As you all know, our IVF journey is now over. This will be my last post on this blog. I want to thank everybody who supported Pat and I through one of the most emotionally intense experiences of our lives. Luckily, we have our two little ladies now. Life has never been sweeter. Each day is better than the day before. 2013 is another big year for our family. Pat will be starting medical school. With this new chapter, I have started a new blog. It will be life from the perspective of a wife of a doctor-in-training, mother of twins, balancing life/housework/family and how it all works to create what we call "our normal". Please feel free to follow our family as we continue to raise our beautiful daughters and tackle our new life as a family of four. I feel that this blog has helped so many (including myself!)! Just this past week, one of my blog followers traveled to Cincy to see Dr. Scheiber and is now expecting TWINS! He has gotten all of my blog followers pregnant (with TWINS)! It's been amazing, and I am glad my supporters have sought advice from my experience and applied it to their own situations. That is what this blog was all about. I hope you all found hope, inspiration, and love through my posts as that is why I love to write. Congrats to all of you who are now expecting, and good luck to those still on their journey!! I hope you still continue to follow us, as I will to you.
"Infertility does not define me, as it is one component of who I am."
Please follow me on my new blog. Medical School Mrs.
Much love,
Katie
Monday, December 17, 2012
Sunday, December 2, 2012
Congrats Dr. Hubby!
I know it has been awhile, but my little ladies have been keeping me pretty busy these days! As you would predict with having twins...I do not get many moments to myself during the day anymore. Those little peanuts require lots of mommy attention.
November was a HUGE month for my little family. First and foremost, Pat was accepted to medical school!!! This has been his dream since he was a child. I remember the night we met, he must have told me like 3 times. I always knew that was his goal and watching him work his tail off these past few years makes it so sweet. He was accepted here in Chicago so NO MOVING!!!! I would be lying if I said I was not worried about moving. With twins and having all my family nearby is just the support I need when Pat starts school! He will be attending Midwestern University/CCOM in Downers Grove in August! He is in the Class of 2017! I am beaming with excitement for him! We have two miracle babies and now Pat is starting medical school....life just keeps getting better. As his wife, I must say, I have never seen him as happy as he is right now. I think he has everything he has ever wanted now. However, there is ALOT of hard work ahead of him, but I know he will tackle it just fine! He is the most intelligent (and also the most compassionate) person I have ever met. He is exactly where he was always meant to be. I am one proud wifey! It is fun watching him research specialties and plan his future in his medical career. It's the little things that make me smile. His list keeps changing but he is showing most interest in ortho, anesthesiology, and radiology. This can very easily change, but I love watching him plan. His dream is now our reality. There is never a dull moment in the Davis house, but I would not have it any other way!
I will be starting a new blog. I have a few new ideas in the works. Our IVF journey may be over for now, but we have so much more to share with the world with all of these new happenings and our growing ladies that I will continue to share. Stay tuned!
November was a HUGE month for my little family. First and foremost, Pat was accepted to medical school!!! This has been his dream since he was a child. I remember the night we met, he must have told me like 3 times. I always knew that was his goal and watching him work his tail off these past few years makes it so sweet. He was accepted here in Chicago so NO MOVING!!!! I would be lying if I said I was not worried about moving. With twins and having all my family nearby is just the support I need when Pat starts school! He will be attending Midwestern University/CCOM in Downers Grove in August! He is in the Class of 2017! I am beaming with excitement for him! We have two miracle babies and now Pat is starting medical school....life just keeps getting better. As his wife, I must say, I have never seen him as happy as he is right now. I think he has everything he has ever wanted now. However, there is ALOT of hard work ahead of him, but I know he will tackle it just fine! He is the most intelligent (and also the most compassionate) person I have ever met. He is exactly where he was always meant to be. I am one proud wifey! It is fun watching him research specialties and plan his future in his medical career. It's the little things that make me smile. His list keeps changing but he is showing most interest in ortho, anesthesiology, and radiology. This can very easily change, but I love watching him plan. His dream is now our reality. There is never a dull moment in the Davis house, but I would not have it any other way!
I will be starting a new blog. I have a few new ideas in the works. Our IVF journey may be over for now, but we have so much more to share with the world with all of these new happenings and our growing ladies that I will continue to share. Stay tuned!
Wednesday, October 3, 2012
2.5 months old and TV stars
The girls are changing even more!! Yes...it's crazy how fast things change...once you get a solid routine down, something changes and you have to learn things all over again. Right now both girls are very aware of their surroundings and I feel they get easily bored. Now we are trying to keep them stimulated when they are awake. I started taking them for afternoon walks to give their senses stimulation. Also, I make sure they get adequate naps throughout the day, not just cat naps anymore. At first we thought Avery was teething, but now we are thinking she is just bored. The only thing that makes her happy is looking out the windows and stepping outside for a small bit. Also, she loves when I vacuum! My living room will be vacuumed several times a day now! Like I said, we are learning as we go here! Avery also clenches on to me VERY tight!! She wants me to hold her much more than before. Hannah used to be that way and now the tables turned! My Hannah is now very calm and laid back. I am glad they switch off! Much easier for momma!
I was recently asked to do a TV interview segment with WGN Healthy Living Chicago this month to talk about my experience as a child with ovarian cancer and being a cancer survivor to now a wife and mother of 2. The segment will discuss my personal thoughts and concerns I had as a child to our journey through IVF consequently due to my cancer. The shoot will take place in my home and last about 2 hours and will be edited down to a 30 minute segment that will air on WGN. The shoot will be on October 16. We are still finalizing the details with the producer. With as much PR as I have done, I never did a sit-down interview and had a 30-minute, on-air segment of just me. They want the girls to be involved as well in some of the film. Again, I think this is a great family experience and another reminder to them as to how badly they were wanted. Together, we defied the odds. :)
As most of you know, Hannah did her scene on NBC's Chicago Fire set last Friday night. It was such a fun experience. Pat had to work, so I brought my best friend Lisa. We were there from 8:30p-midnight. It's amazing how our TV shows are made. We were stunned! Plus, we got to see some firefighter actors in action! Too cool! When Hannah was radioed in she rose to the occasion and nailed it! hehe she cried, but not too much. It was perfect! The scene will be the episode of Thanksgiving week on Wednesday, November 27! I am happy we decided to move forward with this. I think Hannah will be tickled she had her moment in fame as a TV star at 2 months old!
I was recently asked to do a TV interview segment with WGN Healthy Living Chicago this month to talk about my experience as a child with ovarian cancer and being a cancer survivor to now a wife and mother of 2. The segment will discuss my personal thoughts and concerns I had as a child to our journey through IVF consequently due to my cancer. The shoot will take place in my home and last about 2 hours and will be edited down to a 30 minute segment that will air on WGN. The shoot will be on October 16. We are still finalizing the details with the producer. With as much PR as I have done, I never did a sit-down interview and had a 30-minute, on-air segment of just me. They want the girls to be involved as well in some of the film. Again, I think this is a great family experience and another reminder to them as to how badly they were wanted. Together, we defied the odds. :)
As most of you know, Hannah did her scene on NBC's Chicago Fire set last Friday night. It was such a fun experience. Pat had to work, so I brought my best friend Lisa. We were there from 8:30p-midnight. It's amazing how our TV shows are made. We were stunned! Plus, we got to see some firefighter actors in action! Too cool! When Hannah was radioed in she rose to the occasion and nailed it! hehe she cried, but not too much. It was perfect! The scene will be the episode of Thanksgiving week on Wednesday, November 27! I am happy we decided to move forward with this. I think Hannah will be tickled she had her moment in fame as a TV star at 2 months old!
Saturday, September 29, 2012
2-Month Photos!
We had the girls' pictures taken when they were 2 months old with Kathleen Thame Photography. We absolutely LOVE how they turned out!! We got a few family photos done too! ;)
Here are a few of our favorites!!
Here are a few of our favorites!!
Thursday, September 27, 2012
Adventures of Avery and Hannah...continued...
The girls are now over 2 months old! I still can't believe I have two babies! Sometimes I look at my life when we are out for a walk on the riverwalk or hanging out with family and have to pinch myself because I don't think life can get much better than this...I smile more everyday! I love watching the girls grow and change on a weekly basis!
