We're Home - sort of

Hope it doesn't seem too impersonal to update people this way - things are a little hectic as you might've guessed. We got home yesterday and made it through night #1. We aren't without hiccups in things though. Early Monday morning at the hospital the resident came in to say that blood work showed Corinne had jaundice and they wanted to start treating it with an electric light blanket. (a bili blanket as they are called) They tested her level again Monday at noon and we were allowed to all go home, but Corinne has to wear this blanket all the time.

We saw her pediatrician today as directed and got another blood test - unfortunately we found out that her levels are elevated to the point that they are starting to be concerned. We go for another blood test tomorrow and based on how it turns out, she may be admitted to Children's Hospital or Magee again for more intensive light treatment.

Jaundice is common with newborns and esp. so with ones who breast feeding isn't going as well as could be (which is us, and we're making strides so thank goodness for that). We feel the jaundice is due to a hematoma (bruise under her bones) on her head - she was shoved up against my pelvic bone for a while in utero and then the trauma of delivery can cause bruising. It makes red blood cells accumulate in the blood and secrete a compound called biliruben (which is what they are measuring with these tests). The blanket lights help the liver and kidneys get rid of the biliruben.

So while it's common to the pediatric world, to us we're a bit freaked out. Okay, I am a sobbing mess and Dave is my rock. (He's been so great with things!! It's hard to love him more but I do!) We just want our angel to be okay and get past this. With the sleep deprivation and that fact that it looks like a bomb of beautiful gifts and cards and flowers went off in our house (we are so loved it is unbelievable!) , we'd like to move onto just staring into her big blue eyes and not having to worry as much.

So that's it - sorry we've not been able to return calls or make calls or return emails really. We'll update when we can. Love to all!

Our angel is here!!!!

Today is her birthday - Miss Corinne Elise came into the world at 10:02 AM on Saturday May 24th (a little early, just like her mom!)

My water broke at 4 AM and I had my first contraction at 4:35 AM. We got to the hospital around 5AM and were admitted. I got my epidural around 7 AM which was WONDERFUL!!!! (Man I don't know how women do it without it). It was a world of difference much to my relief and Dave's relief too!

Things happened fast since I was "complete" and ready to push at 9:30. She arrived at 10:02 - so not too bad at all! She was 8lbs, 14oz and 20.5 inches long. She has a ton of blonde hair and big blue eyes.

We are both just so in love with her! Breastfeeding is a little scary and isn't going as well as we'd like, but we're fighting the good fight and will get there in time. Part of it still seems so surreal!! Best get going - love to all!

May 28th it is!!!

Induction set!!!

Unless I go on my own, we're to report next Wednesday morning to be induced. Sweet relief!

Of course I realize that now that we have some time and things to do, he or she may most likely come sooner than next Wednesday!

Oh, and people have asked for correct spellings and such. Peanut will either be:

Benjamin Robert

or

Corinne Elise

2 letter word for "anxious" = ME!

Seriously, if you look up the word "anxious" in wickipedia, you'll see my picture.

The good news is no preeclampsia.

The bad news means no induction this week.

So I'll be induced next Wednesday or Friday if I don't go on my own prior. Which is just crazy. I'm now 5cm dilated (that's half way!) and almost fully thinned out. Yet this kid is as stubborn as a mule and will not come out (I have no idea where s/he gets that from). I've had zero contractions. Zip. Zilch. Nada.

Suggestions for how to serve this kid his or her eviction notice are appreciated. I'm miserable with being swollen everywhere and feeling so huge I can't move.

where things stand

It's been a very hectic few days. Friday my blood pressure was so bad I was sent to Magee with bags packed and told they may induce me then and there depending on what happened. All the results turned out fine at the time, and we were sent home. Saturday morning, we were back less than 12 hrs after we left. The ultrasound showed Peanut measuring greater than the 90th percentile at approximately 8lbs 1 oz (they give a range higher and lower, but the tech said that was her best approximation)

The rest of the weekend we spent trying to finish up things in case I'd be induced this week.

Today I called my OB again to follow up - my BP was up and down all weekend long. If one number was fine, the other wasn't. And then yesterday I lost feeling in my right hand and arm due to swelling. So I went into the OB this morning.

