OK so after I posted the bump pic I also wanted to update you all on the happenings of the bump post steroid injection.
Yesterday I was a little worried as they didn't move hardly at all during the day - I did a heartbeat check twice though and all is OK - it seems that sometimes after the steroid jabs they can get a little sleepy, but they are back to normal today and I've felt them both moving again! phew...
I've also had a few period like cramps last night so for the next few days I'm going to be taking it very easy and spending the majority of my time on the sofa with my feet up to ensure we don't do anything to bring on labour!
The braxton hicks have calmed a little too - so the resting is doing me good...
So no work, no nothing, just lazing about and relaxing! I like the sound of that!
Thursday, 10 December 2009
Bump pic at 28 weeks
OK so this one is a little different! Being that I'm a photographer, and I have done a lot of work in the past with nudes, I clearly have an appreciation for the shape of the human body and I simply adore curves and black and white nude photography.
So for once, I've allowed myself to be photographed this way! (I'm usually on the other side where I prefer it!) but as I'm pregnant I really wanted to capture the beauty of what is happening and so here it is:
A one shot deal to see me in the nude (albeit tastefully done!) and looking (according to the husband!) radiant and gorgeous! to me I look huge and nude, but opinions will vary!
So for once, I've allowed myself to be photographed this way! (I'm usually on the other side where I prefer it!) but as I'm pregnant I really wanted to capture the beauty of what is happening and so here it is:
A one shot deal to see me in the nude (albeit tastefully done!) and looking (according to the husband!) radiant and gorgeous! to me I look huge and nude, but opinions will vary!
Wednesday, 9 December 2009
Braxton Hicks are a pain in the uterus!
Yesterday we ended up at the hospital as I've been suffering with Braxton Hicks lately.
I've been getting them on and off for several weeks now, mostly irregularly but on Monday they decided to come more frequently and I found I was getting them every 15 minutes.
Yesterday this increased to every 10 minutes, so in order to ensure this wasn't an issue I called the midwife to check and see if there was anything I can do.
Their advice was to come in to the delivery suite so they can monitor me for a little while and consider whether I should have a steroid injection for the babies lungs.
Anyway, we were in there for just over four hours, during which time they put me on a monitoring machine to keep an eye on their heartbeats and to also monitor the tightenings (Braxton Hicks contractions).
All was well and they decided to give me the steroid jab as a precaution - it won't do them any harm and will help their lungs mature a little faster just in case they decide to come early.
I had to go back this morning for the 2nd jab - and now I'm going to take it easy and see if we can slow the recurrence of these damn Braxton Hicks!
I've been getting them on and off for several weeks now, mostly irregularly but on Monday they decided to come more frequently and I found I was getting them every 15 minutes.
Yesterday this increased to every 10 minutes, so in order to ensure this wasn't an issue I called the midwife to check and see if there was anything I can do.
Their advice was to come in to the delivery suite so they can monitor me for a little while and consider whether I should have a steroid injection for the babies lungs.
Anyway, we were in there for just over four hours, during which time they put me on a monitoring machine to keep an eye on their heartbeats and to also monitor the tightenings (Braxton Hicks contractions).
All was well and they decided to give me the steroid jab as a precaution - it won't do them any harm and will help their lungs mature a little faster just in case they decide to come early.
I had to go back this morning for the 2nd jab - and now I'm going to take it easy and see if we can slow the recurrence of these damn Braxton Hicks!
Monday, 7 December 2009
29 weeks pregnant
Almost at the big 30 - one week closer to them actually being here, it's becoming a reality at long long last!
This week the babies now weigh around 3lb and measures about 38.6cm from head to toe. Head hair is beginning to grow. In boys (not important for us!), testicles have descended from near the kidneys through the groin en route to the scrotum. In girls, the clitoris is relatively prominent because it's not yet covered by the still-small labia. These will grow to cover it in the last few weeks before birth.
Their heads are getting bigger, and brain growth is rapid at this time. Nearly all babies react to sound and light by 30 weeks.
Their nutritional needs reach their peak during the third trimester. According one sone site I will now need plenty of protein, vitamin C, folic acid, iron, and calcium (about 200mg is deposited in their skeleton every day!), so I have to eat foods rich in these nutrients. (well I already have been right the way through, so nothing much will change here!)
Their skeleton hardens even more and the brain, muscles, and lungs continue to mature.
This week the babies now weigh around 3lb and measures about 38.6cm from head to toe. Head hair is beginning to grow. In boys (not important for us!), testicles have descended from near the kidneys through the groin en route to the scrotum. In girls, the clitoris is relatively prominent because it's not yet covered by the still-small labia. These will grow to cover it in the last few weeks before birth.
Their heads are getting bigger, and brain growth is rapid at this time. Nearly all babies react to sound and light by 30 weeks.
Their nutritional needs reach their peak during the third trimester. According one sone site I will now need plenty of protein, vitamin C, folic acid, iron, and calcium (about 200mg is deposited in their skeleton every day!), so I have to eat foods rich in these nutrients. (well I already have been right the way through, so nothing much will change here!)
Their skeleton hardens even more and the brain, muscles, and lungs continue to mature.
Friday, 4 December 2009
It's like Christmas is coming!
Oh yeah, it is....
Yesterday the Toys R Us box arrived, we now have the baby changing station, 2 changing mats (one for downstairs and one for their room!) two sleeping bags for them, the bot bumpers, their wall stickers and a few other smaller bits and pieces!!!
Today we are expecting the pram to arrive, tomorrow we have to go to the post office to collect a parcel, which I think is the changing bag, and Monday/Tuesday we will be getting the cots!
I think we have now just about bought everything that we will need, but still it hasn't dawned on me that this is real! I'm just going through the motion and doing what is expected of me at almost 29 weeks.
When I have them in my arms, I might finally believe it!
Yesterday the Toys R Us box arrived, we now have the baby changing station, 2 changing mats (one for downstairs and one for their room!) two sleeping bags for them, the bot bumpers, their wall stickers and a few other smaller bits and pieces!!!
Today we are expecting the pram to arrive, tomorrow we have to go to the post office to collect a parcel, which I think is the changing bag, and Monday/Tuesday we will be getting the cots!
I think we have now just about bought everything that we will need, but still it hasn't dawned on me that this is real! I'm just going through the motion and doing what is expected of me at almost 29 weeks.
When I have them in my arms, I might finally believe it!
Thursday, 3 December 2009
Hospital scan today
We went for a hospital scan and appointment today, we didn't get any pictures this time as they are now too big to see on screen, you only manage to see legs, arms and other such body parts! so they no longer do pictures, but they do check their weights and they have grown quite a bit since the last hospital scan!
Twin 1 is in the breech position (head up, feet down) and she now weights 2lbs and 14ozs (1318g)
Twin 2 (who is actually nearest the exit!) is in the Cephalic position (head down, feet up) and has her head so low down in my pelvis the sonographer had a hard time measuring the circumference of her head!. She weighs 2lb and 12 ozs (1238g).
I also had some bloods taken today and also an anti-d injection (which hurt!).
Once again we didn't get to see our consultant, instead we saw Mohammed, a locum registrar who quite frankly smelled 'really bad' of BO and had bad breath, he also had really bad dandruff and a cold (and was sniffling into a tissue), I had planned to ask for a cervix check, but was put off immediately by his poor hygiene standards!!
We are back again on New Years eve for the next scan and hopefully we will get to see our actual consultant next time as he hasn't been there for the last two visits!
I've also managed to pull a couple of pictures from the 4D scan, they are of righty (Twin 1) - we didn't get any footage at all of lefty, so we'll just have to wait until they are born!
In this one you can see her face, and also lefty's leg which is the funny thing you see wrapped around her cheek (foot up by her ear!)
This one you can sort of see her face, but its a bit blurred with things (not sure what) that are covering bits, but it's the best we could get :(
Twin 1 is in the breech position (head up, feet down) and she now weights 2lbs and 14ozs (1318g)
Twin 2 (who is actually nearest the exit!) is in the Cephalic position (head down, feet up) and has her head so low down in my pelvis the sonographer had a hard time measuring the circumference of her head!. She weighs 2lb and 12 ozs (1238g).
