My Birth Story

Originally my girls were suppose to be born on December 30 (today). I went to se Hutch on December 20th. It had been a strange pregnancy week for me. For the most part being pregnant was fairly easy for me. I only puked once and if you take away the nasty stretch marks I had it pretty easy. However, the Sunday before I was at Josh's parents house. I took my shoes off and when I left my feet wouldn't fit into them again. I shoved them in and went home. The next morning I woke up and it looked as if my "cankles" and feet belonged to someone who should weigh about 700 pounds. Of course I was devastated, to have to wear flip flops in the winter; but whatever, I delt with it. By Thursday I had been having my share of Braxton Hicks contractions only they didn't really hurt, they just made me feel out of breath. They took my blood pressure and it was elevated enough that they made me stay and relax so that they could take it again. Apparently between the swelling, blood pressure, and "changing" happening "upstairs" Hutch decided to take them on Monday.



Oh Boy...



So we roll around to Monday. I call my sister in law and she came over to French Braide my hair for me. After all, I couldn't have an ugly first hospital picture after my girls were born. We went and saw Hutch just to make sure things were pregressing nicely. While waiting in the waiting room to see him I met a lady that had just had her second set of twins. This time they were girls the last time they were boys. I seem to be hearing about that a lot lately. It just so happens that this woman is one in the same with the one I heard yelling to "Get Them Out" when I was about 33 weeks pregnant. Funny how that works.

So Hutch sends us over to Jordan Valley Medical Center. We get checked in and it takes twice as long because I have to sign release forms for me and both girls. It took us about 25 minutes and I was even pre-registered. The took me into this really nice room and gave me a gown to put on. Well the gown would have fit just fine if I didn't have a huge belly to accomodate. So it didn't cover about 8" of my butt. Fine, just get a bigger gown. Apparently they only have regular size and super super size because that one I couldn't even keep on my shoulders. I ended up wearing two regular gowns, just one was backwards. The put the monitors on my belly and they gave me two nurses. One was very nice, she seemed to be the more experienced one. The other one, didn't crack a smile one time. She was the one doing my IV. I don't particularly care for needles so Josh came up and held my hand while I stared at his face. My hand was on fire and I could feel her "fishing" around. I watched as Josh's face went white and he said, "I think I need to sit down". At that point I look at my hand and there is no IV in it, just a blown up vain pour blood out all over my hand and arm. Thankfully the more experienced nurse took pitty on me and did my IV in my right hand instead. The IV was the worst part of the labor experience for me.



I only stayed in my room about 30 minutes signing more forms and getting fluids when my favorite person at that hospital walked in, Ron, my anesthesiologist. He was amazing. So concerned about me and any fears I might be having. He stayed with me the whole time. Walking me to the operating room and then rolling me to my room. He even stopped by every day to see me and the babies. He was awesome. We went to the OR and I was shaking. I was terrified on the spinal block but Ron was joking with Josh and I while he was explaining everything he was doing. It didn't really hurt, felt more like a small sting for about 5 seconds; but when he put the needle through into my spinal fluid my leg jerked and I was instantly numb. Weird feeling. I was already on the operating table so they laid me down and put up the screen so I couldn't see what they were doing. They put warm towels on my arms and got my belly washed. Hutch was of course running a little late. So while waiting Josh, Ron, the nice nurse, and I were all talking about vacationing. We had been waiting for about 25 minutes when all of a sudden it dawned on me and I asked Josh if I was naked. He confirmed that for me and I instantly turned red. Honestly, who has casual conversation with people they barely know in the buff. Apparently I do.



Hutch arrived at about 12:50. He started and the only way to explain the way it felt is to say that I could feel most everything but that it didn't hurt. I felt Madisyn be born and Kaitlyn turning. I felt Hutch put his arm in me to bring Kaitlyn out head first (he took Madisyn feet first). The weirdest feeling was the vaccum inside me sucking out the fluid, it greatly resembles the spit sucker at the dentist just bigger. They took the girls to the NICU for observation and Josh and I had already decided that he was not to leave them. I only saw Kaitlyn for about three seconds before they left. Ron stayed by my head and kept rubbing my arm and holding my face to talk to me. I was extremely grateful for him. In the end I was cut, stretched, soddered, sewn, and stapled over seven different layers. The babies spent about 7 hours in the NICU and I wasn't able to go see them unitl 7:30. All I got was some pictures. It was the most terrifying and amazing thing I have ever experienced. It was more than worth what pain I did experience to have these perfect little babies.

Josh and I and Ron going into Surgery!

Meet ...

Madisyn Paige Gubler
Born: December 21, 2009 @ 1:01 pm

17 1/2" Long

5 lbs 15 oz

and...

Kaitlyn Rae Gubler

Born: December 21, 2009 @ 1:02pm

17" Long

5 lbs 9 oz

We are so in love with our girls, they bring us joy beyond anything we ever imagined.

D - Day = Monday

So I went to see Hutch again yesterday. Last week when I saw him things were moving along okay. I wasn't swelling much at all, I was dialating but no effacement was happening. So he put me on the schedule for a C-Section on December 30th at 6:30 in the morning. So I told my work that my last day was going to be Friday the 18th. I figured that would give me a week to relax and do the whole Christmas thing.

Well...

Change of plans. I went to the doctor yesterday. On Monday my feet started to swell a little bit and by yesterday I looked like my feet should belong to a 700 lb woman. Hutch "checked" me and told me that there was "a lot of change happening" then looked at his nurse and said schedule me for Monday at Noon. He was on his way to deliver a baby so I didn't get a chance to talk to him. When the nurse came back she took my blood pressure and it was high. So she has me lay on my side for a while and then came back in to check again. My blood pressure had gone down a little bit so she sent me home with instructions to not vaccume or sit too long or stand to long or lay down too long. I need to be mobile but relaxed.

So...

Now I'm in a mad rush with time to get all my little things finished and ready for them, without stressing myself out. It's all happening fast and the thought of getting a spinal block when I'm not in pain just causes me a bit of anxiety. I am so excited to see my babies but at the same time my life is changing forever and sometimes I wonder what in the world I was thinking.

