The END is NEAR!

Hey Everyone!!!

Today is 35W3D so we are on the road to 36weeks which is HUGE for a twin pregnancy!

They are both 5.5 lbs and doing great! I found that Brett- baby B who is Breech is basically sitting in between my legs!!! My stomach is hanging so low... all I can say is YUCK to the clean up on that stretchy skin!

They have been doing great in their biophysical's moving really well and scoring 8/8.

A biophysical is testing the fluid they are in- making sure there is plenty (no wonder they're so heavy!!!) and the umbilical cord as well as checking heart rate. It tests that they're moving well while baking.

Unfortunately my blood pressure has raised as of this past week, and it was expected to happen so what that means is the END IS NEAR!

I ended up getting mild toxemia and pre-eclampsia which is totally normal for twin pregnancies at the end. It's being monitored - in other words I now go to the doc EVERY SINGLE DAY!!!

In fact I was at the hospital this morning because their office is closed on Sundays! It was a long morning but they got the doctor to schedule my C section and get all my pre-op work set up!

I learned everything there is to about the C section so I'm very ready to meet the boys now :)

The original scheduled date was Feb 7 but now is January 31st! I will be 37 weeks! As long as my BP stays stable then the twins will stay baking until then! This is to avoid them going into the NICU. 

Of course you never know until the twins are born but the longer they bake in me the better chances I have of taking them home with me :) 

The Nursery is just about done. I'm finishing up a couple last minute things and can always add more later! My hospital bag is packed, the twins bag is packed, the cameras are ready and I think the whole world is excited to meet them !

Here's to a healthy and safe delivery and sanity as we bring them home :) 

Christmas Time

So Christmas wasn't how I planned. I wanted to decorate the new house and bake and shop and enjoy this holiday time BUT the twins had other plans which put me onto 'couch potato' activity- in other words REST!

So it's been really different but the twins are doing awesome!!!

Here is a picture- we are both Italian so you can imagine how Italians have hand gesture conversations right? Well the twins are both looking at each other here and their hands are flying in the air- just like an italian conversation... this has to be the cutest picture ever!!!!

This makes monitoring a pain though- because they're on top of each other so it's hard to get good heart beats and averages.

 It has been fun getting all these packages though! Check out this adorable onesie set we got from one of the coaches on my team- Nicole

I'm going to have to bring these to the hospital for their first pictures :) 

This is sooooo true! hahaha!!!

I'm feeling pretty good these days and hanging in there till the end.

Currently C Section is scheduled for Feb 7th but we will see if they decide to come earlier!

The nursery is just about set- I will post pictures soon!

You can add me on FB for more updates- fb.com/lyndsi.weise if you'd like!

xoxo ~lyndsi

Random Pregnant Thoughts

Random thought... I'm at 6.5 month.... so bare with the thought. Sure it's uncomfortable and has it's moments but having twins- on the pregnant side isn't so bad!

There are things I'd prefer not to deal with but overall it's gone fairly quick and hasn't been bad.

Negatives:

• LOTS of fluid and swelling in your feet as well as legs. 
• Bigger Stomach Sooner- harder to sleep, get up from sitting down, and move into different positions.
• Hemorrhoids ... they're kind of a come & go thing and not too bad- just super annoying
• Morning Sickness- but that comes with single pregnancy too!
• Extra Rest- Not being able to workout or even take a walk! That's frustrating as a fitness coach- but again it's possible with singleton pregnancies.
• Tons of doc visits- but the positive is that you DO get to see your babies ALLLLLL the time on the u/s which is always nice :)

Other than that- Multiple Pregnancy is not too bad. They do get on nerves and on my diaphragm making it hard to digest, breathe, sleep, walk... but honestly I thought it was going to be much worse.

I'm excited to bring them here very soon! Thankful for these holidays to make time FLY!!!

xoxo

Lyndsi
www.lyndsiweise.com

               

THIRD TRIMESTER!!!!!

I'm sorry I've been behind on posts! It has been one crazy start to the 3rd trimester!

I'm not sure if it's 27 or 28 wks- but either way I'm halfway to 28 so lets call it the 3rd tri!

Updates-

Baby A is sitting transverse on my diaphragm which makes for lovely breathing! He gained a full pound in 2 wks! Hello Big Little Boy! He is now 2lbs 12 oz and measuring at 28w5D!

Baby B is head down and is 2lbs 8 oz measuring at 27w and 6D!

Both are doing great- heart rates both from 141-150

Of course me on the other hand... I got hit with lots of contractions which I could not even feel! But it sent me to the birth center and I got to stay overnight... I actually say that with sarcasm because it is not fun to be in the hospital.  The good news is that I'm not really a candidate for pre-labor based on tests and the contractions decided to stop on their own after I pounded 2 gallons of water within a couple hours.

It's hard to always ask for help but it's what I have to do for now.

I got to go home on Thanksgiving in the afternoon and was told all I can do is basically rest. Off my feet- I can sit at the desk, on the couch, in my bed, use the bathroom- use the shower... drive to the doc and that is it!  Good timing considering its so COLD out now!

