Thirty Six Weeks

How Far Along - 36 weeks 2 days

Total Weight Gain - 30 pounds - I feel very confident in saying this right now "I don't really care"! Yes, that is how I feel right now about a lot of things.. weight gain is one of them! Even my doctor laughed last week when I made the comment about how I feel like I gain a pound every time I go there! He said well you hide it well.. I guess when you have "about" an 8 pound baby in your belly 30 pounds can be expected.

Maternity Clothes - Can you say the same shirt every day and the same bottoms every day?! Ok, so maybe it's not that dramatic but literally I have like 3 shirts that fit over this belly. I've put some of my more comfortable bottoms in my hospital bag so the other comfortable items are on repeat.

Sleep - It's going pretty well, getting up a lot to empty the bladder and working through contractions from time to time. Comfort is hard to come by and baby girl sometimes feels like she is trying out for the women's gymnastic team! Sometimes I just lay there so I can feel her move and really enjoy my last few days with her.

Miss anything? Just normal clothes and normal activity. I'm definitely looking forward to the day when I can wear normal clothes and not feel tired just walking from the bedroom to the bathroom.

Cravings - Craving anything I can have that I have had to give up over the last 9 months. My most used emoji's to my husband are currently... sushi, wine, and beer... and baby.

Symptoms - CONTRACTIONS ... last Wednesday we thought we may be headed to the hospital to welcome baby girl. But after about 4 hours and contractions and then becoming 5 minutes apart and pretty painful.. they stopped. Not sure if I was disappointed or not but either way we gained a few more days for baby girl to prepare for her arrival.

Looking forward to- We have 4 days until we head to the hospital to welcome baby girl 5 it seems so strange to know she will be here in our arms. It brings tears to my eyes just thinking about it and all that comes with it. At our growth scan last week the high risk doctor estimated her to be around 8 pounds... to say I was shocked is an understatement! What do I do with all these newborn clothes?! My doctor actually thinks she is probably more like 7 pounds as I was measuring 35 weeks on Friday. Either way baby is girl is healthy and we likely won't have to have any NICU time. He feels good about our date and the health of this little one and that is all that matters.

4 days left....

Thirty Four Weeks

How Far Along - 33/34 weeks
I'm just going with the "double week" dating system at this point.. the number of weeks doesn't change the fact that she will be here in 3 weeks!

Total Weight Gain - 23 pounds - The doctors office got a new fancy digital scale last week so maybe it's more accurate than the old style slide scale... we will see at my appointments this coming week!

Maternity Clothes - Every time I walk into my to find something to wear (most likely one of my 5 gray maternity shirts) I see my "non-maternity" tops and I find myself asking "could I fit in those" haha no way but listen after a while you just want something different! I know this belly has really gained some circumference over the last weeks because my favorite tank tops are starting to no longer cover "all" of my belly... but I'm gonna make it work... because hey they are my favorite!

Sleep - Soon to come a post about (re)sleep training toddlers after you move and put them in beds... If that tells you anything about how my sleep has been! I just keep reminding myself that baby girl will be her in 3 weeks so I have 3 weeks to get the twins on a good sleep schedule AND sleeping through the night again. There is progress so I am hopeful I can maybe have a week before she arrives of something that resembles sleep. when I do get a chance to sleep uninterrupted by the twins I am sleeping pretty well. Eventually, my hips start hurting and indigestion sets in and by that time the twins are usually in bed with us... So it is what it is at this point!

Miss anything? Getting out of bed without feeling all the muscles pulling in my belly and walking from the bed to the bathroom without being out of breath! I love hearing other say I sound like I just ran a mile when they talk to me on the phone... I want to say "why yes I did just run mile, thank you very much". Baby girl certainly loves to have her little booty pushing right up under my ribs... I am however thankful that it's not her foot or elbow!

Cravings - Still pretty much hungry all the time and majorly craving anything sweet but finding chocolate gives me indigestion so I am kinda just doing what ever I want and dealing with the backlash as it happens. Hey I only have 3 weeks left might as well enjoy them!!

Symptoms - If you didn't notice yet... indigestion! I Remember how bad it got with the twins to the point where I was sleeping sitting up. I am feeling that time is rapidly approaching. Sometimes it gets to the point where I actually feel like I will be sick... so that is fun. I've also started to get some mild swelling in my hands and feet as the day progresses.

