Hi everyone,
Before we get into the pregnancy talk, I wanted to send my love and prayers to anyone along the NC coast right now. Asheville is a long way from the coast, but are still expecting a lot of rain from the system. We don't live in a flood-prone area though, so we should be fine but it might be a messy weekend.
I've had quite a couple of weeks! Two dream baby showers (Pittsburgh Family Shower & Aviation Themed Shower) and one mini-babymoon. It seems like time is moving way too fast. I have my last showers this weekend and more family is coming in town for them. So many joyful things have happened since our last update, but in all honesty, the past couple of weeks have been much harder and humbling for me pregnancy wise. I officially started the third trimester last Sunday or this Sunday depending on when you are reading. I knew a twin pregnancy would be hard, but it's been a challenge for me to accept not feeling well daily and having to slow down so much. I'm a little scared of how I'm going to feel in a month or so. I know it will all be worth it in the end and I'm not complaining, but I'd be fake if I said I was doing great. Again, not complaining... just keeping it real.
I've had one regular OB appointment over the past few weeks and a second heart scan at the high-risk doctor. Both the scan and appointment went great. We even got to see their faces with a brief 3D scan! The boys are still measuring ahead of schedule and they look perfectly healthy which is such a blessing. I'll take healthy babies and feeling bad versus the opposite scenario any day of the week!
So much has changed since the last update, so let's dive on in!
Twin Pregnancy Weeks 23-27
Bump Watch...
The bump is growing fast! When I went to the doctor at 26 weeks she said I was measuring at almost 29 weeks, which is normal with twins. They said it would start growing much faster in the coming weeks too. Here's a 24-week shot...
And a 26 week shot...
I have two doctor's appointments next week. One with the high-risk doctor for a growth scan and one with my regular OB.
How I've Been Feeling...
As I mentioned above a lot has changed since our last update. I hit 24 weeks and all of a sudden really started to feel the extra weight, bump and started to have trouble doing things. On my birthday I was trying to go for a run/ walk but I turned my ankle on a hidden metal pipe sticking up in some grass. While trying to keep from hurting the ankle worse I also ended up tweaking my knee. The doctor said my ligaments are loose from being pregnant and I probably wouldn't have otherwise hurt myself. The injuries were very minor but they kept us from doing as much as we wanted at Niagara Falls for our mini-babymoon. Once they healed I found myself having even more trouble getting around. I also found that even sleeping on my knee funny made it achy.
My heartburn was unbearable around 24 weeks and my doctor switched me to Omeprazole. I had a rough four days transitioning to the new medicine but when it kicked in it really, really helped. It came back with a vengeance just this past week and I swear even water triggers it. It hurts in my back often much of day regardless of what I eat or do.
Any bending down hurts, I am very swollen and it's already hard to put my shoes on. Plus only a few pairs of flip flops fit! On top of that if something falls on the floor it's basically dead to me.
I've been trying to rest as much as possible and honor that my body isn't feeling well, but it hasn't been easy with so much going on!
Highlights...
The twins got showered with so much love in Pittsburgh for the family baby shower!
I also had the best time at my girls' shower in Asheville.
We also went on a mini-babymoon to Niagara Falls!
I was supposed to have my maternity photo shoot this past weekend but it got canceled due to bad weather. Hopefully, we'll be able to do a makeup date next week. This weekend I'm looking forward to our last showers... couples shower luau and a cookout our street neighbors are throwing for us.
Food Aversions or Cravings...
I'm not as hungry as I was earlier in the pregnancy and I can't eat too much at a time. I've overeaten a few times and felt miserable, so I'm trying to avoid that. I had been craving chocolate chip cookies, which were easy enough to get my hands on.
Fitness...
I was still doing my running intervals up until I turned my ankle on my birthday (24 weeks) after that I started walking again and honestly found myself getting really tired just walking. My neighborhood is really hilly and walking up hills is SO hard. As I got closer to the end of the second trimester I've found my walking slower and even uncomfortable at times. So needless to say, my running days are officially over until I heal from delivery. I honestly cried over it, but I know I need to listen to my body and my body is telling me I'm done. Even though it's been hard, I've been trying to get in at least some sort of walk daily... some longer than others.
I also have gone to a few prenatal yoga classes which have been amazing. I've felt energized and less stiff after them. I'm going to try to do them more often for as long as I can.
Maternity Clothes...
I am still wearing a handful of summer dresses, shorts, and shirts.
I went to the mall this past weekend and picked up a pair of maternity jeans and ordered some leggings and a handful of sleeved shirts for when we get our first cold snap. My neighbor also let me borrow a bunch of her fall/winter maternity clothes so I'm hoping to not have to buy too much since I'll only be pregnant for a few months in the cool season.
