We're Excited!

The visit to the perinatologist was quite informative. As soon as we arrived, I was taken back for an ultrasound. The babies were active, and I couldn't help but notice the absence of two placentas and then the noticeable presence of the gender. I looked at the ultrasound tech and said: "There's only one placenta, huh?" and "They're boys, right?" In response to the first question, she told me I would have to wait for the doctor (which always means "yes" if the news is less than favorable). To the second question, she said: "It's a little soon to tell" (which means, "most likely, but I don't want to say").

Dr. Schemmer came in a few minutes later and did an ultrasound himself. He confirmed the twins are sharing a placenta, but have two separate membranes. He also saw the undeniable evidence that we are have two BOYS! I'm only 13 1/2 weeks along, so finding out the gender today was a shock! Nathan and I both felt pretty strongly that we were having girls, so boys were a surprise. Nathan said he was ecstatic, and I was definitely excited :) How could I be anything other than happy!?

The boys are measuring almost exactly the same size and have the same heart rate. They are right on track for their gestational age as well. All good news! Because they are sharing a placenta, there is a 100% chance they are identical :)

Baby A

 Baby B

This was followed by 15 minutes of serious news. I don't want to call it necessarily bad news, but it was worrisome to hear. First off, sharing a placenta is "not ideal" in the words of our doctor. This means they are sharing nutrients and the possibility of twin-to-twin-transfusion syndrome exist. With TTFS, the twins become connected via blood vessels and begin to share blood. One twins begins to have too much blood, while the other twin obviously doesn't have enough.

Because of this risk, I will have to be monitored weekly and receive ultrasounds to make sure this is not occurring.  Dr. Schemmer told us the worse case scenario (which was depressing and obviously included death) and then told us about modern day treatments, like fetoscopic laser ablation. Using lasers, doctors separate the connecting blood vessels and prevents further TTFS. Only a few hospitals in the world have doctors who know how to perform this surgery and Tri-Cities, Washington (where we are moving) is one of them!

After discussing the health of the babies, the doctor then moved on to my health. I am still sick, and the IV therapy only provides 400 calories a day. Obviously, this isn't enough nutrition for three people. He recommended a nasogastric tube to supplement the IV therapy. Like Dr. Warner, he is opposed to PICC lines (which I am more than okay with). The NG feeding tube will go down my nose and throat and directly into my small intestine. Even if I throw up, I will still receive nutrition, as nothing will be going into my stomach. Dr. Schemmer wanted the tube to be inserted today if possible, but it most likely will have to wait until tomorrow due to radiology (who performs the procedure) being booked. I'm so excited to have nutrition again.

Two boys and a feeding tube. It's been a good day.

Thank Goodness for Friends!

Life continues to be difficult. My veins collapse daily, and I am getting a new IV literally every 18 hours or so. Today, the IV post went back to my hand; my arms had nothing to offer. I continue to remain in a constant state of nausea and eating is still a daily challenge. However, I was reminded this week that I have a number of friends on my side. Just to name a few examples:

- My lovely friend Whitney sent a vase of the most beautiful daisies. They really are the friendliest flowers! It was a great surprise.
- Ashley stopped by with Almond Joy, caramel apple, and chocolate chip cookie dough cupcakes! Even though I was unable to eat them, my mother-in-law and husband couldn't say enough good things. Apparently, they were heavenly. Ashley also came over on Sunday and braided my hair while my family was at church. Because I am laying down all day, my hair is beginning to dread. It looks like I will be sporting braided pigtails for the next few months!
- Caitlin came by with the most amazing cinnamon bread. Seriously, guys. It was amazing. I was able to eat a tiny piece and it was pure bliss. Sadly, there is none left.

Additionally, I have had friends put my names on prayer lists and leave the kindest Facebook messages, blog comments, and text messages. I began thinking: "Perhaps I am complaining TOO much." But then I realized I'm writing about my life, and this is currently what is going on.

Thanks for all the support everyone! We have an appointment with the perinatologist on Thursday, and we are praying for two placentas. I am also praying for some sort of change to my IV therapy. Anything would be better than the constant poking. The nurse at the infusion center told me I looked horrible and was "as dry as a desert." She also hopes the perinatologist opts to do a PICC line or a feeding tube. I guess we'll see what happens in two days!

