Update

Let's rewind about 36 hours. I started having some contractions Wednesday night that felt like more than my typical braxton hicks. I kept an eye on the clock and they weren't incredibly regular or super painful, so I tried to go ahead and go to sleep. I was able to sleep but was woken up throughout the night with the contractions and still had some on Thursday morning. A wise friend suggested I call my doc (don't know why this didn't occur to me first!). I left a message with the nurse, she checked with the doc (not mine - my dr is out w/ back surgery) and he wanted me to go up to the assessment center. So off we went!!

I was lucky enough to share the triage room with a moaning woman while mustache the rent-a-cop berated Mitch about his cherry limeade. After these horrific moments, I was called back, checked in, and sent to a tiny, dark room. They hooked me up to a million machines to monitor my contractions and the babies. I was actually pretty miserable during this because the assessment center does not offer the most comfortable beds. Honestly, the nurses didn't seem to be the best either, so my monitors were often not working and had to be adjusted. Eventually the doctor came in, checked me, and decided to keep me overnight for observation since I was 2 cm dilated.

They wheeled me up to labor and delivery which was a much more amazing experience. I gladly climbed in the huge bed, ordered me some lunch, and watched a movie (well...started watching a movie). My contractions were showing up about every 2-4 minutes & were pretty uncomfortable, so they just kept watching me. Eventually, the doctor checked again and I had not dilated any further. He wanted me to take some pain meds to help with contractions and see if it would relax my uterus. Sure enough, the medicine did both. It also made me feel quite loopy & tired! I eventually went to sleep (after some ambien) and slept GREAT for a few hours - I'm certain I was snoring! They continued to check on my contractions, blood pressure, and the babies throughout the night, but I got a pretty decent night's sleep.

This morning the doctor came in, checked me again, and decided to send me home on bed rest. I am very thankful to be at home since there was talk of keeping me at the hospital for monitoring. I sure would have been missing my baby muffin if I had to spend days upon days in the hospital. So now we are in limbo! We just wait until these babies decide to make their arrival! I spoke with a NICU doctor this morning and he gave me some reassuring news about the babies. If born now, they'd likely have to stay in the NICU for a few days at least. If they make it to 35 weeks (next Thursday), then there's about a 50/50 chance that they could stay in the room with me. I'm going to keep them cooking as long as possible!

Just hanging out in the assessment center...

All our bags are packed...

We're ready to go! I'm trying not to let my return to work stifle my new talent for blog writing, so here I am! I finished doing all of our packing this evening - each baby, Maddex, and my bag. Mitch is on his own! At least now we won't be in (too much of) a tizzy when these babies decide to arrive. Of course we still haven't installed/loaded their car seats, made any definite plans for Maddex, or finished several chores around the house, but who says you're ever ready?!?

Now, for an embarrassing moment. Last night I was honored at the school board meeting for teacher of the year. When my name was called, I got up to walk proudly down the aisle. Apparently I'm huge and must have waddled my way up in front of hundreds because all I could hear were giggles from the audience! They laughed at me! I felt my face turn red immediately, but proudly shook the superintendent's hand, took my picture, and waddled my way to stand with the other honorees. Mitch claims there was just a murmur, but I'm certain I heard giggles. Now, if that wasn't enough...I was called up again for parish teacher of the year. Insert more snickers and murmurs. Then, insert more snickers and murmurs when I waddled up a third time to be honored for regional teacher of the year! I just did not realize that my appearance is that shocking and hilarious! Is it???

Good news is a woman in front of me called me a "queen" for having Maddex, another on the way (I didn't even tell her I got 2 cookin'), and all of my accomplishments. I'll just bask in her compliment and forget all of the embarrassment!

To prove this event took place, here's a picture of me after the first waddling with the superintendent and other middle school TOYs.

Ultrasound

We had an ultrasound with Maternal Fetal Medicine today. They measured the sweet twins & checked them out completely - they still look great! Measurements show Major at 4 pounds 11 ounces and Harper at 5 pounds even. It's possible their measurements could be up to 12 ounces off, but the good news is that they are close in size & healthy! Harper is still breech, so I'm assuming that means a c-section is very likely in my future. I'm still praying she flips!

My doctor will be out the rest of the month with back surgery, so I'm realizing it's very likely that he may not deliver the twins. I really like him, so that makes me sad! I'm not as comfortable with a stranger delivering my babies!

In other news, the doctor I saw today said there is no medical reason for me to currently be on bed rest. Since I'd need a doctor's note to be off of work for more than 5 consecutive days, it looks like I'll be heading back to work in the AM. We'll see how long I last! Pray for me to have energy!!!!

