34 Weeks: Baby Shower!

Something that was unexpected for me during this pregnancy was the possibility that I'd have another baby shower.  I've already had 2 showers in the past since I had a boy then a girl and needed gender specific items but I never thought someone would volunteer to throw (nor did I feel I deserved) another shower!  And I had 2!!!

Last week, some ladies in my ward put together a lovely shower and there were so many people that showed up and brought beautiful gifts!  I was completely overwhelmed by the support and love these people show.  Then my dear sister and mom threw another shower for me a week later!  A huge thank you to all those who came!  We had so much fun talking and laughing!  It was more like girls' night out (as my sister-in-law said and I agree). 

A on the left, B on the right

If I look like I'm in pain, I am.  I could hardly lift anything with my left arm because of my ribs. :(

Laura's cute decorations!

Today I had a little burst of energy and was able to put all the gifts in order and was relieved to see the number of diapers we already have!  It seems like a lot and I'm sure we'll be going through them faster than I imagine.  There are a few more things I need to do before I'm "ready" (not sure I'll ever be) for these girls to make their way to this world.  I'm in the process of covering a glider than my awesome neighbor gave me (yay!!), I need to finish putting all the clothes away, pack my hospital bag, and it feels like there's more but it's probably just my panic mode setting in.

I've been going twice a week to the hospital for NSTs and after 2 weeks of a miserable cold, I'm actually starting to feel better.  My torn rib muscles from coughing are starting to ease up and I'm able to take deep breaths and move a little more than I was before.  Just when I thought things couldn't have gotten more uncomfortable (not complaining, just stating facts ;) ) I go the worst cold of my life.  Then I pulled my abs from coughing, then my ribs, landed in the ER because I couldn't move or breath, and now I'm finally pulling through.  Now I'm back to just the feeling that I'm carrying a fully-loaded backpacking pack on my front side and the sensation that everything might just bust through the bottom if I bend over one more time.

I'm OVER the looks that people are giving me when I go out in public.  Some are looks of sympathy for my discomfort but the large majority are looks of complete and utter amazement that someone could be so large!  We went to the Orem Summerfest last week (after I assured Jon I wouldn't go into labor walking around) and I had at least 3 people ask me if I was having more than 1 baby.  I'm not sure I'd ever DARE ask someone that question.  Lucky for them, I am.

My last appointment was Friday and I expected my doctor to check me for dilation again but he didn't.  I'm not sure how I got away without being checked but I didn't mind one bit.  I'm measuring 41 weeks and things still look normal.  He refused to estimate how much further I'd go which I took to mean that I could go any minute.  I'm hoping for another 2 weeks but we'll see what happens!!

The Weekend of all weekends

We had a very busy week this week with Jon's graduation from the BYU MBA program (hey-oh!!!), the Easter egg hunt, Easter, and spending time with family.  Jon had finals up until the day before he graduated so we really didn't get to breathe until Sunday afternoon when we ate Easter dinner with my family at Laura's house.

Jon's graduation was at 8am and he had to be there at 7am to line up with the rest of the graduates which left me with gathering the kids, toys, candy, movies, etc. to keep them busy during the long ceremony.  I parked as close as I could to the Marriott Center where the graduation was held but I still ended up carrying Sophie on my hip, dragging Jonah by one hand, and carrying two kid's backpacks, a diaper bag, and my camera in the other arm for about a half mile uphill.  I got many pitiful looks on the way up and even one lady cheered me on as if I were finishing a marathon.  That's kind of what it felt like, too!

The ceremony was beautiful and I cried the second I sat down long enough to look at all the people gathered.  My mom and dad drove all the way from Colorado the night before to be there for us and that meant the world to me. 

Thank goodness for snacks, candy, iPods, and grandparents to distract.  They really were very good though.

Jon's dad is a professor in the Humanities department at BYU and had his robes on from his alma mater on Saturday.

After the ceremony, we had a little family luncheon at our house and basked in the graduation glory and relief.

