These movements will become more frequent as her body grows and becomes more developed and functional. You won't feel your baby's acrobatics for another month or two — nor will you notice the hiccuping that may be happening now that her diaphragm is forming. My belly looks big in this picture! I read that you start showing earlier than the first pregnancy. The Zofran is helping, I still feel a little yucky though. It should only be for a few more weeks.

My New Best Friend

My new best friend is Zofran! Today was the first day I took this medicine for nausea. Every day I have been battling morning sickness. I would lay on the floor for 15-20 minutes while Zac played. Then I would feed him, lay down again, etc. throughout the whole day. I haven't even cooked dinner in at least a month, maybe 2! So I took a pill this morning, and it did wonders! I still felt a little yucky. However, this has been my most productive day since pregnancy. I cleaned the bathroom, did laundry, gave Zac a bath, vacuumed.... and made dinner!! I know, Ryan was in shock. He's been having to come home from working all day, cook dinner, and take care of Zac. He was glad to have me back, except that I wouldn't stop talking while he was reading the newspaper.

Doctor's Appt.

Today the doc examined me and made sure there was only 1 baby in my belly! He said let's make sure there's not triplets in there, haha. And since I'll be 11 weeks this Saturday, we went ahead and listened to the heartbeat. Normally it's done at 12 weeks. He said if we don't hear it, don't get scared. But he found it right away, 150 beats per minute. It was deja vu! Thank goodness he also prescribed me some meds for this horrible morning sickness. I go back in another 4 weeks. I am also getting an ultrasound done. Not to find out the sex, but to determine if the due date is accurate. Since Zac came 5 weeks early, we want to make sure the date is accurate. I am excited about that. I'll be 15 weeks at that point and then we'll do another sonogram for the gender at 18 weeks.

10 Weeks

Though he's barely the size of a kumquat — a little over an inch or so long, crown to bottom — and weighs less than a quarter of an ounce, your baby has now completed the most critical portion of his development. This is the beginning of the so-called fetal period, a time when the tissues and organs in his body rapidly grow and mature. He's swallowing fluid and kicking up a storm. Vital organs — including his kidneys, intestines, brain, and liver (now making red blood cells in place of the disappearing yolk sac) — are in place and starting to function, though they'll continue to develop throughout your pregnancy. If you could take a peek inside your womb, you'd spot minute details, like tiny nails forming on fingers and toes (no more webbing) and peach-fuzz hair beginning to grow on tender skin. In other developments: Your baby's limbs can bend now. His hands are flexed at the wrist and meet over his heart, and his feet may be long enough to meet in front of his body. The outline of his spine is clearly visible through translucent skin, and spinal nerves are beginning to stretch out from his spinal cord. Your baby's forehead temporarily bulges with his developing brain and sits very high on his head, which measures half the length of his body. From crown to rump, he's about 1 1/4 inches long. In the coming weeks, your baby will again double in size — to nearly 3 inches.

9 Weeks

Your new resident is nearly an inch long — about the size of a grape— and weighs just a fraction of an ounce. She's starting to look more and more human. Her essential body parts are accounted for, though they'll go through plenty of fine-tuning in the coming months. Other changes abound: Your baby's heart finishes dividing into four chambers, and the valves start to form — as do her tiny teeth. The embryonic "tail" is completely gone. Your baby's organs, muscles, and nerves are kicking into gear. The external sex organs are there but won't be distinguishable as male or female for another few weeks. Her eyes are fully formed, but her eyelids are fused shut and won't open until 27 weeks. She has tiny earlobes, and her mouth, nose, and nostrils are more distinct. The placenta is developed enough now to take over most of the critical job of producing hormones. Now that your baby's basic physiology is in place, she's poised for rapid weight gain.

