Meeting Family and Friends

Proud Daddy ready to show off his babies!

The Sweetest Valentines Day Ever!!!!!

Last Thursday, February 12, I went to see my doctor. I was 3 cm dilated. She told me I could go into labor at any time and if I didn't deliver by Tuesday the following week we would talk about inducing. On Friday I entered my 37th week of pregnancy. It was the date I was waiting for because twins are full term at 37 weeks....AMAZING considering some of the initial complications I had. Friday night Jeremy, my mom, and I ate dinner, watched a movie, and went to bed. I told the babies that they could now come at any time since they are full term. I thought it would be fun to deliver on Valentines Day, but I knew it was unlikely. I didn't have any cramping, painful contractions or any other signs of labor. Well... my babies listened, because a little after midnight I woke up in more pain than I had ever felt in my life!!! I woke up Jeremy and my mom and told them we had to leave. My mom wanted me to time my contractions but I knew that the pain could only mean one thing. So, we scrambled around the house to get everything we needed. It seemed to take forever. I believe that my first profanity of the night was when Jeremy was looking for a show the dogs would want to watch while we were gone and my mom was curling her hair. "HELLO, I'M IN LABOR!" The car ride to the hospital was the longest car ride of my life. When we arrived (2:00 a.m.) they hooked me up to a monitor. I was still only 3 cm dilated but my contractions were 2 minutes apart. It took about an hour to get me to a room and the anesthesiologist to come. I would have paid any amount of money for my epidural, and I'm sure Jeremy would have too! My sanity returned almost immediately after the shot. We spent time with our parents, made some phone calls, and even took a little nap. My doctor checked on me frequently and I had an ultrasound. The babies were in perfect position for delivery. I dilated 5cm, then quickly advanced to 9 cm, then we were ready to go at about 10:00 a.m. They took me into the operating room for delivery. With 15 doctors and nurses coaching us, I began pushing. My little man's head was right there and it didn't seem like it would be too long. However, every time I pushed his heart rate would drop dramatically. The doctors quickly made the decision for a c-section delivery. Within minutes they had me prepped. I held Jeremy's hand tightly as we awaited the arrival of our children. I will never forget the moment the doctors told us our son was out. We heard the little cry (10:51 a.m.) and they brought him to us. Tears poured down both of our faces as we saw our son for the first time. There is such a thing as love at first sight! Then, as if that wasn't incredible enough, we were introduced to our daughter at 10:52 a.m. Both of our hearts melted at the sight of our precious little girl. The babies were beautiful and healthy. Blake was 6 lbs and Emerson was 5 lbs 14 ounces. Our family was complete! Jeremy followed them to the nursery and I went into recovery. Overall, it was the most amazing experience of my life!

36 weeks

I'm now 36 weeks and off bed rest- wooooo hooooo! I thought I would be just about ready to start moving along now, but for some reason I'm feeling better than ever. I'm sleeping better, walking better, and have more energy than in the last few weeks. There is no pain, no cramping, and fewer contractions. I guess these kiddos aren't quite ready for their grand entrance into the world. At my last doctor's appointment I was still only 1cm dilated- no change. I'm thinking/ hoping later this week (possible Valentines babies?) but they will come when they're ready.

The best part about this week is that my mom is now here! She retired from work last Friday and flew to Arizona on Saturday. She has been helping me with my "nesting" ever since. Our house needed a little mom TLC! The nursery is now finished except for the window coverings which should be coming this week. We decided on a forest/owl theme with green, pink, and brown. Jeremy and I are getting really excited and anxious to meet the other half of our family! It shouldn't be too much longer now:-)

The Home Stretch

I am now 34 weeks- yeah! I saw my doctor on Monday and at that point I was 100% effaced (thinning of cervix) and 1cm dilated. They are going to take me off bed rest in two weeks and let nature take its course. Two weeks doesn't seem like a long time, but for all you mothers out there, you know what the last few weeks of pregnancy are like- not so fun. My walk has turned into a waddle, I no longer fit into most of my clothes (maternity included) and sleeping is near impossible. I have developed a deepening love for pillows. I now sleep with 5; two for my head, one for my belly, one behind my back which Jeremy needs to place, and one in between my legs. I have gotten good at not messing up the pillow formation when I get up for my hourly trips to the restroom. My weight has been increasing at what I think is an alarming rate. Up until now my weight gain has been slow and steady. But, now I'm seeing numbers on the scale that I never thought were possible. I've gained 6 pounds in the last two weeks! But, overall, I really haven't gained that much for a twin pregnancy. The babies are doing well- at my last specialist appointment Blake was 4lbs. 10oz and Emerson was 4lbs. 9oz, both around the 40th percentile. By now they should be over 5- great news! Those are the last measurements we will be getting because I no longer need to see the specialist. So, from now on, I see my doctor once a week and go to Good Samaritan Hospital (where I will deliver) twice a week for fetal monitoring. That's it for now....I'll update sooner next time:)

32 Weeks

Sleeping Beauty

Our little man

following doctor's orders

Daddy putting together everything that swings, bops and bounces

It is such a relief to finally be at the milestone of 32 weeks. Long term, 32 week babies typically do just as well as full term babies. They would just need a little extra support at the beginning. I went to the specialist today for my weekly cervical check. The extra rest I have been doing is working- I'm holding strong at 0.7cm which is the low end of where I was last week. My cervix is strong, but Blake's head is resting right on it which is what is causing it to thin and shorten. My doctor instructed me to keep doing next to nothing for the next two to three weeks and then she will let me do cartwheels. My goal is 35 weeks- only 3 weeks away!!! Today was also exciting because Emerson decided to flip and show her cute little face. She has been facing my back for the past 6 weeks. Blake's picture is from last week. It's not quite as clear because there is membrane in the way. It's difficult for the doctor to see and measure his head now because it is so low- almost into my leg! But, the good news is both of the babies are head down in perfect position to attempt a vaginal delivery.

