Today we went for our weekly appointment with our OB and also follow up for our growth scan. It was a really good appointment and we left there feeling much better than we have in a looong time! The girls hearts were a beating away and we spent quite a bit of time talking to the Dr and asking her a lot of questions. She took the time to answer each of them in detail and she was sooooooooo excited that we have made it to 32 weeks!!! Our next goal is 36 weeks which would be awesome for the girls!!! Of course she did an exam and I am 50% effaced, however I am not dialated at all. Unless anything crazy happens we will go back in next week for another check.
As far as the brain situation that showed up this week on the growth scan with Makenzie...she explained to us that basically it could be fluid on the brain and they would have to put a shunt in to drain it when she is born, but if it is fluid it is at the best level that it could be. It was a lot of big words and details, but she truly did not seem concerned. We are going to keep a close eye on it and will most likely have another scan within the next two weeks to check the girls growth and especially to check on Makenzie.
Overall today was great...I am sure some of you are thinking how can you say that when there is something that could be wrong?! Of course we are clearly concerned for Makenzie, but the fact that it was barely outside of the normal range and has not shown up before on anything our Dr's do not see any reason to think there is truly something wrong or to freak out and get worked up over it...so we are not going to. No matter what we know God is in control and will take care of our sweet girls and it is all going to be ok. Other than that the Dr seemed so positive and we are just feeling so blessed to have made it this far. Of course we want to go much farther, but considering at 22 weeks I went into pre-term labor and have not had smooth sailing since then; we are so excited to be where we are and know that each day the girls get bigger and stronger and more developed. We would appreciate your continued prayers and support especially for the girls continued growth and development from head to toe, everything to be ok with Makenzie's brain, and for Carl and I! Thank you all so much!!! XOXO
May 26, 2011
May 23, 2011
32 Week Growth Scan
Today's growth scan went well overall. Makayla weighs 4lb 13oz and Makenzie weighs 4lb 9oz...at 32 weeks this is awesome...or should I say HUGE?! Makayla is in the 90th percentile and Makenzie is in the 80th percentile...where are these girls getting there size from is what I would like to know...did they give us the wrong ones at the transfer?! Just kidding we are so thankful that they are growing so well and pray that they will continue to do so. Unfortunately because of the positions that they are in and the fact that their is two babies with no room to move at all the technician could not really get a good shot of either of their lil faces. We were able to watch Makenzie sucking on her fingers for a minute and got a couple pictures, but Makayla is facing backwards and so far down on my cervix she could not get a shot of her face at all as much as she tried. Oh well, all that matters is that they are growing!!!
After the technician did all the exam/measurements the Dr came in the room to go over things with us. She said "the babies are huge", but seemed very pleased with their size and overall. My cervix has not changed too much which is great...looks like bed rest really is working. The Dr then had the technician to rescan Makenzie's brain...we did not know why she was doing this so she tried to explain that one of the ventricles was measuring a 10.19 and the normal range cuts off at 10. It is measuring just barely outside of the normal range so we will have to keep a close eye on it. But after looking at it herself on the ultrasound she said it looked just fine to her. She was a great Dr but one that spoke Dr talk only, and we had no clue what she was even talking about with all this. She said not to worry though its just something we need to watch. I go see my regular OB this week so I was just going to talk to her about this, but as the day went on and I had time to think about things I started to worry (thats what bed rest will do to you). I called my Dr office and my Dr called me back this evening to go over things and explain to me everything...however the minute we started to talk about things he had to get off the phone because he had to deliver a baby (which I was hoping was one of my friends, but no such luck yet). Before hanging up he said to not worry at all they see this all the time, but that he will call me back to go over things. I most likely won't hear anything till tomorrow or maybe not till I go back this week for our appointment. We are confident that everything is just fine and know that God is in control; we just want to understand better what they are looking at and referring to. We will keep you posted on this...just in the meantime keep praying for the girls to continue to grow and develop as healthy as can be!!!
Makenzie Grace sucking on her little fingers
I have been telling Carl for the past week that I have a feeling that after the scare of the contractions for so long, weeks upon weeks of bed rest, then the BIG scare at 28 weeks of my cervix shortening (effacing), and having to get the steroid treatments that now the girls are going to be HUGE and wait until the very last minute to make their appearance. Well we know one thing...right now they are HUGE...I have over 9 pounds of baby in me at 32 weeks which does not include the 2 sacks, 2 placentas, a liter of fluid a piece, and all that good stuff. No wonder I am ginormous and so uncomfortable!!! M and M you are so worth it all though and we cannot wait to hold and love on you!
