10.03.2012

.Peculiar Babies. {16} Final Thoughts


.Final Thoughts.
I can't believe this incredble journey Levi and I have been through together. And it all ends and restarts tomorrow! It doesn't feel like it really should have gone by this quickly. I am trying to wrap up all my final thoughts before tomorrow and I am having brain fog. I don't even know how to explain how I feel exactly. I even tried explaining it to Levi and I couldn't...
Pregnancy had it ups and downs that is for sure! But to be completly honest, I was grateful for it every single day. From the day we found out we were pregnant I decided that I was going to be positive the entire time. Even if anything were to happen along the way, or when I knew it would be hard. Why? Because of my sister Christy. She has been the #1 reason I have chosen to laugh when it hurts and smile when I wasn't happy. She was and is my best supporter (besides Levi of course), even though I know how hard it has got to be on her. I don't think I would have been able to do this without her. We grew closer this year and words cannot describe the blessing that alone has been for me. She has become one of my best friends. One of my favorite things to do this pregnancy was go over to my moms on days I didn't work and hang out with my mom and her all day. (and of course all of our Last Chance runs together). So thank you Christy, I don't think I could ever tell you this in person without crying, so I hope you're read this! Love you.
Everyone has been telling us how our world is going to be flipped upside down, how hard it is going to be and that we should live up our last days as the "2" of us. And I believe all you, but just like my pregnancy, I am choosing to laugh when it's stressful and when I want to cry. I know there will be long days and nights and that it will be a challenge, but I don't think me becoming a mom or Levi becoming a dad could have happened at a better time for us. Do I still get anxiety when I hear a newborn cry, of course. But the support we have with family, friends and ward members makes me know that we are going to be ok. One of the best texts of encouragment I got today was from my sister Hillary's SIL, Kelly. She has twins who are 8 and in her text she said "You really cannot imagine the incredible amount of joy these little babies are about to bring you. It's going to be a whirlwind of emotions so cut yourself some slack (she knows how hard I can be on myself) and savor this amazing experience. Twins are a unique privilege from our Heavenly Father but they are NOT for the faint of heart. As parents of multiples we're kinda special, as I'm sure you've seen and will soon fully grasp". I know I can do this, and I am ready.
I have been reading Baby Wise and Healthy Sleep Habits, Happy Twins on how to grasp the schedule of eat-play-sleep. I really enjoy the organization of it all, because I have a slight OCD with being organized so reading these books has given me hope and I am excited for the challenge.
I am becoming a mom tomorrow of 2 beauiful babies, a son and a daughter. It's 10:30pm and I have to be up at 4am to get myself ready to be to the hospital by 5:30am. I do not have an ounce of tiredness in me, all I can think about is how natural this all feels. Becoming a mom is a natural feeling for me I guess. I don't know if it's because I have 29 nieces and nephews I've grown up with or what, but I now know my final answer of when people would ask me if I was ready and I didn't know what to say at the time...but my answer is "It all feels so natural and I am ready".
Less than 9 hours. Tomorrow is going to be one of THE best days of my life, and I wouldn't want to experience it with anyone else by my side but Levi. The past few weeks I have slown down a ton, and Levi has truly surprised me with how willing and helpful he has been. He has proven himself once again on being the best husband. Recovery isn't going to be easy but I know how hard of a worker he is and how much easier it will be on me having him there.
Tomorrow is also my mom's birthday. I got to choose the 3rd, 4th or 5th to have my c-section and the 4th it is! I couldn't figure out a more perfect gift to give my mom than Twin Grandbabies! So Happy Birthday Mom! Thank you for helping me out so much with this pregnancy and helping me get situated with everything. From my nursery bedding, to burp cloths and blankets, to helping me stay calm and keep positive thoughts about what I am getting ready to go through. I love you and hope tomorrow is the best for you!

9.30.2012

.Belly Roll.

8 weeks ago we went to my friend Brooklyn's wedding in Mesa. It was in August and a majority of the wedding was outside. Including the dancing. Well most of you who Levi, knows he LOVES to dance! But here I am 29 weeks pregnant and not wanting a thing to do with dancing, especially in the heat. He convinced me...I'm such a sucker. Only exception, he goes first. Then I followed in on his lead and did "The Belly Roll". Who knew it would have been as funny as it was and that big of a hit?! I sure didn't!!
We were at a friends house last night and I/Levi had me, show all of them. It had some of them in tears. It's not as easy or comfortable to do now but I'm going to have to video tape me doing the "Belly Roll" before Thursday!