Open Season?

I've often wondered since I got pregnant if the entire world thinks because I am pregnant that they are free to comment on everything about me. It's amazing the people that feel like it's their place to make judgement. The worst are the women. I've had the extreme on both ends, people that let me know I'm huge and those who think I'm way too small. My Mom suggested I get a shirt that says "Go To He--" on it, or maybe even stop them mid sentence with "If you're making a rude comment, don't talk to me". I thought I would compile a list of some of the comments I've received.
1- "You're not a house, you're a duplex!"
2- Once finding out we were having twins ... "Oh, what fertility drugs did you take?"
3- "That studio apartment is too small!"
4- "You are starving those babies!"
5- "You should get a belly cast, you wont believe how huge you are after their born!"
6- "You just look bigger everyday!"
7- "Oh my Gosh, are you sure there are two in there" (not sure if that was a "your too small" or a "there might be three or four", I wasn't asking.)
8- "Oh, there's that waddle we've been watching for!"
9- "YOU ARE SO HUGE, DON'T POP!" (yelled at me in Kohl's)
... And my favorite
10- "You should stay sitting, it hurts my feelings to watch you walk!"

Yeah, people are awesome! Seriously, I will never tell a pregnant girl that she is anything but beauitful.

Hair Maintenance

So... tomorrow I got to the doctor again. I'm scheduled for an ultrasound, stress test, appointment and most likely he's going to "check" me. So I thought, I don't want the doctor to think I'm all gross and hairy so I was going to shave. Now... I can reach the bottom part of my legs just fine; but the higher up I get the harder it is to reach. I asked Handsome if he would mind just shaving the inside of my leg. You would have thought I just asked him to jump off the roof. He got this horrified look on his face and took the razor from me. He got close and started shaking, I'm sure you can see where this is going. The inside never got shaved. This just leads me to question, how in the world a guy can shave his face and throat without a mirror but yet can't seem to shave a leg while he's staring at it? Honestly, it's not like it's gonna bite him!

Help!

I am a Book Lover. So much so that I have taken to collecting books. I'm all about Hardback books. I know, most people love paperbacks but not me. One of my favorite things to do is curl up on the couch and lose myself in a good novel.

However, my girls dont agree with me. In fact, I haven't even been able to finish one book my entire pregnancy. It's sad really, I've sortof let my brain go to mush. I honestly can't sit still and concentrate for a long enough period of time to absorb anything I'm reading. I find myself reading the same sentence over and over wondering to myself when in the world I got so stupid. It's taking it's tole.

So now that I am just about finished with this pregnancy I am longing for a good book to read; but here's my problem - What book? I need suggestions.

Baby Update

I went to see Nancy (the ultrasound lady) last Thursday. She measured the girls and they both weighed in at 3 lb 9oz. I was so excited because that means that one isn't taking from the other; my girls can already share. They were also just over 16" long. The only real difference was that Baby A had inherited her fathers head. Yup, her head is measuring a whole week ahead of Baby B. Josh thinks it's funny but now I'm wondering if my child is going to look like a bobble-head. I hope not. We also were able to get some 3D pictures of the girls. It was hard because they are so crammed in there but after about 4 attempts with one and 6 with the other we actually got alright pictures of them. So it was neat to see that they actually have features and they are in the correct space. The only negative news that we got was that they have turned, both of them. So now Baby B is head down and Baby A is head up. I keep trying to coax her to turn around, if she doesn't I have to have a C-section. So everyone pray that she will turn around. Please, please, please.

Baby B

Baby A

We've narrowed down the names list to 4 potential first names. We are pretty possitive about the middle names we've decided upon but wont commit until we see them. Hutch told me that the babies can come anytime after December 4th and be okay, which if you are looking at a calender is a mere three weeks away. For some reason December 19th keeps sticking out in my mind so we shall see if I'm getting a premenition or if, for some other reason, that day seems important and I've forgotten the reason. Anyhow, delivery day is getting close and I am getting nervous.

We had our first and only Birthing Class on Saturday at JVMC. I think that is the hospital we've decided to deliver at since it's closer to us and my doctor prefers the environment and nursing staff at the hospital in comparrison to IMC. I learned a lot in my class but my favorite part was the Anesthesiologist. He was hilarious and made me feel much more comfortable about getting the epidural than I was before talking with him. I learned two important things from him:

#1) The needle is not a foot long. It's only about 10 cm and only goes in your back less than an inch.

#2) I have a 1/295000 chance of becoming paralized from the needle and it's usually those with blood clotting problems. (yeah, I'm safe).

The teacher taught us a bunch of relaxation techniques after watching the video of women in labor and giving birth. I think they stuck with Josh because he has been quite eager to rub my back since then.

Also, I thought that I had passed the "potential swelling stage" but I was wrong. I noticed that I was developing a sock line on my ankle earlier last week. I showed it to Josh but of course he saw that as well as he says he can see my stretch marks (he tells me he can't see them; but I know he's lying. My belly looks like a treasure map). Well, last night I was sitting on the bed Indian Style folding clothes. When I got done I put my legs out. I was wearing shorts and I had a perma-dent in my leg from where my other leg was resting. Well he couldn't deny that so I am officially starting to swell. Sad.

I have been working on scrapbooks for my girls lately. I don't want to buy them a baby book so I am just incorporating it into their scrapbook. I wrote them each a letter, as did Josh, to put in their books about how we feel now that we are having a family. I believe it was a good idea but when I wrote "Love Mom" at the end it was a weird feeling, a good one, but it made me feel underqualified. That led me wonder if every person goes through feelings of inadequacy because they are about to become a parent. Not that I hadn't realized it before but I am responsible for these little people. I need to feed them and love them and teach them everything; it's a big job. Wish me Luck.

