Saturday, June 25, 2011

Random thoughts

If you haven't noticed I slack on the blog and then tend to post back to back.  I can't help but share these odd random thoughts.  Please note that I also have insightful, intelligent thoughts...LOL! But that's not the name or intent of this blog :) 

1. The other day I couldn't get Maury Povich out of my head.  Why in the world would you go on national television and paternity test multiple men?  I couldn't imagine being pregnant and not sure of who my babies' daddy was.  Christopher Shane Cochran YOU ARE THE FATHER! 

2. I can't fathom being pregnant with quadruplets or more.  Triplets would be scary...yes.  However, I can imagine having three babies in my belly.  I guess because it's one more, but four would be doubling it and completely freaks me out.  I honestly don't see how Kate and Octomom didn't feel like an animal carrying a litter.  I can't imagine carrying let alone delivering and being mom to that many babies at once.  WOW and HELP are the only two words that come to mind!

3.  There is a special coming on TV next week about identical twins having ESP.  I can't wait to report about what I discover and how interesting it will be to see how our boys interact.  Will they have their own language?  I already have the video camera ready!

4.   A friend at work mentioned the Astrology signs.  She shared that she wonders if she altered her son's personality since she had a scheduled C-Section and his birthday fell at the cusp of one sign over the other.  Which lead me to research aka Google what the boys Astrology sign would be.  According to some sites they would be right there between a Libra and Virgo; however I then discovered articles that the signs shifted according to Astronomers and they even discovered a new Zodiac sign.  Which would mean that I'm no longer a Capricorn.  Hello!  Therefore, I have decided this is no longer relevant. I don't even read my horoscope; however I have to admit when reading the characteristics of a Capricorn it's eerily a description of me.  

5.  Modern Family-we love it!  We've been watching it on NetFlix.  While I was sick last week and flipping thru channels I saw a rerun of Oprah and they had the cast of Modern Family on the show.  Did you know that baby Lily is identical twin girls?  The next Mary Kate and Ashley perhaps?  Haha!  So of course it made me daydream about our boys being tiny models or actors.  Also the hubbs and I love watching pranks and we saw some really good ones that only identical twins can pull off.  I can 100% see our little guys being pranksters.  It runs in the family (cough...MeMe)! 

Adventures of June 2011

We had a specialist doctor appointment on June 3rd. On this particular day they did a fetal echo of the boy's hearts. I'm happy to report that all was healthy and normal. During most of the ultrasound the boys were breach and facing in the same direction. However, at one point Baby B became to stretch. You could see him just stretching and stretching. I imagined him saying "Oh I am growing so fast and this will make me taller than my brother!" Then in one fast movement he flipped over and was facing his brother face to face. At that moment the tech turned the ultrasound on 3D. It was awesome. As she tried to give us a glimpse of Baby A's face he kept wiggling and wouldn't stay still. Then he and his brother began to cuddle and it was the sweetest thing. It was almost like they didn't want us to take a sneak peek so they put their heads together and arms up to block. Cochran said they are already plotting. The technician said it's rare to capture a moment like that. Which is definitely true in our situation since they are usually fighting (playfully I like to think). She explained that there is a thin layer that separates them in the placenta. She said to imagine if we put on saran wrap and touched one another. That is how it is for them; so they can very much feel and acknowledge one another. It was a precious moment in our book and will always be one of our favorite memories. We were (and continue to be) on cloud 9 and have shown everyone their photos! I also must report that Baby A took the lead in weight weighing in at 15 ounces...one ounce away from 1 pound! Baby B was 1 ounce away from his brother weighing in at 14 ounces. Keep sharing boys! You are doing a great job!



