Pregnancy Skincare Routine

I've been blessed in many areas during this pregnancy. Yes, my hips keep me up at night and thus I'm walking around with under-eye bags that scare little children away. Yes, the Restless Leg Syndrome in my right calf has gotten to the point I dance around the bedroom until Husband is able to massage it. However, those things are outweighed by the many, many positives. I haven't been too sick (knock on wood). I've maintained a steady but healthy weight gain. I feel large - but at almost eight months I'm not LARGE, if you know what I'm sayin'. And finally - my face has stayed relatively clear.

If you know me - I'm a maniac about my face care. I NEVER EVER go to sleep with make-up on. I won't even take a nap on my pillow with make-up on! I started tackling winkles and using anti-aging stuff at 25. I'm always willing to try new skincare and love to research! I think this is all influenced by my mother - she is 64 and you would think she is 45. Her skin is amazing! Some of it might be genes but I do credit her healthy eating and smart skin care.

SO! I thought I would share my pregnancy skincare routine with you! I did switch things up a bit once I got pregnant because my skin did change. I still have incredibly oily skin (always have ...) but once I got pregnant, it took a more combo route. Don't get me wrong - I still get oily just not as hardcore as before babies-in-belly.

First things first: I have expensive taste. The products I use are not cheap. I admit it. Oh, but they work so well! I have a monthly "face care" budget so I work on getting a few products at a time and try to plan ahead. I'm certainly not able to buy everything all at once. But in the long run - it's so worth it!

The majority of the products I use are from Kahina (http://kahina-givingbeauty.com/). Not only are their products safe from all the acids and chemicals you need to avoid during pregnancy, they also help women in third world countries. How cool is that?!

MORNING ROUTINE
1. Wash face
     Four to five pumps and apply in a circular motion all over my face and my neck (don't ever forget about your neck!! It can get damaged and wrinkle just like your face!). THEN I use the holy grail of all face tools: The Clarisonic. With so many brushes to choose from (I use the deep pore cleansing brush) - this gentle exfoiliator is just what the doctor ordered. Love. It. And completely worth it's weight in gold!

2. Toner
     For this - I go cheap: Apple Cider Vinegar. A few drops on a cotton ball and apply to face. I can't begin to tell you all of the wonderful things that Apple Cider Vinegar can do for you! Your hair, your skin, your digestive system (if you drink it).... It's great! Yes, it has a strong smell - but I'm used to it and it doesn't bother me.

3. Argan Oil
     While my face is still damp from my ACV, I apply Kahina's Argan Oil. This. Stuff. Is. Amazing. I kid you not. Josie Maran also has Argan Oil but I've found that Kahina's works better with my skin. Josie's is a bit too moisturizing for my oily/combo face.

3.1 Argan Oil the belly!
     Side note here - I then use Josie Maran's Argan Oil and rub it over my belly, boobs, and love handles. I don't use Kahina for this because it is so expensive and Josie's is just fine for my belly. Some say that the argan oil can combat stretch marks, etc. I'm sure this isn't very true because stretch marks come down to genetics BUT so far, I have no stretch marks. What's the harm in trying, eh? Plus, I have a well moisturized belly. :)

4. Moisturize with SPF
     Paula's Choice Skin Balancing Mattifying Lotion with SPF 15 is my go-to. It has solid ingredients, protects my face (AND neck!) from the sun, and doesn't make me break out or get super oily. It's all about protection from the sun!

5. Primer
     After I brush my teeth to let the lotion set - I apply a pump of Bare Escentuals Oil-Free Primer. I've tried a lot of primers - and this one works the best for me! I still get a bit oily - but nothing that a quick blot won't take of later in the day ...

6. Moisturize Body
     I like to give the primer time to set so I head to the rest of my body. Technically this isn't the proper thing to do as you really should apply lotion to your body right out of the shower in order to retain moisture. But I focus on my face first while my hands are their cleanest. To each their own ... I don't use anything fancy-pants. St. Ives Shea Butter (from Target) has worked wonderful for me! Nice scent and it truly keeps my skin moisturized!

