I bought a shirt a few months ago when I realized I needed roomier clothing. It's a flowy, sleeveless maternity shirt -- nothing spectacular. This was during the days of hide-the-smallish-belly attire because I didn't look pregnant yet, I looked like I let myself go. I couldn't fathom my belly would grow large enough for this roomy shirt to fit properly but, at the urging of my mother (who's been around the block with four children), I purchased the shirt, took it home, washed it and hung it up in my closet.
I've ignored the shirt, overlooking it when apathetically searching for clothing. I know I'm pregnant and supposed to gain weight but it's hard to feel excited when I feel like Large Marge. Anyway, today, at 20 weeks pregnant with twins, I saw the shirt and gave it a shot. It's not tight - I still have room to grow - but it finally fits and that means ...
YES, I AM REALLY PREGNANT. YES, THERE ARE REALLY BABIES GROWING INSIDE ME.
This weekend my better half and I went to the mall to exchange some maternity clothing I received as a gift (I love receiving gifts of clothing that are too small ... NOT ... sorry, I'm bigger than that ...). After learning Motherhood Maternity is affordable and pretty cute, my man took me to lunch. Damn right he did because I was hungry! Duh! We couldn't find parking near the restaurant so we parked farther away and walked. We had to cross a few crosswalks and, lo and behold, people actually stopped, smiled and waved us on. I didn't think much of it until he mentioned those people stopped because I am visibly pregnant. Wow ...
YES, I AM REALLY PREGNANT.
This isn't to say I've been swigging booze and eating tons of mercury-ridden fish for months, riding rollercoasters and eating bowls of feta cheese, funneling wine and laying on my back in bed in an attempt to ignore my state. Yes, I know I'm pregnant and have been doing all the pregnancy-must-dos but it hadn't sunk in yet. I knew it but didn't quite believe it for some reason, maybe my brain is attempting to keep me from losing my mind so it's easing me into this life changing event.
It still boggles my mind daily to think in 18 weeks or less I will be the mother of twin boys ... I can hardly believe it and even typing it out in this blog post is scary but I'm starting to ... I want to say 'come to terms' but it's not like I'm dying, I'm having children (although people have told me my social life will die but I'm a bit of a hermit so more like my alone time will die). So, maybe instead of 'come to terms' we can say I'm starting to wrap my head around this whole me being pregnant thing.
It doesn't help I can hardly believe I'm 29, which is a great age to have children, so I think, "Wait, I'm not old enough to have kids!" This thinking hurts because then I remember I'm not 22, I'm 29, and that's a tough thing to be reminded of every now and then. Like a random slap in the face once a week.
This all makes me think of that scene in "Knocked Up" where Debbie and Alison are told to get in the long line at the nightclub instead of being quickly let in, which happens with attractive, young women. The doorman says: You old, she pregnant. Can't have a bunch of old pregnant bitches running around. That's crazy.
Yes, it sure is crazy.
As for updates in other areas, I finished registering at BabiesRus. We registered for the main items - cribs, car seats, pack and plays, bouncy seats, swings - and figure we can buy the smaller items on our own.
We are thinking of joining Costco or Sam's Club since we did our budget and the column containing the amount of money left over every month after the main bills are paid is not as huge as we wanted. We may have to say goodbye to HBO and unlimited data plans and hello to bulk diapers at Costco but I think it's good we save money, whether we are having babies or not.
We put together a list of people for our baby shower -- we are doing a joint shower with me inside with the ladies and the men outside barbecuing, drinking beer and ... being men. The presents will be helpful but I don't like being the center of attention and, unlike my bridal shower, I can't have a glass of wine to take the edge off ... so, that should be interesting.
We still have work to do on reorganizing the house but it certainly looks a lot better. Other than that, I'm hungry so I'm going to go eat a snack!
Tuesday, June 11, 2013
Wednesday, June 5, 2013
19 Weeks Pregnant: We Are Having Twin Boys And My Brain Doesn't Work Anymore
I'm 19 weeks pregnant with twin boys - we found out last week (my husband was so excited he fist pumped after the doctor left the room and whisper-screamed YES because, at last, his evil plan of two mini-me children has been activated).
Anyway, I'm convinced my brain no longer works. It's as if my thoughts are on the tip of my tongue, I know they're there but I can't reach them so I make coherent sense in my day-to-day-life, especially at work. This must be what Keanu Reeves feels like all the time ...
It's not to say I've totally lost my marbles ... just forgetfully foggy.
Let me take one skeleton out of the closet briefly and admit, a long time ago while in college, I smoked marijuana and, yes, I inhaled ... a lot. I quit after college when I realized a serious day job (newspaper editor) didn't mix with the sticky-icky -- i.e. my work suffered. That's how I know this feeling - it's like I'm slightly stoned 24-7 but instead of the green stuff I have hormones coursing through my veins which also make me emotional and hungry. At least I have the ultimate excuse, "Sorry, I'm pregnant and tired." Most people understand, even my self-obsessed boss who hates children and is frightened I have two growing inside of me because it will ruin my life apparently. #lovely I think she pities me while I secretly pity her because she's horrible.
