Nate's Big Adventure: Part II

Yesterday morning Nate and I headed out to Women's College Hospital to meet with a doctor who specializes in both pediatrics and sports medicine. I got a call last week to let us know about the appointment, and although I knew it had something to do with Nate not being able to sit unassisted at 15 months (now 16 months), the details were a little sparse.

Backtracking a little: our pediatrician is away from her practice for the next two months and was unable to find someone to cover for her in her absence. Her office closed before I was able to get Nate to Sick Kids for his x-ray, and I had initially thought she was planning to wait for the results before possibly putting through a referral to a physician that deals with sports medicine. So I wasn't sure if she somehow had received the results from her sick-bed and decided it was such an emergency that she somehow dialed this one in (her leave btw was due to a medical situation that required a surgery and lengthy recovery), or if she'd had a change of heart and decided to send the referral in anyway, OR if I'd possibly misunderstood something in the wake of Mommy-panic at finding out Seth has a heart murmur. Reception for the new doctor at WCH did nothing to clear any of that up, so we showed up rather blindly.

On with the visit then!

Here we are taking the elevator up to the 10th floor. Nate wasn't too cooperative about looking at the camera, but thanks to the magic that is mirrors...

We see you Nate!

Also seen: me looking a sweaty mess. It was HOT outside yesterday – I think 40+ with the humidex? More like 45 when you have an equally sweaty toddler attached to you.

We filled in some requisite paperwork when we got to our destination and were shown into a room promptly. It was made clear that this was a pants-off* affair for Nate. Normally no pants = awesome, but I think that only applies at home. The fun times go out the window at the doctor's office.

Before his exam however, Nate managed to make a new friend: 

– Well hello there. You is an interesting fellow. *touch* 

– Your Mommy needs to feed you a sandwich though.

Sadly, this is where the photo journey ends. And by sadly, I mean things got sad. And by things that were sad, I mean Nate specifically. 

Although the doctor appeared to be a very pleasant and mild-mannered sort and had yet to address anyone much less begin an examination, Nate decided he wasn't having any of it and commenced with full-on meltdown mode. 

It was epic everyone!

And it almost made me feel less Mommy-guilt about taking this picture the other day just so you all would have a point of reference.

Well, more like a starting point of reference.

I did say it was epic, right?

We all did our best to soldier on. I had Nate on my lap for most of our visit while the doctor checked his range of motion and declared it within the scope of normal. Just to be clear:

• Feet on backwards? Normal.

• Legs at a 90° sideways angle to the body? Normal.

• This? Totally normal.

I know. I was pretty surprised too.

For the last part of the exam, the doctor wanted to see Nate walking. We tried the Mommy-release-to-Daddy-down-the-hall and the Daddy-release-to-Mommy-down-the-hall, but it was just not happening. In a last ditch effort (at the doctors suggestion) we tried Mommy-and-Daddy-down-the-hall-with-much-hated-doctor-doing-the-release. It was a decent idea in theory – the reasoning being that Nate would want to move away from the doctor as quickly as possible.

Nate however wasn't interested in logical approaches at this point and promptly crumpled into a puddle of misery on the floor. Recovery at this point was futile.

The remainder of the appointment was relatively brief, but in a nutshell:

• Nate's hip x-ray came back clear. His hip joints are perfectly normal.

• His extreme range of motion everywhere may lessen as he grows. Or he may end up with some neat party tricks later in life.

• My concern about Nate's spine is likely not significant. I did bring this photo and the doctor could see what I was concerned about**, but said that although it might be a slight curvature, it might also just be the way Nate was standing/slouching. Also a spinal curvature less than 20° is within the range of acceptable.

• In lieu of an obvious physiological problem, the doctor feels that this is something Nate will outgrow in time and nothing needs to be done on my part for now in terms of encouraging sitting in the more standard way.

The doctor would like to see us again in 4 months for a follow-up however just to be on the safe side.

In the meantime I will do my best to put my Mommy worries aside and let Nate sort this one out in his own time.

He looked rather pensive about it all on the way home:

I just wondering if 'dis hat show off my curls at the back
in ways that make you swoon a little.
Oh, and thinking about stinkeroo visit too, of course.

- L.

