Today is 35 weeks! I had another NST today. Baby boy’s heart rate dropped down to 102 at one point so the dr. had them put me back on for 10 minutes. I wasn’t worried because they move around so much it’s not unusual to see drops like that. I guess they were just being on the safe side which is fine with me. He was SUPER active the second time around. I guess he just didn’t want to wake up the first time around. I also had a few contractions today. I’m glad I had some while attached to the monitor because I never would’ve guessed that what I was feeling was a contraction. I’ve been feeling that particular sensation here and there for a while and just assumed it was someone pushing outward.
I have been looking for an “old lady nightgown” or “mu-mu” that buttons down the front. They’re much harder to find than one might think! I mean, where do old ladies shop these days? I had looked a couple Wal-marts, Kohls, and online at Penney’s with no luck (I don’t have the endurance to hit the mall). After seeing a post on BabyCenter.com about a girl who’d bought a mu-mu at Kmart I decided to try there. Jackpot! So for anyone looking for a mu-mu, don’t forget about your local Kmart.
One week (from tomorrow) till the New Moon soundtrack. I always enjoy having things to look forward to. Not that I don’t have something HUGE to look forward to right now, but I don’t really know WHEN that’s going to happen and I don’t want to distracted by WHEN or hoping for SOONER. So for now, I’ll focus on the New Moon soundtrack. I’m really excited about the soundtrack – it’s all original, previously unreleased music. I’ve already seen the video for Meet Me on the Equinox by Death Cab for Cutie. I like the song and I LVOE that they show tons of footage from the movie! After the soundtrack comes out, I’ll have the Nov 20 movie release to keep my mind distracted (that, and a serious lack of sleep).
I had a co-worker tell me today that I’m doing really good with this whole pregnancy thing. I asked him what he meant by that. He said that when he first found out I was pregnant he wasn’t sure how I’d handle that. I said, “Did you think I’d be a wimp about it?” Right about now I’m feeling like a wimp. I’m tired of being sleep deprived. I tired of the pain when trying to sleep. I’m tired of getting winded walking to the bathroom. And I’m tired of my heavy belly. Don’t get me wrong, I’m glad the babies are still baking and I’m SUPER thankful that I’m still mobile and able to work. But I’m TIRED!
Monday, October 12, 2009
Friday, October 9, 2009
Adventures in Cloth Diapering
For months now I’ve kind of been researching cloth diapers. Before you go thinking I’m crazy, you need to realize cloth diapers are COMPLETELY different than what most people think of when cloth diapering. Yes, it still requires more laundry, but it’s not those Gerber prefolds with the old school safety pins anymore. The options are limitless. And that’s why I say I’ve “kind of been” researching them. It’s slightly overwhelming.
Trust me, I’ve heard my fair share of naysaying – even from my own mother, “Trust me, you’re not going to want to mess with the extra laundry.” And yet I still feel compelled to try. I found out that a sorority sister who has twins did cloth. Also, one of the women we’re looking to use as a babysitter has her 2 girls in cloth (a 6-month old and a 2 year old). She also said she could help with washing some!
Even though I think it’s great that they’re “green” my main motivator is cost. It’s also the thing that’s holding me up. The monetary commitment up front is intimidating when we don’t know if we’re up for the challenge. There are ways to get used ones (and ways to sanitize them). What I’m leaning toward at this point is getting a trial package. There are numerous websites where you can get X number of diapers for 20 days or so to see how you like them.
We have been given a LOT of diapers. We still plan to use these but it doesn’t mean I’m giving up on my cloth diaper plan. I’ve read a lot about how cloth diapers are actually better for containing the newborn blowouts than disposable!
I finally found a GREAT site that I felt like I could use to make some decisions – www.jilliansdrawers.com.
Trust me, I’ve heard my fair share of naysaying – even from my own mother, “Trust me, you’re not going to want to mess with the extra laundry.” And yet I still feel compelled to try. I found out that a sorority sister who has twins did cloth. Also, one of the women we’re looking to use as a babysitter has her 2 girls in cloth (a 6-month old and a 2 year old). She also said she could help with washing some!
Even though I think it’s great that they’re “green” my main motivator is cost. It’s also the thing that’s holding me up. The monetary commitment up front is intimidating when we don’t know if we’re up for the challenge. There are ways to get used ones (and ways to sanitize them). What I’m leaning toward at this point is getting a trial package. There are numerous websites where you can get X number of diapers for 20 days or so to see how you like them.
We have been given a LOT of diapers. We still plan to use these but it doesn’t mean I’m giving up on my cloth diaper plan. I’ve read a lot about how cloth diapers are actually better for containing the newborn blowouts than disposable!
I finally found a GREAT site that I felt like I could use to make some decisions – www.jilliansdrawers.com.
Wednesday, October 7, 2009
Belly!