Last week, Pat's grandfather passed away. We received the news early Monday morning. Pat came right home from working his shift and asked if we could leave right at that moment. Without hesitation or thinking, I said of course. When there is somebody in our family that is hurting or needs us, we are there, no matter how much of an obstacle it will be. That is one of the reasons I fell in love with Pat. Family is his #1 priority. If family calls, he goes. He has the biggest heart. As soon as we knew we were leaving, I started to pack the girls. It took me 2 hours!!!! haha!! 6:30-8:30am! Yes, 2 hours! haha! I had no idea packing for two infants entailed so much! Anyways, we got the car packed with the baby stuff and our one small bag. The babies had 3 suitcases and Pat and I shared one duffel bag. (Side note: I was so busy packing the girls, I forgot to pack Pat shirts! oops!!) By 9:15am we were on the road to Youngstown, OH! This was the start of our first roadtrip with the girls. We had no idea what was in store for the next 6-days we were there...
We arrived and the 7-hour trip was not too bad. We had a 1-hour stop and ate lunch. The girls were the celebrities of the rest stop on the Ohio turnpike! We made it to Youngstown and we were so happy to be surrounding family at this difficult time. Babies can help to make these moments a little lighter. Plus, the entire family would get to meet Avery and Hannah!
The girls stayed on their routine. They slept through the night. Boy was I relieved!!! We did learn that with all the people and fun activities the girls were stimulated all day and naps were minimized. Pat and I learned the necessity of naps! Baby Einstein in the hotel room was a must! The girls got to meet the entire Davis Family!!!! We were so happy the girls got to meet everybody, even though it was under the saddest of circumstances...
We had a great weekend honoring the memory of Pat's grandpa.
However, the worst part of the trip was still ahead of us....the ride home! We thought at this point it was smooth sailing and soon enough would be back at home and in the daily routine the girls know so well. We were so wrong! We stopped in Fort Wayne, IN at a gas station to fill up and of course I think the efficient thing to do would be to eat at the connected italian restaurant and get the girls out of their car seats for their feeding. Pat wanted me to check out the restaurant to see if there were any open seats. There was ONE table left and there were only about 10 tables in the whole restaurant. I think Perfect! We walk in with two crying babies and the whole restuarant which consists of 20 people are staring at us. (Yes, we were THOSE People. Mind you the girls have always been angels up to this point!) Anyways so I grab Avery and head straight to the bathroom for a diaper change. I find no changing table so I go back out to the car and change her in the front seat. No big deal she was no less fussy and was put back in her seat. Pat was holding Hannah and he says to me she just had a massive explosion in her diaper. I start laughing. Then he hands her to me and he sees she has poop running down her leg, on his pants, and all over his hand! I take the poop monster to the car and think omg! this never happens at home! She has never had THIS much! so I change her and find I have no onesies readily available. They are all packed in the truck in a suitcase. SO I put a new diaper on her and swaddle her in a sleep sack naked and went back in the restaurant. I sit back down and Pat is now consoling Avery who now has projectile spit up all over herself and Pat. Mind you he has poop in his other hand still from Hannah. I tell him to go wash up and I will take over. As soon as Pat washed up, he sat back down and the waitress comes over for the third time and asks are you ready to order now???? haha! She was very nice about it. I think everybody felt sorry for us because everybody got dinner and a show! As soon as we ordered and the chaos slowed down. Pat and I looked at each other and just laughed...we could not believe this just happened! BTW the restaurant was the BEST italian food we have had in months!!!!! We actually want to go back!
As soon as we got back in the car, the girls did not make a peep all the way back to Chicago. I think our 2-hour pit stop tired them out...it tired us out for sure!
Nonetheless, we survived our first family roadtrip. Their were times where things went smoothly, and others where they did not. I am so glad we went and didnt hesitate to think of all the obstacles we would face. I think my best advice to anybody thinking of traveling with two-month olds is to just go with the flow. Laugh, dont cry. :)
Last week, Pat's grandfather passed away. We received the news early Monday morning. Pat came right home from working his shift and asked if we could leave right at that moment. Without hesitation or thinking, I said of course. When there is somebody in our family that is hurting or needs us, we are there, no matter how much of an obstacle it will be. That is one of the reasons I fell in love with Pat. Family is his #1 priority. If family calls, he goes. He has the biggest heart. As soon as we knew we were leaving, I started to pack the girls. It took me 2 hours!!!! haha!! 6:30-8:30am! Yes, 2 hours! haha! I had no idea packing for two infants entailed so much! Anyways, we got the car packed with the baby stuff and our one small bag. The babies had 3 suitcases and Pat and I shared one duffel bag. (Side note: I was so busy packing the girls, I forgot to pack Pat shirts! oops!!) By 9:15am we were on the road to Youngstown, OH! This was the start of our first roadtrip with the girls. We had no idea what was in store for the next 6-days we were there...
We arrived and the 7-hour trip was not too bad. We had a 1-hour stop and ate lunch. The girls were the celebrities of the rest stop on the Ohio turnpike! We made it to Youngstown and we were so happy to be surrounding family at this difficult time. Babies can help to make these moments a little lighter. Plus, the entire family would get to meet Avery and Hannah!
The girls stayed on their routine. They slept through the night. Boy was I relieved!!! We did learn that with all the people and fun activities the girls were stimulated all day and naps were minimized. Pat and I learned the necessity of naps! Baby Einstein in the hotel room was a must! The girls got to meet the entire Davis Family!!!! We were so happy the girls got to meet everybody, even though it was under the saddest of circumstances...
We had a great weekend honoring the memory of Pat's grandpa.
However, the worst part of the trip was still ahead of us....the ride home! We thought at this point it was smooth sailing and soon enough would be back at home and in the daily routine the girls know so well. We were so wrong! We stopped in Fort Wayne, IN at a gas station to fill up and of course I think the efficient thing to do would be to eat at the connected italian restaurant and get the girls out of their car seats for their feeding. Pat wanted me to check out the restaurant to see if there were any open seats. There was ONE table left and there were only about 10 tables in the whole restaurant. I think Perfect! We walk in with two crying babies and the whole restuarant which consists of 20 people are staring at us. (Yes, we were THOSE People. Mind you the girls have always been angels up to this point!) Anyways so I grab Avery and head straight to the bathroom for a diaper change. I find no changing table so I go back out to the car and change her in the front seat. No big deal she was no less fussy and was put back in her seat. Pat was holding Hannah and he says to me she just had a massive explosion in her diaper. I start laughing. Then he hands her to me and he sees she has poop running down her leg, on his pants, and all over his hand! I take the poop monster to the car and think omg! this never happens at home! She has never had THIS much! so I change her and find I have no onesies readily available. They are all packed in the truck in a suitcase. SO I put a new diaper on her and swaddle her in a sleep sack naked and went back in the restaurant. I sit back down and Pat is now consoling Avery who now has projectile spit up all over herself and Pat. Mind you he has poop in his other hand still from Hannah. I tell him to go wash up and I will take over. As soon as Pat washed up, he sat back down and the waitress comes over for the third time and asks are you ready to order now???? haha! She was very nice about it. I think everybody felt sorry for us because everybody got dinner and a show! As soon as we ordered and the chaos slowed down. Pat and I looked at each other and just laughed...we could not believe this just happened! BTW the restaurant was the BEST italian food we have had in months!!!!! We actually want to go back!
As soon as we got back in the car, the girls did not make a peep all the way back to Chicago. I think our 2-hour pit stop tired them out...it tired us out for sure!
Nonetheless, we survived our first family roadtrip. Their were times where things went smoothly, and others where they did not. I am so glad we went and didnt hesitate to think of all the obstacles we would face. I think my best advice to anybody thinking of traveling with two-month olds is to just go with the flow. Laugh, dont cry. :)
Wednesday, September 5, 2012
Things are Changing!