*Why yes, that is a disposable diaper Nate is sporting. While we still cloth diaper at home, I have come to my senses on the convenience of disposables when toting a toddler plus gear on my back. Not only are they space-savers going, but you can throw them away after use which means they are also space-savers upon return. And I'm 100% certain my fellow public transit takers appreciated one less odor to ponder as well.

**Humorous highlight of our otherwise miserable visit: the doctor's assistant was most curious about how I managed to stick all those dots on Nate before I took this photo:

Hold still, Nate. Mommy has to put stickers on you.

... and he genuinely seemed befuddled when I said Photoshop. I think he actually thought I took the time to somehow apply dot-shaped stickers while Nate (and Seth too) somehow remained entirely motionless.

Nate's Big Adventure

Yesterday morning Nate and I took a trip to Sick Kids Hospital to have an X-ray taken of his hip joints. This was the first time I've used my Ergo Sport carrier instead of a stroller since we had to take transit to get there. To be honest, wearing a 23 lb. toddler felt a lot like being pregnant all over again – complete with not being able to see my own feet, and coupled with a persistent ache that rapidly formed somewhere in my lower spine. Combined with all the requisite gear I had strapped on my back just getting there definitely qualified as a work-out and then some.

You can see Nate looks pretty thrilled too. 

Nate and Daddy in the Radiology waiting area. I loved the creative paintings on the walls that reflect the nature of the different departments. Every hospital should look like this one.

Nate post-X-ray. Don't worry, it didn't make him grow an extra ear or start melting. My camera setting accidentally found itself on some kind of long exposure setting. 

Even with the top of his head morphing into vapor, you can't miss that sad little face. X-rays are scary when you are too small to know what's going on, even when Mommy and Daddy are right there with you.

Our chariot approaching for the ride home. It was also Nate's first time on a streetcar, and the Touching Finger was out in full force once we were aboard. The window screws were especially fascinating. 

Me and my sweet boy heading home. I'm not sure I'm a fan of the baby carrier overall, but I definitely like the non-stop cuddle factor. 

And lastly, a little souvenir from Nate's big adventure. I let him wear it for the rest of the afternoon. He didn't even seem to mind that someone spelled his name wrong.

•   •   •   •   • 

Mommy note: I last wrote about where things were at with Nate still not sitting unassisted towards the end of this post. Since then I've continued to try to get Nate interested in sitting with either legs out in front or campfire-style. Campfire style was recommended by our pediatrician who clearly doesn't get that a boy who is unwilling or unable to sit isn't going to appreciate the added joys of being turned into a little pretzel. And although I take time to incorporate both styles into our daily activities, I'd just be happy for Nate to sit comfortably unassisted any way he chooses.

At this point, I'm convinced that sitting is causing Nate actual discomfort. It is not a position he will move himself into voluntarily and one that he quickly wriggles out of when placed that way. When moving away isn't an option – sitting in a high-chair at meals for example – he leans back and lists to his left for the most part.

Of course while I was explaining all of this to the pediatrician Nate decided it would be a good time to sit up on the exam table.

On his bum.

With his legs out in front.

As though it was no problem at all.

And even though I know why he was suddenly able to do that – the pedi positioned him that way and then brought out her penlight and stethoscope (very exciting and distracting btw!) – I'm sure I looked like a bit of a loon.

The thing is, I can get Nate to sit briefly too if there is something super distracting going on, but it's pretty difficult creating that level of super-awesome distractibility on a daily basis. And it's impossible to create and sustain a level of distraction for any longer than a few minutes. I know this because we go through this every day.

In the end, Dr. C. wrote a referral for Nate to have a hip X-ray done at Sick Kids. She did (again) note that he has an unusual degree of rotation in his knees and ankles, but I think an equal share of her motivation might have been just to get me out the door. I think she thinks we are just not trying hard enough, and she thinks I don't believe her when she says nothing is wrong.

And she's right about the last part anyway. I don't believe this has anything to do with a lack of motivation, except in the way we all might not be motivated to do something that causes us discomfort.

