19 Weeks

We've made it to the half way point, woop woop!  Since 37 weeks is considered full term for a twin pregnancy, my halfway marker comes a whole week earlier than if there was just one baby.  Although, my doctor is still holding onto the idea that I’ll make it all the way to 40 weeks.  I know he’s been doing this for a long time, and he’s one of the best doctors around, but seriously – has he seen me and the rate that these babies are growing at?  For now, the goal is to make it to 36 weeks; then we’ll talk.

And now, our weekly update (as told by the twins)…

Sleep: Oh sleep?  Mom still needs that?  We’d rather sit on her nerves and make her back ache (a lot!).  Get used to it momma – we’re only going to get bigger! 

Cravings: More peanut butter!  I may or may not have eaten it by the spoonful a couple of times this week.  #dontjudgeme

I've also been craving milk in the middle of the night – usually when I wake up to make my nightly bathroom run.  I've seriously contemplated buying a mini fridge and placing it in our bathroom just so I don’t have to walk all the way to the kitchen at 3:00am.  Henry pointed out how crazy that was given that our apartment is only 1,100 square feet.  He clearly doesn't understand my struggle. ;)

Symptoms: Holy swelling batman!  I knew I’d swell at some point – I always hear stories about so-and-so swelling so bad, she couldn't wear shoes.  What I didn't know was that I would start swelling so early!  I was the lady who couldn't wear shoes for about a day or two earlier in the week.  And my wedding ring may or may not have gotten stuck a couple of times.  I've just been trying to flex my feet/toes and hands/fingers when they start feeling tight and drinking loads of ice water.  I’m hoping that some of the swelling is attributed to the summer heat and will taper off a bit once the temps start to drop a little.  Can you tell this girl is ready for the fall? ;)  I ordered myself this cute ring holder necklace from Etsy so I can still wear my wedding ring even with swollen fingers.

How we’re growing: From head to bottom, we’re about 6” long and weigh 8.5 ounces, each!  Together, we’re a whole foot long and weigh just over one pound!  This week, our brains are going through a lot of sensory development, designating specialized areas for smell, taste, hearing, vision, and touch!  Our arms and legs are all in the right proportions to each other and to the rest of our tiny little bodies.  From here on out, everything will continue to grow together until we’re nice and strong and ready to make our big debuts! 

Best moment of the week: Feeling the babies move a lot more!  Their kicks are getting stronger and more noticeable.  And I think I can tell when they’re flipping/turning too – it’s the same kind of feeling you get when you’re on a roller coaster and the pit of your stomach drops.  I’m not sure what that feeling is caused by; I just envision them doing somersaults in my belly. :)

What Mom & Dad are looking forward to this coming week: Going to Lubbock for Henry’s graduation ceremony from Texas Tech University!  I am so super proud of him for accomplishing this goal he set for himself.  I never had any doubt that he’d get there.  It’s just exciting that it’s finally here!  I’m excited to see him walk across the stage – more excited than I think he is to actually walk, ha!  He did make my heart melt a little when he said he’s glad that the babies will (sort of) be able to see him graduate.  *tear*

For the first time during this pregnancy, I had a moment of oh my gosh, this is really happening, I don’t know if I can do this, what if something is wrong with one or both of the babies, what if I haven’t done everything in my power to help them grow and develop appropriately during the first trimester, what if the aches and pains I’m feeling aren't normal… and the list of worries went on and on.  They literally consumed my thoughts for an entire day, which means I didn't get much stuff done at work that day, which made me feel even worse.  One of the things I've always loved sharing with Henry is a good conversation.  He isn't always one to talk a whole lot – I've got that role covered in this relationship – but when he knows I need him to talk through something with me, he’s pretty good at it.  He knew I wasn't feeling all that great this particular day and was able to pry my feelings out of me.  I told him about how I was worried I hadn't done enough up to this point for the babies.  And about how I’m nervous for our upcoming Level 2 ultrasound.  And how the aches and pains I've been feeling lately are like none I've ever felt before.  He talked me through each fear, reminding me that every urine and blood test I've taken has come back normal (i.e. good signs of nutrition).  And the two ultrasounds we've had show nothing but positive growth/development.  And how every appointment we've had, we've seen and/or heard two strong heartbeats.  He told me how proud he was because I gave up coffee cold turkey (which he recognizes is difficult for a coffee addict like me) the day we found out I was pregnant; and how I've limited myself to only one serving of caffeine (usually tea or chocolate) 2-3 times per week since starting my second trimester (before that, it was zero caffeine).  He reassured me that I have been doing well in my eating and trying to get as much of a balance as I can.  We talked through everything I was feeling (over a shared basket of boneless buffalo wings and fries – don’t judge me!  I ate well the rest of the day and Wing Stop has 60 cent wings on Mondays!) and he ended with: “Above all else, remember that God is in control.  He always has been, from the very beginning.  Whatever the outcome of future tests and ultrasounds are, He is still going to be there and we are still going to love our babies.  So relax, don’t stress, and know that He is with us.”  Gah!  Seriously guys, could I have married a more amazing man?!  And just like that, all of my worries were lifted and I felt much better.

I’m sure I’ll have more days of worry and fear, and I’m sure Henry will be there to help talk me through those days too.  But for now, I’m going to hold on tight to the words he shared with me: “Remember that God is in control.”  And will continue to work on turning all of my worries over to Him.

"Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.
Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, 

for I am gentle and humble in heart, 

and you will find rest for your souls. 
For my yoke is easy and my burden is light.”
–Matthew 11:28-30