Week 21

It feels really good saying "Week 21" is here. I have become much more positive with each passing day... it's really going to happen!

Anyway, I wanted to give everyone an update on our last doctor's visit. This time the visit was much better than last. First, my cervix is measuring higher; this time it was 4.74 rather than 3.74. Second, my blood pressure is measuring lower; my blood pressure dropped 20 points... I was so stressed about my last day of school/week 20/sitting on the couch, etc. that I got way too wound-up. Finally, the babies were measuring right on target; they are getting more active everyday.

With the positive feedback, I can continue some "activities." I can continue to drive myself to the doctor's office (yeah - once a week I can drive), I can continue using the stairs twice a day, and I can continue going on one outing a week... (this week is the grocery store, I can't wait). Other than that, the couch is my destination.

Speaking of couch living, it isn't too bad yet. I have gone through some magazines, started one of my books, sorted our Hawaii pictures for the scrapbook, loaded photo shop onto my computer, and napped quite heavily on my first three days off work. I still find myself looking at the clock and thinking about what period I should be in... I guess it will take a while. The good news is that my sub has begun, and as soon as I finish grading Journalism tests, the rest is up to him... what a relief!

I'll post more pictures soon, but I just missed A lunch typing this entry... oh wait, I can eat when I want now, feels very strange.

(Whoops - I was signed on as David... oh well, hopefully he won't mind.)

Uncharted Territory

Today is 20 weeks - 2 days... a place we have not yet been. Let me tell you, it feels great!

Overall, the holiday went off without a hitch. Wednesday night mom and dad visited, and we were able to send them off on their 40th anniversary trip with full bellies the next day (David makes a great breakfast). Kelly and Joe visited Thursday evening and then we got to see Thad, Bobbi and Emma on Friday. After all the visits, it was nice to have some quiet time today. (It sounds like a lot, but don't let it fool you; I was dutifully on the couch the whole time :)

Also, over the last 4 days we were able to put up our Christmas trees. Ok, so David did the tree, but I pointed out were everything was supposed to go. (David is being very patient with me.) I love the tree lights and a warm fire... perfect for a nap!

Some exciting news: David got to feel Ella's head/butt/leg (we aren't sure), but he felt it. I felt something move and then a lump on my right side appeared. I grabbed David's hand, and daddy got his first touch of the babies.

Here is the latest belly pic:

Last Day of Work

What a day...

My day started out with a big surprise from my wonderful colleagues. A couple of the teachers I work with organized a "Happy Bedrest Party" for me. I was so overwhelmed with their generosity and kindness that I almost cried. They had collected magazines, books, movies, crafts, snacks, gift cards, and many other things in two large baskets and had them ready for me as I walked in... I work in a great place, not just because of the gifts, but because they really care. The cards, kind words, and prayers they have bestowed on David and me is incredible.

I guess I should explain the party - today was my last day of work until after the babies are born. Even though I am feeling fine right now, we figured it was better safe than sorry. My days were wearing me out more and more and based on our appointment today, it was the right decision.

I went through each class period with some sadness because as a teacher you build relationships with your students, and it is hard to see them go knowing that I'll likely not see many of them again. The kids were so sweet... if only they were like that everyday. Many gave me a hug as they left and wished me well. I have a great job!

My replacement (Andy Smith) came in for the last hour of the day to get the run down of all things Composition. I felt so sorry for him... this is his first teaching opportunity and here I am rambling on and on. I could see the "what" look on his face, but we only had so much time to get through everything. I gave him my e-mail and phone number for future issues, so I'm sure I'll here from him soon. As I left today, he was sitting at my desk - strange.

Next came the doctor's appointment. I had felt a weird pressure in my tummy several times during the day, so I was a little freaked-out hoping it wasn't contractions. With all of the activity of the day and then this feeling, I was more than wound-up when I got to the doctor's office.

My blood pressure is usually very good, but today it was high. The exam was also not as good as we had hoped. Though my cervix was still measuring in the normal range, it was shorter than before. The highlight, of course, was seeing the babies. I don't want to brag, but they looked perfect. Jack measured 9 ounces, and Ella measured 10 ounces. The doctor was pleased with everything she saw in them. Whew...

So today was very good and somewhat scary, but all in all, everyone agreed that today was a good day for me to stop working. I was told over and over that I needed to spend more time down than up. Also no unnecessary stairs or lifting (a gallon of milk is my limit). Fortunately, mom and dad are coming tomorrow to help David drag all the Christmas stuff from the basement. I officially start my modified bedrest tomorrow - wish me luck.

Week 20

Well, this is the week... The week David and I have been dreading ever since we found out we were expecting. Week 20 is the week that Claire and Gracie were born. Week 20 is the week that I stop working. Week 20 is the week of my nightmares.

It is going to be rough over the next several days... pray for us.

Belly - Week 18

For Kerri, Kelly, and Crystal... here it is:

Jack

We downloaded Jack's picture, so here he is:

Great News Inside & Out

Today David and I had our 18 week appointment, and it went very well!!

Jack and Ella were very feisty and didn't want to cooperate for a while, but finally all the measurements were taken. We looked at their brains, hearts, bladders, kidneys, leg bones, arm bones, and stomachs. In the end Jack measured 17 weeks-6 days, 7 ounces; Ella measured 17 weeks-1 day, 7 ounces. Ella is still on top with Jack occupying the "basement" level. My stomach is huge! It keeps growing out instead of side to side.

The last thing the doctor looked at was my cervix; it measured 5.5cm. That is the longest it has ever been. We were soooo excited. I've been cleared to work until the next ultrasound(unless something happens), so again, good news.

We will now have appointments every week and every time I feel the need... Our whole goal now is stability. As long as nothing changes, we will all be happy.

Our next appointment is Tuesday, November 13... if I can wait that long to see them again.

Here is Ella (Jack will be added tomorrow):