Whether Nate's hip turns out to be the problem or not I hope at least we are on the road to getting some answers. For what it's worth, I'm a bit dubious about his hip being the problem, but given the extra rotation in that area (as well as many of his other joints) I don't think it's necessarily a bad idea to see what's going on in there for its own sake. The degree of flexibility he has in his ankles, knees, shoulders, elbows, and thumbs is bound to have an effect on Nate at some point since all of these areas will likely be more prone to injury as a result.

I've mentioned before that I do have a concern about Nate's spine. The listing and leaning back while seated are one reason, but the other reason is this photo I took awhile back.

When I look at it, I see this: 

Dr. C is 100% confident that there is nothing wrong with Nate's spine and while I trust her as Nate's pediatrician, I plan to bring this as well as other related photos along to our next appointment. At the very least, maybe she can at least explain to me what I'm seeing.

Either way, it will be interesting to find out what, if anything, the X-ray turns up.

In the meantime, we wait.

- L.

15 Month Check-Up + Stats

– Hi everyone. Is me, Nate. Don't worry, I still has all my hair. Turns out I is only 6 months old in 'dis photo. Mommy find it on her camera not too long ago after memory card get fixed and is apparently too cute not to post. Also, is relevant since I is about to get a check-up.

– While I wait long time ago for nice doctor, I get a little busy with paper sheet to pass the time.

– Or a lot busy depending on how you look at things. It fill in time nicely. Try it next time doctor keep you waiting. Was big hit. Bigger hit than how I usually spend my time on paper sheet anyway.

•   •   •   •   • 

Mommy note: Nate speaks the truth. These pics were downloaded along with the infamous playdate photos back in March and I have no idea how they were overlooked back when they were originally taken. These were definitely too cute not to share.

Nate also speaks the truth about typically finding other uses for that paper sheet as he is notorious for christening every exam table and/or scale at our pediatrician's office at this point. He knows how to choose his moments I suppose. At this point, I'm only surprised when there isn't an incident. His timing is pretty much legendary.

I mention this only because this was our first visit with the pedi where it was suddenly OK to do the weigh-ins with diapers on.

As though there was a change in policy for some reason.

Weird, I know.

Nevertheless, here are the recent stats (although weights may be slightly inflated due to said suspicious new policy):

Nate: 23 lbs. (10.4 kg.) | 32 in. (81 cm.)

Seth: 21.5 lbs. (9.9 kg.) | 31.75 in. (80.5 cm.)

The good news: even though no one sent any sandwiches, Seth appears to be back in the 10th percentile for weight. Although that is on the lower end, it is consistent with his growth curve – which, like his brother, appears to be mainly spent on vertical pursuits (my future basketball all-stars are both solidly upwards of the 75th percentile for height).

In lieu of the sandwiches that no one sent (seriously, not one sandwich!) – and on the recommendation of our pediatrician – I've been adding heavy cream to Seth's bottles of milk (2-3 oz. per 8 oz. bottle) as well as providing a relatively high-fat diet for both my guys. Olive oil and butter are regular additives to anything they can be added to around here. It sounds contrary to good health, but as fats go these are considered "healthy fats" and when you have skinny babies you do what you need to do to avoid the negative percentiles (which actually exist) and a diagnosis of FTT (failure to thrive).

In other news: since we all share many of the same foods it's become obvious that I'm most certainly thriving – although by "thriving" I mostly just mean my pants are getting tight.

And lastly, news that initially gave me epic Mommy panic, but turned out to be nothing-to-panic-about news (according to the pedi, Dr. Google and other mommies who have been there): Seth has a heart murmur. Specifically a flow-murmur which is apparently very common and not a cause for concern or alarm. 50% of children have this at some point and it simply resolves itself in time.

The pediatrician could only hear the murmur when Seth was laying down, which I suppose is neither here nor there since it's a benign affliction, but I have to say I definitely felt a sudden need to lay down myself when I could see she was taking an unusually long time checking his heart. It was one of those moments where a part of you desperately wants to ask what's wrong and an equal share of you is hoping just as desperately that nothing is wrong and that maybe you're imagining how long a routine exam is taking.

In the end it was somewhere in the middle: there was a good reason for things taking so long, but the reason is nothing to worry about. I hope. Let's just be glad the pedi wasn't checking my heart at the time – the loud knocking about probably would have broken her stethoscope and damaged her hearing all at the same time and it's probably best to leave both intact for future visits.