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| My girls already wearing Ralph Lauren! haha! Already into fashion! I can already tell they will love shopping just like their Momma! Watch out Dad...better get used to it! ;) |
The girls are 6.5 weeks old right now and so much has already changed!! They are growing and getting more of a personality with each day! The girls are making eye contact with us on a regular basis now. They have such a deep stare. When I am feeding, I will just stare right back at them. It's such a nice time. One of my most favorite changes is that the girls know my voice so well. When I am talking anywhere in the room, they start to look around the room for me. They do know my voice from the 9 months of pregnancy, but when I see how they look around for me it just tickles me and warms my heart. They are my little nuggets...It is so funny how when they were in my belly I felt like I knew them and seeing them here, just makes this whole experience seem surreal. I LOVED being pregnant, but I LOVE holding my babies and watching them grow. What a miracle this all has been!
Also, my girls are sleeping through the night!!! THREE nights in a row!!!! YAHOOOOO! (Knock on wood!) This means they are eating closer together during the day, but go all night without waking up. LOVING THIS! However, being the crazy, paranoid momma, I am up checking on them making sure they are still breathing. haha Also, I am conditioned now to wake up throughout the night so I wake up still, but quickly fall back to sleep. How did I get so lucky to have the world's best babies?!?!
With it now being September, I am looking forward to pumpkin patches, pies, long fall walks (I hated taking the babies out because the weather this past month...so yucky!), and Birdies for Babies! This year Avery and Hannah will be there as the newest additions to the Birdies for Babies family! Also, we get to see all the previous Birdies for Babies couples! It will be so much fun and we can't wait!!!! Fall is my favorite season and I now have my two miracle babies here to be a part of all our fall happenings!
Friday, August 17, 2012
4 weeks old
Well, Pat and I survived our first 4 weeks as new parents. Our world was turned upside down and we learned a whole new routine that we had no idea of what was in store for us. As much as people could research or plan, nothing prepares you for being a parent, especially a parent of twins. Babies do not come with instructions. We learned as we went along. I have to say having twins, you HAVE to be laid back in order to survive. I think we have a good grasp on our routine now. It is all trial and error. Each day is better than the day before. The girls are becoming their own and their personalities keep shining through. I love watching them grow ounce by ounce in these early stages. Their cheeks are filling out and their thighs are becoming fuller and not just sticks anymore. I love these two monkeys with more than I have.
These two little girls are our world. Everything we do now is for them. I can't imagine my life without them. After our IVF journey and wondering why things never worked out earlier or when we wanted them to, I can look at Avery and Hannah and know now they were worth for what seemed like the longest wait. We were meant to have them. The funny thing is I think they were waiting for us. The timing was perfect. It was all meant to be...
After years of trying, countless tears, thousands of dollars, and hundreds of needles, we have the life we have always wanted....we have our family now. It is amazing how once you get pregnant and have your babies, all the pain and experiences from IVF are a distant memory...almost like a fog. Maybe it's a defense mechanism of repression. To be honest, I don't care to remember it all anyways. The one thing of all this I want is to always be able to help other people who are going through it. The rest doesn't matter to me. I don;t care to remember the hard days, pain, and sometimes suffering. Pat and I experienced something the majority of people will never have to go through. However, through this experience we have met some of the most generous and kind people in the world. We want to thank you for showing us what true kindness and love is. You know who you are...We have never seen such a love or sacrificial world as we did in IVF land. Whether it be from fundraisers to help us afford treatment or even egg donation. We will always know to love with our whole hearts always and to give others more than we have. We are going to show our girls the love that surrounded us through our journey so they can grow to be extraordinary people just like you all have showed us. We hope that one day they will read through my blog and through their baby books and truly understand where they came from and how badly they were wanted. At some points it felt as if the whole world wanted them... :)
They are two lucky girls who have a whole world of people who love them. :) Thank you for always supporting us and being a part of the girls' lives.
These two little girls are our world. Everything we do now is for them. I can't imagine my life without them. After our IVF journey and wondering why things never worked out earlier or when we wanted them to, I can look at Avery and Hannah and know now they were worth for what seemed like the longest wait. We were meant to have them. The funny thing is I think they were waiting for us. The timing was perfect. It was all meant to be...
After years of trying, countless tears, thousands of dollars, and hundreds of needles, we have the life we have always wanted....we have our family now. It is amazing how once you get pregnant and have your babies, all the pain and experiences from IVF are a distant memory...almost like a fog. Maybe it's a defense mechanism of repression. To be honest, I don't care to remember it all anyways. The one thing of all this I want is to always be able to help other people who are going through it. The rest doesn't matter to me. I don;t care to remember the hard days, pain, and sometimes suffering. Pat and I experienced something the majority of people will never have to go through. However, through this experience we have met some of the most generous and kind people in the world. We want to thank you for showing us what true kindness and love is. You know who you are...We have never seen such a love or sacrificial world as we did in IVF land. Whether it be from fundraisers to help us afford treatment or even egg donation. We will always know to love with our whole hearts always and to give others more than we have. We are going to show our girls the love that surrounded us through our journey so they can grow to be extraordinary people just like you all have showed us. We hope that one day they will read through my blog and through their baby books and truly understand where they came from and how badly they were wanted. At some points it felt as if the whole world wanted them... :)They are two lucky girls who have a whole world of people who love them. :) Thank you for always supporting us and being a part of the girls' lives.
Monday, August 6, 2012
Adventures of Avery and Hannah
The girls are now a little over 2 weeks old now. I still cant believe they are here! Once we brought them home we had my in laws stay with us at our home for a week and a half to help with the transition of twins. We will take as much help as we can get! They helped by doing housework, house repairs, yardwork, and caring for our dogs and new babies. It was very helpful. In the beginning it was tough because not only did we have 2 newborns, but I was still recovering from my csection. I was on Oxycontin for the first week and it was starting to make me physically sick, so I settled for the ibuprofen. All those crazy pain meds make me crazy! I am a person who doesnt take any meds EVER! So these strong meds took me for a loop!
It is crazy to think how a person can function with barely any sleep! In the beginning it was tough to adjust to....after the first week, I was able to function without a nap in the morning. I was getting worried how I might function without napping. Dont get me wrong, I am very tired, but can take care of the girls just fine and dandy without feeling super exhausted! The middle of the night feedings are tough, but the girls are most alert at night and it is fun to see them coo and snuggle with each other. To feed them I put them in their smooth motions glider together. They interlock their legs together and sometimes start sucking on each others faces/hands. It is so funny! Pat and I just sit and laugh at them.
As for the topic of feeding...I get asked this by many moms of multiples....I went into this pregnancy wanting to breastfeed 100%. However, I am learning quite quickly that it is such a HUGE commitment to breastfeed multiples. Not only are there 2 babies, but they are still considered pre-term. My #1 priority is for them to gain weight and with continuing to breastfeed it is hard to measure what is being consumed. It is not something I really want to play with. Since I have been home I have been pumping exclusively, but learning that as the girls grow they need more. It is hard to keep a stash in the fridge with growing babies who need more. SO as of right now, I am not sure which is best for us. Pat is very PRO-breastfeeding, but we are not sure how long this can continue. Plus once I start my hormone replacement there is a chance I may start drying up. Only time will tell!
Motherhood is full of new surprises and is rewarding yet very exhausting! I couldnt imagine life without Avery and Hannah. The girls are doing so great! They are becoming their unique selves. They have very different cries and personalities. It is always fun to learn new things about them daily. The girls are both happy and healthy...what more can we ask for!
It is crazy to think how a person can function with barely any sleep! In the beginning it was tough to adjust to....after the first week, I was able to function without a nap in the morning. I was getting worried how I might function without napping. Dont get me wrong, I am very tired, but can take care of the girls just fine and dandy without feeling super exhausted! The middle of the night feedings are tough, but the girls are most alert at night and it is fun to see them coo and snuggle with each other. To feed them I put them in their smooth motions glider together. They interlock their legs together and sometimes start sucking on each others faces/hands. It is so funny! Pat and I just sit and laugh at them.
As for the topic of feeding...I get asked this by many moms of multiples....I went into this pregnancy wanting to breastfeed 100%. However, I am learning quite quickly that it is such a HUGE commitment to breastfeed multiples. Not only are there 2 babies, but they are still considered pre-term. My #1 priority is for them to gain weight and with continuing to breastfeed it is hard to measure what is being consumed. It is not something I really want to play with. Since I have been home I have been pumping exclusively, but learning that as the girls grow they need more. It is hard to keep a stash in the fridge with growing babies who need more. SO as of right now, I am not sure which is best for us. Pat is very PRO-breastfeeding, but we are not sure how long this can continue. Plus once I start my hormone replacement there is a chance I may start drying up. Only time will tell!
