28 weeks, 2 days along

So excited to have gotten this far! 28 weeks, 2 days along & babies are doing great. Monitorings have been going pretty well, a couple decelerations but nothing alarming. My OB said that she's surprised they don't have that happen more often & that she's not overly concerned when it does happen as long as they come back up. Sometimes they don't want to stay on the monitor so it takes longer, sometimes an hour or 2. I had a soon this morning & both babies look awesome; 2lbs, 7oz & 2lbs, 10oz. They are at an average weight for their gestational age, which is so refreshing. Bits likes to change positions often-from being head down right by Pieces head to breach. She's probably flipped 2 or 3 times since I've been in the hospital.

Weight loss/gain: 35lbs (10 since my admission to the hospital-they feed me well :). I have to make myself eat sometimes because it just doesn't feel like there is any room for food. But once I start, I realize how hungry I am.

Maternity clothes: Yes, I basically live in yoga pants & tanks/hoodies.

Symptoms: My belly is getting really heavy & I definitely waddle now. I tire really easily& can't walk/stand long.

Sex (of babies): Girls, girls, girls!

Sleep: Terrible! I have been having to take a sleep aid to get any sleep at night. I definitely sleep well after that though.

Best moment this week: the girls on sonogram, every successful monitoring & seeing my circus clan.

Movement: Oh yea! They typically move the most when on the monitor or when I lay on my left side. It sometimes feels as though they are trying to escape through my skin.

Food cravings: Bacon, French fries dipped in mayo, cheesy eggs/omelet.

Belly button in/out: In.

How are the kiddos taking it: They are getting more used to it-coming to visit & leaving without me. Anika sometimes tells me she doesn't want to leave me & gets sad, Brody is easily distracted with knowing he gets to press buttons in the "alligator", aka elevator. 

What I miss: What don't I miss is more like it. I'm finally hitting the time that I really miss my family & being home. Not that I haven't always missed my circus crew, but it's really hitting me now. I miss having any sort of control over anything...especially not knowing when these babies are going to come.

What I'm looking forward to: Being home with my crew, meeting my girls.

What I'm nervous about: The girls being born/when they will be born, their health, my being able to stay strong having to stay in the hospital.

26 weeks, 3 days

Nothing major or eventful to report, thank goodness! The girls have had great NST's (heart monitoring at least 20 min) & no scares. I am now getting them 4 times a day rather than 3. I think that's more for my sanity than anything. When they had some issues, it made me very anxious & keep wondering/fearing what could happen. I also get sonograms 2 times/week rather than just once. That's really to lay eyes on them & to make sure they continue to grow at a fairly equal pace & that the oxygen & blood flow in their cords are good. It definitely makes me feel better!

My mom has been here since Sat which has been nice, for all of us. I think it's really been helpful to Bryan to give him a bit of a break in the evenings but also great support to our kiddos & me. She's supposed to drive home Sat night but it looks like winter will hit Dallas tomorrow night so we'll see. 

I had a soon yesterday & babies looked great. Both were head down facing each other, so cute! Weights were approx 1 lb, 11oz (Pieces) & 2 lb, 1 oz (Bits). This is an estimate & can fluctuate a bit since they're so little but they both are doing great, no twin to twin transfusion concerns.

Ani & Brody have been able to visit almost everyday which has been amazing. Sometimes they cry & say they don't want to leave me, which of course makes me cry. But for the most part, they leave without any problems. Looking forward to a date night in with B on Fri, weather permitting.

Weight loss/gain: +29 pounds. My appetite is fairly normal these days but I do have to eat small portions multiple times/day.
Maternity clothes: yes, lots of yoga pants/leggings.
Symptoms:  Heartburn has gotten pretty bad but am taking Protonix & that's really helped. I have to sleep slightly upright at night. 