9.12.2012

.Peculiar Babies. {15}

Last week Levi and I were laying in bed and I couldn't sleep so I asked him if he would play with my hair and talk to me. We reminisced about our favorite moments and thoughts we both had from when we met, dated, got engaged and the first couple years of our marriage and all of our favorite trips. It was fun to just lay there and talk and giggle about all these memories we had for over an hour. It was just what I needed. Some Levi time all to myself. Makes me understand and realize the importance of having "us" time like that often after the babies get here.
I'm 36 weeks and 5 days (the picture of me is when I was 34 weeks). Babies will be here in 4 days. I am having to get a c-section due to both babies being breached and Baby Boy being over my cervix. If anything, having a scheduled c-section is more of a relief. I like to be on a schedule and so this is right up my alley! I'm still not fully prepared, but I don't know if I ever could be. I have gotten a lot bigger the past few weeks and have a few stretch marks that made their debut earlier last week. I am totally ok with it tho, I'm still amazed that Levi and I are getting this blessing to be parents to twins. So until Thursday morning we are taking in every second of being together and getting things done.

9.01.2012

.Peculiar Babies. {14}

I have been blessed with an easy pregnancy so far, sleeping through the night, can still fit my legs and butt in most my jeans with a belly band to help keep them up since I obvisously cannot button them, have only gained 20-25pds, working out 3-5 times a week for anywhere from 30-60min and can still work doing nails and toes 20-30hrs a week. How I got so lucky, who knows! But I am ever so thankful every day for my health and the ability to carry these babies.
I am 32 1/2 weeks right now, and up till 31 weeks I didn't have 1 complaint. Until now...and really not so much a complaint, more funny than anything because I have never experienced this sort of pain before so all I can really do is laugh and just deal with it.
Almost 2 weeks ago there was a day that I could just.not.keep.my.eyes.OPENED! I was booked with clients from 9-3 and knew I couldn't reschedule them because I was tired, so I pushed through. And when I had a 10min break, I closed my eyes and slept what seemed like hours. From that point on my energy level has just kept getting weaker and weaker. Which is fine, I mean I am carrying twins and my body is working hard so I can't give myself a hard time. I have only had the energy to go to the gym once this week and last, hoping this coming up week I can go at least 3 times.
I am finally able to slow down with clients. No more 6 hour work days, 4 hours at the most from here on out!
3 nights ago Levi and I were driving home in different cars (we had met up at Baby Gap thinking they had this killer sale going on, wrong!!) and I had worked from 8:30-3:30 that day and was just done. Emotionally, physically and mentally. I had missed my turn to go get my Sonic Ice and we were talking on the phone and Levi just told me to go to Circle K for the ice and I lost it. Tears came pouring out, I was exhausted and couldn't do it anymore. I didn't want to get out of my car to go inside somewhere, just wanted to drive up and get my ice and be on my way.
Really? I'm crying over ice? Oh man...the hormones have kicked in!!
Levi, being the best supporter and husband there is, tells me to just go home and get comfy. He went out of his way to go to Sonic for my ice and by the time he got home I was already in the bath, relaxing, where I stayed for the next hour. Then slept from 10-8 with zero interuptions (except when Levi kisses me and 2 kisses on my belly to say goodbye to us at 5:15 every morning, which I do not mind what so ever).
Well it happened, what I have not been looking forward to...at 4:15 this morning Levi got up to leave for Dove Hunting, and I was wide awake. Tried going back to sleep and by 4:45 there was no hope. It was pitch black outside, the gym doesn't open till 8am on Saturdays {so lame I know}, and I had no motivation to get up and start laundry or vacuuming and didn't want to read the baby books I have set aside to read. So I sat there, on my phone, for over an hour. I think it must have been around 6:30/7 when I was able to go back to sleep and slept till 9. Hoping that doesn't happen again for quite some time. Although I do feel like it is Heavenly Father preparing me for the sleepless nights to come and that's fine by me! 
The back pain has settled in and is here to stay. I was in pure pain as we were walking out of Dillards at 9pm tonight. Probably didn't help that we had been out and about since 10:30 this morning. Between getting breakfast, shopping at Anthro and Target, going to lunch, visiting Lyss and her babies in the hospital, seeing a movie, going to dinner and dessert with Shelbie and Scott and then more shopping at Dillards. My feet were starting to get swollen from this dang heat and my body was just over heating. I wanted to cry, but all I could do was laugh (after I cooled off). By the time we got home I could hardly walk and laying down my side was painful because I ate way too much tonight too, haha! So here I am, on the couching blabbering about my pregnancy. But I know I will be glad I have these memories to look back on.
I only have 3 1/2-5 1/2 weeks left to enjoy this feeling, to be able to look down and not see my feet, only to see my babies move. Sure it gets uncomfortable at times and the urge to pee just hits you out of no where, but I wouldn't have it any other way!
*33 Week Check up is on Tuesday!! We will see how big the babies are, if they're both breached still, what the likely hood is of them moving and when Dr. Layton thinks these kids will make their debut! Hoping I can make it to 38 weeks, but if not hopefully will go to at least 36 weeks. I am not ready!! Still need to pack the hospital bags, make the bedding, buy a stroller, diaper bag, wash all their clothes and to make their carseat covers!!!!

