Surrogacy-What an Adventure!

I have been so busy with school work, training for that half marathon, and keeping up with my kids that I have not even noticed how fast time has flown by.  Yesterday, I got an envelope from K in the mail…I opened it up and it was the cutest birth announcement I have ever seen     It is actually a foldable announcement so it has 8 adorable pictures of the twins at one week old.   I was filled with such joy and amazement, makes it real when you see the pictures.  Sometimes it does just seem like a dream or somthing…so weird.   K also sent me a pictues of she and the boys at about a month old.   Wow, they are growing so fast!  My marathon training went well, I am so thankful for Christmas vacation or I might not have had the time to get back in gear for it.  

Time-1 hr 46 min
Pace- 8:05/ mile
Overall Finish- 671 out of 13307
Gender Finish- 147 out of 7645
Age group (30-34)- 25 out of 1297

I was  hurting all over and I pulled the arch in my left foot, ouch!  I think  the twins was easier…ha 

I had my check up with Dr. Lloyd and all is great.  He did say not have another pregnancy for at least a year because twins does take a toll on your body.   I was not planning to LOL.   I do not know what the future holds yet for another surrogacy.   Maybe if D&K want another baby, I will get to experience my first sibling project    

Let me just say that the month of December has been just a flash!  It is going by really fast and I do not want it to, gee I need some time to enjoy it!  This Dec. might just  be the most special month of my life, seriously.  It has been so special and packed full of so much wonder!   Too good to be true, I can not thank God enough for how he has blessed me.  

K and D said my kids were welcome to come over and see the babies since they did not get up to the hospital.  So, my plan was for all of us to go see them that Sunday Dec 6th, but my kids had a birthday party to attend.   My son decided it was way more important to see the babies.   He really wanted to see them.  I told him we would go the following week, and not to worry.   But he would not accept that and he even got upset.  He looked at me with elephant tears in his eyes and asked me to please take him.  Now, what could I say, but of course I will.  My daughter on the other hand wanted to go to the bday party and she was completely fine with waiting till the following week.  So new plan, drop Madison off at the party and  Anthony and I would go to D & K’s to see the twins.   Andrew would have to stay behind and pick Madison up from party.   Anthony was so excited and kept thanking me for taking him.   When we got there, K got Castle up and let Anthony hold him.   It was adorable and Anthony lit up.   He really loves babies and toddlers, he just loves to watch then and play with them.  He was  amazed at how tiny the twins were and he took off Castle’s socks to check out his tiny feet.   Soon the boys had to eat, so D took Castle and K took Ryder.   Anthony got to help K change diapers, or really just stand next to her for support…LOL.  It was funny, we were only over there for about an hour and a half and Castle messed up two diapers!    He is doing so good and even though he is the “little brother” he is a little piggy.  After we left, Anthony was already asking me when we could go back and visit.   This meant so much to him and I am so very thankful D & K let us come    They are just so wonderful

I planned to get back to work on Monday, but my sweet husband insisted that I stay home and rest for once in my  life.   I felt great, honestly it was ridiculous how good…ok except for my neck, back and boobs, ouch the milk coming in hurts!    I thought it over and finally around 10pm I gave in and put in for a sub at work.   I know my husband is right and I needed to rest and take it easy even if I felt good, my body had been through a twin pregnancy and delivery!   I did go back on Tuesday and everyone looked at me like I am a complete psycho!  

Now Madison was just dying to see the twins and I was not sure if we should go see them when we had just been there, and I know that D& K need their own time with babies and to adjust to everything.    Plus, this was so completely new to me.    I have never had the opportunity to see my surro babies again once I have left the hospital.  I was not sure how to act or what to say.   How often I might get to or how the parents felt about it all.  I also knew that the holidays were around the corner and D&K were going to have family in town.   So really if we did not go that week then we might not have a chance for a month or so and I know Madison was looking forward to seeing the babies and the parents.  I asked K and she said Saturday night would be just fine.   So all of us went for a visit.   It was fun and sweet.  Madison is still a little small and too carefree to handle the babies by herself.    The boys are getting so strong it had only been one week and Castle was already trying to hold his head up as he layed on his belly.    Also while we were there, K showed me proofs of our surro portraits, they are so good.   I can’t wait for them to come in, I am not sure when.   I know that they also had portraits of the babies made so all of the pics need to be organized and stuff.    I am so very thankful for D&K and our journey!   How neat that I was able to see them and the babies again.   When a journey ends, I totally miss it, the pregnancy and the parents.   Of course I want to see the babies but you know that is not the biggest or hardest part.   You are partners with the parents and you go through the adventure together for about a year.   In that time you go through soooo much and you get to know each other and share something so unique and so special.   It is difficult when it ends and to think you might never really have contact again.   You do get through it no matter the outcome, and either way it is still so wonderful.  All 4 of my adventures have been completely different and significant.   However it really is cool that this time, I will be able to see parents and babies again.  