7. Apply make-up
     After a solid hand washing, I apply my make-up. Bare Escentuals' new concealer is WONDERFUL. Adore it. It hides the dark circles and makes me look all bright eyed and bushy tailed. Plus I can spot conceal on major breakouts, if any.

     I always used Bare Escentuals as my foundation - but as my pregnany progressed, my skin was looking more and more cakey when using it. So I switched to Givenchy Fluid Foundation Airy-Light Mat Radiance SPF 20 (long name, eh?). This sucker is expensive! BUT I tried samples for a long time... I would go into a different Sephora store and just ask for a sample in the shade I knew worked. Then I'd use that for awhile. They are pretty generous with samples! Once I felt like I could make the investment, I did. So worth it.
     I put a small amount on my fingers (maybe a dime ...) and then just spread it on with my fingers. . I like full-coverage and this does the trick!

   
 My setting powder is Make-Up Forever's HD powder. It really is wonderful! I bought the travel size from Sephora about four months ago and I'm still using it. A little bit goes a long way!

     Blush - color depending on my mood. I love NARS and MAC blushes. Bare Escentuals is getting better ... Next up: chapstick. THEN I head to take care of my hair. Mascara is the very last thing I apply before heading out the door, strangly enough ... I don't know why really ...


NIGHT ROUTINE
Following steps 1 thru 3 in the morning routine (including "arganing" the belly!) Step 4 for night is a bit different. Also note - I do a clarifying mask after washing my face two times a week. Kahina's is fantastic but so is Paula's Choice Carbon Mask. I let it sit about ten minutes and then use the Clarisonic when rinsing it off. Skin feels just lovely.

4. Spot treat (if needed)
       If I have a HUGE breakout then I put just a teensy-tiny amount of Paula's Choice Benzoyl Peroxide on it. PLEASE, PLEASE check with your doctor before using anything like this. My doc gave me the okay - and I only use a small percentage IF I even spot treat. I do not do this every night - only if I have a huge pimple that just needs to go away. The little stuff I can handle.

5. Eye Serum
     Part of my wrinkle defense! I apply Kahina's eye serum around my eyes and let it soak in for a minute or two.

6. Lotion
     For nighttime, I go a bit heavier in the face lotion. Kahina's face lotion is too moisturizing for me to use during the day - but is simple wonderful for me to use at night.

Another tip to combat pimples: after you have completed your face routine, apply a small dab of cortosine cream to your zit or pimple. Let it dry and then head to bed. This cuts down on inflammation and redness. When I wake up in the morning, I have a blemish I can easily conceal or no blemish at all! But I do this at the very end of my routine to leave it on overnight.

And Voila! My routine. :)

~M
     

My "won't do's"

I recently read a blog where the mother wrote how her list of "won't do's" went out the window the minute she brought her son home. Husband and I have our own list of won't do's ... some I think are pipe dreams (i.e. Husband's rule of no eating in the car ...) and some might be possible.

So until Batman and Robin arrive, here is my list of what I will TRY (key word here, people: TRY) to do and not do:

1. No co-sleeping.
     I might be able to actually follow this one since I have two on the way! Makes it a bit more complicated with two, yes? Now, I'm all for napping in bed. If the kids wake up at an ungodly hour and I might be able to squeeze a few more minutes of sleep - then I'll pile them in bed with me. But none of this sleep with Mummy and Daddy thing until they are six. That's just ... weird, IMO. Plus, I truly want our bedroom to be just about Husband and me. That's our safe place. And knowing myself - I probably wouldn't sleep if both kids were in the bed because I'd be worrying too much (I'm quite the worrier ...)

2. Breast Feed for as long as I can (at least eight months!)
     I'm trying to be realistic with this one. I'd like to breast feed for as long as I can but I know things can come up and change this wish. My milk could dry up or I'm not making enough (twin boys after all...). I'm not too sure how things will go once I return to work ... I'm trying to keep an open mind and take it as it comes.