After the technician did all the exam/measurements the Dr came in the room to go over things with us. She said "the babies are huge", but seemed very pleased with their size and overall. My cervix has not changed too much which is great...looks like bed rest really is working. The Dr then had the technician to rescan Makenzie's brain...we did not know why she was doing this so she tried to explain that one of the ventricles was measuring a 10.19 and the normal range cuts off at 10. It is measuring just barely outside of the normal range so we will have to keep a close eye on it. But after looking at it herself on the ultrasound she said it looked just fine to her. She was a great Dr but one that spoke Dr talk only, and we had no clue what she was even talking about with all this. She said not to worry though its just something we need to watch. I go see my regular OB this week so I was just going to talk to her about this, but as the day went on and I had time to think about things I started to worry (thats what bed rest will do to you). I called my Dr office and my Dr called me back this evening to go over things and explain to me everything...however the minute we started to talk about things he had to get off the phone because he had to deliver a baby (which I was hoping was one of my friends, but no such luck yet). Before hanging up he said to not worry at all they see this all the time, but that he will call me back to go over things. I most likely won't hear anything till tomorrow or maybe not till I go back this week for our appointment. We are confident that everything is just fine and know that God is in control; we just want to understand better what they are looking at and referring to. We will keep you posted on this...just in the meantime keep praying for the girls to continue to grow and develop as healthy as can be!!!
Makenzie Grace sucking on her little fingers
I have been telling Carl for the past week that I have a feeling that after the scare of the contractions for so long, weeks upon weeks of bed rest, then the BIG scare at 28 weeks of my cervix shortening (effacing), and having to get the steroid treatments that now the girls are going to be HUGE and wait until the very last minute to make their appearance. Well we know one thing...right now they are HUGE...I have over 9 pounds of baby in me at 32 weeks which does not include the 2 sacks, 2 placentas, a liter of fluid a piece, and all that good stuff. No wonder I am ginormous and so uncomfortable!!! M and M you are so worth it all though and we cannot wait to hold and love on you!
May 22, 2011
67 Days and Counting...
Back in the middle of March I started having contractions and was admitted to the hospital on March 16 for pre-term labor. It was a long scary night especially since I was only 22 1/2 weeks along at the time. They monitored me and the girls throughout the night giving me an IV and some Terbutaline to slow down the contractions. The meds seemed to stop things so they gave me the option to stay in the hospital or go home on strict bed rest with only bathroom privileges…send me home I said immediately! We were sent home with strict instructions and if I had more than 4 to 5 contractions in an hour we were to call or go back to the hospital. Well by the next day the contractions were back full force averaging 8 an hour…long story short I had to go in for labor checks almost every day for the next week. At the time it really did not seem to be affecting my cervix so they decided that just remaining on bed rest was the way we were going to treat things. It was so early that they did not want to start me on meds for the contractions and wanted to just see how bed rest would do. That’s when my weekly visits (sometimes twice a week or more depending on the contractions) and bi-weekly fetal fibronectin tests started (thankfully they have all been negative so far). They wanted to keep a close eye on us, but also did not want to do too many cervical checks because that too can affect things down there.
During this time I was able to work from home up to 16 hours a week which was awesome. I was still getting some income and it was keeping me a little busy and not so focused on the fact that I was on bed rest (thankfully at this time I was allowed out of bed for a couple hours at a time on modified bed rest). Then towards the end of April I got a phone call to let me know that after the babies are born and my leave is up that I will no longer have a job, and that I could no longer work from home at all…I was just to go on leave in the system and short term disabilty until they are born and maternity leave is up :( Yes, who does this to someone who is pregnant with twins and not suppose to have any stress at all because it makes the contractions worse?! Lets just say I had a bit of a melt down and yes the contractions got worse, but thanks to my hubby, family, and dear friends they helped me to focus on the positive side of things and pull it together for the sake of the girls.