Sex (of baby): Girls!
Sleep: I'm finding it harder & harder to fell & stay asleep. My anxious mind just doesn't want to stop thinking. Still have to get up 3-4 times/night to go to the bathroom.
Best moment this week: seeing the girls on sonogram, seeing my mom & babies (the big ones :).
Movement: A lot! They are active little girls. Bits is a lot more active & loves to "swim" away from the monitors.
Food cravings: I really like eggs & bacon lately, apple juice, lemon lime soda & really anything covered in cheese.
Belly button in or out? In but it's stretched pretty tight.
How the kiddos are taking it ?  They both love to hug & kiss my belly. They have a hard time leaving the hospital sometimes but love to talk on the phone & tell me about their day. They are having fun/a nice distraction with grandma & Christmas decorating.
What I miss?  Right now I miss seeing my other 2 babies, although am enjoying the quiet of my room & ability to do whatever I am up for doing. It'd be nice to be home in general.

What I'm looking forward to?  Seeing my family each & every chance I get.
Milestones: Everyday is a milestone & I'm so thankful for each one I get still pregnant!
What I'm nervous about: Every time they put me on the monitor or I go for a sono-if something is wrong. 

My room

Updates from last night

Last nights monitoring went really well, both stayed steady at their normal rates. Got my steroid shot too which wasn't so bad. I'll get my second round in a little while. I didn't sleep very well, tossed & turned & finally decided to get up at 5:15 am.

Mom is here to visit through the week so I got to see her today which was refreshing, mommy always makes me feel better :). Monitoring went really well today, all 3 times so that was a relief. I go into them pretty anxious just not knowing what will happen. My OB on call for the weekend came today to talk to me about yesterday's events. She told me that if the kids continue to have days like yesterday, that if they have decelerations like they did more than a few times in one monitoring then we may have to look at delivery. Ideally would like to get to 28 weeks because the success rates are closer to 100% survival rate. She says its hard to tell if it's more likely to occur since they've already had the decelerations. They will have to just decide when the time comes for the best option for the babies.

One of the NICU doctors came to see me & give info on stats & processes in the NICU. All a bit scary but honest & factual. 28 weeks is definitely a huge milestone we want to reach as everything is more mature & their success rates are much better.

More updates to come, please continue to keep the babies in your prayers.

Philippians 4:6-7 says "Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer & petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."

25 weeks, 5 days...a little scary today

I've now been a resident of Presbyterian Hospital of Plano for 10 days...

Most days are uneventful. The girls take some time to be found on the heart monitors, we'll Bits is usually the squirmy one that's hard to find & keep on. I have to stay on for 20 min once they are both on & stay on. These are called NST's (non-stress tests). Sunday Pieces has some deceleration so her her heart rate but they came back up pretty quickly. The nurses & my OB tell me this is normal for their size because they can grab or lean on each other's umbilical cord since they still have a lot of space in there. As of Tuesdays sonogram, Bits (baby B) weighs approx 1 lb, 12 oz & Pieces (baby A) weighs approx 1 lb, 10 oz. they are approx 12" long. Their typical heart rates are Bits; 140's-low 160's, Pieces: 130's-140's.

Today was a bit of a different story! This afternoon for my routine 2nd monitoring of the day, my nurse had a really hard time finding Bits. She called another nurse in to help, which they often have to do. She found Bits heartbeat but it slowly started decelerating into the upper 80's-90's. It's was staying low for a few min & I slowly noticed more nurses coming in, repositioning of me, requests to call the doctor, bring in IV supplies & a hospital gown. I was put of oxygen & a pulsox was put on me. The nurses let me know what was going on & they remained very calm. I was crying, scared, praying. They said everything was just a precaution. The OB on call told them to call my Perinatologists office to get a sonogram. She didn't want to deliver 25 week babies if she didn't have to. We needed to see what was going on. At this point I had 4 nurses & a patient care tech in my small room. I called Bryan to have him come but couldn't get the words out so my nurse talked to him. Bits heart rate began rising & was back to normal in no time. They both stayed stable & steady for the next 40 min. Bryan arrived & calmed me, things looked good at this point. I had a sonogram & both babies looked fantastic. It was likely just some compression on Bits' cord but with repositioning me & getting more oxygen in me helped a great deal. Shout out to my fantastic nurses; Olena, Jane, Cyndi, Sylvia and to our friend Drew for watching our other babies so Bryan could be here!

I should be put on the monitor soon & have to stay on for an hour tonight. I also have to get a steroid shot tonight and tomorrow night to help speed up their lung development. Please keep our girls in your prayers!

