Last Day of August

When I was admitted to the hospital earlier this month, I didn't think there was any way that I wouldn't have these babies in August. Now, on day 31 of back-to-school month, I have to say that I'm shocked and surprised that I'm still pregnant.

Today is a big milestone for numerous reasons. The most important being that tomorrow is 34 weeks. The ultimate goal we've been striving for. Tomorrow at my appointment, I fully expect to be taken off the procardia and released from modified bedrest. Then I plan to come home, clean my house, go shopping, and jump around the house like a kangaroo (Mike had a dream that I did this) to convince these little ones to join us, as I am 100% ready to not be pregnant any more and ready to meet my girls.

This is also a big day because if the girls do not arrive today it will actually trickle down to impact the rest of their life (okay, so maybe that sounds a bit dramatic...) Their birthday must be before September 1st for all of the preschool programs and to start school in this area (I know this because of Bo...) so if they aren't born today they'll have to wait a whole extra year before starting preschool and before starting school. Will they be 17 or 18 when they graduate from high school? It all depends on what they decide to do today! Crazy, huh?

Will my girls have a peridot birthstone, or a sapphire? We'll know in less than 17 hours...

(Now watch, I'll make it all the way to October!)

Ask Jamie: What's Your Mental MO?

Kristi asks:

How are you mentally dealing with all this?

Kristi and I have been emailing each other frequently and I just have to say that I think she is an amazing woman! She has a 3-year-old daughter and nearly 1-year-old twins and I seriously think we might have been separated at birth. One of the many reasons I love the internet is the ability to find people who actually understand and "get" what you are going through at different points in time. Kristi gets it and I am so thankful to her for chatting with me and helping to prepare me for what the coming months will bring. Thanks Kristi!!

One of the questions that Kristi asked me in an email is how I am mentally dealing with all of this. As all of you know, our cup has runneth over during these past several months. Moving, pregnancy complications, twin pregnancy -- we've had a lot going on. And the last few weeks of any pregnancy are stressful for anyone -- but the last few weeks of a higher risk twin pregnancy - with additional whale like feelings and worries for the pre-existing toddler, could be enough to push even the most sane person over the edge. And I don't claim to be 100% mentally stable even in the best of times... ;)

That said, I feel like I am doing really well with everything and that I've been able to live my life more day-by-day this summer than I ever have in the past. Sure, there are moments when the boxes, the dirty new house, worries about the babies and Bo, and other things take over my mind. For the most part, I've just tried to remember that we will make it to the other side of all of this. I focus on making it through the day and know that logically, if we can make it through the next year -- when the twins turn 1 -- it will be okay. Or at least that is what I keep telling myself...

I know that I am staring down the barrel of what will be one of the most stressful years of my life. I have no doubt that it will be difficult. I have no doubt that there will be moments where I will question even my best decisions. But at the same time, I know it will be worth it. It will be worth it for Bo and the girls to grow up together. It will be worth it for all of them to have siblings. It will be worth it that we moved here. Everything that is happening in our life is essentially good -- but as I've written about before -- even good things cause stress.

We're lucky that we have a lot of support. Mike's parents were great during the move and have been very helpful in numerous ways since then. My mom became much more supportive when I was admitted to the hospital and has been staying with us which is much appreciated and needed. Mike's extended family helped out while I was in the hospital and we are looking forward to more of their help after the girls arrival. My friends, both in real life and in the blogosphere, have kept my spirits up and listened to me in my times of need. Without all of the amazing people in our lives, I definitely wouldn't be as mentally together as I am right now.

I feel as mentally prepared for labor and for NICU time as one can be. But I don't feel prepared to take care of three children under two. I don't feel prepared for the sleep deprivation and the crashing hormones that will come after birth. Bo is only 21 months old -- I remember all too well what it was like to have one infant at home -- the thought of a toddler and two infants -- well, I know that I can do it -- I just know it isn't always going to be pretty. And I guess that is the first step to preparing myself for what lies ahead.

What tips and advice do you have for me as I begin this new journey in my life with three children under the age of two? What can you warn me about that may help me to better mentally prepare for the next year?

Friday's Feature at Sticky Feet Part Deux is Ask Jamie. Feel free to email me or leave a comment with any question you would like for me to answer. Anything is fair game!

Wordless Wednesday: Why You Shouldn't Order Your Child Spaghetti in a Restaurant

On Wednesday evening, Mike, my mom, Bo, and I went to one of our favorite restaurants for dinner. (This was one of our favorite spots before we moved here that we frequented when we visited Starved Rock.) We decided to order spaghetti for Bo. As you can see, he loved it -- but oh my -- the mess!

I carry a point and shoot camera with me in the diaper bag and these were taken with it. Makes me appreciate my Canon Digital Rebel XTi that much more! The pictures are still cute -- but the clarity from the point and shoot doesn't even come close to what the D-SLR can do.

For more Wordless Wednesday visit 5 Minutes for Mom and Momdot.com.

33 Weeks!

Today I am at 33 weeks -- only one more week until my doctor will be ready to stop the medication that stops my contractions!

Mike and I trekked to Champaign yesterday for doctor's appointment #456,765. I had a non-stress test first and both babies heart rates were great, but I was contracting every two minutes. Needless to say, that didn't thrill Dr. F a whole lot. :) She checked my cervix and I'm currently dilated to a 4 and about 50% effaced. The labor is progressing, despite the medication, but she is hopeful that we can hold it off for a little while longer.

After Dr. F checked my cervix she said, "You have two options - you can go back over to labor and delivery (meaning check back into Hotel Carle) or we can put you back on the monitor and give you a shot of terbutaline to try to stop the contractions." I hated the terbutaline the last time I had to take it but when faced with spending a week in the hospital or a shot with crappy side effects for a few hours, I chose the shot. The contractions calmed down quite a bit and I was able to come home. The shot didn't spike my anxiety nearly as much this time either -- which was definitely a positive.