I also had some bloods taken today and also an anti-d injection (which hurt!).
Once again we didn't get to see our consultant, instead we saw Mohammed, a locum registrar who quite frankly smelled 'really bad' of BO and had bad breath, he also had really bad dandruff and a cold (and was sniffling into a tissue), I had planned to ask for a cervix check, but was put off immediately by his poor hygiene standards!!
We are back again on New Years eve for the next scan and hopefully we will get to see our actual consultant next time as he hasn't been there for the last two visits!
I've also managed to pull a couple of pictures from the 4D scan, they are of righty (Twin 1) - we didn't get any footage at all of lefty, so we'll just have to wait until they are born!
In this one you can see her face, and also lefty's leg which is the funny thing you see wrapped around her cheek (foot up by her ear!)
This one you can sort of see her face, but its a bit blurred with things (not sure what) that are covering bits, but it's the best we could get :(
Monday, 30 November 2009
28 weeks pregnant
Another mini milestone for us today, It's such an amazing feeling for me to be here and for everything to be going OK. I'm still finding it hard to let it sink in that the girls might actually be coming, and that this time - after 5 pregnancy losses and 9 rounds of IVF - I might ACTUALLY be a mum!
According to some sites I'm now officially in the third trimester - although Chris has been convinced we were there already for 2 weeks now!
I've also read (but am more than aware of) the fact that if they were born now, they would probably survive but would need intensive, special care. The final two months of gestation are important for further maturation of all body systems and organs. So hang in there for a few more weeks little ones!
By this week, they may measure 37.6cm from top to toe. At about this time, they can open their eyes and turn their head in the uterus if they notice a continuous, bright light shining from the outside. (I wish I could see inside!)
Their fat layers are forming which will help their skin to lose its wrinkled appearance. Their bones are nearly developed, although they are still soft and pliable – they won’t harden properly until after birth.
Also their nostrils are now open and their lungs are developing air sacs. They are now taking on a more normal flesh colour and a less wrinkled appearance.
As they grow bigger they will have less space to turn and roll, but will still kick vigorously. (tell me about it - they are kicking and moving quite a lot now and it's amazing!) Their arms and legs will pull up towards their chests as they find a position which is comfortable for their developing size (and as they try to find some space in there!).
They will also be learning to live with the sound of my blood humming and whooshing and all my digestive gurglings. (poor girls!) Apart from the lungs, all their major organs are now functioning. The lungs are still full of amniotic fluid and the air-exchange sacs (alveoli) will not be formed for several more weeks.
So - some good development going on this week - just keep growing - even if I do look like a Buddha now!
According to some sites I'm now officially in the third trimester - although Chris has been convinced we were there already for 2 weeks now!
I've also read (but am more than aware of) the fact that if they were born now, they would probably survive but would need intensive, special care. The final two months of gestation are important for further maturation of all body systems and organs. So hang in there for a few more weeks little ones!
By this week, they may measure 37.6cm from top to toe. At about this time, they can open their eyes and turn their head in the uterus if they notice a continuous, bright light shining from the outside. (I wish I could see inside!)
Their fat layers are forming which will help their skin to lose its wrinkled appearance. Their bones are nearly developed, although they are still soft and pliable – they won’t harden properly until after birth.
Also their nostrils are now open and their lungs are developing air sacs. They are now taking on a more normal flesh colour and a less wrinkled appearance.
As they grow bigger they will have less space to turn and roll, but will still kick vigorously. (tell me about it - they are kicking and moving quite a lot now and it's amazing!) Their arms and legs will pull up towards their chests as they find a position which is comfortable for their developing size (and as they try to find some space in there!).
They will also be learning to live with the sound of my blood humming and whooshing and all my digestive gurglings. (poor girls!) Apart from the lungs, all their major organs are now functioning. The lungs are still full of amniotic fluid and the air-exchange sacs (alveoli) will not be formed for several more weeks.
So - some good development going on this week - just keep growing - even if I do look like a Buddha now!
Saturday, 28 November 2009
Another crap scan!
We went for our second 4D scan yesterday - the one that was supposed to make up for the fact the last one was not very good, and sadly this one wasn't any better :(
We didn't get anything on the twin that is on the left as she is head down and not in a good position so all we got was a little bit on the one on the right.
I will sort out the DVD footage this weekend and hope to get a few snaps and maybe a little bit of video over the next few days.
I have to say though I'm very disappointed with this - it cost £150 and to be honest other than seeing that they are OK (which we can do at the hospital for free) - we didn't really get anything useful from this that shows us what the girls might look like.
We aren't sure if it's down to Future Babies scanning equipment, or if what they were telling us was true and that they were just in the wrong place. I guess we won't know unless I hear from other ladies who have had similar bad experience at the same scanning place.
Ahh well, they will be here in 10 weeks, so we will just have to have a little more patience!
We didn't get anything on the twin that is on the left as she is head down and not in a good position so all we got was a little bit on the one on the right.
I will sort out the DVD footage this weekend and hope to get a few snaps and maybe a little bit of video over the next few days.
I have to say though I'm very disappointed with this - it cost £150 and to be honest other than seeing that they are OK (which we can do at the hospital for free) - we didn't really get anything useful from this that shows us what the girls might look like.
We aren't sure if it's down to Future Babies scanning equipment, or if what they were telling us was true and that they were just in the wrong place. I guess we won't know unless I hear from other ladies who have had similar bad experience at the same scanning place.
Ahh well, they will be here in 10 weeks, so we will just have to have a little more patience!
Wednesday, 25 November 2009
Getting things ready
Chris is off this week and we are using the time to start getting things ready for the arrival of the twins - but now that we have bought most of the big things (and still waiting for some things to arrive) - what can we do?
We've put some of their clothes away, can't put the cots up yet as they aren't here, the moses baskets arrived yesterday but I'm too scared to get them out of their packaging in case we have to send them back, and the packs of nappies are stacking up in the cupboard.
Now what?....
I suppose we should start thinking about getting a hospital bag ready as twins are notorious for coming early, but we still feel like it's too soon.
I have already bought some new PJ's and slippers, I can get my wash bag ready in minutes and if they came this early we wouldn't need anything for them anyway as they would be in special care - so once again - Now what??
I hate waiting...
I'm still suffering with Braxton Hicks quite frequently - I know this isn't going to go away now, still getting back ache, groin pain, pains in my hips at night and ligament pains too.
The heartburn has gone away though!!! :)
If they don't come early (which I'm hoping they won't!) then they will be here 11 weeks today - that is just 77 days!
We've put some of their clothes away, can't put the cots up yet as they aren't here, the moses baskets arrived yesterday but I'm too scared to get them out of their packaging in case we have to send them back, and the packs of nappies are stacking up in the cupboard.
Now what?....
I suppose we should start thinking about getting a hospital bag ready as twins are notorious for coming early, but we still feel like it's too soon.
I have already bought some new PJ's and slippers, I can get my wash bag ready in minutes and if they came this early we wouldn't need anything for them anyway as they would be in special care - so once again - Now what??
I hate waiting...
I'm still suffering with Braxton Hicks quite frequently - I know this isn't going to go away now, still getting back ache, groin pain, pains in my hips at night and ligament pains too.
The heartburn has gone away though!!! :)
If they don't come early (which I'm hoping they won't!) then they will be here 11 weeks today - that is just 77 days!
Monday, 23 November 2009
27 Weeks pregnant
I never really believed we make it this far, and I'm still having a hard time believing that in 11 weeks we might actually really be parents this time, but it is amazing to think we are now at 27 weeks and all is well.
This week they may open their eyes and are now sleeping and waking at regular intervals (I've noticed this!), some people even believe they start to dream at this stage (although how they know that is anyone's guess! - and what would they dream about? they have no concept of the world outside - the mind boggles!).
As for me the websites out there say that I will start feeling more tired now I'm in the last trimester - which I can totally believe as I've had a few days already where I'm just plain worn out well before my time!
And that I might get braxton hicks - which I'm still getting every day and is really uncomfortable.
