24 Weeks

How far along? 24 Weeks 2 days

Total weight gain: 20 pounds (Pre-pregnancy weight: 110lbs-112lbs.)  Steady gaining 1-2 pounds/week- We will see at the doctor this morning how much I actually have gained.  I confess to not be very regularly stepping on that scale.  

Maternity clothes? Full maternity.  I have retired to my comfies since starting my homebound status this week.  I am in love with these jersey pants from Gap (I have them in the blue and the brown) and currently sporting in the photo above this ballet top, also from Gap (even though it isn't doing much for me or my shape in this picture- it is much cuter in person).  Seeking out some kind of style since being at home- not really.  I really, really want some of these, but where would I wear them?  To doctor's appointments?  Out to the mailbox? My position on the couch to watch my DVR'd shows?  Someone would appreciate them, I'm sure.  More and more of my once 'too-big' maternity tops are becoming more snug.  What is sad is that I'm actually surprised when I attempt to slip one on over this belly, and it is more form fitting than I remember.  O-well.  What can you do? 

Stretch marks? None!  It is still early, tho.. but I'm hopeful:)
Sleep: I halfway dread getting into bed at night.  The best part about being at home  full-time now is that I can nap and lay around as much as I want- so a sleepless night isn't too bad.  I had a girlfriend tell me she slept the best she has ever slept while she was pregnant.  I could have kicked her in the shin for that comment, but whatever.  I love her too much to result in a shin bruise and would probably cry due to the overwhelming guilt (and preggo hormones.)

Best moment this week:  I can guarantee that my best moment will be this morning as we are getting to see our sweet little one's on the monitor.  We have our 24 week appointment with both the perinatologist and my regular OB.  We invited Jordan's parents along for this sono- they have never seen one before, so this will be fun.

Miss Anything?  I continue to miss sleeping through the night.  Other than that I'm pretty content. 

Movement: I have crazy lil'bits in my belly.  They actually kept me up some of the night this week- but I think part of that is the fact that I want to feel them move.  They are a little over a pound a piece now, and it is crazy to think that those tiny ones can create such strong movements.   

Food cravings: Peanut butter toast- duh.  Dairy- yogurt, cheese, yogurt, cheese, and more yogurt, milk, and more cheese.  Fruit- not a surprise.  Randomly I've had an desire for the chocolate sprinkle shakes from Chili's.  We never eat there (J isn't a huge fan..) but it is all I can think about right now.  If anyone wants to bring me one of those.. and a cheesy tots from Sonic, I'll call you my best friend.  Don't forget the ketchup- for drizzling over my shake.  Kidding.

Anything making you queasy or sick:  Just laying on my right side or my back.  

Gender:  My girls!!

Labor Signs: Nope   
Symptoms: Always, ALWAYS having the urge to pee and being just plain sleepy (mostly because I sleep about 3 hours a night- up mainly between the hours of 2-5am.)  

Wedding rings on or off? On- but fear is creeping in that I may need to lay them to rest for the remainder of this pregnancy.. not yet, but I foresee it to be soon.

Happy or Moody most of the time: Happy girl for the most part,  cranky on occasion- but I blame the lack of sleep.  

Looking forward to: Today- getting to see my sweet babies on the sono screen:) I LOVE seeing them! I confess to being a bit nervous every time we walk into the doctor's office, not for any reason- just because.  Updates and sono pictures to come for our 24 week check-up!

HF4F 8.31.12

Hi Friday!  This sleepy-eyed girl is so excited to see you again.  I need a nap.

As always, I'm linking up with Lauren @ FMGD.

1.)  I've been listening to the Maroon 5; Hands All Over CD (LOVEing it right now.) on my way (45 minutes) home from work everyday for the past two weeks.  Any time the song 'I Can't Lie' comes on, both babies start to move around- I like to think they are dancing in my belly:) This morning while I was getting ready for work, this song came on through my Pandora radio and lo and behold- the movement began.  It is so funny, and I can't help but smile about it.  Totally makes my day. 

Baby Gap Floral Picot Bodysuit  /  Bow Leggings

2.)  Jordan and I made our first purchase(s) for the girls this week:)  All I have to say is that we are in big trouble.  It isn't just me.  Jordan made the comment last night while I was looking like a beached whale on the sofa that he is SO excited we are having two girls.  The thought of having boys is beyond him at the moment and he wants nothing more than to hold our sweet Parker Jane and Jolie Grace.  Not to say boys are out of the works for the future- but right now, he is totally smitten with thoughts of girlie things.

