Always guessing.

I listened to the heartbeats today. I'm not sure if I'm really hearing two different ones or not because I'm not a doppler expert but it was sure fun to hear! The rates I counted were anywhere between 152 and 168. It seems like they move around so much and the one on the left was much more cooperative. I have kind of been thinking there could be one of each but today I thought maybe there are two boys. I did however think Jack was a girl most of my pregnancy so my "feelings" in that area have proven to be less than reliable. Who knows, it's fun to wonder, just pray that they are both healthy.

First Profile Pic

Hopefully, I will post a monthly photo of my growth. I'm not looking the most attractive in this picture but who needs make-up. Anyway, now there will be a reference for my progress.

They're moving around!

The appointment went really well-PRAISE THE LORD! Jay was able come to the appointment with me yesterday too so that made it all the more special. The exam, etc. went as expected and Dr. Brown set February 28th, 2009 as the offical due date. Prior to listening to the heartbeat, I told him that I had to tell him something. So I said I had had an ultrasound at work because of the feeling that there were twins and that we did in fact see two. There was a small attempt to hear the heartbeat and then we did an ultrasound (because there needs to be a indication). Then we saw them!!!!!!!! Both moving around with strong heartbeats. One seemed more active and one seemed more laid back and cooperative but maybe that was just at that moment. They both measure around 12 weeks (not exact measurements really because it was just an office ultrasound and not done by an ultrasound tech) so they are a good size and measure right how far along I am. I'm 13 weeks today. I guess 34-37 weeks is a good gestation period for twins so we could start to expect them late January to early February.

The appointment schedule changes with a twin pregnancy. My next appointment is September 18th and my 20 week ultrasound is scheduled for October 9th so then we may know what sex they are! I will have an ultrasound every 4 weeks and start every 2 week appointments after 24 weeks so that will be a lot. Then a 28 weeks, they start non-stress tests to make sure the babies are doing ok. It all seems overwhelming at times but I feel so blessed to be having two babies and pray that it will be a healthy pregnancy with healthy babies.

Tomorrow is the appointment!

I am so excited for tomorrow; it seemed sooooooo far away a week or two ago. I'm looking forward to this. I cannot wait to hear both heartbeats and have an offical ultrasound. I have been feeling pretty good the last couple of days but today I was a little more tired and feeling a little sick. It is funny how I worry when symptoms are here and also when they are gone. I need to not be anxious and pray and be thankful-I think I've heard that somewhere before ( paraphase Philippians 4:6). We'll let you know how it goes!

I guess I'm going to be busy.

It's weird, and don't necessarily take offense if you've said this to me, but I am already tired of some responses I get from people when they find out we're having twins. The two worst have been "the look of pity" which means, "I'm really sorry" and when I say we are very excited then I hear, "oh you are, that's good" as if there was ever some sort of disappointment. Also, "you will be busy"-really because I'm kind of bored now so a least I'll have something to do. I find it so refreshing when people are just excited as one would think you would be when you find out about a new life. And offering to help instead of dwelling on how busy I'll be-I really appreciate these family and friends! I often think about how nice it is for Jack to have Kate so close to his age and now the twins will be close to their age too. I hope they are all great friends. What a blessing it is to have our children close in age to eachother and their cousin. It's alomst scarey at times when God answers your prayers; we are so undeserving but He is so loving and faithful! I'm still anxiously awaiting our appointment on Thursday-I'll write as soon as I can that evening!

Maternity Clothes

I think I'm almost to the point where maternity clothes, especially pants are more comfortable. I remember with Jack my pants were the first to be uncomfortable but I was a little smaller then but I suppose with two it will increase quickly! One thing I miss about working at the clinic is being able to listen to the babies heartbeats. I really probably listened to Jack's heartbeat every couple of days (if not everyday) for a while. Anyway, not too much new-I'm feeling really pretty good today!

Getting anxious for the first appointment

As some of you may know, around this week of pregnancy is when you typically have your first appointment. My MD is out of the office until next week so that is when my appointment is scheduled. I could see a NP this week but I like seeing the MD most of the time especially for bigger appointments like the first one, etc. It's so nice once you can feel a baby moving around to know they are ok but when they are so little there's no way to know. So I'm learning more and more to just trust God. He loves these babies more than I ever can so who better to be in control! I think I can already feel myself growing. I can kind of remember these feelings with Jack but I don't remember when they started. I definitely feel more pregnant at night. I am a lot better (almost nausea free) and the tiredness changes from day to day. Sorry there are no pictures yet of Jack or the first ultrasound but I cannot get them to upload yet. I'll keep trying.

The Beginnings

I'm starting this blog to document this experience. With Jack's pregnancy, I wrote in a pregnancy journal and have enjoyed being able to look back at that. I hope he will enjoy it too. With this pregnancy, I have less time and energy so I want a place to type quickly and document the happenings. Everyone that's wants to know how things are going can come here if they have just a moment.

We found out we were pregnant on July 3rd, 2008. I was so excited. I prayed during the three minutes the test was processing and literally kneeled down the praise the Lord when the test was positive. I felt so blessed each time I found out I was pregnant! I called Jay right away and he was so happy too. He said, "That's good news!!!" From the beginning of this pregnancy, Jay and I have suspected it could be twins. My dreams in general are strange to say the least but I had one dream that two pregnancy tests were positive and one dream that the ultrasound tech said, "There are two babies!". This is was started the thoughts.

On August 7th, 2008, I found a heartbeat (which is the best sound in the world) and I had an ultrasound at work just so I would know. I told tech about the feelings and dreams-pretty sure he thought I was crazy. When he looked around his next statement was "Was I in your dream because your dreams are accurate, there are two babies". I could not belive it but there they were two little lives! He asked if I wanted as picture and I said yes (for proof). I called Jay and he was so excited too. As we let people know think most reactions were shock.

Grandpa Clarence was the first to know and he said "well our prayers will have to change, now we're praying for two" and Grandma Marlene kept saying "oh my word, oh my word" and Alesha just laughed. I appreciated the laughter because up until then I had basically just been shaking. We called almost everyone else we could think of over the next few days and all were excited.

So praise God, our second and third children are on the way! Approximate due date is February 27th, 2009 and my first OB appointment is August 21st so then we should know a little more.

The Annoucement

I should include how we announced the pregnancy. On July 4th, we had both sets grandparents, Peter, Kristen and Kate over for supper and to let them know. I really wanted them to be praying for a safe and healthy pregnancy. It was hard to keep it from everyone else but we wanted to do something special like we did with Jack. For Jack's first birthday party, we bought him a shirt that said, "I'm the Big Brother". We put it him when everyone had arrived and just put him down to run around. Auntie Chelsie was the first to read it and everyone's mouth dropped. I'm not sure anyone thought it was too unexpected except my aunt Margaret but it's still fun to make the annoucement!