A couple days after being laid off we went in for our 28 weeks growth scan of the girls. Because of all the contractions they checked my cervix that day and unfortunately it had shortened to a dangerous level. Very long story short and going back and forth between the Dr and Perinatologist they really freaked me out. I was getting different stories and impressions, but the overall consensus was the goal was to get us to 32 weeks and they said even getting to 30 weeks and any extra days over that at that point would be great. What…that was only a couple weeks away?! I was scared, but knew God was in control. I went home with orders of strict bed rest with bathroom privileges only again…no nothing else!!! We went back in 1 week later for another check and again things had shortened even more so they gave me 2 rounds of steroids to help the girls lungs to develop and for them to grow faster. We were threatened with being put in the hospital if things changed at all. But here I sit now on day 67 of bed rest and I am still at home! PTL! Tomorrow we will be 32 weeks and I could not be any more thankful or happy we have made it this far!!! 4 weeks ago we had no clue and were terrified, yet we have reached the goal…new Dr goal is 34 weeks! We can do it and more because with God all things are possible!!! Tomorrow morning we go back to Duke for another growth scan, and I just pray the girls are growing right on track. I have a funny feeling they are going to be huge now because of the steroids, but in case they do come early that would be a great thing! Please pray the girls are growing on track and that my cervix has not gotten any shorter and no other changes down there!
During this time I was able to work from home up to 16 hours a week which was awesome. I was still getting some income and it was keeping me a little busy and not so focused on the fact that I was on bed rest (thankfully at this time I was allowed out of bed for a couple hours at a time on modified bed rest). Then towards the end of April I got a phone call to let me know that after the babies are born and my leave is up that I will no longer have a job, and that I could no longer work from home at all…I was just to go on leave in the system and short term disabilty until they are born and maternity leave is up :( Yes, who does this to someone who is pregnant with twins and not suppose to have any stress at all because it makes the contractions worse?! Lets just say I had a bit of a melt down and yes the contractions got worse, but thanks to my hubby, family, and dear friends they helped me to focus on the positive side of things and pull it together for the sake of the girls.
A couple days after being laid off we went in for our 28 weeks growth scan of the girls. Because of all the contractions they checked my cervix that day and unfortunately it had shortened to a dangerous level. Very long story short and going back and forth between the Dr and Perinatologist they really freaked me out. I was getting different stories and impressions, but the overall consensus was the goal was to get us to 32 weeks and they said even getting to 30 weeks and any extra days over that at that point would be great. What…that was only a couple weeks away?! I was scared, but knew God was in control. I went home with orders of strict bed rest with bathroom privileges only again…no nothing else!!! We went back in 1 week later for another check and again things had shortened even more so they gave me 2 rounds of steroids to help the girls lungs to develop and for them to grow faster. We were threatened with being put in the hospital if things changed at all. But here I sit now on day 67 of bed rest and I am still at home! PTL! Tomorrow we will be 32 weeks and I could not be any more thankful or happy we have made it this far!!! 4 weeks ago we had no clue and were terrified, yet we have reached the goal…new Dr goal is 34 weeks! We can do it and more because with God all things are possible!!! Tomorrow morning we go back to Duke for another growth scan, and I just pray the girls are growing right on track. I have a funny feeling they are going to be huge now because of the steroids, but in case they do come early that would be a great thing! Please pray the girls are growing on track and that my cervix has not gotten any shorter and no other changes down there!
31 Weeks 6 days
May 20, 2011
Baby Shower for Makayla and Makenzie
Thanks to our amazing family and friends we were blessed with such a special baby shower!!! Due to me being on strict bed rest I was so worried I would not be able to make it, but I was fortunate that it was at my in laws house. They only live a few minutes from us so Carl drove me there and after snapping a couple pictures I was instructed to sit in the ottoman with my feet up and to not move until he came back to pick me up...other than a few bathroom breaks and a couple picts while I was up I did just that and stayed put. My family and friends did a great job of helping me out whether it was getting food/drinks or helping open gifts so thank you all for making it so much easier on me. And the awesome hostesses did an INCREDIBLE job! Every single detail was amazing and did not go unnoticed!!! From the homemade wreath with all the goodies attached that greeted you upon arrival to the favors of the personalized M and M's with the girls full names on them all to depart with...what a perfect day!!!
