Monday, December 31, 2007

Week 0

Born 12/25/2007






Nicholas Oliver 8:30 PM
6 lbs 7oz
21 inches



Addison Jane 8:34 PM
5 lbs 7oz
18.5 inches



Everyone is doing great!

Tuesday, December 25, 2007

Week 38


We went into the hospital on Saturday afternoon to get gels (helps with dilation). The plan was to be there twice a day for the next three days. When we went back for our second one they said she was having too many contractions (so minor that Erin didn't even notice them) so they sent us home.

At midnight she did start noticing them every 5 minutes for an hour. We called the hospital and after another hour of contractions we went in. They got Erin all hooked up to monitors and checked her out. We spent the night and in the morning they decided to send us home - walk of shame!

Sunday we were both exhausted and laid around the house all day. Again that night the contractions came on and they were strong - making the last night seem like a joke. The hospital said we should come back in, so we were on our way (a little more calm than the last time). Again all the monitoring and this time some good drugs to help Erin sleep. Morning came and another walk of shame. Rejected again! Though before we left the Dr. said if the contractions are as painful again tonight we could come in and they would help her sleep.

Back at home on Christmas Eve day, Erin was too uncomfortable to travel to see family, but my Aunt and Uncle from Michigan and my Mom and Sister stopped by with groceries and for a short visit. I ran a few errands and we watched some movies as Erin suffered through painful contractions. At about 9pm we decided to head in again (this time we brought cookies). About half way through the night it became clear that today was gonna be the day! At about 3am Erin was set up with an epidural and at 7:30am they broke her water.

So now we are waiting...

Tuesday, December 18, 2007

Week 37

It is week 37 and still no babies here. My Doctor says the amnio was borderline - indicating that waiting one more week to induce is the best option. I guess Christmas babies will be arriving sometime next week or over the weekend.


Shield your eyes if you're a bit squeamish, here is my belly in its full glory.






I have been fighting boredom with movies, a birthday dinner last week at the chatterbox and various outings to ride in a wheelchair in the stores. Steve is happy to push me, at least I can keep up. There really is a place for fun in your life at the Mall of America. It was not too crowded, but maybe too many football fanatics for my liking, both Bears and Vikings.




I've got some pants that I thought would be much more comfortable if I wore suspenders, the problem was that I didn't own any suspenders. I remembered my dad having some so I asked him if I could borrow them. There is only one problem with them...

Saturday, December 8, 2007

week 35

Hello everyone. I've been a bit behind on this lately - sorry.


We brewed another batch of beer with our friends Jason and Jana (though I sat this one out for the most part). We also bottled the beer we brewed before - should be ready to try next week (for those who aren't pregnant). Check out more photos here.

Biggest news and accomplishment is that the nursery is ready!!!


Friday, November 23, 2007

Week 34

Wow - only 3 weeks to go. We've had so many photos of me and Steve thus far, I thought it would be good to post a few others.





Here's "Baby A"






And "Baby B"





These ultrasounds were taken in September. "Baby A" is the boy and he's referred to as "A" because he's the lowest and will be born first. We've had so many ultrasounds - it seems hard to
believe that most people only have one and even harder to believe that not that long ago, no one had them.



Steve and I have a niece and nephew as well. My sister gave birth to Kennedy almost 2 years ago. Here she is helping with the Thanksgiving punch.







Steve's sister gave birth to our nephew Christopher 2 years ago in February. He lives down in Dallas, so we don't get to see him as often as we'd like to.




And we can't forget our first two babies: Scooter and Pickles.

Week 33



We got together with our game night crew. I don't think we got around to playing any games. We were much too busy with catching up, hearing exciting news and eating spectacular home made pot pies! We had to leave early because I was way too tired, I hope the group got to play some games without us.

The nursery is coming along. Steve's dad finished painting and we started moving furniture in. Once we get it REALLY put together, we'll take a much better photo.



For Thanksgiving this year I'm taking full advantage of my current state. We headed to my Sister Kelly's house and I got away with just bringing a pie. Good food and a pretty casual day with my family.

I'm now at the point where I see my doctor every week. Nothing is going to get past her during this last month. I do a non-stress test every week - basically they monitor the babies' heart beats and contractions for a half hour while I sit in a lazyboy chair. This is what I do most of the day, just without all the monitors.

