24 weeks: clips and snips

FDA panel supports new sterilization method for women
Fri, Dec 14, 2007 (HealthDay) — A new method for sterilizing women — which would provide an alternative to tubal ligation — should be approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, an advisory panel to the agency recommended Thursday.

This new approach, which takes about 15 minutes to accomplish, involves the use of radio signals to create a lesion inside the fallopian tube, the Associated Press reported. Doctors use a catheter to place a soft material — smaller than a grain of rice — into the fallopian tube. Healthy tissue grows on and around the material and blocks the tube.

The product, called Adiana, is made by Hologic Inc. of Bedford, Mass, which promotes it as a low-risk procedure that can be performed in a doctor's office. According to study data in FDA documents, the efficacy rate for Adiana is 98.9 percent, the AP reported.

By a 10-3 vote, the FDA's Obstetrics and Gynecology Devices Panel recommended that Adiana be approved for use in the United States. But the panel attached certain conditions, including follow-up of patients treated with Adiana. The FDA isn't required to follow the advice of its advisory panels, but usually does.

24 weeks: no names

I am huge... exhausted... unable to flip. They are kicking and moving and I can't last out of bed more than a couple of hours. Pathetic they are sucking me dry... these no named kids.

23 weeks: doctor visit

We had our doctor visit today. The ultrasound pictures were disappointing but the kids look great. They are getting bigger by the day and I am feeling it in every way. The boy is 1 lbs 1 oz and the girl is 1 lbs. 2 oz. and my uterus now measures 28 inches. We saw the boys face, as in non-skeleton and he has my lips, he has a strong looking chin, and looks like my nose. As for the girl, the boy kicked her in the head when we were looking at her and she was busy hitting him back to pay attention to us. Doctor Reed is very pleased with their progress and the growth rate. The fact I have gained so little over the first part of the pregnancy is good as well. I will most likely gain more than 11 lbs over the second part, which I am actually supposed to gain 24 more pounds but I don't see that happening.

We discussed a lot about the pregnancy during this visit. We selected the pediatrician for Houston and she gave nothing but praise about our choice. We still have not managed to make it to the hospital to finish the pre-registering, so that is still on the infamous to-do-list that we are so known for. Besides that we have scheduled the Gestational Diabetes test for Jan 8th at 9:30am. That is sure to be fun and joyous. After that test I get my lovely green card which I must carry around with me at all times. Other than that we talked about cord blood... it is very expensive and each cord will be an individual cost but they might offer twin discounts, as of right now that is not in Jeramie or my budget even though I would like to store it for possible use for Leo or any other family member that might need it. We also talked about exercise. I am to not over do it... this is a high risk pregnancy but I can still continue exercising lightly. Walking being pretty much the only activity she suggested. As of lately I couldn't handle much more than that anyways. We also discussed Braxton hicks contractions... since I am at risk of preterm labor we talked about the symptoms to look for and she showed me on my stomach what to look for due to preterm labor sometimes having no painful contractions associated with it and I have already experienced these types of contractions... which is normal in twin pregnancy at this stage. Then the lovely talk about delivery. Vaginal if it can happen. 1st kid has to be head down to do vaginally, the 2nd kid can be head down, if breech she will still delivery vaginally and if need be (this is where I was freaking and looking at her like she was insane) she can reach up inside me and turn the baby as long as this baby is the smaller of the two and can be sure it can travel through the birth canal. Okay ummm it is official... can you say COW. They do this to cows and I look the size of one right now and it is only getting worse by the day. I saw a lady pregnant with twins... she was huge. I am a little freaked.

Anyways I am tired must lay down... update more later and pics to be added soon.

23 weeks: ultrasound pictures

As Requested: Ultrasound Pictures: 23w2d
Note: Click image to view larger.

Baby A: Boy - Face

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Baby B: Girl - Getting kicked in the head and getting ready to hit back

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22 weeks: the dreaded day has occurred

The dreaded day has occurred… it is official: the belly has surpassed the boobs… and there is no sucking in to save my life.

I have the strange occurrence of being addressed constantly by a variety of strangers asking when I am due and the awe inspiring comments such as, "wow you look like you are going to pop any day now"…. I am 5 months pregnant and I have 3 and a half to 4 months to go… but it is true… I look and feel as if 8 months have passed - twins. What I love most is when random people feel it is okay to touch me… umm it is not okay under any circumstance to go up to a complete stranger and ask to touch their stomach. It is just awkward. It is like dealing with those creepy guys with pregnancy fetishes. You just want to umm run.

