Twice Upon A Time...34 WEEKS!

"This is the month that a multiple pregnancy will be so much different than that of a single pregnancy. The babies are not able to grow as much now as there is simply not enough room. However, they are relying on their mother's nutrition to help them put on the final layer of fat."

At our appointment earlier this week, they each weighed in just an oz under 5 lbs! That is almost 10 lbs of baby in my belly...amazing! There may not be enough room for them to grow much more, but I assure you there is plenty of room for them to do the boogy dance....non-stop...without consideration for mommy's pain threshold...

"The positions that your babies are in are likely to stay that way as they are so confined, they can't move around much. Which positions are your babies in? With a multiple pregnancy, you can have a myriad of configurations: less than 50% of twins are both born headfirst. One twin is vertex (head down) and one is breech (lower part of the body comes first) about 40% of the time. One (or more) can also be transverse (baby lies across Mom's pelvis). The McCaughey septuplets were in a pyramid configuration. As the babies get bigger, it's harder for them to move much to get into the proper birthing position. Your care provider will probably want to do an ultrasound(s) to determine presentation so that delivery plans can be made."

It was interesting to me to read this. Both Sophie and Codie (CJ) were head down (vertex/vertex)at our appointment earlier this week...it seems we have defied the odds and if they do hold their positions, I think we are well on our way to a c-section free delivery! Yahoo!

"Labor will begin in the majority of twin pregnancies before 37 weeks with 50% of deliveries between 34 and 37 weeks. Are you ready?"

I think SpongeBob says it best when he exclaims, "IM'READY!, IM'READY!, IM'READY!, IM'READY!"

"Ideas for Dad: Mom is feeling huge and clumsy now. She may be weepy and vulnerable or extremely moody. Tell her how beautiful she is and what a wonderful mom she'll be. Serve her breakfast in bed and help her feel like the special woman she is."

I think this is a great idea for Dad ALL THE TIME :) Hint-Hint!

Well, here I am...in all my massive glory...be gentle, be kind. I am weepy and vulnerable, after all.

8.5 Months

Just in case you aren't getting the full magnitude of the hugeness of this baby belly, here are a few close-ups to drive it home....be forewarned, these are not for the faint of heart!

From the rear, you can see what used to be a feminine waist has since become storage for my extra tire...love-handles, anyone? 2-for-1 special! I'll make you a deal :)

....defying gravity is my new past-time! I am spending less and less time standing these days, for reasons you can see with your own eyes...and when I sit, this beast rests on my legs....I tell you what, that is NOT a feeling I care to extend post-delivery! I may actually start using that gym membership we purchased with such good intentions....maybe.

But here is the real news...the reason I have sacrificed my femininity and pride...the punks! CJ was facing away from us this week and not cooperative enough for pics, we I settled for a head shot of both of them side by side...CJ is on the left, Sophie is on the right.

Sophie was ready for her glamour shots though, and gave us this great profile view...I'm luvin' that top lip, but all Daddy sees is the $ he is going to have to start putting away for braces! Dang genetics! lol

..and finally, a shot I debated on whether to post or not. Quite frankly, this newfangled technology can produce some pretty bizarre images. Not the kind you really want to show off to family and friends without producing fear and concern for your child's planetary origins....this one, on the other hand, I thought was borderline sweet....for a freaky photo....Sophie is yawning...It seems she's about had enough of this whole 'pregnancy' phase as well...Hope to see you soon, kiddo!

Happy Families!

Leah