Nursery!!!

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YAY! Here is our beautiful, fabulous nursery. I am beyond in love with it. I wish I could fit in a crib and I would sleep here every night. We did chair rail half way up. The bottom is painted taupe and the top is white. And I know there are probably numerous no-no's as far as babies go, and they will be taken care of. But, I just wanted everything perfect for pictures :) Please leave comments below and let me know what you think!!

The view from the hallway when you're walking in. I framed some of our maternity pictures on that first small wall.

The left side of the nursery (the girl's side). I decided to do the room like they are in my belly. The girl's on the left, the boy's on my right :) There is the glider, a side table, and her crib. The three prints on the wall are these and I kind of stole and printed them in my nursery colors and framed myself. They seemed kind of french to me, and I like them.

The right side of the nursery (the boys side). Here is the boy's crib along with the changing table and bookshelf.

Another view of the right side.

The glider and side table. the glider was given to us by good friends who also had twins, and I covered it in ivory.

The girl's crib. My fabulous cribs are Bratt Decor. The bedding was custom made by my best friend's mother. It is an ivory satin bedskirt, and ivory satin bumper with ivory and pink on the ruffle. LOVE IT. And the pink teddy was a gift from my sister, Ginny.

Close-up of the bedding.

Monogrammed pillow given by Jennifer, Jake's sister.

Her monogram on the head of the bumper. Hmmm, wonder where I got this idea?

Side view of her crib.

I did silhouettes of the boy and girl and framed them each to hang above each crib. The frames are painted the same color as the half wall, and the ivory ribbon matches the bedding.

The chest of drawers that is in-between the cribs. I hated that its in front of the window, but there was no where else to put it. I painted, distressed, added appliques, and changed the knobs to glass to make it look like this uber fabulous one from Art for Kids. Theirs is $2,224.00. Mine was WAAAYYY below that. And mine looks pretty good if I do say so myself. The drapes are gold.

Close-up of the top of the chest.

Side view of the boy's crib.

Boy's fabulous bedding :)

close-up of his monogram on the bumper.

The boy's silhouette. You can see his better b/c its darker.

Changing table with ivory cushion and book shelf, already full of the greatest books ever. Classic Disney stories, Dr. Suess, Peter Rabbit, etc. - they are set. There is a wooden toy train that was actually in Jake's room growing up, and the dried roses at the top of the shelf were from one of my showers.

The fabulous rug from Ballard Designs. I love, love, love it.

Trying to get a good shot of the fabulous chandelier from Ballard Designs as well, but you can't see it very well b/c the lights are on :)

Here is a close-up of it. Hopefully, you can see it a little better.

The rest are just random photos I took: Thanks for looking and let me know what you think!!

35 week ultrasound appt

We have made it to 35 weeks! Woohoo! Everyone at the doctor's office today was just bragging on me. everyone is amazed at how well I (and the babies) are doing. They can't believe I have 1. made it this far, and 2. still getting around great with no bedrest! Everything looks picture perfect.

Their fluid is great, they are both head down, their movement is great, breathing is great, blood pressure is great, their blood flow is great, etc, etc, etc. We couldn't have asked for better news. My doctor is just amazed! Poor Jake was a little shell shocked today. He wasn't near as excited as I was. I think it has hit him how soon they will be here :)

We are officially in the final stretch. We are 1% dilated and 70% effaced. I have no idea what that means, but I know it's labor-talk. I tried googling about it, and basically it just means its the beginning of labor. They could come in the next couple of days, or couple of weeks, depending on how fast it progresses. So, hopefully, we are still set on January 8th, and that they make it that far. I would rather just go in for that instead of guess about labor. I just now figured out what a contraction is last week, and realized I have been having them now for the past couple of months! Wish us luck and keep us in your thoughts and prayers.

The Baby J's are gonna be here soon!

Belly Pictures Extravaganza and Monthly Pics

**updated with first year monthly pics!***
I have been keeping up with a slideshow of all my belly pics, and look at it from time to time. First off, to remember how skinny I once was. And secondly, I am in utter amazement at what the human body can do, and it such a short amount of time. It truly is a miracle. And I carried these little buggers to 36 weeks, 5 days, when I was induced for my scheduled c-section. Yay me.
So, I thought you might like to see it too. And boy, was my face skinny there at the beginning! Who knew how fab I looked??