So, I sit here reflecting the last few weeks as the next doctor visit approaches, all the changes in life and in body. In life, well people have proven themselves one way or another and there have been sad moments where different directions in life forces you to lose certain people and things but there is nothing in this decision or my current direction I will ever regret… losing things or dealing with change is just a part of life. Life is all about adapting to changes and over coming challenges. Besides that I have been doing endless research and readings on all things babies. Buyers guides, safety regulations, what a new born needs, best things to get for twins. In all the research there are very few resources for twin and multiple babies. Most information out there written about twins are very negative involving the potential issues with high-risk twin pregnancy, as if any mother needs to be force fed the issues that might occur instead of addressing them if they occur. As for body changes, in the last 4 weeks I have gained around 4 pounds for a grand total of still being 6 to 7 pounds lighter than I started. The only blessing of morning sickness. I have been around Jeramie often this month, so the restaurant food is mostly to blame for most of the weight gain in both of us. I blame his kitchen still be under construction as well. I will be going home to mom and her home cooking soon… better dietary choices in Austin! Besides that I have had a large growth rate in the stomach and chest region. The belly is firm and the babies are pushing to make room. Sleeping and well, getting up, is becoming more and more difficult and the coming months are nothing but a big scare. Nightmares are continuous but they have always been. I have continued having morning sickness as I approach the 6th month. I am beginning to give up hope that this will not stretch the full duration of the pregnancy. The backaches have not been that bad… just the slip of the hips due to the hips spreading suck. There have been a couple of times I didn’t know if I could get up or walk. Fatigue is still a major issue… I am falling apart and they are sucking the life out of me… they are doing great though… so that is all that matters.

We are still in search of names, getting registries in order, and collecting addresses for invites and announcements and researching non-stop. These have been more strenuous than dealing with pregnancy issues thus far.

Well fatigue is taking over again so I am going to go rest up.

22 weeks: only 15 to 17 weeks remain

sleep while you can

22 weeks: baby check list

We need to figure out what we have, what we need, and what we need to put on registries.

Baby check list

21 weeks: buying guides

Transportation

Buying guide for car seats

Buying guide for baby carriers

Buying guide for baby strollers



Nursery

Buying guide for nursey furniture

Buying guide for Crib Mattresses and Sleep Positioners

Buying guide for baby monitors



Feeding

Buying guide for breast feeding supplies

Buying guide for bottle feeding

Buying guide for high chair



Play

Buying guide for baby toys

Buying guide for playyards



Baby Proofing

Buying guide for baby proofing

Buying guide for baby proofing gates

21 weeks: product reviews

"This is the mercedes-benz of breast pumps"
  The Philips AVENT ISIS iQ DUO Twin Electronic Breast Pump

21 weeks: twin necessities

Thinking of registry...
what do newborns need and what needs to be doubled for two?

I grabbed some info from online... parents let me know what we actually need.

furniture/nursery:
crib (2)
changing table
high chair (2)
play pen
baby monitor

car/outing's:
car seat (2)
twin stroller or single
diaper bag (2)

bedding/feeding:
fitted sheets (3-4)
light weight blankets (5-7)
burping cloths (10-15)
breast feeding pillow
breast pump (twin or single?)
bottles (10)
bib (4)

clothes:
onesies (5-10)
sleepers (5-7)
baby socks (5-7)
newborn hats (1-2)

diapers/bathing items:
changing table covers (3)
diaper pail
diapers (4 packs)
baby wipes (2 packs)
diaper cream
baby powder
cotton balls
q-tips
baby nail clippers/file
digital thermometer
baby bathtub
baby wash clothes (6-10)
Hooded towels (3-4)
baby wash/shampoo

entertainment:
bouncy seat(2)
pacifiers


This blog entry will change and be updated with feedback.

21 weeks: things to think about...

Cord blood to do or not to do.... could help Leo.
Cord Blood Information

Kids Names
There are so many names in the world and all of them seem to be taken... So that leaves so many out there but so few that we can choose from. Here are some of the names in the air thus far:

Boy
Jacob
Ashby
Ardon
Shilah
Artis
Eoin
Nathaniel
Morrison

Girl
Taylor
Synnove
Cameron
Chloe
Edie
Dakota
Indie

Then there's combo names like:
Jones Dash Fletcher
Gibson and Taylor Fletcher

ok somewhat kidding, I have no clue about the names thus far. I am open to suggestions for consideration.... just comment the blog people.

