32!!

32!  32!  32!  32!  32!  32!

We are officially at the 32 week mark!  Making it this far is a HUGE milestone!  Today, according to the doctors, is when we are officially 32 weeks along in this pregnancy.  According to me, it was actually yesterday (it's Leap Year- I think they forgot that extra day!).  No matter who you agree with, we've made it to the 32 week goal.  Making it to 32 weeks means that the boys' lungs are much more developed and will (hopefully) require less invasive help with breathing after they are born.  Thank you for all of your prayers, positive thoughts, and support in helping our family get to this point.

Yesterday was a full day for us.  I went to my scheduled non-stress test in the morning, and true to form, all of the babes did just great.  They all passed with flying colors.  Pheww!  Even though they call it a "non-stress" test because they aren't doing any interventions during the test to stress the babies, that doesn't necessarily mean that it's non-stress for Mama.  I made the nurse recheck my blood pressure  at the end of the test- much better!  Not only did the boys pass according to the 31 week gestational age criteria, they actually would have passed using the 32 week criteria (their heart rates need to go up a little bit more for a little bit longer after movements).  So proud of our little peanuts!

In the afternoon, Jason met me at the doctors' office and we went in for our ultrasound.  Dr. McElvey had given us a two week break from the ultrasounds, so I was pretty nervous (nervousness seems to be a common feeling for me these days) as to what we'd find out.  Nervous for lots of things- is my blood pressure staying low?  Are the babes looking okay on the ultrasound?  Do they still have enough amniotic fluid?  Have they gained enough weight to keep the pregnancy going?...

Whenever I was in the car or walking around yesterday, I listened to Bob Marley's music.  I think it really helped keep me calm, or at least kept me from totally freaking out.  I'm pretty sure that I only sang aloud when I was in the car, but I can't be too sure on that.  Sorry to anyone walking the hallways of Sutter Memorial hospital yesterday if you had to endure a poor rendition of "No Woman, No Cry".

Anyway, back to the ultrasound.  I don't know if I've ever been more proud of our babes!!!  All of them  looked great on the ultrasound!  They each have plenty of amniotic fluid still, their heartbeats are looking good, and they're moving around like is to be expected.  Because Baby A's slower weight gain has been a big concern for the doctors for the past month, they did the measuring to see how much estimated weight he's gained since the last ultrasound two weeks ago.

I am so proud to report that Baby A now weighs an estimated 3 pounds and 8 ounces!!  Our little peanut gained a full 12 ounces in two weeks, which means that his rate of growth actually picked up over the last two weeks in comparison with the previous three weeks.  So many prayers answered with this revelation.  The doctors have been telling us that, given how things have been progressing, the reason why they might have to intervene and deliver the munchkins would be if Baby A's growth slowed down.  I am just so eternally grateful that he's still growing and that we get to continue with this pregnancy.  We literally could not have asked for better news from the doctors yesterday!

One of Jason's big worries has been that I haven't been resting enough (I love this man so much!), and so he asked the doctor if I need to increased my bedrest.  Dr. McElvey was actually very positive with us and told us that whatever we've been doing is working!  I feel like I've been pretty good about resting in bed on my side as much as possible everyday, and so I'm thrilled that she didn't add anything to the regimen.  Plus I'm super excited that she doesn't think that I need to be on bed rest in the hospital- I'd much rather be in my own home, waking up next to my husband, cuddling with my puppies and kitty.  

The other new bit of news that we have is that the doctors will actually be working on scheduling us for a Caesarean section right around 36-37 weeks.  If something causes us to have to deliver before then, well so be it.  But at least now we know we have a potential end date.  Once they call us with the day, we'll let everyone know.  

I do have to report that Jason has been so amazing these last few weeks.  He's actually been amazing throughout the entire pregnancy as well, but I just want to give him some major props.  It is so hard for me to watch him take on more than his fair share of keeping this household running, especially when he does it with such a good, patient attitude.  I thank God everyday for his patience and efforts.  He's worked his butt off to make sure that the house still stands, the lawn's taken care of, and the pets are fed and loved.  

