25 Weeks!

Hope you all had a wonderful Christmas! We spent a few days with my family and now we're in Cleveland celebrating with the Psotas. I can't believe how warm it is in both places!

We had our 25-week ultrasound on Tuesday and everything is still looking very good. The twins are about 1.5 lbs each now. They're getting so big! Of course, the sexes are still a big secret. I think it's getting harder for the doctor to keep it from us now. Matt and I got another video tape of the ultrasound and watched it in slow motion when we got home. (We're so bad!!!) We couldn't see anything though. I don't think either of them were in position for seeing anything anyway.

I gained like 5 pounds in the past two weeks. I think a lot of it is water weight though. I ate a lot of salty food over the holidays with all the get-together's and stuff. I noticed that my face and hands are really swelling now. GREAT! I felt much better yesterday and I think a lot of it went down. Guess I'll just have to get used to no wedding ring and chubby cheeks from here on out though. :(

I'll try to put some pictures from our ultrasound on when we get back home. I don't think they can fit both babies on the screen anymore though. I might be able to get one shot with just their two heads or something. Matt's also planning on finishing up their bathroom this weekend when we get home. I hope I'll have a few shots of the finished product by next week!! Then we'll be ready to order carpet for the rest of the upstairs and start putting furniture in the nursery. Our cribs are in, and I can't wait to set them up!!

Merry Christmas!!!

Hello everyone! Matt, Baby A, Baby B & I just wanted to wish everyone a Merry Christmas! We'll be busy all weekend here in Indiana with my family, then we'll head to Cleveland on Tuesday to spend some time with the Psotas. We also have a doctor's appointment on Tuesday morning before we leave where we are scheduled to have another ultrasound. We'll keep you posted with any updates. I'm anxious to see how big they're measuring now!

My camera is at Best Buy being fixed, so no new pics this week. I'll try to put some Christmas ones on here soon though.

Enjoy your holiday!!!

Chrstmas time is almost here!

Busy, busy weekend! On Saturday I took my cousins to go paint pottery. We did this last year too for their Christmas present from me. They both did such a great job. I can't wait to see how it all turns out! Jeff, Michaela & Anna made it home this weekend too and it was so much fun hanging out with them. Anna is just so cute!! She was all dressed up in her Christmas dress for church this morning, and wanted to play basketball in it too when she got home.

Our church service today was mostly a song service put on by the choir. Instead of sitting and standing as usual, this time we sat most of the service and just listened. I guess it must have been what I ate before the service, or how I was sitting, or something...but the twins were having another "Party" in my tummy during the whole thing. I kept elbowing Matt and he'd look over and see the alien-like movements across my stomach. It was so weird to be able to see them move!! Mom got to feel them move this weekend too, which was cool. Everyone keeps telling me about the "Big Jabs" that I'll start feeling soon. I actually can't wait!

Matt started tiling upstairs bathroom this weekend. I think he thought that a small room would be easy, but it seems like the narrow workspace is making it more dificult than he thought. I think it will look great when it's done though. Then we can order carpet for the whole upstairs! Once that is all finished we'll be done with the nursery and everything...except that we have no nursery furniture yet. I guess I'll have to get on that soon too! As for a nursery theme (Since everyone is asking me) I decided that I didn't like any of the "Neutral" decor that's out there. I want either very "Boyish" or very "Girly-girly" stuff for my kids! I found some bedding at Babies R' Us that I like. I picked out one boy set and one girl set that, I think, go together well just in case we have one of each. I figure that we won't be using the nursery right away anyway, so I'll have plenty of time to wash all of the bedding and put it on their cribs after they're born. I'll take pictures of it all when it's finished!!

If you happened to notice, it's Matt's annual "Grow out the beard" time again. I hate to admit it, but I actually love it! Anna called him "Fuzzy face Matt" today. So cute!!

Another appointment update...

