Childbirth Classes

Larry and I went to Childbirth Classes last Saturday to learn about having a baby. What an experience!

Larry had to wear the empathy belly. I actually felt sorry for him because the instructor forgot that he was wearing it and left him in it for a good hour. Here's a great pic...you can see how tired he is from wearing the 25 lbs. of belly while sitting down! Poor thing.

The childbirth video definitely brought back bad memories from 8th grade Biology class!

While we were glad we went, none of the information pertained to twins. We did learn a couple of things, but the most exciting part was the tour of the neonatal unit. We hope that our kiddos don't have to pay a visit, but it was great to see how it's set up and what the capabilities are...just in case.

We were happy to receive a certificate of achievement...we're officially ready to be parents!

31 Weeks

Larry and I went for our 31 week check. Parker and Emma are growing so well and have gained a pound each from two weeks ago. Parker weighs 3 lbs. 14 oz. and Emma weighs 4 lbs. 2 oz. I feel so bad for the little kiddos with how crowded they are. Parker is still breech, so he and Emma have their legs and feet in each others faces.

I'm doing well. Staying off my feet has really helped my energy level. My belly is growing quite a bit to accommodate for their growing size. I measured 38 cm. (38 weeks). I was concerned that I couldn't measure over 40 cm (40 weeks), but Dr. Bell assured me that he's delivered plenty of babies whose mothers measured over 40 cm. So, this week, my body thinks it is 38 weeks and carrying an 8 lb. baby.

The results from my gestational diabetes test came back and there are no worries there! At this appointment, I had to get a Rh shot because my blood is Rh negative and Larry's is Rh positive. It's just a normal precaution that's taken in case my blood mixes with the kiddos' blood.

As for preparing for Parker and Emma's arrival, their clothes that we'll take to the hospital are washed and packed neatly. I've also started packing my bag so we can head to the hospital at a moments notice. The "to-do" list is much shorter and Larry and I feel good that everything is in good order for the arrival of our babies.

Thanks to Nana, Grammy and Papa, we now have the car seats. We're planning to install them this weekend with the help of a friend that is a certified pro (really!) and a mother of three!

We make our next visit for a check up in two weeks where we'll have another ultrasound to check Parker and Emma's progress.

Check back with us...we'll keep you posted!

29 Weeks

At our last appointment, Larry and I got another preview of our little kiddos. We had an ultrasound to check their progress and all is well. Parker and Emma each weigh about 3 lbs. To be exact, Parker weighs 2 lbs. 14 oz. and Emma weighs 3 lbs. 1 oz. They did a little switcharoo from the first ultrasound where Parker weighed more than Emma.

Emma has her head down, but Parker did a little summersault and has decided to hang out for a while with his head up, so he's currently breech. He still has time to flip back around, but not too much longer.

Larry and I did laugh at their little personalities. They let us in on a little treat for how they'll act as brother and sister. Parker had his booty on Emma's face! But, don't think she'll go down without a fight. She had her knee on his nose. As you can tell, their living space is starting to get cramped!

Other things that they did during the ultrasound:

• Parker showed us that he is practicing his breathing - great news for when he is delivered


• Emma yawned and turned her head back and forth several times- she is developmentally ahead of schedule!

Since their living quarters are so cramped, it was hard to get any good pictures of them. Their bones are more dense now, so they create shadows on each other. Sneaky little kiddos!

As for me, I measured at 35 cm. or 35 weeks. My body thinks it's at 35 weeks with a 6 lb. baby! So, I've been taking it easy and trying to stay off of my feet as much as possible, which for me is difficult. My mom has been wonderful to do the things that I just can't at this point.

The nursery is mostly completed now. We bought mattresses and curtains, washed the bedding, and put everything in its place. We're just waiting on a couple of decorator items and we'll be finished.

Larry's co-workers and friends had a shower for us at his work. We were so blessed by everyones generosity. We will be putting everything to good use.

Up next, we have an appointment in two weeks where we'll have another ultrasound to check Parker and Emma's progress.