AND he's doing all of this while making sure that I'm being totally taken care of too- he's been so protective and so gentle with me.  He's quick to offer a hand to me when I'm trying to get up from the couch (it's tough when you're carrying about 60 extra pounds, with almost 14-15 pounds of that being total baby).  The other night, the poor man literally had to help me get out of the shower- I made the mistake of sitting down to scrub my feet and couldn't safely get up!  Jason's always making sure I've got more than enough food and drinks within easy reach.  People keep giving me props for carrying these little munchkins, but I truly feel like I've got the easier job right now when compared with my husband.  I don't think either of us anticipated how true our wedding vows would be when we said them three years ago.  I promise that from this day forward, you shall never walk alone.  

Pregnancy soundtrack

I had another non-stress test yesterday morning.  The boys all passed again!  They were moving and grooving in there, which made the nurse's job a little more challenging to make sure that each of their heartbeats was being monitored at all times.  It can be quite the ordeal for the nurse doing a non-stress test for triplets.  

During the test, I have to wear what I can only really describe as stretchy leg warmers, but they're for the tummy area to help hold the monitors on the skin.  Four separate monitors then get placed strategically on my belly-- three are to pick up and record the babies' heartbeats and one is to pick up any uterine contractions.  And when the babies start moving around a lot (like they were yesterday!), the nurse has to apply pressure to the monitor (effectively pressing down on my tummy!) to hopefully keep finding the heartbeat.  Additionally, I hold two buttons in my hand during the test, and whenever I feel any baby move, I'm supposed to click the buttons.  My nurse did a great job yesterday finding all of the heartbeats right away.  I think I was in the chair for less than two minutes (compared with almost 30 last week!) before she had each of the babes on the monitor.  I spent the next 20 minutes just "clicking" away.  

I feel like a bad mother at times while I'm hooked up for this test.  The nurse can usually look at the heartbeats and tell when the babies are moving.  And honestly- I don't always feel them.  Sometimes there's just so much going on down there that it almost seems like one baby's movements cancel another's out, leaving me feeling nothing.  And then I start thinking that I'm a bad mommy because I can't even feel my babies moving!!  :(  

But it is fun to have the test done too.  At one point, the nurse had to apply a lot of pressure to Baby C's monitor on my belly because he was moving so much- she made the comment that she could literally feel him rolling from front to back (or back to front- not sure) under the monitor.  All I care about at this point is that each of the boys is passing the test.  Usually one or two will pass very quickly and then I spend the rest of the test trying to cheer on the last baby...

If you know anything about me, you know that I love music- any kind of music.  My parents surrounded us with music when I was growing up.  I've been singing since I was a little girl and even went to college on a music scholarship (for voice).  To this day, I can't help but sing along to the radio in the car, regardless of how silly I must look to other drivers.   I actually met my husband at a jazz music festival- very appropriate!  

So it should come as no shock that I have a "pregnancy soundtrack" that I've been compiling over the last six months in my head.  It'll never be a bestseller on ITunes, but it's a totally random/odd mix of songs that speak to me personally.  I'm not saying that you need to rush out and listen to all of these songs, but they just may change your life...  :)

Heavenly Day by Patty Griffin

This song was actually performed live at our wedding three years ago, but I still love it.  The lyrics talk about how troubles may come, but it's most important to live in the moment and not worry about them until they arrive- something that's a little tough to do at times when you're carrying triplets.  But at least it helps me to remind me to be positive and just enjoy the journey!

One Thousand Years by Christina Perri

I heard this on the radio while waiting at a stoplight on the day we found out that there were three boys in my tummy.  For whatever reason, I actually listened to the words for the first time (I'd previously written it off as "that Twilight song").  The lyrics "how can I love when I'm afraid" and "I have died everyday waiting for you" just hit me- and I bawled like a baby at that stoplight.  Luckily no one was behind me...

