.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!

.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!

.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.

.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!!!!

.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!!

.Peculiar Babies. {12}

-May 23rd-
We went in for the gender reveal ultra sound on Wednesday morning. Before we got started the tech asked me if she could see what the gender was if I wanted to know. I said no and that I wanted her to write it down and seal it at the very end. The ultrasound took about an hour and a half. The tech did all the measurements on both babies and whenever she was looking to see the gender she had Levi and I look away. We wanted to find out together with my entire family that night. After she completed everything she whispered to me that everything looked perfect with both babies. I guess she isn't supposed to say anything until the results got to Dr. Layton. She wrote down the sex of each baby, put it in an envelope, sealed it and off we went! I took the envelope and placed it under Lyss' doormat, she was sweet enough to bake us a double layer cake with the color of each baby inside. She was the only person who knew, she wouldn't even tell Owen because her and I both knew he would tell Levi!!
That night we went to my sister Michelle's house because my nephew Bryton was being ordained an Elder (He has been called to serve a mission for our church and will be serving in Denver Colorado, reports September 12th) My entire family was there, I couldn't have thought of a better way to find out. Levi and I cut into the cake as if it were our wedding day, I felt very cheesy at that moment. Once we got one slice through we both peaked to see and....WE'RE GETTING 1 OF EACH!!! We couldn't be more excited, how lucky is that?! I love it, the best of both worlds. We feel so blessed. Baby girl is on top bunk and baby boy is on bottom bunk. I love being able to feel them on a daily basis and being able to tell who is who. Names still haven't been decided on, but we've got 4 more months for that!

.Peculiar Babies. {11}

Yes, it's true! We are pregnant...WITH TWINS!!!! Looking back that was the longest 20 months of my life, but now that I'm living in the moment I wouldn't take back those 20 months for anything. It was a blessing to be able to have that time with Levi, to go and play and become the best of friends through this trial. And might I add, now that I'm not on fertility meds anymore or any hormones for that matter, I am the happiest I have been. I laugh more and enjoy my time I have with just Levi and I. Those 20 months were the longest and best months of my life, it was what brought Levi and I closer than I ever have imagined.
I am kicking myself in the bum for not blogging earlier, or for not even keeping a journal of the pregnancy so far!! So let's try and recap shall we!

•Due Date: October 24th, 2012
•Week 4: We found out we were pregnant while spending a weekend getaway in Vegas. I took the test early that morning and then wrapped it up in a towel and threw it in a corner without looking at it so Levi and I could see it together. When we both woke up and saw the "pregnant" sign, we didn't believe it. We couldn't because of the false positive we have 2 months prior. So that following Monday when I went in for blood work and they confirmed it, we are pregnant!!!!!
•Week 5: I had to go in for blood work 3 different times to monitor my HCG levels. Every evening the nurse would call me to confirm that I was still pregnant and that my levels were rising, as she giggled each time. My levels were very high and she couldn't tell me what exactly that meant but that I was still pregnant. So what did I do? Well what anyone would do, I googled it of course! Sure enough...my levels were so high, that I was pretty dang nervous there was more than just 2 babies in my belly (we had not had an ultra sound done by this point yet, but Levi and I were certain there were at least twins.
•Week 6: We went in for our 6 week check/1st Ultra Sound and sure enough...there were 2 heart beats!!  That night we went around to both of our families houses announcing the pregnancy with balloons and a chalk board sign. Keep that a secret for 2 weeks was the hardest thing I've done. There were so many tears as they first figured out we were pregnant, but then more tears came as we told them we were expecting twins!! The babies will be #30 and 31 for my side and #11 and 12 for Levi's side of grandkids.  Oh and to top it off, my very best friend since we were 2 who grew up 4 streets down from me, is pregnant with twins as well and is due exactly 1 month before me!

•Week 8: I graduated from the fertility clinic and from that point till delivery I will be seeing Dr. Layton.

