38 weeks and it's finally time

I'm 38 weeks with these sweet babies. I honestly did not think that I would make it this far with a twin pregnancy. I am thankful for healthy full term babies and I'm ready to meet them. 

Tomorrow morning I'll go in for an induction (unless they surprise us and come tonight!!). I've never been induced before so I am a little bit nervous about it. Even though I'm 38 weeks part of me is nervous that we're rushing them out. I want to make sure they are ready to be here. 

What I have been more nervous about during this pregnancy though is that I would go into labor and progress too quickly, like I did with Anna. It would be really helpful to have an epidural before I deliver twins and to not create total chaos if I get to the hospital and am about to deliver. By being induced, I can get the antibiotics for Group B strep, get an epidural, and have all the setup ready since I have to deliver in the operating room (in case of emergency c-section). So as uncomfortable as I have been for the past few weeks, I think that waiting this long has been God's plan to ensure that I'm at the hospital with plenty of prep time.

Here's my 38 week photo by Catherine. I know that one day I will look back and be amazed at the size of my tummy. It really is pretty crazy that a body can stretch that much to accommodate two babies.

And sweet little Anna had her princess camera out to take a picture too. At least it tells me I'm beautiful when she pushes the button!

So we're enjoying the last few hours as a family of 5 before we become a family of 7.  That sounds crazy! As ready as I am physically to have these babies, I still find it hard to believe that we'll have 2 little ones to bring home.  But I think we're as ready as we'll ever be. Let the fun begin!!

Keeping my perspective

I'm now 37 weeks and these babies are mighty comfy in there. Three weeks ago my dr said I probably had 10-14 days. Obviously we have passed that by. Now they're saying it may be another week or two and at the latest they would induce me on July 2nd.  I'm readjusting mentally to keep hanging in there for that long instead of expecting to go into labor at any given moment.

I feel like there's a fine line for me right now between complaining and being honest and being thankful.  I don't want to complain about my physical lack of comfort or the strain this is putting on our family, although at times I do. But at the same time, I don't want to deny that what I'm doing is physically difficult or that this is hard on our marriage and our children. And if I do say something about it, I don't want to come across as being unthankful for the gift of these babies.

I am so very thankful for these babies already.  When I stop and think about the true miracle God is giving us--two babies at once; two babies who I knew He wanted to add to our family although I never expected them to come at the same time; two babies who are growing inside me--I am in awe. I can't deny that this is His doing. And in the scheme of life and eternity, my discomfort for 9 months, especially these past few weeks, is nothing compared to the glory these children can bring Him.  I have to remind myself of this daily.

Last night in my insomnia I reread the book Loving the Little Years by Rachel Jankovic. I highly recommend this book to anyone with little kids--moms and dads.  I think she gets a lot of the perspective on parenting right, and I trust her experience since she has five little ones, including a set of twins.  I probably have lots I can learn from her.

One chapter that really encouraged me today was about the mom's attitude and self-talk. She said that she used to find herself thinking all day that she was "overwhelmed."  And while it may be true that she was, once she eliminated the word "overwhelmed" from her vocabulary, it became much easier to do the work God has given her to do. I need to remember that now and especially in the months to come. The days when I feel overwhelmed and tired, I need to instead focus on the work God has given me to do and His strength that He will give me to do it.  This is His plan for me and for our family. His desire is not for us to be overwhelmed by this, but instead to bring us good and not harm, to give us hope and a future (Jer 29:11).

Okay, so I'm basically writing all of this as a reminder to myself. But maybe it will encourage you as well.

Also, I know that there are lots of people praying for us and I greatly appreciate it. Here are a few specific prayer requests:

• Praise God for the gift of these two babies and pray that our family will continually be thankful for this gift, even in the chaos
• Pray for my delivery, especially that I would get to the hospital quickly enough to receive the prep that is needed for a twin delivery
• Pray for the health of the babies and for my health and recovery after delivery. 
• Pray for Jay, Catherine, Will, and Anna who have had to do without much of my attention and help. Pray for their continued patience and understanding when we bring home the babies.
• Praise God for the help of our family and friends, who truly are getting us through on a daily basis with everything from childcare, to laundry, to meals

Thank you for your prayers and your encouragement!

