34 weeks - 18th August 2008

I'm feeling pretty excited by the BIG EVENT!!! just around the corner and we're really in the homestretch now......people were correct, the time has flown by and I can still remember as clear as a bell the day I did the home pregnancy test!

Hectic!!!!!!

These darlings are moving about a lot now, and to see my tummy poking out at all various angles is still very weird (in a beautiful way) for me. I can't believe this is happening to me...someone who thought they'd never get married let alone have children!...I have to pinch myself to make sure I'm not dreaming ;) Brad is amazing as always and is so proud of his little girls. He loves to touch my tummy as they poke around and they play with him! Where he puts his hand, they kick or punch, so it's big fun and games already!

Pregnancy Calendar - Week34

The baby is now on the move, and making the trip down towards your pelvis, with its head then resting on your pubic bone. Everything is working for the baby now, although it is still not at full weight yet, I know it might feel like it, but its true.

You will have noticed the weight change, its known as lightening or engagement, which is why you can see pregnant women at this stage walking like they are carrying a watermelon between their legs with that waddle when they walk.

The other downside of engagement is that your bladder becomes even more squashed. So expect more trips to the bathroom.

about your body

With all this poking and prodding you're probably starting to feel like a science experiment. And for all your hard work you'll probably get a punch in the ribs or a kick in the pelvis.

your growing baby

Your baby has put on another 300g in two short weeks. Fluid passes through her kidneys and contributes to the amniotic fluid. The immune system is still immature and the baby continues to receive your antibodies. Your baby's movements may be decreasing in frequency, but not too worry - it's just because your uterus is somewhat of a tight squeeze these days, given his increased size. Your little one may have a lot of hair on his head at this point and his skin is now pink, rather than red, thanks to the white fat deposits underneath it.

tips for dad

Sometimes, when the two of you are lying on the bed, you'll see movement under the skin on her tummy. This is quite startling at first, but becomes very special. Gently touch the place where the baby moved. Talk to your baby ? he knows and recognises your voice.

{see honey...told you so ;) }

the comparison as at 12th August 2008

...and just when I thought my tummy couldn't stretch anymore???

Seeing this I can also understand why I'm visiting the loo every 2 hours - practising I've been told/warned for the many nights I'll be up:

pic 1 @ 20 weeks
pic 2 @ 24 weeks
pic 3 @ 28 weeks
pic 4 @ 33 weeks

33 weeks - 11th August 2008

Howdy!

In all honesty, starting to feel a teensy bit apprehensive about what's around the corner. I have 3 weeks to go today till 36-week gynae appointment....and anything could happen between now and then! AND also that DOC said I might not be able to go longer than 36-weeks....which means 2nd September birth etc etc....so many factors!!! However am positive all will be fine and that I'll go twin full-term to 37-weeks. The girls are moving around A LOT and in one way I want them to stay in as long as possible to get strong, but also can't wait to meet them. Brad feels his whole life is on hold waiting for their arrival, so we can move on to the next step in this journey together as a new family unit. He's going to be the best Dad (I just know it) and these girls are going to wrap him like play dough around their itsy bitsy little fingers :)))) (something I think he'd deny..haaa haaa haaa ;) )

Here are 2 pics I took this morning....one the side profile you have all come to know so well, and the other a full frontal.....which is not for sensitive viewers....so I've put that one right at the bottom of this blog....my belly button doesn't look healthy with all the veins and stretched to it's poor limit. For me that had an "inny" of note and super-sensitive at that, even I wonder if it'll ever go back to normal :)



This is what's happening this week:

Your baby is now about 5lbs and 17 inches long, and getting more active in the kicking and punching department, although their starting to feel a little cramped as they have less space to somersault in.