- L.

If You Have Sandwiches, Now Would Be A Good Time To Send Them

A mommy confession: a few nights before I took pics of the guys in their workout gear, I had put Seth in just a pair of the pants and let him run around the nursery shirtless*. He looked like such a little dude cruising around that evening and after going on and on about it later to my mom I told her I'd take some pics.

Which I did – but we'll get to that in a minute.

The thing is, we all already know Seth is a skinny guy – and for that matter so is Nate. I've been meaning for some time now to post my boys' height/weight stats from their 1 year check-up and this at least seems like a relevant post, so here are the particulars:

Nate: 20.5 lbs. (9.30 kg.) | 30 in. (76 cm.)

Seth: 18.75 lbs. (8.5 kg.) | 30 in. (76 cm.)

This is the biggest disparity in weight they've ever had, but they are once again exactly the same height so Seth was clearly spending his time growing vertically even more than usual. Nate is somewhere over the 25th percentile, but that was about as specific as the pediatrician got, and by the time she was entering Seth's stats into the computer we'd already been there going on two hours and I think we were all pretty weary at that point so I forgot to ask. I have a feeling he may have dipped below the 10th percentile at this point though.

Call it a hunch.

For the record, this is what I see when I look at Seth sans shirt: 

See what I mean? Such a little dude! I think he looks ready to do a few rounds in the ring in this pic.

So I kept clicking. 

This is Skinny standing next to Slim. Hmm... looking a little bony in the shoulders there, but I think the camera/lighting is creating some extra shadows or something. Isn't the camera supposed to add weight?

Here's Nate letting it all hang out – and even at that you can see his ribs pretty clearly – but I bet you didn't even notice because you were too busy getting your eyes poked out from the bones on that poor starving child in the background. At the time, I didn't happen to have a sandwich handy, so I kept on with the clicking.

And then things got... interesting?

I never imagined what Seth might look like if he went out of his way to look as skinny as possible – and you don't have to, because here's what it looks like: 

That's Seth on tippy-toes, sucking in his tummy, trying to figure out if he can reach what his little eyes have spied on top of the cabinet**.

And just when I was about to race out to the kitchen to make an entire tray of sandwiches, he did this and I nearly dropped the camera: 

Oy. So much for my shadows and light theory.

So uhmmm... yeah. Send sandwiches. As many as you can spare. We'll be waiting.

*sigh*

- L.

* Half-nakey (AKA "fakey-nakey") is our compromise to what was formerly known as Nakey Time. I was forced to revisit our nakey policy at The Oddest Prime after an incident that was as epic as it was gross. If you're not sure what I'm getting at, the phrase, "he was molding it like potter's clay" (which were words that actually came out of my mouth after the incident) should be enough to steer you in the right direction.

** What Seth spied were some Goldfish crackers. Just to be clear, that is my starving child you've just witnessed attempting to reach for food as though his life depends on it. If only a serving of mommy-guilt was high in calories, I would have shared it with him. Instead we had crackers. Lots of crackers.

A Happier Post: All Things 9 Months

I mentioned in our last "Updates On Everything" post that the boys are really getting mobile these days – and that you should stay tuned for imminent future posts (like this one). Well, this is another one.

The days of placing Nate and Seth side by side and taking a few cute pics at my leisure really are long gone – even when I have a helper like I did here and here.

And I was on my own yesterday.

Hence a lot of shots like these where Nate was long gone by the time I had the camera in focus, and Seth was making a hasty departure too*:

I was looking for something purple for our previous post to include at this point when I spied these guys:

These cute keepsake bears were lovingly knitted by their Great-Grandma Edna. I had planned to do a whole post about the bears with Nate and Seth posing with them, but I think you can appreciate that after today I had to give up on that idea.

Still though, I thought maybe that purple scarf would distract them sufficiently to at least keep them in the same spot long enough to snap a pic. And it did. The scarf was distracting enough for exactly one photo: 

Eventually I just let them loose on the nursery figuring they might randomly end up in a shot together. And they did. This is the one shot I got with both of them in it (where they both happen to be looking at the camera that is): 

It didn't last long. Eventually Seth moved into uncharted territory and left Nate behind. 

At least he finally had a good time in the baby Spa Bath. 