3.) I went and got my hair done this week!  I was deperate to go, my ends were split and roots were making their proud appearance- I had pushed out my appointment date a couple more weeks so that I had it done right before I go homebound (read on to # 5).  I LOVE getting my hair done.  I walked out of the salon feeling like a brand new elephant woman.  ApparentlyI'm having body issues this week. 

4.) I made this yummy dinner-3-Cheese French Bread Pizza with Chicken Sausage and Kale.  Last night, my sweet and me enjoyed it for a living room pizza picnic.   Recipe up on Chocolate Broccoli next week!

5.) My number 5 for this week's high five is semi bittersweet. Bittersweet because on this day, the 31st of August, marks my last day of work for oh, about.. 6 months.  My homebound status starts officially on Tuesday (09/04) of next week as that is the start of my third trimester- what?  How can that be?  This (double) baby making business has all gone by too quickly.  I've enjoyed pregnancy more than I expected to, and am really looking forward to my time at home- being able to spend great time with Jordan will be much needed before Parker and Jolie arrive- and also, I know I'll be safe and taking it easy for the last couple months of my pregnancy- per my doctor's orders.  I forget how busy I am during a normal day, and I pay for it at the end of the day when I can hardly move off the couch and I'm washing my face and brushing my teeth for bed at 8:30pm because I can't fathom staying up any longer.  For all these reasons, I am excited to be home!  But- this morning I was sad, really sad.  Simply because today I'll be doing a lot of things for the 'last time' for awhile.  Driving to work for the last time, scanning my badge for the last time, logging into my computer for the last time. I am getting teary-eyed to think that I'm not going to be in this regular routine for the next 6 months.. this routine that I've been training someone else to do for the last three weeks to stand in as the Executive Health Program's Registered Dietitian until I return in February, rather than that familiar face be me.  I see her implementing her own (excellent) RD skills and creating new handouts- so proactive, but it is simply driving me bananas- I have to remind myself that she is not me, and for the next 6 months or so, her way will be different than my way.  Not wrong.  Just different.  I am very thankful for the fact we found someone that fits the bill to fill my shoes, and so I focus on that simple blessing, rather than the fact that she is going to be doing my job- MY job- for the time being.  Yesterday, as I was cleaning out and organizing some of my things, I attempted to put away some of my picture frames into my cabinet.  They stayed there for all of 3 minutes before I pulled them back down again.  I just could not do it. Why is this so hard? I should be screaming yippee! and jumping for joy at the thought of a break..and extended vacation, so-to-speak.   But, I'm not.

Ask me on Monday and I'll probably be fine.  But, ask me today and you might get a pitiful pregnant woman standing in front of you with crocodile tears running down her face. 

So, don't ask me today.  I spend too much unecessary time on my makeup at 5am in the morning to be crying all day.

23 Weeks

How far along? 23 Weeks 2 days

Total weight gain: 19 pounds (Pre-pregnancy weight: 110lbs-112lbs.)  Steady gaining 1-2 pounds/week.

Maternity clothes? Full maternity- although I'm finding every which way to make myself the most comfortable I can be.  I'm measuring about 4-5 weeks ahead due to the fact that I have two babies rather than just a singleton- and my belly just seems to get in the way of it all.  Jordan made the comment last night that we should get a couple more tank tops or sleep shirts that fit a little better- and I sweetly explained that would be pointless due to the fact that all that is growing is this bump.  I've found that Gap tanks fit my growing belly pretty well- they are much longer than the ones from Target.  I'll be able to wear these through my entire pregnancy.  The tank I had on from Target last night kept riding up over my belly.. Didn't stop me from wearing it tho..

Stretch marks? None.  Using my coconut oil 2-3 times/day- it helps to moisturize and keeps me from itching too much.  Someone told me that scratching at my crazy iching belly actually causes stretch marks- I personally think they were told wrong, and ignore that comment while happily scratching at my belly like a dog with his ears:)
Sleep: Ugh.  Dreaded.  You can 100% tell I am sleep deprived in that belly photo above.  Some nights it is great.  Even though I'm up 4-5 times to make a trip to the bathroom, I still fall back to sleep rather quickly.  Other nights I am up.all.night.  I find that on these nights I will sleep for 30 to 45 minutes at a time and then somehow wake up nauseated due to the fact that I'm laying on my right side or on my back.  I've ended up on the couch a couple times after 2 hours of thrashing around in my bed with discomfort.  Blah.  Sunday last weekend was spent sleeping all day long after a sleepless night on Saturday.  Much needed before heading back to work on Monday.

Best moment this week:  We were at Northpark for dinner last weekend and stopped into babyGap and Janie and Jack to browse.  We ended up picking out some sweet little outfits for our baby girls- we had yet to purchase anything for them, so this was a first.  I came home and layed them out on the floor of the painted nursery and teared up a little to think about the fact that they will be wearing these tiny oufits, soon.  Makes me tear up right right now..!