Saturday brought the annual neighborhood Easter egg hunt and the kids had a blast.  Jonah kept saying he wanted to get at least 60 eggs (the limit was 5).  You can imagine future soccer games in our family by the display at the hunt:  me screaming, "Go, Go!!  Faster!!  Look here, here!!" and then hurriedly ushering them back to the starting line where the first 3 kids to collect their 5 eggs one a solid chocolate bunny.  Sophie took third and Jonah took First in his age group.  I was so proud!! ;)  Jon said he always knew I was a pageant mom.

On Sunday, we packed up our homemade rolls and chocolate mousse and headed to Laura's for Easter dinner.  We dyed some eggs while the funeral potatoes finished cooking.  The kids lost interest in about 3 minutes but Jon and I enjoy dying them even more so we didn't mind.

My dear sister broke out her scissors and master hands and gave Sophie, Jonah and I new hairdos.  I'm forever in Laura's debt for the constant mullet prevention she does with my growing-out phase.  

Before

 

After (ADORABLE!)

Before

After (tough guy, I can hardly get him to smile anymore unless I say, "Boogers and Poop!!" before snapping the shot)

And at last, I had Jon take another belly shot this week.  I had my 27 week appointment on Friday and the girls sounded good.  They've been moving a ton and often keep mommy up at night or during attempted naps.  I'm measuring at 36 weeks so you can imagine my eagerness to be done (even though I still have 10 or 11 weeks left).  We went to the mall on Saturday and one little girl pulled her mom's sleeve and said, "Whoa!! Mom, look!!!"  Then one kid in primary said, "Wow! Sister Bush has a ball in her shirt!"  Yes, thank you, kids!  Honestly though, I didn't mind.  I think the same thing each time I look in the mirror.

27 Weeks with Twins

37 Weeks with Sophie

It really was the most wonderful weekend (sugar highs and crashes included).  And now a tribute to my awesome husband:  Jonathan worked so hard these past 2 years and even before his MBA to make sure he was doing the right thing and going to the right school and getting the best experience possible to support our family.  I watched him take on challenge after challenge and he morphed into an even more amazing husband and father than he already was.  I'm so proud to have him next to me and am overwhelmed by gratitude to our Heavenly Father who, no doubt, made miracles to get us through school.  Our parents and family are also indispensable in our success these last few years and we owe them big time!  I love you Jonathan!

25 Weeks

I've been going to the doctor every 2 weeks since I hit 20 weeks but still only have an ultrasound every 4 weeks.  I will never get over how wonderful it is to see these babies growing.  My summation of a twin pregnancy thus far is that it IS very different from a singleton.  The main differences are the size of my belly and the constant movement of the babies in separate parts of my belly.  I'm much more worn out at this point when usually I'm feeling fantastic at 25 weeks.  I'm getting very uncomfortable at night and have to get up at least 2 times to pee!  Jon's mom volunteered to buy me a maternity belt because she "doesn't want to see my belly dragging on the floor!"  That tells you just how pregnant I look. 

It is strange feeling "done" when I know I have three months to go.  I'm anxious to be more comfortable again but LOVE being pregnant simply for the miracle of it.  Plus, I'm not anxious for these girls to come out early.  I want to avoid the NICU at all costs and if that means being immobile for the last few weeks and so uncomfortable that I can't sleep at all, I'll do it!

This was our first ultrasound where we didn't get to take home any pictures but the girls looked beautiful and are growing wonderfully.  The doctor estimated Baby A to be 1lb 11oz and Baby B to be 1lb 10oz.  Can't ask for better growth in twins!

I forgot to ask Jon to take a belly shot so we'll have to settle with a self-portrait.  It doesn't exactly show the girth but it's what a see when I look down. ;)

25 Weeks

The first of many this year

You might think there was something going around the Green/Bush families when you hear the number of babies joining our families this year.  On the Green side, 4 of the 5 of us girls are pregnant.  That means there will be 5 new babies this year, starting with Audra who is due in just a few days.  Then there's me and the twins, Laura and her second baby, and Annie with her third in October!  For the Bush side, we've got Melissa who just had a beautiful baby boy this week, me (with the two), and Natalie with her fourth in August. 

