October 22, 2013

 

This was the morning of my 38 week doctor's appointment. We wanted to take a few pictures before we left, mainly to document the belly. Little did we know....

This would be how our day would end!

 

We welcomed our twin girls on October 22, 2013!

 

MaeLynn Nicole

5lbs 13oz

18 inches

 

EmmaLeah Rae

5lbs 6oz

18 1/2 inches

 

Everyone is doing fabulous!!

As everyone has told us, now the fun really begins!

35 Weeks

We are getting closer! This picture is an odd angle, but you get the idea. I've been recently put on bed rest until babies arrive. It's not "strict" bed rest, my doctor is just out of town and we REALLY want him to be the one delivering the girls. So I'll listen and stay close to home.

Baby A is currently head down and ready to go (she's the bottom one) and then Baby B has made herself quite cozy in the ribs. Quite cozy!

As we are getting closer to our due date, we have continued to surprise not only ourselves, but our doctor on how well this pregnancy has gone. We really have been blessed so much!

The girls are currently around 5lbs, give or take a few ounces. We still go in for weekly ultrasounds to check on the girls. It's been amazing to see them develop from the beginning. I can almost start to tell more what their personalities might be like.

I'll try to keep updating the next month or so, but I must say, it is really hard to sit up for very long, so please forgive me if there is a delay.

6 years & counting...

Today we celebrate our 6 year wedding anniversary!

It's been a wild, crazy ride the last 6 years, but having this guy around has made the trip all that much more fun! We've had our fair share of adventures & there's no slowing down or turning back now!

It's true what they say, you really do fall more in love with each passing year with your best friend & forever companion.

I feel pretty darn lucky that this guy chose me.

:)

33 Weeks

Forgive the messy hair, it's a rather windy day outside.

How far along? 33 Weeks!

Due Date: (At least) October 10^th, if not later…we don’t really know to be honest!

 

Total weight gain: 19 pounds

Sleep: I got a good night’s sleep last night! It just takes LOTS of pillows!

Best moment this week: Seeing the girls on the ultrasound. We get one every week, this week they were really showing their little personalities! It just got us a little more excited!

Miss Anything? I miss driving (I am not allowed anymore), sitting up straight (not that easy when you have one baby in your ribs) and not having to pee 6x an hour (sorry for TMI, but c’mon, it would be annoying to you too). Even with all this, I have enjoyed every minute of this pregnancy, regardless, and wouldn’t change it for anything!  

Movement: I feel more rolling than kicks. We have one baby who likes to stick out her bum (Baby B) while the other one prefers to stretch out her limbs, so we feel her (Baby A) feet and knees more. I love watching my stomach move when they’re trying to get comfy.  

Food cravings: Still…MEXICAN FOOD! I’m stuck on the burritos, enchiladas and chips – oh my goodness! We seriously can’t go ANYWHERE without stopping for a burrito! Mmmmm! I’ve also found a new drink concoction I’m addicted too – ½ lemonade ½ sprite! It is delicious! I can down a few of these without thinking twice about it! Seriously, you have to try it!

 

Anything making you queasy or sick: I was craving crepes yesterday and well…I don’t think I’ll be doing that again for the rest of the pregnancy. The girls were less than impressed.

 

Gender: Girls!

Labor Signs: I’ve had some Braxton hick contractions, but no signs of labor. Our doctor said, “your body was built for to carry twins” – they are not budging!

Symptoms: The carpel tunnel still continues. It’s worse in my right hand than my left, but again, it will go away after the girls arrive.

 
Happy or Moody most of the time: Happy!

Looking forward to: Lunch! Ha ha! I’ve just been a little hungrier than normal these days!

Take Me Out to the Ball Game!

 

This past Saturday, Mat's dad had tickets to the Idaho Falls Chukars game.

I love going to live sporting events - there's so much action to see!

We made a little family outing of it. The seats were a few rows behind home plate too! 

For the record: I made it through the game, but definitely paid for it the next day. ;)

They played the Orem Owlz - who won 9-4.

