Birth Story & Blessings

Our sweet twins are being so good! Daddy is home with Maddex and Mommy is with the twins until the nursery opens at 11 (they are short staffed), so I thought I'd take the chance to share their birth story. It's a quick and simple but great one :)

I started having contractions Thursday evening and eventually decided to head to the assessment center (our favorite place). I felt like the contractions were a little more intense & consistent than in the past. I was hoping that if they determined I wasn't in active labor that they'd maybe still keep me overnight and induce me in the morning since I'd be 37 weeks. Our friend Kerri came over after we put Maddex to bed to stay with her for the night in case we ended up staying. Once we decided to go to the hospital I took a quick bath, Mitch showered, I packed some snacks & made sure everything was set up for Maddex for the next day. I was uncomfortable, but still managing & figured a little more movement would help move things right along.

Off we went to the hospital & visited our favorite place! The assessment center! We spent a miserable hour there with some of the worst service that we've had. It was very frustrating. Thankfully they determined I was in labor and admitted me to labor and delivery. Of course everything was WAY better up there!! We let our parents know that this was it and I got in touch with my sweet friend Maegan who was going to come take pictures of the babies' birth. I got settled in labor & delivery in the 11:00 hour and by midnight had been given my epidural. Things started moving quite quickly after that! I progressed about 2 cm in less than an hour; 30 minutes later I was about 3 more and very close to being ready to push. They started prepping the operating room & Mitch and Maegan got all dolled up in their scrubs. The twins were going to be delivered in the OR just in case Harper had turned breech or turned after Major was born & they couldn't get her out. From my understanding, they always deliver twins in the OR. At this point, I was starting to feel some pressure and was ready to push!

Next, they wheeled me down to the operating room and continued to get everything set up. I was starting to feel uncomfortable despite my epidural, but I was really excited. I honestly didn't feel nervous or afraid...the Lord just gave me peace and excitement! And there's really not much more to the story! We got ready, they told me to push, I basically had one big push and sweet Major boy was out! Mitch cut his cord and they brought him over to the warmer to get him all checked out. The nurses pushed and pushed on my belly to make sure that Harper stayed down. I pushed a few more minutes & out she came! Sweet babies were just five minutes apart. Mitch was checking on the babes, Maegan was snapping pics, and everyone was just telling me what a rock star I was. Let me interject here that if you ever want to feel good about yourself - birth twins :) All day yesterday I was just so "high" on what a great job I had done - people just kept saying it!!!

Major was doing great, but Harper was having a little trouble getting her color good and pink. I think they gave her a little bit of oxygen and kept her on the warmer a little longer. Pretty soon I had them both in my arms and we were being wheeled back to my labor and delivery room. Our parents came in and the nurses cleaned them up & got them all warm & snuggly. I was feeling great & just SO happy that they were finally here and healthy. We hung out in labor and delivery for my recovery time then headed on up to our room! We got settled in around 4:30 and that was it!

There's the story of their birth! Pretty simple and quick and I cannot tell you how thankful we are for that. I don't think the Lord could have blessed us more than He has in the last 48 hours!!!!

We've had a good stay at the hospital. Maddex has come up both nights. She seems to like them but is not incredibly interested. We'll see if that changes when they come to her home and invade her space!!!
The babies love sleeping in the crib together which makes for sweet pictures like these...

Harper (aka Maddex Jr.) and Major

Major and Harper

Finally, since being pregnant with twins, I have learned to shamelessly ask for help when needed :) Our sweet friends at church have set up a meal rotation for us when we go home with the twins. Although our first two days with the twins have been smooth, I imagine things will be crazy when we go home! It took me about an hour and a half to feed & change the babes tonight. Just in time to start again ;) Anyway, if you are interested in blessing us during these next few, busy weeks, we would appreciate it so very much. A simple meal would give you a great excuse to come love on some babies :) 

You can sign up to provide us with a meal by going to www.takethemameal.com. To find our schedule, enter Crain as the name & password. The schedule will allow you to sign up for a specific day & fill in your meal of choice.

Baby Crains are here!!!

Yep folks, you read it right...the twins have arrived!!!! I'll write about the whole experience later when I can post from something other than my phone. For now, their stats and pictures!

Major Joseph Crain
November 8, 2012
1:46 AM
6 lbs 1 oz
19 inches

Harper Elle Crain
November 8, 2012
1:51 AM
6 lbs 2 oz
19.5 inches

We had a fantastic delivery and are doing GREAT!!!!

The big day

We went for our check-up yesterday and finally scheduled these babies' birth! Looks like Monday morning will be the big day if the babes don't come before then! Here's a run-down of our appointment yesterday.

