The Presto Presto Twins are Almost Here!!

Hello All! Well, the time is fast approaching (more on that in a moment) and with it, the belly has become quite big. No surprise or anything, but I think it all started we went to the mall for Marley's birthday. It became quite obvious that people were looking at me. Not just looking....STARING. Older women would catch my eye and give a "You poor thing!" look. Men would look at just my belly then my face, then my belly and look away with a slightly frightened look. Or they would look at MP. Regardless, this has morphed into the fact that I can't really go anywhere now without people stopping to talk to me...or just walking by and saying something about my size. Part of why it is freakish is that I am all belly. Thankfully, I am not on bed rest ( I think that is why people are gawking and thinking...."Shouldn't she be in bed?" or "Shouldn't she be giving birth, like, right now?"). Don't get me wrong, I'm slow and I waddle....but, by George, I can still do quite a bit!

So, now to the impending arrivals....I am scheduled to give birth this upcoming Tuesday, the 29th. Yep, the time is finally here and we all couldn't be more excited. I'm a little anxious, too....but that's to be expected. The twins will be born at 36 weeks. A bit early, but not too bad for twins. I just don't really have any more room!!!! I have an amniocentisis on Monday to check the babies lung health and then my surgery is scheduled for the following day at 10:30 am. I have butterflies just writing that! Although Dr. TA dosen't expect it, the only thing that would prevent the c-section from occuring the 29th, is if the babies lung health isn't up to par. I'm feeling pretty good overall. I have little contractions all the time and just can't do that much without the belly getting in the way or wearing me out. I also have a rash on my belly that is associated with pregnancy called PUPP (which stands for something very medical sounding and complicated.) I only have a minor case of it but it is very annoying (itchy!!!!!). It happens commonly in women who are having their first child (check) and are carrying twins (check check) and 70% of women who get it are carrying a boy (REALLY?). It is caused by overstretching of the skin or/and a reaction to male fetal DNA....wacky!!

So, blog readers, this may be the our last post as family-to-be....the next time we post, it will be to show you our little ones!!! Everything is ready. All of the family is arriving either Sunday or Monday....and the new arrivals will be here on Tues. OH MY GOSH!!!!!! It's all so surreal. Thank you all for your support during this. The adventure begins....

The First TIme Ever I Saw Your Face

Isn't technology gosh darn amazing? Here is an image of Baby B's (Frack) face. We think he/she looks just like his/her Daddy! Baby A was not lying in the optimal position to take a picture, so we didn't get a any headshots form him/her. But isn't this little face amazing? I'm in love!

Both MP and I feel that Baby B may be a boy...but who knows? Our ultrasound tech Ms. K knows. She couldn't stand it last check-up and had to take a peek at both of them...slightly torturous. However, we have come this far with out knowing and the plan is to continue. It's fun to speculate, regardless.

We've had an interesting week. At the last appointment, everyone kept saying "keep doing what you're doing, the babies look great." The words "fantastic" and "perfect" were also used. They weigh 2.7 (A, Frick) and 2.9 (B, Frack) and are measuring in the 53rd and 55th percentile for even a single pregnancy. Pretty big babies! (Their momma is getting awfully big, too, but we won't go there; let's just say that I weigh more than my husband....gasp!) In fact, Dr. TA moved my delivery date up to July 28 or 29. I will have an amniocentesis to measure the babies lung health at that time and will deliver on that day or the day after as long as their lung health is satisfactory. Wow! T-minus a month and a half until blast off! I'm also measuring between 38 and 39 weeks pregnant. Do I know what it feels like to be 9 months pregnant? Why, yes, I do. But, really, while I am slowing down and quite a bit uncomfortable, I am still feeling pretty good-all things considered. And things have been pretty uneventful....until yesterday.

While MP and I were running some errands, I got out of the car and had an odd sensation that I had sat in something wet. Not just a little something but quite a bit of something. So asked, "Does it look like I sat in something?" MP at first said no but after a second look he said "Yes! " with wide eyes. It was like I had tinkled in my britches. I felt fine. The babies were doing their usual jigs and dances....but I called the doctor and they had me come right in. I might be "leaking amniotic fluid", they said. After a slightly uncomfortable exam, they concluded it was a fluke leak (I drink a lot of water maybe?) and I was fine, but decided to measure the fluid by ultrasound anyway to be safe. I met with a new tech that had never examined me and we got down to business. Then, she said, "Don't move, I want to get Ms. K (our usual ultrasound tech) in here to look at something with me. It may be nothing, but I just want to check." What? Huh? Slight panic and light headed-ness began and I kept telling myself.."Don't freak out until they say something is wrong."