Really Ready...

How you know you are REALLY ready to have twins:

1. You cannot stand up for more than 4 mins at a time without your back going into spasms.

2.  You dream nightly about losing your mucus plug. (Okay, so I know that's disgusting but it's the truth.)

3.Your best friend sleeps with her phone under her pillow to make sure she doesn't miss "the call."

4. You can sympathize with the people on The Biggest Loser when they put those 100 lb full-body suits on them.

5. You are concerned that you may birth your bladder before you birth a baby.

6. Your six year old writes you a note that says "Even though you can't fix my lunch I still love you. Really love you."

7. Your two year old is fascinated with making lotion designs on your belly.

8.  Your four year old misses your cooking so much that he wants you to go to the grocery store and cook him dinner the day you get home from the hospital.

9. You think your water broke during the night only to discover it's your bladder leaking because you tried to roll over. (See #5)

10. You are still somewhat in denial that you're about to have two babies. You need to see them face to face to believe it.


We're (patiently) waiting for these babies! I try to remind myself on a daily basis that every day they are in there means it is less likely for them to have complications with breathing and eating once they're born. We want healthy full-term babies and it seems that God is answering that prayer.  But this is surely a test of endurance for me--both physically and emotionally!

Ready...

How you know you are ready to deliver twins:

 1. You daydream about labor and contractions. Even the thought of delivering them without pain medication sounds like a wonderful option.

 2. Your children pray at night for you to be able to walk up the stairs faster.

 3. You think you may get more sleep at night with two newborns than you currently do with 7 pillows.

 4. You have 4 shirts, 1 skirt, and 1 pair of pants that fit.

 5. It takes at least an hour to recover from taking a shower. Taking a bath seems like a good alternative until you try to get out of the bathtub.

 6. The dog has quit asking you to take him out. He just waits for someone else to get home.

 7. You can tell distinct body parts when babies move. You can actually grab a foot and feel the entire shape.

 8. You and your husband are looking forward to a few days at the hospital as a nice getaway.

 9. When you drop something you look at it and make a pro/con list about whether or not it's worth the effort to pick it up.

 10. You can't wait to meet these two new babies and welcome them to your family.

 Come on babies! Your mama is ready!

Vote for Kelly!

My friend and photographer Susan is doing a Christmas in June event. Please go and vote for Kelly and Kevin! Just leave a comment under the story on Susan's blog.  I think this would be a great way to honor Mia and celebrate their family!


Also feel free to pass this link along to anyone else who may vote. Post it on your blogs, facebook, or send emails. Thanks!!


http://susanbrewerphotography.com/blog/?p=3579

Mourning and Rejoicing

Our family is really practicing the verse in the Bible that tells us to rejoice with those who rejoice and mourn with those who mourn.

 In God's timing and wisdom, my sister Kelly is delivering their daughter Mia today and saying goodbye to her here on this earth.  At the same time, I'm sitting here waiting to deliver twins.

 My heart breaks for Kelly. I hate that she has to face this and has had to make extremely difficult decisions about her health and Mia's health.  I hate that she won't be bringing home her little baby girl. Kelly is excited for us to have our babies. She's thrilled to be expecting a new niece and nephew.

 It just seems like such a strange comparison for all of it to be happening at the same time. But we trust God's timing. None of this was a surprise to Him. And we'll keep praying for peace, wisdom, and comfort for Kelly and the rest of our family as we go through the rest of today and in the weeks, months, and years to come. We appreciate all of you who have been praying for Mia. We rejoice that today her little body will be made whole and complete as Jesus welcomes her with open arms.

Here's my 35 week photos. Catherine took the first one and Will took the second one. The babies are still hanging out and growing in there. In my ultrasound yesterday, they estimate that James weighs 5 lbs 7 oz and Elizabeth weighs 5lbs 13oz. Yep, that's over 11 lbs of baby in there. We're thinking they'll be here in the next 7-10 days. 

Here are a few pics of the nursery. It still seems surreal that there are two cribs in there. This whole thing may not seem real until I actually hold two babies.  Until then, I'll keep waiting and waddling and resting.