-Babies looked great on the ultrasound. Fluid levels were great and Harper has flipped to head down!!!! This is huge b/c I'm hoping for a vaginal delivery & NO c-section!

-Major measured 5 lbs 7 oz & Harper was 5 lbs 15 oz. The tech had trouble getting all of Major's measurements, so she didn't feel that the weight was incredibly accurate.

-Accurate weight or not, he's measuring in the 13th percentile, so the maternal fetal doc recommended delivery between 37 & 37.5 weeks.

-Despite Major's small size, his head is in the 90th percentile. Typical Crain kids w/ big heads :)

-I am still about 2-3 cm dilated. Major's head is very low. The doctor asked Mitch if he wanted to feel it. That may be TMI, but it was hilarious.

-We scheduled the induction for Monday morning - I will be 37 weeks, 4 days. Hopefully Harper will stay head down until then!! We will deliver in the OR just in case she turns and they end up having to do a c-section. PLEASE pray this doesn't happen!

I think that covers all the stats from yesterday! I voted before our appointments, and then we went to Target afterwards. It was a short trip but completely wore. me. out. After resting for a few hours, I felt better, but I was really struggling! I've wanted to declare myself off of bed rest since we're so close to the end, but I don't think it's physically possible for me to do much more than sit these days!

Check out these heads (excuse the glare)! Major's head is on the right & Harper's on the left. You can tell how much bigger his is than hers!!!! Sometimes I STILL can't believe there are TWO babies in there!

Gotta give another shout out to my husband for my treat yesterday! He loaded Maddex up to go get me a coke icee while I took a bath. It was amazing :)

Baby pool

Isn't that what it's called when you have people guess when the baby will arrive? I think it would be fun to hear your guesses!! Let me remind you of a few facts, then leave a comment on the blog or Facebook about when you think the babies will be born.

-I was 36 weeks yesterday. My official due date (if I were having one baby) is November 29.
-My doctor has said they will deliver between weeks 37 & 38.
-On Monday I was still 2-3 cm dilated.
-The doctor felt Major's head on Monday.
-Still on bed (couch) rest.
-Maddex wouldn't nap or sleep in her bed last night.
-At our last ultrasound (almost 3 weeks ago) Major was measuring 4 lbs 11 oz and Harper was 5 lbs.
-My stomach is huge.
-I've had unexplained bouts of tears today that I just can't stop!
-I still have contractions daily, but nothing consistent.

So - what do you think? WHEN will they be here?!?! Include the date, time of day you think they'll be born, and take some guesses at what their weights may be. It'll be really fun for me to see your responses!!!

PS - HAPPY BIRTHDAY to this stud right here

Interview with a father

People always ask me questions about Mitch's reaction to the twins and how he feels about their impending arrival. I thought it would be fun to ask him some questions, interview fashion, and record their answers on the blog. First, I thought I'd bore you with my own responses to the same questions. I'm sure you're all dying to know our answers and it'll be fun to look back on these responses later.

1. What was your reaction when the sonogram tech said "looks like there's two in there?"

I'm sure I said "WHAT?!!?" and did a little screaming and a little crying. Maddex was in there with her and we kinda freaked her out!

2. What has been the best part about expecting twins?

The support we've received from friends, family, and other twin mamas.

3. What has been the worst part about expecting twins?

My large belly which makes sleeping and comfort difficult.

4. What is your biggest concern about their arrival?

That they'll have to spend time in the NICU - more specifically that one will be in NICU and one will come home. I'm not sure how I could balance time between the babes. At this point, I'm believing the Lord is keeping them in long enough to keep that from happening!

5. What is your biggest concern about raising twins?

Spending time with all of our kids equally...making them feel special and loved as separate, whole people.

6. What are you most looking forward to with the twins?

Snuggling and baby kisses

7. What are you least looking forward to with the twins?

Nighttime. I already dread going to bed because I'm not sleeping well. I imagine I'll be a basket case every night because I'm going to be so afraid of not getting any sleep.

8. How would you describe your overall attitude toward having twins?

Bring it on!



Now for Mitch's responses and a few extra daddy-specific questions.

1. What was your reaction when the sonogram tech said "looks like there's two in there?"

Surprised. I asked if the machine was broken.

2. What has been the best part about expecting twins?

We don't have to get pregnant again. Gonna knock it all out right here.

3. What has been the worst part about expecting twins?

Having to buy two of everything.

4. What is your biggest concern about their arrival?

Everyone to be healthy - mom & babies.

5. What is your biggest concern about raising twins?

Being fair and hearing everyone say "Oh, are they twins?" Maddex being left out of activities meant for two kids.

6. What are you most looking forward to with the twins?

Being able to hold them at the same time.

7. What are you least looking forward to with the twins?

Buying two of everything (at the same time).