Hospital stay

Bits

Pieces

Today is day 2 of my inpatient hospital stay & so far so good. I was admitted yesterday morning for monitoring of the girls 3 times daily. I still go to see my Perinatologist (high risk OB) & have sonograms weekly. It's refreshing to hear their heartbeats so often during the day. I had a sono this morning & they look great. They seemed to have switch spots. How do I know...well, I've learned to tell them apart by their habits & heartbeat. Bits has always been more active and Pieces is pretty laid back. Bits heartbeat has always been a little higher, usually in the 150's & Pieces is typically in the 140's. Today I learned why I haven't been beaten up in the last few days-they moved. It looks like Pieces is in a spot with a lot more room (on my left) & Bits is cramped up on the right by my ribs. She doesn't have as much room to move so that's why she's been quiet.

I've been resting a lot, took a 3 1/2 hour nap yesterday which felt great! TV watching has been fun but boy it stinks to have to watch commercials & be without my DVR to power through them. I'm saving my projects for later in the week or next week-just working on hanging out for now with no agenda. I had the luxury of doing my glucose tolerance test this morning, didn't get to eat until 10:30 this morning. Good thing breakfast was really good & worth the wait!

Can't wait to see B & my babies tonight when they come to visit. I'll keep posting the link to the meal calendar since I have gotten many requests for it. Thank you again to everyone for all of your support!!!!

https://www.takethemameal.com/meals.php?t=TUIC1732

Add caption

How to find me:

Rachael Tonn

Presbyterian Hospital of Plano

6200 W. Parker Rd., Room B366

Plano, TX 75093

972-981-7366 (direct room phone #)

Weight loss/gain: +25 pounds. My appetite is fairly normal these days but I do have to eat small portions multiple times/day.
Maternity clothes: Duh!
Symptoms:  I feel like I have a little more energy but still get tired easily. Now that I'm in the hospital, I am taking full advantage of napping mid afternoon & will hopefully be able to sleep in a little. 
Sex (of baby): Girls! 
Sleep: Better! I still have to get up 3-4 times/night to go to the bathroom but can easily fall asleep after. I've been waking up hungry around 3 or 4 am & have been snacking on spoonfuls of peanut butter with chocolate & whole milk. Delish! Bits has moved to my right side & has been calmer at night which allows me to catch some shut eye.
Best moment this week? Spending some time this weekend watching Ani & Brody sleep. They look so precious & I know in all the craziness of day to day stuff-I take them for granted. I have been talking to them on the phone since I got here & they sound so precious. Can't wait to see them & Bryan tonight. 
Movement: A lot! They are active little girls. It has mainly been Bits who is a mover & a shaker but since they've switched spots, Pieces has been showing her gymnast skills more. While it is great to feel their movement, I really want them to jab & kick while staying in the same spot.
Food cravings: I reallly like eggs & bacon lately, cherry coke & really anything covered in cheese.
Belly button in or out? In
How the kiddos are taking it all? Brody has come to terms with 2 more girls & smiles when asked about them. He still likes to talk about them swimming in my tummy in the pool too. Anika is still so happy to be having girls and can't wait to meet them. They both love to hug & kiss my belly, Brody expecially loves to give them "fist pooms". 
What I miss?  Right now I miss seeing my other 2 babies, although am enjoying the quiet of my room & ability to do whatever I am up for doing. I'd really like a Blue Moon too, but it can wait :).

What I'm looking forward to?  Seeing my family each & every chance I get.
Milestones: Made it to 24 weeks-huge milestone in the twin world!
What I'm nervous about: Every time they put me on the monitor or I go for a sono-if something is wrong. 

Meals

I've had an overwhelmingly amount of support & offers to help out, so thank you so very much! It means so much knowing that while i'm gone, Bryan & the kiddos have such caring people surrounding & helping them. I've had questions as to when someone can bring a meal, likes, dislikes, favorite restaurants, etc. A friend passed along this site to help coordinate it all. You can sign up on specific days to bring meals if you are able or to send meals as well. Thank you again so much, you are all the best!!!!!

https://www.takethemameal.com/meals.php?t=TUIC1732

Hospital admission

My hospital admission date is Monday, November 18th.

Moving into the hospital...

