Happy, Happy!

I have been absent from here..thanks to the lack of good internet connection! A lot has happened! We moved out of our rental home in Westmont. We stayed at my sisters from Tuesday-Sunday of last week. We looked at a rental house in the neighborhood we have so desperately been holding out for and really liked it. I "moved" to our cottage in Wisconsin last Sunday and had to travel back to Chicago on Tuesday to sign the lease and give the deposit. We spent the rest of the week in Wisconsin and Daddy came up Friday after work. 

Mothers Day weekend was blissful. Friday night, Tom finally got to feel the babies nightly dance party. Gavin got the memo that its okay to sleep in past 6:30am and slept until 8am both days! We spent a fun day in Kenosha yesterday and went to the Milwaukee Zoo today. The zoo was awesome..we cant wait to go back and do more of its fun activities this summer. 

The best part of the weekend? Kissing Daddy goodbye, knowing this is the last week we have to live apart! Tom will grab the keys to the new place on Thursday night and Ill start moving stuff in Friday while hes gone. The big move will take place Saturday..our 7 year anniversary..exactly 3 months to the day to when he moved out. I cant think of anything more romantic than being back together as a family. 

This week should fly by, since I have to travel back to Illinois for my OB appointment Tuesday afternoon and my big 20 week scan Wednesday morning. We will stay at my sisters house that night and come back up to get our stuff and hang at the cottage until Friday morning. All this moving around has been crazy. I cant wait to be in our new place, where I can really focus on making it our own and start prepping for these babies!

I hope everyone had a great Mothers Day. When I sat in a doctors office over 5 years ago..and was diagnosed with unexplained infertility..I never would have imagined I would be here today. I have two perfect sons, am enjoying a healthy twin pregnancy and still have 4 embryos to give a chance. I am thankful for modern medicine, for my husband for standing by me and for all the support along the way..from friends, family and everyone here. Thank you!

Halfway Cooked!

Tomorrow I am 19 weeks pregnant. Since I wont be allowed to go past 38 weeks..that is my half way mark. Of course, they could come early. Im hoping 36 weeks at the earliest. Regardless, I cant believe we are here.

Some days, I still cant believe I am pregnant. It still blows my mind that there are two babies inside me. I am thankful for having such an easy, healthy pregnancy thus far. I had another cervix check this past Wednesday and its still holding strong at almost 5 cm. I was a bit worried about it being shorter because of all the added stress/standing on my feet for the wedding. I was relieved it hadnt changed a bit! We did a quick peek at the babies and they had their legs intertwined and were so cute. Its getting a little crowded in there. They have gotten SO active the past few days. Ive been feeling them for weeks, but now its all day and stronger. I love it!

Everyone comments on how small I am. Sometimes, I look in the mirror and feel tiny and other times I cant believe this belly I am sporting! I feel like itll be easy to stay active and healthy since Ill be outside with the boys all summer. Today is my last day of working, so I am officially a stay at home Mom who only needs to worry about my two boys on the outside and two on the inside.

We are out of our rental house and staying with my sister until Sunday. Then, we will be Wisconsin resident until further notice. The first time we need to come back is May 14-15 for my 20 week doctors appointments.

We are stuck on baby names. We may go with the ones we picked a few weeks back. Im just not there yet. Ive been throwing out some random suggestions, but we havent had the time or energy to really think about it together. I really do want them to have names soon. Suggestions are welcome. :)

Cupcake Monday-18 Weeks

How far along? 18 weeks 2 days

Total weight gain/loss: Up 5 total

Maternity clothes? Yup, almost everything. 

Sleep: Loving it!

Best moment this week: The wedding!

Movement: Sometimes I feel them both move at the same time and I just adore it!

Food cravings: Ive been eating ice cream like crazy..

Gender: Two little men

Labor Signs: Nope

Belly Button in or out? Innie

What I miss: Nothing at all

What I am looking forward to: Summer!

Milestones: Feeling both babies move at the same time. Im still waiting to feel the on the outside, though.

