Twenty Nine Week Update!


Likes:  doughnuts, Oreos, juice, watching my babies roll and kick in my tummy

Dislikes:  exhaustion, elephant feet, feeling contractions and becoming overly paranoid about going into early labor

Waist/Weight: 130 lbs./ 36 inches 

Other happenings: Doctor's appointments are now happening on a weekly basis, plus some.  In fact, I have THREE different ones next Monday... Baby B is small.  She's in the 6th percentile.  Docs say we need to keep an eye on her, but I'm not worried.  After all I am likely in the 6th percentile myself and I turned out just fine.  She is my daughter after all :)  


     
      





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The Busy Weekend Recap!

Sorry for the late post, but I've been beyond tired since I got home yesterday.  Like barely keeping my eyes open tired.  I'm gonna go ahead and take that as a sign of a good, action packed weekend (at least for a pregger)! 

 Saturday was our friend's birthday, so a group of us got together at one of our favorite Baltimore summer spots, Nick's Fish House, for a little daytime outing.  We enjoyed crabs, shrimp, and the hubs put down a few Duck Pins while I was tormented by the "crush station" signs nearby.  First thing I'm having when these kiddos pop out... orange crush.  It's official. 




 Also while we were there, one of our good guy friends proposed to my husband!  Haha.. ok he actually asked him to be a groomsman in his wedding.  We are so excited for him and can't wait to be a part of the big day!


Sunday I was up and at 'em early for my good friend Katie's baby shower!  She is also expecting a baby girl and I can't wait for our princesses to meet and hopefully be the best of friends!  The food was awesome (brunch theme) and the conversation even better.  It's funny to hear everyone's labor stories and realize how completely different all of them are.  Guess there is really no way to know what to expect after all.



From there I went to the hub's softball game.  It was a beautiful day and I wanted nothing more than to make it through for the long haul, but it appears one game is basically all I could take.  Good thing I left when I did too because I was literally in tears by the time I got home.  I'm like a small child.  I cry when I'm tired.  

 Now it's on to another completely action packed week, though I'm happy to say it's the last week of school.  Have a great week everyone!  Make the most of this Monday! 
Let it Shine, Mingle Monday, Weekending, Monday Madness, Weekend Recap

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5 Physical Pregnancy Problems Nobody Warned Me About

The bigger I get, the more challenging life becomes.  I'm in no way complaining, because all in all, I love being pregnant.  It's beautiful and amazing and possibly one of the best times of my life to date.  Still, I'm certainly having my share of struggles and awkward moments that are sure to prove to you that I am NOT the magical pregnancy unicorn that certain friends have suggested me to be.  Far from it.  And besides the typical sleeping, swelling, and back ache issues, there are a few more recurring challenges I had not quite considered until they were happening.

 1.  My stomach gets scratched up often.  It can sometimes appear as though I've attempted to snuggle an angry feral cat with dire consequences.  Although I wouldn't put this type of behavior past myself, the scratches are actually a result of running into anything and everything that I don't realize is going to be in my way.  I'm completely unaware of where this extra appendage is at any given time and spend the day accidentally slamming kids in the back of the head with it, running into corners, and have even shut it in the dishwasher.  Don't worry, it's not like I'm abusing my kids within the womb.  It's all superficial and I've actually been getting better at moving more slowly and carefully so as to avoid such incidents.  Like, I probably only slammed 2 kids today instead of 8.  Sorry guys..  

 2.  The constant "need" to pee.  I use quotations for a reason.  I already knew I was going to have to go often, for this is common pregnancy knowledge.  What I didn't know was that half the time when I desperately had to go, I'd sit down and nothing would come out.  Can you imagine walking around awkwardly like you're trying to hold in urine that won't even come out at the appropriate time?  Thanks Baby A.  Now if you will kindly roll off of my bladder... 

3.  Speaking of frequent urination, do you know how many times I've peed on my own hands the past couple months? Every time I go to the doctor, they make me pee into the cup and... are you joking?  I can't even find my own pant leg in the morning, let alone the entrance of a small dixie cup meant to catch a moving stream that I can't even see.  How embarrassing.  

 4.  Snuggling is impossible.  As much as this pregnancy has brought my husband and I closer together, and he has done an amazing job with the back and feet rubs, my love of snuggling is being starved more and more.  I wish I could take advantage of these last couple months together and really cuddle up, but with the amount of pillow supports, heat pads, and strategic positioning needed to keep me out of my misery, there is little room left for my husband to sneak in.  When I do find a good spot for him to be, one where he can support my growing weight, I quickly realize that I am no longer the little lap pup I once was.  His breathing becomes shallow and his legs numb and I have to move anyway.  One of us needs to stay mobile after all.  
Just like me on hubby's lap!