I am now taking 5 shots of insulin a day and checking my blood sugar 4 times a day. Gestational diabetes is awful. I'm really struggling with eating right now. Every time I eat, I feel awful. But I know I need to eat, so I do it anyway. Also, with the restricted diet, the things that I really want to eat (peppermint patties, ice cream) aren't exactly allowed in abundance. I've lost and gained the same two pounds a few times since I was in the hospital. I'll have a sono on Friday -- hopefully the babies are taking everything they need to become fat and healthy from me.

Our chances of healthy babies increase every day and the length of their hospital time decreases. Keep your fingers crossed that I can continue to keep these babies inside for a few more days!

Questions Without Answers

Am I in labor?

Will I know when I am in labor?

Will we make it to the hospital?

How long will the girls stay in there?

Is it really possible for my stomach to stretch any more?

How much does a tummy tuck cost?

Where are my peppermint patties?

Will my water break?

Will I be at home?

Where will I be?

Will Mike be around?

What's for dinner?

Why do I feel crappy every time I eat?

How will I get to the hospital?

Will the girls be okay?

Will the girls have to stay in the NICU?

How will we deal with everything if the girls are in the NICU?

Will Bo be okay when the girls arrive?

Which play kitchen should I buy Bo for his birthday?

How will Bo react to the transition?

How will I care for three babies under two?

Have you seen my breathsavers?

How am I going to get my Christmas shopping done?

Did I pick the right color for the kitchen?

How will I manage to continue to work once the girls come home?

Will my house ever be clean and organized?

When will this house feel like a home?

Will my body ever look anything like it did before?

What will my blood sugar be after breakfast?

Will it hurt my insulin if it isn't refrigerated?

How many more days will I be pregnant?

How long will it take me to lose the baby weight?

Where can I find a nice oak entertainment center that doesn't cost $5,000?

Does anyone on earth worry about any of these things besides me?

What time will Bo wake up?

How on earth will I find time to exercise (or do anything) with three kids under two?

Will I ever leave my house again once the girls arrive?

What if the girls arrive today?

Will the girls be here before September?

How much would it cost to have someone come in and clean before we bring the girls home?

If I bought a lotto ticket, what are my chances of winning?

Where can I find some extra money?

Did you know moving is expensive?

Was that a contraction?

Am I suppose to feel sick?

Why did she just kick me in the ribs?

How long will my doctors appointment last today?

Welcome to my mind.

Currently set on a constant loop of a million questions that can't be answered.

Ask Jamie: Carseat Plans

Leslie asks:

I'm curious to know your carseating plans for three little ones. How is Bo currently carseated and what are your plans for your girls?

I currently drive a GMC Acadia, which I love. We have no plans to trade in the Acadia or switch to a minivan. My car will be the family car and will house all three carseats.

I have put a lot of thought into how we will arrange the car once the girls arrive and I think that a lot of the organization will be trial and error. I am unsure at this point if it will be smarter to put Bo in the far back and the girls in the captain's chairs or to leave Bo where he is currently (captain's chair behind the driver) and put both of the girls in the far back, leaving the second captain's chair empty for another passenger and to move forward to place the girls in the back. Any thoughts or input on this would be greatly appreciated!

As far as actual carseats, we have two Graco SnugRide carseats for the girls. One is the seat that we bought new for Bo and we bought another one, new, recently. I still need to purchase a Double Snap N Go Stroller to haul the carseats. While I do not think we'll be going too many places when the girls are really little, I know that there is no way I am going to be able to carry both carseats and corral Bo on my own without a stroller.

Bo currently has a Britax Marathon and we plan to buy two more of these for the girls when they are ready. The Marathon holds little ones to 65 pounds -- so it is a long-lasting carseat and has the top safety rating.

We have two extra carseats that we inherited from cousin Charlie and one of those is in Mike's car and one is in my mom's car. I assume those will stay in their respective vehicles, as Bo will probably leave the house more than I will for awhile! :)

I am also still pining for the Valco Twin Stroller with the toddler attachment so we can go for walks in the neighborhood and have a stroller that will hold all three. I just can't justify the cost at this point.

How have you arranged the carseats in your car? Those of you with experience with three under two, how do you do it? What products do you recommend?

Friday's Feature at Sticky Feet Part Deux is Ask Jamie. Feel free to email me or leave a comment with any question you would like for me to answer. Anything is fair game!

Bo - 21 Months

Dear Bo,

This has been, by far, the craziest three months of your life. In early June, Daddy found out that he finally received the promotion we've been waiting for and everything in our lives has been thrown into a tailspin. Our Disney/beach vacation was cancelled and we spent much of our "vacation" house hunting. Just a few weeks later, Daddy was gone during the week and we spent a lot of time together! We closed on our new house on July 24, and nearly a month later, we are finally starting to get settled, but it has all been quite the ordeal. You've been a real trooper and handled all of the changes and adjustments well.

On top of moving, I am now VERY pregnant and I have had to limit my activity this summer quite a bit. This has been no fun for you as I can't play as much and I haven't been able to take you for walks or do other fun things. Just a few days after we moved into our new house, I was admitted to the hospital for five days with preterm labor issues. This was the longest we'd ever been apart. Once again, you adapted well and were good for Grandpa and Grandma while I did my best to take care of the girls and get back home to you.

It's been a difficult few months for all of us, but you've been the one bright spot through it all.

These last three months we've also seen you grow and change tremendously. Your vocabulary has sky rocketed and you now say well over 100 words. You compose short sentences and constantly amaze all of us with the things that you know. Like everyone said, once you decided to talk, you truly experienced a language explosion.