Three Little Birds by Bob Marley & The Wailers

Jamaica, where the uncomparable Bob Marley hailed from, has had a special place in my heart ever since my first medical mission trip there.  The album that I most associate with this song, "Legend", has been one of my most favorite for forever.  And how can I argue with Bob telling me not to worry cuz every little thing is gonna be alright, especially when he informs me that there are three little birds telling me the same thing?  :)

You & Me by Dave Matthews Band

I feel so blessed to have the most amazing husband in the world.  I love that we've approached this entire pregnancy as a team effort, supporting each other through each development.  This song just exemplifies that to me.  I love the lyrics...

when the kids are old enough we're gonna teach them to fly

you and me together, we could do anything

Titanium by David Guetta feat. Sia

I've laughed everytime I've head this song since Dr. Veille first told me I have a "titanium cervix".  This is actually my cervix's theme song.  I'm laughing to myself right now having just typed those last two sentences.

Lucky by Jason Mraz & Colbie Caillet

How lucky that I'm in love with my best friend?  How lucky are we to be adding on to our family?  Jason and I have actually performed this song before (in the comfort of our own home) with me on guitar and singing and him playing the bass.  Cute.  Nerdy, but cute.

You Are The Best Thing by Ray LaMontagne

Oh this man's voice has such soul in it.  Before when I used to listen to this song, it made me think of my husband.  And now, it still makes me think of Jason, but it also makes me think of these three little munchkins in my tummy and how they are probably the best thing that has ever happened to us.  How someday I'm going to be so excited to come home after a long day of work and just kiss their little faces.

Songbird by Eva Cassidy

This was the first song that Jason and I danced to as a married couple.  It has a special place in my heart, and I love every word in it.  Every single darn word.  Finding out that we were carrying triplets was such an absolutely surreal moment in my life- it didn't feel right and it didn't feel real.  But as time has passed-- I can't imagine it being any other way.  Having our triplets, while scary, just seems right.

Baby Mine by Bette Midler

I sing this song to the babes all the time.  It's from the Beaches soundtrack.

Gold On The Ceiling by The Black Keys

A totally unorthodox choice, but Jason and I did go to a Black Keys concert the week before our first ultrasound.  Plus you just can't listen to this song without getting happy and wanting to bust out some air guitar.  

Everybody by Ingrid Michaelson

Another song that just makes me happy and puts a smile in my heart.  I hadn't heard it in years until Jason and I had to make a run to the Home Depot for something for the babes' room.

In The Looking Glass by Lorie Line

Lorie Line is an amazing musician/composer/pianist from Minnesota.  I've loved her compositions for decades.  I've been playing this one on the piano just for the babes since the beginning of the pregnancy.  This song also holds the distinction of being the only complex song for the piano that I can play without sheet music...

So now that you rushed out and listened to all of these totally random songs on YouTube, you know why this will never be a bestselling soundtrack.  :)  But random as they are, each of these songs have been meaningful to me throughout this pregnancy...

"Non-" stress test?

HAPPY 31 WEEKS to everyone!!!!!!

Another busy few days for us!  I went to see my coworkers on Tuesday for a little bit- I miss them so much.  It was great to chat and joke around with them.  I got caught up on events happening on the floor, and even though I halfheartedly offered to hold peoples' pagers for them so they could have a break, no one actually took me up on my offer...  :)

Afterwards, I went on a little trip to the Costco to pick up some things for the house.  It never ceases to amaze me at how oblivious some people can be when there are free samples in their vicinity.  Totally blocking aisles with their carts, refusing to move out of the way when I try to ask them politely, etc.  At one point, I was forced to bring out the "pregnant lady coming through!"

Yep, my maternity swimsuit is pretty

much stretched to the max...

But I have found that most people are at the opposite end of the spectrum.  They offer to help me lift things, open doors, and other helpful things like that.  On Tuesday, there was a very elderly gentleman in the Costco checkout lane that started emptying my cart contents onto the belt because, as he told me, he "didn't want me stretching any more than I had to."  Now forget the fact that given his age and infirmity, I should have probably been helping him with his own cart!  Once they see my tummy, most people go out of their way to be gracious and considerate.  Sometimes I just want to show people that I can open my own door, but I remind myself that they aren't doing this for me- they're doing it for the babes- and that makes it much easier for me to accept their help.

