It is written in the stars above

I've been meaning to update my blog for awhile. I knew having two babies would keep me hopping but in reality it's been crazy!
Thank you all for the well wishes and congratulations! We've been waiting so long for our babies and it's been so amazing. I'm in heaven! I am savoring every moment with my babies.
They are both doing well. I was discharged on Halloween and that was super hard to leave them there. It was like leaving a part of me behind. Two days later they were both eating well and maintaining their weights and temps and I was able to bring them home.
Peanut (Baby A) and Squeakers (Baby B) are excellent eaters (Peanut is on the boo crew, Squeakers is supplementing with high calorie formula but he's slowly hopping on the boo crew too), gaining weight, keeping their eyes open for longer periods of time and really only cry when hungry or need a diaper change.
I'm still in shock that they are here and that there are two of them!
My husband has been wonderful. He has jumped in with both feet and has been very supportive with nursing, taking care of E and the house. I couldn't ask for a better partner. He is doing an excellent job taking care of all of us.
E has been good also with all the changes. We aren't having people over other than our parents because of the babies immature immune system. That has been hard on E because it means no friends can come over. Her friends and their families have been having E over to play and that has been a big help.
My first time out of the house was two weeks after we brought them home. We had two errands to run (E was with me) which wasn't going to take us long. We were on our way home when I get a text from M asking me if we would be home soon. Peanut was refusing the bottle and Logan was throwing up. Oh my! It felt great to be out of the house but I felt bad that M had a rough time.
I've been living in the living room with the babies. It's just easier and the couch is super comfy. I have the bassinet right next to the couch in case both babies have to be fed.
M took off two weeks right after they were born and it was great having him to help me. He's back at work full time so he stays with me downstairs on Fridays and Saturdays.
The puppies have been good with the babies. Kona doesn't mind them and Logan is a mother hen. He's even nudged me when I've been napping to wake me when one of them is crying.
We're holding our own here and are enjoying every moment with the babies. I will try to post but I know it won't be too often. I have pictures to add but I don't know how to do that with my new laptop (combo birthday-which was Nov 4- and Christmas gifts). I will ask M and post pictures of the babies.
I will write about the labor and delivery in the next post. A memorable experience to say the least!

At 12:37 and 12:50 am today, (10/29), the boys arrived.
Happy to report that mom and the boys are all doing well. I will leave the remainder of the details for mom to report upon her return home.
M.

E spent the weekend at my parents. She loves going down there. They went to a pumpkin patch and carved pumpkins. She's going to another pumpkin patch today. One where they will have activities and animals. I would love to go but I can't walk around like that, plus I have my cousin's shower to go to. I told her we would make pumpkin seeds. Yum!

They look great all lit up!

Wednesday we had an appointment to see how things are going. At the last visit both babies weighed 3 lbs. Now Baby A weighs 5 lbs 6 oz and Baby B weighs 4 lbs 11 oz!!!! Holy Toledo batman! I'm amazed and in shock. I'm thrilled with their growth. They are measuring right where they should be. The doctor said we can go at any time. Our next high risk appt is Nov 10. If we haven't had the babies before that, then we will pick out a date. I do have regular ob appt's scheduled for every week now.
We're pretty much ready to go here. Their room is done. The play yard is up and ready in our room. Tomorrow the car seat bases are going in.
I'm trying to get ready myself. I have some things to return to stores. I got my hair cut a little shorter and with more layers so it will be easier to do. I bought some extra stuff for the house so we don't run out. I'm trying to keep up on the laundry in case I go into labor.
I do feel so much pressure down there. I've noticed an increase in --tmi--discharge. And the Braxton Hicks contractions are doozies now. Heartburn is coming with every meal. The high risk doctor said the uterus will only stretch so much and then it will send the babies out. I wonder when mine will reach it's limit?
It's so cute how our family keeps buying us clothes and stuff. They will be the best dressed kids on the block! We are very blessed ;-)

Here we are the day before I start 35 weeks. I feel so blessed and lucky. It's been a long journey but well worth it. I am taking it day by day which has been my mantra for a while now. Sometimes it's so surreal. I look at my belly, feel them move, spend time in the nursery and it seems like it's all a dream.
Tomorrow we have our high risk appt. I'm excited to see the babies and find out how much they weigh. We will also find out if a c section is definite. If a c section is in our future I believe it will be closer to our cut off date of Nov 17.
I had a bona fide craving last night! While watching Cake Boss's Buddy make a margherita pizza I started drooling! My fabulous husband then went and got me one--at 9:30 pm! Fresh mozzarella and basil--you can't beat it! I had two slices ;-)

Here is a picture from E and K's wedding. A funny story about my dress. The seamstress took out my seams on the sides because it was too tight across my belly. I did not know until I was getting dressed for the wedding that you could see my underwear and belly! Thankfully we were getting ready at the lady's house that owned the ceremony/reception place and she let me borrow a slip.

Two Peas In a Pod theme.













These were fabulous! Super easy to make. The best part for me was to disassemble and viola--no waste!


