Heros

Atop my list of heros, you will find people like my Savior Jesus Christ, Joseph Smith, Grandpa, and Handsome, all are extremely selfless people; and although I love these men this post isn't about them. I recently found out that a friend of mine is going to be adopting a baby in January. She and her husband have been waiting a long time for a child and after a few failed attempts at IVF and many thousands of dollars in doctor bills she's finally getting her baby.

For those of you who don't know, although most of you probably do, I am adopted. I have not really made it a well known fact and unless you are in my family you probably haven't heard me talk about it much. It's extremely personal for me but not in the sense that it's embarrassing. Quite the opposite in fact. It's an emotional subject and rarely do I think about it anymore and avoid my faulty tear ducts.

Seeing as I am expecting my babies in the near future my thoughts have been with my biological mother quite a bit, who is also on my list of heros. I have no idea who she is and to be honest I've never felt the need to know. I have developed this new appreciation for her and what she gave up for me. She wrote me a letter telling me that she loved me and the reason she gave me up was because she knew I deserved a better life then the one she could have provided for me. She didn't even hold me at the hospital because she said she couldn't have gone through with it. I cannot imagine the strength it must have taken for her to nurture me and feel me move and then to give me away, it's one of the most selfless acts I can think of. She had no idea who my parents would be or what kind of family I would have but for some reason she knew I was not meant to be hers and for that I am grateful.

So although I have no real need to meet her, I believe I will get the chance when I get to heaven. And when I do I'm sure the only words I will be able to get out will be Thank You.

Look What I Did!

While looking at birth announcements for the girls I came across the cutest picture of a newborn in a tutu. So... while at Swiss Days this year I found some that were selling for a mear $30.00 each. Of course I wasn't about to spend that much on a tutu so I analized it and decided to try and make my own. They were super easy and I'm feeling rather domestic. The picture makes it look pink and blue but they are actually pink and purple. I made both of these and have enough material left over to probably make 5 more and it cost me a grand total of $5.65 cents. Not bad compared to $60.00 (for two). Josh thinks I should market them on ebay and that's how we'll get rich, it may come in handy in a few months when I'm considered extremly poor.

Weekly Woes

This week has been an interesting one. A lot has been happening so I will start from the beginning...

1) We went to the doctor for our monthly ultrasound. Usually my ultrasound tech is Nancy (whom I love) and she is always so friendly and concerned. You see, Nancy and I have something in common. We both were stuggling to get pregnant as a result of the same condition and we both got pregnant around the same time only she's having boys and I am having girls. With that said, Nancy always adds to our little baby video and gives us lots of cute pictures. Well this time Nancy wasn't there. We got this new tech who was a little grouchy. She just did everything really fast and didn't explain anything. She gave us three pictures one of Baby A and two of Baby B (but one was of her feet; cute, but not what I was going for). Also, the pictures are of them staring straight at us so they look like skeletons with clown faces. It was disappointing, however, still nice to see them.

2) I turned in my paperwork for FMLA because you must give them at least 30 days notice to qualify and Hutch told me not to make plans after Turkey Day, so, I get my approval letter from the CEO and there is a list of about 10 rules and or reasons to keep qualified for FMLA. Reason #7 was as follows, "Seeing as you are not a "key employee" at GFCU you do qualify for 12 weeks of leave under the FMLA." Well I was apparently unaware of how "NOT A KEY EMPLOYEE" I am because apparently I am being ousted from my possition in the call center and being forced to take a possition that's lower than that because I am having a baby. I was shocked, apparently they just have to take you back with the same pay and benefits but not at the same possition. They are looking for someone to replace me that is willing to work full time. Well sorry, but that just isn't an option for me and for that I'm being cut off. I think my supervisor feels bad about it seeing as she called me the other day to apologize and tell me she's upset about it; but apparently she has no say in it.

3) We finally picked a pediatrition for the girls. We chose Dr. Dale Chapman at GMC after we got a bunch of referals to him. He specializes in respiratory issues which is fabulous considering Josh's family has a lot of kids with asthma. Better to be safe than sorry. He spent 45 minutes talking to us about everything from hospital visits, to clinic hours, and his theory of Breast Feeding vs. Bottle Feeding (he's not extreme one way or the other). He also told me, in a very stern voice, to not take my babies anywhere except the doctors office for at least three months. So apparently I will be out of commision for quite a while. I'm sure people think that is a bit extreme but I figure he wouldn't suggest it if there wasn't a good reason for it. Apparenly he's so popular there that he isn't taking new patients and I had to get in touch with his nurse in order to get him to see us, however, once she heard our last name we were in. Josh's whole family goes to him. We waited to see him for about an hour, just like Hutch I told Josh that you have to wait to see the good doctors to which he responded "Can't you just pick an average doctor?" I laughed and was instantly grateful for him and his lack of complaining about things. We love Dr. Chapman and think he will work out great for our family.

4) HUNTING SEASON: We went hunting this weekend for the first time. Josh got all the gear and we put in for the licence, packed our trailer and went up to Flaming Gorge for the weekend. We stayed in a camp area with Kyle and Michelle, Nate's Family, Tonja's Family, and James' Extended Family. I had a good time however there were some people in attendence who got on everyones nerves a bit and was doing an excessive amount of complaining. Needless to say, we wont be camping with the "extended family" again. However, I think for the most part people had a good time, I did at least. Poor Handsome didn't even see a buck, he said he could have brought home 60 Doe but not one buck, it was a bummer but I still think he's planning to go next year. The sights up there were beautiful and I also found out that orange is not really my color. In fact, I'm not sure that florescent orange is anyones color but I was willing to look stupid to avoid being mistaken for a deer.

5) I came home from hunting a little bit sick. My nose is congested and my throat is soar. I've developed a little cough and today I have done nothing but watch television and lounge in my pjs. I did attempt to take a bath just to relax and for the first time I saw my belly move when the babies kicked me, I can't wait for Josh to come home so he can see it too. It's a strange thing to watch body parts moving involuntarily however it just makes the fact that I am close to becoming a mother much more realistic. (I'm sure the realism will really kick in once they both cry at the same time and I'm the only one here; but I'm grateful for it anyway). I'm getting very excited to meet my little girls and Josh is constantly talking about them, we can't wait.