You continue to be a fantastic eater and sleeper. I am very grateful! You usually wake up around 8 am and have breakfast. Breakfast favorites right now include pancakes or waffles you can dip in syrup, eggs of any kind, and all types of fruit. Yum! Lunch is at noon and your absolute favorite is some type of noodles, veggies (peas are your fav), and fruit (bananas, grapes, blueberries, raspberries, etc.). Around 1 pm you take your nap and it usually lasts between 2 and 3 hours. You wake up ready to play! Around 5 or 5:30 you're ready for dinner. Your favorite supper foods are spaghetti, meatballs, and generally anything made with ground beef. :) You also love all types of beans and corn on the cob. One night last week you ate two ears of corn! We paid for that the next day in diapers!!

Over the last few months you've finally started to actually pay attention to the TV. I still try not to let you watch too much -- but with my restrictions, some TV has become a necessity to keep you entertained. You've taken to watching Dora and Diego before going to bed at 7. Unfortunately, you're the only one in the house who doesn't find both of those shows highly annoying... Despite all the chaos, we've all tried our best to keep your schedule as sound as possible.

You're wearing size 5 diapers and while you can say "potty," will sit on the potty, and understand what it means, you haven't really shown any interest in actually going on the potty. We aren't going to push you at this point -- between the move and the arrival of your sisters you have more than enough to deal with right now! You're wearing size 2T clothes and every morning when I ask you what you want to wear you reply with an emphatic "CARS". Unfortunately, I don't have car apparel for you to wear every day, but anything with a car on it is by far your favorite.

Developmentally, I'm blown away by the strides you've made in the last three months. At the park, you'll now slide down all of the slides by yourself. You love to swing and play in your little pool and sandbox. Your coordination and speed has also increased two-fold. Your gross motor skills are much more advanced as well. I am most impressed by your comprehension - it truly is remarkable and it is sometimes scary to me how much you understand. You can follow numerous requests such as "can you take this to daddy" and "will you please throw this away." You pick up your own toys and can be very helpful when you want to be. You also say "please" and "thank you" which is music to my ears!

You still absolutely LOVE to read and we spend lots of time each day reading books as it is something sedentary that Mommy can do with you. Your favorites are your cars books and all of your picture books that you can point to different objects/animals. You are just starting to learn to color and your Aquadoodle is always a fun toy. Yesterday, I bought you a Color Wonderbook and marker set and we had fun playing with it yesterday afternoon. :)

In the doctor's office last week, there were zoo animal decals on the wall in the room we were in. Daddy was holding you and Mommy asked about each animal. You could clearly point to all of the animals and know their names -- everything from a monkey to a toucan. Amazing.

Your room in our new house has a car theme and I have big plans for what to do with it. While your room is settled, I haven't bought pictures for the wall or carried out the theme very well at this point. I really want to buy you this picture with the plate personalized to say "Weitl" but I haven't succumbed to the temptation yet. I also found this at Target and thought it might be cute with the car theme. All of the items from your baseball nursery are now in the guest room, which will carry on the Cubs theme.

This past Monday, another big change happened in your life. For the first time ever, Mommy is turning over some of your care to someone outside of the family. Nanny Katie will be with us each weekday from 9 to 1 so that Mommy can continue to find time to work once the girls arrive. We've both struggled with the transition but Katie is a sweet girl and Mommy knows that in order to preserve her sanity, she is going to need some help, especially for these next few months, when your sisters are really little. Mommy feels at least a little bit better that she will be in the house with you most of the time. :)

Any day now, you're going to be a big brother. While I still don't think you have any concept of how your life is about to change, you will point to my belly and say "babies". You also know what a baby is and if you see one in a store or in a picture you'll say "baby." I just wonder how you'll react when they are your baby sisters -- and they are here to stay!

I have to admit that a large part of me is mourning the end of my time as a mommy to one and our time as a family of three. Bo, you changed your Daddy's and my life so much with your arrival and we both love you more than life itself. No matter how difficult the transition is, or what you feel when you look back on this time in your elder years, please know that we are doing everything we can to make sure that these transitions are as easy as they can be for you.

Every decision we make -- from moving, giving you siblings, to what to eat for dinner is made with your best interest in mind. I know that having twin sisters isn't always going to be easy but I hope with all of my being that you end up being great friends and have a strong and steadfast relationship with them. I can't wait to see the three of you interact and watch all of you grow up together.

I love you more than anything in the whole wide world! To me, you'll always be the cutest little boy there ever was. Thank you for being you and being my first baby. No one else will ever hold the same place you do in my heart.

Love,

Mama

Wordless Wednesday: P-A-R-K

One day last week, my mom and I were sitting outside watching Bo play in his sandbox when I said to my mom, "Maybe tomorrow after nap we can go to the P-A-R-K." Bo looked up from the bucket he was shoveling sand into and said, plain as day - "Park!" Needless to say, I don't think spelling words is going to last long at our house.

Yesterday afternoon, we finally made it to the park and Bo loved it. The park is one of his favorite places these days -- he loves to slide, swing, and climb. I am so impressed by how much is park skills have improved this summer. He's definitely a master park player now! :)

For more Wordless Wednesday head over to 5 Minutes for Mom and Momdot.com.

I currently have two new giveaways on my review blog. Comment to win a dress from Boob in honor of Breastfeeding Awareness Month ($155 value!) and comment to win a t-shirt of your choice from iKookie!

32 Weeks!

Wowza, I've made it to 32 weeks. Our chances of having two healthy girls increases every day!

I seriously can't believe how large my stomach is -- but I still weigh 20 lbs less than I did when I delivered Bo (add the two girls together and they weigh about as much as Bo did when he was born). I've carried this pregnancy totally differently than I carried Bo -- much less weight is distributed. With Bo, I was large all over -- fat, puffy face, Fred Flintstone feet, and just generally large all over. With this pregnancy, all of the weight seems to be in my stomach. The rest of my body looks pretty normal. If you just cut my stomach off, I'd still look pretty much like me - only very pale and old looking. Very strange. Hopefully that means that the weight will fall right off (ha!) and I'll be back in my old clothes in no time.

