Last day of being pregnant: 34 wks and 2 days

Eviction notice

We got a call yesterday saying that the dr's all think it's time for the twins to come out as their growth has slowed right down. So had another steroid shot today, got some blood taken and have been told to show up on Monday for a c-section. Unfortunately, they are booked out all week, so it's just a matter of waiting around all day and hoping they don't have too many emergency surgeries so they can fit us in. Will be 34 weeks and 3 days by then, but they are still oh so tiny... We are very excited to meet the twins, but feeling a bit overwhelmed! And personally, I'm pretty nervous about the NICU experience, but starting to get my head around it. Just trying to decide how to spend our last day together as a childless couple. Clean the house or go out for the day and have a nice lunch/dinner??? :)

Seriously though, it's been an emotional couple of days. Swinging from being excited, to feeling totally unprepared, and then feeling sad that I'm not going to get the traditional/hollywood version of giving birth, with the big cuddle at the end.  And I can't help but feel like we are kicking these babies out.  To be honest, I always thought that they'd come out around the 34 week mark, and seems I'm right. But I just thought they'd decide when to come out and would let us know. So seeing as I still feel fine (albeit very pregnant, a bit achey, slow, etc), and the babies seem happy (lots of movement), I wonder if I should insist the doctors wait.  Their fluid levels are back to normal and the doppler readings, whilst higher than normal, is still not at freak out levels.  It's just that they both didn't put on much weight in the last two weeks (only around 100grams in two weeks).  But maybe it was just a bad two weeks? Argh, I wish I could just accept this decision.

 We wandered down to NICU today to see what we are in for, and the receptionist told me that they don't do tours anymore, I will just have to view the NICU info video online. Which I've already seen. I promptly burst into tears, so she rushed off to find out if a NICU nurse could at least talk to me. And a lady called Angela came in and told us that we'll get to see the babies after the c-section, and they'll wheel me into NICU after I'm stitched up so I can wave to them in the incubator. And they'll wheel me down the next day, if I'm not up and walking yet.  Still not ideal, but at least they don't just get whisked away. 

 She still refused to show us around for privacy reasons, but wouldn't you know it, our friends from the antenatal group walked by . There babies were born at 31 weeks due to pre-eclempsia, which was 2 weeks ago. So he said we should come with him and meet his babies (Carl and Anna) and also see his wife.  It was wonderful to talk to her about her experience and see the babies. They are so tiny! But bigger than what our babies are now, as theirs were 1.5kg when born at 31 weeks (which makes me realise we need to get my babies out and growing). He had a cpap tube and a feeding tube, and his little preemie nappy was swimming on him. But they said it has been a good introduction to parenthood, as you learn things in small doses and get lots of help.  Broke my heart though when they excitedly told us they get one cuddle a day now!  Just not what I pictured birth/motherhood to be like.  But I've told my babies that this is their journey and their birth story, and hopefully Monday and the real world wont be too much of a shock for them.

 I'm going to be a mama within days!!!!!!!!!!!

 

34 week update

How far along? 34 weeks! Woohoo! 

Baby size: TW1 is 1.5kg and TW2 is 1.9kg at today's growth scan.

Babies positions: TW1 is breech with head on my left hand side (head is right under TW2’s bottom). TW2 is transverse with bottom on my left hand side and head on my right hand side.

Total weight gain/loss: current weight is 64.75kg.

Maternity clothes? Maternity clothes all the way (or leggings/baggy dresses).

Stretch marks? Yes! Just realised that what I thought was heaps of veins around my belly button are actually heaps and heaps of stretch marks.

Sleep: So hard to fall asleep. My legs get sore or restless and I toss and turn. And tossing and turning is no easy feat! My pelvis feels so unstable so changing positions in bed is scary. I try to lie on my left hand side as much as possible, but lying on my back is still the most comfortable.
Best moment this week: Shazzy helping me get ready! She helped me pack my hospital bag (which had been sitting half packed for weeks) and also rearranged the nursery so it is all set to go.  Wait, was this this week? Make that last week! This week we took the grandparents to the Auckland art gallery to check out a photography exhibition from Brooklyn, followed by dinner at Chapel bar in Ponsonby. Also got my deluxe pedicure.
Movement: Feeling kicks or little flailing arms, from both inside and outside. And rolls. And occasionally feel a hard bottom or leg or foot/ head pressed up against my tummy.  Movements get extremely full on if I have chocolate. Will have to watch them with the sugar once they are born…
Food cravings:  Chocolate and all things naughty
Anything making you queasy or sick: Nothing much

Have you started to show yet: Yes! No hiding it. Measuring 4 weeks ahead still.