Tuesday, November 13, 2007

Week 32

We had a busy weekend (busy by my current standards at least). Saturday we went to a clinic to test our car seat installation. Something like 85% of baby seats are installed incorrectly. There are free clinics monthly all over the state to check you out. It was quick and easy and yeah... our seats were not quite right - but now they are!



We then drove to Eau Claire Wisconsin for an art exhibit at the University. We saw some great stuff - you should make the short drive to check it out. Don't tell my Doctor I left the state.



Sunday was the fourth and final baby shower with a bunch of my long time girlfriends. It was fun to see everyone. Special thanks to the hostesses! Check out photos here.

Tuesday, November 6, 2007

Week 31 - 9 Years

Steve and I celebrated our 9 year anniversary today. Wow, 9 years - hard to believe how time flies. At the same time, it's hard to believe how much our lives have changed in 9 years. Nothing like how they'll change in the next 9 years I'm sure.


We went to WA Frost for dinner and had a wonderful meal (and dessert). They say you can take a break from the Diabetic diet for special occasions, but I was pretty good.

As predicted last week, I'm done at work. This is my first week off, but I'm managing to keep busy (and Steve busy as well). Lots to do before the kids arrive, speaking of... we are making progress on the nursery. Truth be told, our friend Bryan is making progress on the nursery - but let's not get hung up on details.


It's still got a ways to go - but we're moving forward.

Sunday, October 28, 2007

Week 30



Managing diabetes has been a bit of a challenge between not having the correct equipment at times and blood glucose readings. I have had to adjust my diet, but I may have to go on insulin if my numbers are not favorable. Gestational diabetes is farily common for multiples - but that's little comfort. It is not good for the babies or me to have high or low blood sugars. I take my blood 4 times a day, so I just need to report to the diabetes clinic if my numbers are off 4 of 7 readings after each meal. Wish me luck.





Steve and I brewed some beer last night. It is a beer kit I had given to him last year for our anniversary. It is a beer from the french region of Belgium...mmmmmmmm...... It should be ready to drink by the time I am, some time this spring. It's been a long time since we last brewed, it was a lot of fun and this is the time of the year to be brewin' - anyone want to join us for our next one!?! More photos here


I am half days at work and this may be my last week (I don't think so - Steve). My doctor has shared I won't go past Christmas (36 weeks). That means that I only have 6 weeks left - holy crap we've got a lot to do.

Sunday, October 21, 2007

Week 29

We had a fabulous baby shower last night at the Ritters (see photos here). It was my third shower - but the first for Steve because it was a couples shower. Thanks to everyone who joined us - we had a great time. And super special thanks to Ania and Jonah for organizing and hosting!

Here's an update on the Nursery:
As you can see - it's nowhere near complete. Steve removed the bed, but we still need to paint, acquire and assemble furniture, clean, decorate, organize... we've got a long way to go.


Every Sunday night we read from our week by week pregnancy book. Steve seems to read much more frequently than I do. It's been a nice weekly tradition together, maybe we'll continue after we finish this book - I wonder if Steve will read, "Twins, the First Year" to me.
I was diagnosed with Gestational Diabetes and took a class last week. I'll cover this topic next week.
Thanks for all the nice e-mails and comments that so many of you left.

Sunday, October 14, 2007

Week 28

Steve talked me into starting a blog to keep people posted during the pregnancy and beyond. I'll update with what I'm going through, photos and what the kids are up to.


Getting everyone up to speed:


We are expecting Twins (a boy and a girl). The due date is January 12th, but my doctor says I won't be going past December - so it's looking like holiday babies are on the way.


Most recently I found out I have gestational diabetes. I'll have a class on that shortly, for now I'm hopeful I'll be able to control it with diet.


Steve and I have been taking a birthing class for parents expecting multiples through United Hospital. It's been great to get a perspective entirely focused on multiples. The class is 6 weeks and has 5 couples in it.


I've joined M.O.M.'s (Mothers of Multiples) an organization for Mothers expecting and experiencing multiples. I've yet to attend any events, but I'm looking forward to meeting Mom's in this group for information and support - plus they have legendary garage sales twice a year.


That's all for now, keep checking back and leave comments!


Erin