Better late than never! ;)

So, I figure I should actually update this blog since the twins have been here for a whole TWO WEEKS already! I planned on updating from my phone at the hospital but let's just say, that quickly descended on the priority list. And, I planned on updating the day we came home, but obviously that didn't happen either. I guess I've just been busy or something, haha! ;)

Most people know, but in case you didn't hear, Callen Daniel and Haylee Anne made their entrance on Thursday, October 4th, 2012. Callen was born at 10:49am, weighing 5lbs 15oz and was 19.5in long. Haylee was born at 10:52am, weighing 5lbs 1oz and was 20in long. Both babies are perfectly healthy and didn't even need to be seen by the NICU doctor, praise God!

I started having contractions at 12am that morning and I didn't even wake Ben up for a couple hours because I wanted to make sure they were consistent and the real thing before I got us all up to the hospital for another false alarm. Well, they definitely were not a false alarm, they kept coming, and after I woke Ben up we kept timing for another hour before we called my midwife. I was still not positive if this was "it" because the contractions weren't coming super consistently--they'd be 7 minutes apart, then 5, sometimes even 3 minutes apart, and then might go back to 7 minutes again. But, since I was already dilated to 3cm we went in and arrived at the hospital around 3:30am. (After stopping at DD so I could get my "last meal" of an egg and cheese croissant, haha)

I got all hooked up to the monitors and both babies were doing good, but, my contractions had started slowing down once again. This time, however, I was dilated to 5cm and 80% effaced. So, we decided I would try and get some rest and see what we wanted to do a little later in the morning. I ended up sleeping for a little while, which was much needed, and by 7am we met with my midwife and discussed what to do. Basically, they weren't going to send me home, that would be too risky, so we ended up deciding on breaking Callen's bag & having me try using the breast pump to hopefully get the contractions coming on stronger. My midwife was switching "off call" with one of the others at the office, and the other midwife and my doctor were seeing patients, but ready for whenever I needed one of them. (The office is just a couple minutes away from the hospital.) I also had the option to have them call the doula whenever I felt I needed her. 

So, they broke my bag, I started just one round of the pumping, and I started feeling pretty consistent contractions. They weren't too bad for awhile, so I didn't feel the need to call everyone in, but it really wasn't long before I started to feel the pressure start and then the contractions weren't so tolerable. I called my nurse in and told her I would like to have the doula called and then a few minutes later the pressure was getting worse. She checked me right away, and we learned that I was already dilated to 8cm and Callen was indeed right there & almost ready. She called my doctor and by the time my doula came in, my doctor was just a minute behind her and I was in the final stages of labor. All there was to do was get me through some more contractions & they were getting the surgery room ready for us to switch over to!

Basically, I went from 5cm at 7:30am to delivering both of them by 10:52am. That went much faster than I, or anyone, was anticipating. I was able to deliver without an epidural, or anything, praise God. I did not tear this time like I did with Noah, and after Callen came out, thankfully, Haylee came in ONE push. I won't lie, in my mind, I was praying and telling God I couldn't do it again after Callen came! I was so tired after pushing for him that I don't even think I fully looked up at him until after both of them were delivered. When Ben was telling me Haylee was right there and I needed to push again, I just wanted to cry. But, I waited until my doctor told me and another contraction started, and thank God she just came right out--basically all clean and everything! I'm just guessing that is because her water didn't break until I was delivering Callen, but it was crazy to see. It was a very weird couple of minutes just waiting for the second baby, I could come up with something fancy to say about it, but really all I could think about was how tired I was! haha 
There was some sort of minor complication with delivering their placentas--honestly, that was worse than delivering Haylee. I believe Haylee's placenta kind of ruptured or something after she was born, but my doctor was able to get both of their placentas out at the same time & there was no real complications. Although, that was not pleasant, it was definitely not as bad as it could have been!

After all was said & done, we all got wheeled back to the laboring room where I got to nurse them (together!) for the first time, and this was also when Ben took Haylee from me and fell asleep for over an hour while I talked with my doula. He sure must have exhausted himself. ;) haha 
We ended up with, in all seriousness, the largest and nicest room for postpartum. It had a separate little sitting area, with a second TV, it was just huge and very beautiful. Seriously nicer than some hotel rooms I have stayed in! The hospital was so great, all the staff was super kind and attentive, and we could not have asked for anything more. I even got a free massage the next day!

I did have some trouble getting Haylee to latch consistently, and I was up most of one night with my nurse trying to work with her to get her to eat because they were worried about her blood sugar and were testing it every two hours--just because she was so small. Thankfully, the next day the Lactation consultant came in and worked with us for almost an hour. I learned some different ways to hold her and some little things to get her to eat better. I was still having trouble with her on and off and I was pretty sore and unfortunately had some cracking and even bleeding, but we pushed through and my little miss is doing so much better now. Callen has eaten like a champ since day one--seriously he's a pro. Lol!

We were all released on Saturday, October 6th and we have had two pediatrician appointments since we've been home so, here's how things went. Callen was born weighing 5lb 15oz, when we left the hospital he was 5lbs 8.9oz, at his first appointment (5 days old) he was 5lbs 14.5oz, and yesterday he weighed in at 6lbs 2oz! Haylee was born weighing 5lb 1oz, when we left the hospital she was 4lbs 12.4oz, at her first appointment (5 days old) she was 5lbs 3oz, and yesterday she weighed in at 5lbs 6oz! They were slightly worried about jaundice for both of them, but they gave it some time (so we didn't have to go through the foot pricking and blood work) and yesterday the pediatrician was happy enough with their color and said not to worry. :) I did get a call back from the hospital pediatrician today, and on one of the broad spectrum tests they do, Callen came back as borderline. So, we just have to have that specific thing tested to see if it was just a false positive or if we need to look into it more. I truly am not freaking out about it, if he is positive for this disorder it is treatable, but for right now we can assume he is perfectly fine because false positives are common for the broad testing and he appears perfectly healthy. Prayers that it is just nothing are definitely appreciated though. :)

For those wondering how I am, I really am doing well. I was having a lot of cramping while nursing (expected), I was having a difficult time with the pain and stress of nursing (also expected), and I did get the PUPPPS rash on my stomach a couple days before I delivered, which ended up getting worse after delivery and spreading all over my body. BUT, I have lived on benadryl and hydro-cortisone cream and it is *almost* all cleared up now. Am I tired? Sure, but that is expected, and I am really not that bad. I'm home with my babies, so I tend to nap at least a little bit each day when Noah and the twins are napping. I really can't complain! :)

Honestly, I just feel very blessed. I had a natural, safe delivery of twins. They are both healthy and happy babies, and I got to come home with both of them just two days after having them. I don't think I could have asked for anything more. Thank you all so very much for all the prayers and love. It means so much to have my children so loved. <3 

P.S. Check out Sarah A Carlson Photography if you love the last two pictures as much as I do!

