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9.11.2012

Homebound Status: Week One

Last week marked the end of my first full week of being at home- I enjoyed it!  

I talked of the 'stay-cation' Jordan and I planned since my OB scoffed at the idea of letting me go anywhere outside the metroplex- and seeing that we have been in our new house (house-in-progress pictures to post tomorrow!) for less than a month, we decided to make it a real stay-cation, and just stay home.  

Starting on Friday night, after my rather emotional last day of work, we went to dinner at a place we hadn't tried before- Sfuzzi's in Las Colinas.  It was YUM- and most of their menu advertised to be all natural and organic- plus, plus.  I was pleasantly surprised at how much I liked the food- especially since I have become so fickle with my appetite (most of the time I haven't got one at all.) I enjoyed the Garlic Mozza Burger (adding an over-easy egg on top), and J completely cleaned his plate of his order- the Veal Porterhouse.  We also had to split the Tuscan Mac and Cheese- it was delicious, too!  The restaurant is known for it's pizza and pasta, so it was just about sinful to walk out of their without trying at least one of the two- and no surprise we went with a side dish of pasta:) 

I was miserable at the end- not even close to finishing my meal- and the thought of eating for the rest of the weekend totally repulsed me.  

Saturday, Jordan tagged along with me to do my regular Saturday morning routine of grocery shopping.  He has been coming with me the past couple weeks as it has gotten hard for me to push the cart and unload groceries to the car all by myself.  We made a stop for donuts on our way home- and let me tell you- best donuts I've ever eaten.  It has probably been 5+ years since I've had a donut of any kind, and me and these baby girls were thoroughly pleased.  My donut holes with sprinkles and white icing washed down with strawberry (1%) milk- breakfast of champs that morning!  

Saturday was spent being lazy- we had a couple visitors to see the house and rub my belly- but other than that we lounged and watched a couple movies and DVR'd shows before heading out, yet again, for dinner and a movie.  We ate Mexican this time- enjoying Blue Goose at the Highland Village Shops (after sending my food back once to change my order due to pure preggo repulsion.. so weird coming from the girl who eats anything. I was practically in tears when I sent it back.. but the waiter was so sweet and obliged my request.  I think he was scared of my reaction if he would have denied my request for change.) 

After dinner we went to see a movie- The Bourne Legacy.  Even though Matt Damon wasn't in the movie- it was still just as awesome as the others.  This says a lot- Jordan and I vote the Bourne movies to be among our top all time favorites.  We both walked in with critical thoughts, but walked out really pleased with the movie- definitely a must see!

Sunday was another lazy day- the best part was putting together the cribs!  Jordan was super eager to set them up.  I was curious, too- we had both been on the pure hope in the fact that they would both fit into the room with all the other furniture, and still have room to move around.

Good news- they fit perfectly:)  They are so cute, and look great in the nursery- an off cream color with slight distressing- will go perfectly with the rest of the decor (currently in the works).
Dinner was a pizza picnic (seriously picnic for me- I seem to be comfortable only on the floor to eat..) and a movie in our comfies- and off to bed early.  I was wiped out from all the activity of the weekend- and what would be lazy to some- was rather active to this preggo lady.

Monday marked to official first day of 'homebound' status- I woke up to this.. I could wake up to this everyday.  He loves on these babies every morning.  So sweet.  He is already smitten and googly eyed over Parker and Jolie.
I started each morning with the self-led Beth Moore Bible study over the book of Daniel.  After completing the first week- I am eager to continue on:)  Good stuff!

There is something wonderful about preparing my breakfast and enjoying my coffee all while still sans makeup and in my PJ's- quite an amazing thing.  Before this week, I typically would do all these things while multitasking (i.e. driving into work..)

I've been spoiled by my sweet husband- and totally taking advantage of my claimed 'helplessness'.   Jordan has been carting me around for little trips to get me out of the house in short increments- including stops at Sonic for yummy Diet Limeades and the best part- the after ice to go with it:)  Really enjoying my time with him!!

On days when Jordan is at the fire station, I've been spending serious quality time with our first baby girl, Brittany. She follows me around, sitting at my feet and keeping me in good company.  We watch plenty of movies, surf the web, and share turkey sandwiches.  The weather has been pretty nice this week (a bit hot to stay too long outside). So, when I just need a bout of vitamin D, we sit out side for a little while and soak up the Texas sunshine.

After our morning/afternoon of doctor's appointments on Thursday, we hung around Plano and had a late lunch/early dinner before our breastfeeding class that was to be held at Presby Plano (where I'll be delivering.)

