Happy Days

How far along? 27 weeks 3 days

Total weight gain/loss: 26 pound gain
Maternity clothes:I found myself browsing my favorite shopping area on Columbus Day, and Gap maternity had AMAZING sales, the clothes feel like heaven, and I know these new shirts will stay with me even after the pregnancy is over! Can’t beat that.

Stretch marks? None

Sleep: The twinsomnia is still awful, with the exception of Sunday night. WOW, best night’s sleep I’ve had in MONTHS. 7 hours of pure blissful uninterrupted rest!
Best moment this week: Everything on Monday! From the moment I woke up from that amazing sleep, until my delicious piece of lemon raspberry cheesecake (from the cheesecake factory) for dessert!
Miss Anything? Missing my family. Probably because I’m SUPER close to seeing them all! and HOCKEY
Movement: Lots. I can’t tell the difference btn the gummies moving anymore. It’s all one solid crazy hockey game in there!
Food cravings: Apples. Honeycrisp this time of year are unreal.
Anything making you queasy or sick: Typical heartburn, but not related to anything inparticular.
Gender prediction: I had a dream 2 nights ago that I found out we were having girls, but I’m not convinced…two boys!
Labor Signs: None
Symptoms: Acid reflux, cramping/numbness/sore muscles in my legs
Belly button in or out? Neither, it’s just kind of…there
Wedding rings on or off? On
Happy or Moody most of the time: MISO happy J
Looking forward to: Receiving a few items I purchased online, maybe this week! Keith comes home in 8 days, whoop whoop

More pumpkins!  I have these everywhere downstairs.  I called it quits
after a crafting carpet accident.  Oops

So far I've had a fabulous week.  Monday can be attributed to my "day off" from pregnancy.  I had an amazing, restful sleep, relaxed on the hammock in the morning and felt glorious sun up to sun down!  That dose of sunshine gave me SO much energy I ventured out for some Columbus Day sales!  Not only do I officially have baby clothing in the house, I have maternity clothing as well!!!  Why, oh why did I wait so long to invest in some basics?  Mommies-to-be, highly recommending Gap Maternity wear!  Everything is ultra soft, and on itchy skin it feels like wonderful fluffy clouds.

This morning I had a good appointment and got to see the gummybears!  That was a nice little surprise since I thought it was just a simple checkup.  Wish I had a cute photo to post, but the technician was new and took some terrible pictures, not even worth putting up.  I also had my gestational diabetes testing.  Hopefully my levels come back low so I don't have to do a follow-up 3 hour screen.

Funny experience today at the grocery store.  On my way to the checkout I realized I forgot marshmellows to make more rice crispy treats.  I ditched the cart near the checkout line, found an empty shelf of marshmellows, but wound up walking back to the cart with two items in hand....sour gummy worms and a jar of bread and butter pickles.  I was a walking pregnancy cliché!  Ha, I hope I made someone laugh.

While delicious beef stew brews in the crock pot I have the 2nd crib to piece together, and the new Ikea catalog calling my name!  Hope everyone enjoyed the long weekend!

Hugs and Kisses

Before I start the tissue poms for the nursery I thought I'd try out the cupcake toppers.  These were super fun to make, and add a funky flare.  Learn how to make them too...click here

Twinsomnia

How far along? 26 weeks

Total weight gain/loss:  25 pound gain
Maternity clothes: I almost bought a pair of maternity jeans on sale at Kohls a couple days ago…those pants are COMFORTABLE, who knew!  I ended up with a new pair of fall boots instead.  Whoops.

Stretch marks? None

Sleep:  Ahhh, my greatest challenge.  I shall call this twinsomnia, I’m sure it's an actual thing!
Best moment this week: Scoring a bunch of awesome deals at the twins club sale.
Miss Anything? Pumpkin Ale, Octoberfest, and today I made a fall inspired Sangria for a party tomorrow…so I’m gonna go ahead and say, I miss Sangria.
Movement: Tons, hence the prime reason I’m not sleeping
Food cravings: Sprite with cherries.  Strange, I know
Anything making you queasy or sick: No
Gender prediction: One boy/one girl??
Labor Signs: None
Symptoms: Acid reflux, backaches and shortness of breath
Belly button in or out? In
Wedding rings on or off? On
Happy or Moody most of the time: SOO happy!
Looking forward to: Seeing family next month

My to-do list is almost complete (and I still have 3 weeks to go).  I have the nursery prepped and ready, which is great cause soooo many wonderful things have been arriving via FedEx and UPS!  I can't wait till Keith gets home to build the cribs!  I haven't decided whether the closet looks bigger or smaller with these tiny clothes hanging up.