Jason hung the birch trees on the wall-

our nursery's forest theme is really

starting to come together!

On Wednesday, it was all about getting things accomplished at home.  I completed a ton of organizational paperwork in anticipation of our eventual munchkin delivery.  I'm not going to lie- I'm a bit of a nerd at times when it comes to organizing things.  I even typed up a list of my current medications along with space to write when I last took the meds prior to hospitalization (one of my pet peeves when I admit patients myself at the hospital- it's so hard for them to remember this info!).  Janelle was over at the house, and she declared me to be a little bit of an overachiever with that move.  Is it so wrong that I want to make things easier on my nurses?  :)

Closet curtains hung!

A little bit of a sobering note- I finally completed my advanced directive forms Wednesday.  For those of you unfamiliar with this document, it's a form that EVERYONE should take the time to complete (you can find the forms for free online!).  An advanced directive basically lets your doctor, family and friends know your health care preferences that you want, or don't want, at the end of your life.  I've been meaning to do this since my first semester of nursing school and always put it off.  The form itself actually took a very short amount of time to complete, but I feel so much more comfortable heading into a surgical delivery now.  Granted, women have C-sections all the time with few complications.  And most likely the biggest complication I'll have to deal with is a severely stretched out tummy after our munchkins vacate the premises.  But having worked in healthcare (and being a new mommy), it would be so irresponsible of me to go into this surgery without having accounted for any potential drama and complications.

Janelle and I went through our latest shipment

of newborn clothes courtesy of my mom's book

club friends.  They are so sweet!  (both

the clothes and the book club ladies!!)

Absolutely love them-

Janelle and I hung curtains in the nursery, did some more laundry for the babes, stocked the drawers with more newborn clothes... it's becoming a real nursery!!  We also packed my bag for the hospital, and because you can't be too prepared, we even stocked the newly arrived diaper bag with essentials too.  I'm waiting to see what size the peanuts are when they pop out before I throw diapers and outfits in there though...

Hospital bag packed and ready to go...

I found out Wednesday that the doctors want me to start doing twice weekly "non-stress tests".  Dr. Gilbert had originally mentioned that I'd start them doing week 32, but Dr. McElvey decided to have me start them during week 31.  No big deal- bring on the tests!  During a non-stress test, I get hooked up to monitors that can track each babe's heartbeat.  During the 30ish minutes of the test, their heartbeats are monitored to see if they accelerate after fetal movement.  If they do that at least twice for a certain length of time during the test, they pass.

A proper indication of how big my belly is now-

Jason has to tie my shoes for me.  I can't reach

too well!

I was a little nervous going into the test because it was a new experience for me.  It took the nurses a while to be able to get each of the babes on the monitors-- and it actually took three of us to hold down the devices on my belly (and track the babies) because the babies were moving around so much!  All three of the babies passed with flying colors.  In fact, Baby A (the one whose lower weight gain is most concerning to the doctors) was actually the most active and passed the test before his brothers.  He was a little motor boat throughout the entire test!  But the important thing is that all three of them did really well and passed.  I'm so proud of our little munchkins- they're little superstars and they haven't even been born yet!

Baby shower

Just over a week ago, Jason's coworkers threw a baby shower in our honor.  It was so incredibly sweet of them to do so, and it was a fun time had by all (I didn't know before that you could fit almost 200 jelly beans in an 8 oz baby bottle!).  What made me the happiest about that day, however, was seeing how supportive Jason's coworkers are of him.  Since we announced our pregnancy to the world at large, I have personally been surrounded by coworkers that have been nothing short of amazing in supporting me.

But I think (luckily so!) that is perhaps a more natural extension of the caliber of coworkers I am blessed with and the nature of my profession.  Nurses by their very calling are caretakers of others, and my coworkers have continued to exemplify that in their actions (seriously- how blessed am I to get to work with my idea of what dream coworkers should be at the tender age of 32?).  The next statement may be naive or shortsighted of me, but I wouldn't necessarily expect a host of accountants and commercial real estate developers to conduct themselves in the same way.