I am going to try to breastfeed, so I know that will help some -- but my poor stomach. With Bo I just had a few stretch marks around my belly button. I have not been so lucky this time. There may be a tummy-tuck in my future. I have always been opposed to plastic surgery -- but we'll see what this stomach looks like when all is said and done. I may have to change my tune.

Nanny Katie started yesterday and it is going well. I feel kind of silly paying her when both Mom and I are here -- but I know that Bo needs to get use to her and they need to bond before the girls arrive. He is going to have enough transitions at that point without throwing everything at him at once. I'm working in our bedroom while she is here. Even though I have finals to grade and plenty of work to do it's difficult to stay in here and do it when I hear my little munchkin running around. I don't want to leave the bedroom even to fetch a drink or a snack because he is pretty clingy -- so I feel slightly like a hostage. Definitely something I'm going to have to get use to! A transition for all of us.

I head back to the doctor on Thursday morning. Keep your fingers crossed for no change!

First Day of School

My friends and colleagues start back to school today. For the first time in six years, I won't be setting up my classroom and planning lessons alongside them. And I'd be lying if I didn't say that part of me is quite sad not to be starting the school year with them.

Sure, it's been nearly a year since I quit my brick and mortar teaching position, and I've taught online every day since then, but there is something about the start of a new school year. The new clothes, the fresh faces, the combination of nerves and excitement, that I can't help but miss. I think any teacher will tell you that our lives are dictated by the school calendar and mid-August is more of a turning point than January 1st ever could be.

I received my new planner on Friday (yes, I still live my life August-August - I probably always will!) and in many ways, besides the start of a new school year, I find myself faced with a fresh start. A new home, new children, a new career (that's been slightly delayed...), and many new possibilities.

Despite all of the positive things that the future holds, it doesn't make me any less nostalgic for some aspects of my "old" life, that I miss the most.

Aunt Manny and Bo - Yearbook Christmas Party 2007

Mint Fetish

If there was an award for the pregnant woman with the freshest breath, I would definitely take home the trophy.

Throughout this pregnancy, mint has been a staple that I just can't seem to live without. I really liked mint during my pregnancy with Bo as well, but this pregnancy the craving started sooner and has been more difficult to curb.

Since I was diagnosed with gestational diabetes, my mint of choice has been Peppermint Breathsavers. It has to be this specific kind, in the roll. We buy the value packs, which we've only been able to find at Wal-Mart. I typically go through at least one roll of these per day.

I also really enjoy brushing my teeth. Not only does my breath smell good -- but I should have very clean teeth as well. However, I am very picky about my toothpaste and it has to be a specific tube of Crest Whitening Plus Scope. None of the other toothpaste tastes right or satisfies the craving. Ahh... it's pretty sad when brushing your teeth is orgasmic. ;)
And, finally, my last mint craving of choice is the traditional York Peppermint Patty. We've also taken to buying these in bulk from Sam's Club, as I was going through a bag in just a few days. We now have the box of 200. However, I have to limit my consumption. Before being diagnosed with gestational diabetes, I was eating between 5-10 of these a day. Now I'm trying my best to limit my consumption to just 2. But mmmm... they are just so good.

I've also tried many other mint flavored items -- mint water (yuck!), mint ice cream, mint cupcakes, if it's mint -- I've probably consumed it. I also really like iced tea right now... but it doesn't hold a candle to mint.

Seriously, I won't be surprised if I give birth to two little peppermint patties...

Doctor, Doctor *Updated*

Seriously, all we get done in our family is going to the doctor. :)

Yesterday morning, Bo, Mike, and I all met with our new doctors here in town. They are a young married couple who opened their own practice. The husband is a primary care doctor and the wife is a pediatrician. Their office is 5 blocks from our house and they live right up the road. The wife even suggested playdates with her 2 1/2 year old. :) Nanny Katie currently works in their office and we're stealing her from them.

We all had physicals (just what I needed -- more poking and prodding) and we all seem like pretty healthy people. Mike will have some blood work done next week and I'll go to a dermatologist after the babies arrive but overall, all is well.

Bo's appointment went well too. He weighed in at 28 lbs. and was 33 inches tall. His vocabulary has grown by leaps and bounds over the last several months. I don't think I could even begin to count the number of words he is saying now -- and he is also saying short sentences. I can't believe how much he changed just in the 5 days I was in the hospital -- he's moving faster, saying more, louder... I'd never really been away from him so I always see the changes appear gradually but in just 5 days he changed SOOO much! We discussed a lot of the things he is doing developmentally and she said he is right on track. I was very pleased to hear that. Bo is intentionally behind on all of his shots, so we started the process of catching up on the shots yesterday. :( Last night Bo was really fussy about 4 am so I went in to see him. I can't remember the last time I had to go into his room during the night. I figure it has to be from the shots -- but he wasn't hot or feverish when I went to check on him.

I think we will be very pleased with our care at the new office and perhaps even make some friends as well. :)

Today, I head back to Champaign to see Dr. F and have a full growth ultrasound. I'm going with a fully packed bag this time -- just in case. Hopefully actually having the bag will be enough to ward off another hospital stay for a little while longer.

*Updated*

My doctor's appointment in Champaign went well. The growth ultrasound showed that Anna weighs 3 lb. 14 oz. and Clara weighs 3 lb. 13 oz. Both girls are doing well. I am still dilated to a 3 and my belly is measuring at 40 weeks -- which isn't that surprising given there is nearly 8 lbs. of baby in there! I was allowed to come back home on modified bedrest. Woohoo!

Wordless Wednesday: Naked Modeling

This picture is from several weeks ago. Bo was outside and decided to hop in his little pool with all of his clothes on. We stripped him down and he enjoyed running around naked on the deck. This picture particularly cracks me up because he really does look like a tiny naked model. :) He can be quite the poser!

Bo made his triumphant return home last night and my mom is here to help me take care of him during the day. I was so glad to see him. I swear he has grown and changed so much in just those 6 days that I wasn't with him. I'm looking forward to spending some quality time with him today.