Looking forward to- March 15th?? Ok, so yes, when you get to the end of your pregnancy you start to feel like "I'm just ready" while I do feel that way I am conscious of that fact that if not for the Cholestasis I would still have 5-6 weeks left. Even though the thought of meeting this new little girl is on my mind daily I am also trying to cherish every single movement and moment I have left with her all to myself... and maybe trying to commit all of it memory... we never know what the future holds. My sister in-law and good friend are throwing me a little baby sprinkle this weekend... I can't wait to spend some time with my friends and family.

Thirty Three Weeks

How Far Along - 32/33 weeks
Right now my OB and my High risk doctor are not on the same page regarding this date. The high risk doctor says due date is April 1st and my OB says due date is still April 9th. I do tend to agree with my OB based on all of my dates. However, having cholestasis means an early delivery at 37 weeks. So it is hard to not worry about if the date is off by 8 days. My OB understands my concern and has agreed to meet me and the high risk doctor half way so we are delivering at 37 weeks 4 days (based on the high risk doctor's dates) and 36 weeks 4 days (based on OB dates). We both feel comfortable with this and baby girl is doing really well and will continue to be monitored closely until the delivery date.

Total Weight Gain - 21 pounds - My weight hasn't changed much over the last few visits, at one point I actually had lost 3 pounds which is pretty funny considering this girl already weighs 5 pounds! Since I am now going to the Doctor twice a week for monitoring that means I get to also check my weight twice a week... yay me.

Maternity Clothes - No change here! And I did buy myself a new shirt the other day for  our family/maternity photos because well.. it just made sense. I am getting to the point where I need to start thinking about packing my hospital bag and this has always been a tough one for me. A lot of the things I wear at home I will want to wear at the hospital so I struggle with when do I actually stop wearing them at home and put them in the bag??? We still have four weeks until it's time to "go" but I have a feeling those four weeks are going to go by really fast!

Sleep - Since moving and getting the kids into their own rooms I've been sleeping a little bit better... a little. I gave up the body pillow and that seems to have helped some as well.. I feel like I have a bit more room to move around. The twins are in toddler beds and we have been working through getting them to sleep in their beds all night (mostly Olivia), so they have me up several times a night, in addition to the braxton hicks, and new leg cramps!

Miss anything? I'm not missing too much these days; I guess when you are this far a long in pregnancy what you once missed is kind of a memory. I know I will soon be planning my first meal of sushi after this little girl arrives!

Cravings - I'm just hungry all the time... all.the.time. Being hungry leads to a lot of cravings and also the feeling that nothing sounds good. Standing in front of the refrigerator or pantry trying to decide what to eat is really annoying especially when you feel like you could eat everything! I do however think I could eat donuts every day... this is one of those cravings that you can actually taste when you think about it or say the word... if only it was that easy!!

Symptoms - Aside from the cholestasis symptoms as well as the side effects of the medication things are pretty much the same. Braxton Hicks and real contractions are the top of my list. I am trying very hard to listen to my body right now and  know when it is time to take it easy. Weekly NSTs make me feel a bit better knowing that the "contractions" are being monitored. I've woken up a few times with major leg cramps and the other night I had to wake the hubby up to help me get rid of it!

Looking forward to- Nesting has started and I find myself wondering if I should wait, I know that we are getting close to the 37 week mark so there is no time like now to get started. Because of the cholestasis I am required to see my doctor twice a week once for an ultrasound and once for an NST. It is great to see baby girl and know that she is doing well!

In case you missed my last update I talk all about the due date changes and the cholestasis.. you can check it out here (pregnancy update).

Twenty Seven

How Far Along - 27 weeks 1 days ... Hello third trimester ... I think ?

Total Weight Gain - An unscheduled trip to the doctor this week has me at a 17 pound weight gain. I really don't know how I gained 2 pounds since my last appointment like 10 days ago... maybe it doesn't matter and you know it's a girl thing worrying about weight gain.. it's silly really to worry when you are pregnant and you are supposed to gain weight. Either way I'm feeling ok with where I am at and it feels like baby girl is getting bigger by the day.

Maternity Clothes - Yes, this belly is really out there and even some of my tops are starting to get too tight. And then that strange thing happens when your shirt covers your belly but doesn't really go far enough down and kinda sticks out.. yea we are there. I am really trying to keep myself from buying new clothes... I think I can make it!

Sleep - You were really hoping I was going to say its been great weren't you ?? Yea so was I.. but it's much of the same as in the past. I am trying to get to bed a little earlier so that I can try and get some more sleep. Since we are living with family the twins being in our room has made things a little difficult. I get up a lot during the night because .... well it's pretty much crazy why I get up for them. So I am working on letting them "fuss" without mama coming to the rescue.

