A Big Surprise!

Our precious twins Samuel and Scarlett are here!  At 31 weeks, we were surprised with early labor.  At 32 weeks, our twins were born.  While it certainly wasn't the way we planned it, God had different plans for us!  We are so thankful everyone is safe and doing well.  I will catch up on the blog with pictures and all the details soon!!

30 Weeks Pregnant with Twins!

Babies are the size of cabbages this week.

How far along? 30 weeks

Cravings? It's funny, but I'm just now starting to crave sweets.  I've done a pretty good job of continuing to eat well during this pregnancy, but this past week I've just HAD to have a milkshake and a few sugar cookies!!

Stretch Marks? None yet.  I told the hubby the other day that I know I'm fighting a losing battle!  Time will tell!

Sleep?  There are no words to describe how tough it is to sleep at night.  I've stopped working, so at least I can catch a nap or two during the day now.

Movement? Feel lots of movement and rolls from baby boy.  I'm guessing it's because he's so much bigger and he's on top of baby sister.

What I miss: Not worrying!!  It's getting harder to do now that we are getting into the last weeks.  I keep reminding myself that I am not in control, but I can completely trust who is!!

Labor signs? Unfortunately, my cervix has started to shorten.  My doctor assures us there is no reason to panic yet, but it's hard not to be anxious about it.

Belly button in or out? Still in - I can't comprehend how!

What I am looking forward to this week? I was so excited to see the twins' growth scans this week!

Thoughts from this Past Week:

1. At the growth scans, we learned baby girl is still pretty petite.  She is now in the 17th percentile and weighs approximately 3.2 pounds.  Baby boy is another story!  He is now in the 98th percentile and weighs about 4.9 pounds!!!  It certainly won't be hard to tell them apart when they arrive!  We are so thankful they are both continuing to grow and gain weight.  It hit me after I left the doctor that I have about 7 pounds of baby in my tummy.  No wonder I'm already so uncomfortable!  My stomach now measures a normal singleton pregnancy at 39 weeks!!

Our Baby Shower!

Our babies were showered with lots of love last weekend!  It was such a special day and we are so blessed to have such sweet friends and family!

Baby Shower Cookies

William's Villain Birthday Cake

My sweet nephew William just turned six. He will be starting kindergarten this year and is getting so big. It makes me incredibly sad!  William loves bad guys right now and requested that Aunt Lexie make a black castle cake that was scary enough for all of this villains!  While it's not the prettiest cake I've made, he absolutely loved it so it was a mission accomplished!  Happy birthday sweet boy!

28 Weeks Pregnant with Twins!

Babies are the size of chinese cabbages this week.

How far along? 28 weeks

Cravings? Still craving lots of fruit!  Also gave in and ate two hamburgers this week! 

Stretch Marks? Continuing to wait for these to show!  Sometimes I look at my belly and wonder how in the world they aren't coming up yet!

Sleep?  I'm starting to wonder if I could sleep better propped up in a sitting position.  I just can't stay on one side for very long!

Movement? Still loving feeling them move.  I know space is about to get tight in there and the movements will slow down, so I'm enjoying every minute!

What I miss: Just being more mobile.  It's getting hard to do a lot of normal activities!

Labor signs? None yet!  Thank you Lord!

Belly button in or out? Still in - but it won't be long now!

What I am looking forward to this week? My sweet friends are hosting a baby shower for us this weekend.  I can't wait to celebrate the twins with our friends and family!

Thoughts from this Past Week:

1. We have decided on names!  It's so exciting to have names and initials now and my sweet mom is getting started monogramming!
2. Rest is coming.  My doctor has suggested I begin a leave from work soon.  I struggle with this because most of the time I do feel okay and I am happy to be contributing to the family financially as long as I can, but it simply isn't worth the risk any more.  I'm sure I'll be doing lots of crafts and reading soon, so if you have any suggestions, send them my way!!

27 Weeks Pregnant with Twins!

Babies are the size of cauliflower this week.

How far along? 27 weeks

Cravings? We were on vacation at the beach this week, so I've been eating lots of seafood.

Stretch Marks? Still waiting!

