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!!!



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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.