As requested, here is a belly shot. Definitely not the best picture of me — I was playing with Bo in his kiddie pool on Sunday (much cuter pictures of Bo with his pool tomorrow!) when Mike snapped this shot of me and my blossoming belly. I think it’s pretty obvious I’m pregnant, huh?
Truly, it’s not the belly that bothers me so much — it’s the weird chin fat and the flabby arms. Oh, YMCA, I am so looking forward to you…
We’ve been bad about keeping up with my maternity shots this pregnancy. When I was pregnant with Bo we took pictures every two weeks like clockwork. This time around, it just seems like there is always so much going on that taking pictures of me is low on our priority list. I know I’ll regret it later if we don’t have pictures of my belly growing so I’ll try to be better about it. Thanks to several loyal commenters for lighting a fire under me about this.
Today is a BIG day for this pregnancy. If I go into labor at any point from this point forward, they would at least try to save the babies. Babies born at this stage do not always survive, most have numerous complications and stay in the hospital for months, but viability means there is a real chance that we will bring two babies home. I definitely haven’t fully come to terms with that yet…
Overall, my pregnancy is continuing to progress well. I was measuring 29 weeks on Friday and everything else looked good. I feel pretty good and have quite a bit of energy. I’m not sleeping the best at night — but that is due to numerous factors and can’t be blamed solely on the pregnancy. I’m actually subsisting on less sleep now than I ever have in my life — even when Bo was a newborn I managed to sleep more than I am right now — but I’m sure newborn twins will shake that up a bit so maybe my body is just preparing itself.
I’m hungry a lot, but I wouldn’t say it is abnormal for a twin pregnancy. My biggest craving has been mint and I’m open for suggestions for anything that has a strong peppermint flavor. York Peppermint Patties, mint chip ice cream, chewing gum, and brushing my teeth top my list of “yum” these days. I think I am going to try breath mints next? Are there any peppermint ones that are really strong that I should try?
I’m planning and making contingency plans for the next several weeks just in case something happens while Mike is away during the week and my mom is recovering from her eye surgery. Most people look at me like I’m crazy for worrying about labor at this stage of the game — but I know too many twins who have come very early not to be concerned. I am sure all of my worry will make me one of the few twin mom’s that has to be induced – but at least I’ll have my bases covered if something does happen.
I worry a lot (like this is big news if you read the blog or know me in real life) and I’m worried about how we will balance our lives once the twins arrive. I’m worried about the twins impact on Bo. I’m worried about being settled in the house before they arrive. I’m worried about their first year of life and whether I will be able to breastfeed two infants without losing my mind. The list could go on and on…
Thus far, this has been a perfectly normal pregnancy and I have nothing to really complain about or truly worry about thus far. Let’s just hope it stays that way!
I'm so glad things are going so well – and even if people think it's weird, I love that you weave your everyday life into this "food blog." As for strong minty flavor, I'd go with Altoids. Very pepperminty, and easy to keep a little tin of them in your purse.
Altoids! I have had a craving for Certs but I can't find them anywhere — they've been replaced in the stores by the more "extreme" mints.
A lot of people don't seem to pay attention to the viability milestone, but I have it marked on my calendar too. Congrats on making it this far, and best wishes for the rest!
Your photo is quite cute, actually.
You look adorable and I second the recommendation for Altoids.
Lovely pics, you look gorgeous! I arrived on your blog randomly and I really like it! Now it's on my favorites list. I'm a mum of a little boy called Marlow and I really enjoy reading other mummy stories online. Have you picked a name for baby yet? The name you pick for your baby should be as unique as they are. I rememer I spent a lot of time chilling out choosing my baby names. Here a great link http://www.bounty.com/babynames/ Let us know how it's going!! Jo and her little Marlow
You look great! I love the belly.
I think you look great. I was jealous of the singleton moms in my prenatal yoga class who were all sleek, toned arms and legs. But the arm flab was the first thing to disappear postpartum, and now my arms are CUT; I love it!
Hi Jamie! Congrats on 24 weeks. You look fabulous. I will be moving around 6-7 months pregnant as well (we can't all fit in the apartment)- and it is stressing me out! So I think I know why you're sleeping less….
On the mint front, I loved these in my last pregnancy- Andes candies. Yum. I also craved mint like crazy last time- they sell these sinful choclate mint brownies at Whole Foods- at the end I must have had one every other day. I am just coming up on 15 weeks, and still not really loving food, wonder if I'll crave mint again?