8. How would you describe your overall attitude toward having twins?

I'm gonna do the best I can with what I've got.

9. What is the craziest pregnancy request to which you have obliged?

Buying cups of ice from Sonic. 

10. Is there a minivan in your future?

I sure hope not.

11. Did your beard contribute to your ability to conceive twins?

Absolutely it did!

12. What are you most looking forward to about having a son?

Sitting around in our underwear and peeing off the back patio. That's bonding right there.

13. How would you feel if the twins are born on your birthday?

I think it would be a great birthday present.

That's the end of the interview so far. If you have questions for either of us about the twins, let me know and I'll tell you our responses!

I'll leave you with my 36 weeks picture. Getting BIG!!!

Lessons & Surprises

I have learned so many things about twins since I found out I was pregnant with theses babes. I thought I'd share some of the lessons I've learned AND the surprises I've had with this pregnancy along the way.

Lesson #1
Boy/girl twins are NOT identical. Think about it - identical twins split from the same egg and have all kinds of the same genetic something or other (you like my medical jargon?). Obviously boys & girls are very different genetically, so they can't be identical. I expect that I will get the question "Are they identical?" often when I'm (eventually) out with the twins.

Lesson #2
Twins who have different sacks & placentas can still be identical. Because my babes were in this situation, I immediately assumed that they were fraternal. I quickly found out that wasn't necessarily the case. Depending on when an egg splits, then identical twins can share a sack or have separate sacks. Until we knew the genders of our babes, it was possible that they would be identical. Had we found out they were the same gender, then we may have never known if they were identical or fraternal without blood testing. But, since our babes are different genders, they are indeed fraternal, which means I released two eggs.

Lesson #3
Everything is going to be OK. I may have to revisit this lesson in a couple of months, but I go into these last days of pregnancy with a really positive outlook. I know we are in for long nights and difficult days, but we are certainly going to survive it! I am thankful to have a great support system that includes other twin moms who, for the most part, are very encouraging. I know our family, friends, and church support will be invaluable over these first few months.

Lesson #4
You get to see your babes more often when you're expecting multiples. We have had a total of 5, maybe 6, sonograms of the twins. These even included some 3D shots! In addition to our two regular sonograms, we've seen the maternal fetal specialists monthly for sonograms to check their weights & my fluid levels. We are so thankful everything has looked great each time. I love getting to check on the babies more often!

Now....onto things that have surprised me about being pregnant with the twins.

Surprise #1
I could go into labor. I remember thinking that I would certainly be scheduled for an induction or a c-section. I looked at my doctor amazed when it dawned on me that I could still go into labor. I guess I assumed (and it looks like I rightfully did...) that the babies would easily stay in until 37-38 weeks and we would schedule their birth. It didn't occur to me that they would come early on their own! And, as I have probably made very clear in previous posts, the process of going into labor is one that I have NOT enjoyed so far!

Surprise #2
These babies are going to bust out of my stomach. I am constantly amazed by their movement! I thought that Maddex moved a decent amount, but these babies be crazy! I am always telling Mitch that it feels like there are aliens in there. I am shocked by how far out my stomach will poke with a foot or knee. Lately I've been most shocked by how low I can feel Major's movement & how high I feel Harper. They are all over my belly!!

Surprise #3
I have enjoyed this pregnancy way more than my pregnancy with Maddex. I clearly remember that I did NOT enjoy being pregnant with Maddex. I was sick and miserable during my first trimester, had lots of sinus/allergy trouble during the second trimester, and was uncomfortable and achy during the third. I remember my knees and back hurting so much. I am shocked that I have enjoyed this pregnancy way more! I did feel sick at the beginning, but I was working, so I think that helped take my mind off of it. Once I entered the second trimester, I felt really great until maybe about week 30. Even since then, I haven't felt as bad as I expected I would with two babies inside of me. I slept well until about a week ago and haven't had near the back aches or other body aches that I would have expected based on my singleton pregnancy!

Surprise #4
Weight gain. When I was pregnant with Maddex, I gained at least 40 pounds - maybe more. I gained weight here, there, and everywhere! So far with the twins, I've gained an even 30 pounds. I can't believe that I have two babies & two placentas inside of me and weigh significantly less! I am not sure if it's because there are two babies sucking the life out of me or if it has to do with my diet for gestational diabetes. Since around the time of my GD diagnoses, I've gained maybe 3 pounds...and the babies have gained way more than that during those months! I am hoping that fewer pounds on means easier pounds off! It took me about a year to lose most of my baby weight with Maddex, and then I was pregnant again! I'll be glad if this weight comes off faster.