•   •   •   •   •

The other part of this post is the results from our 9 month check-up with the pediatrician.

Here are the boys' latest stats:

Nate: 18.5 lbs. (8.35 kg.) | 29.25 in. (74.5 cm.)
Currently, he is in the 90th percentile for height and the 25th percentile for weight.

Seth: 17 lbs. (7.7 kg.) | 28.75 in. (73 cm.)
Currently, he is in the 75th percentile for height and the 10th percentile for weight.

Although their weight has been consistent with their individual growth curves, their height has really shot up (both were at 50% at their 6 month checkup), which means we're going back in 6 weeks for another weigh-in instead of 3 months from now. Our pediatrician seemed mildly concerned since ratio-wise they are underweight for their height.

I'm not concerned, although we'll go anyway. Considering they eat a whole lot, have grown a whole lot (upward at any rate) and move a whole lot, I'm really not worried about my lean guys. Also they come by it honestly – on both sides.

Before I sign off, one more pic of Nate: 

I took this picture last week and while it's not the greatest photo ever, there's something about it that I love. It's very Nate and I wanted to post it before it got lost in the shuffle (as things do when you're chasing two rather mobile babies around all day). Much like his brother, he has a way of looking at the camera that just takes my breath away.

My wee babies are turning into little boys far too quickly.

- L.

* Of course you realize this is going to have a serious impact on their infamous "conversations" if they can't manage to be in the same shot any more often than chance allows. I think it's time to consider the duct tape again. Or super-glue.

All Things 6 Months

Nate and Seth celebrated their first half-birthday on Monday, August 1st. They tried out solid food for the very first time and although reviews were mixed, it is a decidedly good thing now. So far we've worked our way through the sweet potatoes and have moved on to peas. The peas are a hit, which surprised me somewhat since they have a little more texture to them. When you make your own you can never get them as smooth as store-bought, but neither of the babies seemed the least bit fazed. We'll be moving on to bananas and avocados in the next few days.

The other big thing we all did that day was a photo and video shoot and if you've already visited us at our YouTube™or Flickr™ pages, then you've already seen what we got up to. The boys did a great job of showing off their moves rolling on the bed. Nate doesn't quite get all the way over in the video, but he's definitely got the hang of it. They are both so close to crawling it's a little scary.

Here's a little teaser in case you haven't been over to see the entire set of Nate and Seth in their 6 month muscle onesies. I thought them most appropriate for the occasion and was so pleased they still fit.

– Whoa Nate! Look out, it's that mommy person with the camera again. 

The other big 6 month update is of course, our 6 month visit to the pediatrician for Nate and Seth's checkup and shots. For the record, I'm so glad we're done with shots for the next 6 months, but this time was pretty easy all things considered since I feel comfortable giving them Tylenol now and what a difference it made! I don't know that I've even seriously considered writing a thank you letter to a company before, but I probably should in this case. The babies were so much more themselves than either of the two previous times they've had their shots and I'm glad I could offer them something other than cuddles to make them more comfortable.

As always, the boys are doing great and the checkup went well. It was noted with much enthusiasm that we have some TALL babies on our hands and certainly they are relative to their weights. Seth is still in the 10th percentile for weight and Nate is in the 25th – but both boys are in the 50th percentile for height. No wonder they're always outgrowing their outfits before they fill them out.

Here are the stats for those of you who like stats:

Nate: 15.75 lbs. or 15 lbs. 9 oz. (7.155 kg) | 27.5 in. (70 cm)

Seth: 14.95 lbs. or so close to 15 lbs. let's just say he's 15 lbs. (6.785 kg) | 27.1 in. (69 cm)

- L.

Baby Report: Our 4 Month Visit To The Pediatrician

Our original appointment was bumped from last week to today, which was a good thing as it turned out since there was a lot of fussing after the babies' shots this afternoon and had the appointment gone ahead as originally scheduled I think I would have had to cancel the Kidney Day festivities.