34 Weeks - Update on Me!!

We are now in the final stretches, and I honestly can't believe it. They could come now, and be fine - totally fine! Do you know how soon January the 8th is? Less than two weeks - LESS THAN TWO WEEKS!!! I will have babies in less than two weeks!! We will be the Stribling Family in LESS THAN TWO WEEKS!!!! And, really, they could come any time now. I'm rambling.

A wonderful Christmas was had by all. Everyone here was hoping I would deliver while they were in town, but alas, these babies were staying put. We even went to Opryland Hotel last night and walked around, and I just kept thinking, (how in the heck am I walking around this hotel at almost 35 weeks pregnant with twins?? What is going on here???)

We have our pediatrician, and I could not be more pleased. Jake and I went and met with Dr. Leeper at the Brentwood Children's Clinic, and he will be fabulous. Very funny, very charismatic. And they are open on Saturdays and have an all-hours hotline. Perfect.

Still no daycare. Still in freak-out mode over this one. Still have been trying to find more. I am afraid this little task will fall to the bottom of priorities once the babies get here, but as of this moment, what can we do??

PUPPPS is kicking my a$$. It really is sooooo uncomfortable. And sooo itchy. And I sooooo want to claw myself silly. In fact, I have....several times. Once you start going, its just hard to stop! And I am REALLY loving how everything on my body is a swollen, puffy marshmallow. That has been the best thing so far.

How far along? 34 Weeks, 6 Days
Total weight gain/loss: Hmmmm, let's just say I haven't exactly weighed myself over the holidays. However, I did at my doctor's appointment this past week, and I still haven't caught up to Jake's weight. I am one pound shy. Grated, I'm sure I will beat him and leave his poor weight in the dust, but for now, I am one pound shy, and I am perfectly fine with that.
Maternity clothes? At this point, I am just wanting anything to fit. And to not make me itch. That is a challenge in and of itself.
Best moment this week: Lots of things!!! First off, Christmas was great! Everyone came to us this year, b/c of my limited traveling, and it has been so nice to have everyone at our house for the first time, even though it was also weird. Does that mean we are now grown-ups? Next was my last day of work! Woohoo! Don't do back until April - how fantastic is that?? And lastly was another great ultrasound appointment. Babies are still looking good and are nice and snug in the ole belly.
Movement: Well, now that I finally know what a contraction is, I realize I have been having them for months now. So, now I am trying to pay attention to them. So, far, so good. I'm having them regularly, but not regularly enough for a true labor.
Waist Diameter: Its hard to hug me :( and I am a huggy person. 45 glorious inches.
Food cravings: Well, seeing that it has been Christmas time, let's just say I haven't limited myself to many things. In fact, nothing.
Gender: Baby Stribs are a boy and girl. No extra parts, and yet, still no names :(
Labor Signs: Cervix is still closed up extra tight, but now my award-winning extra long cervix, is now well within a normal range.
Belly Button in or out? We are still in outie-ville, but the bigger my belly gets, the smaller my outie gets. See? There are positives.
What I miss: Nothing. This has all flown by so fast. I just still can't believe I'm even pregnant. (and did I mention that we will have babies in LESS THAN TWO WEEKS??)
What I am looking forward to: Babies, babies, babies, babies, babies, babies, babies, babies!!!!!!
Milestones: 34 WEEKS!!!!!
Realization of the week: We are gonna have Baby Striblings!! And they still remain nameless!!!!

34 Weeks - A Cantaloupe

Baby Stribs - 34 Weeks

Alright. We are back in very normal territory. I do know what a cantaloupe is.

How your baby's growing: Your baby now weighs about 4 3/4 pounds (like your average cantaloupe) and is almost 18 inches long. Her fat layers — which will help regulate her body temperature once she's born — are filling her out, making her rounder. Her skin is also smoother than ever. Her central nervous system is maturing and her lungs are continuing to mature as well. If you've been nervous about preterm labor, you'll be happy to know that babies born between 34 and 37 weeks who have no other health problems generally do fine. They may need a short stay in the neonatal nursery and may have a few short-term health issues, but in the long run, they usually do as well as full-term babies.