Surprise #5
I'm saving the best for last - although I don't think I should count this as a surprise. I should really count it as a blessing/expectation/promise. I am thankful for the way that the Lord has already provided for us as we prepare for these babies. We have been given or been able to borrow all of the gear necessary to have these babies. We have a great stock of diapers and gift cards to purchase more. The Lord provided extra opportunities for us to have money to pay unexpected doctor's bills (it costs a lot to have those extra ultrasounds! Of course it's worth it though!). He has provided meals for us while I've been on bed rest. He has provided us with a generous newborn photographer. And the list could go on and on. The other night I was feeling a little stressed about the finances involved in birthing the twins. We have basically reached our out of pocket maximum on our insurance after all of our payments so far this year. Well, our insurance year starts over Thursday - which means brand new deductibles & a brand new out of pocket max - we start over clean! I was convinced these babies would come before now because it would work out so perfectly with our insurance. We have been saving and saving money for these babies, so it's not like we are unprepared, but I was a little bummed at the realization that these babies will likely be born at the start of our insurance year. Quickly the Lord reminded me of how MUCH he has provided for us this far and I felt immediate peace that he will continue to pave the way for us with these babies. I am so thankful to know that Jehovah Jireh will provide for ALL of our needs - not just financially, but our need for rest, food, companionship, support, and Sonic drinks ;) Seriously, I don't know how people would survive a season like the one we are entering without faith in a Savior that provides.

Now, here is a small list of topics I hope to revisit as lessons and surprises a few months after the babes are born...

-Birthing two babies (still not sure HOW they'll be born - c-section or vaginally)
-Nursing TWO babies at once
-Sleep habits (or non-habits) of twins
-Changing a baby boy's diaper
-Exhaustion
-Working with two newborns at home
-Showering/bathing (will it ever happen???)
-A continued testament of how the Lord provided for us

Finally, to wrap things up, here are my projects for the day. If you are still reading, I'm incredibly impressed!!!!

Please excuse the picture quality - I took a picture of the computer screen with my phone :) I've seen these signs on Pinterest a lot and spent about 10 minutes making one for Maddex. All you have to do is play around with Word Art. I'll make one for each of the twins too, print them, put them in white frames, and hang them somewhere.

These are the treats for Maddex's friends at Mrs. Vickie's tomorrow. I thought it'd be nice to send something besides candy for the other kids and saw this idea on Pinterest, too!

Looks like I'll need a project for tomorrow - anyone got a good idea?!?!?

Field Trip, Lunch, & a Project

Today has been a great day because I went on the ultimate field trip! First of all, my child slept great & we didn't get her out of bed until almost 8:30! I had a doctor's appointment at 9:20, so we got her read very quickly and dropped her off. Then, we went by Chick-fil-a for breakfast - hallelujah! It was so delicious to eat something for breakfast other than raisin toast with peanut butter and banana. What a treat!!! After the first stop of our field trip, we went to the doctor. I have no news to report! I am still about 2-3 cm dilated. My doctor will be back Wednesday, so it looks like he'll get to deliver these babies! The doctor I saw today said he felt Major's head, which was weird to me.

Next stop on the field trip: Wal Mart. I know, I know...I'm on bed rest, but I decided I wanted to make a wreath for the hospital door & later for the babies' nursery door. Mitch dropped me off at the front of the store, I walked straight to the craft department, spent few minutes picking out my materials, checked out, & he picked me back up at the front. I just couldn't trust anyone else to find and pick out my materials for me! 

That ended the field trip, but after almost 2 weeks basically at home, Chick-fil-a, the hospital, and Wal Mart was seriously amazing! At home, I began my project. My husband made me a delicious lunch - my new favorite. It was so beautiful that I had to take a picture.

Also note the purple & gold fiestaware. Geaux Tigers! YUM YUM YUM!!

I love cheese and crackers and grapes so much that it's definitely worth a mention & picture on the blog! I'm already looking forward to tomorrow's lunch :)

Now, my wreath project. I am so thankful to have had something to occupy my entire day today. I have seen yarn wreaths on pinterest & I figured it would be pretty easy to do and require few materials. I picked out pink & blue yarn and picked up a wooden H & M to put on the wreath also. I planned to paint the letters but then remembered seeing yarn-wrapped letters on pinterest, and I had plenty of yarn. My afternoon consisted of wrapping and wrapping yarn around the wreath and letters. I am still covered in yarn fuzz and hot glue strings. 

I think it looks pretty good, right? We may add a card with their birth information also.

To end the day, Mitch installed the babies' carseats. We're probably a little behind on getting that done, but hey - it gone done before they arrived, right? Maddex will be sitting in the middle of her baby siblings, so let's just hope she is kind to them and doesn't smack at them :) Here's a picture of the set-up...

I am very thankful we can fit all three kids safely across my back seat! The Lord planned those measurements perfectly :)