We made the trip to Champaign today and there are still two hearts beating inside of my uterus….
The pictures aren’t that great this time, so I won’t scan one in for you. Hopefully when I go back in two weeks I’ll have a better picture to show you.
Immediately after my next appointment, I am going to my initial consult with a new obstetrician, recommended by Dr. J. I’ve decided that even if we don’t end up moving to Champaign, with a twin pregnancy I will feel more comfortable going to the doctor there. Champaign has the closest NICU that our insurance will cover and I just want to be extra cautious. I know that it is possible that I’ll have an “easy” twin pregnancy, but I’m not one to leave things to chance…
I’m sure I won’t enjoy driving 4 hours for each prenatal appointment if we don’t end up moving but I feel like the quality of care will be higher and I would just hate to have something happen that could have been prevented.
I’ll admit that I’m getting more use to the idea of twins. I have no disillusions that it will be easy, but I am feeling more confident that I’ll be able to handle it. The pregnancy, two newborns, raising three children…
I’ve started reading and researching which always helps. Knowledge is power. I’ve also started following a few bloggers who have twins plus an older child. They still find time to blog, so that gives me a little bit of hope at least! 
My body is already changing and I am not a fan. While I haven’t gained any weight (besides the 7 lbs from the IVF cycle… thanks IVF for taking care of that first trimester weight gain for me!) I thank God for winter clothes that can *mostly* hide the bulge that is already fairly substantial. I can’t even imagine how big I will be by the time I get to the end of this… I plan to drag out my tubs of maternity clothing this weekend. I’m already down to one pair of jeans, so I guess it’s time to bite the bullet.
For the most part, I feel just fine, however, it does take me a little longer than usual to become vertical in the morning. There is no jumping out of bed and heading straight for the treadmill or the shower. I need to sit, drink some water, and eat a bowl of Cheerios before I do anything else. Let’s just say it is not pleasant if I attempt to do otherwise…
This totally does not feel real… Two years ago today, I triggered for the cycle that produced Bo and was still in such fear that I would never have a child. Right now, I have a phenomenal little man asleep upstairs and I’m carrying two more children. It truly is amazing how much your life can change in a relatively short amount of time…
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Wow, that will be a far drive hopefully everything works out with the job.
I am so excited for you. I am happy that the shock is starting to wear off now.
Hurray for 2 heartbeats!
I think it’s very important to have a good OB for a twin pregnancy. I think mine took things a little too easily. She didn’t give me any good information about extra nutritional requirements, and I feel she kind of effed up the whole delivery. I relied on the book “When You’re Expecting Twins, Triplets, or More” by Dr. Luke and found it very helpful, esp. for nutrition and weight gain.
You always do things well and I am sure it will not stop now. I have faith in you and your hubby. Also Bo is a great child he will always remind you of how good it is going to be. God never gives us more than we can handle, I am sure! Love you! ML
So very exciting, and don’t worry about hauling out the maternity clothes. I put on my maternity pants around 6 weeks with this one, and I am only carrying one:).
Whoa – Driving four hours?? That is going to be tough, esp. at the end!! I am fairly certain I could not have done that – and I had monitoring twice a week at the end. Can you look into getting care/monitoring close by, but deliver in Champaign? I totally understand wanting to be at a hospital with a NICU. I’m just trying to think of the logistics for you
Also, the hospital I delivered at had a special care nursery; it’s like a step below a NICU – and that did meet our needs luckily. Is there anything like that closer by?
Carey,
Yes, 4 hours will be a lot — 2 hours there and 2 hours back for each trip. However, we really do live in the middle of nothing right now and there really is not even a lower level nursery any closer that our insurance covers. I could drive 1 1/2 in a different direction for another NICU, but our insurance does not cover it.
Mike has applied for a transfer to the Champaign area, so we are keeping our fingers crossed for that. I’m not sure moving while pregnant with twins will be much fun, but it would be nice to be closer to civilization.
Jamie
Maybe its just the hormones but this post had me in tears! You’re so very blessed and I’m glad that you got Bo and now the twins are looking fantastic! OH and good luck with finding another OB!
WOW! 4 hours…..that is a haul, but I totally understand.
We will continue think positively for you and this pregnancy. And yes, life will be so different with twins. But they are so worth it.
This month is the 2nd anniversary of our IVF w/ ICSI cycle that got our twins. Where had the time gone?
~Kari
I don’t know if I ever commented to congratulate you! Twins are tough with a capital “T” in the beginning, but I wouldn’t trade having them for the world. And now that mine are a little older (nearly 4) and play together so well, I think they might be easier than a singleton! They don’t need me to entertain them all the time.
Who is your new OB going to be? I also see one that Dr. J referred me to, and if it’s the same one, she is AWESOME. Even if it’s not, you won’t regret making the trip to Champaign. They are fantastic over there.
Your mom can drive you if for some reason your still in Olney towards the end, right? I was (somewhat) high risk and at the end I was in 2-3 times a week for monitoring. Lucky for me it was an easy bus ride from home and then to work later.
So happy to see you getting used to the twin thing. It really is a blessing, especially when you considered that not very long ago you thought you might not ever conceive a child. Take care-
Glad to hear you and babies are doing well. I have no doubt that you guys are going to be fine with two more babies. I have a feeling Bo is going to be a great big brother too. It sounds like you have a good support network of family and friends which I’m sure will help as you adjust.
One thing I’ve learned from having a child with special needs is that we aren’t always prepared for what life throws at us, but most of us can always draw on something to get us through. I never thought I could have dealt with what I’ve had to cope with in the last decade. I haven’t done it all gracefully (as you can see from my blog lol…I did cope in some unhealthy ways), but I have to say I’ve done a pretty good job where my son is concerned. If you aren’t the type to just give up…you find a way
I’m glad things seem to be going well. I’m sure you’ll figure out how to manage two more babies and Bo, and you’re right – it won’t be easy. But it’s doable.
Jamie,
I saw Dr. Wozniak after being referred to her by Dr. J. I live in Champaign though (5 miles out actually), so did not have to do the drive thing. You will definitely get excellent care by most anyone there. I had some problems and eventually ended up seeing most everyone in OB while an inpatient and I liked all but one OB. Plus Dr. Kehl is a great resource on staff if anything comes up. My boys were in the Carle NICU for awhile too and again we had excellent treatment. You are making a great choice with continuing your treatment at Carle. Of course, we all hope we don’t need their specialty services, but I agree it is best to be prepared. Congratulations!
Jamie,
I saw Dr. Wozniak after a Dr. J. referral. Loved her! I live in Champaign (actually 5 miles out), so I did not have the drive time. I had some issues and spent some time inpatient, so I actually have been treated by all the OB’s at Carle and I can say that I liked them all with the exception of one. Dr. Kehl is a great in house resource too if needed. Also my boys spent some time in the Carle NICU. Again, the treatment was top notch. The whole L+D, post/ante-partum, and NICU have all been remodeled within the last two years and are very nice. I think you are making an excellent choice in continuing your treatment at Carle. Congratulations!
So I am an idiot! I thought my first post did not post. I now I look today and see they are both there. Sorry!
oh, and moving while pregnant isn’t as bad as you’d think…no one expects you to do much!
best wishes!