Friday, October 2, 2009

The COUNTDOWN!

Praise the LORD!
I am just over 36 weeks pregnant and my c-section has been scheduled for 10-15-09! I will not, however, object to their deciding to come early- should they choose :)

I had an ultrasound yesterday which told me that Baby A, Paige, is 6 pounds 7 ounces and Baby B, Aiden, is .....wait for it....7 pounds 15 ounces...yea, that's right...By that measure, Aiden already weighs more than Quinn did when he arrived at 7 pounds 13 ounces at 37.5 weeks gestation!

So, when I announced this news, I naturally have been thrown a few pretty practical questions from people who don't see me day-to-day, or at all for that matter.

1. Can you walk?
*Yes, but I try not to do it often or for long distances. Why? This might be TMI so you have been warned. If I walk too fast or for too long I feel like I'm either A) going to give birth or B) going to pee my pants. Also, if I walk for a long time I just feel tired and tend to have more contractions so it's just not worth it haha. Further, it takes a while to get going (think: inertia).

2. Can you stand?
*Yes. Perhaps I should have put this as question 1. since I obviously have to be able to stand to walk. However, inertia is a bigger enemy as far as this topic goes. From the recliner or a kitchen chair, standing up is not as difficult due to the firm surface and easy access to places to put my hands to leverage my gravity defying body up. However, from the couch it's a little more difficult since it's squishy. The floor...I have sat on the floor exactly twice in the last month and neither one was a pretty sight...once was today. In effect, I have to roll on to all 4's and pray there's something nearby to leverage myself up with haha. From bed is best because I just heave my legs over the size of the bed and I'm half way there.

3. Can you breathe?
*Praise the Lord I have been sooooo lucky with this. A common complaint among pregnant women, no matter how many babies she's carrying, is the difficulty she has while breathing. Obviously with organs being pushed out of the way, the lungs have to sacrifice some room as well. Twins, obviously, complicate this situation. Thankfully these babies have been fairly low throughout the pregnancy so I haven't had TOO much trouble breathing. Their lowness in my uterus, however, does complicate questions 1 and 2.

3. Just for fun....Your sex life?
hahahahahhahahahahahahahahahahahahhahahahahaha.
ahem..um...no.

4. I bet you can't wait to have them out!
* Yes and no. They're much easier to manage whilst in, regardless of the physical difficulties. Also, they're healthy and happy in there and I'd rather wear 15 pounds of baby than have 4 pounds of baby in the NICU.

So that otta wrap it up for now :) xoxoxo

andrea

Wednesday, September 23, 2009

Tick-Tock goes the labor clock...

Hi friends!
The last week and a half has been very busy and hectic!

Last Thursday we found out the twins weigh 5 pounds (Paige) and 6 pounds 3 oz (Aiden)...That was when I was 34 weeks. The midwife is very happy with how well this pregnancy is going. It boggles my mind that my body can handle pregnancy so well but I can't seem to get it together for a "natural" delivery! Either way, both these kiddies are breech, I had a c-section with Quinn, and AMC doesn't offer vag. delivery with twins so c-section it is!

On the 14th my dad came home from China FOR GOOOOOOOOOD! Amen! They came up last weekend and my mom has been here all week helping me out with Quinn while Scott gets a lot of extra work done for extra $$ now that we're on one income. It's soooooooo great having her here. Due to my size and the face that I'm carrying these babies straight out, moving is SUCH a challenge. I spend most of the day sitting or laying down.

Better yet, this weekend my parents are taking Quinn to Massachusetts so we have a toddler free weekend! Our friends Tracy and Meghan are getting married saturday and my pregnant partner in crime, Julie, has her baby shower Sunday (we have the same due date) so I'll be able to rest and then enjoy these events!

Next Wednesday, the 30th, is 36 weeks for me. This means as long as I make it to that date, I can have the babies here, rather than having to go to Burlington which isn't home! Don't get me wrong, Fletcher Allen is an AMAZING hospital with a great NICU and WONDERFUL care but it would be very nerve-wracking for me to go in to a c-section meeting the surgeon for the first time!

Anyway, just a little catch-up from me...This weekend I'll get to post more when I'm toddler free!

xo xo

Andrea

Sunday, September 13, 2009

Week One Done, Week Two- Bring it on!

Hello lovely readers:

I've finished week one of my stay-at-home-momness is finished and I'm alive...and so is Quinn...and Scott for that matter!

