They're .... GIRLS!!!!

This was a busy, challenging and exciting week for us!  Brayton had 5 exams (all of which he did wonderfully on!), we played catch up and did a lot of school work, trying to get ahead for when Joedy visits, we had a huge anatomy scan doctors appointment on Saturday, 7th semester banquet Saturday night, and some pool, grocery shopping and relaxing time Sunday.. Hard to believe we only have 3 weeks left till I am gone for good, and we head home for Christmas.

Our appointment this weekend was with an ultrasound technician from Nevis who administers the second trimester anatomy scans.  He was wonderful!  From start to finish, he talked to us, laughed, explained everything, showed us every finger, toe, ear, eye, nose, spinal bone, organ, heart beat, femur, you name it - if it was visible, we saw it... The best part was getting a clear shot of the sex of both babies... We knew they were identical so they would be the same sex, but to see it made it more real.  We are SO excited to be having two girls!  Everyone thought it was boys, except me, and I was surprised, and so happy when I found out we get two girls!  He spent a total of 53 minutes on our ultrasound and it made me feel SO much better about this entire pregnancy.  It has been so incredibly nerve-racking being on St. Kitts, not have a states side doctor/specialist and knowing we have a high risk pregnancy.  To see that everything was good, there was no signs for blood sharing or twin to twin transfusion and see that there were no signs of anything wrong, took an enormous weight off of our shoulders!  

Currently baby A (on the left side) is breech, her head is by my belly button, and her body wraps around to the left of my belly bottom and her feet are at the bottom of my abdomen.  Baby B (on the right side) is head down.  Her head is at the bottom of my abdomen and her body wraps around the right side of my belly button and her feet are right by my belly button... So yes, our girls are currently kicking each other in the head, and they were sure to show us how much they love to kick on the ultrasound.  While I wish I could feel it, I am sure I will have plenty of weeks of feeling kicks, and will enjoy the comfort for now!!

Post our ultrasound, we found out we were also supposed to see the doctor that day, so we ran home, ate some lunch and came back.  Luckily, we didn't have to wait long!  He used a doppler to listen to their heart rates again, checked my cervix, and wished us well as we headed back to the states.  3 weeks from Monday we see our high-risk doctor in the states!  Looking forward to that!!  Assuming all goes well the next 3 weeks (which I'm sure it will!) NO MORE DOCTORS APPOINTMENTS IN ST. KITTS!!!!!!  =)

Saturday night was the Red Semester Banquet.  Even though we are not currently 7th semester, we began with Red Semester, so we were invited to their banquet.  It was great to have (for me and all those leaving) one last night out with some of the people we have become really close with here.  It is going to be sad to say 'see ya later' to them, but we will see them again, and hopefully soon!  The friendships we have made here are amazing, they are the only people who GET life in St. Kitts, and have been there for the long haul.  We will miss them all greatly, but it was great to celebrate with them one last time!  I already look forward to our future reunions!  <3  

Brayton only has two more weeks of classes, and 4 finals before this semester is OVER!  His mom arrives on Wednesday for a week and half, and he will be studying so much between now and then.  Today we took advantage of a bit of spare time and spent the day together.. Hard to believe in less than 6 weeks, we will not have another day of just us, without being parents... Exciting, yet scary!  We tried for the pool, made it a couple hours with some intermittent rain showers, went grocery shopping, made dinner and lunch stuff for the week and lounged all night.. Only 6 more weeks of those kind of day.. and those 6 weeks are going to be busy..  Holy Cow!  Are we ready for this?!  I think so!  

Onto the weekly update!     

How far along? End of week 19 - both girls measured at 19w6d yesterday, so we are right on track! 

Maternity clothes? In a box at home... patiently waiting for me!  

Stretch marks? Not yet - moisturize, moisturize, moisturize!!  

Sleep? It's not too bad..  Ready for my comfortable king size bed at home and a pregnancy pillow!  

Miss Anything? Feeling like I can fully empty my bladder.. I pee, stand up, and have to pee again!    

Anything making you queasy or sick? Not this week!

Mood? Pretty good - getting really nervous/sad about only having 6 weeks left with Brayton before he comes back to St. Kitts and the next time I see him we're having babies!   

Weekly Wisdom? Enjoy and cherish your ultrasound appointments (and video them if you can to have to watch over and over!). Seeing our babies is amazing <3  

Looking forward to? Joedy visiting and having some company and an excuse to go to the beach instead of the library!   