The following week we picked up our baby furniture-two baby cribs and one dresser. This month we have worked hard at cleaning, moving things into storage, assembling their furniture, organizing, etc! Go Team Cochran! I would like to share that 3/4 of my wardrobe is in the storage unit. I hope to one day fit back into it. I know that as women we give ourselves a hard time over our weight and I am no different. I look at some of these clothes now and think "How did I ever fit into that? And what was I thinking when I said I was fat?" Typical, right? Haha! Also, I look at these clothes and think, "Ok, I'm going to be a momma now. Is this appropriate? Do I need a new mommy wardrobe?" Anyways, our goal is get as much done now since I want to be able to help. With this growing tummy I know it's a matter of time before Lamu (yes I named myself after Shamu) will be on the couch. I know it will be a relief & nice to have everything ready and prepared so we can relax and get the necessary rest the last couple of months. I can't express how much joy I had hanging their first set of clothes in the closet. Yes, my eyes watered and all! I find myself walking in there because I get so tickled seeing their tiny clothes hanging in this big closet. I honestly just love walking in their room and sitting.  I try to imagine what it's going to be like but I can't grasp what's in store for us. I won't until we meet them & bring them home.

On Sunday, June 13th Cochran felt his first baby kicks! For weeks I had felt the boys moving but every time I would tell Cochran to feel they would quit. They still do this to all of my coworkers. On this particular night we had just sat down to rest after an exhausting day of doing everything I just mentioned above. He was right beside me on the couch. I kept feeling the kicks and instead of announcing to Cochran that the boys were kicking (because then they would hear and quit) I simply reached over, grabbed his hand, and placed it on my tummy. He felt one, two, three kicks in a roll. I was thrilled! Again, someone keeps turning on the water in my eyes-LOL! That was a turning point because the boys have really been on the move since then. Occasionally if I feel them kick, I can touch my stomach at the spot and they will kick back. We will go back & forth. At other times, I can actually feel where they are because my stomach will become really hard in that area. I know that eventually that will be my reality. With them growing, there is going to be less room to move, so I hope they get cozy before they're stuck. Preferably not in my ribs!

On June 15th we had our regular doctor appointment. On this day they were butt to butt; therefore legs were right in each other's faces. You could literally see Baby A kicking his brother in the head. On impact Baby B's head would go back. Then he would regain his composure and Baby A would do it again...head flying back like a punching bag...repeat. Baby B was unsuccessfully trying to block with his arm. He was also trying to get even but didn't have the position like his brother. We said they were little ninjas! After the ultrasound we met with one of the doctors. We really liked her! Her sister had identical twin girls so she was so informative and personable. I know you would assume all doctors should be this way but it hasn't been our experience. Interestingly, she said that if everything continues the way it has we can begin to look at the calendar to determine when we want to meet these boys. It's a cool but weird thing to think we may actually pick their birthday. Someone at work suggested we ask for a midnight delivery so one can be born one day and the other the next. Not sure a doctor would go for that but great idea! The 37-38 week would be September 20-27.  We have decided if we get to that point and we are certainly hoping we do that September 23rd will be Baby A & Baby B’s birthday.  It's on a Friday and flights leave from Lexington to here early in the morning.  Therefore, family can get down here to meet the little guys.   

On June 16th I had my work baby shower. Cochran & I was blown away by everyone's generosity. I work in a large insurance office. We are divided in smaller, specialized divisions but I have the pleasure of knowing a lot of people since I write personal lines and have helped people with their own insurance. I also tend to be an open book and talk a lot. Many of you don't know this about me :) About 50 people came to the shower bearing gifts, love, and support. It was one of those moments of reflection. To think we moved here a year ago and to see how many wonderful people I have met and are a part of my life is awesome. I am very lucky to work with such incredible women and friends. I can't say how grateful I am to God for all of His blessings.   I also have to share that one of their presents was two dalmation dog stuffed animals.  The dogs each have one black ring around their eye.  Mind you this was the next day after their doctor appointment.  I couldn't help but laugh because that's how my boys will probably enter the world-Each with a black eye.  The gift was priceless! 