I can't fight the stupidity, I must embrace it because there's no amount of Suduko puzzles that will help me now. I try to sleep a lot because I read mental fatigue while pregnant is a sign you aren't sleeping enough but I have to work so I can't sleep all day. I get about 9 hours a night, subtracted by a few trips to the bathroom as well as being awakened because I'm uncomfortable. I try to workout a few days a week, including a prenatal swimming class that rocks my world once a week. Other than that, me brain don't work so good hon.
Other gripes ... restless legs, which my husband and I have morphed into a song using the tune of George Michael's "Careless Whisper" -- "Restless legs have got no rhythm." Restless legs suck. I drink at least a gallon of water a day and I know this because I drink water out of a 32-ounce water bottle. I take calcium in the morning with my prenatal and potassium and magnesium at night. What more do you want from me body? I'm giving you all I got captain!
I got my hair cut shoulder length the other day, they took off about four inches.. I don't know why but now I feel like I'm becoming a stereotypical mom - of course my sister, the bitchy one, remarked about my mom-hair ... she's so nice. Mom = short hair, don't care. My husband said he likes it but he's being very nice to me because I'm a twin-carrying, hormonal woman and, honestly, when you ask a man if he likes your haircut, what's he going to say if he ever wants to eat homemade food and have sex again? Duh.
I haven't had weird cravings aside from eating hardboiled eggs and pickles in the first trimester because I was so nauseous those were the only things I could stomach. My new obsession is hummus but I have been thinking about Chinese food recently. I used to fantasize about a crisp white wine or a spicy red wine, the mellowness of a wine buzz, and now I think about General Tsos Chicken with a shrimp egg roll, cheese wontons and some hot and sour soup and the mellowness of sleeping. Weird.
I'm such a rube.
Anyway, I'm convinced my brain no longer works. It's as if my thoughts are on the tip of my tongue, I know they're there but I can't reach them so I make coherent sense in my day-to-day-life, especially at work. This must be what Keanu Reeves feels like all the time ...
It's not to say I've totally lost my marbles ... just forgetfully foggy.
Let me take one skeleton out of the closet briefly and admit, a long time ago while in college, I smoked marijuana and, yes, I inhaled ... a lot. I quit after college when I realized a serious day job (newspaper editor) didn't mix with the sticky-icky -- i.e. my work suffered. That's how I know this feeling - it's like I'm slightly stoned 24-7 but instead of the green stuff I have hormones coursing through my veins which also make me emotional and hungry. At least I have the ultimate excuse, "Sorry, I'm pregnant and tired." Most people understand, even my self-obsessed boss who hates children and is frightened I have two growing inside of me because it will ruin my life apparently. #lovely I think she pities me while I secretly pity her because she's horrible.
I can't fight the stupidity, I must embrace it because there's no amount of Suduko puzzles that will help me now. I try to sleep a lot because I read mental fatigue while pregnant is a sign you aren't sleeping enough but I have to work so I can't sleep all day. I get about 9 hours a night, subtracted by a few trips to the bathroom as well as being awakened because I'm uncomfortable. I try to workout a few days a week, including a prenatal swimming class that rocks my world once a week. Other than that, me brain don't work so good hon.
Other gripes ... restless legs, which my husband and I have morphed into a song using the tune of George Michael's "Careless Whisper" -- "Restless legs have got no rhythm." Restless legs suck. I drink at least a gallon of water a day and I know this because I drink water out of a 32-ounce water bottle. I take calcium in the morning with my prenatal and potassium and magnesium at night. What more do you want from me body? I'm giving you all I got captain!
I got my hair cut shoulder length the other day, they took off about four inches.. I don't know why but now I feel like I'm becoming a stereotypical mom - of course my sister, the bitchy one, remarked about my mom-hair ... she's so nice. Mom = short hair, don't care. My husband said he likes it but he's being very nice to me because I'm a twin-carrying, hormonal woman and, honestly, when you ask a man if he likes your haircut, what's he going to say if he ever wants to eat homemade food and have sex again? Duh.
I haven't had weird cravings aside from eating hardboiled eggs and pickles in the first trimester because I was so nauseous those were the only things I could stomach. My new obsession is hummus but I have been thinking about Chinese food recently. I used to fantasize about a crisp white wine or a spicy red wine, the mellowness of a wine buzz, and now I think about General Tsos Chicken with a shrimp egg roll, cheese wontons and some hot and sour soup and the mellowness of sleeping. Weird.
I'm such a rube.
