Busy busy busy

We had an eventful weekend!

Friday, Katherine (my sister-in-law) arrived for a weekend visit. She and David had stopped by Oklahoma Joe's for some BBQ for lunch, and it was hard to say what I was happier about: seeing Katherine or smelling the food. Both experiences were pretty exciting! David made steaks for dinner. We certainly ate well on Friday!

Saturday was jam-packed: Lesson, baby shower, dinner party. In the morning, I taught a group lesson. My first ever baby shower was held that afternoon at 2--I'll blog more about it and post pictures later. That was really fun, for me, anyway. Everyone was so thoughtful, and I hope everyone had a good time. Thanks Shauna! Finally, that evening we had a dinner party--our first in this house, and really the first one of more than one other couple since arriving in Kansas City, since our last house was far too small. Anyway, there were 7 of us--2 couples from St Pauls, and the three of us. David made his famous salmon and roast potatoes, and people brough creamed leeks, green beans and a banana cake. Lots of wine, too, but since I didn't get to drink any I basically ignored it. Just a bunch of sour grapes, anyway! One of the guests brought her Sacred Harp books, and we sang some of the songs. BIG fun, that. I loved every minute. David read some William Bronk, and then the party broke up. I think everyone had a good time; they were certainly well fed! =)

Sunday, I went to St Pauls for church for the first time in ages. I didn't sing in the choir; instead, I sat with Katherine. It was fun just to sit and listen and not to have to run anything. However, I had a hard time getting in and out of the pews! The choir sang Mendelssohn's "There Shall a Star" and Mozart's "Ave Verum" and did a FABULOUS job, and I'm not kidding. That could be a professional choir. St Pauls is blessed... too bad the congregation dosen't seem to realize it, since many of them were talking during the songs. Too bad, really. The sermon was also wonderful, about the Peace of God. I won't go into it, but it was extrememly moving.

So, that was my weekend. Katherine left around 2 with David--I was teaching. They went to theNelson and then to the Airport. I taught two lessons and put my feet up for the rest of the evening. A fun busy weekend. This morning, I slept till past 10, and that felt wonderful, too.

Doctor Visit

Here is the weekly doctor's report:

I've lost 2 pounds, which must be some sort of record. I was worried, but the doctor said that the babies would get what they needed from me, and that I should just consider it 2 less pounds to lose later. Blood pressure good, routine lab results, no problems.

I am measuring 42 weeks, which is still about 10 weeks ahead of where I am.

Babies' heartrates are 140 and 145, which is right in the middle of the normal range.

Ultrasound next week!

Dr. Perryman is thinking 37 weeks, or around the 1st of March. I'm hoping to go a bit sooner, if the kids are big enough. I told him today that I was ready when he was! I'm ready NOW.

I think I'll start doing jumping jacks on Feb 15...

I'm SOLD

Extended choral techniques and Honda. My Prius is jealous.

Maybe all the Psalters Have Been Wrong...

What they REALLY were trying to accomplish:

"Anglican Chant for the Common Man"

Jury Duty

I can't believe it. I've been tapped for jury duty--for Feb. 22. I'd love to serve on a jury once in my life, but each time I've been called, I've been unable to do it. Last time, dad was in the hospital. This time, it is likely to be me.

Sorry, your Honor, I believe I'll be a tad busy 'round that time...

Jay is an awesome cook.

Wow. That was fabulous. Thanks to Jay, Kris and Daria for bringing dinner over! Our sated tummies thank you.

Lesse: beans & rice with plantins, pineapple salsa with blue corn chips, and a miraculous chocolate cake...

Yummy.

Baby Class

We had our childbirth class Satuday from 9-4. It was interesting.

Note to self: stretching, good; tearing, bad. Camcorders NOT PERMITTED!

We did a lot of huffing and puffing and rolling around on the chairs and birthing ball (gotta get me one of them), and even more listening to the teacher talk about her deliveries (all 4--but it wasn't as bad as it sounds). I was the only twin mama there, the least far along (most gals were 33-37 weeks) and for sure the biggest belly in the room. David was held in awe by every daddy there--I think the prospect of twindaddyhood gave most of the guys in there a healty dose of perspective.

We were talking about birth options for a breech baby (one of mine is breech) and she suggested putting headphones and/or a flashlight between my legs to try to turn the baby! I couldn't believe it. I bit my lip, smiled, said nothing, but I was thinking, is this X-rated, or should I be chanting "go into the light?" Too funny.

She also told us that if we had lots of heartburn, the babies would have lots of hair on their heads when they are born. My heartburn is intermittent; I guess one will be bald. :0

We watched 3 videos: pain managements (bout what you'd expect), a natural childbirth (O my God) and a C-section (OMIGOD!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!). I had a harder time with the c-section, as did most mommies; the dads had a different reaction. I think that watching the natural birth has given them permanent inadequacy issues...