Nursery...
The Hubs and I made a huge dent in our nursery this past weekend! My incredibly generous in-laws sent us nursery furniture and the Hubs put it all together pretty quickly. We spent a few hours last weekend going through our shower gifts and organizing them. There is still a ton of decorating, organizing and details to finish, but the big stuff is DONE! Poor Makena spent the day just confused and clingier than normal.
Gender and Names...
They are still boys (they flashed us at our scan- lol!) and we have narrowed it down to just a few name choices!
Heather Brown says
You are doing amazing! Definitely gets harder in the third trimester but you are just doing everything you can and that's great! You ran further than me with A. I stopped at 21 weeks due to pain in my pubic bone, and honestly, I cried too! haha I had no idea if I'd get it back after having her and such. Good news is that you WILL run again and it will be amazing. I'm not sure if you registered for a double jogging stroller but my one piece of info is to make sure both sides have snack trays! mine does not (but it was free from someone) and it's hard sometimes when Nolan needs to eat and he's just not old enough to hold onto everything. Keep moving forward- it'll be over before you know it!
Natalie says
I know it is hard to be still. but God says Be Still for a reason! This may be the only time that you have those sweet boys contained in one spot!! Just enjoy
Lacey@fairytalesandfitness says
Sorry to hear about your ankle. Your trop to niwgra falls sounds nice. What a beautiful view at dinner.
Lisa Ballantyne says
Wow Julie--it sounds like you're dealing with a lot of changes right now! But in the end it will all be worth it! You look absolutely wonderful in spite of having to slow down. In fact, you're glowing! Sending good thoughts and prayers your way for the best and most comfortable progress possible. Can't wait to read your next updates!
As for your heartburn, my son (26 yrs. old) deals with it and he also takes the Omeprazole. For him it works wonders, but then again he isn't pregnant, LOL! I hope it does the same for you as it does for Erik. That stuff is unpleasant for "anyone" to deal with.
Thinking of you for your safety during the Florence threat. We in Haywood County are hoping for the best for our entire region. If only your history as a meteorologist could sway Mother Nature just a little bit, LOL! In any case, stay positive! And God bless!
Flo says
I know what you mean about heartburn. I think I ate more Tums than good when I was pregnant. The added advantage was that they have calcium in them. I know it is an old wives tale, but my son was born with a full head of gorgeous hair! Glad you are doing well. Take care of YOU! Pregnancy is exhausting no matter what shape you are in. And you are carrying two!
Patrick@looneyforfood.com says
So glad everything is going great with the babes!
Robin parker says
Hi Julie
For heartburn try eating a couple of baby carrots...thus works for me. Good luck with the last trimester...I know nothing about pregnancy....
Robin
Linda says
I understand your "sadness" with no longer being able to run and your worry with being able to continue your walks. Have you thought about check into gyms in your area that offer pool aerobics? The water will give you more of a weightless workout option, taking the stress off of your knee. You may even find it relaxing and a good replacement for running.
Debbie@debbiethisandthat.blogspot.com says
You look amazing, Julie, and I can't believe all that you are able to accomplish while not feeling well. Be kind to yourself and enjoy these last months of pregnancy as much as you can.
Wendy says
Pregnancy is tough, especially in the 3rd trimester! Personally, I think it would nice to give birth at about 7 months but of course that wouldn't be good for the babies, lol. I had terrible heartburn with my 2d pregnancy and back then you couldn't take anything. I found papaya enzyme to be really helpful. You can buy it anywhere they sell vitamins and you can take as much as you want. Hang in there and baby yourself.
Carolyn says
I never had twins but the last few weeks of pregnancy is usually a bit harder b/c, lets face it, you’re running out of real estate! So be kind to Julie! Rest as you can and know that your family and friends are wishing you all the best.
Maureen @ Maureen Gets Real says
I'm so glad the boys are healthy!! I definitely agree that feeling bad is worth it if the babies are healthy. I can't believe you're in the third trimester already Julie. I feel like you just announced it!
Since I've never been pregnant this may not be that helpful, but you could always look into buy non maternity shirts in a few sizes bigger than your normal size. You would be able to wear them now, after giving birth and then rock the oversized fit.
Katie Kestner says
Ask your ob about trying baking soda mixed in with water to help the breakthrough heartburn. It neutralizes the acid and my husband has stopped taking his Rx with baking soda. It tastes disgusting, but may provide relief! <3
Beth Ann Chiles says
You look great even if you don't always feel so great! It was wonderful to read the updates and I can't wait to "meet" those cute little boys when the time is right! Stay dry during Florence!