I waited so long for this. I enjoyed it so much ;-)














My helper.











My Mom took this picture before we left. The rattle and lamp were E's.

My shower was last weekend. It was beautiful! The theme was Two Peas in a Pod. We received lots of things we will need and it was nice to spend time with my family and friends. I wish I had more time to sit and talk with people though. I'm almost done washing all their things. I love the smell of D.reft ;-) We can also walk through the living room now! Their room is pretty much done. I have to make room in our bedroom for the play yard. It will be easier to nurse with them in the same room. I did the same thing with E.
Today is my best friend E's wedding rehearsal. Her fiancee is wonderful and I'm so happy for them. I'm a bridesmaid and E is the flower girl. I got my dress at David's Bridal. It's cute. It's the first one I tried on and I really liked it. I had to laugh when I picked it up (I had ordered it one size larger and had the bust taken in). I had just tried it on two weeks prior and the bottom was fine but not anymore. The seamstress had to let out both side seams. What are you going to do? I bought shoes at T.arget but I think when we come home I'm going to D.SW shoes and seeing what I can find there. I do wish they made super fancy slippers!
I'm having a problem uploading pictures but I will figure it out.
We are nearing the mark of the babies lungs being mature--35 weeks. I am all for making it to 38 weeks but it's a struggle. I think the lack of sleep due to going to the bathroom at least once an hour and being uncomfortable are taking it's toll on me. I just want them to be healthy of course but if I could speed up to November that would be nice. lol

I'm trying to get everything done--babies room, organize the house, etc. I would really like to clean the house thoroughly before the babies come. I don't know if I would call it nesting per say because I'm a nut with cleaning the house. A touch of ocd I have. I wish there were more hours in the day. We are getting short on time. I feel like once October comes we'll be on borrowed time.
I'm ordering the menu today for the shower. I can't believe it's two weeks away! I'm still waiting on the majority of people to call for the rsvp. The head count is due one week from today so there is still time for people to respond.
Tonight is St. Anthony and St. George's Lebanese festival. I'm so excited! They haven't had it in years because of lack of help from the parishes. Bazaars are big in this area. We used to go every year. I love Kibbe, tabbouleh, baklava and hummus! I think I missed my ethnicity ;-)
I had another high risk appt yesterday. Measuring right on target and 3 lbs each! I'm thrilled that they are growing and gaining weight. I feel like I should be bigger than I am. Dr. P is very happy with how things are going. The ultrasound tech found Baby A head down and Baby B is heads up. If B doesn't move head down before 33 weeks we are likely headed for a C-section. I
would really like to have them vaginally because the recovery from surgery is going to be rough.

I had to take another glucose test. Usually with a singleton pregnancy you do it once but it's repeated with twins. I received a message from my ob's office to call them. I did call them back--I failed. My number was 151 and it was supposed to be under 129. Phooey! So I get to go in for the 3 hour test. I'm wondering when I can go. The nurse said that I would be there for 4 hours. Holy moly that's a long time! What does one do for four hours? I don't think I can leave either. If I could I would hang out at Barnes and Noble and read or go shopping. Hopefully I will pass!
The babies room has turned out to be fabulous!!! My Dad and M did such a fantastic job. My Dad put up crown molding with corner accents (he missed his calling--he should have been an interior designer), a shelf on top of molding that runs around the room and they both painted. E picked out the colors (the babies room is the same as her room at my parent's house). I feel it is important for her to have a say so she doesn't feel excluded.

I wish I would have taken a picture when it was still M's office. It was all orange. I think the color was called Mandarin.




































































I love this trim! I had valances to put up but I'm not now because I don't want to hide the beautiful trim work.











The babies room is now the most beautiful room in the whole house! Thanks Dad and M!

Thank you so much for your heart felt sympathies about Magnus! I greatly appreciate them ;-)
Also thank you for the anniversary well wishes!

Because my provider will only do an ultrasound with 3d if there is something wrong I scheduled my own 3d appointment today. 30 minutes was not enough! It was wonderful to get a glimpse inside their world and see how they are. I should have gone a couple of weeks ago but I did not know that. The babies space is cramped. Some pictures/video are all hands, feet and bodies! Both are very active and doing well. M thinks they are going to come early because they will run out of room.

Four years ago today I married the man of my dreams. Who knew a wink would lead to something so wonderful? Happy anniversary and I love you!

My parents just left my house. I invited them up for dinner. I thought it would be nice to spend time with them and talk about Maggie.
I went and had prints made of pictures we took of Maggie and the family. They came out really nice. I bought a frame with two 4 x 6 openings and a nice matting. I put in a picture of my Dad with Magnus and the other of his paw print.
A dog like Maggie comes along once in a great while. He was born on a turkey farm in Montreal, Canada. He was fat (from a diet of rice, hamburger and oil) and had a boisterous personality. I can remember him running back and forth across the yard with an enormous stick in his mouth and having the best time. I took him for walks to the water falls behind my house and numerous runs. Being an only child I spent a lot of time with him. I don't want to forget all my special memories of him.
I told E when the weather gets cool we'll look in the attic for pictures of Magnus. She's putting together a scrapbook about him.



