Thursday, September 28, 2006
20 Week Ultrasound
Walker: The Twins had their 20 week ultrasound yesterday, and we're happy to report that everything looks great. The little guys were at it again, playing with one another on each side of the amniotic membrane that separates them (for the time being). At one point they were nearly holding hands, and at another their faces were so close to one another they were nose to nose!
This is the last ultrasound where the doctors will be able to measure their organs, bones, etc with this much detail. From here on out, the doctors will primarily be checking their growth to make sure that one of the Twins doesn't get bigger than the other. This could result if one of the Twins establishes a stronger food connection to the placenta than the other.
Unfortunately, people often say that one Twin "steals" the food from the other. But we all know that intent is one of the elements of theft, right? In my humble opinion, I think it would be very hard to convince a jury (beyond a reasonable doubt no less) that one of the Twins had the requisite mens rea to convict. And even if they did convict, I think we'd have a good shot on appeal. But I digress.
The little guys are identical in nearly every way at this point according to the radiologist, and they each weigh just under 1 lb. Dana's doing great and she looks fantastic - I'll snap some pictures this weekend to post so you can see her progress for yourself.
Oh! And we're off to our fourth Twins class at the UW tonight...more on that later.
Tuesday, September 26, 2006
The exception to the rule
As a rule, we're never going to dress the twins alike. But every rule has an exception, right? We're sending a big ol' thanks to our friends Tara and Brock for the funniest shirts. Ever.
Love,
Dana & Walker
Sunday, September 24, 2006
Gettin the Hang of This!
I realize I have been slacking on the blog updates when that list in my head (the one that's called "I Can't Forget to Tell Everyone About This") gets too long to keep track of. The list's summary: I really feel like I am getting the hang of this pregnancy stuff!
First, I am so excited to say that the sciatic pain has almost vanished (YEAH!!). I can't tell you how much easier life is without having such excruciating pain 24/7. Of course there are other pains that have replaced it, but they seem more normal...more pregnant-with-twins related. Thanks to everyone who extended their heartfelt concern and empathy during those tough 4 weeks.
Second, even though I am HUGE and growing at a record pace, I am feeling pretty good about the stylish maternity wardrobe I'm sporting! I have to give %100 props to this wonderful invention called the BellaBand. It allows me to wear tons of my old clothes, saving me so much money. I recommend it for anyone who is pregnant. It is a lifesaver.
Oh, and some really exciting news... I felt the first kick last Thursday! I was walking up a flight of stairs at work with some co-workers and I felt something that was like a rubber band lightly snapping from within my stomach. I totally freaked out and got overly and outwardly excited (maybe a little too much for work!). It was the coolest feeling. I felt like screaming and laughing and crying all at the same time. Kinda hard to explain. I mentioned those feelings to my friend, Tara (also a parent), who pointed out that this will not likely be the last time these boys make me feel that way!
Finally, a word about relaxation. For any of you who know me well, you know it is hard for me to slow down. If I do, it is not for long. Well, I am learning through the advise of other twin moms, the twin childbirth classes we are taking (I'll let Walker tell you about the classes), and the pregnancy book we are reading that learning how to relax, really relax, will be the second most important thing I can do to have a healthy pregnancy. (The first is, of course, eating as much as humanly possible.) I not only have Walker to thank for helping ease the burden at home, but today my wonderful girlfriends pitched in as well. They threw me a fabulous Pamper Party, truly helping me feel comfortable, relaxed and so incredibly blessed to have such a great supportive group of friends. Thanks ladies! I'm ready to take on the next 19 weeks!
Saturday, September 23, 2006
Mirror Images
Dana: This ultrasound was one of the most amazing experiences I've had so far. The picture is a view looking down on the tops of their little heads. You can see they are looking right into each other's eyes, with their little hands reaching out batting at one another.
I have read that "touch is the cornerstone of human experience and communication, beginning in the womb." They say that twins, throughout their gestation, often play affectionately with each other, touching one another on either side of the membrane that separates them.
