So you may have noticed that I've been very quiet on the blog front lately. I guess it's mainly due to the fact that I have barely any time for the world wide web these days...to say that our 10 week old boys keep us busy is an understatement! Also, we've been at a crossroads, on whether to make this blog private or keep it public. I hadn't wanted to post until we'd decided.
We've made the decision to keep this blog public, mainly due to the fact that several women who are considering getting a TAC placed have been directed to this blog by others, and we still want them to be able to read about our journey. Especially those who want to know if a TAC will do it's job even with a multiple pregnancy...and I am proof that it does! I made it to my scheduled c-section date of 37+2 weeks with no dramas...how great is the TAC?!?
So, this brings us to our next decision. Do we continue to write about our life with the boys on this blog, or start a new blog all about Will & Jonah? This has yet to be decided, but if we do, that blog will definitely be private.
If you would like to be invited to read the private blog (that is, if we decide to start one...and if I ever get the time!), please leave a comment here with your name and email address. Your name is very important so we know who we are inviting! Don't worry...I won't publish any comments that contain your email address :)
June Update: Who knew 6 month old twins were so demanding! I still think about starting a new blog for W & J, but things are just so crazy around here these days. Perhaps one day? The first post could be 'Will & Jonah's 1st day of school'!
Thursday, February 17, 2011
Wednesday, February 9, 2011
Thursday, January 6, 2011
Birth Day!
We’d kept the actual date a secret from everyone, but our c-section was scheduled for 11am on 9 December 2010. We arrived at about 9am and got settled into the room that would be ours for the next 6 nights. Deb, the amazing Midwife who delivered our twins in 2009 was going to be in the theatre with us that morning. She had specially requested to be there with us, which was so nice. After getting all of the paperwork out of the way with Deb, the Anaesthetist Dennis came to see us and explain what was going to happen and to answer any questions we had. I’d been quite nervous about the spinal anesthetic, but he was really lovely and made me feel much better about the whole thing. After that, I got into my hospital gown and we waited to be called into theatre.
I was both excited and nervous at the same time! I couldn't believe this day was finally here!
Just after 11am, Deb and I walked through the double doors into the theatre waiting area, while Andrew got dressed in his scrubs! I was met there by our Ob, Dr Y, and Dennis the Anaesthetist again to go through some last minute details. A few minutes later, I was wheeled into theatre with Andrew by my side, and before I knew it, I was numb from the stomach down. The spinal was a little uncomfortable, probably more the fact that I had to curl up with my huge belly in the way, but it wasn’t as painful as I’d imagined. Such a relief. Dennis explained how I would feel a lot of pressure, but no pain. He was fantastic during the c-section and talked us through what was happening.
Once they got going, things happened all very quickly! I felt quite a lot of tugging (I think at one stage I said I felt like I was on a rollercoaster!), and heard a loud vacuum noise (as they removed the amniotic fluid). Then Dennis told us that one of the boys was out and lowered the sheet so that I could see. It was 11.46am and Will Keona (previously known as Twin 1) was out in the big wide world! Then, less than 2 minutes later at 11.48am, Jonah Bane (previously known as Twin 2) had also made his entrance!
Their middle names are both Hawaiian, and we chose the names based on their meanings. Keona (pronounced ‘kee-oh-na’) means ‘God’s gracious gift’ and Bane (pronounced ‘bar-neh’) means ‘Long awaited child’.
Deb had our camera and took a heap of photos for us. Then when Deb was busy checking the boys, the Assistant Anaesthetist took over as our photographer! We got around 25 photos in theatre, which is great as I couldn’t see what was going on most of the time!
Dennis mentioned that once the boys and placentas were out, I might feel sick and light-headed with all of the extra blood rushing around my body. He was right! But he fixed it right away with some magic drugs in my drip! While I layed there and waited for Dr Y to stitch me up again, Andrew cut the cords and we got a few more photos before the boys were taken away for weighing etc.
Andrew and Deb went to the nursery and weighed the boys. Will weighed 5lb 6oz (2440 grams) and Jonah weighed 5lb 2oz (2330 grams). I stayed in the recovery area for about 30 minutes, and was back in our room by 1.00pm. Shortly after, I had 2 tiny visitors! Andrew was wheeling the boys into our room in a double crib!
Deb took their temperatures and tested their blood sugar levels. Unfortunately, both of their temperatures were quite low, as were their blood sugar levels. Due to this, and their low birth weights (both under 2.5kg), they were admitted to the Special Care Nursery (SCN). This was disappointing, as it meant they wouldn’t be able to stay in our room. They were both put under heat lamps to increase their body temperatures, and Will was put on a drip for his hypoglycemia. Poor little guy…it looked so uncomfortable. They were also both having issues feeding, so they had nasogastric tubes (NGT) inserted. Andrew kept going between our room to spend time with me, and the SCN to spend time with the boys. It was so frustrating that I still couldn’t walk due to the spinal, so I had to rely on reports from Andrew and the nurses.
At about 6am the following morning one of the nurses brought Jonah into our room so I could have a cuddle for an hour or so! Will was still on the drip, so he had to stay in the SCN.
At 11am, after my drip and catheter were removed, I was able to walk (very slowly mind you!) to the SCN to visit our boys!
I was both excited and nervous at the same time! I couldn't believe this day was finally here!
Just after 11am, Deb and I walked through the double doors into the theatre waiting area, while Andrew got dressed in his scrubs! I was met there by our Ob, Dr Y, and Dennis the Anaesthetist again to go through some last minute details. A few minutes later, I was wheeled into theatre with Andrew by my side, and before I knew it, I was numb from the stomach down. The spinal was a little uncomfortable, probably more the fact that I had to curl up with my huge belly in the way, but it wasn’t as painful as I’d imagined. Such a relief. Dennis explained how I would feel a lot of pressure, but no pain. He was fantastic during the c-section and talked us through what was happening.