Life goes on. This I know. It will be different. But for right now I'm doing ok. I appreciate all your kinds word.

















Yes, Magnus is really at the kitchen table. He truly was part of our family. This is one of my favorite pictures of him. My sweet Maggie.

I talked with my Mom yesterday and it was decided that Maggie (Magnus) will be put to sleep on Saturday. His quality of life is so little. He eats, sleeps and goes to the bathroom. Maggie's sense of smell is still good but that's about it. I haven't heard him bark in such a long time and his nubbin tail no longer wags when he sees me.
It is such a difficult decision to make. I believe we are kinder to our animals than people. My grandfather spent many years in a nursing home with the same quality of life as Maggie. It would be kinder if we could do the same for our human loved ones.
You love them so much because they become your family. You love them enough to let them go. It still breaks my heart that my best friend of almost 13 years will be not be here with me. We've been through so much together. So much joy and sadness. Just life. He is my best friend and he loved me so much--I loved him dearly too. I like to think that if I was the one in his place and he were in mine he would love me and make the same decision.
He will soon be with my cat Marnie (she was 20 years old when she was put to sleep this past fall) and I know she will welcome him with open arms.
It's just hard to believe that this time has come. It's the end of an era of a my best friend, my buddy.



Logan and Magnus
















Maggie going for a ride with me











Maggie and me

The summer is crazy! The beach was great ;-) We had such a good time with my Dad and aunt and uncle. Ocean City, NJ is clean and there's lots to do. We went to the ocean (I sat underneath a beach umbrella and read), walked on the boardwalk, painted ceramics, went shopping and had some really yummy steamed clams. E got a hermit crab named Gary. He got a new friend Patrick about two weeks later. Apparently they do better with a friend. I never thought I would ever own a hermit crab but I really enjoy them! At the end of the week I was ready to come home-there's no place like home!
Now we're staying out at my friend's cottage for two weeks. E does their bible camp and I read and relax. We only came home tonight because tomorrow morning she has a birthday party.
I'm still hanging in there. The babies are doing fine. I had an appt Aug 2 and all is well. Our high risk appt is Aug 18. I went through E's old blankets and clothes I kept to put things aside for the babies and I found my belly cast I made with E 10 days before she was born. I am the same size now as I was at the end of my pregnancy with her! Amazing. I'm tossing and turning at night trying to find a comfortable sleep position. Thank goodness for my new fluffy body pillow. Sitting is a new challenge also. I can sit straight up or fully reclined but I can't slouch. I know slouching isn't good for your back anyway. My allergies are acting up again. But that's all ok--just keep the babies growing and healthy. That's all I want and pray for.
What's new with you?

We are headed to Ocean City, Nj until next Saturday. I won't have access to a computer so this is my last post until then.
I hope everyone has a great week!

We wish you all a happy and safe 4th of July!

















(this picture was taken with a milkbone in my mouth)

you can find some pretty neat stuff. Click on the video to make it bigger.

I had a reg ob appt today. Everything is good. I took E with me. I think she would have been more impressed if we had an us. We heard the heart beats and she said, "I think they're fighting." I asked the doctor about my uterus getting really hard. He told me it's due to muscles being stretched and them wanting to go back to where they were. I'm glad it wasn't anything major.
We have gone through through the office. Garbage has been thrown out and items to be taken to the Sal Val have been put aside. We are going to go through all the rooms in the house and get organized. I want to be ready for when the babies come.
We ordered blinds for all the bedroom windows. I am super excited about this! They are room darkening shades. The master bedroom will be a Roman shade. E's room and the nursery will have honey comb shades. I believe the shades will all be in by August.
Off to read Ha.rry Potter and get some zzzz's.

Yesterday was hot! Today it's another hot one with a chance of thunderstorms. My parents brought back a hula girl years ago when they went to Las Vegas. I have her up in the new car with some velcro on the dashboard. The only thing is, when it gets hot the adhesive melts and well, take a look:


Hula girl up
























Hula girl down


















Stay cool today girls!

It's been almost a week since we found out Baby A and Baby B are healthy boys. I still can't believe M was right!
I can feel them moving again. It's very reassuring to me.
I had another ob appointment and my incision is healing well and the heart beats were 144 and 153. So much for that old wives tale that boys have heart beats below 140.
I thought of a word that we haven't used before: sons. We are going to be parents of sons. I'm still amazed that we will have two boys.
E and I picked out some clothes and bibs. It was very cool to pick out stuff for them. I've been looking online for nursery stuff; bedding sets and wall decorations. I would like two different sets but I'm not sure if I can find ones that complement each other. P.ottery Barn has a beautiful Madras plaid set. I love plaid--it's one of my favorite patterns and it's a Mighty Mighty Bosstones song "Bad in Plaid". I know it's a long way off but I like to check out all my options. I'm a planner and a tad ocd.
I spent some time at the cottage with Chachi, her friend from work and his son. We ate, talked and watched S.einfeld. The cottage is just so relaxing. When I first arrived I went with Chachi and her mom to look for buried treasure. Her mom had a nifty metal detector set to find money or jewelry. All we found was a rusted trough. Oh, well.
Now it's time for a bowl of frosted Ch.eerios and D.eadliest Catch.