Tuesday, June 4, 2013
19 Weeks Pregnant With Twins: Registery, money, gifts, getting ready for babies
Thanks to Babycenter.com's weekly e-mails, I know I am 19 weeks pregnant with 21 weeks left (I could probably do the math but math isn't fun - and my high school algebra teacher told me to never do anything in life involving math ... )! However, since I'm having twins, those 21 weeks are actually 19 or less, hopefully at least 16 weeks so I make it to the uber-important 35 weeks mark!
So, it's time for hubby and me to get our shit together and remember to stop staying words like shit because we will be parents soon. The other weekend his handyman father came over and helped with touchup painting - I flew the coop because conflicting reports concerning the safety of painting when pregnant was enough for me to decide to be safe than sorry. Mr. Fix It returned this past weekend to help with heavy lifting as we (I helped by making tuna sandwiches) rearrange the home. He will return in a few weeks or so to paint (what-will-be the nursery) if we ever clear all the crap out of there -- but as I remind myself in mantra form: it's not finished but it's better than it was ... progress was made.
We are rearranging our home so it's baby friendly. I.e. we don't need a fancy dining room when the space could be used for a couch and open floor area for babies to play and us to be less worried they'll hurt themselves. And, let's be honest, we've eaten in there ... four times maybe and lived there for almost six years. Glad we registered for so much fancy china ... NOT. How about instead of those dinner plates you pay off a student loan?
We plan to donate items and furniture we've talked about donating for years, as well as other items we don't need. There's always time for decluttering and it feels amazing like I'm lighter, although I've gained weight (shocking) but that's another complaint for another day (I know I'm supposed to gain weight but I don't have to be happy about it!)
Anyway, we're slowly but surely getting our shit together, which also means registering! We asked around (i.e. my sisters, friend of sister with twins, long list from BabyCenter.com of what to get) and registered for the essentials. You know ... cribs, car seats, bathtub, etc. using Amazon ratings but registering on Babies-r-Us. It was stressful and we still need to add a few things, especially a video monitor thing-a-ma-jig, but I'm glad we didn't register in person because that would have been even more stressful. Hopefully after the shower - August - we will have a majority of what we need because, honestly, I'm worried about money.
It's not that we're broke as a joke but for some reason people told my husband babies aren't expensive and he believed them. Also, I suggested we take a diaper out of the box (his practical boss and coworkers were nice enough to buy us a box and a double stroller!) so he could try it out and he was worried it would dry up because he thought they had wipes in them ... thank goodness for the childbirth and baby classes we are taking next month. So, back to money: umm ... diapers alone are a lot, especially with twin babies to clean up after, and I won't be working. Honestly, I think we need to sit down and punch some numbers, which means we Google "How much do babies cost" and list our monthly expenses in comparison. Just as decluttering the home was beneficial on many levels, decluttering our bank account will be beneficial, although painful. Talking about money stinks worse than a dirty diaper after a major blow-out.
Anyway, we're making way for twin babies this fall whether we're ready or not!
So, it's time for hubby and me to get our shit together and remember to stop staying words like shit because we will be parents soon. The other weekend his handyman father came over and helped with touchup painting - I flew the coop because conflicting reports concerning the safety of painting when pregnant was enough for me to decide to be safe than sorry. Mr. Fix It returned this past weekend to help with heavy lifting as we (I helped by making tuna sandwiches) rearrange the home. He will return in a few weeks or so to paint (what-will-be the nursery) if we ever clear all the crap out of there -- but as I remind myself in mantra form: it's not finished but it's better than it was ... progress was made.
We are rearranging our home so it's baby friendly. I.e. we don't need a fancy dining room when the space could be used for a couch and open floor area for babies to play and us to be less worried they'll hurt themselves. And, let's be honest, we've eaten in there ... four times maybe and lived there for almost six years. Glad we registered for so much fancy china ... NOT. How about instead of those dinner plates you pay off a student loan?
We plan to donate items and furniture we've talked about donating for years, as well as other items we don't need. There's always time for decluttering and it feels amazing like I'm lighter, although I've gained weight (shocking) but that's another complaint for another day (I know I'm supposed to gain weight but I don't have to be happy about it!)
Anyway, we're slowly but surely getting our shit together, which also means registering! We asked around (i.e. my sisters, friend of sister with twins, long list from BabyCenter.com of what to get) and registered for the essentials. You know ... cribs, car seats, bathtub, etc. using Amazon ratings but registering on Babies-r-Us. It was stressful and we still need to add a few things, especially a video monitor thing-a-ma-jig, but I'm glad we didn't register in person because that would have been even more stressful. Hopefully after the shower - August - we will have a majority of what we need because, honestly, I'm worried about money.