Well, not much news this time around. My appointments are still being scheduled every-other week. This one was pretty uneventful, as usual. I guess that's a good thing though! They basically took my weight, bp, and had me go in a cup. Ho hum! Then they said that at this stage they couldn't easily get two heartbeats with the doppler anymore, so from now on they'll be using the ultrasound machine at each appointment to get them. Awesome!! I'm getting so spoiled with all these ultrasounds. Most moms get 1 or 2 throughout their entire pregnancies and I think I've already had 7 or 8!

The babies both looked good and their heartbeats were nice and strong--149 and 163, I think. One of them is still breech, but that could change several times before they're born. Dr. Davis said that if either or both of them are breech towards the end of my pregnancy then they would have to schedule a c-section. I can't say for sure, but I'm getting the impression that he's leaning towards that anyway. In the end I just want whatever is best and safest for the babies.

We put two teeny-tiny stockings up on our chimney this year. I keep imagining what Christmas will be like next year with two, probably crawling, little babies around. I'll definitely send out Christmas cards next year. We were going to this year, but we figured that you guys have had enough mail from us for one year already! Hope you all enjoy the holidays. As always, thanks for visiting!!

22 1/2 weeks. Quick pic!

Ok, this will be quick because I gotta get back to work. I'm wearing the same outfit today that I did a few weeks ago, so I thought I'd take another comparison shot of my tummy. Sorry it's a little blurry. Our camera battery charger is missing and our camera is on very, very low battery. It takes blurry pictures when it's like that.

No other news this week. I'm starting to feel both of them kick me a lot more now. Matt even got to feel them a few times this weekend too! Some days they're very active, and others they're not. I think it all depends on which way they're facing at the time.

Enjoy!

Level II Ultrasound today

Well, after our "Great" appointment last week we got a call from our Doctor's office. Apparently the blood test results weren't totally "Fine" as they had originally told us. The Quad Screen/AFP results were slightly higher than the normal range for twins, so they sent us to a perinatologist today for a second look. They told us over the phone that these things commonly come back abnormal--especially with twins--and there's really not much to worry about. They were sending us for a Level II just as a precaution. Of course it was a long weekend of waiting and a little worrying for both of us though. Basically the elevated levels meant that there was a slight increased risk that one or both of the babies might have a Neural Tube defect or something like Spina Bifida. The good news though, was that the elevated level meant that the chance of Down's Syndrome drastically decreased from like 1:650 chance to 1:50,000. We went to the Peri in Indianapolis today though, just to make sure everything checked out ok.

We had a really in-depth ultrasound first, which went very well. Everything checked out absolutely normal for both babies. They were even able to tell us that they, for sure, each had their own sac and placenta. This isn't definite, but it means that they're more than likely fraternal twins! She did say that identical twins can have this too though, so we're still not 100% sure on that. They also said that they knew what their sexes were by the end of the ultrasound. They kept it a secret though!!!! Matt and I still have no clue, but we love guessing!!

In all actuality, it was nice seeing a Perinatologist. Many moms of twins will see one at least once during their pregnancies. They are there more for the babies, while regular OB's are primarily concerned about the mother carrying the babies. We shouldn't have to go back to them again though, unless something else unexpectedly arises. We were just glad to have yet one more thorough ultrasound to reassure us that everything looked good! Of course, they always have to say that nothing is 100% certain, so there could always be a surprise when they're delivered, but according to everything they looked at today, things were OK. In fact, they said we could still get an amniocentesis done if we wanted, but they weren't recommending it at this point since everything else looks fine. What a relief!!

Here are some cute pictures from the scan today. Click on them to enlarge and you can see things much better. They gave us like 5, but I'll just post the good ones. The one of the baby's face shows us that he/she is smiling at us!!!

One other thing they told us was that one placenta was Anterior, meaning towards the front and to the right side of my belly, while the other was Posterior or near my back and to my left. This explains why I can feel the baby on the left kicking & moving WAY more than the one on the right because the right's placenta is padding things pretty well. Actually, they were both VERY active today during the ultrasound & moving/kicking all over the place!

