FIAO 2.2 - Diapering The Twins - Making Decisions and Learning Lessons

I have finally started acquiring/purchasing cloth diapers! It's fun.. kind of. I am enjoying most of it but I'm finding it's still confusing and a little scary, considering it's an investment that might not pay off. Despite all the research I've done I still second guess every CD purchase I could make, sometimes missing out on great deals over my inability to commit.  I had finally decided that I definitely want to do prefolds with covers and AI2s. I hate the idea of stuffing pockets and the few I have are not changing my mind so I don't want many of those. I also think AIOs are very expensive you need a ton of them since you can't reuse any of it. With prefolds and covers or snap-in AI2s you can sometimes get up to a whole day out of a cover just switching out the soaker part when needed (although most people recommend changing the cover after 2 uses).  So far, I had picked up some NB OsoCozy and WAHM AIOs  and an Alva pocket at a consignment sale and then I was given 6 unused small Tidy Tots covers and snap-in inserts (AI2s) for FREE (a $120 value!) by a woman working the sale. Now it was time to seek out the rest of my stash without breaking the bank!

I joined several Buy, Sell and Trade groups on Facebook and Babycenter and I also check Craigslist every day, but usually there's nothing new or desirable. In fact, my first CL purchase resulted in my very first lesson learned the hard way: LOOK AND INSPECT BEFORE YOU BUY USED. Don't just assume that everyone will have the same idea of "very good condition" as you do. A few weeks ago I wasted $40 on used flip and bummis covers that have elastics stretched to the max, stains and velcro that has clearly been through a thousand dryer cycles. It is what it is, but I doubt I will use them. Even if I do they will be the back-up-back-up diapers. The whole thing wasn't a total wash though, for $10 more I got 15 decent cloth wipes, 2 snappis and a brand new blueberry cover. Also, the seller has identical twin girls, so I'm glad we connected regardless of the condition of the diapers. However, I was now seriously apprehensive about buying used! I needed to get some new ones, but after picking up two BumGenius 4.0s at Babies R Us, spending one entire $25 gift card, I was having sticker shock. I started to worry that we would be able to have a decent stash before it was time to use them. And I just think it isn't worth it if you're buying disposables while using cloth!

Luckily my amazing Aunts gifted me $100 and $50 gift cards towards my cloth diaper registry so I was able to get started with new diapers and no risk to me! I created this registry mostly for myself after reading that no one would really buy off your CD registry (and trust me, they won't) but I was doing research and created one anyway. I added a bunch of different types of diapers, prefolds, snappis, a wetbag, the sprayer and detergent. Then when we added it to my registry card I just added a bunch of gift cards in different amounts. I didn't know if I'd get them but I'm so glad I did. My mom got me the wetbag and with the gift cards I purchased 8 covers from four different brands (Thirsties, Rumparooz, Imagine and Buttons), 24 Diaper Rite Small and Medium indian cotton prefolds, 3 Bamboo Infant size prefolds, 2 Kawaii night time AIOs and a roll of 100 disposable liners. I paid a little less than $30 for all of this myself and when it arrived today I was so excited!! I'm practicing folding with the prefolds on my stuffed animals and researching my prep and wash routines now.

I also just received my first successful used lot that I even purchased sight unseen! Thanks to the amazing Tami in Texas via a Facebook B/S/T group I received 3 pockets and 2 AIOs that are in near perfect condition, plus extra inserts all for $16.50!

So far I think I have a fairly decent stash. I am inventorying it and keeping track of all that I spend as well. I myself have spent around $150.

• 31 EUC or NEW diapers - a decent combo of small and onesized AIOs, AI2s, pockets and covers
• 6 very used/backup diapers, 
• 43 prefolds/inserts/snap-ins
• 100 disposable inserts
• 15 used but decent cloth wipes
• 2 snappis

I think that's a pretty good start!

Lessons Learned So Far:

1) Seriously, it's so obvious but when buying used always LOOK at what you're buying! Don't pay more for stains, relaxed elastic, pilling and messed up velcro than you do for like new diapers like I did.  At least in my experience they cancelled each other out. I should have paid $50 for the great lot I got off facebook rather than $15!