After I had Trace, my last surro baby, I was able to run 8 days later.   I was not sure how long this go round since I had twins.   The Houston Half Marathon is only 5 weeks away on Jan. 17th, D, Andrew and I are running it.  I am pumped but not ready so I need to get training.   Well I did it, I was about to run on Sunday 8 days later…totally awesome!   I ran 2.5 miles and it felt good no pain, except for my neck and back, which are still very strained from pushing baby B for 30 min.   It is painful but not enough to keep me from running.   I then ran 3 miles the next day Monday, then 3 more on Wed and Friday…..then on the weekend my husband and I ran 5.5 miles together.   I did not expect to be able to do that…it is not at the pace I use to run in but at least I can.   So, then yesterday I was able to run 7.3 miles.    I went out for a run unsure of  how far I wanted to go or how far my body would go.  I felt fine so I just ran for awhile.    Lets just say I am now enduring some serious back pain…ouch!   My lower back near my tail bone is the worst spot.    I am not sure I ever remember having pain like this before, I know it will heal just may take a few more weeks.   All part of puting your body into a pretzel to deliver…LOL

Oh I forgot, on Saturday we went to my husband’s cousin’s wedding.  It  was a really nice wedding.  It was fun and I got to see my husband who never dances…dance with Madison and he danced with me.   I got to dance with Anthony.    Andrew asked Anthony to dance with Madison and he said no….then he said for $5 he would, my husband knew it would mean the world to Madison if brother danced with her and that I would love it, so he said yes, then my son said not make it $10…ha, he is crazy!  Andrew turned him down and Anthony settled for the $5.   I have pics….

Here we are after all the wait and the wonderful journey,  the Smith Twins will arrive today…D&K will be parents!!   I called the hospital at 6 am  and the nurse said we were set for induction and to arrive at 7am.   I called D&K to tell them to get ready to see their boys!  Poor parents had not gotten much sleep, too much anticipation for delivery day    On the way to the hospital, I began having increased contractions and I was thinking…hmm, maybe I will end up in labor on my own after all!

Andrew and I arrived at the hospital behind schedule at 7:25 am, but no big deal.   They showed us to the room and I met Cat our labor nurse.   She was a tad bit frazzled and excited, this would be her first twin delivery and a surrogacy on top of that.   Plus, she has only been working in Labor and Delivery for 3 months.    Lots of action and new things headed her way.    Lucky for Cat, I am probably one of the easiest patients she will ever  have to deal with, according my husband.   I changed into my fabulous hospital gown, perfect for a delivery     Then, we got all the monitors in place, one for baby A’s heart rate, one for baby B’s and then one to monitor contractions.    Cat did a really good job and  found the heart beats on the first try.  Ok , I did help her with their typical location.   Soon, D & K arrived and then Dr. Lloyd arrived at 8.   Doc checked me and I was 4 cm…wow I have moved to active labor on my own.   However, the plan is to go ahead and start pitocin to increase my contractions and get them on a regular pattern.    Also, Dr. Lloyd wanted to break my water.   He tried to break my water but was not successful.  Seems like that always happens to me.   I have some tough bags of water.    Except for with Wynter and my early rupture of membranes.    Pitocin was started at 9am and the wait for arrival was on!  

As we waited, K worked on my necklace she  made me.   Yes, she brought to the room her jewelry stuff.   I suspect this was a good trick to keep her preoccupied on this huge day of excitement and nerves.     One of my charms had fallen off from the necklace over the past month and she planned to replace it for me.     In the meantime, we all chatted away and just chilled.    As I layed there, I was thinking that not much was going on, I worried that I was not making progress.   I was feeling some contractions but they did not really hurt and seemed like they were so far apart.    Andrew got up to check  the monitor of the contractions…..turns out it showed that I was having plenty of contractions and some huge ones on top of that.   Cat decided at 11am she would check me to see if we have made any progress.  I sat there in doubt and then she said 6 to 7 cm.    I was totally shocked, first of all I felt great and was not in any pain at all and secondly we had just started pitocin only 2 hours ago!    Dr. Lloyd arrived around noon checked me and agreed that I was 7cm and he then tried to break my water again….success!!!    Knowing that my water was actually broken this time, I knew it would not be long  now.    Cat called for the anesthesiologist to get the epidural started.    I would rather deliver without and epidural, but delivering twins can be difficult, might take a while and I might need a c-section.    If I needed a c-section and did not have an epidural, they would have to knock me out.   That would not be good, I would miss the joyous event.  

So, epi is now in and I soon begin to shake.   For me  that means….it is time!!   I told the nurse she might want to check me….she did and said yep you are complete!     Time to head down to the operating room.    As they wheel me down, I asked if Dr. Lloyd was coming and the nurse said she got anxious she forgot to call…it was funny, but no big deal he was nearby in a different OR.     D, K and Andrew were sent to a waiting room while they got me set up in the OR.    Wow, that was a new experience for me.    As they wheeled me down, there I was shaking like crazy and I kept thinking surely I need to deliver the baby and if felt like it was taking forever to get there, then when we got there they transferred me from the big bed to tiny tiny bed, it was so thin.    I do not see how me or anyone else can stay on and not fall off!    There was so much going in the OR, nurses everywhere.    Dr. Lloyd arrived and told them to get an ultrasound machine and the radiologists.    Then he came to check me, he said ok we are ready.   The nurse reminded him that we needed the parents.     After all my worry about who would be in the delivery room, because the normal rule is one person, all three were allowed in!!!  D, K and my sweet husband were all in there with me.    Andrew was on the right side of my  head and D&k were on my left side.    K held one of my legs and the nurse held the other, which was odd because Andrew has always held one of my legs.   But it was very crowded in the OR and I also had the radiologist on my left side with the u/s machine wand on my belly to see the babies position the whole time.   

