Unexpected Hospital Visit

Well, the last few days have been quite an ordeal.
On Thursday night, starting at about 8 pm and lasting until 10pm, I was sitting on the couch and I was having those rolling movements that I assumed were contractions. They were about 10-15 minutes apart. I went to bed around 10:15pm and Jeff came in and saw me grimacing. I told him what was going on and he called my OB. Without hesitation, she told me to go to the hospital to be monitored. Our neighbor came over to stay with sleeping Zach, and we were at the hospital around 11:30pm. Why these things always happen at around midnight is beyond me. I had 3 more "movements" on the way down (25 minute drive) and one while they were getting me into the system. They gowned me up, hooked me up to monitors and then....nothing. I explained to the nurse what I'd been feeling, what happened two days ago with the perinatologist...I'm sure she thought I was just a paranoid mama-to-be. I really wanted to have at least one, so she could tell me if indeed it was a contraction. Finally, after 45 minutes, I had a movement, told her and sure enough she looked a the monitor and said that yes, it was a contraction. At least I know now.
So, they decide to keep me after speaking with my Dr. for the night. Jeff went home after I got settled. They upped all my meds, (Procardia and Glyburide). They also gave me a steroid shot to help the babies lungs develop if I do deliver early. I was of course hooked up to the IV. They also gave me Terbutiline injection (sp?) to stop the contractions. They also gave me insulin because all the other meds made my blood sugar go wonky. The next day, my OB came in to see me. I figured she'd discharge me, but I needed another steroid shot the next morning (you get 2), and she wanted to monitor me on these new upped meds to see if I could tolerate everything. So, unfortunately I had to stay one more night. I was not happy with that but you do what you have to do. That first night, I think I slept 45 minutes. I was so uncomfortable with the three monitors on my tummy. Everytime I moved, which is a lot when you're hugely pregnant, the monitors would slip and the nurse would have to come in and readjust. Plus, I was peeing every 25 minutes or so with all the fluids I was getting. That would take about 10 minutes each time. Unplug myself from the monitors, take my IV with me to the potty, try to pee in the bucket so they could measure urine output, all the while trying NOT to pee on myself...which I wasn't always successful at.
The second night they had to give me another shot of Terbutiline, I kept having contractions. They were also checking my blood sugar almost every hour or so. I did sleep better that night and got about 4 hours. Luckily, the next morning the Dr let me go around 10:00 am. Since I've been home, I've been on strict bedrest until at least Monday, when I talk to the Dr again. I have hope that she'll put me back on modified bedrest. Jeff is doubtful because I was contracting last night for a good 2.5 hours. They finally calmed down, and this morning I've had about 4.
This strict bedrest is a nightmare. I'm a go-er and do-er. I can deal with the fact that my to do list is probably not going to get completed. It's the day to day stuff I can't do with Zach. I can't do anything. Jeff doesn't go and do with Zach as much as I do, so I have to urge him to take him to the park, or go into the pool. He tells me to direct from bed, but when I do, I get the eyeroll accompanied by a big sigh. Plus, he's been pretty snappy and short with Zach, which is out of character. When I asked him, he said he's a little stressed out and thinks he's getting Zach's cold. Hmmph. I told him that we can't have two parents out of commission, so do what I do, buck up, pretend you feel fine and move on. Plus, I had to remind him that Zach doesn't understand what's happening...why Mommy can't carry him or lift him or do anything, for that matter. Also, we've been transitioning him into his big boy bed all week, and Jeff started working on his new room, so we put him back in his crib, which I'm sure is confusing. He has been a pill, but yelling at him is not the answer. Luckily we have a lot of friends who have kids Zach's age, and they've all been offering their help. So, we're now calling in our favors. For example, our friend Amy is picking Z up after his nap this afternoon, taking him to her house to play with her daughter Frances, age 3. He'll love that. It'll also give Jeff uninterrupted time to get some serious work done on the room. Of course I won't let him paint the woodwork, because I'm a Type A personality and a control freak, and truth be told, Jeff can't paint woodwork to save his life.
So, that's the news. Not great although both babies are doing great. I need to get to week 35, which is about 4 weeks away. Anything longer would be gravy.
Cross your fingers for us that I can get back on modified bedrest tomorrow. My worst nightmare would definitely be hospital bedrest. I can't explain to you enough how horrible it was.

