Excitement

There's an excitement in our house that is palpable. I was certainly feeling it and today K said the same thing. In a matter of weeks (hopefully 5), the girls will be here. We've prepared well but have more to do . We go to our midwife tomorrow and get a doctor's check up on Wednesday.

K has packed her bag and the babies' bag and we've worked on their room. We've been hanging out in there more and it's really got a nice feel to it. Calm, cool and comforting. Just what a baby wants.

Postpartum forever

Our midwife frequently says, "Birth? It's just a few hours and then their here. It's nothing in comparison to what comes after: postpartum forever." Things like breastfeeding and just managing to get enough sleep are way harder than the birth in her opinion. I don't think a mom in the middle of labor would agree to that, but in the big picture I think it's true.

Babies shower

We had our Baby Shower last Sunday. We had a great time and got loads of things for the babies. I know nothing, or knew nothing, about baby shower protocol and was a little stressed about boring everyone with all the gift opening stuff. But it was great really, and everyone gathered around, family and friends, and were really happy to sit and watch us open all cute little baby girl stuff. Those that weren't fortunately had beer and wine in the kitchen.

It was my father's 79 birthday as well and we celebrated with the most decadent caramel tres leches cake from Mr Natural. He's an amazing man and I have so much gratitude for all he's done for me in my life. Here's to you Pop.

Thanks to everyone who made it a great day.

Babies shower

Bed stuff...

K has been spending more and more time in the bed lately.  The weight of the babies and the size of her belly demands that she lay down on her left side.  This is pretty much the only position of comfort.  Most all things I have read say that the left side is the most comfortable and is the side you should lay on if you are in pre-labor and need to wait it out.  Why it is the left side, I am not sure but probably something to do with internal organs.  It's true though.  If anyone knows why please let me know.  

So beds...  It's possible, but not likely, Kate will be on strict bed rest for a while, possibly weeks.  Knowing this we decided to start looking.  We were sleeping on a Corsicana Queen Kate bought years ago that had been through a lot.  It was fairly comfortable but it moved and bounced every time one of us shifted position.  So we parted ways and the Queen was sent to the dump.  No wait.  I just remembered.  I set it out for bulky pick up and in a few hours someone had taken her away.  You can't give beds to Salvation Army or thrift stores so most end up at the dump.  I am thankful our was recycled.

Anyway, we splurged on a Tempur-Pedic King Size bed.  The Classic version I think.  I have always been skeptical of memory foam.  It just seemed gimmicky, but now I am a believer.  It molds to your body and feels terrificly comforting.  I rarely have the back pains I used to wake up with.  And having the extra space of a King is liberating.  I like my space, although Kate says she often feels like I am in the other room.

It was expensive.  $2500 and we technically could not afford it, but it's a lifetime investment and for our sanity's sake, with the kids and Kate's belly needs, it is well worth it.  We got a zero percent deal too.  Relax The Back Store.  Ask for Bart.  He was very helpful.  They will also give you a tax-fee deal if you get a doctor's note!  

Happy sleeping!

Pics of The Day

K, K, T walking the spiral hill.

Pics of The Day

Chancho buddy

Classes complete and in the home stretch...

Tonight we took our final childbirth education class. A milestone indeed, and one that we have been preparing for for so long, whether just thinking about this day or talking about it. Now we are in the home stretch. Realistically we probably have 4-5 more weeks until our little ones are here. During the class O was flipping around and giving sweet little kicks and punches.

There are 7 of them and they were long and tiring, But VERY informative. They unfortunately were videos of our midwife speaking the class into a camera. When I found this out, at the first class, I felt a little shafted. Can't we at least have a live person teaching us some of the most important material we'll need to know? The television is tiny and placed way up in the corner so at least some people have to crane their necks to see it and the A/C was out for several classes, blah blah. That is really my only complaint about New Life's services. MariMikel is so energetic and actually very funny that she made them tolerable and K did not seem to mind so I was able to put it aside and ended up taking copious notes.

31 weeks. Heaviness. REAL heaviness.

A couple days ago K started experiencing extreme "heaviness" in her belly. Of course it has always been heavy, or heavier than normal but now it is a heaviness that shouts out and will not be ignored. The girls must be gaining enormous amounts of weight. Last sonogram they weighed in a 3lbs, and 3lbs 3 oz. I am thinking they are close to 4 lbs if not already.

Laying down is the only thing that creates comfort. I know she is really happy we splurged and got that king size Tempur-Pedic. I am too!

-- M

Equally Shared Parenting

This is an interesting article at nytimes.com.

Equally Shared Parenting

In my opinion, it is silly to try and have a 50/50 split and I am not even sure what that means realistically. I do know that each family is different and that sharing of responsibilities is a must for all. We all have strengths and weaknesses and if you have a healthy relationship you should share along those line.

Picture of the Day

New Life Birth Services

http://www.newlifebirthservices.com/

MariMikel Penn is our midwife. We are having our twins in the hospital but she will attend the birth. She is the most amazing person and we are blessed to have her working with us. Her knowledge of health care and everything birth and baby related is beyond measure. If you are in the Central Texas area I strongly recommend using her services.

Lovely little noses...29 weeks. Can you see them?

Documenting the experience...

Tonight my wife, Kate, and I decided we will document our lives through the birth of our children and our experiences after. We understand that before we know it they will be grown and on their own and hopefully we can capture some of the experience for reflection and reminiscing and sharing with others. Most of all I am excited that one day my children will be able to read about their journey into this world and their early life in it.