Single Digits!!!!!

Wow! I can't believe we only have 9 weeks to go! Well, at least until I get to 37 weeks. The doctor said if I make it that long they won't induce me until week 38 or 39. Let's see if I can make it. I would be one happy momma if they cooked for that long! 

I have been back in New Jersey for one week and have been so anxious all week to get stuff organized. I think my internal clock knows that I won't be able to "nest" for very much longer so it is urging me to get everything done. **I think I started nesting at about week 20.** I planned to buy a cheap dresser from the thrift store but had trouble finding what I wanted. I finally found a hutch at a nearby thrift store for $36 but didn't realize they had it 1/2 off so I ended up getting it for $18. Needless to say I was pretty pumped. Not nearly as pumped as Zach was to have to carry it inside with the help of a great friend, Jim (He ((Zach)) must love me a LOT). Since I got such a good deal on the "dresser" I planned to buy baskets to use as drawers. I didn't realize finding good quality, fairly inexpensive baskets would be such a daunting task. I FINALLY found some baskets tonight at Marshall's, after buying some and then getting home and realizing they wouldn't work. My sweet husband rode 25 minutes to Princeton to swap them at 7:45 tonight. I started organizing all the baby things in them tonight but I think I was too tired to get anything actually productive done. I think I put every baby item we own in every single basket at some point in the 2 hours I piddled with them. Finally I just had to put it all away and come to terms that it will just have to wait until tomorrow - at least. We are supposed to get a little bit of snow tomorrow night so maybe I'll be "snowed in" and can just nest my heart out. I am so ready to get all of their stuff organized and cutesie-fied (and yes, that IS a word). I'm sure I'll find something to piddle with to keep me busy.

28 Weeks

How big is baby? We went to the doctor Friday and Smith was 2lbs 7oz and Sanford was 2lbs 6oz. They are about 15 inches long (according to BabyCenter.com). Geez! They're getting so big!

What is baby up to? Moving, a LOT. The internet says they are blinking their eyes and fattening up.

Maternity clothes? Yep.

Stretch marks? Thankfully my belly is so big that I don't even really notice them anymore. Apparently they've all gone south for the winter.

Sleep? I don't sleep much until I have the bed to myself. I cannot sleep all confined. When Zach leaves for work is when I get my best sleep. I guess just being able to sprawl out and use as many pillows as my heart desires helps tremendously.

Best moment this week? Going to the doctor is always fun. Getting to see the boys dance on the screen makes me smile. And just being home. I was in AL for 10 days and was so ready to get back to my hubby and kids. 

Miss anything? Clear skin. This pregnancy acne is NO JOKE! I've got more zits than a teenage boy! 

Feeling movement? Let's just say that I could qualify as a belly dancer. One of my most favorite things to do is watch my belly twitch and twerk (yes, I just used twerk in a sentence). I must say though that one of my least favorite parts about them moving is when Smith decides to "kick" my bladder. Its not really an I need to pee sensation. Its more of just a really uncomfortable sensation. Plus, Sanford has taken up rib kicking and is quite talented. I get sharp pains a couple of times a day now. Even though it can be quite painful/uncomfortable, I love all the movement. It just reminds me of the miracle going on inside of me.

Cravings? My sweet tooth is in full swing (mean face) and I want to eat constantly. I have to really work to keep myself busy so I don't just munch all day long. I finally went to the grocery store today so hopefully I can find some healthier snacks - chocolate granola bars and cookies aren't exactly on my diet.

Food aversions? Same ol' Same ol'. BBQ and Chinese. Salty foods don't really do it for me either.

Started showing? I would say so when a man at the grocery store today asked when I was going to pop and when I just said "Oh, I've still got a while." and he said "What are you having? Twins?" Good guess my friend. Every time we passed each other he wished me luck lol. Sweet guy. 