Although I'd love to put up Christmas decorations around the house.

My in laws have been in town this week for the holiday & for my baby shower which was last Sunday.

My baby shower was great! Thank God we did it a bit early! The twins are scheduled to be here by the end of January so time is ticking!

The shower was awesome- lots of friends and family came and it was all sports themed. We are most definitely ready for the twins arrival ;)   I should have pictures from the shower soon!!!

They have helped me work on the nursery since I'm pretty much down for the count. The twins Auntie Mimi has been the decal queen for us! She's put up great decals! Their laundry is getting ready- its washed and put away. Lots of sleepers and TONS of diapers!!!  We got diaper cakes as center pieces!
We probably have over 1000 diapers which will last us maybe.... 6 wks!

I hear we will go through 200 diapers a week with these guys! So coupons, gift cards etc all will be great!

Here are some nursery pictures... more pictures to come soon!

The lion is hard to see but he's again the tree that the leaves and monkeys are on :)

Happy Thanksgiving to everyone ! Time for Christmas!!!!

xoxo

Lyndsi

www.lyndsiweise.com

25 Week Update!

Today I went to see the twins and get their measurements. The doctor is happy with everything! Progress is going well. The twins are growing right on point. It's exciting as we get towards the end!

Baby A is now 1 lb and 14 oz 25 W 3 D and HR is 147

Baby B is now 1 lb and 14 oz 25 W 6 D and HR is 150

They love to give me pictures of the little guys :) It's fun!
They posed well today right?!

Lots of movement is going on now. They're kicking a lot more and I can feel it.

Hal finally got to feel a kick too! You can even see them kicking! Sleeping has become really uncomfortable. I'm not sure what my plan is to make that better. Right now it's just A LOT of pillows!
Perhaps I move to a recliner soon.

The doctor said he wont let me go past 37 wks which is January 31st so I can expect to meet the twins very soon! That is 12 weeks from now if I go that far!

The twins are actually kicking as I type this out!

The nursery furniture is starting to arrive- check it out

Of course Bailey thinks he belongs in the chair! This is the most comfortable chair! it swivel's, glides, & reclines. It'll be great to use :)

I wanted to put the twins cribs next to each other but the room isn't working out that way and when I do think about them getting older... I think double trouble... which putting them across from each other might just be the smart move :)

There is one dresser- we did order 2 so they will have dressers when they are older for each of them :)  And you can see the two cribs across from each other.  There is a lot more work to be done but this is a start!

Pretty excited for my baby shower coming up on the 18th and of course the holidays to follow.

More to come with these guys soon!

Also- looking for health and fitness tips?! find me over at www.lyndsiweise.com and motivation at facebook.com/lyndsi.weise

xoxo

22 Weeks!

This is Baby A, he is the chill baby per my nurses. You can always find his heartbeat and he seems to always be in the same area. He's over 1lb now! I got for more measurements next week! I'll be curious to see how big he's gotten since then.

This is Baby B, he is staring directly at us! He's got one hand kinda up by his head, almost as if he is waving at you! He's basically turned looking at us, or kinda on his back looking towards us. Either way he's looking at us! Now this guy- he likes to move from top of my bump to bottom. Up and down, and his heartbeat is always the hardest to find.

Wonder if this reflects their little personalities already?!?!?

We've started to design out their nursery. I'm shopping decals and a couple cute phrases to hang up.
We're painting it this weekend so we can start to set up. The furniture should be here next week with a couple pieces on back order- not due till Feb!!! So hopefully they come a bit earlier.

So hard to pinpoint timing with twins. The docs want them to come at 37 wks, which is basically the SuperBowl week, or week leading up to SuperBowl. They're technically due Feb 22. I've also heard they come as early as 30-32 wks! That is December!!!  So if I had to have it MY WAY- I'd hope for a late January due date. That's about 35-36 wks and I think is great timing.

It's coming up quickly, and will probably move quicker as the holidays approach.

My baby shower is coming up in November. I have no idea all of what is going on with it, other than it'll be sports themed since there are 2 boys on the way!

Here's the invite- cute isn't it?  

I couldn't even tell you how big my stomach is now. I imagine I measure about 4 wks ahead in size. At least that's what I'm understanding. And as I type this, the twins are kicking me. It's like my stomach is a fish tank!

I've had some contractions, super light, but enough that I get monitored A LOT! This week I was in the doctors office twice and next week I go in twice! I'm on extra rest and medicine. The doctor wants to keep them cookin' for 16 more weeks! Whew! I will have to get a bump picture update soon! It's getting big.

Getting out of bed, or rolling over in bed to sleep on a side is quite the task now. I use a ton of pillows and am SO ready for a recliner!!!

I'm excited for their arrival! Hal and I have been discussing names and of course designing the nursery is a blast!