Once they got going, things happened all very quickly! I felt quite a lot of tugging (I think at one stage I said I felt like I was on a rollercoaster!), and heard a loud vacuum noise (as they removed the amniotic fluid). Then Dennis told us that one of the boys was out and lowered the sheet so that I could see. It was 11.46am and Will Keona (previously known as Twin 1) was out in the big wide world! Then, less than 2 minutes later at 11.48am, Jonah Bane (previously known as Twin 2) had also made his entrance!
Their middle names are both Hawaiian, and we chose the names based on their meanings. Keona (pronounced ‘kee-oh-na’) means ‘God’s gracious gift’ and Bane (pronounced ‘bar-neh’) means ‘Long awaited child’.
Deb had our camera and took a heap of photos for us. Then when Deb was busy checking the boys, the Assistant Anaesthetist took over as our photographer! We got around 25 photos in theatre, which is great as I couldn’t see what was going on most of the time!
Dennis mentioned that once the boys and placentas were out, I might feel sick and light-headed with all of the extra blood rushing around my body. He was right! But he fixed it right away with some magic drugs in my drip! While I layed there and waited for Dr Y to stitch me up again, Andrew cut the cords and we got a few more photos before the boys were taken away for weighing etc.
Andrew and Deb went to the nursery and weighed the boys. Will weighed 5lb 6oz (2440 grams) and Jonah weighed 5lb 2oz (2330 grams). I stayed in the recovery area for about 30 minutes, and was back in our room by 1.00pm. Shortly after, I had 2 tiny visitors! Andrew was wheeling the boys into our room in a double crib!
Deb took their temperatures and tested their blood sugar levels. Unfortunately, both of their temperatures were quite low, as were their blood sugar levels. Due to this, and their low birth weights (both under 2.5kg), they were admitted to the Special Care Nursery (SCN). This was disappointing, as it meant they wouldn’t be able to stay in our room. They were both put under heat lamps to increase their body temperatures, and Will was put on a drip for his hypoglycemia. Poor little guy…it looked so uncomfortable. They were also both having issues feeding, so they had nasogastric tubes (NGT) inserted. Andrew kept going between our room to spend time with me, and the SCN to spend time with the boys. It was so frustrating that I still couldn’t walk due to the spinal, so I had to rely on reports from Andrew and the nurses.
At about 6am the following morning one of the nurses brought Jonah into our room so I could have a cuddle for an hour or so! Will was still on the drip, so he had to stay in the SCN.
At 11am, after my drip and catheter were removed, I was able to walk (very slowly mind you!) to the SCN to visit our boys!
Thursday, December 9, 2010
Happy Birthday Will & Jonah!
Just a quick post to announce the safe arrival of Will & Jonah Shelton this morning, 9th December 2010!
Will Keona - 5lb 6oz at 11.46am & Jonah Bane - 5lb 2oz at 11.48am.
Will Keona - 5lb 6oz at 11.46am & Jonah Bane - 5lb 2oz at 11.48am.
Wednesday, December 8, 2010
37 Weeks...The Final Countdown!
Well this is it...our last post before the boys arrive! Yesterday I was 37 weeks 1 day...my ultimate goal. The only thing left now is to meet the boys!
It's going to happen by the end of this week! To be honest, I actually feel like we could make it to 38 weeks if we had the chance. That won't happen though as our Obstetrician is going away next week, and after all we've been through with him, we won't let him miss the birth!
We had another round of fetal monitoring on Tuesday and once again, the boys heartbeats looked fine. Twin 2 kept going to sleep, but nothing a glass of iced water couldn't fix!
So...I guess we'll see you all on the other side :)
Tuesday, December 7, 2010
Just Add Babies!
We have the nursery all ready to go...
The feeding chair has been delivered (A gift from Andrew's Parents)...
Two cribs have been assembled...
Two baby capsules have been fitted...
The twin pram has been assembled....
...Now all we need is two babies!
The feeding chair has been delivered (A gift from Andrew's Parents)...
Two cribs have been assembled...
Two baby capsules have been fitted...
The twin pram has been assembled....
...Now all we need is two babies!
Wednesday, December 1, 2010
36 Weeks
It's hard to believe that we will be meeting our boys next week! We're now in December and the countdown is down to single digits!
Our 35 week scan last week went really well. Each baby still has a great amount of fluid surrounding him and their growth is right on track. Their positions haven't changed over the past 8 weeks, so they are both still breech. No big deal, as I need a c-section due to my TAC anyway.
Twin 1 weighed in at an estimated 2338 grams (5 lb 2 oz) and Twin 2 at 2110 grams (4 lb 10 oz). Very happy with their weight gain!
My cervical length was still measuring around 3cm. I actually wasn't too fussed about them checking it this time. At 35 weeks, I didn't think it was going to drastically change, and even if it had, we were at such a safe point that it wasn't a concern!
Our Obstetrician scheduled us in for fetal monitoring at the hospital this week at 36 weeks. It was mainly to check their heartbeats and I think also to check for signs of fetal distress. The monitoring went for about 45 minutes and in that time I had 3 Braxton Hicks contractions. I didn't feel the first one, but felt the second two. They weren't painful at all though, just uterine tightenings.
Twin 1 also had the hiccups while the monitors were hooked up, and you could hear them on the monitor! Very cute!
Here is one last look at 36 week old twins in utero before we meet our boys in the flesh!
Thursday, November 25, 2010
The Name Game: A Hint!
So we were watching a DVD this week and we couldn't help but laugh when we discovered that 2 of the main characters had the same names as our boys!
Of course we're not going to tell you the name of the DVD, as that would be too easy. All we'll tell you is that it's a new release from 2010...oh and maybe we'll also throw in the fact that it's in the 'romantic-drama' category!
There is still time to submit your guess here...but be quick...the countdown is now down to 15 days!
Of course we're not going to tell you the name of the DVD, as that would be too easy. All we'll tell you is that it's a new release from 2010...oh and maybe we'll also throw in the fact that it's in the 'romantic-drama' category!
There is still time to submit your guess here...but be quick...the countdown is now down to 15 days!