Gender? Boys. And they're proud of it. Every ultrasound we have the tech asks "You know what you're having right?" and when we say yes she always says "Okay good because he's got it right out there for everyone to see." (They get it from their daddy)

Signs of labor? Nope. Hoping to keep it that way. I'm getting close to putting myself on a self-induced bed rest whether Zach likes it or not. 

Belly button, in or out? Its a somewhat sore subject (I'm not really sure why) but I think its about as out there as it can be. 

Wedding rings, on or off? Engagement ring on, wedding bands off. Why bother?

Mood? Oh geez. I do pretty good when I get plenty of rest but after days like today when I've been on my feet for hours (shopping) and I'm just wo' slap out, I tend to be on the emotional side and my patience is pretty short. Let's just say I keep Zach on his toes.

Looking forward to...? Meeting my boys! The closer it gets the more anxious I am for mid-April to be here! I can't even imagine how sweet they're going to be.

What a day...(WARNING! Long and full of drama!)

Wow, what a day. I'm almost too anxious to even type it out. Have you ever had one of those days that if one thing didn't go right or as planned, NOTHING did? Yea well that day was today for me.

 I was originally supposed to fly home tomorrow, Wednesday, but with bad weather coming to the Northeast, Zach thought it would be best for me to try to get on a flight today. He called me at 7am this morning waking me up (I was passed out), and told me that if I didn't want to wait until next week some time to come home I better get up and try to catch a 10am flight out of Birmingham. Problem was I would need Mom to take me to the airport and she would need to leave at LEAST by 7:15am to get me there and still be able to MAYBE get to work somewhat on time. I jumped up and started throwing stuff in my suitcase -whichI had planned to pack today after I washed all of my clothes. I decided to skip the shower and just do a "whore bath", as miserable as I knew it would make me, so that I could get there. We quickly realized that Mom wouldn't be able to take me for time's sake so I was either going to take their spare vehicle or get Dad to come home and take me. It wasn't too long before Zach called me back and said the 10am flight was ok but my connecting flight from Chicago to Philadelphia was cancelled so I would have to wait until 4pm to fly to Orlando to Philly. Since I had plenty of time, I decided I would go with Mom to physical therapy for her knee at about 9:30am. After that, I came home and got the rest of my stuff packed and Dad and I were going to grab some lunch on the way to the airport. About 2 minutes after we left the house, Zach text me to let me know my now later flight through Orlando had also been cancelled and that I'd probably be stuck in Birmingham for several more days. Its not that I don't want to stay and spend more time with family and friends but honestly, this momma is tired and ready to see her hubby and pups. To make this long story slightly shorter, I'll leave out the rest of the details of my day but just know, there was a couple of times throughout the rest of the day that I thought I was going to be able to get on a flight this afternoon but I would need to leave immediately in order to get there. None of those options worked out but that doesn't mean I wasn't a nervous wreck all day. I still am. 

Zach eventually got me booked on a flight for tomorrow afternoon from Birmingham to Orlando and then on to Philadelphia. We were still pretty nervous that I might get canceled or at least delayed or rerouted or something and my nerves just can't handle that right now. I am in my last week of my second trimester, I'm feeling like I'm 9 months pregnant (with one baby) and my claustrophobia is in full swing. I literally have a panic attack if I feel confined or what I call "knotted up" which is just where I feel like I don't have good circulation and that makes me hot and unable to breathe easily which makes me panic. That includes sitting in a low down car (thankfully I drive a Suburban), having to sit still for a long time (such as church) - especially if I'm in an uncomfortable chair. All of this makes flying on a tiny airplane pretty miserable for me. No leg room, no arm room, no BELLY room, turbulence, stinky people, "fasten seatbelt" sign...well, you get the idea. 

Thankfully I have a wonderful friend, Shane Ledbetter, who works at the Birmingham airport and he hounded me until I gave in and let him find me an earlier flight. He got me on a flight at 10am which arrives at 4:30pm tomorrow. Like he said, the earlier the better. Please just pray that I don't have any delays or cancelations and also that I don't go into a full on pregnancy breakdown. No tears please! I'm just glad I'm not traveling anymore once I make it back to Philly...IF that ever happens.