I had an appointment yesterday with the Perinatologist. Babies look good, but continue to be very active which = tangling of their umbilical cords. Recommendation = hospital monitoring 3 times/day at 24 weeks. I am going inpatient in the hospital at 24 weeks for the rest of my pregnancy. I have to call my regular OB this afternoon to set a date but it will be right around November 17th. Yes, a week and a few days...so much to do! They are hoping I can go to 32 weeks, would be happy with 28. Babies are 1# 1 oz & 1# 2 oz right now, perfect!

Bryan is in Minnesota as I type this so I called him after my appointment to fill him in. He is optimistic and positive about it all, even though he will be a single parent for quite some time. Why Minnesota?? Ron, his dad fell on Sunday & broke his neck in 2 places. He had surgery the other day which all went well & has to be in a halo vest (basically a contraption to immobilize his head & neck/keep them in stationary) for 3 months. He is doing well, but will have a long road to recovery. Obviously Cynthia will not be able to come as planned for January as she will be caring for Ron so...we will be able to hang on to our nanny through January. Prayers greatly appreciated for Ron for a speedy recovery!

Bryan & I, well we'll take it day by day & take everything in stride. We have to do what is in the best interests/safety for the babies.

People keep asking how they can help. Ideally after i'm admitted to the hospital, any meals would be helpful for Bryan & the kids and/or any playdates with the kiddos to give him some breathing room. And-come see me at the hospital of course :). I'll be at Presbyterian Hospital of Plano (6200 W. Parker Rd, Plano, TX).

Bits

Pieces

21 week update on type of twins

I originally had an appointment scheduled for Friday to meet with the perinatologist that originally said the girls had a separating membrane but couldn't stand not knowing any longer so I went in today. Just as we suspected, the girls are in fact in 1 amniotic sac. They are Monoamniotic Monochorionic Twins or MoMo twins as they are nicknamed.

21 weeks, 3 days

There they were, swimming around as Brody would say, together. They've moved a lot since last week, this time their heads were by each other. They even looked at us so we could get a face shot of each of them. They were very active, moving all over the place.

So what now? It's not going to be a question of "if" I have to go on hospital bed rest but rather "when". We actually have a lot of say in when, which is sort of scary. The reason for that is because if we decide to go into the hospital, I will be monitored likely 3 times/day. We would have to be ready & willing to intervene/deliver at any point if things looked too risky. So if I went in at 24 weeks for inpatient bedrest & monitoring, we'd have to be ready & willing to deliver at that time. While the girls are "viable" (I hate that word) at 24 weeks, there is a lot of risk with prematurity that early and not a very favorable outcome for both. However, waiting even 2weeks going to 26 weeks make the odds a whole lot more favorable. They will likely come early because the risks go up the longer they stay in & on the flip side, the risks go up if they're delivered early. We just have to wait & see. Obviously we are praying that they stay put a lot longer and that the pregnancy is uneventful but we just can't tell the outcome, only God knows that & our babies are in His hands. Right now they look great, about 10" long each & a little over a pound each. They are each measuring right on with what a singleton baby looks like at this gestational age. They are both getting adequate and equal nutrition & blood flow. I can feel them moving around more regularly which is refreshing too. Their cords have twisted a little but nothing dangerous. He made me feel a little more at ease when he told me that the umbilical cords have a protective coating on the outside, sort of a wax like coating. This helps to try to prevent compression of the cords.

21 weeks, 3 days

21 weeks, 3 days

So now I will be going to the Perinatologist every week & we will take it week by week before deciding on when to go into the hospital. It won't be before 24 weeks (Nov. 17th) but could come anytime after that. We are feeling a little in shock (well, I still am at the fact that I'm carrying 2 babies but now this information adds to it), boggled, confused, scared. But I know Bryan has such a great faith & trust in the Lord that he is leaning on that. I am trying my hardest to do the same, but the anxious person in me can't seem to help but worry. I hate the unknown and what if's.

We are so very blessed to have an awesome nanny to help care for the kids & she is going to stay with us to the end of the year. This will help so much for when I'm in the hospital. She can be with the kiddos (who love her so much) & get Ani to & from school as well as help around the house. Depending on where we're at with me in the hospital or if the girls have come, our fantastic Cynthia (Bryan's mom) will plan to come in January to help out. My mom will be here over Christmas and as she is able to come with her job.