3. Have a set schedule.
     Everything I've read about raising twins is schedule, schedule, schedule (and routine!). If we keep a regular schedule/routine - then life with twins would be (could be?) easier. Husband and I are pretty simple people but we are used to doing our own thing. I think this might be harder for us to adjust to with kids ... shedding that self-centered nature.

4. Make my own baby food.
     This just might happen as I have Husband totally on board. He thinks its a great idea and I would truly like to be able to do this. My luck the kids will only like sweet potatoes and fried chicken. Husband and I were quite the picky eaters growing up so I'm preparing to face that same battle.

5. Work Out
     I'm not a die hard gym rat but Husband is quite disciplined in heading to our basement to run on the treadmill or lift some weights. You would think he would be a good influence on me now - but I usually just wave at him from the couch as he heads down the stairs. We're lucky enough to have a mini-gym in the basement so in an ideal world, I'd put the kids in their pumpkin seats and walk on the treadmill or do some free weights. Of course, I might be so tired I can't even see straight let alone go walk on a treadmill. Crossing my fingers on this one.

6. Not rely on TV too much
    Since I know myself, I will not be saying "no TV" altogether because that ain't going to happen. It just won't. I've got two at once and I think the TV might just save my sanity here and there. BUT I do hope to not rely on it too much. I want to use it for those dire times when I just can't take it anymore or I need just five minutes of Mommy time.

7. Husband first.
     My father always said he's a husband first, father second, and son third. I would like to follow that, too. I don't want to put our children ahead of our marriage. I'm a wife FIRST and then a mother. I don't want to make our lives all about the kids. I still want Husband-Wife time - even if that is just holding hands as we snore in bed. I'm going to love the daylights out of Batman and Robin, but I also desire to be a good wife. In the long run - that will make me a better parent, I'd like to think.

8. Not be a sports parent
     Granted this won't happen for a bit - but I sure don't want to be a Sports Parent. You know who I'm talking about... The parents that yell like maniacs at soccer games or push their kids to do something they don't want to do. Husband and I are very athletic and if our kids want to play sports ROCK ON. But if they want to play in the band or join the chess team or the bowling team - then I'm all for that too! I just want to be able to keep my mouth shut either way. I had to stop going to watch Husband play soccer because I started to turn into Brenda Warner - yelling at the team and being a bit over zealous in my cheering. Just embarrassing for the both of us! (I've gotten MUCH MUCH better! Plus Husband changed teams to one that actually plays well - so that helped).

9. Will not post ten thousand pictures and status updates all about the kids.
     How annoying are those people?! Soooo annoying. Do I want to read on Facebook that your kid had a blowout? Of course not! Do I need to see every facial expression little Timmy makes? No. But please post those pictures that are just too dang cute to pass up or do a once a month. Basically, limit yourself! I've done pretty well this pregnancy on my FB posting. I only throw something up there if I think it will make people laugh or I got a request for a belly shot. I'm not a weekly poster by all means. I know that when Batman and Robin officially come into our lives - I will think they are the cutest things ever and will assume everyone else thinks so too. However, I will not post to blue heaven about how cute they are. I don't want to be that parent. Don't get me wrong - I'm going to take lots of pictures! (You should see how many I have of the dog on my phone ...) I'm just not going to overshare... That's the goal, at least.

10. Will not give our dog away.
    You hear this so much and I totally understand why a family would do this. Sometimes you just gotta do what you gotta do. It is my hope since Holly-Dog is our first baby and is a mature 8 years old - she will adjust okay to life with two infants. She's chill. But she loves Husband to the ends of the earth and back so I'm holding my breath that his lack of attention to her for those first few months after the guys arrive, she won't regress to destructive puppy. I mean  ... look at this face. How can you possibly not love on her?!?!

Funny story: she was laying near my stomach and one of the babies gave a swift kick right to her head! She popped up and looked at me like "What the hell?!" and then decided to sit away from me. I laughed all day.

So there's my list. I'm going to think I'll be a rockstar. I'm pretty sure I might throw my hands up in frustration or just give up all together on some. BUT I will try, try, try.