Motherhood is full of new surprises and is rewarding yet very exhausting! I couldnt imagine life without Avery and Hannah. The girls are doing so great! They are becoming their unique selves. They have very different cries and personalities. It is always fun to learn new things about them daily. The girls are both happy and healthy...what more can we ask for!
Saturday, July 28, 2012
Welcome to the World Avery Ann and Hannah Katherine!
The girls have arrived!! They were born on Saturday, 7/21/12 at 7:42pm and 7:43pm. Avery weighing in at 5lb 8 oz and Hannah weighing 4lb 15 oz. Our world has changed so much this past week for the better. We are loving our new, little family!
Where do I begin? On the morning of 7/21, I woke up at 9am to a gush of fluid leaving my body. At first I thought maybe it was incontinence or maybe even blood from the babies pushing on ym bladder, but everytime I rolled over, more came out. Our beagle Cody even moved away from me in bed. I knew something was up. So I decided to get up and check it out in the bathroom. However as soon as I stood up gravity came into play and WHOOSH! more came out! At that time I whispered to Pat...umm I think my water just broke....he looked at me and water dripping down my legs and said we are going to the hospital. call the doctor right now. So as I started to find something to wear and did my hair, our doctor was on call (woo hoo!) She called us immediately and told us to come to the hospital to get checked out to see if this was the start of labor. I could not believe she said the word labor. We were only 34.5 weeks. It was too soon!!! I was thinking at least 1 more week!!! Pat saw me putting some makeup on and said you have got to be kidding me....get in the car! haha! ...I wanted to look presentable considering I had no contractions! Oh well...also Pat grabbed the car seats and put them in the trunk because we knew there was a good chance we wouldnt be returning home without our two baby girls!
Pat was sitting right next to my head as we waited for our babies. Once we were in the OR babies were out within minutes. We saw Avery and I started to cry uncontrollably! I couldnt believe she was OURS! I looked at Pat and said She is so beautiful!!! (I am tearing as I type this.) Pat looked at me and started to tear as well. I started the waterworks. 1 minute later they pulled our little Hannah out and I cried even more and said she is so beautiful!!! I love them so much already and I have not even held them yet. The nurses cleaned them off and walked them over to Pat to hold and show me. We were so in love. The nurse gave us 5 minutes with the babies and took them to get cleaned off even more and to be moved to our labor suite. I told Pat to go with the babies bc I was fine and to make sure they were OK. Before he left the neonataologist came up to us after he checked them both out and informed us no NICU was needed and the babies appeared to be healthy!!!! I was ELATED!!!!!!!! Pat and I became parents to two beautiful healthy girls. The night was so magical. We couldnt wipe the smiles from our faces!
The staff that night at Rush-Copley were just so amazing! Our labor and delivery nurse Joyce was AMAZING!!! She would talk with me about everything before it happened. She eased my mind about the arrival of our girls being too early. Always saying no, it's the perfect time. and that they would be fine! She was with me for the epidural and my anxieties. She knew how much I wanted a vaginal delivery, but decided to do the csection and even asked are you sure you are ok?! and offered to stay and talk with me if I was still on edge about it. I owe her so much!! She was so good to me and my family. She even stayed past her shift to make sure the babies and I were OK. She truly went above and beyond!
I know I left out so many details, but the emotions I felt that day all come back to the joy we felt at 7:42pm and 7:43pm. Nothing else that day really mattered.
Tuesday, July 17, 2012
Maternity Photos
Thursday, July 5, 2012
Rush Copley Tour and Classes to Come
As we are in our 32nd week, and the girls are BOTH head down, the doctor is telling us we could very possibly have a vaginal birth if we desired to do so if that is in our birth plan. I, of course, want whatever is the most safe for the three of us. Our OB has said she lets her moms choose if the babies are positioned both head down. If I had my choice, I would like to do a vaginal birth. I feel the recovery would be quicker! I have to take care of TWO babies right away at home and want to be able to move around. However, I am going to keep an open mind and be ready for whatever way the girls want to come. They have 100% of the control here. I am just along for the ride. I am preparing for both deliveries because anything is possible once these babies decide to come!
On that note, I never planned to have a vaginal birth with twins. I assumed I would have a csection. I have never heard in the modern time of anybody I know giving birth to twins vaginally. I just accepted that was the way it was going to be. To my surprise, both girls are positioned to exit vaginally right now. I am now 8 months pregnant and have not taken a LAMAZE class to learn breathing techniques or the stages of labor, etc. I didnt think I would need to learn anything. So, luckily Pat works at the hospital and he is registering us for the 7/28 marathon 1-day class (hopefully the girls do not make their appearance before than!!!) and the class fee is waived! woo hoo! My older sister Kristen informed me it was so important to go to this class. So I trust her on that being she gave birth to 2 babies already so we are going to go to this class, as long as the girls dont come before that date!!!
Last Sunday, Pat and I took a tour of Rush-Copley's Labor and Delivery unit. That is where I will be delivering the twins. Also, Pat works there so it is a win/win situation! I didnt realize that seeing everything and talking to some of the health professionals on that floor would put some of my fears at bay and answer some questions I did have. I think seeing how things were setup and where I would be relieved some of my anxieties! It truly helped! Being I am carrying multiples, my journey throughout the hospital is a little different. I found out if I have a vaginal delivery I will be delivering in the OR in the case of an emergency csection. They want to be prepared for EVERYTHING! I liked that idea. It made me feel like all the bases were covered! Also, we got to see the NICU. Not that I am planning on even having my babies sniff that room, I wanted to learn more about it. We got to see through a window 1/3 triplets being fed. He was a cutie, and so tiny. It is nice to have a Level III NICU at our fingertips in the case we need to go that route for whatever reason! Overall, I am so happy we decided to go on the tour! It really made me feel more ready for the next step. These girls can be here in 1 month or so! Also, to my surprise, there is NO NURSERY!!! I never heard of that! They said they like for the babies to be with mom 100% of the time for bonding in the postpartum room after birth. They like this so when a doctor comes to check out the babies I will be witnessing everything and will be able to ask questions when the pediatrician makes her rounds or any doctor for that matter. Pat and I really like this!!
On that note, I never planned to have a vaginal birth with twins. I assumed I would have a csection. I have never heard in the modern time of anybody I know giving birth to twins vaginally. I just accepted that was the way it was going to be. To my surprise, both girls are positioned to exit vaginally right now. I am now 8 months pregnant and have not taken a LAMAZE class to learn breathing techniques or the stages of labor, etc. I didnt think I would need to learn anything. So, luckily Pat works at the hospital and he is registering us for the 7/28 marathon 1-day class (hopefully the girls do not make their appearance before than!!!) and the class fee is waived! woo hoo! My older sister Kristen informed me it was so important to go to this class. So I trust her on that being she gave birth to 2 babies already so we are going to go to this class, as long as the girls dont come before that date!!!
Last Sunday, Pat and I took a tour of Rush-Copley's Labor and Delivery unit. That is where I will be delivering the twins. Also, Pat works there so it is a win/win situation! I didnt realize that seeing everything and talking to some of the health professionals on that floor would put some of my fears at bay and answer some questions I did have. I think seeing how things were setup and where I would be relieved some of my anxieties! It truly helped! Being I am carrying multiples, my journey throughout the hospital is a little different. I found out if I have a vaginal delivery I will be delivering in the OR in the case of an emergency csection. They want to be prepared for EVERYTHING! I liked that idea. It made me feel like all the bases were covered! Also, we got to see the NICU. Not that I am planning on even having my babies sniff that room, I wanted to learn more about it. We got to see through a window 1/3 triplets being fed. He was a cutie, and so tiny. It is nice to have a Level III NICU at our fingertips in the case we need to go that route for whatever reason! Overall, I am so happy we decided to go on the tour! It really made me feel more ready for the next step. These girls can be here in 1 month or so! Also, to my surprise, there is NO NURSERY!!! I never heard of that! They said they like for the babies to be with mom 100% of the time for bonding in the postpartum room after birth. They like this so when a doctor comes to check out the babies I will be witnessing everything and will be able to ask questions when the pediatrician makes her rounds or any doctor for that matter. Pat and I really like this!!