7.19.2012

.Peculiar Babies. {13}

I've been horrible at actually documenting this pregnancy. I totally thought I was going to be the type about talking about the first kicks, aches and pains, cravings, etc. But all I can think about is how lucky I am and how the heck am I going to prepare for two, TWO babies! Luckily I've got some pretty amazing sisters and friends to help me out along the way. I planning on this week to be my "catch up on blogging week" let's see if I can stick to it!!
I have taken some pictures through out the pregnancy and for documenting reasons I am going to post them.
*Week 4: Found out we were pregnant in Vegas!
*Week 6: We are having TWINS!!!
*Week 8: Graduated from the Fertility Clinic.
*Week 10: Still not showing.
*Week 12: I thought I was totally showing by now, looking back I'm pretty sure I was crazy.
*Week 15: Morning sickness is gone, back to normal self!!
*Week 17: The bump has officialy made it's debut.
•Week 18: Found out that we are getting a BOY and a GIRL!!!
•Week 19: Still at the point then when I get hungry, I have to eat NOW point!! Or else I'd get sick
•Week 20: Brother is measuring closer to the cervix than what is "normal", have to take it easy. IE: no running, jumping or "rough" housing heehee.
•Week 21: Took our "Baby Cation" to Belize!
•Week 22: No more traveling outside of the country.
•Week 23: Brother is officially bottom bunk and sister is top bunk!
•Week 24: The guest bedroom is ready for all the helpers;) hint hint
•Week 25: Gained 17pds so far, still working out 3-5x a week for about 30-60min.
•Week 26: Still sleeping through the night, haven't had to get up to tinkle since 17 weeks pregnant. (Visalus has made a tremendous effect on the way I feel, more on that later!!)
•Week 27: Went camping (yes camping, tent, air mattress and all) for an entire week with my family in Carlsbad.
•Week 28: Gained 20pds so far. (thank you Visalus!!)
•Week 29: Got my first cold of the pregnancy, pregnant girls should not be allowed to get sick....
•Week 30: Just started waking up to go to the bathroom 1x a night, usually between 3-5am.

Brother: he is the active one at night, usually the reason why it takes me a good hour or so to fall asleep bc I love being able to watch and feel him move.
I noticed at 29  weeks that he was the first to have the hiccups! It's pretty funny. Feels like a constant twitch.
I was talking to him one day (sounds weird I know) but I was telling him to always take care of his sister and to be a good example to her and I had my hands on my belly and I felt like he gave me "Knucks" telling me "I will mom, don't worry".
He is camera shy, we maybe only have one profile picture of him.
He likes to stretch and put his feet right on belly and his head up in my left ribs.

Sister: She is always the active one in the middle of the day.
She likes to curl up and push against my belly making it look like a big ski slop.
Every ultra sound we get, she likes to be front and center. Always looking at the camera. At 28 weeks you could tell she has chubby cheeks already!!

Together: They are both head up (brother thinks he's being silly), I like to think of it as they are just hanging out, talking and helping each other get ready to come into this world.
They are the most active in the morning, they get that from their dad. Levi is the best morning waker upper, me however, I'm a night owl.
Both babies still don't have names!!! We are trying something new this week, we will take a name "combo" we like best and refer to them as those names, hoping that helps us figure what what we are going to name these munchkins!!!

I feel like they know when I am thinking about them, because every time I start thinking about how they are going to be, what they're going to look like, how they're going to sleep and interact with eachother, they both start moving and dancing like crazy!!