"Short Bus" of the Day - 10/09/09

So I've decided to start a new continueum of posts labeled "Short Bus of the Day", sortof a knockoff to "Here's Your Sign" by Jeff Foxworthy. It's my way to record all the ridiculous questions I get by people who make me wonder if a permit should be required to reproduce.

So... with that said today's short bus is brought to us by B. Tanner. She asked me if the internet was required to get to her account online. Uh...Yeah. Then I spent the next 7 minutes and 30 seconds trying to explain to her the space in which to type the web address. Afterwhich she responded "Mine says google, is it suppose to say google?" I was at a loss for words, I suggested she come in to a branch or get someone to help her at home because I could tell she was NEVER going to get it. This 32 year old woman said "I'm sorry, I'm stupid at this", I told her it was okay just have a nice day. Although I really wanted to say "Yes, Yes you are. It's not like you're old. You were in Jr. High when they came out with the internet." But I didn't, some people just can't be helped.

It's Fall and Things Are Happening Way to Fast!

Today I am officially 25 weeks and it's day #2 of my favorite month. I like Halloween however it isn't the reason I love October. To me, October is the perfect month. The weather is fabulous, the leaves change color, they start to fall off and then you get the crunch sound. Yes, it's one of my favorite sounds. Grandpa used to rake the leaves from the back yard into a pile on the patio simply so I could crunch them (the concrete made a better sound).

Last Sunday for dinner, my family decided to take a drive up the canyon to look at the leaves and have a fire. Apparently everyone else in the valley had the same idea and we ended having to pay $10.00 for a spot at The Spruces. It was fun to just hang out and laugh. We got a really relaxing spot right by the river and you couldn't see the cars drive by, I could have stayed there for days.

We've been really busy lately trying to get things ready for the babies to come. My Mom is especially excited and is constantly buying things that she thinks I need for them, to the point that I may not even need a shower by the time they are born. Just kidding, I totally need a shower. But we appreciate all the things she's done for them. Their room is looking more livable everyday. Now we just need people to live in it.

Which brings me to my next point ...

I went to the doctor on Tuesday. I absolutly love Dr. Hutch, but because everyone else in the world feels the same way, I always end up waiting at least an hour if not two. On Tuesday we were his second to last appointment. Our appointment was scheduled for 4:30 and we didn't see him until 6:15. His nurse kept bringing us snacks (which were candy so it was a no go for me) and drinks (which was Sprite and I know it gives me heatburn so I stear clear); but it was a nice gesture. I got the news that I tested negative for Gestational Diabetes. That was a real concern for me the entire pregnancy so I am grateful. But I got the bad news that I an severely anemic, so bring on the Iron pills and the black poop (I was warned about that). Hutch looked at me and said "Amber, No More Chicken, Beef Only". So the girls and I had our second cheeseburger of their short lives for dinner the other night, it wasn't as bad as I imagined it would be. Maybe my gag reflex is relaxing! The girls sounded well. Baby A HB = 159, Baby B HB= 147. Baby A was the active one and B was calm. It seems my joke about B being a hyper baby wasn't sitting too well for her and she had to show that she could be good too. My Doctor also has started talking to me about labor. I was under the impression that I still had at least 12 weeks left but he corrected me by saying that he will not stop my labor after 34 weeks. Which means I have a mere 9 weeks left until they could possibly come. Of course I'm holding out for the 38 week mark, but who knows. I wish I did.


Josh and I registered for our birthing class at Jordan Valley the other week. It cost us $85.00 for 5 hours and I just about cried. I almost think it's not worth that much for a tour and a few breathing techniques; but my friend said she was glad she went so she would know exactly when to come the the hospital and when she was really in labor. So we're going November 14th and Josh is only happy about it because that is the day he is suppose to go to Sugar House and now he doesn't have to.

The babies are becoming very active. The movement feeling is great and they get excited when they hear Josh. He talks to them a lot and they kick him when he lays on my belly. It makes me think that they already know it is him, and I can tell he loves them. Most of my family has felt them move already and it's become "the game" whenever I see them. It's amazing to me that my body is able to make and carry (not without stretch marks though) these babies and that they are fine and healthy and everything is where it's suppose to be, without even thinking about it. Heavenly Father is awesome.

Well the last thing is I really would love to learn how to make those little flower headbands, if anyone knows how I would love to you forever if you could give me some pointers. I've tried and they look alright but I want them to look better than alright. I know this was probably the longest post in history but I've been trying to finish up some projects (cook book, blessing blankets, primary stuff, organizing my life, etc.) so I've been neglectful, but not anymore.

Monopolizing Thoughts

1- Today I took Josh lunch when I got off work. We were there for about 15 minutes when he went back and I proceeded to head home. However, I picked up a security guard on my way who followed me all the way to the freeway before he turned around. This got me thinking... Do I look like a suspicious person? Apparently I must have concerned someone enough that they called the neighborhood watch to come follow me. Maybe my big red truck isn't the best vehicle to go stalking in. Duh!

2-My thought's have been terribly preoccupied with Poop lately. I know, I must explain. So, I've been thinking a lot about labor lately. I'm honestly not scared of the pain or the shots. I'm not even worried about a possible C-section. However, I am terribly worried about pooping on the delivery bed. I've been told that most women do, and no one posts a notice outside your room warning of uncontrollable pooping; but I'm terrified of it.

3- Recipes are my entire life right now. I took on the daunting task of typing all my recipes to save on my laptop so that they would be easier to access when needed. I had no idea how many recipes I had. I've been doing this during my down time at work for the past three weeks and it seems never ending. The only thing that keeps me going is the fact that I know I don't want to have 30 recipe books and binders anymore not to mention I will NEVER do it if I wait until after the babies are born.