The twins sale was ginormous!!  I walked and talked and played for 2 hours!  Proud to say I scored some great deals on items we'll put to good use.  I'm already excited for the Spring sale, now that I know how everything operates.

I spent the rest of my Saturday rewashing my recent purchases and finishing up some fall crafts.  Check out the awesomeness!



Inspired by Pinterest and other creative crafters!
Click here and here if you'd like to make them too

 

Nursery Inspiration

As promised....here are a few things I find inspiring!
I'm sticking to the bare basics, and going all neutral, so whether the gummies are boys/girls/both we'll be prepared.

*Favorite color scheme:  Grey, Yellow, White

Both above are from potterybarnkids.com
If you check out the site, be sure to look at the Taylor Nursery.  The elephant bedding is A-mazing!

*White furniture, and spindle cribs
This beautiful nursery is a Kristen F. Davis design.  Happy walls, happy house.
This room is so elegant!  I searched all over, and think I found the cribs pictured!
I haven't decided if I'm going to purchase a glider/rocker/accent chair.  I'd like to be comfortable in the nursery, but don't want to feel confined to that space because it's the only room with a "special" chair.

*Animal Wall art

I'm going to make prints myself.  I'd like to hang a couple shelves and frame a silhouette (like the one above) of a giraffe, and one of an elephant.

 

*POMS: a trend I'm crazy about!

These DIY poms can be made from tissue paper or fabric.  I'm thinking neutral colors to possibly hang from the corner...and fabric ones as a pillow for a chair, or the crib.  Maybe these are a touch to feminine, but they add so much interest to a room, and look fun to create. 

 

Heart Song

L'Shana Tova!!

This weekend was amazing.  It rained Fri-Sun, the air smells delicious and it feels like FALL.  I'm on the hunt for some new fall decorations and have been gathering ideas, which I'll hopefully start putting together later this week.  I welcome this decorating distraction with open arms.  I recently came across a few nursery items online that I've been obsessing over.  It's fun to find things I love but I'm trying to hold off on any purchases.  I'll be sure to upload an inspiration post soon so everyone's heart can sing "la la la" right along with mine.  For now here is a cuteness teaser:


By Lovefelt Creations found on etsy.com

I try to avoid making lists, because I find them addicting, but made a small one for the 6 weeks Keith will be away.  I have so many projects I'd like to accomplish, and it seems like this is a great time to be focused.  Not to mention, my tummy is still an easy crawl around the house size.

The twins club meeting was the start of something beautiful.  I met so many woman currently pregnant with twins, or who already have twins.  I knew it was going to be a good experience when I walked through the door.  The lady asking me to sign in was wearing a Penguins shirt...hello!!!!



23 weeks 5 days

I also had a great visit to my doctor.  The gummybear twins continue to grow and weigh 1.5 and 1.6 pounds.  My favorite thing about getting sonograms is watching the hearts beat.  Feeling the movement, knowing what's growing, finding cute things on etsy.....nothing compares to seeing those tiny beating hearts!!!  Although; witnessing a kicking match was pretty entertaining.

I have a few upcoming appointments, but since everything is on track they won't be monitoring via sonogram for awhile.  On a side-note...have you noticed the cute little noses?  Are you falling in love yet?  I'm going completely off heart rate theory here, but Gummy A is my boy guess, "he" is also the larger of the two.  I hear slower=boy, faster=girl.  Gummy A was 136 and Gummy B was 152.

I WAS so proud to post this honeypot update before any of my "fans" (you know who you are) made an official request.....OHH, so close!!  Anyways, I blame the neighborhood kids for the delay.  They've been hittin me up all day selling chocolate bars.  They are either telling each other I'm a buyer, or someone let it slip I'm pregnant and can't get enough chocolate.  Thank you little ones, come again :)

How far along? 24 weeks 1 day

Total weight gain/loss: 24 pound gain
Maternity clothes: Not yet, but I do need to find some pants very soon.  I actually wore yoga sweats out shopping the other day.  I don’t think I’ve done that since college.

Stretch marks? None.