Please keep these precious baby girls in your prayers for an uneventful next couple months.

Update from doctor appointments on 10/23

I met with the Perinatologist (high risk OB) yesterday for my routine bi-weekly appt. Girls look great, growing well & sort of make a circle-where one's feet stop, the others head begins & where her feet stop, the others head begins. Sounds uneventful but unfortunately it was not. She told me that she cannot find a dividing membrane between the two babies. What does that mean you say. I think I talked about it further back in one of my first blogs but i'll refresh. There are different types of twins but what this would mean is that I am carrying Monoamniotic twins. "Monoamniotic twins are identical twins that share same amniotic sac within their mother’s uterus. Monoamniotic twins are always identical, and always monochorionic as well (sharing the same placenta), and are sometimes termed Monoamniotic-Monochorionic("MoMo") twins. They also share the placenta, but have two separate umbilical cords. Monoamniotic twins develop when an embryo does not split until after formation of the amniotic sac, at about 9 days after fertilization.Monoamniotic twins are rare, with an occurrence of 1 in 35,000 to 1 in 60,000 pregnancies, corresponding to about 1% of twin pregnancies." (Wikipedia)  If twins are in the same amniotic sac (swimming together in one small pool as Brody would think of it), they have the risk of cord entanglement, cord compression as well as twin to twin transfusion.

My first appt with the Perinatologist was at 16 weeks with another doctor in the practice. He said he saw a faint division between them. She couldn't find it 2 weeks ago & still can't find it & that was all she looked for this time. She said that she wants me to follow up with the doctor that originally thought he saw one next week to see if he can see it. If not, we have basically 2 options. At 24 weeks (viability) I will either have to be at home & come in every other day for monitoring or be admitted to the hospital for the duration of the pregnancy for close monitoring. She didn't say bed rest if at home but it's sort of implied to me. I'll be 24 weeks on 11/17.

From there I went to my regular OB for my routine monthly appt. I get a sonogram at every appt to see them & hear their heartbeat (which is so sweet to the ears). Carrie, world's best Sonographer also tried to find the dividing membrane but could not. My OB straightforwardly said it's just not there & to prepare for those options at 24 weeks. She said if I'm feeling fine & there aren't any further concerns at that time that I should try to stay home rather than going to the hospital. She said having to be in the hospital for the duration will be really hard.

So now what? We wait. We wait & wait until next Friday to see if the Perinatologist can see anything & hopefully give us some direction. Please keep our babies in your prayers.

20 Weeks

Happy Monday! These girls are definitely showing me some personality lately. Although I can't feel them yet, I can tell when they switch positions & Bits feels like she's hanging from my rib cage. At my most recent perinatologist appt, they were laying across, Bits on my left & where her feet end, there was Pieces. They like to lay facing my back & rarely want to show their faces. 

Weight loss/gain: +21 pounds. My appetite is fairly normal but I do get hungrier faster & have to eat smaller portions. Hopefully this carries over after the pregnancy :). Last night after dinner I couldn't even eat ice cream, too stuffed. 
Maternity clothes: Absolutely! 
Symptoms:  I a pretty fatigued but get some energy about mid morning & then lose it again until late afternoon. I am still short of breath when I do any activity & have to take breaks & sit down often. My feet have been hurting a lot, have to wear my workout shoes to work now but am glad I don't have any swelling yet. 
Sex (of baby): Girls! 
Sleep: Not the best, but ok. I move from side to side a lot, typically when my arm & hip fall asleep on the side i'm on. I put my memory foam mattress on my side of the bed (had to do this with my last pregnancy too) & am using my body pillow. We kicked 1 dog out so now only Rambo is in our room & he's quiet. I have to get up 1-2 times/night to pee but that's about it. I have been having some wacky dreams too. 
Best moment this week? Been spending more quality time with Ani & Brody & getting some good cuddle time in & having a date night with B. I have a doctor appt in the morning so I also get to see my girls. 
Movement: Perinatologist said I should start feeling some soon but right now only when one makes a sudden change in position. 
Food cravings: Not really. I like donuts, making my own sausage/egg/cheese mcmuffins at home before work. 
Belly button in or out? In
How the kiddos are taking it all? Anika is so excited to be having girls! Brody on the other hand says "no girl, I want boy". Anika tells me all the time that she doesn't like that they are in my belly, she wants to see them & hold them. Brody on the other hand says the babies are swimming in my tummy :). 
What I miss?  Energy! It comes in waves, or so I think it does. I feel ok one day & decide to exercise only to not have that feeling for another week. It'd be nice to get in a groove again. I also miss a good glass of wine or beer:). 
What I'm looking forward to?  Feeling them move around & growing.
Milestones: Made it to 20 weeks & it's been uneventful.
What I'm nervous about: Right now it's that the perinatologist could not see a dividing membrane between them at my last appt. It was not my normal perinatologist but she looked & looked & couldn't find one. She said that my regular doctor is very experienced & if he saw one that there probably is one but she just couldn't locate it. She said as the pregnancy progresses the membrane becomes more apparent.  I'll see again next week with my regular perinatologist. If there is no dividing membrane, it just opens up for the possibility of a lot more risks & complications.  Praying that there is one! 