I spent years wondering if a baby shower would ever happen for us and we were blessed with not one but two AMAZING baby showers for our precious little miracles on the way!!! I can't thank everyone enough who had anything to do with making our showers so special!!! We LOVE and THANK YOU ALL!!!
I spent years wondering if a baby shower would ever happen for us and we were blessed with not one but two AMAZING baby showers for our precious little miracles on the way!!! I can't thank everyone enough who had anything to do with making our showers so special!!! We LOVE and THANK YOU ALL!!!
May 17, 2011
Week 31 Appointment Update
Well I was right to not be worried. For the most part my cervix has stayed the same...Dr V even said at one angle it looked better, but because they do an average of all the different angles/lengths it all averages out to be about the same as last week due to the shortest length he measured. And the fetal fibronectin came back negative again!!! My blood pressure was good and I gained 1 pound! So overall today was a great appointment! I even asked Dr V if all this good stuff means I can actually get up and do stuff now and he immediately said no (as Carl also chimed in no at the same time) and Dr V said...the bed rest is obviously working isn't it?! Well, I tried to be allowed to do stuff, but he is absolutely right...the bed rest is working and I will continue to do it as long as I need to even on the most frustrating days. We did get a quick peak at the girls to see their heartbeats and they looked great! Makayla is still head down and Makenzie is still transverse up in my ribs.
Next week we go for the growth scan at Duke to see how they are growing...I cannot wait!!! Not only do I get to see my precious lil girls, but its the next time I get to leave the house...today was the first day since last Wednesdays Dr's appointment that I left the house. These days Dr's appointments are as exciting as it gets for this momma ;)
Seriously thank you all for your support and prayers...God is so good!!!
Next week we go for the growth scan at Duke to see how they are growing...I cannot wait!!! Not only do I get to see my precious lil girls, but its the next time I get to leave the house...today was the first day since last Wednesdays Dr's appointment that I left the house. These days Dr's appointments are as exciting as it gets for this momma ;)
Seriously thank you all for your support and prayers...God is so good!!!
Weekly Checkup is Tuesday
We go in for our weekly check up on Tuesday! Praying no changes and that the girls are healthy and growing strong and that Fetal Fibronectin Test will come back negative as well.
I don't really know what it is about this one, but I am actually not worried about it for once. Maybe its just because I am at such peace about it all knowing that we have made it to 31 weeks and that God is in control no matter what happens. I am not even going to go to the other end of the spectrum of what it could mean that I am not worried (which is normally what I would do) because I am staying positive knowing God has a plan!
Hopefully we can get a peak at the girls since we did not last week, but since its just at our regular OB I won't get my hopes up about it. Just excited to hear their little heart beats tomorrow. I CANNOT wait until next week for our next growth scan at Duke to see how big they are!!!
Well I'm off to try and get some sleep...hoping the girls will cooperate with this plan as well! I'll update on the appointment tomorrow at some point.
I don't really know what it is about this one, but I am actually not worried about it for once. Maybe its just because I am at such peace about it all knowing that we have made it to 31 weeks and that God is in control no matter what happens. I am not even going to go to the other end of the spectrum of what it could mean that I am not worried (which is normally what I would do) because I am staying positive knowing God has a plan!
Hopefully we can get a peak at the girls since we did not last week, but since its just at our regular OB I won't get my hopes up about it. Just excited to hear their little heart beats tomorrow. I CANNOT wait until next week for our next growth scan at Duke to see how big they are!!!
Well I'm off to try and get some sleep...hoping the girls will cooperate with this plan as well! I'll update on the appointment tomorrow at some point.
Please check out what my awesome aunt set up to help us out. If you can help in anyway let her know. THANK YOU T!
Huffman Family
Traci Carl meals 2011
We would like to help Traci and Carl with some meals, while they are waiting for their precious Makenzie and Makayla to arrive. If you do not know...Traci is on complete bed rest, so this is a good time for us to make some meals, take it to their house and share some yummy food and fellowship! Traci will be at home, and can answer the door, or we can put a cooler at the front door and you can just put a meal in the cooler. Or you can bring it to our house in Cary, and we will be glad to get it to them!! They will eat almost anything! Thank you for signing up and for all the support you are giving Traci and Carl!!! Tricia
CREATED BY: Trish Scarboro CONTACT ME
(just click on the link above to go to the sign up sheet or click on the contact me link to contact my aunt)
May 16, 2011
3rd Trimester Photos
A few weeks ago I had some third trimester pictures taken to surprise Carl for his birthday by the amazing Tonya Mae Photography. He just loves my big ol baby belly and is going to miss it when its gone so I wanted to make sure to get some pictures for him. So here are a few for you guys to see as well. It's incredible when you see the last picture which is a collage that she put together to see how much I have grown!!! Thank you Tonya we love them!
