Merry Christmas!

Amber at 20 weeks

The First Hospital Visit

Ok, I know, I know, no more shoveling. Pretty sure I've learned my lesson. After shoveling yesterday morning, I could feel the contractions pretty strong. It took me all day long to get them stopped...or rather I slept through them. When I woke up to contractions this morning, I was mighty uncomfortable about the fact that they would not stop. These are not painful, hurting contractions, mind you, just the mild Braxton-Hicks contractions. However, they are every 3-5 minutes, so that's scary. And doubled with the fact that this is all I felt even throughout all of labor, it was a little concerning. After lunch, Dan ran with Josh to Blockbuster to return a movie. The contractions got stronger and closer together, so I called him and told him to just pull in the driveway so we could get checked at the hospital. I spent about 2 hours being monitored in Labor and Delivery and had a brief ultrasound to check on babies. Basically, with my history there is no way to tell if what I'm feeling is Braxton-Hicks or real contractions. At this point, I just have to monitor and lay low. We are all hoping the contractions are due to the shoveling. I was able to be released with no drugs or medications and no bedrest. But, if I go back again, I know they'll make me stay down.

The lesson? No shoveling. Got it.

Babies First Art Gallery

A friend, whose daughters I taught in Endicott, had an art gallery exhibit wine and cheese event tonight. I told Dan, and since he's never one to turn down wine and cheese, we got a babysitter and headed out for the night. Thomas happily waved good-bye and grabbed Ba (Aunt Kim) to play Hungry Hippos (a game they are only allowed to play with babysitters). Joshua had a complete meltdown and for the first time in years, we had to do a pass off and just walk out the door while he screamed his head off. Apparently he was fine 5 seconds after we left. The art gallery was tons of fun! It is about 10 degrees outside with biting winds. I finally got to wear a cute skirt that I borrowed from my friend Kari and a great coat I'm borrowing from my friend Kait. Thanks guys! I was cute...but cold! :) I think the babies liked the art, but we decided maybe it wasn't in our Christmas budget.

Woo-Hoo!!!!!

Hooray! The ultrasound went really well...it appears we are expecting two little girls! They are growing well and right on track. They each weigh 8 oz. My doctor answered all my questions and explained that he thinks I can make it further than 36 weeks this time. So far, so good!

The boys got to come in for the ultrasound. Not sure how much the ultrasound tech enjoyed this. They were very concerned for me, thinking it must hurt, but did alright for a little while. After a while "Ba" (Aunt Kim) took them out and eventually they went to the cafe to get a treat and wait. They are still concerned about the appointment, but more worried that I got a poke.

Joshua now has one baby sister in his tummy...her name is Bumblebee. :)

18 Weeks...Halfway Point!

Today I am officially 18 weeks. Nope, no pictures. Did I spend my day playing with the boys? No. Did I spend my day out and about? No. We are all sick. I spent my morning at the doctor's office. I called my mom last night and told her my eardrum was going to explode. She came over first thing this morning and I ran to the doctor's and got a prescription for my ear infection. Awesome. The nice thing was that mom cleaned my kitchen while I was gone. Thanks mom! The boys were tired, sick, and cranky all day, so we lounged around watching movies and playing on the floor.

I am excited to be halfway (I'd be thrilled to make it past 36 weeks, but right now that's my goal). 36 weeks is April 15th, for those counting. :) I'll get some pictures up this weekend as Dan and I have a date night (as long as we rope a babysitter) planned. It's a dressy event, so we'll try and get some pictures then.

The boys and Dan are noticing daily belly growth at this point. Thomas remarked yesterday, "Look daddy, even mommy's belly button is really big!" And Dan opened a drawer only to realize he couldn't because my belly was in the way...not that I was real close or anything! I feel them move sporadically, especially when lying down or when holding one of the boys. Some days it seems they are real active, and days like today, they are real quiet. I hate the quiet days.

Look for an update Friday! It's ultrasound day! We get to find out what we're having!