Everything was happening so fast yet so slowly at the same time…weird.    Dr. Lloyd told me to push with my next contraction and I said “I am not having any or I have no clue, I can not feel them”   That is one reason I do not like epidurals and the other is that I can not feel what I am doing.    So, the nurse would keep her hand on my belly and tell me to push.     I pushed and pushed again, out came baby A so fast at 1:52 pm.    As he came out I saw his feet and they were so tiny!    He was loud and crying very well.     So, now they were searching for baby B’s position, he was still head down, however he was not fully down birth canal yet, he was still at station 4.    So we would have to wait for him to come down.    I say wait but I did not get to wait, I had to work…LOL…yep I would have to keep pushing along with the nurse pushing down on my belly on the top of my uterus.   In the meantime, they weighed baby A and he was 5 pounds 4 ounces.   That surprised me I thought he would be at least 6 pounds.    I got sad because I did not want him to be so small, but he was very healthy and lungs were great.    If babies are not at least 5 pounds 5  ounces they have to be sent to NICU for observation.    Luckily they did not take him right away, instead the parents were able to spend time with him in the OR.    After taking a few minutes to see baby A, K came back to check on me and baby B.    Dr. Lloyd then sent her back to be with baby A.  He told her it would be a few minutes and she should spend time with A.  It was cute.   So, as I lay there between pushes I was able to see the happy new parents with there new tiny son, it was wonderful.    K even got to sit and rock him.   

Well, I was pushing and pushing and frustrated because I could not tell what was going on, but boy I was working  hard.   They said I was doing amazing and I am a great pusher but gee, I am thinking why is he not out yet…LOL.    As he came down Dr. Lloyd noticed that he was sunny side up, so we might need tongs to help get him out .   Thirty minutes after baby A’s delivery I pushed and baby B turned at the last minute and came right out at 2:26 pm.     I did it, I just delivered two babies and no c-section!!   Wow, truly amazing!    And joyful parents now had two babies to see and hold and love!    They were tiny and adorable.    Baby B appeared bigger then A and was, he weighed 5 pounds 15 ounces, so almost 6 pounds.    The good news is that he would not have to be observed in the NICU.    Now that B was delivered and did not need  to be in NICU the nurses decided they should go ahead and take A to NICU.    D went with them and K brought B over so I could hold him and see him.  It was so sweet      I think I was still in shock that all of this happened and went so well.    I am so lucky, how easy it was and no complications.    Well, not completely easy, I was exhausted and sore from the pushing.    

Oh and before I forget, I believe I am now allowed to announce their names…Baby A is Castle and Baby B is Ryder!

We went back to our previous room and K fed Ryder for the first time….

D & K got a room at the hospital so they could stay with their new babies.    Castle was observed in the NICU but since he was perfectly healthy he got to  join brother and mom and dad at 2 am.     Dr. Lloyd came to check on me the next morning and said I could go when I was ready.    After I showered (finally), I got a text from K letting me know that the babies were in her room and we were welcome to come down.    So Andrew and I went to see the new family.    Dad was in bed feeding Castle…

Mom had Ryder and was trying to feed him, but he was not cooperating or just not very hungry…

Andrew holding Castle and Me holding Ryder…

Mom and Dad holding their precious boys….

Mom and me with the boys….

Ryder and Castle (he has his eyes open)..

Me and the two sweet gifts…

It just fills me up with abundant joy to see the family together.    The amazement of the journey never ends, to share this experience is beyond words.    I am so glad that God has surrogacy in his plans for my life, I am honored to be able to help others.    It is all kinda surreal though, almost like a dream, you can see it all but it just does not seem completely real.   It just happened and  yet it seems like it was a long time ago.    This journey was incredible and I am so very thankful.    My kids are anxious to see the babies and K said we could come over soon, so I can not wait to take them this week.   I will definitely share pics.  