Miss anything? Sushi for sure and I am usually not much of a "drinker" but whenever my husband drinks a beer it looks very good for some reason... maybe lack of sleep. Regarding the sushi I think I will request it after baby girl joins us.

Cravings - Passion Fruit Green Tea from Panera is amazing ... I love their green tea in general but this new twist is so refreshing and tastes amazing and then when you pair it with a cheese danish my cravings dreams have come true. Starbucks and Panera are both a big treat so I try to keep them as "rewards" for...well you know... surviving on 3 hours of sleep!

Symptoms - Did someone mention braxton hicks??? Oh that was me.... I'm not surprised, they are coming more frequently now and sometimes include lower back pain. Nothing too concerning at this point but I do know they are a sign that it is time to slow down. Some round ligament pain has returned and of course when I least expect it. My body is just tired in general but I know it's part of the process so I am just listening to my body... like I should have done with the twins. My unscheduled visit to the doctor this week was a result of some major skin itching on my belly, chest, and neck. No rash or sign of a reason why, I've been doing things to try and alleviate the itching but nothing seems to be working. The doctor doesn't seem too concerned but is running some blood  just to be sure.

Looking forward to- Nesting! And hopefully soon I will be able to get in the grove of officially getting ready for baby girl. We will find out tomorrow if we are "officially" approved to rent a house! Next appointment is a week away and it is glucose test time and then appointments every two weeks hopefully an ultrasound will be coming up as well!




Is it me or does my belly look bigger when it's taken via selfie???

Hair done, contacts, and makeup... must have been a special day/night (it was New Years Eve!)! 

Twenty - Five

How Far Along - 25 weeks 3 days

Total Weight Gain - Officially 15 pounds from the Doctor visit today. I feel pretty good about this number, after a twin pregnancy everything seems different. According to the Doctor I am right on track. Belly is even measuring 25 weeks although it feels like it's about 30!

Maternity Clothes - Everything "maternity" still fits at this point but I am beginning to see some of the size "small" shirts I bought in the beginning... thinking I could wear them to the end are starting to become a bit tight and short. I'm sure they will be good for a few more weeks and then they will need to remain "home" shirts only!

Sleep - I wish this report could change but unfortunately sleep is still not an easy task for me. Now that my belly is getting bigger, baby girl is moving more (and more forcefully), braxton hicks are picking up, and muscle aches are starting sleep is just not a friend of mine...comfortable sleep anyway. I can still fall asleep pretty quickly and easily but that only lasts about 3-4 hours (sometimes longer if I'm lucky) then it's about 30-40 minutes sleep at a time. Add to that two toddlers that are not sleeping well and it's not always a fun night.

Miss anything? I haven't felt myself missing anything recently and overall I feel pretty content with with what limitations I have because of this belly and growing baby girl.

Cravings - Chocolate tops the list again, along with the returning favorites of subs, pastries, and Starbucks refreshers. The other day I was killing time between my oil change and picking the kids up from school so I grabbed some lunch at one of my favorite sub places. When I was getting ready to pay I put my phone number in for my "rewards" and image my delight when they said my sub was free!! Woohoo craving satisfied and money in my pocket!

Symptoms - Since I am nearing the 3rd trimester (holy cow!) many of the usual symptoms are starting to show up. Back ache, muscle cramps, and braxton hicks are the top of the list right now and they are pretty manageable. I have to remind myself to slow down and take it easy from time to time especially with the twins being so active.

Looking forward to- The New Year! We will hopefully be moving into a new house (to rent) sometime in January and I can officially start nesting and then this little one will be here very soon after! I can't believe how crazy fast this time has flown (don't we all feel that way), I'm really just trying to cherish every single moment I have with this girl all to myself.

S E V E N T E E N WEEKS!

How Far Along - 17 weeks

Total Weight Gain - 5 pounds - I always laugh at the doctors office when they automatically put the little slider thing at "100" and I know they need to put it at "150"... I mean hey I am glad they think I am less than 150 but come on you do this every month!! My belly is certainly showing and there have been a few comments that I just shake my head at. Here is an example for you... a conversation between myself and an employee at SAMs club.
SAMs Club: are you having another girl? (I had Kendal and Madison with me)
Me: Yes, actually I am
SAMs Club: Awe.. my mom has three daughters
Me: Yes, Girls are great this is actually number 5 for me
SAMs Club: You need to stop having kids
Me: Uhhh..... That's why I didn't ask for your opinion

In all fairness this "girl" didn't seem to be much over 20 and probably didn't realize what was coming out of her mouth until she said it. Kendal told me that I shouldn't have told her this was baby number 5 if I didn't want her to say something negative. I contemplated this for a minute and thought maybe she was right... maybe I was asking for that kind of feedback. But really come on even if you have kids where does someone get the idea that it is ok to "publicly... out loud" say that you need to stop have children? Either way it didn't bother me just made me realize these are the types of comments I am sure I will continue to receive.. right or wrong it's the world we live in.