Mat & I were torn on who we should cheer for since we spent the last six years in Provo/Orem.

We were surrounded by Chukars fans and thought it to be safer if we stuck to the home team.

However, I have to say "way to go, Owlz!" - they played a great game!

31 Weeks

I've seen this questionnaire on a few of our friends' blogs and these are the most commonly asked questions, so I thought I'd just put it all out there.

How far along? 31 Weeks!

Due Date: Such a tricky question with twins! Technically…November 6, but our goal is 36 weeks which would be October 9 or 10. We’re hoping to make it that far!

Total weight gain: 18 pounds (I put on two more pounds finally! I’ve been sitting at the 16 pound mark since 20 weeks. I blame it on the recent cravings…see below.)

Maternity clothes? Heck yes! LOVE THEM!

Stretch marks? You mean the tiger stripes? Yes, a few…

Sleep: What’s that?? I think these girls are putting me through training for when they arrive. :)

Best moment this week: Going flying!

Miss Anything? Walking without a waddle, driving (it’s getting harder and harder), climbing in and out of bed without a step stool (our bed is high)…but I still feel it is ALL worth it!

Movement: Oh heavens to betsy, YES! These girls have done full gymnastic routines the last week! They are flipped all around now. Baby A is no longer breeched (YAY!) and Baby B decided to flip completely the opposite direction! I can feel them rolling over more, their hiccups and little kicks here and there. All of which I love! It has to be one of the most special moments through this whole experience.

Food cravings: MEXICAN FOOD! Tacos, burritos, enchiladas, chips, salsa…YUM! I seriously can eat Mexican food breakfast, lunch and dinner! And Mat’s banana milkshakes – I have at least one a day! Ha ha!

Anything making you queasy or sick: The heartburn from all the Mexican food, but I still don’t let it hold me back! 

Gender: Girls!

Labor Signs: None yet

Symptoms: The only bothersome symptom is the carpel tunnel. I had NO idea you could get it while you were pregnant! But due to the swelling in your hands and the pressure on your nerves, it’s actually really common. It just makes it hard to do the little things, for example, texting, writing and sometimes eating…but it will pass after the girls arrive.

Belly Button in or out? In, but slowly coming to the surface...we’ve been going through a few growth spurts lately.

Wedding rings on or off? Off. This was such a sad, sad day for me. It was right after I made it to 30 weeks. I have little sausage fingers now and my ring just could not get on. I even cried a little, but I blame it on the pregnancy hormones.

Happy or Moody most of the time: Happy!

Looking forward to: Our doctor’s appointment next week, meeting the girls and finish getting their crib set up!

Saturday Morning Flying

At our 30 Week appointment this past week, I was determined to find out if I could go flying with Mat. I've wanted to go for so long, but because of our pregnancy and lack of access to planes, it hasn't happened. Until NOW!

Our doctor also just so happens to be a pilot himself! Didn't plan that, but love it!

He gave me the "all clear" to go!

So we went!

30 Weeks 

Taxing out for Take Off

The Babies First Flight!

This will be one for their baby books!  

The Windmills

Ever since I moved to Idaho Falls (the first time) years ago, I've been fascinated by the windmills.

No reason as to why, I just think they are neat!

The Green Belt that runs through Idaho Falls. 

Idaho Falls Temple 

Coming in for our landing.

Baby Bump Update

Baby Bump Update:

 Here's me at 16 Weeks

 

And at 29 Weeks

 Growing, growing, growing!

This past weekend was a little scary for us. Both the girls are sitting sideways currently, they have not moved from this position pretty much the entire pregnancy. It also doesn't look like they will - due to lack of space. I've gotten used to their movements and can distinguish between each twin. Last Wednesday (8/14), I started to notice Baby B (she's the one on top - invading my ribs) started to quiet down. She has been our more active baby and if you push on my stomach, she'll push back. There's time when you could just have a fist bump competition with her - it just cracks me up!