SIDENOTE: if you're a buy buy baby shopper take note you need one coupon PER item you buy in that store! Something I learned this week. You can use Bed Bath and Beyond coupons but they require 1 coupon per item. Good info to know up front esp when you're having twins!

That's all for now!

20 weeks!

YAY! It's 20 weeks!

Sleeping has become quite a task. I'm laying over a ton of pillows, tossing and turning, and learning to sleep on my side. My little guard sleeps right next to me all the time, he has to hear the twins heartbeats! Making it difficult to turn, and lay on my body pillow!

Other than that things are good. I'm feeling good, high energy for now. I REALLY want to unpack and get things set up in the new house... BUT I know better than to get super busy!

Our move was good, we are loving the new house! We're looking forward to prepping the house for the twins arrival. First thing we did was set up an organized cube/wood bin. It has 8 large cubes with containers to hold toys and other items that will help keep our family room organized!

I'm looking forward to painting the nursery with Hal and setting up the furniture soon!

I did experience some pain that I found out were contractions. Light ones, the doctor did not seem to be too concerned but to take precaution he did give me a prescription to help stop them and prevent pre-labor!  And of course LOTS of rest and fluids as well!

So I'll be going to the doctor twice this week to be double checked that everything is going well.

The twins are sitting bunk bed style right now in me, or laying parallel if that visually makes sense. One is on top, and the other on the bottom rather than one of each side facing up.  They really get around!! I can feel lots of movement from them. Should get interesting as they continue to grow :)

No news on names yet! Still reading names and figuring out what we want to call them!

I should have updated ultrasound pictures this coming week! Will post then!

For now here I am in the midst of 20 wks standing outside my new house! The twins are measuring about 22 wks, ahead in size which is completely normal for multiples :)  Big boys!

Twin Halfway mark!

I'm about 18.5 weeks, and in the world of twin pregnancy 36 wk is full term ! Therefore in my opinion, I'm halfway through!

This week we FINALLY got our HOUSE!!!!!!! YAY!!!!!!

Check it out!

It's a nice big old blue house! We both saw it and instantly LOVED it! Signed the papers the same day!

It's been a BLUE kinda year for me.  2 Boys, a Blue Durango, and a big blue house!

This house has a sweet patio in the back, rod iron style fence perfect for Bailey! It also has 2 large yards on the side of the house :)

I'll post more pics once we're settled inside!  We move later this week!

Last Sunday our friend Niki took me to register. Whew. What an adventure. There is so much detail that goes into registry. It's overload, but if you take it little by little it'll be okay. We got all the small items nailed down. If you have a friend who can help you... take advantage!! It's very helpful!

I went to another twin consignment sale Friday night- My mom was on the hunt for a stroller. We happen to hit one of the more popular strollers which was a great deal for her. She picked up a couple bouncer chairs and I grabbed a couple space save high chairs for my mother in law along with a pack n play!

Space savers sit on one of your kitchen chairs (2 in my case!) and they basically are sitting at the table with you. They are great! They grow to toddler size in them :)
If you're struggling with money, these resales are great, the items are not worn out, most barely used since they're needed for such a short amount of time.

Here is my 18 wk pic!  Next ultrasound is up this week! I'll be in touch :)

17 WEEKS What am I having?!

I had a lot of fun this week!  First though, I did experience some crazy groin pain.
I figured it was a stretching thing but called the doc anyway.

They decided to bring my in for an emergency ultrasound, about 2 days before my scheduled appt.

So freaking out- I went and Hal met me there. I was freaking out/excited/nervous etc because I could maybe see if they were boys or girls, but was also facing whatever this pain might be.

I had no signs or concerns so I felt it was stretching, but hey when the doc calls you in- YOU GO!

We got into ultrasound and the twins were flipping all over the place, breech to head down to breech to head down. Then mooning us, kicking, wiggling their arms, and kept turning to the right so we could not see.

Now twin ultrasounds take about an hour, all the measurements, plus the heart rates, and of course the gender :)

Everytime the tech tried to catch the gender, they'd flip around, or moon her with legs shut!

It was annoying and funny all at once.

She said 'i hope you are ready for this energy!'

Finally after a good hour of back and forth- they showed their stuff and both are BOYS!

I went in for my regularly scheduled appointment on Thursday and we did confirm both being boys!

Pretty exciting!!!  Little athletes on the way!

Now to work on names! Although I feel I wont really know until I see their face.

It was an awesome week.

I'm growing, and right on point- they're about a week or 2 ahead in size and 8 oz in weight each! According to my little email I get every week they should be about 4-5 oz, so I'd say a little large is good for twins! They are doing really well.

I'll probably say this a million times, but I am looking forward to their arrival :)

Bailey- I think is too :)

Here is how we told everyone after I teased my FB asking everyone to predict first :) I wanted to play the game! It was fun!  As you can see Baby B is showing off very well, his little hand is up by his chin... Baby A.. well he's mooning us :)

Twin Shopping

I went to a twin consignment sale on Friday night with Hal. We went in with no expectations since I am only in week 16 and have a ways to go as well as a shower ahead.

