Thursday, August 30, 2012

Another walker!!

Little Miss Alex....is officially walking!!

She took a few steps on her own on August 17th (just shy of 13months!), and she's just getting much more independent as each day passes! I swear she'll be running much sooner than Sofi did!

Last night when I got home, my dad and I actually took the girls for a "walk" instead of putting them in their stroller. Sofi likes to wander off on her own but I'm trying to teach her to hold hands. She'll hold it for a few steps and then lets go - kind of like an "OK, I did what you wanted, wasn't that enough for you?" Alex held on to my hand or my dad's for the whole time - until she got tired and decided that sitting on the ground and playing with the sidewalk cracks was more fun! But we made it to the end of the block and back (it's only about 6 houses, but hey - they're only one!)

So now we need to see how they're going to do in my cousin's wedding! I have a feeling Sofi will bolt to the alter and Alex will just stand there and wave to everyone! It's going to be awesome! I can't wait for my cousin to get married and I'm so excited that the girls get to be a part of her day.


Tuesday, July 17, 2012

20 Weeks - Half Baked!

Where has the time gone??? How can I be 20 weeks pregnant??
Time really has flown and I don't see it slowing down at any point. But life is really good.

This pregnancy is going great. I can't complain a single bit about it. This poor babe is getting beaten up by little miss A and miss S, but s/he takes it like a trooper! I hope it will be the same on the outside! Not much to report. We have our anatomy scan tonight. Looks like H really wants to find out the sex, but I just can't seem to agree. I LOVED finding out in the delivery room - it was so magical to hear the words and see their faces all at the same time. It's killing me not to know, but I just want that moment for the two - well actually three of us to share and have for us. I don't want anyone else in on knowing what's cooking. I know I don't make any sense, but I fear the "magic" will be lost for me. But, above all else, I just can't wait to see mini-mart C. It's been too long!

As for little miss A and little miss S - my how they are growing. We went to a party for our BFF's youngest son on Saturday (well, my mom, the girls and I) and I actually had to spend my time running around after little toddling Sofi - like she walked all over the place! Not just a step here and then time to pick her up - like walking consistently! I was in total shock realizing that things had changed forever.

Meanwhile, little miss Alex hung out with Grandma and got to blow bubbles and relax. She's such a little stinker! I can't wait to sign them up for swim lessons! I think Alex is going to rock it. She takes the biggest strides when she crawls - she gets to where she wants to be FAST! I'm thinking this might translate into good swimming strokes. We'll see!

What else - Sofi is now getting her lower lateral incisors (the #2's for those like me who know nothing about the names of teeth!) Alex is working on those upper molars. I don't see signs of Alex wanting to walk any time soon - but this is the girl who does things all out - so maybe she's hiding her talent!

And we have a huge event coming up - these little ladies are turning ONE!! The party is on Sunday and I hope they have a good time. I'm just sad that I think many of the kids aren't coming - but whatever! I know they'll still have a great time and maybe it will just be less stressful for me.

Then the following week, we're going away for a few days. Hopefully the girls will actually get a chance to get some actual beach and pool time. I hope the weather holds up nicely and they actually enjoy it. I've never had a chance to take them to a pool, and we've only walked around the beach.

Then after that - we get to take some family pictures! I can't wait! I just need to get all our outfits together and I hope I can find some cute ones for the girls. So far there are some good ones, but nothing I'm in love with.

And now for the weekly (or almost) quiz:

How far along? 20 weeks

Weight gain/loss: I think just 2lbs, I've been sick for what seems like FOREVER and I know I had dropped a bit a few days ago - so hopefully I'm making up for it and will actually start gaining soon. This is pretty much what happened with the girls - I really didn't start gaining until the second half or maybe 3rd tri - so we'll get there!

Feeling: Besides this left over cough - pretty darn good! Can't complain!

Maternity clothes? Still a mix - but I don't think I can pull off the non-maternity pants too much longer. I only do it out of desperation.

Sleep: Still doing good!

Food cravings: None. I just find it hard to find something that I really want to eat.