Past 38 weeks & a Game Plan

Well, I had my appointment this morning! Saturday was 38 weeks and full term for the twins. Unfortunately, I haven't really dilated any more, but my cervix is anterior now like my midwife noted on Wednesday. She did strip my membranes to try and get things going today. My nausea and things are signs of labor, but she said I'm definitely not in active labor now and is hoping this will start it. Worst case, I have an appointment on Thursday and tentative induction on Friday. She said I'm still stretchy and could be stretched to a 4, but my cervix is still not thinning or acting like I'm in labor now. So, hopefully I can get some real contractions started. It shouldn't take much to induce if we have to & hopefully this will do it. I have had some contractions since the appointment, but so far nothing strong or consistent.
 
My midwife was initially hoping that I was dilated more and said if I was that they would send me in and break my bag to get things going without meds. They do not expect me to go until Friday, but if I do, I think they're looking more at trying to just start things and see if labor will pick up on its own. I think if I just start contracting consistently, they will be willing to break my bag at any point this week. The only reason they will induce is if I want it, which is why we are not just jumping in today, because even though I am very uncomfortable I really want to let my body do this on its own. The only other concern is their placentas getting too mature. So, that could cause less than ideal oxygen flow for them during labor, but she said that waiting until the end of the week isn't concerning. 

So, for now, we are waiting (and hoping) that what she did today will kick start contractions and I can just go into labor on my own as planned. Otherwise, we will for sure have babies by Friday. Thank you for the prayers and please do keep praying! 

Just waiting!

Well, we had a doctor's appointment on Wednesday and I just had my last NST and ultrasound today! Basically, tomorrow is 38 weeks and everyone still looks healthy and in position. Callen had dropped even lower (my cervix is no longer posterior) by Wednesday, my midwife could tell just from the basic ultrasound, but I was not examined in hopes that I could hold out until today when my doctor gets back in town. Plus, I haven't been having contractions or anything, so there was no real need to check unless I wanted to be checked. After my experience with the fill-in doctor last Friday, I was more wanting to err on the side of caution and just try to stick it out for my doctor to get back.

That brings us to today! My NST went great, both babies are still moving and their hearts are nice and strong. I got quite a few comments about how great they were at the hospital last Friday too, haha. My ultrasound showed that Haylee is measuring just at 5lbs and Callen is measuring at 5lbs 9oz or so. Basically, their measurements are give or take a pound at this point. They are both head down still and everything looks nice and healthy for both of them. 

Honestly, I feel like having twins is a fine-tuned waiting game. Getting to 38 weeks was always a hoped for goal & we've done a lot to help ensure it, but now that we are there (well, tomorrow, but still) they want me to deliver right now! >.< Now, hopefully I will deliver sometime this weekend on my own, but if not, I have an appointment on Monday with my doctor and we will be talking induction. Whether that day, or later on in the week, I'm not sure. Basically, it is just not usually the best option to carry twins longer than 38 weeks so we have to make a plan. 

I am so very ready to be done now. I have been very uncomfortable, I have pain and pressure from Callen's head being so low, and I've been dealing with a whole lot of nausea for the last week. Seeing the babies looking so good and knowing they've had more time to get their lungs developed and gain some more weight is definitely worth it all. But, please pray that I go into labor before Monday! I was induced with Noah, and I did it with no pain meds, but I really do not want to re-live that experience while delivering two babies! The birth plan is great--I will have my OB, a midwife, and a doula, plus Ben. Everyone is on the same page and ready for a natural, epidural free delivery...just as soon as labor starts! I really feel like this waiting for labor to kick in again is more stressful than the actual labor, because I know what to expect the labor to be like and I know the end result can't be too far away! lol But honestly, just pray we get this ball rolling, I really can't wait to hold my babies! <3

Long day with a False Alarm

As most of you know, I spent the day in the hospital yesterday thinking (and hoping) I was in labor. Well, I was technically "in labor" but just a very early phase that ended up just stopping by the evening. Since Wednesday I have been having contractions, they would never come too consistently though. Wednesday night I was up until midnight having almost regular contractions, but they died down and I replayed that whole scenario on Thursday. Then, yesterday morning, I woke up at 4am having much harder and consistent contractions at about 5 minutes apart. After an hour of that we called my doctor and they told us to go ahead and come in. 

On the way to the hospital, the contractions slowed, but they still were stronger than the previous two days so they got me all checked in and checked out. I had dilated to a little over 2cm and my cervix was still posterior (very thick) but was soft. Plus, Callen's head was right there and could be touched. So, they monitored me, got an ultrasound (finding out that Haylee has actually flipped back head down--go chiropractic! and PTL!) and then let me start walking around to keep labor going. I started having better contractions again, and then I stopped. Then I walked more and started to have some again, and then it would dwindle. Bascially, we had decided that if I hadn't made any progress by about 11:30am when I got checked then we would go home. I had made it to 3cm and my cervix was still posterior, but stretchy so we figured we would keep at it and active labor would kick in. Fast forward, with a lot of walking and monitoring, to 4pm and I was checked again with no changes. I had been contracting still, but they just never got intense enough to get the ball rolling. 

So, we decided to go home. My midwife was willing to let us try a couple different things to get labor going, but the doctor that is filling in for my doctor (because he is out of town now) wanted to err on the side of caution and only let me go if my body was doing it all on its own because of the babies. We could have stayed, but I am glad we didn't. Although it is very discouraging, thinking we were going to be holding our babies by last night and having such a long and uncomfortable day, we would much rather know that they are ready to come out and be healthy. So, God knows best and we'll trust Him to get labor going when it is time.