I truly believe that I was watching them discover each other and begin to learn how to play together. I can't explain how amazing this is. I'm starting to understand how uniquely different twin development is, beginning in utero. I'm guessing this unique bond is going to continue to amaze me many times again.
Friday, September 15, 2006
Twin Town in the making...
Back in June when we found out we were having twins, Dana and I were faced with an interesting problem: How are we going to make this work with the space we have in our house? (We were expecting one baby at a time - what a silly idea!) Our house is great, but as a result from it being cut up into a duplex, it isn't laid out well for a family of four. Or at least, it wasn't back in June.
So, Dana and I put on our creative hats, and we went to work on Twin Town.
The Plan: Given that there were two (boys!) on the way, we decided that our bedroom needed to be closer to theirs. Once that was decided, every thing else fell into place rather quickly. First, Twin Town is going being built in the basement guest bedroom/office. Second, the rest of the basement is being turned into our bedroom suite. Finally, our current bedroom off the dining room upstairs is going to be turned into a familyroom/guest bedroom.
Progress: We're still working on it, but we've made progress down in the basement. We repainted the entire basement. The carpet, which had been ruined by the dogs, has been removed and replaced with fancy Flor modular carpeting. And finally, the bathroom floor has been tiled and we've installed a bathroom fan.
Up next: We're waiting for our new bathroom sink which is on backorder, so we have to wait a little while. Once the sink is installed, we'll finish up the rest of the bathroom, and once that's done, we'll move in to the new suite. After that, we'll work on the family room and Twin Town.
Saturday, September 09, 2006
Bouncing Baby Boys!
Dana: Oh boy! Or should I say boys. Going into the ultrasound, over a week ago, I had no idea of how I would feel about the news of our babies' sex. It had been a month since our last detailed ultrasound and I was more concerned about making sure they were still doing OK.
If we haven't explained it already... once a month we have a "just checking in to see if they are still kicking" ultrasound and then two weeks later it is much more detailed, measuring every little last ounce of them (the size of their hearts, feet, brains...everything!). Well, last Friday, while taking measurements of everything, it quickly became clear (as
What an incredible observation! One that admittedly hit me like a ton of bricks. My first thought, was "Oh my God, I love them so much! Our little boys! How adorable they are going to be, and how much fun we are all going to have together!” The second was a bit of heartache for the loss of the idea of my little girls. It didn't last long, but I have to admit, it was there. We had such perfect girl names picked out! The next feeling was slightly familiar. I had felt it the day we found out we were having twins. It was a feeling of slight panic, and the thought of "I have no idea how to raise boys!" I only know about my own childhood, and how I was raised as a girl. Luckily,
Once the news has sunken in, I am finding new things to look forward to, everyday. First, little boys LOVE their moms. It’s a given. Second, I will finally have a real reason to learn to love sports. Third, although the first years will be crazy, loud, rowdy, and rambunctious, the teenage years will be much easier on us than with two teenage daughters. And finally, the thing I am looking forward to the most is defining my Queen of the House status, within our family. Not sure what that will look like yet, but I'll keep you posted.
Tuesday, September 05, 2006
This just in...
Walker: Believe it or not, I still use a film camera. I like it because it takes such wonderful pictures. Remember how you used to wait a little while before you developed your film at the film store? That's what happened here. This picture is of Dana at eight weeks while we were at our dear friends Courtney and Kelly's wedding two months ago.
Monday, September 04, 2006
Thanks Annie & Ethan!!
We just returned from a wedding weekend getaway on Whidbey Island where our friends Annie & Ethan were married. The wedding was held at the Whidbey Institute near Clinton, Washington.
Instant classic.
The laughter, the singing, the dancing, and all of the wonderful memories will be with us for a lifetime.
(Thanks Annie & Ethan - we love you both.)
Walker & Dana