4-Babies of course. Well mostly baby names. I'm worried that Josh wont decide on names for the girls and I'll be one of those parents who's child doesn't have a name until they are forced to pick one or have the birth certificate say Baby Girl Gubler. Besides, I'm tired of referring to them as A and B. It just sounds so impersonal.

5- Work. Not necessarily my job right now but the thought of not having a job in a matter of 14 weeks if the babies cooperate. It absolutly gives me a tummy ache to think about. Trust me, I'm so NOT attatched to my job, more the paycheck that comes from doing my job. I just keep hoping that Heavenly Father will send me a money tree of some kind.

6- "Christmas is coming, Amber's getting Fat". This song has been swimming around in my brain for about a week. I decided since I am trying to get ready to have the babies I need to get started on Christmas. I know it's early but I usually do most of my Christmas Shopping the day after Turkey Day. However, this year might pose a small problem because in my experience, people don't care if you are pregnant or in a wheel chair, they just want their good deals that morning. SO unless I can find a fully caged in scooter with a table to support my belly, I'm not sure I'll be going. Therefore, I am almost officially done with all my presents and seeing as they required work from me, I needed to finish before I can no longer bend over. Horray!

7- Glucose Test - I am going in next Tuesday to take my sugar test. They gave me this thick looking orange sugar drink that I have to devour in 3 minutes and then get my blood drawn an hour later. Fine, tons of women do this; but my doctor advised me to stay away from Sugar and so far I have done just that. My entire pregnancy I have had 2 Reese's Peanut Butter cups and one chocolate chip cookie. That's it, nothing else "snackish". So I'm a little concerned about how the girls are going to handle the huge amounts of sugar. We shall see.

8- The dentist and I have never gotten along. Not that he's not a perfectly agreeable person and I have no personal problems with him however I get extreme anxiety when thinking about him poking around in my mouth. I have an appointment tomorrow and on occasion some appointments have been bad enough that I have needed a valium to calm me down; but not tomorrow. NO! He can't do much to me while pregnant, no x-rays with the plastic thing that always makes my mouth bleed, no possible cavity fillings, no allusions to have some gums removed, Nothing! It's going to be a nice visit.

9- The CEO told me that I need to pray that a certain unnamed member will be approved for his liqour licence so we can get rid of him and his crappy loan. That got me thinking, I doubt it would do much good to pray for that when I'm morally against it.

10-Stretch Marks are beginning to appear. It's horrible and inevitable for me since I have crap for skin but alas I have succumbed to the stretch marks. It's a sad day!

Vacation and Baby Update

Day 1 - Saturday

We arrived up at Park City to stay in the condo. Aaron's parents were here and we had a BBQ. Josh ended up working late so we got here in the middle of dinner. Have you ever heard the expression "As big as a house" well Aaron's Dad said "She's actually a Duplex". Ha..Ha..Good Times. Way to boost my self esteem.

Day 2 - Sunday

We went over to Strawberry Resevoir to have a fire. We made hobo dinners and hung out around the fire. It was fun but we were in the middle of no where and there were some animals that were freaking us out. Josh and Aaron kept getting logs and rocks to throw in the bushes. We had originally planned to spend the night and go fishing the next morning but there were no bathrooms. That's a problem for me because I absolutely cannot pee in the woods. I pee all over myself, so it's not an option when bathroom breaks are a necessity quite frequently for me.

Day 3 - Monday

Today we woke up early and went fishing. Of course, we didn't catch anything, and wasted the entire morning, but it was still an alright time. We went wheeling in the mountains in Aaron's new Bronco. It was nice to see the scenery up there. We also saw a bunch of deer while on our little escapade, we saw some hunters too and I thought we should be nice and point them in the right direction; but we didn't. We've been looking for a vehicle Josh can drive in the winter for a few weeks that wasn't going to cost us a fotune and we found it. We got a great deal on an F150 for him, it's white, and totally reminds me of being in High School. Oh...Memories.

Day 4 - Tuesday

Today was the big ultrasound. I had to drink 32 oz of water within an hour and then sit there while they pushed on my tummy. The nurse, Nancy, took pictures of everything. Their spine, brain, arms, feet, legs, heart, stomach, bladder, face, lips, measurements of the sac and amniotic fluid. It was nice to have them say that the babies are perfect. He said everything looks fabulous and I don't need to worry about anything at this point. We got a video and watched them kicking each other. Baby A was super calm and let them get everything that was needed. She's a thumb sucker (like her Dad used to be when he was little), and seems extremely tolerant. Baby B on the other hand is crazy. She would not hold still for anything. I ended up have to get up and walk around for a little bit to try and calm her down. Josh thought maybe if he touched my belly she would sit still, not hardly, she went nuts kicking the side where his had was. Almost like she wanted him to know she knew it was him. She's also a little dramatic. She kept putting her hand over her eyes as if she was saying "My life is so hard". It was adorable. They definitly have their own personalities. They are both measuring weight-wise at 13 oz. So almost a pound. But Baby A is a little longer than B. When they finally got a picture of Baby B's face, there was a faint outline around her face and Nancy said "Looks like you have a chunk here". It was cute. It just makes me love them so much to see them interacting with each other and Josh, especailly since I can't always feel them moving. I have an Anterior Placenta for both which means I have the most padding in the front of my stomach. It protects them more but also makes it harder for me to feel them. Anyway, here are their profiles as they are right now.

Baby A

Baby B
Day 5 - Wednesday

Today we slept in (yeah) and then got up to go shopping. We went to the outlets and bought a bunch of baby clothes. They have the most adorable stuff for girls and Josh even got into it because he picked out some little outfits for the. I did find the cutest little overall skirt for them, absolutely adorable. It's my favorite thing I found today. Also, for those of you who know our neice Addie, she's in the hospital for severe dehydration, so please keep her in your prayers, she's 9 months old and will need it.