Movement? Starting to get some more distinct kicks and movements - but I think it's far less than what I was feeling with the girls.

What I miss? Still just Sushi or an Ahi steak and a fruity cocktail.

Best moment this week: Realizing how big the girls are getting. I just know they're going to be such amazing big sisters.

What I'm looking forward to: So much! Ultrasound tonight, OB appointment tomorrow, the girls party, their actual birthday, our trip and our pictures! I have alot to look forward to and I'm very excited!

Next Appointment: Anatomy scan is tonight and an OB appointment tomorrow. I'll finally get to discuss about delivery options and our plan. I'm excited to see what she has to say and I hope she understands my concerns since she did see me the day after surgery!

Milestones:
Your baby weighs about 10 1/2 ounces now. He's also around 6 1/2 inches long from head to bottom and about 10 inches from head to heel — the length of a banana. (For the first 20 weeks, when a baby's legs are curled up against his torso and hard to measure, measurements are taken from the top of his head to his bottom — the "crown to rump" measurement. After 20 weeks, he's measured from head to toe.)
He's swallowing more these days, which is good practice for his digestive system. He's also producing meconium, a black, sticky by-product of digestion.

Monday, July 2, 2012

Alot has happened...

OK, so there go my great thoughts of keeping up this blog.

So a lot has happened in the last month or so. The biggest and most devastating is that FIL passed away at the beginning of June. It's been tough, but we all know that he's in a better place and not hurting anymore. I still wish I had more time with him before his stroke over six years ago. DH and I had only been married 5 months when it happened. But he was a kind man and reminded me a lot of my own dad. The first time when my IL's met my parents, (it was still early in our relationship and we weren't sure where we stood, but things happen) Well, I remember that he turned to me and said, "I don't care what you and my son decide, these are MY friends now." And boy did that make my mind whirl with possible trips and things we could all do together. Unfortunately, the time to do that in was very short. But I do know that he loved his whole family and was so happy to see all of us, but it was so hard that he couldn't participate the way he wanted. He will be missed.

Other than that, I have to say that everything is good! The girls are 11 months old now and I can't believe all the things that their doing. Sofi started walking at just after 10 months old! Alex is still content with crawling and begging to be held! But she is talking a bit - saying "mama" or "humhum" when needed. They are both sort of babbling now - like they have conversations with them selves and the tone sounds so real but the words are non existent! I keep trying to get a good one on tape, but it's hard!

They're walking or crawling all over the house. They love going up the stairs. When they get to a landing they sit and clap! We have plenty of teeth coming in - Alex is working on her molars, she also cut her #2's on the bottom (can you tell that I don't know enough about teeth!) I think she's working on more, but she won't let me see! I do have her wearing an Amber Necklace - not sure if it's helping, but she looks so cute in it!! Sofi is working on a few teeth too - her canines are coming in and I'm sure there are more, again - she won't let me see!

I'm in the middle of planning their birthday party, while I'm excited about it, I'm so sad that they're growing up so fast! I just hope we enjoy the party - it's getting a little too big for my taste.

I still don't believe that #3 is on it's way. I'll be 18weeks tomorrow. Yikes! But I've always wanted to do these update things, so I hope I can complete a few more than I did with the girls.

How far along? 17 weeks and 6 days

Weight gain/loss: I think just 2lbs still. The girls don't let me remember to eat!

Feeling: Doing ok. I can't walk fast, I get winded, but it's not bad at all yet.

Maternity clothes? Since I weigh less than I did before getting pregnant with the girls, some of my old pants actually still fit! But the maternity pants are out! The tops should be as well, because my regular ones are getting a little short.

Sleep: Same as before pregnancy. The biggest issue is that the girls do not know how to sleep until 6am at least! They get up around 5:15am no matter when they go to sleep. I know I leave early for work, but it's hard to make sure DH has everything under control and then get myself out the door!

Food cravings: None really. Just an aversion to meat type things - chicken, fish, steak. I do force it down, but I'll take fruit, salad or pasta over it any day!

