27 weeks and I am still alive!

What a week! I had an appt on Monday and Tuesday which was nice bc I got to leave the house two days in a row. However, I picked up the stomach flu. Boy was it awful...I felt like I was dying! I haven't been sick like that in years. Mommy just doesn't get sick!

The good thing is it only lasted 24hrs and we had lots of help. Luke was a nervous wreck most of the day. He was able to chill a little bit once I got medicine in my system and we realized that it had nothing to do with pregnancy or the babies.  Janjan and hannah hung around the house for a bit to make sure I was alive. At lunch, Papaw got Hannah out of house so she wouldn't be exposed to so many germs. (The night prior she had slept with me and absorbed the virus. So it was pretty much inevitable.) Janjan took Hannah home with her last night and she was only sick twice so we are keeping our fingers crossed today. I don't want a sick baby girl or sick daddy at Christmas!

Aside from that, the babies and I are ok! I have managed to keep down fluids, scrambled eggs, toast, bagel this morning. Praise God! I'm a little weak but all I have to do is rest.

Baby update

Sonogram showed:
Baby girl: 2 lbs 1 oz; measuring right on time, she is growing perfectly!
Baby boy: 2 lbs; measuring 2 days behind sister, growing perfectly too!
Cervix Length: 2.6 cm (normal is greater than 2.5 cm) I am borderline :/

They are both head down with their heads side by side...within inches apart. Baby boy is definitely the most curious of the two. He always looks at the 'camera.' Check it out:

Baby boy posing for the 'camera' with hand up to face

Baby boy perfect profile

Baby girl was pretty shy.  She had her back and neck to the 'camera.'  Maybe she will be my chilled baby girl. 

Hannah

Hannah is thrilled that Santa is coming to town!  She has been quite entertained this week thanks to Lucy Burrows, Audra, Michael, Meli, Janjan, Papaw, Cita, and Aunt Jaclyn.  Also, she and I were able to complete a craft project in my chair.  This is a little table topper for the babies' room.  Hannah LOVES crafts...and decopauge glue.

We have been working in the nursery and it is 75% complete. (Photos to come)  We are borrowing a big rocking recliner from JanJan and Pop so I can go lay in the nursery while everyone works around me.  Luke rearranged the furniture, hung the curtains and patched little nail holes in the walls.  Aunt Katie put the finishing touches on the cribs.  I am still waiting on baskets for the changing table and NEW black armoire (thanks for painting, JanJan and Pop).  I am thrilled to have the hardest part complete.

The babies' got a really cute package in the mail last week from the Carson family.  Hannah opened the package and fell in LOVE!

Two little monkey tobaggans.

I am also looking forward to a small shower that the family has organized on January 9th.  It will be in my home so I will be super comfy in my chair. 


Thank You this week to:
Teresa Kirkham: chicken enchiladas, rice, guacamole, cookies
Luke, Calhouns, penningtons-Texas rolls(duck), fried deer steak...good company! :)
Jaton, Josh, and Sarah - great company, fun Wii party
Donna and Micki- hosting a Santa party! Hannah had a great time!
Laura Currey- lasagna, salad, cheese bread
Ms. Patsy- Christmas snacks
Gran-Red Velvet Cupcakes
Carmen zumaya- posole
Uncle Joe, Aunt Det, Roslyn- Mexican stack, poblano peppers
Cita- chicken casserole, fun pjs and surprises, precious baby clothes,etc
Janjan- dealing with the sick folk, laundry, etc.
Dad-grocery shopping, getting the santa gifts put together, etc.

Thank you most of all to... Luke for being a nurse, cook, maid, sole moneymaker, husband, Santa, and top notch daddy all while managing a fast-paced business!  I know its not easy being a single parent (practically), managing a home and a business.  I am so thankful for YOU! We can do it!  I love you !

Merry Christmas Everyone!  We are so blessed.  Thanks be to GOD !

