Monday, August 17, 2009

32 Weeks


Holy Cow!
Todd & I planned on touring the Labor & Delivery wing of the hospital where I will deliver. We missed the guided tour, but since they were not busy, we were lucky enough to get a private tour. A RN showed us a Labor/Delivery/Recovery room, answered a lot of questions (even though we really didn't know what to ask), and got us into the NICU. We got to see the tiny babies in the NICU and met most of the nurses on duty that day. They even called over the neonatologist to come meet us. He was so nice and volunteered some valuable information. He had a foreign accent, so it took me a minute to understand when he asked if I want him to "Cut the weenies"! Hahaha!! We were just completely taken back by how very kind, calm, and generous everyone was. Honestly, usually when you deal with medical staff, they all seem to be in a hurry, distracted, and unconcerned. Their jobs are very demanding, so I understand that. But, this experience was so great! They told us how lucky we were to have come at a slow time - we really were. And, oh, those babies! Be still my heart!

Our most recent visit with the specialist (Maternal-Fetal Medicine) revealed that Baby A was 3lb. 4oz., and Baby B was 3lb. 9oz. That was about 2 weeks ago, so I'm sure they are closer to 4 pounds now. They are still doing great, no problems, right on track! Their mama is doing fine, too. I don't mean to complain, but the sheer bigness is starting to get a little uncomfortable; still nothing unbearable. The little guys are squirming and pushing all the time. I love seeing my tummy shift and ripple with their movements. (But I won't love seeing any tummy ripples when they're out!! Ha!) They are not both head-down (vertex) anymore. I guess they are still finding room to adjust thier positions. I get a different report on that every time I go to a doc.

Here's what they may look like this week:

By now, your baby weighs 3.75 pounds (pick up a large jicama) and is about 16.7 inches long, taking up a lot of space in your uterus. You're gaining about a pound a week and roughly half of that goes right to your baby. In fact, she'll gain a third to half of her birth weight during the next 7 weeks as she fattens up for survival outside the womb. She now has toenails, fingernails, and real hair (or at least respectable peach fuzz). Her skin is becoming soft and smooth as she plumps up in preparation for birth.

Some very sweet ladies from our church got together and threw me, Nathan, & Logan an amazing baby shower last week. I am still beside myself with how much they went out of their way to make a special day for me and the babies! Here are a few pictures of the event...

The beautiful table with an amazing diaper cake filled with bath goodies (Awesome, Geran!), and the very kind hostesses. (Click on picture to enlarge, then arrow back to return to the blog)


So many gifts!!!


Some of the guests


It really was a great day and a beautiful shower. I can't thank the hostesses enough for all of your hard work and kindness you showed to me. Thank you to the guests for your presence & presents (ha!). We are so blessed to have such loving friends.

Some of you may remember that Grandma D. gave me the rocker that she rocked her babies in when she died a year ago. She encouraged me to have it re-upholstered to make it my own, so I did just that. I really like how it turned out and it goes well with our living room decor, but it will always be her rocker. I miss her so much.

You may not know, but Todd & I prayed for a very long time for God to bless us with a family. Grandma knew how we longed for Him to say yes. She asked my dad specifically, a day before she passed, while she struggled to speak in the hospital, if I was pregnant yet. Dad sent me a text asking me if I was, but I was not. I texted him back and said that she could help more with that when she got to Heaven. I will never forget her compassion. Rocking my little blessings in this chair where she rocked her babies will mean so much.


Inservice week for teachers started today. We're back in the grind of things. Hope you are having a great start to your week.

Please keep the prayers going for Dad!

7 comments:

Unknown said...

You really made up for lost time by making a long post this time! Told you I am the first to read it! :P

Anonymous said...

They do say that the camera adds a few pounds... Your doing great Babe! Love you,
Todd

Anonymous said...

The shower was amazing! The chair is beautiful. I know Grandma is pleased. I miss her too.
Keep your feet up!
Love you 4,
Mom

Angela Morisette said...

Hi Natalie,

I'm a friend of your folks and wanted to just say that I think your blogspot is GREAT. I'm not that computer literate...so i find this amazing! :)

We met Steven at your folks house the other day.
Now, this is cool that we get to "meet" you! :)

Your dad was my daughter's tennis coach and we think the world of him. We are praying everyday for his wellness.

Your blogspot writings confirm the love and caring your family is all about.

Wishing you the best for the remainder of your pregnancy and delivery.

Love from,
Kathy Morisette

Anonymous said...

The pictures turned out very good. The shower was so much fun-and you received some lovely things for those sweet little guys. I can relate on the cancer front. All of you are in our prayers especially. God's love and grace are sufficient no matter what is going on in us, to us, and around us.
Love, Alicia & Jimmy

Anonymous said...

I forgot to add thankyou to Rhonda, Tim, and you and Todd for your hospitality to Julia, Esther and me last weekend. We had such a good time and we always feel so welcome. The chair is beautiful. I know the sentimental value that such an heirloom brings.
Love, Alicia

Natalie said...

Ugh... Just figured out that clicking on the collages doesn't make them bigger. Will have to figure that one out -- NEXT TIME. :-)