Another amazing thing  happened yesterday Dec. 4th….it actually snowed in Houston!    Not just little flakes, it snowed and it even stayed on the ground, it was so beautiful.   I was very sad to leave the hospital, I could stay there with the parents and babies as long as they would let me….but it was time to go and time.   As we headed home I was anxious to see my kids and play in the snow with them.   What a wonderful addition to the surrogacy journey!    Andrew and I picked the kids up from school and here we are enjoying the wonder of snow in Houston…

I did not realize that I have not updated since Nov. 18th.    So here we go…

I had an appointment with Dr. Lloyd on Monday Nov. 23rd.    This would be the first appt for him to check for any dilation or signs of labor.   Turns out I was 1cm and 30 % effaced, all this basically means is that I am in extremely early labor but there is some progress.   You can stay at 1-3 cm for weeks before entering active labor especially if you have been pregnant several times.  This was still a good sign, since we were all hoping to induce on Dec. 4th, less than two weeks away   Since I have made it to 35 weeks, I figured it is time for me to start walking and stirring things up.  Plus I really want to go into labor on my own with having to be induced.    So on Thursday, Thanksgiving morning, while my husband ran a 10K (6.2 miles), my kids and I walked/jogged a 5k (3 miles).    I felt great and it was so nice to be moving and getting some exercise.   Later in the week on Friday… D, K and I had professional pictures made.   It was fun, we took some of just my belly and their hands and  them some of all of us, K and I and even D&K took some cute pictures, I guess the last ones of them before becoming parents.   Wow, that is not far away for them!!

I have been feeling good but more crampy than normal that week and then on Saturday night, I just could not sleep at all.    I feel extra crampy and seemed like I was having more contractions than normal and there was no way I could get comfortable.    I literally only got about 2 hours of sleep, maybe it was all in my mind and I was anxious and preoccupied.   However, nothing come of that…no babies yet!!    Monday, we reached 36 weeks…WOW!    This is a fabulous point in a pregnancy because babies born after 36 weeks have huge chance of being completely  healthy.  Plus, it meant that we have entered our goal week for a delivery on Friday Dec. 4th…oh my only 5 days away!    On Tuesday, I actually walked bleachers for 3o min before school started.    My fellow coaches were laughing and calling me crazy.   But what better way to bring on labor and of course a great way to pee  your pants…LOL, sorry TMI but true!   

Ok, on to Wednesday and another appt with Dr. Lloyd.   I was very curious to see if any more progress had been made, if I was further dilated.    He checked and said I was 3cm….that is very good .   I asked him if we could go ahead with an induction on Friday, if I did not have the baby before then.   He said that was fine with him but the hospital might be a zoo on Friday.    He left the room to call the hospital and see if they could fit us in.   He walks back in and says “Minyana”….K looks surprised and puzzled and says “tomorrow, did you say tomorrow?”   He said yep.   So I gasped and said wow.   K was too cute , she seemed shocked and so very excited.    She had the greatest expression on her face.   It really did not sink in with me until about 2 hours later, these twins were going to be born in 24 hours and another family will be created…..I had made it…again!     Plus, it all seemed to work out for everyone as far as our goal and D having time off to be at home with K and 2 new sons.   Only one minor detail….I would have to call the hospital at 6am to be sure they had room for us. 

My last belly pics…

I am still cruizing along with the twinkies.   It is more  difficult then carrying one baby but not as complicated as I thought it might be.   I have made it through without any bedrest, I am still working and can do just about anything.   I am getting big, in fact…you know you are huge when some of your maternity shirts are too snug to wear.  But I love the belly it is so cute and really cool to see it grow.   I have not been worried about stretch marks, since I never got them on my belly with other pregnancies, but then the other day Andrew was looking at my belly and then he was examining the lower part.  I said what?   He then says oh you are gonna have stretch marks.   It is not a big deal and there is nothing I can do about it, so whatever.   I do not normally use any of the preventative creams, because they are not truely going to do much good, it is really a mother nature thing and depends on your skin…you either get them or don’t.   Plus, even if I wanted to use creams I can’t with this pregnancy due to the rash.  

Last week, I decided that D&K should come over to my house for dinner and then we could play games with my kids.   I have never had any of my IPs over to the house so this would be a first.    My computer decided to get sick on my this past week also, and I took it to Best Buy’s Geek Squad.   They looked at it and said yes it is infected but it also needs a new hard drive.   I had some info on my computer that I need to save, so I went back up there to pick up, save my info and I planned to take it back the next day.   I was talking to K over the phone about plans for Saturday and told her about my computer issue.   Ha, turns out she loves working on computers and she offered to put in a new hard drive for me!!!   How cool is that.   It will be quicker and even cheaper that way    In the meantime, I decided to get a netbook.   It is a mini laptop.   It is great I really like and my kids love it. 

So, I mentioned that  I am spoiled, well actually maybe only  this past weekend.    On Friday, my husband and I got a massage.   It was nice, I had an excellent therapist.  Seems like some of them have been too gentle since I am preggo but boy she worked out some big knotts.   I do get one every month, thanks to K    She is too good to me, thanks!!     Then, Saturday D&K came over.

