Six weeks post partum and self care

I had my six week CS/post partum OB check up yesterday.  I took the kids with me to meet everyone, which was my first trip out with them alone.  It was a blast, and they were a big hit.  All is well, and now I have clearance to actually do some exercise.  I can't say it's my top priority right now, but I am eager to try to get my body into some sort of functional shape, since I'm still struggling physically after four months of bed rest and major surgery.  So I will have to get reacquainted with our home gym. 

I'm not counting on losing my last few pounds of pregnancy weight until after I stop breastfeeding, which is a long way off, so the goal is to just get stronger and not ache quite so much.  I have also started back to weekly acupuncture, primarily in hopes of finally kicking my post partum carpal tunnel which is still plaguing me and causing numbness in both hands.  I've also started back with regular massages, and hope to get back to the chiropractor soon.  If any of your know how to beat post partum hemorrhoids, let me know...  ;)

My waist is back, but starting a few inches below my belly button it gets pretty scary.  My CS incision healed well, but the stretch marks, oh the stretch marks.  DH calls them the finger lakes (which they resemble) but only if they were in Minnesota (land of 10K).  Mom keeps curiously asking me if they are fading, which they aren't yet, since she never got any.  But I would take them over my sister's diastasis any day, and twice on Sunday.  She's due with #4 next Monday BTW.  We're looking forward to meeting our new niece this spring.

This fussy kid goes completely catatonic in the Snugli.  Best.gift.ever.

I've been out walking with the kids a few times since it's been so warm this winter and one of my (albeit low bar) fitness goals for the year is to do a few 5K's with them this spring through fall, though we'll likely be walking.  We are looking forward to participating in this summer's inaugural Cade Foundation's Race for the Family in the nearby Busse Woods (a gem of the NW suburbs).

The kids are growing like weeds.  Like seven and approaching eight pound weeds.  Can't wait for their two month check-up/weigh in on the 20th.  They are really filling out and pushing the limits on some of their newborn clothes, which will be interesting given their three month clothes are still huge.  I'm still pumping and supplementing given my supply is sporadic.  They've taken every kind of formula we've tried, but we've switched from liquid to powder and have settled on Similac Organic.  I pump every four hours every day, and get anywhere from three to eight ounces each time, but usually about six.  Plenty for one baby, but not enough to ensure that both are getting enough consistently, especially as we increase their feeding size and decrease the frequency.

Alistair

Marielle

Nothing compares to those chubby baby cheeks...

Even though I'm no longer feeding them at the breast, due to Mari's scary weight loss while we were in the hospital (and flashbacks to my eldest nephew's skinny little body), as much as I wanted to, breastfeeding is what everyone says it is.  Challenging.  But someone recently told me breastfeeding multiples successfully is probably the most difficult thing you will ever do (I'd challenge them on that, but anyway...), so I remind myself of this when I feel like it would easier to just give them all formula (which they like just fine) and regain the hours of each day pumping and my body generally (and avoid the pain and discomfort).  My reasoning behind staying home with them full time for the first year is that on top of it being a key period developmentally, it was also important to me not have anything that impeded BFing for this time period (I can't imagine pumping enough at work, which was always my original plan).  It would be way too easy to just quit.

DH wants us to hire a night nurse, which I'm still struggling with.  I'm not sure why.  I'd certainly like to get more sleep, though I'd still get up to pump, but I guess I'm torn.  Like it undermines our ability to take care of our babies.  Insane, I know.  I think we'll go a few more weeks and see how things go.  They both slept nearly six hour stretches last night, not that we slept that much, so we may be turning a corner.  I guess I'm just too practical and would rather spend the money on a new kitchen honestly.  We finally got our new Bosch dishwasher, which I'm completely in love with, and I think it has renewed my appetite for finally replacing the cabinets and counters.  We've already earmarked our first joint tax refund ever ($6K) for the kids' 529 accounts.

One month birthday

The twins turned one month old today (bye bye neonates!) and we celebrated with some pics, an unofficial at home weigh in and measure, and some cupcakes (for us, not them, sorry guys).

They are both growing so fast, adding inches and pounds since we came home less than four weeks ago.  He is now bigger than her by an inch or so and several ounces by our estimation.  They were both over seven pounds by their EDD.

This pretty much sums up their personalities so far.  He fusses and she chills...  She must be thinking...  What is wrong with this kid?

And we're losing it...

Total meltdown...

Wham!

A rare quiet moment...

Happy one month birthday babies!



Some gifts all around...

More Jellycats for the babes...

And a new breast pump for me.  When I bought my Pump in Style Advanced metro bag nearly four years ago, it was the top pump that Medela made.  Not long into pumping, I realized that being tied down would not work.  So I got the Freestyle, which makes all the difference in the world.  Worth.every.penny.  I am pumping about a half dozen times a day and getting almost enough for both babies right now, though we are still (and will continue to be) supplementing.  Thankfully, they don't seem to care.