Sleep:  Doing ok.  Lining myself with pillows front and back help keep me on my side.  Otherwise I’m the fish, flip flop, flip flop
Best moment this week: Loved the rain, it was heavenly
Miss Anything? Keith, pumpkin ale, salami
Movement: I got kicked so hard yesterday I said OWW out loud
Food cravings: Chocolate and I could really go for some cotton candy right now!
Anything making you queasy or sick: No.  I am sick of the heartburn though.
Have you started to show yet: Yes
Gender prediction: Hmm, one boy/one girl??
Labor Signs: None
Symptoms: Acid reflux and killer backaches. 
Belly button in or out? In
Wedding rings on or off? On
Happy or Moody most of the time: Happy!
Looking forward to:  Fall decorating

I also wanted to add this gorgeous photo Keith posted today from Japan!  Although I miss him, and I'm uber jealous I'm not the world traveler, I'm thrilled he gets to experience something so amazing. 

Now I'm off to indulge in my many w.f. crisp world's finest chocolate bars.

Swimming Along

Happy Sunday everyone!  I bet everyone is thrilled for football season kickoff!  It's almost my favorite time of year...when the leaves begin to change, the weather cools off, the stores are buzzing with Halloween supplies and hockey season returns!!  If we really do have two boys, we'll have two future Pittsburgh Penguins for sure!!

Keith and I took a trip to the beach 2 weeks ago to attend a friends wedding.  Thanks to my awesome planning skills I mixed up the locations.....blah.  I've heard wonderful things about South Padre Island, and I do agree, it's great!!!  Much better than Corpus Christi, where I thought we were headed.  After frantic packing, a mad dash to the car and a stress induced breakdown, 4.5 hours later we eventually made it to the wedding.  The bride and groom looked amazing and Keith says the seafood was unreal!

This week a great friend, and mom to Irish twins, went back to BabiesRUs with me....I recommend going this route for all 1st time expecting mommies.  It was so easy, and kinda fun this time around.  I had great advice and an expert scanner on hand!  Hooray!  I also officially made the first baby item purchase.  I thought I successfully embraced the digital and technology age long ago, but seeing as I used Craigslist for the first time ever (I know, I know), I guess I really am behind.  I found a great deal on the baby swing friends have recommended...for almost half price! 

I also finally joined a great support group called San Antonio Area Mothers of Multiples.  I refer to it as the twins club.  The members seem great, always posting great advice!  Later this month I'm going to my first members meeting, and attending the Fall sale!  This seems like such a great organization, and is based specifically around multiples!  The sale should be wonderful, especially since everything has to be in good condition and marked half-off retail pricing!  Maybe I won't need Craigslist after all.

Last, but not least...

How far along? 23 weeks

Total weight gain/loss: 23 pound gain
Maternity clothes: Still rockin my regular clothes, although I did have a half-dressed crying episode in my closet last week.  I couldn’t find a single zipper dress that fits.

Stretch marks? None.  Jeesh am I itchy though!

Sleep: Trying to stay on my side, but most comfortable on my back with my arms above my head.  Why is it we always want things we can’t have?
Best moment this week: Shopping the Halloween CANDY aisle in the grocery store!!!  HELLO CADBURY SCREME EGGS!!!!!
Miss Anything? Keith!!!!  He left for Japan a couple days ago. 
Movement: I’m going to ask the doctor if he’s sure they are humans, not fish.  Flip, flop, flip, flop, all day long.
Food cravings: French Toast!  And chocolate
Anything making you queasy or sick: Peanut Butter is killing me.  Such a shame, cause TAKE5 is my favorite bite size candy bar.  Gonna have to enjoy the 3 bags I just bought after the pregnancy is over.
Have you started to show yet: Yup!
Gender prediction: I’m starting to agree with Keith.  One boy/one girl.  I have a feeling this will continue to change with time.
Labor Signs: None
Belly button in or out? In
Wedding rings on or off? On
Happy or Moody most of the time: Happy!
Looking forward to: Cooler weather, we’re lower 90’s now (puke)

Halfway There

First shot of the Honey Pot

Dad, Ben and I <3

I've had a busy past 3 weeks!  I had a wonderful visit from my Dad and Brother earlier this month.  The morning I took my dad to the airport, August 11, my belly seemed to p.o.p.  It was the strangest thing!  We were out of the house before sunrise and all I had to eat was a banana.  I cleaned for a bit when I got home, took a 2 hour nap and woke up to a hello-in-my-face belly.  This was when I was 18 weeks 6 days.  I'm a little slow at documenting, and didn't take a photo until a week later.  I know it's not really "in-my-face" but I officially can't button a single pair of pants!  Leggings and sweats most days.