I've noticed I'm MUCH less tired at the end of the day and throughout the day since I'm not working outside the home at all, so that's helped me emotionally for sure!

Anyway, let's get to it.
The butt winner is: PINXAV!!!!!! The stuff is pink...like pepto pink almost...Also, it has a scent of eucalyptus oil, which probably accounts for the instant relief the babe feels when you put it on..it cools but it doesn't burn. Be warned- the stuff is pink and it stays that way, meaning when you go to change the next diaper, there is going to be pink stuff on the diaper...it's slightly shocking lol but it's all good.

The weather has been my ABSOLUTE best friend this past week. It's been absolutely gorgeous outside all day, meaning I get to take Quinn outside once or twice a day for long periods of time which is good for both of us! He gets to run out all his crazy energy and I can stock up on some Vitamin D hehehe.

I'm right this minute watching the Documentary "The Business of Being Born" and it makes me very thankful for Dr. Kirollos's practice. Although it's at a hospital, it's run like a birthing center in that there's lots of care from the midwife and nurses and you're generally left alone. Even though I had a c-section with Quinn, I'm not offended by this movie (which is HIGHLY anti warcry c-section)....My water broke at midnight, Fridaynight 2-1-08...by 5:00ish on Saturday evening (16 hours later) I was only dilated 3cm and that was ON pitocin! I can remember every contraction I had...which was like 3...the Pitocin wasn't working...the birth process seemed to have stopped at my water breaking..So, c-section it was.

With the twins I'll be having a c-section for a number of reasons. lWhen I found out I was pregnant with what I thought was JUST #2 I considered transferring my care to Plattsburgh because they allow VBACs and AMC in Saranac Lake doesn't. Even before we found out it was twins I decided against it because....wait...let me pause to say that some guy on this documentary just said moms who give birth by c-section don't have the "love hormones" released and if monkeys give birth by c-section they don't bond with their babies and don't want them..........................FUCK YOU DUDE...ok anyway..I like Dr. K's practicea nd I feel very comfortable with my care there.

Now that it's twins, AMC doesn't do Vaginal births for twins for an umber of reasons and I could, again, transfer to another hospital, but I don't feel as comfortable with that. Furthermore, as of my last ultrasound, both twins are breech so it wouldn't be promising for a vag. delivery anyway...

This week coming up is BUSY!!!

Monday- My dad comes home from China for good! I am getting a prenatal massage at the Mirror Lake Inn..thank the LOOOOORRRD!!

Wednesday- Appt. with Dr. K at 8:40 am and a NST

Thursday- Ultrasound at 10:00 I do believe, with Brenda at Dr. K's office!

Friday-Sunday- Mom and Dad come visit!!

Continued prayers for good check-ups and that I stay pregnant for at least another 2 weeks!

Wednesday, September 9, 2009

Diaper Rashes, Mommy Groups, and Baby Showers- OH MY!

Yesterday was my first full day as a real stay at home mom and it went encouragingly well! Quinn was in a great mood all day (perhaps he knew I needed to be broken in easily) and took his naps, played outside for a long time, and was generally his wonderful self.

I didn't put away any laundry but I got some washed and folded, and dishes ended up in the dishwasher, so that's a successful day in my book! Evidently, according to a book I'm reading called "Domestically Challenged," I am staying at home to raise the children, not be a maid.

Today was better and worse than yesterday.

I was invited by a woman from church to meet for kind of a mommy and me group at another church members house...They craft, the hostess Diane makes lunch, and the kids play. Quinn did really well and I'm glad that the woman's house is rather kid friendly because he certainly ran the place ragged!

HOWEVER.....Quinn's morning nap was about an hour short thanks to the teeth spawned from Satan himself, the eye-teeth. Yes, the Eye-teeth. They're the "vampire" teeth and they completely turn your house and your toddler upside down. It's not that I wasn't warned...Articles, books, people..they all say "the eye teeth are the worst." But, after dealing with the first few teeth you really trick yourself in to thinking that NOTHING could be worse....WROOOOONG! Quinn woke up HYSTERICALLY crying 2 or 3 times last night (which is much different than a newborn crying..it's really REALLY REALLY loud!) and he still is fighting his effing diaper rash. Sooooooooooo he had a steady diet of tylenol today and got some motrin before bed, and had his ass caked with Balmex and baby powder.