Great news--both babies are healthy and growing beautifully!!! We were at the office for over 2 1/2 hours. It was a marathon visit.
Of course the best part was seeing them. We spent an hour getting to see them. The us tech took pictures of their bones, spines, noses, hearts, etc. One is measuring 16 weeks and the other is 16 weeks and one day. It was a huge relief to see them and to know that they are healthy. I was so worried about the effects of the pain meds and anesthesia on them.
They weren't shy about showing us what they were either:









































We are so very blessed and lucky to have two healthy babies.

This weekend was super busy. Friday we spent some time at the campground with Chachi. Very relaxing. It's just a cute little laid back place.
Saturday after leaving the campground we went to visit my parents.
Sunday we went strawberry picking. 26 lbs! I made 3 batches of jam. I was crazy and now am super tired.
We finally got an appt with the high risk folks!! This Wednesday we will meet with the genetic counselor, doc and physician's assistant. And we will be having our Level II ultrasound. I hope they are growing ok. Bonus-I hope to find out their genders.

I love this enamel bowl. Thanks Dad!



















Almost 30 jars of jam.

We had our ob appointment today coupled with my post op check up. My incision is healing nicely. The PA was a lovely girl named Sarah. "She had so much energy", I said to M. To which he replied--"Everyone seems to have a lot of energy to you." I laughed. True. But she had more. She took of my steri strips (I wanted to peel them off yesterday but M wouldn't let me). She asked if I was having any problems and I told her about the pressure on my bum and painful passing of gas--sorry tmi. She told me to take a stool softener, keep drinking water, eating greens and fruits and take a sitz bath (sitting in warm water).
She had the Doppler and found the first baby, who was on my left, who had a heartbeat of 160. She had trouble with the next baby because he/she was moving around. Finally that heartbeat was 150. It was amazing to hear their heartbeats. I have been feeling them flutter around now for about two weeks. I hadn't felt them in the past two days. It makes me nervous because I don't have anything else to go on. They aren't big enough that you can feel them kick. It was very reassuring to hear them.
I go next week for my glucose test and I have another ob appointment in two weeks.
We are still waiting for the high risk office to call us for our appointment with them. I was told I will be seeing them the first week in July. That's when we will have the level II us. And that means finding out the gender!

I would like to thank my wonderful husband for posting for me. He did such a great job! Thank you M.!!
I'm getting better. I'm taking it one day at a time. My belly is only a little sore. I can get out of bed with a only a little maneuvering and I'm trying to eat better. My apatite has been non existent.
Last Wednesday I got up at 5 am to go to the bathroom. I was wide awake so I went downstairs to watch tv with puppies. Then the pain started. Just like menstrual cramps. I called the ob and he said to come in at 9:15 am to be examined. By the time we dropped E off at school I was doubled over in pain and crying.
They took me right in at the office. I had to have an internal exam and it took everything I had to lie down on the table. I knew they were checking my cervix. It looked fine. We then went for an ultrasound. The babies were fine. I'm not sure at what point they came to the conclusion that it was not pregnancy related. I was very happy about that but then I'm wondering what is causing all this pain.
I was wheeled over to labor and delivery for further examination by the high risk ob. After much poking (3 tries for the iv.), ultrasounds (darn that right ovary with cysts), drugs (stadol, morphine and fetinal) it was determined to open me up to check things out. I felt so bad for M. I'm telling him that I don't want the surgery. But since I was loopy he had to make the decision and sign the papers. My Mom told me later that once you reach a certain point with pain the only relief is from general anesthesia. The pain was the most intense I have ever felt. I was crying and rocking. At one point I think we had six doctors in the room. They sure do move when you are screaming and crying like I was.
They found my right ovary had cysts and it must have been tipped over at one point (where the extreme pain came from) because of the weight of the cysts. Soon I was in recovery and then in my room.
I had two ultrasound done--one Wednesday night and one Thursday night. The babies looked great and were active.
I stayed until Friday. My doctors and nurses were great. They took such good care of me.
I'm glad to be home. My scar is like a c-section scar. I have to keep drinking lots of water and eating my fruits and veggies to stay regular.
We have an ob appointment tomorrow. It will also include my post op visit. I will update after.
I would love to have an us just to make sure they're still ok.
Thank you for keeping us in your prayers and thoughts.

M. posting for his better half.

Sorry for all the italics on the last post. I am quite the amateur at this blogging stuff.
Anyway, the Mrs came home this afternoon. Our medical staff is outstanding, and made a point of surprising her around 10pm last night with an ultrasound, as they knew we worried about the effects of the surgery and medications on the pregnancy.