It's not that we're broke as a joke but for some reason people told my husband babies aren't expensive and he believed them. Also, I suggested we take a diaper out of the box (his practical boss and coworkers were nice enough to buy us a box and a double stroller!) so he could try it out and he was worried it would dry up because he thought they had wipes in them ... thank goodness for the childbirth and baby classes we are taking next month. So, back to money: umm ... diapers alone are a lot, especially with twin babies to clean up after, and I won't be working. Honestly, I think we need to sit down and punch some numbers, which means we Google "How much do babies cost" and list our monthly expenses in comparison. Just as decluttering the home was beneficial on many levels, decluttering our bank account will be beneficial, although painful. Talking about money stinks worse than a dirty diaper after a major blow-out.
Anyway, we're making way for twin babies this fall whether we're ready or not!
Tuesday, May 14, 2013
16 Weeks Pregnant With Twins: Second Trimester & It's Time To Act Like A Pregnant Lady
I'm 16 weeks pregnant with twins, whether I believe it or not. Although my mind isn't on board yet, my body is giving hints, like smack you in the face hints. It's time I take ownership of my pregnancy status, even though my body resembles a woman who has let herself go as in I drink beer constantly and don't give an f-.
Saturday, while shopping with my dear mama, I needed to sit my butt down after my lower back began hurting/cramping. The pain wasn't extreme but it was enough to warrant a response from yours truly as well as my ma-ma. Sunday, a lovely Mother's Day lunch with hubby, mom and m-i-l and grocery shopping was enough to take the wind out of my sails.
I spent yesterday in bed, reading, resting and eating - which was glorious (although not glorious enough to want to be on bed rest for weeks). Who knew Stephen King, a neck pillow and snacks in bed could be so fabulous? That evening I nearly passed out/threw up standing at my oven, stir frying vegetables (found out today from my OB/GYN that's normal -- my blood pressure likely fell). Sitting down didn't cure what ailed me but lying down on the couch made me feel better. I also felt like my throat was closing up and I couldn't breathe but that was likely a panic attack since the dizzy/nauseous feeling is what I felt before I had a partial seizure three years ago (only have had one in my life, thankfully, but I read those feelings are my triggers and shouldn't be ignored).
The first trimester I lacked energy and felt disgusting, inside and out. My body was slowly expanding and my stomach felt like a Tilt-a-Whirl. I felt like a scientist while trying to discover which foods wouldn't make me hurl. Now I'm into the second trimester and all I hear from veteran moms and opinionated Internet ramblings, the likes I should stop reading, is how this trimester is wonderful. Yes, I don't feel as disgusting as last trimester and I can eat a wider variety of foods (although some smells still make me want to hurl) but I'm realizing my body isn't what it used to be, not that I was a Sports Illustrated swimsuit model who worked out hours a day. My body is working for three and it's throwing hints to slow down, even if I feel well enough to go about my normal routine.
You see, I'm not your normal girl. I grew up daddy's favorite and a tom girl. My much older sisters didn't want much to do with me so I latched on to my closer-in-age brother, wanting to be just like him. When my parents needed someone to do hard labor (as we referred to it), I was in on the action. So, it's hard for me not to be one of the boys -- I'm Rosie the Riveter! However, I must remember I'm living for three, which is extraordinary! It would be easier if I had a substantial baby bump to showcase to the world but life isn't always easy!
Saturday, while shopping with my dear mama, I needed to sit my butt down after my lower back began hurting/cramping. The pain wasn't extreme but it was enough to warrant a response from yours truly as well as my ma-ma. Sunday, a lovely Mother's Day lunch with hubby, mom and m-i-l and grocery shopping was enough to take the wind out of my sails.
I spent yesterday in bed, reading, resting and eating - which was glorious (although not glorious enough to want to be on bed rest for weeks). Who knew Stephen King, a neck pillow and snacks in bed could be so fabulous? That evening I nearly passed out/threw up standing at my oven, stir frying vegetables (found out today from my OB/GYN that's normal -- my blood pressure likely fell). Sitting down didn't cure what ailed me but lying down on the couch made me feel better. I also felt like my throat was closing up and I couldn't breathe but that was likely a panic attack since the dizzy/nauseous feeling is what I felt before I had a partial seizure three years ago (only have had one in my life, thankfully, but I read those feelings are my triggers and shouldn't be ignored).
The first trimester I lacked energy and felt disgusting, inside and out. My body was slowly expanding and my stomach felt like a Tilt-a-Whirl. I felt like a scientist while trying to discover which foods wouldn't make me hurl. Now I'm into the second trimester and all I hear from veteran moms and opinionated Internet ramblings, the likes I should stop reading, is how this trimester is wonderful. Yes, I don't feel as disgusting as last trimester and I can eat a wider variety of foods (although some smells still make me want to hurl) but I'm realizing my body isn't what it used to be, not that I was a Sports Illustrated swimsuit model who worked out hours a day. My body is working for three and it's throwing hints to slow down, even if I feel well enough to go about my normal routine.
