Wow, technically, in the twin world, I'm more than halfway, but I'm fighting for another home birth, so if I have it my way, these babies won't be taken from me any earlier than their God-given due date.
A little update on the twins. Last week I found out that they are, indeed, identical. With most twin pregnancies this is not apparent unless you get genetic testing done, but with the very few and rare "Mono Di" pregnancies, it's inevitable that they are identical. These boys both share the same placenta and chorion house. They are in their own amniotic sacs, which is a blessing as there is much increased risk with a shared sac. Apparently, this makes them automatically identical, which also means their genetic makeup is very much the same (read: most people will have a very difficult time telling them apart, also, lots of fun pranks for them to pull in the future). This means a lot of protein intake and a very carefully monitored pregnancy as sharing a placenta can have a few issues, but my boys are good sharers and will behave in there.
God is amazing. He planted these two little guys in my womb in such a rare form. I'm excited to see who they become as they are intended to have a very special destiny!
Photo caption, "Careful, Everett, don't drop it!"
Post shutter click: Camera goes rolling down the stairs. Splendid.
Fortunately it still works. Love Nikon!
I am still craving a ton of protein (Turkey sandwiches have been my must have for the entire pregnancy). It is no surprise to me now that I could eat a dozen eggs in one sitting at the beginning of this pregnancy. This is how the body works, and that in itself is quite a miracle. I also am feeling much better. If I overdo it (which takes very little activity these days), I do end up sick and lethargic. But by pacing myself I am able to feel the energy that I have been missing so badly the last few months.
I was shocked to learn that between my 14 wk appt and my 18 wk appt, I had grown 11cm. That is a sure sign of twins, so if I hadn't have found out a week prior, we would have quickly learned at that point. I am currently measuring around 30 weeks pregnant (30cm). I also feel that size. The rest of this road is going to be interesting...
The boys: Twin "A" (August) seems to be a little more mellow than his brother, Twin "B" (Elias). Elias has a kicking spell every evening. I love this stage in pregnancy where they seem to get stronger every day! August moves, but he's not quite as "kicky" as Elias. Again, a fascinating and amazing miracle to be able to witness physically. As of last week, they measured the same, only a 2% difference in size, which is one of the things in Mono/Di twins that they have to closely monitor. You're looking good, boys!
Now that the shock has worn off a bit (but not entirely!), we are in full planning mode. We have no room in our home for these boys, so our garage will be quickly turning into additional house space. Thank the Lord he has provided plenty of volunteers and small emergency fund to take care of something that he had planned all along.
Again, God is good. His puzzle for our life seems to be getting more and more complex, yet more and more colorful. What a ride!