While my tests from Friday and the lab during the week prior didn't show preeclampsia, the OB said that they really want the results from the 24hr urine analysis they ordered. (This is the definitive test). Well that was a story in and of itself..... I collected the sample last week and tried to turn it in on Saturday, only to be refused by the lab. They said it was the wrong container - funny since it was the same damned container they gave me to use! "Frustrated" doesn't begin to describe my feelings.

So I have to repeat the test STAT. The results will be known on Wed at my OB appt. If it shows preeclampsia they will induce immediately. If not, due to my high blood pressure and the baby's size, they will induce at 39 weeks which is Wednesday the 28th. And of course I may very well go into labor on my own in between.

In the meantime, my OB doesn't want me working at all, but laying on my side as much as possible to keep my blood pressure lower. So today was my last day at the office, and I'll finish off the next week working at home., laying down. I'm also wearing a wrist brace on my right wrist; this is due to pregnancy induced carpal tunnel syndrome. They feel it will resolve itself once I deliver. Without the brace, my hand goes numb and my forearm tingles. But with it on - sweet relief!!!

I'm so tired of going to various doctors, labs, etc. I've been on the phone non stop to keep all my medical people updated (doulas, OBs, labs, etc) I can't see how they expect me to rest with all the running around they have me doing. Plus I'm still supposed to be working, which is really difficult. I'm trying to wrap things up to keep things at work as seamless as possible. There just don't seem to be enough hours in the day.

With all the running about, I've been avoiding the phone as much as possible. Rest assured that I'm being watched very closely by my doctors and as soon as we have news to share, we'll share it with everyone. So that's the skinny. Now I have to stop typing and get back to work!!

Potential Pre-E

Well, since my Pens are doing so poorly tonight I might as well do something like make a post. (Why is it that all the good TV is on the same night? The Office, Grey's & Lost all with the Pens game #4 going on - gah! Thank goodness for DVR!)

Yesterday's OB appointment yielded some new facts:
almost 3cm dilated
50% effaced
higher blood pressure (154/90, then 139/88 then 132/82)
"traces" of protein in my urine
Increased swelling

The last 3 facts are worrisome to my doctor. They're potential signs of preeclampsia which is a very serious condition. So the doc ordered blood work and urine analysis and an ultrasound (for Sat at 6:45 AM - ugh!!) for more testing. I'll get those results on Wednesday.

I went back today and things were pretty much the same with the blood pressure and urine and bad swelling. But I'd gained 2lbs from yesterday, which is not a good thing. Another sign of pre-e hanging over my head.

So what happens now? Well, first I have to collect my urine for 24 hrs and store it in a big orange Tide looking container. Oh, and it has to be stored in the fridge! Everyone together now - EWWWW!!!!! Then I turn in the urine to the lab and they run tests. Together with my blood work they'll determine if I have preeclampsia.

**IF** I do, they will induce labor right away. That is the only "cure" for preeclampsia. If I'm just exhibiting mild symptoms and not classic ones, they will continue to monitor me and may or may not induce at 39 weeks (end of May).

The induction doesn't scare me. It's the thought of the dreaded magnesium sulfate drip I'd have to be on during labor & delivery and afterwards. This is to prevent seizures which can occur. It pretty much makes you a zombie and takes you out of it in a not so good way. And that isn't how I want to remember (or not remember) Peanut's birth. I guess we'll find out how things look on Wednesday!

Treasure Box

Many of the people who attended my baby shower (and myself included) wondered what all the fuss was about when it was requested that I didn't crumple up the gift wrap. As I unwrapped each gift, I handed over the paper that the gift was wrapped in to Kelly's mom Gail.

Well, on Mother's Day I got my answer... Gail had made the treasure box you see below.

Now, she's always been crafty with paper and scrapbooking (among many of her crafty talents) but this blew me away. When you open the box, it is made up of pictures from the baby shower and behind each picture is git wrap from the shower. There are scrapbooking embellishments added to each page.

You can "turn" pages to see more pictures, and in the center is a mini version of the shower invitation.

