21 Weeks

I wish I could say time was just flying by, but in reality I have no idea how I am going to do this another 3 1/2 months.  Yikes!  I'm already feeling cumbersome and all the side effects I've come to be familiar with over my last pregnancies are happening all that much sooner this time around.  I try not to complain because honestly, I know it's only gonna get worse and because I still am more than happy to make this happen for my IPs, but I think I can say without a doubt that these lil ones will be the final babies I will ever carry.

Just look at these two side by side pics.  I'm obviously bigger than I was with the last set of twins at this point, and I feel that I got HUGE with them by the end.  J&G gave me some big babies to grow. LOL  I'll do my best!!!

ETA: I went back to my blog post from when the first twin pic was taken and my OB had done a fundal height check at that appointment and I was measuring 28wks then ... Gulp.

Anatomy Scan

Yesterday we made our way to MFM for the "big" 20 week fetal anatomy scan. It's hard to believe that we are already more than half way through this twin pregnancy.  Wow!!   IM and I spent more than two hours getting glimpses of Baby A and Baby B who were very active and putting on a show. Baby B was being a bit stubborn and was giving the tech a hard time but, based on all the measurements everything looks perfect.

Baby A

Baby A had a heart rate of 143 and is measuring approximately a week ahead, Baby B had a heart rate of 148 and measurements are very similar.  Babies are both measuring in the 70th percentile so it's no wonder I feel very pregnant already!  They had best slow down or I'll be carrying 16 lbs of baby by the end. LOL  Baby A is laying low and transverse along the bottom of my uterus with legs stretched out to the left and Baby B is breech along my right side .... which puts them in kind of in a Ying & Yang position - at least for now while they still have room to stretch out.

Baby B

IM held strong and looked away so she would not catch a glimpse of either babies gender.  IPs have decided to hold out as long as they can. LOL  I myself know but, I'm not sharing with anyone so DON'T EVEN ASK!! No really, I'm so afraid to tell even just one person so my lips are sealed until J&G decide they want to know for themselves.

I'm overall doing well.  Cervix is long and closed and the previous partial placenta previa that caused some bleeding around week 14 has resolved.  Weight gain slowed down this month (thank goodness), BP and urine were fine.  The sickies from the 1st trimester are a thing of the past but, nasty heartburn has begun so I'm going to start meds daily to hopefully keep it at bay and I'm also already experiencing some early signs of circulation restriction in my legs so the OB has me taking once a day baby aspirin.  I'm starting to get uncomfortable but just chugging along for now because I know this is just the beginning.  Everything is happening even just a bit earlier than my last twin pregnancy, I think my body knows what it's in store for. I'm starting to feel lots of movement and they are getting stronger each day.  I can't wait for mom and dad to feel the first baby kicks for themselves. 

My IPs made their news FB official a few weeks back and they had an overwhelmingly positive response to the announcement.  I feel so honored that they have entrusted me with these two lil miracles and I can't wait until they are safely in J&G's arms and they can begin their life as a family of five.

Twins coming November 2015

We are excited to announce that after 3 long years of IVF, and with the help of our amazing friend and gestational carrier, our family is growing.  Someday we will be brave enough to share why this was the only option for us but, for now we just want to be like any other normal pregnant family and share our good news.

photo credit: Robert X. Fogarty
www.dearworld.me