So Far it is: Jacob Todd Fletcher and Taylor Magee Fletcher

no matter what we name them they are going to hate us for it anyways... might as well be cool.

I'm tired... i'll get back to this later...

19 weeks: ultrasound

IT IS A BOY AND A GIRL!!!!!

The two together



Baby A: The Boy









Baby B: The Girl




Now the name search begins.

17 weeks: it will never end...

I have accepted it... it will never end. I am doomed to have it the whole 9 months... with each growth spurt comes the return of the morning sickness. uhhhhh I hate puking. When you come to a point when you can say, I would rather throw up this instead of this, you have thrown up way too much.

17 weeks: fatique has returned

Mom and I went to see Tegan and Sarah with Northern State opening at Stubbs in Austin. It was a nice bonding experience. We had dinner at Stubbs barbecue, it was really good and went to the show out back afterwards. We had prime standing positions by backstage. Tegan and Sarah were great and the twins went to their first concert (in utero) and saw twins play. Mom didn't understand most of what Northern State were saying and my only response was, that was probably for the best. Tegan and Sarah were great, banged through most of their songs... it was really good and mom seemed to enjoy them but after standing for so long... we were both wiped and I think we are still both recovering.

Besides that I have been reading and resting. I just finished the second book of the Golden Compass series, The subtle Knife, and have started the last book of the trilogy. I read multiple books at the same time, I am also reading Never Ending Story, and Perfect from now on, How indie rock saved my life... a book Julie needs to read.

Anyway beside that, I am huge and I am tired.

17 weeks: HUGE

Over the past week I have grown more and more. I am way too huge for 4 months. I finally came home from Houston today; I haven't seen mom in a week, and she was like, "wow you are huge, you look way bigger than 4 months.". Twins, I have twins in the belly. I am 4 months and I feel like I am 8 months. The babies have been very active this week and I can feel them bouncing around constantly... this will only get worse, I know. I am feeling them more and more which is cool. They are night owls already... they like when I lay down at night and they start moving all about. They love sticking together though. They are going to be an interesting set of kids I can already tell.

Off to bed.

16 weeks: doctor's visit

Today I am 16 weeks and 2 days pregnant... finally, officially confirmed by the doctor. The test results came back negative on the cystic fibrosis. I took the follow up blood test for the NT test and will find out the result within the next couple of weeks. Everything appears fine with the twins. Dr. Reed was surprised I could feel movement this early but the little ones like to pile up together so it makes it very obvious where they are... as they create lovely stretch marks here and there. Besides that, I am huge... way too big for 4 months which scares the hell out of me, to say the least! I am getting bigger by the week... I mean inches people. Dr. Reed didn't believe the nurse's measurements and reconfirmed them for herself... and was like wow... that was nice.. I loved that. I have only gained a couple of pounds but my doctor says that is fine... as long as I am eating and keeping some food down. I am just burning more calories than ingesting... the babies are doing fine and I am doing fine... it has to do with my metabolism changing and the fact I was over weight when I got pregnant. It is awesome I weigh less at 4 months pregnant than when I started out. The next doctor's visit is on Nov. 19th and we get to do an ultrasound (YAY! more pictures) and we find out the sex of the babies!!!! I am looking forward to seeing the little ones and finally confirming the sex of the twins and ending the debate.

Translation of reactions to twins sex:
2 girls = crying and saying we are screwed (can you say preteens)
1 boy and 1 girl = I told you so / awesome
2 boys = laughing my ass off and saying we are screwed!!! period... could you imagine 2 Jeff's running around... god i don't even want to think about it.

anyways I am exhausted, off to bed... even though the little ones love the night time... that is when they get all frisky.

15 weeks: blog updates

Added blog entry: 13 weeks: ultrasound pictures
click on images to view images larger.

Check back weekly for new post.

15 weeks: test results

Dr. Reeds office called today. The NT test came back and everything looks good thus far. They changed the date of the 2nd blood test to November 7th at 3:00 p.m. The next doctor's appointment is October 29th and the first installment of the delivery fees are due. Tomorrow is the beginning of the 16th week... approaching 4 months and nearing the half way mark... pretty insane. Also Dr. Reeds office has changed the due date to April 12th on some paper work I received. Just called and they have confirmed the expected due date is April 12th.

