Countdown is on

Just as expected July flew by.  It always amazes me how fast time goes by.  I try to remember that because I know when the boys get here sleep is going to be something we don't get very often; yet I want to remember to enjoy the moments.  Again, we are scheduled to deliver on Friday, September 23.  We are 8 weeks away.  If both of the boys are head down then it's possible I will delivery vaginally.  However, if only one is head down and the other is in a different position then a C-Section it will be.  Baby A has been in a head down position for a while now but Baby B loves to lie across my belly as high as he can get.  I can typically always feel his head and butt.  I tease he must get his butt from his momma.  The doctor said to me last week, "I don't know how you are breathing."  My response was "Very heavy."  I laugh because at work I will get out of breath just holding a conversation.

Currently, we go to our regular doctor appointments every 2 weeks and the specialist every 3 weeks.  At the regular doctor appointments they monitor my blood pressure, check my urine, measure my belly, listen to the babies' heart rates, and ask/answer questions.  The specialist monitors the boys' growth and development.  At our last specialist appointment they both weighed 2.10 pounds each.  There was only a few grams difference between the two.  First tie! The specialist said during this time is when one baby can start to grow more than the other.  So of course I'm anxious for our next doctor appointment in about 2 weeks. 

 In the past 2 weeks I have noticed a huge difference in how I feel and that it won't be long before everything is a challenge for me.  As of now I have to be strategic on how to get out of bed.  You would think peeing every 3 hours at night would give me practice, but it never gets easier.  I am still working full time so by the end of the day I am very swollen.  For some reason my right side swells more than my left.  The doctor mentioned that perhaps I badly sprained my ankle when I was younger which causes it to be worse.  I am not use to having to slow down so it takes an emotional toll on me.  I'm use to go, go, going and it's hard to accept that I've got to rest and that I can't do everything on my own.  I can admit I'm stubborn and I know I get it honest (from my mom and mammaw). 

I went to the "Mom's of Multiples" meeting and met another mom expecting identical twin girls.  We have started to email regularly and plan on meeting soon.  She is due one week before us and ironically goes to the same specialist and sees the same doctor.  It's very nice to have someone there to share these experiences.  Most of the other moms I met had 8-13 month year olds.  They were all so open in sharing and helping.  I am very happy to have found this group. 

Of course with all the support of the group, co-workers, and new friends it's still very difficult to be so far away from family and friends in Kentucky.  I have had to turn to God to lift me up.  He has placed strong Christian friends in my life and I have to thank Heather and Emily for being there and reminding me the promises God has made.  I have had to remind myself how God has provided for us and what He has done in our lives.  He has blessed our lives beyond measure so I'm not going to doubt Him now.  I'm going to continue to allow Him to lead our lives.  My heart is strong but it's my mind that can "over think" things.  The mind - our thoughts - can be very deceiving.  Again, I have had to ask God to protect my mind against the fears, doubts, and questions I have. Philippians 4:6-7 says  "⁶ Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. ⁷ And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."  When I am struggling with something in my life I turn to a bible verse that speaks to me and the struggle(s) I am enduring and post it where I can constantly see it.  God's truth grows in my heart.  There have been times in my life before where I turned to this bible verse.  I have also posted Philippians 4:13 "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me."  The last thing I want to do when I am stressed, restless, etc. is turn away from God.

My husband has been my rock. Bless his heart he has been by my side thru the ups, downs, and all arounds.  His love and patience is simply amazing.  He always lifts me up and supports me.  I love you! 

I know the next 8 weeks will fly by like the rest of my pregnancy; however I also know that these remaining weeks will be the most challenging-physically, mentally, and emotionally.  However, I know when I hold our boys it will all make sense and that's what I dream about.   I have enjoyed being pregnant and I continue to be amazed by the boys movement and development.  Next weekend we have our belly pictures scheduled.  I had debated whether or not to have them done but I want to capture this beautiful time in our lives.  This may be my only pregnancy-who knows.  There is always that thought if we get pregnant again what if it's twins...wow, what if...