But we thought lets see what we can find and if anything would be beneficial we can keep off the registry or even better for the parents homes!

Sure enough we found the main thing we wanted which was the Double Snap N Go Stroller.

This piece is designed to last a good 3-4 months and then you move onto a regular stroller.

I need both so I figured I could get at least one at the consignment sale.

It actually was a great move on our part, although super crazy, long lines, and tons of people.

I honestly had no clue so many people had twins out there!!

We left with 2 highchairs, 1 pack n play, 2 play mat gyms, the double snap n go stroller and 2 small swing/bouncer chairs... all for under $200!

Most of this stuff will be at my moms house, but the nice thing about this is I can go back and resell items or get more items!

They do 2 large sales a year and these moms are serious! They show up with their big baskets ready to shop!

I was so unprepared, so I stuck with the big stuff and actually got to go into the express line and check out fast!

I think Hal was on overload listening to all the twin moms chat and discuss their lives and the items and the need for double! But it was super cool to meet new people!

Now this week- week 17... we go to find out what we have :)   I'm not holding my breath though, just in case they dont cooperate!

                                        One of the twin highchairs for my parents house!

                                                   
High Chairs, play mats, swing/bouncy chairs, pack n play, Double Snap n Go... takes up the whole Durango!

16 weeks

I just got back from Arizona and had a decent traveling experience other than being padded down by security.

Must be something about pregnant ladies? It happened in Chicago & AZ! GRRRRRR

That being said I did get a pre-board for both flights, and was able to have a lot of space... able to stand up as much as needed and keep from getting sick!

I did for a while there think I'd burn those poor babies with as HOT as AZ gets! Seriously Hal thought I was crazy. Probably a pregnant thing!

Now I am officially home in Chicago until the twins are born!

I got a doppler which is fun to find their heartbeats and listen.

Baby A on the right seems to pop up right away, and then finding Baby B... well he/she is HIDING!!!

I'm pretty big at this point, definitely into maternity clothes, and had a great check up at the doc last week.

I'm looking forward to next weeks ultrasound- those are the best!

Sickness is much less, but not completely gone and energy has come back which is nice.

Although I'm still very cautious with twins, trying to avoid bedrest if I can. So limiting activity and resting as much as I can now!

Twins are full term at 36wks so... almost halfway there!

We are starting to look at names and picking out registry items :)

I'm praying for 2 healthy babies with safe delivery arrival to come soon!

I did read they're about 4 inch in size now and 2.5 oz in weight!  I gained 4lbs this month, which is right on track for the pregnancy!

Now that I can cook again and deal more in the kitchen I'm ready for healthier foods. Whew that 1st trimester was ROUGH!

14 weeks!

Happy 14weeks!

Well to me and the twins anyway :)

I'm officially in 2nd trimester! WOOT WOOT!

I'm feeling a bit better. Still got medicine in case I get sick. Still taking naps.

The bump has set in too! It's not too big, but it's enough for me to not fit in other clothes anymore.

Currently I'm working with 4 dresses. Perhaps I need to shop?

I got a little doppler to hear their heartbeats when I want. Little did I know they are SOOOO deep and hard to get to!  I've heard one here and there. I think they move around too much. I think I can hear it maybe 10 seconds and then off they go.

I'm starting to have a little tailbone pain when I sit too long... perhaps where the are at right now is affecting my tailbone? I'm not sure yet.

But I'll be into the doc on Monday for a check up to see whats going on with them.

No ultrasound- that's coming up in a couple weeks! We get to see what they are :)

Yep, that's right- we plan to find out!

I managed to start registration. I got the cribs, and dressers picked out. The Carseats and Stroller (S)

YAH I need 2!  The 1st couple months I'll need a frame piece to help me with carrying 2 car seats so the Double Snap N Go has to go on the list! However I am trying to do some consignment shopping for it, so I can get it used.  I seriously will be done with it within 2-4 months!

After Strollers, CarSeats, and Cribs I needed a nap.  I'll go back to work on more later. Niki is going to help me figure a lot out. THANK GOD! Buy Buy Baby is one overwhelming place!

We're heading out to Arizona next week for a week! Should be nice. I'm looking forward to the change of pace. The 1st trimester was very groundhog day style for me.  Wake up, sick, tired, fight the sick, not wanna eat, but eat, eating crap because healthy food makes me gag, so did the crap though!!! Then going back to sleep. AHHHH the joys of the 1st trimester!  Seriously though, I started to feel guilty because I want to have the littles here so bad and this is part of the process!

Now I'm embracing 2nd trimester, starting to enjoy everything, getting excited for the upcoming months!  I love Fall, and the holidays are always great!!!

We're expected to be moved into our new home by November!  Thank God because I imagine with twins I might start nesting early on!!  Lord knows they're going to arrive early on!

Here's a picture of me- 14 wks right before I got my hair done! AHHH to be human again! Fresh Color, Fresh Cut! I feel MUCH better!!!