Jason's coworkers did a little

creative decorating for the shower

So it made my heart smile to watch Jason's coworkers that day and observe the way that they have pulled together to follow our story and take care of Jason.  If I'm remembering correctly, Jason has worked for that company for around 12 years, and they have really grown to be another family for him.    My coworkers have become a sort of newish California family for me, and I'm so grateful that my beautiful husband has the same...

A close up of their version of our "future baby"

Jason and I did some shopping this past weekend for the babies, running to a few stores to pick up some needed things for the nursery.  I have some curtains to hang once they arrive from Minnesota.  My mother, who is quite talented at sewing, has been working on them for the munchkins' room.  It almost wouldn't seem right to call it a nursery without some of her sewing handiwork in there!  After that, Mom will be making bedskirts for all three cribs as well.  I don't think that many new mommas can brag about having their own personal sewing craftswoman on retainer!  After that, I want to switch out the framed picture that I currently have hanging in there (a large poster print of one of my favorite places in the Boundary Waters- although I love the print, I think the room needs something different).

The latest version of the sign hanging

outside of Jason's office- they just keep

adding to it!

I've been slowly going through the nursery and prepping smaller things for the babies' arrival...
-setting out possible "coming home" outfits for the munchkins
-washing/folding blankets and swaddlers
-putting garbage bags in the diaper caddy
-making up the cribs with sheets so they are ready for sleeping babies!
-prepping new bottles for the dishwasher so they are ready when the babes come home
-gathering together the supplies we'll use to give the munchkins their baths

It still continues to fascinate me that preparing for their arrival takes so much work.  Each time I go into the nursery, I just sit in the rocker and look around the room for possible things that I can prepare now versus waiting until later.  Yesterday, I even practiced putting one of the stuffed animals into a swaddler garment- just to make sure that I remembered how to do it correctly!  It was a little bit of a surreal moment for me.  I felt as if I was playing with my dolly like I did when I was a child (pretty accurate assessment actually!), but it made me so excited to think that soon I'll get to do that with my own three sons.

The babes have continued to be very, very active.  You can literally sit across the room from me and see my belly move!  I love watching their little feet and arms trace across my tummy.  They are all getting strong enough that sometimes their movements actually hurt a little.  And when two or more of them decide to do some big body movements at the same time, I almost can't move my own body because it can be that uncomfortable.  But I don't usually mind too much- I keep thinking about how lucky we are to have three babies in my tummy that are big enough and strong enough to do that to me!  Keep marinating in there, my munchkins...

Yesterday's ultrasound

We had our 30 week growth ultrasound yesterday!  So here's the update...

Momma's doing pretty well.  They didn't check my blood pressure, but I have had absolutely no signs or symptoms of high blood pressure and my daily urine dipstick is not showing anything alarming, so everything seems okay on that front.  And my cervix has not changed at all over the last week- hooray!

I've gained another couple of pounds over the last week (with no increase in ankle swelling!), so that is awesome.  Who knew that I'd be rejoicing over my own weight gain?  The morning after we found out we were carrying triplets, I read that the average weight gain for  a triplet mommy is 50-70 pounds, which had originally led me to bawl like a baby thinking of the toll that would take on my body to gain that much (I've always joked with Jason that we might need to widen the doorways if I ever got pregnant, and that much of a weight gain made it seem like that would be a significant possibility!).  

For those keeping track, I've officially gained 55 pounds so far, and I am still trying to gain a lot more.  The dietician that works with the Mommies of Multiples program has told us that with higher order multiples, increased maternal weight gain is associated with a DECREASED risk of premature labor.  So bring on the food, and bring on the weight gain!  This usually means that I start my day with a lovely breakfast around... 3:30 am.  I'm basically like a hobbit- first breakfast, second breakfast, midmorning snack, first lunch, etc...

The babies seem to be doing pretty well too, so keep those prayers coming.  All of their heartbeats are right where they should be and it still thrills me to hear them on the monitors.  Our boys are so strong!!  I seriously think my heart skips a beat when I get to hear theirs.  