By Thursday, I hadn't felt her move, not even a wiggle. The doctors normally want you to wait 24 hours before jumping the gun. She's also had a quiet day before where she didn't move for over a day, but then started right back in the next morning. I could feel Baby A moving and shaking, just nothing from B. I tried laying down for two hours, tried drinking ice water, orange juice and even Dr. Pepper...no response.

I called the doctor, Friday morning, they sent me in to do a biophysical profile (really an ultrasound that tests four categories) and a non-stress test. We started with the non-stress test...they couldn't find her heartbeat. At this point, I'm trying to be calm, but it just wasn't working. I was so worried, Mat was with me every step of the way, holding my hand, wiping my tears. They decided we'll skip the non-stress test and go right into the ultrasound.

For the four categories, they are checking fetal heart rate, movement, practice breathing and amniotic fluid. For each category they can get 2 points (which is passing). If all four categories are not a 2, then you do a follow up within 24-48 hours.

Baby A was a rock star - passed with 8 out of 8 in no time at all! Baby B was doing great until the practice breathing...they have to be able to do the motion of breathing (even though they aren't technically breathing air, it's the motion they look at) for 30 seconds consistently. Baby B struggled to get the 30 seconds, but after about 45 minutes - she made it! She also gave us a good roll over and wiggle on the ultrasound. So, we were sent home, but told if we don't feel her again in the next 24 hours or get at least 10 kicks from her in a 2 hour window, come back. Baby B gave me two more good kicks from her that night.

Saturday morning, Baby A was doing her morning aerobics and Baby B was quiet again. I waited until late afternoon and again still nothing. I tried laying down and counting the kicks...nothing. I tried ice water, orange juice, Dr. Pepper, watermelon, even chocolate! Nothing. I tried pushing on my stomach...nothing. I called a friend of mine who's a nurse (thank you so much, Ash! You are a lifesaver!) and asked for an opinion since I couldn't get through to my doctor. She told me to go in right away. So Mat and I were on our way to labor and delivery...I can't express to you the fear that I felt. I was so nervous, I couldn't stop my mind from racing or my hands from shaking. Mat was my rock through it all, he was trying to be strong, but he was just as worried as I was.

We got into labor and delivery, got hooked up to check their heart rates...Baby A was holding steady, doing her thing. And then...Baby B's heart rate popped up! What a HUGE sigh of relief! We were in there for a while just being monitored. Baby B's heart rate would spike, but nothing out of the ordinary. The doctor on call, just reassured us that we were doing everything we should (the laying down, ice water, juice, pushing on the stomach, etc.) and to take it easy.

The girls are growing more and more which means they are running out of room, so having a "quiet day" is not out of the norm. But at this stage in the game, we should be feeling each of them at least 10 kicks a day.

Sunday morning, they were both back to their normal selves with having their dance party at 6am. :) We've been smooth sailing ever since. I just put all of my faith in Heavenly Father through this entire journey. I'm so thankful for the inspiration I've received thus far. Now they just have to settle down for at least 8 more weeks!

Idaho Falls to Cleveland & Back

This past week Mat had an opportunity to fly out to Cleveland with one of the guys he went to school with at UVU, Jeff. He was over the moon! In Mat's first year at UVU, he flew to Colorado Springs, CO for a "field trip" in a pressure chamber. Jeff was one of the guys that flew with him. I wasn't as nervous for this flight as much as I was for that one (we had been married less than a year when he went on that field trip). They flew out in one day and flew back the next. It was a quick trip, but in a fun little airplane.

The Cleveland airport is also in such a neat location! You have the skyline right behind the airport!

The plane had lamborghini doors...I'm not sure if that is what they are really called,

but that's what I called them.  

The airplane had leather seats and even had the "new airplane smell".

There really is such a thing!

This airplane really was a few years old, but in great condition! 

Cleveland Airport

The runway is on the left side of the picture, it's right on the water. 

The beautiful Cleveland, Ohio skyline (with the tail of the plane).

Homebound & Baby Update

Mat's back!

He's going to be flight instructing out of Idaho Falls until after the girls come.

The distance and travel were a lot harder than we expected.

