My last pre-mommy post

Sitting here on day 13 in the hospital seems pretty surreal. In some ways it feels like I have been here forever, but in other ways the time has flown by. I know I am here for a reason. When I was admitted on March 28th, several of the doctors in the practice told me they didn't think I would make it a few more days before I delivered. My preeclampsia was mild to moderate, and the only cure is to deliver. Thankfully, strict hospital bedrest has kept my blood pressures pretty stable, my liver levels in the normal range, and my swelling has decreased dramatically. I am so blessed that I have been able to carry these babies two weeks longer. Bringing them from 35 to 37 weeks, they are not going to be considered premature. God's plan was for me to deliver two full-term twins at 37 weeks, and I am emotional realizing what a true, true blessing that is. Almost 60% of twins are born before 37 weeks, so we have really made it far. Phew, did I mention I was emotional? The past couple of days have been really tough, exciting, overwhelming, and in some ways very calming. Several times, Justin and I have just stopped mid-conversation about something else and started talking about Friday. About how in just a few short days we will be parents to two kids at once. How incredibly lucky and excited we are for this journey. How insane Friday morning will feel while they are prepping me for my c-section. As much as we have thought and talked about how Friday will go, I don't think we can fully be prepared for it.

I think the sense of 'calm' I have felt is another blessing I couldn't have fully understood until now. Justin and I created a To-Do list pretty early in my pregnancy. We always knew there was a chance I could go on bedrest, and our doctors suggested we try to have everything ready by 32 weeks. When I was admitted to the hospital, I was a little anxious that I wouldn't step foot into my house until I was walking in the door with Noelle and Keegan. But then I really thought about it, and realized that everything critical that needed to be done... was done. My bag was packed, nursery ready, clothes washed, house clean.... so thankfully I was able to get over that anxious feeling pretty quick. And, Justin was amazing. He has made sure our house is ready for guests, gone back and forth from the hospital every day to wash clothes, work, and made sure I have everything I could possibly need. I know me being here has been tougher on him, and I appreciate everything he's done so much. I know not everyone has such amazing support, so I am truly lucky.

I've also gotten so much support from friends and family. My Houston girlies have called and texted every day to check in on me. Amanda, Cara, April and Jenna came and brought me a survival kit of goodies and kept me entertained - we sat around and talked about the most hilarious things (as usual!). Rachel came and filled me in on her wedding and honeymoon and I got to see her gorgeous pictures. And today Bonnie is bringing me my super craving of the week --- an oreo milkshake from chic fil a. (And I get to see sweet baby Carter)! I've also been working away as usual - just with a bit of different scenery. But, today is my last day of work until July 8th!

I can't wait until I get around to my next post. It will most definitely be filled with pictures of our new additions!

The blanket I started! I've taught 3 nurses how to crochet!

 

So, so crazy. Car seats are ready for babies!

Top 10 Pregnancy Must-Haves

I'm pretty low maintenance. If I spend a larger chunk of money on something, its usually because I will get daily wear out of it, and truly get the best bang for my buck! Things that will last a long time - like a pair of jeans, or a neutral colored bag. But in the grand scheme of things, I have gotten better about spending frivolously.

That being said. I am so tired of my maternity clothes. I am SO excited to be able to walk into my closet and put on something, anything, else. I am also excited to go shopping for some spring-style-stuff! This week I've started browsing a few of my favorite online sites; The Loft, Anthropologie, and duh, The Gap. I can't wait to slip on some colorful khaki shorts, white tanks, and summer scarves. Soon enough!

Ok, that was a random thought. On another note - one thing I don't want to forget are my favorite things during this pregnancy. Just in case I do it again one day down the road. :)

1. Trader Joe's Coconut Body Butter

2. Ensure Chocolate Protein Shakes

3. Rosebud Salve

4. Gap maternity leggings

5. Bath & Body Works 'Sleep' Aromatherapy Lotion

6. Jesus Calling daily devotional

7. Cheeseburgers

8. Yarn

9. Burt's Bees Blemish Stick

10. J Crew Purple Suede Flats

I absolutely loved these things over the past 9 months! They were life savers!

"Let me see if I can wiggle this all the way across the room...."

Reason 100000 why I love this guy.

Hospital Bed Rest ----- What!!!!

How in the world did I end up here??? Haha. I went from easy, breezy twin pregnancy to WHAM BAM hospital bedrest. Here's the gist...

Last Monday (March 25) I woke up with horrible pains in my right side. I wrote about that little episode here. It went away though, and the week went on as normal. I did feel a little off - kind of puffy, nauseous, and just really pregnant. Didn't think much of it.

Thursday afternoon I went in for my normal weekly check-up. Thirty minutes later I was across the street in L&D at the hospital getting checked out. High blood pressure, swelling, and crazy reflexes had the doc concerned so he sent me for some blood work. I really still thought I'd be heading home shortly. Silly me. My labs came back with protein in urine, slightly elevated liver labs, and my blood pressure was still high. They admitted me "for the night" for observation.

Here I am 5 days later!! And I will be here until the bebes arrive!

I was diagnosed with mild to moderate preeclampsia. Luckily none of my labs or blood pressure have been way off, so as the doc says, I am just 'teetering' on the edge. Things are good as long as they stay as-is, but I guess with preeclampsia things can change quickly - so that's why they are keeping me here.

The NEW target baby date is next Friday, April 12th!!!! Woo hoo!!!! I will be 37 weeks, which is considered full-term for twins (and maybe all babies? I dunno). And at 37 weeks, they are much less likely to need NICU time than if they came earlier. So, that's my goal... lay in this hospital bed and keep these kiddos growing.

I'll be eating a lot too. The bebes weighed in at 5 lb 3 oz and 5 lb 6 oz yesterday, but I'd love to plump 'em up a bit more.

The hubs has been amazing, as usual. He has stayed up here with me every night; we've been watching season 1 of Revenge, and tonight we're moving onto Mad Men. Haha! This is the last week we will be able to lay around watching TV so guess we better take advantage of it. We've been blessed with flexible jobs, so as I sit here on my laptop approving AD creative and finalizing details of an Open House, he is sitting next to me working on customer reports and scheduling meetings. Although I'd much rather be at home, someone is definitely looking down on us!

My parents came up here on Saturday to hang out with us and spent the night at our house. It was much appreciated! They took Laila back to Houston, brought us dinners, and spent Easter morning chilling in the hospital with us. We are lucky to have so much amazing support from our families, and I know everyone is as anxious to meet the babies as we are.

Well, back to laying down I go!

Excited for tomorrow - since I can't make it to bible study, the girls are going to come up here and we'll have it in my hospital room. haha! Maybe I should order us a pizza.. yum! It's bad, but I am already tired of this hospital food. Although the grilled cheese is pretty legit.

I need to put more pics up here. I'm going to take a new bump pic tomorrow and try to upload some of my new camera photos as well.