Big changes....

Well, the day that I have been dreading for months and months has come and gone... Brayton has gone back to St. Kitts and I am here, in frigid upstate NY... I have known the day would come since we found out we were pregnant with twins, so that I could receive good medical care and be in a safe location as he finishes his LAST semester in St. Kitts.  Knowing doesn't make reality easier.  It has only been 2 days, and it sucks already.  Sometimes I find myself wondering how I will make it another 11 weeks without him here, but I am trying to stay as busy as possible and keep my mind occupied as I know the stress and sadness is not good for me and the babies.  Brayton is learning how to live on his own again - making his own coffee, setting his own alarm clock, making his own meals, doing his own laundry - and not have a wife there to help.  I won't say I did everything, because then I would be lying, he did a lot around the house to help, but with the schedule he has coming this semester, he will certainly be busy.  

Off of my soapbox now, the remainder of our break was nice, but went too fast.  There was so much running around, errands, bad weather and trying to find some time to do some things just us since this is probably the last time we will get that before parenthood.  Our final doctors appointment with Brayton here went great and Mom and Grandma got to attend.  Grandma had never seen an ultrasound before, so she was blown away seeing everything!  The tech even took some time to take/show us some 3-d images which was tough because our girls didn't want to cooperate but it was still amazing!  Every ultrasound is amazing.  It is sometimes a pain to go to the doctors that is an hour and a half away every 2 weeks, but seeing my babies and knowing they are healthy every two weeks is one of the biggest blessings!  

Since Christmas when I posted last, we have also had our baby shower.  It was a wonderful day of many friends and so many wonderful gifts.  Our babies (and us) are so lucky to have so many great friends and families that showered us with love!  My sister planned it all and it went perfectly - the food was great, the cakes were awesome and it was a great way to see many people I haven't seen in a couple years since we haven't lived at home. 

Brayton is the turtle man - so our girls have lots of turtles in their life!  Gorgeous Cakes! 

Lyndi - the planner who does it all!! 

Cake area

Carlee was the best gift opening helper! 

With every present she opened, she held it up and posed for a picture!  

Friday night Brayton and I had what will likely be our last dinner date before being parents.  We enjoyed a nice, American Texas Road House dinner, and some us time.  Saturday morning came too fast and Travis arrived at 5 am to take Brayton to the airport and off he went.  He is back in St. Kitts, has already lost power, spent hours in the airport, and had to go grocery shopping for himself!  Koala was so happy to have someone home she hasn't left his side since he walked in the door!  

Back to the grind for Brayton tomorrow, and trying to find ways to keep myself busy here in the tundra!  Praying these babies stay in until we are ready and he is home, and at the same time, that the next 11 weeks FLY BY!  I want my husband back!!!!  

How far along? Week 26... but then again, if you start at our due date and count back, Wednesday would begin Week 27!  Hopefully we can get some clarification on this at our next appointment!  
Maternity clothes? Oh yes!   
Stretch marks? None yet, and loading up with lotions and oils!! 
Sleep? I ordered and got my BumpNest body pillow.  If I can say one thing that is worth the money - it is that pillow!  It is simply amazing!  My husband even curled up on it and his exact words were "OH, MY, GOD!"  So it helps, but I still toss and turn, and now sleeping alone makes things harder... 
Miss Anything? My husband =(  I also miss going from sitting to standing without my lower back hurting and my legs wanting to give out on me.
Anything making you queasy or sick? Nope
Mood? Sad... 
Weekly Wisdom? Buy a Bump Nest pillow!!!  Cherish the time you have with your significant other, when they go away you really realize how much you need them in your life everyday! <3 
Looking forward to? Um, it being March and Brayton coming home.. aside from the obvious, hopefully finding a way to keep myself busy and make the time pass! 
Total weight gain/loss? Up to about 22 pounds.. yikes! 
What’s new this week? Baby girls are moving so much more.  I am feeling them both at the same time and its causing a bit more discomfort, but still amazing to feel them move around! 
Measurements? 46" at the belly button
Best moment this week? Having my Grandma see our ultrasounds as she'd never seen one before and this is her first great grand babies!  
Movement? So much!  Kicking, punching, twisting, turning, rolling, pushing out!  
Food cravings? No
Gender? Still two girls
Labor Signs? No
Belly Button in or out? Just about flat! 
What is the baby up to? According to Parents.com and WebMD Pregnancy and Baby Center, babies are now the size of an eggplant!  They are soaking up my antibodies and getting their immune systems ready for life outside the womb. Their eyes are forming, and they'll soon be practicing the blink...perfect for batting those freshly grown lashes.  Babies are about 13.6 - 14.8" long (we will have better actual measurements after our next appointment!) and between 1.5 - 2.2 lbs.  Their lungs continue to develop, and they are taking small breaths of amniotic fluid inside your womb. These small breaths are getting them in shape for their first breath of fresh air. Their veins are visible through their transparent skin, but soon that will change, as their skin begins to turn opaque. The nerve pathways are becoming more and more developed, making them more responsive to sound. Don't be surprised if you feel them jump inside of you if they are startled by a sudden noise. 

Some belly pictures: