For those who don't know I had a lot of back pain on Wednesday and went home early with contractions 20 minutes apart. Instead of going to the Dr right away they want you to drink a big glass of water, lie on your side for an hour and see if things increase or decrease. For me...it decreased. So what the heck was all the back pain for?
Babies are turning......Plan A didn't happen but Plan B is so much better. Azy is still breech but turned from facing my spine to facing front. A head down baby facing the spine causes a lot of back pain during labor (don't really know why). But our miracle is Zoe moved!! She is actually head down. She is still much higher up in my tummy and Azy is still the baby most engaged in my pelvis. But I honestly had no hope of Zoe moving from her sideways position until Azy was out. So here is plan B... I have a week to help gravity move my heaver Zoe down and hopefully push Azy out of the way and engage first in the pelvis. That way I have the bigger baby, head down and first to come out. They will only allow a breech if it is the second and smaller of the two. And that is if we can't get Azy to turn.
I have more chiropractic appointments scheduled to keep things moving. Now I am going to try all the other suggestions for moving babies. Like swimming, different yoga positions and the like.
My next OB appointment is next Friday (if I last that long). Besides the normal stuff they are going to do a more detailed ultra sound to gage size, weight and placement. And if things are not as we like I have scheduled an external version. Where they give me drugs to relax my muscles and try and turn the babies head down from the outside. So let's all keep our fingers crossed I can get my girls to turn without all the intervention and drugs.
I'll write more later...gotta get back to work.
Elizabeth :)
Friday, January 30, 2009
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
35 weeks plus
ok no new pictures. Robb is busy nesting...or his version of it. Which is clean the garage, put in a new hot water heater, install a new bathroom vent/fan. And last but not least... purchase a home beer brew kit and proceed to brew a 5 gallon batch of beer. Really... I say? But he has been very sweet and attentive to all my needs. Baking cookies and telling me "the babies want them".
I am in the process of packing my hospital bag. Gathering the baby stuff I want to take, like their books to put footprints in and going home clothes. Getting the car seats ready, which in MN includes a snow suit, extra blankets and the neet fleece covers that go over the car seat like a blanket but more fitted. Then their is my required stuff. My pillow and Koala bear are a must for my comfort. Go a head and laugh... but I NEED my FRIEND when I am scared. My exercise/birthing ball and pump and my huge breastfeeding pillow. So I can use it right from the start. Then add the IPOD docking station and my musical play list that Robb kindly put together for me with weekend. I think the staff at the Hospital is going to freak as my hubby comes in carrying all my stuff in a laundry basket, as is my way.
Dylan and I went through baby toys and cloth diapers this weekend. Both Robb and he looked totally lost when I tried to explain the difference between one brand of wrap vs another. Dylan had lots of good questions about powder (a no-no according to our baby class) and diaper creams (only used if needed). I also asked him if he would wear a baby in a carrier when we went out. He actually sat down and read the manual for one of the snugglie carriers you can either wear on your chest or back. He sounded really excited about the idea of getting to wear one of his sisters out shopping. I think I am going to have a wonderful helper. Dylan is already checking in on me with "can I get you anything" which is a big help when I want water and Robb is downstairs.
As for me I am huge beyond belief and in a lot of gravity related pain. With all my ligaments loosened up my knees are starting to hurt and I am getting carpel tunnel in my hands and arms. But the Dr. keep say....you are fine...keep on working.... I am now seeing a chiropractor (Heather's roommate from fashion school who changed careers) who is manipulating me with a method called the Webster Technique. The philosophy is that a baby will stay and grow where it feels most safe and in balance with your body. The fact that Zoe has yet to move anywhere other than sideways means she is happy where she is. Anyway....the idea is to get your pelvic bones, supporting ligaments and sacrum into a more advantageous and appropriate alignment for birth. With the hope that balancing the body will push they baby out of the comfort zone and into a head down position for a more natural child birth.