Less than a week ago, it was over 50 degrees (yes, they are overdressed) and we were out for our first walk in the City Mini in the neighborhood...

Now, we have about a foot of snow and it's 10 degrees...

And just over a month ago, I was wondering how much longer I'd be pregnant...  Oh boy, was I miserable...

Glad we're not going back there again...

33 weeks!

Still hanging in there and growing! 43 inches around my middle and 19 vertically (48 weeks?!).

We somehow made it in and out of our NST today in an hour (a record). Apparently after next week they won't stop me if I go into labor. I'm quite thankful (beyond the obvious) that we have the cerclage, as I think it will keep them in longer at this point than if we were on our own. I'm still amazed that it's holding given how low and active baby boy has been. He often makes me jump with his swift kicks to my cervix (and bladder). Baby girl is really high and just below my skin it seems. I can often see and feel the outline of her head and limbs, it's a little nuts. They both never.stop.moving. Looking forward to having them on the outside.

Three months of bed rest down and three more weeks until we open the gate and let them loose!

29 weeks!

I'm growing!  My mom thinks I look full term (for one), which I guess makes sense considering I'm probably toting around 7 pounds of baby about now.

My navel is pretty much flat now, sometimes the top half sticks out a little.  It's on its way...

The (for now) small marks on my left that I was talking about...

But my right in unscathed, so far...

Not much new to report as my weekly appt. was early and uneventful this week, but we are so excited to be entering our 30th week.  Less than two weeks until we get to see the twins again at the 31 week u/s.  I'm ordering the rest of the baby items we'll need to start and my Mom is finishing up the crib skirts, though it'll be awhile before we can really completely finish the nursery, once I'm off bed rest (which I'll try to remember to post about when we do).

Starting to think about some year one goals and get them written down.  Besides the usual and obvious:

Some Year One/2012 Goals:
Join local mom/twin/play group
Enroll in classes: Babygarten, Kindermusik, swimming, etc.
Teach babies basic sign language
Breastfeed/pump exclusively for first year, adding foods when appropriate
Keep kids TV free (use music/toys/etc. for engagement instead)
Try out different cloth diapers and transition from 7th Gen
Start private school fund (moving back to city by school age) in addition to ramping up 529 funds
Start date nights while we have grandma help
Secure reliable childcare for when we no longer have regular grandma help
Take at least one family vacation getaway
Start planning to move twins to separate rooms if/when necessary

A month on... (& nearly 26 wks)

A month ago today, we had the emergency surgery that saved our babies.  It is still difficult for me to wrap my head around all that has happened.  To say that we feel lucky is a huge understatement, but as my step-mother told me frankly it was actually me that is responsible for them still being around.  By going to the hospital and seeking out an MFM promptly after we learned of the funneling, we made it known that we were not going to follow their passive stance and wait for the inevitable terrible things to happen, we were going to fight my failing body with everything that we had.  If I had waited the two weeks that the not my regular OB had told me to be seen again, it likely would have been too late.  As even on bed rest, 12 days later I quickly began to dilate.  While that should just make me feel good, it was a huge burden that was really overwhelming for me to carry for the several weeks as we waited to get to viability.  It is terrible to feel like you are the only ones who care about what is it stake.  They were not just 20 week not yet viable babies to us, they were/are our babies that we had already fought like hell for and were not just going to sit by and see if maybe we were lucky, they might make it.

We are coming up on 26 weeks, which is again not a major milestone, but is ever closer to the end point.  If the babies were to be born in the coming week, their chance of survival would be at least 85%.  The cerclage, which still appears to be holding, is now ten weeks from coming out.

I actually put real (non-yoga) clothes on today for my big trip to the OB, but don't get too excited I still don't do hair and make-up.  This dress makes me look bigger than anything else I've worn.

25 weeks!

We have two (very active) eggplant or rutabaga sized babies!  Up a few more pounds and officially weigh more than DH (he thinks this is pretty cool).

Glucose tolerance test was today, though we have to wait for them to call with results.  My stitched cervix is still holding tight, and we are now a mere 10-11 weeks from releasing the gate.  We'd obviously like to keep these babies cooking as long as possible for their sakes, but the cerclage needs to come out before I go into labor and there is a chance that my body will decide that's the time to let them loose.  We don't have an exact date yet for the removal, but 35-36 wks is Dec. 9-16.  Though I have heard of people having to be induced weeks after having it removed (oh the irony!), I'm guessing that won't be us.  I've also made the mistake of reading up on the removal process, which apparently is terribly painful.  I don't really care about that much, but I had no idea that it's because the cervical tissue actually starts to grow around the stitches (eek!).  Good thing we are closing up shop after this because it's going to be in even rougher shape than before.