26 weeks

Anticipation
To help me get through bed rest, I always think of past events/dates in my life that I thought would NEVER happen.  It reminds me that time IS inevitable even though it seems to be creeping along right now.  I decided that I would make a list of the most anticipated events in my life...just for fun!
Events that take a lifetime to reach (or seem that way)
10.Christmas day... especially for 5 year olds
9. First day of Kindergarten
8. Sixteenth Birthday (drivers license...wooohoooo)
7. ALL birthdays until 21  :0)
6. Last day of school (every grade)/first day of summer
5. The day I received my college acceptance letter (I chased down the mailman, literally) AND the day I received my college roommate and dorm assignment (I think the mailman caught on by this point)
4. HS graduation (dear old MPH)
3. Aggie Ring Day ... AND College graduation day! Whooooppp!
2. Wedding day (ALMOST 9 YEARS AGO xoxoxo)
1. The birth of our first baby, Hannah Lucile! (39 WEEKS of easy pregnancy)

These BIG events have come and gone for me and Luke but it is just the beginning of new and exciting events for Hannah and little Baby Andersons.  :)

Now...our next most anticipated event ...
The BIRTHDAY of OUR SECOND BABIES 

Update


My partner in crime....she really likes bed rest!  This is her normal position right below my chair. 

I couldn't resist.  Can you tell? I dont have much to write about today. I am doing OK. No changes. I have two appts. next week so I will have a lot to update.  Some people have requested belly pics....here ya go...

26 weeks

25 weeks

Excited that i can still see my ankles...they haven't swollen yet!

Last weekend, Cita helped with Hannah while Luke worked.  They made this gorgeous ginger bread house and FINISHED my Christmas shopping...yes, FINISHED!  Thank you!

Hannah ate at least 45 pieces of candy.  Can you say, wild child ?



Big THANK YOU to...
Aunt Katie- Taco soup and cornbread, taking care of Hannah at school and after...best TEACHER ever...luv u! 
Kathy and Bro. Chuck Huffman-Chicken and Dumplins, cornbread
Jamie and Andy-lasagna, salad
Tracie Rose-Tortilla soup, apple dumpling, poppycock (I need this recipe. It was all gone before dinner)
Kerri Nichols-Ham and Cheese Pie, fruit
Christy Kerr-Cookies and bread
Mr and Mrs. Carter- Spaghetti, Salad, Bread, Asparagus,Cake
Melissa Mason-Pizza and Cinnamon sticks
Worthie Witherspoon-Pork Tenderloin, Sweet potato casserole, Chick parmesan, Hershels sweet tea. :) 
Ms. Sunny - In-home spa pedicure...ahhhh...
Dad- Lunch, errands, school pick up...etc.
Mom-groceries, lunch, laundry, gift wrapping
Cita and Capt-groceries, errands, school pick-up

We are incredibly blessed to have friends and family that have surrounded us with love and support!   WE could have NEVER made it this far without each of you!  We LOVE you all!




25 weeks!!

YAY !  25 weeks already!  Just 12 weeks to go! We have decided that 12 weeks sounds a lot better than 3 months.  :)  This month is already flying by !!  Hannah has one more week of school before she is out for two weeks. It will be so nice to have her company during the day. Lucy will be babysitting and helping me out so she will be entertained! Also, I may start embroidering...at least I could put a little "E" on the pink clothes.  Then, maybe we will decide between "C" "L" and "W" to embroider the baby boy clothes!  Why are boy names so hard ?? 

Appt Update

I saw the Dr. yesterday and had a pretty good report. The babies looked great and we heard their little hearbeats.  My cervix length has shortened to 2.8 cm.  The last time he checked, it was 3.8 cm.  Luke and I were a little concerned.  He informed us that this was ok and still in the normal range.  Also, baby girl's head was on the cervix which could have caused it to shorten a little during the time of measurement.   He said if the cervix continues to shorten, then we can start steroid shots for the babies.  So, of course, we have a back up plan.