You might feel at this stage that you just want to get on with it, and to get the baby out. Its normal. You will also need to start planning the details of the big day, what to pack in a bag, the route to the hospital, what birth you would like, etc.. The motto from now on is Be Prepared.

about your body
You're quite possibly experiencing a strange, aching feeling in the pelvic area. The weight of your uterus is now putting pressure on the ligaments supporting it, which makes these ligaments sensitive and uncomfortable. You are possibly wondering how you're going to make it through the next few weeks. Behave like a prima donna if you have to. Rest is the best gift you can give to yourself. This is not a luxury it is a necessity.

your growing baby

Your baby spends 80 percent of his time breathing amniotic fluid. He is fully formed and just getting bigger and stronger in order to cope with the outside world. The pupils of your little one's eyes can now detect light, constrict and dilate, allowing her to see dim shapes. Her lungs are now almost completely mature and she's moved into position for delivery. The next time you go in for a check-up, your health care provider should be able to tell whether she's facing head down or bottom first.

Carrying The Load

No doubt you're starting to feel rather house-like.so you might want to know exactly where all that extra weight is actually going (based on a typical 13kg pregnancy):

• Uterus 1 kg
• Placenta 1 kg
• Amniotic fluid 1 kg
• Breasts 1 kg
• Blood 1,3kg
• Retained water 1,5 kg
• Fat 3 kg
• Baby 3,4 kg

Do remember that every woman and every pregnancy is different - but a rough guideline says shorter women should expect to put on between 10 - 12 kg and taller women 12 - 15 kg

32 weeks - 4th August 2008

Goodday!

Had 32-week scan Tuesday 5th August and both girls are doing fabulously - of course :))))) They both weighed in at 1760-ish grams, so are equal on all counts. I must admit though although Doc says there's still lot's of fluid, there are just so many legs and arms and moving about, I don't know how she manages to scan them both without getting confused and measuring the same femur twice!

This is what happened in week 32:

Your womb and baby are now sensitive to heat, so when you put a hand on your belly you might get a kick or punch in return. All baby's have blue eyes at this point, the chromosomes will change it later. Survival rates from now on are good, 90% of babies born at 32 weeks survive premature births.

Your bladder feels permanently full, you might also feel light headed if you bend over or move too quickly. This is because your blood is pooling in your lower body, so try getting up very slowly.

about your body
Your growing uterus is pushing against your bladder and your spine and you may feel breathless as your lungs are squashed. It is not advisable to fly long distance from this time on.

your growing baby

Your baby now weighs 1800g! Her movements do decrease close to your due date as there is less space to move around but if there's a dramatic change notify your doctor. Your baby's muscles are constantly contracting and relaxing and her pupils respond to light.

tips for dad

Her growing uterus is pushing against her bladder and spine. She feels breathless because her lungs are squashed, offer to carry everything and avoid places with stairs and big parking lots.

31 weeks - 28th July 2008

Hellooooo!!!!

Well, I seriously fell off the wagon these last 2 weeks....and time itself has just whooshed by. Brad was away in the Transkei doing the Imana Wild Ride....I was frantically getting the babyroom cupboards all neat tidy and sorted for the pending arrivals, painting the workbench with primer....before I left to join him at Umngazi.

So to backtrack quick....

This is what happened in week 31:

Your baby continues to grow and is nearing their birth weight and its going to be putting on about half a pound a week from now until two weeks before its born. So just when you thought you were heavy enough, it’s going to get harder. The baby’s skull is still fairly soft, as this helps during childbirth, and some can have the soft spot on their skull for up to a year before the skull fuses together. This week, the baby’s immune system has increased to protect from the germs in the outside world.

Heartburn and increased back pain are the order of the day. To reduce the heartburn try eating smaller amounts of food more regularly. Put your feet up as much as you can, try putting them on cushions and elevate them above your head. You might start to leak milk at this stage, so you might need some nursery pads to help you retain your last piece of dignity.

about your body
I am woman hear me roar! Your breasts are now about a third bigger than what they were before you fell pregnant. You're super-human at the moment and not just an ordinary woman. Revel in your newfound beauty. If you're expecting twins their growth will slow down dramatically.

to do list

Take time to bond with your unborn baby and listen to soothing music or even read a story to your baby. Rub oil or lotions on your entire body so as to decrease the severity of stretch marks should they occur.

your growing baby

Your baby is making breathing motions, narrowing her pupils, focusing and blinking. The skin is becoming pink rather than red as a result of the white fat deposits that have been laid down beneath it. These will provide energy and regulate temperature after your baby is born.

tips for dad

Because her breasts are now much larger than their normal size, she might feel like it's a blessing or think that they have a life of their own, which she hates. Give her loads of compliments and make her feel like a goddess. What about giving her a back or foot massage to ease her aches and pains?