 5.  The food struggle is real.  Suddenly Buddy the Elf's food guide doesn't seem so disgustingly hilarious anymore.  It sounds pretty much on par with what I'd like to be eating 24 hours a day.  I may or may not have crushed an entire package of Oreos this week.  Or had chocolate chips for breakfast.  Or a sundae before bed.  Shameful!!!  But I'll be darned if it's not what the babies love to eat... and they are always satisfied after!  




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Two Scoops Are Better Than One!

28 weeks and several baby showers down!  Between our coworkers, the hub's baseball team, and friends, these girls are definitely feeling the love!  Here are some photo highlights from my "friends" shower.  There was lots of pink, girl talk, and ice cream sundaes too! I am so lucky to have such supportive ladies in my life!  Can't wait to add 2 more girlies to the group soon!











So there you have it.  Sorry for the quick post, but it's off to bed for this tired almost mama and her growing little cupcakes.  Back to the weekly updates next week (hopefully)!!! 




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Five Reasons I Love Being Pregnant!


Pregnancy, love it or hate it.  It's full of changes, weird body quirks, feelings of discomfort, and whole lot of unknowns happening to you all at once.  I'll admit, I'd always wondered how my little 5'0" body would handle pregnancy and I prayed I'd never reach the stage of fat that just wasn't cute anymore, but now that it's happening... I LOVE IT!  Yes, I guess I'm one of those weirdos that enjoys being pregnant, at least with 7 months under my belt (I'll let you know about the last 2).  So if you're scared to get pregnant or wondering what cause someone to have this amount of insanity, let me share my favorite things about my current condition.  

 First, I surprisingly love the shape of my body.  While I don't like not being able to fit into my clothes and having to buy new ones that I know will only be good for a few short months, I love dressing my basketball watermelon belly.  I love seeing it grow and change and wondering how big it's going to get.  I feel a kid blowing a bubble, wondering how big I can get it before it finally pops!  And the swelling?  Definitely more uncomfortable than unsightly, at least to me.  Then again, it's easy not to be alarmed when you know it will all go down in a few short months.

 Second, feeling them move is the best feeling in the whole wide world.  I could be in the worst most stressed out mood when they give me a little poke, and everything is ok.  I talk to them, I pat them, we play poking games through my skin.  I love having them in my pouch and getting to carry them literally everywhere I go.  I almost feel like that will be a tough part once they are born, having to separate, even if only to the other side of the room.  

 Third, I like not drinking??  Wait, no, I hate it actually.  But I do love the fact that I've made it since mid December without a single drink relatively painlessly.  I'll admit I used to be a nightly glass of wine kinda girl (or bottle on the weekend ;)), and I used to look at the people who gave up alcohol for lent like they were out of their dang minds.  I mean, how can one go an entire 6 weeks without a drink?!  Shockingly, it's actually not difficult at all! I've still wanted to hang out with friends for the most part, and have rediscovered my love of tea, lemonade, and various juices.  Everyone keeps telling me I can have a glass of wine now and then, but I really don't even want to bother.  It's not paining me, so I'll wait until after they make their appearance to savor my first cocktail.  

 Fourth, it's taken mine and my husband's relationship to a whole new level.  I know we were "family" when it was just the two of us, but the amount of adult decisions we've had to converge on lately has really brought a whole new realness to it.  From getting on the same insurance coverage to buying a brand new vehicle, it's been one change after another and slowly our lives are really becoming one.  On top of that, he's been such an amazing partner that I can't even type it into one paragraph (I'll save that for another post).  The love he has for me and his girls actually makes me want to cry it's so sweet.  I have no idea how I got so lucky.  

 Finally, it's rekindled old friendships and brought me into this secret circle of "moms".  I definitely didn't need to have kids to keep my best friends close, but I do feel like going through pregnancy and similar experiences has caused me to lean on them a little bit more.  My best friend from college coincidentally has twins herself, and I find myself talking to her now more than I have in years, utilizing her vat of twin knowledge and looking forward to raising our kids together, even if mine are quite a few years behind.  While I do worry about the mom life pulling me away from friendships that have meant so much to me, I'm hopeful that I can balance it all and will find a way to be a great mommy and friend! 


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What is a Fit Pregnancy? My Changing Standards...

Clearly I'm pregnant.  And as I grow bigger, I wonder more and more what has happened to my lifestyle and to this once health and fitness filled blog of mine.  Where are all the "fit pregnancy" posts I thought I'd be sharing??  How have I not made it to the gym in months?  Have I really become THAT pregnant girl who throws all healthy attempts out the window at the mere mention of the word "mom"?  