Besides that, morning sickness has returned more intensely the last couple of days and I can feel the little ones growing, i.e. hormone symptoms, stretching of uterus and stomach pains... oh the joys of pregnancy, so beautiful and amazing and disgusting all at the same time. Last night I felt, I believe baby B move... I felt the flutters before but this was a alienish feeling move... haha. He.. i say he but I guess "it" is situated on my left ovary; not the best feeling in the world. But they won't shift... they both favor the left side. Aw they are already inseparable.

Yesterday, Zoe, Leo, and I had interesting... entertaining baby discussions. Zoe said she will have lots of babies. Lots of girls and lots of boys and all the girls will be name Zoe and all the boys will be named Leo. (Her example: Zoe 1, Zoe 2, Zoe 3... Leo 1, Leo2, Leo 3, and so on... I believe she was counting 5 boys and 5 girls each. She will have her hands filled if that prediction comes true. Be careful what you wish for... I always said I would have twins and ummm yeah I am having twins... second set I have been pregnant with, so yeah... have fun with that zo. :) Besides that Zoe has changed the wish for twin girls to a boy and girl and Leo just wants boys boys boys... and Julie wants Leo to remain the only grandson but we all love Leo and he will always be special and be my little dude, even though I have a boy in my belly. :) That will be verified the week of November 26th.

14 weeks: the flu

Jeramie is sick with... what he says, is the flu. He is now off limits and can not come near me until he is germ free... well as much as a human not living in a bubble can be.

Note: if you plan to be around me through out my pregnancy, please do you and I both a favor and invest in a flu shot. Thank you :)

14 weeks: cravings, symptoms, and shifts in life

I'm still having morning sickness but I'm managing to keep things down. I am trying to eat as much as possible but I have still not developed a strong appetite. I'm tired at all times but not near as fatigued as before... Mood swings, I am trying to keep to a minimum... I have done considerably well considering my hormone levels... Jeramie being the only one that makes me lose it. The sympathy pains are driving me nuts... who is pregnant with twins here? Of course, I know I can make the world hell for him when I want because well lets face it... he deserves it and deserves to take it when he purposely tries to piss me off... ah he can take it haha... but all in all things are looking up. Cravings have consisted of Bean Burritos with no onions at Taco bell. I don't like taco bell, so this is umm unusual. Anything spicy, tart, or sweet usually does it.

Besides that, the babies are sticking to the left side and caused the beginning of a stretch mark... oh this cream better freaking work. Stomach is stretching and I am getting bigger by the day... that was confirmed by Erika... thank you so much for that ;) and the boobs are huge, thanks to a random stranger who gave enthusiastic approval about that tonight... and of course Jeramie, that is his current favorite feature proclaimed while getting our hair cut... along with other peoples colorful comments and stares. I love how I am being subjected to sexual harassment even though I feel and look huge. It is freakin' hysterical. Besides that the week has consisted of packing and moving... this weekend is the big move to Austin... I am no longer a Houstonian and now I am a citizen of Austin, TX. :( oh the mixed emotions of it all.

13 weeks: ultrasound & testing

The first NT Test and Cystic Fibrosis test were done today. (10/08/07)
I had my flu vaccination, as well. (10/08/07)
Follow up NT test will take place in 3 weeks. (10/29/07)
Baby A and B both were noted with having excellent fetus movement.

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As you can see, they are in the alien/skeleton stage of 13 weeks. They both have excellent movement and believe they are rock star drummers and are constantly moving. We had the NT and Cystic Fibrosis testing on October 8th and we go back on October 29th to finish the testing. We will find out the sex of the twins around 20 weeks (the week of November 26th)... the ultrasound technician believes they are both the same sex due to similar heart rates and size. Besides that I am tired and still fighting morning sickness, but it has improved immensely compared to a few weeks ago. Looking at the ultra sound pics it appears that there is a girl (baby A) and a boy (baby B).

13 weeks: ultrasound pictures

As Requested: Ultrasound Pictures: 13w2d
Note: Click image to view larger.

Baby A: CRL:5.99cm GA:12w4d <3.0%

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Baby B: CRL:6.26cm GA:12w5d <3.0%

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