For more Wordless Wednesday visit 5 Minutes for Mom and Momdot.com.

31 Weeks!

31 Weeks pregnant with twins. Yes, I cut my head off on purpose. Trust me, no one wants to see the face of a girl who's been in the hospital for 5 days with no makeup on. I truly look like hell. And look at that girth -- no wonder!

Yesterday afternoon, around 1:30, I was finally released from the hospital. Apparently I was very lucky to be able to go home as most people who end up on the ante-partum floor don't go home until after delivery. I am on modified bedrest (as described in my last post) and am taking medication to stop contractions every 6 hours. If I feel anything, I am to call immediately.

I am also on the gestational diabetes diet, sticking myself 5 times a day, and I have to take insulin. So much for my original test numbers only being 1 number off. Yet another positive of infertility -- all of the needles and pokes really don't phase me. After 6 IVF cycles it just seems like "one of those things".

Jim and Sherri are bringing Bo home tonight (he is staying with Mike's Aunt Cindy today) and my mom is driving up here today to stay with us and help me take care of Bo during the day. Hopefully things will calm down for at least a few days so we can feel a little more settled in our house and like life is slightly normal before I'm back in the hospital and the twins arrive.

I do promise to write about something besides pregnancy, bedrest, and moving -- but these things all seem to be encompassing my life right now!

The girls have a very good chance of being just fine, even if they are born today. I found this outcomes for preemies statistical chart and I found it to be very reassuring.

In a bit of "fun" news -- we bought living room furniture yesterday. We were going to wait awhile, but I think we are both just so frustrated with everything right now that we know we need to at least get the main floor of our house as livable as possible before the twins arrive. We stopped at the La-Z-Boy store in Champaign on our way out of town and I sat down (no worries, I wasn't up walking around shopping!) and picked out this furniture in about 5 minutes! I am sure I looked great with my hospital arm band still attached!

We bought this sofa, this loveseat, and this chair. In the colors pictured. It's microfiber khaki and then the chair is a darker brown. I'll get throw pillows in browns/khakis for the couches. Total of 5 reclining seats with a table that folds down in the middle of the couch. We liked it and it's really neutral, plain, comfortable, livable, and kid/pet friendly, which is what we were going for. It will be delivered on August 20.

Moderate Restriction

"No (physical) work, frequent rest periods, you can be up and about with light activity for a total of 4 hours per day for no more than 30 minutes at a time. Stairs, up and down, 3 times a day at spaced intervals. No lifting; no exercise; no sexual activity; no traveling (can travel to appointments); no shopping."

This is the goal to go home with tomorrow. Very few contractions on the monitors. Girls seem to be doing well. Dr. F will check my cervix again tomorrow before I go home and as long I haven't dilated further I'll be sprung.

Obviously my online work is fine. I won't be able to lift Bo, but I will be able to be up and able to play with him some. Definitely a good thing! At least I won't be confined to bed. Whew! Talk about going crazy...

I can go out to dinner. I can go to movies. (Cause we do these things oh so often... ha!) And I can do any kind of sedentary activity outside the home. I am not confined. I just have to watch the physical side of things. Think this means I can get my eyebrows waxed and get a pedicure? haha!

The goal right now is to make it to 32 weeks (I'll be 31 weeks on Tuesday). After that, we shoot for 34. If I make it to 34 weeks then I can resume normal activities and we will let nature take its course.

Being in the hospital pretty much blows. There have been moments during this pregnancy when I've thought "if I go on bedrest I'll have plenty of time to do whatever I want." Yet, here I am -- bored out of my mind.

All of the things that I thought I could do on bedrest -- catch up with my classes, organize pictures, digital scrapbook, read novels, watch bad tv, blah blah blah. Yeah, none of that even sounds appealing. But I am caught up with my classes, so that's a perk.

So now I just have another day to sit and wait. Mike is at his parents with Bo for the day, will open the office tomorrow, and then head down to retrieve me after I get the go ahead in the morning. I can't wait to see my Bobo on Tuesday evening!

Another Day at Hotel Carle

Good news today! This morning I was moved from the labor and delivery floor to the ante-partum floor. The goal is that I'll be monitored over the weekend and allowed to go home on Monday morning on modified bedrest. Let's hope the girl's cooperate! We are still seeing a few contractions -- but nothing to be significantly concerned about (The only slightly concerning issue is that Clara had a decell during one contraction today -- but that could just be a fluke.) so as long as it stays that way and I don't dilate, we should be good to go!

I was transferred to my new room about 9:30 and my mom left to head home about 11. I now get to wear some fun compression booties but I don't have to be on the monitor 24/7 so that is a positive. I was able to take another shower this afternoon too, which was very nice. Makes me feel much more human.

I met with the dietitian today and I think I have my diet figured out. I have to eat 6 times a day and limit carbohydrates and eat at least one serving of protein at each meal or snack. My blood sugar was much better after supper tonight -- so hopefully a combination of the right diet and the steroid shots absorbing will make my glucose levels easier to control.

Mike's cousin's husband, Chris, and his son Charlie, spent the day with Bo today. Chris sent me the picture above of Bo and Charlie from this morning and it totally made my day - but I seriously think Bo has grown just since Wednesday! (This is officially the longest I've ever been away from my little guy... ) It sounds like they had a good day together. A big thank you to Chris and Charlie (and Amy too!) for taking on my little guy today. I owe you big time!

Mike drove to his parent's after work today to spend some time with Bo. Mike and Sherri are planning to drive to Olney tomorrow (Jim will be with Bo) to assess the house and Mike will stop by to see me at some point tomorrow afternoon with some clean clothes. I wonder if I'll ever actually spend more than 4 consecutive nights in the same town with my husband again? My life will, at some point in the future, become semi-normal again, right?