While I wasn't able to be present for it, the Mrs told me that both babies were quite active. Said they looked like there were actually fighting and it was a very nice sight to see. I'm not only glad to hear that news, I'm also glad because I know it relieved the Mrs quite a bit.

She's still very sore and moving like a hunched over duck.... but moving she is and that's the important part.

Again, thank you all for your concern and well wishes. We really do appreciate all the support.

M.

M. posting for his better half.

Seems like this road we're traveling smoothed out for a little while, only for us to hit a major pothole today.
I awoke close to 7 to find the Mrs. already downstairs. Wasn't too worried, she's been battling a sinus condition and hasn't been sleeping very well of late. However, I knew something was amiss when I saw her face. She'd been crying and told me she was having bad cramps. Felt like her period was coming on. She already called the OB doc.

Little later on, the OB spoke w the Mrs and advised us to call the office at 8, which we did. We were given an appt for 9:15. As we motored our way to the office, the pain started to increase. I was beginning to get seriously worried for both the Mrs and the babies.

Once in the office, the staff immediately recognized the seriousness of the situation. We got ourselves an US, which showed heartbeats for both Baby A and Baby B. Good news so far, but the pain continued to increase and the Mrs was having a much more difficult time w things.

We were sent off to the High Risk OB guy, who happened to be in the L & D dept. For the next two hours, medical folks tried to determine the cause, while giving the Mrs large amounts of morphine, which wasn't having the desired effect. After another US, they decided the best course of action was surgery, in hopes of finding the cause of all the pain. Off to the OR they went.

While it seemed like forever, it probably took 2.5 hrs before we got any true update on the Mrs. They found the R ovary at 9cms (which I guess is pretty big by ovary standards), along with 30 some cysts. Some of the cysts were as large as the ovary itself. Others much smaller. The large ones were drained and removed. All involved hope those were the culprits for the morning's events.

Around 6pm, we got ourselves yet another US, to determine if the surgery and anesthesia had any negative impacts on the babies. The US showed two good heartbeats along with some movement. Seems like they are no worse for the wear, but continued monitoring is in order.

Hopefully the Mrs is resting comfortably now. I'll find out for sure in the AM. In the meantime, we ask that everyone keep thinking good thoughts on our behalf.

I have been having super vivid dreams. I can remember colors, sounds and great details. Thursday night I had a dream about my cousin S. She and I grew up together and we are only two years apart. We were at her parents house and she was telling me she's two weeks late. I told her that she was pregnant and that she should take a test. I'm trying to convince her to take the test and she's telling me it must be something else--stress, etc. I woke up and I thought what a crazy dream I have to tell her. So I send her a text the next morning (and I tell her about our babies) and this was her reply: "Too funny! I have news for you then. My due date is Dec 26. We are having a baby too. Not twins though. Trust your dreams." I almost fell off my chair! I got goosebumps! I texted my Mom and she wrote back--who told you? I told her about the dream and she wrote back--predicting the future now?
I am so happy for her. She had some trouble with her body and female parts and was always worried that she wouldn't be able to have children. I can't believe we are going to have our babies about a month apart. Amazing!

I was shopping at my favorite store yesterday, Weggie's, and I stopped by their magazine isle to peruse the pregnancy magazines.

I don't believe I would have put these two next to each other.

It's been a long time since I last posted. Sorry again for the space between posts.
My time has been spent either on the couch or in the bathroom. I'm feeling ok. Some nausea, food aversions/cravings, insomnia, tiredness (I'm ready for a nap right after I get up) and gas. And that's all ok. I would walk on hot coals and eat live bugs if it meant having a baby. I'm not complaining just letting you know how I've been. I've ordered maternity clothes from o.ld navy and I'm very happy with my pants. I have a little belly even though I'm only 11 weeks. I had to laugh when the physician's assistant felt my uterus and told me it was larger than 10 weeks. There are two in there- lol!
Good news- I had my last progesterone shot on Tuesday! I'm so glad they are done. It was an evil necessity I understand that. I'm sooo not going to miss those long thick needles and my bum feeling like a pincushion and getting all bumpy.
We've had three appointments since I've last written. April 20, April 29 (my last with Dr. G) and May 3. The latter being our first ob appointment. The babies are doing well. We were bummed out on the 3rd because that visit did not include an us. We've been spoiled with Dr. G with those.
The high risk obs were supposed to call me within a week of my first appointment. When they didn't I called them. I was told that their schedule wasn't open for the last week of June and I am on their to call list. I was told during our first ob visit that I will be having at least two appointments every month: one with the reg obs and one with the high risk obs. I'm just wondering--what happened to my appointment with the high risk docs this month? I don't like not seeing the babies and getting checked out. As much as I pray for healthy babies and a healthy pregnancy I know that things don't always go that way. I wish I was being monitored more closely. Also I hate waiting. On a good note we can find out as early as week 16 the sex of the babies.
In other news I'm ready for the warm weather. Those warm days in April and March made me realize how much I enjoy them. Our patio furniture is out, the outside table and chairs are set up, I bought some veggies and herbs and I had my toenails painted. Bring it on!