How your life's changing: By this week, fatigue has probably set in again, though maybe not with the same coma-like intensity of your first trimester. Your tiredness is perfectly understandable, given the physical strain you're under and the restless nights of frequent pee breaks and tossing and turning, while trying to get comfortable. Now's the time to slow down and save up your energy for labor day (and beyond). If you've been sitting or lying down for a long time, don't jump up too quickly. Blood can pool in your feet and legs, causing a temporary drop in your blood pressure when you get up that can make you feel dizzy.

If you notice itchy red bumps or welts on your belly and possibly your thighs and buttocks as well, you may have a condition called pruritic urticarial papules and plaques of pregnancy (PUPPP for short). Up to one percent of pregnant women develop PUPPP, which is harmless but can be quite uncomfortable. (AAAHHHHH, VERY familiar with this little problem - and yes, it's QUITE unconfortable) See your practitioner so she can make sure it's not a more serious problem, provide treatment to make you more comfortable, and refer you to a dermatologist if necessary. Also be sure to call her if you feel intense itchiness all over your body, even if you don't have a rash. It could signal a liver problem.

34 Week Ultrasound Appt

All is good! We are now 98% sure there will be no Christmas babies, which is a good thing. Even though we have decided to do a c-section, both babies are head down and perfect. So, we could "technically" do a vaginal delivery, but I still don't want to chance it. And the even better thing is, if I don't make it until January 8th, I get to come in at the first signs of labor, so none of that will be very painful. (and yes, I know how painful it will be post-birth). My cervix has shortened a bunch, now at 2.7cm, but still very normal. And it is still closed up very tight. So, it looks at this point we are still doing good for Jan. 8th!

PUPPPS

Did you guys think this would be a post about doggies?? Ha! I wish...

Nope, it turns out all the itching and scratching I have been doing is not a result of stretching, winter skin. Nope, apparently I have PUPPPS (Pruritic urticarial papules and plaques of pregnancy). It is very common in first pregnancies and usually occurs in the third trimester at 35 weeks (or earlier with twins). They also think sometimes it develops due to the male DNA. So, its usually women who are delivering a boy during their first pregnancy, which I am. (thanks boy) There is no cure for it except delivery - NICE! And some pictures I have googled are really gross looking. I don't even look like I have any type of rash. I do have some stretchmarks, but you really can't see any rash unless you look really really close.

It is very, very itchy and at times I want to claw the babies out. But, they did tell me about some lotion that is helping a bit. If it doesn't get any better then they will send my to my dermatologist for a steroid shot.

But, I guess I will survive it. If this is the worst that will happen, I'm ok with it :)

33 Week ultrasound appointment

Woohoo! Another perfect report. I honestly cannot believe this. This could either mean one of two things:

1. Because we tried to get pregnant for so long, God is being very, very
good to us and letting us have a very healthy pregnancy and babies...or

2. Because I have had a very healthy perfect pregnancy, my babies will be
little devils and colicy and acid-refluxy and refuse to sleep and keep us up all
night.

I wonder which it will be? Hopefully #1. Everything at the moment though is looking great. Baby Boy is still is the same position: head down, in the center. Baby Girl, however, has decided to move AGAIN. I swear, is no wonder she weighs less that Baby Boy. She is doing aerobics in there! She has completely flipped around AGAIN, as her head was on my left side, feet on the right. Now, her head in on my right side, feet and legs on the left. Her head is more down now, too, so she is more "head down", or diagonal again. I honestly don't know how she has the room to keep doing this.

My cervix is now longer than it has been on my past two appointments. (at our 32 week appointment, which I didn't post about, it was fine. Longer than at my 31 week one) Well, now at 33 weeks, its even longer. My doctor has been joking that most babies are ready to start coming out and that is why cervixes shorten. My babies, however, apparently love it in my belly, so they are moving UP instead of down. LOL. Fine by me!

Now on to the good part- their weight! Baby Boy is weighing now almost 5 pounds: 4lb,15oz. Baby Girl is a little behind him, at 4lb, 6oz. She is actually right on target. He is ahead of schedule. I can't believe they weigh so much. Jake and I both thought they would weigh 4.5 pounds at delivery - and they are both that and beyond, and I still have (hopefully) three more weeks!