I can't get over how neat this little treasure box is, and what a nice keepsake it will make for Peanut. We have it on the shelf in Peanut's room.

I think Gail should patten this treasure box idea. She claims it was simple, but you know how professionals are - things come easily to the gifted! She is too modest!

Remembering "Mom"

Sunday is Mother's Day and Dave and I are blessed to have wonderful moms. We also have fantastic Aunts and friends who are caring and devoted mothers to their children . Many people in our lives will be honored on Sunday and deservingly so.

But I'd like to take a moment to acknowledge all those who are trying to be moms - those in my life ("real" life and "cyber" life) who are struggling with their dream to become a mom to a child. I remember how hard "Mother's Day" is when you're not and it's all you want. To say it hurts is an understatement. And while most people try not to dwell on it, it doesn't mean they shouldn't get a reminder of how special they are.

Many women have lost children to heaven and suffer in silence while they remember their angels. They should be remembered too.

I wish them the strength to keep fighting for their dream; I wish them peace in their hearts to continue on & to accept their struggles with the grace and hope that they show daily. My prayers are especially with Meghan, Rebecca, Cristy, Nancy, Peg, Elizabeth, and Melanie. And in my heart, I silently acknowledge those who may not wish to appear "publicly" on this blog, but are none the less remembered.

Now go call your mom and wish her a happy Mother's day!

Numbers

In the going greener part #2 - a word about plastics. Have you ever turned over the plastic ware you're using and looked for the number on the bottom? It's important to know what kind of plastic you're using - both for the environment as well as for yourself.

Plastics that are okay to use - 1, 2, 4 & 5

Plastics to stay away from - 3, 6 & 7:

Plastic #3 - PVC. Polyvinyl chloride (PVC or vinyl) can be manufactured to be either rigid or flexible and is identified with the number 3. There are claims that PVC poses serious environmental health threats. According to the Center for Health, Environment, and Justice, the production of PVC requires chemicals like the "highly polluting chlorine," the "cancer-causing" vinyl chloride monomer (VCM), and ethylene dichloride (EDC). They also claim that PVC plastic requires large amounts of toxic additives to make it stable and usable. These additives are released during use and disposal, resulting in "elevated human exposures to phthalates, lead, cadmium, tin, and other toxic chemicals." The FDA acknowledges that the building block of PVC, vinyl chloride, is a human carcinogen. OUCH! Also, as you know, it's never a good idea to heat up food in the microwave with plastic wrap (which is plstic #3) - it releases the chemicals in the plastic into the food. Use a paper towel instead.

Plastic #6 - Polystyrene (PS) can be rigid or foamed. It is most commonly used for protective packaging (for example, foam packaging for furniture, electronics, and other delicate items), food serving packaging (for example, cups, plates, bowls, cutlery, meat and poultry trays, and rigid food containers), bottles, and food containers. It is identified as number 6.

Plastic #7 - Bisphenol A (BPA) is a widely produced chemical used primarily for the production of polycarbonate plastics and epoxy resins. More than 6 billion pounds of BPA are produced and used each year for this purpose. The use of this chemical is so profound that it was detected in the urine in 93% of the population over 6 years of age. The study did not include anyone under 6 years of age, so the level in their urine is unknown.

The number 7 is considered the "other" category and includes chemicals other than bisphenol A. Nalgene water bottles were made with BPA until recently. They are being voluntarily pulled from the shelves and replaced by bottles that are BPA-free made with a relatively new plastic called Tritan copolyester. Other sources of polycarbonate are food and drink packaging, including infant bottles, toddler sipping cups, tableware, and food containers.

This is the big issue right now - BPA being in baby bottles and such. And I turned over my Nalgene water bottle on Monday and sure enough, it was made from #7. Now, maybe you're thinking it isn't a big deal unless it is heated. Not true. While BPA is released 15 to 55 times faster with the boiling water, other studies show that exposure to sunlight can cause BPA to be released. And if you wash that water bottle in the dishwasher - same thing. But one study found that PBA will leach into water at room temperature!!