Movement? Funny - I know I felt things really early this time - like 12-13 weeks - But I'm not feeling as much now. I keep telling myself it's because of the girls and how much they keep me busy, so the poor baby needs to rest when they're not jumping on me!

What I miss? Not much. Just sushi and a cocktail. It's not that I drink much, but there was a yummy signature drink at a wedding I went to recently, and I couldn't have it!

Best moment this week: Just being able to spend time with the girls and take them to the park.

What I'm looking forward to: Not too much fun going on this week - but I hope I get to see my dear friends this weekend! I miss them so much and hate how our schedules are so hard to coordinate.

Next Appointment: Anatomy scan is on the 17th and an OB appointment on the 18th. Still not sure if I want to find out or not!

Milestones: Finally, your baby's arms, legs and trunk have caught up to the size of his head. Baby starts plumping up this week, as body fat is deposited under his skin and sweat glands develop. Also, the placenta is almost as big as your baby.

Friday, May 25, 2012

12 Weeks 3 Days

Just so I don't forget - I think I feel the baby rolling! These were the first movements I felt with the girls too - mostly Alex since she was baby A. I still can't believe it's real! WOW! OK - I'll post more next week. The girls are going great!

Wednesday, May 9, 2012

It's been a while...again!

I'm getting bad at updating again. So around 4/23 we noticed Alex's top teeth coming in! Finally!! It's been a good few weeks where the girls aren't rubbing their gums and crying and just uncomfortable. It makes me so happy! This past weekend, 5/5, I noticed that Sofi's top left (lateral incisor) had cut her through her gums! She has such a cute row of top teeth, but it's so hard to get a good picture of them! Her upper lip doesn't reveal them. The girls are just doing great. They're standing all over the place. Not quite ready to cruise yet, but I'm in no rush. I just love watching Sofi make sure that her hand is in a place that will support her - it's funny to watch her test the waters. Alex, she tends to either stay in one spot or be a little reckless. Grandma N came and stayed with us for a few days. It was great for the girls to get to see her - this twice a month thing isn't enough for them to really form a bond with her. Today we're headed to Se.ars to get some pics of the girls. My aunt gave us a gift certificate for pictures and I'm excited to use it. I hope they're in a good mood! This weekend is Mother's Day! I'm excited. Not so much about what I'll get or what DH will do for me, but we have a little secret that I'm dying to get out! Mini-Mart 3.0 is due to arrive 12/4/2012!! Yup. that's right. We're going to have 3 under 2! We were shocked, surprised and oh so pleased when we found out. Who would have thought that we would go from being an infertility statistic to a "I knew someone who tried for three years, got pregnant, had twins, then got pregnant on their own!" Yeah - I guess it doesn't always take a team of Reproductive Endocrinologists, Embryologists, Anesthesiologists, countless nurses, appointments, money and heartache for it to happen. There can be a sweet surprise! We're still in shock about it all, and I have no clue how we're going to manage this. But we'll figure it out. I'm thrilled and I just want an uneventful pregnancy, delivery and recovery.

Thursday, April 12, 2012

FET#1 - Numbers

Just so I don't forget these numbers:

TTC#1 since 2008
FET#1 - Transfer on 11/16 - BFP!!
Beta#1=516
Beta#2=1136
Beta#3=2433
9 week u/s - Still Two Heartbeats!!

This was in my siggy on one of my boards. I figure it's time to get rid of it and make some room for more pictures, but I just don't want to forget these numbers!

In other news, the girls are keeping us on our toes! They are standing everywhere they can and it scares me! Many of their PJ's don't have the grippy-things and we have hardwood floors - you can imagine my fear. I think they need new ones ASAP! Those things are just easier to keep them in all day than pants and socks. They ALWAYS pull off their socks. It never fails. People at the store always comment that someone is missing a sock - I know - it's usually in the bottom of the stroller!

I think they are both getting the "mama" and "papa" thing - not that they know who they are calling - but they do make the sounds when they chatter. I can't wait until they actually KNOW who they are calling!