And the gender is....

GIRLS! I knew it, I knew it! Sorry for the delay in updating, it's already been 4 weeks, whoa! Today I am 16 weeks, 5 days & the girls are looking great. Last Friday I met with my Perinatologist (high risk OB). He did a sonogram that was so amazing. He was able to point out different organs, both hemispheres of their brains, 10 fingers & 10 toes on each & of course-their girl spot! They are measuring about 
the same right now which is great, about 7" long (head to toe) & weight wise-I can't remember what he said but my updates tell me they are about 5 oz. I will have to go back to see him every 2 weeks to monitor the girls for Twin to Twin Transfusion (TTTS). I go to my regular OB once/month until 24 weeks & then every 2 weeks as well.

Health lesson: TTTS occurs when 1 twin, the smaller twin (often called the donor twin) does not get enough blood while the larger twin (often called the recipient twin) becomes overloaded with too much blood. TTTS only occurs in Monochorionic Diamniotic twins-which is what our girls are. In the beginning my OB said they were Monoamniotic twins which meant that they shared the same amniotic sac & placenta-which is very dangerous. After going to my perinatologist, he found a separating membrane (Thank GOD!) that shows they are in 2 separate amniotic sacs but share the same placenta which still makes them identical. This type of twinning occurs in approximately one in 360 pregnancies. Monochorionic twins are at higher risk for complications since they share a common placenta. Please pray for our girls that their stay "inside" is uneventful! 

Weight loss/gain: +16 pounds. My appetite has slowed down a bit & I have to eat smaller portions more often now. I don't crave fried foods like I had been, but they're still pretty good. 
Maternity clothes: Yes. 
Symptoms:  I have been feeling much better-nausea is gone but i'm still very fatigued all the time. I am still short of breath when I do any activity & have to take breaks & sit down often.
Sex (of baby): Girls! 
Sleep: Not the best, but ok. I move from side to side a lot, typically when my arm & hip fall asleep on the side i'm on. I put my memory foam mattress on my side of the bed (had to do this with my last pregnancy too) & am using my body pillow. We kicked 1 dog out so now only Rambo is in our room & he's quiet. I have to get up 1-2 times/night to pee but that's about it. I have been having some wacky dreams too. 
Best moment this week? Getting to see Bits & Pieces twice. I had my routine OB appt Tuesday & went back in yesterday with some aches (everything is fine). 
Movement: Too soon. Although, I feel all sorts of things which my OB says is everything stretching itself out for their growth. That part can be painful & uncomfortable. 
Food cravings: Not really. I've been enjoying some banana popscicles lately but nothing i'm dying to have. 
Belly button in or out? In
How the kiddos are taking it all? Anika is so excited to be having girls! Brody on the other hand says "no girl, I want boy". Anika tells me all the time that she doesn't like that they are in my belly, she wants to see them & hold them. Brody on the other hand says the babies are swimming in my tummy :). What I miss?  Energy! It comes in waves, or so I think it does. I feel ok one day & decide to exercise only to not have that feeling for another week. It'd be nice to get in a groove again. 
What I'm looking forward to?  Feeling better & feeling them move around.
Milestones: Learning that they are in separate amniotic sacs-fantastic! 
What I'm nervous about: If I'll have to go on bedrest or not at some point. 