Grand Total: 7 babies

My sweet sister-in-law, Melissa, had her sixth little bundle of joy a few days ago on the 30th of March.  He is so precious.  Melissa found out after a few months of her pregnancy had passed that the baby had Down Syndrome.  He also has clubbed feet, meaning his feet rotate inward at his ankles (the cutest little feet you've ever seen).  Needless to say, it's been a difficult journey for her and her family to adjust to the reality but what a blessing that little boy is!  He's been in the NICU since he was born trying to gain his strength and things are looking really good for him.  Jon and I were able to drive up to the hospital yesterday to visit them and to see the baby (he's still nameless ;) ).  Melissa had requested that I be there at the birth to document for them but that little guy decided to come a few days earlier than scheduled!  

Being in the NICU was a new experience for me.  If you've never visited one before, here are a few things I observed.  First, you have to scrub in (yes, I was living my Grey's Anatomy fantasy).  Being in the NICU is an emotional thing.  All of these babies wouldn't have had a chance 100 years ago.  It's a miraculous thing.  It's kind of a solemn, peaceful place with dimmed lights and angel nurses tending to these little, tiny humans--some with feet no bigger than my big toe.  I'm grateful that those babies and families have the second chance a NICU offers.  I also know that I don't ever want my babies to have to go there.  It's emotionally draining and difficult to see your tiny baby with countless tubes and wires connected to their little body.  It seems unfair.  Looking back on the births of my two kids, I'll always be grateful for those first hours I could spend immediately after birth holding them next to my skin and nursing them and enjoying them.  With NICU patients, most are whisked away immediately after birth to start treatments, often without the mom ever touching them.

Baby McKrola was born on March 30th, 5lbs 9oz.

Welcome to the Bush family, little guy!  We love you!

For your viewing pleasure...

I made a little video of the girls' ultrasound.  It's nice and short (as opposed to the 22 minutes of looking at every part of their bodies).  Make sure you turn off my automatic playlist before you hit play on the video.  Enjoy!

Car Seat Canopies for my Doublets

I finished my first project for the twins today and posted about it on my craft blog.  Check it out!

madeitmine.blogspot.com

We're pretty sure but you never know...

I'm 15 weeks along today.  It's a big milestone for me.  I feel like this last month has been an eternity in waiting.  I guess I've been spoiled with having my previous appointments be only 2 weeks apart!  The wonderful thing about waiting a bit longer this time was seeing how much they've grown!  They're just so much bigger.  We saw legs, arms, fingers, spines...it's really just all such a miracle to me.

I asked the doctor to try really hard to see if he could see the gender.  He got a pretty clear shot right from the beginning and paused it there to label it and then said, "If we see something different in a minute, we'll just delete that one!"  I thought that was funny.

This is Baby B (I think? I'm really not sure, to be honest).  This baby is breech right now but that's not a worry yet as they'll keep moving around for some time.  We like this picture of the baby with it's hand near it's mouth, possibly sucking a thumb.

This is Baby A (Again, not sure).  This one has it's head down and you can see the profile and legs up on top.

And here's the picture you're all curious to see...

What do you see?  Or maybe a better question is what don't you see?

 Girls!

We really only got a good shot of Baby A because she was head down.  Apparently it's more difficult to see the gender on breech babies.  Plus, Baby B had her legs completely closed.  But to reiterate, for those who are unfamiliar with twin factoids, since they are identical, they're the same sex no matter what.  Fraternal twins are the only ones that can be boy/girl or girl/girl or boy/boy, you get the point!