Now, on to the less panic-stricken part....the questions.

27 Weeks 

(10 more to go)

(Definitely not my best picture but after the day I've had, I don't even care. Oh, and ignore my sock feet. We did a better picture but I accidentally deleted it so this was as good as I cared to make the second one.)

How big is baby? About 2 lbs and about 14.5 inches long (about the size of a head of cauliflower).

What is baby up to? Still pretty active. I love watching my belly dance. Who knew I was a belly dancer. Babycenter.com says they are waking and sleeping at regular intervals, opening and closing their eyes, and possibly even sucking on their fingers.

Maternity clothes? Oh yea. The stuff I bought early on is starting to get a little short in the torso area. Most soon-to-be mommies don't start having this problem until probably week 32 or so, I've been feeling a little snug in most of mine since about week 24. Oh the perks of having twins lol.

Stretch marks? I'm pretty sure my belly will look like Kate Gosselin's after she had 6 at one time. Tiger cubs.

Sleep? Comes and goes. I'm ok until I lay in one position for too long and I start hurting. Then when I try to roll over I feel like my ribs on that side with break from the weight and my stomach muscles just might tear. I feel like I have to carry my belly to the other side. I don't think the boys like switching sides because it always feels like they are leaning against the direction I want to go. Punks :)

Best moment this week? My church that I grew up at threw me a baby shower Sunday and it was a BLAST. I got to see a lot of people I haven't gotten to see in a very long time. My dad got the music minister job the September before I was born in May so I've literally gone to that church from the VERRRRY beginning (my mom will probably blush when she reads that part). The shower was a blast and I literally did not want to leave. Knowing this was my last chance to see most of these people for a very very long time, I hated to see the day end. Hopefully we can all keep in touch via Facebook.

Miss anything? My somewhat clear skin. These boys are making my skins so oily and I feel like a teenage boy. I'm not even sure I had this many zits when I went through puberty. Its ridiculous. 

Feeling movement yet? They have slowed down just a tad in the last few days. I still  feel them moving a lot but they were deeper down so I don't get to watch my belly move around as much. The movements now are more jabs in the bladder and ribs. The other day I could literally feel my ribs expanding. The muscles around the base of my ribs are always sore so when Sanford gets close its pretty painful but usually only lasts a few seconds and then I can shimmy him down low enough to ease the pain. No matter how uncomfortable it is, I still love all the movements. They just remind me of the miracle in my belly and how much our lives are going to change in just a short amount of time. I can't wait to meet them!

Cravings? The last probably 2 months it has been ice water. My parents' refrigerator has an ice maker so that last week and a half I have probably doubled their water bill from the crazy amount of times I fill up my cup with crushed ice and water. I literally crave the feeling of the ice crunching. Its so weird. My other weird "craving" is the smell of laundry detergent and some household cleaners. I could sniff clean laundry for hours I do believe. 

Food aversions? BBQ, Chinese. Thankfully I'm still loving fruit and veggies and overall healthy stuff. I splurge a little more often than I was at the beginning but overall I would rather eat something pretty healthy.

Started showing? HA! I may just be paranoid but when I'm in public I feel like everyone is staring at me thinking "she's ready to pop any day". Sometimes I want to say "oh, if you only knew that I still 2 1/2 more months to go...". I love to see people's reactions when they ask me when I'm due and I tell them May. Its rather hilarious. Sometimes I leave off the part about the twins just to make them squirm. Oh the simple pleasures...

Gender? Still boys...I hope.

Signs of labor? No and I hope to keep it that way for about 2 1/2 more months.

Belly button, in or out? I don't know why it freaks me out so bad but it is almost completely out. Running out of room.

Wedding rings, on or off? Just engagement ring these days and that gets pretty tight if I've been up walking around or standing and have started swelling.

Mood? A nervous wreck the last day or so. The paper thin filter that The Lord blessed me with has become even thinner so watch out. If you don't want to hear my real, honest to goodness opinion, please don't ask.