It has been brought to my attention that I haven't been posting belly pics. There are some things I feel people may not be interested in - belly pics is one of them. So I've been emailing them to family and close friends who've asked to see them. I've included the whole album so you can see the transformation of my glorious bump.
I felt like the 33w4d pic didn't look much different than the 31w4d so I had my photographer take another last night at 34w1d. It's tricky because if you don't get the right angle, you can't see the difference (at least I can't).
What you can't see from the pictures is that it's HEAVY. I can't really wear my support belt anymore because it won't fit under most of my pants. I sit all day at work so it's not a big deal. It's also very low. Enjoy!
I felt like the 33w4d pic didn't look much different than the 31w4d so I had my photographer take another last night at 34w1d. It's tricky because if you don't get the right angle, you can't see the difference (at least I can't).
What you can't see from the pictures is that it's HEAVY. I can't really wear my support belt anymore because it won't fit under most of my pants. I sit all day at work so it's not a big deal. It's also very low. Enjoy!
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
Our First Moms of Twins Club Sale
The Dayton Moms of Twins Club has a bi-annual sale where members can sell all their baby stuff. They have a members-only sale on Friday evening and then it’s open to the public on Saturday. We had a short list of things we really wanted before the babies came and decided to hit up the members only sale. The sale started at 7:30 and I was told by a seasoned member that we wanted to get there early at the last meeting. We arrived at 6:30 and there was already quite the line. By the time 7:30 rolled around the place was packed!
I had spied the crowd to see how many pregnant people were there to see who I’d be competing with for infant items. It’s a little harder to pick out the brand new moms. Since I’m pregnant myself, I was able to bring along my fearless “helper” Sean. Not only did I have to let them know who I’d be bringing ahead of time, they also told us we needed to stay together during the sale – no splitting up. By the time it started, I was ready to go to bed. But I was glad we toughed it out. Not only did we find a double Snap N’ Go stroller for $15 (regularly $99.99) and an EZ2 Nurse Pillow for $15 (regularly $50), we also found some things I just plain wanted – like a Maya Wrap for $28 and a Moby Wrap for $5! And that’s only the tip of the baby gear iceberg! We added up what we saved by buying everything gently used – it was over $300! I’ll definitely be returning for the spring sale!
I had my second non-stress test yesterday. The babies were much more cooperative this week (translation: weren’t moving around so much we couldn’t keep the monitors on their hearts). They passed with flying colors and I didn’t get nearly as messy from all the gel they use. After next week’s NST, we have another growth scan. I’m curious to see how they’re positioned (as always) – which better be head down for both of them!
Sean also installed the car seats over the weekend so I can get them inspected. If the two cribs, all the other baby gear and my enormous belly don’t make it real enough, that definitely does. I’ve been trying to savor my loud music and having the moon roof open as much as I can.
I had spied the crowd to see how many pregnant people were there to see who I’d be competing with for infant items. It’s a little harder to pick out the brand new moms. Since I’m pregnant myself, I was able to bring along my fearless “helper” Sean. Not only did I have to let them know who I’d be bringing ahead of time, they also told us we needed to stay together during the sale – no splitting up. By the time it started, I was ready to go to bed. But I was glad we toughed it out. Not only did we find a double Snap N’ Go stroller for $15 (regularly $99.99) and an EZ2 Nurse Pillow for $15 (regularly $50), we also found some things I just plain wanted – like a Maya Wrap for $28 and a Moby Wrap for $5! And that’s only the tip of the baby gear iceberg! We added up what we saved by buying everything gently used – it was over $300! I’ll definitely be returning for the spring sale!
I had my second non-stress test yesterday. The babies were much more cooperative this week (translation: weren’t moving around so much we couldn’t keep the monitors on their hearts). They passed with flying colors and I didn’t get nearly as messy from all the gel they use. After next week’s NST, we have another growth scan. I’m curious to see how they’re positioned (as always) – which better be head down for both of them!
Sean also installed the car seats over the weekend so I can get them inspected. If the two cribs, all the other baby gear and my enormous belly don’t make it real enough, that definitely does. I’ve been trying to savor my loud music and having the moon roof open as much as I can.
Friday, September 18, 2009
September 17 Growth Scan
We had a growth scan yesterday (32w3d). Baby boy is 4 lbs and transverse (sideways) but his head is down lower than his body so he’s on his way to the proper position! And baby girl is 3 lbs 12 oz and is already in the proper position (vertex). Yay for her! She better stay that way.
My visit with the doctor was today (paying $3 for parking per visit adds up so I won’t be letting them split my visits up anymore). The nurse told me that I looked “fabulous” when she walked in. I don’t know if she tells all patients that to make them feel better but I’ll take the compliment. Starting next week I go every Monday for a non-stress test where they monitor their heartbeats for 20 minutes. The next growth scan is in 4 weeks. These are getting extremely uncomfortable for me. The babies are VERY low so I practically have to be lying flat which is NOT pleasant.