Gender: Still playing the guessing game.

Symptoms: slow, walking funny, unstable pelvis, tired, restless legs, peeing all the time.
Labor Signs: No signs yet
Things I miss:  sushi and alchohol. Drinking as much tea as I want. Sleeping on my belly. Feeling energetic. And having lots of things to wear in my wardrobe. My choices are so limited these days.
Belly Button in or out? outie.
Wedding rings on or off? off

Looking forward to: My last free Sunday with Joshy.

32 weeks!

How far along? 32 weeks! Woohoo!  Good news is that they are still inside me, with no signs of coming out. Bad news is that they are still teeny tiny, so will probably need a stay in NICU even if I make it to 36 or 37 weeks

Baby size: TW1 was 1.4kg and TW2 was 1.7kg at today's growth scan.

Babies positions: TW1 is breech and sitting on my right hand side. TW2 is head down on my left hand side 

Total weight gain/loss: current weight is 63.75kg.

Maternity clothes? Maternity clothes all the way (or leggings/baggy dresses).

Stretch marks? Nothing yet.

Sleep: So hard to fall asleep. My legs get sore or restless and I toss and turn. And tossing and turning is no easy feat! My pelvis feels so unstable so changing positions in bed is scary. I try to lie on my left hand side as much as possible, but lying on my back is still the most comfortable. But once I fall asleep, I usually manage to sleep until the alarm goes off. Or I’ll have one pee break and that is it. Had one horrendous night where I was up 4x times in the middle of the  night (pee breaks) and then to top it off, Josh woke me up twice to tell me to stop snoring. I was so tired I may have had a little cry when the alarm finally went off.
Best moment this week: So many good moments! Having Shaza and Ian here for the weekend, Siza's bday celebrations (yum cha), Josh's birthday celebrations (waiwera hot pools/slides)
Movement: Feeling kicks or little flailing arms, from both inside and outside. And rolls. And occasionally feel a hard bottom or leg or foot/ head pressed up against my tummy.
Food cravings:  No real cravings at the moment.
Anything making you queasy or sick: Nothing much

Have you started to show yet: Yes! No hiding it. Measuring 4 weeks ahead still.

Gender: Still playing the guessing game.

Symptoms: slow, walking funny, unstable pelvis, tired, restless legs, peeing all the time.
Labor Signs: No signs yet
Things I miss:  sushi and alchohol. Drinking as much tea as I want. Sleeping on my belly. Feeling energetic. And having lots of things to wear in my wardrobe. My choices are so limited these days.
Belly Button in or out? outie.
Wedding rings on or off? On

Looking forward to: Tila's hens party this weekend. And maternity leave! Looking forward to sleep ins and nanna naps! And my facial on Monday ohh bliss

31 weeks

How far along? 31 weeks! Woohoo!  Good news is that they are still inside me, with no signs of coming out. Bad news is that they are still teeny tiny, so will probably need a stay in NICU even if I make it to 36 or 37 weeks L

Baby size: TW1 was 1.1kg and TW2 was 1.3kg at last week’s growth scan. So both over 2 pounds but TW1 is below the “small but normal” range and TW2 is right on the “small but normal” line.

Babies positions: TW1 is breech and sitting on my right hand side. TW2 is kind transverse  with head on my left hand side..More head down now though.

Total weight gain/loss: current weight is 62.5kg.

Maternity clothes? Maternity clothes all the way (or leggings/baggy dresses).

Stretch marks? Nothing yet.

Sleep: So hard to fall asleep. My legs get sore or restless and I toss and turn. And tossing and turning is no easy feat! My pelvis feels so unstable so changing positions in bed is scary. I try to lie on my left hand side as much as possible, but lying on my back is still the most comfortable. But once I fall asleep, I usually manage to sleep until the alarm goes off. Or I’ll have one pee break and that is it. Had one horrendous night where I was up 4x times in the middle of the  night (pee breaks) and then to top it off, Josh woke me up twice to tell me to stop snoring. I was so tired I may have had a little cry when the alarm finally went off.
Best moment this week: Date night with Josh – we had food in the asian foodcourt and then watched the French movie “The Intouchables” at the Rialto. Great movie!
Movement: Feeling kicks or little flailing arms, from both inside and outside. And rolls. And occasionally feel a hard bottom or leg or foot/ head pressed up against my tummy.
Food cravings:  No real cravings at the moment.
Anything making you queasy or sick: Nothing much

Have you started to show yet: Yes! No hiding it. Measuring 4 weeks ahead still.