These are some sad babies we have at our house today. : (

They also went to bed a little earlier than usual which I don't like particularly, even though they're not crying at least. I don't like it because I hate the thought that they're tired from crying so much, or worse – that the shots themselves are the cause. Vaxing is something we decided to do because we felt that the risks associated with vaccinating are less risky than not vaccinating. I'm happy with the vax schedule we have in Ontario and it doesn't seem over the top or like there is really anything unnecessary as part of the recommended vaccines in our province. Still, it's hard not to worry because no one wants their child to be the statistic. I always keep a close eye on my boys and check in with them often after they have gone to bed, but I think tonight will warrant a few extra checks. I hate worrying but I know sometimes it just can't be helped.

On a brighter note, the boys had a great checkup otherwise and are getting bigger and bigger. Here are today's stats at 4 months + 1 week old:

Nate: 13.6 lbs. or 13 lbs. 9 oz. (6.16 kg) | 25 in. (64 cm)

Seth: 12.9 lbs. or 12 lbs. 15 oz. (5.86 kg) | 24.25 in. (61.5 cm)

So basically, still growing like weeds*. Nate is now in the 25th percentile for their age group and although Seth is still in the 10th percentile the pediatrician is very happy with the progress of both boys.

And just because a post is never as awesome without pics, here are some photos I took yesterday of the boys in some new togs their Grandma Rita brought for them.







Too cute, but don't be fooled by what the camera captured since they weren't very happy about the hats as it turned out. Yep, more sad babies. In these pics though, you'd never know it at least. ; )

- L.

*Again – really, really cute weeds of course.

Growing Like Weeds*

We had our monthly check up and weigh-in appointment at the pediatrician this afternoon and everyone is doing fantastic. At exactly 12 weeks old today, the boys stats are as follows:

Nate: 11.45 lbs. or 11 lbs. 7 oz. (5.19 kg) | 23.4 in. (59.5 cm)

Seth: 10.75 lbs. or 10 lbs. 12 oz. (4.86 kg) | 23.6 in. (60 cm)

So basically Nate, who was almost 3/4 of a pound smaller at birth is now 3/4 of a pound larger – I imagine you all can guess how he spends his time. ; )

Seriously though, everyone is doing excellent and both boys are on schedule developmentally. They are tracking things/people with their eyes, making smiles (lots of them!), reaching for things, etc. All the usual stuff.

We'll be back again in a month or so for another check-up – until then, I'll continue posting plenty of cute over here.

- L.

*Really, really cute weeds of course.

Baby Report: Our Visit To The Pediatrician

Yesterday we had an appointment with the pediatrician for our monthly weigh-in and check up. Since the boys are just a few days shy of two months old, it was also time for their first shots (!), but I'll get to that in a bit.

We are so fortunate that our pediatrician's office is only about a 5 minute walk away and with the nice weather we decided to take Nate and Seth in the stroller. I was curious to see if I could manage to get the babies in the clinic door by myself (I can!) and that's good because it means M. doesn't have to leave work in the future to come with – unless he really wants to of course.

Here they are looking alert (and even cheerful) in the waiting room before the appointment:



Usually there is some fussing when we go for a checkup, but I think they were still in good spirits from the (albeit brief) walk over. A ride in the stroller (or car) is always a big hit!

They even made it through most of the appointment – at least all the usual stuff – without crying and no one peed on the scale either which was a first. The weigh-in went well: they are both approximately 9.5 lbs. (Nate is actually 4.25 kg while Seth is 4.22 kg). Nate is finally living up to his big brother status in weight at least.

They measured almost 23 inches each – actually Seth has a slight height advantage of half a centimeter so I guess he's a "big" brother too. : )

Their length is solidly in the 50th percentile, but their weight is still on the low side and more in the 5th-10th percentile (and here I thought they were getting chubby little tummies!). They are gaining solidly though and eating a good amount for their age so we just need to make sure that they continue to do so.

And now for the other part of the appointment... the shots. : (

Oh, it's hard to be a mommy sometimes but the babies did great all things considered. The shots were actually 2 shots per baby, one in each thigh. It was pretty hard to see them quiet and cheerful one minute and then watch as their little faces crumpled and they let out a loud wail – twice! I held onto Nate and M. held onto Seth while the shots were given and it's amazing how fast a cuddle and some kisses from mommy (or daddy!) can calm them down. Everybody was back in good spirits before we left the clinic and (mostly) stayed that way, but I think we're all glad we won't have to do that again for another 2 months.

