Wednesday, January 30, 2008
Tuesday, January 29, 2008
29 weeks: doctor's visit
We had our one week follow-up appointment yesterday afternoon. After a scare of early arrival by the little ones, we had our minds some what put at ease. Dr. Reed did a pelvic examine to check my cervix (it was a prep for the future fisting and hurt like hell). My cervix is softening but is not dilated and instead of the confidence of lasting to 38 weeks, now my doctor is hoping we can make it to 36 weeks where survival rate is 90% with little NICU time. She reassured us everything was okay.
This was not reassuring:
"Many studies have been done to identify markers for premature cervical ripening and dilation. Cook and Ellwood[5] found an increase in preterm delivery with cervical length reduction at 24 to 28 weeks' gestation."
Besides that, as of right now, a C-section would occur due to baby a (boy) being breech but that still has time to change. Results from the ultrasound now show baby a (boy) is in the 30 percentile and baby b (girl) is 60 percentile. 50 percentile is average, of course this is comparing against singleton pregnancies... The doctor said they are doing well but we are going to keep an eye on the little man to make sure everything is going well. His heart rate was 140 and hers was 136.
Only doctor's vocalized concern is the fact I have not gained weight and to monitor to make sure I do not loose any weight. Eat ice cream and protein shakes for extra calories. Also we can do both c-section and other surgery at same time if I choose to. Woohoo double recovery from 2 surgeries while taking care of 2 kids. Isn't that special.
Anyways we are scheduled for an ultrasound and doctor appointment on February 7th. and breast feeding class is on the 5th.
okay must rest...
This was not reassuring:
"Many studies have been done to identify markers for premature cervical ripening and dilation. Cook and Ellwood[5] found an increase in preterm delivery with cervical length reduction at 24 to 28 weeks' gestation."
Besides that, as of right now, a C-section would occur due to baby a (boy) being breech but that still has time to change. Results from the ultrasound now show baby a (boy) is in the 30 percentile and baby b (girl) is 60 percentile. 50 percentile is average, of course this is comparing against singleton pregnancies... The doctor said they are doing well but we are going to keep an eye on the little man to make sure everything is going well. His heart rate was 140 and hers was 136.
Only doctor's vocalized concern is the fact I have not gained weight and to monitor to make sure I do not loose any weight. Eat ice cream and protein shakes for extra calories. Also we can do both c-section and other surgery at same time if I choose to. Woohoo double recovery from 2 surgeries while taking care of 2 kids. Isn't that special.
Anyways we are scheduled for an ultrasound and doctor appointment on February 7th. and breast feeding class is on the 5th.
okay must rest...
Thursday, January 24, 2008
28 weeks: ultrasound pictures
Again not the greatest shots...
As Requested: Ultrasound Pictures: 28w3d
Note: Click image to view larger.
Baby A: Boy - Face
Baby B: Girl - Face
As Requested: Ultrasound Pictures: 28w3d
Note: Click image to view larger.
Baby A: Boy - Face
Baby B: Girl - Face
28 weeks: ahhhh
belly button on verge of outing me!!!!!!!!!! Why does the growth/changes happen overnight??
Tuesday, January 22, 2008
28 weeks: doctor visit
I got my green card, it is to be carried everywhere, at all times. Dr. Reed put on there that she is to be called even if she is not on call. Haha she told Jeramie and I she liked us... we are unique and memorable. Isn't that special :D See lip piercings are good.
My uterus measurements went from 30 to 33 inches in 2 weeks! Everyone in the office were like how many weeks are you again... you are huge... and Dr. Reed said you are definitely growing. I have only gained 20 lbs (3 lbs from were I started from) but it is all babies.
As for me:
Modified bed rest continued, can't go out of town after my baby shower, and she wants me to stop driving pretty soon. I have to go in for weekly appointments starting next Monday.
Due to the craziness with rushing off to the specialist and threat of surgery... Dr. Reed didn't schedule an ultrasound but she got us fit into the schedule. Mom was there so it was awesome for her to be able to see the little ones. Baby A (boy) is 2 lbs 7 oz heart rate was 140 and Baby B (girl) is 2 lbs. 14 oz. heart rate was 142. My little man is falling behind in the weight factor. Besides that he is breech and she is head down... they switched directions since last time. They both have hair... he has a mullet haha and they both have big cheeks. Mom thinks she looks like me and he is a mix between Jeramie and I... he has Jeramie's cheek bones. My cervix length is 3.6 inches and they are keeping an eye out for warnings of pre-term labor and an eye on the little guy. She said everything looks good but the count down is about to begin. I am freakin' out about delivery ahhhh.
Now we have to start the kick count chart... fun fun.
Ultrasound pictures to come.
My uterus measurements went from 30 to 33 inches in 2 weeks! Everyone in the office were like how many weeks are you again... you are huge... and Dr. Reed said you are definitely growing. I have only gained 20 lbs (3 lbs from were I started from) but it is all babies.
As for me:
Modified bed rest continued, can't go out of town after my baby shower, and she wants me to stop driving pretty soon. I have to go in for weekly appointments starting next Monday.