Bed rest update

7 weeks down...and now I am modified bed rest.  This means that I have done such an awesome job that the Dr. is rewarding me for good behavior.  No, not really!  There are not many changes.  I am still making myself continue complete bed rest with the exception of an occasional car ride to EC Brice to pick up Hannah, eating at the table for dinner, and sitting up in my recliner a little more during the day.  I will not be doing chores around the house, walking or standing for extended period of time, or driving.  Yes, this makes me happy!  Every little bit helps.  I was able to eat at the table with Luke, dad, and Hannah last night and I enjoyed sitting up this morning to fix Hannah's hair.  Also, I am looking forward to a short car ride to look at Christmas lights one night this weekend. God is Good !  We are gonna make it! 

I have almost finished our Christmas shopping all from the comfort of my recliner.  Its really fun to get packages every day !  Even though they are mostly for Hannah.

Next Appts.

Growth Sono-Monday, Dec. 20, 8:00am
Dr Mason - Tuesday, Dec. 21, 8:30am

Thank you this week to :
Dad-steaks, potatoes, salad, groceries, errands, etc...etc...etc., Chilis dinner :) Luv u!
Jacob and Brandy Ainsworth-Chicken and potato dish, peas, bread, cupcakes,cookies
Gran and Papa-Ham and broccoli casserole, apple salad, bread...we loved the salad!
Audra, Michael, Meli - groceries, sweets, yummy Luigis and good company :0)
Katie, Sara, Audra- helping at the parade and keeping me company on Saturday
Katie, Keres, Ava, George-Taking Hannah to Polar Express!  I owe you...maybe Luke owes Keres for making the trip with 3 babies! We luv yall ! 
Mom-working circles around me in the house, laundry, groceries, organizing the Divas clothes, etc...etc.. :)  Luv u!  (this week, we get to wrap) 
Nikki, Chuck, Cameron, Lucas-Chick and Sausage dish, Chessy green beans, rolls, and coming to visit from Lview...MISS u! 
Dr. and Mrs. Riepe-Chick poppy seed pasta, apple salad, rolls, apple crisp, green bean bundles...i love green bean bundles !

Thank you all for your prayers !  Keep 'em coming!

24 weeks

6 weeks of bedrest down

I think I can do 10 more weeks...uggg... Of course I can !  I am doing ok just A LOT restless and bored.  Of course, it helps that I stay busy most of the day with things like Christmas shopping online, ordering Christmas cards, writing thank you cards, helping to organize Sara's baby shower, etc.  Also, visitors are fun.  However, I just want to get out of my house just to take Hannah to school or pick her up or stroll around Walmart or go out to eat or go to the Christmas parade or ride around to look at Christmas lights.  I can do it though! 

Baby update

At 24 weeks, the babies are viable.  Which only means that if they are born now, there is a small chance that they could be saved.  This would mean lots of NICU time and teeny tiny babies.  So, that is not even an option for me but I feel like I have achieved my first goal or stepping stone.  :)  Now, the next hurdle is 28 weeks, then 30, then 32, then 34 ... then the magical 37 weeks!   Dr. Mason is still optimistic in saying that he will induce at week 37 with the slight possibility of a regular delivery, aka no 'C section.'  :)  I say...lets do it!  I love an optimisitic and smart Doctor ! 

What do I feel like?  100 % normal with a few aches and pains from the recliner and bed.  The babies are super active and practice martial arts all day and night.  I don't have much of an appetite but my strict Dr. Anderson makes sure I take in plenty of calories. 

Next appt: Tuesday, Dec. 7; 8:40 AM

Thanksgiving was great !

This year everyone came to our house to share the day with Luke, Hannah, and I since I couldn't travel.  It meant the world to me that everyone changed their plans so that the 3 of us were not alone.  :)  I have to brag and say that my house was beautiful even though I didn't lift a finger.   As most of you know, I love working in my home, entertaining, and taking care of my little family.  So it was super hard to lie here and watch everyone work around me.  I did it though and everything turned out great !  I will offer to make the entire meal next year just to repay everyone for all their work.  Ok, I know that is a big offer, maybe we will host a steak dinner after the babies arrive ? 

Katie and Carol decorated the beautiful tables



Ava and Hannah are 'eating' Dr. Pepper with their spoon like soup.  I think this was all they ate.
Who cares about turkey and dressing when you have DP ?