This past Wednesday was our second night of childbirth prep classes. We had our tour of the maternity unit and then learned about relaxation techniques. I sleep in one hour stretches through the night and never actually feel rested. So when she told us to get comfy (either on couches or in bean bags), I told Sean to wake me if I started snoring. He had to wake me twice. I just couldn’t stay awake with the dimmed lights, soothing music and the instructor walking us through guided imagery exercises. I don’t think I heard a word she said. After a while I was just focusing on staying awake so I wouldn’t snore.
It’s getting to be time to buy a 2010 planner (I thought about this today b/c I made a dentist appt for March). I was thinking about how every year I search and search for the perfect planner but never find what I’m looking for. Maybe that’s my life’s calling – to design the perfect planner. I mean who needs those pages with the area codes, time zones, and metric weights and measurements anyway?
My visit with the doctor was today (paying $3 for parking per visit adds up so I won’t be letting them split my visits up anymore). The nurse told me that I looked “fabulous” when she walked in. I don’t know if she tells all patients that to make them feel better but I’ll take the compliment. Starting next week I go every Monday for a non-stress test where they monitor their heartbeats for 20 minutes. The next growth scan is in 4 weeks. These are getting extremely uncomfortable for me. The babies are VERY low so I practically have to be lying flat which is NOT pleasant.
This past Wednesday was our second night of childbirth prep classes. We had our tour of the maternity unit and then learned about relaxation techniques. I sleep in one hour stretches through the night and never actually feel rested. So when she told us to get comfy (either on couches or in bean bags), I told Sean to wake me if I started snoring. He had to wake me twice. I just couldn’t stay awake with the dimmed lights, soothing music and the instructor walking us through guided imagery exercises. I don’t think I heard a word she said. After a while I was just focusing on staying awake so I wouldn’t snore.
It’s getting to be time to buy a 2010 planner (I thought about this today b/c I made a dentist appt for March). I was thinking about how every year I search and search for the perfect planner but never find what I’m looking for. Maybe that’s my life’s calling – to design the perfect planner. I mean who needs those pages with the area codes, time zones, and metric weights and measurements anyway?
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| From Twins |
Tuesday, September 15, 2009
Baby Shower #2 - Columbus, Ohio
We were very fortunate to have several friends (and parents) throw us babies showers. The second leg of our Kovacs Twins Tour 2009 took us to Columbus, Ohio, on August 23 for a shower hosted by Aunt Kate and good friend Angie! The theme was Thing 1 and Thing 2! Instead of cards, guests were asked to bring a book to contribute to the twins’ ever-growing library. We got a lot of great books as well as many much-needed gifts.
It was really nice to see all our Columbus friends plus a handful of other people who drove several hours to attend. Thank you to everyone!!!
It was really nice to see all our Columbus friends plus a handful of other people who drove several hours to attend. Thank you to everyone!!!
Green cleaning/Diaper bag update
Lots of excitement around here! Over the weekend I made our first batch of homemade laundry soap and used it for all the laundry. We still have some dryer sheets so I plan to finish those off before using anything “green.” I don’t know if I’m partial but I really thought the laundry smelled extra fresh. We have an issue with washcloths and towels tending to smell musty. When this happens, I soak them in the washer in hot water and straight white vinegar and then wash with more white vinegar in the fabric softener thingamajig. I’m curious to see how the homemade detergent handles the towels and washcloths since it has Borax and Arm and Hammer Washing Soda.
As we finish off our other cleaning products I’ll be gradually switching to greener options. Some of which will be homemade. I’ll keep you all posted on how that works out.
The diaper bag came yesterday and I must say that it wasn’t as horribly enormous as I thought it was going to be. It’s definitely a manageable size. I haven’t done a trial packing yet to see how it works but it seems like it should fit everything nicely. It also seems sturdy and well-made which is always something you look for when you spend a lot of money on something! The one thing I was surprised about was that it didn’t even come with a tag of a diagram showing how to use the bag or explaining what the many specialized compartments are for (like I included in my last blog post). No need to fear though, we figured it out!
Some of you may have noticed the new blog template that isn’t quite working out. One of these days I’m going to either figure out to fix the template or find one that works properly. I’m kind of bummed though because I really liked this one.
As we finish off our other cleaning products I’ll be gradually switching to greener options. Some of which will be homemade. I’ll keep you all posted on how that works out.
The diaper bag came yesterday and I must say that it wasn’t as horribly enormous as I thought it was going to be. It’s definitely a manageable size. I haven’t done a trial packing yet to see how it works but it seems like it should fit everything nicely. It also seems sturdy and well-made which is always something you look for when you spend a lot of money on something! The one thing I was surprised about was that it didn’t even come with a tag of a diagram showing how to use the bag or explaining what the many specialized compartments are for (like I included in my last blog post). No need to fear though, we figured it out!
Some of you may have noticed the new blog template that isn’t quite working out. One of these days I’m going to either figure out to fix the template or find one that works properly. I’m kind of bummed though because I really liked this one.
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