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!