Bump Date - 11 weeks

I would like to preface this post by saying it has been a  rough week in the twin growing business. I am so blessed and so very grateful my husband and I have been given these precious little miracles, but at the same time... I have feared for my own health numerous times in the past few days. My all day queasiness has turned into violent vomiting in the evenings. Daily. I can almost predict it. It will happen between 5:30- 7:00. Every. Single. Day. It doesn't matter what I eat or what I don't eat. It happens. I have cried numerous times as I prayed for God to please protect my babies as I convulse over the toilet each night. This is all apparently normal for a twin pregnancy. It can last all the way up to 20 weeks too. I'm putting my big girl pants on and trying to tough it out for 9 more weeks... for my babies. We've waited so long to be pregnant with Baby A and Baby B. If this is what I have to deal with to bring them into the world, I'll take it. I just want them to be happy, healthy, and perfect. 


How Far Along? 11 Weeks 
*No pic this week. Oops.**

Due Date: Still shooting for early to mid December 

Weight Gain: I was up 5lbs last week, but that was before The Great Evening Sickness of 2014 hit. I haven't weighed myself in the last few days. We go to the OB on Friday. I'm sure they will weigh me there. Their scale is all that matters anyway, right? 

Maternity Clothes: It is all I wear with the exception of a few pre-pregnancy dresses. I'm patiently waiting on another package from Old Navy. Hopefully I will be finished with buying maternity clothes until the fall! 

Sleep: I'm getting better about trying to eat during my lunch hour instead of sleeping the time away. I'm still in bed by 8:30 each night and take long naps on the weekends. I do have waves of "I'm so sleepy. I can barely hold my eyes open!" but that is becoming natural to me. I just take it as it comes. :) 

Best Moment This Week:  Trey rubbing my little bump each night before he goes to sleep. He says he is telling the babies good night. It is absolutely precious! It makes this all seem so real. 

Weird Pregnancy Moment:  As soon as we walk in anywhere.... I have to locate the restroom for 2 reasons. I'm either going to pee or puke before we leave.  Also, for about 6 days straight I have spent the evenings in the bathroom vomiting.... for like 30 minutes! It was a little scary and I got really dizzy. Apparently it is normal though. I'm hoping this will pass quickly! 

Movement: It is still too early for that! I'm ready to feel some wiggling though. 

Symptoms: food aversions, cravings, increased appetite, violent vomiting, nausea, exhaustion. Ya know.. the normal stuff! 

Cravings/ Aversions: I have a new appreciation for baked potatoes. I still have an aversion to sweets and meat. 

Anything Make You Queasy: Being awake. I'm queasy all day everyday until I lay my head down. I'm hoping this phase passes soon so I can start giving the babies healthy foods. 

Gender: Still too soon to know! Gav is hoping for a brother and sister. I'm just hoping for 2 healthy babies! Trey won't weigh in on it. 

What I'm Looking Forward To:  My first OB appointment on Friday!! Non-pregnancy related, we booked a beach vacation this week! I'm so ready to have 5 days on the beach uninterrupted with my husband and Gavin! I will be 15 weeks when we leave, so I'm hoping I will have energy by then and NO MORE vomiting! 

Bump Date - 10 Weeks

How Far Along? 10 Weeks 2 Days 

Due Date: We're still on track for early to mid December. 

Weight Gain: 5lbs. Which is on track with twin pregnancy weight gain based on my pre-pregnancy BMI. 

Maternity Clothes: Yes please. I had a friend give me a whole bag full of stuff earlier this week! I've also begun doing a little online shopping to fill the void in my wardrobe. I should be set for the rest of the summer into early fall. I think I sprouted a bump overnight, because several pre-pregnancy items are REALLY snug now. 

Sleep: I still need a daily nap and I'm in bed no later than 8:30 each night. I miss having energy to workout like I should. I'm hoping my energy returns in the next few weeks so I can workout the way I should be. 

Best Moment This Week:  I had a few! 