I made homemade pizza and some cookies.   We ate dinner and then K began to fix my computer.   She put in a new hard drive and even some more memory for me.  She loaded some of my software also, see I am spoiled.    We had lots of fun.   My kids were way goofy, they were funny but borderline annoying.    It was cute though, they were just excited to spend time with D& K and show off a little…ha.   Oh and I also surprised D&K with two boxes for the boys.   Over the summer I decorated to wooden boxes, I painted one blue camo and the other green camo, then I filled them with a few items.   I got a blue camo blanket and a green camo blanket, a blue camo outfit and a green camo out fit, some pacifier holders that attach to the baby clothes so they do not lose the paci, some diaper rash spray which I just found the other day and thought it would be so cool and easy to just spray instead of that stuff you have to put on our hands.  Also Madison painted some ceramics for the babies so I put one in each box.   I also gave them some premie clothes because usually the normal size is too big the first week or two and the twins might be really small if born a little early.   

Then, Sunday my mom decided we needed a girls day out.  So my sister, mom, Madison and I all went to get pedicures and then to lunch.   It was relaxing and fun to spend time together. 

Monday, we had our 34 week ultrasound so again spoiled…I have been able to see these babies grow the whole pregnancies, I have had so many u/s.  Also D was able to join K and I this time and that is alway wonderful to have both mom and dad there    The boys look outstanding and so much bigger!  Their estimated weights are about 5 pounds, wow I have never had that much baby weight before, the biggest I have had was my son at 8 pounds.   I am so happy they are growing strong and  healthy, no worries if they come anytime now.   Also, I am not thinking c-section at all  because they are both head down, yipee!   As soon as she turned on the monitor you could see too big heads side by side near my cevix.   Dr. Lloyd was pleased with the u/s results and I am going to see him every week now and he will actually check my cervix for dialation starting next week.   Silly guy asked me if I was still working….I said “did you put me on bedrest”, he said no and so I laughed and said ” then you know I am working”  he said ” good, it will help pass the time”  very true.    As we had the u/s and doc appointment, I could not help but notice the anticipation, excitement, nervousness and possibly anxiety of the soon to be mom.  It was so cute and makes me feel special that I am getting the chance to help create another family….how lucky am I.   It really is the most unique experience, just indescribable.

I also wanted to just take a second to congratulate my surro friend Emily.   Her and I are due only a day apart with this surrogacy and both carrying twins.   This is her first surro journey.   Here water broke yesterday and she delivered a healthy boy and girl, it is so exciting!!   Howeve, kinda make me even more nervous, because it could happen at any moment…wow!!   I do not have all the details yet but hopefully I will talk with her today and get the wonderful story.

Yep, Doc said at the 30 week appt that 32 weeks is a great mile stone and all should be just fine if babies got anxious to see their mom and dad!    Everything has gone so wonderful so far, no complications, I can not believe it.    I am still working and living as I would be normally, I thought something crazy might happen since I am carrying twins this time.   Obviously I am not out of the woods and anything can happen but hey we are 32 weeks!    I know I was worried about bedrest but luckily it does not seem to be in cards.   I will say I am very achy and still very exhausted but no big deal.   I also in the past two weeks, carpel tunnel has set in hard.    I am not able to sleep through the night because of the carpel, it tingles from my fingers down my arm.   At first I thought I was sleeping on my arm and waking up to my arm asleep but when it still tingled throughout the day, I realized it was carpel.   Lucky for me D the IF is good with hands and got me some wrist braces    It does help.   My rash is still having a great time driving me crazy..me just itchy!    Ok, sorry that sounded like I was just complaining…not my purpose, just keeping track of all that is going on.   I am so full of joy and honestly feel really great!!!   This twin experience is so neat.   The babies move almost all the time and my belly makes crazy shapes and they are so healthy, I feel blessed and I am so thrilled for D&K.   

Saturday was Halloween and packed full of events for us.  First, we went to a Pumpkin Fun Run downtown at 8am.    My husband, kids and D all ran.   D and my husband ran a 5 k and did outstanding.  My kids ran a 3k…well that was the plan.   Soon after the race started I looked up  and saw my daughter walking back to me crying….her brother ran too far ahead and she did not see me and got scared…poor thing, she is too silly.   Then, we were waiting for Anthony to finish but it was taking forever….turns out he ran to the 5k mark instead of the 3k.  Crazy!   So, after that was over we went to my kids Fall Festival from 11-3pm.    We went home for a brief stay and went to dinner, church and then the fall festival after church.   It was lots of fun.   Below you will see a picture of my daughter and I.   She is a batarina (half bat/half ballerina).   I am a chubby baseball coach with my gutt hanging out over my pants and for added fun I am a “Twins” coach.   

I just want to thank D & K for all the overwhelmingly special things they have done for me.  I am so very lucky to share this experience with you!   Thank you!

Ok, so here are some 32 week belly pics…

Madison wanted to paint my belly and I thought it would be pumpkins or something but she wanted to do a volleyball..

This last picture was taken by my son without the flash.   I was going to retake it but thought it looked cool like a moon!