In the life of the Hemphill's:

Brad flew to East London on Monday, and started the Imana Wild Ride on the 29th July. He had an absolute ball as always....and although I missed him terribly, I was able to rest up and live on soups for the week he was away....ie. no cooking, just heat my stock-pile and eat :)

I left on my epic journey on the Thursday morning...flight to JNB, connection to Umtata, then hired car and drove to Umngazi....and had wonderful afternoon just lazing about and feeling chuffed that the travelling had gone so well and that the babies were contented and happy like their Mommy ;) and excited to see Brad on the Friday. The weather was awesome :))) so was not missing the cold and rainy Cape Town at all!

Brad and the peleton arrived at about 2pm on the beach amidst a
sandstorm gale...and after banging the gong, we all piled into the boat, and jokes of me swallowing a Weber with 2 turkeys was the conversation of the crossing back to Umngazi itself for hot showers, lunch and a very welcome afternoon nap cuddled up in my sexy husband's arms! It was a great weekend, with most of the crowd leaving after breakfast. Brad and I spent a wonderful day reading and generally just relaxing with me having A LOT of naps! Brad hired a boat in the afternoon and we went for a drift up the river for a nice little sundowner all by ourselves ;)

24th July 2008 - week 30

Goodday all!

Had my 30-week scan with gynae yesterday. All is good with the girls and gynae is very happy with their weight-gain and growth measurements. Unfortunately no photos this time as they were moving about too much and not lying in very photogenic positions ;)

Been suffering from a headcold thanks to Brad, and sleep sporadically due to being unable to breathe on top of the heartburn and indigestion. Usually have a morning nap just to keep topped up....and then afternoons on the couch watching the Tour De France, so taking it really easy.

Did my 3rd last Pilates class yesterday....and Ath is still working me really hard but carefully, and my body and the babies thrive in that hour. My body is strong and ready for the big event, and will hopefully recover quickly, as I'll have a lot on my plate to deal with!

Babies are moving about a lot still, either jabbing me or just gently poking around. One is lying head down in birth position and the other one is lying transverse again....and giving my ribs a hard time today...so a lot of side stretches in order to alleviate the pain.

Am loving every moment of these two little munchkins moving about....and Brad is all mush when he rubs Bio-Oil or Tummy Butter onto my tummy. The babies love his voice and the interaction and move about like crazy, which must be so awesome for him ;) and makes me melt with love for them all.

Just so you know what's happening this week.......

about your body

The average weight gain around this time is about 9.1kg. The top of the uterus is now well above your belly button and your belly may seem to be pulling your back forward, causing you to "poke" out your chin. Watch that posture and do exercises that will alleviate backache which may begin to plague you at this time.

to do list

Another routine checkup. Remember your baby's weight gain is very rapid from now until birth because of all the insulating fat that is being laid down.

your growing baby

Your baby has put on another 200g. The fine hair (lanugo) that covers your baby throughout pregnancy now starts to disappear and is shed in the amniotic fluid.

tips for dad

Make sure your partner doesn't carry anything heavy and help her with any chores that require lifting and moving. She is already carrying around the equivalent of a 10kg bag of dog food on her frame. Try and imagine what that feels like.

Pregnancy Calendar - Week30

You and your growing baby now only have a few weeks to go before the birth. The baby’s lanugo hair begins to fall off this week, although it might not have all disappeared before birth, so don’t be too put off if this is the case. Your baby might now weigh about just under 4 pounds and be nearly 16 inches long.

Your symptoms of fatigue and nausea are worse this week. Take time out to have regular rests and to put your feet up. You might not be sleeping properly because of the back pain and discomfort, you might consider buying a pregnancy pillow to help you. Your likely to be very moody at this stage, this is due to the hormones and increased adrenaline in your system. You should have you and your baby’s blood type checked.

Mon 14th July 2008 - week 29

Morning all!