I have had 3 adjustments now and Lynn is going to continue to see me twice a week until the babies show up. Even if we are not successful in getting Azy to turn head down, the adjustments are well worth the effort as there is much pain relief for a day or two afterwards. The good news is I am starting to see and feel things that are telling me the babies are about a week away from being born. I won't gross you all with the details...but those of you with children may know what I am talking about. Lynn also felt a significant loosening of my pelvic ligaments which in her education also concludes that my body is getting ready for it's marathon event in the near future.
My energy levels are up, my sleep (what 3-4 hour chunks I get) are more restful and my need to get everything in order are all good indicators that delivery is indeed on the horizon.
I will try to keep you all more updated. And get some picture of my now cute and round belly. It is almost 11 pm and I am sure to regret that I stayed up so late. Oh well....it is just practice for those night time feedings.
Love, Blessings and Good Juju,
Elizabeth and the girls
I am in the process of packing my hospital bag. Gathering the baby stuff I want to take, like their books to put footprints in and going home clothes. Getting the car seats ready, which in MN includes a snow suit, extra blankets and the neet fleece covers that go over the car seat like a blanket but more fitted. Then their is my required stuff. My pillow and Koala bear are a must for my comfort. Go a head and laugh... but I NEED my FRIEND when I am scared. My exercise/birthing ball and pump and my huge breastfeeding pillow. So I can use it right from the start. Then add the IPOD docking station and my musical play list that Robb kindly put together for me with weekend. I think the staff at the Hospital is going to freak as my hubby comes in carrying all my stuff in a laundry basket, as is my way.
Dylan and I went through baby toys and cloth diapers this weekend. Both Robb and he looked totally lost when I tried to explain the difference between one brand of wrap vs another. Dylan had lots of good questions about powder (a no-no according to our baby class) and diaper creams (only used if needed). I also asked him if he would wear a baby in a carrier when we went out. He actually sat down and read the manual for one of the snugglie carriers you can either wear on your chest or back. He sounded really excited about the idea of getting to wear one of his sisters out shopping. I think I am going to have a wonderful helper. Dylan is already checking in on me with "can I get you anything" which is a big help when I want water and Robb is downstairs.
As for me I am huge beyond belief and in a lot of gravity related pain. With all my ligaments loosened up my knees are starting to hurt and I am getting carpel tunnel in my hands and arms. But the Dr. keep say....you are fine...keep on working.... I am now seeing a chiropractor (Heather's roommate from fashion school who changed careers) who is manipulating me with a method called the Webster Technique. The philosophy is that a baby will stay and grow where it feels most safe and in balance with your body. The fact that Zoe has yet to move anywhere other than sideways means she is happy where she is. Anyway....the idea is to get your pelvic bones, supporting ligaments and sacrum into a more advantageous and appropriate alignment for birth. With the hope that balancing the body will push they baby out of the comfort zone and into a head down position for a more natural child birth.
I have had 3 adjustments now and Lynn is going to continue to see me twice a week until the babies show up. Even if we are not successful in getting Azy to turn head down, the adjustments are well worth the effort as there is much pain relief for a day or two afterwards. The good news is I am starting to see and feel things that are telling me the babies are about a week away from being born. I won't gross you all with the details...but those of you with children may know what I am talking about. Lynn also felt a significant loosening of my pelvic ligaments which in her education also concludes that my body is getting ready for it's marathon event in the near future.
My energy levels are up, my sleep (what 3-4 hour chunks I get) are more restful and my need to get everything in order are all good indicators that delivery is indeed on the horizon.
I will try to keep you all more updated. And get some picture of my now cute and round belly. It is almost 11 pm and I am sure to regret that I stayed up so late. Oh well....it is just practice for those night time feedings.
Love, Blessings and Good Juju,
Elizabeth and the girls
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
Another photo
Here is me and Dylan just this last Saturday. Can you believe my 16 year old is taller than me? If you look next to the red ribbon at my belly you can see it sticks out farther than you think. Now that I look pregnant I am going to take more pictures. Robb promised he would. So hopefully there will be more in the next few days.