We go back on Wednesday (the 23rd).

32 Weeks - Update on Me!

Woohoo!! Another Milestone! 32 Weeks is CRAZY! And many-a-twin are born at 32 weeks, and perfectly healthy, so I am muy excited. Of course, we don't want to have them yet, but it's reassuring to know that if we do, hopefully all will be well. The next biggie milestone is 34 weeks. And as long as things are going the way we are now, we are golden!

We have found a pediatrician. Very excited about that. We are going to use Dr. Leeper out of the Brentwood Children's Clinic. he has been recommended by three different people, so I feel pretty good about him. I am going to meet with him on the 23rd.

Okay, so I sent an email to our "all eggs in one basket" daycare to check where we were on the waiting list and to let them know we are still very interested. Well, I have YET to hear back from them, and that makes me quite the Nervous Nelly. So, everyone keep your fingers crossed!

We have "officially" graduated from our birthing classes! We got a certificate and everything and got to go up in front of class and everyone applauded like we were head of the class. (Well, in fairness, EVERYONE got certificates and got applause, but who cares).

Names are still no better. It is just going to be a game-time decision I believe. Maybe I will get a sympathy vote for having major abdominal surgery and get to pick my favorite, but I am still thinking thats not going to happen easily.

The nursery is almost 100%. I will post pictures as soon as I get the crib bumpers, b/c I want everything perfect before I debut it to the world. So, please be patient por favor. (don't know what my deal is with Spanish today)

How far along? 32 weeks, 5 days
Total weight gain/loss: Uggg, I swear, I still look cute from the front. However, water retention has set in and I could just sit by a trough all day and graze. But, I am still very much on target at +34 pounds, and still haven't caught up to Jake's weight yet. Whew.
Maternity clothes? No, I am done. Surely I can survive a few more weeks.
Best moment this week: We had another great ultrasound on Monday. Everything is back to normal and I got "perfects" across the board. And this week, I realized that I have four more workdays left of work, then its off for Christmas, then off for babies! Woohoo!
Movement: They are "kind of" moving like crazy. And what I mean by that is now when they move, I feel like I can't move. They are obviously getting bigger and don't have a bunch of room. When Baby Boy moves, I feel like I have a watermelon attached to my girl parts, and when Baby Girl moves, I feel like I'm having a small heart attack b/c I can't breathe and she goes up in my ribs. Good Times.
Waist Diameter: Almost 44 inches. I am also measuring at 42 weeks for a single pregnancy. People stop me now all the time and say, "WOW! You're about to pop! Due any day huh?" Then I say, "No, about a month or so, I'm due with twins". then they say, "Oh, well, you're TINY for twins!". WTF? Make up your mind!
Food cravings: Still onto the chicken quite a bit. But, now I can also eat lots of ice cream. And I do mean ALOT of ice cream. I know I am allowed to, but this is getting ridiculous the amount I can hold in my belly.
Gender: Baby Stribs are a boy and girl. No extra parts.
Labor Signs: Cervix is nice, long,and normal thanks to my huge ovaries. Thanks ovaries.
Belly Button in or out? We are still in outie-ville.
What I miss: Sleep used to be nice. And clothing that fit. And when my skin didn't feel like I wanted to rip it off. But its all worth it!! We are getting babies soon!!!
What I am looking forward to: Monday's ultrasound. We get to find out the weight and do another growth scan. I am DYING for this. The previous ultrasounds have been so boring, and not telling me what I want to know. But, they will only do the growth things every few weeks.
Milestones: I'm there this week! 32 weeks baby!!
Realization of the week: They could come. Now. Anytime. Tomorrow. Next week. Next two weeks. AAAAHHHHH!!!!

32 Weeks- a Jicama??????

Okay, what the 'F' is a jicama?? These are getting ridiculous!!