Maternity Clothes - Yes....I've started to realize I don't want to wear sweat pants and yoga pants all the time so I have invested in some leggings and jeans are on the list for the next purchase. I am waiting for this Florida weather to turn at least a bit cooler so I can start wearing any number of the long sleeve shirts I have.

Sleep - Ehhhh... So So... some nights are good and some nights are rough. I do find it very hard to get comfortable; I've been using the snoogle body pillow for a while now and I am not a body pillow person. I loved it at first but now I am not so sure, I am comfortable when I first go to sleep then I wake up and I hate it! Ugh... the struggle is real!

Miss anything? I still miss sushi of course and the ability to sleep a full night without needing to use the bathroom at least 2-3 times. Sleeping on my stomach and the joys of eating pasta without heartburn.

Cravings - Ok.. so I know this is going to sound crazy but I am actually  not craving subs this week. Will I eat one if put on front of me... uhhh yea, but much like most foods they no longer sound appetizing to me. I only really crave something for a short period of time.. like if I drive past a PDQ right away I am craving fries. Or if I walk past strawberries that is all I can think about for the next hour. Water with ice is still something I can't seem to get enough of, I am usually very thirsty and water is the only thing that takes care of it.

Symptoms - Heartburn and frequent restroom breaks top the list. My body hurts.. my back, my shoulders, my neck.. prenatal massage is scheduled for Tuesday.

Looking forward to- I've been feeling baby girl move off and on for a few weeks now but nothing consistent. Some days I feel her move once in a while and other days I don't feel her at all. I am looking forward to feeling those movement more consistently soon. We did see baby girl last Tuesday and she looked great measuring a full week ahead. We have our anatomy scan in a few weeks and we can't wait to see her again!

Oh and did I mention my niece was born yesterday?? My little sister and her fiance' welcomed her first baby to the world! This little one makes 5 granddaughters for my parents with one more on the way! I am so happy and proud of my sister, she did an amazing job with labor and delivery! This little girl is sure to bring lots of joy to our family... Welcome Paisley Jade - You are already loved more than you will ever know. 

15 Weeks!

How Far Along - 15 weeks

Total Weight Gain - 3 pounds - Some days I feel and look "maybe" more than 15 weeks pregnant and other days I am not sure if I think I look pregnant or just... well the alternative "I've put on a few pounds" ugh why are we so hard on ourselves?

Maternity Clothes - Still pretty much in comfy cloths at home (yoga pants all day every day) I do have to wear maternity tops as my usual shirts are just too "short". Anything other than yoga pants requires some sort of "give" in the waist area.

Sleep - So remember back at 13 weeks when I said I was sleeping well... yea that only last about 3 days and I am back to getting up several times a night and finding it hard to get comfortable. I realize I am "only" 15 weeks but let me tell you the older you are when you are pregnant the more your body DOESN'T like you! I am hoping I can start to get more rest at night soon.. thinking this is just a "phase" that ends quickly.

Miss anything?  - Sleep?? AND yes still sushi... I love instagram but wow does it seem like there are a lot of posts with photos of sushi in them lately!!

Cravings - I am pretty sure I will always type Subs in the section I don't know what it is about them but I just can't get enough. I was thinking the other day that I am sure I have always loved subs but being pregnant just really makes me want them all day every day. Water... I feel like I can't get enough even though I get pretty sick of it once in a while I still find myself wanting it... ice cold.

Symptoms - The heart burn has set in mostly at night.. hmmm maybe that's why I can't sleep. I've also become pretty dizzy and light headed most days especially if I am playing with the twins and I get up or move too fast.

Looking forward to- We have a Doctor's appointment and Ultrasound on Tuesday! This will be our second Ultrasound (first at  6 weeks) we are checking on the Subchorionic Hematoma discovered during the 6 week ultrasound. I also plan to have them take a peak just to make sure baby is in fact a girl! We are very much looking forward to seeing our little girl and how big she has gotten!