2) Do as much research as you can but don't settle for one kind. I read this over and over and I think I did a good job at having a variety. As we get going we will adjust things but fingers crossed we don't end up hating prefolds/flats and covers since I really think that's the most budget friendly way to do CD.

3) You do not ever HAVE to buy at retail price!! There are TONS of website sales, B/S/T groups, craigslist and discount sites that you can rely on. Of course if you're obsessed with the newest and cutest diaper you will spend more money but that's not a priority for me. I even just spent $10 on about 20 pairs of baby pants because I don't like the diaper only look.

4) Start researching storage options WAY before you buy them. I've finally settled on those hanging sweater shelves in the closet but my stash has been sitting in a paper bag for weeks as I just don't have anywhere else for them.  Right now they're stuffed in bins waiting to be prepped/washed and the closet is still filled with baby gear!

What are your cloth diapering lessons learned? Did you learn the hard way to check before you pay!?

Xo,
M.

Our First Anniversary

Happy, happy 1st Anniversary to me and my hubby!

I can't believe a year ago we were celebrating our love with all of our closest friends and family at one of the "best weddings ever" (stated by not only our guests and us but our DJ, caterer and photographer too)!

I loved our wedding. I even loved planning our wedding. I didn't put too much pressure on myself, I had fun with it and if things got too stressful I tried really hard to regroup and refocus and stay calm. Not unlike how I've managed to stay sane during this pregnancy!

We had a budget friendly, rustic/vintage themed smaller wedding in a beautifully renovated barn that has been converted into a reception space called Pat's Barn in Troy, NY. Troy being my hometown, I was thrilled to have such a gem right in our backyard.



Our vendors were incredible. We were left 1 month before the wedding without a reverend due to a friend of my father's backing out of the job, but we found the most amazing woman ever, Rev. Sue, officiated the most beautiful ceremony ever. Our DJ, Mike with CT Productions, was awesome and kept the party going all night. The food, catered by local food truck company Slidin' Dirty, was great and our guests were thrilled with the beverages they kept flowing all night. Our photographer, Janelle, took incredible photos and captured some really beautiful moments.

And then our families. Oh our families and our friends. They were such an integral part of our day. From my Mom who purchased and arranged all of the flowers (centerpieces, bouquets, etc.) and my sister who created all of the paper products including the invitations and fan programs. C's Dad who contributed so much financially as well as my dad and his awesome advice and guidance in planning and the day of. C's mom and grandmom, supported and helped us all along the way and we could not have pulled it off without them. Everyone came together and it was truly a magical day!

 I worked my butt off planning but it was laid-back and care-free and I truly felt like it represented us. All the little details came together and it was so perfect. We made our own EVERYTHING. From the invitations to the favors, including the centerpieces, the mad-libs RSVPs, and my hairpiece. We used Etsy for everything we could and I got each and every piece of glass for the decor at garage sales, thrift stores and relatives. The cake topper was first used 55 years ago on my grandparents' cake. It was exactly as I wanted it to be and we spent just a little less than $15,000. For more pics check out our Wedding Photos page.


At the end of it all I was married to the man of my dreams. He is truly my hero and I love him so much. I am so lucky that he has put up with me this long and we've only just begun. I seriously cannot wait to see him as a Dad.

Today we celebrated a little differently than we originally planned. I remember returning from our honeymoon a year ago and starting to figure out where we would travel to for our anniversary. We talked about going back to Portsmouth, NH, our favorite spot from our honeymoon or back to Boston for the fourth because it was so amazing. Someone mentioned we should go someplace different so we talked about going south, to the city or the cape. And then I got pregnant! With twins! And although I'm only 31 weeks this week, I could go at any time so travel is really not a great idea. Hmm.

So we talked about mini vacations within a few hours. We looked in to going up to Lake Champlain, Lake George or Lake Placid.

And then I just said forget it. As long as we're together who cares. So we spent the day relaxing together, eating brunch late and spending time outside with the cats. Then we went to a beautiful dinner at New World Bistro. We wrote in our Anniversary Book, lit our anniversary candle and, of course, munched on some ridiculously well-preserved, absolutely delicious wedding cake. I barely remember eating it last year so it was so good to have it again. At least a little bit of it. Stupid GD.

Anyway, I'm going to continue to celebrate with my amazing husband. Who knows where we will be a year from now, with 11 month old twins but I know now that it really doesn't matter what you do, as long as we're together.