With the girls coming, we both didn't feel like Texas was the place he needed to be right now.

We still hope to move back to the great state after the girls come - but TOGETHER.

I'm so excited that he's back!

 

Everything is going really well with the girls! We had our 26 week appointment & ultrasound a week ago. We are still doing great! The girls are growing and are very active still (which I love!).

I'm healthier than ever and everything looks right on track!

We are still shooting for 36 weeks - as the doctor said, it's highly unlikely we'll make it beyond that point, but we can still cross our fingers!

We go back in three weeks for another check up and ultrasound.

Idaho Baby Shower

Due to the passing of Mat's Grandpa Haderlie, we postponed the baby shower for a month. We also did a joint shower with me and my sister in law, Mary Kae, who's expecting a baby boy at the end of October. It was so much fun to visit with family and friends! Some who we don't get to see that often due to the distance between us, so it was an extra special treat!

 

We had LOTS of pie (seriously, I went through a pie craving stage with these girls, luckily it has passed)! I made the Texas Sheet Cake, plus a blueberry pie AND a cherry-apple pie (my father in law's favorite, so if there were leftovers, I knew he wouldn't mind). We also had the traditional little smokies, chips and to have a little healthier option, yogurt parfaits.

 

I was so busy chatting with everyone through the shower, I didn't take a single picture. Oops! I'm so grateful for all the wonderful baby supplies we received - I feel slightly more prepared now.

I'm just so excited to meet these little girls!

 

Thank you so much to all who came - we love you! 

Baking Adventures

Since moving, I haven't really done much cooking or baking...for those of you who know me, this is very unlike me. We have the baby shower coming up, so I thought I'd give a few things a go. Thank you Pinterst for the inspiration.

First up, was the Texas Sheet Pie.

Pinterst Version can be found here. (It won't let me upload the picture.)

 

My Version:

It tasted yummy, but it might not look the best. :) I cheated and used Pillsbury pie crusts...I would suggest making the crust. The refrigerated crust just didn't hold up as well as I thought, but again, still yummy! (Especially when you have a preggo craving pie!)

Second Adventure, the Flag Cake:

The baby shower colors were red, white & blue. Mom Haderlie found this recipe and thought it would be perfect for the baby shower! However, we needed to test it out first...

The Pinterst Version can be found here. (Again, it won't let me up load the picture.)

Now our version....

Remember, we were just testing the recipe - so it's a little crooked.

I repeat, just a tester! :)

We also ran out of red food coloring in the process - notice the pink layers.

We also recommend getting the color paste from the bakery departments in any craft store.

They will give a bolder color all the while using less than normal food coloring.

Needless to say, we were glad we tested it out, but it didn't make the grade for the baby shower.

We stuck to the pie.

Green Thumb in Training

I've decided to be on the hunt for new hobbies this past summer. Moving to Idaho and not being able to work (due to the pregnancy), I've been like a fish out of water. Most of my crafty stuff is still in storage, so...I've given gardening a go.

Keep in mind, I don't own any house plants mainly due to never being able to keep them alive...so this was going to be an interesting adventure. I sincerely owe so much of the success to my mother in law, I honestly don't think we would have had any food from all of our labor without her!

The only thing I'm really missing is a picture of the garden...but who hasn't seen a garden...right? :) There is nothing better than going out to your garden and picking fresh produce for breakfast, lunch or dinner...this has become a daily habit for us. Once the season changes and our garden will be retired, it will be such a struggle to go back to store bought produce.

Anyway, here's some of our loot!

Carrots, onions, corn - oh my!

Red & BLUE potatoes!

The blue potatoes are actually purple inside.

They taste like a yukon gold to me...I just love the color!

Mat made me breakfast burritos one morning...

With fresh onion, tomatoes and green pepper from our garden.

It was delish!

Maternity Pictures

I spent so much time debating on maternity pictures. I wasn't sure if I wanted to get them done or not. Then after Mat and I realized that this may be our only pregnancy and only twin pregnancy, we thought we would take it all in.