We plan to go to Swiss Day's on Friday, hopefully I'll find something cute, I usually do. Satuday is our 6 Year Anniversary, I can't believe we've been married that long, it doesn't seem like it. We're about to enter into a whole new adventure together which will just make our lives so much better. He makes me so happy and I honestly feel as if Heavenly Father made him just for me. It's as if he was my gift for any trial I might ever experience. I am so greatful for him and who he is. He makes me want to be a better person. I can't imagine eternity without him there. I Love You Handsome, you mean the world to me.

5 Random Things We've Been Up To

1- Our House is looking Awesome, almost back to normal, and we are three days away from Hump Day. (Post to follow on Friday)

2- We went camping up at Strawberry Res. with my parents, Amanda, and Megan & Dave. I learned the a pregnant woman should never attempt to sleep in the same sleeping bag she fit in when she was 8. As a result of that night I've also decided what my parents are getting for Christmas (but I can't tell you because my Mom reads my blog, just know it's a great idea).


3- Josh went fishing and actually caught a fish. He was so happy about it one would have thought it was his first catch ever. Dan also caught a fish but his was illegal to keep so they high tailed it back to camp so they could stash it in the freezer. Oh, and it took me 3 washes to get the fish smell out of Josh's sweatshirt, good times.


4- We went on a little nature hike by the camp. My balance wasn't as bad as I thought it would be but my Mom's is. (If you've seen the new Kool-Aid commericial with the pop running on a log, picture my mother there instead. It was priceless.)

5- I learned that if you super glue your fingers to a paper towel and a magnet to the counter you get it off by using Finger Nail Polish Remover, not by freaking out and using a knife to take the finish off your beautiful granite countertops. Thank heaven for google, a knife to my finger wasn't the brightest idea I have ever had.

The Twins Are...

...GIRLS!

We went to the doctor yesterday and found out that the babies are girls. We are so excited. I have all these ideas bouncing around in my head for their room and names and hair and just everything. It was the weirdest feeling to watch them move around (they were quite wiggly) and not be able to feel it. I know we were hoping they were a boy and a girl but I am honestly suprised at how NOT disappointed we both are. I can't imagine it any other way now. We're toying around with a few different names however we may just have to wait and see them before making a firm decision; but we'll see. If we decide I will for sure let you all know. The babies heart rates were: Baby A 146 bpm and Baby B 140 bpm. Which is interesting because they have the same gap in beats per minute that they did during our first appointment. Of course, Hutch gave me the scare talk about Twin to Twin transfusion since they are the same gender and now we aren't sure that they are fraternal, so we will watch that closely. He also gave me the go ahead for delivery at IMC although he isn't going to deliver there anymore after October; but he said he would make a special trip for me. He also said that once things get closer he will give us his cell number to make sure he is the one to deliver even if he isn't the 'on-call' doctor. I also was offered the genetic testing and declined. I just figured that it wouldn't make a difference one way or another so we're not doing the test. Overall, it was a fun appointment, we have one next month to do the anatomy check on both babies. The ultrasound tech said to plan on at least 1 1/2 hours for that and I must NOT go to the little girls room for at least 4 hours before, so it will be interesting to see if I pee on the table (I'll keep you posted). Both Josh and Mom are coming with me so it's going to be a cramped room. Anyway here are a few pictures of the babies and their bums.
The Twins together

Baby A

Baby B

If you look close, Baby A has her hands behind her head like she's relaxing. I guess they all get their own little personality, even this early.

Update on the House: Well the car is officially totalled. We got that all taken care of last week. So now we are just waiting to see how the money looks with me not working as much and then maybe we'll get something new. Right now I am driving the truck and Josh is riding his scooter. The house is going through repairs as I type. We got the support beams put back in place and the garage door on. We're just waiting on the stucco and the new windows. So it's coming along.

Seriously Going Private

Okay, I am going private on Sunday, August 9. Leave me an email if you want an invite and didn't leave one on the previous post about going private.

Right When You Think Things Can't Get Any Worse!

Last night at 11:00 we woke up to our house shaking. We thought there was an earthquake but when we went outside there were two men accross the street cussing and swearing. We then thought we had walked into the middle of a gun fight. We went back inside and looked out the window only for Josh to ask "Where is your car?" Yeah, some drunk idiot illegal Mexican with unknown names ran through my front yard, hit my car which spinned around and hit the back of his car and went through the corner of my garage. It's a nightmare.


The kid in this photo was the passanger who fled the sceen after waking up from being passed out!

We've been told the car is totalled but we're still working on getting things rolling to get it all settled. The police report includes witnesses that said this 21 year old kid was going about 100 mph around the corner when he lost control. Horray for us!

14 weeks, Harry Potter, Too Much Mexican, Vomit

We've had an exciting last couple of days at our house.

This picture is of me at 14 weeks (and 13 lbs. lighter than before I got pregnant), I didn't realize I was so huge. Huge but happy. I've been craving Mexican food almost everyday lately so I've been over-consuming said mexican food. On Saturday I ate it twice in one day. (Bad Idea). We went to the 8:15 showing of Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince with Amy and Spencer. We got there a little bit late and I ended up sitting next to a lady who was breathing like and elephant in heat, smelled like feet, dressed in Winnie the Pooh Garb and stuffing her face with pop corn and soda. I was doing alright until about 20 minutes to the end when she adjusted and I got quite a wiff of whatever she had for lunch, combined with too much mexican food, and was from the point on struggling with my up chuck reflex. I didn't want to leave the show because what would be the point of missing the ending, even though I know how it ends, I just have to see it.

Well the movie gets over and Josh leans over to ask me a question and I just about bite his head off because he smells like Strawberry Daquari flavored Sobe and I don't want to be talked to. I completely ignore people I know trying to say hello to me and walk rather swiftly to the other end of the theater, dump out my purse and RALFED all over in it. (Of course I didn't think to grab one the hundreds of large paper popcorn buckets to do my little deed in, NO, I go for my $100.00 Miche bag with 4 different shells instead.)