I haven't done it on purpose. In fact, my dreams of a MILF worthy post baby body are still alive and thriving. The thing is, well two things actually.... I realized that there are in fact actual humans inside of me that are also impacted by every move that I make and that my expectations of my pregnant capabilities were somewhat over aggressive.  I've spent years watching my pregnant friends post pictures of themselves in the gym, running races, carting their uber healthy veggies around all day... and I don't even want to think about Sarah Stage.  Do you follow her?  Do yourself a favor and don't.  Here are her vomit worthy photos at 9 months pregnant... I mean really??!  Lucky bi*ch.   


So that brings me to my dilemma.  Am I still working out?  Heck yes!  I'm going to work every day, walking to the copier and pushing my own computer cart.  I'm running the vacuum, doing dishes, and bringing the laundry back and forth from the laundry room.  I'm planting flowers in the garden and running errands on weekends.  Trust me, it's a workout.  And while I wish I could say I was stopping by the gym for a quick lift afterwards, it turns out I am usually aching, swollen, and to the point of tears by the end of basic everyday living.  It can be frustrating, but it is what it is.  I have to accept that everyone is different and everyone responds differently to pregnancy.  Apparently the 30 pounds I've already put on (don't worry, doctors are encouraging me to gain 40!) is enough a lift to last me all day.  No extra activity needed.  

 Still, a few times I've tried.  I know exercise during pregnancy is healthy.  I know it can be beneficial to both me and the babes. I go to the gym, I grab my weights, I start a lighter version of what used to be my typical go-to routine.  Suddenly my heart starts beating faster and faster and I'm gasping for breath in a way I had never done before.  Do I push?  Do I stop?  I weigh my options...  loosing some endurance and muscle tone and as a result of this pregnancy would stink.  I mean, I know getting back into shape will be hard, and stopping now will only make it harder.  I'll be creating a greater challenge to overcome down the road.  Then I remember the many blogs I've read about twin moms going into labor at 28, 29, 30 weeks... I remember reading that exercise can help to induce labor... and my decision is clear.  While I know I will have a lot of work ahead of me when the twins are born, it will be my work to do, my challenge to overcome.  If I continue to push exercise and God forbid go into early labor, it's the twins that would be doing the work and their battle to overcome.  

 My point is, listen to your body.  Put the babies first.  Realize that everyone is different and just because your friend can workout successfully during pregnancy doesn't mean that everyone can handle the same intensity.  I accept that fact that I may not be the 30s super woman warrior I once thought I would be.  And that's perfectly alright.  

 Speaking of warriors, I do have one last thing to share before I close this out, and trust me it's pretty freaking cool.  

My friend's husband is currently out in San Pedro, California competing on American Ninja Warrior!  Yes, like the real NBC show!  He was chosen for the first ever all military competition and was chosen from a pool of over 5,000 applicants!  But even more impressive, I happen to know that he is a great dad in a wonderful, hard working, middle class family (she's a teacher too!)  and that they are so unbelievably deserving of all the love and support they can get.  If you want to check him out and keep up with the journey, you can join the group on Facebook here.  Air dates will come out later which I will surely share when available!  

 In the meantime, go enter the giveaway for $140 Paypal cash!  Who can't use some extra $$ right??!
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Hip Hip Hurray! It's a Cash Giveaway!

Hip hip hurray!  Paypal cash is on the way!  Who will be the lucky winner this week??  I've entered myself and am crossing my fingers, especially since summer activities are right on the horizon. Take your chances with the links below!
amy | kristina | tiara | michelle
karli | danielle
ashley | katie
jill | lindsay | sophi | gabrielle | vicki




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Let the Sun Shine Bright! Weekend Recap!

A quick 2 days, but some good ones at that.  Warm, sunny days and a cancelled softball tournament meant more time with the hubs and outdoor activities of course.  Saturday I spent the morning running errands and attending my school's play (which turned out super cute by the way).  Later in the afternoon, my better half and I enjoyed some relaxation by the pool and grilled out.  It's becoming somewhat of a weekend routine.
Belly is now shelf worthy!

Sunday we celebrated my brother-in-law's birthday with cake and drinks at Frank & Nic's (also our wedding venue) and a day at the Oriole's game! Couldn't have asked for better weather, although a W would have been nice ;)  
Blowing out the candles!




Now to get started on another busy busy week.  Three more like this, before it's on to summer break and awaiting the arrival of our sweet little peanuts. Until then, pray they remain comfortable and stationary inside!  

 Have a great week everyone! 





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