•Week 12: I got to finally go off progesterone, it made me super bloated. I was still very nauseous at this point, taking 2 Zofran's a day. At this point tho I finally was getting my energy back. Was able to cook and clean in the same day. I craved cheese like crazy, I actually couldn't get enough of it.

•Week 14: finally into the 2nd trimester, still a little sick but only taking Zofran when I started feeling really queasy . I had only thrown up about 4-6 times at this point. The word "cheese" tho made me loose my appetite faster than anything. And I have gained 7 pounds so far.

{Same Day appt's, different Doctor's. Lyss is having BOYS!!!}

*Week 15: Threw up randomly one Sunday morning, hoping it was the last of this phase. I am finally able to eat normal and the one thing I thought I would crave for sure, I don't!!! Sweets :) It just doesn't do it for me, gives me a tummy ache if anything. I wake up starving, and now when I get hungry, I get hungry fast!! I need to remember to pack little healthy snacks through out the day.

•Week 16: thought for sure I was going to be able to find out what we are having this week and do the whole cake reveal party with my family on mothers day/my birthday, but the dr said I have to wait till 18 weeks. I totally cried haha. I still have only gained 7 pounds. Dr. Layton said I should be starting to feel "flutters" but I still can't, that or I can't tell the difference between gas bubbles and flutters...I lay in bed every morning patiently waiting and nothing. Hopefully here in a few weeks I will be able to start feeling them both move around.

•Week 17(Today): I am feeling great, working out 4-6 times a week for 45-60min a day. I have to be careful and not over heat my body and not raise my heart rate too much. I can still fit into most my jeans, some I am already using the "hair tie" trick. But with the weather slowly creeping up and staying in the 100's from here on out, I have a feeling skirts and dresses will become my best friends, along with being in a pool as often as possible.

We get to find out what we are having next week and couldn't be more excited!!! It's the anatomy appointment and I will be having the ultra sound tech put the sex of the babies into an envelope and I will be taking the envelope straight over to Lyss and she will be baking me a cake!! We will be doing the reveal party that night with my entire family. The babies are measuring 2 days apart from each other, so from the beginning we have both thought it would be 1 boy and 1 girl. However, mine and Levi's "gut" feeling is saying differently...he says 2 boys and I say 2 girls...Next Wednesday can't come soon enough!!

(Sorry about the phone pictures, but it's all I've got. I need to get better about using our camera and then uploading them every week and blogging. Being that about 6 months ago our computer crashed and then last week iCloud deleted everything from my phone. Thank goodness for FB and IG at times like this!)

.Peculiar Baby. {10}

The last time we talked, it was in December when I had a +positive+ pregnancy test and then started my cycle 2 days later. After having blood work done, we found that it was just a "faulty" pregnancy test . How rude right?! Well it didn't help with all the hormones I was taking at the time either.
January we started seeing Dr. Craig in Tempe. He is a goofy looking fella, but he knows his stuff and was to the point about everything. And his nurse practioner Shannon, it was love at first sight for me. She was so nice, informative and didn't make me feel like a fool for any random questions I had. Also, with Dr. Craigs staff. You saw the same nurse practioner, the same girl who draws your blood, the same lady to talk about insurance too, and the same doctor every time. Phew!! What a relief! I felt as if they always knew who I was and really cared and were interested in what was best for me and what I needed in order to fix whatever it is that is wrong.
We had to wait a month for insurance purposes to do our 4th IUI. Which I was totally fine with. At this point, I had quit my job/walked out on the spot the 3 days before Christmas. A decision that Levi had been telling me to make and do since last August but I never had the guts. Dr. Craig had me on different progesterone, more shots, I wasn't allowed to raise my heart rate past 130-so I had to be careful with cardio, and no caffiene.
It was a Friday Feburary 3rd. Levi was waiting for me infront of the building as I drove up. I always get nervous before going in to these appointments and he is always there for me ready to hold my hand through the entire thing. Each time is a different nervousness, maybe this time was because they were doing the IUI 2 days prior than when I showed I was supposed to ovulate but because of how my follicules looked-not off my blood/hormone levels. We get in, Shannon calls us back, I get ready and we see that Levi has plenty of swimmers and that I had 4 Follicules that were ready with 1 "Cheer Leader" aka, it wasn't big enough to be considered a canidate (follicles are what they call the "eggs" before they drop and actually become eggs). Levi always like to watch how the procedure is done and the nurse always lets him stand behind her and watch every step. Well this time, as Shannon was getting ready to inject the swimmers, she looks up to Levi and says "actually, do you want to inject the swimmers?", Levi got more giddy than I have seen him a long time and glady accepted the invitation to do so. Shannon gave him all the instructions needed and he injected all 53 million little swimmers, smiling ear to ear.
This 4th IUI experience was the best one of them all. I felt at such peace knowing that whatever happens will happen. My family and close friends did a fast for us the previous Sunday, Levi and I have grown so close through this trial, I finally had a clear mind with no work stress and we could feel all the prayers coming our way. It's incredible the path Heavenly Father leads you down, and the faith you have to have to just know that whatever is going to happen, it will be for the right reasons.