12 Weeks, 4 days

I've decided to "borrow" my friend Mis' way of blogging about her pregnancy. It's much more efficient than just a big blob of wording. We went to the doctor this morning & got to see "Bits & Pieces" (pictures below). Precious! Anika & Brody got to see their little twins & were so excited...well, Brody was a little scared at the sound of their heartbeats. 

Weight loss/gain: +10 pounds, ugh! I just cannot stop eating. My doctor says it's to calm the nausea & that should subside soon. The problem is that I only want to eat food that is bad for me-greasy, fatty food! 
Maternity clothes: Yes, have been for a while now. Clothes started getting snug really early, like 8 weeks if not sooner. 
Symptoms:  Nausea, most of the time. I haven't been sick in a while & when I was, it was at bedtime & only happened a few times. I'm really tired and short of breath. My OB said that this will likely stick with me my entire pregnancy (the fatigue should let up a little in the 2nd trimester). 2 babies = double symptoms.

Bits & Pieces

Sex (of baby): We don't know just yet. Sonographer said it's a little too early, more likely to be accurate around 16-20 weeks (like a singleton pregnancy). I just know they are girls though! (just a vibe & Chinese calendar says so-I was right & so was the calendar with the other 2). 
Sleep: Not so good. I can't really get comfortable & can't stay asleep. Between repositioning & the dogs making noise & moving around, it's definitely lacking.
Best moment this week? Getting to see Bits & Pieces this morning. I can't feel them moving yet so seeing them & knowing they are ok was refreshing. 
Movement: Too soon. Although, I feel all sorts of things which my OB says is everything stretching itself out for their growth. 

Pieces

Bits

Food cravings: YES! I love anything covered in cheese, especially Taco Bell or fries with cheese on them. Pickles, lemonade, McDonald's hash browns, mashed potatoes. 
Belly button in or out? In
What I miss?  Feeling normal, not nauseas or tired all the time. I really miss being able to get to the gym regularly too. Since I can't drive-that is it's own obstacle but when I feel like garbage, I just want to go home & lay on the couch. 
What I'm looking forward to?  Feeling better & feeling them move around.
Milestones: 12 weeks! I've been really nervous about the babies & am relieved to have 12 weeks & 4 days gone. 
What I'm nervous about: If I'll have to go on bedrest or not at some point. 

TWINS!

8 weeks

Phew! It's been quite the whirlwind lately. We had our sonogram & first OB appointment last Friday. It was sort of amusing because I asked the person doing the sono to tell me how many babies she saw because I thought there was more than 1. She literally pushed her chair back once she saw the screen & said "how'd you know"? I just knew it, knew there were 2. 

I feel like I've had good intuition from the start with my pregnancies. With Anika I felt like she was a girl & Brody-it was really strange that I felt I was pregnant with a boy before I even took the pregnancy test. With this one, my symptoms have been different than the other 2 & I just had a feeling. I have been really nauseous, thirsty, short of breath & just had a feeling.

  

8 Weeks

I felt like there was 1 girl but kept thinking more than 1 was in there. (And I think they're girls).

And, there they were....2 beautiful little beings face to face in 1 amniotic sac. So cute (see picture)! They looked like they were holding hands. Not only twins, but identical twins since they are in the same sac. For those who need brushing up on health & anatomy (which we did too); 1 sperm, 1 egg & the egg splits into 2 forming identical twins in the same amniotic sac. Crazy! 

I keep getting asked if it runs in the family & my answer is "sort of". Why? Well, my Grandma Rita once told me that it runs in her side of the family, someone way back-like a great great grandmother was a twin. Ok good, that explains it even though that's really distant. I still thought i'd look into it a little more & here is what I found:

"Monozygotic (Identical) twins don't run in families. The splitting of a fertilized egg seems to happen at random. It's unrelated to age or race, and a woman who is an identical twin is no more likely to give birth to twins than anyone else." However, there is a gene that is hereditary among women called Hyper ovulation. This "is the tendency to release multiple eggs during ovulation, increasing the chances of conceiving dizygotic (or fraternal) twins." about.com

"The likelihood of you having identical twins is about one in 250 (less than half a per cent)" babycenter.com.
Oh and since they are identical, they are the same gender. 

So my babies are not genetic at all, just a pure blessing from God. 