As for me, I am very sore all over, and my stomach is very achy and uncomfortable. I think the contracting all day yesterday just got my muscles and body very worn out. However, I have not been having contractions hardly at all anymore since we left the hospital, so I am happy to be home at least. 

All that to say, today makes it 37 weeks that I have been carrying our Haylee & Callen. Although unexpected, we have made it to our original goal! It really is safe for them to come now, and their lungs should really be okay. Every day that I carry them longer just adds a little more safety and a little more weight to each baby, so, I really cannot complain. 

I have updated my belly pictures here and, a new one of my belly now compared to my belly with Noah at 37 weeks here. They really are neat to see. 

Thank you, everyone for your prayers and encouragement--especially yesterday. Any time now they will make their entrance! Please keep praying for me (emotionally and physically, it is just very draining) and keep praying that Haylee stays head down and cooperates. I promise to keep everyone updated when the time comes! :)


Here are some "do it yourself" maternity pics we snapped on Thursday (36 weeks, 5 days along) just so we have some nicer ones before they make their entrance!

 

36 weeks & a stubborn little girl! :)

Yesterday I had another doctor's appointment and I am past the 36 week mark, PTL! It is now really safe for the babies to come. There still may be some chance of lung development not being all the way there, but there is also a good chance that their lungs are fine, and no matter what the NICU can easily handle that issue. This appointment went well, just as all others have. My BP is fine, I've stayed at the same weight (a whole 25lbs for this pregnancy) and the babies look good. Little Miss Haylee really does want to be our difficult one, however, because she flipped once again and was breach.

We discussed everything with my doctor and we are going to go forward with a natural delivery (of course, still in the surgical room, just in case) and he will attempt to flip Haylee if need be. There are risks that come along with this, I can have excessive bleeding, cord prolapse, or detach a placenta. None would be pleasant, but the risk of these things is much lower with a twin delivery than if it were done on a singleton birth, simply because Callen will be out of the womb and there will be a lot more extra room to maneuver. My doctor is actually kind of known for his success rate with this scenario--as told to me by the MFM doctor that I see for my ultrasounds at the hospital. Plus, both babies are small, so that helps. I did however, get to go see my chiropractor and we tried a couple things to hopefully get her to flip back down. She very well could have already, she has moved a LOT since my adjustment, so prayers that she simply has decided to cooperate are obviously appreciated. :) 

I have said all along that I would like to make it past 37 weeks, which would be this Saturday. However, I learned this week that my doctor will be out of town all of next week, which really makes me want to have these little ones before he leaves! No matter what, I still will have a midwife from the office there and my doctor obviously has someone more than qualified to fill in for him, but I'm sure you can understand why I would not want to deliver without him! Especially since we are most likely looking at needing to do the flip for Haylee. He will be back right after I hit the 38 week mark, but if I haven't gone by then, we may be talking induction simply because it is getting really hard on my body. So, I don't want to go THAT long, and I don't want to go while my doctor is gone. That basically leaves me hoping and praying that I go into labor myself this week!

Also, my ear is not really infected anymore, but it is still clogged and holding fluid because of my sinuses. I did a sinus wash this morning, which honestly felt great (I can breathe again! lol) but my ear is still not popping back to normal yet. Clearly, this is not a serious issue, but I'd prefer to be feeling back to "normal" when I go into labor! haha

So, if I could ask everyone to pray specifically:

1) That Haylee will (or has already) flipped back to being head down

2) If she won't flip, that my delivery will be able to go naturally for both & she can be easily & safely turned

3) That I have these babies by Saturday so I can have my doctor there & that they are healthy! :)

Obviously, God has had their birthdays picked out since He formed them in my womb, I keep resting in the fact that He has been in control and so gracious this entire pregnancy. I could not be more thankful. I also truly appreciate all of the love, support, and prayers from everyone around us. We will be welcoming our sweet Callen & Haylee so soon! And we are actually all ready too! Well, as ready as we'll ever be! haha :)

FYI: I finally updated the  Pregnant Belly Pictures  :)

And, here are some pictures of their room (Yes, they are sharing with Noah, but they'll be in our room for awhile. haha) which we just finished last night! 

Each of their beds!

The nursery is all ready & organized! (Big deal too, because I didn't even have it ready when Noah came home! lol!)

Busy, Busy Day!

Yesterday I had, by far, the busiest doctor related day yet! My ultrasound was at 9am and my regular check up was at 10:30am...and it didn't end there! Don't worry, I'll explain, haha.

First of all, I am past 35 weeks! Woo hoo! That is such a relief in itself and I am so thankful to everyone who has prayed and covet your prayers as I hope to hold out for almost another two weeks! :)

My ultrasound went great, Haylee Anne is measuring at 4lbs 2oz and Callen Daniel is measuring at 4lbs 12oz. Both babies are developed just how they should be and the doctor there was very pleased with everything! He reassured me that they are perfectly healthy and will just be small, which we did point out is not too bad for delivery's sake! ;) He said that if they decide to stay for just a little bit longer, he sees no reason for them to need to be in the NICU. That is something I needed to hear, and it just makes me pray extra hard to hold out for the next two weeks! We didn't really get any pictures of the little ones, just because they are both very head down and not facing out for a good shot. I am perfectly fine with that, praise God that they are in position! ;)

Now, after that we went to my doctor and met with one of my midwives. She was really happy with everything, I gained the pound I lost last week back (lol) and my abdomen is measuring at 40 weeks, which is right on schedule for twins. They are holding off on any checking of my cervix or anything just as a precaution because doing an exam could potentially induce labor. 

What we caught at this appointment, which really saved us from a possible bad situation, is that I had not had my RhoGAM injection yet! If you aren't familiar with what that is, basically blood can either be RH positive or RH negative. I have RH negative blood, so if one of these babies were to have RH positive blood, my body would create antibodies against theirs and it could potentially cause things like anemia or other issues for the baby. So, I had to call over to the hospital after my appointment and head over to get my blood drawn and an injection to prevent any possible problems, and if after they are born, one (or both) have RH positive blood, I will have to get another injection. Normally, the injection is done oh, about ten weeks sooner, but we should still be fine thankfully. 