What are some ways you commemorate your anniversary once kids are in the picture?

Xo,
M.

Baby Shower Day!

What a beautiful, perfect day today. My incredible family and friends all came together to celebrate me and my girls at the best baby shower I've ever been to!  Our girls, C and I are truly blessed to have such an incredible support system and people who genuinely love us. Some of my amazing friends from college came in to town, most of my family and C's and my mom's best friends even came, women I've known since I was born myself. My mom, sister, aunt and cousin threw the party and it was so beautiful! It was a gorgeous day, not too hot with a nice breeze and the decor was gorgeous. Everyone raved about the delicious food and fun but not intimidating or demanding games. It was truly a wonderful day and I am so overwhelmed with joy.

Now it's time to really get down to it! Organizing all the gifts and the nursery FINALLY!! June is the busiest month, hence having my shower after being out of work for over a month already. At least I spent the month getting the rest of the house in order, now I can focus entirely on the girls room and organizing our new world!

Xo,
M

29 Weeks!

I am so feeling 29 weeks these days. I am exhausted, my lower back and hips are killing me and although I have a list of things I need to do, I keep finding myself choosing to lay down instead. Boo.
The girls are super active at times and then go hours without moving so I'm a little worried about that. I'm going to the Dr. in the morning and I will ask him what to do about kick counts. It's a little tough not to get freaked out when you don't feel anything for four hours but then all of a sudden they're going crazy.

My shower is this weekend! I can't wait! I still don't know what I'm wearing, I might make my mom take me shopping after my appt. tomorrow.

The GD diet is going really well. I met with the Diabetes Center again today and she told me to just keep doing what I'm doing and that I'm right on track. My numbers have been great, except for the few nights that I have treated myself and even then they're nowhere near levels that I should really worry about.

Only 6 weeks to go!

FIAO 4.2 - Healthy Twins, Happy Family - Gestational Diabetes Isn't The End of the World (And What I Know About Eating Well!)

On Monday I had my meeting with the nutritional counselor and received my very own blood sugar testing kit. I'm weird and have absolutely no problem with needles (I haven't always been this way, I remember the fits I threw over shots as a kid, but one day I just realized it's gonna happen no sense in fighting it and now it doesn't bother me at all) so I don't mind sticking myself 4, 5 or even 6 times a day. I'm only supposed to do it four but I've been experimenting with my numbers, trying to figure it all out.

The nutritional counseling was good but considering I already knew everything she was preparing to tell me it was a little unnecessary. She was shocked and pleased with how much I knew and glad she didn't have to completely reeducate me in terms of my diet. In case you're wondering here's some things you should know if you don't already:

1) Stop eating white processed anything. Right now. It's seriously the worst. Clean out your pantry of all white bread, flour, tortillas, crackers, oatmeal, etc. Sugar belongs on that list too but I still have it in my house and although I use it sparingly now and I won't be a hypocrite. Be like us and start experimenting with natural sweeteners. Just stop buying the white stuff! It's all crap and has no nutritional value.  Buy only 100% whole wheat, multi-grain or sprouted bread products, or make your own there's tons of recipes for anything you can want out there. If you need to have white flour at least buy unbleached.

2) Read the ingredients in a product, not the calorie counts (although with GD it's essential to read carb counts). Seriously. Stop eating crap that your body doesn't need or know what to do with. If you don't know what an ingredient is, look it up. It's just as important to remember that not all the scary words on the back of a package are actually bad for you. After you know what it is if it doesn't sound like something you would want in your body then do not eat it. There are always healthier or alternative options unless you're on a seriously tight budget. In which case, we go without.

3) Throw greens in to everything you can. Scrambled eggs, frittatas and omelets get a nice dose of spinach, asparagus, peppers, etc. Toss in some different vegs to spice up your boring salad like raw broccoli, asparagus, peppers, and my personal fave, black olives. Spaghetti sauce gets a cup of shredded carrots and celery - first off, you can't taste them and if cook it long enough or puree it for pizzas and you can't even see them.  Green smoothies are a godsend. Best part about greens for a GD? They're only 3-5 carbs/ 1/2 cup serving and are full of fiber which helps combat sugar spikes.

