Cruising at the start of week 35 - who would have thought?

Hi everyone -
Yes, we have successfully completed week 34 and are cruising at the begining of week 35! Well, cruising may be a bit of an embellishment, as the extra weight is taking its toll on my hips, and making it harder to get around, but we are surviving!
Months ago we set a goal to make it through the holidays. Some had their reservations (mom), but here we are...on the verge of the new year, and everything is still going very well for a multiple pregnancy!
Brian talked at the beginning about how cool it would be to have one baby just before midnight on NYE, and the other just after midnight...that way they'd have their own birthdays, and even be born in different years (and decades)! However, now I think he is really hoping that we make it as far along as possible to ensure that we have 2 healthy babies that we can bring home once they arrive. So, after we make it to Friday morning, then we strive to make it to January 12th (the end of my 36 weeks), then after that, our target will be January 27th!
Since the new year is upon us, it is only fitting to reflect on 2009, and for us, specifically the past 34 weeks. I realized today that so much has changed, and these babies haven't even arrived yet! So many people have told us that "things will never be the same" - usually in the context of not sleeping, chaos, and learning to be completely unselfish. However, I see how many things have changed already - in a very good way.
For example...Brian. 36 weeks ago if someone would have asked me what my biggest concern was with having a baby, I probably would have told them...

1. Brian would panic at the first sign of a contraction and want to rush to the hospital. However, our childbirth classes were very beneficial in educating Brian that this is a process - and these babies aren't coming after the first contraction. Now, I'm concerned that he'll want to watch the end of the football game/tv show/whatever and put off going to the hospital for as long as possible.
2. Brian would probably be on a gurny in the delivery room next to me, as he would faint at the first sign of blood/fluid, etc. However, again, the childbirth classes were pretty graphic, and he survived them. Now, he is disappointed that he won't be able to cut the umbilical cord because we'll have to do a C-section.
3. Brian would not change a single diaper. But now, he has changed 1 1/2 diapers of Lylah's, and he watched as I changed one of Knox's diapers. He's pretty sure that if it's his own kid, he can do it! (I'm really hoping he can, cause otherwise, I'll be doing nothing BUT changing diapers for the next few months!)

In all seriousness, 34 weeks ago I was fairly certain that Brian would be an amazing dad. Now, I KNOW without a doubt that he will be. He is already concerned with their safety (and mine), and he loves us all so much. He can't hide his excitement when we go through the baby clothes, or try to figure out the toys that we have for the babies already. He beems with pride when he talks to the babies (wishing them a good morning or telling them goodnight, which are always combined with hugs for all of us). And the look of amazement on his face when he puts his hand on my belly and gets to feel one of them roll over or struggle with the hickups - it's priceless.

We still have much to do to prepare for the babies, but someone told us along the way that as long as you have two arms to wrap your baby in, they really don't need much else. And we definitely have a lot of love to give these two little babies!

So, we ask for your prayers that our journey continues for a few more weeks, and remain uneventful and healthy. Thank you all for your love and support during this time.

Love,

Kate, Brian, and the babies

32 week update - from last Thursday 12/17

Hi everyone -
We had our 32 week ultrasound last Thursday - time just continues to fly!
The babies and I are all doing great still. It's a little hard to make things out on the ultrasound now as the babies are getting bigger and they are running out of room. However, everything still looks good, and they are ACTIVE babies!
Measurements last week estimated Baby A at 4 pounds, 4 ounces, and Baby B at 4 pounds 9 ounces - so most likely I have around 8 pounds of baby I'm carrying already!
My blood pressure is still normal, and no sign of protein, so little risk of pre-eclampsia. My cervis is still closed - which makes ALL of us very happy.
I've had a bit of an issue for the past few weeks with swelling in my feet - only shoes I can get on are my tennis shoes. So, I look like a dork, but overall, still feeling well.
The one bit of bad news that we received is that Baby A didn't get the memo, and is breech (butt down). So, right now the doctors are plannign a C-section to deliver these babies. :-( Not what we were hoping for, but all things considered, we'll deal with it.
The doctor indicated that they will not let me go past 38 weeks, so we currently have a C-section scheduled for Jaunary 27th at 12:30 p.m. Of course, anything could happen before then (go into labor, my water could break, etc.), but right now that's the plan! That should give us 2 very healthy babies that we can bring home from the hospital, and we should still be able to have the baptism on 2/13!
I have an appt. this afternoon, so another post will follow later.
Please continue to pray for all of us - we'd really like to make it to January 27th!
Love to all...
Kate, Brian and the babies.

More photos...

