23 weeks :)

Me and my "large" girls :)



Please feel no obligation to read these boring updates. They are more for family and those who like details! :)

Today was my monthly appointment. I am 23.5 weeks. They don't do much at these appointments at all but listen to the heart beats, and measure my belly and then I am done. Quick. However, my doctor today did mention that at my ultrasound at 22 weeks my babies were big. He actually said they were "large" and asked if we had big babies in our family. I told him about Betho's rather large children, and then told him how both Betho & I were pretty large too for preterm twins. SO, it looks like I am growing healthy, chubby girls. He said both are in the 70%  and I am assuming that's not all that common with twins. But I think big is good right? Who knows, but I am SO thankful they are growing at the same rate and look good! :)
I was talking to my mom and I don't wanna jinx it, but I think I have finally hit that second trimester "feeling good" mark. Everyone talked about how the second trimester hits and you feel wonderful. That just hasn't been the case for me. But my swollen feet and hands have gone away and my headaches have been much much better too. The heartburn is still a killer but I was just given the ok to take Zantac and it is a LIFESAVER!! All the cramping and braxton hicks stuff seems to be better too.

In other news, I was advised to quit my job due to the fact that I am not immune to the virus CMV which is obviously pretty bad for a developing baby and it is spead in places with lots of young kids. So wierd I know. Who has even heard of this right!? So if you think I have all of a sudden quit liking your child, I haven't and will be back to cuddling and kissing in 3-4 months! My last day at the school was last Friday and I was blessed to get a teletherapy (seeing kids via computer-aka skype therapy) job so I can work from home. However, last night I was hit with the news that they needed me to see kids via teletherapy in California, requiring me to obtain an additional license that could take 1-4 months. Well, I don't have 4 months and was in a bit of a panic. So it looks like I will be doing some part time work for some skilled nursing homes in the area for a while, which is my favorite setting by a long shot as a therapist. Hopefully I can get a good couple months of work in and save up some money so I can keep my plan to only work 2 days a week once babies arrive! :)

Speaking of jobs, Lance got a new job as well! I am so happy for him, and although he will be training for 10-12 months in Spring (not an awesome commute) this is truly the perfect fit for him. He will be working as a rep for a company called Ferguson and it really just fits him to a T. Way to go L!

I think as of now my version of "nesting" is more like talking all excess out of our spending (likely due to the above mentioned happenings)! And I must say by tweaking the cable, Internet, and a few direct withdrawal monthly expenses, I have already added a big chunk of $$ back into our bank account each month! I'm pretty proud of myself. Its CRAZY how things add up and I am going to do a much better job from now on about really looking into what we are spending!

Not much else going on. Getting more excited about these girlies each day! :) Happy Weekend!!

Adoption smiles

I am a part of a Facebook group with people who are adopting from our adoption agency. It's great and helps me stay updated on the ins and outs of the adoption world, delays, improvements, referrals etc. etc.

People are always posting about different things and today people started posting their adoption videos. Videos of them meeting their little ones for the first time and bringing them home on their final trip. Oh my gosh!! I CANNOT wait until this is us!! One video there was a lady who couldn't stop smiling and kissing her little baby. Like literally, it was like someone froze a huge smile on her face! It was the sweetest thing I have ever seen. She was just so so so happy and it was like the months and years of waiting just melted off her and all she could do was smile and kiss her baby! Who knows if we will be kissing a teeny baby or a two year old, but I can't wait to have that smile frozen on my face while we are kissing our baby girl #3 a million times!! 

Sometimes I get a little confused about who is going to live in what room, or how sleep will go with Jane or how in the heck I will take three babies to the grocery store. I have to fight the urge to worry about the amount of exhaustion I might face, or how I could ever be in charge of three little lives all day by myself when Lance goes to work. I even had the thought today that I hope all these matching clothes aren't discontinued by the time Jane gets here because I will need to go get her a matching set of everything the twins have (real problems I know...hehe). 

But one thing I never worry about is how much we will love her. Well, we already love her every ounce as much as we do these little munchkins that I carry around with me all day. Plus, Jane isn't giving me migraines or heartburn or making me run to target and buy bigger, we'll everything on a monthly basis (don't worry girls, you are totally worth it too).

I know life will be crazy and I know Jane is going to be very confused and need time to heal and bond with us. I know we will be really tired and probably will just have gotten two other babies sleeping thought the night when this one comes along. But when I see those videos I don't care about any of it. All my anxiety melts away and I dream about the day when I am that mom with the smile plastered on her face, knowing that challenges will probably lie ahead, but that my baby is FINALLY in my arms and that's all that matters for now!!

Our girls

Today has been just wonderful! We had our follow up ultrasound and the girls looked 100% perfect. We are so thankful. At our 17 week ultrasound they saw what they called echogenic bowel (bright spot in the colon) on Zoe and we went through some genetic testing and other things to rule out any possible complications that sometimes come along with this condition. Everything came back clear and today at the ultrasound the spot in the bowel was GONE! It was likely from her just swallowing some blood and it showing up at just the same time they were looking last time. I am just so thankful for these healthy little girls!!!!

We got some amazing shots of their little faces. They are both weighing exactly the same at 1.2 lbs. However, the doctor said their measurements are different. Meaning, legs, arms and all that are not identical. I am so curious to see how these little ones come out looking. So fun if we have a blonde and a brunette, or one with fair skin and freckles and one with Lance's olive skin!! Ahhh....I just cannot wait to see them!

When we were looking at Nora (baby A) her little face looked SO fat and squished up and she had a tiny little button nose. Then we went to Zoe and she looked like she had a long thin face with a more distinct nose, and chin. The tech said, "Oh look, a face like mom and a face like Dad!" I think I was the fat face, but I'll take it! :) I know you can't really tell from the ultrasounds but from what I could see these little girls look different!

I told Lance even if they are completely different sizes and looks, it won't change the fact that they will be matching until they force me to stop dressing them alike. Jane will match them too don't you worry! ;)

Zoe on top & Nora on bottom! :)