I have also had a head cold and super early Saturday morning, I woke up with a bad earache. My cold seemed almost gone and my ear was clogged feeling, but it didn't hurt anymore. So, my midwife told me to try taking some sudafed and if it didn't clear up she wanted me to get my ear checked out to see if I needed an antibiotic. Ben ended up needing to get an quick exam later in the afternoon, so we had my ear checked out too, and it turns out I have a really bad ear infection. And of course, while shopping for some of the last things we need and waiting for our prescriptions to be filled, my ear suddenly started throbbing terribly again. That basically ended my night! We had been out and about trying to find a second hand dresser that will fit in the nursery closet, but we went home and I was down for the count last night. It was a rough night, but I am back to not really having any pain and just trying to rest and let the antibiotics work.

So, yesterday was quite the busy day, but as long as these antibiotics do their job & these babies stay put a little longer we are all good! I really appreciate your prayers & I cannot wait to have my to-do list done and have these precious peanuts in my arms instead of beating up my insides soon! ;)

Update Catch-up!

Well, I got a little behind on updates here, I've been really busy and then I got really sick. But, all is getting better now and I'll give a little recap of the last week! :)

Tuesday Night's Appointment

I had a appointment on Tuesday with the last of the three midwives at my doctor's office. It went really well and she was, in all seriousness, the most positive person I have ever met. Almost comical, but she was so nice and very thorough. How often does any doctor tell you to "Call if you have any concerns, even if it's in the middle of the night. I'd rather get woken up than have you worried!"? I am telling you, I have the best medical staff behind me for this pregnancy. I feel so blessed.

I actually had lost a pound since the last visit, but my measurements and BP were still great. No worries, and both babies' hearts sounded great. Thankfully, I thought to ask about the hospital tours while I was there too, because they are only given by someone from the office once a month, and that happened to be the very next day! So, onto that experience...

Hospital Tour

I will be delivering at Adventist Hinsdale Hospital and I had never been there before. Wow, is the first thing that comes to mind. The hospital is gorgeous, everyone there was pleasant and nice, and the new, yes brand  new, birthing rooms are AMAZING. They have three rooms with laboring tubs, the rooms are huge, and I swear they are nicer than hotel rooms. The postpartum rooms are just as nice, just smaller. They have a top of the line NICU, which is obviously a huge relief to know that if something is wrong with my little ones, they will stay right down the hall and not have to be transported anywhere. Plus, if it did come down to it, they turned their old labor rooms into boarding for mothers to stay after they are released if they have a baby still in the NICU.

The hospital has an overall philosophy that is, in my opinion, worlds better than my experience with Noah. They employ their own nurse midwives besides my office providing them, they are all for natural labor (hence the tubs in the rooms), they promote skin to skin immediately and just overall provide a much more pleasant and helpful environment for delivering naturally. 

They also seem to have quite the perks for those staying with you, a little station with a fridge and snacks, microwave, a little coffee room, ect. Parking is free and so simple, and yes, that was an issue when I had Noah. I seriously am actually excited at the opportunity to have my babies there. (Besides the whole pain part, haha!)

Today's NST

Anyway, back to the babies. This morning I had another NST which went well again. Everything is looking good, Haylee is still head down (PTL!) and although Callen takes a bit of stimulation with a little buzzing device they have, they are easily able to get good reads off of both babies. I always give a urine sample and today I had a touch of protein show up, which is normally a sign of high blood pressure, but my BP has been perfectly fine, so the nurse finally determined (after also noting that it was quite strong) that I was just dehydrated. I want to kick myself for letting that happen, but I was so out of it and not feeling well yesterday that I mostly just slept and didn't pay attention to eating or drinking much. I did give myself a bit of a scare yesterday too, because I was having contractions that I was ready to start timing and then they stopped. But, dehydration can cause Braxton Hicks, so I did that to myself (thankfully!).

Anyway, I have a full ultrasound and another doctor's appointment on Monday, and then another NST on Friday! I am really looking forward to seeing where we are at and how big these little ones have gotten. Tomorrow marks 35 weeks, our "safe date"! That is a huge relief, but please keep praying that I can hold onto these babies for at least another two weeks so we can hopefully avoid any NICU time! 

Everything is so close now! We got their cribs and Ben put them together last night, I should have the room organized (along with all the clothes) and all set up by the end of next week, and well, I need to get my bag packed! Pray that I can at least hold out til that gets done, Lord knows me trying to tell Ben what I need from home over the phone would be quite interesting! ;) lol 

As always, thank you, thank you, thank you for all the prayers! :)

First NST & a Happy Mistake

I had my first NST this morning and I wasn't sure how it would go for two. I had NSTs with Noah, but they monitor the hearts and your contractions--and I didn't know if I would just have three straps instead of two or what. Well, they called me back and brought me into an ultrasound room.  I thought it was odd, but I figured it was just different with twins and didn't say anything. So, just as the tech was finding where the babies were (and noting that both are head down again! yay!) one of the girls popped in and told her that I was just an NST and wasn't supposed to be there! Haha. That was our happy mistake though, because the tech said since I was all prepped & started she would see about getting me a few pics anyway. Finally, this is how we got our first real peek at our little Miss. Haylee Anne! :) Her umbilical cord is a little in the way, but you can still see her face pretty well. I really think both these babies are little Noah clones! They all at least seem to have the same nose--their daddy's. ;) 

Anyway, the NST went great, both their little hearts are beating just right & it is actually kind of crazy to hear them going at it at the same time through the monitor. Now, we are all set until my next appointment on Tuesday evening! There are so many visits from here on out, before we know it, they will be here!

I'll put Haylee's 3D from today here, but I also created an Ultrasound Pictures! page so everyone could see them all in one place! Hope you all enjoy! ;)

Haylee Anne at 33 weeks & 6 days!

We're in the Home Stretch!