Studies done on laboratory rodents have shown that high doses of BPA during pregnancy and lactation can reduce survival, birth weight, and growth of offspring early in life, and delay the onset of puberty. BPA has also been linked to cancer, diabetes, and obesity. It is a hormone disruptor, just like plastic #3 and #6.

A great read can be found here. I recently stopped using my Nalgene bottle and went to Target to purchase a Rubbermaid 32oz water bottle for $3. Not only was it cheaper than my Nalgene bottle, it fits in my cup-holder!

Finally, another number. I'm 36 weeks today, up 35lbs in this pregnancy (OMG!) and dilated 2cm. Let's hope that means I'm on my way soon to Peanut's arrival.

Going Greener - step #1

I spent a lot of time this weekend reading the "Green This!" and "Growing Up Green" books. I highly recommend reading the "Green This!" book for ways to begin using more natural and non-toxic products in the house.

Let me back up - first I managed to confuse myself with the terms "organic", "natural" and "non-toxic". In case you want to follow along, here are some definitions that may help.

Organic - refers to a method of farming in which plants and botanicals are grown on land that is free of chemicals, fertilizers and pesticides. The USDA divides these products into three categories: "100% Organic," "Organic" (contains 95 percent organic ingredients) and "Made With Organic Ingredients" (contains at least 70 percent organic ingredients). The USDA Organic Seal verifies a product's authenticity. In other words - this will usually refer to food or on occasion, some beauty products.

Natural- means the product was created from botanical sources without additives or preservatives; the soil in which these plants are grown isn't taken into consideration. Natural products are not federally regulated, so they may contain synthetic ingredients.

It's important to note that the terms "organic" and "natural" are thus not interchangeable. The ingredients in organic and natural products are biocompatible with our bodies and more readily absorbed. They are also less of a detriment to the environment. Unfortunately, they can be more expensive since they are not made cheaply.

Non-toxic - refers to the safety level of a product. Something can be both organic and natural, but still be toxic. For example, vinegar is a natural, biodegradable and “green” product. But just get it into your child’s eye, and you have a dangerous situation to deal with. So when talking about non-toxic products, most of the time you are talking about something that you will come in contact with like cleaning products or skin products.

Whew - got all that? The books suggested that you start out with small changes and not try to do everything at once. So while I'd like to go organic with our foods, we can't afford to do so. Instead, we purchased a product called "Fit" which is a wash that removes waxes and pesticides and chemicals far far better than water. So we can buy regular produce and use this product to remove a lot of the harm. And I'm slowly going to switch over to natural products.

But with Peanut on the way, I really want to focus on using as many non-toxic products as possible. When reading about the chemicals in standard cleaning products, my science background came back in a flash and I found myself appalled that we'd be using these products for so long. They really, really are dangerous - especially when you consider how the fumes stay low to the ground near pets and little ones.

So I have replaced just about every cleaning product we have with non-toxic versions. And it's easier (and not as expensive) to do than you think! With some research and recommendations from friends, I'm using the "Method" and "Seventh Generation" lines of products. Method can be found in many store like Giant Eagle but I've found it to be least expensive (and a bigger selection) at Target stores. Same with Seventh Generation. Oh, and did I mention because they are non-toxic, they are also better to the environment?? And then there is the feeling that I'm not having dangerous chlorine and other evil chemicals in our home recking havoc on our bodies.

Because speaking of bodies, mine is enduring enough on its own. Seriously, will someone please get this kid out of me? I am so, so, so, so miserable. I know it's cause I'm nearing the end, but the heat is really starting to affect me. I'm extra swollen, and my back is really hurting. Sleeping consists of tossing and turning non-stop. And I'm really, really tired all the time. Which means I'm extra irritable, so call at your own risk - ha ha.

When I stopped into the hospital today, the nurse tried to direct me to triage because she thought I was in labor and checking myself into the hospital!! Ugh. What a mess I must look. Why was I at the hospital? Heather's little girl McKenzie Jordan was born today at 10:55 AM - 7.5 lbs and 17 inches (I think I got that right). She is so sweet! Mom and baby are doing fine. I'll have pictures tomorrow night when I stop back. If I don't go into labor first (please, please please).