I was hoping we'd get some good pictures of the babes today, but we were not so lucky. So, you've been spared from seeing those freaky, alien-like ultrasound pictures for now :) Hopefully the next images I have of them will be their entry into the world!!!

Best BIG SIS!

Can you believe this LITTLE girl is going to be a BIG sister?

This post is 100% dedicated to my sweet baby girl who will not be my baby girl much longer! She absolutely LOVES babies, and I know she is going to adore her baby brother and sister. If I ask her, "Do you love baby Major?" she responds "uh huh" (we're still working on "yes") and gives the same response to "Do you love baby Harper?" She is just so sweet.

I'm so thankful she is reaching the helpful age where she will be able to do simple chores for me like throw things away or go grab a diaper. I can't wait to watch her interact with her baby siblings!

I am a little nervous about her becoming jealous. She is SUCH a momma's girl and is going to have a lot of momma sharing to do after these babies are born. So far, she seems to just get very excited when I hold a baby. She's seen me hold our friends' baby boy a few times lately and has immediately come to see the baby each time. She has loved to sit near me while I held him and give him kisses. Here's a picture of her helping to hold baby Asa - just look at that face!

I think we have a perfect glimpse of what a phenomenal big sis my sweet girl is going to be!

Fears

First, let me say that I hope my words in this post do not seem insensitive to others. I have several precious friends struggling with infertility, and I realize how truly blessed we are with TWO miracles at once! I do not want to come across as whiny or ungrateful for the blessings we have been given. That being said, I thought I'd blog this morning about some of my fears about expecting, birthing, and raising twins today. I hope that one day I can look back and laugh at my silly fears!

Fear #1: Going into labor. I loved being induced with Maddex. My house was clean and prepared, bags were packed, I didn't have to question contractions, and no messy water breaking! It was beautiful. I'm so afraid of going into labor & not really knowing what's going on until it's too late. My personality tends to lean toward the "it's no big deal" side & I can just seem myself having labor contractions for hours and think they're just the Braxton Hicks I've been having. I don't want to give birth in the car!!! Also, having a child already makes going into labor a little more tricky - we'll have to figure out what to do with sweet Maddex if I go into labor!

Fear #2: Exhaustion. This fear is present on a variety of levels. I remember being tired with Maddex, but Mitch and I had a great system! I'd go to bed pretty early & he'd stay up with Maddex until around 2:00. I'd wake up to feed her & take over. She'd usually eat & sleep at that point. I think I slept from 9 - 9 every day with feedings every three hours. It was manageable! Now with two babies, I'm not sure there's going to be ANY shift taking! I forsee sleepless nights for both of us & this makes me incredibly nervous! I'm also concerned about exhaustion when I head back to work. Right now, it looks like I'll be off only 8 weeks (a possible 10 if the babies come at the end of October). I am very anxious about returning to work with two teenie babes that are likely not sleeping very much. I'm just not sure how I'll be expected to function! Please join me in prayer that our sweet twins will be sleepers!

Fear #3: Bathtime. I KNOW this one is silly! With the possibility of a c-section, I will REALLY miss my beloved baths. A shower just isn't the same to me!

Fear #4: Time. I pray I am able to figure out how to spread my time between all members of my family - especially when I head back to work. I pray the Lord gives me discernment to give attention to my precious husband, sweet daughter, and baby twins as they need. I pray that our marriage will only be strengthened by the challenge set before us of three kids under TWO!

Despite these fears, I know that God is in control (cue Twila Paris) of our family. I trust He will walk me through these moments and provide the clarity, rest, and peace that we will need to survive!

The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly

Well, now that I'm resting, I've decided to REVIVE the blog. We'll see how long it lasts with these babes on the way! I'm currently 33 weeks pregnant with our baby miracles. I never thought my body would hold TWO babies! I have to say, I do think I've enjoyed this pregnancy more than my first! So, here's the good, bad, and ugly part of being pregnant with twins :)

The Good

• Feeling two little miracles moving around inside! I felt these babies WAY before I felt Maddex and it's been nonstop movement ever since. Now, it feels like there are aliens in there! It's really fun to watch my stomach move with all of the elbows, knees, feet, arms, pushing against me.
• Two healthy babies. I am in awe of the Lord's goodness every time we have an ultrasound! To see two healthy babies on the screen amazes me. He has blessed us so tremendously!
• Bed rest (well, restricted activity for now)! It's only been a couple of days, but it's been wonderful to get some extra rest as we prepare for the babies' arrival. I've been able to get up in the morning while Maddex still sleeps and work on a Beth Moore study and spend precious time with the Lord. I'm praying this time I have now will build a habit in me that can continue after the babies' birth and I return to work.
• The blessings that have been poured on us by our sweet friends and family. We have already been blessed so much with gifts, diapers, meals, and offers of help. The Lord has provided us with so many sweet blessings and we know He will continue to provide for us through this season. Jehovah Jireh!