More updates to come on the Weise Twins growth soon!

11.5 Weeks

I dont want to say the first trimester has been a blur.... but... i can't lie. It kinda has.

I get sick fairly often. If it's not hugging the toilet then it's sitting in my chest and I'm fighting it to stay down.  Sorry for the details but that is how I feel like 24/7.

When I could not keep water down anymore I got my hands on zolfran the med that is amazing!!!
It like instantly cures your sickness!

When you're sick- you dont take down water or food and well we need to hydrate especially in this summer heat.

Chicago has been god awful this year for weather. According to the news it has been the worst summer in 5 years. I've never so badly ever wanted fall here so fast!  I CANNOT WAIT!

Chili, Pumpkins goods, Cornbread, Soup!  YUM YUM!

I'd say my main craving at this time is Broccoli Cheddar Soup. I hit up Panera A LOT!
Sometimes I add in a salad with it. But Soup has been amazing for me! Yes that's right HOT soup in July!!!

So we've seen the babies a couple times now.  This past week was great- they were sitting breech and putting on a show for us! Baby B was a lot more active than Baby A- so naturally Baby B takes after me right?!?! hehe!

Their heartrates are at 156 & 160 and they're size was 11w2d and 11w3d. Which was a couple days ahead- no complaints there! Bigger is better :)

I've been told I'll delivery early- I'll be interested to see if that happens. I was also told my delivering/labor options.  My gut says I'll end up with a C but perhaps natural will happen. Depends on how they are faced!

It's cool- everything has been great news!  We finally told everyone and with social media being the way to get news- sooner than your own channel 5- Facebook Official and the word is out!

I'm grateful to have a stay at home job- although I've struggled the past couple weeks because of my exhaustion and sickness. It's nice to have that luxury so I can work when I need to and when I dont need to.

I'm not sure what my plan is once they arrive. It'll be a busy time is all I know. I dont want to pressure myself to get work done, but I also have goals I'd like to meet!  I'm sure I'll find a balance with time. Thank God I can work from my cell phone :)

Our house looks to be selling now- looks like we have a couple more weeks until we have to move. Our next house isn't ready yet- so we are looking at moving downtown with MK for a little while until our house is ready.  I believe in November.  I'd just like to be settled before they arrive!! It could be super early or later on...  of course I've heard a million stories- 28wks, 30 wks, 34 wks, 36 wks, 38 wks.... that basically puts me on Dec 2012- Jan or Feb 2013!

I'm just taking it one day at a time and praying for the best- 2 healthy-safely delivered babies on the right date!

I'll leave you with some pictures from the last ultrasound!

2nd Ultrasound back to regular doctor

The nausea is pretty rough. I think I will survive but it's hard.

I'm not into healthy food, which I really need for these guys. So I'm frustrated with that.
Hal made me a bunch of turkey burgers and taco meat to help keep healthy. But whew my body is not interested in any veggies at all. In fact I gag thinking about it. So hopefully the 2nd trimester will be better.

If anything, I know how to get the weight off after :)  Here I thought I could control this and would eat super healthy while pregnant when my time finally came, but I can't even look in my fridge without gagging. I can't make food... I do what I have to, but ugh!   Smells are rough too.

Sometimes it's easier to just sleep ;)

I went back to my doc who kept congratulating us- that was cool.

I got to chat with my nurses and while I thought they'd put me on a scale (yikes) they didn't. They just scanned me and checked out the babies heart beats.

They were hiding behind each other, so it was hard to see one of them. Little stinkers.

Finally we saw both-  Baby A- 175
                                   Baby B- 160

And both measured at 7w4d!


Doc told me I didn't have to come back for another 3 weeks. Guess that's great news.

I have no concerns right now- no issues.

I personally have heard tons of horror stories so of course they run in the back of my head, and I started drilling him with questions about my horror stories. He told me to stop listening!

Anything can happen to anyone. It's one of those situations.

I believe this is my time- our time- it's time for the Weise Family. We'll be doubling before we know it!

Doc said- you WILL deliver early. I guess full term for twins is 36 wks, so rather than Feb 22, I'm thinking late January they'll be here.  It's crazy to think that as soon as the holidays grow close, time will fly and the babies will be here.

I'm just happy with 2 healthy, safe delivered babies :)

1st Ultrasound

Before I get released back to my original doctor. I had to get 3 blood tests done to make sure the levels were doubling- increasing etc  I also have to have 1 ultrasound to make sure there is a beating heart and good size growth. Then I move back to Dr. Roth.

1st test was 318HCG and 37.4 Progesterone- GREAT GREAT LEVELS!
2nd test was 1558 HCG- um hello talk about HIGH!
3rd test was 4139 HCG- continuing to increase

These tests were in the course of a week- so talk about increases.

I had to wait another week for the 1st ultrasound. You have to be 6.5 wks or over 1500 HCG to see.

Of course you can't see much- but I walked in and my symptoms have kicked in very strong.