If all goes according to plan, Bo will stay at Grandma and Grandpa's until Tuesday evening and my mom will drive to the new house on Tuesday during the day. The thought process right now is that Mom will take care of Bo at our house until I'm off bedrest or the babies arrive -whichever comes first.

Overall, I'm doing well. The hospital is a pretty boring place but I have papers to grade, a book to read, and the internet to keep me entertained. It's difficult because everyone is so far away -- at least an hour and a half in all directions -- but I know this is where I need to be so I'm trying to make the best of it. I'll probably never have this much time to surf the web again -- anyone have any neat websites I need to visit? ;)

A big thanks for all of the messages, calls, texts, offers to help etc. It is all greatly appreciated.

Hospital Update

I had more contractions this morning, but a rescue dose of precardia kept them under control for most of the day. Some contractions here and there -- but nothing regular -- so that is definitely a good sign.

Dr. F was in this morning and said that I will at least be here until Monday morning. If they feel that I can control the contractions at home and have not dilated any further at that point they will release me on bedrest.

For the most part, the day was pretty boring. My mom came over from her hotel and spent most of the day with me. I think she was bored too -- I had her harvest and plow my pumpkin fields on Farm Town. :) Thank God for the computer. Seriously, I'd be crawling out of my skin if I didn't have it.

My protocol right now is precardia every 6 hours, and rescue doses as needed. I am also receiving antibiotics through an IV line every 8 hours because my Group B Strep results have not come back yet. I am being constantly monitored for contractions and they put the babies on the monitor every 4 hours to monitor their heart rates. Both babies seem to be doing very well.

I received my second steroid shot today and that has my glucose levels out of whack. I am doing finger sticks after every meal and my levels were high enough today that I had to have 2 doses of 2 units of insulin. We are hopeful that once the steroids are out of my system I'll be able to control the levels with diet only -- but I have to meet with a dietitian tomorrow. Joyous.

I was able to take a shower this afternoon and that was wonderful. It is amazing how much better a shower can make you feel. :)

I only slept around 4 1/2 hours last night -- so I'm hoping for a more restful evening tonight.

Bo stayed with Grandma and Grandpa last night and they both took half days off at work today to take care of him. He'll be playing with Chris and cousin Charlie tomorrow and I'm sure they will have fun. I sure do miss my little guy though... :(

Mike is at home and went to work all day today. He is currently out mowing our yard. He'll be working tomorrow and most likely going to his parents tomorrow evening to see Bo. Hopefully I'll see him at some point during the day on Saturday.

Plans for the weekend and the coming days have not been established yet. I'll be here -- where everyone else will be and where we will all end up next week, no one really knows. The house in Olney needs cleaned and Mike still has his car down there (not that I'll be driving anywhere any time soon). Mom has offered to watch Bo at her house or come stay with us. But really, it's just day by day. All I know is that if they let me out on Monday I'm going to need a way to get there. :)

In other news, I had to email my new boss as I will be missing the mandatory training for my new position at the local community college that is scheduled for Saturday. I explained the situation and luckily she was very understanding. She has found someone to cover my fall classes and hopefully I will start in the spring, which will be better all the way around on many different levels for me and for the babies. Of course, now I'm questioning myself -- do we really need the nanny? I know we will need the help and I will still be working online -- but it seems harder to justify since I won't actually have to leave the house.

Sorry this is so random and probably pretty boring for most of you. The hospital and all of the fun that comes with it isn't exactly riveting! :)

Settling in...

Back with an update.

Mike, Bo, and I drove to Champaign this afternoon for a routine pre-natal appointment. Dr. F checked me and I was a 3. This is quite the increase from the 1 I was less than a week ago. They put me on the monitor and I was having contractions -- fairly substantial ones (which of course I don't feel and every nurse looks at me like I'm crazy...) -- every 6 minutes. That is when Dr. F made the decision to go ahead and admit me.

Bo and Mike were at the park during my appointment so I called Mike and told him to take Bo home. There was no need for them to sit with me through all of the admitting process. So they drove home and Mike's mom met them there. Sherri took Bo to their house and they are working out arrangements at least for the next few days for Bo's care. I have to admit that my first concern was Bo as soon as they said I was admitted. This past weekend with the move was the longest I've been away from him -- and it isn't very long. I just hope he does okay and that I can do okay with being separated from him. He's my little side-kick.

I also called my mom and she came up this evening with a friend. She originally wanted to sleep in the chair in my room but I managed to convince her that there is no need for that. I am okay and the contractions have slowed. She is worried, which I understand, but having her sleep in a chair in my room isn't going to allow her to sleep and she needs her rest just as much as I do. Her friend helped her find a nearby hotel and she'll be back in the morning.

Mike drove back this evening with a suitcase and my laptop. Thank goodness the hospital is part of the 21st century and has Wifi and it sure is nice to have pants to go with these lovely hospital gowns. He arrived about 8 and then had to turn around and drive back as he has to open the office in the morning. He'll keep his phone on him and I'll call him if anything looks dire. He's about an hour and a half away.

As far as my overall state and condition, they did run a fetal fibronectin test today and it came back negative. Typically, this would be a very good thing -- but they have had two negative fetal fibronectins that delivered within 24 hours in the last 2 days so they are slightly worried that they have a bad batch of tests. Usually, with that test a negative would be a very positive sign that labor is not imminent but we are being extra cautious, just in case.

Therefore, I'm officially admitted and settling in. Dr. F decided not to do the mag at this point (woohoo!) but they did increase my precardia dosage and every time I have more than 6 contractions in a 20 minute period I receive another dose. So far, it seems to be controlling the contractions fairly well. There are a lot less and they are a lot shorter than they were this afternoon.

I have an IV line (in my right wrist -- which makes doing anything and everything very awkward!) and they are running fluids as well as antibiotics through the line. I had my first steroid shot this afternoon to help the girls' lungs develop - I'll receive a second dose tomorrow.