So, I had my appointment (that was rescheduled from last week) yesterday and everything is still looking good! I am 33 1/2 weeks along and everyone is still looking great. Callen is still head down and presenting first, while Miss. Haylee is now head up, but still perfectly fine. Both of them, or one of them--who knows, has been causing a lot of pain/discomfort for me lately, but it is nothing to be concerned about. It is just from the added pressure and force (in other words, kicking/hitting, haha) in my pelvis. Not fun, but definitely not the worst that could be happening! Also, for those who are curious, I made a little jump in my weight since last appointment! I now have gained a total of 25lbs--I thought that was a surprising jump from 17.5lbs less than three weeks ago! haha :)

I got to talk with my doctor a little more about the delivery, and so far everything is looking good for me to be able to go forward with a natural birth plan. I meet the last of the three midwives next week at my appointment and I will have a midwife and my OB present during the delivery. As long as there are no obvious complications and whichever baby does come first is head down, I will be able to labor normally with a midwife, and even use the laboring tubs that they have at the hospital. I will deliver in the operating room just in case of an emergency, but I am very excited at the thought of such a different labor process from when I had Noah. I was induced with him and couldn't get up for anything, plus none of the hospital staff was supportive about me not having an epidural. It is a really reassuring feeling to be on the same page with my doctor this time! As long as everything looks good, my plan is to labor without an epidural. 

Please keep praying that I can have both babies without any complications, because in not having an epidural, even if I deliver one and then there is a complication needing a c-section for the other, I will have to be put to sleep. Honestly, if I need a c-section, it will probably be better for me to be out (I have major fear/issues when it comes to surgery!) but, I will miss the baby being born and have to wait for the anesthesia to wear off before I will get to wake up and meet my little one(s). That possibility scares me, but as far as everyone is concerned the babies are positioned well enough & should be small enough for there to be no major problems; and in the worst case where I do have to be put to sleep, it isn't the end of the world. Prayers are definitely still appreciated though! ;)

I do have to start scheduling NSTs (Non Stress Tests) for every week now, along with an appointment at the doctor once a week, and I think I have two more ultrasounds left. My next full ultrasound is on the 10th, and then we will see from there! 35 weeks is when they will not try to stop me from going into labor (less than TWO weeks away!) but our goal is still definitely 37-38 weeks so that the babies have time to keep growing and hopefully won't need to be in the NICU. Although everything looks great, there is always the possibility of my water breaking and labor just starting, so please do keep praying that the timing is just right! :)

I have my 33 week belly shot updated here, and after Noah's birthday party & all that fun dies down this weekend, I'll be sure to add week 34! :)

32 Week Ultrasound!

Yesterday I had yet another ultrasound! I am 32 weeks along now and everything is still looking great, PTL! :)

The babies are still growing right along their own growth curves, and the weight difference between them is even less now. Haylee is now measuring at 3lbs 4oz and Callen is measuring at 3lbs 7oz. As always, their hearts, fluid levels, and everything else look great. Callen seems to be my cooperative, calm boy and is still head down. Thankfully, he seems to be holding out for the presenting position, and if it stays that way, that is one step closer to being able to deliver naturally. Haylee really worries me, I really think we have a serious little stinker on our hands! ;) She was sideways, with her head to the right, all the way into my liver and ribs. (Which explains a lot of the recent discomfort I've had!) She is still moving like crazy, and I am just praying that she settles head down sometime soon!

This ultrasound was fun too, because my little man was yawning and it was just so cute and amazing to see. Haylee was FINALLY face up, however, she had her entire fist in her mouth and wouldn't take it out. Doesn't make for a good picture, but it is still so neat to see. The technology we have is just incredible, and it just makes me so anxious to hold my babies! :)

I have a doctor's appointment tomorrow, and I'm fairly certain we will be starting the NSTs (Non-Stress Tests) and more monitoring after this to keep an eye on how the babies are doing and if I am showing any signs of labor. It is so hard to believe that we are really in the home stretch, but I am so ready to be! haha

Here are the best pictures we got of each baby yesterday: 

This one is our Mr. Callen Daniel--I still think his profile is very similar to Noah's :)

This one is our Miss. Haylee Anne--her forehead and nose are to the left, and then you basically see a blob where her mouth is completely open and her fist is shoved all the way in her mouth ;)

I also updated my Pregnant Belly Pics with the most recent 32 week picture today. :)

Once again, thank you so much for the continued prayers and support. I am definitely feeling the soreness and exhaustion that comes along with carrying two babies, but things are just going so well and I know it is because so many people have been praying. Our whole family is just so grateful! :)

Choose Faith over Worry

I have to say, that if I had to pick my biggest struggle in the Christian life, I think it is worry. It's so easy to justify worry, but really, it is sin. It is not trusting God to do what He says he will do, and I have to remind myself of that daily. Since getting pregnant this time, right after miscarrying, and then finding out it was twins, I have really learned that worry is a tool that the devil is good at using. I have worked really hard at reminding myself through scripture and well, looking back at my entire life, that God is in control. There are no surprises or mistakes with Him, and He promised me He will provide. Today, we got to see that in a big way, and I just have to share!

When we found out I was pregnant, we knew we needed a bigger car than our two door cavalier, but we didn't have a way to just go buy one. Sure, we could probably get approved for a car loan, but for one: we took Dave Ramsey's Financial Peace University--it changed our lives and one of the things it made us not want to have ever again was a car payment, and for two: we don't actually have any money for a car payment. True story. So, we figured out that if we could hold off until tax time next year, we could buy a used mini van outright and we were happy with that solution. Then, we found out that we weren't just having one baby. And, not only that, but my younger sister moved in with us. Well, let's see, that makes a total of six bodies (three car seats!) that we may have to fit into a vehicle at one time...in a five seat, two door cavalier. That clearly wouldn't last us until February of next year. haha. Neither Ben or I freaked out when we found out about the twins, we were excited from the moment we found out, but the car was one of the first things we both brought up. We knew God had known about these babies from the start, and He knows exactly what car we have and what finances we have, so we have just kept telling each other that He had to have a bigger car for us somehow. I'm not going to lie and act like I've kept it all together everyday. Trust me, I had a meltdown or two telling God that He needed to figure this out and soon because, how are we supposed to fit all those car seats in the back of the cavalier to even get home from the hospital?! And then I would be firmly reminded that He doesn't have to tell me what He has planned, I just have to trust. A bigger car is a need now, not a want, and He promised to supply all of my needs. 