In the end people stare at me like I'm an animal at the zoo and I am mortified. I just throw my purse in the garbage and walk out the door with what's left of my pride (not much). On the drive home I realize that still remaining in the ralfed in purse is Josh's favorite sunglasses and the flash drive with all my recipes on it that I have been typing at work. So we did have some casualties lost to the cause and now Josh thinks we should name our baby "Harry Ralf" in honor of our experience this evening. (He was joking of course, but the babies now share the nickname Ralf.)

Good Times!

A Decision Has Been Made

We have finally decided on car seats and a stroller. We've been to every store we can think of loooking for a pattern that we liked that came in double and finally it was found at Fashion Place Mall. It's Graco and the colors are charcoal gray and green (just in case you can't tell). We even got a killer deal on it because of the sale. Most places we went wanted close to $600.00 dollars for the set and we ended up paying $380.00 for this. It was too good of a deal to pass up. We had planned on picking car seats before we knew the genders of the babies just so we wouldn't be influenced by the pink flowers if they were girls. So, we love them and are so happy.

Totally Freaked Out!

So, coutesy of our IT genious at work, I am officially terrified that some terrorist in the Middle East is now reading my blog and stealing my identity as I write. In our meeting today at work he showed us how he could take a random blog and find out enough info on someone to be able to steal their identity (he did this with three people). Now to me that is frightening. So I started thinking, in all honesty I am a blog stalker. I am constantly reading blogs of people I know and don't know without leaving any sort of messages to say I've been there. So I thought, not in the "I'm totally awesome" way, that maybe there are people that stalk my blog too. He gave us a few tips on how to keep your identity more secure.

1- Use Nicknames instead of real names (Britt does this and people that matter to her know what their real names are, so that helps)

2- Do not disclose where you were born, went to school, currently live or work. (Not even the state because bad guys can guess the first 5 of your social with relative accuracy.)

3- He said never write about vacations until you are back from said vacation.

4- Never post anything that you wouldn't want the entire world to read, because once you do Google never forgets.

5- Go private. (Although they say there are ways around this, at least you are trying)

So after much paranoia I have decided that I'm taking my blog private. I'll probably do this around the beginning of August before I announce what the twins will be and their prospective names (which of course will be nicknames, thanks Britt) . I realize this is inconvienient for many but I must be able to say that I'm doing all I can to prevent anything bad happening to my family. So for those of you who would like to be invited to view my blog leave me a message with your email or you can send me an email at gubyguns@yahoo.com.

Update on the Twins

Yesterday, Josh and I went to the see Dr. Hutch. He is amazing but we always have to wait forever for him. My appointment was at 11:30 and I didn't see him until 1:00. I got weighed which was fun for me. I've lost 10 lbs exactly since my last appointment and although I've been taking some crap from people about it my doctor said that I didn't need to worry. He told me to remember that I am only eating for one, not for three, and if he sees a problem he will let me know. So it looks like I don't have to gain 60 lbs afterall. We got to hear the babies heart beats. They were at 178 and 167 which is a lot higher than last month when they were at 134 and 140. We also could hear them moving around which was an interesting sound that sounded a lot like I was passing gas. It was embarassing until Hutch told me that the sound was them moving. It was neat.

Hutch also told us the differences between a single and a multiple pregnancies. Basically everything is the same until about 18 weeks. Then you start to experience everything earlier. So what women experience at 25 weeks I will experience at 20 weeks. Interesting. Plus after week 18 we have an ultrasound everytime we go in. Just to make sure that the babies are growing and that one isn't dominating the other. So hopefully next time they will be able to see what the babies genders are. At first I thought that one was for sure a boy; but yesterday I started thinking that they are both girls. So I have no idea! I'll just be happy with whatever I get.

I also got some other interesting news. When we went in for the ultrasound the ultrasound tech told me that the babies were fraternal. Well my doctor told me that they've found you can have identical twins and they can have separate placentas. So the only way to know if they are fraternal is if they are different genders or if after they are born they look physically different. Interesting, I had no idea. Apparently no one else did either because no one bothered to correct me. So we may have fraternal twins, we may have identical twins, they may be boys or girls or one of each.

I also had to have some tests run. I went to the lab and there was this huge poly lady sitting behind the desk and she was going to draw my blood. I was terrified, I just knew she was gonna kill me; but she was the best ever. I barely felt the needle. I'm surprised that I have any blood left because they took so much (6 large viles, 4 small ones). Then I had to pee in a cup twice, so the second time they only got about 1/2 a mL. Hope that was enough, I guess we'll see.

To top off the visit, I had to meet with the financial department. She went over my benefits, which are amazing. They pay 100% of the charges and all I have to pay is one $20.00 co-payment. I also found out that because we are having twins the delivery charge doubles. So instead of being $3000.00 now it's $6000.00. (Thank You Insurance). I guess the extra 20 minutes they spend with you and the extra baby they catch warrants a double charge, whatever! But the sad news is that I may not get to deliver at the hospital I want. Originally I had planned to deliver at Jordan Valley; but once we found out it was twins Hutch suggested we go to the new IMC Hospital since they have an NICU just in case. That way the babies wont have to be transfered. Well, supposably, my insurance wont cover that hospital so now I have to fight my insurance on it. That should make for an exciting phone conversation. So wish me luck, I've got my 'fightin' words' ready!