Sleep?  Sleep has been my one big complaint during this pregnancy.  It's only getting worse, and I'm sure it will continue to do so!  In the middle of the night, I just remind myself we are so glad the twins are getting bigger and I should be thankful I'm getting used to a lack of sleep now!

Movement? The more weight they put on, the bigger the movements.  Baby boy has moved up and is started to make a home under my ribs. 

What I miss: Cute shoes!  I've worn flats for the past several months and I am really missing my heels!  I'm pulling a pair out for the twins' baby shower next weekend, so I'm hoping I can still walk in them!

Labor signs? Still doing great - no labor signs! 

Belly button in or out? Flat as can be!

What I am looking forward to this week? So excited to have had a fun last vacation without kids at the beach with my family!

26 Weeks Pregnant with Twins!

Babies are the size of hothouse cucumbers this week.

How far along? 26 weeks

Cravings? We went to a BBQ Couples Shower this week and I actually ate BBQ.  I don't think I've eaten that in four years, so I know something is different!

Stretch Marks? None yet!  I had someone tell me this week that they may not show up until AFTER the twins are born.  What???

Sleep?  If I have one complaint about this pregnancy, this is it!

Movement? I think they are starting to practice fighting with each other - at least that's what it feels like sometimes!

What I miss: I would sell something really important for one good night's sleep!  I'm sure my husband would too at this point!

Labor signs? We visited my regular OB and the Maternal-Fetal Specialist this week and both said everything still looks great.  Praying these babies stay where they are for at least nine more weeks.

Belly button in or out? Still waiting!

What I am looking forward to this week? We go on our annual family beach vacation next week.  I'm so excited about leaving work and getting away for a while!

Thoughts from this Past Week:

1. We thought we had settled on baby girl's name this week - finally!  Then we realized we disagree on how it should be spelled.  I'm starting to think they really won't have names now until the hospital!  
2. At the Maternal-Fetal Specialist visit this week, we learned that we are expecting a big boy!  He currently is in the 90th percentile for his weight at 2.9 pounds!  Baby girl is in the 40th percentile at 2.1 pounds.  We all laughed at our chunky monkey, but I am so thankful they both are putting on weight.  We want them to weigh as much as possible at birth since we will be delivering earlier than couples with one baby!

25 Weeks Pregnant with Twins!

Babies are the size of rutabagas this week.

How far along? 25 weeks

Cravings? Still loving cereal and fresh fruit!  I have given in a couple of times lately to the temptation of Sour Patch Kids....my favorite!

Stretch Marks? None yet!

Sleep?  I continue to have a tough time sleeping and don't really see this getting better any time soon!  As my belly grows, even rolling from side to side is a challenge.  I'm sure I keep my hubby awake all night between this and trips to the bathroom, but he doesn't complain.  Bless him!

Movement? The kicks are definitely stronger now.  I know where each baby is positioned, so it is really fun to know which baby is moving at the time. 

What I miss: I miss not feeling aches and pains all the time.  I know having two babies is tough on your body, but I don't think I was completely prepared for it!

Labor signs? We had a little scare this week, but everything is fine and we are still praying to get to 36 weeks!

Belly button in or out? It's completely flat, so I'm just waiting for the pop!

What I am looking forward to this week? We meet with both our regular OB and the Maternal-Fetal Medicine Specialist this week, so I am looking forward to good reports and seeing our sweet babies on ultrasounds again!

Thoughts from this Past Week:

1. We are getting so close to having names for these two.  I can't wait to start calling them actual names and having things monogrammed!
2. Our trip to the hospital this week really made me put things into perspective.  I have been in overdrive preparing the nursery, working full-time, and trying to keep house.  The hubby and I both realized this week that taking it easy is not an option anymore.  It's a requirement! 

Mermaid Birthday Cake

24 Weeks Pregnant with Twins!

Babies are the size of corn this week.
 
How far along? 24 weeks

Cravings?  Watermelon and cereal!

Stretch Marks? Just waiting for them to appear! 

Sleep? Sleep is still super challenging.  I keep telling myself it is God's way of preparing me for the months of no sleep to come! 

Movement?  Feeling lots of movement now!   

What I miss: I never thought I'd say this, but exercise!  I can barely make walking around our neighborhood without stopping! 

Labor signs? None yet!  Had a great appointment this week and everything is still looking good! 