Total weight gain/loss? 8 lbs according to my weight at the doctors 

What’s new this week? Found out we've got TWO GIRLS!  So excited!  

Measurements - 

Best moment this week? Seeing our babies and getting the reassurance that all is well!  

Movement? No distinct kicking, but I can definitely feel them rotate/change positions or something.  It's a very hard feeling to describe.. Like butterflies, or everything getting really light, then heavy.. It's also amazing to feel the 'hard spots' on the outside and know now that its back/butt area!  

Food cravings? Not really.. been getting more cravings for sweets again after not really wanting them at all in the beginning.  

Gender? Two precious baby girls!!! 

Labor Signs? No

Belly Button in or out? In, but I don't think it's staying in for much longer! 

What is the baby up to? According to Parents.com and WebMD Pregnancy, there is a white, waxy waterproof material, called vernix, that is protecting the babies skin. The main airways of the lungs, called the bronchioles are also beginning to develop.  Babies sensory development is exploding as their brains are developing specialized areas of the 5 senses.  Some research suggests babies can hear your voice now and may be startled by loud noises.  Babies now weigh around 8 1/2 ounces and from head to heel are around 9 inches (6 inches head to rump).  

Week 18..

Where has the time gone?  I cannot believe we are already (at the end of) 18 weeks into this pregnancy, and with most twins being born around 36 weeks, that makes this week half way, although I am crossing my fingers that we can hold these babies in until week 38 so Brayton can be home for 2 weeks, and only have to leave for one week after they are born.. But, as I have learned, nothing goes as planned... 

This was an extremely busy week for Brayton as he had his fourth block exam on Monday (today), he has an anesthesia final on Wednesday and his Rossie (sweatshirt spay) on Friday!  On a positive note, that means we have all weekend to enjoy!  We have a doctors appointment Saturday morning with an ultrasound tech from Nevis that everyone claims is really good, banquet Saturday night and then a beach day Sunday - finally a weekend to enjoy each other!  

Week 18 did not bring much excitement aside from studying for Brayton and cooking, cleaning, and doing work for me!  I did get to spend the day on Sunday with two of the kids from the prep school and their family who I became very close with and it was really great to spend some QT with them before leaving island.  It was also my last weekend at Special Olympics Swimming Practice which was bittersweet.  It has been such a rewarding experience, and seeing how much the kids/adults have grown over the year has been amazing!  I hope to continue being involved, and getting my kids involved in working in Special Olympics once we are back in the States!

Last week, Dr. Norton, the head of the Georgia Sea Turtle Center was on island, and we were very fortunate to get to spend an evening out to dinner with him and Dr. Stewart (she is the Sea Turtle person on island).  It was great to hear his advice and words of wisdom for following your dreams and pursuing your passion in Veterinary Medicine and to see all the accomplishments he has made.  It was a big deal for Brayton as he is an important figure in the Wildlife Medicine Field today!  Dreams are coming true <3    

How far along? 18 weeks (last week.. I try to get these on Sunday, the last day of the week, but sometimes.. or most of the time.. I am late!) 

Maternity clothes? I WISH!!!  I cannot wait to get home to the big box of maternity clothes my mom has waiting for me!  I think I grew a lot this week, and my regular clothes are starting to look silly.  They hang off my belly and don't conform to the body anymore!  

Stretch marks? Nope, and continuing to load up the belly with Cocoa Butter! 

Sleep? I certainly cannot complain about sleep.. I get lots although I am sick of peeing ALL. THE. TIME! 

Miss Anything? Not really..   

Anything making you queasy or sick? Finally, nothing major.. I have gagging sprees every so often, but for the most part am "back to normal".  

Mood? It fluctuates.. Most of the time I am content, but give me something the least bit sappy, and I'm crying!    

Weekly Wisdom? Don't listen to all the people who tell you to "get used to it, it's preparing you for when you're baby is here" when talking about anything you want to do that you can't because you're pregnant and its 'preparing you'.  Sure, I bet it is preparing me.. But I would rather be a little less prepared and a lot less tired (or whatever else it is you want to do)!   

Looking forward to? Honestly.. I cannot WAIT to get to America, and buy a bra that fits!!  

Total weight gain/loss? Last I checked, I was up about 4-5 pounds 

What’s new this week? I think my belly got bigger, like a lot bigger this week!  