31 Weeks Stats!!!!!!
How your baby's growing according to Babycenter.com:
This week, your baby measures over 16 inches long. He weighs about 3.3 pounds (try carrying four navel oranges) and is heading into a growth spurt. He can turn his head from side to side, and his arms, legs, and body are beginning to plump out as needed fat accumulates underneath his skin. He's probably moving a lot, too, so you may have trouble sleeping because your baby's kicks and somersaults keep you up. Take comfort: All this moving is a sign that your baby is active and healthy.
This week, your baby measures over 16 inches long. He weighs about 3.3 pounds (try carrying four navel oranges) and is heading into a growth spurt. He can turn his head from side to side, and his arms, legs, and body are beginning to plump out as needed fat accumulates underneath his skin. He's probably moving a lot, too, so you may have trouble sleeping because your baby's kicks and somersaults keep you up. Take comfort: All this moving is a sign that your baby is active and healthy.
31 weeks: Baby weighs as much as four orangesYour baby now weighs as much as four navel oranges. (Length: over 16 inches, head to heel.)
So I have 8 navel oranges in belly?! WOA! No wonder I look like a beach ball is growing on me! How can my skin possibly stretch anymore?!?! At least I now know that all the movements keeping me up and never sleeping means the girls are active and healthy! Keep active, healthy, and growing girls...I'll sleep in 18 years or so ;)
Pictures taken at 30 Weeks 6 Days
May 13, 2011
This weekend our precious niece Reagan turns 1!!! I cannot believe it has already been a year and all that has taken place in this past year. We are so lucky and blessed to have the cutest and best nieces and nephews in the world!!! I may be a lil biased, but really can you look at that sweet face and argue with me?!
It's just tough knowing that I can't be there to celebrate this weekend. Bed rest is really hard when you have to miss out on the big stuff. I missed being at Olivia's birthday too (her older sister who is not only our niece but our sweet Goddaughter) because that was the day of transfer for our IVF cycle and I was on 3 days of bed rest for that, but Praise the Lord for that amazing day!!! So now I have officially been on bed rest for two of our nieces birthdays, my birthday, a wedding, and Carls birthday too just to mention a few of the big things! As hard as bed rest is and as much as I really miss not being a part of these fun events Makayla and Makenzie you are worth every bit of it!!! I get so excited to think that soon enough you ladies are going to be here to be a part of these events and I can't wait for that (however I can wait a bit longer...so don't think this is me saying its ok to come out yet so you can be a part of the fun...you still need to grow as much as you can...and trust me there will be plenty of fun to be had...you're coming into a pretty fun family who celebrates everything together!).
So, Reagan and Olivia were sorry for missing your parties, but remember soon your two new cousins are going to be here so its all for a very good reason!!! I look so forward to the day to see y'all all playing together! I truly hope that you ladies will be as close to your cousins as me and my cousins...we are all still best friends to this day and I am so thankful for that unique family bond!
Happy 1st birthday Reagie!!! We love you!!!!
May 11, 2011
Better than expected
This morning we went in for our weekly check and for the most part things went well. My cervix has gotten a little bit shorter, but the funneling has not changed and best of all NO HOSPITAL!!!!!!!!! Because of the negative fetal fibronectin test from last week Dr V seemed pretty confident that we should be good to go for another week at least. His new goal is 34 weeks which I am excited about since last time I saw him he didn't seem to sure how much longer we could go and if we would even make it to 30 weeks and here we are 30 weeks 2 days! I am just to continue on strict bedrest and will go back next Tuesday for another cervix check and fetal fibronectin. We are staying positive that things will be good next week and knowing that no matter what God is in control!!!
So HAPPY BIRTHDAY to Carl...no hospital and little girls are staying put WOOOHOOO!!! We love you Daddy!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
PS Thank you all for your continued thoughts and prayers and sweet messages! They are working and we appreciate it all!!!!