~M

Ode to Buy Buy Baby

Dear Buy Buy Baby,

I love you. I really do. I think you are the greatest store EVER and I will never, ever, ever step foot in a Babies R Us again. Never.

You helped two people so overwhelmed with what we need to buy for twins that we ended up having a good time registering! We even made a friend - Hi, Harrison! - who was so helpful and remembered us when we returned a few days later. We love Harrison.

Every employee was so friendly. There were no sourpusses in the bunch. Your products and prices are wonderful and the store was so clean! We found everything we were looking for and then some. I think you are amazing, Buy Buy Baby. And I'm so glad you are in St. Louis!

Love Your #1 Fan.



Seriously, people. Do you have a Buy Buy Baby near you?! That store saved our lives. It really did. When we were done registering, a weight was lifted because we felt confident we were making wise decisions and had a solid registery. Our wedding registry was ridiculous and I can't remember what we were thinking back then - we registered for the silliest things!! (Oh, those were the days ...) BUT with Buy Buy Baby's help - we were able to tackle a task that we felt was so daunting!

I had researched and made a list - so I thought I was prepared until we walked in the store and saw everything that lay ahead of us. I remember Husband just standing in the doorway with a slack jawed look on his face. He turned to me and was like "I think we should leave ..." BUT we stuck it out and met Harrison, the nicest, most helpful retail person I have ever met. He answered all of our ridiculous questions, helped explain the difference between pacifiers (have you SEEN how many pacifiers there are out there?!?!?), and worked with us with our furniture. We love him.

All in all, I'm so glad it's done. It was one of those tasks that we would have continued to put off if my showers weren't so fast approaching. Now if only I could find attractive, non-frumpy maternity dresses to wear for said showers - life would be great! *sigh*

~M

We're having ...

BOYS!!

We snuck in at 16 weeks for the big reveal. Batman made it pretty clear that he is all boy. While poor Robin was smooshed to the side and did not want to uncross his legs - so the technician did her best and told us boys. We decided to wait for the 20 week check up for the final verdict and there were our two beautiful boys. Love it. They have long arms (like their daddy) and are measuring right on target. Thankfully, I'm feeling really good! Sleeping is still a challenge but you do what you gotta do. I've only gained 10 pounds so far - I'm anticipating my third trimester to add a lot of poundage! :) It's my goal to make it to 37 weeks (the first week of January). I'm hoping if I keep walking and eating right (I've had a few sugary setbacks ... okay well, quite a few sugar setbacks ...) that I can avoid the major hiccups I might encounter during Week 28 thru 32; which is when complications can arise for pregnant woman with twins. But my doctor is optimisitic. So I will be too!

In other news - we had a WONDERFUL time in Colorado. The weather was chilly; which after the suffering we've been doing in STL; was a wonderful change. We sat on our balconey a lot, looked at the mountain and breathed the fresh air. We did go up the mountain one day - between my belly and Husband's booted foot (broken big toe) we didn't do a lot of hiking. BUT we did do quite a bit of walking around the trails at the bottom of the mountain. Husband was a big trooper and is a pro at walking with that boot! We talked about everything. Our children. Names. Our fears. The joys. We marveled at my growing belly ... All in all - a fantastic and wonderful babymoon. I'm lucky to have Husband. And my boys! Plus we got to swing by my brother's in Denver on our way home. I hadn't seen him in over 7 months - so it was wonderful to be able to sit and catch up for a couple of hours. I'm blessed with a wonderful family that looks out for one another. :)

At 21 weeks - the boys are kicking and moving around like crazy. It makes me giggle and grin like a fool. Not the best face to have on when you're in meetings - but I can't help it! It's just crazy to think that these two guys are moving and shaking in my belly. They've woken me up a few times at night - I'm convinced they are having their own MMA fight or something in there! I still rub my belly an awful lot; which in turn encourages others to also rub my belly. Take note ladies! If you rub your belly in public others will think it's fair game for them! Kinda awkward. Not gonna lie.

20 weeks self shot - in the morning and with no make-up on. Lovely.

This past weekend we registered - and it was stressful and fun all at the same time! Stay tuned!