Last night I woke up at 4am and just wasn't tired for ages - I finally fell asleep at about 6.30am for a bit before we got up to go out.
Chris is off work this week so we went to Southampton today and bought a few bits from Ikea and Mothercare - also the moses baskets arrived so we now have somewhere for them to sleep (cots coming in December).
A long, tiring day, but a good one.
Tomorrow we have Tracy and Noah coming over, can't wait to see them!
This week they may open their eyes and are now sleeping and waking at regular intervals (I've noticed this!), some people even believe they start to dream at this stage (although how they know that is anyone's guess! - and what would they dream about? they have no concept of the world outside - the mind boggles!).
As for me the websites out there say that I will start feeling more tired now I'm in the last trimester - which I can totally believe as I've had a few days already where I'm just plain worn out well before my time!
And that I might get braxton hicks - which I'm still getting every day and is really uncomfortable.
Last night I woke up at 4am and just wasn't tired for ages - I finally fell asleep at about 6.30am for a bit before we got up to go out.
Chris is off work this week so we went to Southampton today and bought a few bits from Ikea and Mothercare - also the moses baskets arrived so we now have somewhere for them to sleep (cots coming in December).
A long, tiring day, but a good one.
Tomorrow we have Tracy and Noah coming over, can't wait to see them!
Friday, 20 November 2009
Bump pics and weight gain
Had a better nights sleep last night - might have been down to the fact I had a lovely relaxing bath right before I went to bed - will have to try this more often!
We also took a new bump pic so you can see how much I'm expanding, some of the figures are quite scary these days!
I didn't measure my waist when we first got pregnant, I wish I had now but in the last month my waist at it's biggest point (just under the belly button) is now a massive 48.5 inches!!!
Also since I found out I was pregnant, I have gained 27 pounds (1 stone 13) - which according to all the things I've read is about right and should lead to good healthy twins! I've been warned to expect to gain 50 pounds by the time we are done!
Went to the midwife yesterday and she said my uterus is measuring that of a 33 week singleton pregnancy! Other than that all is well.
Here is the latest photo:
We also took a new bump pic so you can see how much I'm expanding, some of the figures are quite scary these days!
I didn't measure my waist when we first got pregnant, I wish I had now but in the last month my waist at it's biggest point (just under the belly button) is now a massive 48.5 inches!!!
Also since I found out I was pregnant, I have gained 27 pounds (1 stone 13) - which according to all the things I've read is about right and should lead to good healthy twins! I've been warned to expect to gain 50 pounds by the time we are done!
Went to the midwife yesterday and she said my uterus is measuring that of a 33 week singleton pregnancy! Other than that all is well.
Here is the latest photo:
Thursday, 19 November 2009
Aches, pains and cramps
I haven't written all that much about what I'm going through with the pregnancy, mostly because I am so grateful to be here that I don't want to appear to be complaining, but recently the 'symptoms' of pregnancy are starting to become rather annoying, and more than a little painful!
Last night I was woken up at 4.30am with cramp in my calf on my left leg, it left me screaming in agony as I'm not used to this (although this is the 2nd time in 2 weeks - last time it was my right leg). However prior to this I think I've only ever had a cramp 2 or 3 times in my life!
When I'm in bed, I'm finding that most nights now it's getting very uncomfortable, even though we have a memory foam mattress (can't imagine how bad it would be on a normal mattress!), but my hips, back and groin area seem to get stiff and painful which makes getting up to go to the loo or turning over in the night very painful too!
When I'm out walking in the day, I can manage a couple of hours, but I'm still suffering with pelvic pain at the back and now also groin pain at the front.
So generally being pregnant is damned uncomfortable, with outbreaks of pain!
Oh and I haven't slept through the night since June, as I'm up at least 3-4 times a night to use the loo, I figured this was good practice though for when the babies are here!
I'm not complaining though, I'm still very much thrilled to be where we are right now, and if this is what I have to cope with then so be it - I've already had a thousand needles poked in me, been probed, cut open, prodded, examined etc more than I care, so if I have to have this for the next 12 weeks in order to have 2 gorgeous little girls - then bring it on...
Last night I was woken up at 4.30am with cramp in my calf on my left leg, it left me screaming in agony as I'm not used to this (although this is the 2nd time in 2 weeks - last time it was my right leg). However prior to this I think I've only ever had a cramp 2 or 3 times in my life!
When I'm in bed, I'm finding that most nights now it's getting very uncomfortable, even though we have a memory foam mattress (can't imagine how bad it would be on a normal mattress!), but my hips, back and groin area seem to get stiff and painful which makes getting up to go to the loo or turning over in the night very painful too!
When I'm out walking in the day, I can manage a couple of hours, but I'm still suffering with pelvic pain at the back and now also groin pain at the front.
So generally being pregnant is damned uncomfortable, with outbreaks of pain!
Oh and I haven't slept through the night since June, as I'm up at least 3-4 times a night to use the loo, I figured this was good practice though for when the babies are here!
I'm not complaining though, I'm still very much thrilled to be where we are right now, and if this is what I have to cope with then so be it - I've already had a thousand needles poked in me, been probed, cut open, prodded, examined etc more than I care, so if I have to have this for the next 12 weeks in order to have 2 gorgeous little girls - then bring it on...
Wednesday, 18 November 2009
Starting to buy things now :)
Now that we are getting closer to the girls being here we have started to order a few bits and pieces for them.
So far we have ordered their pram which is a LeeBruss Zoom - this will be delivered in December. It is a tandem style pram that will allow us to put them in facing each other, facing us or facing away - it takes the maxi cosi car seats that we have and also it has carrycots too.
We have also ordered their cots which are actually cot beds - these should last them until they are about 6 years old! And will also be delivered in December:
As we have bought Angelcare monitors for them, we can no longer put them in one cot together in our room, so we are also getting moses baskets for each of them so we can keep them safe and have them in with us for the first few weeks:
We have also bought a few smaller things like some clothes, nappies, wipes and a lampshade for their room! only because we couldn't resist!
A big thank you to Chris's parents for buying the pram, to Helena for donating the maxi cosi car seats and bases, to my nan for buying the new car seat covers and to my mum for buying the moses baskets.
We have so far spent about £40,000 getting here with all the IVF bills, so all this extra help now they are coming is very much appreciated!
If you want to help - please feel free to use the wishlists that are linked on the right of this blog, or just browse the Google advertising as every click you give helps:)
So far we have ordered their pram which is a LeeBruss Zoom - this will be delivered in December. It is a tandem style pram that will allow us to put them in facing each other, facing us or facing away - it takes the maxi cosi car seats that we have and also it has carrycots too.
We have also ordered their cots which are actually cot beds - these should last them until they are about 6 years old! And will also be delivered in December:
As we have bought Angelcare monitors for them, we can no longer put them in one cot together in our room, so we are also getting moses baskets for each of them so we can keep them safe and have them in with us for the first few weeks:
We have also bought a few smaller things like some clothes, nappies, wipes and a lampshade for their room! only because we couldn't resist!
A big thank you to Chris's parents for buying the pram, to Helena for donating the maxi cosi car seats and bases, to my nan for buying the new car seat covers and to my mum for buying the moses baskets.
We have so far spent about £40,000 getting here with all the IVF bills, so all this extra help now they are coming is very much appreciated!
If you want to help - please feel free to use the wishlists that are linked on the right of this blog, or just browse the Google advertising as every click you give helps:)
Tuesday, 17 November 2009
4D scan
We went for a 4D scan this weekend, all full of hope that we might get to see the babies faces, but sadly we were a bit disappointed.
We were in there about half an hour, but the babies were not playing ball, and the picture quality wasn't very good (see pics below!).
The sonographer said this is partly due to their position and the amount of fluid around their faces, but I wasn't completely convinced! They have offered to do another one for free next week, so at least we can try again.
For now though - this is the best we could get:
Twin 1 (Righty!)
Twin 2 (Lefty!)
And a 20 second video clip of each too:
Lefty:
Righty:
We were in there about half an hour, but the babies were not playing ball, and the picture quality wasn't very good (see pics below!).