So HAPPY BIRTHDAY to Carl...no hospital and little girls are staying put WOOOHOOO!!! We love you Daddy!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
PS Thank you all for your continued thoughts and prayers and sweet messages! They are working and we appreciate it all!!!!
May 10, 2011
May 11, 2011
Dear M and M,
Tomorrow is a BIG day girls!!! Your amazing daddy is turning 30!!!!!!!!!!!!!! As he was leaving for work this morning he brought to my attention that not only is he turning the big 3-0 this week, but this week also marks 30 weeks for you precious little ones!!! 2 HUGE "30" things to celebrate and Praise the Lord for!
I have to admit though I am having a tough time today because I want so bad to be able to make it a special day for him, but considering I cannot get out of bed let alone leave the house it is super hard!!! I can't even make him breakfast in bed or clean the house or buy him a gift! He has taken such incredible care of us especially through these last few weeks and deserves the world so I promise to you little ladies that I WILL make it up to him...y'all better hold me to it and not let me forget!
We also go back to the Dr tomorrow for our weekly check up so I am praying extra hard that things are looking good and you ladies are staying put! Hopefully we will get a peak at y'all and see if the steroids are doing their job too...we shall see though! Y'all have been extra squirmy the last week and I am getting bigger and more uncomfy by the second so I think the steroids must be working :)
Love you little ones,
Mom
Tomorrow is a BIG day girls!!! Your amazing daddy is turning 30!!!!!!!!!!!!!! As he was leaving for work this morning he brought to my attention that not only is he turning the big 3-0 this week, but this week also marks 30 weeks for you precious little ones!!! 2 HUGE "30" things to celebrate and Praise the Lord for!
I have to admit though I am having a tough time today because I want so bad to be able to make it a special day for him, but considering I cannot get out of bed let alone leave the house it is super hard!!! I can't even make him breakfast in bed or clean the house or buy him a gift! He has taken such incredible care of us especially through these last few weeks and deserves the world so I promise to you little ladies that I WILL make it up to him...y'all better hold me to it and not let me forget!
We also go back to the Dr tomorrow for our weekly check up so I am praying extra hard that things are looking good and you ladies are staying put! Hopefully we will get a peak at y'all and see if the steroids are doing their job too...we shall see though! Y'all have been extra squirmy the last week and I am getting bigger and more uncomfy by the second so I think the steroids must be working :)
Love you little ones,
Mom
May 9, 2011
30 Weeks!!!!!!!!!!!!
Fetal development in pregnancy week 30
Woohoo! You can finally see the finish line now that you're in the final quarter of the race!!!Whether you felt like your pregnancy's been flying by or slower than a snail scaling Everest, you've arrived in your thirtieth week and your baby's cookin' beautifully!
In animal news: the fine lanugo hair that covers their little monkey-like body will start falling off this week in preparation for the big day.
Still, don't be too shocked if your baby ape is hairier than you’d anticipated. Some babies keep their lanugo after birth - which is totally normal, and it will fall off eventually.
Checking in on the fat factory: your little porker is getting even cuter with increasingly pudgy arms and legs, thanks to their ever-growing layers of subcutaneous brown fat.
In terms of numbers, your big ol' baby should be weighing in at around 3 pounds 12 ounces (or more!) and be nearly 16 inches long!
Keep up the good work you two!
~length15.7 in | 40 cm
~weight3 lbs | 1.3 kg
All according to Babygaga.com
May 5, 2011
So excited!!!
Is this not the cutest little invite you have ever seen? Its just so perfect and I LOVE it! Not to mention the back and the cute little rhyme...I hope it works ;) I am so excited for this shower I cannot wait! Thankfully it is at my in-laws house and all my family will be there to help out and I will be able to remain in the ottman lying down following Dr's orders. A HUGE thank you to my awesome family and friends for all of your hard work for this shower...it means the WORLD to me and I appreciate it all from the bottom of my heart!
For everyone that is still asking what we really need...we need diapers!!! We have been blessed with so many clothes and all types of hand me downs and gifts that now we really need the basics. Of course anything on our registry is still very much needed as well and we will appreciate any and everything, but we have two little girls coming and they are going to go through A LOT of diapers. So as boring as it may be thats what we truly need.