*whew*

- L.

A Small Update

It's been a little slow around here while we're waiting for our boys to arrive. We had an appointment last Thursday with our OB but it was fairly uneventful – other than garnering his deepest sympathy for "carrying around more than anyone should reasonably be expected to" there really wasn't any news to report.

We have another appointment tomorrow afternoon so fingers crossed we'll have some encouraging labour-friendly news when we leave (or at least an induction date set). These babies are entirely too comfortable I think.

- L.

The Baby Report: 35.5 Weeks

It seems "absurdly good" is the catchphrase this time around. The doctor at the obstetrical ultrasound unit was very impressed with how well the babies are looking and said to keep on doing whatever we're doing since we're clearly doing something right. Yay!

Our boys are still solidly in the 50th percentile which is amazing news since that's compared to singleton babies, not other twins. The weight estimate for Baby A is 5.6 lbs. and Baby B is slightly bigger at 5.75 lbs., which means that even if they were born today they would not be considered low birth weight – which is not only wonderful news but a great relief.

Every day the babies spend baking increases the odds that we'll avoid the NICU and be able to take them home from the hospital with us. Hearing that they are already at such healthy weights makes me think it's entirely likely we'll do just that. : )

- L.

The Baby Report: 34.5 Weeks

We had an appointment with the OB yesterday for a regular check-up—weigh-in, blood pressure check, all the usual stuff—including measuring fundal height. If you're pregnant with a singleton it's a pretty accurate gauge of how far along your pregnancy is. Centimeters correspond with weeks gestation, so if you're 34 weeks you should measure approximately 34 cm. as an example.

With twins, it's done mainly for curiosity value I think since there isn't really a set number that you should be measuring at. That being said, my fundal height measurement yesterday at 34.5 weeks is 48 centimeters! The doctor said my body is "holding up really well" for being pregnant with two. Ha ha. That made me laugh since I've been feeling so uncomfortable I had to wonder what state I'd be in if I wasn't "holding up" so well. It did make me feel somewhat better (in that moment at least) to hear it though.

I mentioned the daily Braxton Hicks contractions I've been experiencing and the OB was totally unfazed. I already had a good idea this is all to be expected, but as he said, "well, you'll be in labour at some point" and at this point whether it's real labour or false if the babies are determined to come the doctor won't be intervening.

In fact, the babies will be getting their walking papers if they haven't arrived by 38 weeks/January 31st. Having a deadline suddenly makes it all seem so real (and surreal too!). After being pregnant for so long, it's strange to think that sometime in the next 24 days our boys will finally be here.

Of course, the OB thinks it will all happen sooner than that and pointed out more than once that the babies really could make their way into the world at any time now. Certainly there are plenty of twin moms that don't make it this far, so we are counting our blessings.

Both babies are still head-down and Baby A appears to have dropped in the past few days. I'm finding a small amount of relief from the reflux as a result, but oh how my bladder is suffering – and I thought it wouldn't be possible to feel a need to pee any more than I already was!

We are down to weekly appointments now with the OB until the end and also have an ultrasound scheduled for next week. The OB did do a quick check with the portable ultrasound machine in his office but it really wasn't the same quality you'd get with the high-end machines they use at the obstetric ultrasound unit down the hall. We still had a pretty good view all things considered and it's easy to see there's not a lot of room to move around in there (it's amazing how often they manage to kick in spite of that though).

I think that's all the news from yesterday. Today I'm finishing packing up the necessities for the hospital, and after that... we wait.

- L.

Fearfully & Wonderfully Made

As I sat here tonight while M. is away at his family's Christmas dinner – feeling a bit pitiful since I was in no shape to attend (and bored in the bargain) – I decided to Google™ "Twins 32 Weeks". Although I've seen this series of illustrations before, this image had the power to give me pause all over again:



It's one thing to see shadowy images in and out of view via ultrasound, or to observe the visible difference in your own outward growth, or to feel your babies moving around and kicking your ribs with their perfect, tiny feet. It's another thing entirely to have an accurate representation of just how perfectly and wonderfully formed they really are at 32 weeks gestation.

I'm in awe.

- L.

The Baby Report: 32 Weeks

"Disgustingly normal" were the exact words of the doctor at the obstetric ultrasound unit this morning.