Pictures from the weekend

Christmas/Anniversary Celebration

Wow - it's been a long time, so I guess I'll do a couple of posts!
First - what have we been up to...
I had my 31 week appointment for the babies on 12-8, and everything checked out fine.
The rest of the week was busy as we were preparing to celebrate Christmas with my family, and also to celebrate 40 years of marriage for my parents. So, we put the Christmas tree up, did lots of Christmas shopping, wrapped all the gifts...and we got everything done that we needed to.
Thursday 12-10 was my Christmas party for work, so I had the afternoon off. When Brian was finished with work, we needed to go to church for our baptism prep class that evening. It was very enlightening and informative, and we are very excited about getting the babies baptized in February.
Then, the whirlwind weekend began...Friday morning, we packed up the car, and headed to Toledo. Unfortunately, it was a very long ride for me and the babies - they really don't like being in the car for more than an hour! Upon arrival, Brian needed to stop into the office in Toledo to finish something up at the last minute, then we headed to Lyn and RJ's. They were taking the kids to see Santa Clause, so we tagged along. the trip was interesting, as Brian and I got a glimpse of what life is going to be like for us - getting 2 kids dressed and out the door takes time! However, it was very precious to see Lyn's 2 kids sitting on Santa's lap, so we know that fruits of our labor will be worth it.
Friday evening, we met our friend Barb for dinner and conversation. It was so wonderful to catch up with her. However, our visit was limited as there were other friends to see. After dinner, we headed to Waterville to visit/meet a former co-worker of Brian's. Although Brian and I have been together for almost 7 1/2 years, I had never met Marcia until Friday evening. We had a great time visiting with Marcia, Robin, and their family and friends...although it was a bit odd for me to be in a bar drinking water!
We were able to enjoy a good night of sleep and Lyn and RJ's, then Saturday morning packed up to head to my parents. Once everyone arrived, we did some family pictures, enjoyed a delicious lunch, then it was time to celebrate Christmas! We all received many nice gifts, but the best was having everyone together - including Rod and Dennis from Phoenix.
After Christmas, it was time to finish preparing to celebrate mom and dad's 40th anniversary. We washed up the good china, finished the sides for dinner, and left detailed instructions for Aunt Shirley for finishing up dinner. Then, we were off to church at 4:00. (You all thought I was kidding earlier when I said it was a whirlwind weekend, didn't you?)
Mass was very nice. They mentioned mom and dad's anniversary during the petitions, and they were asked to carry up the gifts. Gram was there, as well as Aunt Marie, Uncle Jim, Uncle Bill, Aunt Jean, Hunter and Ryan. It was nice to have so many loves ones present to celebrate such a milestone.
After church and visiting, we headed back to mom and dad's house for the remainder of the evening. Aunt Shirley had everything set up for us, and we enjoyed a delicious Prime Rib dinner (along with a few beverages for most of us). It was a jam packed day, but a very joyous celebration.
Sunday was a very relaxing day, as we really didn't have a whole lot planned. Gram and Pete stopped by to spend some time with Rod and Dennis, as did Aunt Marie and Uncle Bill. We spent time looking through mom and dads wedding albums, and laughing at how much things have changed in 40 years.
Monday, Brian and I, dad, Lyn, RJ, and the kids went to Montpelier and took mom out for lunch before it was time to head back to Cincinnati. We stopped to see Brian's mom and his sisters for a while, had dinner with them, then onward home. We were all exhausted when we arrived home - thankful for a wonderful weekend, but also very happy to finally be home. Our last trip before the arrival of the babies had concluded.
Pictures from the weekend will be posted shortly. Hope you enjoy.
A baby update will follow shortly as well.
Love to all,
Kate

30 week update!

Hi everyone -
Yesterday marked the end of my 30th week!
We marked the occasion with a trip to the doctor.
The doctor indicated that making it to 30 weeks with twins is our first milestone - and congratulated us. She said we would now focus on getting to 32 weeks, then 34 weeks - and anything after that is just icing on the cake!
Our appointment went really well. I've officially gained 19 pounds, I'm measuring fine, and my health overall is still really well. The doctor reviewed everything - my glucose test was a 78 - which is very low, and very good. My repeat iron test was amazing (she indicated most twins are anemic, but no sign of that for us). No more swelling issues. My leg cramps have gotten better since I started the magnesium supplement. Still having contractions, but nothing regular or timable. Overall, things couldn't be any better!
I got to listen to the heartbeats again (this is becoming my favorite part of our visits). I saw a doctor yesterday that I hadn't seen since my very first visit. After hearing the heartbeats - she had a different prediction on the genders! She predicts seeing a lot of BLUE in our future (she thinks we are having two boys). When I shared this perspective with Brian, he seemed a little disappointed - I think he is really hoping for a boy and a girl. Guess we still just have to wait and see once they come and join us!

Things continue to be busy for us. We were out of town the whole week of Thanksgiving. We were able to have dinner with our friend Melissa, spent time helping Lyn adjust to having 2 small children for a few days, visited with my Grandma, and spent Thanksgiving with Brian's family. Friday we celebrated Thanksgiving with my parents, Aaron, Lyn and RJ, and RJ's parents. Saturday we were able to get a little bit of Christmas shopping done, as well as be Godparents for Knox's baptism. Lyn and RJ are really blessed with a sweet little boy, and Brian and I are honored to be his Godparents.
Sunday we stopped in to visit Brian's other Godchild, Ashley, as well as Jay and Tracy. Then we returned to Cincy, and continued our preparation for the babies. We are working on cleaning out and organizing closets, cupboards, etc. We were able to move a lot of the baby stuff into the closet in the nursery - now we just need to get some furniture in there!
We have lots of appointments and things to do this week, which may be challenging, as the tiredness is starting to set in. Please say some prayers that we are able to continue tackling our "to-do" list!

Hope everyone has a great week.
Love,
Kate