 4) Stay away from food dyes and artificial flavors. Battles against food dyes like yellow-5, red-40 and blue-1 have recently been in the news, most notably my girl Food Babe's war with Kraft Mac&Cheese.  Here's a fair and informative article all about the risks and history of the colors in our food. The same goes for flavoring. Beaver butt anyone? Know what tastes like vanilla? Vanilla. It's a plant, you can buy it and make your own extract to flavor anything you want! Stop eating anything shouldn't be the color or flavor it is. Radioactive yellow mac & cheese, most kids' cereals, candy and more. Buy plain yogurt and add your own extracts or fruit for flavoring.

5) Be aware of where your food comes from. Namely meat and dairy. Although many out there are anti cow's milk for a number of reasons, I have never drank it as I just hate it. It stems from years of milk sensitivity upsetting my stomach as a kid. Don't be like me and give up all milk entirely until your late 20s, just stop drinking flavored milk-like products and educate yourself on the treatment of our milk cows. I drink plain almond milk (the ones without carageenan, so again, read your ingredients). It's yummier than regular milk and it has double the calcium, less fat and no worrying about additives or inhumane treatment or factory farming of almonds (at least not that I know of). Plus it has less carbs than all other milks!  Meat is a whole different topic we will get in to some other time.

6) Eat small meals 5-6/day. Any pregnant woman or diabetic has heard about this but I've been doing it since childhood and find it really works best for maintaining energy and appetite. Remember snack time when you were a kid? We had them at 10am, 3pm and 7pm in our house.I follow a similar schedule now but instead of the kid snack foods we had growing up, I have things like a piece of fruit, small portions of leftovers, cheese and crackers, steamed veggies, etc. in between my meals (which are rarely huge or complex but always complete). Dinner is usually a bigger deal because we love to cook together but I eat some and leave myself enough for lunch/snack tomorrow. It's probably a by-product of being a child care provider. My eating schedule has always followed that of a pre-schooler!

I have to say this is one thing I love about the internet. Because of all of these things we have learned over the years we eat so much more healthily than we did when we first met. Back then we would have mac and cheese, fast food or take-out every night. My eating habits sucked growing up and not for my parents' lack of trying. I was stubborn and afraid new foods would hurt me or make me throw up if I didn't like the taste. I seriously cannot believe that at one point in my life I actually survived on chicken fingers, french fries and pizza and that I didn't try a salad until I was 20. It's a wonder I wasn't diabetic the whole time. I am so thankful for everything I know now and my ability to make healthy choices every day. I truly feel better and it's been a blessing with this GD experience. My diet is essentially a GD diet so I already had a head start! Speaking of that...

My blood sugars have been pretty much stable since I started counting carbs and testing. I've gone above my target count twice but both times it was my fault for simply not caring/giving in to a craving (come on, my birthday was Saturday. We have cake. Lots and lots of cake). Even my fasting numbers are fine. The best part? It's required little to no sacrifice on my part because it's what I already did! I have noticed that I tend to have higher numbers at night, usually after I've had a decent dinner and a not-so-healthy desert. So in my non-physician opinion I do have GD but am able to control it. I've also started exercising again after higher-carb meals and snacks. I've done yoga the whole pregnancy and was walking until it started to hurt a few weeks ago. Now I do some lifting, stretching, squats and a little light running in place and so far it's dropped my 2 hour level after a 50 carb meal to below 100 twice.

I'm not going to act like this is any fun. I think one of the best parts about being pregnant, especially with twins, was being able to justify crazy cravings and eat pretty much whatever I wanted, whenever I wanted. But alas, all good things must come to an end and it's probably better that I get on a healthier track before the girls get here anyway.  I'm not going hungry, I have a bit more energy and I know I'm doing what's best for the girls. Makes all those finger pricks worth while!

xoxo,
M.

28 Weeks!

Ahhhh... 28 weeks. I cannot believe I've been pregnant for 28 weeks and that in just 7 weeks, less than two months, these girls will be here. All looked so great at our dr. appt. yesterday. The girls are moving all over the place and in different positions for each ultrasound. Last time they were both vertex (head down) next to each other. Now they're still vertex but on top of each other right in the middle of my gut. It was impossible to get a picture of Baby B and Baby A's was distorted by B's arms and head lol. They're both 2 lb. 10 oz., about 15 inches long. All fluids and dopplers look fantastic and Dr. M is very happy to see how healthy everything looks.  He told me himself that he never stops worrying about Mono-Di twins, but that our girls are strong and all looks great. Phew!