Brad has a headcold so we spent a quiet weekend on the couch watching all the awesome sport and snoozing. However with another perfect winter's day yesterday, we went for a nice walk on the beach to get some sun and happy serotonin :) Today I have a bung'd up head, so will continue to take it easy, wrapped up nice and warm with lots of tissues handy! Lovely.

My Mom asked me this morning, what I'm wearing now...well...99% of Brad's clothes...all his nice warm and cuddly Cape Storm stuff and his tracksuit pants, without which I'd surely freeze to death...haaa haaa! Thanks my darling!
I bought 4 pairs of jeans and 2 tops, and can't fit into 1 pair any longer, as they are way too tight over my tummy, causing the babies and I great discomfort ;) Preggie jeans aren't necessarily made to fit twin tummies. The tops are pretty but don't offer any warmth. My feeling....I'd rather be warm and look like a tank/whale ;)
Don't know what I'd do if I was still working....designer hessian sacks! But luckily only the neighbours and tellers at PnP and WW get to see my ensemble for the day. If I get any larger, I think I'll just wear the duvet and order in...haaaa haaaa!

The babies woke me up this morning kicking like crazy and are very active. It's an amazing feeling and I really wish I could see what is going on inside - how they are interacting with each other, and moving about.

Also to let you know that you can click on any photo on the blog and it will enlarge....you then just use your arrow to go back one page and it'll take you back to the blog.

Just a quick update on what's happening this week.

I am now 29 weeks pregnant:

about your body

You're now two thirds of the way through your pregnancy. The next few months are a great time to start getting your body, mind and home ready for the arrival of your baby. Your blood volume is at its highest now. This means your blood is also more diluted and so you're most susceptible to anaemia (a shortage of oxygen in the blood). Anaemia can pose a risk during birth and make you susceptible to infection so make sure you see your doctor. S/he will prescribe an iron supplement. You can prevent it by resting a lot and eating a well balanced diet.

your growing baby

Many babies start to adopt an upside down position at this time with their heads pushing into the pelvis, although this may only happen in labour. Wow! Nerve circuits in your baby's cerebral cortex (for conscious thought and remembering) are already as advanced as those of a newborn. Strangely the fingernails are fully grown but the toenails are not.

tips for dad

We're assuming that you've been taking photographs throughout the pregnancy, but if not, now is definitely the time to start. Before you know it, this nine months will be over ? and your new family will be a reality.

10th July - week 28

We had a lovely weekend away in Knysna this past weekend. We drove up on Friday lunchtime and left the bad weather in Cape Town. The weather in Knysna was perfect. It only rained on Saturday afternoon and night, and then we caught it again in Calitzdorp on our way home on Sunday.
Here is Brad getting ready for the race.

Brad did the 80km mountain bike race on Saturday...and took a bit of strain, as he's been working harder than he's been riding. I'm now in trouble as I entered him and encouraged him to do it ;)
Our roadside picnic stop on the way home.








The visit to the gynae went A-OK yesterday (Wednesday) morning. Babies weigh 1150g and 1180g so are doing 100%. Both are head-down, so maybe that's why the sore pelvic region....the extra weight bearing down. Gynae mentioned that the babies are in ALOT of fluid and have loads of space still, so will still move around quite a bit before things gets too tight to move.

Here are the pics of the little darlings (side-profile)....who is who at this stage I have no idea, but those little noses just make me all mushy inside ;)

Brad was a pleased a punch when he saw the pics last night....you'd swear he made them...haaa haaa haaaaaaa ;))))))

Cath also went to her gynae appointment yesterday - she's now 30 weeks, and her boys weigh 1700 -odd grams and the other 1600-odd grams.

The thing for us is that the babies weigh as much as possible at birth, ie. as close to singleton weight as is humanly possible, because if they are prem's and under-weight they'll stay in hospital longer.

I haven't put on any extra weight, so gynae happy about that too. Obviously not baking cookies and having self-saucing choc puddings for dessert is helping keep the kg's in check ;) Am eating a lot more fruit and veg and nourishing soups and snack on those too...instead of going for the cookie tin ;) But I have to say in my defence though that this miserable weather just shouts for something yummy to nosh on ;)

Here's the famous side-view of Mom-to-be: week 24 / week 28:

Pretty hey?