Looking forward to...? Being back in New Jersey with my man and my pups. I can't wait to just know that I am done traveling for good and next time I fly anywhere I will be the mother of two sweet boys. This whole flying while pregnant thing is for the birds...whatever that means.



**I have realized that I use the word "literally" WAAAAY too much. I will be seeking help for this as soon as I get back to "Yankeetown"**

11 more weeks!!!

26 Weeks 3 Days

Since I'm not at home (in NJ) we had to improvise with the background. Taken in Mom's kitchen instead of in front of our front door. I think it turned out pretty cute.

How big is baby? Babycenter.com says they are each about 1 2/3 lbs (about the size of a scallion) and about 14 inches long. I have a feeling they are a little bigger than that.

What is baby up to? Movin' and a groovin'. They have been waaaay more active this last week or so. Tonight I had my hard rested on my belly and felt a huge kick. It wasn't a quick jab, it was more of a long drag. It sort of freaked me out a little bit. I could sit for hours and watch my belly twitch and move. I love it.

Maternity clothes? Yep.

Stretch marks? Yep.

Sleep? Still not easy. Rolling over is tough. If I roll over onto my back and stop it literally feels like I am going to suffocate and like my insides are being crushed. I usually wake up pretty sore because I guess I subconsciously don't move much in my sleep because it is so hard so whatever side I slept on hurts.

Best moment this week? Baby shower at Zach's church and getting to feel them move around so much. I can't get enough of it.

Miss anything? My husband and pups. I've been at my parents' house in Fultondale since Saturday and I've really missing my little family. I'm thankful this is my last trip. When I get home Wednesday I will be home for good until after the boys are here.

Feeling movement? Constantly. They literally move around all the time.

Cravings? I haven't really been craving any particular foods that I can think of lately but I am ADDICTED to the smell of laundry detergent. It is weird how much I love it. I've always loved the smell of clean laundry but these days I literally go out of my way to walk down the laundry aisle to smell all of the different detergents.

Food aversions? BBQ, Chinese...as usual.

Started showing? Why do I still put this question on here?

Gender? Sweet boys. They are definitely beginning to act like little rambunctious boys. Always active.

Signs of labor? No.

Belly button, in or out? Almost out. Weird.

Wedding rings, on or off? Engagement ring on. Wedding bands off. 

Mood? I get exhausted pretty quickly if I'm out shopping or whatever so my mood goes sour pretty quickly. 45 min is pretty much my max the last few times I've gone shopping.

Looking forward to...? My shower at my church (FBC Pinson) this Sunday. I'm excited to go home Wednesday but I'm dreading the travel part and I'm going to miss everyone. Everyone is going to have to come to us for a while. A long while.

25 down, 12 to go!

25 weeks

How big is baby? Internet says they are both about 1 1/2 lbs but they were that big 2 weeks ago. I'll be curious to see how much they've grown when I go back to the doctor in a couple of weeks. They must be growing a lot because I am hungry ALL THE TIME.

What is baby up to? Still moving a lot. I love when they both get going and I can literally feel them both kicking all in all corners of my belly. 

Maternity clothes? Looking like I'll probably be in them for a while.

Stretch marks? Yes. 

Sleep? I tend to get really thirsty at night, no matter how much water I drink throughout the day so I have been getting up several times a night for the last week. 

Best moment this week? My mom coming up and spending the weekend helping me get organized and my thoughts organized. 

Miss anything? Sleeping throughout the night and my pre-pregnancy skin.

Feeling movement yet? Almost constantly.

Cravings? Nothing specific, just hungry all the time.

Food aversions? Same (Chinese and BBQ). Coffee smell kind of grosses me out too.

Started showing? Obviously.

Gender? BOYS! 

Signs of labor? Nope.

Belly button, in or out? Almost out.

Wedding rings, on or off? Engagement ring on, wedding bands off.

Mood? Oh dear. I am an emotional wreck. Everything feels magnified and I can cry at the drop of a hat.