Happy Obama Day....
Elizabeth :)
Sunday, January 18, 2009
Here is a picture of my belly. I went to visit Naomi in southern MN the weekend after Thanksgiving for our Birthday's. See what I mean... I look more fat than pregnant. She was giving my belly a kiss. But then again I am already too big for the largest maternity shirts avalible so I am wearing a plus sized shirt two sizes larger than I usually wear.
End of week 33
I am huge and tired and all that comes with the last few weeks of a pregnancy. I know...I need to get pictures added. Maybe with downtime at work tomorrow I will get some scanning done.
My girls are huge! As of two weeks ago Zoe was 4lb 7oz and Azy was 3lb 6oz. Then I gained 3 pounds the following week and a half pound last week. So I am sure they are both over 5 pounds already. The Doctors are happy with their growth and as of tomorrow they will not stop any labor that starts. So now it is just wait and grow even larger until they arrive. And hope I can get Azy to go head down.
I am still working, which is why I haven't written much. I am so tired by the time I get home that I put on my jammies and crawl into bed. I am full of aches and pains but honestly I have nothing really to complain about. No diabetes, No high blood pressure, No swelling. I look like I am about to pop with only one baby, so I am carrying the two really well. I don't look anywhere near as huge as Krista did at the end of her pregnancy, but I am still 3 weeks away from where she ended at 37 weeks.
My shower was lovely and just as I hoped. All five of the "mothers" in my life were able to make it. Add that to 3 sisters and a large number of girlfriends. I was "showered" with many gifts for which I am very grateful. And I got a chance to tell them all just how important they are to me. For those of you out of towners that still wish to get me something. May I suggest my registry at www.babiesrus.com under Elizabeth Lussier. Most of my Target stuff I received and there are a few things at Babies R Us that I will need to purchase once the girls arrive. So go for it, if you are so inclined.
I plan to have Robb post hospital pictures here for me once the girls arrive. So my guess is this will be the first place most of you see their beautiful faces. I am still hoping for a natural childbirth. However Azy is still breech and Zoe is still sideways. So I have some work to do in the next few weeks to try and get Azy turned. If all I have to whine about is a C-section than that is a small price to pay for a relatively quiet and healthy pregnancy and my girls in the end.
I am off to rest. Blessings and good Juju to you all.
Elizabeth :)
My girls are huge! As of two weeks ago Zoe was 4lb 7oz and Azy was 3lb 6oz. Then I gained 3 pounds the following week and a half pound last week. So I am sure they are both over 5 pounds already. The Doctors are happy with their growth and as of tomorrow they will not stop any labor that starts. So now it is just wait and grow even larger until they arrive. And hope I can get Azy to go head down.
I am still working, which is why I haven't written much. I am so tired by the time I get home that I put on my jammies and crawl into bed. I am full of aches and pains but honestly I have nothing really to complain about. No diabetes, No high blood pressure, No swelling. I look like I am about to pop with only one baby, so I am carrying the two really well. I don't look anywhere near as huge as Krista did at the end of her pregnancy, but I am still 3 weeks away from where she ended at 37 weeks.
My shower was lovely and just as I hoped. All five of the "mothers" in my life were able to make it. Add that to 3 sisters and a large number of girlfriends. I was "showered" with many gifts for which I am very grateful. And I got a chance to tell them all just how important they are to me. For those of you out of towners that still wish to get me something. May I suggest my registry at www.babiesrus.com under Elizabeth Lussier. Most of my Target stuff I received and there are a few things at Babies R Us that I will need to purchase once the girls arrive. So go for it, if you are so inclined.
I plan to have Robb post hospital pictures here for me once the girls arrive. So my guess is this will be the first place most of you see their beautiful faces. I am still hoping for a natural childbirth. However Azy is still breech and Zoe is still sideways. So I have some work to do in the next few weeks to try and get Azy turned. If all I have to whine about is a C-section than that is a small price to pay for a relatively quiet and healthy pregnancy and my girls in the end.