What now?! I am 9 weeks, 2 days now. My awesome OB Dr. Jaffee gave us the low down on do's & don'ts & delivery, etc. She said that with any multiples pregnancy, there is a higher risk and with identicals it is even higher risk as they are in the same sac together. I will go to my OB like normal, every month until 24 months, then I will start going every 1-2 weeks. At 16 weeks I will need to begin going to a Peri Neonatologist every 1-2 weeks as well to keep an eye on me & the babies through the duration of my pregnancy.

I'm going to back track on something for a second; my seizure.  I have been a-ok, no more seizure activity but I still can't drive. Bryan has been & will continue to be my chauffeur until I am approx. 25 weeks. YAY-November 24th will be my first day I can drive again, If no further seizure activity. My Neurologist said that if my tests stay normal, I may be able to drive sooner, keep your fingers crossed! 

Ok, back to babies. My OB has already told me to cut down on the workouts, as in the bouncing & jumping which I regularly do in my classes. That stinks but so worth it. I was hoping to be able to model after my friend Nicole who recently had fraternal twins. She did our crazy workouts at the gym up to 32 weeks. Nope, can't do that since they are in the same sac, it's too risky. I just have to modify my classes & do lower impact because I'm not giving up the exercise, not now after all i've put into it. 

Doc says that an average pregnancy ideal weight gain is about 25 pounds so I should expect to double that. WHAT?! 50 pounds, ugh! The thought of having to work that weight off stinks. I gained 23 with Anika & 31 with Brody. She is hoping more for a 40 pound gain. I guess that's better but my appetite is insane so I imagine I will gain quite a bit. Doc won't let me go past 37 weeks pregnant which would put me at February 16, 2014. I hope they stay that long but we'll see. They are actually due (40 weeks full term) on March 8, 2014. If they do come in February, i'll have 4 kids under the age of 5 born in February. HA! 

How are we feeling about this? We are excited, mind blown, still in shock but like I said in the beginning-I thought there were more than 1 in there. What's sort of amusing is that Bryan & I have joked for a long time after we had Brody that if we try for a 3rd, we'll probably get twins. It's pretty exciting to be part of the less than 1% with identicals.

Please pray for a healthy pregnancy for me & the babies & for them to stay in as long as they possibly can. 

Three's a charm!

Yep it's official, We are pregnant with Baby Tonn #3 & baby is the size of a sesame seed. We have been blessed with 1 more beautiful little person & couldn't be happier! I knew I was pregnant almost from the get go, same as with my other 2 pregnancies. I was a nut & started taking tests way before the hcG hormone was even detectable, again-same as other 2 pregnancies but I just knew. It took 4 negatives before I finally got a positive. We found out on Sunday, July 30th. Anika told daddy by taking him the pregnancy test. His face was priceless, too bad I didn't snap a picture. It was pure shock. As with the other 2, he said he just didn't think it would happen so quick (maybe TMI, but each time only took 1 try), but was smiling ear to ear once it sunk in.

As of today I am 5 weeks, 4 days along & am due March 8, 2014. I haven't had a sono yet, that is on July 30th when I'm a 8 weeks, 2 days. So I got the due date online by putting in all of my calculations (it's usually close but may be off a day or two). Funny thing is that I was due with Anika on March 10th, Brody on February 17th. Well, Anika was born February 28th & Brody February 17th. We could very well have 3 February babies. Good party planning on our part I guess, not so good once they are older & want more expensive gifts...like a car!

I am still in a little bit of shock but can't stop smiling. I think it's a little shock just like B-that it happened so fast, that this will be my last pregancy & how am I so amazing blessed to have this awesome life! Well also-how did I get to be 33 (almost 34) & have 3 kids :)! Wasn't I just 24, dating Bryan & living the party life? Ha, I wouldn't change this life for anything.

And, how am I "showing" already! Yes, it's probably just bloating but wow, it's obvious-to me at least!

Anika is so excited, she thinks baby is a girl & she calls "her" "Plum". Partly I think because a plum is purple & that's her favorite color but also because she just had to name "her" something. She loves to rub my belly & also ask if she has a baby in her tummy. Kids are so cute at 4! I'll post pictures as we take them, you know I love to show my belly so watch out!