1 being pregnant brain- which you basically forget everything. I walked in totally forgetting one of the most important pieces. I cared more about seeing a heartbeat than anything. Which is fair and necessary.

You're also super tired and nap a lot when prego.

So I got up on the table, and up popped the screen, and omg so fast he was like 'Yep you have twins'

I was like HUH what?!  OMG I forgot multiples was an option. I was so focused on a heart beat.  Whew!!!

Baby A- Heartbeat 115
Baby B- Heartbeat 116

Both measured right in size.  I got a couple pictures that I'll post up when I get them scanned.

I left in shock like omg this is really happening. The risk of multiples is huge!

Hal was unable to make this appt because of work, so I headed over to his office to show him my pictures.  We called his mom to let her know- she sounded fairly shocked like me. Then my parents we met for lunch- but it seems they totally expected me to say triplets. So they weren't as shocked.

I had hit 6.5 wks safely and moving forward.

I was released back to my doctor the next week. I called him to update on the twins and he scheduled an ultrasound as well.  Looking forward to finishing up 1st trimester!

Sharing the News!

We had about 3 hours to plan out how to share the news. We have a set of parents local and a set in Arizona.  So, planning had to go quick!  For AZ, we had them thinking something happened to Hal's arm, and they HAD to skype us to see this 'growth'! They agreed but later on, they were out and about that night.

My parents- good lord- trying to get them out to eat was not easy!! I was like we need to go to dinner- we have a Father's Day gift EARLY!!! You need it!   You see- they were traveling for the wedding to a wedding and would be gone, so we wanted to get news out fast.

After a couple rounds of text messages and calls, we set up 7PM at a local college bar/restaurant called PINTS!

I wrote in the 2 cards- BABY(IES) WEISE DUE FEB 22!  A Special Valentines Gift is coming :)

Pretty sweet!

So we go to the restaurant and thinking it was a Father's Day card, the post it note I put on the front said- ACTUALLY, this is an early Valentines Day gift for BOTH of you!  Under the post it note was 'It's a MIRACLE!' with the baby feet and inside the due date!

I thought it was cool. My mom was like 'are you for real?'

I enjoyed a good bison burger w/ sweet potato fries- seriously my biggest craving!!!

After dinner we headed home to skype!

Time was ticking- it was getting to be like 11PM and we were like where are they!??!

Hal's mom was like- 'just text me a picture of your arm, I'll look at that'

NO!  YOU MUST SKYPE!!!!

Finally we got them on Skype- of all times to skype right?!?! HA!!

We wrote BABY WEISE FEB 22- backwards on a POST IT because then they could read it on the skype the correct way.  We were going to write it on Hal's arm but he was worried the marker would not come out.

So we chatted for a minute and then proceeded to show them the 'growth' on Hal's arm!

Lots of flowing tears and excitement! Success at sharing our news! Both Grandparents were very excited!

Support

A lot of ladies have NO CLUE they have PCOS. I mean A LOT!

If you come even remotely CLOSE to the symptoms of PCOS you need to get support if you're struggling!

I find a lot of support in the Facebook world- and I wanted to encourage you to reach out and find a great support group.

There is nothing like having that support of others who understand exactly what you're going through.

This disease has no cure right now... all we can do is maintain it.  It's awful. No one deserves it- but it's here and we have to deal with it.

Especially if you're the type who worked so hard on your career, followed the rules- got married- then comes babies- and all the sudden 2 years pass and every home pregnancy test comes back negative and your period is all over the place. Hair growing all over you in bad areas- chin, upper lip, back- just SO random and awkward. The ZITS! omg! WHo wants to be an adult with ZITS?! YAY for high testosterone!

This can make you HATE yourself! And you shouldn't!  This is just a disease you have to fight.

I fought to lose a ton of weight and that helped tremendously! I know weight gain is all part of this as well, it's something you can't help.  I would say adding a solid nutrition plan to your life and exercise would help counteract this a TON! But I get it- not everyone gets past this.

Mentally- oh my- mentally you are all screwed up! Especially when you're starting to try to conceive. The world gets SO DARK and you crawl into this hole because nobody understands. Not even your hubs gets it!

I want to encourage you to reach out to a support group- whether it's live, in person, on facebook, twitter etc.    It'll help you SO MUCH!  Others who understand what you're going through- there's nothing like it! Plus! You make new friends!!!

That's all for now- hopefully I have my treatments updates here for you soon

Mental Exhaustion

Okay so this is mentally exhausting... have I told you guys this yet?!

I mean straight up MENTAL EXHAUSTION!

One minute I'm in dream world thinking of this family I will have...the next I am reminded of this disease and how I may never have a family.

The truth is all I can do is continue to fight everyday to get there.

Lots of mental exhaustion, tears... and there are happy moments while going through this journey.

I read the article about the young girl who drove off with her baby on top of her car because she 'forgot' and I truly just shake my head at how this world operates.

Its such a shame that so many people want to have a family and would be amazing parents, and yet idiots are super fertile.  Truly blows my mind.