The sonographer said this is partly due to their position and the amount of fluid around their faces, but I wasn't completely convinced! They have offered to do another one for free next week, so at least we can try again.
For now though - this is the best we could get:
Twin 1 (Righty!)
Twin 2 (Lefty!)
And a 20 second video clip of each too:
Lefty:
Righty:
Monday, 16 November 2009
26 weeks pregnant
Wow, another week has passed and I'm still surprised to be here. Usually things have gone wrong by now, but so far so good - except for the usual pregnancy symptoms which are causing me some grief and making me uncomfortable most of the time these days, but I'm not complaining!
At 26 weeks the babies should be about 36cm. According to one site they should weigh a little more than 760g (however we know ours are porkies at 963g which is 2lbs and 2ozs this week!).
Their eyes begin to open around now and their response to sound grows more consistent towards the end of the seventh month, when the network of nerves to their ears are complete. They also continue to take small breaths and although they are only breathing in fluid and not air, it's still good practice for when they are born.
According to another site, air sacks are developing in their lungs, which means it just might be possible for them to take a breath at the end of this week. The air sacks (technically called alveoli) will continue to grow for the next nine years. The membrane that keeps the alveoli separate from the blood vessels is now thin enough to allow for that oxygen–carbon dioxide exchange we call breathing. Other highlights this week:
The retina completes the development of its normal layers this week which means their eyes are now fully developed. The eye colour of all babies in mother’s womb is blue and will change later in life. Some babies are born with a darker shade of blue and others are born with a lighter blue shade. They will now start putting on fat layers till the time of birth. Presently they are still lean.
Brainwaves for the auditory and visual systems are detectable this week. That means their brain is registering things like sound and light. They can't understand what any of it means yet though!
At 26 weeks the babies should be about 36cm. According to one site they should weigh a little more than 760g (however we know ours are porkies at 963g which is 2lbs and 2ozs this week!).
Their eyes begin to open around now and their response to sound grows more consistent towards the end of the seventh month, when the network of nerves to their ears are complete. They also continue to take small breaths and although they are only breathing in fluid and not air, it's still good practice for when they are born.
According to another site, air sacks are developing in their lungs, which means it just might be possible for them to take a breath at the end of this week. The air sacks (technically called alveoli) will continue to grow for the next nine years. The membrane that keeps the alveoli separate from the blood vessels is now thin enough to allow for that oxygen–carbon dioxide exchange we call breathing. Other highlights this week:
The retina completes the development of its normal layers this week which means their eyes are now fully developed. The eye colour of all babies in mother’s womb is blue and will change later in life. Some babies are born with a darker shade of blue and others are born with a lighter blue shade. They will now start putting on fat layers till the time of birth. Presently they are still lean.
Brainwaves for the auditory and visual systems are detectable this week. That means their brain is registering things like sound and light. They can't understand what any of it means yet though!
Wednesday, 11 November 2009
Sleep peacefully Florence Valentine Dallison
Today is another sad day. You may have already read that a dear friend of mine lost her daughter when she was 23 weeks pregnant just a few weeks ago.
Today Florence is being laid to rest to sleep peacefully forever.
I have lit a candle for her and my thoughts are with her Mum, Dad and brother today.
Here is a little poem for her that I read and liked:
If tears could build a stairway
and thoughts a memory lane
I'd walk right up to heaven
and bring you home again
No Farewell words were spoken
No time to say good-bye
You were gone before I knew it
And only God knows why.
My heart's still active in sadness
And secret tears still flow
What it meant to lose you
No one can ever know.
But now I know you want us
To mourn for you no more
To remember all the happy times
Life still has much in store.
Since you'll never be forgotten
I pledge to you today
A hallowed place within my heart
Is where you'll always stay.
God knows why, with chilling touch,
Death gathers those we love so much,
And what now seems so strange and dim,
Will all be clear, when we meet Him.
I Knew you for a Moment
Rest in Peace Sweetheart x x x
Today Florence is being laid to rest to sleep peacefully forever.
I have lit a candle for her and my thoughts are with her Mum, Dad and brother today.
Here is a little poem for her that I read and liked:
If tears could build a stairway
and thoughts a memory lane
I'd walk right up to heaven
and bring you home again
No Farewell words were spoken
No time to say good-bye
You were gone before I knew it
And only God knows why.
My heart's still active in sadness
And secret tears still flow
What it meant to lose you
No one can ever know.
But now I know you want us
To mourn for you no more
To remember all the happy times
Life still has much in store.
Since you'll never be forgotten
I pledge to you today
A hallowed place within my heart
Is where you'll always stay.
God knows why, with chilling touch,
Death gathers those we love so much,
And what now seems so strange and dim,
Will all be clear, when we meet Him.
I Knew you for a Moment
Rest in Peace Sweetheart x x x
Monday, 9 November 2009
25 weeks pregnant - just 13 weeks to go.
Another week has passed, another mini milestone met on the way to us becoming parents, we have now passed the 25 week mark and are looking forward to being able to finally buy things. (Next week!).
Our babies now weigh nearly 660g (we know they are heavier than that at about 750g each! little porkers!) and are about 34.6cm long from crown to heel. They are making breathing movements but they don't have any air in their lungs yet.
Some sites say that their eyes will also open this week. We have a scan on Saturday so I'm hoping we might see this.
As for me, I've been suffering quite a lot with Braxton Hicks, I didn't know it was this until we spoke to the consultant on Thursday, but now I know what it is and can recognise it, it seems to be happening quite frequently.
Braxton Hicks contractions are irregular tightenings of the uterus. Although Braxton Hicks contractions happen from very early in pregnancy, it is said that most women do not really notice them until the second half of pregnancy.
Braxton Hicks contractions are thought to play a part in toning the uterine muscle and promoting the flow of blood to the placenta. Some people call them 'practice contractions’.
I also found this:
Braxton Hicks contractions tend to be started off by either you or the baby moving, or by somebody touching your abdomen. Each ‘contraction’ may last 1-2 minutes. During this time, the whole uterus becomes hard. This may feel strange and rather uncomfortable – but should not be painful. Braxton Hicks contractions stay much the same throughout pregnancy (although you may notice them more); they do not get larger, harder or more frequent like ‘real’ contractions.
Well it seems to happen more when I'm up and about, and less when I'm sat down, so I can quite believe this last statement. And it is uncomfortable!
Our babies now weigh nearly 660g (we know they are heavier than that at about 750g each! little porkers!) and are about 34.6cm long from crown to heel. They are making breathing movements but they don't have any air in their lungs yet.
Some sites say that their eyes will also open this week. We have a scan on Saturday so I'm hoping we might see this.
As for me, I've been suffering quite a lot with Braxton Hicks, I didn't know it was this until we spoke to the consultant on Thursday, but now I know what it is and can recognise it, it seems to be happening quite frequently.
Braxton Hicks contractions are irregular tightenings of the uterus. Although Braxton Hicks contractions happen from very early in pregnancy, it is said that most women do not really notice them until the second half of pregnancy.
Braxton Hicks contractions are thought to play a part in toning the uterine muscle and promoting the flow of blood to the placenta. Some people call them 'practice contractions’.
I also found this:
Braxton Hicks contractions tend to be started off by either you or the baby moving, or by somebody touching your abdomen. Each ‘contraction’ may last 1-2 minutes. During this time, the whole uterus becomes hard. This may feel strange and rather uncomfortable – but should not be painful. Braxton Hicks contractions stay much the same throughout pregnancy (although you may notice them more); they do not get larger, harder or more frequent like ‘real’ contractions.
Well it seems to happen more when I'm up and about, and less when I'm sat down, so I can quite believe this last statement. And it is uncomfortable!
Thursday, 5 November 2009
24 week scan today
We have just got back from the hospital from the 24 week scan and are pleased to report that all is well with the girls. (We had that confirmed again - yes it's still girls!).
The scan was very quick today, we were only in there about 7 minutes! just enough time to take a few measurements and make sure all was OK and take a few (not very good) pictures (see below - if it's worth it as they really aren't good pics today!).