Ya know how I was stressed to the max in my last post? Things got crazier! Our POD was scheduled to be delivered on Wednesday and we hoped to pack it Wednesday and Thursday evening and leave a little bit for Sunday. They came out and after 30 minutes of trying, couldnt get it in our driveway! The ground was too wet from the flooding we had last week and the huge tires were just sinking. I couldnt believe it..I watched it drive away and couldnt believe we had nowhere to put our stuff. I had to scramble to find a storage unit and a truck to rent to move everything. After some time on the internet and a few phone callls, I had it set up. 

Thursday night, I met the girls to get our nails done for the wedding. I said I would take a break from all things moving once I did that and worry about it after the wedding. Friday was the rehearsal. It went well, the food was yummy and we had a great time with our friends.

Saturday morning, we went to Delaney's communion..for about 40 minutes. I was so sad I didn't get to take pictures with her or join in her after party to celebrate. She looked beautiful and took the whole process very seriously.

Tom dropped me off at the salon where everyone was getting their hair and makeup done. The whole day flew by..we got dolled up and let me just say, I felt like it was my own wedding day. Its been a long time since Ive been that put together...mani/pedi, spray tan, fancy updo and pretty makeup. 

 We hung in the bridal suite, got ready, took pictures, and before we knew it, it was time for the ceremony. The ceremony was quick and we were ready to party.

The reception was amazing. Seriously, the most fun Ive had in a long time! I had a blast standing up with some of my closest friends and many of our other friends attended the wedding. My speech went great, the cake was phenomenal and we danced for hours. 

Not to mention, it was the most time Ive spent with Tom in a while! Between being out on Friday for the rehearsal and having him overnight at the hotel..it was wonderful. We crashed at about 2am and slept sooo good. We woke before 9 and went to pick up the kids around 11.

Then, we had to move! All day! We had 3 friends come by and they were lifesavers. After standing in heels for hours, dancing and staying up so late, I had the pregnant hangover. I helped out by directing what could go in the truck and was sent for Subway and beer. :) Thankfully, they got the majority of our house in the unit and we had a little time to relax. Miraculously, Tom was off today. We finished packing/moving and I'm left with a few last minute tasks for tomorrow and Wednesday. 

I am still sore from the weekend events and look forward to a very lazy month of May. 

Stressed to the MAX!

So, this whole single Mom 5 days a week, who watches other children in her home during the day and happens to be 4 months pregnant with twins..its been hard. I cant deny it. The physical exhaustion of the 1st trimester that kept on going, the nausea that comes and goes, the emotional stress of missing my other half, the busy weekends that result in little down time as a family, the frustration of not finding good housing options...the list goes on and on.

I am not one to complain..but, I am fried. The second half of April has been nuts. The madness continues, as my best friends wedding is on Saturday. I have been packing like a madwoman, whenever I can. Tomorrow, a POD is being delivered to our driveway. We will start packing it Thursday and have Sunday to finish. Friday is the rehearsal and Saturday is Delaneys communion follow by all the wedding festivities.

We have to be out next Wednesday. I will stay at my sisters through Sunday and then officially move up to our cottage in Wisconsin until further notice. I liked the idea in the beginning. It allows us to save a little money and have the flexibility of jumping on a rental whenever something comes up. Now, the realization of living in a different state than Tom is killing my spirits and I want to have us all under one roof asap!

I promise I am not over-doing it. I dont move anything heavy and I call it a day when the kids go to bed. I need to keep these baby boys safe and sound inside my belly for many more months.

I know that in a few months, Ill look back at this time and wonder how we managed. I am not one to want to fast forward our lives..but this once..Id totally hit that button.

Cupcake Monday-17 Weeks

How far along? 17 weeks 2 days
Total weight gain/loss: Up 5 total
Maternity clothes? Yup, almost everything. Looking forward to summer so I can just wear dresses!
Sleep: Good!
Best moment this week: My ultrasound! Getting a fabulous report from the doc.
Movement: Yep! I feel baby A a lot more often. And I cant wait until you can feel it on the outside!
Food cravings: Nothing special. I put in special effort to eat as much as possible! 
Gender: Two little men
Labor Signs: Nope
Belly Button in or out? Innie
What I miss: I am loving where I am right about now.
What I am looking forward to: Having my whole family under one roof again..
Milestones: One week closer to babies! Trevor keeps talking about when they are going to pop out of my belly. Pop!