Opinions

So I've been struggling for the last three weeks. I had someone openly question my ability to handle my own children. Now this person means absolutely nothing to me, she's niave on the subject of raising kids herself, and her opinion shouldn't matter to me; but for some reason I can't stop thinking about it. It's been bothering me so much that I've had a hard time being around some of my friends. It's not like I did anything horrible to her; she just felt the need to be rude in that sweet way that you aren't quite sure how to respond. It's been a trial for me and caused me a lot of stress. I have had some wonderful family members tell me that I need to let it go and try to help me through it with comments that make me feel like I could be "SuperMom"; but in the back of my head I hear that comment and it makes me wonder where in the world she would have come up with something like that. I guess I'm just going to have to learn to deal with it but it's hard not to let people's opinions bother me.
*sigh*

...and so it begins

Today I am officially 10 weeks. It may not seem like a milestone however my babies are now into their double digits and that makes me excited. With the exception of being exhausted all the time I honestly hadn't been that sick. So I was thinking to myself, "YES, you got off scott free with the sickness crap." Apparently I spoke to soon. I don't know how some of you function with morning sickness. I am completely useless. I woke up yesterday totoally fine, however upon arriving to work, one of my co-workers was having popcorn for breakfast (no she's not expecting) and from that point on I was a gonner. For the next three hours it was like a wrestling match with my 'up-chuck' reflex. About 11:00 I could take no more and resigned myself to taking the rest of the day as a sick day. I felt like a whimp. I came home and slept from 1:00 until 5:00, it was fabulous. Needless to say, Popcorn smell is now banned from my office if they expect me to continue working at my desk as opposed to on the toilet. (That could be interesting)

On a much sadder note, I am also surrounded by sick people. I was informed just recently that there are a few people in Josh's family as well as a couple at work who have or have been in contact with someone who has the H1N1 Virus. (I don't know why they call it that, Swine Flu is so much more fun to say.) So hopefully everyone will make a full recovery and we can get back to life as we know it. I'm praying I don't contract anything foreign because there is a limited number of medications to be taken at this point in my pregnacy.

My Mom has become demesticated recently. She made me the cutest quilts ever for my babies. She made a pink and brown poka-dot one for a girl and, of course, a camo one for a boy. I'm not sure that they are a boy and a girl, however I am hoping for it. I really feel like at least one of them is a boy and if they both turn out to be girls I will apologize later.

I recently learned that stores give you a discount for having twins, which just goes to show that they feel sorry for the expense you will be going to. I have officially resigned myself to the fact that we are now poor. I never really thought of myself as poor (obviously never rich either, just alright) but I am now. We are trying to work out a way for me to quit working because it's wrong for me to expect people to watch my kids for free everyday, I would just feel to bad. So we have come up with The Plan. I would hate to bore you with the details but basically it includes every dime I make going towards paying off our truck, if I can do that then I can quit. So here's to my attempt at being extremely disciplined with my spending and hoping I have a lot of great shower gifts or my babies may be naked. (Not really)

Feeling Lazy

So I've been feeling really bad lately. I have become "the wife" I never wanted to be. Poor Josh, he just puts up with it without saying anything, he's so wonderful. I realize that being pregnant takes it's toll on your body, but I must say I didn't expect it to be like this. I never cook anymore (I just tell Josh what to do), my house is a disaster because I have no motivation to clean it, and I only do laundry when I'm out of underwear. If Grandma could see me now she'd have me beat! Lucky for me my family has taken pitty on us and I've had multiple dinner invitations which has kept us from living off of fast food and ramen noodles. I've heard it's suppose to get easier after week 12 so I suppose we'll be living in a mess until then.

It's A Miracle!

We are pregnant and it's twins! We are due around January 15th (they will most likely come early) and they are fraternal. Everything is great and we are measuring at about 7 1/2 weeks. I am excited and terrified at the same time and Josh feels like he's been punched in the gut.

The Twins together. Baby B is underneath Baby A so you can't see it as well right here but it is there.

Baby A

Baby B is actually a little bit bigger although the sack is smaller. We heard both of their heartbeats today and it sounded like a little boat. I guess this is what you get when you wait for something for so long, you get more than you ask for. We feel so blessed and are hoping that everything will go well and we'll have no complications. Pray for us!

Family Reunion in Hurricane

We had so much fun this year at the Spendlove Family Reunion. It was held over Memorial Day Weekend in Hurricane, Utah. It was nice to have the whole family together and to get to know some of Josh's cousins that we don't see very often.

The Gubler Family - May 2009

On Sunday Randy & Janise's Family, Ryan & Diane's Family, and Josh and I all went to a place called Sheeps Bridge. It has the Virgin River running right through the middle of it. We had fun hiking and the kids and the boys had fun swimming in the river. None of them had swimming suits but it didn't seem to matter, we're definitly going to have to make it back there on our next trip to Southern Utah.

Josh had a great time just floating down the river. It was shallow in most parts but there were a few areas where he couldn't touch the ground.

Ryan helped the kids catch some frogs a few times. He was planning to bring some home in a pop bottle but while Josh and Ryan were out getting rocks for the yard, Diane and I were at the motel and we thought one had gotten out. So I thought we would put the frogs outside the door and then when Ryan came home he could do the frog sitting. Well, either the wind blew them away or the housekeeping people threw them away; but when we opened the door they were gone. Let's hope they made it back to their little homes.

Josh played Ultimate Frizbee with some of his brothers and cousins while me and the girls watched from the shade on the sideline.

The Fabulous Super 8 Motel we stayed at had a pool so the kids all spent time swimming.

Josh and I spent some time with his Grandma Gubler. It was nice to spend the night and be able to help his Dad out with the yard and the chores. Plus, we got some fantastic home grown fruit while we were there.

So that was our trip, we had so much fun and it just reinforces the reasons why we love Southern Utah.

Girls Day & Night Out

On Saturday for Lunch, Mom, Allison, Amy & I met Aunt Cheryl, Heidi and Andrea for lunch at the Olive Garden. We had so much fun laughing and just hanging out. I think we might have to make this a tradition.

Carter, Heidi, Cheryl, Andrea, & Hadley

We then went to the cemetary to clean up Grandma and Grandpa's headstone. (It's amazing the stuff you find at the cemetary, post to follow). The babies were crawling all over the place and trying to 'help' clean. We got ice cream afterward at Winder Dairy.

Hadley, Amy, Andrea, Carter, Heidi, Allison, & Me

After girls night with my family I had girls night with Josh's family. We've been doing it since about November and I really love it. It has given me a chance to get to know my sister-in-laws better and let me tell you they are amazing. We have so much fun together. We went and saw "Ghosts of Girlfriends Past" (don't waste your money). All I can say is that I could have gone my whole life without it, but it was fun anyway. We went to get ice cream after (I know, twice in one day) and just spent the evening talking. It was a great time.