• Sharing our news last Saturday with our friends and family! 
• Seeing a little bump in the mirror. 
• Getting to see Baby A kicking and wiggling. 
• Seeing Baby B just chilling. 
• My "graduation" from NFC. 

Weird Pregnancy Moment:  Pregnancy Brain. It is real folks and I have it! 

Movement: I haven't felt any, but I sure did see Baby A kicking and moving on the ultrasound screen this week!  The babies are the size of prunes this week (how ironic). I'm sure they will be moving and kicking Mommy soon enough. I cannot wait! 

Symptoms: All day nausea, vomiting every evening around 5-6pm, exhaustion, food aversions, tiny bump. 

Cravings/ Aversions: Nothing has sounded good this week other than waffles and boneless buffalo wings. Not together though. I'm so ready to give the babies healthy food, but for now I'm just eating the few things that sound good. 

Anything Make You Queasy: I'm queasy all day everyday. I'm still taking my Zofran, B6, and Unisom. 

Gender: It's a little early to know, but based on their heart rates earlier this week, I'm placing bets on boy/ girl. 

What I'm Looking Forward To:  I have my very first OB appointment on the 27th. Trey is going with me. We are hoping we will get another peek at the babies. I'm excited to see Dr. W and Brooke (his nurse) again! I told them several months ago I would see them again and I would be pregnant with twins! I'm so excited to get the game plan for our pregnancy. 

Graduation Day

My journey with NFC officially ended today. I graduated. It was a bittersweet day. I am excited to be moving on to the next step in bringing our little miracles into the world, but at the same time I am really going to miss the staff at NFC. They have been a HUGE part of my life for the past seven months. I do not think I will ever be able to fully express how grateful I am that our journey led us to NFC. I'm tearing up as I type this actually. I remember being so terrified at my first appointment as Trey and I sat in that tiny room while the nurse asked us a list of questions. Then, they escorted us to a room where they did a full exam on me. We were there for 2 hours for testing and a consultation. I remember the day I went to NFC for my injection training. That was the day I met Ellen, my nurse practitioner. I was so nervous and scared, but she reassured me I could do this. She gave me step by step instructions on how to do the injections and told me to call her if I have any problems or questions. Almost every time I went to the clinic for my appointments, Ellen was there smiling and encouraging me. Ellen was the one who did our final IUI... the IUI that gave us the twins. She was so encouraging and positive that day. She made me feel comfortable and confident. She seemed more like a friend than a nurse. It was so great! The day we first saw our precious twins, Ellen found me in the clinic just to congratulate me and give me a hug. Today I hugged her at least 3 times and thanked her for everything. I wish I could take Ellen with me so she could deliver my babies (haha), but I know she needs to stay at NFC to encourage and help other couples. 

The happier part of the day at NFC was when I got to see our little ones! Baby A was wiggling and kicking. Baby B was just chilling out. I told Trey Baby A is like his/ her daddy and can't sit still. Baby B must be like me. Oh how I cannot wait to see their precious faces in a few months! I also got to hear their little heartbeats. Baby A was in the 140s. Baby B was in the 170s. I know it is a little early, but I'm thinking we may have a little boy and a little girl... only time will tell. 

Now what?! Next Friday I will return to my OB/GYN and my other favorite nurse. I'm overjoyed we are finally going back to MMC, and I get to see my amazing Dr. W again. 

1 Samuel 1:27 - Part 2

I do not even know how to start this post. I'm absolutely in awe of God's power! 

On Wednesday, April 23, 2014 - the 3 year anniversary of the day my cousin Chris went to heaven- I went in for IUI #3. I felt it was a bittersweet day. When my nurse scheduled my IUI for April 23rd, I was a little worried. The day would already be filled with emotions and this would be our last chance at conceiving through IUI for a while. I was afraid if the cycle failed it would give me one more reason to grieve on the 23rd of April.  On the other hand though, I felt a sense of peace that day. I felt like everything was completely out of my control and if it was meant to happen that day, then it would happen. I knew Chris always looked out for me when he was here on Earth. I had hopes on April 23rd he would be "pulling some strings" for me and watching out for me. 