Monday, July 2, 2012
32-week check!
Both girls are measuring 9 days ahead of schedule at 4lb11oz each. Both heads continue to be down and positioned for delivery. NST revealed no contractions and great Fetal Heart beats! We were told Hannah has LOTS of hair because it is now visible on the ultrasound! Avery has less hair. hehe Good news continues to come our way! We are blessed! Only 4-6 more weeks to go!! :)
Friday, June 29, 2012
Baby Shower!
Our Baby Shower was just an AMAZING day!! We could not believe how generous our family and friends were to us and our growing family! It really helped us get a jumpstart on baby goodies!!! The day was absolutley beautiful and perfect! It was obvious how much love was in the room. There was once a time I was not sure if I would ever get to expereince a baby shower. The day was simply magical and a dream come true! It was obvious how much work my mom, mother-in-law, and sisters put into this very special day!!! Check out some pictures from our baby shower album below!
The Nursery!
Tuesday, June 12, 2012
29 Weeks...Am I really this far along?!
Today marks 29 weeks with the girls! I still can't believe that they could be here in 2 months! Wow!
Pat and I have so many fun things planned! Rewinding: Pat graduated this past weekend with his Masters Degree from Rush University downtown! He graduated top of his class! It was such a nice surprise! He truly deserved it with all the time and hard work he put into his studies over the past two years! I was beaming with pride for him! The day was fun! Family came in from all over to celebrate the day with us. It was nice to see everybody! We were out of the house from 8am to 830pm on Saturday. It was about 90 degrees that day as well. As you know, my swelling has always been an issue since 17 weeks...well, on Saturday, my legs looked like elephant legs! When I walked I feel like I had waterbeds for legs. I almost could feel the swooshing and tight pressures! It was not easy to say the least! One of my personal goals was to make it to Pat's graduation. I knew in the back of my mind, there was a possibility I would've been on bedrest or something more serious where I would not be able to see him walk across the stage. Luckily, I made it! I am so happy I did!
Also, NO GESTATIONAL DIABETES!!!!!!!!!! I had an initial screen done and it did come back a little high, but they did not want me to fast for it, so crazy me, enjoyed a chipotle burrito on my way to the doctor....well, surprise, surprise...it was just a little high, so I had to return for the 3-hour glucose tolerance test. I had that on Friday 6/8. I brought my mom with me to keep me company for the half day I devoted to this GTT. We had fun! The day actually wasn't as bad as I thought. 4 blood draws and poof we were out to lunch. SO happy the more thorough test came back normal! woo hoo!! one less complication to worry about!
As of right now, I am experiencing lots of swelling. Luckily I am able to wear my gym shoes to work so it helps keep me more comfortable to walk around. Also, back pain. Nothing too severe, but more bothersome than anything. Pat helps me by rubbing my legs/ankles and back at the end of the day. thank goodness! All in all, I have to say this pregnancy has been so great! (knock on wood!) I love the constant movements all day! I am going to miss feeling them all day! Especially today! They have been moving quite a bit! I do not know why! Also, yesterday I felt somebody have the hiccups! How amazing...it was a synchronized bounce! It was so cute! :)
Our baby shower is coming up and we feel so lucky to have such great friends and family joining us for the afternoon! We have already started receiving gifts through the mail! We love coming home and filling up our nursery with all the goodies we receive!! Maternity photos are coming up as well! I want to remember every second of this pregnancy for the rest of my life. What a gift we were given. I can't wait to see how the pictures come out. I even picked out a photographer for our newborn photos! AM I ahead of the game or what!!! haha My little princesses are going to be 2 spoiled little girls. As for the nursery, it is coming along...piece by piece. We are hoping to have it done by the time of our maternity photos. I REALLY would like our pictures to be in their room! We will see if we make the deadline! :P
I know there was quite a bit to update, but life has been so busy, yet exciting! Things are changing on a daily basis! In my next post, I will post some pictures of all the fun happenings!
Pat and I have so many fun things planned! Rewinding: Pat graduated this past weekend with his Masters Degree from Rush University downtown! He graduated top of his class! It was such a nice surprise! He truly deserved it with all the time and hard work he put into his studies over the past two years! I was beaming with pride for him! The day was fun! Family came in from all over to celebrate the day with us. It was nice to see everybody! We were out of the house from 8am to 830pm on Saturday. It was about 90 degrees that day as well. As you know, my swelling has always been an issue since 17 weeks...well, on Saturday, my legs looked like elephant legs! When I walked I feel like I had waterbeds for legs. I almost could feel the swooshing and tight pressures! It was not easy to say the least! One of my personal goals was to make it to Pat's graduation. I knew in the back of my mind, there was a possibility I would've been on bedrest or something more serious where I would not be able to see him walk across the stage. Luckily, I made it! I am so happy I did!
Also, NO GESTATIONAL DIABETES!!!!!!!!!! I had an initial screen done and it did come back a little high, but they did not want me to fast for it, so crazy me, enjoyed a chipotle burrito on my way to the doctor....well, surprise, surprise...it was just a little high, so I had to return for the 3-hour glucose tolerance test. I had that on Friday 6/8. I brought my mom with me to keep me company for the half day I devoted to this GTT. We had fun! The day actually wasn't as bad as I thought. 4 blood draws and poof we were out to lunch. SO happy the more thorough test came back normal! woo hoo!! one less complication to worry about!
As of right now, I am experiencing lots of swelling. Luckily I am able to wear my gym shoes to work so it helps keep me more comfortable to walk around. Also, back pain. Nothing too severe, but more bothersome than anything. Pat helps me by rubbing my legs/ankles and back at the end of the day. thank goodness! All in all, I have to say this pregnancy has been so great! (knock on wood!) I love the constant movements all day! I am going to miss feeling them all day! Especially today! They have been moving quite a bit! I do not know why! Also, yesterday I felt somebody have the hiccups! How amazing...it was a synchronized bounce! It was so cute! :)
Our baby shower is coming up and we feel so lucky to have such great friends and family joining us for the afternoon! We have already started receiving gifts through the mail! We love coming home and filling up our nursery with all the goodies we receive!! Maternity photos are coming up as well! I want to remember every second of this pregnancy for the rest of my life. What a gift we were given. I can't wait to see how the pictures come out. I even picked out a photographer for our newborn photos! AM I ahead of the game or what!!! haha My little princesses are going to be 2 spoiled little girls. As for the nursery, it is coming along...piece by piece. We are hoping to have it done by the time of our maternity photos. I REALLY would like our pictures to be in their room! We will see if we make the deadline! :P
I know there was quite a bit to update, but life has been so busy, yet exciting! Things are changing on a daily basis! In my next post, I will post some pictures of all the fun happenings!
Wednesday, May 23, 2012
Reflection
Entering the third trimester, I have been doing alot of reflection. Maybe it is because we are getting closer to the end of this pregnancy...
Through everything Pat and I have been through in the first year and a half of our marriage with the crazy world of IVF, not only did we get through it, but we made eachother stronger and still holding hands through it all. That is how I know we are made for one another. I could not imagine getting through this without him. He is my steady partner in this crazy life. He grounds me...He is my better half...He makes me better. I love him with every ounce of my being. Sometimes, I take a look at my life and think, can life really get any better than it is right now? I am surrounded by amazing people and the world's best husband, and in 2.5 short months, we will add two little ladies to our little family. They are just going to adore their dad. At this moment, I am just so happy and looking forward to our future to have another new beginning together. I can't wait to watch Pat be a dad.....He was made to be a dad.
Sunday, May 20, 2012
Mother's Day and 26 weeks!
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| The girls' take-home outfits from the hospital! I am in love with these! |
Sorry it has been so long since my last entry...Pat and I have been pretty busy with everything going on lately! My newest niece Addilyn was born on May 9 and she is perfect and beautiful! Pat has been finishing up his Master's program and will be graduating June 9, so he has been pretty busy with final projects and end-of-the-year deadlines. Can't believe his graduation is in a couple weeks! SO proud of him!