We found out today that both babies are now head down, and that they are growing pretty equally.
Twin 1 is now 1lb and 11 ounces (753g) and twin 2 is 1lb and 10 ounces (749g) - so they have almost doubled in weight over the last 4 weeks.
Everything else is as it should be.
So here are the pics we got today:
Twin 1:
Twin 2:
I'm not too worried about the poor quality pics this time as we are going to have another scan in a couple of weeks at the 4D place again:)
Bump pics to follow later in the week.
The scan was very quick today, we were only in there about 7 minutes! just enough time to take a few measurements and make sure all was OK and take a few (not very good) pictures (see below - if it's worth it as they really aren't good pics today!).
We found out today that both babies are now head down, and that they are growing pretty equally.
Twin 1 is now 1lb and 11 ounces (753g) and twin 2 is 1lb and 10 ounces (749g) - so they have almost doubled in weight over the last 4 weeks.
Everything else is as it should be.
So here are the pics we got today:
Twin 1:
Twin 2:
I'm not too worried about the poor quality pics this time as we are going to have another scan in a couple of weeks at the 4D place again:)
Bump pics to follow later in the week.
Monday, 2 November 2009
24 weeks pregnant!
I can hardly believe I am typing this, we actually made it to 24 weeks! This is such a huge deal for me and Chris, probably one of the biggest milestones along the way - and we made it.
It's been an 8 year slog to get here, numerous IVF treatments, 5 pregnancy losses, one at 21 weeks, so to get this far is a huge weight off of our shoulders.
The paranoia that we have faced since the day we found out we were pregnant has only been heightened by my friend losing her precious daughter at 23 weeks, just a few weeks ago - sadly it made me realise that my paranoia about being careful, and not doing anything to put this pregnancy at risk is well placed, as she suffered with the same problem that we had and it happened to her for no reason.
My heart is still very much with her and I know how deep her pain will run, losing a baby at this stage is simply the most awful thing a couple can go through, I can't even begin to explain how it makes you feel.
So for us, this milestone is a welcome day, it's something we have looked forward to for a very long time, as it means our babies are now viable in the eyes of the medical world. It means that if I go into labour, or my waters break early (PROM) then they will do something to save them, and they stand a chance of survival.
Matthew and Florence were born just a little too soon, for them this world was a cruel, cruel place where doctors considered them a miscarriage and not viable, which seems so, so wrong when you hold them in your arms and see how perfect they are.
So for today, we are grateful, happy and very much relieved to make it to '24 weeks'. It doesn't mean they would survive, or even be healthy should they be born now, but it means the doctors will try. They are now considered to be 'real babies'.
Now we have to make it past 30 weeks to ensure they come into this world healthy.
Big hugs to T & A. xxxx
It's been an 8 year slog to get here, numerous IVF treatments, 5 pregnancy losses, one at 21 weeks, so to get this far is a huge weight off of our shoulders.
The paranoia that we have faced since the day we found out we were pregnant has only been heightened by my friend losing her precious daughter at 23 weeks, just a few weeks ago - sadly it made me realise that my paranoia about being careful, and not doing anything to put this pregnancy at risk is well placed, as she suffered with the same problem that we had and it happened to her for no reason.
My heart is still very much with her and I know how deep her pain will run, losing a baby at this stage is simply the most awful thing a couple can go through, I can't even begin to explain how it makes you feel.
So for us, this milestone is a welcome day, it's something we have looked forward to for a very long time, as it means our babies are now viable in the eyes of the medical world. It means that if I go into labour, or my waters break early (PROM) then they will do something to save them, and they stand a chance of survival.
Matthew and Florence were born just a little too soon, for them this world was a cruel, cruel place where doctors considered them a miscarriage and not viable, which seems so, so wrong when you hold them in your arms and see how perfect they are.
So for today, we are grateful, happy and very much relieved to make it to '24 weeks'. It doesn't mean they would survive, or even be healthy should they be born now, but it means the doctors will try. They are now considered to be 'real babies'.
Now we have to make it past 30 weeks to ensure they come into this world healthy.
Big hugs to T & A. xxxx
Saturday, 31 October 2009
Happy Halloween!
Today is Halloween - something I've always loved since I was a kid when we used to go trick or treating around the village, I have fond memories of fake blood and plastic teeth and pumpkin carving!
This is the first year I've carved a pumpkin for a long time - we chose to do an Oogie Boogie from Nightmare before Christmas - here it is:
We also decided this year as it will be the only chance I ever get to do this - to paint the bump as it's about the right size to mimic a pumpkin and we thought it would be a laugh.
Here is a pic for your amusement!
This is the first year I've carved a pumpkin for a long time - we chose to do an Oogie Boogie from Nightmare before Christmas - here it is:
We also decided this year as it will be the only chance I ever get to do this - to paint the bump as it's about the right size to mimic a pumpkin and we thought it would be a laugh.
Here is a pic for your amusement!
Friday, 30 October 2009
2 days to the next milestone!
I can hardly believe I'm writing this, the last 8 years have been such a hard slog for us that to make it to 24 weeks with a pregnancy still seems like a dream that may never happen for us.
However, come Monday - we will officially be 24 weeks pregnant - and our babies will be considered as 'viable' by the obstetricians in this country.
It still very much saddens/angers me that prior to 24 weeks, the healthcare professionals still consider your baby to be a 'miscarriage' if you should lose it, I'm guessing that the people who made up these rules have never had to face the prospect of losing a baby so close to their magic '24 week' deadline - and have never felt the gut wrenching pain that you go through when something so tragic happens, only then to be told that the perfectly formed little baby that you delivered is 'only a miscarriage' and to not be given a birth certificate or death certificate for this little one.
Anyway, I don't want to dwell too much on the sadness, as it's already painful enough, but the happiness that we might make it to that '24 week' milestone and for everything to be OK for once.
I don't want to speak too soon, so just for today - at 23 weeks and 4 days, all is well.
However, come Monday - we will officially be 24 weeks pregnant - and our babies will be considered as 'viable' by the obstetricians in this country.
It still very much saddens/angers me that prior to 24 weeks, the healthcare professionals still consider your baby to be a 'miscarriage' if you should lose it, I'm guessing that the people who made up these rules have never had to face the prospect of losing a baby so close to their magic '24 week' deadline - and have never felt the gut wrenching pain that you go through when something so tragic happens, only then to be told that the perfectly formed little baby that you delivered is 'only a miscarriage' and to not be given a birth certificate or death certificate for this little one.
Anyway, I don't want to dwell too much on the sadness, as it's already painful enough, but the happiness that we might make it to that '24 week' milestone and for everything to be OK for once.
I don't want to speak too soon, so just for today - at 23 weeks and 4 days, all is well.
Thursday, 29 October 2009
A quieter week
It's Thursday already, and it's been much quieter this week.
It started on Monday with the plumbers in to put the new sink into the babies room, which now looks great, you can see that this is going to make a great bath for the girls while they are tiny! We still have to get the tiles for the back splash, which we plan to choose this weekend, I wanted to see what it all looked like though before we decided! - here are a couple of pics:
On Tuesday I had to pick Rasher up from the crematorium, that was quite hard to do as I miss him so much and to come home with an empty basket is heartbreaking.
Bit of work yesterday and today I've had more work and also a coffee with a friend.
We are looking forward to next week though - 24 weeks is such a huge milestone for us, we can't wait to get there.
It started on Monday with the plumbers in to put the new sink into the babies room, which now looks great, you can see that this is going to make a great bath for the girls while they are tiny! We still have to get the tiles for the back splash, which we plan to choose this weekend, I wanted to see what it all looked like though before we decided! - here are a couple of pics:
On Tuesday I had to pick Rasher up from the crematorium, that was quite hard to do as I miss him so much and to come home with an empty basket is heartbreaking.
Bit of work yesterday and today I've had more work and also a coffee with a friend.
We are looking forward to next week though - 24 weeks is such a huge milestone for us, we can't wait to get there.
Monday, 26 October 2009
23 weeks pregnant
I didn't do the development last week as it was just too awful a week to even think about, but I know I must press on and keep things as normal as possible so where are the girls this week?
