P.S. - The 34 week belly picture.

Top = 34 weeks with the twins.
Bottom = 36 weeks with Maeve.

Oy.

34 Week Update.

Guess who is still breech? You guessed it - both of them! So, that means we also have a planned "birthday" (aka planned c-section) - March 30th. Yes, that is 34 days away. I'm both encouraged and discouraged by this.

I'm now 34 weeks, and if I make it to March 30th, I'll be 2 days shy of 39 weeks. Considering the fact that I'm already measuring 45 weeks, I dread the discomfort I'll be in by then. Don't get me wrong, I want them in as long as they need to be, and actually prefer the idea of the later date as it allows time for my body to start the labour process itself. But, come on! Can I really stand to be pregnant for another 34 days?!?!? Oy.

But, the good news is that both babies are doing fabulously. They're estimated to weigh about 5 lbs each and continue to score 8/8 on their biophysical profiles. Physiologically, my body is doing well, but physically I'm in hell. My list of complaints is growing daily, so think twice about asking how I'm feeling, you may be in for a rant of epic proportions.

I also now have to start coming to terms with the reality that my VBAC dreams are fading. It's not for lack of trying, that's for sure. And, there's still a small part of me that's holding onto hope that twin A (girl) defies predictions and turns around. So, let the countdown begin.

My very normal day.

This quote, borrowed from another blog, inspired this post:

"Normal day, let me be aware of the treasure you are. Let me learn from you, love you, bless you before you depart. Let me not pass you by in quest of some rare and perfect tomorrow. Let me hold you while I may, for it may not always be so. One day, I shall dig my nails into the earth, or bury my face in the pillow, or stretch myself taut, or raise my hands to the sky and want, more than all the world, your return."

Today was a beautiful, normal, boring day. Brent and Maeve left around 7:30 am, I got to go back to bed and have a 3 hour nap. My leisurely lunch was followed by a few hours of Olympic watching and cuddling with cats. A very normal day.

I doubt there are many more of those in my future...

The 'brothersister'.

We've been doing our best to prepare Maeve for her role as big sister. We thought we'd gotten the point across that there are TWO babies on the way, but something went wrong along the way.

We were in the Bay the other day when Maeve spied a double stroller. She pointed to the seat in the front as "Maeve's seat" and the seat in the back as the "brothersisters". Oops.

Out of the mouth of babes...

Most of Halifax was shut down today due to a snow storm (including schools and daycares), so Maeve got to come with us to my weekly biophysical profile. While she enjoyed seeing the twins on the monitor, she was most concerned about my "scratches" on my belly.

"Mommy, where did you get those scratches?"

"Um, those aren't scratches Maeve, they're stretch marks."

The countdown is on.

So, tomorrow marks a big milestone in a twin pregnancy - 32 weeks. It seems everyone holds their breath until you reach this line in the sand. Medically, it means that babies born after 32 weeks usually do very well, with minimal NICU time compared to babies born before 32 weeks. Yay for us!

It also marks the beginning of "appointment-0-mania". Weekly biophysical profiles, weekly prenatal appointments, biweekly growth scans, etc. It's times like this I wish we could teleport around the city. I'm getting used to driving the minivan, but it's still a bit awkward to maneuver, especially in the IWK parking structure, which is always full.

The twins passed their BPP with flying colours, scoring 8/8. They are both breech though, so still need 'head down' thoughts, mainly for our girl, who is 'Twin A' and first to the gate. Don't think I've been sitting around waiting for them to turn. In fact, I've been spending lots of time doing things like this:



This is easily the most unflattering picture ever taken of me, but you get a sense of my dedication.

I've also taught my Mom how to use Moxa on UB 67 (a Chinese Medicine technique for turning breech babies), am taking homeopathic pulsatilla 30C, am seeing my chiropractor for the Webster technique, trying to avoid leaning back, etc. You get the idea.

So, my guess is that a c-section will be scheduled for somewhere around 37 weeks. I won't know for certain until I see my OB at 34 weeks, but that's my guess.

Finally, here's a cute picture of the twins. The profile is of our girl (A) and our shy boy (B) would only give us a thumbs up.

The Ginormous 32 week Belly.

So, I'm just a little bit bigger than I was with Maeve. Just a little.


32 weeks with Maeve.

The not-so-glamorous side of a twin pregnancy.

Everyone always comments how lucky and blessed we are. And they're right; we feel very lucky to be expecting these babies.

But, that doesn't mean it's easy, especially on my body. I've been measuring full-term (compared to a singleton) for the past 2 weeks, and I feel every minute of it. All of the symptoms that come will being full-term are hitting me hard now, and I still have 6-8 weeks to go (if I go to term).

So, just to whine a little bit....

1. Carpal Tunnel Syndrome - I hate you. I hate the constant tingling and numbness, and the disruption to my sleep. Thankfully, my RMT and chiro are great helps in bringing some relief.

2. Tree trunks and cankles - AKA my calves and ankles. At least, that's what they used to be. They're now just a swollen mess. I'm now the proud (?) owner of compression stockings.

3. Stretch marks - The hallmark of many a pregnancy, I now have many "battle scars" to wear with pride.

4. The minivan - see previous post.

5. Shortness of breath - I look forward to being able to climb a set of stairs without sounding like I've run a marathon. Actually, just putting on my shoes is "exercise" these days.

I think I'll stop there for now, although I'm sure there are more.

Like I said, I wouldn't trade this pregnancy for the world, but I can't wait to NOT be pregnant anymore.