Our last two us pictures:

April 20























April 29:




















I'm off to my post on the couch. I'm in my jammies--my favorite attire.

I'm sorry I haven't written. I was on bed rest again and our computer was out being updated.
Last Monday I was talking with another teacher when I felt what I thought was pee come out. I went into the bathroom and bright red blood was coming out. I was mortified to say the least. I wasn't having any pain but this isn't right I thought. I called Dr. G, who unfortunately was on the or, but a nurse told me I could go to the er. On our way to the er Dr. G called me and said they wouldn't really do anything for me if I went there. M asked if we could go to the fertility clinic and get an us there. She said we could. We decided to take a highway that didn't have construction going on. It goes right through my parents town. I had to go to the bathroom so we stopped in and my Dad came along for the ride. We got to the clinic and Dr. N, who is a fellow at our clinic, did my scan. We saw two heartbeats and got to hear them. She said everything looks good. There was some blood behind Baby B. She said it looked like it was starting to clot. I asked her what would cause the bleeding and she said it could still be the two placentas attaching or a blood vessel was agitated. I was put on bed rest until the bleeding stopped. I believe it completely stopped by Wednesday. I did take off Thursday and Friday because I was so tired.
I worry so much about this pregnancy. We waited so long and had to endure so much and we are still having bumps in the road. I could really use some uneventful times.

I'm starting to wrap my head around having two babies. I was always optimistic about things but I figured it would take a couple of tries to be successful.
I am very tired which I wasn't prepared for. It has also been 7 years since I've been pregnant. As M says, "You're not a young buck anymore." My boobs feel like they weigh 10 lbs each. I am loving meat and orange juice. I am a goodie eater but now not so much. Oh, and tomatoes and cukes with a little salt. Yum!
E is very excited about being a big sister. She tells me that she's going to sing to them and read them books. She's learning a lullaby on her guitar. I'm glad she will be old enough to help me.
The babies already have such a presence in my belly. I've waited so long for them. Going through the treatments, waiting until we had money, getting ohss--I would do it all again for them in a heartbeat ;-)

Baby A

















Baby B


















We feel so blessed and are thrilled! I'm still in shock. I feel like I'm having an out of body experience. Your prayers and good thoughts/vibes worked and for that I'm eternally grateful! You are the best!

Tomorrow at 11:30 a.m. we will find out how many bambinos are in there. We'll be able to see the sacs. We may be able to see the heartbeat(s). I'm nervous because I want everything to be okay. I had some spotting on Easter. I called the re on call and they said it was the placenta attaching/growing. I did not and do not want to see any more spotting. It scared me. Keep good thoughts and prayers for us tomorrow. I will post after we get home from school.

What a difference from last week. Tuesday I went back to work. I came home and went for a nap. I was wiped out! Wednesday went a little bit better. Thursday we started our Easter vacation
Today I cleaned and decorated (a little bit) for Easter. I have some shopping to do like picking up cactus soil before I kill our aloe plant and Easter basket stuff.
Yesterday we drove to NJ and bought an Odyssey. It's a 2007 and had only 23, 000 miles on it. It was such a good deal. Plus I got a moonroof and heated seats ;-) It's a pretty nifty car.
I can not wait until Wednesday. I'm excited for our us. I pray that they are growing well and things look good. We might see a heartbeat.
Thank you for all your prayers and well wishes. As always I appreciate the support of my girls ;-)

Thank you all so much for your well wishes and good thoughts and prayers. I appreciate them so much. It was comforting to me to read your words.
After the er visit on Monday, which they thought I had some GI bug, the pain and bloating continued. I had shortness of breath, couldn't eat--even though I was starving, diarrhea and couldn't walk right (I was hunched over). I also gained over 7 lbs in two days. Dr. G called me Tuesday morning and told me that the pregnancy test was the real deal and not a false positive like she had thought. She told me they pulled her out of surgery and she was trying to remember when my trigger shot was. After review of my chart she realized that the o.vidrel was out of my system.
I ended up in the er Tuesday night because I couldn't stand the pain. I had one bad of iv fluids. An us showed I did have urine in my bladder but the out put was still very low.
Relief came from my office visit Wednesday morning when they drained the fluid out of my abdomen. Hold on to your hats--3 liter bottles of fluid!!!! I set the office record. I was shocked and amazed that it all came out of me. I do wish Dr. G would have realized how serious my ohss was. I was critically sick. I was put on bed rest for the rest of the week. I am drinking fruit punch gatorade like it's going out of style.
I had an office visit Friday. The us showed a little fluid but she didn't want to drain me. I still feel very full and have a sore belly. The ohss feeds off of the hcg so this condition could be around for the whole first trimester. I am taking things day by day.
The good news is my beta has been doubling nicely.
1 - 91.4
2 - 186.8
3 - 388.1

April 7 we have an us to see how many sacs we have.