Due to the craziness with rushing off to the specialist and threat of surgery... Dr. Reed didn't schedule an ultrasound but she got us fit into the schedule. Mom was there so it was awesome for her to be able to see the little ones. Baby A (boy) is 2 lbs 7 oz heart rate was 140 and Baby B (girl) is 2 lbs. 14 oz. heart rate was 142. My little man is falling behind in the weight factor. Besides that he is breech and she is head down... they switched directions since last time. They both have hair... he has a mullet haha and they both have big cheeks. Mom thinks she looks like me and he is a mix between Jeramie and I... he has Jeramie's cheek bones. My cervix length is 3.6 inches and they are keeping an eye out for warnings of pre-term labor and an eye on the little guy. She said everything looks good but the count down is about to begin. I am freakin' out about delivery ahhhh.
Now we have to start the kick count chart... fun fun.
Ultrasound pictures to come.
Monday, January 21, 2008
28 weeks: upon julie's request
"Please start posting commentary on the blog.... not just lists of items. Very boring!!! Put it all on your registry and give us stories of your pregnancy... updates.... pictures of your expanding belly..... something! Yes, I can feel your eyes rolling. You know you love me! "
- julie may aka big sis
Point taken :) and yes I do love you! I really didn't know if people were reading the blog due to no comments... so it has become a kinda research gathering space for all the stuff I have been reading. I can't believe you don't find it interesting. JK ;)
So upon my lovely older sister's request here is an informative personal update:
With the many trials throughout this pregnancy I can say I am tired of trials and challenge. I am tired of feeling like a host to two aliens sucking my life from me and most of all I am tired of having to endure endless amounts of pain and for god sakes get rid of this severe fatigue. And puking, I am not even going to venture there. Can't anything just be a breeze? Nope, twins are on their way and to bring life and breathe life means oh so much more pain for me. Vaginal rippage and stretching has always been a fear but count down to reality is sinking in... my worst fears of ripping flesh in the most sensitive small spaces is 8-10 weeks away. If the second twin is breech and smaller than the first my doctor has comforted me by saying she will reach her hand inside me and pull the baby out. Yes this comforted me, let me tell you. Hmm first birthing, first fisting the experiences are never ending.
But the reality is, with the end of pregnancy does not come the end of trials and challenges... no to the contrary, all I have read and heard is mass hysteria upon their arrival and praying for survival to reach the 6 month mark when we can actually sleep. Lets not mention the boob torture during that 6 month period. Hell I am praying I can survive the next 8 weeks, let alone the next 8 months. I don't think I have been so scared and calm at the same time. Delivery scares me, premature labor scares me, but having kids does not. I am so happy to have these little ones (still unnamed at 28 weeks :) ardon (boy) or arden (girl) or xander or zolie fallyn who knows...) I have always wanted them... the whole bird delivery service of the babies was so much more pleasurable to think about... damn disney and their lies... but no matter the pain... no matter the sacrifice... it is worth it to have them here to continue the endless sarcasm this world is so dire in need of. :) They will be awesome... even the moments I hate I will still love and miss in retrospect. The torture of twin pregnancy coupled with bad luck in health has sucked to say the least but feeling them move and react and seeing them develop on screen has been amazing and I count the days until I get to see them and hold them and watch them become whom ever they choose to be, my little no named kids.
As of late, I have been resting as much as possible... trying to avoid the pain. I have been extremely fatigued, and getting bigger and more uncomfortable each day. My stomach now has grown an inch in the last 2 weeks... now measuring 43" around and we have at least 2 months to go. I feel stretched to the brink and I can barely get up or turn over. Pressure on the lungs, pelvic, and bladder regions just simply suck. I appear the size of a full term pregnant woman. I have now employed the use of the belly strap as I can barely lift my stomach without assistants... a very fashionable accessory... but it is necessary at this point. People with multiples greater than 2 are just insane is all I gotta say.
This experience has confirmed the human body is truly only meant to carry one child at a time, although twins are becoming more common it is a total different experience from carrying one child... I say this from reading statements from mothers of previous children now pregnant with twins and crying on the forums about how horrible it is. So to see everyone at my stage of the pregnancy being exactly were I am at makes it not so bad because most people are not getting how hard it is on the body. But I thank god this pregnancy is twins and I am done and not have to do the 1 oops 2 later on. Could you imagine 2 sets of twins... holy crap. We know the likelihood is high here so umm we'll get rid of that possibility. That is my greatest fear after giving birth 2+2=life as we know it gone if it isn't already.
Reading the "pregnant with twins" forums has help a lot. Seeing that I am not in it alone is comforting... I am not the only one that feels like complete ass and just wants to cry because they lose all energy just trying to straighten their hair... sadly yes their is truth in the saying misery loves company. It has also set my mind at ease about the unknown of trying to raise a baby let alone two at one time. How do you breast feed two at a time... should twins use the same crib, what is the best stroller for twins, what is the best diaper bag for twins, what did they find useful or just a waste of time and money, how many diapers does the average set of twins go through a day and how long do they normally stay in each stage of diapers, premie size, newborn, stage 1, stage 2... what is the best brand of diapers for smaller/premie size babies, how to get twins on the same sleeping schedule, what are the essentials to buy newborn twins... just because there are 2 doesn't mean buy X2 all the time. The questions are endless and I have always found information and insightful opinions from mothers of twins that lived, breathed, and survived it... hell they even helped with what not to name your kids as almost all are named jacob jacoby ainsely logan and so forth.