It's been a good week.  My younger sister came in from NYC to hang out with us for my b-day and help out this week, which has been wonderful.  I don't want her to leave... :(  But she is starting a great new job on Monday and I'm very proud of her.  My mom and eldest sister are now here as well and will be until Sunday.  I have actually now finished a project on bed rest...  I finally put all the many twins' u/s pics into an album.  I also went to the dentist (shh, don't tell anyone) and was not only thrilled with how excited they were for me (and for my great report), but that the sweet hygienist who I commiserated with a year and half ago is getting ready to have a baby boy (w/the help of IVF).

In case you haven't been to the end of Long Island, here are few pics from our August, but seemingly forever ago, trip to Montauk...

and Southampton beach...

DH much preferred the Hamptons to the Cape and Islands, which made me kind of sad.  But after 15 years going there, maybe I could use a change.  He suggested we start rotating our favorite destinations now that we'll have new little people to share them with, which may be a healthy compromise.

21 weeks!

21 weeks (and one week into bed rest), and since I guess I've lost my excuses not to do belly pics...

Don't mind the ill fitting non-maternity clothes, we're doing laundry, and I don't leave the house anyway.

From the right...

And the left...

Oncoming...

And the money shot...

Belly button is still in, but flattening, so my lap scar in there is now getting his time in the spotlight (I can't see the lower one anymore, as he's hiding under my bump).

I'm up almost 20 lbs. now and generally feeling fine and sleeping somewhat better.  Much less pain and pressure now that I'm on bed rest.  The babies are VERY active when they are awake.

My mom is passing through town again this weekend as she fortunately sold and is closing next week on my grandmother's house in Ohio.  She has volunteered to do the sewing for the nursery, but I'm still planning to help.

17 weeks!

I decided it was time for a belly pic, so this is me today @ 17 weeks.  :)  I'm finally starting to look pregnant, even though whenever I tell anyone how far along I am w/twins, they don't believe me.  I guess people don't think you look pregnant unless you have a beach ball stomach.  Oh well, I'm sure I'll show them.

We finally have both hot water and air conditioning at home as of today. YIPPEE!  I feel like I'm living in the lap of luxury.  It's amazing how not having basic things like this for a couple of the hottest weeks of the year will alter your perspective.

Knock on wood, I'm still feeling really good.  I'm just uncomfortable when I go through the inevitable growth spurts.  I'm not sleeping through the night consistently, but I'm looking forward to hopefully/maybe doing that sometime soon, as obviously before long, I won't be sleeping much at all.

I finally signed us up for our Great Expectations for Multiples class at the hospital for September.  We'll also be taking breastfeeding multiples and CPR.  My OB wants us to make sure we have all of these done before 24 weeks, in case I end up on bedrest.

On tap tomorrow (finally!) is prenatal yoga.  Can't wait!

Happy weekend! :)

13 weeks!

I still can't believe we are 13 weeks along.  Bye bye 1st tri!  I took off my very last E2 patch today (OMG!) after being on them (and up to four at one point) since the 1st of April (after starting BCP in March!).  That was a very long time ago and I think it will take awhile for the skin on my stomach to go back to normal.  It looks like I had the Olympic rings tattooed down there.  I'm looking forward to being able to tend to my skin appropriately again. 

I also get to start weaning off of my PIO tonight (from 1.5cc nightly since April 21st, to 1cc for a week, then .5cc for another week).  Only two more weeks of meds to go...  My butt can't wait.  Don't listen to anyone who tells you that an FET is easier or shorter or whatever than a fresh cycle.  Hogwash.  We spent nearly as much on four months of maintenance meds for our FET as we did for our stims for a fresh cycle.

Finally went to the new chiropractor today.  She is really nice and even though I've been feeling pretty good, my spine is completely wacky.  She adjusted me today and I go back twice next week, once the next and then I'll go in every other week.  Very thankful we have chiropractic coverage, I almost forgot how good it feels.

Prenatal yoga starts up again on the 23rd.  Sadly, the wonderful instructor I had for fertility yoga and prenatal last time has moved to MN for her husband's job and there will be a new instructor.  I miss Jen. :'(  I could also go into the city and do it several places there, but I've got five pre-paid classes at PDTM from my last pregnancy, so I'm going to start there and see how it goes.

In other exciting news, I finally broke down and bought a new, bigger, and wireless bra.  I'm in heaven.  I also discovered the wonder of panel pants.  Thank you God!  I've got several great summer dresses to wear, but sometimes you want to be able to throw on some capri pants and a cute summer top.  Victory!

Eight weeks and five years...

Eight weeks pregnant


I have mixed feelings about belly pics, but I guess I need to get over this. Enjoy the VPL, nice. I'm feeling decent, really tired and passing spells of nausea, but nothing I can't handle.


Five years ago today, we closed on our house (our first together :) ), and a few days later we got engaged. DH wanted to wait for the anniversary of our first date to propose, but I remember being kind of annoyed that we hadn't yet made it official. It was just a formality, since we'd been attached at the hip practically since we met.

So that means it's been six years since we first met. My how much has happened since then...