I got sick Saturday morning and it continued through the weekend. Nausea, diarrhea, stomach aches/pains and distended belly. Monday morning, around 6 am, I was taken by an ambulance to the hospital. I had 3 bags of saline fluids and 3 shots of z.ofran. I also had blood work drawn and a pregnancy test was done. My beta was 91.4. I am pregnant! The bad news is I have ohss. I'm in a lot of pain and discomfort. I see Dr. G tomorrow and will have more blood work and an ultrasound done. Please keep me and the baby/babies in your prayers. I am so thankful that I have you for support during this time.
Of course I will update you on what's happening.

Yesterday we transferred two blastocycts. We got to see them before the transfer. I'm working on getting pictures. We could even see the embryos on the us screen. It was amazing.
I will update more later.
Thank you for all your kind words and support ;-)

We had to be at the clinic by 7:30 a.m. Which meant we had to leave our house by 6 ( so early!). We get checked in and the nurse takes me in to get me started with my iv, changed into my gown, hooked up to heart monitors, etc. M was brought back after all that. He helped me put on my special socks from Carolyne. My nurse commented on how nice they were and I told her about the sock exchange and how they came all the way from England. I told her what a great source of support I get from the girls in the if community.
I asked my nurse how exactly the eggs were retrieved. I knew they were aspirated but I wasn't sure how they got the tool there. They go through the vaginal wall. I also thought I would be asleep for the procedure. Nope. I would be awake.
After some waiting I was taken back to the room and put in much nice stirrups then in the gynie's office. I was given some twilight meds and they began on my right ovary. Oh my word did it hurt! I couldn't believe the pain I was feeling. I started to cry and the nurse asked if I wanted more meds. I nodded my head yes. Like I wrote before I felt like a claw was scraping my insides. The left ovary went better but that was because I had more meds in me.
I was wheeled back to my room to recover. I got up to go the bathroom ok. But after that I was very nauseous and light headed. They told me I could go after I felt better. We hung out there until a little after noon. The procedure was over probably after 9 a.m. With my past surgeries (gall bladder and lap) I was fine with the anesthesia. This twilight stuff not so much.
I came home and took a nap. I rested for the remainder of the day. I took t.ylenol. The next day I went back to work but I did leave early. Usually I go to E's classroom and help out. I just wanted to sleep. By Friday I felt a little sore and tired. Today is better.
I went for my progesterone teaching visit with Nurse Grace. Big needles. M gave me my shot at 8 p.m. and he did such a great job! I was only a little sore. I thanked him for doing such a good job--because I was expecting such a big pick--and he said we have two weeks left and not to thank him so soon.
I asked Grace about getting daily reports on how our embryos were growing and she said they don't like to disturb them. I asked if no news was good news and she said yes. So on Monday we are looking to transfer our embryos which have probably grown to the blatocyst stage. That is what we want because the chances for pregnancy are higher.
I thank you all so much for your love and support! I greatly appreciate your kind words. Wearing my socks during my procedure I wasn't as nervous because I had felt like I had each of you with me ;-)

Yesterday went well number wise. 20 eggs! The surgery was hard. I felt like someone took a claw and scraped my insides. I was very nauseous and light headed from the anesthesia. I'm still very sore and very tired.
Nurse Grace called today and we have 10 embryos!!!!! I'm super excited! I hope they continue to grow and flourish. The transfer is scheduled for Monday at 2:15 p.m.
I'm beat. I promise to write more and post pictures when I'm a bit more refreshed.

7:30 a. m. is our check in time. 8:30 a.m. is the surgery. I'm getting butterflies!
I keep thinking of this journey as jumping through a series of hoops. After the egg retrieval it will be: are the eggs good? After they fertilize via icsi it will be: will they grow into healthy embryos? Next it will be transfer time (my re will transfer 2-3 embryos based on their quality) and the question is: will they get all nice and cozy and implant? Finally it will be: will the embryo(s) grow into a baby and stay in my uterus for 9 months so we can have a real live baby or babies? I hope and pray that after 4 1/2 years of trying for one more baby that our dreams come true.

Tonight at 10:30 p.m. I will do my trigger shot of O.vidrel. My us today showed 15, 16, 17, 17, 18, 20, 20, 20 and 21 on the right ovary and 14, 15, 16, 16, 16, 16, 18, 19, 19, 19, 19, 21 and 22 mm on the left ovary. My lining is good. My estradiol (An estradiol test measures the amount of a hormone called estradiol in the blood. Estradiol is the most important form of estrogen found in the body. Most of it is made in and released from the ovaries, adrenal cortex, and the placenta, which forms during pregnancy to feed a developing baby) level is 2, 686. I am off the L.upron and F.ollistim. Wahoo! Wednesday will be the retrieval at 8:30 a.m. I hope they get lots of mature eggs.
I couldn't sleep last night. I don't think this week will be good for me sleep wise. I'm hopeful, excited and nervous. My stomach is a flutter with butterflies. I'm ready for the ride!