FFN Results
Definition By Mayo Clinic staff
Fetal fibronectin is a protein that acts as a "glue" during pregnancy, attaching the amniotic sac — the fluid-filled membrane that cushions your baby in the uterus — to the lining of the uterus.Fetal fibronectin is often present in cervical secretions during early pregnancy. Fetal fibronectin also shows up later in pregnancy, about one to three weeks before labor begins. If your health care provider is concerned about preterm labor, he or she may test a swab from your cervical canal for the presence of fetal fibronectin. A positive fetal fibronectin test is a clue that the "glue" has been disturbed and you're at increased risk of preterm labor.
People have been asking what exactly this test is and does so I figured it be easiest to refer to the experts above to explain. I just got a call from my Dr's office and the good news is todays test was negative!!! Praise the Lord and thank you for your prayers!!! Below is what a negative result indicates:
Negative. A negative result means that fetal fibronection isn't present. This indicates that your pregnancy is likely to continue for at least another week. In fact, a negative result may be the most powerful benefit of the test — allowing you and your health care provider to relax a bit with the knowledge that a premature birth isn't imminent
We are so excited that the test came back negative and that it looks as of now that we are good to go for another week! Obviously this is not 100% and we know that anything can still happen at any moment, but it surely helps us to relax a bit! We also were told yesterday that my cervix was starting to funnel...I was unsure what this meant so I asked my Dr today and basically this means its starting to dilate on the inside. But we are going to continue to pray and stay positive and take things one day at a time. We will go back next Wednesday to the Dr and in the meantime I can continue bedrest at home!!! I am so thankful to have an excellent team of Dr's that are staying so on top of things and taking such good care of our girls and me!
This week things have really started to hit me...I am feeling the affects of a multiple pregnancy to say the least. One of the nurses put it best yesterday..."your body already thinks you are past 40 weeks". Boy does it ever. I have blown up like a balloon to top it all off...I am sure the steroids are not helping that either, but hey we will do anything to help our girls! No more physical therapy is not helping either, but in order to keep the girls growing I have to listen to the Dr's. I know that all of the pain, no sleep, horrible acid reflux, uncomfortable beyond belief, waddling, pressure, contractions, swelling, peeing like its my job, mood swings, headaches, insides being a punching bag including the ribs, not being allowed to do anything, stress, etc, and super tough days are all going to be so worth it! I cannot wait to meet you Makayla and Makenzie, but its not time yet so please listen to your parents and stay put and let these steroids do their job, and keep growing as strong as can be!!! We love you so much and know you are worth every single bit of this and we thank the Lord for you every step of the way no matter what!!! XOXO
Quick Update
We went to our regular OB this morning and I received my second round of steroids and then had a fetal fibernectin test done. We hope to get the results of that test this afternoon and will keep you posted. After all the mixed opinions between the different Dr's I am very excited to be at home typing this and not in the hospital. I of course want what is best for the girls and will do whatever that is but bedrest at home is MUCH better then the hospital so we are so thankful to be home! I will update on the results later...praying for a negative test in the mean time!!! Thank you all for your sweet messages and thoughts and prayers!
May 4, 2011
Duke Results
When we got into the exam room this morning I was very excited to find out we were going to get a quick look at the girls!!! They did not do any types of measurements or anything because they were just done last week, but they did check their positioning and their heart rates. Makayla was being shy today so we did not get a peak at her face, but her heart rate was 140 which is awesome. Makenzie let us see her face long enough to get two quick photos of her (although she was trying to cover up with her arm), but we got a quick peak and noticed that just since last week her cheeks have gotten even chubbier! That makes me feel so much better knowing they are growing!!! Makenzie's heart rate was good as well in the uppper 130's.
Then onto the fun part...measuring the cervix internally. Unfortunately my cervix has shortened even more...they were getting a range depending on how they had the wand was positioned and whether they were applying any type of pressure or not, but the range went all the way down right below a 2 all the way up to a 3 if I was just lying still. Due to the fact that it has shortened in just a weeks time they decided it was best to start the steroids. This will help to speed up and develop the girls lungs and help with their growth as well. I had my first round of steroids today and will then head back in to my OB in the morning for the second round. Because they did the internal cervical exam today we could not do the fetal fibernectin today as well because it could cause a false outcome on the test. In order to avoid any false outcome we will now do the test tomorrow instead...please pray for a negative result on this!!!
