Sunday, July 10, 2011

Names Revealed

Many of you have asked about their names.  Trust me I've been asking my husband alot too!  Haha!  From the beginning he was very picky about what he liked and disliked.  Let me rephrase that-he basically disliked everything.  As I said before we always liked the name Cameron.  Before we even conceived we thought we would name our child Cameron (boy) or Camryn (girl) no matter what the gender.  So when we realized there were two it was just too hard for us to drop Cameron.  So I started trying to come up with other "C" names.  We really liked Cooper but Cooper Cochran was too much.  I began to really like Channing Joseph and Cameron Michael and I had also thrown out Blake and Brody.  Cochran really liked Blake but wouldn't go for Brody.  Finally Channing began to grow on him and the family.  I was ready to announce but Cochran kept insisting we wait.  Then one day he said he really didn't know if he was 100% on Channing.  He said that he still really liked Blake.  I'm very open and I like Cameron and Blake.  We began to discuss middle names.  I definitely wanted Joseph because my dad is Joseph Shawn and my Pappaw Borders was Robert Joseph.  Those were the two most important men in my life growing up and I really wanted to pass that along.  We both liked Cameron Joseph better than Blake Joseph; however I like the name Joseph Blake Cochran.  However, Cochran is adamant that their first name is the name we call them.  Plus, we like the nickname CJ.  Therefore, we decided Cameron Joseph Cochran for Baby A.  On to Blake.  Cochran found his middle name by none other than using Google. 

I can't say it's completely final because anything can change before it's written on the birth certificate.  But as of now Cameron Joseph and Blake Alexander Cochran it is!

Nesting to Resting

Meme and Pop visited this past July 4th weekend.  We had an amazing time.  They drove down and brought all the boys gifts from the baby shower in April.  They were loaded down!  They arrived on a Thursday night and we enjoyed a nice dinner out to eat.  There they felt their first kicks as the boys were on the move at the table.  The following day I had a specialist appointment.  I was excited for them to come along and see their grandbabies.  Our ultrasound tech was awesome.  She quickly turned on the 3D and we were all amazed to see their little faces and bodies.  Baby A was head down and Baby B was lying across and around the top of my stomach.  It wasn't long before she pointed out Baby A's butt was in Baby B's face.  You could see his little butt cheeks.  Haha!  Baby B quickly put up his hands and blocked his face from his brother's shenanigans.


As of now the trend continues where the boys take turns growing; which is a great sign that they are sharing.  "Sharing is caring" is our motto!  Baby B weighed 1 pound 13 ounces and Baby A weighed 1 pound 11 ounces.  When the doctor came in he reviewed their weight and pointed out that they are in the 50th percentile for growth.  He said "This is as good as it gets."  Those words are a wonderful relief for a mom to be.  I have hope that we continue on this path.  Thank you for your continued prayers and support!  The doctor also said that it is time for me to slow down.  No walking for a long distance and to slow down when I do walk.  So what did we do the next day?  We went to SeaWorld.  I walked slowly and of course there were a ton of shows we watched.  We all had a fun day!  Plus, I had an amazing piece of carrot cake :) 

We had already accomplished putting up all of my shower gifts on Friday night.  So Sunday mom, dad, and I ventured out to go shopping for the remaining items on my registry that we needed for when the boys come home.  After a busy day of shopping we brought all the goodies home and finished the boys' room.  It is so cute!  I am so relieved to have that done.  Thanks mom and dad for all of your help!  I'm proud that my hubby and I worked as hard as we did since the timing to slow down is here.  Monday that's what we certainly did.  We took Scoot Dog to the doggy beach at Honeymoon Island.  I got tickled watching MeMe and Pop play with him in the water.  It won't be long before there are two little boys playing on the beach.  I hope they love the water as much as their mommy and daddy does.  That night we watched fireworks down at St. Pete Beach.  It was a perfect ending to a perfect weekend.  Saying our "Goodbye's" the following day was anything but easy.  The craziest part is we realized the next time they visit the boys will be here and I will be a mommy! Wow!

From Nesting to Resting!  Now I need to read, read, read to learn how to take care of these boys and learn the tricks of the trade from other mommies...haha!  I have joined a group called the Tampa Bay Moms of Multiples.  They have a forum where you can ask questions, read others comments, there is a monthly meeting, play dates, and outings for moms.  I'm looking forward to meeting other moms and couples who can relate and provide support.  More than anything I'm getting more and more anxious (not to mention bigger) as the due date gets closer.  It's like I am beginning to see the finish line which is actually just the beginning :)
   

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!

Friday, May 27, 2011

First Mother to Be Day

In thinking about the past month I realize I wrote about the weekend home and doctor visits and in doing so forgot one of the most special days-Mother's Day. Mother's Day fell on May 8th this year. That is a very special day to me. Cochran & I were married on 5/8/09. I graduated from college on 5/8/05. Now I can add 5/8/11 since it was my first "Mother to be Day."