Callie, a gal that Mat grew up with and lived down the street from through high school, is such an amazing photographer! I have been blown away by her work. She is very talented and it was so much fun to work with her!

If you are in the Idaho Falls area - please look her up!

There are many more, but they just don't like to load. You get the idea though. :)

Grandpa Haderlie

The rest of the month of July was a blur.

On July 19, Grandpa Haderlie passed away. This was sudden and not something we expected.

 

Mat had a special bond with his grandpa. Those two spent so much time together and Mat spoke very highly of his grandpa. Right before grandpa's health took a turn, he spent a week camping with the family. Riding horses/donkeys, throwing sticks for the dogs and just enjoying the mountains.

He will be deeply missed.

24 Weeks

I feel like time has started to pass by so quickly!

We hit 24 weeks today! Wooo hooo!

I can't begin to tell you how much my heart is overflowing with gratitude for this experience.

For so long, Mat & I gave up on having our own children, we had accepted the new path that we would need to take to have a family.

This experience has been surreal. I still have my moments when I feel like I'm dreaming.

I know...dreaming but with a belly that is clear evidence that it is not a dream at all...:)

I'm just so grateful for this amazing blessing.

20 Weeks!

So many people have asked and asked for a belly shot. I've been horrible about taking them weekly, but here's the most recent at 20 weeks!

Both girls are growing and moving like crazy! It's such an exciting feeling that words can't describe. I'm still feeling amazing considering - but the doctor keeps warning a growth spurt is coming...:).

We're still working on names...it's harder than you think. I'm very traditional when it comes to names and would like to use family names. My husband on the other hand, likes to tease me with names random names. We will compromise eventually...I hope.

Pigtails & Pink Fishing Poles

We went to the doctor today for our 18 week ultrasound and check up. While we were there we found out the gender of twins. Keep in mind that the ENTIRE time we both thought we'd be having a boy and a girl.

Well...we're having TWO GIRLS! We're both so excited! It took Mat a little longer to let it sink in...
His mind was racing with pink bows...pink bicycles...ruffles....and boyfriends! (Ha ha!)
After a few hours, he finally started to think about the pigtails, pink fishing poles and pink shotguns...he then had a cute little smile on his face for days!

Everything else looked great! We saw each of their 10 little fingers and 10 little toes...we definitely are blessed with very active little girls. They didn't want to sit still too long through the ultrasound. We saw their hearts - both beating strong and healthy! We even got to hear their little heartbeats.

Now, we are struggling with coming up with another girl name. We've had one picked out for years, but hadn't thought of a second one...we've been trying to stick with family names. It's time to pull out the family history and go through the list!

Pilot Training

Mat spent two weeks in Burbank, California going through the paper side of training and the sim sessions. Then he was off to the east coast! He spent over a week bouncing from Ottawa, Canada to Massachusetts to Pennsylvania!

This pretty much sums up the last few weeks....

 

 

 

That's my husband, the pilot!

Utah Baby Shower

A friend of mine had offered to throw me a baby shower in the midst of her crazy moving process! It wasn't just a little move of down the street, it was an OUT OF STATE move. Anyone who has experienced as much, knows that it is just a chaotic mess! I'm so grateful and blessed to have a friend (and all of our friends that she recruited to help) throw me such an amazing shower!

Since the shower was in Utah, we road tripped it down! Mom Haderlie, Shyann (Mat's sister) and I drove down the night before the shower. We thought it would be easier to drive down the night before, get some good rest and then drive back afterwards. To top it off, Tucker (Mat's younger brother) had just moved down to Provo for a summer internship and we got to hang out with him!

There were so many friends and family members that came to the shower, that we slacked on taking pictures. We did get some, but I was just so excited to see everyone that I forgot to get pictures!

Mat & I are so incredibly blessed with all of the supplies that we have for the twins now! I was in tears (pregnancy hormones to blame) just opening the cards and gifts. We will be sure to tell the twins they were spoiled!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Thank you so much to everyone who came! Your love and support through this whole journey means so much to us! We love you all!