As for the kids, they are growing larger and larger and moving non-stop. They make me laugh, like the boy digs radiohead's newest album, he always starts grooving and moving when reckoning, video and jigsaw fallin' into place plays. They also go crazy when they hear jeramie or mom talking or when i am trying to sleep, it is all, pay attention to me. Their eyes are developing more now so they respond to light on my stomach by touching it or they touch my hand when i have it on my stomach. They also have the sparring match which usually doesn't feel great for any of us. On the last ultrasound we saw the boys face he has my lips, nose, and jaw The girl was too busy hitting her brother back for us to get a good look. :( so we await the next ultra sound hopefully we will know tomorrow when that will be.
ok well i have beyond exhausted myself by writing.
Tomorrow headed back to Htown to go to dr. appointment, no ultrasounds :(
Happier Julie? :) oh and you are right, twins of opposite sex and shopping is crazy and addictive... holy crap all the clothes and cute stuff out there to buy.
Picture Time:
bed rest- I feel like crap picture.
Picture Comment:
"28 weeks pregnant and look how skinny your arms look! You are so amazing, beautiful, and strong. I love you and love the fact that we are having a family. Yes, the poo projectile internet stories and being left alone with them for the first time scare the shit out of me, but life would be boring without such thrills.
We are in the final countdown of this journey, until our two beautiful children join us in the next. Did I say I love you? I do and them so much!" - Jeramie aka daddy-to-be
Awwww I love how he judges how fat I am by my arm size... a tradition he still hasn't learned from since we first got together over 11 years ago. How things never change and time flies. :)
Belly shots from Thanksgiving... I looked huge then... now is just utterly scary.
baby kisses from daddy.
- julie may aka big sis
Point taken :) and yes I do love you! I really didn't know if people were reading the blog due to no comments... so it has become a kinda research gathering space for all the stuff I have been reading. I can't believe you don't find it interesting. JK ;)
So upon my lovely older sister's request here is an informative personal update:
With the many trials throughout this pregnancy I can say I am tired of trials and challenge. I am tired of feeling like a host to two aliens sucking my life from me and most of all I am tired of having to endure endless amounts of pain and for god sakes get rid of this severe fatigue. And puking, I am not even going to venture there. Can't anything just be a breeze? Nope, twins are on their way and to bring life and breathe life means oh so much more pain for me. Vaginal rippage and stretching has always been a fear but count down to reality is sinking in... my worst fears of ripping flesh in the most sensitive small spaces is 8-10 weeks away. If the second twin is breech and smaller than the first my doctor has comforted me by saying she will reach her hand inside me and pull the baby out. Yes this comforted me, let me tell you. Hmm first birthing, first fisting the experiences are never ending.
But the reality is, with the end of pregnancy does not come the end of trials and challenges... no to the contrary, all I have read and heard is mass hysteria upon their arrival and praying for survival to reach the 6 month mark when we can actually sleep. Lets not mention the boob torture during that 6 month period. Hell I am praying I can survive the next 8 weeks, let alone the next 8 months. I don't think I have been so scared and calm at the same time. Delivery scares me, premature labor scares me, but having kids does not. I am so happy to have these little ones (still unnamed at 28 weeks :) ardon (boy) or arden (girl) or xander or zolie fallyn who knows...) I have always wanted them... the whole bird delivery service of the babies was so much more pleasurable to think about... damn disney and their lies... but no matter the pain... no matter the sacrifice... it is worth it to have them here to continue the endless sarcasm this world is so dire in need of. :) They will be awesome... even the moments I hate I will still love and miss in retrospect. The torture of twin pregnancy coupled with bad luck in health has sucked to say the least but feeling them move and react and seeing them develop on screen has been amazing and I count the days until I get to see them and hold them and watch them become whom ever they choose to be, my little no named kids.
As of late, I have been resting as much as possible... trying to avoid the pain. I have been extremely fatigued, and getting bigger and more uncomfortable each day. My stomach now has grown an inch in the last 2 weeks... now measuring 43" around and we have at least 2 months to go. I feel stretched to the brink and I can barely get up or turn over. Pressure on the lungs, pelvic, and bladder regions just simply suck. I appear the size of a full term pregnant woman. I have now employed the use of the belly strap as I can barely lift my stomach without assistants... a very fashionable accessory... but it is necessary at this point. People with multiples greater than 2 are just insane is all I gotta say.
This experience has confirmed the human body is truly only meant to carry one child at a time, although twins are becoming more common it is a total different experience from carrying one child... I say this from reading statements from mothers of previous children now pregnant with twins and crying on the forums about how horrible it is. So to see everyone at my stage of the pregnancy being exactly were I am at makes it not so bad because most people are not getting how hard it is on the body. But I thank god this pregnancy is twins and I am done and not have to do the 1 oops 2 later on. Could you imagine 2 sets of twins... holy crap. We know the likelihood is high here so umm we'll get rid of that possibility. That is my greatest fear after giving birth 2+2=life as we know it gone if it isn't already.