Wednesday, November 17, 2010
34 Weeks
WE MADE IT!!
I know I've said that a lot at regular intervals throughout this pregnancy, but the 34 week mark really is a huge deal to us! Apart from it being a great, safe gestation, it also means we are now able to go the the hospital of our choice. Our hospital doesn't have a NICU, only a Level 2 Special Care Nursery, so they are unable to accept babies earlier than 34 weeks.
It's a huge relief to have made it this far, and to know that chances are, they will be strong and healthy enough to require little or no assistance if they were to arrive now.
On that note, something tells me we don't have too long now until we meet our boys. It's only 23 days until our 37.5 week c-section goal, but I have a feeling they will come a little earlier than that. Lots of strange aches, pains and a few other signs have been occuring over the past few days. Time will tell I suppose!
We have our next scan scheduled for 35 weeks (I know, I thought the 32 week scan was the last one, but our Obstetrician just wants to monitor their growth)...if we make it to next Tuesday!
I wonder if this will be my last pregnancy photo?!
I know I've said that a lot at regular intervals throughout this pregnancy, but the 34 week mark really is a huge deal to us! Apart from it being a great, safe gestation, it also means we are now able to go the the hospital of our choice. Our hospital doesn't have a NICU, only a Level 2 Special Care Nursery, so they are unable to accept babies earlier than 34 weeks.
It's a huge relief to have made it this far, and to know that chances are, they will be strong and healthy enough to require little or no assistance if they were to arrive now.
On that note, something tells me we don't have too long now until we meet our boys. It's only 23 days until our 37.5 week c-section goal, but I have a feeling they will come a little earlier than that. Lots of strange aches, pains and a few other signs have been occuring over the past few days. Time will tell I suppose!
We have our next scan scheduled for 35 weeks (I know, I thought the 32 week scan was the last one, but our Obstetrician just wants to monitor their growth)...if we make it to next Tuesday!
I wonder if this will be my last pregnancy photo?!
Wednesday, November 10, 2010
Reminder: The Name Game
Okay, with 30 days (or less!) to go, time is running out to submit your guess for the boys' names!
Please leave a comment here with the 2 first names you think we have chosen. Please also don't forget to leave your name, as there have been a few anonymous comments and we have no idea who they are from!
Good luck ;)
Please leave a comment here with the 2 first names you think we have chosen. Please also don't forget to leave your name, as there have been a few anonymous comments and we have no idea who they are from!
Good luck ;)
Monday, November 8, 2010
32 Weeks
We made it to our 8 month milestone! I know...I'll be 33 weeks tomorrow so this post is a little late, but, better late than never right?!
Not a whole lot to report this week, which I think is a good thing!
As you can see, I'm getting bigger by the day:
Last week, at 32 weeks 2 days, we had what will most likely be the last scan of the pregnancy.
Things haven't changed much since the 29 week scan. The boys are still breech and are both still in the same position. The further along we get, the harder it is to get a clear view of them, so no photos this time. Not a whole lot of room left!
My cervix is still looking fantastic at 3.08cm. We still can't believe it hasn't gotten shorter than this over the past 8 months, even with two babies resting on it! In the scan Twin 1 had his little bottom resting on my cervix and kept bouncing up and down and my TAC didn't budge!
Based on the latest scan measurements, it's now estimated that Twin 1 currently weighs 1681 grams (3 lb 11 oz) and Twin 2 weighs 1710 grams (3 lb 12 oz). A little less than what we had been hoping for (we had hoped to see them reach the 2 kilo mark), but still in an acceptable weight range. Needless to say, I've consulted Dr Google and have been reading up on ways to increase fetal weight!!
As there were no scan photos this week, instead here is the 32 week in utero picture (remembering that our boys are head up):
Not a whole lot to report this week, which I think is a good thing!
As you can see, I'm getting bigger by the day:
Last week, at 32 weeks 2 days, we had what will most likely be the last scan of the pregnancy.
Things haven't changed much since the 29 week scan. The boys are still breech and are both still in the same position. The further along we get, the harder it is to get a clear view of them, so no photos this time. Not a whole lot of room left!
My cervix is still looking fantastic at 3.08cm. We still can't believe it hasn't gotten shorter than this over the past 8 months, even with two babies resting on it! In the scan Twin 1 had his little bottom resting on my cervix and kept bouncing up and down and my TAC didn't budge!
Based on the latest scan measurements, it's now estimated that Twin 1 currently weighs 1681 grams (3 lb 11 oz) and Twin 2 weighs 1710 grams (3 lb 12 oz). A little less than what we had been hoping for (we had hoped to see them reach the 2 kilo mark), but still in an acceptable weight range. Needless to say, I've consulted Dr Google and have been reading up on ways to increase fetal weight!!
As there were no scan photos this week, instead here is the 32 week in utero picture (remembering that our boys are head up):
Thursday, November 4, 2010
Baby Shower!
On October 17 I attended something I wasn't sure would ever happen...my own baby shower! I had waited until I was a couple of days shy of 30 weeks, and once we made it there safely, I thought "Why not"!
It was just a small gathering at my house with a handful of close friends. I am too tired for anything too major these days! My wonderful friend Louiza played host for the afternoon and did a fantastic job! Everyone commented how much fun the games Louiza organised were.
We played 'The Price Is Right' with baby goods, 'The Chocolate Nappy Game' where we had to guess what chocolate bar was melted in the nappy and a fun game where my friends had to guess how big my belly was using a piece of string. There were one or two close guesses, but Tanya's was spot on! Anita's guess was so big that we could fit the string around the both of us together! Hmmmm...luckily I'm not easily offended!!
We had some yummy food, including a beautiful cake and cupcakes made by Sugar Cravings. Thanks Jeanette, Louiza, Juliet, Mariangela & Sharon for making food as well.
I had such a fun afternoon and was given some gorgeous gifts for the boys!
Thank you to my special friends who came!
It was just a small gathering at my house with a handful of close friends. I am too tired for anything too major these days! My wonderful friend Louiza played host for the afternoon and did a fantastic job! Everyone commented how much fun the games Louiza organised were.