Back from our Disney Thanksgiving vacation

We're baaaaack! Disney was a blast. We got a condo with Matt's family, 11 of us in all. We fixed a turkey dinner on Thursday and headed to the Magic Kingdom on Friday. Saturday I met my cousin Pete & his wife Amy and we headed home on Sunday. The weather was really nice the whole time. We even got in the outdoor pool a few times. All in all it was a nice little getaway, except for the flu outbreak. Somehow Matt and I both managed to dodge the bullet, however the rest of the group was not so lucky. Sounds like they all had a pretty eventful flight home yesterday.

We had another doctor's appointment today and everything went well. They did another ultrasound and measured everything again. The kiddos are about 13 ounces each now and are both the same size...which is great! All of my bloodwork came back "Normal" too so that's one less thing to worry about also. So far so good!

19 weeks 3 days

Here it is...the latest belly pic! We'll see what it looks like next week after lots of turkey!!

Ok, finally a picture. I absolutely HATE this one, which was taken over 2 weeks ago. I left my camera at a friend's house so I haven't been able to take any more lately. I'm a little bigger in the belly now though. My hair is greasy/messy in this one because I've been playing with my 2 1/2 year-old niece. If I look worn out it's because I was! We had so much fun with her here that week!!

We started our parenting classes this week. So far we just covered what labor feels like, who to call, when to go to the hospital, where to go, etc. We love our instructor! We found out that she lives right around the corner from us. I hope she is in the delivery room when we're in there. Her husband works with Matt too. Small world!

At the end of the class we did about 10 minutes of relaxation exercises. I think they were meant for the moms, but the coaches got to participate too. Of course, MINE FELL ASLEEP!!! Our instructor dimmed the lights, played relaxing music and asked us to breathe, relax, etc. Next thing I know Matt is snoozing away. TYPICAL for those of you who know him! I reached over and touched his hand and, thankfully, he shook awake. I'm just glad I didn't have to go through one of those embarassing struggles to try and wake him!

I had another appointment today too. 19 weeks! Everything looks great! I wasn't supposed to have an ultrasound, but they did one anyway. Dr. Albers did a heartbeat check and found one right away. He said, "Well, there it is. Nice and strong." and then lifted the thing off of me.

I then asked, "What about the other one?"

He checked my chart and said, "Oh yeah, you're having twins. Let's just go take a look at them instead." He didn't get much of a picture this time, but I'll go ahead and post it anyway. It's just mostly legs & stuff.

Normally I would be a little frustrated with them, but I was just happy to get to see the little buggers again! They were kicking and moving all over the place! I'm still having trouble feeling them though. I've been feeling little "Flutters" for weeks, but no definite kicks yet. I'm sure they'll be here soon though.

Well, we're off to Disney World next week for Thanksgiving with the Psotas. We'll update you more then!

Happy Thanksgiving!!

PS. Dr. Albers asked us before the last ultrasound if we wanted to find out the sexes, but we said no. Matt and I both decided that we want it to be a surprise in the end! We also don't know if the twins are fraternal or identical. At this point, it's too late to tell until they are born. We're just hoping for two happy, healthy babies in the end!

17 weeks...another ultrasound!!

Finally...another ultrasound! This one went really well too. Dr. Albers saw me this time. Matt and I got to watch another ultrasound, which is like the coolest thing you could ever do with your spouse. It's all starting to seem so real and we're both totally excited about the whole "Twin-thing" now! It's so fun seeing your little ones swimming around on the screen. I still can't believe they're in there!

This was a nice, long ultrasound too. He checked everything out & it all looked good. I can't believe how big the babies are getting!! They're about 7 oz each now. I think I'm feeling little movements, but I'm not sure. I guess I'll know soon enough...

Oh, did I tell you...I'm huge now! I guess it's obvious to the public that I'm pregnant. I'm totally into maternity clothes and I look like I could deliver any minute. I'm not even half way there yet! I'll post a belly pic soon. Here are our ultrasound pictures from this time though...

15 weeks--Next appointment...Matt came with me this time!

We were a little disappointed that we didn't get another ultrasound at this one. For some reason, I thought we would. Dr. Davis said I'd get them at every other appointment from now on though.