Belly button in or out? Almost out! 

What I am looking forward to this week? Continuing to work on the nursery.  Hopefully making some progress with names! 

Thoughts from this Past Week:

1. My family is amazing!  They came up last week and tackled a long list of projects.  The nursery is painted and the cribs are assembled, in addition to lots of other improvements to our house.  I feel much better now and will post pictures as the progress continues! 

23 Weeks Pregnant with Twins!

Babies are the size of large mangos this week.

How far along? 23 weeks

Cravings?  I've been feeling a little lightheaded this week, so I'm trying to remember to increase my calories.  I'm making a serious effort to contunue to eat healthy, but have definitely been adding an extra snack or two.  Cooking is not my favorite activity right now, so there's been lots of cereal, snack bars, and fruit consumed in my house!  My in-laws have a fabulous garden, so fresh blackberries have been my go-to snack this week!

Stretch Marks? Still none!

Sleep? Sleep has been better this week.  Really using my body pillow now, which doesn't leave very much room for the hubby!

Movement? Love to feel them move!  I know space is about to get really tight in my tummy in the next few weeks and I won't feel them as much, so I'm really enjoying it while I can!

What I miss: Energy.  I get winded just walking from the parking lot into work. 

Labor signs? None yet!  We have another check up next week!

Belly button in or out? Still in! Barely.

What I am looking forward to this week? My sweet family is coming into town for several days.  We have lots of projects planned: painting the nursery, assembling the cribs, organizing the closet, and more!  I will take lots of pictures to post!  So thankful for each of them.  They are always willing to help when we need it!

Thoughts from this Past Week:

1. Still no progress on a name for baby girl.  We do have a first name for baby boy, but haven't settled on a middle name!  Any suggestions for us?
2.  Thankful that our 22 week scans looked great.  Will start going to the doctor every two weeks after our next appointment.  I can't believe it!   

DIY Nursery Closet Dividers

This was such a fun project!  I used several tutorials online to make DIY closet dividers for the twins' nursery this weekend.  Here's a step-by-step tutorial you can use to make your own!  I'm thinking these will be my new favorite gift to give at baby showers. 

Materials Needed:

(I found all my supplies at Michaels)
Eight Wooden Square Shapes
Solid Color Card Stock
Ribbon
Pretty Scrapbook Paper
Mod Podge
White Paint
Drill
Paint Brushes or Sponges
Baby Outfit Template
Letter and Number Stickers

The first step is to paint the sides of your wooden squares. The scrapbook paper will not cover the sides, so I decided to paint mine for a more finished look.

After the white paint has dried, use one of your squares as a template to trace on the back of your decorative scrapbook paper.  I could fit four to a page.  Don't forget to also make enough to cover the back of your dividers too.  I was making eight dividers, so I cut out 16 paper squares.

  

To make the baby outfit template, you can draw it or use one of many online templates.  I made one and used it to trace the others on my card stock.  I only put these on the front of the dividers, so I made eight.  

Now for the fun part!  I assembled all of my pieces using a sponge brush and Mod Podge.  This was the first time I've used it, and it was definitely a learning experience!  First, use the Mod Podge to glue your paper squares to the front of your wood shapes.

Next, apply a layer to your baby outfits and glue those on top of the paper and add your stickers.  Once all of the pieces are attached, add a final layer of Mod Podge to the top of everything to seal it.  

When the fronts are dry, attach the rest of your paper squares to the back of the dividers and apply more Mod Podge. Let this side dry.

Once everything is completely dry, get out the drill!  Or, you can let the hubby do this part like I did! Drill holes in the center top of your dividers.  This is where the ribbon will go through, so make sure your holes are large enough!  Insert your ribbon and these sweet dividers are ready to hang!

I'm so happy with how these turned out and can't wait to make more for my friends who are expecting.  Now I just need some sweet baby clothes to add to the closet!

22 Weeks Pregnant with Twins!

Babies are the size of spaghetti squash this week. Baby boy weighs about 1 pound 4 ounces and baby girl weighs about 1 pound. 

How far along? 22 weeks

Cravings? I've been eating a pretty healthy diet during my pregnancy, but I did make the hubby stop at Steak and Shake on Saturday to get me a mocha milkshake.  Does it make it better that I said no to the whipped cream?