We played 'The Price Is Right' with baby goods, 'The Chocolate Nappy Game' where we had to guess what chocolate bar was melted in the nappy and a fun game where my friends had to guess how big my belly was using a piece of string. There were one or two close guesses, but Tanya's was spot on! Anita's guess was so big that we could fit the string around the both of us together! Hmmmm...luckily I'm not easily offended!!
We had some yummy food, including a beautiful cake and cupcakes made by Sugar Cravings. Thanks Jeanette, Louiza, Juliet, Mariangela & Sharon for making food as well.
I had such a fun afternoon and was given some gorgeous gifts for the boys!
Thank you to my special friends who came!
Tuesday, October 19, 2010
29 Weeks
We started the week off with our 9th scan of the pregnancy! And that's not counting the scans our Obstetrician does in his office!
The boys were looking good and are still measuring right on track. Heartbeats are both strong and they have the right amount of fluid surrounding them. Both boys are still head up, with Twin 1 facing outwards and Twin 2 facing inwards towards my spine. That's why it's been hard to get a decent photo of Twin 2. It also explains why Twin 1 has been kicking/punching outwards a LOT, and why I hardly feel Twin 2 at all. Clearly it's because his movements are all internal.
My cervical length is still great at 3.83cm. My TAC is still holding strong!
Twin 1 now weighs 1293 grams:
Twin 2 now weighs 1177 grams:
Here is an aerial view of their heads...so close!
I also had my Glucose Tolerance Test for Gestational Diabetes. It involved 12 hours of fasting (just plain cruel if you ask me!) then a blood test. After the first blood test, I had to drink a glucose drink within 5 minutes. One hour later another blood test, then another an hour after that. Longest two hours ever! I was so tired and so hungry by the end of it. I just kept telling myself that if I passed the test, I could go to the icecream store and get a caramel hot fudge icecream sundae with whipped cream and nuts!
Guess who passed the test with flying colours?!
This week I thought it was about time I washed some of the newborn baby clothes...just in case. I used special washing powder for babies and measured the exact amount. I separated the colours from the whites and washed them on a gentle cycle. I wonder how long that will last? Give it a few months and they'll probably be lucky to have clean clothes at all!
So cute and tiny...
Our first family photo together...all four of us :)
The boys were looking good and are still measuring right on track. Heartbeats are both strong and they have the right amount of fluid surrounding them. Both boys are still head up, with Twin 1 facing outwards and Twin 2 facing inwards towards my spine. That's why it's been hard to get a decent photo of Twin 2. It also explains why Twin 1 has been kicking/punching outwards a LOT, and why I hardly feel Twin 2 at all. Clearly it's because his movements are all internal.
My cervical length is still great at 3.83cm. My TAC is still holding strong!
Twin 1 now weighs 1293 grams:
Twin 2 now weighs 1177 grams:
Here is an aerial view of their heads...so close!
I also had my Glucose Tolerance Test for Gestational Diabetes. It involved 12 hours of fasting (just plain cruel if you ask me!) then a blood test. After the first blood test, I had to drink a glucose drink within 5 minutes. One hour later another blood test, then another an hour after that. Longest two hours ever! I was so tired and so hungry by the end of it. I just kept telling myself that if I passed the test, I could go to the icecream store and get a caramel hot fudge icecream sundae with whipped cream and nuts!
Guess who passed the test with flying colours?!
This week I thought it was about time I washed some of the newborn baby clothes...just in case. I used special washing powder for babies and measured the exact amount. I separated the colours from the whites and washed them on a gentle cycle. I wonder how long that will last? Give it a few months and they'll probably be lucky to have clean clothes at all!
So cute and tiny...
Our first family photo together...all four of us :)
Friday, October 8, 2010
28 Weeks
Welcome to the 3rd trimester!
The last two weeks have been pretty eventful...let me elaborate...
As you know, I had my 26 week scan and things looked great. I think it gave me a bit of a false sense of confidence, and basically I overdid it. Knowing that I'd reached 26 weeks with no issues made me really believe we would bring these boys home, and I went into nesting mode! I decided I HAD to clear out our spare room that week, the room that is to become the nursery. This room has been our spare room for 7 years now and it showed. If something didn't have a spot in the rest of the house, it was put in the spare room. Needless to say it was chaotic! So, on the Friday, I spent several hours sorting through the chaos. I didn't lift anything, I was well behaved in that aspect, but I was on my feet more than I had been in about 10 weeks!
That night I was exhausted. I'd made wonderful progress on the room, but my body was paying for it. By 7pm I was getting all sorts of aches and pains in my back and belly and they increased throughout the night. I probably got an hours sleep that night...I thought I was having contractions. Not wanting to freak Andrew out, I kept it fairly quiet and monitored the intensity and frequency of the pains and secretly consulted 'Dr Google' trying to figure out what they could be.
The next morning (25 September), I discussed my concerns with Andrew and he wanted me to call our Obstetrician right away. By this stage, the pains had subsided, but as they had been ongoing for about 12 hours, with my history we weren't going to risk it. I paged Dr Y, leaving the brief message "Please call Kelly Shelton re: possible overnight contractions" and of course he called me back immediately. By the time I spoke to Dr Y, the pains had gone, but he decided he wanted me to come in for monitoring to be on the safe side, and to pack a bag as I'd be staying overnight for observation.
Luckily, the pains never came back. We still don't know whether they were Braxton Hicks contractions (false labour) or whether it was the start of labour and the medication (Nifedipine) they gave me in hospital settled things down.
Needless to say, I've learned my lesson and have been resting ever since. The nursery is now all cleared out and Andrew has been removing wallpaper and painting the room in his spare time. I will post before and after photos soon!
In the midst of all of this, we've also been renovating our main bathroom. We began this last year when the bath and shower were demolished, but life got in the way, and we never got around to finishing it. With the boys due to arrive in less than 9 weeks, we really needed to get it done, as that's the only bath in the house! Plus with all the dust and noise it created, we really didn't want to do it with newborns in the house.