Deja Vu

I've gotten sick 2 times today! Not a good way to start the weekend. I hate that feeling, I know it's going to happen... but I always feel better afterwards. Poor Zac, hears me gagging all the time. He either laughs, because I'm making funny sounds or just stares at me like "what's wrong with Mommy?" The same smells that bothered me when I was pregnant with Zac, bother me this time around. It's weird. I can't stand the smell of coffee, peanut butter, or bread. Funny, it's Ryan's daily routine! He makes coffee in the morning and makes PB sandwiches for lunch. This time though, I can't even open the fridge door or throw something away in the trash without gagging. Just seeing the food makes me want to hurl! I found a mask we had, I wear that when I have to change a dirty diaper- even then I still gag. These children better love me for the rest of their lives!!

Doctor's Appt.

Today I had an appt. with the nurse. This is typical. They want to 1st see you when you're 8 weeks along, give a urine sample, draw blood, and go over family medical history. Since I was just in the office about 18 months ago, it was a quick appt! I go back to see the doctor- who will then examine me on Oct. 16th. The reason for seeing the doctor later is in case something happens... Today was the worst day as far as morning sickness goes. Luckily Ryan is off on Mondays and was able to take care of me and Zac. It was horrible. I was craving fried chicken yesterday for lunch (I know, I know). We had the leftovers today. Apparently Baby didn't like it! I did not stay in my tummy for very long. Yuck! I hate not feeling well, especially when I 'm stuck in bed. By the way, every week I'll have updates on Baby's growth. I found a wonderful website, sometimes the descriptions are "he" and other times "she." So I'll leave it at that.

8 Weeks

New this week: Webbed fingers and toes are poking out from baby's hands and feet, his eyelids practically cover his eyes, breathing tubes extend from his throat to the branches of his developing lungs, and his "tail" is just about gone. In his brain, nerve cells are branching out to connect with one another, forming primitive neural pathways. You may be daydreaming about your baby as one sex or the other, but the external genitals still haven't developed enough to reveal whether you're having a boy or a girl. Either way, your baby — about the size of a kidney bean— is constantly moving and shifting, though you still can't feel it.

7 Weeks

The big news this week: Hands and feet are emerging from developing arms and legs — although they look more like paddles at this point. Technically, baby is still considered an embryo and has something of a small tail, which is an extension of her tailbone. The tail will disappear within a few weeks, but that's the only thing getting smaller. Your baby has doubled in size since last week and now measures half an inch long, about the size of a blueberry. If you could see inside my womb, you'd spot eyelid folds partially covering her peepers, which already have some color, as well as the tip of her nose and tiny veins beneath parchment-thin skin. Both hemispheres of baby's brain are growing, and her liver is churning out red blood cells until her bone marrow forms and takes over this role. She also has an appendix and a pancreas, which will eventually produce the hormone insulin to aid in digestion. A loop in your baby's growing intestines is bulging into her umbilical cord, which now has distinct blood vessels to carry oxygen and nutrients to and from her tiny body. *I'll post a picture of my belly every week also. Keep in mind, I still had some leftover baby fat, thanks to Zac!

6 weeks

This week's major developments: The nose, mouth, and ears that I'll spend so much time kissing in eight months are beginning to take shape. If you could see inside my uterus, you'd find an oversize head and dark spots where baby's eyes and nostrils are starting to form. His emerging ears are marked by small depressions on the sides of the head, and his arms and legs by protruding buds. His heart is beating about 100 to 160 times a minute — almost twice as fast as ours — and blood is beginning to course through his body. His intestines are developing, and the bud of tissue that will give rise to his lungs has appeared. His pituitary gland is forming, as are the rest of his brain, muscles, and bones. Right now, baby is a quarter of an inch long, about the size of a lentil bean.

Funny or creepy?