Well, Ben has worked all the jobs and side jobs he can. He's applied and been on so many interviews these past few months its ridiculous, but we still are not ahead. We've been racking our brains to figure out what we could make work, and just praying like crazy. A month and a half ago, someone posted a van on fb and I asked the lady to message me if the people ahead of me fell through. It seemed decent, it was older, but not too bad, and they wanted an okay amount for it. I thought maybe there was some way we could make it work, but I never got a message. (Or so I thought...) 

Then, last month another lady posted a van on fb and my friend Karen pointed it out. I called Ben right away and then messaged her and got our husbands in contact. It looked much nicer than the previous van, it was a little more expensive, but not much and they had OBO listed with it. The guy brought it to PepBoys where Ben works the next day and let Ben and the mechanics check it out. It was very well taken care of, super clean, new tires, and only had a handful of minor things wrong that just come with the age of the vehicle. Ben decided to offer him a lower amount than even the first van was listed at, and told him that he still needed to talk to me. Well, we still didn't have cash on hand, and that really bothered me, but, we did have the availability to finance the amount on credit for 0% interest and we still will have the full amount to pay it off with our tax return. We talked and prayed about it, and decided that we would tell them that we wanted it, but it would take us two weeks to get the money (waiting on the transfer and all that) and see if they still wanted to take our lower offer. That way, we gave God the chance to close the door if we were just forcing it to work. Much to my surprise, I got a message from the lady that night telling me that they were more than willing to do that for us, that they were going on vacation but they would just take it off fb, keep it in the garage and call us when they got back. Plus, she sent me more pictures (I hadn't gotten to see it in person) and told me she would love for us to have it for our twins instead of some random guy who would turn it into a work truck. I was floored, and so entirely relieved! And the best part? I somehow never noticed that the other person who had the previous van on fb had indeed messaged me about their van and I never saw it! Talk about God guiding us to the right choice!

Well, today we met up at the Currency Exchange and bought our van. Not only is it as nice as it is in the pictures, but this family was extremely kind and generous. They insisted on giving us the GPS they used with it, it has a tv (with a VCR, lol!), they remembered that they had a remote starter for it and found it for us (what?!) AND ended up giving us $100 back after we paid for the title and registration as a "baby gift"! I seriously almost cried, and I am so beyond thankful that God worked this all out. We are having all the little things fixed on it later this week and all of it still cost us much less than I was ever imagining we'd have to spend--especially for such a nice vehicle. It seriously leaves us in the position to most likely still be able to pay off the van debt and all the rest of our credit card debt that we have been working on with our tax refund. Words cannot express how incredibly thankful I am to serve such an amazing God. I am so glad we kept our heads on straight and trusted Him to provide, it couldn't be any more perfect! :)

THANK YOU times a million to everyone who has prayed, it is AMAZING to see God work and I just had to share!! :)

30 Weeks and Counting!

Well, I had my (rescheduled) doctor's appointment today! I am 30.5 weeks along and, praise God, all is still going well! Callen is still head down, and well, Miss. Haylee (being the stinker that she is) has flipped again and is head up. No worries there for now though, both babies were moving like crazy today and she has plenty of time (and apparently, room, lol!) to flip once again. Both hearts look good and fluid levels are high. 

As for me, I have officially gained 17.5 lbs, which puts me almost exactly where I was at 3 days overdue with Noah where I gained 18 lbs total. Seems right on track and boy am I feeling it! haha I am having to wear a maternity belt almost all the time now, and I do have a lot of muscle discomfort, but all of it is expected, no worries! 

I am really thankful for the great doctors and midwives I have, they really make me feel comfortable and are so reassuring. It is great having the blessing of medical care that you love, I can't imagine going through all of this with any other people.

I have updated my belly pictures with the latest one from Sunday, which you can check out  here! And my Things Needed post is always up to date. (There have been a few minor additions/changes to the registry and just FYI to anyone who might be looking to buy something, if you do intend to buy from walmart a lot of it is online only, but can be shipped to the store for free.)

It has also been awhile since I have specifically mentioned what to pray for, so here is that as well! :)

*Updated Prayer Requests:

(Bold are new things/info!)

• My health-- I am currently healthy, but I am at high risk for preeclampsia, gestational diabetes, and most concerning, preterm labor. *I still am not showing any signs of any complications, PTL, but please pray for my discomfort in these last few weeks! :)
• Callen & Haylee's health & growth--they are both currently healthy, PTL, but keep praying that they grow at the same rate, and grow enough to be nice &  healthy for a safe delivery
• My delivery--I really would 100% prefer to be able to deliver naturally & without an epidural. A C-section is my worst fear. Obviously, I will do whatever it takes for my babies, but I would greatly appreciate the prayers to be able to do it on my own with no complications. This is possible, and no, I'm not crazy. :) *As long as the first baby comes head down, a natural delivery is the plan*
•  Noah--to adjust well, as this will hit him as a surprise more than anyone else
• 38 weeks is considered Full term for twins. My official due date is October 13th, which puts 38 weeks at September 29th.*My doctors' goal "safe date" is 35 weeks but they won't rush anything if I go longer. Obviously, the longer they're cooking the more developed they will be! My personal goal is 37 weeks so that they will hopefully avoid the NICU*
• Our finances--Ben works two jobs plus sides jobs now, I would love for him to find one, good, full time job that he enjoys.
• A big enough car--we currently have a 2 door cavalier >.< *As of Monday, we should be the proud owners of a 2002 Mini Van! God has truly opened some doors for us & we are very excited and relieved.
• Wisdom in this whole journey!
• That I will be able to fully breastfeed these babies--I *should* be able to, just pray for my emotions, and that I can keep up with taking care of myself so I am healthy enough to nurse both without supplementing.
• That we can figure out an affordable storage solution--we're looking into a shed or something for all the baby things and clothes. Our house is pretty small :) 

Thank you so much for all the prayers and support, I know they've gotten us this far. Can you believe it? We're in the home stretch!! :) 

28 Week Ultrasound!

I hate having to make my ultrasound and doctor appointments later in the day, just because I have to wait longer! ;) I had an ultrasound this afternoon and PTL, it was another great one! My little Miss. Haylee is still as stubborn as ever picture wise, but she is now head down and off of her brother at least! I am still looking all good and both babies are still growing at the same pace. 