They are all sitting in ample amounts of amniotic fluid, which is amazing as well.  The amount is very, very slowly going down (totally to be expected with any pregnancy) due to a couple of factors.  First of all, the little peanuts actually swallow amniotic fluid while they are in the womb, which helps them develop their lungs and digestive systems.  Second of all, as the triplets themselves grow, there is just less physical room for amniotic fluid.  

Each of the babes was measured in multiple ways (head circumference, femur length, etc.) which is how they determine an estimated baby weight.  Baby A, the one positioned lowest in my pelvis, is weighing in at 2 pounds 12 ounces, which puts him at the 7th percentile on the growth chart.  The doctors have been concerned about his low weight for weeks now, BUT they keep reminding me of a few things.  Firstly, it's actually quite common for either the baby lowest in the pelvis or highest in the uterus to gain weight the slowest.  Secondly, he IS gaining weight.  Since the last time he was measured, he increased his weight by almost 50%!  Way to go peanut!  

They also checked the blood flow through his umbilical cord to make sure that there weren't any problems with cord insufficiency or blood flow to account for his slower weight gain.  We were so grateful to learn that there is nothing wrong in that area.  Basically, our little peanut just has the misfortune of being on the bottom and having two little piglets sitting on his head.  :)  He still has his head resting on my cervix, which makes me think of him as the "gatekeeper".  Whereas his brothers might think, "Hey, let's get out of here and see what's out there", he's just patiently protecting their exit point!  :)

Baby B continues to hang out in the middle of my uterus and is weighing in at 3 pounds 14 ounces, which puts him at the 87th percentile on the growth chart.  He's my little performer, always putting on a good show for us during the ultrasounds.

Baby C is at the top of the uterus and is topping the charts at 4 pounds 5 ounces.  He's comfortably sitting at the 98th percentile on the growth chart.  Apparently I'm growing some really big, healthy babies!!

All three of the babies were moving around and kicking during the ultrasound, which made capturing some of their measurements a little more challenging than normal for Athena, the ultrasound queen (I love her.  I seriously love her).  I didn't have the courage to tell her that it may have been my fault that they were moving so much- I'd decided to treat myself to a decaf caramel frappachino from Starbucks about 30 minutes before the ultrasound.  The babes were on a sugar high!

While we (Janelle came with me- she's been so amazingly supportive!) waited for the doctor to come in and talk with us about Baby A's weight gain and any changes to the plan of care, I was a hot mess.  I was so worried about Baby A and whether or not his weight gain was enough to justify them letting me continue the pregnancy (versus inducing labor).  They should have checked my blood pressure then- I'm sure it would have been off the charts!  Janelle was so patient with me as I was trying not to freak out (too much)- a nice hand massage came in quite "handy".  Because Jason wasn't there, I was so scared that I'd have to call him and tell him to hightail it over to the hospital...

Dr. McElvey (one of four doctors in the office- I've been seen by all four at one point or another) came in and while matter of fact with me, she was actually pretty positive as well.  Yes, Baby A's slower weight gain is nothing to be ignored, but it doesn't warrant any additional interventions at this point (thank you, thank you, thank you).  And she felt that the next scheduled ultrasound, which is in two weeks, was just fine.  We talked about bedrest and if I need to add in any additional restrictions, but Dr. McElvey thought that my self-imposed bedrest and activity restrictions were just fine!  

So we've officially hit the 30 week mark (Happy 30 Weeks everybody!), and things are just cruising along pretty nicely.  Even though I've shed more than a few tears of worry for Baby A over the last 24 hours, I'm feeling so blessed that things are going as well as they are.  All things considered, we are just so lucky that they boys are doing as well as they are and that my body is tolerating everything as well as it is.  I will continue to deal with all of the not-so-pleasant physical issues associated with the pregnancy (and celebrate them too!) if it means that it will give the munchkins more time to marinate in my tummy.  Everyday that they spend in there is a gift.

