The Unexpected: Bed Rest

I saw Dr. Tchabo today and it was probably the most emotional day of this pregnancy so far--apart from the discovery of twins, of course. When I weighed in and saw the obscene amount of weight I had gained in TWO weeks I became hysterical and could not stop crying. Poor Jamie. He did his best to comfort me and had many soothings things to say but I had come undone and could not be comforted. I told Dr. Tchabo I was concerned about the dramatic weight gain and the heinous swelling so I WAS comforted to learn that I didn't have preeclampsia--just a bad case of gestational edema (severe swelling--predominantly in my legs). Dr. Tchabo was very frank with me and said it was time to stop working. I could work from home if my employer allowed it but otherwise I was done. He said that the swelling was only going to get worse and that I would become increasingly uncomfortable and unable to do even basic tasks.

I didn't want to admit that he was right because I wanted to be strong and to be able to work nine hour days until delivery. My body really has slowed down the past few weeks and learning that I measured over 40 weeks and that I had over nine pounds of boy in my belly helped me realize that I would only get bigger and yes, more uncomfortable. What bothered me the most was losing an entire month of income. How would we survive? I hated to fail Jamie.

I sobbed and sobbed while Jamie drove me to work. I was so sorry that this had happened so soon and Jamie, ever the gentleman, said he should be the one crying for allowing me to work as long as I had. He apologized to ME. That Jamie--he's so amazing. I waited outside my office building until I felt the streaks on my face had reduced enough to look like the typical redness and puffiness of my pregnant mug. I walked into my supervisor's office and she perked up when she saw me and exclaimed that she wanted to talk to me about something. My heart sank. I told her I had bad news and that the doctor had prescribed best rest and that next Wednesday would be my last day. With sincere concern she said that my health was more important than any of the work we do and that I should do whatever it takes to be safe. She then asked if I could work from home. I couldn't believe it! SHE was offering to let me work from home? I said that working from home was totally an option and would actually be ideal. So, in a matter of moments I went from an entire month of unexpected and unplanned maternity leave to only having to worry about two extra weeks. Yay!

Why i have been so blessed I dont know because I can't say I feel deserving...but I'll take the blessings and thank God for his many tender mercies.

Little Ones

Jaren as a three year old little guy. So cute!

Annika and Isabel as five pound baby babes. What joy they have brought to us all.

What joy to find photos of Jaren and Isabel and Annika from March 2001. I have the cutest nieces and nephews ever! These photos remind me of how much they have grown and how I was instantly in love with each of them. Love to you!

My Mega Hubs

The day before our engagement Jamie ran the Moab half marathon and I ran the five mile race. Jamie did a terrific job and we both had a blast. It's amazing to think my legs were ever that small. My preg legs...not so small.

The day Jamie proposed! I think Jaren's excitment about Jamie joining the family rivaled mine. I loved Jamie's curly locks.

Engaged! These photos were in front of the place I lived in Provo--sadly, it no longer exists and it's charm and our memories have been replaced by a fugly office building. We were so young and cute!

This is going to be a tender tribute to Jamie--my dream hubs. I'll risk making others gag to attempt the ineffable in expressing my love for Jamie. In the process of organizing the house and preparing for the wee ones and eventually a nanny, I came across a box that contained photos of the days surrounding our engagement. The photos sent me into a spin of reflection of our courtship and of the events of the past year. Jamie has always thrilled me with his sense of curiosity, his love of laughter, his inherent goodness, and his love of life. The qualities that originally attracted me to him have grown and certainly expanded over the years and as the patina of maturity shelters our relationship I marvel at my absolute luck in having him as a best friend husband. Jamie excelled at being a friend, a boyfriend, a husband, and now I see that as a father he is going to be one of 'those' fathers who will make the job of loving and supporting his children seem absolutely effortless.

This whole pregnancy gig has brought out the best in Jamie and at times the whiniest in me. Jamie has an incredible work ethic. He always does his very best at work putting in whatever hours it takes to do his job excellently then he comes home and assumes the responsibilities of caring for an increasingly immobile wife and the demands of a household in need of baby organization. What amazes me the most is his ENERGY and the joy he shares in the work. He never complains about the work but rather thanks me for carrying our babies and he always tells me I'm doing a good job--he always has something kind to say. Even though my appearance has essentially been on sabattical, Jamie's affection has not faltered and for that I thank him.

2007 has not been an easy year but it has been an exciting one bursting with surprises and miracles. Sharing this pregnancy with Jamie has given me cause over and over to love him more and more. I think the growth of my belly is driectly proportionate to my growing love and admiration for Jamie. I love my hubs!!!!