My us showed 12 total follicles measuring over 10 mm. On the right there were follicles measuring 13, 14, 15 and 16. On the left I had 11,12,15 and 16. I have to ask tomorrow what they are all measuring. My F.ollistim was decreased from 225 units to 150. My estrogen is right on track. My lining is nice and thick. Tomorrow morning I go for another wanding and blood work. When nurse Grace calls I should know when my retrieval will be. Then of course it's a waiting game for the transfer because it depends on how the embryos are growing.
Saturday I had a baby shower to go to. It was for my good friend J. I'm the babies godmother. It's my first time and I'm very excited ;-) There were about 25 people at her mom's house. It was a beautiful shower with amazing food. My Mom made her ricotta cookies and sugar cookies--they rocked! I made fudgy brownies--delicious also! J and her family are from the Czech Republic and speak Russian. Her mom had friends there that spoke Russian. A girl we worked with at the big OG that J stayed in touch with was there also named A. A brought her mom and they speak Spanish. It was very cool to hear them conversing in their natural languages. My Poppy spoke Lithuanian with his mom, but lost the language when she passed away. I do wish I spoke another language. I would like to be fluent in ASL (American Sign Language). I live near a deaf school and they offer classes. One day I will.
It was a very full weekend. Today was church, CCD classes for E, shopping at Weggie's and laundry. I am pooped. It was very nice though to have Saturday night off. I felt like a regular person.
How was your weekend?

Susan over at she's becoming doughmesstic is giving away mixers--one for you and one for your friend.The only thing you have to do to enter is blog, tweet, or facebook the giveaway and then go back and comment only one time that you did. You do have to follow her on twitter or be a facebook fan. When you leave your comment please include my name also ;-0 That way we can both be winners!

I gave myself my F.ollistim shot tonight because M goes to the hose company for training and meetings. I'm looking at my poor, bruised belly and thinking it's all worth to give us a shot.
I do have good news--my W.ii fit plus finally came in and I picked it up! I told my Mom and she said all the people she knows that have one love it. I'm going to read the book tonight and have M set it up tomorrow.
I also met up with my M.ary Kay lady and purchased items I needed. She's a great woman. I have been going to her for fifteen years now. After talking with me about my cycle she told me that she had to do infertility treatments to get her daughters. A fellow stirrup queen--you never know when you will meet one!
My nurse called yesterday and left a message that she had a cancellation and I could come in at 7:45 a.m. for my us. I called and left a message for her that I will come in. I am going to the hospital for my blood work before that. They open at 7 a.m. I'm glad I won't be late for work. I really don't like being late. Which is funny--I used to always be late.
I'm off to read my fit plus book and go to bed. I'll update tomorrow about my tests.

This morning I went in for my ultrasound and blood work. The us showed 4 follicles on my right ovary and 3 on my left. I'm disappointed in these numbers. I was hoping for more. Some of these follicles may not have any eggs. Some may have immature eggs. The nurse called me around 11 am and told me to keep my doses the same (5 L.upron, 225 F.ollistim). My Mom and M asked if there was a "right" number for how many follicles I should have. I don't. I'm guessing it depends on the age of the woman, the meds and the doses. Right? Does anyone have any thoughts on this?
I got stressed out this morning because the phlebotomist came in late. The nurse schedules blood work for as early as 7:45 a.m but the phlebotomist comes in around 8:20 a.m. - 8:25 a.m. I go in Friday for another us and blood work. I had the nurse schedule my blood work at the hospital (they start at 7 am and I can go when I want to) and my us at 8:30 a.m. I will be going in to work late on Friday which I don't like but I can't help it.
I can't believe my egg retrieval is one week away! Holy moly--I've waited years for this and here we are right in the middle of the cycle. I hope and pray that this works.

I went in for blood work yesterday and my levels are good. I'm staying at 5 units of L.upron and 225 units of F.ollistim. I go in for more blood work tomorrow and an ultrasound. Yesterday was rough with a severe headache and nausea. I put on my pj's after dinner and camped out on the couch. Today it's just a headache.
I'm thinking positive thoughts through this whole process.

I had my baseline ultrasound and blood work yesterday morning. My appointment was moved because of the snow that came today. Nurse Grace said my lining looked good and she later called with the results of the blood work-my estrogen was 30- and that meant I could proceed with the F.ollistim tonight. M and I are going to watch a video on their website on how to administer the medicine with the pen.
We've had off the last two days from school because we got over a foot of snow. The neighborhood kids are loving it. We went sledding yesterday down behind our house where there are coal banks and we flew down the hill! I haven't been sledding in years and it was such a good time.
I finished painting our bedroom. The blue is a very pale and soothing color. I really like it. It goes well with our s.habby chic sheets and blankets.






E, a neighbor and myself built this snowwoman yesterday.









This is what she looked like today.









This is my Psyanky egg I made the weekend my Dad showed us how to do it. He had an old book that showed what different symbols and their meanings. I made an egg with chickens and hens because they symbolize fertility. I also drew wheat because it symbolizes good health.



Other eggs.









Eggs that my friend J and her mom and brother made. They chose more difficult patterns. J is a very talented artist. She can draw, paint and photograph extremely well. Their eggs were gorgeous!






My best friend Maggie. He's my buddy :-)