Favorite Time of Year!

I apologize for not posting more regularly; life has been very busy and hectic preparing for these little guys that are nearly here! This is my absolute favorite time of the year because the seasons are changing, the weather is getting cooler, and holidays are quickly approaching. To top it all off, the babies are going to be born during my favorite season. I'm so excited!

Here are some updates:

• I am 34 1/2 weeks pregnant now, but the picture below was taken when I was exactly 34 weeks pregnant. Although my belly is obviously stretched to the max, thankfully I do not (yet) have any stretch marks.
  

• I developed carpal tunnel syndrome in both hands about six weeks ago, but it is worse in my right hand. I wear a brace at night to help control the tingling sensations, but my hands constantly feel like they are asleep. I have a hard time cutting food and grasping onto things now, so most things I pick up end up on the floor. Blow drying my hair, putting on makeup, and writing have become difficult tasks. My doctor said this occurs because of swelling in the hands and will resolve itself about 8 - 12 weeks after I deliver.
• As of a week ago, I was up forty pounds.
• As of two weeks ago, the babies were measuring very well, in my opinion- 3 pounds 12 ounces and 4 pounds and 2 ounces.
  
• My ankles are pretty gross. Swelling becomes painful by the end of the day and is now consistent no matter how much I sit or stand. I pretty much wear flip flops every day because they are most comfortable. Once I get home from work, I go barefoot or wear house shoes.
  

• I am still working full time, but my body and I are slowing down. Most days I have to come home and take an hour nap because I am so worn out from the day's activities.
  
• My back pain has actually decreased. I'm not sure if someone has been praying for that or not, but if you are- keep on! Because of my scoliosis, I am amazed I am not in excruciating pain at this point. Woohoo!
• My doctor is going to deliver the babies in mid-October, and she has told me we have a 50/50 chance of making it until then. That's not too far off, so I'm hoping my body will continue to hold out for the three of us!
• I am out of breath all the time and feel like I am gasping for air, especially if I walk even a short distance. Everyone notices it and asks me if I am okay, but it is just my regular breathing at this point.
• I have to pee anywhere from 1-3 times an hour during the day and wake up about every two hours throughout the night to go potty. Thank goodness people take pity on pregnant women because there have been a few emergency situations where I wasn't sure if I was going to make it. HA!
  
• We found a pediatrician we are going to use. He came highly recommended. Allen thought he was a bit fruity when we interviewed him, but I reminded him that he works with kids all day long. When we went to our consultation appointment with him, he had a huge skeleton with sunglasses on sitting in a chair in his office. I thought it was hilarious and can see why he will be very good with the boys.
• I had three baby showers, and they were all magnificent! We received an outpouring of love from friends and family. Honestly, we were both shocked at how many gifts we received and are so thankful for every single warm thought and gift. I have spent several moments in the nursery, rocking in the recliner, crying, and thanking God for the miracles in my belly and the support we have been shown; we are so grateful. We have been blessed beyond measure and are completely aware of how amazing our friends and family are and will continue to be once the boys arrive. Below are a few pictures from the showers-

• We also have the nursery finished. Yippee! The babies will sleep in our room for several months, but we do have the cribs and nursery ready.... I posted several pictures throughout the organization process so you can see what a task it was. Also, Allen painted the orange monkey pictures at the bottom, which I absolutely love. They are the perfect "dad" touch to the room and definitely tie it all together. My hubby is so talented!

• Danielle made the invitations for one of my showers, and I absolutely loved them. That girl is so talented and good to me. Thanks, friend!

• I think at this point the only thing we have left to do is pack the hospital bag. For the past three weekends, I have planned to do it but then keep putting it off. I feel like if I pack the bags, the babies will see that as an invitation to arrive early. So, I'm not packing yet, despite the doctor's orders.
• I see my regular ObGyn once a week now; she is keeping tabs on my weight and dilation so I don't go into preterm labor. Although at this point, the specialist has told us if the babies arrive now, they will still do very well. They will have to stay in the NICU for a bit, but they will do just fine. What a gigantic relief- not that I want them to come yet, but just knowing they would still be okay takes a great deal of pressure off and lowers my stress tremendously.
  
• I have to say that I think my body is holding out so well! I never thought I would make it this far without being on bed rest and have had major concerns about the babies arriving too early. I guess it just goes to show that my body can do more than I thought it would and will power and attitude can move mountains, or in this case, carry the weight of two mountains. Hee hee.

Thanks to those of you that have checked in on us. We're fine and hoping to keep on keepin' on for another few weeks. Hopefully I can update more after our doctor's appointment later this week.