Haylee is 2lbs 1oz now, and Callen is 2lbs 5oz! Apparently, Haylee is looking long and skinny. (Wonder where she gets that from! haha) :) I am so happy that she is now head down, and please pray with me that she stays that way! The only way I can have a natural delivery is if the first baby presents head first and they are both fighting for that position. Callen is looking like the presenting baby for now, but it could go either way, and Haylee is quite the little mover. We got, what I think, is a neat shot of their heads right next to each other. One day, I suppose I'll pull it out to show them that they once liked being close to each other. ;)

We also got another profile of Callen, but no 3D's this time. They are both head down with Callen face up, while Haylee is face down.

I have to say, it is so good to just have positive news to report, I appreciate all the prayers that are being answered! I have another ultrasound in four weeks and another doctor's appointment in two weeks. After those appointments I will start going every week for both and we will be in the home stretch! Crazy!! 

Thank you so much for your prayers and support, I can't wait to bring these babies into this world full of people who already love them!

Here's the pic of their heads right next to each other! So good to see! :)

And here's the latest profile of my Mr. Callen--his nose looks like Noah's to me!

And if you haven't seen it already, I created a page with all of my belly shots in a row here, its crazy to see the changes! :) 

Bittersweet Times

Yesterday I had another great doctor's appointment. Everything is looking great, the babies' hearts are strong, they have plenty of fluid, and my blood pressure and everything is still perfectly normal. For those who have been curious, I have gained at total of 13lbs this pregnancy, which is right on track for how I carry. With Noah, I went a few days overdue and only gained 18lbs for the whole pregnancy. So, I'd say that being at 26 weeks with two babies, the 13lbs sounds about right. I thought I had been at 6lbs last appointment (a month ago) but, I think I was mistaken about that; I was more likely at 8-10lbs last month. We don't own a scale, so I haven't been keeping track very well. Luckily, the doctors do that stuff. ;) 

My doctor said it is very few and far between that he has a patient who comes in and doesn't have a complaint or worry--especially with multiples. I do not take this for granted at all, in fact, I make it a point to be very aware and grateful of this fact. God has been so good. I say this, and I truly mean it, because yesterday was the 7 month anniversary of losing Paxton and my precious baby would have been due this week. 

It is so bittersweet. I don't think I could describe it any other way. Everyday something reminds me of that tiny baby I held in my hand, and once carried inside of me. Everyday, when I hold Noah, or feel one of the twins kick, I so wish I would have gotten to experience that with my Paxton. My heart aches, but I am in awe of God's amazing love for us and His perfection. I can't imagine my life without Callen and Haylee already, and knowing that Paxton had to go home for them to happen is bittersweet, but it was always God's plan. As much as it hurts, and as much as it breaks my heart, I have already grown so much. I know having a baby in heaven has already made me a better mother. I know holding that tiny baby in my hand made me so much more aware of the miracle that is life, and how very precious it is. And I know that going through such pain, together with Ben, deciding together right away to be thankful anyway, and being there for each other through this journey has strengthened our marriage more than anything we could have ever done ourselves. Callen and Haylee don't replace Paxton, but they are miracles all their own and a gracious gift from a loving Heavenly Father. I can't wait to meet my baby one day when I go home to heaven, and I can't wait to hold these little babies that are kicking away inside of me as I type. I guess as I write these updates, as I enjoy and experience this pregnancy, it is all bittersweet, but God is so good and I am so thankful.

Ultrasound #2!

Well, we had our second ultrasound at 8am today! I am very happy to report that both Callen & Haylee are doing well and so am I, Praise God! :)

I am currently 25 weeks and 3 days pregnant. Callen is measuring at 1 lb 8 oz, which puts him measuring at 24 wks 3 days, and Haylee is measuring at 1 lb 5 oz, which puts her measuring at 23 wks 3 days. So far, the doctor there is perfectly happy with this. Haylee was a little smaller than Callen last month as well, but it seems to be consistent and not increasing. I am scheduled to go back for another ultrasound in 3 weeks instead of 4, just to make sure she is still growing at the same pace and not losing momentum. The big concern with the babies is that one may take a majority of the nutrients from the placenta and not leave enough for the other. For right now, the doctor is pretty confident that Haylee is simply on a smaller growth curve than Callen and will be just a little more petite, but the ultrasound in three weeks will confirm that.

My cervix is still completely closed with no thinning or anything, praise God. At each ultrasound they check and any signs of that will put me on bed rest! The doctor there has assured me over and over that this is a very healthy pregnancy so far, and since they specialize in ultrasounds and see many multiples pregnancies, it really does make me relieved to hear it from him! :)

Now onto the fun stuff--our little girl seems to be quite the stinker already! Miss. Haylee has her butt and feet covering her brother's head and face and she herself is turned still so we can't see her face either! And she was actively kicking her brother in the head. I'm betting that Callen will be perfectly happy to sleep on his own, apart from her once they're born, haha! ;) The babies were SO active this morning, they were kicking and headbutting the ultrasound tech out of their way, it was too funny.

Here's a picture of Callen's face covered by Haylee's butt. Her hip bones are what's showing. I guess that's a good looking ear! haha

 

Here's all we could get of Haylee, its just a 2D profile--I think her first one was better. Like I said--little stinker. ;)

Anyway, thank you all so much for all of the prayers and encouragement, it means so much to us all! My next regular doctor's appointment is in one week, on July 10th and the next ultrasound is in three weeks, on July 24th! I've been keeping the Things Needed post updated by adding items I've received on the registry. Keep in mind, so far all those things have been found 2nd hand, and I am perfectly happy with that! :) I have gotten a few preemie things for both babies, and some clothes for Haylee too, but more of either is definitely still needed.