Stretch Marks? Still none! 

Sleep? Still struggling to get a good night's sleep.  Sweet hubby swapped the mattresses (again) in our bedroom and the guest bedroom (up the stairs) in hopes of trying to help.

Movement? I'm feeling stronger movements more often now.  It makes my day every time!

What I miss: I miss sleeping on my stomach!

Labor signs? None yet!

Belly button in or out? Still in!

What I am looking forward to this week? Doing a few DIY projects for the nursery this weekend.  I'll make sure to post about them!

Thoughts from this Past Week:

1. Our first try at deciding on baby girl's name didn't result in a decision.  Hoping we can make up our minds SOON! 
2.  Designing a nursery for both a boy and a girl is tough!  Finally made a decision on crib bedding and cribs this week, so I'll do a nursery post when it's all pulled together. 
3. So thankful for my sweet mother, who continues to help with anything I need her to do. 

21 Weeks Pregnant with Twins!

I saw this cute idea on another blog recently so I’ve decided to copy it so I can remember the little details of pregnancy!

Babies are the size of bananas this week. They weigh about 12.7 ounces and are 10 1/2 inches long.

How far along? 21 weeks

Symptoms? Still tired, but that could be from the lack of sleep I’ve been getting lately!

Cravings? I haven’t really had any cravings yet, but I’m definitely hungry every couple of hours.

Stretch Marks? None so far. But I am trying to prepare myself that it might happen; I am carrying two babies! Still using belly butter every time I get out of the shower!

Sleep? Before pregnancy, I  loved sleep and looked forward to getting at least 8 hours each night. Unfortunately, sleeping is now really difficult. I am really uncomfortable and wake up every couple of hours.

Movement? What felt like little flutters the past couple of weeks are now getting stronger on some days.  I used to feel baby boy more, but baby girl is starting to dance along with him.

What I miss: I miss being active and having energy! I also miss wearing my normal clothes and not worrying constantly about these two little babies inside of me.

Labor signs? None yet! Praying they stay put for at least 36 weeks!

Belly button in or out? Still in, but it’s definitely stretched. I’m sure it will be out soon!

What I am looking forward to this week? Starting to pull together the nursery!

Thoughts from this Past Week:

1. I’m ready to decide on names! It’s definitely harder than I thought it would be. We are going to really try and narrow down baby girl ideas this weekend, so hopefully I’ll have more to report next week!
2. I’m really trying to learn that it’s okay if the house needs mopping and dusting and dinner is just sandwiches. Thankfully, I have a sweet hubby who doesn’t mind! 
3. I had someone say to me last week that once these precious babies come, my life will be over. She was serious. I wanted to tell her how much these lives were desperately wanted and prayed for. I know that even though it will be tough, our lives are only going to be better and richer because of our twins!

Our Gender Reveal!

I thought long and hard about our twins' gender reveal!  Before I ever got pregnant, I used to think I would want to wait to find out the gender until the birth.  Then we found out we were expecting twins! The hubby was not on board with waiting and I knew the planner in me needed to know what we were having.  So we decided to find out and then have a fun time telling our families.

On the day of the big ultrasounds, I prayed and prayed they would be cooperative and let us see!  Luckily, they were!  We turned our heads as the nurses found the genders and wrote them in cards for us to open later that night at our special restaurant.  We opened Baby A before the entrees and Baby B before dessert!  The suspense was hilarious, but I'm so glad we shared that special time finding out together.  

I spent the next few days planning a gender reveal party for my family that weekend.  I am richly blessed to have the family that I do, and these babies are already so loved.  We had the best time celebrating!

The "gender poll."  Hubby and I made our guesses before we opened our cards earlier in the week.

The pink team - guessed two girls!

The blue team - guessed two boys!

The yellow team - guessed one of each!

IT'S A GIRL AND A BOY!!!!!

 We are beyond excited and feel so incredibly blessed!  

Later in the weekend, we visited hubby's parents and told them by wrapping two picture frames.  His sweet mother has been going through chemo and radiation, so it was extra special to share the news with her.

Here are the official cards and pictures telling us what they are.  We can't wait to meet our baby girl and baby boy!