We saw Dr Y again at 27 weeks and he was very happy with the fact that things had quietened down since the weekend! When I was in hospital, we had discussed the possibility of giving me a course of 2 steroid injections (24 hours apart) to help mature the boys' lungs and reduce the risk of Respiratory Distress Syndrome in case of an early delivery, but we decided to hold off at that stage. Basically (and every Obstetrician's opinion seems to vary on this) the steroid injections are really only effective for 3 weeks, and current research (mine and his!) shows that the injections are only effective if given once throughout the pregnancy.
At our appointment, Dr Y decided he wanted me to have them at 28.5 weeks, which was yesterday. Not that he thinks I will deliver in the next 3 weeks, but it's just precautionary. I had my first shot yesterday afternoon and I will have my second shot this afternoon. I had heard that the needles were quite painful (of course I Googled it...I just cannot help myself!), but it really wasn't bad at all (even though it was huge!) Being a seasoned IVF veteran though, I've had my fair share of needles, so they don't really phase me much anymore. It hurt for a few hours afterwards, but today I can't feel a thing. Bring on this afternoon's shot!
As we have been brave and have increased our scans from every 2 weeks, to every 3 weeks, you'll have to wait until next week for some new photos of the boys!
In the meantime, here is a peek in utero this week (although they are both head up again at this stage...such little movers!):
The last two weeks have been pretty eventful...let me elaborate...
As you know, I had my 26 week scan and things looked great. I think it gave me a bit of a false sense of confidence, and basically I overdid it. Knowing that I'd reached 26 weeks with no issues made me really believe we would bring these boys home, and I went into nesting mode! I decided I HAD to clear out our spare room that week, the room that is to become the nursery. This room has been our spare room for 7 years now and it showed. If something didn't have a spot in the rest of the house, it was put in the spare room. Needless to say it was chaotic! So, on the Friday, I spent several hours sorting through the chaos. I didn't lift anything, I was well behaved in that aspect, but I was on my feet more than I had been in about 10 weeks!
That night I was exhausted. I'd made wonderful progress on the room, but my body was paying for it. By 7pm I was getting all sorts of aches and pains in my back and belly and they increased throughout the night. I probably got an hours sleep that night...I thought I was having contractions. Not wanting to freak Andrew out, I kept it fairly quiet and monitored the intensity and frequency of the pains and secretly consulted 'Dr Google' trying to figure out what they could be.
The next morning (25 September), I discussed my concerns with Andrew and he wanted me to call our Obstetrician right away. By this stage, the pains had subsided, but as they had been ongoing for about 12 hours, with my history we weren't going to risk it. I paged Dr Y, leaving the brief message "Please call Kelly Shelton re: possible overnight contractions" and of course he called me back immediately. By the time I spoke to Dr Y, the pains had gone, but he decided he wanted me to come in for monitoring to be on the safe side, and to pack a bag as I'd be staying overnight for observation.
Luckily, the pains never came back. We still don't know whether they were Braxton Hicks contractions (false labour) or whether it was the start of labour and the medication (Nifedipine) they gave me in hospital settled things down.
Needless to say, I've learned my lesson and have been resting ever since. The nursery is now all cleared out and Andrew has been removing wallpaper and painting the room in his spare time. I will post before and after photos soon!
In the midst of all of this, we've also been renovating our main bathroom. We began this last year when the bath and shower were demolished, but life got in the way, and we never got around to finishing it. With the boys due to arrive in less than 9 weeks, we really needed to get it done, as that's the only bath in the house! Plus with all the dust and noise it created, we really didn't want to do it with newborns in the house.
We saw Dr Y again at 27 weeks and he was very happy with the fact that things had quietened down since the weekend! When I was in hospital, we had discussed the possibility of giving me a course of 2 steroid injections (24 hours apart) to help mature the boys' lungs and reduce the risk of Respiratory Distress Syndrome in case of an early delivery, but we decided to hold off at that stage. Basically (and every Obstetrician's opinion seems to vary on this) the steroid injections are really only effective for 3 weeks, and current research (mine and his!) shows that the injections are only effective if given once throughout the pregnancy.
At our appointment, Dr Y decided he wanted me to have them at 28.5 weeks, which was yesterday. Not that he thinks I will deliver in the next 3 weeks, but it's just precautionary. I had my first shot yesterday afternoon and I will have my second shot this afternoon. I had heard that the needles were quite painful (of course I Googled it...I just cannot help myself!), but it really wasn't bad at all (even though it was huge!) Being a seasoned IVF veteran though, I've had my fair share of needles, so they don't really phase me much anymore. It hurt for a few hours afterwards, but today I can't feel a thing. Bring on this afternoon's shot!
As we have been brave and have increased our scans from every 2 weeks, to every 3 weeks, you'll have to wait until next week for some new photos of the boys!
In the meantime, here is a peek in utero this week (although they are both head up again at this stage...such little movers!):
Tuesday, September 21, 2010
26 Weeks
Today we're 26 weeks! That's 6.5 months! Only 80 days to go! Life is good :)
This is me and my growing belly:
We had our fortnightly scan this afternoon. Things are looking great.
My TAC is still holding really well...always a relief! My cervix is still fully closed and now measuring 4.2cm. Can't ask for more than that!
Both boys are growing really well and each of them has the perfect amount of fluid around them. Twin 1 is still head down, but Twin 2 has flipped and is head up, feet down. Explains the crazy movements I've been feeling this week! They're still kicking lots and lots, and sometimes if I look when they kick, I can see my belly move at the same time!
It's estimated that Twin 1 now weighs 909 grams and Twin 2 weighs 911 grams.
Today was pretty much all about Twin 1! He was happy to pose for photos, but his shy Brother didn't show his face once! So, long story short, we didn't even get one pic of Twin 2. The sonographer tried her best, but he just wouldn't come to the party.
So, here is Twin 1 today...loving his cute little lips!