I am off to rest. Blessings and good Juju to you all.
Elizabeth :)
Tuesday, December 16, 2008
30 weeks already
Hello All,
I can't believe I let my blog linger for so long...sorry about that. Everyone is very well, I have been increasingly tired and busy with the holiday season.
First a note to my East Coast Family. Congrats to Susan on her marriage and baby due sometime around my girls. My thoughts and love go out to all of you! I heard a great story recently about talk of my girls' names around the table at a family gathering and it made me so happy to know ya'll were thinking of me :) I am truly a lucky girl!
The second note is the shower is Dec 27th 1-4. The original evite that went out mid November only went to work addresses. So everyone that had yahoo or hotmail accounts didn't get one. So...paper invites are going in the mail this week I am told. I didn't send out invitations to all those far and wide. While I would love any part of my "east coast family" to be a part of my shower I don't think any of you have plans to fly up the weekend after Christmas... so please don't feel slighted that you didn't get an invite. The love and support of everyone is so overwhelming.... how do I even begin...
The girls are amazing! I am at 30 weeks as of this Monday with anywhere from 6-8 weeks left to go. The last long ultra sound we had on 12-12 put Azy at 2lb 2 oz and breech in the middle of my pelvis. Zoe is 2lb 7 oz and still sideways above her sister. She is our little acrobat and had her feet up by her face during the ultra sound. Both are growing like weeds and moving a lot when not sleeping. By now I should have over 5lb of baby in me. I am relieved to be pass the 30 week mark and overjoyed at how big they are already. At this point they can arrive safely and take a few extra weeks in the NICU growing. I am still hoping they will stay and grow until early February.
I am continuing to work and crawl into bed as soon as I get home. Trying to eat for 3 people is a challenge and I feel like I am eating all the time. My ligaments are stretching to get ready for delivery and my lower half aches all the time. I have been very lucky compared to many. The list of complications and sever pains that I could have are long and I am blessed to have almost none of them. So I really have no complaints.
I will add new pictures later today or tomorrow. I can still tell the girls apart by noses. I told Robb that it may be a few days before I know who is who depending on what kind of swelling birth has in store for their faces. Azy has my bridge and Robb's tip and Zoe is the opposite with Robb's bridge and my tip. I can't wait to see how these features play out on their faces. But I can already tell they are beautiful.....or is that motherly bias?
We have most of baby central put together with a few things left to get taken care of. I need to reupholster the rocker, get the cribs assembled and pack my hospital bag. I plan to bring the girls home in the layette that was knitted for me by my Nana Margaret. A yellow cardigan, booties and hat with a puff on the top. I also found another knit set at a garage sale that is pink and similarly made with love by someones Grandma. I also have fleece blankets by Grandma Twila and knit afghans by Great Grandma Bama (that my sister in laws held on for me in the hopes that "someday" a baby would come my way). So treasured keepsakes are being packed along with whatever new memories we will make.
I must get back to work,
Love and Blessings to you All this Holiday Season!
Elizabeth :)
I can't believe I let my blog linger for so long...sorry about that. Everyone is very well, I have been increasingly tired and busy with the holiday season.
First a note to my East Coast Family. Congrats to Susan on her marriage and baby due sometime around my girls. My thoughts and love go out to all of you! I heard a great story recently about talk of my girls' names around the table at a family gathering and it made me so happy to know ya'll were thinking of me :) I am truly a lucky girl!
The second note is the shower is Dec 27th 1-4. The original evite that went out mid November only went to work addresses. So everyone that had yahoo or hotmail accounts didn't get one. So...paper invites are going in the mail this week I am told. I didn't send out invitations to all those far and wide. While I would love any part of my "east coast family" to be a part of my shower I don't think any of you have plans to fly up the weekend after Christmas... so please don't feel slighted that you didn't get an invite. The love and support of everyone is so overwhelming.... how do I even begin...