Miss Anything? At this point, I continue to miss sleeping through the night.  Other than that I'm pretty content.  I occasionally look at my large closet full of clothes I can't wear in disgust, but then I remember how uncomfortable they are for me right now, and that missing moment passes quickly.

Movement: Yea buddy- all the time.  I feel them on both sides, and then randomly right in the dead middle of my lower belly.  I wonder which one that might be..   

Food cravings: Peanut butter toast- with banana or not. Fruit of all kinds, dry cereal every night, and of course- Sonic ice.  If you want to throw in a Diet Limeade in there with that ice, I'm good with that, too:)  Speaking of lime.. can someone please figure out a safe way to include a super sour margarita into my preggo diet?  With lots and lots of salt.  Random, yes- It is not like I would have tons of tequila pre-pregnancy, just on occasion. But lately it is all I can think about. 

Anything making you queasy or sick:  Just laying on my right side or my back.  I have found that I can't even lean on my right side while watching tv or reading without feeling a bit blah..

Gender:  My girls!!

Labor Signs: Nope   
Symptoms: Discomfort.  Congestion.  Just plain sleepy (mostly because I sleep just about 3 hours a night.)

Wedding rings on or off? On

Happy or Moody most of the time: Happy girl- This week I've had no major mood swings or teary episodes.  You can ask Jordan.. he'll agree with me:)

Looking forward to: This weekend! Jordan and I are celebrating with a stay-cation:)  My OB doesn't want me anywhere outside of the metroplex, and with my prescribed homebound status starting Monday, we wanted to do something fun beforehand.  Since we just moved into our new house, we decided it would be fun to have dinner out every night, lay by the pool, and watch movies in our PJ's all weekend, enjoying our new home and each other.  We picked up the cribs last weekend, too- and hopefully we will put them together this weekend, too!  I've been looking forward to this weekend for months!        

A Surprise Baby Shower

Last week my sweet co-workers threw me a surprise baby shower in honor of these sweet girls.  Normally, once a month on this particular day we have a department meeting, so I thought nothing of it for the physicians to be sticking around after seeing their patients. 

But apparently this has been in the works for about a month, formal invites were passed around and everyone was able to sneak in their wrapped gifts- all oblivious to me.  Seriously- how did I not catch on?

I seriously had no clue.. as you can tell by the rather embarrassing look on my face. My boss was so sweet, and started to tear up after the hormonal tears started flowing on my part.  Thank you for not getting that on camera. 

They decorated the board room pretty with pink, coral, and peach.  The board room door is about 4 feet from my desk- and I completely missed all the commotion going on in that room.

 Lunch was served and I sat at the head next to all my prezzys.  I say my prezzys.. but they are really for Parker and Jolie... but since they aren't here, I gladly accept them:)

Time to open presents! These babies were spoiled!  The top right corner picture- I was a bit confused.  The hospital administrator over our department gave a whole supply of goodies- including these window shades- at first glance I wasn't sure what I was pulling out! 

Our precious CT Tech, Tammy gave the Diaper Genie.. but not just any Diaper Genie- the limited edition 2- pails-in-one!  We all got a good laugh out of that- Jordan and I will need it, for sure!

Baby giraffe and zebra rattles.  I'm obsessed with the baby giraffes.  Seriously so precious!  I saw this stuffed baby at BRU and decided that I must have two- one for each girl.   As the obsession started here.  Whit did so good with these super cute rings for the girls.

Of course- my girls will be in style.  Look at these shoooooes!!  So cute.

(Excuse the major cheesy smiles)

 My boss had these cloth backpacks made as her gift to the girls.  They are embroidered with personalization: Jolie Grace and Parker Jane.  Love!

It was a GREAT day!  Especially after my rather grumpy day on Tuesday, this was a great way to brighten up my week on Wednesday.  I love my job, I love my boss, I love my co-workers.  Seriously, work cannot get any better than this.  I am thankful to be blessed with such rich relationships with these people- we are a rather small department (Director, 2 Medical Physicians, Dietitian, Exercise Physiologist, and Administrative Assistant) so we have become quite close knit.  I don't know what I would do without the incredible understanding of each one of them about my future leave of abscence due to bedrest and babies!  Going homebound next week makes my heart heavy to think I wont be sitting next to some of my favorite people everyday for the next 6 months (homebound + maternity leave). 

But they can't get rid of me for the whole time I'm gone.  I will be at home with complete access to my email and absolutely nothing to do- I'll be harrassing from the comforts of my couch:)   They'll expect nothing less.