We are starting to really get ready, our stock pile grows every weekend and gifts have started arriving. So far we got the stroller and the high chairs so at the very least our 6 month olds will have somewhere to sit! Their room is simply storage for baby stuff right now and probably will stay that way until they're a few months old. No super cute nursery here for them to come home to. Just a new rug and some decals on the wall that you can't even see for all the other stuff and a nice twin bassinet in Mommy and Daddy's room. I don't think they'll mind.

With 28 weeks comes new challenges, such as increasing braxton hicks (3-4/day, sporadically) being short of breath (hello tiny baby feet in my ribcage!), losing a lot of sleep due to random discomforts and adjusting to my new GD lifestyle. I'm ok with the testing 4x/day (I've actually done it a few extra times to try and find my own pattern) so far counting my carbs is working as I have only spiked above 120 twice - after my late-night snack. I will update my FIAO - GD post with more info.

C has been home from work for his last official two days off until the girls come. It's been so nice having him here. We went yesterday and opened out mortgage match account! For the next 15 months we will put $125  into a savings account and the bank will match us $4 for every dollar we save. Next September we will have $9,500 that can be used towards the down payment and closing costs on our first house! I can't wait to move, although I'm not sure how much fun it's going to be with 14 month old twins, it will definitely be time by then!

Here's to a happy and healthy 7 weeks left!

FIAO 5.1 - Feeding Twins

Happy Belated 30th Birthday to me!  Yesterday was a fantastic birthday and we're having my party here this afternoon but I was reading a topic on one of my fb boards and I had to write about it. A woman was struggling with feeding her twins. Seriously struggling. One would not latch and just screamed constantly, the other would eat for a few minutes then sleep only to wake just as she was getting going with the other, they were not on a schedule of any kind and were actually on alternating nap schedules. She was at her wit's end. I cringed for her and decided to write about my own battle with this breastfeeding business. You see, breastfeeding and I have had quite the love/hate relationship over the years. I know, it's super weird, especially since I myself was not breastfed and I don't even have kids yet. Let me explain.

When I was young I found out what breast feeding was and immediately thought it must be the most disgusting and embarrassing part of motherhood (haha! how little I knew!).  I was glad I wasn't breastfed and that no one I knew was doing it. I decided around 14 that I would never, ever, breastfeed my kids.  It didn't help that I had a major phobia of anything related to bodily-functions as well as a an unhealthy desire to never "change" (eg: I was terrified of getting my period, growing boobs, having sex, giving birth, etc.).  My first period was seriously traumatic for me and forget talking about reproduction in school, I was so grossed out I threw up. Needless to say the idea of actually feeding a child off my own body was an absolute no-no. Just the fact that we can even produce milk, from our nipples no less, and encourage our children to ingest it, come on when you look at it that way how could anyone think it's a good idea?! That is, of course, until you learn a little bit more about it all. Which, thankfully, I did as I grew older.

When I was 21 my cousin was born and for the first time in my life I actually observed this terrifying act of a baby eating from mother's breast. My aunt explained all about it and patiently let me watch while she answered my questions. I won't say that I was sold but I was intrigued and more than a little shocked that it wasn't in fact the disgusting, painful, stressful mess that I had always imagined. Years later as we started changing the way we lived I began to learn more about the actual benefits of breastfeeding and it wasn't long before I had completely changed my mind and knew I was going to do it no matter what. I believed that it was best for a few reasons, namely that it is the most natural, that it provides an extra boost of nutrition and other good stuff in the beginning and that it was cheaper than formula (which I have nothing against and always fully supported). I was proud of myself for making an educated choice in the healthiest way to feed (in my opinion) my future children. I came full circle in about 10 years and my family was a little surprised but since times are changing and more and more women are choosing to exclusively breastfeed (EBF) I have plenty of support out there.