Hard to convince myself, that we have reached 30 weeks, but it is very true.   My mind feels like we are not there  yet, but my body is certainly saying otherwise!   I think the twin pregnancy has finally caught up with the rest of my body. … I am totally  exhausted every day all day now.   It feels like I have not slept in days but I sleep everynight…some nights more then others.    Also, my body is now really achy and moving is not as smooth as it use to be     I get lots of braxton hick contractions while walking and it hinders my walking, somtimes I get a numb feeling down the back of my right leg and I must look really funny.    The boys are playing almost all day, moving and grooving,  it is funny.    Here are some new belly pictures…another surro friend of mine Emily dared me to wear my bikini at 30 weeks and I did…LOL

On Tuesday, we had the 30 week ultrasound.   Babies looked fantastic!   Baby A was playing but since he looks out my back we could not get a good look at his face.   Baby B was sleepy, but we did get a good look at his face, especially his lips…so cute, he was puckering and sipping the fluid.   They were both head down, and that is a wonderful thing…sure it can change but for now I am loving it    The best part is, the boys are big and healthy and still growing at the same rate, which is very important.    Baby A is about 3 pounds 4 ounces and B is about 3 pounds 5 ounces.   Doc said that is about in the 50%  range as far as growth at 30 weeks, so just perfect!!    Gee, I already have 7 pounds of baby in there…LOL…but that is sad when I say I have already gained 35 pounds!   We have another OB appointment in two weeks and then another u/s at 34 weeks.    

This is so exciting and the countdown is on….D and K must be going crazy with anticipation!!   I know I am…what a joyful moment to see them hold their boys for the first time or even lay eyes on them.  

I also had lunch with Emily on Sunday.   I met Emily on the surro message board I use, turned out we actually transfered the same day, but her’s was a 5 day transfer, so her due date is Dec. 27th and these babies are due Dec. 28th.   She carring boy/girl twins for her intended parents.  We actually have even more in common then just that…we are both teacher, and about the same age.   She lives about 2 to 2 1/2 hours away from me.   So we decided to meet in the middle for lunch.   Here is a 31 week belly pictures of us….

My kids got some new pets this week.  My got them some guinea pigs.   Anthony gave his the name Chester and Chester is huge!   Madison named her’s Sammy…here are some pics of them…

Yes, as hard as it is to believe we have entered our last 10 weeks of this journey!    I am 28.5 weeks and we are looking at deliverying these boys the first/second week of December!   I am doing great,  sometimes I forget I am carrying twins, because it is not extrememly different from carrying one.  I am way bigger, there is soooo much more movement all the time, and my belly makes some very funny shapes at times…oh and I get reflux on most days, no fun.   But most everything else is typical of a singleton pregnancy.   These boys are have began to move and groove all the time now, or maybe it is jus that they are so much bigger that I feel every little wiggle.   Here is a picture I took last night, you can see some limb an arm or a leg just poking up..I think it is baby B’s…not fully sure…

On Tuesday I met K over at her friends physical therapy office.  My belly/back brace came in, but there is a removable back brace peice that needed to be molded to fit my back.   To offer you good support it is molded to fit your shape perfectly.    Since it is removable you do not have to wear it every time you have the brace on, just when extra support is needed.   I had to take my pants off so she could hold the hot piece to my back and create a mold.    K  then asked me what was wrong with my legs, she said they do not always look like that do they.  Ha, no they do not, those my cankles, I said…LOL!    Just another perk of pregancy the swelling that occurs.  And for me it gradually increases as the day goes on since I stand all day long coaching and teaching.    I really like the brace and very glad that K got it for me!   K is too darn good to me…After getting the piece fitted for my back I had to put my shoes back on.   She looked at me trying to bend over my enormous belly and tie..then she said, let me do that for you.    So she tied my shoes for me…a great mom in the making     Or maybe she was trying to make up for laughing at my cankles….hehehe, I am just kidding !

After getting the brace we had the 2nd 3D/4d ultrasound.  Just incase I forgot to mention the difference in ultrasounds…the typical u/s  you get is a 2 dimentional image, with the 3D image you get to view baby in 3 dimentional aspect so you see features of the baby, and then in 4D you also capture movement!   When she turned on the machine you could see that the boys were laying with their heads right next to each other, very cute!    Baby B’s head is turned looking out my belly and A’s head is turned looking out my back.   Luckily they were both head down!!   That can easily change since they move around all the time but it is a good thing to see, because I would love to have them without a c-section.   Baby B was easy to see, he did not give us much trouble.  He looked great and hungry, kept opening his mouth for sips of the fluid.    Baby A on the other hand was shy yet again..LOL…his hands and arms covered his face just about the entire time we tried to get a view of his face and on top of  that his legs were up there by his head also, he was folded in half!    Luckily we were persistant and finally his arms moved about for a just a bit and we could see the adorble guy.    The funniest part of the u/s was that Baby A began to lick his knees!!    It is so crazy what you can see with that 4D.    Along with K and I, D was able to make it to the u/s along with K’s sister in law and her two boys.    The youngest boy was too cute, he came over and touched my belly and just thought it was so neat.   It was very cool to share the experience with all of them.    The ultrasound tech did put one of my worries to rest…she said that I have a great amount of fluid in there.   With my last surro baby my fluid was just a little low and with twins I was wondering about my levels.  