About the diaper rash. Since Quinn's been born we've used Butt Paste. We've only ever put it on like first thing in the AM and right before bed. However, when a diaper rash appears we need to beef up the infantry. This diaper rash has a mind of it's own. Evidently I am to try this stuff called PINXAV (pronounced pink salve)...It has like 2x the amount of Zinc Oxide...It's been shipped (had to order it online as it's not available in stores around here) and I'll give the review upon ONE usage..that's all they get ;)

Anywho- Quinn's in bed and I'm going to reheat some Pizza Hut veggie pizza and watch Friends all night :) Tomorrow I go for a non-stress test which I hope is less eventful than the last one (I was having contractions every 4-6 minutes but they went away....obviously)....Keep you posted!

xoxo

andrea

Tuesday, September 8, 2009

New Chapter- Becoming a Stay at Home Mom

Good day!
3.5 months later I sit in my recliner at home with a laptop that's back up and running and ready to fill you all in briefly before pressing forward.

I left off in May, discussing my relief from morning sickness and anticipation of finding out the sexes of these babes!

Well, we're having a boy AND a girl and their names are Aiden Robert and Paige Ellen. We just like the name Aiden, Robert is my dads name and my grandfathers middle name, Paige is my great grandmother Quinlan's maiden last name and Ellen is Scott's mom's middle name- there hehe.

As of this writing I can tell you I had an ultrasound one week ago and Paige was 4.5 pounds and Aiden was 5 pounds. Today I am 33 weeks pregnant and counting.

On to the title of this blog- Becoming a Stay at Home Mom.
Never, and I mean NEVER, in my life did I ever imagine I would ACTUALLY become a stay at home mom. I thought about it once in a while but I never figured we'd be able to afford it financially, etc. God tends to have other plans so I'm not shocked haha.

Scott and I sat down one day and calculated the cost of having 3 children in daycare. It came out to $70.00 less than what I make a month...and that didn't count gas. Not to mention, we'd likely have to have the 3 kids at 3 different daycare centers because at-home daycares can only have a certain number of kids under 2, etc.

Alas, we looked at each other and said "let's figure out how to have me stay at home!" Scott is EXCELLENT at finding and maintaing side jobs, so, between that and altering our budget some (like going down to basic basic cable, signing up for WIC, etc) we are able to make it work.

My last day of work was August 28th and that couldn't have come a day too soon. I have nearly 10 pounds of baby in my body, not to mention 2 placentas, 2 umbillical cords, and 2 fluid sacs filled with fluid. ALSO, I am carring these babies COMPLETELY out front so it looks like I'm simply defying gravity when I stand.

Unfortunately for my physical state, Quinn's last day of daycare was Friday, 9/4. LUCKILY he's not a needy boy so I can play with him some and then sit in the recliner some while he plays independently (fancy word for ALONE) and then we can go ouside to our newly fenced in back yard and I can veg. in the sun while he runs around with sticks. I spend most of that time simply praying that he doesn't fall with the sticks because it will take me a good few minutes to get to him once I get myself up and going (inertia is a cruel thing).

That's all for today. HOWEVER, expect a blog ALMOST daily from here on out until the twins are born. I have my lap top on what's left of my lap, with my feet up, watching Regis and Kelly, as Quinn takes his morning nap.

Later for now!

Wednesday, May 27, 2009

The Second Second Trimester- relief!

Once again, too much time has passed.

The first 14 weeks of this twin pregnancy were HORRENDOUS…..That’s what I get for thinking this second pregnancy would proceed much like my first, wonderfully. I had my head in the toilet for most of the 14 weeks and they went by so fast, in part, because I was either in the bathroom or asleep the whole time.

Hormones, man…what the hec! No, what THE HELL! I just wish men and others who don’t have children could experience that for a day, then they could stop telling their pregnant friends to get over it or, “it’s not that bad..” For the record, no one said that to me- that would be deadly….My husband did, however, ask that I stop wasting our food..hahaha.

Anyway, here I sit, 18 weeks pregnant with twins…2 heartbeats beating strong. June 4th we find out the sexes! We think they are fraternal because there are 2 placentas, so I have 3 possibilities…..boy/boy, girl/girl (ah!), and boy/girl. I ASSUME it’s boy/girl because that’s what statistics lead me to believe…but I also was statistically in the small group of women who are sick the ENTIRE first trimester, so we shall see.