Here's a fab joke from my friend Andrew Bell: A woman standing nude in front of a mirror, says to her husband, "I look horrible, I feel fat & ugly, pay me a compliment."

He replies, "Your eyesight is perfect."

All our fondest love
B&L+2
xxxx

7th July 2008 - week 28

Hello there!

Well well....it's getting scary for me now....the birth is literally just around the corner, and of course the questions and thoughts spinning around in my head are getting quite noisy...will we cope/do we need a night nurse/do I need the maid to come round twice a week instead of just once/disposable nappies or eco-nappies and so on and so on!

Gynae has booked the 8th September as D-Day for the caesarean...OR maybe even the week before depending on how uncomfortable I am...because I'm still going to get ALOT bigger...37-weeks is considered full-term for twins.

Since the start of the pregnancy I've put on 9kg's which she deems is too much....I should only have put on about 6kg's. However my clothes still fit perfectly and I'm feeling 100% and I think that's all that counts really. I'll lose the weight quickly so am not perturbed in the least. I'm not going to starve myself to the detriment of our babies health, just so I can still fit into my size 8 jeans! It's that simple in my books.

The sciatic nerve on my right side bites now and again...and my pelvis aches if I sit for too long...which I think is thanks to the fracture in 2003 ;) These aches are due to the weight of the babies bearing down as they should be moving into the head-down position at this stage. However sadly, this is the only time I'll ever be pregnant, so am thriving and loving each and every moment, aches and kicks and all ;))))))

Gynae appointment on Wednesday, so will update with outcome and photos then!

Pregnancy Calendar - Week28

Its now the seventh month, and you may be feeling the size of the house, just cheer your self up by thinking that you are over the hump and on the final stretch.

Your baby continues to pile on the pounds. The baby’s eyes are blinking as they respond to light and dark. The bone marrow is developing red blood cells and their adrenal glands are now stimulating your hormones which means you begin to produce breast milk.

You may also be feeling a little like a punch bag, as your baby is getting stronger at kicking you. Speak to your midwife or doctor if you notice a sudden drop off in the number of kicks, just so they can give you the once over and make sure that there is nothing wrong.

about your body

Welcome to the last week of your second trimester. If you're carrying multiples you will be about as large as a woman at full term carrying one baby. You will start seeing your caregiver every two weeks until 36 weeks, your visits become weekly. Your breasts may be sensitive and tender, so be sure to look after them and wear a well supporting bra. Your feet may ache, so put them up as much as possible.

to do list

It's time to visit your doctor or midwife for another routine check-up. S/he will check foetal movement and the height of the top of your tummy will be measured to give an indication of the size of your baby.

your growing baby

Your baby now weighs a whopping 1100g. More fat is being laid down, smoothing out and filling out his wrinkly skin. Your baby's eyes develop the ability to focus at this early time, although she only really starts to use her eyes once she's born and in fact can only focus on objects within 20cm. If you expose your pregnant belly to the sun, light filtering through the abdominal wall may be seen by baby as a reddish haze.

tips for dad

Make sure that you're there when the scans are done. She'll be overjoyed to see her baby and have your support at the same time.

Have a great week!

All our fondest love xxxx

30th June - week 27

Hiya!

Well on the 30th June it was our 1st Wedding Anniversary....already! Where has time gone? Had a quiet day and an early dinner at WangThai.

The rest of the week sped past something silly....but here is what happened with the babies development that week:

Pregnancy Calendar - Week27

Your baby continues to rotate into the head out position. You might only notice this from a slight increase in pressure on your cervix. Your baby’s lungs are now capable of breathing air, while their nervous system is able to control their body temperature. If born now their chance of survival with the help of intensive care is good.

You might now start to feel really tired and nauseous again. Your fatigue is caused by the increase in weight, the difficulty with getting comfortable when sleeping, and the shortness of breath, as your lungs become more cramped for space. You might however be enjoying buying things for the nursery, car seats, prams, etc.

You might also find that your breasts are much more tender and bigger, your pregnant belly has become a lot larger, which puts more pressure on your bladder causing you to go to the toilet frequently. The other joy of pregnancy in the third trimester is that you could start sweating like a road labourer. This is caused by the increase in temperature of your baby combined with your body temperature.