According to some, our babies now weighs a little more than 1.1 pounds and measures about 29cm from crown to heel. Their hearing is well established and they can make out a distorted version of my voice, the beating of my heart and my stomach rumblings. (which are many! lol) Loud noises that they will hear the uterus, such as the barking of a dog or the roar of a vacuum cleaner, probably won't bother them when they are born.
Fat is still being deposited at a rapid rate, but your babies will still look red and wrinkled. Skin is being produced at a higher rate than the fat is, so the skin hangs loosely. They look red because the skin is losing its transparency and pigment is beginning to form. (Sadly I remember this is true with Matthew, he was quite red when he was born).
They say I should be feeling them moving quite a bit throughout the day as they will kick and punch the uterus walls. (I can confirm this is true, they are moving a lot and kick me several times a day!) Babies also run their hands along the umbilical cord and touch their body parts while they are in the womb.
They can now can suck their thumbs for real, where she was just sticking it in her mouth before, and they will continue to swallow amniotic fluid and recycle it as urine.
The liquids and sugars that the baby retracts from the fluid is a supplement to the nutrients that the placenta delivers. They say I might be able to feel small `jumps` inside of me when one of the babies gets the hiccups from swallowing fluid. The pancreas is developing and it will responsible for insulin production, to help break down sugars.
Only 7 more days to our next milestone of 24 weeks.
According to some, our babies now weighs a little more than 1.1 pounds and measures about 29cm from crown to heel. Their hearing is well established and they can make out a distorted version of my voice, the beating of my heart and my stomach rumblings. (which are many! lol) Loud noises that they will hear the uterus, such as the barking of a dog or the roar of a vacuum cleaner, probably won't bother them when they are born.
Fat is still being deposited at a rapid rate, but your babies will still look red and wrinkled. Skin is being produced at a higher rate than the fat is, so the skin hangs loosely. They look red because the skin is losing its transparency and pigment is beginning to form. (Sadly I remember this is true with Matthew, he was quite red when he was born).
They say I should be feeling them moving quite a bit throughout the day as they will kick and punch the uterus walls. (I can confirm this is true, they are moving a lot and kick me several times a day!) Babies also run their hands along the umbilical cord and touch their body parts while they are in the womb.
They can now can suck their thumbs for real, where she was just sticking it in her mouth before, and they will continue to swallow amniotic fluid and recycle it as urine.
The liquids and sugars that the baby retracts from the fluid is a supplement to the nutrients that the placenta delivers. They say I might be able to feel small `jumps` inside of me when one of the babies gets the hiccups from swallowing fluid. The pancreas is developing and it will responsible for insulin production, to help break down sugars.
Only 7 more days to our next milestone of 24 weeks.
Sunday, 25 October 2009
Goodbye Mr Rash
This is a posting I have dreaded making, over the years we have had many cats, at one point we had 6! but sadly due to accidents on a road, or illness most of them have left us. This time it was Rasher's turn.
He was my favourite of them all, he was 14 years old and I'd had him since he was an 8 week old kitten. His personality was just lovely - he was such a friendly old mog, everybody loved Mr Rash. He was fat, cuddly, soft and gentle with a big deep purr.
A few weeks ago we took him to the vets as he was eating on one side, they said he would need a few teeth out so we took him in and he had two teeth removed, he hates the vet and came home in a very sullen mood, and just never recovered.
He stopped eating and lost over 1kg in weight over the following 2 weeks, we took him back to the vets for a checkup after the first week and they said it was probably just the soreness in his mouth, and sent him on his way.
A week later he still wasn't eating and had become listless and quiet, even though there was still a little spark about him.
We took him back to the vets on Wednesday last week and she had a good feel in his tummy area and told us there was a mass, so on Thursday he went under the anaesthetic again and they went in for a look.
She found that his liver was the wrong colour and was covered in nodules that were not supposed to be there, she assumed they were tumours and the best course of action was to put him to sleep:(
We had him home on Thursday night for one last time, I couldn't bare to be parted from him before then, but you could tell he wasn't well.
On Friday at 4.30pm, he passed peacefully into a deep and forever sleep with the aid of the vet.
We will both miss him terribly. He was more than just a pet, he was a friend and he was a big part of this family.
Goodbye Mr Rash, we love you.
He was my favourite of them all, he was 14 years old and I'd had him since he was an 8 week old kitten. His personality was just lovely - he was such a friendly old mog, everybody loved Mr Rash. He was fat, cuddly, soft and gentle with a big deep purr.
A few weeks ago we took him to the vets as he was eating on one side, they said he would need a few teeth out so we took him in and he had two teeth removed, he hates the vet and came home in a very sullen mood, and just never recovered.
He stopped eating and lost over 1kg in weight over the following 2 weeks, we took him back to the vets for a checkup after the first week and they said it was probably just the soreness in his mouth, and sent him on his way.
A week later he still wasn't eating and had become listless and quiet, even though there was still a little spark about him.
We took him back to the vets on Wednesday last week and she had a good feel in his tummy area and told us there was a mass, so on Thursday he went under the anaesthetic again and they went in for a look.
She found that his liver was the wrong colour and was covered in nodules that were not supposed to be there, she assumed they were tumours and the best course of action was to put him to sleep:(
We had him home on Thursday night for one last time, I couldn't bare to be parted from him before then, but you could tell he wasn't well.
On Friday at 4.30pm, he passed peacefully into a deep and forever sleep with the aid of the vet.
We will both miss him terribly. He was more than just a pet, he was a friend and he was a big part of this family.
Goodbye Mr Rash, we love you.
Saturday, 24 October 2009
Glad this week is almost over
What a horrible week it has been here, Chris has had the week off and his parents were down to decorate the nursery for the twins, so it was supposed to be a happy time, but it has been upset with so much sadness, we will be glad it's over.
As you know a friend of mine was admitted to hospital last Friday after her waters broke at 22+4. She had an absolutely horrendous few days that followed, which pretty much mirrored what we went through with Matthew.
Sadly on Thursday 22nd October at 1.02am her little girl Florence was born sleeping. She was a perfect little girl and was 1 lb 3 ounces.
It's hard to know what to say when something so awful happens to a very dear friend, and it's hard to believe that in this day and age that no one can do anything to help.
To Florence, you will always be remembered by your Mummy, Daddy, brother Noah and their friends and family. You will be desperately missed.
I hope that she has found Matthew, and wherever they are, that they are now playing happily together and looking after each other with all the other Angels.
I often see poems that parents write or post to a place on a forum I regularly read, and I really love this one.
To me it embodies everything I think our little ones would say to all the mummy's of Angels:
An Angel never dies
Don’t let them say I wasn’t born, that something stopped my heart.
I felt each tender squeeze you gave, I loved you from the start.
Although my body you can’t hold, it doesn’t mean I’m gone.
This world was worthy not of me, God chose that I move on.
I know the pain that drowns your soul, what you are forced to face.
You have my word, I’ll fill your arms, someday we will embrace.
You’ll hear that it was “meant to be, God doesn’t make mistakes”
But that won’t soften your worst blow, or make your heart not ache.
I’m watching over all you do, another child you’ll bear.
Believe me when I say to you, that I am always there.
There will come a time, I promise you, when you will hold my hand.
You will stroke my face and kiss my lips and then you’ll understand.
Although I never breathed your air, or gazed into your eyes.
That doesn’t mean I never “was”
An Angel Never Dies.
Also in sad news Rasher was put to sleep yesterday at 4.30pm. I will write a little something for him tomorrow.
As you know a friend of mine was admitted to hospital last Friday after her waters broke at 22+4. She had an absolutely horrendous few days that followed, which pretty much mirrored what we went through with Matthew.
Sadly on Thursday 22nd October at 1.02am her little girl Florence was born sleeping. She was a perfect little girl and was 1 lb 3 ounces.
It's hard to know what to say when something so awful happens to a very dear friend, and it's hard to believe that in this day and age that no one can do anything to help.
To Florence, you will always be remembered by your Mummy, Daddy, brother Noah and their friends and family. You will be desperately missed.