~M

What not to say ...

People say the darndest things, eh? I so enjoy (sometimes) when people feel they can say anything they want to you without thinking what is really coming out of their mouth. I had a what not to say to a woman struggling with infertility and now I have a list of what not to say to a pregnant woman. I have to hold myself back from repeatedly kicking people in their shins with all their ridiculousness. Doesn't anyone think before they speak anymore?!

1. You're going to be HUGE!
This from everyone and their brother when I tell them I'm pregnant with twins. Thank you, Captain Obvious. I am already aware that I may get somewhat larger than the average bear. However, when I already have lost sight of my waist and I feel as if my boobs and belly have overtaken me - I appreciate you building up my confidence by telling me I will be huge. Can't we just stick with "cute"?

2. You're boobs are gigantic!
Yes, I have had people say this to me. Mostly older woman. A few guys here and there give me a wide eye look ... Yes, I know. They are large. I'm very much trying not to put them on display but maternity clothes can be ugly and I'm still trying to be somewhat fashionable while I can before I just give up and resort to sweats. I'm not gonna lie - I miss my "old" boobs. They fit me just fine. I don't know how Jessica Simpson handles these things on a daily basis!

3. Get some sleep now! You're not going to get it for the rest of your life!
Really? Really? If only you knew, Clueless One, that I'm already NOT sleeping. Sleep?! I don't even know what that is anymore. I just know the sun goes down and I'm supposed to lay in my bed and shift around all night while my hip subtly tortures me. But thank goodness for your sound advice on getting some sleep! I never thought of that!

4. I know someone who had a horrible experience while they were pregnant and I want to tell you all about it!
What is wrong with people?! I've had two women - TWO - tell me that they also were carrying twins and miscarried one at four months/five months ... Why in heaven's name would you tell me that?! Why would you regale me with your horrendous birth stories or tell me wayyyyyyy more about your vagina than I ever wanted to know?! Is it really that hard to say: Congratulations! What wonderful news. And then end it there?! Why, yes, I guess it is.

5. You need this stroller/this daycare/this doctor/this hospital. You're going where?! That's horrible. You should do this ...
Shut. Up. Please just shut it. I am squirming in my seat in order to not kick you in the shins. Did I ask for your opinion? Nope. If I asked - by all means, please do tell. But I sure don't recall asking. AND if I answer your silly question and you disagree, keep it to yourself. I've been researching strollers/hospitals/daycares, etc and I know what I want. So stuff it. Just nod your head and tell me that all sounds lovely. See? Easy-peasy.

6. Did you try for twins on purpose?
Say wha-? Did we try for twins on purpose?! Now, how in the world of biology would I actively be able to try for twins?! Did you just hear what came out of your mouth?! The first time someone asked me this (yes, there has been more than one) I actually stared at them for a full 10 seconds before I got my wits about me to answer. I was so taken aback that someone would think (and this a grown woman with children of her own) that you could actually try for twins. It still boggles my mind how some people's brain works ...

7. You must have spent a fortune on IVF.
*sigh* From the start I have been completely open with my infertility journey. I have always strongly felt that women are not fully educated in fertility and the more I talk about it - the more people learn. I was lucky to be able to get pregnant using IUI. However, couples that get to the IVF stage - it can be very sensitive. Yes, it's expensive but you don't know their journey in getting there! You don't know what that woman has been through so to ask something so callous and insensitive, just gets my goat. Not to mention it is completely none of your business what I spent on my infertility or how I came about getting pregnant! It's like asking what my husband's salary is or how much I paid for my house. eesh.

8. Ooooh! I'm going to rub my hands all over your belly!
No, no you are not. If you are my close friend, favorite aunt, my mother, or my husband - you are allowed to rub my belly anytime you want. If you are a complete stranger, a family member I hardly ever see, a co-worker, a complete moron - you cannot rub my belly. Ever. I get it - you see a pregnant belly and it's just instinct to want to reach out and touch. My advice: ask first if you are just dying to rub the belly. If the mother says "No, thank you" (like my cousin did fabulously to an over-zealous aunt) then step back and say okay. It's awkward enough to have to say no but I do appreciate the choice TO say no. Here's a better idea: just don't rub pregnant women's bellies.