Hannah's first deer (kinda)
Hannah and daddy went hunting on Sunday morning for a poor little doe (legal on T-Day weekend.)  However, they came home with this... She spotted it, first ! 

Christmas decorating

I am happy to say that my tree is up, mantle is decorated, and the house and front porch Christmas lights are on!  Luke and Hannah did such a great job. They may be the official decorators next year...we will then have two more 'helpers.'  All went very smoothly!  The tree is now in our living area so I can enjoy it every day !  Thank you, Luke and Hannah !  The babies and I appreciate your help around the house !  I love you both very much ! 

Thank you for meals this week:

Ratliff family-American casserole, salad, cookies, bread

Sara and Shane Calhoun-Chili and frito pie

My Shreveport bunch and dad-Thanksgiving dinner with dessert and Mimi's rolls :0)

Tammy Foster-Chili, cornbread, praline ice cream bars

Stacy Fitts-Beef Goulash and veggies

Sara- BK lunch with a coke ;)

Josh and Jaton, Trevor, Marley, Blakers-Chilis gift card and a great visit ! 

Thank you for thinking of us !

The Care Calendar website is http://www.carecalendar.org/?cid=55053.  Password is 3984.    

23 weeks

Holy cow! Look what we accomplished this weekend! I say 'we' because it was a group effort. ( yes, even I worked....I hung every piece of clothing in my chair). Katie and I have continuously saved every item of clothing, shoes, hats, bloomers, etc from our babies, Hannah, Ava, George. Needless to say, we had at least 20 tubs to organize with sizes from newborn to 3t. Craziness!

Mom,Katie,Carol and I managed to develop a system so we could organize all these beautiful clothes. We labeled boxes from 3-6 month, 6-9 month, 12 month etc. I put all the 0-3 month clothes on pink and blue hangers.

After !!  Now, baby A and B Anderson are set! Well for now...I am sure a few more things will be purchased. Especially as I remain on bed rest.

Thank you Jan Jan, Cita, Aunt Katie, Gran, Ava, George and Hannah for helping me get the nursery ready!  Also, thanks for staying with me while Luke was out of town.  We owe you BIG TIME ! 

Also, Katie and I just purchased an early Christmas present...embroidery machine! I am so excited! When mommy and daddy decide on names, all the babies' clothes will be monogramed. Now, just need to figure out how I can monogram in the bed...there has to be a way!

Baby update
My doctor appt went well today! It was very short and sweet, but I still got out of the house. My yard is covered with beautiful yellow and red leaves and I have a few roses and mums blooming. Who knew ?? 
Dr. Mason sonogramed the babies. We heard the heartbeats and learned that baby boy is breech for the moment and baby girl is now on the right side. That's what all the chaos has been about...I have two gymnasts in my belly...or two more Hannahs!

Bed rest update
Well, no change! Still the same ole, same ole! I was given a glimpse of hope today though. My bed rest may change from strict to moderate after two weeks. Which just means, eating while sitting up, and maybe a longer shower...

Thanksgiving
We have invited everyone over to our house for t-day! All the Andersons, Sandlins, Fites, my mom, Ralph, Dad, and Jojo. Of course, I cant cook or do anything to prepare but I have lots of helpers. My tables already look beautiful ! This will be our first thanksgiving at home and I am excited! Truthfully, I will not be doing anything but watching everyone work around me. I will be able to lay around and enjoy the company for the day. If you know me, you know i love to entertain so it will be hard to sit back and watch but I don't have a choice. I will make the best of it because I know that next year will be a whole new story! Also, doc said I can sit at the table for lunch! Yay!

We have so much to be thankful for !  I am happy we get to share thanksgiving with both of our families, even though I am 'out of commission.' Thank you everyone for making this happen!  It means a lot to me !