Wednesday, we had a check up with Dr. Lloyd.   Yep, I have gained 30 pounds already.   The babies had great heart beats and they kept kicking the probe, it was funny.    He actually used the tape measure this time to get the fundle height.    This is the height from bottom of uteus to top, you measure in cm and oddly enough the amount of cm usually goes with your weeks of pregnancy.    I measured 32 weeks and I am 28 so right on target with twins.  You usually measure 4-6 weeks ahead.   No worries no complications, and we will have an u/s at the hospital and doc appointment in 2 weeks (Oct. 24th).   Here are recent belly pictures…

Wow, what a week it has been!   My IM K, planned a surro shower for me.   I have never had one or been to one, but K is so sweet…she said she wanted to do something to celebrate me.    At first, when she mentioned it, I was feeling embarrassed and did not feel that I should have all that fuss and stuff.   But as it got closer I was really excited and for good reason, it was so much fun.    The guests were a mix of her closest friends and some of my friends and my sister and my adorable Madison      The shower was held at a wonderful little restraunt called Oucies in Houston.    We even had  a cute private room with wonderful food!    It was very nice to meet some of  K’s friends, they are amazing women.    We chatted for a while of course,(we are women after all) then we ate and chatted some more, and then it was time for me to open gifts that they brought.   I told K no gifts, totally unneccessary, but she did not listen..LOL.    I was overwhelmed with how thankful everyone was that I was helping D and K.   They all made me feel oh so special.    I got lots of really cool gifts, I loved them all and one gift is just so dear to me.   K created a necklace for me……

I am not sure how I kept my cool and did not cry, but when I saw how creative and unique the necklace was I was touched.    The ring says Gratitude, the first charm says ” U Got Mail”…I text her after I send her and e-mail to let her know she need to check it, yes I might be a little impatient, plus we met over e-mail.   The next charm I a stork with two babies (so cute), then there is a Prayer Box because Christanity is dear to me and I have done lots of praying for this journey  , the last charm is a running shoe because I love to run and my IF, D along with my husband and I we have all ran in a few events together including the Houston Half Marathon the very week we fully decided to take this amazing adventure together!!    Thank you so much K, it is so beautiful.   After I opened my gifts, I had a little trick up my sleeves….I actually made up a gift basket for K    It was kinda like a mom to be basket.   It included some picture frames, a lotion set, a candle gift set I found and the box actually says New Mom, A Mother’s Love or something, and I also got her a gift card to Victoria Secret…you know that it is hard to feel fun and beautiful when you have new borns at home…LOL    Here are some other pics of the Surro Shower……

Later that week, we had a huge morning full of appointments.   The schedule was to go like this, 1. ultrasound at the hospital 7am, 2. Meeting with the head of Labor and Delivery (Silvia) 8am, 3.  see Dr. Lloyd 9am, 4.  Physical Therapy appointment 10am.    We were in for a packed morning!    First up, the ultrasound!   It was fun and both D and K were there to see just how much their boys had grown.   Baby A is now head down, and I hope he continues to stay that way, but baby B is currently still breech, his head is just under my right ribs.   They boys were playful and moving.  At one point, baby B has his booty in baby A’s face, poor guy.   To our surprise during the u/s, the door opens and in walks Dr. Lloyd.   He always does rounds at the hospital at 7am to check on his patients before he starts all of his appointments.   He said hello and then went to speak with the radiologist to go over the scan.    They looked fabulous and so healthy, no concerns.   Dr. Lloyd scheduled the u/s to be sure that the babies were growing at close the same rate and one was not dangerously behind.  For example you would not want one baby to be 60% and the other to be 30%.    Turns out both boys are around 2 pounds each!  That is so reassuring, no worries.  D has to leave for work at this point, but  K and I chatted with Dr. Lloyd for a few minutes.    D would like to have a week or 2 off when the babies arrive, and that is difficult to accomplish with his job, unless you plan way in advance.   So D and K, were thinking that we might want to plan the delivery.   I am fine with that, this is a huge even for them and not about me.   I want it all to go just has they hope for.    K asked Lloyd how he felt about delivering twins and inducing.   Dr. Lloyd said he always wants twins to get to 36 weeks that is the goal, and after that he is certainly fine with induction or planned c-section.   Dr. Lloyd like to be proactive and avoid possible complication as best he can.    He mentioned that he would not want me too go much further then 36 weeks with twin anyway, because they would only get bigger and make things harder on me and possibly the delivery.    This was good news for K, but also leaves us all to figure out when the best time will be.   Lloyd said he will analyze dates and stuff and see what he thinks.    K and I studied a calendar and tossed ideas to each other, because doc had to leave.   The ideal thing would be to plan during the week of Thanksgiving as we all already have some time off, but I will only be 35 wks, so then debate some more and it seemed like the first week of  Dec. might work out.    D was not there and his input is definitely needed, so K is going to talk with him and we will go from there. 