Diet…….
You always hear pregnant women discussing cravings, eating too much, eating too little, whatever. Counter that with what the AMA says is reasonable, an extra 300 calories a day, and you have confusion. IT makes perfect sense that if one is taking their vitamins and eating off the food pyramid first, 300 calories is good- it’s a tiny person-you need NUTRIENTS over calories.

But what do you do with twins? It is not as simple as 600 more calories a day. If you were dieting before you were pregnant you’ll need more, etc. So I decided to go to the nutritionist with a referral from my midwife. I gained 60, yes 60, pounds with Quinn and still had about 30 of it on me before this pregnancy. “Luckily” I only gained about 3-5 pounds in the first trimester (if that) due to the whole “head in the toilet” thing.

The nutritionist told me lots of things. She said to aim to gain 35 pounds and do that by gaining about 1.5 pounds from here on out and eating THREE THOUSAND calories a day! A DAY!! At first this seemed to be a very promising proposition. Eat 12 servings of whole grains, ungodly amounts of fruits & veggies, and good protein, dairy, etc….

So, on Monday I decided to write down every morsel of food that passed my lips, count the calories and the exchange (grain, fruit, etc.). Even after forcing a yogurt and an apple down my throat at 9pm I came up with 2250 calories. I really don’t think I could have eaten more (that included ice cream!) So, I’m just going to keep it around there for a while and see what my weight does.

Next Thursday we find out how healthy they are and hopefully what sex they are!

Monday, April 6, 2009

Mommy Diaries: The Second First Trimester...

Mommy Diaries- The second first trimester.

Good afternoon fellow readers. I have fallen off the planet and I apologize. Let me take a minute to explain.

Over the last year, for you faithful readers, you’ve heard me mention that my husband and I would start trying for baby #2 when Quinlan turned one. Well, true to form, his birthday was 2-2-08 and on 2-17-08 I found out I was pregnant. Here’s where it gets interesting, frightening, or comedic, depending on your point of view.

After peeing on the stick, I called my OB office and they scheduled me for a “confirm ultrasound” 2 weeks later, when I’d be 6 weeks pregnant. That appointment is just to say “yes, you’re pregnant, congrats, see you in a few weeks.” Mmmmhmmmm.

My husband and I had to bring our son to this confirmation ultrasound appointment because the daycare provider was at a funeral. So the three of us walk, oblivious of the events to follow, in to the exam room. Sure, it started off normal enough, “Get undressed, put the sheet on, flip the switch when you’re ready…”

That’s where things got…interesting…The doctor came in and began the internal ultrasound, to find the sac. As soon as the image appeared on the screen I became flushed with a racing heart. I knew exactly what I was looking at (thanks to TLC, Discovery Health, and the Internet) but I did not say ONE WORD as I lay there, waiting for confirmation from my OB. I glanced over at my husband who was turning an interesting shade of red- he must have known too. The OB was silent for a long time scanning back and forth and back and forth before saying, “Ok, here is one normal sized baby/yolk sac (who can remember the details here)…and here is another one, the same size...It’s twins.”
*Let me interject and simply say, yes, twins do run in my family...but only 2 sets in the last 4 or so generations...so if thats running, its running*

Even as I type this I get chills. I, for the first time in my life, immediately went in to prayer. Prayer for their health and mine, prayer for sanity, prayer for financial support, prayer prayer prayer. Normally I would try to THINK..but now was no time for thinking…it was time for praying.

I looked right at my doctor and with an exasperated tone I uttered (I’m not lying) “HOLY SHIT!” He laughed, as did the nurse. They said they hear that time to time. My doctor lightened the mood by saying “At least it’s not 8” (he has a funny sense of humor) and said “congratulations” before handing me the picture of 2 6 week old yolk sacs and orders for a blood test.

One of the nurses at the station outside cheered, as she has twins 2 months older than Quinn. Scott’s first full sentence, I do believe, was “We’re going to have 3 kids under the age of 2.” My response? “Yep.”

The ride home is almost another post in itself. Haha. However, it consisted of silence mixed in with (From my husband) a lot of “how…” “what….” “how are we?” “what are we?” I looked at him and I said “trust God and Pray.” He said he’s never seen me so calm.

I hope you enjoyed the first post of the second pregnancy! I will write another, probably tomorrow, discussing the hellacious world of twin pregnancy symptoms and never ending morning sickness…
STAY TUNED!