Reading the "pregnant with twins" forums has help a lot. Seeing that I am not in it alone is comforting... I am not the only one that feels like complete ass and just wants to cry because they lose all energy just trying to straighten their hair... sadly yes their is truth in the saying misery loves company. It has also set my mind at ease about the unknown of trying to raise a baby let alone two at one time. How do you breast feed two at a time... should twins use the same crib, what is the best stroller for twins, what is the best diaper bag for twins, what did they find useful or just a waste of time and money, how many diapers does the average set of twins go through a day and how long do they normally stay in each stage of diapers, premie size, newborn, stage 1, stage 2... what is the best brand of diapers for smaller/premie size babies, how to get twins on the same sleeping schedule, what are the essentials to buy newborn twins... just because there are 2 doesn't mean buy X2 all the time. The questions are endless and I have always found information and insightful opinions from mothers of twins that lived, breathed, and survived it... hell they even helped with what not to name your kids as almost all are named jacob jacoby ainsely logan and so forth.
As for the kids, they are growing larger and larger and moving non-stop. They make me laugh, like the boy digs radiohead's newest album, he always starts grooving and moving when reckoning, video and jigsaw fallin' into place plays. They also go crazy when they hear jeramie or mom talking or when i am trying to sleep, it is all, pay attention to me. Their eyes are developing more now so they respond to light on my stomach by touching it or they touch my hand when i have it on my stomach. They also have the sparring match which usually doesn't feel great for any of us. On the last ultrasound we saw the boys face he has my lips, nose, and jaw The girl was too busy hitting her brother back for us to get a good look. :( so we await the next ultra sound hopefully we will know tomorrow when that will be.
ok well i have beyond exhausted myself by writing.
Tomorrow headed back to Htown to go to dr. appointment, no ultrasounds :(
Happier Julie? :) oh and you are right, twins of opposite sex and shopping is crazy and addictive... holy crap all the clothes and cute stuff out there to buy.
Picture Time:
bed rest- I feel like crap picture.
Picture Comment:
"28 weeks pregnant and look how skinny your arms look! You are so amazing, beautiful, and strong. I love you and love the fact that we are having a family. Yes, the poo projectile internet stories and being left alone with them for the first time scare the shit out of me, but life would be boring without such thrills.
We are in the final countdown of this journey, until our two beautiful children join us in the next. Did I say I love you? I do and them so much!" - Jeramie aka daddy-to-be
Awwww I love how he judges how fat I am by my arm size... a tradition he still hasn't learned from since we first got together over 11 years ago. How things never change and time flies. :)
Belly shots from Thanksgiving... I looked huge then... now is just utterly scary.
baby kisses from daddy.
Saturday, January 19, 2008
28 weeks: diaper bags
twin moms suggest the duo deluxe or the double deluxe:
skip hop
other option:
skip hop - expo in olive
Other brand choices:
diaper dude - bag 1
diaper dude - bag 2
Floor mat:
this is cool
skip hop
other option:
skip hop - expo in olive
Other brand choices:
diaper dude - bag 1
diaper dude - bag 2
Floor mat:
this is cool
Wednesday, January 16, 2008
27 weeks: suggested must haves by twin moms
BABY GEAR/ FURNITURE
2 Infant Car Seats
1 Double Stroller
1 Crib (or 2)
1 Crib mattress (or 2)
Diaper bag
1 swing (later 2 if they like it - a portable swing is a great option)
1 bouncy chair (2 later if they both like it)
1 changing table (optional)
1 Front carrier
2 sunshades for car windows (adhesive film-type recommended)
1- Table Lamp
CLOTHING/DIAPERING
8-12 receiving blankets (some moms recommend up to 20)
4-6 One-piece outfits
8-10 One-piece gowns or pajamas (zippered is easiest to get on and off, buttons are cute but really hard to undo and do up)
4-6 shirts until umbilical cord falls off
4-6 pairs of sock/booties
2-4 Fleece outfits / sweater or jacket: for winter
2-4 bonnets or caps: for summer
2 pairs mittens
Diapers 4-12 packs in various sizes
Wipes
Diaper cream/ointment
Sealable trash can (Diaper pail) Diaper Champ takes regular trash bags
FEEDING/BATHING
EZ-2 Nurse Nursing Pillow
8-12 Bibs (velcro not tie kind are much easier)
1 Breastpump & breastmilk storage bags
1 Twin Nursing pillow
2 Podee bottles {hands free for the car or elsewhere!}
14 Bottles & nipples: For breastfeeding moms, one or two bottles and nipples might be nice to have on hand. Dad can use them to feed your breastmilk to baby if you need to be separated from him/her.