I am sure there will come a day in the future when once again I find myself going through boxes (more likely iphoto albums) and i'll stumble on photos of Jamie and me with our newborn babies and I'll once again marvel at how much my love for Jamie has grown since then and I'll continue to feel gratitude for being lucky in love and lucky for being his wife.

33 weeks

Baby B showing off his cute face!

I am officially 33 weeks pregnant and getting bigger by the minute. In the past week my belly has grown so much that my clothing barely fits and transitioning (sitting to standing, lying to standing, etc.) has become increasingly difficult. All for a good cause--the baby babes! Jamie and I saw the wee ones today and were ecstatic to learn that in three weeks they again gained over a pound each. Baby A weighs 4 lbs 9 ounces (up from 3.4 lbs) and Baby B weighs 4 lbs 12 ounces (up from 3.6 lbs)!

Baby B moved ONCE again--that little guy is apparently totally bored by swimming in one position all the time. His head is under my right breast and his body is wrapped all across my stomach with his feet dangling on my left side--he's in a transverse position. Baby A's head remains down but his body now runs across my right side and his feet are under Baby B's head--he's in a vortex position. The delivery hinges on the presentation of A and so far he has been a real champ with his head in the right direction. We got a good shot of Baby B's face for the first time in months and he looked stinking cute, of course.

I have over 9 pounds of baby boy in my belly! It's my favorite when their eight limbs flail at once--I love those guys.

Ryan, Leslie, Tegan, and Sara

I bought three new records this weekend: Tegan and Sara, Ryan Adams, and Feist. Yay! I can't recall the last time I bought a physical record instead of downloading an album from itunes. I highly recommend each record for the good times they inspire. I am a sucker for the banjo bits on Easy Tiger and The Reminder.

The Missed Reunion

Sara, Rhett, Gage, and Wyatt on the couch. Ella looking like a cute little boy!

Serious sucking going on. Shoot.

The creative types.

Zoe has a new hobby plus she started high school!

Earlier this summer we had a nearly perfect family reunion in Maryville, TN but the Richards couldn't make it because the girls had a dance recital. A few weeks later Lisa, Mike, and the kids made a trip to Bristol but we missed them due to our trip to Utah. Apparently we could have added two more bodies (but the heat of four, thanks to the baby babes) to the 20+ people staying at Sally's house...that would have been a really fun freak show.

Balance

On one of my 'death to swelling' walks today a woman stopped to ask when I was due. When I told her next month with twins she said, "You look soo good! You really look pretty and I love your necklace. Good for you. You really do look good. Have a great delivery." Her kindness really meant a lot and I thanked her for saying such nice things.

Today's kind words more than made up for yesterday's metro fracas.

My Sweet Hannah

I was thrilled to find a letter in the mail today from my niece Hannah! She sent a thoughtful message along with a colorful illustration of a hip girl saying 'thumbs up.' How cute!

Here's what the note said:

Dear Jessica,

I miss you! I love you so much. I'm ixzided that you are having twins! Are you?
Love ya,

Hannah

I feel like the luckiest aunt in the world.

Don't Tread on Me

I had a fussy morning. Pregnancy swelling and fugs aside, I was ticked that after taking the time to 'style' my hair it looked frizzy and aged me by at least 15 years. Then Jamie was kind and made my lunch but I was irritated that he failed to give me an apple--what the? No fruit?

As Jamie drove me to the metro I felt bad for being so fussy and tried to express my gratitude for the lunch he made me. At my last OB appointment, Tchabo asked Jamie if I had been acting cranky, which is apparently a common side effect of pregnancy. I knew the answer was no because other than a complain or two (or a billion) I had not been cranky so I felt bad that this morning would give Jamie cause to answer that question differently. When he pulled up to the station I did NOT want to get out of the car. I didn't want to leave him. The babies were just waking up and I wanted to do nothing but hang out at home with my hubs and enjoy the dark, moody weather--make bread, read books, watch a movie...anything but get on the metro and go to work. Reluctantly, I got out of the car and fussed my way to the train platform.

The train ride went well until I got to L'enfant plaza. As I was stepping out of the train some effer decided he was in a mega hurry and he stepped on the back of my heel, tore my sandal off, and left me standing with one foot entirely naked and exposed to the skanky metro platform. People were gushing out of the train so I was being pushed asunder and my sandal was being kicked and tromped on. I pushed some dude out of my way and retreived my sandal but by then I was enormously upset and started to cry. How pitiful! I felt much maligned and sorry for myself. After shedding a few tears I pulled myself together, nursed my throbbing foot, and made it to work.

I haven't decided what was the lesson learned: don't complain about a missing apple in my lunch? Stay home when the urge hits? Wear real shoes and not sandals? Avoid bad hair cuts at all costs?