I was going to say Altoids, but someone beat me to it. Those are very strong!
I think you think great in the picture and I'm pretty sure you look pregnant. ;o)
I think you're smart to be prepared, but you never know! My mom was a scheduled 40 week c-section w/my sister and I (and they didn't even know we were twins until they delivered us). It happens and I hope you are one of the ones that makes it that far!
Oh, I'm all about the 24 week thing too, totally counting down to July 1st. Doesn't mean that I want her coming out early, but at least I know she would have a better chance at surviving!
Not as strong as breath mints, but I love the mint three musketeers and Thin Mint Girl Scout cookies (the cookies or the ice cream). You may not be able to get the cookies right now? You can probably get the ice cream though.
thanks for the photo! you look great!!! and yes, you should take more pics of yourself! your babies will want to see the pics when they are um…26.
You look great!!
Love the pic–keep them coming.
Even if you don't post them all, be sure and take them cause those girls will want to see them, just like they will see Bo pictures.
A pregnant woman is beautiful, just because she is carrying a new life/lives inside her.
Be proud of the belly, chin and arms.
I wish I had looked as cute as you do.
You look great, Jamie! I think I will be the same way…worrying about everything. You have a right to be concerned, but I think/hope things will fall into place for you.
Jamie you look great in your picture. You look very good to be carrying twins. I am so glad that you are doing so well and if you ever need anything please do not hesitate to call.
Heather
Altoids are quite minty. Of course my preference for mint is Ben and Jerry's Mint Chocolate Cookie Ice cream
I was also going to say Altoids since that's the strongest mint I've ever tasted. Scope mouthwash – not for drinking (duh – just don't want another reader thinking I'm telling you to drink it) but very yummy. Also, the white or green tic tacs. Freshen Up gum is mint and has mint gel stuff inside. They used to sell it at Amoco. Chiclet gum. At Family Video, they had a candy that was cookie dough mint chocolate chip. Sounded gross to me, but it made me think of you.
Didn't you make some sort of peppermint cookies before? I bet there's a rock candy recipe for peppermint too. Mint tea? OK, enough of my rambling….
Your belly is too adorable!!!
Jenny
You look wonderful. I am 26 weeks preg. and I just looked in the mirror yesterday adn noticed the chin fat! YUCK! You however my dear look great!
Ah, breastfeeding twins. People look at me like I have two heads when I tell them I'm still exclusively breastfeeding my twins at 8 months. You can do it. It's time-consuming for sure, but it's do-able.
Cute pic, btw!
First of all, you look ADORABLE! I think you should have your friend that does pictures take professional shots of you in the next week or 2. I know it takes time, but I don't think you'll regret it.
Secondly, find those peppermint pillow type mints at the grocery store. Crush them (how fine is up to you) and stir them into a vanilla cake batter. Ice with a peppermint flavored buttercream. It is awesome and will definitely fulfill your craving.
You are holding everything together awesome right now. I am pretty amazed and inspired by how you do it all.
You look incredible. Before I read your post I was just thinking to myself, wow, she hasn't even gained weight around her face/chin/jaw or her arms. That's unreal. Then I read your post which says you think you have chin fat and flabby arms! You so don't. You look amazing!
Hope you manage to get some more sleep and that everything with the pregnancy continues to go smoothly. You certainly have enough non pregnancy related stuff shaking you up right now.
Clare
LOVE the belly picture. You look awesome!! You're doing great!
Amanda S.
You look lovely…
You look fantastic and glowy!
You look fantastic.
I remember reaching that viability stage. It's a huge day, and a bit of a relief even though, as you said, if they're born now it's quite serious.
And once again – you look great. Really.
Also-the worry is absolutely normal. I'd think you were crazy if you DIDN'T worry. But here is the honest, swear-to-god truth: You will just manage. You will find a pattern, it will save your sanity, and you will get through the early days. Truthfully, the newborn days of twins are the easiest, as they eat/sleep lather-rinse-repeat. It's good because it will help you set up a pattern of how to do things, one that will get you through to the stages where you need to start entertaining.
I would have to say Andes Mints! It reminds me of Tidwell's summer j-course that we ate them through.
Love the baby belly. My girlfriend who has twins has a separation in her stomach where the baby's are lying. Its funny! I am so fascinated that there are two babies in your bellies!! Every time I see her I think of you!
Just catching up now on blogs… you look amazing! Absolutely beautiful!
You look amazing.. What a beautiful belly!