Baby Stribs - 32 Weeks

How your baby's growing: By now, your baby weighs 3.75 pounds (pick up a large jicama) and is about 16.7 inches long, taking up a lot of space in your uterus. (WOOHOO!! - not the taking up s[ace part, but the weight part) You're gaining about a pound a week and roughly half of that goes right to your baby. (Actually, I am gaining about 2 pounds, which is the normal 3T weight gain for twins, however, I am not 100% certain that a pound of that is going to the babies. I am thinking they are going to my thighs, arms, and face - what happened to them taking all the food I am eating?? I miss those days!) In fact, she'll gain a third to half of her birth weight during the next 7 weeks as she fattens up for survival outside the womb. She now has toenails, fingernails, and real hair (or at least respectable peach fuzz). Her skin is becoming soft and smooth as she plumps up in preparation for birth.

How your life's changing: To accommodate you and your baby's growing needs, your blood volume has increased 40 to 50 percent since you got pregnant. With your uterus pushing up near your diaphragm and crowding your stomach, the consequences may be shortness of breath and heartburn. (or all of the above, in my case) To help relieve your discomfort, try sleeping propped up with pillows and eating smaller meals more often.(sorry, can't do it. I am a constant hunger monger, and smaller meals are not going to cut it)

You may have lower-back pain as your pregnancy advances. If you do, let your caregiver know right away, particularly if you haven't had back pain before, since it can be a sign of preterm labor.

Assuming it's not preterm labor that's ailing you, you can probably blame your growing uterus and hormonal changes for your aching back. Your expanding uterus shifts your center of gravity and stretches out and weakens your abdominal muscles, changing your posture and putting a strain on your back. Hormonal changes in pregnancy loosen your joints and the ligaments that attach your pelvic bones to your spine. This can make you feel less stable and cause pain when you walk, stand, sit for long periods, roll over in bed, get out of a low chair or the tub, bend, or lift things.

31 week ultrasound appointment

These updates might get boring from here on out, as we are now going weekly. But, we had another good ultrasound appointment! Jake couldn't go to this one b/c he had a work thing, so I went solo. Babies were being busy as ever. They didn't get weighed, because they only do that about every two weeks or so. The kidney issue that I talked about months ago with the boy is looking very good, to the fact that it has basically cleared up all by itself, which is great news. They are now checking the umbilical cord at every appointment too, to make sure there is blood flow through every section, and that is all fine too.

The only "problem" right now is my lovely cervix. Its not a "problem" per se, but just something a little worrisome. Before this week, my cervix could have won the award for Longest Closed Cervix in the World. Which I was happy to accept. It was well above average. Well, this week, it has shortened dramatically in a week's period. Its still not bad at all, in fact it is still very, very normal. My doctor was just worried about the quickness of the shortening. So, I go back on Monday and we'll see it again!

Oh, and riddle me this: they have moved AGAIN. Why can't they stay in the same spot? It has been only a week! Baby Boy is still the same, head down, on my right side. Baby girl has now completely flopped: her head in now on my left side, horizontal across me, with her feet on my left side. (remember last week, she was also head down, next to the boy, with her head on my right side). CRAZY!

The pictures aren't really great this week either. Baby Boy was being completely camera shy, so we only got a good peek of his spine. But Baby Girl was her usual ham self.

Baby Boy, nice picture, huh.

Baby Girl. The perfect profile shot.

An invention idea

I have a marvelous idea for an invention. Something maybe with these huge claws on it that will satisfy my need to scratch myself. Every part of my body itches. Yes, I know its winter time, and yes, I know that this is a little common in the winter. But, let's try multiplying that by 1,000 since I am pregnant. And forget about my poor stomach. You are talking about the winter itchies, stretching skin, and stretch marks. I am scratching so hard sometimes, these poor babies probably think I am trying to come in and get them out.

Wonder if this will work... too harsh maybe?

30 Weeks - Update on Me!

I cannot believe how fast this is all flying by. I swear, it is going faster and faster. I remember it going SO SLOW around 20 weeks, and it took forever to get out of the first trimester, then to 24 weeks. But, now, everything seems to be moving on cyber speed.

Not a whole lot to update on this week. We got our maternity pictures back (which you may have seen already). We also had a beyond excellent ultrasound appointment. I am just so amazed and so blessed to be doing so well. However, all is not all roses. I am still severely anemic. I just don't understand this at all. I have added more nutrition bars in my diet, which have at least 35% of your day's iron in them. I eat Total cereal every morning and as a snack, which has 100% of your day's iron. I eat alot of protein. I take two iron supplements a day as well. My doctor says that the babies are fine though. Basically, they are taking it all and leaving none for me. Those rascals. At least I haven't had any of those weird iron deficiency cravings while pregnant, such as dirt, laundry soap, starch, hair, matches, etc. This is all true by the way. The condition is called Pica. So, see? It could be worse.

