29 week check-up!

I had my 29 week check-up today and there were no changes in cervical length. My cervical length is still holding steady at 1.9 cm. I have lost 4 pounds in 2 weeks which is interesting! Flat bed rest doesn't necessarily make me gain weight bc i have to eat while laying flat. It is such a pain! I miss eating at a 45 degree angle! I did the routine, 'yummy' glucose test for gestational diabetes and I will find out results tomorrow. Also, my belly is measuring 34cm which I think is 34 weeks. He said this was normal with twins! Belly is getting so big!

Most of you know I was not super excited about the appointment simply bc of the news we got last week. Actually, I had mom pack my bag and I made an additional packing list. However, the doc was pleased with no changes and I am home for at least one more week! One week at a time...baby steps!

Mom and I had a great time on Wednesday as she continued to work in the nursery. She washed all the bitty preemie clothes with dreft, picked up house, made lunch, laundry, grocery shopped, picked up Han from school and took her to get a hair cut. Ms. Lori cut 2 inches off Hannahs hair. She straightened it to make sure the cut was even. Hannah looked so different
and grown up with straight hair....she LOVED it, my little Diva! Also, she got to show of her new do for Papaws bday! He brought over Lees China and we visited!

Bed rest update

11 weeks ! Its pretty unbelievable when I think about it! This has been my greatest challenge ever, no doubt! I've always said that being a mommy was my greatest challenge (with an unmeasurable reward)! Now, I get to be a mommy of 3 which will come with countless challenges, of course, but...it will be the best feeling in the world! Luke and I will be the most blessed parents on the planet! If we can make it through 4 total pregnancies in 5 years, 3 of which high risk pregnancies, infertility, 12 plus weeks of bed rest with a 5 year old...we can do anything! I Can't wait to say "Cheers to us!" and yes, Luke, I expect champagne! ;)


As I lay flat...I think about one million things that I would love to do like go out eat, wash laundry, cook, pick Hannah up from school, walk around Target or even Walmart, go to the
gym, go to watch the Aggies tomorrow night in the cotton bowl, take a walk with Hannah, sit on my porch, clean my bathrooms, go on a date with my husband.....the list goes on and on! However, I think of Jamie and Jojo's fave joke, "what did the monkey say when he got his tail
cut off? It won't be long now!" ;0)

I am very much looking forward to a small, family shower this Sunday in my home! I have told the ' big sis' that she is responsible for opening gifts as I lay flat in the recliner! Thank you all for making this possible! The guests will also get to see the nursery which is almost complete. ;)

Muchas gracias for meals to:
Beth Price and Mollie Means- yummy meatballs, mashed taters, pintos, and delish choc sheet cake....I ate every drop and only shared a little!
Jojo-chicken stew and cornbread! And for buying a cute car from Sandlin motors!
Mr and Mrs. Sinclair- roast and all trimmings, banana pudding
Papaw- Lees china, chicken fried steak lunch, subway lunch
Janjan- thank u for being my hands and feet around my house and nursery! I know I am a little neurotic!
Judi Howell-chicken pot pie lunch and great visit! ;)

Big thank you to my precious Aggie gals Lara, Julie, Laura, Sarah,Monte, Shelley: for sending
Luke such nice words of encouragement and the biggo gift card to Bass Pro ! He has done unbelievably well with all the stress from me, Hannah, and work! You are so sweet to think of us and reward him, too!


Thank you for your endless prayers and happy thoughts! It's all in Gods hands and His precious timing!

Bed rest update

Happy New Year! I am doing well. However, on Wednesday night, I woke up several times with a backache and just uncomfortable pains. I had a hard time resting. By morning, I told Luke and we decided to call Dr. Mason to check in. I went into his office about 10am to find that my cervix length shortened from 2.6cm to 1.9 in less than a week. I was placed on a contraction monitor for contractions, and luckily I didn't have any at that time. I took the first baby steroid shot on Thursday with the booster yesterday. The steroid shot is for the babies to help their lungs develop a little quicker. I am now on Procardia to slow down minor contractions. Fun stuff! I feel like a pen cushion these days, heparin shots, hydroxyprogesterone shots, steroid shots....uggg. Also, I am now on complete flat bed rest AT HOME with only bathroom privileges.

Just a heads up! When my cervix length goes below 1.5 cm, I will be hospitalized in Dallas. This could be as early as next week or  4-5 weeks when I am placed in the hospital for monitoring.  This does not mean the babies will come any time soon, but we are getting ready for the last leg of the journey. Since I am only 28/29 weeks, the babies still need to cook, but I may need to be in a hospital with a NICU to protect these precious babies. 

Whew..I have been a nervous nelly and a little negative. But, I finally got my thoughts in order. I am ready for the 'final countdown.' Also, I had great company on NYE. Jamie, Jojo, Chloe, Janjan, Hannah. We had so much fun and it cheered me up! Papaw and Hannah did our grocery shopping for the weekend! Jojo brought stew for lunch. Janjan let me open an early shower gift of baby bottles, bottle sterilizer, cute grass drying rack, and baby boy mobile with sports balls. :)  In November, a baby shower was cancelled due to my bed rest, however, my sweet friends and fam bought me two new Graco carseats as the hostess gift!  (I have not even said THANK YOU! I hope you know how thankful I am for the new carseats and your friendship.) Papa and Gran surprised us,too, with a special, early shower gift of a jog stroller and car seat stroller! Plus, Cita and Capt gave us two precious carseat covers (early shower gift). I couldn't wait to get the strollers and covers on the seats! Jamie and Janjan put together two strollers and two carseats. Much thanks to Jamie and Janjan for the man-labor! ;) Check them out!