This is me and my growing belly:
We had our fortnightly scan this afternoon. Things are looking great.
My TAC is still holding really well...always a relief! My cervix is still fully closed and now measuring 4.2cm. Can't ask for more than that!
Both boys are growing really well and each of them has the perfect amount of fluid around them. Twin 1 is still head down, but Twin 2 has flipped and is head up, feet down. Explains the crazy movements I've been feeling this week! They're still kicking lots and lots, and sometimes if I look when they kick, I can see my belly move at the same time!
It's estimated that Twin 1 now weighs 909 grams and Twin 2 weighs 911 grams.
Today was pretty much all about Twin 1! He was happy to pose for photos, but his shy Brother didn't show his face once! So, long story short, we didn't even get one pic of Twin 2. The sonographer tried her best, but he just wouldn't come to the party.
So, here is Twin 1 today...loving his cute little lips!
Monday, September 13, 2010
The Name Game!
We thought it would be a fun idea to ask everyone what they think we are going to name our boys!
We locked in the boys names at our 15 week scan when we discovered their gender. Plus I just ordered their names in custom painted wooden letters to stick above their cribs, so they definitely won't be changing now!
A few people have tried to guess already, and to say it's been amusing us would be an understatement! It's quite funny some of the names people think we would choose!
Will we go modern or traditional? Will we go common or unusual? Will we use family names or new names? Will we use the same initials as L & T or will we give them different initials?
Now it's your turn to guess! Leave us a comment below with the 2 first names you think we will be using! Come on...we need a laugh :)
We'll be very surprised if anyone guesses them both correctly, but of course the winner won't be revealed until the boys arrive in December...
Wednesday, September 8, 2010
24 Weeks
We made it to another milestone! 24 weeks is a huge deal, as it marks viability. Before 24 weeks, if the boys were born then there wouldn't be much chance of survival, and most hospitals won't medically intervene. However, after 24 weeks they have a decent chance of survival (although with a lot of medical intervention and a very long stay in the NICU).
This is me yesterday:
My belly has changed in shape over the past two weeks. It feels a lot lower and a bit wider, which is a relief as it was getting very uncomfortable the higher the boys were sitting. Both of their heads are still down, so walking for more than a few minutes isn't quite happening!
The boys are getting more and more active. I was reading a book the other day and the book kept moving every time they kicked! We had a scan yesterday and it was the first time I was feeling them moving and watching them move on the screen at the same time! The sonographer commented on how active they are...oh yes, you have no idea!!
So, on to the scan results...
My cervix hasn't really changed since the 22 week scan. It's measuring 3.9cm and is still closed with no signs of funnelling. Just what we wanted to hear...My TAC is doing it's job! Originally the plan was to stop the cervical scans at 22 weeks, and not have another scan until 28 weeks (purely to check the growth of the boys). But we decided we couldn't go 6 weeks without knowing how things were looking. We'd rather be proactive if something had changed, rather than reactive once it was too late. When we saw our OB at 23 weeks, instead of talking to us about what he is planning, he instead now asks "So when's your next scan?". Haha. He knows me too well. So, basically we're sticking with fortnightly scans until 28 weeks.
The boys both looked great. The pleural effusion in Twin 1 and the pericardial effusion in Twin 2 have both disappeared! They're both still measuring right on track and are really starting to look like babies. We had the nice sonographer we had at 15 weeks, so again got tons of photos! She seems to really enjoy watching the boys interacting and doesn't rush past the cuteness, just to get measurements, etc! When I rang to make my next two appointments, I made sure we weren't seeing the sonographer from the 22 week scan. Really wasn't a fan!
Twin 1 was being a real show off, so we got some wonderful photos of him. He now weighs 672 grams.
Twin 2 was being a little more elusive. He now weighs 667 grams. The hand in the first photo actually belongs to Twin 1...always trying to get in the shot!
This is what the boys look like in utero this week (and how they are positioned):
This is me yesterday:
My belly has changed in shape over the past two weeks. It feels a lot lower and a bit wider, which is a relief as it was getting very uncomfortable the higher the boys were sitting. Both of their heads are still down, so walking for more than a few minutes isn't quite happening!
The boys are getting more and more active. I was reading a book the other day and the book kept moving every time they kicked! We had a scan yesterday and it was the first time I was feeling them moving and watching them move on the screen at the same time! The sonographer commented on how active they are...oh yes, you have no idea!!
So, on to the scan results...
My cervix hasn't really changed since the 22 week scan. It's measuring 3.9cm and is still closed with no signs of funnelling. Just what we wanted to hear...My TAC is doing it's job! Originally the plan was to stop the cervical scans at 22 weeks, and not have another scan until 28 weeks (purely to check the growth of the boys). But we decided we couldn't go 6 weeks without knowing how things were looking. We'd rather be proactive if something had changed, rather than reactive once it was too late. When we saw our OB at 23 weeks, instead of talking to us about what he is planning, he instead now asks "So when's your next scan?". Haha. He knows me too well. So, basically we're sticking with fortnightly scans until 28 weeks.
The boys both looked great. The pleural effusion in Twin 1 and the pericardial effusion in Twin 2 have both disappeared! They're both still measuring right on track and are really starting to look like babies. We had the nice sonographer we had at 15 weeks, so again got tons of photos! She seems to really enjoy watching the boys interacting and doesn't rush past the cuteness, just to get measurements, etc! When I rang to make my next two appointments, I made sure we weren't seeing the sonographer from the 22 week scan. Really wasn't a fan!
Twin 1 was being a real show off, so we got some wonderful photos of him. He now weighs 672 grams.
Twin 2 was being a little more elusive. He now weighs 667 grams. The hand in the first photo actually belongs to Twin 1...always trying to get in the shot!
This is what the boys look like in utero this week (and how they are positioned):
Wednesday, August 25, 2010
22 Weeks
This is me today!
I'm feeling really well at the moment. I spoke a bit too soon when I said my morning sickness had stopped at 20 weeks...I had another week of it, but it "appears" to have stopped now!