Looking forward to...? Going home this weekend for baby showers. 

Feeling {and looking} HUGE!!!!!!

24 weeks 1 Day

How big is baby? Well, since they were both bigger last week at the ultrasound than what the internet says they should be this week, I'm going to leave it at they are obviously growing a lot because my belly is HUGE and I can feel it getting bigger and bigger.

What is baby up to? Moving. A lot. And growing. I swear my belly has grown a foot around in the last week. Maybe even just in the last few days. 

Maternity clothes? Yes.

Stretch marks? Yes.

Sleep? It comes and goes. The last couple of nights I've slept pretty darn good but the few nights before that I didn't sleep but I few hours. We moved our bedroom downstairs to the spare room (its a really weird space. Just kind of a walk through from the kitchen to the laundry room). It stays a lot cooler in this room than it does in our bedroom upstairs so maybe that's what is helping me sleep.

Best moment this week? I think it was Sunday morning I woke up at about 6:30am (dogs were ready to go outside) and the boys were just moving around like crazy. So much that I could easily feel both of them kicking from the outside. I woke Zach up and said "If you want to feel your boys kick, now is the time!" He immediately rolled over and put his hand on my belly and wouldn't you know they both stopped. He got a little impatient and moved his hand and of course they both started right back up. I grabbed his hand and he got to feel them kicking around. It was awesome. It was one of those special moments we got to experience together. 

Miss anything? Sleeping on my back and my stomach, being able to get up and down easily (You should have seen my big butt crawling around in the floor today putting together one of the swings. Not pretty.). There's a lot of things that I wish were easier that used to be but I wouldn't change any of it for the world. These boys are so worth it and are already our world.

Feeling movement yet? Like crazay! Over the weekend and beginning of the week they were moving around like crazy. I sort of wish I had tried to see if I could see them move on the outside but never did. The last coupe of days I have been in full on nesting mode so I've been up and working a lot more than usual so I haven't noticed them moving as much but tonight we had some friends over for dinner and they were moving around pretty good while everyone was here. 

Cravings? Nothing in particular I don't think. Mostly just hungry a lot. I'm eating small meals/snacks about every 2 1/2 to 3 hours. 

Food aversions? Same as it has been, BBQ and Chinese.

Started showing? I feel like I'm popping out a lot more just over the last couple of days.

Gender? BOYS!!!!!

Signs of labor? No.

Belly button, in or out? Still in but its trying so hard to pop out. Kind of grosses me out.

Wedding rings, on or off? Wearing just my engagement ring usually but all off while I'm at home. 

Mood? Moody and VERY impatient. I want things to happen AS. SOON. AS. I say it. I'm working on it.

Looking forward to...? My mom coming up to NJ for this weekend then I'm going home for baby showers next weekend and staying for a week and a half. I'm pretty pumped to say the least.

War Eagle!

This past weekend, Zach and I did a lot of traveling. We went to the BCS National Championship game to see Auburn play FSU. It was one of those trips that shouldn't be rushed but we were rushed the entire time. We traveled from our house in NJ to Philly (about an hour) to get on a plane to Las Vegas Sunday morning. We had only gotten 1 to 2 hours of sleep so we were exhausted. Took a 5 1/2 hour flight to LV but ended up spending about 7+ hours on the plane due to ice and such. We stayed in Vegas Sunday night (I slept most of the afternoon) and then got up early Monday morning to pick my brothers and their friends up so we could all carpool to Pasadena. It took about 4 hours to get to Pasadena and we all spent the day walking around, eating, and trying to stay cool. All of that traveling had taken its toll on my feet and ankles. They were so swollen so Zach and I sat most of the afternoon and just people watched. We had a blast at the game even though the outcome wasn't as we hoped. Then we all made the drive back to Las Vegas for the night to get up early and head back to the airport. I think we got back to the hotel at about 2:45AM and everyone was afraid our flights were going to get cancelled because of all of the bad weather all over the country so instead of everyone getting a few hours of sleep, we all showered and went ahead and headed to the airport to see if we could get on earlier flights. Zach and I ended up taking our scheduled flights and had no problem -thanks goodness considering we flew through Chicago- but the other boys got onto a direct flight to Atlanta which was good because their original flight got cancelled. We finally got home at about 6PM Tuesday evening.