Marley and Andy in the seats with their mommy, Hannah, and aunt, Chloe. 

Hannah getting her muscles in shape to haul at least one carseat

Wasn't as easy as it looked...but they DID IT! 

so cute !

I LOVE MY FANCY JOG STROLLER!

So do the big girls...notice my 'new' thumb sucker.  (Never sucked her thumb in her life.)



Then we got out the pacis.

 Please continue to pray for strong babies and quick growth!  Praise be to GOD !

28 weeks...and counting

Today marks 10 weeks of bed rest since Oct. 20th.  We have come a LONG way, baby(s)!  I am counting down about 6 more weeks of bed rest then I can do a little dance...a little one! :)  Then, maybe the babies will hold on a week or so after that.  Ahhh...wouldn't that be perfect?   

I am getting super excited about getting the nursery organized and my house in order before the babies' birthday.  Of course, all I can do is lay back and 'bark orders.'  (Luke calls me 'mission control'...which next week he may call me "walk and flop" like Jack called Amanda...walk and flop in a chair. Still makes me laugh, Amanda! Sorry!) I don't mean to be bossy but it is my ONLY way to get things done...without getting up and doing myself.  (I know, I am a little controlling.  I am sorry!)  Next time ANYONE is on bed rest, I will be the first one at their door listening to all their orders.  I owe everyone by this point! 

So, has 10 weeks been that bad ? No, not really!  It has gone by fast!  I am just wearing out all my help before the babies get here.  :)  However, I think it will be a little more exciting to come visit me when I have two precious newborns at home. 

Next Appt: Tuesday, January 4th- 8:30

Christmas Update

We had a fabulous, relaxed Christmas.  The only thing Luke, Hannah, and I missed was Christmas Eve Church service which is always a nice reminder of the true meaning of Christmas.  However, we enjoyed mom and Ralph's company on Christmas Eve and had yummy fajitas.  Hannah got to open her gifts from JanJan and Pop and she was THRILLED!  Mom and Hannah made reindeer food and set out food for Santa.  We read the Night Before Christmas and then off to bed.  What a BIG girl! 

Marley got a new outfit.  New Moxie doll

Sharing Santa's Milk

Christmas is so much fun with a 5 year old!  Everything is so real and magical!  Hannah was in bed by 9 and I think daddy woke her up at 7AM because HE was so excited.  Also, mommy didn't sleep well in anticipation of Hannah's reaction to Santa. :)   Hannah didn't ask for much from Santa but he treated her well.  Papaw came over to share in the excitement with gifts in tow! 

Marley and new baby boy "Andy"

Twins stroller just like Mommy's

I made one trip (4 miles) to Gran and Papas house on Christmas morning and quickly sat in the recliner.  We had breakfast and enjoyed opening more packages. :) 
We rested (a little) through the afternoon. Aunt Jaclyn was willing to help with Hannah while Luke picked up the Christmas explosion in our house.  It is amazing how domestic he has become. ;)   Then, the Anderson, Fites, Sandlins, Aunt Amy and Diana came to our house for tamales and more gifts!  It was a fun and easy night for me as everyone visited, cooked, worked, cleaned around me in my chair.  Thank you all for coming to our house to celebrate Christmas with us.  It meant the world to us!  Luke is becoming quite the hostess. 

So, I have spent three holidays in the chair and working on one more...NYE.  Jamie, Chloe, Kline, Shane-O, Grammy, JanJan, and Pop are coming to celebrate NYE with us!  I am looking forward to seeing them!  I am not sure if I will make it to midnight but I know we will have a GREAT time!

Muchas Gracias this week to:
Pastor Chuck and Ms. Kathy-Chicken soup and prayer.  :)  Made my day so much brighter! 
Uncle Joe, Roslyn, and Aunt Det-Mexican Stack, Poblano peppers
JanJan and Pop-Fajitas and fixings
Staci and Thomas Ratliff-Gumbo, French Bread, Choc chip cookies
Uncle Bill and Aunt Sally Ratliff-Tallerene, Lemon Chiffon pie
Audra Pennington- chicken and rice meal. :) and keeping Hannah
Carol-helping with Hannah on Monday, laundry, errands
Sara and Shane Calhoun-Fried fish dinner
DAD/Papaw-gettin groceries, takin Hannah to movie, errands :)

JanJan and Aunt Katie- Organizing 4 toy closets, play room, and Hannahs bed room!  How did 10 bags of trash come out of all those toys ?  ...I am SO glad to have all that done!  Also, thank u, Katie, for shampooing my rugs and carpets!  I feel so refreshed!  What a WONDERFUL treat! 

Thank you all for praying for us daily!  I think I will go the distance!  These miracle babies are pretty strong!  Just need them to stay in their little home a little longer!  Away we GROW!

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.