This morning the girls were on our bed and DH was feeding Alex and trying to change Sofi's diaper. He picked up Sofi and she wanted out of his arms, so I offered her to come to me - she dove into my arms! I LOVE that they actually want to come to me and know that they want that! Don't worry though, she jumped right back into her daddy's arms two minutes later - she just needed a little mama loving!

And finally! I hope this picture posting works...

Photobucket

A little taste of our Easter Sunday. We spent it at my parents house and had a blast! They had so many family members over and got some great toys to play with!

Thursday, April 5, 2012

They're changing way too fast...

Seriously, my little babies are just growing up way too fast!
In the last two weeks, Sofi has cut her two top teeth, is pretty much crawling and exploring, she's pulling herself to standing, and she's so stinkin' cute! We find her "stuck" in the most funny places - she manages to get under the jumparoo, but can't quite fiqure out how to climb back over the metal rods! So she sits under it, trying to get out, but her head hits the contraption and she gets frustrated! My mom has also found her trying to stand by using the bottom bars of the bar stool chairs, and she's also been found on the platform thing of their high chairs. It's so wonderful to see her explore and find new things, and she's taken a liking to licking the floor. Yeah - I actually have to tell my child to not lick the floor. I can only imagine what it's going to be like at the playground with her.

Miss Alex is just as fun to watch! She's finally managing to sit from all fours! She still lays there and "complains" for a while, but we all know she can do it. She's also able to put her snacks in her mouth! I think she's getting the hang of her pincer grasp (I think that's what it's called!) She took each snack I had in the palm of my hand and put them right in her mouth! She also seems to be my early riser. This morning she was wide awake at 6am. I needed to get to work, so I left her to play in her crib with some toys. She's standing in her crib too - but she's not as quick to do that, so she's still pretty safe to just leave in there.

Goodness - what else. Easter is this weekend, I'm excited to take them for their Easter Bunny pictures (hopefully we'll make it on Saturday) and then we're off to church and my mom's on Sunday. It's going to be nice to hang out with family.

My aunt and uncle are also supposed to be at our house today to hang out with the kids - I hope they all have a fun time and get to play and go outside.

The girls just love to be outside! Anywhere! This past weekend my friends L & N were coming over and instead of going to the grocery store the night before, we went to the local high school's food truck fundraiser. (Which was so much fun and yummy!) That meant that on Saruday morning I had to hit the store, by myself, with the girls. Well, it actually went really well! I strapped Sofi in the Bjorn, and I put Alex in the cart. I will admit to doing a little dancing around to make sure we didn't have any tears, but that was totally fun. I gave them their bottle as I was loading the car and they slept all the way home. Unfortunatly, they didn't stay asleep for very long after I took them upstairs. I was barely getting myself into a nice groove to put away groceries and get some snacks ready for my friends - when what do I hear, but both girls crying. Well, I scratched the groceries and decided to get them bathed and dressed. We came downstairs and I had Sofi in the jumparoo and I was holding Alex when L & N came in.

Off the bat, L asks to hold Alex. She gets in L's arms and looks at me with a pouty lower lip (remind me to take a picture of this - it's way too cute!) but otherwise she's fine. We get to Sof who is not enjoying the jumparoo so I take her out. N asks to hold her. I warn him that she may start to cry. It didn't take more than 30 seconds for all out screaming and crocodile tears. Poor N was a champ and took it in stride, not giving up the chance to hold her. Unfortunatly, Sof just didn't want anything to do with him. And as we have learned, if Sofi is that upset, it gets Alex upset, and as soon as Sof calms down, Alex gets all riled up. So you can imagine to their surprise, that we needed to sit on the floor so I could manage to hold both kids and calm them down a bit. It took over a half hour, but soon Alex really warmed up to Lauren and even fell asleep on her lap. Sofi totally warmed up as well and was having fun with both of them.

This little episode made me very nervous about having my cousins watch the girls the next day. I went in prepared for a crying fest and was so suprised when they were totally fine with them. They have seen my cousins more than L & N, but I was still worried. They had a great time while mom and grandma went to the shower.

Well I'm off to get Alex and Sofi their hair bows for this Sunday! I hope the kiosk has the colors I need!