I am in love with the picture below! Two brothers..fist pounding already. 

My appointments went well on Wednesday. I went to the OB first and saw the 3rd doc, first time this pregnancy. She walked in and said, "How is baby?" I responded by saying, "You mean babies!" I was annoyed! You could tell she totally didnt read my chart. She said everything looked fine and lets get you upstairs to your other appt. She listened to the heartbeats briefly, but didnt measure my belly. I was looking forward to seeing how big its gotten, so I was disappointed. By the time I realized it, the appointment was over. Needless to say, I dont plan to schedule any appointments with her again. Luckily, I adore the other two docs and can only hope one will be there on the big day!

My specialist appointment was quick. They did an internal ultrasound to measure my cervix, which was almost 5. She did a short abdominal ultrasound to check gender and listen to heartbeats. The babies look fabulous and healthy. 

Everyone wants to know how I feel about the genders. I feel..overwhelmed? Of course, I am simply thrilled that we have had an uncomplicated pregnancy thus far and that I have two healthy sons on the way. I think its more that I was coming to terms with being happy with 4 kids and being done after this. Then again, I really thought our chances for a girl were pretty high! Now, Im backtracking and reevaluating things. Life is going to be so much fun with 4 little boys under 4. They will always have someone to play with. We will take the term Mamas boy to a whole new level. 

Tom is simply thrilled. I mean, 4 sons? He couldnt be happier. I am beyond thankful that my sons have such an amazing Daddy to look up to. Tom is the best example of a good father. He is hands on, hardworking, loving and kind. Everything I want my children to be, and more. :)

I go back to the doctor at 18 weeks for a quick cervix check and then at 20 to the OB and for the big level 2 ultrasound. We thought we were 100% decided on their names, but now I am second guessing. I cant wait until we decide and can call them by name!

Our Cupcakes Are...

We decided to have a little reveal tonight..it was easier than making a ton of phone calls. I made cupcakes after my appointment today and stuffed the inside of two with the appropriate gender color. I wanted Trevor to eat one and Gavin the other.

Since Daddy had a late day at the academy today, they didnt come over until bedtime. The boys were okay with staying up late and eating cupcakes instead.

We told Trevor to take a big bite and he kept licking the frosting. Everyone was begging him to dig in and he finally did! Gavin required some help from Daddy. He bit the bottom and Daddy flipped it over.

BOYS! 

Two more boys. Four little boys. Oh.my.goodness! 

Cupcake..Whatever Day Today Is :)-16 Weeks

How far along? 16 weeks 3 days
Total weight gain/loss: I lost a pound on vaca, so Im up 3. I may be in trouble at the doctor tomorrow.
Maternity clothes? Indeed
Sleep: Sleep was rough on vaca, having 4 little men in one room! Ive been sleeping great since being home.
Best moment this week: Our trip!
Movement: Yes! Although, I didnt feel them while on vacation. I knew I was just so active and not paying attention, but I got a little worried by Saturday. As soon as we got home and I put the boys in bed, I sat back and listened to two perfect heartbeats and was relieved!
Food cravings: Mickey Mouse ice cream :)
Gender: T-t-t-t-tomorrow!
Labor Signs: Nope
Belly Button in or out? Innie
What I miss: Cant think of anything
What I am looking forward to: Ultrasound tomorrow! And hitting 19 weeks, the halfway point!
Milestones: 4 months pregnant!

Our trip was great. Exhausting, hectic, fun, rewarding and oh, so special. I will have to talk about it another day.Now that were home, my life consists of packing the house, making a ton of phone calls to make arrangements, preparing for a weekend full of showers and parties and doing last minute tasks for a wedding next weekend.

Tomorrow, I have my OB appointment followed by the maternal/fetal specialist. Im hoping for good reports on all 3 of us and cooperative babies. Tom works late so I wont be able to see him until about 7pm. Were going to stop by my parents house and tell my family the sexes with cupcakes, I think. Then, itll be public. :)

I still cant believe we are here. I am thankful every day for the two boys I chase around and the two babies wiggling inside me. Now, if we could just get our whole family living in one place, life would be just about perfect...