You see, I'm not your normal girl. I grew up daddy's favorite and a tom girl. My much older sisters didn't want much to do with me so I latched on to my closer-in-age brother, wanting to be just like him. When my parents needed someone to do hard labor (as we referred to it), I was in on the action. So, it's hard for me not to be one of the boys -- I'm Rosie the Riveter! However, I must remember I'm living for three, which is extraordinary! It would be easier if I had a substantial baby bump to showcase to the world but life isn't always easy!
Thursday, May 2, 2013
14 Weeks Pregnant With Twins: Time For Airing of the Grievances
I am pregnant hear me roar.
It's nice to complain once in a while, especially on an online blog - there's only so much complaining my husband can take, especially when he can't relate to my aches and pains, hormonal fluxes and the like.
What is the deal with water? I drink at least a gallon a day and my body thirsts for more, especially my restless legs even though I eat at least one banana a day and added coconut water! Maybe I should wear a beer hat with water bottles on each side and strap a portable toilet to my butt. What a look! I try to stay away from calorie and sugar filled juices and non-caffeinated soda but enjoy a half juice, half Perrier/ginger ale cocktail once in a while. Amazing. It's refreshing, especially when others are boozing.
Speaking of water, I bet toilet paper companies love pregnant women. I peed so many times today (it's only 2:30 p.m.) I lost count. The type of urination I find most annoying is when you feel near explosion but find yourself at the porcelain throne with hardly enough fluid to fill a urine sample cup. What's up with that?
Speaking of nether regions, my tailbone hurts. With all the expanding and stretching my body is undergoing, my tailbone is sore (yes, I sit on a cushion at work). My doctor recommended a chiropractor but I fear his adjustments may hurt my babies (probably an ignorant fear). Maybe it will go away ... fingers crossed.
Moving on, if one more "well-wisher" tells me congratulations with a followup of "Twins, wow, you are going to be huge," I'm going to get myself arrested. Why would someone think that's appropriate to tell an already expanding, hormonal woman? As I type this in stretch pants and a tunic, I know I will grow larger. I've stupidly Google imaged "Twins third trimester" to see into my future. I don't need reminders from strangers.
My other favorite response is: "Twins?! That's going to be so hard." Thank you, very uplifting. Are you a motivational speaker?
Speaking of stretch pants, I would like to thank the hipster, teeny-boppers, whatever you want to call them (females younger than me who act as if they created cool), who popularized leggings as suitable clothing. They are magnificent. As for the rest of the stuff they popularized, well ... as Sweet Brown said, "Ain't nobody got time for that!"
If I ever have children again I want to warn my future self -- Danger, danger Will Robinson, the smells you encounter in the first trimester when you're queasy (soaps, lotions, scented trash bags) will haunt you for the rest of your pregnancy. I switched soaps and am contemplating switching shampoo/conditioner (although, I just bought the family size containers) and face wash ... or maybe I can continue holding my breath as I wash.
Another gripe, in addition to restless legs (and one case of restless arms) I have a new wake-up-at-4-am thing occasionally going on where I struggle to fall back asleep. My mind doesn't race, there are no thoughts of tasks I didn't accomplish or a stressful day ahead. Just tossing and turning. What gives?
And last, but not least, for the past two days my nausea made its grand return. Not as significant as before but ... I thought I was past this! Insert fear of nine months of morning sickness. I expanded my meals past carrots and saltines (first trimester staples) but am not a total balls-to-the-wall pregnant lady who eats everything in sight. Some of the stuff I ate before I became pregnant still make me nauseous, especially popcorn. I don't have cravings per say but there's food I look forward to eating (I eat healthy during the week and have a cheat meal or two on the weekend) but it's basically food items I've always loved - pizza, ice cream, nachos, burritos. Although I can handle a bit more spice than before, especially with Mexican food.
My back started hurting as I typed this post but I solved this issue by unhooking my bra. Perhaps it's time I stop typing and go buy a new one!
It's nice to complain once in a while, especially on an online blog - there's only so much complaining my husband can take, especially when he can't relate to my aches and pains, hormonal fluxes and the like.
What is the deal with water? I drink at least a gallon a day and my body thirsts for more, especially my restless legs even though I eat at least one banana a day and added coconut water! Maybe I should wear a beer hat with water bottles on each side and strap a portable toilet to my butt. What a look! I try to stay away from calorie and sugar filled juices and non-caffeinated soda but enjoy a half juice, half Perrier/ginger ale cocktail once in a while. Amazing. It's refreshing, especially when others are boozing.
Speaking of water, I bet toilet paper companies love pregnant women. I peed so many times today (it's only 2:30 p.m.) I lost count. The type of urination I find most annoying is when you feel near explosion but find yourself at the porcelain throne with hardly enough fluid to fill a urine sample cup. What's up with that?