High Five For Friday: 8.24.2012

This week has been a blur of moving, un-packing boxes, furniture placement, and 4:15am alarms.  Oh, yea- I have a commute to work, now.  It is only about 35 minutes- enough time for me to listen to the news or bounce to Jeremy Camp and drink my coffee.  But when my first client enters the door around 7:15am I need to be here early.  I have taken advantage of the fact that for the past year I have lived 0.8 miles from my work- which means it took  me longer to walk to the garage to get into my car that is did to drive to work.  Plus, I've been to work early all week long (this does not happen, ever.)- making it easier for me to hit the door around 3:30pm to make it home before traffic.  Anyway- through all the long days of sleepiness and un-packing, this week has been a good one.. although I am so very thankful for the weekend that lies ahead.

Linking up with Lauren over at From My Grey Desk!

1.)  I pre-registered at the hospital this week- makes it a little more real now.  Half the time I forget I'm pregnant with two babies in my belly.  And then I drop my pen or something like that, and watching my attempt to bend down to retrieve it is quite humorous. 

2.)  Every day after work I've come home to enjoy peanut butter and banana toast.  every.day.  It is so good- and I've recently discovered this dark chocolate variety, and even though I'm not the biggest chocolate-lover on earth (probably the only women alive to have ever made this statement.) this chocolate peanut butter is delicious- and pairs wonderfully with banana:)

3.)  Our new cable set up includes the movie channels (courtesy of my sweet husband due to the fact I will be home for the next three months with nothing to do but watch movies..) and last night one of my all time favorite movies was on- Wild Hearts Can't Be Broken.  It has been over 12 years since I've seen it last- so I was simply elated to watch it cozy in my bed while eating my chocolate peanut butter and banana toast.  Jordan was at the fire station yesterday, so I watched all kinds of girly movies on encore Woman- lol.

4.) Wednesday officially marked the day that I completed my seemingly never-ending task of unboxing our things.  It felt so good to have nothing to do last night- after three plus weeks of coming home from work and either cleaning, packing, or un-packing right up until bedtime.  My girly movies were well deserved!

5.)  My sweet department at work surprised me with a baby shower:)  I was so surprised and excited to see all the pink boxes and bags for my sweet girls.  My director catered in lunch, and instead of our monthly board meeting, we enjoyed punch, cheese, fruit and veggie trays, chicken, and veggie quesadillas.. oh and a huge cake.  The cakes catered through the hospital are pretty good, so I enjoyed a slice- with lots of frosting!  I always make my call of the corner piece.  Pictures to come next week!

It was a good week, but I just have one word to say- TGIF.  Not really a word.. but letters.. so I technically have 4 letters for you.  Looking forward to enjoying my weekend- we have no plans tonight, Spaghetti and Meatballs are on the menu- yum.  Maybe there will be a repeat of number 3, and I can make Jordan sit through it with me for a second time. 

Have a happy weekend!

22 Weeks

How far along? 22 Weeks 3 days

Total weight gain: 16 pounds (Pre-pregnancy weight: 110lbs-112lbs.)   I am still all belly.  I don't just feel like I am bigger everyday- I AM bigger everyday.  Some of the maternity sleep shirts I got a couple months ago are getting shorter and shorter.  It seems as though they will be showing off my rather large midriff soon.   

Maternity clothes? Full maternity- duh.  Although I can still fit in some of my pj pants- just wearing them below my (huge) belly. I am still loving my maternity wardrobe.  I am kind of obsessed over shirts with the side ruching.  I feel more comfortable with my growing bump in tighter fitting clothes. Wearing something too big makes me feel like a cow.  Simply put. 

Stretch marks? None at all- but I have been itching like a mad woman this week.  It started on Monday while wearing some full panel work pants- I thought the panel was just irritating my skin, but oh, no.  It continues.  I scratch all day long.  Still using my coconut oil- which definitely relieves the itching.  I'm thinking of just carrying it along with me in my purse.  Excuse me while I bare my belly and rub some oil on it.  Hope you don't mind..  
Sleep: I've been sleeping pretty soundly this week- but, I confess that the move over the weekend has just about worn me out.  I have been getting in bed late- about 10:30pm (rather than my usual 8:30-9pm routine) and getting up earlier because I now have a commute to work (before the move we lived 0.8 miles from my job..). But, my promise of getting unpacked by this weekend is fulfilled. The house is officially unboxed and done with- this week has made me really ready for the next couple months of being at home.

