I hope everyone had a wonderful Christmas last week. We were blessed beyond reason, which happens every year it seems. There is nothing quite like having a two year old around at Christmas to remind you of the magic of the day. I know that Brad and I have had countless discussions about not wanting to have these big Christmases with tons of stuff and instead focus on our religious and family reasons for celebration. BUT... this year as every year the joy of watching miss L open her new toys and watching her face light up is just too much to pass up. Needless to say, we went way too overboard and this child shouldn't need new toys for another year at least.
Now... onto a bit of an update on the twins. I attended my diabetes training last week and I have to say that it isn't that bad! The pen that I got to actually draw the blood pokes such a tiny hole that I can't even feel it, and since I'm having twins I'm really lucky to have increased carb needs. I'm actually eating more throughout the day since I am snacking and paying more attention to my carbs. I do, however, need to start increasing my fat and protein intake. I'm supposed to eat as much of those as I can get in, and judging by my daily ketone readings, I'm not getting enough. My weight is continuing to increase though which means that those babies are continuing to grow at a good rate, an extremely important thing in our case. My blood sugar readings have all been well within the normal range, so I think we've got this diabetes thing under control. I even somehow got through Christmas with some really great support from my family!
We are now going to doctor's visits once per week. I had my first non-stress test this week during which both babies performed fabulously and we were able to see baby W yawn. That is something amazing to see! Everything else is checking out really well. I'm not swelling much at all, which is a very good sign and my cervix is shortening, but not beyond the normal range. At this point, we are not seeing signs of preterm labor, so that is a major blessing to be sure.
It's hard to believe that we only have five and a half weeks left until the twins' birthday. We are trying to prepare as best we can for the upcoming birth of the babies and the surgery and hospital stay to follow. We're hoping to meet the neonatologist soon and we have our next cardiology appointment next week. I can't believe this is all getting to where it is actually happening! Keep those prayers and warm wishes coming. It's crucial that baby B is big enough and mature enough for this surgery when he's born. At this point it's looking good!
...and now... onto the photos!
We didn't decorate much this year. We mostly only did the tree and the stockings, but I was so happy for the those decorations. I have to admit that it didn't feel much like Christmas this year. I haven't been anywhere besides the doctor's office in over two months, so the normal things you might see or hear to get in the Christmas spirit have sort of been missing for me this year. So even though we only put up a few things, they were even more wonderful than usual for me.
We woke up a little early on Christmas morning and L didn't really even notice her stocking, but after she figured out what was going on, she was happy to get involved.
At some point she decided that Uncle Kyle needed to hold everything that came out of her stocking. In fact, she sort of randomly decided throughout the weekend that uncle kyle needed to hold a whole host of items, but I'm fairly certain that this is where it started.
After the stocking we opened the gift that Santa left the night before. It didn't take her long to remember how much fun opening presents was. I thought it was hilarious that everytime she ripped a piece of paper off she'd hand it to her Daddy or whoever was there and say, "thank you!" I'm pretty sure that she meant, thank you for taking this paper out of my hand so that I can rip some more off...
I think that there is something really nice about being two and the only child on Christmas morning. L certainly got to choose the pace of the morning. When she opened a gift, it was fine for her to play with it and explore it without having to move on immediately to the next thing. I think that's just another one of those lessons that we can learn from our kids... to slow down and let the moments come when they do. I'm not sure I'm actually learning that lesson, but I wish I could harness just a little of it!
So we took it easy all morning. I'm not sure what order events occurred in after that. We opened many gifts with lots of help from L and we ate some breakfast and even had a dance party. What fun!
Here she is opening a lovely book from Uncle Don and Aunt Peggy.
She helped Uncle Kyle with his gift.
She even received some things that needed no unwrapping.
I think that Uncle Kyle sealed his status as awesome uncle during this dance party. What fun!
I was taking video of the dancing from the couch and I had to include this photo to show you just how large I've become. The side view photos are great, but they hardly give you the full picture. Baby W is now transverse, meaning that he is lying across my belly making me quite wide and not just out front. The doctor told me that I would be full term (singleton) size by 30 weeks and I most certainly was. We haven't measured in a while but I can tell you I am way beyond what my belly was ever meant to hold (and I'm definitely beyond what my maternity clothing was meant to hold). :o)
L studying a new CD.
L loves music so we decided to get her an mp3 player designed for toddlers. We preloaded some songs onto it the night before and I think we underestimated how much she'd like it. She'll sit for a long time just listening to her music and going back to find the certain song she wants and just sitting. You guys know that my daughter does not sit still!
By this point in the morning I was tired and very uncomfortable sitting, so I opened my gifts laying down. It's a talent I have. ;o)
L remained focused on her mp3 player.
Even Grandma got to open a few gifts.
We even got L to take a break from that mp3 player to open a little people bus.
...and then a music break. :o)
...and then more gifts. She got a doctor's kit from Grandma!
Finally, she got a basketball goal from her Mawmaw and Pawpaw this year. She's loving it!
L had a wonderful time with Grandma, Uncle Kyle and Aunt Lisa. She just became really enamored of Kyle and everytime he sat on the floor she would run and jump on him. She loves her Uncle Kyle!
Eating was not hard at all! I was worried that it would be really difficult, but instead of having one big dinner we spread it out throughout the day. That way, I got to enjoy all of my starchy sides! It was great!
We also took some 31 week photos of the belly. It had been awhile and I seem to be growing by leaps and bounds everyday. I am experiencing some discomfort due to the size and position of the twins but I'm happy that everyday we're getting closer. Right now I'm at 32 weeks with only 5 and a half weeks to go! Woohoo!
What a great week and a great Christmas! I hope that yours was just as wonderful! See you next week!