Thank you for meals this week:
Thank you all for taking time to prepare a meal for us!
Carmen Zumaya and Sara Calhoun for a Fab enchilada lunch

Mrs. Margaret Burrows, Mrs. Karen Harmon- roast, potatoes carrots, homemade bread, pea salad, fruit salad, triple layer choc cake, and choc chip cookies (fed us all weekend)

Pam Fite- meatloaf, green beans, mashed taters, butternut squash soup
Jeannie and Todd Jaggers- chicken spagetti, salad, garlic bread

Sherry Fox-cherry dump cake (one of my faves)

Michelle Luck- Yummy wrapped chicken, sweet green beans, rolls, mashed taters

Cita- Tea room lunch
Audra Pennington-Keeping Miss Han all day Tues
Cita, Aunt Katie-Taking Han to see SANTA !

Look how well we eat!

22 week growth scan/sonogram

Yay! I had a fabulous outing yesterday! I had a growth sonogram on both of these babies! Needless to say, I didn't sleep much last night bc I was so excited! At first, there was a bit of confusion to determine what to call the babies in the sonogram report, baby A,B, or C. There are two babies now but we still want to call them baby B and baby C. If you know Luke very well, you know we gotta get this right the first time. Once that was figured out, we proceeded without any problems.

Baby girl- weighs 1 lb. 1 oz; measuring 3 days ahead, she is head down,
Baby boy- weighs exactly 1 lb.; measuring right on time, he is head down.

Both of their heads are together (so they can chat). Their feet constantly kick my belly button area and rib cage. They are about 11 inches long. All looks perfect!

Baby girl's hands



Baby Girl checking out what all the 'buzz' is about



Baby boy parts !!

Baby boy being shy with hands over eyes

Bed rest update
So, how am I really doing?  Do I get terribly bored ? Yes!  Is it hard being 100% dependent on everyone else? YES !   Do I hate staying in the house everyday ?  YES! Am I gonna make it ?  YES I will make it!  
I have a routine and I stay busy believe it or not.  I have visitors throughout the day like dad brings me coffee, mail, groceries, and feeds the dog; Sara comes to visit at lunch; Luke comes home at lunch,  Mom does odds and ends around the house a fews days a week; Cita comes by at lunch or afterschool a few days a week; Lupe comes to clean and tornados through the house;  AND I have friends in and out all the time !  I love visitors ! 
 I am a little (no, A LOT) nervous about how my body will act after all of this but I have Audra, Sara, and the gym...so get ready girls !  

All of this bed rest business will be history in March and I am planning summer trips already.  I think we will plan on the beach in May to kick off the summer!  The babies will LOVE the beach ! Hannah has LOTS to teach them!

Thank you this week to:
Sara and Shane- loaded nachos and a movie; lunch and virgin mimosas, Thank you Sara for being the best preggo partner EVER!
Luke- grilled steaks, potatoes, salad...yummy!
Dr. and Melissa Mason, Tracie Rose- delish baked ham, salad, green beans, mac and cheese(Hannahs fav) angel food cake and fruit!
Judi and John Howell-fried chicken, potato salad, mac salad, deviled eggs, pie
Gran and Papa-chicken, mac and cheese, beans, corn, pecan pie
Mrs. Ellerman-oatmeal cookies
Linda Atkinson-pork tenderloin, sweet green beans, potatoes, carrots, brownies
Marla Sheets- Laura's Cheesecake taco salad, cookies....great to catch up!

Also, a few people have asked about the Care Calendar.  http://www.carecalendar.org/?cid=55053
Login: 55053
Password:3984
This has been A HUGE blessing!

Prayers are working! Thank you all for your love and support! God is good!   These babies need names...I will share next week, if we can figure out baby boy's name.

Hannah's 1st (and last) Cheer Competition...for this year

Of course, Hannah LOVED the cheer competition and I think Jan Jan and Cita had a fun day, too.  Thank goodness her little team is a 'show team' so they ALL got a trophy.  She was THRILLED !  Plus, Jan Jan and Cita bought her prizes.  :) 

Jan Jan and Cita-Thank you a MILLION for taking Miss Han to the competition ! 

Katie and Sara-Thank you for keeping me company !  :)  I enjoyed the virgin mimosas in my lounge chair on the patio. 

Hannah, Ramsie, Abbie Kate

YAY !  I think we LOVE to CHEER !