Thanks again from all of us, I look forward to updating you all next week after my doctor's appointment--Keep the prayers coming! :)

Yay for good results!

Well, I did go last week for my Glucose tolerance test and I hadn't heard back, (which I figured was a good thing) and it was! I called today just to make sure & they said my test came back completely normal, so I just wanted to post a little update and say thanks for all the prayers--I do not have gestational diabetes! Yay! haha :)

Since I posted last, we've gotten a handful of things for the babies, so I just wanted to keep everyone informed--I am updating my registry and the list on the original post as I get things. So, if you do need to see if we need something you can refer back to the original Things Needed post at any time. :) (I am only updating things as I actually receive them, so if you've told me you have something for me, I'm just waiting to change anything on my list until I have it here and can confirm it.)

I have been feeling these little babies so much now, they are constantly kicking and moving and it is wonderful. Even though things are a little overwhelming and I don't know how everything will work out, God has just laid this verse on my heart: 

1 Corinthians 2:9 But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him.

I think of our amazing little boy, Noah, I think of Paxton in Heaven, and daily I get to feel these precious babies, Callen & Haylee, moving & growing inside of me; knowing that they are so close to being in my arms. I could never have imagined this as it is, and I know God has even greater plans for our family. That verse overwhelms me with a joy for what we have and a peace about the future that can only come from Him, and I am so very thankful & excited. 

Once again, thank you for all the prayers, they mean so much to us! <3

Things Needed...

Well, I keep getting questions about what we need for the babies, so, I created a registry to answer that. I want to make it clear that we do not expect anything from anyone; and with that being said, we truly do appreciate any help we do get! I was not thinking of having a baby shower, but I guess there are two, so it's not as simple as normal when you've already had a baby. Either way, I'm not expecting one, and I'm certainly not throwing myself one, lol! So, this is just here for those who have been asking.

We do have all of Noah's things still, so we are not without everything by any means. In fact, worst case, we could get by with what we have (with the exception of needing clothes for Haylee) and just make things work, so these things are items that we do not have and would like to have, just to make this whole thing a lot easier.

Now, I'm posting this registry from Walmart, but if you are looking to buy us something, I honestly do not care if anything is second hand. Buy used & save the difference! :) I just figured that finding what we are looking for and listing it in one place with all the pictures and info would be a lot easier than just making up a list myself. 

I would love for any of you to help with finding the strollers or any of the big items at garage sales, thrift stores, Craigslist or whatever. I enjoy the "hunt" myself, but Ben and I have one car & I have a toddler, so I can't be everywhere at once. ;) I know that where we are currently financially, I do not have a couple hundred dollars to just spend even if I do find something for a great deal, but if I know the deal is there, my husband has been working side jobs and we may be able to swing something if it is worth it, so I do want to know. :)

So, here is the "official" list:

The link to our Walmart Registry 

Includes the mini cribs, strollers we want, nursing items I'd like, carriers, equipment that we need, & some storage items (ie: dresser, space bags, & the storage ottoman) that we are hoping for. **The colors of the wraps or nursing pillow, ect don't really matter if you find something cheaper somewhere else or have something to give us. The strollers and cribs are really the main things where we are specifically wanting those in particular. I just registered for two of their cheapest white bassinets--they have good reviews & should be the best space option for those first couple of months for us. Plus, I can add some pink and blue ribbon to make them more fun. ;)

Preemie Clothes for Haylee & Callen The hope is that we won't need these for long, but chances are the babies will be small when they're born. We shouldn't need a plethora of this size, but some definitely won't hurt! *We do have a handful of preemie clothes for both babies now, a little more won't hurt, but we shouldn't need too much more.

Clothes for Haylee! Really, we have no girl clothes except the things we have been given since we found out, so any girl clothing in any size or girl items (bibs, burp cloths, baby towels, shoes, ect) are needed! And don't worry, I have PLENTY of clothes for Callen :)

We will also be cloth diapering--I still have Noah's Flips, but we could use:

•  More Flip covers & inserts in girl colors (I'm looking to get around 5 covers & 20 stay dry inserts) Which can be found on the Cotton Babies Website *I now have a Cotton Babies Registry, which can be found here. The items listed will take you to the correct link, but you have to select the colors and snap closures (please NO hook & loop!) yourself. The colors I'm wanting are listed on the registry page, but they won't automatically be selected for you.
• I also need Newborn sized covers and inserts for both babies (Probably 4 boy covers & 4 girl covers, & 30 nb inserts) which can be bought at my friend's site Sew Cute **They may not be listed in the nb size, but if you e-mail her she will definitely be able to get you all the info**
• Also, at Sew Cute are wet bags (I'm hoping to have 2-3 more) & regular sized covers that work with my Flip system that I wouldn't mind having at all! (Some really cute girl and boy patterns that Flip doesn't offer)
• I also am wanting a couple pail liners for my diaper pail and a diaper sprayer (which is on my Cotton Babies Registry)

Sidenote: we are looking into a storage loft bed for Noah: The siblings will all be sharing a room, so we are trying to figure out as many ways to make it as functional as possible. I found this bed at Walmart.com. The drawer space and shelving is ideal--we don't need a desk or anything. But, the hefty price tag makes it a probable no. So, if anyone comes across something similar second hand, PLEASE let me know!
**We found a loft bed off craigslist that my sister (who lives with us) is going to use and it will become Noah's bed once the twins grow out of their cribs. That way, they can all still share a room and the toddler beds can go underneath it. For now, we are taking a small piece of furniture out of the nursery, rearranging things, and the mini cribs and Noah's current bed should fit. We are now looking into either a short, long dresser for the twins' clothes that will fit in the closet, or two small dressers that will fit together into the closet. I did find a dresser that would work on walmart.com and it has been added to the registry :)

We should have another car seat, an extra swing, and an extra bumbo from people who have already offered. (Extra Thank You!! inserted here to those people!) ;)

Like I said before, we do not expect anything, this post is really my own checklist and for those who want to help. I know God will provide for these little ones, just as He always has for us--sometimes that is through others & we honestly do not take that for granted. To anyone who wants to help, anyone who already has, anyone who is praying, we thank you all from the bottom of our hearts! <3