After some more ultrasound goo and having me shift around a bit, they concluded that some of my amniotic fluid looked a bit cloudy...which can mean several things. The babies poo'd (which can be bad) or one of the placentas was bleeding (also bad.) So I was sent off to the perinatal specialist group at the hospital. More ultrasound with a specialist tech and specialist doctor who finally told us that the babies look great, their internal organs, brains, spines, appendages etc. look great and that the fluid didn't have any of the "landmarks" of being something bad. That they had seen this "cloudy" fluid before with twins and that it is nothing more than perhaps a thicker fluid. As long as the babies are growing and moving frequently, we have nothing to worry about. So, all I can say is thank God and SHOOOOO-WEEE! Of course, now I am mildly obsessed with their movements...but that's cool. I am always fascinated by it and they are strong little movers and shakers. So keep sending us positive vibes and prayers and leave a comment or two to let us know you're out there!

Grooooooowwwwwwwing

You know, being pregnant can be quite funny in terms of size. I still scoot myself on my chair too close to the table. "Whoa there! Large belly in the way!" I need to buy stock in the Tide Stain Pen....that thing is a miraculous little device. I "forget" how big I really am. I stuggle to get up off the floor if I choose to sit down on it. ( Why do I do that???) I am starting to have trouble bending forward to pick up things on the floor. I have to struggle getting up from low chairs or beanbags...I mean, it's just sort of bizarre. And the scary thing is I'm only getting bigger. At my most recent Dr.'s appointment, Dr. TA said I was measuring at 33 weeks (mind you, I am only 26 weeks right now and the appointment was last week!) So the Hippo Girl has arrived....Jabba-the-Hut Woman! The body never ceases to amaze me.

Other things have changed as well. I have low blood pressure, which is worse in the morning. I can sometimes curb it by drinking copious amounts of water first thing when I wake up...but it dosen't always work. I get what I call the "dizzies" which consist of dizziness, mild nausea, heart race, and a cold sweat. I can't lay on my back without feeling the "dizzies" either which means I have my ultrasounds on my side as well. It has to do with pressure from the babies on important veins and my increased blood flow. Apparently, it is fairly common...but it not alot of fun. I also had some of my first mild contractions...which are also normal...but ALSO, not so much fun. But the good news is that the babies looked great at the last appointment and are in the 35th and 37th percentile which is "perfect" for twins according to Dr. TA. I just keep praying for healthy babies. Let me keep getting more and more uncomfortable...just give us healthy babies.

They are active little critters, too! I am amazed at the strength of their kicks and punches. Baby B is active during the day and Baby A likes the night life and early morning. People have asked me what it feels like to be kicked from the inside....well....I used to think it felt a bit like gas, but now it is very alien. I mean, I can see the babies movements from the outside for gosh sakes!

Decision '08

Hello Folks,

We (MDP -daddy, MEP-sissy, and LP -mommy) want to thank all of you that have given us feedback on the decision of whether or not to learn the gender of our two newest family members. The results of the poll from our previous entry reveal that 18 of our friends and family feel that we should find out, while 9 feel that it should remain a surprise. After much thought and long discussion the three of us have decided to let the little ones' gender remain a wonderful birthday present!!! That being said, onto the most recent update that included the genetic ultra-sound:

On April 7th the lengthy genetic ultra-sound revealed that there are no preliminary signs for Down Syndrome or Spina Bifida, however your continued thoughts and prayers for two healthy babies are greatly appreciated by all five of us. All other parts and pieces are developing on schedule. Baby A weighed in at 13 oz. and Baby B just over 12 oz., well within the healthy range for even a single baby. The 3-D image of them was AWESOME!!!! LP is progressing nicely, albeit an increasing target for kicks and punches from the eight appendages within. Her stamina remains incredibly strong, and she continues to amaze us with her resilience and beauty.

As of this morning the two new Prestons have developed quite an impressive resume: two plays, heard a live performance from artist Citizen Cope, a video for U.K., helped host a bluegrass radio program, and experienced their first (and hopefully last) earthquake- 5.2 on the richter scale! They also enjoy virgin pina coladas and getting caught in the rain...

As for an update on their due date, Dr. TA has tentatively scheduled an amniocentesis (lung development) for late July, placing delivery between August 7th and 14th...GO LEOS!!!


P.S. MEP won the science fair for her entire school and will soon be competing in the regional fair, go Mo Mo!!! Also, we have a new address, which will be sent soon via email.



All our love and appreciation,

MDP, MEP, LGP

Three Heartbeats In One Body

In the vast sea of pregnancy symptoms, I have been truly lucky so far. I am not saying it has been super easy, but it hasn't been that bad. Considering, I'm carrying twins...I cannot help but think that this fact is a miracle. I've heard other women throw up, have feet that swell beyond recognition, and I even knew a girl who couldn't swallow her own saliva. She just carried a spit cup all day. Sure, I was queasy in the beginning. Quite queasy, in fact. And exhausted. But I made it through. I even did a show. I gagged at some smells, but never got sick. Mostly pork products. I had to wear a bandanna with a dryer sheet in it once when I smelled pork...I looked like a bandit, but I was smelling Morning Fresh. Now that I am 17 and 1/2 weeks, the nasty part of the first trimester is long over and the "honeymoon" phase of the 2nd semester is in full swing. I can eat meat again. Just not in large quantities. I even ate bacon, but so far that is all the pork product I can handle. My biggest symptom now is insomnia. I am wide awake quite a bit of the night. I think I sleep for about 3 hours, wake up for 2, sleep for 2, then I'm fitful until I rise. The doctor says it's hormones. I think it is that mixed with anxiety. My mind races and I have crazy dreams. I can never seem to get comfortable. For some reason, I'm getting used to it. I don't like it, but alas, it is what it is.