Overall the trip was neat but with all of the rushing and travel problems, it was utterly exhausting. I am soooooo glad that it was my last *planned* trip before the babies come. Well, besides going home in a few weeks for baby showers but that trip will be filled with lots of rest and relaxation. Here's some pictures from our trip. I'm disappointed I didn't get more but I'm terrible about taking pictures.

Our first view of The Strip

Our hotel sign - The Luxor

Not a great picture but a better view of our hotel

The lobby of our hotel - The Luxor

The lobby of the hotel

Zach "showing them how it's done" 

Auburn tailgate area

We saw Bubba from Rick and Bubba

The crowd was insane

This guy had on nothing under his get-up

Purty! Loving all of that orange and blue

Rose Bowl

Warrrr Eagle!

Us, aren't we just so cute?

We also saw A-Rod (wearing the wrong colors)

AUMB

John Legend

This guy is amazing

Annnnd that's it. We were so upset, shocked, and exhausted after the game we didn't even think about taking anymore pictures. The bottom picture is the very last picture I took on my camera the whole trip.

Even though Auburn lost, we still had fun and wouldn't change the experience for the world. We love our Auburn Tigers and always will. WAAAAR EAGLE! HEY!

Got to see our boys dance today...

23 weeks 2 days

How big is baby? Went to the doctor today, Smith is 1 lb 7 oz and Ford is 1 lb 6 oz. That's almost 3 lbs of baby. They didn't tell me how long they each are but I just read somewhere that they are about 11 inches long.

What is baby up to? MOVING! They have been moving a lot more lately. Smith likes to jab me in my bladder while Ford thinks its funny to not allow me to breath. Today at the doctor, she was listening to their heart beats and Smith kicked the doppler. The look on her face was rather funny. 

Maternity clothes? Yep.

Stretch marks? Yep. Got tiger cubs in there.

Sleep? I'm doing a lot of it these days...still. I could sleep all night and all day if I could. I sleep pretty good for the most part. Its getting really tough to roll over and sit up so I usually wake up if I need to roll over. The potty trips are becoming more and more frequent too. 

Best moment this week? Getting to see the boys dancing around on the ultrasound today. Also, just knowing that they are looking great and everything is going well. I think I will always have that fear in the back of my mind as do most expectant mothers I'm sure. 

Miss anything? Energy. Sleeping on my back and tummy. Obviously I can't sleep on my tummy because I would smush them and sleeping on my back causes me to not be able to breath and to feel like all circulation is cut off to my entire body. Not fun.

Feeling movement yet? Oh yea. I love laying really still and pushing on my belly and feeling them push back. Sometimes music works too.

Cravings? My sweet tooth is getting worse and worse. Been wanting S'mores a lot lately :( Still loving raw veggies (mostly cucumbers), bananas and PB, grilled onions and bell peppers, and drinking LOTS and LOTS of water.

Food aversions? Chinese usually doesn't sound too good to me still, tuna, BBQ.

Started showing? Yes.

Gender? Still boys. They double checked today :)

Signs of labor? Nope. Those boys better keep cooking for a while.

Belly button, in or out? Still in but working its way out. Kinda gross.

Wedding rings, on or off? Just wearing one ring these days. My hands swells off and on so its just easier.

Mood? Really grouchy. I feel like I'm not in the talking mood very often. I'm more content with just sitting and being quiet....usually. Easily annoyed too. So pretty much nothing has changed :)

Looking forward to...? Meeting these little punks but I'm perfectly fine with it being a long time from now. I don't wish them to come early AT ALL. I'll be miserable for a little while longer if it means they are well done when they come out.