30 Week Appointment...Not the Best News

So yesterday I went in to see my perinatologist (specialist the sees high risk pregnancy patients). This is the one that I saw when I was pg with Zach, so I was excited. I've been feeling really good lately, and things have been pretty uneventful. They did the ultrasound, which were a little anti-climactic since we're not finding out the genders. However, super exciting to see Baby A moving all over the place and sucking his/her hands. Too cute. We talked about the gestational diabetes...I had been pricking my finger 4 times a day for the past two weeks so he could see my numbers. He's putting me on a pill to control my fasting numbers...nothing I can do about those, it's just my body doing what it wants while I sleep. This pill is in place of injectable insulin, which is what I was on while pg with Zach. Not that I mind having to do the shots (God knows I've had enough shots with all the IVF), but it is certainly less stressful since I won't have to worry about Jeff's whereabouts every night. I can't give myself the shots...I'm a pansy, I guess.
So, after all the diabetes talk is over, I ask him if he's going to check my cervix. He says he'll check my cervix every appointment now. Well, he puts the wahoo-wand in and says, "Oh shoot. Fundal pressure." Now, I don't really know what "fundal pressure" is, but I know the pressure has been gnarly and when your doctor says, "Oh shoot", that's never a good thing. What's been happening is one of the babies is sitting very low, pretty much on top of my cervix. That's causing my cervix to thin and shorten a bit...not what we want at 30 weeks pregnant. Also, I've apparently been having contractions, which also helps to thin the cervix. I had no idea I was having contractions...but then thinking later about it, I realize that I did have some odd feelings. I kept feeling like a baby was rolling waaaay down low, and I would have to stop mid stride if I was walking until it passed. Well, I realize now that those are contractions. Duh!
Three weeks ago my cervix measured at 5 (inches/centimeters...I don't know) and now it's at 2.5. So, I've been taken off work, and I'm now on modified bed rest. This means I'm not to lift or carry Zach, or anything heavy for that matter. If I'm home, I should have my feet up as much as possible. I can swim, but obviously no throwing Z around in the pool. They want me to swim, actually...good exercise. I can walk 20-30 minutes at a time a few times a day, but no hills. That sort of thing. I was pretty upset about it yesterday when they first told me...it's hard for me to wrap my mind around this new "lifestyle". I tend to be on the go a lot, taking Z places, trying to be super-mom, I guess. Also, I'm so independent that just being pregnant and having people help me load a bag of dirt in my cart and car is aggravating. Obviously, I'll be doing what needs to be done to keep these babies baking as long as possible, but it doesn't mean I'm going to be happy about it all the time. Plus, I have so much to do before these babies come, and now I can't do any of it. Oh well...
They also put me on an oral pill I take twice a day to help stop the contractions. I also have lots of doctor appointments often, so they're keeping close tabs on me.
So, that's the news here. Both babies are growing well and look healthy, so that's great news. One is measuring 3lbs, 3 oz. and the other is 3lbs, 5 oz. They are growing concurrently, which is what they want to see.
So, that's the update. I'll keep you posted. I see my OB on Friday of this week.

And just a few more...

Does this prove that my child is destined to grow up to be poor, white trash?
Zach and Mia grubbing on a healthy snack

My little monkey. His new fave thing to do is hang...as in , "More hanging, Momma".

Bubbles, bubbles everywhere
At the train station...the conductor posed for this picture begrudgingly

Zach loved the train ride

Zach and Mia looking through the seashells

Zach, once again sporting the PWT look. At least he didn't get his ice cream on his clothes.

Enjoying the campfire

Jeff and Pat getting ready for Smore's

And a few more pics....

I'm breaking this post up because posting pics is ridiculous. There has got to be an easier way, but my pics end up at the beginning of my post and then I have to drag them to where I want them to go. It's a pain in the ass...when I put too many pics in, it just becomes so tedious. If anyone has a better way, please tell me!