The girls are amazing! I am at 30 weeks as of this Monday with anywhere from 6-8 weeks left to go. The last long ultra sound we had on 12-12 put Azy at 2lb 2 oz and breech in the middle of my pelvis. Zoe is 2lb 7 oz and still sideways above her sister. She is our little acrobat and had her feet up by her face during the ultra sound. Both are growing like weeds and moving a lot when not sleeping. By now I should have over 5lb of baby in me. I am relieved to be pass the 30 week mark and overjoyed at how big they are already. At this point they can arrive safely and take a few extra weeks in the NICU growing. I am still hoping they will stay and grow until early February.
I am continuing to work and crawl into bed as soon as I get home. Trying to eat for 3 people is a challenge and I feel like I am eating all the time. My ligaments are stretching to get ready for delivery and my lower half aches all the time. I have been very lucky compared to many. The list of complications and sever pains that I could have are long and I am blessed to have almost none of them. So I really have no complaints.
I will add new pictures later today or tomorrow. I can still tell the girls apart by noses. I told Robb that it may be a few days before I know who is who depending on what kind of swelling birth has in store for their faces. Azy has my bridge and Robb's tip and Zoe is the opposite with Robb's bridge and my tip. I can't wait to see how these features play out on their faces. But I can already tell they are beautiful.....or is that motherly bias?
We have most of baby central put together with a few things left to get taken care of. I need to reupholster the rocker, get the cribs assembled and pack my hospital bag. I plan to bring the girls home in the layette that was knitted for me by my Nana Margaret. A yellow cardigan, booties and hat with a puff on the top. I also found another knit set at a garage sale that is pink and similarly made with love by someones Grandma. I also have fleece blankets by Grandma Twila and knit afghans by Great Grandma Bama (that my sister in laws held on for me in the hopes that "someday" a baby would come my way). So treasured keepsakes are being packed along with whatever new memories we will make.
I must get back to work,
Love and Blessings to you All this Holiday Season!
Elizabeth :)
Wednesday, November 12, 2008
6 Months and counting
I have reached another mile stone...the 24 week mark. I don't have any new pictures. We didn't make it to the Halloween party because I had some bleeding and sat at the hospital for a few hours making sure everything was ok (which it was). Heather was in town last weekend and was able to make it to my Friday appointment. I gained 2 pounds, blood pressure is still in the normal range and I passed my second diabetes test. We got a quick look at the girls which was the reason I wanted Heather to come. We got to see baby legs and toes, heads and heartbeats. Both girls were quiet, most likely sleeping.
We did come up with another name. I can't remember if I have mentioned it yet or not. Here was the thought process. It started with "I have to come up with a cute middle name since Zoe's is Darling". So I thought Precious might pass. Robb thought it would be clever to find a name starting with an A so we could say "we did it all from A to Z". So baby name search engine here I come. I plugged in Girl names starting with A, two syllables. At the very end I found it.
Azy (like Daisy without the D) meaning Precious in Afrikaan. Unique enough to match Zoe, but not too hard to pronounce, your choice would be two different sounds for the A. Then there was the middle name. There is some Dutch tradition (at least in my Mom's family) for girls to be named for aunts or cousins. Robb and I sat a Famous Dave's eating dinner and settled on her name. So presenting our baby names.....
Azy Joy Lussier & Zoe Darling Lussier
Darling to honor my Best Friend Heather...who I gave the pet name Darling to around Jr. High.
Joy to honor my sister Krista who's name sounds like Christmas Joy for her arrival on December 23rd.
I must say naming a human being has been an interesting journey. Do the initial mean something? Does the name make a rhyme that other children can tease with? Is that name one that would be accepted in a professional world, if that is the route my child chooses to go? Zoey will always be Zoey to me...but she can be more professional with Zoe if she wants. Azy can go by A.J. if she finds her name too unique. Now the trick is making sure the name stays with each baby as they tumble around in my belly and perhaps enter the world in a different order than the baby A on the bottom (Azy) and baby B on top (Zoe)
I am home today not feeling too well. I am very tired and achy. I am starting to get the aches and pains that are normal for the 8th-9th month early because there are two. I am hoping to continue being able to work at least through the end of December. The official due date is March 2nd, but that is the 40 week mark. Twins come early.....so my goal is beginning to mid February around 36-37 weeks.