Speaking of nether regions, my tailbone hurts. With all the expanding and stretching my body is undergoing, my tailbone is sore (yes, I sit on a cushion at work). My doctor recommended a chiropractor but I fear his adjustments may hurt my babies (probably an ignorant fear). Maybe it will go away ... fingers crossed.
Moving on, if one more "well-wisher" tells me congratulations with a followup of "Twins, wow, you are going to be huge," I'm going to get myself arrested. Why would someone think that's appropriate to tell an already expanding, hormonal woman? As I type this in stretch pants and a tunic, I know I will grow larger. I've stupidly Google imaged "Twins third trimester" to see into my future. I don't need reminders from strangers.
My other favorite response is: "Twins?! That's going to be so hard." Thank you, very uplifting. Are you a motivational speaker?
Speaking of stretch pants, I would like to thank the hipster, teeny-boppers, whatever you want to call them (females younger than me who act as if they created cool), who popularized leggings as suitable clothing. They are magnificent. As for the rest of the stuff they popularized, well ... as Sweet Brown said, "Ain't nobody got time for that!"
If I ever have children again I want to warn my future self -- Danger, danger Will Robinson, the smells you encounter in the first trimester when you're queasy (soaps, lotions, scented trash bags) will haunt you for the rest of your pregnancy. I switched soaps and am contemplating switching shampoo/conditioner (although, I just bought the family size containers) and face wash ... or maybe I can continue holding my breath as I wash.
Another gripe, in addition to restless legs (and one case of restless arms) I have a new wake-up-at-4-am thing occasionally going on where I struggle to fall back asleep. My mind doesn't race, there are no thoughts of tasks I didn't accomplish or a stressful day ahead. Just tossing and turning. What gives?
And last, but not least, for the past two days my nausea made its grand return. Not as significant as before but ... I thought I was past this! Insert fear of nine months of morning sickness. I expanded my meals past carrots and saltines (first trimester staples) but am not a total balls-to-the-wall pregnant lady who eats everything in sight. Some of the stuff I ate before I became pregnant still make me nauseous, especially popcorn. I don't have cravings per say but there's food I look forward to eating (I eat healthy during the week and have a cheat meal or two on the weekend) but it's basically food items I've always loved - pizza, ice cream, nachos, burritos. Although I can handle a bit more spice than before, especially with Mexican food.
My back started hurting as I typed this post but I solved this issue by unhooking my bra. Perhaps it's time I stop typing and go buy a new one!
Wednesday, April 24, 2013
Shit Just Got Real: 13 Weeks Pregnant With Twins & Learned One Is A Boy
I went yesterday to a high risk doctor referred by my OB/GYN because I'm having twins. I noticed a pregnant woman drinking Diet Coke in the waiting room and almost gasped out loud but instead smiled because obviously I'm not doing so bad considering I'm not gulping down diet soda! P.S. I'm working on being a good person so, in turn, my children will be good people -- cursing, judging, bitching and moaning. It goes fairly well when I remember to follow the rules.
I didn't know what I was in for with this appointment, especially since I saw my regular doctor for a checkup the day before. All I knew was this checkup could only be held at the 12-13 week mark.
I was given a brochure on first trimester screening while in the waiting room and found they would be testing for Down Syndrome, trisomy 18 and neural tube defects -- which includes an ultrasound and a blood sample. I hardly had time to finish reading before I was whisked away to a lovely bland, sterile room for loosen-your-pants-here-comes-the-warm-goo-time.
Thirty+ minute sonogram/ultrasound (not sure which) later with a tough but tender tech, and I saw my babies on the big screen. The technology at this place was a large step up from my OB/GYN, so I was giddy as I saw their little faces and hands. Baby B serenely lounged and looked peaceful. Baby A ... well Baby A was face down with its butt in the air! What a clown!
As the tech worked to measure my babies necks (part of the screening), she asked what sexes I wanted. I replied I didn't know, I just want them to be happy and healthy. I used to think I wanted two boys because my 8-year-old niece has enough sass for the United States of America but then I thought, wouldn't it be nice to have both? I finally figured I didn't know so it's better to hope for health and happiness than penis or vagina. The tech casually asked me, "Do you want to know what I think?" I didn't think they'd know this early so my bewildered response of "Yes, I'd like to know what you think" lacked enthusiasm.
Well folks, she said she thought both were boys but wasn't sure about Baby A. However, she was definitely sure of Baby B because, ladies and gentleman, we saw penis! My husband is floating on a cloud. I'm happy but not as happy as him because he wanted at least one boy. To me the news hit me like a slap in the face because shit got real. There's something definitive about knowing one of them is a boy. It makes all this concrete. A son. Excitement and fear is pulling me in separate directions so here I sit in the dazed zone - this must be how Ryan Lochte feels all the time! Also, the idea of two boys scares me because I'll be outnumbered three to one!