Today I went to Walgreens to pick up pictures. There are 3 different people that usually work at the photo counter. Since having Zac, I have been a frequent customer at Walgreens. Thus, they have become to know me quite well. As in they see me walk in the door and the grab my photos and put them on the counter! Well this time, as I was paying the girl said, "I saw your pictures and congratulations!" Hahaha! I politely said thank you. I had taken pictures of my positive pregnancy tests. I can understand glancing at the pictures as they're being developed. I'd look at them too if someone went on vacation, etc. But with mine, it's always a million pics of Zac. She must have been bored! Around the holidays I went to the Walgreens on the other side of town. When I picked up the pics the lady told me she recognized Great Grandma Settle! Turns out she's roommates with one of my relatives sister. Small world. I think she gave the excuse that it's her job to make sure the pics come out ok. Like I said, it doesn't bother me, just kind of strange...

Blogging for Baby Bleess!

During my pregnancy with Zac, I had a journal to write down my emotions and feelings, and the changes my body was going through. I never thought of using an online site. I'm a little behind the times! But I thought creating this blog would be fun, and a way to share with family and friends who want to read what I'm experiencing! Ryan and I plan on telling the rest of our family and friends (for those who haven't heard) at Zac's 1st birthday party. So after September 27th, I will let everyone know I've created this blog!

Spread the News!

I wanted a fun way of sharing the good news to our family. I bought a "Big Brother" shirt at Babies R' Us. Zac and I first went to Grandma Beth's. I gave her the sack and asked her to see see Zac's new shirt. She was like "Ah, it's cute" ... then she saw what it said. She was shocked!! Then we went and saw Mimi Donna at work. She read the shirt, and said "Big Brother?" Yep, Zac will be a big brother around May or June! Ryan called his Mom and said "Zac's pregnant Mom wants to know if you're cooking dinner this weekend." Linda said "Zac's Mom is pregnant?" She did have us penciled in for 2009, haha. Baby Bleess #2 will make for 6 grandkids in 2 1/2 years! Becca, Jackie, and I seem to be on some sort of rotation. Becca: Matthew July '06 / Jackie: Rachel December '06 / Me: Zac Sept. '07 Becca: Olivia March '08 / Jackie: Kevin July '08 / Me: Baby Bleess 2 May '09 It's been boy/girl/boy/girl/boy... now it's time for a girl!! Only time will tell...

Damn You Morning Sickness, Damn You!

Need I say more? I am going through the pregnancy symptoms a lot earlier this time around. This morning was not a good one at all. Nor was it at dinner time. Ugh, I don't even like thinking about it as I type this out. The only thing that makes me feel better is if I lay down. Ryan cleared the kitchen after we had dinner. I gave Zac a bath, and couldn't quite finish. I went and hugged the toilet. Luckily Ryan was a good sport and helped out. These sickening feelings are all coming back to me now. It's amazing how sensitive your sense of smell is. Why does it all make me gag? Probably because down the road, I'll be eating everything in sight! It's a balancing act!

I'm Pregnant... Again!!

WOW!! I had a feeling I might be pregnant again for a few weeks now. I was debating on whether or not to take a pregnancy test. Zac's 1st birthday and party were just around the corner. I kind of wanted to focus on just him. After his birthday, then I would definitely know if he was going to be a big brother. However, I hadn't been feeling well for the past 2 days. I had been trying to get over a cold that I had for a week. Yesterday I felt sick in the morning, but thought I just needed to eat breakfast. Then again this morning, same feeling. I woke up and took the dogs outside, and had to lay down on the floor in the hallway. Ryan sensed something was going on. Then when he made coffee and I gagged, he said "Take a pregnancy test!" When I was pregnant with Zac, I could not stand the smell of coffee, among other things. I had an extra test from the first pregnancy. Ryan, Zac, and I checked the test after 3 minutes... and there were 2 lines! Pregnant again! We actually planned both pregnancies. We wanted Zac and his sibling to be close in age. I go to the doctor on Monday, Sept. 29th. I am probably 4 weeks along, we'll find out for sure once we go to the doctor. Wow, I'm getting ready to celebrated my son's 1st birthday and have created another life.