1 Bottle brush
1 quart jug to mix batches of formula
Newborn tub
8 Washcloths
20 burp clothes (cloth diapers work great)
Soaps & Lotions
4 towels (hooded or not)
2 Highchairs - many of our TS mothers love 1st Years 4 stage Feeding seat...It is a huge space saver and it's portable!!!
SLEEPING/SAFETY
2-4 pacifiers (don't get too many, and get different kinds to see what babies prefer)
1 Waterproof crib/mattress liner (or 2)
2 sheet savers (6 eventually)
4-8 Fitted crib sheets
2 baby quilts to lay them on the floor
Baby Monitor
Smoke alarm / carbon monoxide detector for baby's room
FIRST AID KIT
K-Y jelly
Pediacare
Tylenol
Bandages -- assorted sizes
Triple antibiotic ointment (small tube)
Bandage pads (for places that bandages don't fit or areas that are too big for bandages)
Gauze
First-aid tape to hold bandage pads and gauze in place
Cotton swabs -- keep in a small plastic bag to prevent contamination
Digital thermometer
Nail clippers
Tweezers
Emery boards (great for the sharp edges of the nails)
Scissors
Alcohol wipes
Alcohol
Nasal aspirator (the hospital will usually send you home with 2)
Medicine dropper and spoon (Tsp and ML)
Temperature tester
Mylicon drops (non-staining formula)
Vaseline
Saline Spray (for breaking up nasal congestion)
Diaper rash ointment
Latex gloves
Sunblock (check with Pedi for safe age to start using it usually after 6 mo.)
FOR MOM/MISC
Nursing bras
Breast pads
Breast shields
Cream for Nipples
Panty Liners / Pads
1 Camera and lots of film
EXTRA'S FOR LATER
1 Vaporizer
1 Baby Wipe warmer
1 Pack n' Play (maybe 2 later)
1 rocking chair/recliner
1 play mat/arch
1 Mobile (1 while they share a crib, later 2 if they love it)
1 dome playmat (2 later if a big hit)
1 Exersaucer (2 if a huge hit)
1 big calendar from an office supply store. Use it to record milestones so that later on if you do a baby book, you'll have all the important dates.
2 Infant Car Seats
1 Double Stroller
1 Crib (or 2)
1 Crib mattress (or 2)
Diaper bag
1 swing (later 2 if they like it - a portable swing is a great option)
1 bouncy chair (2 later if they both like it)
1 changing table (optional)
1 Front carrier
2 sunshades for car windows (adhesive film-type recommended)
1- Table Lamp
CLOTHING/DIAPERING
8-12 receiving blankets (some moms recommend up to 20)
4-6 One-piece outfits
8-10 One-piece gowns or pajamas (zippered is easiest to get on and off, buttons are cute but really hard to undo and do up)
4-6 shirts until umbilical cord falls off
4-6 pairs of sock/booties
2-4 Fleece outfits / sweater or jacket: for winter
2-4 bonnets or caps: for summer
2 pairs mittens
Diapers 4-12 packs in various sizes
Wipes
Diaper cream/ointment
Sealable trash can (Diaper pail) Diaper Champ takes regular trash bags
FEEDING/BATHING
EZ-2 Nurse Nursing Pillow
8-12 Bibs (velcro not tie kind are much easier)
1 Breastpump & breastmilk storage bags
1 Twin Nursing pillow
2 Podee bottles {hands free for the car or elsewhere!}
14 Bottles & nipples: For breastfeeding moms, one or two bottles and nipples might be nice to have on hand. Dad can use them to feed your breastmilk to baby if you need to be separated from him/her.
1 Bottle brush
1 quart jug to mix batches of formula
Newborn tub
8 Washcloths
20 burp clothes (cloth diapers work great)
Soaps & Lotions
4 towels (hooded or not)
2 Highchairs - many of our TS mothers love 1st Years 4 stage Feeding seat...It is a huge space saver and it's portable!!!
SLEEPING/SAFETY
2-4 pacifiers (don't get too many, and get different kinds to see what babies prefer)
1 Waterproof crib/mattress liner (or 2)
2 sheet savers (6 eventually)
4-8 Fitted crib sheets
2 baby quilts to lay them on the floor
Baby Monitor
Smoke alarm / carbon monoxide detector for baby's room
FIRST AID KIT
K-Y jelly
Pediacare
Tylenol
Bandages -- assorted sizes
Triple antibiotic ointment (small tube)
Bandage pads (for places that bandages don't fit or areas that are too big for bandages)
Gauze
First-aid tape to hold bandage pads and gauze in place
Cotton swabs -- keep in a small plastic bag to prevent contamination
Digital thermometer
Nail clippers
Tweezers
Emery boards (great for the sharp edges of the nails)
Scissors
Alcohol wipes
Alcohol
Nasal aspirator (the hospital will usually send you home with 2)
Medicine dropper and spoon (Tsp and ML)
Temperature tester
Mylicon drops (non-staining formula)
Vaseline
Saline Spray (for breaking up nasal congestion)
Diaper rash ointment
Latex gloves
Sunblock (check with Pedi for safe age to start using it usually after 6 mo.)