My handsome little man

Poor kid...I wish he liked the beach more

Here's a scary one for you. This is me at 28 weeks. At this point I'm measuring at 42 weeks. For anyone that doesn't know, a pregnancy lasts 40 weeks. Yes, that's right. I'm measuring f-ing H-U-G-E. When you get this big, that's what the measuring tape says....f-ing H-U-G-E.

Zach trying to eat the tree

My Mom

The two surfer dudes, Jeff and my Dad. They had a blast!

More camping pics

Daddy and Zach sharing a moment

My little stinker...as soon as he sees the camera he says, "Cheeeeeeeese!"

Riley and Zach discussing where babies come from over Red Vines. Zach seems shocked.

"So happy together........"
Me and Julie...I swear, I once wasn't bad to look at....will it ever come back?

A sea lion beached himself right where we were playing with the kids the entire time. Poor thing. Finally marine mammal rescue came and picked him up...after 5 hours! Jeez! He must have been very tired because he kept yawning over and over again...or else he was dying and that's what happens....I'll vote for the first one idea...it's nicer.

Jeff mimicing Zach which his lovely claw...

Do not try this at home

Camping, camping and more camping!

We've just finished our 10 day stint of camping at the beach. We were at Carpinteria State Beach June 8-12 (M-F), then home for the weekend and back again the following M-F. Jeff and I wondered if we'd be completely camped out by the end of this but we both agreed that we could do it for a month straight! I mean, what's better than having beach front property without the property taxes or mortgage, being outside all day, watching the waves by day and sitting around a campfire at night with the sand between your toes...drinking beer? Ok, so mine was "beer" (thank God for O'douls), but it still was nice.

Getting into Carpinteria is a joke. We made these reservations 7, yes 7 months in advance. And that required Jeff and I to both be on our cell phones, landlines AND the computer all at the same time...I swear, you'd think the Pope was coming to town! We considered ourselves lucky that we got "beach row" at all in the summer. Camping is no longer what it used to be. You don't pack up the car and show up at a campground. You'll almost be guaranteed a smug looking guard at the guard shack telling you you should've made reservations 7 months ago.

But, it is what it is.

So, the first week we were there, we camped with our friends Joe and Julie and their two kids, Luke and Riley, ages 4 and 2, respectively. They were across the way from us but they spent all their time at our campsite since we were on the beach. It's nice, too because it's a very safe beach, with a shallow slope, no big waves breaking right at the shore, so we could sit and watch the kids from our campsite. That is until one of them took off running...one of them being MY kid. Zach of course, l-o-v-e-d the beach. He woke up every morning at the ungodly hour of 5:30am and as soon as his eye popped open he'd say, "let's go to the ocean". I would of course dress him in pants since it was early and the we didn't see much sun (darn June gloom), and he would immediately run directly into the water and ruin the outfit. The next week I got smarter (hey, only took a week) and put him in his bathing suit right off the bat and a heavier sweatshirt. Much better.

When we weren't playing in the water Zach would play on his scooter on the hills. The hills had to be the little walkway that housed the dumpsters...of all the places to play! But, there was a nice little slope at each end which he loved riding down. Over and over again.

Zach is still in his pack and play in the trailer, and I would start him in there each night. That would last until about 2-ish and he'd wake up and cry....to where as the fully trained mommy would arise and retrieve him from his cage and bring him to bed with me. I didn't mind...he's turned into a great cuddler...although can be a bed hog as the night wears on. By the last night he just stood up and said, "Hey! Get up!" And, following orders, I did. He'd zonk back out within 22 seconds. Crazy.

All in all it was a great trip. Uncle Pat even came out for a day and went boogie boarding for the first time ever! No one got injured, including the kids. No major meltdowns except for Zach trying to take anything that belonged to Riley, to which would send Riley into a raging conniption fit. Sharing does not happen well with 2 year olds.