Being goofy

So many people have been telling me that I don't look pregnant from behind, which I find pretty hard to believe.  I guess I could kind of see what they're talking about after looking at my silhouette this evening.  I'm the one on the right...

I think I just look like I've got some hips on me

in this picture when I face the camera.  Not too

pregnant- just "hippy"

But when I turn to the side... it's a different story.

Wonderful wedding

On Saturday, Jason and I travelled into the Bay Area for the wedding of one of my dear nursing friends, Ashley.  Jason was pretty worried at first about being two hours away from our doctor, but I got the okay from Dr. Gilbert to make the trip.

Cue me needing to go shopping for an outfit!  I went to the mall expecting to have some difficulties finding something to fit the belly, and I wasn't disappointed.  First stop was to Motherhood Maternity, where I've had some luck in the past.  Unfortunately when it comes to clothes shopping, my belly is just not in any way proportional to the rest of my body!  If it was a short dress, I ran the risk of showing my business in the front because my tummy raised the hemline so high.  If it was a long dress, I looked like I was trying to erect a six-man tent with all of that fabric.  I finally found something suitable there, but I decided to stop at the Pea in The Pod store just to see if there was anything there that I liked.

The sign says "expectant mother parking"

(finally got to park in one of these spots

at the mall!)

And that's where I really just had a reality check.  Apparently they hate pregnant ladies there because the largest size they carry there is a LARGE.  Ummm.... probably not going to work for me!  But the saleslady was very kind and so I decided to try on some of the dresses she thought would fit me.  I actually got one of them over my head, but I got one of the biggest kicks out of her expression when I said it looked like I was wearing a sausage casing (it was TIGHT and the seams just went all over because of the tummy!).  She tried to reassure me that I wasn't fat and that I looked lovely, but I just had to laugh.  I personally think I've never felt more beautiful than I am right now (something about being able to sustain three lives in your belly will do that to you), so I wasn't at all put out by the fact that nothing fit me there.  I just think it's perfectly ridiculous to not carry big girl sizes in a maternity store!

Didn't have to execute my original

plan, which was to wear a toga made

from a bed sheet to the wedding

Enough complaining.  The wedding on Saturday was absolutely lovely.  The bride looked absolutely stunning, the ceremony was wonderful, and Jason looked amazing in his black suit (I love my husband).  And apparently the babies LOVE Catholic wedding ceremonies because they started moving and grooving during the wedding like crazy.  I actually had a hard time paying attention to the readings and music because I was fascinated by the munchkins' visible movements across my tummy!  We had a great time visiting with one of my other nursing school buddies, Cynthia, and her husband who are 15 1/2 weeks pregnant.  Jason was quite the gentleman, making numerous trips to the bar to get us the heavy stuff- Shirley Temples...  :)

Brittany and Cynthia-

made it through nursing school together

and now we're making it through pregnancy

together too!

I wanted to dance to one slow dance before we left, and my wish was fulfilled.  Jason and I were laughing so much on the dance floor because with the size of the tummy, either he has to really lean over to get to me or I have to turn sideways to him.  I'm sure we looked goofy out there, but we definitely enjoyed ourselves!

I'm pretty sure I had the best looking date there!

So the babies have not really stopped moving since Saturday.  They've been super active the last 48 hours (to the point of keeping me awake at night), which means that I haven't gotten much accomplished because either I'm totally engrossed by watching them or it's too uncomfortable to be moving around myself when they're moving.  I'm pretty sure either Baby A or Baby B did a full flip right after Jason and I got into bed last night (my belly literally looked like it was a conehead for a few minutes).

I'm getting so excited for these babies to come.  Seeing those movements across my belly just reinforces to me that the peanuts are growing and will be here with us in no time.  I have to keep reminding myself that I don't want to see them out of my tummy for another six weeks!  I can't wait to see their little faces and hold their little bodies close to mine.  I can't wait to see Jason cuddle with them and see our friends and family fawn over them.  I can't wait to give them each their first ever kiss on the cheek.  I can't wait to hear their little cries for the first time and smell their little baby smells.

Sigh... six more weeks.  Stay in for six more weeks munchkins!!