And then... along came the twins. And all of a sudden I was no where near as solid in my decision. I looked up "breastfeeding twins" and found that while the stories were inspiring and informative they were equally daunting and overwhelming. I read words like, "I haven't slept more than 1 hour at a time, every 4 or 5 hours, since the twins came home a month ago" and "I change, feed, burp, put down and then pump and just as I finish pumping they're ready to feed again" and "They've been alternating eating and crying non-stop since midnight, it's now 8am and I am so tired I can't see straight and hubs just left for work".  WHAAAA??? I'm supposed to WANT to do that to myself?

Then you get the women that... how do I say this nicely.... sugar coat the bullshit. The, "it's such an amazing experience to just feed and pump constantly because I know I'm doing what's BEST for my babies. I wouldn't have it any other way!" See how they conveniently leave out the fact that that their eyeballs have long since melted from exhaustion and their asses will never be normally shaped again as they haven't moved from their feeding spot in 3 weeks!! Sanctimommies drive me insane but I'm finding the ones pretending that breastfeeding twins is peaches and pie are the WORST! Just be honest. I KNOW it will be a painful, exhausting and stressful process that will not even begin to resemble the beautiful, rewarding experience we all seek for at least a few months.  No matter how many times you tell me that you're cool with being a milk factory because "it's best for baby." 

(You will come to find that I am not of the camp that believes we should give up who we are as soon as we become parents. I will not sacrifice my own sanity or happiness for anything or anyone and I will raise my girls to do the same. It's called loving yourself first and it took me a while to get here, so I'm staying. And yes that means even above some of the needs and desires of my children, who I believe will not only be happier, but more importantly, more secure and well-rounded adults than those of women who lose themselves in the "best choices" of motherhood.)

So here I am again.. I just don't know if I have what it takes to do it, even if only for the first few months of my babies' lives. Adjusting to life with two new babies will be challenging enough.  Will the fact that I am essentially becoming a cow help anyone at all?  And yet, I can't help but feel like it's wrong for me to not do it just because it's hard, especially knowing all I know and my reasons for deciding to breastfeed in the first place?

Luckily for me I belong to a few wonderful twin groups on facebook and babycenter where there is plenty of REAL support, not just imaginary tales of how easy and wonderful it is. Plus I have friends who have done it, not just family, most of whom have no experience (and still think I'm crazy for even entertaining the idea of breastfeeding twins). I have decided that I am going to at least try. I know the first few weeks are the most important so I would like to at least do it then, especially since that's when we will have the most help at home. I am not committing to six or three months. Not even one month. I am going to take it day by day and I refuse to let myself feel badly if it simply does not work for me. I am completely ok with exclusively pumping so that's always an option as well. All I know is that at the end of the day it's more important that I am happy, sane and able to care for my kids than driving myself nuts making sure they're breastfed. I know there are plenty of people who disagree but we will never see eye to eye and I'm not too worried about that.

Since it will hopefully be another two months before they are here and then a few weeks of trying it all out we won't know how this one turns out for a bit but I will definitely keep you updated.

Xoxo,
M

Did I Seriously Get Gestational Diabetes While Pregnant With Identical Twins?!

So I failed my 1 hour glucose screening.

I don't think I'll ever forget getting that call from my OB. Here I sat, reading a silly article on Jezebel, enjoying my homemade breakfast sandwich (turkey sausage, real sharp cheddar cheese and a free range fried egg on a whole wheat high fiber english muffin*, in case you were wondering) and my phone rang. I knew the results would be in soon so I spat out my food and answered, completely expecting good news.

"Hi Maigen, this is Colleen from Dr. Kittle's office. Hun, you failed your glucose test." "I failed?!?" "Yes and by quite a bit, I'm afraid." "What's a bit?" "180."

One. freaking. eighty.

I knew I needed a 140 to pass.

And I got a 180.

At first I just wanted to scream that of course I failed. They were the ones that told me to drink that glucola!

But she didn't give me the chance as she went on to explain I would be skipping the 3 hour test entirely and that they were referring me to a nutritional counselor at the hospital. I will now be testing my own blood sugar 4x/day for the remainder of the pregnancy and, if after making dietary and lifestyle changes it's still not controlled, I will start insulin.

What. the. f.

