Week 34!!

Just a quick update on my non-stress test from yesterday...still smooth sailing! Thank you everyone for all your prayers so far. We have made it to 34 weeks!! As far as the twins, they have changed positions, both are transverse, laying on top of each other...which means they are laying left to right. Here is a picture I found of the internet of a single transverse so just imagine another baby laying on top of this baby.
Because they are on top of each other AND laying on their backs, finding two heartbeats was extremely time consuming yesterday. What should have been a 30min. visit turned into a two hour stay with many doctors coming in trying to pick up two different heartbeats. They could see two heartbeats on the ultrasound but the monitors would only pick up one b/c they are so close together. They wanted to see two beats for 20mins with two movements. Finally the third doctor had success, after I watched many other women come and go, passing their test in 20mins flat! Oh well, just another way twins are special.

I had high hopes of going by Citizen Cake and treat myself to some cupcakes and cookies, but after being poked, prodded, moved up and down, side to side and had at least a whole tube of gel smeared all over my belly, I just went home and took a shower and long nap!

Dreams

I keep having these dreams of leaving the twins somewhere and forgetting about them. I had another one last night. We were out and with friends, came home and I realized we left the twins at the restaurant. Sheer panic! And two nights ago I dreamed I had the babies and went back to work the next day...I couldn't remember what they looked like or where they were. I was so sad. And these aren't the first dreams I've had like this. Young gets an earful almost every morning. And don't get me started on the dream of two car seats floating down the river and I only have time to save one...what a nightmare!!

I hear it's pretty common for pregnant women to have these kind of scary dreams...yet another thing I'm not liking about being pregnant. But as my friend Timmie pointed out, at least I'm sleeping well enough at night to even dream. Thanks for the glass half full, Timmie!

God speaking

I thought I would post something a little spiritual, just something I feel God has laid on my heart in regards to our children. Being their spiritual leaders. I'm reading the book of Hosea right now...which I highly recommend anyone reading or rereading if you haven't read it in a while. It's an awesome example of God's love for us. Anyway, I was at the part where the Lord was speaking to people of Israel, Hosea 4:6 "my people are destroyed from lack of knowledge". God is charging the priest for leading the people astray. Priest were the spiritual leaders of the time and this struck me b/c Young and I will be the our children's spiritual leaders. I don't want them lead astray b/c of lack of knowledge. I know they will have Sunday school teachers, youth group leaders, pastors and other guidance in their life, but we will be the first spiritual leaders they know. They will learn how to love one another by watching us. My prayer is that the Lord will give us wisdom and guidance so our children will know Him by knowing us.

It's Like...

If you've ever wondered what a very pregnant woman looks like trying to get off of a sofa or out of bed... it's kinda like seeing a walrus trying to get around on land... Oh my lovely wife. She's never been more beautiful.

Week 33

Another great visit to the doctors today. I started my Non-Stress Tests (NST) which basically means they hook me up to monitors for 20mins (in theory) to measure the baby's heartbeat and movements...and any contractions I might be having. It took way longer than 20 minuets today. Timothy was moving around so much the sensor kept losing his heartbeat...then he fell asleep and had no movements for a while. It took about 40 min. to get a passing grade for him. Cameron passed in the first 20min...that's my girl! They also do an ultrasound to measure the fluid each baby has which was excellent, 2cm for each. I'll be going in every week for the NST.

I started having contractions this past weekend but nothing they seem to be worried about. My doctor said it's normal. Just as long as they don't last longer than 35 seconds or more than 6 an hour. I usually have 6 a day, so we're not packing for the hospital yet! We also took the hospital tour last Saturday so at least we know the know the layout. We are onto 33 weeks now and my doctor is happy with my progress. She wants to be really greedy and try to make it to 35 weeks but that's only 14 days away....eeekkss!!

Tired of eating, is it possible?