AHEM.

I prefer wonderfully normal myself, but what really matters in the end is that the babies are doing great.

They are both in the 50th percentile this week, so still growing well despite their cramped quarters – and it is getting crowded in there! Baby A is 17.8" and approximately 3.9 lbs. and Baby B is a full 18" and 3.95 lbs. That's almost 3 feet (and 8 lbs.) of babies! No wonder I look like I swallowed a toddler.

Today is the first time Baby B has measured bigger than his brother, even if it is by a hair*. Actually it was a day of firsts for Baby B since this was also the first time he's shown us his face – finally! We're just so pleased to know that he has one after all this time. : )

Everything else is equally disgustingly wonderfully normal and we were thrilled to hear it. Both babies are vertex (head down) once again so I got to breath an extra sigh of relief. Hopefully they're nice and comfy now and will just stick to the regular kicking and squirming until they're done baking – no more fancy maneuvers please.

*We also found out that they both have hair already! Eeeee!

- L.

The Baby Report: 28 Weeks

We had our 28 week ultrasound this morning and everything is looking good. Last time both babies were head-down which is optimal, but currently Baby B has moved into a transverse (sideways) position. I kind of had a feeling something was up after all the major acrobatics over the last week or so. Our OB also thought Baby B had been on the move at our visit last Thursday when he was manually sizing up the babies positions.

So far Baby A hasn't budged which is of greater significance since as long as he stays head down we're still in business for a vaginal delivery. Baby B might turn again on his own (there's still plenty of time even if space is lacking), or he may be able to be turned after Baby A is delivered, or if necessary he can even be delivered breech if the doctor is willing once Baby A is free and clear (fingers crossed that he turns over on his own though).

As for the stats, Baby A is weighing in at 2.7 lbs. and Baby B is not far behind at 2.55 lbs., which puts them in the 65th and 60th percentiles respectively. They are both measuring approximately 15.7" in length. The technician commented on our "tall babies", so of course I had to look it up when I got home. Average baby weight for 28 weeks is 2.2 lbs. and average length is 14.8", so it looks like we're growing some big babies (at least for now). Glad there's still room to grow in there, even if it doesn't feel like it. They're making their mama (and daddy) proud!

- L.

Third Trimester Today

We made it – we're officially in the third trimester today! Our baby boys are roughly 2 lbs. each and approximately 14 inches long. All of their major systems are formed, fingers and toes are accounted for and this week they are practicing opening and closing their eyes.

I can't believe it's been 25 weeks since I opened my eyes to see this:



This photo was taken in early June, but today seems like a good day to (finally) post a pic of my positive pee-stick in celebration of our pregnancy milestone. At this point, we still had another 3 weeks to wait before we would find out we were expecting twins.

- L.

The Baby Report: 24 Weeks

Well, so much for updating on Mondays despite good intentions and the fact that our 24 week ultrasound appointment was actually *on* Monday. We've had a busy couple of days however and they've left me feeling pretty wiped. Good sleep last night though so this will probably be more coherent at least even though the news is a day or two late. OK, two days late.

The good news is everything is looking really great! Both babies are measuring a few days ahead and both are head down for now (and we're all hoping they stay that way). They've really grown since our last scan at 20 weeks so their cozy home has gotten a lot cozier in that there isn't as much room to maneuver anymore. The bad news is that they're too big for us to have any take-home ultrasound pics anymore — BAH! — but I'll post some of our previous ones for anyone that hasn't seen them already.

Here are the babies back in July at 8 weeks (I think this was the last pic of them where they both fit on the screen at the same time):



And here they are back in August at 12 weeks:




And a really nice image of Baby A at 20 weeks:



Unfortunately we weren't able to get a profile shot of Baby B at 20 weeks, but not for lack of trying. I think we did everything short of having me stand on my head but he was persistently facing away from the camera and/or face down so no luck.

As of Monday, both babies are approximately 1.5 lbs each and are plotting in the 65% percentile which is great. All those eggs for breakfast are really paying off I guess — although the doctor we spoke with said we could realistically expect that to decline to 40% by the time we're at term which is perfectly normal for twins. I'll keep eating those eggs though.

- L.