On Friday, May 9th I marched into the drugstore to pick up a big bottle of water and a bottle of Tylenol. I had felt yucky all week and my back was hurting a bit. I just didn't feel...umm.... right. My nurse had told me not to test until Monday, May 12th. I decided to go ahead and pick up a pack of pregnancy tests so I would be prepared. I had a work function that evening, but on my way home I decided "what the heck. I'll take a test tonight. It will probably be negative since it is 8:00 at night and I've drank 2 liters of water today". Trey was in the machine shop when I got home so I knew I wouldn't get caught testing early. I went to the back bathroom, did my thing, and sat the test on the counter. Before I could even get up, I glance over at the test. There were 2 lines. There were 2 DARK lines. I couldn't make words other than, "Oh Praise God! Praise Praise God!" I ran through the house like a crazy person. I had to tell Trey. I ran - well it was more of a light jog- to the machine shop. Trey was working on a piece of equipment. I told him, "Turn it off. I have to tell you something." I'm sure he could tell by the look on my face that something was wrong. He turned off the machine. I said, "You're going to be a Daddy!  You're finally going to be a Daddy!" He smiled the biggest smile. It was the same smile he had on his face the day he proposed and the same smile I walked down the aisle to 2 years ago. We just held each other for what felt like forever in the machine shop that night as the tears fell. Our prayers had finally been answered. Our miracle was on his/ her way finally! 

On Monday, May 12th I went in for my first beta. I have posted my beta results in a previous post. Of course I went in 48 hours later for my second and final beta.  My sweet nurse, Ellen, had told me not to be surprised if I see more than one heartbeat at my ultrasound at 7 weeks. It turned out I wasn't able to get in during week 7 for an ultrasound due to it being the week of Memorial Day and my doctor being on vacation a few days that week. 

On Monday, June 2nd - my mom's birthday- we went in for our first ultrasound at 7w5d. That seemed like the longest wait in the waiting room we have had in the 6 months we have been patients at NFC. Everytime the door opened, my heart stopped in anticipation for my name to be called. After about 15 minutes of waiting, my name was finally called. We were escorted to an ultrasound room. It was the same ultrasound room I was in on the day I was told my first cycle would be cancelled due to cysts. It was the same room I was in a month or so later when I was told I had 1 perfect, mature follicle and we could move forward with IUI #2 . Today, the visit was different though. Trey held my hand as the sonographer inserted the probe. Then we saw it. We saw our miracle. She said, "Oh it looks like we have two!" She did some more pushing and moving around of the probe to confirm. Then we heard it. Heartbeats. Plural. We saw and heard the most beautiful, perfect, miracles. Our babies. We saw our precious babies we have hoped, prayed, cried, and waited for. Seeing their little hearts flicker made every, single negative pregnancy test worth it. I would stick a million more needles in my abdomen for these little ones. Every tear, needle, test, disappointment, surgery, ultrasound, missed day at work, sleepless night, and setback were worth seeing these beautiful little gifts from God. Praise God!!  

Looking back on our almost 2 year battle with infertility, it all seems so clear now. There were so many bumps in the road, detours, and changes of plans that had to take place just so we would make it to April 23, 2014 and our babies would be conceived. Three years ago, my heart was shattered on that day as my cousin went to heaven. Three years later, God sent me the most perfect miracles I've ever laid eyes on. It all had to happen the way it happened just so THESE babies would come into our lives right when they did. I could not think of any more perfect timing. On April 23rd God showed us yet again He is bigger than medicine and all of those doctors who had told me I would not carry another child in my womb. Those doctors were wrong! Our dreams came true on April 23rd. I am carrying 2 children in my womb as I type this. I'm carrying 2 of God's most precious miracles in the womb I was told numerous times would never hold another child. Praise God that I never gave up! Praise God that He is bigger than a doctor, diagnosis, and medicine! Praise God for turning what was a sad day in my life into one of the happiest days of my life. Praise God for every bump in the road that led us to where we are today. Thank you God for leading us to Dr. Williams at MMC who never gave up and fought just as hard as we did. Thank you God for leading us to Nashville Fertility Center. Thank you for the staff, the nurses, my NP Ellen, and my doctor. Thank you God for this journey...We are pregnant. We are pregnant with twins! 