Never Again

Never again will I drink Gatorade. I have never liked the drink, but my doctor recommended I drink fluid with electrolytes (in addition to water). However, after days of continuous vomiting, I can unequivocally state that Gatorade is the most heinous thing to regurgitate (sorry if that was graphic).

Today, I was Gatorade free. It was definitely a good choice, and I do not plan on going back to any form of Gatorade drink. Now, the question is: "How will I get my electrolytes?" I haven't figured this out yet, but I am going to go with my other doctor's suggestion and drink some Kool-Aid. Mmmmm....sugar.

Now what to do with those 18 unopened bottles of Fierce Grape Gatorade.

In other news, my mother-in-law has completely rescued us. It is such a relief to have help with Eliza. I've been able to spend the majority of the day in bed and on the couch without feeling too guilty. I'm still feeling pretty miserable, but it is much easier to be optimistic these days. I'm praying the nausea ends soon and eating solid food becomes a common occurrence. And in all honesty, I think the Gatorade might have contributed to some of my nausea. I only threw up ONCE today and that is worth celebrating!

Technology Baby...

loves Grandma's iPhone.

Eliza intuitively knows how to navigate the iPhone. She unlocks the device, scrolls through the various applications, and then selects and starts her games. She could happily play for hours if we let her. And let's be honest, with our current situation, we have let her the last two days.

A happy baby is reason #27 why I want an iPhone. I keep on trying to justify it!

  "Don't you dare take this away from me!"

About That...

Even though Nathan likes to make fun of ultrasound pictures, I thought I would post our most recent ones. Baby A was nice enough to give us a nice side view, and we managed to get a fairly decent picture of the little one.

Baby B wasn't as cooperative. He/she faced forward the entire time, and I couldn't stop laughing as I looked at the image. I said something like, "It looks like an alien!" And it did! I have proof!

The doctor then said, "You can't say that...at least not until they are teenagers and ruining your life."

(Note: You can see Baby A's head here too. That's not just Baby B...obviously. I just thought I'd clarify.)

Highlights from Yesterday

A) We had another ultrasound and the babies looked great. It appears that they are in two separate sacs, but sharing a placenta. Even though the doctor said this made the pregnancy more complicated (leading to another appointment with a high risk doctor next week), we are extremely grateful the twins aren't sharing everything! It never gets old seeing their hearts beat and knowing they are healthy :)

B) Surprise visitors came by with a bag full of treats! From gluten free cookies to a Gerber daisy, it was the most perfect gift. Nathan and I were really amazed by the thoughtfulness and love of others. Thanks, Kari and Jamund!

C) I had two tiny meals, which managed to stay down all day! It was a small miracle, and I went to bed without feeling like I was starving. Awesome.

D) I found out that Matlock reruns come on at 1 PM....and I am recording every episode from here on out. I also became addicted to Pawn Stars on the History Channel. When you have to lay down all day (and watching television is the only thing you can do), you realize this is a BIG deal.

Reinforcements Arrive!

After a tearful conversation with my mother-in-law on Friday, she and my father-in-law decided to drive immediately to Utah. At 6 AM Saturday morning, they left Washington and made the 13 hour drive here. Rex and Cheryl are amazing. Rex then left this morning after being here for about 12 hours. Cheryl is going to stay and help out until we move. I feel incredibly blessed to be a member of their family.

I am so relieved, and I think Nathan is so happy he could cry. Having extra help today was amazing, and I know things can only get better.

Although my mother couldn't make the trek from South Carolina to Utah (due to work), she proudly told me: "I've put your name on every prayer list I could find. It doesn't matter if their Mormon, Baptist, Catholic, or Episcopalian....everyone is praying for you!" I couldn't help but smile. That's my mom!

 As for Father's Day, I epically failed. I spent the majority of the day in bed and on the couch and was unable to even write a simple card, saying "You're awesome. I love you." Maybe if I'm not throwing up tomorrow, I can redeem myself.