I'm sure as time goes on I'll be adding to this list! Thankfully, I can laugh at it. It's fun to come home and tell Husband the silly things that happened to me with people or what has been said. We get a real kick out of it!

Tomorrow we are sneaking in an ultrasound to see if we can find out Batman and Robin's genders. I'm 16 1/2 weeks along so it is a tad bit early (my 20 week appointment isn't until September 11th. Too far away!!!). I'd just like to know so that we can get registering and nursery decorating ... my goal is to have everything done for the babies by Thanksgiving. You never know when they might decide to show up! I found out this weekend that when my grandmother was pregnant with her twins (my aunt and uncle) they were due on my due date (January 25th) but they came December 7th. Gulp.

As I'm Matron of Honor in my cousin's wedding on December 8th - I tell Batman and Robin on a daily basis that they can appear anytime AFTER December 8th. They just need to let Mommy be at the wedding and do her wedding duties. I'll be 33 weeks ... My goal (and prayer) is that I make it to 37 weeks with no bed rest! Keep your fingers crossed!!

~M

Being an "FI"

My adorable mother has so enjoyed buying me pregnancy magazines. Some are meh - but one I really do enjoy: Fit Pregnancy. There is a lot of good stuff in there! An article in particular really hit a chord with me: Formerly Infertile. The author, Leslie Goldman, named us girls who have struggled with infertility and now are pregnant "Former Infertiles" (or FI's). She also talked about how an FI pregnancy is a different roller coaster all together compared to those women who had no struggle getting pregnant.

I found myself nodding my head in agreement at almost everything she wrote. Leslie states that FI's can struggle with so many more emotions than the average pregnant woman: guilt, an identity crisis, high anxiety, nerves ...

There's the guilt among our infertile sisters for becoming pregnant. There's also the guilt in complaining about the pregnancy. It's like you've waited so long and NOW you're sitting here complaining?! I find myself in the latter boat...I catch myself whining to Husband - my head is pounding! I haven't slept since June 7th (I'm not kidding. I really haven't slept since that day. It was a wonderful sleep). My left hip is KILLING me (due to all the weight I've suddenly developed in front. Thanks, boobs and belly). And so on.

And then I catch myself. This pregnancy is what I've wanted for three years! It's what I've cried over and journaled and daydreamed. But, yet, I'm complaining about my hip? I feel as an FI - I should just be so thankful for every hardship ... Leslie, however, says it is okay for us to complain! Pregnancy is HARD and definitely not pain free (hello, twins here). We, even as an FI, have the right to vent a bit. BUT seek support with the right ears.

Leslie also discussed the emotions of nervousness and high anxiety. Hello, me. I SO have this. I keep waiting for the other shoe to drop. There are times I'm convinced that something will go wrong; that something is bound to happen to my babies thus I just sit and worry endlessly. Or if I'm NOT sick one day - I get afraid that something is wrong with the babies. I should be sick! I've been sick every day for the past 13 weeks! I'm a wreck until I get to the doctor and see the babies on the ultrasound machine. I've been driving my husband crazy with all my worrying, googling, researching, stressing. I want to enjoy this pregnancy - but for three years I've had nothing but diappointment. It's hard to make the switch that my babies might just be okay! 

Now at almost 16 weeks, I'm a bit more calm. I have a nice beer gut going on and I feel as if I'm out of the danger zone. Not to mention when my high risk doctor told me that the babies looked wonderful and I am showing no signs of miscarriage - that sure did help.

Then there's also the identity crisis. For years, I've been an infertile woman dodging the when are you going to have kids?! questions and trying to keep my despair from showing through. Suddenly (but not really suddenly) I'm going to be a mother ... of twins! To shift gears and look at myself in the mirror as a mother is something that I still find surreal. To actually become a mother when I've been through a lot of heartache - is ... frightening. Exhilarating! Scary. Joyful! It's just an amazing roller coaster....