Best moment this week:  My precious department surprised me with (my first) baby shower/luncheon to celebrate our sweet baby girls.  Everyone stopped in to say hello and grab a bite to eat and have a good belly rub:)  It was such a fun afternoon with my favorite work friends.  Made this emotional preggo very happy.

Miss Anything? Simple comfort.  It takes real effort to sit on the couch- get up from the couch or any other seated position.  What I miss the most?  The ability to have a conversation with someone without getting out of breath.  When I sit up straight or lean forward the belly blocks my ability to breath well.. or something like that.  It is almost amusing the look I get from some of my clients while I counsel them and have to readjust or pause so I can catch my breath.  A couple days ago I was giving a talk about vitamin deficiencies and one of the signs of a particular mineral deficiency being shortness of breath.  I'm saying this as I am having to pause to catch my breath.  Me, the dietitian, educating about proper nutrition and here I am about to die on stage in front of all you people.

Movement: All.Day.Long.  and totally loving every minute of it.

Food cravings: Dry cereal, fruit, plain Greek yogurt, ice.. and a couple new ones this week: frozen grapes- cannot get enough.  And peanut butter and banana toast.  I look forward to my snack when I get home from work.  I ventured out and got some Dark Chocolate Peanut Butter this week.  Whoa.Yum.  Central Market was having a special: Buy one get one free, plus a loaf of bread.  I'm in. Can we say- Impulse buy?   
Anything making you queasy or sick:  I can't say that I've been suffering from nausea really at all this week.  I have been good about staying on my left side and when I'm sleeping and end up on my back, it wakes me before I really get to feeling sick.  So- just tired,  not queasy.

Gender:  My girls!!
Labor Signs: Nah.
Symptoms: Discomfort- is that a symptom? My belly gets in the way of everything- that can count as a symptom, too. 

Wedding rings on or off? On
Happy or Moody most of the time: This week- I will confess. Moody.  Tuesday in particular was a bad day- Waking up super early, followed by a long commute, combined with horrible traffic related to the fact that the streets were wet from rain started me off on the wrong foot- and the day just continued to progress in this way.  Combined with preggo hormones, my mood festered beyond what it normally would.  I did my best to stay quiet for most of the day as to not snap or say something rudely without the intention- but Jordan sweetly put it that my mood can be told by my the look on my face- Fridge Face as my sweet bestest is known for it.  Jordan texted me yesterday morning teasing to remind me to 'be nice'...

He's got a way with words..

Looking forward to: We are supposed to be getting the cribs in soon! We also got a great furniture piece for the changing table that we want to paint and distress.  I'm looking forward to being home to be 'apart' of these little projects:)  Next Friday is my last day here at work- I must say it is bittersweet, but exciting to think about the months to come.

High Five for Friday 8.17.12

This week has completely gotten away from me- we have been in high speed getting ready for the move and I have hardly the time to think straight.  It is funny- through all this busy-ness and as much as my brain has been spinning, it wasn't hard for me to remember some good things this week for my High Five.

Linking up with Lauren @ From My Grey Desk

1.) The Packing has Come to an End.  We are offically DONE packing and ready to move tomorrow (Saturday)  I cannot wait to get into the new house, but just wish it was already Sunday- completely bypassing Saturday's work and the long day that is to come.  I actually wont be physically moving much of anything, but I get a little uptight when things are out of order.  Believe it or not, unpacking and trying to find a new place for everything will be fun for me this next week- am I self-admittingly OCD and love to organize. 

2.)  Furniture Shopping Success.  We found a couple of great pieces to go into the new house when we were furniture shopping last week.  LOVE this one in particular.  We also were able to get the perfect sized dresser to go in the girls' room to stand in as a changing table. 

3.)  Happy Anniversary!  Jordan and I celebrated 7 years of marriage this week (August 13th)!  We had a quite dinner out at Johnny Carino's (the fist place he ever took me on a date 10 years ago.) and then came home and watched a movie and ate yummy dessert- Ben and Jerry Greek Yogurt for me and Slow Churned ice cream for Jordan.

4.) Nook.  We decided this year that we were not going to exchange gifts for our anniversary- new furniture, new house keeper, new house- and of course, babies!!  All plenty for the both of us. But, of course- my husband never plays by the gifting rules.  I was surprised with a Nook Tablet from Barnes and Noble for my use while on bedrest until the babies come.  I can't wait to catch up on my long lost love for reading!  Anyone read any good books, lately?

5.)  Sweet Brother.  My parents sent Jordan and I a care package to wish us Happy Anniversary and in the card my youngest (of three) brother was silly- typical teenage boy.  Made for a good laugh between Jordan and me.  Love that kid- miss him so:)

I'll share pictures of the new house and from the move this weekend next week- until then, have a fabulous weekend!