Sleeping is getting harder and harder. I can't sleep on my back (it puts too much pressure on a major vein called the 'inferior vena cava') and I can't sleep on my stomach as I feel like I'm squashing the boys (plus it's uncomfortable). I'm trying my best to sleep on my left side as that's the recommended position. Apparently it provides the maximum blood flow to the babies, and improves kidney flow for me. Although, if I sleep in one spot for too long, I get aches in my hips, back and shoulder. Oh, and our bed has been taken over with pillows, mainly placed under my stomach and knees. It's a big job getting them all into position! But, of course it doesn't last long as I'm up at least 3 times a night to go to the bathroom...then I have to get comfortable all over again!
The boys are getting more and more active. Some nights I can't help but laugh...there are arms and legs going everywhere! It even makes me jump sometimes! They're more active at night...usually after icecream...they've got a sweet tooth! We started feeling their kicks at 18 weeks, but they're getting stronger every day.
We had our usual fortnightly scan this afternoon. It wasn't as comprehensive as the last ones have been, so only took about an hour. It was mainly to check my cervix and to check the pleural and pericardial effusion issues.
I mentioned that in my 18 week scan the pleural effusion (fluid in the lung) in Twin 1 had gone, well in our 20 week scan they discovered that Twin 2 had a pericardial effusion (fluid around the heart). We were again offered the option of an amniocentesis, and again we declined. We just hoped that it would be something that would go away, like the pleural effusion did. Well...it has gone! A huge relief!
My cervix still looks fine. It measured 3.8cm...a little shorter than the previous few scans showed, but still a great number. It's shortened towards my TAC, which is to be expected. The main thing is that the TAC is doing it's job. There was no presence of funnelling, even with fundal pressure (pushing down on my uterus), which is a good sign.
The boys both looked perfect in today's scan. The sonographer wasn't as nice as the others have been, so she didn't take as many pics for us. Plus the boys were dodging her everytime she tried to look at them...it made me laugh that they weren't totally impressed with her either!! The boys have moved a lot in the last 2 weeks...they're now both head down, feet up...that explains the party that's been going on in my belly! They were so close to each other, that the sonographer kept getting them confused. She even measured Twin 1 and then realised half way through that she'd somehow started measuring Twin 2 at the same time. It's just a jumble of arms and legs in there!
Here are the twins today. Again, they are both measuring ahead by a few days and both heartbeats were strong (Twin 2's was 147 beats per minute, but she didn't record Twin 1's for some reason). Twin 1 weighs 497 grams and Twin 2 weighs 503 grams.
Oh, and I don't know which twin is which...she didn't label the scans. I don't think she couldn't quite figure it out!
Their little faces:
A side view of one of them:
The tops of their heads (I'd give a better description, but I really have no idea what's what!):
I'm feeling really well at the moment. I spoke a bit too soon when I said my morning sickness had stopped at 20 weeks...I had another week of it, but it "appears" to have stopped now!
Sleeping is getting harder and harder. I can't sleep on my back (it puts too much pressure on a major vein called the 'inferior vena cava') and I can't sleep on my stomach as I feel like I'm squashing the boys (plus it's uncomfortable). I'm trying my best to sleep on my left side as that's the recommended position. Apparently it provides the maximum blood flow to the babies, and improves kidney flow for me. Although, if I sleep in one spot for too long, I get aches in my hips, back and shoulder. Oh, and our bed has been taken over with pillows, mainly placed under my stomach and knees. It's a big job getting them all into position! But, of course it doesn't last long as I'm up at least 3 times a night to go to the bathroom...then I have to get comfortable all over again!
The boys are getting more and more active. Some nights I can't help but laugh...there are arms and legs going everywhere! It even makes me jump sometimes! They're more active at night...usually after icecream...they've got a sweet tooth! We started feeling their kicks at 18 weeks, but they're getting stronger every day.
We had our usual fortnightly scan this afternoon. It wasn't as comprehensive as the last ones have been, so only took about an hour. It was mainly to check my cervix and to check the pleural and pericardial effusion issues.
I mentioned that in my 18 week scan the pleural effusion (fluid in the lung) in Twin 1 had gone, well in our 20 week scan they discovered that Twin 2 had a pericardial effusion (fluid around the heart). We were again offered the option of an amniocentesis, and again we declined. We just hoped that it would be something that would go away, like the pleural effusion did. Well...it has gone! A huge relief!
My cervix still looks fine. It measured 3.8cm...a little shorter than the previous few scans showed, but still a great number. It's shortened towards my TAC, which is to be expected. The main thing is that the TAC is doing it's job. There was no presence of funnelling, even with fundal pressure (pushing down on my uterus), which is a good sign.
The boys both looked perfect in today's scan. The sonographer wasn't as nice as the others have been, so she didn't take as many pics for us. Plus the boys were dodging her everytime she tried to look at them...it made me laugh that they weren't totally impressed with her either!! The boys have moved a lot in the last 2 weeks...they're now both head down, feet up...that explains the party that's been going on in my belly! They were so close to each other, that the sonographer kept getting them confused. She even measured Twin 1 and then realised half way through that she'd somehow started measuring Twin 2 at the same time. It's just a jumble of arms and legs in there!
Here are the twins today. Again, they are both measuring ahead by a few days and both heartbeats were strong (Twin 2's was 147 beats per minute, but she didn't record Twin 1's for some reason). Twin 1 weighs 497 grams and Twin 2 weighs 503 grams.
Oh, and I don't know which twin is which...she didn't label the scans. I don't think she couldn't quite figure it out!
Their little faces:
A side view of one of them:
The tops of their heads (I'd give a better description, but I really have no idea what's what!):
Friday, August 13, 2010
20 Weeks and Beyond!
WE MADE IT!!
Here I am at 20 weeks 1 day:
Getting bigger by the day, and feeling it! I went to the GP right on 20 weeks and she measured my uterus - I was measuring at 25 weeks!
It appears my morning sickness has stopped this week...although it's only been a couple of days, so we'll see. The nausea is still there, but I can handle that.