Measurements - About 41, 41.5 inches at/just below the belly button

Best moment this week? I love that every time I Skype my Mom, my Dad asks me if I am reading books to the babies, because I need to be, and if I'm not, I should be!  Sometimes he is such a sap and I just love him! 

Movement? I cannot feel any actual kicking, but I can tell they are moving.. Sometimes it takes my breath away and then I have hard spots where they are.  Brayton and I can feel where they/one is from the outside because when they are right on the outside of my belly its really hard, but still cannot feel any actual movement.  

Food cravings? I swear to you, I am NOT an alcoholic... But, I miss my red wine.. That is all.. 

Have you started to show yet? Yes, but I still get those looks in public from people where they stare at your stomach, but aren't quite ready to ask if you are pregnant!  

Gender? Hopefully we will know next week =) 

Labor Signs? No

Belly Button in or out? In, but stretching!  

What is the baby up to? According to Parents.com and WebMD Pregnancy, reflexes are becoming more developed.  Babies are hiccuping, yawning and moving around.  They weigh approximately 6 ounces and they are able to hear you now.  Everything I read says a different thing about how big they are (and all of these are speaking for 1 baby) but hopefully next weekend we will have exact size measurements! 

Sorry for the lack of creativity and diversity in pictures.. I don't get 'dressed' often, Brayton isn't around a lot, and I am not a fan of 'selfies' =) 

Ending Week 17!

Well, I have nothing exciting to report from this week.  I did get to do some babysitting for a family that was on island for the West Indies Veterinary Conference and they have a 3 month old.  As I was spending time holding her and rocking her to sleep at night, I was feeling so excited and anxious to soon be doing that with my own babies... yah... Babies is where the anxiety came in!  How will I ever do all that with two?!  I am SO excited for the challenge!  

How far along? 17 weeks

Maternity clothes? Lots of baggy, comfy, cool clothes!  Looking forward to Joedy arriving with some maternity clothes to wear on the plane ride home since my clothes, even yoga pants, are starting to get tight on my belly!  

Stretch marks? Nope, and continuing to load up the belly with Cocoa Butter! 

Sleep? Still getting lots!  Thankful for being able to sleep in and nap when I want too!  I am also starting to pee a little less throughout the night which helps!  

Miss Anything? Feeling like I have the use of ab muscles to do things like sit down and roll over!  

Anything making you queasy or sick? This weekend, when I was teaching swim lessons, the little boy I was working with had big, thick green snot flowing out of his nose... Normally that wouldn't bother me, but this weekend I was gagging as his mom was wiping his nose during the lesson... 

Mood? Happy, but starting to feel that bittersweet emotion of leaving St. Kitts.. 

Weekly Wisdom? Take some time for yourself.. Soon it will be over!  I spent a few hours laying by the pool with a good book today and it felt great!  

Looking forward to? The end of this semester, so I can have three weeks with my husband not stressed to the max!       

Total weight gain/loss? Not sure.. a few pounds?  

What’s new this week? Not much for me... A week away from blocks, anesthesia final and Rossie for Brayton, so lots of stress!  

Measurements - at the belly button? 40 1/2 inches but again, I feel like it changes 16 times a day! 

Best moment this week? Getting lots of baby snuggles while babysitting!  

Movement? Not yet.. I can definitely feel where they are in my belly from the outside because its really hard, and I can tell they must be moving around because occasionally it feels like they are pushing on things, but no distinct movement feelings yet. 

Food cravings? Not really, although I did just make egg-free cookie dough, for eating-not baking... And it was really good =) 

Have you started to show yet? Yup!  

Gender? Unknown, other than the fact that they are the same sex because they are identical twins! 

Labor Signs? Nope, and they better not show up any time soon!  

Belly Button in or out? In! 

What is the baby up to? According to Parents.com and WebMD Pregnancy, they say the babies are plumping up and developing body fat under their skin.  The babies are continuing to "breathe" amniotic fluid through their lungs, prepping for those first oxygen-packed breaths after their born.  They are flipping and rolling (so it says!) and their hearts are pumping 100 pints of blood a day.  WebMD pregnancy says that from head to toe they are about 7.75 inches... Remember, that is head to TOE and generally they aren't stretched out.  Parents.com says they are about 5.5 inches from head to rump!  

I am really over using this loaner computer that takes FAAARRR too long to do anything on, so I apologize for the iPhone crappy pics, but that is all there is for now!!  

Also, my husband takes "belly shot" literally.. Hence the lack of my head in some of these pictures!  