This past week I believe all the work, excitement, and everything had finally taken it's toll. I got sick with a sinus infection. So I was forced to take a day and a half to safely get medicated and rest. I tell ya when I hit that physical low I also hit that emotional low. Gotta love the hormones. I'm happy to announce that I'm back and up to my old tricks!  Casa Cochran has many guests on the list for July-Meme & Pop, Vincent & Kelly, Aunt Brittany Ann, Nana & Aunt Tori. Therefore, I'm anticipating July will ffffllllly by and we will be down to two months before you know it!   

Sunday, June 12, 2011

TMI for the Ladies

During this time (23 weeks) of my pregnancy I would like to share the not so pleasant changes about being pregnant. Before I begin this rant I would like to make clear that I believe pregnancy is a beautiful thing. To know there are 2 growing boys in my tummy gives me so much joy. However, I'm far to open to not blog about some of the changes that is hard to accept in a humorous way (since that's the way I deal best).

First, let's just go ahead and lay it out there. Two weeks ago I realized I could no longer see my Va-J-J. Yes, I know that I will eventually not be able to see my feet, but why didn't I think of the in-between? I've had jelly rolls pretty much my whole life; except for that one sweet summer as a teenager when I didn't eat and exercised religiously. However, there is no roll to this belly. At times my stomach feels like a balloon that has been filled with so much air it's going to bust. At other times, I feel like gremlins are going to emerge out of my belly. I say that I feel large and in charge. However, let's be real-I'm not in charge.

I've had women share all sorts of stories. I don't believe men know we share as much as we do, but if there are any men reading this listen carefully-WOMEN TALK ABOUT EVERYTHING. So if this makes you uncomfortable please tune back in on my next blog. I'm just putting it all out there right now. I've been told by some women that their hubby's had to help them shave. I've shared this with Cochran to prepare him for the inevitable. Let's say they don't put this in the "What To Expect when Expecting" book.

Next, let's talk about "the girls." They were the first pregnancy symptom that was obvious. They grew quickly during the first trimester and overshadowed the baby bump. Now? Well let's say it's like bunk beds. The girls are the top bunk and the baby bump is right below. They are roommates; however I don't see how I'm not going to run out of room. I even made up a song that I'm not going to share because you don't have the tune. The gist is that the girls sit on my belly. My belly seems to hold them up. This is hilarious-as I'm about to type this it actually happens. My cleavage is like a food trap. If I miss my mouth I know exactly where to find it. It's my "save a snack for later" place. Haha!

My innie is now an outtie. Again I knew this would happen. However, you must understand that I had what I considered a deep belly button. Cochran use to act like it was a hole and say "Hello down there." Now he constantly points out that it's an outtie. It reminds me when I baked my first turkey for Thanksgiving. The white thing popped out when the turkey was done. However, I'm not done. I still have at least 3 more months of baking to do.

My feet are just beginning to swell. I already have wide feet so the swelling takes it to the next level. By the end of the day I feel like my toes lose half of their length. So it's very funny to see wide feet with midget toes. Can't wait to add in the cankles for the latest fashionable cave woman look.

My mom got me an amazing pillow to sleep with but I have already begun to get quite uncomfortable. When I try to get out of bed I'm like a rollie pollie ollie. I have to prop several pillows behind my back on the couch so I can scoot myself up versus doing the back and forth motion to give myself some momentum to get up. Also, as the boys grow they won't have as much room to move. As it is, they seem to love my ribs which is very uncomfortable. Of course, there is a ton of pressure on my back and sitting at a desk causes a lot of discomfort on my tail bone; which I broke as a young child and my mom didn't believe me until my chiropractor confirmed this a few years ago observing my x-ray (no mom I will not let it go until you do what you should have done. Kiss it and make it feel better-lol!)

In sharing all this I want to say that this "negative/con" list has nothing on the blessings/positive list. When I get stressed I picture holding the boys while they are sleeping and it calms & fills me with peace. I can't wait till we meet them! Boys, you are worth every bit of it!