I've never been one to shy away from a meal and I absolutely love food...I'm a pastry chef after all. But I have to say, in these last months I am tired of eating! These twins have me eating six to seven times a day. It's so hard coming up with different things to eat all day, everyday. If I discover a new snack I'll eat it for three of four days and then I'm food bored again. I've pretty much exhausted burgers, ice cream, yogurt, fruit and chips. I can't eat a huge amount at one sitting b/c my stomach is smashed up by two little heads. But usually within an hour or so of feeling full, I'm feeling hungry again. I know Young is tired of hearing "I'm hungry, what do we have to eat?" Our grocery has noticeably go up a few bucks as well (another hidden cost of twins). If anyone has any exciting snacks to suggest, I'd be happy to hear them.

Hidden Costs of Twins Part I

Hi Everyone,

I thought I would start a new series in our blog called the "Hidden Costs of Twins." This is our first installment.

So we tried fitting our infant car seats in our car to no avail. Seeing how we are having two, we needed to put the seats behind the driver and passenger seats rather than one in the middle. Unfortunately, the front seats had to be pushed up to the point where it would have been uncomfortable.

The solution? New car; a bigger car actually. After careful consideration, we decided on a compact SUV (Acura RDX to be exact - picture below). Not only is the new vehicle more expensive but it gets worse gas mileage.


On top of that, we lost out on a great deal where the dealer was willing to 'lose money' on the deal (by going below invoice). Apparently they were having a really slow day and wanted to get rid of some vehicles on their lot. They were virtually begging us to make a deal. Unfortunately, I'm a processor, I needed to sleep over it. And of course, the following day when we decided to get the vehicle with the technology package (i.e., navigation system), they were really busy and were working on several deals when we got there. They were no longer willing to deal. So here is a real life lesson that sometimes, the deal is only good that day.

All that said, we are very pleased with our car and are happy that our little monkeys will have plenty of room in the back.


Now if we can only get it to fit in our garage without having to buy a new house...

2008...Getting Ready

Happy New Year everyone! I hope you all had a wonderful holiday season. I'm personally glad the holidays are over and I can get on with the organization of the nursery. It's one of those things that has been too overwhelming to deal with in the middle of everything the holidays brings. But no excuses now...so here is a short list of the remaining items I feel need to be done before the little ones make their arrival. Any input is welcomed...
-wash all bedding and clothes
-set up diaper changing stations
-catch up on sleep
-figure out how to use the most of the baby items we received
-install car seats (should be at the top)
-pack my bag for the hospital
-read up on breastfeeding and baby's first year books
-catch up on sleep
-Clean/organized kitchen to make room for baby items...
-watch baby videos
-input address for birth announcements
-create a feeding cart
-catch up on sleep and alone time with my husband

and the list goes on....

Week 31

We had an excellent visit to the doctors today. This was my 31 week/8th month appointment. I'm measuring 40cm in my fundal height, which is normal for a woman who is 9 months pregnant. (Fundal height is the measurement from the top of my belly to the bottom). And it's only gonna get bigger...ugh! The twins are doing great. Both are apx. the same size, within a half pound or so. Each are measuring about 3 pounds. Sorry we don't have any good ultrasound pictures...Timothy is laying under Cameron so she was shadowing his face and Cameron was turned kinda upside down so the doctor couldn't really see her face. But both are very active and both are breech...or rather one is breech and one is sorta breech, sorta transverse or laying sideways...that's Timothy, he is under and across Cameron. Nonetheless, there are two sets of feet kicking the heck out of my bladder all day...good times.

Christmas 2007

Merry Christmas!
The day began early with preparation of the standing rib roast. As soon it was in the oven, we headed over to the tree to see what Santa brought us. As usual, Santa brought us wonderful gifts that reminded us of how blessed we are.

We then started to slowly get the house ready for our guests. We were having the Busbees, Sharona and John over for late lunch. Mmmmmh, slow cooked prime rib. I definitely recommend slow roasting prime rib in low heat! The meal and the company were great.

We hope you guys have had a great Christmas! Thanks Rona for the pictures!

Blessings of a Shower

Last weekend I was showered with gifts and friendships! My best friends Monique, Timmie and Beth gave me a wonderful baby shower complete with excellent food (thanks Beth!), great games and from what I hear, tasty mimosas. I've known some of these friends for the 12 years I've lived in SF and most for 10 years. It was a great time of hanging out and being surrounded by love and support for us and our babies. Lot's of Citizen Cake representation was there, past and present!