I try to think that God does have a plan and that plan is slowly coming together.

I have no control that is for sure. I just follow the doctors orders... and most of you know a lot of those orders are currently against all the things I love to do.... fitness, travel, my body that was getting in shape, living on my own schedule....

With infertility you live on the schedule of your body & your doctor's office.

You have to go in probably 2-4X a week for monitoring, then wait for the phone call in the afternoon to update you on how much medicine you need...yep this means you even go in on Sundays, Holidays...etc

The medicine blows you up, like puffy, bloat, serious-fast weight gain. Not a thing you can do about it. It just happens..part of this process. I know I've said this before- but seriously this is like something I work SUPER HARD at as it is. Fighting to keep weight off...

No Exercise except walking/limited swimming... do you know how hard I worked to build muscle?! The cardio endurance I have?!?! I will likely have to re-do it all, re-build, re-lose the weight.

This is A LOT of mental exhaustion... to know your body is going backwards from where you worked so hard to get it... your schedule is all out of whack, you never ever know if you can do anything because of doc appointments, monitoring, meds etc etc  The timing is crucial, so everything goes on hold.

I travel a lot for my job... happily travel to events. I'm lucky I got to the Bahamas. I'm suppose to be in in Las Vegas on the 20th... currently I cannot go. I'm waiting to see if I might be able to go... but again... any NORMAL person who can easily have a family- this wouldn't be an issue whatsoever....they'd just get on the plane and go. But when you're dealing with infertility and this kind of medicine it's not safe to travel.

Last night I large pain struck my left side that keeps twingeing and pinching...and of course it's messing with my head like...what the!??! I am at risk for ovarian twisting &/or ruptures so I am EXTREMELY cautious about everything. But something struck bad last night, it was painful... but I tolerated enough that I knew it can't be anything too harmful. I believe a lot of this pain comes naturally with this medicine and the procedures. I understand that if I were to rupture/twist an ovary I'd be in so much pain, I'd be vomiting. But still.... alllllllll these risks!!! All this & if I make a wrong move, or fall etc  Out could go an ovary :(    Ridiculous isn't it?

And to top it all off, nothing is guaranteed.... no baby is guaranteed out of this. Talk about mental exhaustion.

God only knows if a baby will come, or 2 or 3... and God only knows when.  All I can do is try hard to keep my patience, trust, hope going strong.

Did I mention the pain you go through with these meds? Not fun... there is a lot of discomfort, therefore, wearing jeans is OUT right now. I try to stay as comfy as I can. My stomach is all puffy as it is, so dresses that flow are pretty much what I want to wear or hide in PJ's at home.

Most of my friends and family have children now... it's a very isolating situation to be in. It's hard to attend events, and I realize I can suck it up and deal... but it's hard. I'd rather just not be there, than be there in the corner crying...or fighting so hard to hold back my tears.  I've sucked it up at a couple events...and finally decided for me mentally it's best I just stay away.
To those friends who read this, hopefully you understand and I apologize if this seems selfish.  I know everyone has a lot of hope and faith for me that this WILL happen. It's easy to be an outsider and feel that strong. Lord knows I feel that way about my business and my team's growth- I tell them everyday they will grow and their business will flourish- IT WILL HAPPEN- as long as they take action on the job.

That's all I can do, is take action, continue to take meds, continue to trust, hope and have faith that I can bring a couple healthy babies into this world.  But god really only knows if that will ever happen and it is truly mentally exhausting.

I pray no one has to go through this journey.

Injection hormones out of whack!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I want to just warn those of you who have to take injections... holy mother do they make you eat and your mind spin.

I'm never FULL EVER which is INSANE! I am trying to mentally wrap my mind around eating my 5 small meals that I'm used to everyday. I took myself to the store to buy extremely healthy whole foods and am working to get rid of all the crap that was in my house this weekend!!! I usually dont keep much junk but this weekend was different as we had visitors in town, and I usually get laid back with company and eat whatever is around.

But the injections had my head spinning. You get super tired, forgetful, you cry at nothing, and EAT! GRRRRRRRR just what I want right?!?!

I am STOKED for when I can get back to fitness and shrink down. I'm super puffy/ swollen etc right now. I feel like a pregnant girl. Hopefully this will be a dream come true soon!

Injections are a whole new world of medicine but they get the job done!

I woke up super depressed, having had a nightmare that Hal hated me. Just what I need while going through this journey right?! I did get up nice and early but wanted to stay in bed and hide from everything. I could feel the depression cloud smothering me, but I am slightly aware that I am pumped with a TON of medicine right now and that it's going to pay off soon :) It's hard on this end FOR SURE.

I mean... here you are... no baby... no guarantee of a baby...and you are going through A LOT to 'try' for that baby... but nothing is guaranteed. And if you get that baby...then you have to see about getting through the SAFE ZONE! Which means no miscarriage. This is nothing but SUPER STRESSFUL. Your faith has to be SO STRONG that the plan is laid out and that a family IS part of it, regardless of how you wanted that plan to go. Because I sure wanted 1 baby at the least on the way by the time I turned 30 and here I am 6 months away from 31 with no baby in sight.

