Friday, January 30, 2009

To my furry kids:




Mary, Jane, Dobby, and Winky,

I know that you guys feel something is about to change. You have been much more cuddly and needy lately. Mom and dad have been trying to explain that babies are on the way, but those eyes show me you aren't completely understanding. Tonight I have you all on the bed with me, but after next week you may never see the bed again. I just want you to know that I love you, and you are not being replaced. You may just simply be relocated for a time. I know Dobby, it is cold outside, but you have a coat and I will try to remember to still water and feed you. And if I forget, maybe grandma Murray will take you home and care for you. She is a really good cook. And I know she will let you get up on her new bed.

Oh, Mary and Jane: thank you for keeping the crib warm for the babies. As grateful as I am sure the babies are, this is no longer needed. If me chasing after you with a squirt bottle of water to get you out of the babies room didn't get my point across, maybe this will. You may have to go live with Grandma Murray if this continues. And she will give you a list of chores...trust me.

So, though you all may be going through a rough change after next week, remember that dad and I love you just as much as we ever have. Once the babies get old enough to play with you, you will have more love than you will know what to do with. Just be patient until then. We love you.

Thursday, January 29, 2009

The date is set!

We got some great news today! With another weekly ultrasound, we found that the babies are weighing in at 5 lbs 2 oz's (baby A) and 5 lbs 8 oz's (baby B). That is if the measurements are accurate. Baby A is head down, and so low that it has been hard the last few weeks to get good measurements of his head. I am amazed that by measuring the head, femur, and belly they can estimate the babies weight. Now they are in the 5th-25th percentile for weight, versus the 5th-15th percentile they were in before I went on bed rest. I too have been gaining weight, topping the scales at...I'm not telling! Lets just say I need to get in gear to lose this baby weight once the babies get here. And no more late night Jack in the Box runs. Sob!

Baby A is still head down, and Baby B is breech. Because Baby baby B is the larger baby, and isn't the presenting baby (he'll be the second one born), he will have to turn head down to be delivered naturally. The Dr. said that even if I deliver Baby A naturally, with these babies being the first born, there is a good chance we may not get Baby B to turn. With the 50% chance of having to have a c-section anyway, the Dr. scheduled one for next Thursday, February 5th of 2009 at noon.

I am nervous since I haven't had surgery before. With my wonderful friends and family though, I have already gotten good advice and encouragement that has made me feel a ton better. It is fun having it planned so I know when they will be here, and we don't have to wait anxiously wondering when the big day will come. Plus, no labor pain! I just pray that the babies are born healthy and happy and I feel confident that they will be.

More good news...we saw both babies have hair! We can't tell how long or if it is a full head of hair, but I can now picture the cute babies with hair! Keola and I are really hoping for mullets...little Joe Dirt's. I wish I could count their toes. There is always the chance they could be born with a stuck toe like their uncle Beau. :)

So, unless I go into labor before the 5th, that is going to be the big day! I am just barely dilated, and have had some contractions but I think just Braxton Hicks. In fact...I am having one right now. Ouch. I don't think I will go into labor before then.

Thanks again to everyone for your support! We will keep you all updated!

Wednesday, January 21, 2009

The Belly Pics

Everyone keeps asking when I am going to post some belly pics. I hate getting pictures taken, but today, for the second time in my pregnancy, I caved and asked Keola to take a few. So...here they are!


20 Weeks


36 Weeks

We had another Dr.'s appointment and ultrasound today. We look forward to these every week. I am measuring at 42 weeks. WHAT?!!!! Two weeks ago I was measuring at 34 weeks, last week at 38, and this week at 42. I have been growing a ton in just the last few weeks. Another thing that blows my mind is that last week both babies were head down. This week, Baby "B" is breech again. I have no idea how he had room to turn around completely. Other than that, everything looks the same. I'm still not dialated, and the babies look like they are doing great! I have to say- as uncomfortable as I am, I am so grateful and blessed that the babies are staying put as long as they have. The longer they stay in the belly, the bigger they get, and the healthier they usually are. I am so happy that the pregnancy has gone so well, and am excited at the thought that the babies should be big enough to come home, and may not have to spend time in the NICU. Right now I really am counting my many blessings.

Tuesday, January 20, 2009

It's about time!

My sister-in-law helped me set up a blog last spring...nine months later I am finally posting my first blog. Sounds just like me I know. So much has happened in the last year I felt it was about time I get around to writing it down.


Keola and I have been married for 5 years, and were excited and scared to find out in June of 2008 that we were expecting our first baby. Or so we thought "baby." I remember I wasn't feeling well, and my mood and emotions seemed to be all over the place. Keola one day tried to delicately tell me he thought I might be pregnant as I was acting kind of like a...well he tried to put it delicately. :) I thought I must be pregnant too, and went and bought a pregnancy test. It was positive, and after showing Keola, and 4 tests later, we came to the realization we were going to be parents! It is such an out of this world feeling realizing that your life is going to drastically change over the next year.


At our second Dr.'s appointment on July 30, 2008 we had our first ultrasound. Wow were we in for a shocker! The ultrasound tech said, "are you feeling lucky today?" and of course, I the nursing student, had no idea what she meant. Keola however, saw immediately why we were asked that. The ultrasound was showing two babies! The rest of the appointment for me was a blur. Keola said I just started crying and saying "oh my gosh" over and over and over. I can't ever remember feeling that happy in my entire life. Of course, all of the family members got called immediately with the exciting news, and we were on our way preparing for our little bundles of joy.


With all of our blessings, we found ourselves meeting some hard times as well. In September I finally told my boss of 3 years that I was pregnant. Two weeks later I was let go. The construction business was not doing well, and they could not afford to keep me employed. And I am sure that being pregnant had nothing to do with it... Keola also worked as a subcontractor for the same company, and they could not continue to provide him with work either. Finding any work in the construction business was next to impossible. So there we were, both unemployed, me just finishing nursing school, and almost 5 months pregnant. Keola always the strong one in the relationship, kept a positive outlook, and kept telling me it would all work out. And it did! Keola was able to find a job, and I was able to go on unemployment which ended up being a blessing not having to work through the remainder of my pregnancy. We also got the exciting news on October 6, 2008, that the twins were boys! Keola's dream come true! He already has plans to dress them in cowboy boots and to teach them every sport there is. He is without question going to be the best dad!


Yesterday we finally hit the 36 week mark! My Dr. put me on bed rest two weeks ago, and as soar as I get laying down all day, it seems to be doing the babies a lot of good. They are both gaining a good amount of weight, and moving around a lot! Ouch my ribs! Last Thursday, baby "A" weighed in at 4 lbs and 3 Oz's, and baby "B" weighed in at 4 lbs and 13 Oz's. The Dr. said that if I don't go into labor before February 9, at 39 weeks, they will try to induce me that day. Only 3 weeks away! It could not come soon enough. Keola keeps telling me he just wants to hold the babies. The bags are packed, the baby room is ready, when are they going to get here? Until they do, poor Keola will have to continue to make late night Jack in the box runs, and give me back rubs. The only thing that makes me feel better- Keola's back rubs!


With all of the stress and financial worries of having multiples, Keola and I have been so blessed with all of the help and support we have received from our family and friends. Never in my life have I felt more loved and cared for, and I can't even begin to express all of my appreciation. We love you all very much and are grateful to have you in our lives!