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| Our Girls!! |
Also, my first Mother's Day where we had so much to celebrate! Pat had worked the third shift at the hospital so he got home VERY early (did not even hear him walk in) and jumped into bed with me and said Happy 1st Mother's Day. I woke up for good at 7:30 (because that is sleeping in to me these days) and found a bouquet of flowers and sweet card on the kitchen island waiting for me. I could not stop smiling! I wanted to run upstairs and hug and kiss him but I knew he was probably exhausted from just working overnight, so I thought I could hold in my joy until at least noon. He also, made reservations at Eddie Merlot's brunch. The babies love brunch! :) Of course it was so special and they even gave me a flower because I am now a mother. It was such an amazing feeling! That flower had much more meaning than I think they realized. I was touched and blessed. My first mother's day was truly perfect and filled with so much joy! I remember the feelings I felt last May and now see where I am at this year and it is truly unbelievable! Next May will be even better! :)
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| 25.5 weeks on one of these HOT days! |
On a fun note, Pat and I have started the nursery!!!!!!!!! It is just so much fun! We have been getting early shower gifts from family and friends and realized we were filling up the nursery room so quickly with boxes we needed to take apart the guest bed and clean it to prepare it for our little girls. Pat has been surprising me by doing things while I am not at home. It is so sweet. I love it. Now that Pat is done with his deadlines, he can focus on building baby furniture! Don't worry, I will get pictures, but right now, the nursery is full of boxes and random room accessories. It truly will look amazing in a few weeks! For those who know me personally, know I am ALWAYS ahead of the game and on point. This nursery will be done in a jiffy! It is my hobby for the next few weeks! Updates to come! :P
Thank you for all your love and continued support! We Love all of you and would not have what we have today without all of you! We feel truly blessed everyday! Every day is a gift! I can't help but smile everytime I look in the mirror and see what I see now! I can't believe how AMAZING life can be. We are so lucky to have so mnay great people in our lives!
Thursday, April 26, 2012
22 weeks and going strong!
With each and every day, there is something new! My body is constantly changing! I find myself googling all the quirks that come along with pregnancy! I still am in disbelief! Anyways, My swollen feet/ankles is an everyday occurrence at this point! My gym shoes have to be loosely tied. Before pregnancy I would tie my shoes so tight because of my narrow feet. Now, I can barely squeeze into them! It's strange! When I get home from work I will lay on the couch and elevate my feet as I was instructed to do. There is no pain, just they look scary swollen! Oh well! If the doc is not concerned, I am not either! I do notice that I am fatigued more easily now too!I find myself needing to lay down more throughout the day and go to bed MUCH earlier than I used to! However, I am waking up at 6:30am without an alarm most days. So it does take some getting used to! I never was like this before! My favorite part of the day is when I am lying in bed and the girls are moving like CRAZY!!!! Sometimes I see my belly move!! That could be why my hands are always on my belly!! I love this part of pregnancy! It is such a happy time! I am so lucky I get to experience this!
My belly is getting big now. I walk around and sometimes notice I have the "pregnancy wobble." Yes, that does really happen! My baby bump is a hand magnet. I find myself constantly resting my hands on my belly. haha! I am feeling quite large these days!
This whole adventure is going by so fast! It is nearly May and by August the girls will be here! So much to do!! Baby shower gifts are already being delivered to my house and we are starting to compile it all in the nursery putting pieces together as they come to make a nursery of it all! So EXCITING!!! I still have to clean out the closet making it baby-ready! Right now we are using it for our extra blankets and pillows and my wedding dress! haha I need to move that all out of there and put away elsewhere, because the closet is all for the my little ladies! Luckily, it is a nice walk-in closet with lots of space! Right now the nursery is starting to fill-up with items! It is very exciting! I love walking into that room and just gazing!
Here is a picture of where I am at now! Time is flying!!! I can't wait to hold my little girls!
My belly is getting big now. I walk around and sometimes notice I have the "pregnancy wobble." Yes, that does really happen! My baby bump is a hand magnet. I find myself constantly resting my hands on my belly. haha! I am feeling quite large these days!
This whole adventure is going by so fast! It is nearly May and by August the girls will be here! So much to do!! Baby shower gifts are already being delivered to my house and we are starting to compile it all in the nursery putting pieces together as they come to make a nursery of it all! So EXCITING!!! I still have to clean out the closet making it baby-ready! Right now we are using it for our extra blankets and pillows and my wedding dress! haha I need to move that all out of there and put away elsewhere, because the closet is all for the my little ladies! Luckily, it is a nice walk-in closet with lots of space! Right now the nursery is starting to fill-up with items! It is very exciting! I love walking into that room and just gazing!
Here is a picture of where I am at now! Time is flying!!! I can't wait to hold my little girls!
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| 22 weeks! |
Sunday, April 15, 2012
20-week Anatomy Scan
Report from Thursday's Appointment:
Thursday I had my 20-week anatomy scan to check on the growth and development! The doctor checked for all the organs to make sure they were present and located in the correct location! Everything was there and accounted for! Phew! Hannah was in a good position for pictures! ...Miss Photogenic! Our Hannah Banana was loving the camera...as always! Hannah weighs 11oz.
Avery was turned upside down and was hiding behind the umbilical cord...not good for picture-taking...hopefully she flips by the next appointment so we can get a better look at our Avery. The tech tried her best to get the best picture possible today. Avery weighs 13 oz.
Both babies are head down right now and they are facing each other. The only thing separating them right now is the membrane otherwise they would be giving each other Eskimo kisses.
Cervical length is 4.5 and anything from 3-4 is normal, so we are in GREAT shape and no pre-term labor in the near future! :)!!!
After this appointment, I felt even closer to them. It is unbelievable how much you bond with your baby(s) at this time! I feel like I already know them and can't wait to hold them!
The doctor did notice my swollen left ankle and said she wanted to do a doppler venous ultrasound on my entire leg to check for any clots. Everything came back negative for clots so I have been ordered to wear supportive socks for the rest of the pregnancy to help with the swelling. On our way out, the tech handed me a CD with all the pictures from our session that day! How amazing and what a wonderful souvenir! I swear I couldn't stop looking at the pictures from the second I got home!! I was in awe!
Thursday I had my 20-week anatomy scan to check on the growth and development! The doctor checked for all the organs to make sure they were present and located in the correct location! Everything was there and accounted for! Phew! Hannah was in a good position for pictures! ...Miss Photogenic! Our Hannah Banana was loving the camera...as always! Hannah weighs 11oz.
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| Hannah rubbing her eye. |
Avery was turned upside down and was hiding behind the umbilical cord...not good for picture-taking...hopefully she flips by the next appointment so we can get a better look at our Avery. The tech tried her best to get the best picture possible today. Avery weighs 13 oz.
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| Avery hiding behind cord. |
Both babies are head down right now and they are facing each other. The only thing separating them right now is the membrane otherwise they would be giving each other Eskimo kisses.
Cervical length is 4.5 and anything from 3-4 is normal, so we are in GREAT shape and no pre-term labor in the near future! :)!!!
After this appointment, I felt even closer to them. It is unbelievable how much you bond with your baby(s) at this time! I feel like I already know them and can't wait to hold them!
The doctor did notice my swollen left ankle and said she wanted to do a doppler venous ultrasound on my entire leg to check for any clots. Everything came back negative for clots so I have been ordered to wear supportive socks for the rest of the pregnancy to help with the swelling. On our way out, the tech handed me a CD with all the pictures from our session that day! How amazing and what a wonderful souvenir! I swear I couldn't stop looking at the pictures from the second I got home!! I was in awe!
Saturday, April 7, 2012
Halfway Point!
It's official...my normal clothes just don't fit anymore. No more attempting...maternity clothes all the way from this point on! I am still feeling very comfortable and I still do not feel too big yet. The cooler weather has been great! The cooler the weather, the less the swelling! I hope it stays for awhile...