We heard the heartbeats (Both of them!) on the doppler this time!! He said that everything was measuring just fine and that all was okay. I was so relieved!!

Getting used to the idea...

Ok, I admit. I was a basket case at first. I cried for like 3 days. I called all of my girlfriends for support. I talked to other mothers of twins & they all were so nice. I put all of my pregnancy books away because I figured they pretty much didn't apply to me anymore. I was "High risk" now and so worried about the whole thing.

Did I mention the migraines came back. Yes, they did, and with a vengance!

All of the sudden though, I started getting used to the idea. I knew that God wouldn't give us more than we could handle. I also trusted that if something looked wrong, the doctor would have said something. I just had to hope that everything was okay.

13 weeks...MORE BIG NEWS!!!!!!!!!!!

Well, it was time for my second visit to Dr. Davis. I knew this was supposed to be a quick check up (No ultrasound) so I told Matt he didn't have to go with me to this one. Big mistake!!!

Dr. Davis had trouble locating a heartbeat with the doppler device. This was definitely the scaries thing I've ever experienced. He said not to worry though because at 13 weeks, sometimes the heartbeat is hard to hear. He did a quick ultrasound just to check everything out though.

So in we go into another exam room. He stuck the little wand on my belly and immediately I noticed that this one looked different than our last one. He got a heartbeat, but there were lines all over the place. I wasn't sure what to make of it, and he wasn't saying much either.

He said that he needed to go check my chart out in the hall for a minute. I asked him, "First can you tell me if you heard a heartbeat?"

He said, "Yeah, there's a heartbeat alright. Don't worry, I'll be right back..." He came back in the room with my chart (Smiling) and said, "Holle, did we talk about the possibility of TWINS the last time you were here?"

It's all pretty much a blur after that for me. He showed me two heads, two bodies and two heartbeats on the monitor. I about died! He reassured me that everything was healthy and normal and that I'd start seeing him bi-weekly from now on.

I went out to the parking lot in front of his office (bawling my eyes out at this point) and immediately called Matt. I asked him if he was sitting down and then told him that we were having TWINS. He thought it was great news and said he was on his way home right away.

I called my mom on my way home (still bawling) and told her the news. She was so excited & announced it to everyone at her office! I called my dad too & he was so thrilled. Everyone was thrilled...everyone but me!

We got home and he just held me for like 20 minutes while I cried. It had been such a rollercoaster of a morning!! I was just so glad that everything was okay though. We called his parents (it was his Dad's birthday) and they were all so happy.

Matt's favorite comment was from my brother, Mike. He sent me a random text message and I just wrote him back and said, "I'm having twins." His response: "SHUT THE FRONT DOOR!" That's been a favorite saying of ours ever since.

12 weeks...Told our friends!

I'm officially almost out of my first trimester and am dying to tell my close friends!! We called most of them and Matt sent out an email to all of his work buddies.

I told the rest of my family this weekend too. It's so exciting telling everyone!! We showed them our little picture too. (It was taken at 9 1/2 weeks).

Here...I'll post it so you can see it too: (You might have to click on it to see it.)

11 weeks...Starting to show....already!

I had a meeting this week for work & knew I'd be uncomfortable in my regular pants. Maternity pants are so much more comfortable at this point, even though all of my books say I shouldn't be showing much yet. Ha!

I haven't gained much weight, but I'm definitely taking on a slightly pregnant-belly shape.

I decided to call my boss & break the news to her before the meeting. I told my other regional members at the meeting too. There's another pregnant girl in our region & a guy whose wife is due next year. Our region is very fertile!!

Told the Psotas!!

Unfortunately Matt had to leave for Mexico right after our appointment. (Of course he went home and watched our video of the ultrasound like 5 times first!) We decided to wait until Thursday when he got back to tell his parents the news.

We called them first. Matt broke the news to his mother by saying that I'd be spoiling her birthday next year. (Her birthday is the 17th). She got it right away and was SO EXCITED!! It was so much fun telling them!!! Jenn was in the room with her kids, so she knew right away too. We talked to them for awhile and then called the other siblings as well, including my brother's Jeff & Mike. So fun!!!