There are babies growing inside me and one of them is a boy and they will be here in less than 27 weeks. I could repeat this in the mirror until my voice gives out but I can't wrap my head around the news. It is the craziest news I've ever heard! I've read it doesn't become real for a woman until the baby (babies) kick and for a man until they are born, so I've got time and this is normal.
I didn't know what I was in for with this appointment, especially since I saw my regular doctor for a checkup the day before. All I knew was this checkup could only be held at the 12-13 week mark.
I was given a brochure on first trimester screening while in the waiting room and found they would be testing for Down Syndrome, trisomy 18 and neural tube defects -- which includes an ultrasound and a blood sample. I hardly had time to finish reading before I was whisked away to a lovely bland, sterile room for loosen-your-pants-here-comes-the-warm-goo-time.
Thirty+ minute sonogram/ultrasound (not sure which) later with a tough but tender tech, and I saw my babies on the big screen. The technology at this place was a large step up from my OB/GYN, so I was giddy as I saw their little faces and hands. Baby B serenely lounged and looked peaceful. Baby A ... well Baby A was face down with its butt in the air! What a clown!
As the tech worked to measure my babies necks (part of the screening), she asked what sexes I wanted. I replied I didn't know, I just want them to be happy and healthy. I used to think I wanted two boys because my 8-year-old niece has enough sass for the United States of America but then I thought, wouldn't it be nice to have both? I finally figured I didn't know so it's better to hope for health and happiness than penis or vagina. The tech casually asked me, "Do you want to know what I think?" I didn't think they'd know this early so my bewildered response of "Yes, I'd like to know what you think" lacked enthusiasm.
Well folks, she said she thought both were boys but wasn't sure about Baby A. However, she was definitely sure of Baby B because, ladies and gentleman, we saw penis! My husband is floating on a cloud. I'm happy but not as happy as him because he wanted at least one boy. To me the news hit me like a slap in the face because shit got real. There's something definitive about knowing one of them is a boy. It makes all this concrete. A son. Excitement and fear is pulling me in separate directions so here I sit in the dazed zone - this must be how Ryan Lochte feels all the time! Also, the idea of two boys scares me because I'll be outnumbered three to one!
There are babies growing inside me and one of them is a boy and they will be here in less than 27 weeks. I could repeat this in the mirror until my voice gives out but I can't wrap my head around the news. It is the craziest news I've ever heard! I've read it doesn't become real for a woman until the baby (babies) kick and for a man until they are born, so I've got time and this is normal.
Tuesday, April 23, 2013
Thirteen Weeks Strong: Pregnant With Twins and Not As Nauseous
I began writing this post when I was 11 weeks preggers. Instead of deleting it and skipping ahead to where I am now (13 weeks), I might as well include the part I started two weeks ago before procrastinating - which was going to work, going home, sleeping, repeat.
I am 11 weeks pregnant with twins and feel as if I'm experiencing the world for the first time. The smells, dear god the smells are awful ... mostly. Although today I almost licked the creamy goodness coming out of my bottle of Burt's Bees Milk & Honey Body Lotion. Don't worry, I stopped myself ... although I had to make a quick stop at Rite Aid today to get some organic granola bars (my keep-in-the-car-and-purse-just-in-case-snack) and stopped at the display of Burt's Bees products to smell the lotion again ... so ... I may have a problem.
The thought of most food leaves me quivering with disgust, including many foods I used to devour -- homemade popcorn and sweet potato fries. I couldn't eat popcorn at the movies this past weekend. For shame pregnant lady, for shame!
Also, there's this trick my body plays on me from time to time where I get a hankering for something - case in point, pasta - and finally get to have that something - pasta and chicken at a restaurant - and then am not satisfied. What's the deal? Why was I so obsessed if that's going to be the outcome?
Body 1, Me 0.
I try to eat healthy during the week, especially since I sit at a desk all day. Food I can stomach: eggs, raw carrots, bananas, apples, pears, chicken/pork/turkey burgers (hardly am able but know I need the protein). Then there's the foods I enjoy: Annie's honey grahams, Greek yogurt, peanut butter Puffins (which my uber-health-conscious sister informed me has GMO so ... bye Puffins), seasoned Melba toast, rice cakes made from brown rice, Greek yogurt Popsicles, hardboiled eggs, waffles, pickles, cottage cheese (don't judge me for the last few - I don't eat them together except ... for ... the pickles and hardboiled eggs ... sometimes). I don't buy peanut butter because I wouldn't follow the serving suggestions and I am in love with Chipolte burritos, an item I used to find too spicy.
Fast forward to present day: 13 weeks pregnant
I'm not nearly as nauseous (thank Heaven) but am still tired yet not as tired. I am the little engine that could, chug, chug, chugging along. I saw a sonogram of my twins yesterday (which are temporarily, and jokingly, named Hans and Frans or Don and Juan) and saw they're big heads and tiny heartbeats. Cute! Sadly for my husband, we don't know the sex yet.