Trying to go green(er)

With Earth day two weeks ago, we've been giving more thought to trying to be more green in our daily living and long term carbon foot-print. We already try to avoid using plastic bags from the grocery stores and instead use the reusable bags we purchased last year.


We're going to be getting a new car for me next February; we've changed our mind from getting a small SUV / cross-over vechicle to getting something that is just a bit larger than my current Jetta. So we're starting to look into what kind of vechile we'd get - it would be great to get a Toyota Camry hybrid but they are fairly expensive with the options I want ($30K). And getting a hybrid isn't about the better gas mileage (though that is a nice perk) since 85% of my driving is on the freeway - it is more about doing my part to lessen the polution in the air from my car. I just don't know if I can afford the price.


There's also the possibility of just getting a newer used car (like a 2007) that just has more room and gets decent gas mileage. But that leaves a ton of possibilities. Maybe having options is a good thing, as much as I like to know ahead of time.


I've also been giving a lot of thought to what is more important - what you put INTO you, or what you put ON you. While the skin can act as a filter, you absorb into your blood stream a lot of the unnatural ingredients that are in shampoo, soap, deoderant, etc. And while your liver acts as a filter too, I truly belive you are what you eat. Many foods are laiden with hormones and artificial ingredients. I wish we could afford to do both. As a friend of mine said - it's certainly more affordable to change what you put on you.


I did come across a helpful article of which foods you should really try to buy organic and which aren't as necessary to buy organic.


The Dirty Dozen - you should always buy organic based on an analysis of >10,000 US Government pesticide test results:

1. Apples


2. Cherries


3. Grapes imported from Chili


4. Nectarines


5. Peaches


6. Pears


7. Raspberries


8. Strawberries


9. Bell peppers


10. Celery


11. Potatoes


12. Spinach

Not so Dirty Dozen - generally do not retain pesticide residue:

1. Bananas


2. Kiwi


3. Mangos


4. Papaya


5. Pineapples


6. Asparagus


7. Avocado


8. Broccoli


9. Cauliflower


10. Corn


11. Onion


12. Peas

I know that we're also starting to use more green cleaning products, especially with Peanut on the way. I've read about how bad chlorine and other cleaning products are for kids and pets, especially since the fumes stay so low to the ground. I'd love to purchase this book and really dig into it.

Feel free to share any green tips you have in the Comments. I love exchanging ideas!

(un)founded fear

They say that the first trimester is the one filled with angst and worry - with not feeling well and placing all your trust in something bigger than yourself that everything will be okay. For me, the 1st trimester wasn't so bad - aside from wondering if I'd miscarry again. I think I held my breath at every ultrasound (and still do) that there'd be that flickering heart showing that life was still existent. And I felt fine physically other than moody.

The second trimester was really the best - physically and emotionally. No complaints and enough comfort to trust that things were going well.

But the third trimester... well, I'm finding that this is almost as bad, if not worse than the first trimester. And it isn't the physical aspect (though that does hurt, but I've blogged enough about that for now). It's the emotional aspect that is getting to me. I think that because of the two years of infertility and especially the missed miscarriage of our twins, it's had a weird affect on me. There is a big part of me that still can't believe we're going to get a baby out of this. It's like there is a part of me that waits for the other shoe to drop. Maybe I'm in denial of sorts. Maybe I just can't accept that the happiness we've strived for so long is right around the bend, and our dream is about to become true. But I find myself racked with worry a lot of the time.

I'm worried that something is going to happen to this child before it's even born, and just like the miscarriage, I'll have no idea. Unfortunately stillborn babies are a sad fact of life. And what if the cord is stuck around my baby's neck and we don't know it? What is normal to feel and what isn't? What if I am missing a sign? When I expressed my fears to my OB at a recent appointment, she said that fetal movement is the best assessment of the baby's health. That an active baby is a healthy baby. That Peanut should be as active as ever, and yes, even with my placenta in the front.