FOR MOM/MISC
Nursing bras
Breast pads
Breast shields
Cream for Nipples
Panty Liners / Pads
1 Camera and lots of film
EXTRA'S FOR LATER
1 Vaporizer
1 Baby Wipe warmer
1 Pack n' Play (maybe 2 later)
1 rocking chair/recliner
1 play mat/arch
1 Mobile (1 while they share a crib, later 2 if they love it)
1 dome playmat (2 later if a big hit)
1 Exersaucer (2 if a huge hit)
1 big calendar from an office supply store. Use it to record milestones so that later on if you do a baby book, you'll have all the important dates.
27 weeks: test results
test results from last OB appt. :
blood work showed I was anemic but no signs of gestational diabetes
blood work showed I was anemic but no signs of gestational diabetes
Tuesday, January 15, 2008
27 weeks: freebies and discounts
White House Greetings
This one isn't twin-specific (any parent of a newborn can do this), but as of this writing it would get you a "personalized" greeting from a dad of twins for your newborn twins. Send your twins names, birthdate and your address to the White House and you should receive an official congratulatory card from the President (a nice keepsake for baby's scrapbooks).
Send the request to:
The White House
Greeting Office Room 39
Washington D.C. 20500
Babies "R" Us - The national baby products chain does offer a discount for multiples. The information below is taken directly from their web site
We offer 10% off two or more of the same item purchased in the same order (for example two cribs, two bedding sets, 2 strollers, etc.) The discount pertains to the following categories only: furniture, bedding sets and baby gear* (this offer is not available on special purchase items).
Baby Gear includes car seats, strollers, travel yards, high chairs, swings, gates, exersaucers/walkers, and backpack/carriers.
Beechnut Baby Foods - Call 1-800-BEECHNUT (1-800-233-2468) to request a free new parents pack for twins, triplets or quads. It will include coupons for products, double the normal amount of coupons if you have twins, three times if you have triplets, etc. You'll also get ongoing newsletters which also have coupons. You can also sign up for an online email newsletter (http://www.beechnut.com/Special%20Offers/sign_up.asp) for more ongoing coupons.
Buy Buy Baby - offers 10% off the 2nd item only.
Carnation - Joining their new birth program will get you almost $20 in free product coupons and other discount coupons as your twins grow
Carnation Good Start Formula Nestle Infant Nutrition
PO Box AW
Wilkes-Barre, PA 18703
Enfamil (Mead Johnson) - Enfamil advises parents of twins to contact their pediatrician after their multiples birth to have them talk to their local Enfamil representative. If a promotional offer is available, the representative will issue a recommendation for free products be sent to the parents. You can also call 1-800-BABY-123 (1-800-222-9123) to join the Enfamil Family Beginnings program for ongoing coupons through the mail.
Evenflo - Call 1-800-233-5921 for information on receiving a free gift basket for twins to quads. The starter kit will most likely include disposable liners for diaper pails, bibs, and coupons for other products. You'll need to send them proof of the multiples via the mail but call first to register.
The First Years - Requires copies of the birth certificates and short letters requesting to become members of their Multiple Birth Program and receive a gift basket of free rattles.
The address is as follows:
The First Years Attn: Multiples
100 Technology Center Dr., Ste. 2A
Stoughton, MA 02072
Gerber - Call 1-800-4-GERBER (1-800-443-7237) to sign up for the Gerber Super Twins program. You'll receive coupons for free Gerber products, double the amount sent for any newborn parents of singletons. Triplet parents get three times the coupons and some other goodies, but it will require you to send them a copy of the triplets birth announcement.
Halo Sleep Sac - Call 1-888-999-4256 As of June, 2007, they offer buy one full price ($24.95) get one 1/2 off. Ask for the twin discount. Halo Sleep
Heinz - Call 1-800-872-2229 to receive free welcome packets for each of your twins or triplets. The packs will include coupons off Heinz baby products and some informational literature. No proof of the twins birth will be required.
Huggies - Provides a one-time gift of higher-value coupons for parents of newborn twins or triplets. Send proof of birth (crib cards, copies of birth certificates, etc.) to the following address:
Kimberly Clark Corp. Dept. QMB
PO Box 2020
Neenah, WI 54957-2020
You'll also receive ongoing coupons through the mail after joining their program.
JC PenneyPortraits - There's an online form on the JC Penney web site to sign up for their Multiple Birth Program. You'll get a pair of portrait sitting coupons for your twins (the offers can vary). You can complete the online form at the following URL (http://www.jcpenneyportraits.com/multiples/).
Johnson and Johnson - Call 1-800-526-3967 to receive a free twins pack that includes coupons and informational literature on their baby products line. You won't probably be required to provide proof of the births of your twins.
McNeal Consumer Products - The makers of Tylenol will send you free welcome packets for each of your multiples if you call 1-800-962-5357 (option #5). The packs will include coupons and informational literature but make sure you tell them you have twins or triplets!
Mom and Baby Works - As indicated on their web site, Mom & Baby Works is proud to offer parents and families of multiples our Multiple Births Program. This program offers buy one, get one free on selected products purchased directly through our 1-866-477-5144 number.