Our miracles are set to arrive early to mid December. We are over the moon excited to be the parents of twins! We are grateful for the journey that was laid out before us. Looking back, it is neat to see how God laid out each piece of the Baby Bell puzzle just so it could come together so perfectly. We are forever grateful and hope one day we can share with them the story of how God brought them to us. Most of all, we cannot wait to tell them about how God's love was shown to us through each and every one of the people who encouraged, supported, and prayed for us along our journey. 

Bump Date - 9 Weeks

How Far Along? 9 Weeks 

Due Date: The TWINS will be here early to mid December. I will be twin full term on December 16th. I'm praying I will be able to carry them to full term and we will not have many complications between now and then. Yay for Christmas babies! 

Weight Gain: 3lbs or so which is impressive considering I haven't really eaten much lately. I also haven't really been working out much. Maybe that's why I'm gaining so quickly?

Maternity Clothes: It is time. I've put it off long enough! My boobs are getting too big for my pre-pregnancy clothes other than a few dresses and a couple shirts. I'm hoping I receive a Target gift card for my birthday next week so I can get a few more maternity items. 

Sleep: I need sleep. I went home from work on Monday and went straight to bed. I slept from 6:30pm - 5:45am the next morning. I was exhausted. I also have to take a 40 min nap in my car each day on my lunch break. I'm hoping the babies are just trying to grow and I do not have an iron deficiency. We will see in a week or so I guess. 

Best Moment This Week:  I had a few! 

• Talking about names for our little ones! 
• We have slowly begun telling our close friends! It has been a lot of fun sharing our exciting news with others!  
• Receiving a phone call from my OB/GYN personally congratulating us on our pregnancy. He never gave up on us and fought just as hard as we did! I cannot wait to see him at the end of the month so I can show him our little miracles! 
• ** non-pregnancy related I got to stand beside my long time best friend as she married the love of her life on Saturday. **

Weird Pregnancy Moment: My bridesmaid dress fit perfectly 2 weeks ago at my fitting, but apparently my boobs grew quite a bit between my fitting and the wedding. I had to have some help getting my boobs stuffed into my dress enough for the dress to zip. It was slightly hilarious to those of us who knew why my boobs were so huge! 

Movement: None. The babies are the size of green olives this week. I'm sure they will be moving and kicking Mommy soon enough. I cannot wait! 

Symptoms: All day nausea, vomiting every night around 10pm, exhaustion, food aversions, puffy belly. 

Cravings/ Aversions: I have a new appreciation for chocolate milk and waffles. I still have an aversion to meat, sweets, and raw veggies. I still could eat pasta everyday, but I'm trying to cut back.  

Anything Make You Queasy: I'm queasy all day everyday. I believe my body has developed a resistance to Zofran too. I took it for a few days and it seemed to help. On Tuesday I had to take it twice and it didn't even phase my nausea. I'm just trying to manage it by drinking plenty of lemon water and eating small (very very small) frequent meals throughout the day. 

Gender: Since the babies have separate sacs, we are thinking we may have boy/ girl growing! We won't know for several weeks though. 

What I'm Looking Forward To:  We are telling our families on Saturday (We will be 9w3d.) We are also looking forward to celebrating Trey's very first Father's Day! My final appointment with NFC is on the 17th, then I will be released to my OB/GYN! It will be bittersweet. I'm hoping I can hold it together and not cry!  Oh and I will be 10w1d on my 29th birthday! Happy Birthday to me! 

Bump Date - 8 Weeks

How Far Along? 8 weeks 2 days

Due Date: Well.... since we are having precious little TWINS, I do not have a set due date anymore. I've been told I will deliver early to mid December. I'll be considered "twin full term" on December 16th. 

Weight Gain: I've quit weighing myself at home. I'm not even sure how much I have gained or lost. 