XOXO
Andrea

Tuesday, February 10, 2009

Daycare separation anxiety-for moms.

Good day everyone!
This week begins Quinn’s second full week at a new daycare. From May 2008 until Feb 1 2009, my best friend watched him by himself in her house during the work day. However, she got an offer to work full time, and she wants to finish her schooling, so we had to find an alternative daycare. Luckily, Scott’s friend’s sister has at-home daycare (and she has a 6 month old) and she agreed to take on Quinn.
I was a little nervous at first. He had had Meghan’s undivided attention for the better part of 9 months. I knew how badly she was going to miss him and I was fearful that he’d miss her the same! Luckily, Quinn is awesome and easy going. Since he’s on a schedule he’s very adaptable to new situations. As long as he naps and is fed at the same times, it really matters very little where he is. Plus, he is getting a LOT of interaction and play with small people :) . There is a 2 year old and an 18-month old there, so he gets his workout.
Today when I brought him I took off his coat and wind pants and off he went, playing with the 18-month old. They were bopping along to something that made fun noise. I said “Bye handsome,” and he gave me a quick glance and went back to dancing. It made me a little sad FOR ME, but very happy for him that he doesn’t have to deal with separation anxiety :)Thanks for listening!

Xoxo

andrea

Thursday, February 5, 2009

I have a toddler!

Whew! Where has the time gone! I promised an update and then I fell off the face of the earth! Well, work’s been busy and then Quinn turned ONE so- things have taken priority.

Yes, Quinn is one…dear LORD I have a one year old. I am the mother of a one year old…eeeeks! He’s doing very well. He’s eating a lot and is almost walking. He’s in the 60th percentile for weight and over the 97th percentile for height. So he’s long and lean-not sure where he gets that from but we’ll take it.

Turning one means lots of things when you’re a parent. I will enlighten you:

1. Your child is no longer an infant, he is officially classified as a toddler…NO more “baby” or “infant” business, we’re now in the world of the toddler. We’ve turned the page to a chapter that will hold walking, talking, and the terrible two’s, God help us.

2. If you so choose, you can transition your child to milk. Preferably not Soy, but that’s a topic for another day- someone remind me. Transitioning Quinn to milk was not a quick process. He was on breast milk, and then went to the Gentle formula, followed by regular full lactose formula, then we spent 2-3 weeks transitioning to whole milk. And, yes, we give him Organic Whole Milk. Someone else remind me to post on Organic Dairy :)

3. Food. Now your toddler can experience all the world has to offer. Peanut Butter is ok, as is honey, and basically anything you’re eating. As my pediatrician says, they shouldn’t have grapes, peanuts, or hotdogs until they can spell them (due to choking hazards). I still make Quinn’s fruits and veggies because food preparation for a one year old is still a task. They can’t wield a fork or spoon successfully, and they don’t have molars, so all food still needs to be pea-sized or diced-carrot sized, ish. So I we’ll cook a chicken breast and pulse it in the food processor a few times and off he goes.

4. Talking. Now that your child is officially a toddler, you no longer get questions like “is he sleeping through the night” or “what formula is he on.” You get “what words is he saying.” Well, to answer your question, none. He talks to himself all day but everything is dada, mama, yeaaa, or uhoh…And, he doesn’t discriminate with dada and mama…I could be dada or uhoh depending on the day.

5. You still haven’t lost all of your baby weight and you better get going on it. Yea, still have half my pregnancy weight but people say it doesn’t look like it. These people must have met me while I was pregnant and, therefore, have no clue how gorgeous I was on my wedding day :)

So, life with a toddler will undoubtedly give me great material for this blog as the months go on…And my husband and I better clean up our mouths or else Quinn’s first words will be PG-13- eek!!

Wednesday, January 14, 2009

Update, sorry I've been MIA!

Dear Blog World!
Sorry I've been MIA...Life has a way of getting away if you know what I mean.
I will be back after this weekend. From Thursday to Monday I'll be retreating to my childhood home in Massachusetts, with my mother. Just me. No husband, no son...just Mom...well..in this case I'll be just daughter..Andrea.

I plan on finishing reading Grace's Window so I can do a few posts when I get back to launch that book study and hope you guys read it!

Quinn is almost 1....ONE! can you believe it? Well..more from me to come...Keep the Faith and remember...God is everywhere- seek Him