Black Magic Cake

Has everyone heard of black magic cake??  My cravings have been chocolate, chocolate and more....chocolate!  I had my first attempt at making the cake with my brother during his visit, and it was a complete fail.  The second attempt was much better, but over flowed BIG TIME and didn't bake all the way through.  This week, finally, success!!!  MMM, MMM delicious!!!

Also this week two major developments, well three since we have twins!  First being we had our 20 week ultrasound.  Both babies are healthy and actually measuring 6 days larger than expected!  20 weeks, 20 fingers, 20 toes and 20 POUNDS!  I feel like this is A LOT, but I'm on track!  And since the gummybears are measuring larger, they are obviously getting all the nutrition they need.  As my belly grows, theirs do too!  I love the profile shots below!  The human anatomy is amazing.


Gummybears wave HELLO!

Lately I've been so impressed with the moving and shaking.  I can feel constant kicks inside and if I'm sitting still and focused I can feel them outside too.  Keith didn't understand how much these two move around until watching them fight the ultrasound technician!  It was a battle of the wits to get quite a few shots!

Two more experiences to share...  Starting a baby registry is SO overwhelming and confusing.  Thank you to everyone offering advice and sharing their past registries and notes.  A little shout out to our friend's Brit and Adam Nyitray!  Early this morning they delivered a beautiful baby boy!  I can't wait to hear how his 2 year-old first time big brother reacts to meeting him!  What a special day today has been.  And now for a questionnaire and today's photo....


20 Weeks 5 Days

How far along? 20 weeks 5 days

Total weight gain/loss: 20 pound gain (Yikes) Up to 120 now!
Maternity clothes: My regular clothes are still fine.  I use the hair-tie method on all my pants.

Stretch marks? None

Sleep: There is room for improvement.
Best moment this week: It’s a toss up.  Today we got to see the gummybears, AND we got to meet a sweet little baby born this morning.  Congrats to our friends the Nyitrays!
Miss Anything? Salami…mmmmm. 
Movement: Tons and tons.
Food cravings: Jello!  And chocolate
Anything making you queasy or sick: Nope
Have you started to show yet: Everyone can see the honey pot now!
Gender prediction: I still think two boys.  Keith says one boy, one girl.
Labor Signs: None
Belly button in or out? In
Wedding rings on or off? On
Happy or Moody most of the time: Happy!!!!!
Looking forward to: Visiting with baby Koen again!

Going Public

The hot news is finally out in the open!  3 weeks ago Keith and I met with the high-risk doctor, who cleared me for regular ob care.  Since things are going smoothly and we've moved into the 2nd trimester we decided it was "safe" to spread the word.  What better way to say we're expecting than with a photo!

Last week I was lucky to visit with an old family friend, her wonderful husband, 7 year-old son and 5 year-old triplets!  The kids were so fun to swim and talk with, and each picked out a book for the gummybear twins! 

4 books from 4 amazing kids!

Lately I've been reading some other baby-related blogs, and one girl used a cute weekly questionnaire to share her progress!  It covers all the basics, so I'll try to keep it updated as I post, which will hopefully become more frequent!

Here's how things are looking this week:

How far along? 17 weeks 3 days

Total weight gain/loss: 12 pound gain

Maternity clothes: So far I haven't needed anything new, my jeans don't fit, but it's too hot to wear jeans.

Stretch marks? None

Sleep: Sleep is ok.  I wake up a few times between 3-7 to eat or use the potty.

Best moment this week: Found out some AMAZING news, but it's a secret for now!

Miss Anything? I still really miss my daily salami sandwiches!!  SO much!!

Movement: I'm a little confused at what this really feels like, sooo, my answer for now is none.
Food cravings: Fruits and chocolate.  I could eat the combination for every meal!

Anything making you queasy or sick: I think all the fruit contributes to the acid reflux everyday, but I've started taking tums which help.

Have you started to show yet: The honey pot has officially started to grow.

Gender prediction: Until last week I was convinced two girls...now I think we have two future Pittsburgh Penguins on the way!

Labor Signs: Please no!  I just watched a home labor video.  This was a mistake!

Belly button in or out? In

Wedding rings on or off? On

Happy or Moody most of the time: Happy!  Once in awhile I feel the need to cry it out, but this usually lasts just a few minutes, and is caused by something silly (like not having the right size buns for my sloppy joes)

Looking forward to: Our next sonogram appt on the 23rd!  Seeing how the gummies have advanced.

mmmmm.  Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner