31 Weeks

I'm a few days behind on this blog post...sorry! Today I'm 31 weeks and 4 days. It has been a few weeks since I've given you an update what the doctors are saying. So today I thought I would bring you up to speed. Nothing has changed over the last 5 weeks. My cervix is still the same and I haven't dilated anymore. During our ultrasound on Tuesday the babies looked  perfect! They continue to be very active and seem to be enjoying life in the womb. We still don't have a date set as to when I will deliver the twins. My doctor is taking things week by week. As he said today, things could change drastically in a matter of minutes. Daily, I pray that my water does not break. Since both babies have velamentous cord insertion, if my water were to break on its own it could be extremely dangerous for the babies. Velamentous cord insertion is extremely rare. What is even crazier is that both of my girls have it, which is almost unheard of. As I've mentioned before, my doctor has only had 5 patients with this issue and he has been practicing for a very long time! All of his past patients with VCI have had successful outcomes. It is better for the babies if we have a c-section scheduled, so they can arrive in a much more controlled setting. So please keep the prayers coming!!!!

Notice I have grown a lot since last week. So thankful!!

Jeremy wanted his 31 week picture taken too...ha ha!!

How Far Along: 31 Weeks

Size of baby: Two weeks ago they measured Avery at 2 lb. 11 oz. and Harper at 3 lb. 3 oz. My high risk doctor will measure them again next week.

Gender: Two precious girls...Harper Faith Kendle and Avery Ryan Kendle

Maternity Clothes: Still wearing my pj's.

Weight gain: 18 pounds total...I gained another pound!

Sleep: Still sleeping really well.

Symptoms: Having some round ligament pains. The nurse said it is because the twins are growing. Also, I have had a couple of braxton hicks (false contractions).

Cravings: No cravings!

Best moment this week: Jeremy has been off work the past two weeks. It has been so nice to spend time with him. He has been working his tail off getting last minute items for the babies and me. I'm so thankful that I have such a wonderful husband.

Pregnancy Highlights: 

This week, the babies are heading into a growth spurt. They can turn their head from side to side, and their arms, legs, and body are beginning to plump out as needed fat accumulates underneath their skin. They are probably moving a lot, too, so you may have trouble sleeping because your baby's kicks and somersaults keep you up. Take comfort: All this moving is a sign that your baby is active and healthy.

(All information taken from babycenter.com)

****Baby Center is right on with their pregnancy highlights this week. Harper and Avery move A LOT and feel so much bigger than they did last week. It feels like they are having a party in there!

This week we received more wonderful gifts!

• The Luellen family sent us some beautiful flowers for Christmas.
• We received some cute onesie's from my friend Lindsay's boyfriend. Can't wait to see them on Harper and Avery. They were taken home before I had a chance to take a picture of them. You will see them on Harper and Avery soon.
• My aunt Tammy sent another set of adorable bloomers. She is really good at finding them! These were also taken home before I could take a picture. Trust me they are ADORABLE!!

I wanted to end this post with a collage of my sweet puppies. It is really hard not loving on them everyday...I miss them so much!! Their world is about to be turned upside down when I come home.

Well that is it for this week!

 

My crazy dog....

Max has found a new spot to hang out!!!



- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

Finally....30 Weeks

How Far Along:  30 Weeks

Size of baby: Tuesday they measured Avery at 2 lb. 11 oz. and Harper was 3 lb. 3 oz. We were so excited hear they have grown so much. They will be measured again in 2 weeks.

Gender: Two precious girls...Harper Faith Kendle and Avery Ryan Kendle

Maternity Clothes: Now I'm wearing PJ's and gowns since I'm on bed rest.

Weight gain: 17 pounds total...woo hoo!!! I'm finally putting on some weight.

Sleep: Believe it or not, I'm sleeping really well in the hospital.

Symptoms: None this week.

Cravings: No cravings right now.

Best moment this week: We had several wonderful moments this week...

• My mom, mother-in-law and two of my sweet friends organized and decorated the nursery. Pics are posted below.
• Jeremy's grandparents ordered the rocker for the nursery. It will look perfect in the nursery!
• The babies are getting much bigger, which makes me extremely happy. The perinatologist said they both look great. Also, my cervix hasn't changed any...thank goodness!
• 
  

  We completed out education classes to get prepared for the babies. The education director here at the hospital is amazing!!! She showed/discussed what a c-section will be like, what to expect after the babies are born, baby care and we took a tour of the NICU. We really hope Harper and Avery will stay put for a while, so they won't have to visit the NICU. Here's a pic of what Jeremy thinks he will look like with Harper and Avery.

 

• My mom's cousin gave us a bassinet. This weekend my dad will be bringing it down to us. It is so cute and I know we will get a lot of use out of it. Thank you Lindsay!

Pregnancy Highlights: A pint and a half of amniotic fluid surrounds each baby, but that volume will decrease as they get bigger and take up more room in my uterus. Their eyesight continues to develop, though it's not very keen; even after they are born, they'll keep their eyes closed for a good part of the day. When they do open them, they'll respond to changes in light but will have 20/400 vision — which means they can only make out objects a few inches from their face.

(All information taken from babycenter.com)

I know that I have mentioned this a lot on our blog, but I want to say it again...we feel so blessed and fortunate to have such wonderful family and friends. Each day we constantly have friends and family asking what they can do for us. No doubt, this is a very exciting and challenging time in our life. I just want to say again...thank you!! It means more to us than I can even express to you. We feel the love from everyone and we know Harper and Avery will too. Please continue to pray for our little family of four.

Now onto the nursery. Whenever I found out we were expecting, I had a vision of what I would like the nursery to look like. I knew I didn't want to make it look like a traditional nursery, just classy and simple. I'm very pleased with how it has turned out so far. There are just a few things to finish up. The bedding is still being made. Hopefully it will be finished soon! Once it's finished I'll share some more pictures. I LOVE the way it turned out. As promised...here are some nursery pics.

Jeremy and I hope you have a wonderful Christmas with your families. We will be celebrating here in the hospital, but we are so excited my dad and brother will be coming to visit.

Merry Christmas!

Happy Birthday, Jeremy!

Just wanted to take a moment to say Happy Birthday to my amazing husband! I love you so much and I cannot wait to see you hold Avery and Harper. They are so lucky to have you as their daddy!

29 Weeks

How Far Along: 29 Weeks

Size of baby: Last time they measured Avery wast 2 lb. 3 oz. and Harper was 2 lb. 2 oz. My high risk doctor will measure them again next week.

Gender: Two precious girls...Harper Faith Kendle and Avery Ryan Kendle

Maternity Clothes: Now I'm wearing PJ's and gowns since I'm on bed rest.

Weight gain: 13 pounds total

Sleep: Believe it or not, I'm sleeping really well in the hospital.

Symptoms: None this week.

Cravings: Sweets!

Best moment this week: Excited my mom and mother in law will be here to organzie the nursery this weekend.

Pregnancy Highlights: Their muscles and lungs are continuing to mature, and their head is growing bigger to make room for their developing brain. To meet their increasing nutritional demands, you'll need plenty of protein, vitamins C, folic acid, and iron. And because their bones are soaking up lots of calcium, be sure to drink your milk. This trimester, about 250 milligrams of calcium are deposited in the baby's hardening skeleton each day.

(All information taken from babycenter.com)

Avery 29 weeks

Harper 29 weeks

Harper and Avery looked great on the sonogram yesterday. Both babies are very active. Twice a day they monitor their heart rate, both look great every time the monitor. We feel so blessed to have two healthy little girls. Once again, thank you for the continued prayers and support. Jeremy and I truly appreciate it!!

A milestone accomplished....28 weeks!!

I'm a week behind getting this post up. It is really hard to type on the computer laying down. Today, I set up a new little system and it seems to work much better. Tomorrow I'll put the 29 week post up. Jeremy and I are thrilled that we made it to 28 weeks! If they were born today, they would have a 90% survival rate and the risk of learning and physical disabilities decreases. Our next goal is 30 weeks....I feel confident we will make it.

How Far Along: 28 Weeks

Size of baby: At my appointment, the high risk doctor measured Avery at 2 lb. 3 oz. and Harper is 2 lb. 2 oz. He won't measure them every week. I'm so glad They have reached the 2 lb. mark.

Gender: Two precious girls...Harper Faith Kendle and Avery Ryan Kendle

Maternity Clothes: Now I'm wearing PJ's and gowns since I'm on bed rest.

Weight gain: 13 pounds total...I'm eating a lot and trying to pack on the pounds.

Sleep: Still love the body pillow!

Symptoms: None this week.

Cravings: Nothing in particular.

Best moment this week: We're able to see their little head and bottoms sticking up out of my belly. I must say it is strange to see, but really neat too. Jeremy loves to touch them when he sees it. He's pretty smitten over his little girls. 

Pregnancy Highlights: They can blink her eyes, which now sport lashes. With their eyesight developing, they may be able to see the light that filters in through your womb. They are also developing billions of neurons in their brain and adding more body fat in preparation for life in the outside world. (All information taken from babycenter.com)

Last weekend my in-law's came in town to visit. While they were here my father-in-law finished painting the nursery and put up the second bed. My mother-in-law made the curtains for the nursery...they are adorable!! They are now hanging in the nursery as well. This weekend my mom and mother-in-law will be coming in town to get the nursery in order. Let me tell you it will be a lot of work!!! I've been busy making a to-do list for them. My main priority is getting the nursery in shape so that we can actually use it. Check out the curtains....

This past week I had lots of visitors, which I absolutely LOVE! We received some sweet cards, flowers and packages. We are so blessed and appreciate it more than words can describe. My aunt sent Harper and Avery some crib sheets and bloomers. They are adorable!

That is all I have for today! Promise I will get the 29 week post up quicker than I did this one.

Much love to all!

27 Weeks and a Hospital Update

27 Weeks with Harper and Avery. Once again a picture with no makeup. That's how I roll in the hospital.

How Far Along: 27 Weeks - I'm a couple days behind posting, so it's actually 27 weeks 2 days

Size of baby: Approximately 2 pounds and 14 1/2 inches long...about the size of a cauliflower head

Gender: Two precious girls...Harper Faith Kendle and Avery Ryan Kendle

Maternity Clothes: Pajama's, pajama's, pajama's....that's all I wear since I'm on bed rest.

Weight gain: 12 pounds total...haven't been weighed since last Monday. Hoping I've gained some more.

Sleep: I'm sleeping really well in the hospital. The body pillow is a life saver!

Symptoms: I'm feeling a lot more movement this week. We have two very active girls!

Cravings: Nothing in particular.

Best moment this week: Getting the privilege of listening to the babies heart rates, twice a day. They always get a really good report.

Pregnancy Highlights: They are sleeping and waking at regular intervals, opening and closing their eyes, and perhaps even sucking their fingers. With more brain tissue developing, their brain is very active now. While their lungs are still immature, they would be capable of functioning — with a lot of medical help — if they were to be born now. Chalk up any tiny rhythmic movements you may be feeling to a case of baby hiccups, which may be common from now on. Each episode usually lasts only a few moments, and they don't bother the babies.

(All information taken from babycenter.com)

 

Hospital Update:

Tuesday we had another ultrasound to check the babies and my cervix. My cervix hasn't changed any. I'm so thankful it isn't any worse. While doing the ultrasound, they discovered that baby B (Harper) has velamentous cord insertion on the intervening membranes. We're not sure if Avery has it too. As soon as my doctor receives my report then we'll know more. So, I'm sure you're wondering what in the world this is. Whenever the baby's umbilical cord attached to the placenta, she attached on the side instead of in the center of the placenta. This is something that isn't too common, but my doctor has had patients with it before. It can be very serious if my water break were to break on its own and during delivery. My doctor said that I will have a cesarean for sure. That way the twins are delivered in in a controlled environment and they can see where they are breaking the water. If they were to break my water and it ruptured one of those membranes, it could be extremely serious for the twins. That being said, if my water does break on its own, they could have me in the OR within 3 minutes. Dr. H seems very positive and assured me everything will be ok. He also mentioned that I will not carry them to 37 weeks with this issue. It's all up in the air as to when he will deliver the twins, just depends on their progress. So please keep us in your prayers!!!

Onto more positive news....surprisingly, the days are going quicker than I thought they would. I'm such so lucky person to have such great friends that visit often. It makes the time pass so much quicker! Jeremy spends a lot of time up here too. I encourage him to go home and relax, the chairs are not comfortable here, but he insists on staying. Last night two of my friends brought cards from my kids at school and an adorable wreath for the hospital door.

The cards were so sweet! Some were hysterical too.

As things change and progress, I will keep you updated.

First Week in the Hospital

My first week in the hospital has gone by pretty quickly. I'm hoping that the next few weeks go just as fast. I have to say I am one blessed person! Jeremy has been here constantly, when he's not working, taking care of me. In addition, he's having to take care of everything at home. I know that this hasn't been easy for him, but he seems to be handling it really well. I'm also very blessed because I have such amazing friends. Over the past week I've had so many visitors, which always brightens my day. When you're confined to a small hospital room 24 hours a day, it's always nice to see someone who loves and cares about you. The other night I also had a surprise visit from my dad, I had no idea he was coming!!

While I've been here my friends have been decorating my room. Misty and Udele set up a princess tree in my room for the twins. My friends Meredith and Sara set up the cutest little pink tree. All of the nurses come by and admire he decor in my room.

Each day my routine seems to be the same. Currently, I'm only able to shower every other day. They don't want much pressure on my cervix, so that's why I'm restricted on showers. If you know me well, then you know this is really hard for me. I usually shower twice a day! Meredith was so sweet to bring me dry shampoo to spray in my hair on the days I can't shower. She also painted my toe nails too! Let me tell you they needed it. Each morning and night they monitor the babies heart rates and to see if I'm having contractions. This is what my belly looks like when I'm all hooked up.

Monitoring goes well when Harper is cooperating. She does not like to be monitored! Most of the time she will kick it and move away from the monitor. Then they have to undo the straps and find her again. It's amazing how her little personality is already shining through.

I'll post another update as soon as I know something.

26 Weeks with Avery and Harper

Please excuse the quality of the picture. It's hard to take in the hospital room.

How Far Along: 26 Weeks

Size of baby:

Gender: Two precious girls...Harper Faith Kendle and Avery Ryan Kendle

Maternity Clothes: Now I'm wearing PJ's and gowns since I'm on bed rest.

Weight gain: 12 pounds total

Sleep: Still love the body pillow!

Symptoms: Just a little cramping from the steroid shot. The nurse assured me that it's not enough cramping to change my cervix much.

Cravings: Nothing in particular.

Best moment this week: Seeing my belly move all around. They have been very active lately!!

Pregnancy Highlights: The network of nerves in your baby's ears is better developed and more sensitive than before. They may now be able to hear both your voice and your partner's as you chat with each other. They are inhaling and exhaling small amounts of amniotic fluid, which is essential for the development of their lungs. These so-called breathing movements are also good practice for when they are born and takes that first gulp of air. And they are continuing to put on baby fat. (All information taken from babycenter.com)

Harper 26 Weeks

Avery 26 Weeks

Notice how similar their profiles look. It will be interesting to see how much they look alike.

Holiday's 2011

Although the holiday's are not going to be the same this year. All I can think about is next year, Harper and Avery will be here with us. It will be so much fun to experience the holiday's with two sweet little girls. Over the weekend (before being admitted to the hospital), I put up the Christmas decor in our house and finished shopping for our family. We were planning on taking one last trip to Kansas and Oklahoma to see our family for Thanksgiving. I planned on dropping off their Christmas gifts, since I knew we wouldn't make it back for Christmas this year. Oh well...things don't always go as planned. Jeremy will just have to mail their gifts. Here is a picture of our Christmas tree this year. Hopefully Jeremy and the dogs can enjoy it for a few weeks.

Christmas 2011

Changes, Changes, Changes

Today I'm writing this post from a comfy and cozy hospital room....ha ha! Yesterday I went in for a routine appointment for my gestational diabetes test (I passed) and an ultrasound. During the ultrasound they discovered that my cervix has started to shorten. About 3 weeks ago it was 36 mm, yesterday it was approximately 17 mm. Due to this drastic change they admitted me into the hospital. Dr. H doesn't know if I will ever be able to go home on bedrest. I'm in hopes that I will if my cervix starts to settle down. Avery and Harper are doing really well!! Both of them had heart rates in the 150's and they are moving around a lot. They gave me a steroid shot yesterday to boost their development. Today I'm expected to get another one. Yesterday was really hard for me emotionally. I thought for sure I could work right up until they were born. Everything has gone so good so far, I thought for sure it would be smooth sailing from here. The nurse mentioned that several things could have played into this happening...the babies are growing, I'm a small framed person and I'm a teacher. Teaching is hard because it is stressful and I'm on my feet all day long!! Dr. H feels that if I'm in bed laying down that this will keep the babies baking as long as possible. Our goal is to make it to 37 weeks, which is about 11 more weeks. This will all be worth it once I'm holding Avery and Harper in my arms.

See pictures below of Avery and Harper yesterday. The nurse and I think they have the same profile. I cannot wait to see what they really look like.

Avery at 25 weeks 6 days. She weighs 1 lb. 9 oz.

Harper at 25 weeks 6 days. She weighs 1 lb. 7 oz.

25 Weeks with Avery and Harper

25 Weeks with Avery and Harper

How Far Along: 25 Weeks

Size of baby: Approximately 13.5 inches long and weighs 1.5 pounds

Gender: Two precious girls...Harper Faith Kendle and Avery Ryan Kendle

Maternity Clothes: Some regular shirts and dresses, but mostly maternity.

Weight gain: 12 pounds total

Sleep: Still love the body pillow!

Symptoms: Feel like they've grown a lot. My tummy feels heavier than it use too.

Cravings: Nothing in particular.

Best moment this week: Feeling Harper and Avery move more and more. It is such an amazing feeling.

Pregnancy Highlights: They are beginning to exchange their long, lean look for some baby fat. As they do, their wrinkled skin will begin to smooth out and they'll start to look more and more like a newborn. They are also growing more hair — and if you could see it, you'd now be able to discern its color and texture. (All information taken from babycenter.com)

24 Weeks with Avery & Harper

24 weeks with Harper and Avery

How Far Along: 24 Weeks

Size of baby: About as long as an ear of corn.

Gender: Two precious girls...Harper Faith Kendle and Avery Ryan Kendle

Maternity Clothes: Some regular shirts and dresses, but mostly maternity.

Weight gain: 12 pounds total. The nurse at Dr. H's office told me to start indulging from time to time. I should be gaining, not losing weight. I will be indulging a lot at Thanksgiving!!

Sleep: Still uncomfortable to sleep, but the body pillow does relieve hip pain.

Symptoms: No symptoms this week.

Cravings: Nothing in particular.

Best moment this week: My best moment and worst moment are all wrapped up into one. On Monday, I started cramping in my lower abdominal area and back. I called my doctor immediately and he advised me to come in right then. They did an ultrasound (best moment) and the twins looked great! They were moving around and their heart rates were good too. They checked my cervix and it looked good as well. He sent me home to rest for the day and monitor the cramping. If it would've started to get worse, then he would have sent me to labor and delievery. Luckily, I only had a little more cramping and haven't had it since. I guess the babies were just having a growth spurt! Of course this all had to happen while Jeremy is out of town. This is his first long business trip since I've been pregnant.

Pregnancy Highlights: The babies have gained about 4 ounces since last week. (Not sure how true this is because it's based on a singleton pregnancy, not twins). That puts them at just over a pound. They are almost a foot long, they have a pretty lean figure at this point, but their body is filling out proportionally and they will soon start to plump up. Their brain is also growing quickly now, and their taste buds are continuing to develop. Their lungs are developing "branches" of the respiratory "tree" as well as cells that produce surfactant, a substance that will help their air sacs inflate once they are in the outside world. Their skin is still thin and translucent, but that will start to change soon (All information taken from babycenter.com)

Harper 23 Weeks. She is still looking down at her sister.

Avery 23 weeks. She has her little legs above her head, it's just hard to see in the picture.

23 Weeks With The Twins

23 Weeks with Harper and Avery

How Far Along: 22 Weeks

Size of baby: 11 inches and weighing just over a pound. About the size of a large mango.

Gender: Two precious girls...Harper Faith Kendle and Avery Ryan Kendle

Maternity Clothes: Some regular shirts and dresses, but mostly maternity.

Weight gain: Still just 15 pounds. Watching what I eat has really helped!

Sleep: Still uncomfortable to sleep, but the body pillow does relieve hip pain.

Symptoms: No symptoms this week.

Cravings: Nothing in particular.

Best moment this week: There are a couple of great moments that happen this week. Earlier this week, I got a haircut. It's only taken me 5 months to go visit my hairdresser. On Thursday, we meet with the babysitter. She is full of energy and I'm thrilled with her program. It's an in-home daycare, but she's also a certified teacher. The girls will have a curriculum that they will follow starting at 1 year. She's a little pricey, but well worth the money. We will just have to cut back in other areas!

Pregnancy Highlights: The girls are able to feel my sense of moment. And now I may be able to see them squirm underneath my clothes (I have a funny story about this). Blood vessels in their lungs are developing to prepare for breathing, and the sounds that our baby's increasingly keen ears pick up are preparing their for entry into the outside world. Loud noises that become familiar now — such as our dogs barking or the roar of the vacuum cleaner — probably won't faze them when they hear them outside the womb.

 

(All information from babycenter.com)

 

I have a really funny story that I have to share with you. Last week, while reading to my students, I felt Harper moving a lot. I looked down and you could see where she was kicking. I told my students to look really closely because they could see one of the babies kicking me. They all saw it and said "that's so cool"! Then one sweet boy said, oh my goodness Mrs. Kendle...she's hatching, she's hatching, she's hatching. I laughed so hard and reassured him that she's not hatching. Another student said, "remember the babies won't be here until February, they can't hatch yet." This is why I love teaching 1st grade. They will say anything that comes to mind and you never know what they will say.

 

 

Gender Revel Party/Baby Shower

On October 22nd, five of my sweet friends hosted a gender reveal/baby shower. We are so blessed to have such generous and supportive friends and family. The day couldn't have been more perfect! Our little girls are so lucky to have such wonderful people to look up to in the future. I'll stop jabbering and let the pictures do the talking.

My sweet friend, Udele, made the adorable gender reveal cake. It tastes as yummy as it looks.

My guess was a boy and girl...obviously I was wrong!

Me with my grandma and mom

Jeremy's Mom and Mema

Time to cut the cake!

The frosting layers in the cake were both pink....two sweet little girls are on the way.

Jeremy's mom gave him a pretty creative gift....a daddy fanny pack full of all the tools he will need to change diapers.

One of my favorite gifts was from my sweet husband....my diaper bag.

I'm so lucky to have such a sweet and supportive husband.