I hope that she has found Matthew, and wherever they are, that they are now playing happily together and looking after each other with all the other Angels.
I often see poems that parents write or post to a place on a forum I regularly read, and I really love this one.
To me it embodies everything I think our little ones would say to all the mummy's of Angels:
An Angel never dies
Don’t let them say I wasn’t born, that something stopped my heart.
I felt each tender squeeze you gave, I loved you from the start.
Although my body you can’t hold, it doesn’t mean I’m gone.
This world was worthy not of me, God chose that I move on.
I know the pain that drowns your soul, what you are forced to face.
You have my word, I’ll fill your arms, someday we will embrace.
You’ll hear that it was “meant to be, God doesn’t make mistakes”
But that won’t soften your worst blow, or make your heart not ache.
I’m watching over all you do, another child you’ll bear.
Believe me when I say to you, that I am always there.
There will come a time, I promise you, when you will hold my hand.
You will stroke my face and kiss my lips and then you’ll understand.
Although I never breathed your air, or gazed into your eyes.
That doesn’t mean I never “was”
An Angel Never Dies.
Also in sad news Rasher was put to sleep yesterday at 4.30pm. I will write a little something for him tomorrow.
Wednesday, 21 October 2009
Too much sad this week.
Firstly let me say things are going well with the twins, but other things this week have not been so good.
My friend is still in hospital, and she is still losing a little fluid. She is in an awful place and each day for her right now is like living in a horrible nightmare that you can't wake up from. I remember it well from my own experience and I have done nothing but think about her all week. Hang in there sweetheart.
In other news we took our lovely old fat cat Mr Rash (Rasher) to the vet this morning again. Two weeks ago he had 2 teeth out but he's just not been the same since he came home.
He's been lethargic, depressed and very quiet, he's also not eating (not like him at all!) and losing interest in everything around him.
When he went in for his teeth op he weighed 5.3kg, a week later at the checkup he was 5.1kg - today he is 4.4kg so he has lost a lot of weight in just over a week.
The vet felt his tummy and much to our shock she found a large lump. She asked her colleague to take a look and they confirmed that there is a lump there that shouldn't be :(
So they are keeping him in overnight, putting him on a drip and taking more blood samples for tests, plus doing an x-ray to see if that gives them a better idea of what is going on.
If that doesn't help then he might need an operation, but as they don't yet know what or where this lump is we don't know the outcome - but she did say be prepared for the worst as it might not be operable and they might have to put him to sleep.
I'm absolutely devastated, Mr Rash is my big fat cuddly bear and the thought of losing him like this is tearing at my heart.
There is just too much sad this week.
My friend is still in hospital, and she is still losing a little fluid. She is in an awful place and each day for her right now is like living in a horrible nightmare that you can't wake up from. I remember it well from my own experience and I have done nothing but think about her all week. Hang in there sweetheart.
In other news we took our lovely old fat cat Mr Rash (Rasher) to the vet this morning again. Two weeks ago he had 2 teeth out but he's just not been the same since he came home.
He's been lethargic, depressed and very quiet, he's also not eating (not like him at all!) and losing interest in everything around him.
When he went in for his teeth op he weighed 5.3kg, a week later at the checkup he was 5.1kg - today he is 4.4kg so he has lost a lot of weight in just over a week.
The vet felt his tummy and much to our shock she found a large lump. She asked her colleague to take a look and they confirmed that there is a lump there that shouldn't be :(
So they are keeping him in overnight, putting him on a drip and taking more blood samples for tests, plus doing an x-ray to see if that gives them a better idea of what is going on.
If that doesn't help then he might need an operation, but as they don't yet know what or where this lump is we don't know the outcome - but she did say be prepared for the worst as it might not be operable and they might have to put him to sleep.
I'm absolutely devastated, Mr Rash is my big fat cuddly bear and the thought of losing him like this is tearing at my heart.
There is just too much sad this week.
Monday, 19 October 2009
22 weeks pregnant today
I always do my updates for the week on a Monday as it's the day that we move into the next pregnancy week, but today's update is filled with such mixed emotions.
A very good friend of mine who is also pregnant with a singleton (1 week ahead of me) was admitted to hospital last Friday after her waters broke at 22+4. She is hanging in there and so far the baby is still doing OK, but she is going through what we went through almost 3 years ago with Matthew.
Premature Rupture of the Membrane is a terrible thing. It comes suddenly and there is often no reason why. It is devastating, heartbreaking and truly one of the most difficult times a couple can face.
It breaks my heart to see this, I know the pain, the emotion and the roller-coaster ride of ups and downs that her and her husband are now going through, and I wouldn't wish this on an enemy, let alone a very close friend.
So for today I'm not going to do the update, I'll save that for later in the week.
Today I just want to wish her and her husband all the best and hope that they can come through this difficult time together.
My thoughts and prayers are with you both.
A very good friend of mine who is also pregnant with a singleton (1 week ahead of me) was admitted to hospital last Friday after her waters broke at 22+4. She is hanging in there and so far the baby is still doing OK, but she is going through what we went through almost 3 years ago with Matthew.
Premature Rupture of the Membrane is a terrible thing. It comes suddenly and there is often no reason why. It is devastating, heartbreaking and truly one of the most difficult times a couple can face.
It breaks my heart to see this, I know the pain, the emotion and the roller-coaster ride of ups and downs that her and her husband are now going through, and I wouldn't wish this on an enemy, let alone a very close friend.
So for today I'm not going to do the update, I'll save that for later in the week.
Today I just want to wish her and her husband all the best and hope that they can come through this difficult time together.
My thoughts and prayers are with you both.
Friday, 16 October 2009
MRSA, big kicks last night and twins night tonight!
Wow, a lot has happened in the last 24 hours so I should give you an update.
About 5.50pm last night I had a call from my Midwife - to tell me that the swab they took at the 20 week scan for MRSA came back positive :(
I don't think this is anything to be worried about - I'm not sick, or have any infections, but it seems I am 'colonised' which basically means I have it present on my skin. (As do about 30% of the population).
I have been given some antibacterial soap to help get rid of it and it won't harm me or the babies, but I'm also waiting to hear back from my consultant today to ask a few questions.
MRSA can cause harm when it gets an opportunity to enter the body, for example through a cut or wound. It can cause pimples and boils, or more serious problems such as wound infections and chest infections. In more serious cases it can cause bloodstream infections.
So nothing to worry about at this stage, but I'll post more if I find out anything!
Also last night we were sat watching TV and the girls were kicking like crazy! It felt like they were having a fight in there, Chris put his hand on my tummy and was able to feel several large kicks which was fantastic for him!
And tonight we have part 2 of the twins class - I hope my bum doesn't go as numb as it did last week!
And finally - all my love to Tracy, and a BIG Happy 1st Birthday to Noah - I can't believe he is One today! where has the year gone?
About 5.50pm last night I had a call from my Midwife - to tell me that the swab they took at the 20 week scan for MRSA came back positive :(
I don't think this is anything to be worried about - I'm not sick, or have any infections, but it seems I am 'colonised' which basically means I have it present on my skin. (As do about 30% of the population).
I have been given some antibacterial soap to help get rid of it and it won't harm me or the babies, but I'm also waiting to hear back from my consultant today to ask a few questions.
MRSA can cause harm when it gets an opportunity to enter the body, for example through a cut or wound. It can cause pimples and boils, or more serious problems such as wound infections and chest infections. In more serious cases it can cause bloodstream infections.
So nothing to worry about at this stage, but I'll post more if I find out anything!
Also last night we were sat watching TV and the girls were kicking like crazy! It felt like they were having a fight in there, Chris put his hand on my tummy and was able to feel several large kicks which was fantastic for him!
And tonight we have part 2 of the twins class - I hope my bum doesn't go as numb as it did last week!
And finally - all my love to Tracy, and a BIG Happy 1st Birthday to Noah - I can't believe he is One today! where has the year gone?
Thursday, 15 October 2009
The bump is getting bigger every day!
We finally got around to taking a new bump pic last night - its ever growing and feels heavier by the day!
