Snag a Copy of Aaron's Free eBook!

Thursday, February 17, 2011

Birthday, Baby Shower, and 16 Weeks


My sister, Grace, and me with our Baskin Robbins Ice Cream Cake!

This past week Aaron and I drove to Memphis, TN with my mom, sister and her boyfriend. My birthday is on February 14th (yes, I'm a Valentine's baby) and my sister's is on February 13th - I turned 26 and she turned 19. We have some relatives on our mom's side who live in Memphis, so we were blessed to be able to spend some time with them. We celebrated our birthdays and Aaron and I had our very first baby shower! We haven't registered yet, because we have been waiting to find out their genders so we could be color specific. But, we were showered with many gender-neutral items such as a baby bath, Diaper Genie Elite, swaddling clothes, bouncy seat, etc. My mom has bought me enough maternity clothes to last for the entire pregnancy and she bought me a twin nursing pillow. I intend to try and breastfeed, but if it doesn't work out that I'm able to, I will still use this pillow to hold them at the same time...it goes all the way around your body to give you back support. We were so grateful for my family's generosity and love for our babies.

I had my 16 week OB appointment today and saw one of the nurse-midwives. My belly measured 18 weeks, but the midwife said that is normal for twins. My blood pressure has been high for the past 3 appointments, so they started me on a prescription for high blood pressure. I'm not convinced that I have high blood pressure though, because I've always had "white coat syndrome" and get nervous at the doctor's office and my blood pressure is often high. At the dentist's office a couple of weeks ago, my blood pressure was normal (the dentist doesn't scare me like regular doctors do-lol). So, I told the midwife that I am probably just nervous and that is causing the high blood pressure. However, high blood pressure does run in my family and they felt it best to go ahead and give me a prescription. My urine sample showed sugar in an abnormal range, so I am having to have my glucose test next Thursday to check for Gestational Diabetes. I wasn't supposed to have this test until 24 weeks, but because of my urine sample, they want it done at 17 weeks. If it comes back that I don't have GD, I will still have the normally scheduled test at 24 weeks. But, if the test does show GD, I will have to go to a diabetic clinic for the remainder of my pregnancy. Praying that I don't have GD! My weight was right on track for a twin pregnancy and their heartbeats were in the 140's, so overall, I think all is continuing to go well. If I continue to have high blood pressure and am confirmed to have GD, I won't be the only pregnant girl who has ever had those issues, so I'm not too concerned.

We scheduled our BIG 20 week ultrasound for Thursday, March 17th at 2:15pm (St. Patrick's Day) - I will be so glad to finally know if I'm carrying boy/girl, boy/boy, or girl/girl twins. I have a hunch that I'm not carrying girl/girl, but hunches don't really mean too much. I will be putting a poll on the blog soon, so be sure to vote for your prediction! :)

16 comments:

Katie said...

How exciting! Can't wait to see you next week!

Diane said...

I love getting updates about your twins! Happy belated birthday!

Leah said...

I cannot believe that Grace is 19!!
Where has the time gone. I think she was like 11 at the most last time I saw her. You both look wonderful. I hope things turn out ok with Gest. Diab. testing. I had to have a second test this time, but all worked out...so maybe things will be ok for you too. Will be praying for an uneventful pregnancy!...still so happy for you!

Krisa said...

Happy belated birthday! You look wonderful!!
I'll be praying for you. K

Ashley said...

Love the picture of you and Aaron! Sounds like you got a lot of great stuff at your shower. I can't wait for your BIG u/s. I'll be praying your GD test turns out ok.

Elizabeth (and Dan) said...

Good to get an update! I've been wondering how you've been doing. I can't wait to hear about the gender of the babies too!

Angela said...

Excited to see pics of you and get an update! You look amazing! I'll pray for you that you don't have continues high bp or GD. You definetly need to eat more B&R cakes before your due date! Big hugs to you both! Can't wait for updates!

Christina said...

I've been wondering how you were doing! What an exciting time! I hope all your tests turn out okay.

Britney said...

i got chills looking at your picture! i can't believe you're 16 weeks!!!! my prediction -- boy/girl.

jesswilson said...

16 weeks already?! Great to hear you are doing well. Praying for a healthy pregnancy. No sugar and lots of oatmeal the week before your glucose test and you'll do fine. :)

LOVE my twin nursing pillow! One thing I found was a great resource was a book called "Mothering Multiples" by Karen Kerkhoff Gromada. Lots of great information on breastfeeding twins to get you off on the right start. The benefits for you and your babies are amazing!

twondra said...

Happy birthday! Glad you had a good day!! you look great!!

Room for More said...

Happy belated birthday! You look terrific and I am excited to hear the genders of your little ones too. I miss chatting, but I hope to be feeling more myself soon. KUP on the gestational diab. testing. ((HUGS))

Tracey said...

Happy birthday, Jennifer! My dad's birthday is on Valentine's Day too! Can't wait to find out what you are having! Maybe we will finally have a boy in our mix : )

Christina said...

About your OJ question...he just says not too much citrus or cranberry as they dry you out. It's all about hydration - he recommends drinking Cytomax. It's an electrolyte replacement that is 5 times higher quality than Gatorade and half the sugar.

It's fine in moderation - I had been drinking at least 16 oz of OJ every day - because I love it. I'll cut my intake in half and make up the rest in water and Cytomax.

He pretty much says to stay hydrated, eat lots of protein and other healthy stuff like pears, apricots, watermelon cucumbers, oats, flax seed, apples, potatoes, almonds, yogurt. And, of course, no caffiene, alcohol and chocolate. I'm having a hard time with the last one :).

Micah, Tiffany, Andrew, Elijah, Isaac, Eliana, and Isabella said...

You are a beautiful pregnant gal, Jennifer. We pray all is well with all the physical stuff- one way or another. May God give you peace and wisdom and good docs that can help with that. Can't wait to hear the news about the genders!

Chelle said...

I'm so excited for you - I love reading your blog and following your pregnancy with your adopted twins! Happy Birthday!