Week 29

Here is our new belly picture! I can't imagine getting any bigger but know I will. I had a good doctor's visit today, sorry, no ultrasound pics. I'll have more of them in two weeks. But we heard two strong heart beats. My doctor says I am doing very well and should be able to carry full term...but more importantly wants to get past 32 weeks. The babies are still twisting and truning, moving and kicking. But soon space will get really tight and they will just be kicking. Young's favorite thing is to press his ear against my tummy and hear the heart beats. Every once in a while he gets a kick in the head :)

I also finished up at work on Friday. Now I'll be able to rest a lot and try to get organized. There still seems to be so much to do!!

The Nursery

Things are starting to take shape in the nursery. We got the cribs and changing table/dresser built this weekend. I feel like we are on track to having most of the nursery set and organized by the beginning of the year. Young did an excellent job putting everything together, basically by himself. Monique was generous enough to give us Jake's old crib...which will be Timothy's. We bought the same style crib in white for Cameron. We'll keep you posted as it all comes together!

Advent

Today was the second Sunday of the Advent season. Sara and I were asked to light the second candle. While the first candle traditionally represents the theme of 'expectant hope,' we thought it was very appropriate for us to be lighting the candle today. We are not only remembering and looking forward to our Savior's coming, but also to that of our children.

For I know the plans I have for you, "declares the Lord, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Jeremiah 29:11

11:00pm Friday night..

What??? I wanted some ice cream.... 5 minutes later....

Diaper count

The books says you need about 600 diapers in the first six weeks....that's about 14 diapers a day...per baby. But wait, what about for twins...does that mean we need to double that?? We're talking about 30 diapers a day and over 1200 for the first six weeks?? And they say newborns go through more than larger infants b/c they feed more frequently...I guess we better increase that number just a little. Our good friend Yang gave us a coupon for $5 off each box of diapers so I figured we better start stocking up. Each of these boxes is 200...we only need 5 more boxes...and that just gets us through the first six weeks...

Brian Boitano and Barry Manilow perform at AT&T Park

This isn't really twin related but I wanted to mention our exciting evening last night seeing Barry Manilow!!! Some friends of ours gave us tickets to the Brian Boitano ice skating show at Giant stadium. We really went to see Barry and he was great! He only sang about 8 or so songs but they were all the classics. I don't think Young knew the full extent of my love of Barry's music until last night (some things are good to keep secret until later in marriage). Anyway, we had a great time. It was exciting to see Dorothy Hamill and other Olympic greats. The show was outside on a huge piece of ice in the middle of the baseball field, so we were all bundled up in scarves and gloves. I think the show will be airing on NBC and the Style Network...so keep an eye out for us!!

Annual Christmas Tree Ornament Party

So it was another year of good friends, good food and good ornaments. This year's theme was "My Favorite Christmas Carol." This year, we selected top ornaments and had the contenders sing their favorite Christmas carol for the prize. One of the finalists, my coworker, forfeited because he didn't want to sing "Born to be Wild." Not sure how that is Christmas though...

The winner this year was the Lam family. They all sang "All I want for Christmas is My Two Front Teeth." The runner up was "Silent Night." Pictures and video clips below.

Hope you all are having a great holiday season so far.

FBC Baby Shower

They say it takes a village to raise a child....I can't wait to have our children raised by the First Baptist Churrch SF village! There is so much love and support pouring out of our church community, Young and I are very blessed. This past Saturday the ladies of the church threw me an overly generous baby shower complete with fine food, games and a mountain of baby gifts. Thanks to Claudia for orgaizing it, Cathy for opening up her home and food and the punk girls for the fun and games. We were showered with lot's of blue and pink blankets, boy and girl outfits and other necessities to help us start off well prepared. Thanks to Linda for the photos!

Lights Up!

So in preparation for our Christmas Tree Ornament party, we got our Christmas Tree up and ready - approximately 700 lights are on this tree. Doesn't it look great! It was a pretty chilly evening here in SF, so we also started a fire. We wish you were here with us sitting by the fire and listening to Christmas songs.

At least our friends Daryl and Mindy were in town helping us celebrated Sara's baby shower and our party. It's good to have them visit. It's like they never left.