. $30 Round Trip Tickets.

When the airport 10minutes from your house has $30 Round Trip tickets to Vegas and you already have a free weekend stay in a Hotel on the strip, you just can't say no...right?!
This trip was one of the best Vegas trips we've taken yet. We went Thursday-Saturday, got free 1st class upgrades on the way there, saw the show La Reve and loved every second of it, went to the wax museum for free, went shopping, ate way too much, walked a ton to the point where I bought new running shoes and had no shame wearing them at night bc of how bad my feet hurt, found out that I've already had the chicken pox because I broke out in shingles and got some of the best quality time with Levi! I have to admit, I've been one to be super attached to my phone. Guilty as charged and not proud. But this particular weekend I left it in the hotel quite a bit and let me tell you, not being tempted to check instagram, Facebook, pinterest, etc. texting friends and clients back, was the BEST!! I didn't even have an itch for my phone when I didn't have it, more of a relief to be honest.
I love quick weekend getaways, especially when we can do them under a budget and still have the greatest time.

.Where the Weather is Always Pleasant.

Back in uhhh...January...we took a quick weekend trip to San Diego to visit my sister Hillary. Christy and Chris had to deliver some furniture for Hillary's in-laws, so we jumped in the back seat with Mason and took off!
We always stay with Hills in-laws, they have the best.house.ever!! Went to the swap meet, slept in, see our nephews, traditional Mexican food and donut runs and seester time.
I forget that the drive to Cali really isn't that bad. With the weather already hitting the triple digits, I've got a feeling we are going to be out there quite often this summer...

.Thursday Nights.

Ever since the day I met Levi, we have always had the same plans every Thursday night. It may possibly be one of my favorite traditions. To go watch "Two Out Rally" play softball. Levi has played with the same team for the last 4+ years. I try and go as often as possible when I don't have clients or when it's not to hot/cold. And now they play 10 minutes away! Only down fall of the new stadium...cost $3 per person (yes, even they players have to pay!!) to get in each time. But to look on the bright side, we are saving time and money with him playing much closer than before!
I love my softball player

.Out with the Old, in with the New.

Sometimes last minute parties, make the best parties. One thing, well a couple things, we will do different next year is to make sure all the "House" chores are done prior to the day of a the party. Levi and I were running around from 7am-7pm getting everything cleaned and set up. It was well worth it tho.
We had plenty of food, Relay Races, a little game of Musical Chairs (quite hysterical actually with adults), Bingo, White Elephant, S'mores, Fireworks, Kinect and of course ringing in the New Year.
Looking back, 2011 was probably one of my favorite years yet. Bought a home, went a cruise, Hawaii-twice, Alaska, California, plenty of weekend getaways, brother beat cancer, sister adopted the most perfect baby boy, parents came home from their mission, went through all the ups and downs with fertility, and grew closer as a couple.The trials and experiences we've had have only made us stronger.
Looking forward to 2012 and the new years resolutions that we have yet made....whoops!!