My mom was relieved that she could finally talk about it with people. She's been about to bust keeping this big secret for almost 3 weeks! We've decided to keep it from the grandparents for a few more weeks though.

9 1/2 weeks...time for our first appointment and ultrasound!!

I could hardly sleep the night before. I still can't believe that there's a human being growing inside of me! I just hope that the doctor says that everything is okay...

Into the exam room we go. Matt got to see why every girl hates going to the doctor. Dr. Davis did a full exam, breast exam & pap test. Fun stuff! Then he asked me a bunch of questions & re-calculated my due date. Still April 13th.

Then the fun began...we finally got to see our "Little bean" on tv! He/she was dancing around & waving at us. Heartbeat was a strong 170 bpm! Doctor printed our our baby's "First Picture" and gave us the good news that everything looked good & healthy.

This made it seem so real to us. Matt's still a little nervous about telling people, but I think we'll go ahead and tell immediate family. We'll wait a few more weeks to tell friends & stuff...

6 1/2 weeks pregnant...Told my parents!

Ok, I can't wait anymore! All of these weird things are going on with me and I just need to tell my mom. They came over tonight and we told them our "Big news!" I had taken a picture of both of our "Positive" tests a few weeks ago. (Okay, maybe a little gross. I thought it was a vision worth keeping though). I put a caption on the picture that said, "Baby Psota due April 13th, 2006!

I put the picture in a frame and handed it to my Dad. I asked him & Mom if they thought the frame would work for a picture that I was planning on putting in it to give to my grandpa. They both just looked at it and said, "Yeah. I think it's fine." Neither of them even noticed what I had put inside the frame! Mom finally got it and then they were so funny. I don't think it had really sunk in with them until they got home that night. Mom called me back later that evening and told me how excited she was!

Before visiting the doctor...

How am I feeling? Great! Boobs are sore, but that's about it. I've bought all the "Necessary" books and have begun reading everything. There's so much to learn!

No morning sickness at all. I had a horrible headache the other night though--worst headache I've ever had in my life. Matt sat up with me at 3am holding ice packs on my head. I finally broke down and took a Tylenol & went back to sleep.

Other than that, this pregnancy thing is pretty easy!

It's kind of cool having this huge secret that only Matt and I know. We talk about it every waking minute. I feel fat, but I know it's just bloating & stuff. I look gross in a bathing suit. It's so hard keeping this from my Mom!!! I'll probably tell her soon though. I need a woman to talk to!

August, 2006

Holy crap...we're pregnant!!! I felt kind of weird about a week before "Aunt Flo" was due. I just assumed it was PMS and a little bit of wishful thinking. We took a test as early as we thought it would take, and it was a big, fat negative. I wasn't upset, just sure that it meant that I wasn't pregnant. A few days later (and still no visit from AF) we decided to go out for sushi with some friends. Matt said, "If you think you might be pregnant you shouldn't eat sushi." I was certain that I wasn't but I took the other test that was in the box (Thank goodness those things come in pairs!). Lo, and behold there were 2 lines on it before I could even finish wetting the stick!!!

Matt didn't believe it. His only response was, "It better be a dude."

I bought a digital test the next day...just to be sure. This one clearly said the word "Pregnant" on it. IT'S OFFICIAL!!

Called the doctor and they set an expected due date of April 13th, 2006. They scheduled me for an appointment 5 weeks from now. So long to wait!

Psota Twins!!

July, 2006

Well, the 4th of July has come and gone and Matt and I have officially been a happy married couple for almost 3 months. We're talking about kids & starting a family.

Cons:
We originally wanted to wait until Fall/Winter to start trying
"Let's enjoy the Summer & worry about being pregnant later" (A thought that crosses my mind a lot!)

Pros:
Get pregnant now & have baby before next Summer (Avoid the heat & before Aunt Julie's wedding!)
Spring is an ideal time to have a baby
What if it takes awhile...might as well start trying early
Haven't we waited long enough??

Ok, so we've decided. We're trying!!