Our Family

Friday, January 15, 2010

12 days to go!

Hi everyone -
I know that for the past 30 weeks or so, you've been patiently awaiting our arrival, and many of you thought that we would be here by now. However, as you see, it is really nice and warm where we are, and we've heard that it is very cold outside! So, we really aren't in any hurry to come out yet!
Mommy and Daddy went to the doctor today for their weekly visit. They did an ultrasound to see what position we are in, and to ensure we are still growing. The doctor told them that we are both still breech - or right side up when they really wanted us to be upside down. So, unfortunately they are going to have to come in and get us cause otherwise, we may not ever come out. The C-section is scheduled for 1/27 at 12:30 p.m., so probably by 2:00 or so that afternoon you should all know if we are boys, girls, or one of each.
They measured us today, but they aren't sure their estimates are very accurate for Right. They are estimating Right is 5 1/2 pounds, but they had some difficulties with the head measurement, so they think the weight may be a bit underestimated. Left on the other hand is still winning the weight battle, and is estimated to be 6 pounds 3 ounces - exactly where Mommy was hoping.

Mommy and Daddy got some other good news today as well...Maw-ma is getting out of the hospital either tonight or tomorrow morning! This is very good, as she should be able to travel down to be here with us on our birthday! She was very worried she wouldn't be able to make it. Mommy and Daddy have been telling us both to just hang on, which is the other reason we haven't come out yet.

Mommy has been slowing down a bit over the past few weeks, but everyone continues to tell her how great she looks - especially for having twins! Her feet and legs are very swelled, and she gets tired very easily, but overall, she's doing well. Please pray for her over the next 12 days that she can find some comfort!

Thank you all for continuing to think of us. We look forward to meeting you all soon!

Love,
Left and Right Hart

Tuesday, January 12, 2010

What does it mean to be rich?

My entry today is inspired by my dad. :-)

Many people think that being rich is about how much money or how many possessions they have. However, in my eyes, my parents are the richest people on earth, and it has nothing to do with money or possessions.
In December, my parents celebrated their 40th wedding anniversary.
Throughout those 40 years, my parents have endured many life challenges. They have lost jobs, but still found a way to pay the bills . They have lost parents, and found a way to grieve while keeping the memories of their parents alive. They have watched their children grow up and move away, but still find time for weekend visits. My parents have survived, because they've always faced things together.
The month since my parents' anniversary hasn't been any different...they have faced their next struggle together.
On December 7, my mom was diagnosed with colon cancer.
When they shared the news with us on their anniversary, Mom assured all of us that she didn't feel sick, and that the doctor was very confident that they had caught this early. She never said "if"...always said "when she beats this". I believe this was as much for her as it was for us, and it was definitely the attitude that we all needed to tackle this obstacle.
My mom had surgery on January 7, with my dad, my sisters and my brother at her side. She also knew that Rod and I would have given anything to be there with all of them, and we sent our love and prayers.
The day of the surgery was a stressful day for all, but we all survived by leaning on each other. Friday mom was talking a bit, sitting in a chair and making progress. Saturday she took a few steps. By Sunday, she was definitely on the road to recovery.
However, the best news came last night (Monday), when the doctor shared the results of the pathology report with mom - it was Stage 1. No chemo. No radiation.
God continues to bless our family with all the riches that we need. He's given my parents the opportunity to continue through life together, and to look forward to all that life has in store for their children and grandchildren.
For us, that's what it means to be rich.
How rich are you?

Thursday, January 7, 2010

What did the doctor say this week?

Today, I am 35 weeks and 2 days into my pregnancy!
We had our weekly appointment today, and the doctor told us exactly what we wanted to hear (well, some of what she said was what we wanted to hear, and some of it was actually kind of mean when I think back on it).
First, they did my strep test today, so we'll need to wait to find out the results of that. Nothing major if it comes back positive - just need to take a bunch of antibiotics before delivery.
Next, she said - wow, you are big! (This is the part that looking back was kind of mean) However, considering I am ALL belly with these babies, she is right. My belly has gotten quite big. She measured my belly, and we checked for the heartbeats.
Doctor asked about movement...I'm still feeling these little boogers moving everywhere, so that's a good thing.
Lastly, she checked my cervix, and the babies are still very high (they haven't dropped) and my cervix is still closed...so then she said these babies may stay in there till they are adults! We were really hoping they would tell us that these babies weren't coming any time soon, so this made us very happy.
Right now, the 27th is looking like the day. 20 more days...and that's really what we want. Hopefully Maw-ma will be fully recovered and able to come and meet our little wonders on the 27th. Plus, the doctor said today that judging by the size of my belly, we have good sized babies. She's very confident that both babies will be able to stay in the room with Brian and me after delivery, and will not have to go to the NICU. This also means that we'll all get to come home as a family. This is all that we have prayed for over the last 35 weeks!
So, our next appointment is Friday January 15th. We'll have an ultrasound to check the growth of the babies, and see the doctor. Hopefully, we hear what we heard today again, and we'll continue waiting to welcome our little ones on the 27th.
Please pray that these babies don't decide to come before the 27th, and please pray for my mom's recovery so that she is able to be here with us soon after the babies arrive.

Thank you all for your love and support over the past 8 months!
Love,
Kate, Brian, and the babies

Tuesday, January 5, 2010

Week 35 comes to a close...

Hi everyone -
Week 35 is coming to a close today, and week 36 is just beginning. Making it this far is such a milestone in our journey! At this point, each day is something to celebrate.
We've made a lot of progress over the past week. We finally ordered baby furniture for the nursery. We have almost all of the baby clothes, blankets, burp cloths, etc. washed up and ready for our little bundles of joy. We also made a trip to BabiesRUs to purchase some of the last remaining items we think we need.
We have a few things to do yet - like pack our bags for the hospital, put the car seat bases in the car, and pick out names. However, these seem like very small tasks compared to some of the things that were on our to-do list a few weeks ago!
We have an appointment scheduled for Thursday to see how things are going, and they are planning to do another ultrasound next Friday (1/15) to check on the growth of our little miracles. We are hoping that our journey continues for a few more weeks so we can iron out those final details, and have 2 very healthy babies enter this world.
We'll post more information once we have it.
Hope everyone has a great week!
Kate