Great..... so now I've found my new obsession. How active is Peanut? I'm asked at each appointment if the baby is active. And I say "yes". Well, at last week's appointment I was asked if movement has slowed down at all - to which I was honest and said "yes". Because it has slowed down. I thought this was normal from everything I've read and heard. That baby runs out room and is cramped in the end, and thus isn't as active. Plus, the hard punches and kicks have become more tai chi like - rolls and pushes across my body. But even so, it's not as frequent as it once was. My OB said I should be feeling Peanut ten times an hour?? That seems excessive to me. But hey, she is the one with the medical degree.

When I woke up on Sunday morning at 6:30 AM, I realized I hadn't felt any movement since 9PM the night before. So I drank a glass of cold orange juice and laid back down on my left side and waited. And waited. No movement. 90 minutes later I start freaking out convinced that something has gone wrong. I got up and went downstairs about to start digging around on the Internet when finally Peanut moved. I felt like I'd been holding my breath the whole 90+ minutes.

I just don't know how I'm supposed to last another 5 weeks of this agony. I'm torn between my gut which says Peanut is just not as active and has run out of room, or listening to my doctor who says that Peanut should be really just as active. Damn my past history for making me worry and not allowing me to relax! Ignorance really is bliss I guess.

So I finally decided to spend the money to rent a doppler machine for this last month. This will allow me to check for the baby's heartbeat just like they do at the doctor's. I figure the money will be worth the peace of mind. I just wish that I was in a place mentally where this was all unnecessary. I guess I won't fully relax until I'm holding Peanut safely in my arms.

Completed Nursery Pics

Thought I'd post some pictures of the nursery now that everything is in there and assembled. We love being in the room (as does Zoe who thinks this was all done for her enjoyment)!

It's a lazy weekend for the most part for us. Made a nice breakfast this morning (we opted to skip a week of traditional Sat morning breakfast out) and are cleaning up around the house a bit. Dave is still under the weather and I'm still tortoise slow in moving about.

I'm really starting to feel the nesting kick in, but in odd ways. Like, going through all the manuals & user guides we have - arranging them / throwing out old ones / reading all the baby ones. I found it really necessary to straighten the hall closet this morning for some reason. Yet I just can't make myself assemble the "hospital bag" - maybe I'm still in denial that this is REALLY going to happen. Fortunately we do have a small "hospital pile" of some things to take. Something tells me that as eager as I am for this child to come early (like it's mama is always early), it will take after dad and be Sprague late.

Next on the "to do" list - switch winter clothes for spring / summer ones. This should be interesting since I have no idea what will fit my body these last 5 weeks and post-partum!

Checking In

Just a little post to say we're still around. I'm finally rested from 2 active weekends of baby showers and celebrating Dave's birthday. We have everything all set up - it looks so odd to see a high chair in our dining room, or a pack & play in our living room! We did a ton of baby laundry and it almost doesn't fit. Current counts are:

• 44 various onsies size 0-3 months
• 23 sleepers size 0-3 months
• 21 bibs
• 27 receiving blankets
• various socks, hats and gender neutral outfits

I think it's safe to say we're set on 0-3 clothes! I am trying to not have a lot of size newborn items because they are typically 5-8 lbs, which at the rate Peanut is growing, may not fit at all!

Unfortunately Dave has been sick for almost a week now and isn't feeling much better. He's been sleeping on the couch as to not get me sick - poor guy. I know it's bad when he misses work like he has.

I'm starting to put things together for the hospital bag, and we're checking a few items off the "to do" list prior to Peanut's arrival. And we've been enjoying this awesome weather. That's really about it - I won't get into how miserable I am since I have 5 or 6 weeks left and know it's only going to get worse. I have a whole new appreciation for women in general, and women who go through a pregnancy with multiples!

Happy Birthday Dave!

It's late in posting, but we just got home not too long ago from birthday dinner (and I can no longer blog at work - darn firewall!). But today is Dave's 39th birthday! I like to remind him that it's his last one in his 30s - snort snort!

Here's a picture of his gift this year; I surprised him with a bike he's wanted for a while.

Happy birthday honey! Love you!!

Not so little Peanut

The name "Peanut" kind of implies this cute little baby - emphasis on little. I'm not sure that is going to apply much longer! Last week at the doctors I was still measuring 3 weeks ahead (measuring 35 weeks and not 32) so an ultrasound was ordered to check things out.