But it seems that I've said goodbye to morning sickness and hello to two new friends: sciatic pain and heartburn! The sciatic pain has become unbearable, to the point where I can't lay down to sleep at night, so it's off to the pregnancy physio for me. She better be a miracle worker, that's all I can say!
Of course, I'll take whatever is thrown at me...I'm just happy to still be pregnant!
We had our fortnightly scan this morning. The all important cervical length was amazing once again at 4.75cm...a new record! Always a huge relief. We still can't believe it keeps getting longer. I'm actually starting to believe these boys are staying put until December!
Here are the twins at 20 weeks 3 days. They're both right on track (Twin 1 is actually measuring ahead by 4 days) and were wriggling around as per normal!
Twin 1 - Weight is 382 grams. Heartbeat is 145 beats per minute.
It was a bit tough to get a good pic of him today as he was being camera shy. If you look closely at the left hand side of the photo, that's Twin 2's hand touching Twin 1's face. Twin 2 is always harassing his Brother!
Twin 2 - Weight is 358 grams. Heartbeat is 153 beats per minute.
Here is closer look in utero at 20 week old twins. This is pretty much how our boys are positioned, but Twin 2 (the top twin) actually has his head down next to his Brother's and they are both laying flat across my belly (So both heads are on my left hand side)
12 days and counting til the next scan...
Here I am at 20 weeks 1 day:
Getting bigger by the day, and feeling it! I went to the GP right on 20 weeks and she measured my uterus - I was measuring at 25 weeks!
It appears my morning sickness has stopped this week...although it's only been a couple of days, so we'll see. The nausea is still there, but I can handle that.
But it seems that I've said goodbye to morning sickness and hello to two new friends: sciatic pain and heartburn! The sciatic pain has become unbearable, to the point where I can't lay down to sleep at night, so it's off to the pregnancy physio for me. She better be a miracle worker, that's all I can say!
Of course, I'll take whatever is thrown at me...I'm just happy to still be pregnant!
We had our fortnightly scan this morning. The all important cervical length was amazing once again at 4.75cm...a new record! Always a huge relief. We still can't believe it keeps getting longer. I'm actually starting to believe these boys are staying put until December!
Here are the twins at 20 weeks 3 days. They're both right on track (Twin 1 is actually measuring ahead by 4 days) and were wriggling around as per normal!
Twin 1 - Weight is 382 grams. Heartbeat is 145 beats per minute.
It was a bit tough to get a good pic of him today as he was being camera shy. If you look closely at the left hand side of the photo, that's Twin 2's hand touching Twin 1's face. Twin 2 is always harassing his Brother!
Twin 2 - Weight is 358 grams. Heartbeat is 153 beats per minute.
Here is closer look in utero at 20 week old twins. This is pretty much how our boys are positioned, but Twin 2 (the top twin) actually has his head down next to his Brother's and they are both laying flat across my belly (So both heads are on my left hand side)
12 days and counting til the next scan...
Tuesday, July 27, 2010
18 Weeks
We had our 18 week scan this morning, and to say it was wonderful is an understatement!
The question that’s always at the forefront of my mind when we have scans is “How long is my cervix?” Today, knowing my cervical length was even more important than ever. At exactly the same gestation in our last pregnancy it had dramatically reduced to 1.1cm, and I was booked in for an emergency TVC the next morning.
The great news? My cervix is measuring 4.66cm! We were both so, so relieved. I had been getting very anxious about today’s appointment, and was thrilled to see those numbers on the screen. The sonographer laughed at me a little as I requested an internal scan to check the cervical length accurately. Most women probably cringe at the thought of an internal scan, but not me…I want accuracy! She also laughed and remarked that I was “very knowledgeable” when she stated that both placentas were away from the cervix which is a good thing, and I said “Oh great, so no sign of Placenta Previa”. Doesn’t everyone know what that is? I suppose some pregnant women might be naïve as to what can go wrong, especially if it’s their first, but I like to research everything!
She then asked Dr M to come in and do a quick scan himself. Dr M is the Director of the ultrasound clinic and one of the best sonographers in the state. He usually just reviews all the scan results, and only scans the high risk patients.
At our 15 week scan, Dr M found an issue that caused some concern. He found a pleural effusion on the left lung of Twin 1. Basically, a pleural effusion is excess fluid in the lung, and in our baby’s case, it was quite a lot of fluid. He explained what this could mean. It could be nothing and it may resolve itself; it could be a chromosomal abnormality such as Down Syndrome; it could be fetal anemia; it could be a viral infection or it could be a congenital lung defect. It was a lot to take in. He offered us an amniocentesis which would determine whether it was a chromosomal abnormality. We immediately declined the amnio. If it did indicate Down Syndrome, it wouldn’t affect our decision to carry to term, so we didn’t see the point at putting our babies at risk. I did however call my OB to have blood tests carried out to rule out any sign of infection, which came back negative. All we could do was wait until the 18 week scan…and boy was it a long 3 weeks.
So back to today’s scan. The first thing Dr M checked was Twin 1’s lung. The fluid was GONE! Such a huge relief that he was okay. Dr M also re-checked my cervical length and was very impressed with my TAC. It appeared to be the first he had seen as he spent 16 MINUTES looking at it!! His words were that it was a “beautiful looking cervix” and a “beautifully placed stitch”! He knew a lot about TVCs, but I happily educated him on TACs. Dr M showed us the two dimensional view of the stitch and it looked like a perfect circle, and he recorded the footage of my TAC for his own use. Happy to get the word out there!
So all in all…a wonderful scan!
Both babies are measuring bigger than an average singleton at 18 weeks, which is great for twins!
Twin 1 - Weight is 247 grams. Heartbeat is 147 beats per minute.
Twin 2 - Weight is 241 grams. Heartbeat is 141 beats per minute.
They were wriggling around so much today, that it was hard to get clear pics of them. Because we didn’t get too many pics, here is a look at what an actual 18 week old fetus looks like in utero, photographed by Lennart Nillson.
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