They say that as a mother of twins I will be approx 8 weeks ahead of where a singleton mum would be, so about now although I'm 21 weeks my uterus is as stretched as a pregnant woman around 29 weeks!
Check it out!
They say that as a mother of twins I will be approx 8 weeks ahead of where a singleton mum would be, so about now although I'm 21 weeks my uterus is as stretched as a pregnant woman around 29 weeks!
Check it out!
Wednesday, 14 October 2009
The kicking is getting stronger
I've been fortunate to feel my babies moving since about 9 weeks, which I know is really early but one of them is at the front and the other at the back, so I think the one at the front gets a little mushed against the uterine wall!
I first felt an actual kick a few weeks ago, I wasn't sure what is was at first as it felt a little like an irritation under the skin - like when a muscle spasms and it twitches! but after I'd had it a few times and it wasn't always in the same place I was convinced it was one of them kicking me.
Now I feel them several times a day and even Chris can place his hand on my tummy and feel it, if you get a good hard kick you can also see my tummy moving.
I must admit that it's a wonderful feeling, it's reassuring for me to know they are still in there and getting stronger and it helps me to feel like this is really real this time, and that we are actually going to be parents to two little girls.
I've heard from other mums that the kicking just gets stronger and that perhaps I won't be so thrilled when I have a foot up under my rib at 4am - but I'm not going to complain! I couldn't be happier - they can kick me as much as they need to - it lets me know they are there!
I first felt an actual kick a few weeks ago, I wasn't sure what is was at first as it felt a little like an irritation under the skin - like when a muscle spasms and it twitches! but after I'd had it a few times and it wasn't always in the same place I was convinced it was one of them kicking me.
Now I feel them several times a day and even Chris can place his hand on my tummy and feel it, if you get a good hard kick you can also see my tummy moving.
I must admit that it's a wonderful feeling, it's reassuring for me to know they are still in there and getting stronger and it helps me to feel like this is really real this time, and that we are actually going to be parents to two little girls.
I've heard from other mums that the kicking just gets stronger and that perhaps I won't be so thrilled when I have a foot up under my rib at 4am - but I'm not going to complain! I couldn't be happier - they can kick me as much as they need to - it lets me know they are there!
Monday, 12 October 2009
21 weeks pregnant!
Yaaaay we made it to 21 weeks pregnant - each week that passes now is like a milestone for us and we are so thrilled to be here.
According to the various internet sources out there our babies now weigh about 360g. Well we know from the measurements last week that one was 352 and the other is 393 so they have probably gained a little more weight since then as they are now growing really fast and adding fat every day.
Up until now they has been measured from crown to rump but from this point on the measurement will be from crown to heel – and this week they are about 26cm long.
Their eyebrows and eyelids are fully developed, and they can now blink.
They can also now hear my conversations. They say if we talk, read, or sing to our babies, expect them to hear us!. Apparently some studies have found that newborns will suck more vigorously when read to from a book they heard frequently in the uterus (womb). One site says "If you want to try, pick a book now and read it out loud. Make sure you won't mind reading it over and over once your baby is here. It may be your baby's favourite bedtime story for a long time after birth." - I guess we will have to try that - Chris's favourite book is Wibbly Pig :)
Some sites also say "You're probably feeling quite comfortable these days. This, in fact, may be the most enjoyable time in your pregnancy. You're not too big yet, and the usual aches and pains associated with pregnancy like nausea, frequent urination, and fatigue are for the most part gone. Relax and enjoy it while you can". Well I say they are having a laugh! I'm still getting up to pee 3 or 4 times a night, I'm sitting here now fighting a bit of nausea (which seems to have been happening a bit every morning for the last week or two) and most of the time I'm just uncomfortable!
They say "The third trimester is just around the corner and with it comes mild discomfort from carrying a baby that is nearly full-term". Well with twins it looks like I'm near full term already and is beginning to feel like it too!
I'm suffering with back ache and pains in my coccyx area that I suspect are Pelvic Girdle Pain - I'm hoping the docs sort the physio out quickly so I can get this under control!
According to the various internet sources out there our babies now weigh about 360g. Well we know from the measurements last week that one was 352 and the other is 393 so they have probably gained a little more weight since then as they are now growing really fast and adding fat every day.
Up until now they has been measured from crown to rump but from this point on the measurement will be from crown to heel – and this week they are about 26cm long.
Their eyebrows and eyelids are fully developed, and they can now blink.
They can also now hear my conversations. They say if we talk, read, or sing to our babies, expect them to hear us!. Apparently some studies have found that newborns will suck more vigorously when read to from a book they heard frequently in the uterus (womb). One site says "If you want to try, pick a book now and read it out loud. Make sure you won't mind reading it over and over once your baby is here. It may be your baby's favourite bedtime story for a long time after birth." - I guess we will have to try that - Chris's favourite book is Wibbly Pig :)
Some sites also say "You're probably feeling quite comfortable these days. This, in fact, may be the most enjoyable time in your pregnancy. You're not too big yet, and the usual aches and pains associated with pregnancy like nausea, frequent urination, and fatigue are for the most part gone. Relax and enjoy it while you can". Well I say they are having a laugh! I'm still getting up to pee 3 or 4 times a night, I'm sitting here now fighting a bit of nausea (which seems to have been happening a bit every morning for the last week or two) and most of the time I'm just uncomfortable!
They say "The third trimester is just around the corner and with it comes mild discomfort from carrying a baby that is nearly full-term". Well with twins it looks like I'm near full term already and is beginning to feel like it too!
I'm suffering with back ache and pains in my coccyx area that I suspect are Pelvic Girdle Pain - I'm hoping the docs sort the physio out quickly so I can get this under control!
Sunday, 11 October 2009
Twins club
You know what they say, first rule is you don't talk about twins club, 2nd rule is you don't talk about twins club - oh sorry that's fight club! lol
Anyway, we went to our first twins night at the hospital on Friday night - it runs for 3 weeks and is there for the parents to be of twins.
We weren't really sure what to expect but thought that it would be informative and interesting, which to some degree it was - but we soon realised that we are actually very well informed already and knew about 98% of what the 2 midwives talked about!
They ran through some of the basics, such as how do twins sit in the uterus, what positions they could be in for birth, and what drugs are available for labour. Some of this doesn't apply to us as we are booked for a c-section so I listened with interest but didn't pay too much attention until she talked about Epidural and Spinal Block drugs which is what I'm likely to have (spinal block).
It seems the spinal block is very similar to an epidural only it lasts for a shorter amount of time and can't be topped up - this is used when a c-section is planned as it speeds recovery from the drugs after the section has been performed.
So all in all it was an OK evening, we will go again next week as there may be the odd thing that we aren't aware of and also they are going to do a tour of the SCBU on the third week which we would like to see.
At the moment Chris is up in the 'nursery' doing a little more decorating, just going over the gloss work again and painting the ceiling white as his parents are coming week after next to help with the walls as they need lining and painting - then it will be ready to put furniture in!
Anyway, we went to our first twins night at the hospital on Friday night - it runs for 3 weeks and is there for the parents to be of twins.
We weren't really sure what to expect but thought that it would be informative and interesting, which to some degree it was - but we soon realised that we are actually very well informed already and knew about 98% of what the 2 midwives talked about!
They ran through some of the basics, such as how do twins sit in the uterus, what positions they could be in for birth, and what drugs are available for labour. Some of this doesn't apply to us as we are booked for a c-section so I listened with interest but didn't pay too much attention until she talked about Epidural and Spinal Block drugs which is what I'm likely to have (spinal block).
It seems the spinal block is very similar to an epidural only it lasts for a shorter amount of time and can't be topped up - this is used when a c-section is planned as it speeds recovery from the drugs after the section has been performed.
So all in all it was an OK evening, we will go again next week as there may be the odd thing that we aren't aware of and also they are going to do a tour of the SCBU on the third week which we would like to see.
At the moment Chris is up in the 'nursery' doing a little more decorating, just going over the gloss work again and painting the ceiling white as his parents are coming week after next to help with the walls as they need lining and painting - then it will be ready to put furniture in!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