Some pics of the first week with the Walkers:

Waiting for the perfect wave

Jeff and Joe
Daddy giving Zach some surfing tips My little Cassanova. Riley wanted nothing to do with Zach...much as he tried to make a pass...
He's saying, "Come on, look at me. I'm adorable. How can you resist?"
"I'll even stick out my tongue so you don't have to move..." Can't you see how his charms are working?


After being denied, he goes on his merry way alone, in his quest for Ms. Right.More pics to come in the next post...

The next week, we met up with our friends Brett, Renee and their 3 girls, Madison age 9, Taylor age 6 and Mia age 2. They were at our site most the time as well since we again got beach row and they were in the next row off the beach. My parents also came for the week! We had planned to put my dad in a tent on the sand because his snoring can wake the dead...and I didn't want him waking Zach. Well, we tried him in the trailer to see how he'd do and would you believe the man didn't make a peep?! I think he really didn't want to sleep in the tent! Uncle Pat also came down again for a day and spent the night, so we had 5 adults and a 2 year old and it worked out perfectly! I must admit, I had my doubts...huge, weighing doubts, but I sat and ate my helping of crow when it all turned out ok.

The oldest girl, Maddy, was such a big help and would keep her eye on Zach when cooking was being done or I needed an extra set of hands. My dad and Jeff boogie boarded one day, so Jeff popped two boogie boarding cherries in the last several weeks! My dad loved it but was surprised at how tired you get. We had gorgeous weather this second week...blue sky, 69 degrees...hard to know if you were getting sunburned. Just ask my dad, who thought it's be a great idea to lay all day on the beach without sunscreen so he could get "some color". He got some alright. A nice shade of scarlet. His face is now peeling off he told me. Ha!

One day, everyone except my mom, who stayed at the campsite to watch the dogs and to relish the promising quiet time (I don't think she's used to 4 kids running around...some screaming...often...NOT mine), we all took the train from Carpinteria to Santa Barbara. It's a 15 minute ride and the train drops you about 2 blocks from the pier. I'd never been on an actual train before and Zach was beside himself. He now says, "Next stop, Carpinteria!" "All aboard!" and of course, "Choo-choo!" While at the pier, we went to the small aquarium there, which is nicely done and has lots of touch tanks. We then had lunch and an ice cream cone, and then before we knew it was time to catch our train back. We were there for about 4 hours. Which is about all this pregnant momma could handle. My feet swelled up to resemble snapping turtle c laws and I definitely needed to sit for a bit.

Morning-Gotchoo mystery solved!

After about 3 weeks of Zach calling his scooter his "morning-gotchoo", and us, trying to figure out where the heck he came up with that phrase, I've finally figured out what he's trying to say.
Are you ready?
Wait for it...
"MOTORCYCLE!"
We saw one in the car today and he pointed at it and said, proudly, "morning gotchoo!"
I am so on top of it.

Pok-si-ples!

Yes, that is what Zach calls popsicles...it's so cute! Thought I'd post some fun pics of a kid with his Fudgesicle...

The Best $32 I've Ever Spent

Zach's new favorite toy...his "morning gotchoo", AKA his scooter.

I have no idea where he came up with "morning gotchoo" because he can say scooter...whatever. It's adorable.

We take it to the park all the time now and you can forget the playground. All he wants is his scooter. He's upset when it's time to get off of it. If it's not on the front porch (sometimes I leave it in my car) he questions me about it.

"Momma, where's my morning gotchoo?"

I highly recommend this toy to anyone who has an active 2 year old. Moms seek me out on the playgrounds to find out where I got it and how much it was. Then we let their kids try it out when the moms are unsure as to see if their child can master it. Surprisingly, every 2 year old who may not be as coordinated as Zach, masters it within minutes. It must be some innate ability to push with one foot while balancing on the other.

Does he not look adorable in his Thomas the Train helmet??? Thank God he likes his helmet, so we're not having WWF trying to put it on his head every time.

$32 at Walmart. They also carry them at Toys R Us, but they are way more expensive...I think $45. Also, they have them in pink "girl" colors. It's Radio Flyer brand.

Happy morning gotchoo-ing!

Gestational Diabetes...again.