My sweet grandmother passed away last weekend so I spent last week visiting family, attending services and eating comfort food friends of the family brought over. I attempted to eat healthy - eggs, toast and fruit for breakfast, salads incorporated at lunch and dinner, enough water to quench the thirst of Africa - but did delve into the land of homemade peanut butter cookies (good gracious those were amazing), some smorgasbord pasta casserole dish, chocolate cake, ice cream, tea lattes from Starbucks, potato salad (which had too much mustard but, not suprisingly, I kept eating it anyway), pimento cheese and chicken salad sandwiches and various goodies. Luckily I only gained three pounds at my recent checkup so that's good (or bad because the self-deprecating side of me thinks I'm not feeding my children enough if I can visit my relatives (who we decades ago deemed "food pushers") and not gain 10 pounds, especially since I was there almost a full week.
Let's save those worries for right before I fall asleep at night (am I right or am I right?). Current problems: restless legs occasionally (even had restless arms in the middle of the night but drank two glasses of water and they went away), I think my tailbone is bruised and wonder if I should buy one of those donuts to sit on, occasional queasiness and the smells, oh the smells, are still a problem. My Febreeze scented trash bags make me want to barf.
Other than that, 27 weeks to go until I meet my babies!
I am 11 weeks pregnant with twins and feel as if I'm experiencing the world for the first time. The smells, dear god the smells are awful ... mostly. Although today I almost licked the creamy goodness coming out of my bottle of Burt's Bees Milk & Honey Body Lotion. Don't worry, I stopped myself ... although I had to make a quick stop at Rite Aid today to get some organic granola bars (my keep-in-the-car-and-purse-just-in-case-snack) and stopped at the display of Burt's Bees products to smell the lotion again ... so ... I may have a problem.
The thought of most food leaves me quivering with disgust, including many foods I used to devour -- homemade popcorn and sweet potato fries. I couldn't eat popcorn at the movies this past weekend. For shame pregnant lady, for shame!
Also, there's this trick my body plays on me from time to time where I get a hankering for something - case in point, pasta - and finally get to have that something - pasta and chicken at a restaurant - and then am not satisfied. What's the deal? Why was I so obsessed if that's going to be the outcome?
Body 1, Me 0.
I try to eat healthy during the week, especially since I sit at a desk all day. Food I can stomach: eggs, raw carrots, bananas, apples, pears, chicken/pork/turkey burgers (hardly am able but know I need the protein). Then there's the foods I enjoy: Annie's honey grahams, Greek yogurt, peanut butter Puffins (which my uber-health-conscious sister informed me has GMO so ... bye Puffins), seasoned Melba toast, rice cakes made from brown rice, Greek yogurt Popsicles, hardboiled eggs, waffles, pickles, cottage cheese (don't judge me for the last few - I don't eat them together except ... for ... the pickles and hardboiled eggs ... sometimes). I don't buy peanut butter because I wouldn't follow the serving suggestions and I am in love with Chipolte burritos, an item I used to find too spicy.
Fast forward to present day: 13 weeks pregnant
I'm not nearly as nauseous (thank Heaven) but am still tired yet not as tired. I am the little engine that could, chug, chug, chugging along. I saw a sonogram of my twins yesterday (which are temporarily, and jokingly, named Hans and Frans or Don and Juan) and saw they're big heads and tiny heartbeats. Cute! Sadly for my husband, we don't know the sex yet.
My sweet grandmother passed away last weekend so I spent last week visiting family, attending services and eating comfort food friends of the family brought over. I attempted to eat healthy - eggs, toast and fruit for breakfast, salads incorporated at lunch and dinner, enough water to quench the thirst of Africa - but did delve into the land of homemade peanut butter cookies (good gracious those were amazing), some smorgasbord pasta casserole dish, chocolate cake, ice cream, tea lattes from Starbucks, potato salad (which had too much mustard but, not suprisingly, I kept eating it anyway), pimento cheese and chicken salad sandwiches and various goodies. Luckily I only gained three pounds at my recent checkup so that's good (or bad because the self-deprecating side of me thinks I'm not feeding my children enough if I can visit my relatives (who we decades ago deemed "food pushers") and not gain 10 pounds, especially since I was there almost a full week.
Let's save those worries for right before I fall asleep at night (am I right or am I right?). Current problems: restless legs occasionally (even had restless arms in the middle of the night but drank two glasses of water and they went away), I think my tailbone is bruised and wonder if I should buy one of those donuts to sit on, occasional queasiness and the smells, oh the smells, are still a problem. My Febreeze scented trash bags make me want to barf.
Other than that, 27 weeks to go until I meet my babies!
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