As if having an unplanned spontaneous identical twin pregnancy wasn't terrifying enough. Then getting told in week 17 that the cysts on their brains could be trisomy-18 - or they could be nothing at all. Now I have gestational diabetes and get to figure out how to satisfy my insatiable, albeit waning, appetite while watching every damn thing I eat.

I know I'm being a brat. I should be feeling blessed that it was caught when it was and that I am in smart, capable hands both with my OB and MFM who I trust with my life (and those of my unborn). But I hate this. Mostly because I have already worked my ass off to make sure I'm eating "right." I don't gorge myself on junk food and I make healthy choices every day (although I don't deprive myself of most cravings either).

I've eaten more fresh vegetables in the last six months than I had in my entire 29 years before. 
We haven't eaten anything but whole wheat bread products in years, including pasta and even that's only a once a week meal at the most.
I only drink almond milk, but I eat good quality cheeses and yogurts daily. 
I could live on chicken, sometimes we do for a few days, and I would be eating turkey all the time if I didn't have to heat it up until it was gross.
I have healthy portions of red meat, fish and vegetarian dinners with green sides throughout the week. I eat a salad at least every other day.
I look at my diet and I don't see how I can avoid any more sugar than I already do, other than cutting out the juices I've only added to my diet because I am pregnant. I started drinking V-8 V fusion (which has a whopping 28 grams of sugar) for the servings of fruit and vegs as well as OJ once or twice a week for the calcium. I don't drink soda. I don't eat fast food more than once a month.

I do have pizza once a week and I'm dying over the idea of giving that up. I don't want to have to count carbs and draw blood from myself and worry about our grocery budget even more than I already do.

I know. I shouldn't be looking at it like that. I should be willing to do whatever it takes to keep myself and these girls healthy. I just didn't think it would be this hard.

And, of course, I am turning 30 this weekend and having a party. No cake?!

I've done a lot of reading today and found out (as well as told by a doctor at my mom's work) that it was more than likely the twins that actually caused it, rather than my diet, especially since I ate so well to begin with. The trouble with twins is they put an extra strain on my pancreas and my body can't metabolize sugar nearly as efficiently. I can try to control it but it might not work so I should just take the insulin.

I have so many considerations for so much of this, from whether I even believe I actually have GD (maybe I just ate too close to the test*) to how I feel about treating it.  Part of me wonders if I should just keep doing what I'm doing, watching what I eat and be grateful for all the extra monitoring I get. Not to mention the fact that while I'm only 27 weeks along, I also only have eight weeks left. It won't be that bad. I don't think I want to take the 3-hour test. I will monitor my sugar for a week or so (or however they want me to) and go from there. Meanwhile I will keep you posted on adjusting to this new lifestyle while we figure it all out.

Xo,
Maigen

*side note: this is the same breakfast I ate literally right before the test, minus the sausage. I have to wonder if the high carb english muffin did me in.

27 Weeks!

I haven't done a bump pic in a month so I thought it was time. Truth is I really didn't feel like I got much bigger since my last pic but looking tonight I definitely have!

The girls were 2 lbs. each at my 26 week appointment last Tuesday so they should be closer to 2 1/2 now if they're growing on track. I've gained 26 lbs. At my appointment on Monday I learned they are both head down! That definitely explains all the movement I've been feeling and feeling like I've "dropped" all of a sudden. Dr. K says they're just happy hanging out though so no worries yet. 28 weeks is our next major milestone but 27 is a big deal too! Really just furthest we get from 24 weeks the better we feel. Dr. K also confirmed I will deliver on July 30 (35 weeks), as per the practice policy for Mono-Di twins. Fingers crossed we make it that far!

I am definitely so happy I'm not working. Financially it's a little scary but we're ok and every day it gets harder to stand, sit, get up, bend over (which I was told I should avoid at all costs) etc. I can't  believe how little I'm getting done at home and it's just wiping me out - I can't imagine what I would be doing at the daycare! Today I napped with the cat after I took a shower. It was wonderful and I more than made up for it sorting through and organizing boxes all afternoon. Then my wonderful parents bought us a kitchen table. It's exactly what we need and we love it!

I have a few things I need to write about but my 30th birthday is Saturday so I've been trying to get my house all organized and ready for people. Tomorrow I hope to actual work on the photo wall for our living room that I've been meaning to get to for months! I hope my back and hips cooperate.

xoxo,
M