Sometimes I wonder if I'm just meant for multiples? Perhaps. One and done? Sure! Boy & Girl? bring it on! Triplets is not success in the world of the infertility docs. So twins will do. But one is good as well.

I was an only child half of my life and HATED it. I wanted badly to not be the only one and eventually I collected some siblings along the way. I do have older siblings as well, I just did not grow up with them. So I want my children to have siblings...2 total at the least 3 at max. Unless God has another plan and I wind up with 4-5 !!! I bet Hal would be just STOKED haha!!!  But in all honestly- this is not how I expected life to play out. I've gotten pregnant before on my own just fine, so this has throw the biggest curveball ever at me.

I know they say what doesn't kill you makes you stronger.. but ummm I've fought a lot of obstacles in life and I'm ready to just rest and enjoy for a while...so this battle has thrown me so far off it's not even funny. In fact it's straight up sad. I do try my best to stay focused and stay positive. But these injections..whew!!!! Talk about a hormone hot mess I am right now. I'm probably best inside my house away from anyone else.

Now that I have healthy eats in the house I should be back under control here shortly with nutrition.

Mentally I like to exercise to keep sane... well all I can do right now is swim or walk. I'm waiting on whether we are moving or not here shortly to determine which pool I want to be connected to.

We found a house we love, it's very small though so there is a lot of concern there. I can't imagine having a family in this house, but we do love it. We shall see if it's what is meant to be.

If that is the case though- I will wait to get my pool pass from the Lombard pool rather than the Orland park pool.  Then I'll start swimming. I wonder if I can get my iPOD under water and still listen to it!??!?! Music helps me a TON!

What do you think tri-level home w/ finished basement-decent sized bedrooms and SMALL kitchen? OR one level home with big kitchen, big living room, decent bedrooms, and no basement? Both have 3 bedrooms... both have big back yards...

I'm trying to visualize a playroom, my office... etc  in the smaller house.... thoughts?! suggestions?! opinions?!

Big house is in the town we want to live in but on the wrong side of town, and little house is in a different town- close but not our town of choice. Of course little house is cheaper & very open... huge kitchen...  hmm decisions decisions

I also have a FULL workout room- weights, treadmill, elliptical, bars, bands etc etc Could I stash all of that plus playroom toys in a big living room with no other place to put it?!?!

Anyway- that's about it for now. Just dealing with crazy hormones, mentally, physically, and hopefully i'll get them under control soon.

Wish me luck that I'll have good news eventually.

The Chaos of the day

Today was scheduled for my HCG shot. I had to take it between 7-9AM.
Hal was suppose to give it to me. I had the directions, I had watched the video on how to give this shot. I had the medicine, the needles etc etc

Well Hal got called into work at 7AM so he was out to help me. His mom whom was visiting with us and a nurse was willing to help but she had left yesterday for vacation.

We asked our family friend to help- she's a nurse so we thought it'd be perfect!

I got up and left the house at 6:45AM so get to her house around 7:30 for my shot before she left for work.  I got to her house, rang the bell, came inside with my medicine, only to find out that the bottle of medicine had been broken. Here I was with 1.5 hours of time to take this shot and a broken bottle of medicine. NOW WHAT?

She told me to get to my doctor ASAP.

I called in the emergency line to get help for a new prescription. They sent me down another 30 minutes or so to pick up this prescription. I finally got my hands on new meds by 8:30AM and was out $200.00! When my original was covered 100% by insurance.

The doc asked that I come into the office for the shot now that I was strapped for time to get it done.

Did you ever realize how crazy infertility really is? it's all time sensitive- your body- your meds- your procedures- everything works around a specific time and NO you can't pick the time. Your body picks it.

You get calls DAILY in the afternoon after you have bloodwork done which is every other day- and they give you updates on how much medicine to take and at what time to take it.... talk about a '2nd job!'

So finally by 9am I got to the hospital where they helped give me the shot. I was told this was a FIRST! Never have any patients ever had a broken bottle of medicine!!!   I said hopefully this is the only fluke for this cycle!

I finally got home around 11am. So tired after nearly putting in 100 miles first thing this morning.  I did get frustrated and nearly cried to the answering service who couldn't figure out if this was an emergency or not. (IDIOTS)

I know I am pumped with a TON of hormones right now... so my moods are crazy. I'm super hungry. I'm puffier than ever. Everything is bloated out. it's great.

I can only hope that it pays off and soon!

Do you KNOW HOW HARD it is to be a FITNESS coach and be GROWING w/out a BABY inside?!?!?  IT BLOWS!!!! It SUCKS!!!

Learn from me- check all your meds when you are getting them shipped to your house from the special pharmacies. You just NEVER EVER KNOW!!!!

I pray all of this stress soon pays off and I get a healthy baby or 2.