Dr. F did a quick ultrasound and both babies are still head down. I am allowed to unhook myself from the monitors to go to the bathroom and other than that it is just a wait and see protocol. Dr. F said if we can get the contractions under control with the oral medication they will allow me to go home (most likely on bedrest, but maybe not...) sometime this weekend. At this point, it truly is just wait and see and hope that the contractions can be controlled and that I am not continuing to dilate.

I can't say that I'm surprised that I was admitted. Honestly, I've been waiting for this to happen. In my mind this entire pregnancy has been a matter of "when" not "if" -- especially after I was contracting and slightly dilated at 26 weeks. I've tried to brace myself for this and the possibility of a NICU stay for the girls. Lots of people have thought I was crazy to drive so far for OB appointments -- but this is definitely the best place to be if the girls decide to make an early debut.

I'm proud of the girls for not allowing this to happen any sooner. At least our things are in our new house (but definitely not all organized or put away) and they are at 30 weeks which gives them a very good chance to be okay, even if they arrive. There are tons of logistical issues I am worried about -- Bo's care, Mike and his work, Mom, the old house, the new house, my new job, etc. that will be impacted by all of this, but I know that I have to do what is best for these little ones -- no matter what the cost -- at this point.

All of your Twitter and Facebook messages, emails, texts, etc. are very appreciated. I will do my best to keep everyone as up to date as possible through the blog and status updates.

admitted

I am writing this from my phone so forgive me for the numerous errors. ;)

I am being admitted to the hospital. I am dilated to a 3 and having contractions. I will be here a minimum of 48 hours while they give me mag to stop the contractions and steriod shots to develop the girls lungs. Everything is up in the air.

Bo and Mike were at the park during my appointment. I sent them home and hopefully Mike will be able to bring my computer and some clothes later tonight. My mom is coming up here.

That is all I know at this point. I will update the blog and tweet as I know more.

Wordless Wednesday: Sandbox

On Sunday afternoon, we took a break from unpacking and allowed Bo to play in the sandbox for the first time. We've had the sandbox forever (thanks cousin Charlie!) and bought the sand in the spring. When we found out we would be moving, we just never set it up. But now it's out on our back patio, and Bo loves it. He was absolutely filthy but the sandbox provided several much needed laughs for all of us that afternoon.

For more Wordless Wednesday visit 5 Minutes for Mom and Momdot.com.

Nanny Success!!

First, I just have to say that I am totally amazed by the power of the Internet. I contacted SitterCity and requested a free membership to review for the blog and posted a job offering. I also looked at the people available in our area and sent a few messages.

I emailed back and forth quite a bit yesterday morning with one potential hire and I ran a background check/reference check on her. Yesterday evening, Mike and I met this young woman, interviewed her, and ultimately offered her the position. Her name is Katie and she seems absolutely perfect. Something about all of it just feels right. (Those of you who know me in real life know how I am with my 'feelings').

She is a year younger than me, has had two previous nanny positions, has worked at two daycares, has a degree in Early Childhood Education, has her CNA, and is currently going back to school at the college I will be teaching at to receive her RN. She ultimately wants to be a labor and delivery nurse. She is currently employed at a doctor's office here in town full-time but is looking for something that will be more flexible with her classes.

She is originally from Geneva, which is where Mike's mom is from and works. She now lives in Peru with her fiancee and both of them are going back to school for various reasons. She is willing to work the part-time hours I need her for and it seems like she will be very flexible as long as I can work around her classes -- which I am more than willing to do. She even offered to work weekend hours if Mike and I would like to go do something on our own. :) She doesn't seem even a little phased by the idea of taking care of three little ones or the fact that I'll be in the house working 80% of the time she is here.

While I'll freely admit that I'm disappointed that my little ones won't be taken care of exclusively by family, the idea that I'll be footsteps away for most of the time Katie is here makes me feel much more confident about the situation (and literally minutes away when I do have to go to campus to teach). I like the fact that the kids will be in their own home, napping in their own beds, and eating their own food while they are really little.

When the kids are three, they can go to preschool all day at the college I teach at so I'm hopeful that while I won't be with them every second, I won't ever be very far away. The local elementary school is two blocks from our house too. If we are still here at that point -- I'll be very close still. And yes, these are the things I worry about...

I feel really good about the situation. I hope that we end up having a good relationship with Katie and the kids love her. Even better, the new responsibilities at my current job will nearly pay her salary each week, so I don't feel too bad about the financial implications of having a part-time nanny either.

She starts August 17.

Week in Review

1. Moving

We've officially moved! The moving company we worked with was AMAZING and even though we still have about a million little things that need "put" all of the heavy work was done by the movers. The movers were very nice, helpful, and accommodating. The entire process really impressed me and I don't think I'll ever be able to justify moving without movers again!

Bo's room and the girl's room are both totally set except for pictures on the wall - which I am still plotting and planning. The bathrooms and linen closets are also done but will need a little more help with organization down the road. The kitchen and our room has a very good start but there are still some lose ends to tie up and the rest of the house still just has "stuff" everywhere. We've made amazing progress though!

We had briefly considered a road trip back to Olney this weekend (Mike's car is still down there) but decided that the time would be better spent trying to get this house settled -- just in case the babies decide to make a surprise appearance sooner rather than later. That means we'll have one car this week but hopefully soon we'll be down in Olney to make sure the old house is show ready and retrieve Mike's car.

I also have a huge pile of things to sell in the garage at the Olney house. Why couldn't the city wide garage sales have been at the end of August?? :) I'm finding more and more things that we do not need as we unpack here. Seriously, I don't know where half this crap even came from!

A big thank you to my in-laws, Jim and Sherri, for all of their help this week. From helping at both houses, keeping Bo, and organizing and unpacking countless items -- we wouldn't have been able to do it without them.