So poor Jonah will be outnumbered, which I have to say was a little sad to realize.  He wanted them to be boys and kept asking why they were girls.  Even though I've thought they were girls this whole time, I kept thinking Jon would probably be right and I'd end up being wrong again.  For some reason it was easier to think of Sophie being the only girl as opposed to Jonah being the only boy.  I'm really not sure why.

BUT!  We are so excited and hope we aren't surprised in another month with the news that they were wrong and they're boys because we already went out shopping today and bought a couple of cute little outfits for the girlies.  I guess things can be returned, right? ;)

Please forgive the attempt at a self-portrait:

15 Weeks

Something I want to make

I was browsing twin stuff a few weeks ago and came across this picture:

And I just about died!

This girl sells them on etsy for $160.  It's really just a prop for photography.  Since I don't take a lot of newborn pictures, I figured it isn't worth buying.  Somehow, though, maybe I can create my own.  I'm not great at knitting/crocheting, but it's so cute that I might have to try it!

This picture is from Wee Works Photography and the product is available here: Etsy

Just giving credit where credit is due.

This too shall pass

This morning began like every other:  Sophie woke up, followed by her brother Jonah.  Jonah went potty and got dressed and we all gathered in the kitchen for breakfast.  I put Sophie in her high chair, turned on Playhouse Disney, and started making breakfast.  Sophie squeaks and whines because if she has to sit in her high chair, she MUST be eating.  I endured her protests while I made Jonah's oatmeal and my croissant and hot chocolate.  I looked over several times to reassure her that I was coming.  I noticed she was chewing on something but didn't give her a second glance because I figured it was just an abandoned goldfish from a past meal.  I was just glad she was quiet for a few minutes.

After breakfast I got her ready for her nap and while changing her clothes, I noticed one of her earrings was missing.  I checked her bed, clothes, blankets, retraced my steps from this morning's routine, and couldn't find it anywhere.  I checked her high chair and the area around it and found the back to her earring.  I felt confident I'd also find the earring.  Then it hit me!  She probably swallowed it!  She must have been chewing on her earring when I was making breakfast!!

A few Google searches and a consultation with my mother-in-law put me at ease.  She wasn't in pain and had fallen right asleep.  My title, in addition to Mother, for the next few days will be baby poop dissector.  I hope I find that little, black, onyx earring.

This lotion feels slimy...

Sophie loves the bath...as long as she doesn't get cold. After her bath the other day, I was putting her lotion on and decided to rub the excess into my own hands. Without looking at my hands, I realized the lotion felt a little slimier than usual. When I looked down, I realized that Sophie had deposited a nice little surprise on my hands and I was rubbing it all over! Hahaha...sneaky girl!

Here is a picture of us before church last week. Look at my cute argyle kiddies! Thank you, Mimi, for Jonah's handsome sweater!

This was taken during tummy time today. Sophie didn't last long but Jonah sure had fun spreading the blankets out and lying down with Baby Sister!

And finally, today was our 4 year anniversary! It's fun to see how much our little family has grown in that time. Here are a few pictures of our wedding day!

A Very Green Thanksgiving

This year was our year to be with my family for Thanksgiving and since I was due to have a baby so close to the holiday, my family decided to rent a condo at Thanksgiving Point (how appropriate!) for the week so we could all be together. It was so nice to have everyone here for the weekend! The condo was huge and well furnished so there was plenty of room for everyone. Jon and I stayed at home since we need to have all the baby supplies handy but hung out at the condo with everyone during the days.

Jeff and Audra brought Guitar Hero over and there was a pool table at the house so those activities occupied most of the boys' time while the girls made various shopping trips.

We took family pictures (long overdue) which turned out sooo cute!

I am so grateful for my awesome family! How wonderful it is to have such neat people for brothers, sisters, and parents. I can't say thank you enough to my parents for everything they've done for us this week. They have taken such good care of me during this transition period!

Here are some pictures of our holiday!






You can see that I'm already enjoying the dressing part of having a baby girl! I made these leg warmers out of socks. Cute huh?