I was so thankful to have stumbled upon this article. Leslie helped me take a deep breath and remember that I'm okay. I'm normal! And that in itself is comforting!!

~M

Seeing Double

I know I've been super MIA lately and have left everyone hanging (all one of you?) - so for that I apologize. I just wanted to be super, super sure before I announced to the blog-o-sphere.

We. Are. Pregnant.

And it's amazing and scary and wonderful and crazy and surreal ... because we are having twins. Yes, you read that right the first time. Ta-win-s. And every time I rub my (already large - at least to me!) belly, I just laugh in delight. I have two babies in there! Two! We totally got a Payless BOGO (buy one, get one)! We knew there would be a risk of multiples when we dived in with four eggs at the beginning of May - but I (naively?) believed we wouldn't have twins.

Color me surprised!

I was feeling pretty sick at six weeks in addition to having the mother of all sinus infections; which is never pleasant when you can't take the proper meds. Husband and I headed into the ultrasound with lots of prayers and since I was feeling nauseous, we took that as a hopeful sign. We get in the room and I'm saying a last prayer for God to prepare me for what we may find (remember it didn't go so well last time) when before I could look at the screen, the technician exclaims: "Oh! There's two sacs!"

Husband's hand immediately went limp in mine.

I, on the other hand, proceed to laugh. And laugh. And laugh. Then cry (joyfully). And there, on the screen, were our babies with their heartbeats flashing fast and strong. I was just so overcome with such joy and thankfulness.

Husband was a bit stunned. My darling, kind husband is not one for spontenaity. I joke that if you put us next to a pool, I would cannon ball in while he would stand on the steps and take them one at a time. That's why we balance each other so well, I like to think. I'm impulsive; Husband is thoughtful and takes time to weigh his options. Our twins didn't give him much of a chance to ease into the pool - he had to cannon ball in with me!

When we got to the car, I called my parents where I laughed and cried with them over a healthy pregnancy and twins. (TWINS!) I called my brothers where they also laughed. Husband I decided to wait to tell his parents as my MIL would worry big time - so we thought to save her the two weeks of misery and tell them after the 8 week ultrasound to just make sure everything was continuing in the right direction.
It was (is). So when we told my in-laws, my adorable mother-in-law jumped up and down screaming and then screamed louder when she realized it was twins. It's just been the happiest time and the HARDEST thing to keep my trap shut. I want to tell everyone and their mother's brother's uncle that I'm pregnant and with twins!
I've become a researching fool. Our idea of getting a mid-sized SUV has now turned to minivan search (it's just more practical). I've been researching twin strollers, how to register for twins, what to expect when you are expecting twins ... you name it. Me and the Internet are super buds.

I am considered high risk, tho. This is technically my fourth pregnancy since I've miscarried three previous times. I'll be with my OB - but I'm also meeting with the perinatal group to stay on top of my high riskness.

We are over-the-moon happy. And, yes, scared. I'm not so scared about carrying twins or what could happen while I'm pregnant ... I'm more worried about the after. Suddenly I will have two children. Two children who I will need to breast feed. Two sets of diapers to change. Two sets of clothes to wash. Two sets of spit up ... Well, it's definitely going to be an adventure and I'm so so so so so so thankful that God has blessed us. That He was with me all this time. I truly believe He wanted to prepare us. He (obviously) knew he was going to give us twins - and He made sure we would be ready.

Oh, we'll be ready. Er ... as ready as we can be! I mean, it's not like we've done this whole pregnancy, baby thing before!

But Husband and I are a solid team. And I know we'll be just fine. And we have two wonderful soon-to-be grandmas who live less than 20 minutes away. That always helps too. A lot. A whole, whole, whole lot.

We had our 12 weeks check up yesterday (even tho I'm officially 12 weeks, 5 days) and got the blessing to tell the world. It's been SO MUCH FUN! I still have my times that I'll wake up at 3 a.m. and think: Holy Crap. Twins. but I'm so thankful and joyful that the babies are healthy.

Here's our announcement made by my amazing cousin, Heather, of Honeyscope Design:

~M