32 weeks

Today marks 32 weeks of pregnancy for me. This week has brought an increase in swelling and an increase in baby movements. The boys move with greater intensity as they grow and take up more space. I regularly marvel at the ripples in my belly.

My legs hurt quite badly yesterday and when I got home from work and saw how much my legs had swelled I became hysterical and had a mini breakdown. I started to cry and feared that my legs would explode or that I was coming down with toxemia and putting the babies and myself at risk. Jamie was a huge source of comfort and helped to ease my fears. Death to swelling!

Homage to High School

Super Bad

vs.

Napoleon Dynamite

Jamie and I saw Super Bad this weekend--it was an indulgence but I am a fan of Seth Rogen and Judd Apatow. Freaks and Geeks is one of my favorite tv shows of all times.

The movie had some heelarious moments--many that Jamie and I continue to recall with laughter (the 'friendly' punch scene in the hallway--watching the video over and over of Mclovin getting punched by the robber--sooo funny).

I couldn't help but compare Super Bad to Napoleon Dynamite or a Jewish's guy's (Seth Rogen) tribute to high school and a Mormon guy's (Jared Hess) tribute to high school.

Super Bad was vulgar. Napoleon Dynamite was silly. Super Bad focused on the youthful male’s pursuit of alcohol and sex. Napoleon Dynamite focused on the youthful male’s pursuit of sweet skills and a date. Both had highly frustrated and angry main characters. Both films focused on the importance of friendship and male bonding. I enjoyed them both but think that Jared Hess is a genius for capturing the high school experience, however weird, without excessive cussing or penis references.

Cause to Celebrate

Only TWO more weeks of August! Yay!!!

Jamie finished painting the nursery last night and it looks spectacular. I want to put this mobile in the room because I love birds and if I had to have a nursery 'theme' (gag) it would be birds because I love the birdie birdens.

Fun with Baby B

Jamie and I were naughty yesterday and we teased Baby B. I had just poured grape juice into a frozen mug for Jamie and after he finished off the juice he suggested that we put the mug on my belly. I put the mug on Baby B's little buns and he immediately responded with the most forceful push I've ever felt from him. Sorry baby! We laughed hysterically but felt really guilty too. We decided not to bother Baby A with a shock of cold.

I saw Dr. Tchabo this morning and was thrilled to learn that I do NOT have gestational diabetes, my blood pressure is great, and my blood count is excellent. Tchabo was thrilled that everything is going well. We listened to the heart beats of each baby and were amused that Baby A's heart beat is much faster than Baby B's beat. We joked that Baby A is the uptight, brooding twin--not that we agree with attaching labels to the baby babes.

Two more things...I will be 31 weeks tomorrow but I am measuring 37 weeks pregnant!

Saturday morning I went for a walk and my neighbor saw me and shouted, "How you doin' big mamma?" Shoot. I said I was fine but going for a walk to reduce the preg swelling. "Oh yeah, I can really see the swelling in your face." Awesome.

A Waist?

I used to have one but I traded it for two little companions. My body has entirely transformed to accomodate my boys and suddenly my belly has a life of it's own. My belly bulges, wiggles, and even seems to have it's own heartbeat. Watching my belly is basically my favorite activity these days, it's fun.

Green and Blue...My Faves

I love green and I hope the babies do too because they are getting a whole wall of lime green in their room. Jamie, displaying his turbo-tude, started painting the nursery this week. Three walls are blue and one wall is green and even in the rough draft form the colors are happy and cheerful. The green captures the verdure of Virginia and the blue walls the big, open sky of Utah. The room should be complete by next week so we can finally furnish it.

I am so excited for my baby babes!

It's Official: I LOATHE August

This is the worst month of the year. It's too stinking hot to really enjoy and the metro and city are overwhelmed with tourists. Yuck.

Now summer break is no longer a privilege, I would be fine skipping from July to September.

I went to the pool after work yesterday hoping to find refreshment from the 100+ temps only to find relief in the first few minutes because it didn't take long for the water to feel only slightly cooler than the heinous heat.

I can NOT wait for fall weather.

Best Baby Babes EVER

Jamie and I met with Dr. McLaren today for our 30 week ultrasound. Baby B moved ONCE again and his head and body are now facing down! I was so stinking happy when I realized that he is making a vag birth more and more real for me. Thank you sweet baby. Additionally, in three weeks the babies gained over a pound each so Baby A weighs 3.4 pounds and Baby B weighs 3.6 pounds! The doctor said that their weights are measuring higher than for even a singleton at 30 weeks. This news brought nothing but relief and joy considering all the claims that strangers have been making about me having small babies or looking small for twins (in your face).