At my last doctors appointment, my doctor did the scan and said...so do you want to know the genders...and I responded, I think we already do...2 girls? She said yes! 100% no doubt about it! So exciting! I think Pat and I just love the fact that our girls will have a best friend for life. Any other combination just would not be as close as two girls, and we feel blessed to have such a great combo! Watching my younger twin sisters growing up, I just know they will have such a special bond. I am excited to watch them grow up together and to always have a buddy. :) Plus, I love little girls...girls run in my family...I think the Dennis women are pros at girls at this point! ;) My doctor also went over what our birth plan is and if we are open-minded. She went on to saying, she lets the babies decide. They decide how they want to come out and when. By that she says she will wait to one of the later appointments to see the poisitioning of the babies. I told her we are open-minded and don't mind one way or another. We just want a safe delivery that will result in 20 fingers and 20 toes and some healthy crying! It's crazy we have opened up the conversation about birth plans. Before we know it, we will be in the hospital holding our two baby girls. The girls are very active now. I think that is the way they play throughtout the day (and night!)
Even with all the exciting news pregnancy and babies bring, there was another topic I wanted to talk about at this appointment with the doctor was breast cancer screening post-pregnancy. With being on hormones since I have been 12 and IVF, I worry about my chances at having breast cancer. Not only does breast cancer run in my family, but I once had cancer and know all that it will incur. With my history and family history, I want to have peace of mind. I know that catching cancer at an early stage is the matter between a cure and death sometimes. With my daughters on the way, I want to be around for their lives. The doctor said it isn't a bad idea, and if it is something I want to do we can arrange it after the girls arrive. I feel better knowing I will be checked once these babies are here.
April has arrived!! This means Project: Nursery begins!! It's amazing the images from my dreams are now coming into a reality. We are getting each piece slowly, but surely, but wow. The vibe I get when I walk into the room just gives me the chills. Pretty soon, I will be walking into that room to crying, hungry babies or having tummy time. Just amazing. A few months ago, this was nothing more than fantasy. Now it is 3.5 months away. The feelings of joy we experience is just overwhelming at times. Summer can't come soon enough!
As I reflect, now being more than halfway through my pregnancy, I realize how many people I have met in the past year since we started our journey through IVF. The words IVF, infertility, betas, etc. are all so scary. Even though it took 3 attempts for us to find success, I still continue to attempt to motivate, inspire others to keep moving forward and looking into all these different options that were never an option before. For those still on their journeys, keep going. Don't take no as an answer. Even when you feel you have nothing left, look harder. Find support in your spouse, talk to those who have been through it. There are so many people who can help you. That is the #1 reason I went public with my story. My goal was not only to find support for myself through the path of the biggest unknown, but to also make it a less lonely journey for others who didn't have the courage to talk about it. Just know there is always an option out there for you. If you want to be a mother, you will find a way to be one. I want people to look at my life and think with everything this girl has been through in her life with her string of bad luck and she han't shut out the world and cried alone in her house, and she still managed to be so happy all the time. That was my goal of sharing my story. No matter how bad you think you have it in life, you still can find happiness while you continue your search for good luck. Life is short. Don't waste one minute feeling sorry for yourself or being sad, because it could always be worse. That is what I always told myself. It fed my drive to trudge forward.
Also, on a lighter note, Easter is here! I remember having such a hard time around any holiday because in my mind I was supposed to be pregnant. The holidays would come and go and still no pregnancy...I dreaded holidays until now. Pat did too, because I needed his support the most at these times. Now when people say have a great Easter, I know I will...I am pregnant and well on my way to having my family with my husband. There is no better definition of pure happiness and joy. On that note, have a great Easter and enjoy your families (and soon-to-be families!)
At my last doctors appointment, my doctor did the scan and said...so do you want to know the genders...and I responded, I think we already do...2 girls? She said yes! 100% no doubt about it! So exciting! I think Pat and I just love the fact that our girls will have a best friend for life. Any other combination just would not be as close as two girls, and we feel blessed to have such a great combo! Watching my younger twin sisters growing up, I just know they will have such a special bond. I am excited to watch them grow up together and to always have a buddy. :) Plus, I love little girls...girls run in my family...I think the Dennis women are pros at girls at this point! ;) My doctor also went over what our birth plan is and if we are open-minded. She went on to saying, she lets the babies decide. They decide how they want to come out and when. By that she says she will wait to one of the later appointments to see the poisitioning of the babies. I told her we are open-minded and don't mind one way or another. We just want a safe delivery that will result in 20 fingers and 20 toes and some healthy crying! It's crazy we have opened up the conversation about birth plans. Before we know it, we will be in the hospital holding our two baby girls. The girls are very active now. I think that is the way they play throughtout the day (and night!)
Even with all the exciting news pregnancy and babies bring, there was another topic I wanted to talk about at this appointment with the doctor was breast cancer screening post-pregnancy. With being on hormones since I have been 12 and IVF, I worry about my chances at having breast cancer. Not only does breast cancer run in my family, but I once had cancer and know all that it will incur. With my history and family history, I want to have peace of mind. I know that catching cancer at an early stage is the matter between a cure and death sometimes. With my daughters on the way, I want to be around for their lives. The doctor said it isn't a bad idea, and if it is something I want to do we can arrange it after the girls arrive. I feel better knowing I will be checked once these babies are here.
April has arrived!! This means Project: Nursery begins!! It's amazing the images from my dreams are now coming into a reality. We are getting each piece slowly, but surely, but wow. The vibe I get when I walk into the room just gives me the chills. Pretty soon, I will be walking into that room to crying, hungry babies or having tummy time. Just amazing. A few months ago, this was nothing more than fantasy. Now it is 3.5 months away. The feelings of joy we experience is just overwhelming at times. Summer can't come soon enough!
As I reflect, now being more than halfway through my pregnancy, I realize how many people I have met in the past year since we started our journey through IVF. The words IVF, infertility, betas, etc. are all so scary. Even though it took 3 attempts for us to find success, I still continue to attempt to motivate, inspire others to keep moving forward and looking into all these different options that were never an option before. For those still on their journeys, keep going. Don't take no as an answer. Even when you feel you have nothing left, look harder. Find support in your spouse, talk to those who have been through it. There are so many people who can help you. That is the #1 reason I went public with my story. My goal was not only to find support for myself through the path of the biggest unknown, but to also make it a less lonely journey for others who didn't have the courage to talk about it. Just know there is always an option out there for you. If you want to be a mother, you will find a way to be one. I want people to look at my life and think with everything this girl has been through in her life with her string of bad luck and she han't shut out the world and cried alone in her house, and she still managed to be so happy all the time. That was my goal of sharing my story. No matter how bad you think you have it in life, you still can find happiness while you continue your search for good luck. Life is short. Don't waste one minute feeling sorry for yourself or being sad, because it could always be worse. That is what I always told myself. It fed my drive to trudge forward.
Also, on a lighter note, Easter is here! I remember having such a hard time around any holiday because in my mind I was supposed to be pregnant. The holidays would come and go and still no pregnancy...I dreaded holidays until now. Pat did too, because I needed his support the most at these times. Now when people say have a great Easter, I know I will...I am pregnant and well on my way to having my family with my husband. There is no better definition of pure happiness and joy. On that note, have a great Easter and enjoy your families (and soon-to-be families!)
Monday, April 2, 2012
Bonding
I am currently 19 weeks pregnant and feel fantastic! I am comfortable, energetic, and EXCITED! I am over halfway through! With twins, the gestation period is 38 weeks maximum!
It is crazy that a few short months ago, my life revolved around meds, shots, doctor appointments and that was my life. I was so used to it. That was my norm. And now I am going to OB appointments, designing a nursery 24/7 in mind, creating baby registries, etc. At one time I avoided the baby section of department stores and now I HAVE to walk through them every time!! Even if it is just to pick up a gallon of milk. Our closet is slowly starting to fill with outfits. Nursery decor lines the room until we start getting furniture. I feel like I am living somebody else's life... sometimes I just have to take a step back and think wow...this is my life...our life. We are becoming a family; Pat and I have our own little family. I am living my dream. This feeling is even better than I imagined it to feel. Being pregnant is just so amazing. The whole experience is better than I dreamed it to be. Now I feel flutters from my girls. I know when they like to eat, what they want to eat, and what gets them moving like crazy! Also, I have read that this week the girls are starting to recognize my voice. I am constantly singing in my car in hopes they hear me. I feel it is always a great way to start our morning. I talk to them throughout the day. I told Pat to start talking to them too so they can start getting to know him too. Of course he is talking their ears off when we are home together. His hand is always on my tummy when we lie in bed. He is going to be wrapped around their fingers. Daddy's little girls...I love my little family.