So tomorrow we will do the test, get more steroids, and meet with our regular OB and discuss things with her. Then next week we go back to Duke (on Carl's 30th birthday might I add) and there is quite a few different scenarios that could take place, but to be honest I'm not even going to think about those things and go there...I'm just gonna keep it positive and take it day by day.
Thank you all so much for all of your thoughts and prayers, calls, messages, emails, meals, support and everything! It truly means so much to us!!! Please keep it all coming and we will keep you guys posted!!!
Then onto the fun part...measuring the cervix internally. Unfortunately my cervix has shortened even more...they were getting a range depending on how they had the wand was positioned and whether they were applying any type of pressure or not, but the range went all the way down right below a 2 all the way up to a 3 if I was just lying still. Due to the fact that it has shortened in just a weeks time they decided it was best to start the steroids. This will help to speed up and develop the girls lungs and help with their growth as well. I had my first round of steroids today and will then head back in to my OB in the morning for the second round. Because they did the internal cervical exam today we could not do the fetal fibernectin today as well because it could cause a false outcome on the test. In order to avoid any false outcome we will now do the test tomorrow instead...please pray for a negative result on this!!!
So tomorrow we will do the test, get more steroids, and meet with our regular OB and discuss things with her. Then next week we go back to Duke (on Carl's 30th birthday might I add) and there is quite a few different scenarios that could take place, but to be honest I'm not even going to think about those things and go there...I'm just gonna keep it positive and take it day by day.
Thank you all so much for all of your thoughts and prayers, calls, messages, emails, meals, support and everything! It truly means so much to us!!! Please keep it all coming and we will keep you guys posted!!!
May 3, 2011
Prayers for tomorrow
We go back to Duke in the morning for our follow up and then go to the OB right after for another fetal fibernectin test. Please say some prayers for a healthy momma and babies and good appointment all around! I'm a little nervous right now, but know that God is in control no matter what.
Hoping to see our girls tomorrow and maybe will have some more picts to share of our precious Makayla and Makenzie?!?!
Also please still pray for some unspoken requests for some of our family and for us as well! Thank you all and hope everyone is having a great week!!!
Hoping to see our girls tomorrow and maybe will have some more picts to share of our precious Makayla and Makenzie?!?!
Also please still pray for some unspoken requests for some of our family and for us as well! Thank you all and hope everyone is having a great week!!!
May 2, 2011
YEA!!!
Two exciting things to celebrate today...
#1 Today marks 29 weeks!!!!!!!! PTL!!! Every day our girls grow more and more and get stronger and stronger!!!
#2 I PASSED my gestational diabetes test!!! No diabetes woooooohooooooo!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I would also like to give a huge shout out and thank you to all of our wonderful family and friends for all of your help this last week especially! We truly appreciate all the meals and it makes bed rest so much easier knowing that Carl has help and does not have to do it all alone! So THANK YOU ALL!!!
#1 Today marks 29 weeks!!!!!!!! PTL!!! Every day our girls grow more and more and get stronger and stronger!!!
#2 I PASSED my gestational diabetes test!!! No diabetes woooooohooooooo!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I would also like to give a huge shout out and thank you to all of our wonderful family and friends for all of your help this last week especially! We truly appreciate all the meals and it makes bed rest so much easier knowing that Carl has help and does not have to do it all alone! So THANK YOU ALL!!!
29 Week Stats
How your baby's growing according to babycenter.com:
Your baby now weighs about 2 1/2 pounds (like a butternut squash) and is a tad over 15 inches long from head to heel. His muscles and lungs are continuing to mature, and his head is growing bigger to make room for his developing brain. To meet his increasing nutritional demands, you'll need plenty of protein, vitamins C, folic acid, and iron. And because his bones are soaking up lots of calcium, be sure to drink your milk (or find another good source of calcium, such as cheese, yogurt, or enriched orange juice). This trimester, about 250 milligrams of calcium are deposited in your baby's hardening skeleton each day.
29 weeks: Baby is the size of a butternut squashYour baby is as big as a butternut squash, weightwise -- about 2 1/2 pounds. (Length: a tad over 15 inches, head to heel.)
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