Nestle Infant Nutrition - Call 1-800-782-7766 to request the address and a registration code number so that you can mail proof of your twins (crib cards, copies of birth certificates, letter from doctor) to Nestles for coupons for two free cans of Nestle Good Start DNA & ARA infant formula.
You can also sign up for their free magazine online at very best baby (separate from the program just for twins, but it will also get you more coupons for free formula)
Oceanspray - Parents of twins or triplets can receive a special assortment of Oceanspray product coupons in the Multiple Birth program.
Send a copy of proof of birth of your multiples to:
Ocean Spray Cranberries, Inc.
One Ocean Spray Drive
Lakeville-Middleboro Ma 02349
Oshkosh B'Gosh- The national clothing stores offer 10% discounts on all products sold in their stores if you are a parents of multiples. Be sure to tell the cashier at checkout time you have twins to get the discount and if they're not aware of it, ask them to talk to the store manager about giving you the discount (it's in addition to any current sales they may have going on).
Pampers or Luvs - Call 1-800-726-7377 to request a free package as part of their Pampers Multiples Birth program or 1-888-665-3257 for a free package on the Luvs Multiples Birth Program . Packages will include coupons for Pampers (or Luvs), wipes and some other products and coupons (it changes periodically). You most likely won't be required to send them proof of your twins or triplets, but this offer is only available for parents of multiples. The two programs are separate from each other so sign up for both if you plan on using both products!
Playtex Diaper Genies - To participate in the Multiples Birth Program (and receive a coupon for $7 off a Diaper Genie), send your name, mailing address and proof of the birth of your twins (crib cards, birth announcement, etc.) to the following address:
Playtex Diaper Genie
20 Troy Road
Whittany, NJ 07981
Preschoolian Shoes - Please fax copies of birth certificates toll free to 866 681 1081 and include your email. They will email you back a code which will reduce the price of your order by 50%.... (you can buy any 2 styles colors or sizes)- shoes must be purchased in multiples of 2 (2,4,6 etc)- if you intend to buy more than 2 let them know in the fax... you can also email a photo to jeff@preschoolians.com instead of the fax if you like.
For more information go to their web site -- Preschoolian Shoes
Ringling Brothers Barnum & Bailey Circus - The circus folks will allow you to receive free circus certificates for each of your twins if you sign up online before they turn 1: (https://www.ringling.com/offers/baby.aspx)
The certificates have no expiration date so it works better if you register now and get the certificates and then redeem them when they're older and can appreciate the circus more.
After you register online, make sure you print out their forms and send a copy of each of your twins birth certificates to:
Baby's First Circus Program Feld Entertainment, Inc.
8607 Westwood Center Drive
Vienna, VA 22182
Similac - Call 1-800-232-7677 for information on their Welcome Additions Club and to receive a welcoming kit including coupons or product samples. You can also sign up online however it's confusing how to do so for twins online join so we do suggest calling them and telling them you just had twins.
This one isn't twin-specific (any parent of a newborn can do this), but as of this writing it would get you a "personalized" greeting from a dad of twins for your newborn twins. Send your twins names, birthdate and your address to the White House and you should receive an official congratulatory card from the President (a nice keepsake for baby's scrapbooks).
Send the request to:
The White House
Greeting Office Room 39
Washington D.C. 20500
Babies "R" Us - The national baby products chain does offer a discount for multiples. The information below is taken directly from their web site
We offer 10% off two or more of the same item purchased in the same order (for example two cribs, two bedding sets, 2 strollers, etc.) The discount pertains to the following categories only: furniture, bedding sets and baby gear* (this offer is not available on special purchase items).
Baby Gear includes car seats, strollers, travel yards, high chairs, swings, gates, exersaucers/walkers, and backpack/carriers.
Beechnut Baby Foods - Call 1-800-BEECHNUT (1-800-233-2468) to request a free new parents pack for twins, triplets or quads. It will include coupons for products, double the normal amount of coupons if you have twins, three times if you have triplets, etc. You'll also get ongoing newsletters which also have coupons. You can also sign up for an online email newsletter (http://www.beechnut.com/Special%20Offers/sign_up.asp) for more ongoing coupons.
Buy Buy Baby - offers 10% off the 2nd item only.
Carnation - Joining their new birth program will get you almost $20 in free product coupons and other discount coupons as your twins grow
Carnation Good Start Formula Nestle Infant Nutrition
PO Box AW
Wilkes-Barre, PA 18703
Enfamil (Mead Johnson) - Enfamil advises parents of twins to contact their pediatrician after their multiples birth to have them talk to their local Enfamil representative. If a promotional offer is available, the representative will issue a recommendation for free products be sent to the parents. You can also call 1-800-BABY-123 (1-800-222-9123) to join the Enfamil Family Beginnings program for ongoing coupons through the mail.
Evenflo - Call 1-800-233-5921 for information on receiving a free gift basket for twins to quads. The starter kit will most likely include disposable liners for diaper pails, bibs, and coupons for other products. You'll need to send them proof of the multiples via the mail but call first to register.
The First Years - Requires copies of the birth certificates and short letters requesting to become members of their Multiple Birth Program and receive a gift basket of free rattles.