Seeing that both appointments went so well, my doctor released me to sit in on this 3 1/2 hour class- over everything you need to know about breastfeeding.  The class was full- and I was the only one carrying twins (I was somewhat surprised by this).  The  lecture was run by a well read nurse, and I really learned A LOT.  I did a rotation through residency with WIC and learned a whole lot about breastfeeding, the benefits, the proper way to do it, and the special bond you build with your baby in doing so- all this was covered in more detail- but a few things I didn't realize..

1.) Never introduce the pacifier unless you have established a good routine with breastfeeding.  The hospital I'm delivering at is Baby-Friendly and wont even provide one to you during your stay, unless of course, you decided against breastfeeding. (Presby Plano is among only seven hospitals in the state of Texas- all of which are THR facilities! I love my company.)

2.) I also learned of the 9 stages of change a baby goes through during the first hour after birth- we watched a video over this and it really was interesting.

3.) The cues a baby gives can be easily missed- and crying to tell you they are hungry is the absolute last cue a baby will resort to.  Eventually, if the cues are regularly missed, the baby will learn (pretty quickly) that this is the only response they can give that will prompt mommy to feed them.  Breastfeeding or not, this is helpful to know.  I'll be watching out for these cues, for sure!

There was plenty more, but right now those are the three points that stick out the most to me.  I was pretty wiped out by the end of the day, so I'm kind of drawing a blank at the moment:)

I plan to breastfeed both of them- and hope I can for as long as I am able:)  But, I do realize that it isn't the end of the world if I cannot keep up with the both of them- even though it is definitely doable and I know mothers of twins that have done it.  Fingers crossed!

I have decided that I'm more thankful now than ever for my homebound status- this week I started suffering from serious insomnia.  That is 3:04am on my iPhone lock screen.  On this particular night I woke around 2:15am and I didn't go back to sleep until about 5:30am- got up again around 6:15am to get ready for the day (we had our doctor's appointments that morning.)   

I slept really well Thursday night- after a super busy day, but Friday night I actually didn't sleep at all.  Over the course of the night/morning I went from my bed, to attempt in the recliner in our bedroom, to the oversized chair in the living room, and back to my bed. I slept in 30 minute increments (not really.. more like rested with my eyes closed) for a total of about 2 hours of sleep.  I'm not uncomfortable the entire time, I just am simply not tired. Very strange.

Misery.  

After complaining to my OB, she agreed to allow me up to one 50mg dose of Benadryl to help me get some shut eye. I'm not super intrigued at the thought of this, but if it means getting some regular sleep, I think I'll cave in a few times a week.




All in all (aside from the insomnia) last week was a great week.  I am into week two, now, and have yet to go crazy, or bored, or restless..yet being the key word.  It seemed as though everyone I talked to before going homebound put it off as a negative thing- but I am loving it!  I do appreciate the calls and sweet texts from my precious friends to check in on me.. I continue to get them everyday, and they brighten my couch potato-ing quite a bit!

Jordan is quite busy this week- working a couple days of overtime in addition to his normal days at the fire station, on top of being gone during the day on the nights he is off- so my mom decided it would be a good time to come in to keep me company- paint my toe nails and make me food:)  Can't beat that!

Looking forward to the weeks to come- more relaxation and day time napping (this no-sleeping-at-night business will not get the best of me.) I suppose I'll be fine until I get too huge to move around as easily as I do now..

Until then, I'm not complaining.. but just forewarn.. the day will come when I'll start to complain because I can't really move from the couch.. or even get out of bed..

3 comments:

Meredith said...

It sounds like it's been a wonderful week for you! So glad to hear the appointments went well and everything is right on track! I remember getting really excited at 24 weeks due to the viability of the babies. Obviously you want them to stay in as long as possible but that was such a relief! They are simply adorable and I love that they're already sucking their thumbs--so freaking cute! I think I'm going to get some donuts this morning, they sound amazing (we are terrible for each other)!! :) :)

Maureen W. (Maryland) said...

I am so glad you are embracing your home bound status! Attitude really makes a big difference. Even when I was in the hospital on bed rest I tried to keep a positive outlook b/c I believed the babies could sense my energy. You are doing a wonderful thing for them and your husband is such a good husband and daddy. It may seem like a little thing, but driving you places, loading and unloading groceries makes a big difference. I can't say enough what an amazing doctor you have. XOXO Keep up the good work! PS - Enjoy all of these times with just you and Jordan now - movies, going out to eat, etc. I don't want to say "oh, that will all be over when the babies arrive" because that sounds negative. Your time will just be otherwise occupied for a while and your life will be different in a wonderful way. Take the time to savor the way your life is now.

Corinne said...

Hi Amber. I stumbled across your blog recently as I am also pregnant with twin girls - I am almost 31 weeks now and have been on bed rest since 23 weeks. Your blog is wonderful to read. I have one as well if you are ever interested. http://theellingburgfamily.blogspot.com/ I find it so fun to read another twin mommy's experiences! Glad you are doing so well in your pregnancy :)

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