Its Thanksgiving this week - YEA!! That means I get to have two huge meals. And if you count the Thanksgiving potluck at work last week, thats three. Woohoo!! Me likey Thanksgiving food. Speaking of work, I have been off all week, which has been wonderful. Its nice to be able to do the couch thing and rest a while.

Our next step in all this is to find us a pediatrician. We are going to start looking at them next week. We have had lots of great recommendations, so hopefully it won't be too hard.

How far along? 30 weeks
Total weight gain/loss: +32 pounds. Yes, this is still really good, and its obviously good for the babies b/c they weigh so much, but to go past the 30 pound mark is a little scary. Even scarier is that it is all still in my belly. I'm 5'1"!!! How am not tipping forward at this point?
Maternity clothes? No more have I bought. I think I am done. Hopefully I won't grow out of anything though. And if so, oh well.
Best moment this week: Having a GREAT appointment. I am so, so excited they are weighing so much. They have put on a pound each in less than three weeks. (well he has, she almost has put on a pound, but still very good). The more they weigh, the better!!
Movement: Still moving like crazy. I literally lose my breath when they flip or move around. They are so tight in there it makes my breath stop. They are now like train tracks, both head down (diagonally though) with their feet up on my left side.
Waist Diameter: 43 inches
Food cravings: Just lots of chicken. I have decided that I actually am wanting chicken more than any other meat. Not necessarily steak or beef or fish, just usually chicken.
Gender: Baby Stribs are a boy and girl. No extra parts.
Labor Signs: No, thank God. Everything is still closed up nice and tight.
Belly Button in or out? We are still in outie-ville.
What I miss: I can't believe I'm saying this, but I really miss working out. I was reading a magazine the other day and there was a Reebok advertisement. The girl was working out and had really toned legs and some cute new tennies. I miss that.
What I am looking forward to: Delivery! We have a date! Hopefully I'll make it that far - January 8th!
Milestones: 32 weeks is our next milestone. If we make it to 32 weeks, they should be fine! (in the NICU for a while, but still fine. Lots of twins are born at 32 weeks)
Realization of the week: We are getting closer and closer. This is SO COOL!!!!!!!

30 Weeks - Head of a Cabbage

These are late - sorry!! I am actually 29 weeks, but I like being on a every 2 week update schedule, so there are from last week that I forgot to post.

How your baby's growing: Your baby's about 15.7 inches long now, and she weighs almost 3 pounds (like a head of cabbage). (Baby Girl weighs 3lb, 1oz, and Baby Boy weight 3lb, 8oz) A pint and a half of amniotic fluid surrounds her, but that volume will decrease as she gets bigger and takes up more room in your uterus. Her eyesight continues to develop, though it's not very keen; even after she's born, she'll keep her eyes closed for a good part of the day. When she does open them, she'll respond to changes in light but will have 20/400 vision — which means she can only make out objects a few inches from her face. (Normal adult vision is 20/20.)

How your life's changing: You may be feeling a little tired these days, especially if you're having trouble sleeping. You might also feel clumsier than normal, which is perfectly understandable. Not only are you heavier, but the concentration of weight in your pregnant belly causes a shift in your center of gravity. Plus, thanks to hormonal changes, your ligaments are more lax, so your joints are looser, which may also contribute to your balance being a bit off. Also, this relaxation of your ligaments can actually cause your feet to spread permanently, so you may have to invest in some new shoes in a bigger size.

Remember those mood swings you had earlier in pregnancy? The combination of uncomfortable symptoms and hormonal changes can result in a return of those emotional ups and downs. It's normal to worry about what your labor will be like or whether you'll be a good parent. But if you can't shake the blues or feel increasingly irritable or agitated, talk to your doctor or midwife. You may be among the 1 in 10 expectant women who battle depression during pregnancy. Also let your caregiver know if you're frequently nervous or anxious.