I took the 1 hour glucose test a few weeks ago and the number shouldn't be over 135. Mine is 177. So, although I'm not 100% diagnosed yet, I'm sure I have it. They send you for a 3 hour glucose test if you fail the one hour...if you fail the 3 hour...you're screwed. I have to take the 3 hour still...trying to find the time. It's an entire morning...you drink the sugar water (tastes like flat cola or Sprite) and then they draw blood 4 times! Every hour on the hour. I guess they want to see how your body metabolizes (or doesn't) the sugar. The first and second poke aren't so bad...it's the third and fourth, when they go in the same damn hole...OUCH! Proves I'd be a really bad junkie.

I already started the diet, though. And I've heard of numbers being well into the 200's so hopefully I have it like last time, which is not severe. And manageable. The new OB did tell me some good news. She said that of course I have to watch what I'm eating and monitor myself, however I AM growing 2 humans in here, so she doesn't want me starving. She wants me to eat. Last time I was super strict. All they had to tell me was that if I didn't control it I could have a huge baby. Ummmm....huge baby+small me does not equate. Since these are twins, they won't be big anyway so a teeny bit less to worry about. Although, some studies show that if you have uncontrolled GD, you are more at risk for regular diabetes later in life. No thank you very much. I can deal with no pastries, Lucky Charms or ice cream for 12 weeks. Not for a lifetime. So, of course I will watch it.

Ding-Dong the Wicked Witch is DEAD!

As you may remember, I can't stand my OB and finally decided to seek out a new one. The new OB said she'd take me on, which was great news. Not every Dr would take on a 26 week twin pregnancy half way through! So, last week was our first appointment with the new Dr. I'll call her Dr. K.
She's fabulous! She's about 38, had two kids, 3 years and 13 months or so. She had gestational diabetes with one of her pregnancies, so she can relate. She's a straight shooter and will tell you like it is, but at the same time very easy to talk to. I felt like I was talking to a friend, the kind who will tell you to buck up if need be. She speaks Russian and has a lot of Russian patients, from what I can tell.
Several specific things were especially good news with her. First off, last pregnancy, I saw a perinatologist (specialist) due to the diabetes. We'll call him Dr. S, and he's in my area, I know what to expect from him, and him from me. I'm a pretty compliant patient and quite low maintenance so it just flowed nicely. I asked the *itch OB if I could see him when she tried to refer me to one down in Tarzana. Tarzana is about a 30 minute drive and with a 2 year old it can be difficult...especially as I get further along and will need to be seen more often. Her response was, "I've never heard of him, he's in Santa Clarita so he must not be any good." Now, I do not live in the ghetto, or the boondocks or under a rock. There are plenty of fine doctors here. So, I agree to see the one she wanted me to see, (and she was very nice) but figured if I get GD again, I'll switch and see Dr. S, simply due to logistics.
Well, I start telling Dr. K that I'd like to see Dr. S again, and I'm waiting for her to say, "I've never heard of him" "No, I'm particular about you seeing this one..." etc. Instead she says, "Oh, Dr. S? I just started referring to him about 6 months ago and I love him! Here's a referral slip!"
Would you like to know what this ball of hormones did? Yep, I burst into tears. OMG, I was mortified, embarrassed, you name it. As I was getting myself under control, I said, "I'm so sorry...I don't know why I'm so emotional...", she says, "Sweetie, you're pregnant. With twins. You can cry anytime you want."
I love her.
She even hugged both of us when we left.
Oh! And she actually examined me! The *itch never did, all she'd do is find the heartbeats on my tummy. Any idiot can do that...hell I rented a doppler when I was prego with Zach and used it all the time. Dr. K actually did a quick ultrasound, made sure everything was as it should be, (amniotic fluid present, heartbeats present, etc.) and then she checked my cervix. TMI, but it's long and closed, which is exactly what it should be.
I'm just so thrilled. I can't believe I waited that long to change! Silly me.
I tell you, I was never so thrilled to cancel my appointment with the *itch the next morning and tell them I wouldn't be coming back. Ever.
(Oh, and as a disclosure, I don't really wish the *itch dead, I just don't ever want to lay eyes on her again.)