Shower plans have already begun with a date of December 27th. (so Heather can be home) I am so very lucky to have so many people who love me and want to be involved! Some of you will hear more from Heather and Bhavna (the ring leaders) as to how you can help. The rest will hear more details about the fun. My goal is to register in the next 2 weeks to give ideas about things we will need. But please know, I don't expect any gifts.... times are hard .... and the Holiday's at hand.
For me this shower is a celebration of dreams coming true. I wanted to invite everyone who has supported my ups and downs over the last 5 years. There was a time of grief in my life when it seemed I had no family or friends to care for me. Robb and Heather were my life preservers in a sea of sadness. But now.... there are so many of you that I love ... the new family I created and surrounded myself with. I am humbled and honored to realize just how many of you have added your love to my life. This party is for you too.... a chance for me to tell you all just how important you are and how grateful I am for your presence in my life!
Ok.... enough of the tears, crazy pregnant lady...
Love and Blessing to you all,
Elizabeth :)
We did come up with another name. I can't remember if I have mentioned it yet or not. Here was the thought process. It started with "I have to come up with a cute middle name since Zoe's is Darling". So I thought Precious might pass. Robb thought it would be clever to find a name starting with an A so we could say "we did it all from A to Z". So baby name search engine here I come. I plugged in Girl names starting with A, two syllables. At the very end I found it.
Azy (like Daisy without the D) meaning Precious in Afrikaan. Unique enough to match Zoe, but not too hard to pronounce, your choice would be two different sounds for the A. Then there was the middle name. There is some Dutch tradition (at least in my Mom's family) for girls to be named for aunts or cousins. Robb and I sat a Famous Dave's eating dinner and settled on her name. So presenting our baby names.....
Azy Joy Lussier & Zoe Darling Lussier
Darling to honor my Best Friend Heather...who I gave the pet name Darling to around Jr. High.
Joy to honor my sister Krista who's name sounds like Christmas Joy for her arrival on December 23rd.
I must say naming a human being has been an interesting journey. Do the initial mean something? Does the name make a rhyme that other children can tease with? Is that name one that would be accepted in a professional world, if that is the route my child chooses to go? Zoey will always be Zoey to me...but she can be more professional with Zoe if she wants. Azy can go by A.J. if she finds her name too unique. Now the trick is making sure the name stays with each baby as they tumble around in my belly and perhaps enter the world in a different order than the baby A on the bottom (Azy) and baby B on top (Zoe)
I am home today not feeling too well. I am very tired and achy. I am starting to get the aches and pains that are normal for the 8th-9th month early because there are two. I am hoping to continue being able to work at least through the end of December. The official due date is March 2nd, but that is the 40 week mark. Twins come early.....so my goal is beginning to mid February around 36-37 weeks.
Shower plans have already begun with a date of December 27th. (so Heather can be home) I am so very lucky to have so many people who love me and want to be involved! Some of you will hear more from Heather and Bhavna (the ring leaders) as to how you can help. The rest will hear more details about the fun. My goal is to register in the next 2 weeks to give ideas about things we will need. But please know, I don't expect any gifts.... times are hard .... and the Holiday's at hand.
For me this shower is a celebration of dreams coming true. I wanted to invite everyone who has supported my ups and downs over the last 5 years. There was a time of grief in my life when it seemed I had no family or friends to care for me. Robb and Heather were my life preservers in a sea of sadness. But now.... there are so many of you that I love ... the new family I created and surrounded myself with. I am humbled and honored to realize just how many of you have added your love to my life. This party is for you too.... a chance for me to tell you all just how important you are and how grateful I am for your presence in my life!
Ok.... enough of the tears, crazy pregnant lady...
Love and Blessing to you all,
Elizabeth :)
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