See the dogs pacing below here.. They already love and protect the babies and me! <3  

Week 16..A week late

Originally when I got pregnant, I did not want to do one of these weekly trackers.  One reason being I knew I would not be good at keeping up with it on a weekly basis (the first one is already a week late!) and two because I thought I would just blog about the great things that come with pregnancy.. Well, now that I am pregnant, I realize I want to keep these memories, and if I just do it in a word document, that's no fun because everyone asks all these same questions anyways!  It is easier to just write it here and I can use it as a memoir and anyone else who feels compelled to follow along this journey can find it here too!  And really, there isn't a lot exciting in my life to blog about associated with pregnancy, other than these pregnancy facts.. So here it is! Better late than never!

Depending on what dates you use, the doctors or the one on the internet where you type in your last period, and such, my weeks either begin on Monday, or Wednesday.. So, week 16 was either Oct 28th - Nov 3rd or Oct 23rd - Oct 30th... For the sake of this blog.. I am going with the Monday-Monday =)

How far along? 16 Weeks - (Oct 28th - Nov 3rd)

Maternity clothes? No, because I don't have any in St. Kitts.. But certainly sticking to the drawstring, elastic wasted pants and dresses.. My regular pants don't fit.  Shirts are fine since they are mostly stretchy tanks and t-shirts anyways!

Stretch marks? Nope, and loading up the belly with Cocoa Butter! 

Sleep? Since I am not working full time, for the most part, I am getting lots.  I do wake up to pee, about every 2 hours and toss and turn a lot.

Miss Anything? Red wine... 

Anything making you queasy or sick? The smell of dog food in the morning.. I just cannot feed them.  

Wedding rings on or off? ON! 

Mood? Happy for the most part.. But I have been emotional lately..   

Weekly Wisdom? Take advantage of the easing up of morning sickness.  Do something for yourself. I've loved getting back into Yoga! 

Looking forward to? Seeing an American doctor..our last appointment was not good..      

Total weight gain/loss? As of my last doctors appointment, I had gained about 1 pound.. I think i've got to be at more like 2-3 by now..   

What’s new this week? Went out and did some Halloween stuff with the Prep School... First time I've been around a lot of the people I used to see on a daily basis.. Some of them didn't know I was pregnant, so seeing my popping belly was a surprise!  

Measurements - at the belly button? 40 inches (but it changes so much, when I eat I feel like my belly is so much bigger!)  

Best moment this week? Getting so many hugs and lots of love (both me and babies) from all my kids at the prep school.. They already love the babies so much <3  

Movement? Nothing really yet.. Sometimes I feel like maybe I'm feeling something, but I can't tell if its babies or just my stomach! 

Food cravings? No.. Other than the red wine every once in a while.  I wish I did though, it'd make eating much easier!  Getting sick of food!   

Have you started to show yet? Yes, but some people say I still look really small for how far along I am with twins!  

Gender? Not sure yet.. We've heard could be boys, could be girls... Yes.. We're aware!  

Labor Signs? No..and hopefully not anytime soon!

Belly Button in or out? In, but my poor endometriosis surgery scar is showing! 

What is the baby up to? According to Parents.com and WebMD Pregnancy, they say the babies are starting to get hiccups and that in the future I will be able to see/feel them hiccuping!  It also says the babies are about 4 ounces, and from head to toe can be as long as 7 inches each!  They are beginning to make facial expressions, moving their arms and legs more and their bones are hardening!    

I do not have that creative touch right now to write on the chalkboard and/or jazz up my pictures.. and since I am using a loaner computer that is slower than anything, for now, our pictures will be basic.. Hopefully I will feel more creative when these grad classes are over and I have some more spare time!  For now, enjoy!

I don't like sharing selfies..with anyone other than my family.. But Brayton wasn't home and this was the first time I put real clothes in quite a few weeks, so I had to snap a belly shot!

Also Week 15 picture (see week 10 and week 14 pictures on previous blog post)

Last week my evening commitments were cancelled on Tuesday, and since we were just coming out of Block 3 (big set of tests for Brayton), we decided to have a date night.  Since being pregnant and not feeling well for so long, we hadn't done this in quite some time.  It was fabulous to go out, talk and have someone else do the cooking, cleaning and waiting on us!  We are trying to treasure these "us" moments because very soon they will be few and far between.   

Week 16 dinner date! <3 

Front shot  - Week 16