Clap your hands say yay for the baby babes!

82 Onesies!

Apparently onesies breed exponentially because I counted and we have 82 onesis, most of which are sized newborn to 3 months. We wont have to do laundry for weeks at a time!

A woman in our ward just moved to Arizona and left us a trash bag full of baby boy clothes. She called to offer the clothes after learning we were having twins. I was super grateful for the offering and thought she'd have a handful of items but I counted and she gave us 84 pieces of clothing! Mostly onesies, p-jay jays, and a few other awesome pieces. What a blessing for us! Thank you Natasha.

Mauled in Balti-fug

I had to be in Baltimore for work today---let's just say that Balti-fug is NOT my favorite destination. I find it to be rather sinister and although there are several individually stunning pieces of architecture, the city is dark and depressing. Anyway, just after washing my hands in the restroom of the Baltimore Convention Center a woman walked in and pounced on me screeching, " I just HAVE to touch your belly!" and sure enough, she fondled my belly with both of her hands. Stunned, I just kind of laughed. I had heard of strangers touching pregnant women but this was a first for me. After taking her hands off of me she asked, "How far along are you? Five months?" Yeah right! I told her I was due next month with twin boys.* "You are going to have small babies! I can't believe there are two in there!" As the sentence flew out of her mouth another woman walked into the restroom and my molester exclaimed, "She is due with twin boys next month, can you believe it?" The other woman told me I looked good.

It was an interesting exchange...one that actually made me question whether or not I was somehow stunting the growth of my precious baby babes. It was silly to entertain such thoughts because to date the boys have been growing excellently but it's hard to fight off all the worries that come with a pregnancy, especially a twin pregnancy. Perhaps I was feeling sensitive b/c on Saturday we went to Ikea and I sat on a futon for a break and another pregnant lady sat next to me. She was due only a week before me with one baby and was definitely larger than me.

I have an ultrasound tomorrow so Jamie and I get to see the boys and I can't wait. We always look forward to those appointments because seeing the little guys squirm around is such a miraculous experience.

* Okay so I have started telling people that I am due next month. Determining a twin 'due' date is tricky because there is the date at which twins are considered full term--37 weeks and there is the normal gestational due date of 40 weeks. Since I am feeling huge (contrary to what strangers say...) and tired of being pregnant I have decided to embrace my twin (37 week) due date of September 25th. Sigh,

The Girls are Growing!

I just got these photos of Mary Gail and Rebecca, Amanda's twin cuties and had to share them. It's so exciting to see them grow and advance. I'm so grateful they came into the world so willing to fight for their tiny lives.

Cookie Cooks

I made my Mexican chocolate chip cookies for friends the other night and wanted to throw my recipe out to the world. I "invented" this recipe (read: modified an already awesome chocolate chip cookie recipe) and the cookies are superlative.

Enjoy!

Mexican Chocolate Chip Cookies


· 2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour
· 1 teaspoon baking powder
· 1 teaspoon salt
· 2 teaspoons cinnamon
· 1 cup (2 sticks) butter, softened
· 3/4 cup granulated sugar
· 3/4 cup packed brown sugar
· 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
· 2 large eggs
· zest of many, many oranges (at least three!)
· 2 cups chocolate chips
· 2 discs of abuelita (hard hot chocolate mix—it comes in a yellow box with the image of an Anglo looking granny sipping a hot drink) chocolate smashed into chunks

Directions:
PREHEAT oven to 375° F.

COMBINE flour, baking powder, cinnamon and salt in small bowl. Beat butter, granulated sugar, brown sugar and vanilla extract in large mixer bowl until creamy. Add eggs, one at a time, beating well after each addition. Add the orange zest. Gradually beat in flour mixture. Stir in chocolate chips and chopped chocolate chunks. Drop by rounded tablespoon onto ungreased baking sheets.

BAKE for 9 to 11 minutes or until golden brown. Cool on baking sheets for 2 minutes; remove to wire racks to cool completely.

Fecundity Explosion!

I just found out that my BFF Ashley is pregnant. I am soooo happy for her and entirely thrilled that we get to share the pregnant experience for a few months together. It's my theory that babies and deaths come in cohorts but I never would have anticipated being part of such a huge baby cohort OR one that included both my sister and my BFF! I want to give a shout out to all my pregnant peeps:

Amberlyn--February
Ashley--March
Barb--September (girl)
Candace--November (boy)
Denise--February
Jill--November (boy)
Kelli--December
Lisa-Dec (girl)
Lori--December (girl)
Molly--November

My boys are soo lucky! They are going to have a handful of playmates in the same grade. Yay for baby babes.