I am becoming increasingly freaked out by the fact that there are, including mine, three heartbeats in my body. Seriously, that is hard to wrap my mind around....three!!! I have been feeling the little twosome for about 2 weeks now. Not constantly, but every once in a while. I have the little tickle-flutters from both "Left" (Frick, Baby A) and "Right" (Frack, Baby B.) Yesterday, "Right" gave me a solid kick and it surprised me. "Right" is closer the surface and is a little easier to feel.

I went to the doc yesterday and all was well. I'm gaining weight on schedule, but I am stunned that I haven't gained more. Amazing considering the amount I eat. It is important with twins, who have notoriously low birth weight, to eat a signifigant increase in calories. But, I'm eating healthy for the most part, which helps them grow appropriately and helps to prevent me from turning in to a house. Next appointment, I have a genetic ultrasound. This procedure is like a regular ultrasound, but WAY more detailed. It looks for defects in the hearts, brains, bone structures etc. and gets measurements and weights, etc. Plus, we can find out the sexes. Now, both Matt and I (more me than him) have gone back and forth on this question. Should we? I want your opinion, people. Chime in.

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A Mere Shadow of What's to Come

Several folks were wondering what I look like during all this....well here I am! I truly just started to look really pregnant (instead of just chubby) these past two weeks. With twins it is normal, as you can imagine, to look a bit big. I am measuring at about two weeks ahead of a single pregnancy....that means at 14 and 1/2 weeks...I look like 16 and 1/2 weeks. I imagine I am going to be pretty darn big! So this artistically taken photo, (poor MP has the flu and still took a cool pic) was taken in the early afternoon...catch me after dinner and I look even bigger! I still am not in maternity clothes..but I can't button my pants. I got a stretchy little thing that helps keep my pants up in the meantime. Someone is making a boatload of cash on that invention. I went to the doc yesterday, heard the babies heartbeats using a dopplar. They are big enough for that now. Everybody is doing well...including me. I haven't gained any more weight, but I don't see how that is possible. I'm eating more than I ever have....strawberries are top of the list right now. Mmmmmmm. In fact, I'm going to get some right now!

WOW! Two's Company.

Here we are in cyberspace! And by we, I mean all four of us. Yes, I said four. A mom-to-be, a dad-to-be, and TWO babies-to-be. Can you believe it? I certainly could not. I mean, few folk's baby dreams include two high chairs, two cribs, two carseats...etc. However, it is an unbelievable blessing. The journey to this place has been long and riddled with tests, uncomfortable procedures and a funky surgery. MP (el Daddio) and I had been trying for about a year when a series of doctors poked around (literally) to discover I had a uterine fibroid that was most likely the reason for my inability to conceive. Darn fibroid. It took another several months and some agresssive tests to discover that it was huge (baseball to me is huge.) Regardless, speed past a few other ugly scenarios and I had the surgery in June 2007. I gave "birth" by cesearean to said baseball and was left with a lovely scar and the hope of actually being able to have a baby.

Fast forward six months and I'm back in the doctor's office again. "Why am I not pregnant?" I asked. I was patted on the back, told to try one more month and then they would start with some "assisted" fertilization....turkey baster fertilization...how romantic. Then, as a fluke, for MP's birthday, I decided to take a pregnancy test. I had long stopped buying them after many disppointing attempts at peeing on sticks. $11 a pop is kinda expensive when all you are left with is plastic with pee on it. Lo and behold...positive. I took another, also positive. What? A blood test later and it was confirmed. Pregnant! Yipeee! About two weeks later, MP and my queasy self went to the doctor to have a quick early ultrasound. Dr. JA was working the machine and wand and there appeared a little bean on the screen with a heartbeat...I was in the middle of saying "Ahhhhhh..." when he moved the wand to the right and said "And here's another one..." Huh? What? Excuse me? I began, with mouth agape, to giggle and Dr. JA sounded (in my ears) like the teacher from Charlie Brown. "Whaa-whaa-wha-whaaa-wha-wa" Thank goodness, MP had the wherewithal to ask some pertinent questions. So, no fertility drugs needed. No assistance. These twins are natural, baby!

Now, at almost 15 weeks, they are healthy and, along with their mama, growing fast. My two little beans have grown to large peaches and we have had the good fortune of already having 4 ultrasounds. (I am triple high risk due to my surgery, age(??), and having multiples.) We've seen them bounce and shake their little bootys. Very funny!! Active little peaches. I have been feeling little flutters here and there. Due to being reasonably slim (not for much longer) and the twin factor, I can feel them a bit earlier than someone with a single pregnancy. Wild. They've already been onstage in two shows...but mama's taking a hiatus from the boards for a while to focus on incubating and finding a job. ( I was laid off...but I'll save that for another time.) Until next time, say prayers and keep us in your thoughts.