Maternity Clothes: I'm wearing a maternity dress today from Old Navy, BUT that is only because it is comfortable and it hides my itty bitty bump. We are still trying to keep our secret quiet, but I do have a mini bump. It might be bloat or it might be babies. The jury is still out. 

Sleep: The moment I hit 8 weeks, I was hit by this overwhelming need for more sleep. Maybe the babies are having a growth spurt? or maybe I'm just worn out from the stress at work? Either way, I need daily naps and I'm in bed by 8:00 every night. 

Best Moment This Week: Seeing our sweet Baby Bell twins and hearing their strong, healthy heartbeats. 

Weird Pregnancy Moment: My boobs are absolutely huge. HUGE I tell you! We are only 8 weeks in and they already need their own zip code. 

Movement: None. The babies are the size of raspberries this week. I'm sure they will be moving and kicking Mommy soon enough. I cannot wait! 

Symptoms: All day nausea, vomiting every night around 10pm, exhaustion, food aversions, puffy belly. 

Cravings/ Aversions: No consistent cravings. At this point I just have to eat small meals very slowly whenever my nausea is not too severe. 

Anything Make You Queasy: Just about anything will do it. Anything too sweet (Sprite, hard candy - they did it for me this week) I also get super queasy if I go too long between saltine crackers. Being awake makes me queasy. Haha. 

Gender: Since the babies have separate sacs, we are thinking we may have boy/ girl growing! We won't know for several weeks though. 

What I'm Looking Forward To:  We also plan to tell our families and some friends next weekend.  I can't wait until we can start telling people! It will seem more real once I'm not having to constantly hide the fact we're pregnant and I don't have to dodge the "So how are things going" questions. ha. I'm also looking forward to being released to my OB at the end of the month. It will be a bittersweet goodbye to NFC, but I'm excited to see Dr. Williams at MMC again. I will be forever grateful for everything NFC has done for us. 

RECAP OF THE WEEK

Yay! It is FINALLY Friday! 

The week began with us trying to catch our breath and recover from the awesome, fun, exciting wedding weekend of my best pal of over 20 years! It was so great to see all of my pals from childhood and reminisce about the good'ol days. Rachel was absolutely stunning and our bridesmaid dresses were pretty awesome too! 

Our church also held a Vacation Bible School on Sunday through Wednesday. The theme was along the lines of Treasure Island. It was super cute! I had the pleasure of helping out with the Pre-K class which had a total of anywhere from 9-14 kids each night! We had a great turnout and I only got paint on me one night! It will go down in the books as a success! 

Thursday night Gavin (my not-so-little boy)called to tell me he almost hit the ball out of the park at his tournament team practice. He has been trying to improve his swing the past few months. It sounds like he has finally got it down pat! He will be playing in a tournament this weekend, so we are looking forward to seeing him in action! 

Tonight I am meeting up with a few ladies for dinner while Trey finishes up some jobs at the machine shop. I'm really looking forward to getting out of the house and having girl time while Trey works. 

Tomorrow we will be hosting our families for a Father Day/ Kari's Last Birthday in her 20s Party. I'm really looking forward to my mom bringing my favorite cake in the entire world... Lemon Cake with Vanilla icing. It will be soooooo yummy! 

 

Please Say a Prayer

My heart is broken for a dear fellow infertility blogger today. Infertility is so unfair. I have come to know and support so many of these women thanks to this stupid disease. Some I have witnessed announce their pregnancies after many IUI or IVF attempts. Some I have witnessed lose their precious miracle babies. Some I have followed from the day they announced their pregnancy to the day they gave birth and beyond. Some I have cheered for each cycle only to read the pain and sadness in their posts as they type the words none of us ever want to say.... "It failed."  "I cannot have children." "There's nothing they can do." 

So if you have a moment, please stop by  Suzanne's  latest blog post. She needs lots of love, prayer, and support right now. She is a wonderful example of strength and perseverance. She has fought so so very hard. I wish I had half of her strength, but most of all I wish she could be a Mommy.