My husband has really surprised me over the years. On Friday that Mother's Day weekend he texted me at work and asked if I could get off early. I told him that I would skip lunch so I could leave early. All day I was excited to see what he had planned. At 4:30pm he picked me up directly from work. Of course in the car I was trying to guess what we were doing. He wouldn't tell me anything. He drove us to Salt Rock Grill on Redington Beach. This restaurant was a place we had been wanting to visit. We enjoyed a very nice meal to begin our night. Afterwards we continued driving along the beach area. When suddenly he said he thought he missed his turn. He turned into a parking lot to turn around and I noticed how pretty the landscape looked thru the doors of the hotel. He was trying to get his bearings on where we were when he spotted a parking lot across the street. He said, "I don't think we are far so we could park here and just walk." I noticed and mentioned it was for visitors of the hotel but he said we wouldn't be too long and it would be ok. I know...I know! The lightbulb should have went off at this point, but he had me change my high heels with flip flops and place my purse in the trunk so I thought nothing about it. This man was in front of us walking to the hotel and where I made the comment about the landscape Cochran said, "Let's just follow him in & check it out. Plus we'll have access to the beach." He made sure we stayed a couple steps behind the guy. I was getting nervous, because it was a locked gate and this girl doesn't like to get in trouble. Sure enough the man turns to go into the lobby first and that's when Cochran pulled out the key to get in the gate. DING, DING, DING! I finally realized that he was up to far much more and I had been played! Ms. Gullible! Haha! He took me to our room, opened the door, and he had everything set up. There were 2 cards (one for our anniversary and the other for Mother's Day) on the bed with rose pedals and chocolates. He had 2 red roses sitting on the counter for our 2nd year anniversary. Plus, he had actually been to the grocery to get his pregnant wife all types of goodies-ice cream, white chocolate covered pretzels, etc...yuuuum! Emotion overcame me and tears rolled. He had actually packed a bag for us and found someone to take care of our first son, Scooter. We changed and took a long stroll on the beach. Our hotel had several hammocks on the beach so we found a hammock & relaxed. While lying there, listening to the waves crash, and the sun set I began to think next year on Mother's Day we will have 2 little boys in our lives. Amazing!

Saturday, May 21, 2011

Doctor Appointments

Currently we have appointments weekly. We rotate between going to the specialist, then back to our doctor, specialist, doctor, etc. We were told this will continue till we reach 24 weeks. On Tuesday I will be 20 weeks. My husband has been by my side for every appointment and doesn't plan to miss one unless he absolutely has to. I'm sure I would be a lot more emotional if it wasn't for him constantly making me laugh and always making me feel so loved. He has really had to step up and he truly has. I am so happy he is my babies' daddy! Hehe! I love you babe!

We went to the specialist for the first time two weeks ago. During our previous regular doctor appointment both of the babies were sleeping. They were head to butt and snoozed the entire time. So that whole day I kept telling them to set their alarm clocks and get ready to boogie down so we could see them move. Well they got the memo because the ultrasound tech was laughing yet frustrated that they wouldn't keep still. This ultrasound was very thorough. She had to measure and observe everything about each individual baby. Baby A tends to cooperate more than Baby B so he was first in line. As I was lying there the room became increasingly hot. Those of you who are close to me know that I tend to pass out in hospital situations. However, this was not a typical situation, but I began having the common symptoms. Finally, I said "It's getting very hot in here." The ultrasound tech went into go mode and said roll over on your side, quickly got me a wet towel, and applied it to the back of my neck. She thanked me for mentioning how I was feeling and said that frequently women will just pass out on the table without saying a word. She said I began to feel that way because being flat the babies put a lot of pressure on my organs. She continued the ultrasound from me lying on my side. After a while she rolled me back over but inclined my back so I wasn't flat. By this time it was Baby B's turn. He was positioned upside down. After scanning what she could she asked me to go to the restroom hoping he would flip back over. When I returned Mr. Stubborn was still floating upside down. I asked her if she wanted me to do a cart wheel and she about fell out of her chair. Her reaction was classic. I assured her I was only joking. By the end of our 3 hour ultrasound everything on both babies had been measured. We had viewed their spinal cords and brain. Their development is currently normal and healthy. We found out that Baby A weighed 7 ounces and Baby B 8 ounces.

The following week, which was this past Tuesday we went for our regular doctor appointment. On this visit both of the babies were in breach position. Baby A was opening and closing his mouth. It looked like he was talking. I said to my husband, "Babe we say Baby A takes after you because he is always chill but looks like he is talking. So he may be like his momma." Then I noticed his little arm moving on the side of his head. I said, "And look he's moving his arm back and forth." The ultrasound tech said, "Oh no. That's his brother's arm hitting him in the head." We laughed. No wonder why he was talking. I'm sure he was telling his brother to knock it off. Just because he weighs 1 more ounce then him he thinks he is big stuff. Haha! So we have determined Baby A takes after his daddy after all. He is always cool and calm. In his ultrasound pics he always looks like he is relaxing in a hammock. Baby B tends to favor his momma. He is always moving and up to mischief. I like to think he is entertaining the both of them. Although he needs to quit beating up his brother. A lady at work shared that when her twin sisters were born one actually had a black eye. Let's hope the Cochran boys don't enter the world like that.

The ultrasound tech said everything looked great and sent us on our way. We realized in scheduling our next appointment that Memorial Day weekend was next weekend. As I've shared we had purchased flights to come home some time ago but the doctor said we would need their approval. Luckily they were able to sneak us in with a doctor. Every time we go we meet a new doctor. They do this so in case of an emergency, early delivery, etc. we will be familiar and comfortable with the doctor on call. This doctor was very nice and after examining us she said she saw no reason why we couldn't fly to Kentucky.

So our busy but fun schedule continues. We will be flying in on Friday and visiting thru Monday; one of our short but sweet visits. This will be the last one for a long time. Next time we visit KY we will be bringing two little boys with us :)

Love,

The Cochran's