The address is as follows:
The First Years Attn: Multiples
100 Technology Center Dr., Ste. 2A
Stoughton, MA 02072
Gerber - Call 1-800-4-GERBER (1-800-443-7237) to sign up for the Gerber Super Twins program. You'll receive coupons for free Gerber products, double the amount sent for any newborn parents of singletons. Triplet parents get three times the coupons and some other goodies, but it will require you to send them a copy of the triplets birth announcement.
Halo Sleep Sac - Call 1-888-999-4256 As of June, 2007, they offer buy one full price ($24.95) get one 1/2 off. Ask for the twin discount. Halo Sleep
Heinz - Call 1-800-872-2229 to receive free welcome packets for each of your twins or triplets. The packs will include coupons off Heinz baby products and some informational literature. No proof of the twins birth will be required.
Huggies - Provides a one-time gift of higher-value coupons for parents of newborn twins or triplets. Send proof of birth (crib cards, copies of birth certificates, etc.) to the following address:
Kimberly Clark Corp. Dept. QMB
PO Box 2020
Neenah, WI 54957-2020
You'll also receive ongoing coupons through the mail after joining their program.
JC PenneyPortraits - There's an online form on the JC Penney web site to sign up for their Multiple Birth Program. You'll get a pair of portrait sitting coupons for your twins (the offers can vary). You can complete the online form at the following URL (http://www.jcpenneyportraits.com/multiples/).
Johnson and Johnson - Call 1-800-526-3967 to receive a free twins pack that includes coupons and informational literature on their baby products line. You won't probably be required to provide proof of the births of your twins.
McNeal Consumer Products - The makers of Tylenol will send you free welcome packets for each of your multiples if you call 1-800-962-5357 (option #5). The packs will include coupons and informational literature but make sure you tell them you have twins or triplets!
Mom and Baby Works - As indicated on their web site, Mom & Baby Works is proud to offer parents and families of multiples our Multiple Births Program. This program offers buy one, get one free on selected products purchased directly through our 1-866-477-5144 number.
Nestle Infant Nutrition - Call 1-800-782-7766 to request the address and a registration code number so that you can mail proof of your twins (crib cards, copies of birth certificates, letter from doctor) to Nestles for coupons for two free cans of Nestle Good Start DNA & ARA infant formula.
You can also sign up for their free magazine online at very best baby (separate from the program just for twins, but it will also get you more coupons for free formula)
Oceanspray - Parents of twins or triplets can receive a special assortment of Oceanspray product coupons in the Multiple Birth program.
Send a copy of proof of birth of your multiples to:
Ocean Spray Cranberries, Inc.
One Ocean Spray Drive
Lakeville-Middleboro Ma 02349
Oshkosh B'Gosh- The national clothing stores offer 10% discounts on all products sold in their stores if you are a parents of multiples. Be sure to tell the cashier at checkout time you have twins to get the discount and if they're not aware of it, ask them to talk to the store manager about giving you the discount (it's in addition to any current sales they may have going on).
Pampers or Luvs - Call 1-800-726-7377 to request a free package as part of their Pampers Multiples Birth program or 1-888-665-3257 for a free package on the Luvs Multiples Birth Program . Packages will include coupons for Pampers (or Luvs), wipes and some other products and coupons (it changes periodically). You most likely won't be required to send them proof of your twins or triplets, but this offer is only available for parents of multiples. The two programs are separate from each other so sign up for both if you plan on using both products!
Playtex Diaper Genies - To participate in the Multiples Birth Program (and receive a coupon for $7 off a Diaper Genie), send your name, mailing address and proof of the birth of your twins (crib cards, birth announcement, etc.) to the following address:
Playtex Diaper Genie
20 Troy Road
Whittany, NJ 07981
Preschoolian Shoes - Please fax copies of birth certificates toll free to 866 681 1081 and include your email. They will email you back a code which will reduce the price of your order by 50%.... (you can buy any 2 styles colors or sizes)- shoes must be purchased in multiples of 2 (2,4,6 etc)- if you intend to buy more than 2 let them know in the fax... you can also email a photo to jeff@preschoolians.com instead of the fax if you like.
For more information go to their web site -- Preschoolian Shoes
Ringling Brothers Barnum & Bailey Circus - The circus folks will allow you to receive free circus certificates for each of your twins if you sign up online before they turn 1: (https://www.ringling.com/offers/baby.aspx)
The certificates have no expiration date so it works better if you register now and get the certificates and then redeem them when they're older and can appreciate the circus more.
After you register online, make sure you print out their forms and send a copy of each of your twins birth certificates to:
Baby's First Circus Program Feld Entertainment, Inc.
8607 Westwood Center Drive
Vienna, VA 22182
Similac - Call 1-800-232-7677 for information on their Welcome Additions Club and to receive a welcoming kit including coupons or product samples. You can also sign up online however it's confusing how to do so for twins online join so we do suggest calling them and telling them you just had twins.
Friday, January 4, 2008
25 weeks: how can you beat this???
Guitars and robots.... if anyone is going to the UK I have a shopping list!!!
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