The Bad

• Gestational diabetes! I'm so ready to be able to eat WHAT I want WHEN I want! It really hasn't been as bad as I've expected, but I'll be thankful for the day when I don't have to prick my finger 4 times a day! Bring on the carbs! :)
• Discomfort. The bigger I get, the harder it is to be comfortable. However, I'm still sleeping OK which I know is not the case for most people pregnant with multiples at this point. I am VERY thankful that I'm able to sleep!!
• Bed rest! Although it's mostly a GOOD thing, I do find it difficult to allow others to do things for me (case in point - when I HAD to whisk the roux for gumbo the other night - I just couldn't allow Mitch to do it!). I am really trying to relinquish control to others and allow them to serve me. Mitch has been amazing at working all day, taking care of Maddex, and doing all the chores. I'm so thankful for a wonderful husband!

The Ugly

• Stretch marks. That's about the only ugly part. Although I apparently am small for twins, my belly has stretched way more than with Maddex. I keep rubbing my butter on there though & hope those suckers go away after the twins are born!

We are so thankful for our sweet baby blessings! Please pray for us as their arrival approaches. We are praying for healthy babies who can come home immediately! Please pray that the Lord continues to provide us with rest as we prepare for their arrival along with the weeks that follow their birth.

Happy First Birthday Maddex!!!

Wow....I cannot believe a year has already past. A friend of mine once said, (well, posted on FaceBook) "If you want to see your life fast forward, have a kid." It's SO true. This has been the fastest, best, happiest, most fulfilling year of my life. It's so hard to believe that his tiny babe...

Has turned into this...

What a magnificent year it has been! My precious girl, you are all and more than I could have ever asked for. You are the sweetest girl I know, always crawling over to give me a hug or a snuggle. You melt my heart with your smile or the way you lay your head on my shoulder. You make the sweetest faces at me and your daddy - like you are trying to figure us out and take us in.

You are also the silliest girl that I know. You make the absolute greatest faces! Whether you are sticking out your tongue (typical), scrunching up your nose and lips, or making some other random face, you never cease to make me laugh. It's obvious that you take joy in making us laugh because you will repeat those faces to get a reaction out of us. You love tumbling around on the couch, hanging upside down, and dancing around with mama.

You are such a trooper. You have survived TWO surgeries in your first year. Thankfully, they were simple, quick routines. You made it through like a champ...we are so, so proud of you!

You love doing your tricks...when we ask "Where's the light?" you always point up at it. You LOVE pointing at things and are sure to let us know where you want to go with that little pointer finger. You love clapping (especially when we say YAAAYYYYY). You've been waving for months and it's still a great trick to show off! You love to grab things and then give them to us - especially when we ask "What you got?" You are also really good at hide & go seek (Where's Maddex?)...you usually put your hands on the side of your face or on your head. It's so cute and makes me laugh EVERY time. You always take off your socks & your shoes if you can. My favorite is when you say "love you" - or in Maddex language - "uhh oooooh". It is a sweet sound that I could never tire of hearing.

For the first few months of your life, you were a daddy's girl. You loved your mama, but you had googoo eyes for that handsome daddy of yours. I'm not sure when things changed, but you have become mama's girl through and through! And I am savoring each of those cuddles and snuggles because I know that soon you will return to being daddy's girl.

You are such a sensitive sweetheart. When you get fussed at, your feelings are immediately hurt. I hope this desire to stay out of trouble follows you for a long, long time! You are always quickly cheered up with some hugs and kisses though.

We have made so many great memories with you this year!

Your first LSU game.

A trip to Mobile to visit your MawMaw & PawPaw Rogers's house for the last time.

Your first Christmas (and Thanksgiving, Easter, 4th of July...).

Your first foods (you love fruit, rice & gravy, & bread).

First time in the swimming pool.

First trip to the zoo.

My sweet Maddex girl, you are the most precious gift the Lord has ever blessed me with. I am so thankful to Him for giving me such a sweet, loving baby girl. I love the baby girl that you are now, and I know I will love the toddler that you turn in to over the next year. Thank you for being mommy's sweet girl. I love you with all of my heart!!!