Modified bed rest has been interesting. Daisy and Sonora have been doing a tremendous job showing me the ropes of how it works since it is their life on a daily basis. It goes something like this....sleep in, get a little fresh air after being fed, find a comfortable spot on the couch with pillows and blankets, watch some TV and maybe take a nap, eat again, and drink lots of water throughout the day. I have also been reading a lot and I have watched "Oprah's Best Life" all week. I've also made myself a bit paranoid by watching several episodes of Bringing Home Baby and Maternity Ward on Discovery Health. The best part is the babies move a lot when I'm relaxing. Last night they were moving so much that my stomach looked like a wave pool- so fun! I'm thinking we have some blooming gymnasts! That's about it for now- thank you for all the prayers- they are working!

31 Weeks

I started the week off with a visit to my OB. This week they performed my second fetal fibronectin test. It is a protein that is produced during pregnancy that is like a glue attaching the fetal sack to the uterine lining. If the protein is detected in the test it indicates preterm labor in the following 1-2 weeks. We were VERY happy to hear that the test was negative. I will continue to receive this test every two weeks.

On Friday I saw my specialist who did a full ultrasound with measurements. Our babies are thriving in my "oven". Blake is now a remarkable 4 pounds 1 ounce, and Emerson is a hearty 3 pounds 13 ounces. Their measurements are the same as a singleton baby would be at 31 weeks... all good news! The not so good news was the current measurement of my cervix. It has shortened to between 0.7-1.3 cm. My specialist sent me to the hospital for furthur monitoring and testing. I received another non-stress test, and once again the babies were moving all around and doing well. However, I did have more cramping and contractions than they would have liked to see during that time. So, I received a shot to slow contractions. The docotor also gave me a shot of steroids to help develop the babies' lungs in case if anything changes and they are born within the next two weeks. After two weeks, their lungs should be developed enough on their own.

My doctor also gave me the news that at this stage I should be off my feet as much as possible. That means work is now over for me for the time being. I am working with my substitute teacher on Monday and Tuesday of this week, and my maternity leave will begin Wednesday. This does mean that I will have to go back to work toward the end of the school year. But, this is definitely best to keep these babies from delivering too early. I am on "modified bed rest" meaning I need to be lying down for several hours throughout the day but I can still do basic activities. Poor Jeremy- he has a lot to take over right now! Other than that, things are good. I have steadily been gaining weight and considering my size I'm feeling pretty well- except for sleeping (I'm now up to 4 pillows), but that's a whole other story!

Love to you all!

Madeline Grace Belkin has arrived!!!

My sister Kristyn and her husband, Mike, welcomed their baby girl into the world at 10:42 on New Years morning. She was a healthy 7 pounds 15 ounces and 21.5 inches. Madeline and mom are doing great and look forward to an exciting homecoming tomorrow. What a great way to start off the new year!

Our new car!

Jeremy and I made our final big purchase in preparation for the babies. Jeremy has wanted a new car for a few years and my Honda definitely isn't big enough for our family of 4 and 2 dogs. So, we traded in Jeremy's old Pathfinder for this one. It is a 2005 with only 38,000 miles and we love it! Now Jeremy will drive the Honda and I will drive the Pathfinder.

Merry Christmas!!!

Jeremy and I started our holiday celebration with a trip to Sedona. Doctors orders are now to relax as much as possible, so we did just that. The weather was beautiful and we enjoyed the scenery and spending some quiet time together. We won't have much of that soon!

On Christmas, we spent time with the entire Rhodes family at Aunt Buffy's house, all 30 of us! It was nice being able to catch up with everyone!

Baby Shower

Last weekend we celebrated a very special event, my baby shower! A family friend, Barbara Dunlap, opened her beautiful home to about 50 close friends and family. It was absolutely wonderful and Jeremy and I were both amazed at everyone's generosity. We are blessed to have so many friends and so much family supporting us and excited about welcoming our children into the world. The gifts were all beautifully displayed and completely filled my living room when we got home. It was so much fun going through and seeing all the baby treasures. Amazingly, with my parents help, everything has found a place. We are now all set for our twins arrival!

2 Trimesters Down- 1 To Go!

I can't believe I'm already in my third trimester. Time is flying! I've been told that the third trimester is when twin pregnancies start to get a little more tricky and risky. I got a little taste of that this week. I had my 27 week appt. with the specialist on Wednesday. The babies are big- Blake is 2.8 lbs (83rd percentile) and Emerson is 2.5 lbs (58th percentile) and they are developing perfectly. The specialist did have a concern with the length of my cervix. At this point, it should be around 3cm. It was measuring between 1.8 and 2.2 cm. So, she had me go to my doctor, who had me go to the hospital. At the hospital they did another ultrasound and a nonstress test (NST). Basically, I was hooked up to a machine to monitor my body and the babies. The babies were moving all around indicating that they were happy as can be and not under any stress. My body also passed the test. I did have one contraction during the monitoring, but they said that was normal at this point. I was VERY happy to hear that I was not going to be put on bed rest, but I do need to start limiting my activity. I will also be going for more testing every week- the joys of pregnancy!