I find that my hands are glued to my belly all day, every day. It is amazing to think that under a layer of skin and through some tissue are my baby girls! I can't wait to hold them in my arms. As much as I love them being with me 24/7, I can't wait to see their faces and kiss their little noses. At this stage, my goal is to bond with them as much as possible. I think that is why my hands don't move from my belly. I never want to let them go. I want them to know I am always here and just waiting for their next movement. I love my little girls so much. :)
It is crazy that a few short months ago, my life revolved around meds, shots, doctor appointments and that was my life. I was so used to it. That was my norm. And now I am going to OB appointments, designing a nursery 24/7 in mind, creating baby registries, etc. At one time I avoided the baby section of department stores and now I HAVE to walk through them every time!! Even if it is just to pick up a gallon of milk. Our closet is slowly starting to fill with outfits. Nursery decor lines the room until we start getting furniture. I feel like I am living somebody else's life... sometimes I just have to take a step back and think wow...this is my life...our life. We are becoming a family; Pat and I have our own little family. I am living my dream. This feeling is even better than I imagined it to feel. Being pregnant is just so amazing. The whole experience is better than I dreamed it to be. Now I feel flutters from my girls. I know when they like to eat, what they want to eat, and what gets them moving like crazy! Also, I have read that this week the girls are starting to recognize my voice. I am constantly singing in my car in hopes they hear me. I feel it is always a great way to start our morning. I talk to them throughout the day. I told Pat to start talking to them too so they can start getting to know him too. Of course he is talking their ears off when we are home together. His hand is always on my tummy when we lie in bed. He is going to be wrapped around their fingers. Daddy's little girls...I love my little family.
I find that my hands are glued to my belly all day, every day. It is amazing to think that under a layer of skin and through some tissue are my baby girls! I can't wait to hold them in my arms. As much as I love them being with me 24/7, I can't wait to see their faces and kiss their little noses. At this stage, my goal is to bond with them as much as possible. I think that is why my hands don't move from my belly. I never want to let them go. I want them to know I am always here and just waiting for their next movement. I love my little girls so much. :)
Saturday, March 24, 2012
We are having...
It's official! We are having 2 GIRLS!!!!!! We are overjoyed!!!! Let the shopping begin!! We went to Stork Snapshots with the grandparents to have the confirmation! The girls of course were a little shy at first, but eventually we were able to see! It was awesome to have both sets of grandparents there experiencing this pregnancy milestone with us!
They were even able to hear the heartbeats over the sound system through the Doppler. The heartbeats always bring tears to my eyes. That never gets old.
I am so happy to know my little girls have a best friend for life. My younger sisters are identical twins and they are best friends! They have a bond that is indescribable. I am so happy I am able to give my daughters a best friend for life.
They are womb-mates, already so attached and bonded in a way I will never know. :)
A sister is a gift to the heart, a friend to the spirit, a golden thread to the meaning of life. ~Isadora James
In thee my soul shall own combined the sister and the friend. ~Catherine Killigrew
A sister can be seen as someone who is both ourselves and very much not ourselves - a special kind of double. ~Toni Morrison
Children of the same family, the same blood, with the same first associations and habits, have some means of enjoyment in their power, which no subsequent connections can supply... ~Jane Austen, Mansfield Park, 1814
What's the good of news if you haven't a sister to share it? ~Jenny DeVries
Sisters is probably the most competitive relationship within the family, but once the sisters are grown, it becomes the strongest relationship. ~Margaret Mead
Bless you, my darling, and remember you are always in the heart - oh tucked so close there is no chance of escape - of your sister. ~Katherine Mansfield
A sister smiles when one tells one's stories - for she knows where the decoration has been added. ~Chris Montaigne
More than Santa Claus, your sister knows when you've been bad and good. ~Linda Sunshine
In the cookies of life, sisters are the chocolate chips. ~Author Unknown
When sisters stand shoulder to shoulder, who stands a chance against us? ~Pam Brown
The mildest, drowsiest sister has been known to turn tiger if her sibling is in trouble. ~Clara Ortega
A sister is a forever friend. ~Author Unknown
The best thing about having a sister was that I always had a friend. ~Cali Rae Turner
There is no better friend than a sister. And there is no better sister than you. ~Author Unknown
A sibling may be the keeper of one's identity, the only person with the keys to one's unfettered, more fundamental self. ~Marian Sandmaier
Our roots say we're sisters, our hearts say we're friends. ~Author Unknown
They were even able to hear the heartbeats over the sound system through the Doppler. The heartbeats always bring tears to my eyes. That never gets old.
I am so happy to know my little girls have a best friend for life. My younger sisters are identical twins and they are best friends! They have a bond that is indescribable. I am so happy I am able to give my daughters a best friend for life.
They are womb-mates, already so attached and bonded in a way I will never know. :)
A sister is a gift to the heart, a friend to the spirit, a golden thread to the meaning of life. ~Isadora James
In thee my soul shall own combined the sister and the friend. ~Catherine Killigrew
A sister can be seen as someone who is both ourselves and very much not ourselves - a special kind of double. ~Toni Morrison
Children of the same family, the same blood, with the same first associations and habits, have some means of enjoyment in their power, which no subsequent connections can supply... ~Jane Austen, Mansfield Park, 1814
What's the good of news if you haven't a sister to share it? ~Jenny DeVries
Sisters is probably the most competitive relationship within the family, but once the sisters are grown, it becomes the strongest relationship. ~Margaret Mead
Bless you, my darling, and remember you are always in the heart - oh tucked so close there is no chance of escape - of your sister. ~Katherine Mansfield
A sister smiles when one tells one's stories - for she knows where the decoration has been added. ~Chris Montaigne
More than Santa Claus, your sister knows when you've been bad and good. ~Linda Sunshine
In the cookies of life, sisters are the chocolate chips. ~Author Unknown
When sisters stand shoulder to shoulder, who stands a chance against us? ~Pam Brown
The mildest, drowsiest sister has been known to turn tiger if her sibling is in trouble. ~Clara Ortega
A sister is a forever friend. ~Author Unknown
The best thing about having a sister was that I always had a friend. ~Cali Rae Turner
There is no better friend than a sister. And there is no better sister than you. ~Author Unknown
A sibling may be the keeper of one's identity, the only person with the keys to one's unfettered, more fundamental self. ~Marian Sandmaier
Our roots say we're sisters, our hearts say we're friends. ~Author Unknown
Friday, March 23, 2012
Swollen Feet and Pregnancy Fun!
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| swollen foot next to my mom's foot |
I am now into my 17th week of pregnancy and I am feeling flutters more often (mostly at night!) Also, I am experiencng swollen ankles! I have been pretty bsy at work so I have been distracted and not realizing my changing body liteally changes daily! At the end of the work day on Monday, I looked at my feet and my foot was swollen. It looked like an elephant's foot! My sister Kayla is getting married next year and all my sisters and mom met at Davids bridal to check out some dresses. I showed my sisters and mom and they said to call the doctor on-call just to be sure everything was ok being it was so soon to be experiencing this. To me, nothing really matters, I have a high tolerance of pain and any achy symptoms for that matter. The doctor immediately called me back and said to come to the office in the AM just to rule out preeclampsia. I went in and everything was fine. She did say since I am carrying twins, I will experience things sooner. This is just one of those things. She said otherwise I am looking great and appear in good shape! Phew! I am now instructed to sit and elevate when possible. Plus the nurses I work with take good care of me while I am at work. :)
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| 16.5 weeks! |
Tomorrow, Pat and I have our gender determination scan at Stork Snapshots! Finally we will hear the confirmation on the genders! We are inviting the grandparents to get a sneak peek at their grandchildren and to be there when we hear the confirmation of the genders. Also, we are going to announce their names! We just can't keep them in anymore. We want to be able to buy them personalized things for their nursery and call them by name at home and not worry if we slip in front of somebody! I feel it will make them even more real to us! Plus, I feel I am already getting to know their personalities based on when they flutter. It is funny because Pat even asks "Is ______ fluttering up a storm right now. I know he/she likes that." So much fun in store...I will keep everybody posted! I love all the fun milestones of pregnancy!
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