From the u/s we went to another floor of the hospital to meet Silva the head of L&D.    We discussed important things to know about and she also gave us small tour.  Then she directed us to someone that would help us get paperwork out of the way .   Then we went over to Dr. Lloyd’s office even though we already saw him at u/s.    I wanted to get my glucose test out of the way plus he told me to get a flu shot at his office.    They informed me I could not take the glucose test because I had the physical therapy appoint and you must stay seated for an hour for the glucose test.   I was able to get the flu shot though.   

On to physical therapy we go….I went in order to be fitted for a really good belly band.    The band will support my growing belly and my back.    I feel great, but I was thinking the other day about being proactive.    Sure I might feel great, but that does not guarantee that it is not still taking a toll on my body and stuff.   I do not want to be put on bedrest or have the babies come too early, so I figured the band was a good precaution.  As soon as I put on t he band, I felt a difference, it was crazy.   I am excited but I have  to wait til next week for it to come in.  

When that appointment was finished, I still had a good amount of time before I had to get back to work.  I then thought it might be a good idea to get that glucose test out of the way.    I called his office they said sure!   So off we went back over to Dr. Lloyd’s office.  This time I finished the glucose test, and now I just wait for the results. 

Here we are looking the third trimester in the face…wow!!   I will be going to doc every 2 weeks and possibly getting some more u/s to check on growth.   We also have a 3D u/s on Oct. 6th.     Here are the lasted pics of the growing belly…

Ok time for me to go…me exhausted!  Yes, the past two weeks have brought on the sleepies for me.   I can not seem to keep my energy up…hopefully that means these boys are gonna be big and healthy   I am more then willing to let them take it all out of me…ha

On Wednesday (8-26-09),  K and I met for lunch.   It was so nice to see her and sit and chat, seems like I had not seen her in so long, I guess  a month.   It was to be a fun filled day and a little goofy too.   I had to text K, to let her know I was running about 15 min behind, then she ended up running 10 min behind me..LOL.    After we ate lunch we were off to the 3D ultrasound, we were both way excited to see the boys again.    We got in the elevator and we did not even know what floor we were going to.    Luckily we guess right the first time.    The boys looked great and the ultrasound was so cool.   You could even see the 4 chambers of the heart beating!!   You can definitely tell that the babies are smooshed with not much room.   They both had their hands and arms up near their faces and at some points they had their legs pulled up, and their knees were practically in their ears!    It think the boys must have been kinda sleepy, because they were not very active.   Not to mention they always come out to play at night and it was in the middle of the afternoon     It was so facinating to see two babies and how big they are getting.   Plus, you can see featured and the boys actually have their own unique look to them.   The boys were laying transverse or across my belly instead of up and down.  This explains why I thought I was only feeling one baby move all the time.   Really, it is both of them at different times and you can not differentiate very well since they are laying transverse, one looking out my belly the other facing my back.   I know I still have plenty of time for them to move, but I am nervous that they will stay that way.   I need them  to get their act together and go head down soon…LOL  

  I wish I could describe the feelings that come over me to see K and her excitement and anticipation.    To be a part of something so beautiful.    It just does not seem real at times…just crazy!   Here is a picture from the ultrasound, I wanted to get both babies in the background but the ultrasound screen could not get both of them in a picture very well, I think because of the way they are laying..

After the 3D ultrasound we had to rush over to the OB appointment with Dr. Lloyd.  This is way too silly but once again we get on an elevator and did not know what floor we were going to!!   When we got there, I was talking to K about my skin condition that has not gone away and instead has become worse.   I am itchy all over my body and some parts have really bad rashy hives.   I told her that I did have another appointment with the dermatologist the following day.   She was so cute, kinda like my mom taking care of me…she demanded that I tell Dr.Lloyd again about the rash and see if he can help me.   It is really cool that she is concerned about me.  In fact, when I would scratch she would tell me to stop…thank goodness because I need help with that.   I am scratching all the time and I am sure that is not helping the situation.  But it is so hard not to.   I itch from head to toe!  It can be overwhelming and frustrating. 

 When they called me back, I had to get on the scale…yikes…it read 151!   My scale at home gave me 148, so I will just go with 150..LOL    That is 25 pounds already and I still have till Dec!   Oh well, part of pregnancy fun!   The nurse found both heartbeats pretty fast and they sounded wonderful.   Dr. Lloyd said all seemed to be going just great.  He scheduled us for and ultrsound in 4 weeks (26 weeks preggo) to check on the boys.   It is important to be sure that they are both growing and that they are not too far apart in percentage.   For example, you would not want one to be 60% and the other 30%, that could mean one is not getting enough nutrition or some thing.   He also mentioned that I will start seeing him every 2 weeks after that.  Plus, we might have ultrasounds every 3-4 weeks.  I mentioned my rash to him again, and brought up something new to me.   He said it might be my liver not functioning properly.   If your liver is not working as it should it can not get rid of toxins.   Maybe my skin is trying to get rid of some toxins and it shows up in this crazy rash.    

The next day I went to see the dermatologist and I mentioned the liver thought to her.    She ordered some labs to check on my liver and my kidney, in addition she did a skin biopsy.   Unfortunately, I do not think will hear from her till Tuesday.  

Ok, here are some more belly pics from different views…22 weeks