Now, being 3 weeks ahead doesn't necessarily mean I'll deliver 3 weeks earlier. It just means the baby is larger than where s/he should be.

Results from the ultrasound include:

• Peanut's head and belly circumference are both 31cm. That's over 12 inches. (I now find myself trying to find things that are 12 inches in diameter. I keep doing this b/c I can't believe how large 12 inches in diameter is! Ignorance is really bliss in this category!)
  
• Peanut has hair - visible on the ultrasound. (That was freaky cool). So much for heartburn = hair, since I don't really have heartburn!
  
• Peanut is estimated to weigh 5.5lbs which places him or her in the 76% percentile (our little over-achiever)
  
• Peanut is head down and lowwww (I knew s/he dropped further onto my bladder!)

The picture is self explanatory and was an equal mixture of cool and disbelief. Say hello to Peanut's face...

Additional Comments

This pictures illustrates how low Peanut is already as well as how I look more like 35 weeks than 32!

I wanted to show this picture of the cool Stork Angie made from her gifts, but instead I find myself laughing at Angie's expression!

Some of the most beautiful gifts I received -hand made sweaters from my friends Anna & Michelle. (I hope one day to be this good!)

Proof that my "Internet friends" exist - what a fun bunch of ladies!

Another word for THANK YOU?!?!

I don't think there are words in the thesaurus that could convey the depth of gratitude I feel after today's baby shower! "Thank you" just seems inadequate! Wow is all I can say - I am so overwhelmed by the generosity of our friends and family. Peanut is sure one loved baby!

And while we didn't play any baby games, my generous shower hostesses (my Mom, Dave's step-mom, my soon to be sister-in-law and her mom, and friends Angie, Heather and Jen) arranged for a guessing game about Peanut which I thought was fun. The answers (to guess the gender, date and weight) were even funnier!

Highlights include:

• 25 guesses of girl and 7 guesses of boy (does someone know something we don't???)

• Earliest guess is May 11th (by my godmother)

• Latest guess is June 15th (by my great Aunt - please Lord do not let that happen!!)

• No one guessed over 10lbs (whew - now if only.... Did I mention I'm still measuring 3 weeks ahead, which means there is one big baby in there! No wonder I look 35 weeks when I'm only 32!)

Once we managed to bring everything into the house we began the task of putting things away. We had a ton of laundry to do! We've assembled more than half of the items though and the nursery really looks amazing now! I think we'll call it quits after the toy-chest tonight. My back is really sore and my feet are pretty swollen; I think just the excitement of the day is keeping me going! Poor Dave is exhausted from carrying everything around (the usual occurrence at showers for anyone who can recall my bridal shower!).

But honestly, we are so grateful and blessed with generosity and love from those around us! It is just amazing. Today was surely a day we won't ever forget (and we have a ton of pictures and personalized books and wonderful memories to go along with it all!). Now if you'll excuse me, I need to start my thank you notes (I have my early response reputation to uphold!)

Past & Present

Today is a bittersweet mixture of emotions. While it marks 32 weeks / 8 months of pregnancy this year, it also marks 1 full year to the day since we lost our twins.

I am sure that most people have forgotten about them, especially in light of the current pregnancy. But as anyone who has suffered a miscarriage knows, one pregnancy doesn't replace the other. I've never met any of these miracles, yet they are part of our hearts. It just wouldn't feel right to not mention them today of all days.

Incridible Shrinking Organs

31 weeks today and miserable. I feel guilty feeling that way, considering all we've gone through to get to this point. But holy crap am I uncomfortable!! I can' t get comfortable to sleep, and my sleep is disrupted by getting up to pee every 90 minutes. And it hurts to get up from laying down (or even from a sitting position). I also have no room to digest anything I eat, which leads to massive uncomfortableness!

The 2 pictures below are meant to show fetal development, but are great for showing how much your organs shrink!! (Pictures are from Pennhealth.com)

On a happier note, I am looking forward to my baby showers in the next few weeks! I just hope that I can make it until then!! What will 8-9 more weeks make me feel like? Gah!