Gender: Still playing the guessing game.

Symptoms: slow, walking funny, unstable pelvis, tired, restless legs, peeing all the time.
Labor Signs: No signs yet
Things I miss:  sushi and alchohol. Drinking as much tea as I want. Sleeping on my belly. Feeling energetic. And having lots of things to wear in my wardrobe. My choices are so limited these days.
Belly Button in or out? outie.
Wedding rings on or off? On

Looking forward to: Shazzy is coming over! And Josh’s bday and Yum Cha for Siza’s bday!

30 weeks!

How far along? 30 weeks! Woohoo!

Baby size: TW1 was 1.1kg and TW2 was 1.3kg at today’s scan. So both over 2 pounds but TW1 is below the “small but normal” range and TW2 is right on the “small but normal” line.

Babies positions: Both are breech. We had a terrible time trying to figure out who was TW1 and who was TW2. Finally figured out that TW1 is on my right hand side, leading and bottom first. TW2 is a bit higher up on my left hand side and also bottom down.

Boy do they move around a lot!

Total weight gain/loss: current weight is 61.3kg. Biggest jump in weight so far I think!

Maternity clothes? Maternity clothes all the way (or leggings/baggy dresses).

Stretch marks? Nothing yet.

Sleep: So hard to fall asleep. My legs get sore or restless and I toss and turn. And tossing and turning is no easy feat! My pelvis feels so unstable so changing positions in bed is scary. I try to lie on my left hand side as much as possible, but lying on my back is still the most comfortable. But once I fall asleep, I usually manage to sleep until the alarm goes off. Or I’ll have one pee break and that is it.
Best moment this week: Hanging out with Alysha over the weekend.
Movement: Feeling kicks or little flailing arms, from both inside and outside. And rolls. And occasionally feel a hard bottom or leg or foot/ head pressed up against my tummy.
Food cravings:  No real cravings at the moment.
Anything making you queasy or sick: Nothing much

Have you started to show yet: Yes! No hiding it. Measuring about 4-6 weeks ahead at the moment.  
Gender: Still playing the guessing game.

Symptoms: slow, walking funny, unstable pelvis, tired, restless legs, peeing all the time, bloody nose.
Labor Signs: No signs yet
Things I miss:  sushi and alchohol. Drinking as much tea as I want. Sleeping on my belly. Feeling energetic.
Belly Button in or out? outie.
Wedding rings on or off? On

Looking forward to: 

The weekend and sleeping in! And finding and reading the hypnobirthing  book. I’m gonna need all the help I can get if I have to deliver these babies naturally. Eeeep!

Sidenote:  We found out that the babies have hair! 7mm long. Oh so cute!! And we saw TW1 "practice breathing" and TW2 had hiccups, poor wee mite! 

My big basketball of a belly :)

A weekend with Alysha

 My gorgeous niece flew from Syd, Aus to Auckland for a quick, weekend visit. I picked her up at around 1:30am on Friday night and then we talked until about 2:40am...oh my gosh, can she talk! Long gone are the days where she would hardly say a word hahaha.

Saturday was a wee bit of a write off as we had our 4 hour antenatal class, but that night we took her with us to our mates engagement/house warming party. Here we are, in our garden before we headed to the party.

The next day, we drove to Puhoi, about 45 mins out of Auckland. Quaint little spot with a yummy cheese factory/cafe. We arrived in time for lunch, and then Alysha and Josh tried heaps of cheeses before deciding that they liked the normal brie the best.

 

After that, we drove down the road and stopped at the cutest, tiniest little "espicurean" shop. And tried lots of yummy jams and chutneys.

And then onto the honey cafe, where you can see the bees in action and can try heaps of different types of honey (lavender honey, chocolate honey, etc). Turns out Alysha doesn't like honey at all, but was fascinating to see the bees and their hives.

We finished off the night with a dinner at Clarence street, with Josh's parents and grandparents.

Lovely weekend and we miss Alysha so much already!