2. Bo

Bo seems to be adjusting to the move relatively well. Luckily, Jim and Sherri kept Bo on Thursday and Friday night so he was not here while the movers were here. I can't imagine what that would have been like! It allowed the movers to work efficiently and gave Mike and I some time to begin organizing and ready his room for his arrival. Overall, I couldn't be more pleased with how he is dealing with everything. I can only hope the adjustment to the girls is half as smooth...

3. Pregnancy

I've done my best not to overexert myself with everything and having the movers (and Jim and Sherri) helping has been very beneficial. I feel like I've managed to take it as easy as is possible with all of the chaos and a toddler, so that is a positive. That isn't to say I'm not exhausted from all of it -- I am. Twenty-nine weeks pregnant with twins definitely isn't the best time to move -- but I still think it is better than trying to move with a toddler and two infants!

I had a doctor's appointment on Thursday and there was no real change. Next appointment is scheduled for Wednesday unless something strange happens before then. I finally received the results from my GD screening and two of the numbers were one number high and the other two numbers were normal. I just need to watch my sugar intake a bit -- which really shouldn't be that difficult to do. But I still love me some peppermint patties. And I desperately need some sugar-free breath savers. But the ones I like I haven't been able to find at Hy-Vee or Target. I may have to go to the dreaded Super Wal-Mart just to buy my breath mints!

4. New Job

I've also managed to land a new job and receive a promotion of sorts at my current job since I last wrote a real post. I've been hired to teach English at the local community college (approximately 4 minutes from our new house!). It is a part-time position and hopefully I will only have one class this fall. My ultimate goal has been to end up at a brick and mortar community college so this is an amazing opportunity for me -- despite the fact that the timing is slightly less than stellar.

I've also been asked to start coordinating student workshops for my current online position. This will be extra responsibility and a pay increase. Once again, a wonderful opportunity -- but poor timing. I'm going to have to do some juggling to figure out how to make everything work.

Especially after the girls arrive.

5. Nanny

As mentioned above, I'm going to need to do some juggling to be able to manage working and caring for Bo and the girls. The kids are by far my first priority but I feel like I will be able to be a better mom to them if I am able to keep my foot in the door in my career and have a few hours away from them each day to do something for myself -- even if that "something" is working. I will be home 90% of the time the nanny is here since most of my work is online so I am hopeful that will make me feel more comfortable about the situation. Therefore, I'm on the market for a part-time nanny to come into our home for a few hours each day while I work. If you know anything about finding a nanny, what to pay a nanny, etc. please leave me a comment or send me an email.

This is a brief and condensed summary of the last week. My goal is to be back with normal posts this week and hopefully see life return to some version of normalcy soon. :) Thanks for sticking it out through all the cat posts. I know for many of you those were probably the most boring posts ever! :)

Epilogue: Part Deux: Fred

Celebrating Fred's 5th birthday with a cat food cake at home. We also had a sleepover with my friends to celebrate. I was 14.

On January 7, 1992, my Tia Sharon's cat, Dolly, had kittens. Among these kittens were two that would come to live with me. Fredrick Kelly and Jessica DeSoto. Fred and Dee took the place of Kelly when she ran away and our other cat, Snoopy, who died of leukemia. They moved back to Olney with us in September of 1992.

Dee was ran over in the summer of 1993 on the highway by our house. Fred, despite a broken leg, free reign of the neighborhood, and eventually daily insulin shots, managed to survive and thrive for years. Fred passed away on January 4, 2006.

While Kelly was my first cat, Fred was my companion. There was never a cat as loved, or as photographed, as Fred.

The page above is from one of my high school scrapbooks.

All of my friends knew Fred and I was slightly obsessive about him. :) Grandpa even brought him to the middle school one day for a show-n-tell that we had in Art Class (I have no idea what the purpose of that was...??).

When we moved back in with my Grandpa in the fall of 1994, Grandpa said we could only keep one cat. At the time, I had three, so this was a huge decision. We gave away Mandy and Brian and it still makes me sad. Grandpa always pretended to hate Fred, but deep down, he loved him. Grandpa was always looking for him, chasing him off his bed, and pretending to kick him to get me riled up.

After Fred died, Grandpa continued to talk about him. And when I eventually convinced Mom to adopt her current cat, Princess (who was not named by me -- I wanted to name her Hazel), Grandpa called Princess, Fred. I don't know how many times I said, "Grandpa, Fred is dead. Her name is Princess."

Mom still jokes that Fred receives mail. I signed him up for all kinds of mailings when I went through a streak of loving junk mail in middle school. (Aunt Sally even gave me a box of junk mail for Christmas that she collected from the trash cans at the post office. That's probably illegal...)

My hope is that I'll be back tomorrow with a full update on our move, my pregnancy, and Bo for all of you. :)

Epilogue: Our First Cats

Mike and his first cat - Bobo. Yes, that was actually the cats name. No, we didn't name our Bo after him. :) Honestly, I really didn't think about the fact that Mike's cats name was Bobo until after our Bobo was born.

The stories of Bobo still live on and are shared often at family gatherings. Bobo was a gentle cat with a hunter mentality. He ate hundreds of mice and rat poison. He brought home full sized raccoons and a deer leg. He once ate an entire pumpkin pie.

And he was Mike's first pet.

Jamie and her first cat - Kelly - named affectionately after my cousin, Kelly. I am pretty sure my Gramcracker Nina paid me to wear this dress and pose with the cat -- as I despised wearing dresses when I was younger and usually flat out refused until I hit high school. Playing dress-up wasn't an activity I enjoyed!

Kelly was quite the kitten. I was seven and had been begging for a cat for years. Thrilled does not accurately describe my reaction! She was very well-behaved and spent her first few years living at my Gramcracker's house. Gram would cook whole chickens just for Kelly.

We moved to Texas when I was nine and Kelly made the move with us - I loved living in the same house as her and finally being able to sleep with her every night. Unfortunately, at some point during my 4th grade year, Kelly ran away and never came home. It still makes me sad.

Luckily, my beloved Fred had recently been born...

More on Fred, tomorrow...