Overall a fun class. I think it should be required in the 7th grade. Talk about effective birth control!

Don't forget the Baby Pool!

Please, please vote in out baby pool. The link is in the left column. You'll be asked for the name of the game, which is 'mcintiretwins." You get 5 votes per baby. Good luck!

12 Old Wives' Tales About Pregnancy

Check out this site. Fun!

The Rock of Gibraltar

Just got back from the doctor. Everything looks great!

I've only gained 1 pound this week, which is some kind of a miracle as I've been in the chair pretty much all week. I haven't been snacking, though, and only eating at the table, which helps. I haven't been super hungry very often, either--although I was last night. I have been drinking lots of water.

The heartrate's look good. Owen's was 145, Chloe's was 150 ish. Normal is anywhere between 120 and 180, just for reference. My blood pressure is low normal, typical for me. Dr. Perryman referred to my cervix as "the Rock of Gibraltar," which I guess is a good thing. Contractions are down to nothing unless I do too much. I keep wondering why I'm still on bedrest, but then realize that taking a shower gives me contractions, can't imagine what a couple of rehearsals and a service would do. I'm in good spirits and have enough energy to fix lunch, put in movies and do an occasional load of laundry (which I do NOT haul up or down the stairs--it just sits there till David gets it). Sometimes I even do the dishes, but not too often--every 2-3 days. David does most of it. If I do it, it is out of boredom rather than necessity--and I usually get soaked because my big belly is in the way!

Vindaloo tonight

David is making beef vindaloo for dinner tonight. Yippee! Can't wait--it is good stuff. Please don't ask me what is in it. It is an Indian dish, and it is usually pretty spicy, but David tones it way down for me 'cause I'm a wimp.

Last night, we went out to dinner. I know, I'm not supposed to do that, but the walk wasn't much worse than going upstairs to our bedroom, and things had been very quiet on the contraction front. Besides, this was our last chance to have a date, just the two of us, going out to a nice resturant, for a long time. Also, if anything happend, we were actually closer to the hospital than if we were at home. But, nothing happend but a wonderful dinner. We went to McCormick & Schmicks on the Plaza. This is the only place in Missouri where the seafood is flown-in fresh daily. They print a new menu each day! It was wonderful, and the wait staff made much of my pregnant self, which is always fun. David had a sampler of oysters on the half-shell, each oyster from a different region. If you know me at all, you know I won't eat them (long disgusting story so I'll skip it) but I enjoyed hearing David's critique on each different one. For dinner, I had planked salmon with a lovely sauce, and David had a seafood pasta dish with dungenese crab, brie and something else. They were both really good. We also splurged and had dessert. Chocolate Bag! And a good time was had by all.

Today I've been taking it easy. It has been nice to have David home all day (for the MLKDay holiday). I've spent most of the day in the chair and am watching Secondhand Lions, one of my favorite flicks. Among many other reasons, listening to Michael Caine do a deep Texas accent makes it worth watching. Very enjoyable.

I thought when I was placed on bed rest that I'd be blogging everyday, but in practice, there just isn't anything to say most days. "Spent the day in the chair again" could be my default post. So, in future, if you check for a post and there isn't one, go ahead and mentally insert it! =)

Doctor's Appointment Today

My doctor rocks. Just so you know. If you get pregnant, check him out: Douglas Perryman OB/GYN

My appointment today: I am 30 weeks along and am measuring 40. Ta-da! I asked him when the kids were going to come, and he said he considered 38 weeks to be term. They might come on their own as early as the last week in February. I'm preparing emotionally for anywhere between 2/22 and 3/15.

We heard their heartbeats, but it was hard to find them today because they were both squirming around so much.

I have weekly doctor's appointments now, and he does want me to stay on bedrest for the duration of the pregnancy. Woo-hoo.

Welcoming movie and book ideas, if you have any recommendations!

The baby books all say

that eventually I'll reach a point at which I'm bored with the pregnancy. I wouldn't say that yet, but I can see the time coming!

Movies I have watched this week:

Fly Away Home
Dr. Who: The Christmas Invasion
Firefly episodes 1-3 (watched it TWICE!)
Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets
Shrek
The Ice Storm
The Straight Story
Silkwood
Eternal

I suppose I ought to provide some type of rating system, but frankly I just pop in a movie so I can knit. If I can't pay attention to my knitting, THAT is a good movie. Perhaps I'll devise a "dropped stitches" rating---the more stitches I drop, the more engaging the flick. Probably, though, I won't.

Netflix can't keep up with me!

Baby Update!

Owen is head down, his pulse is 130 bpm and he weighs 2 lbs 15 oz.

Chloe is breech (her little head is in my ribcage, darn it), her pulse is 140 bpm and she weighs 3 lbs 1 oz.

They both have hair! Or at least, fuzzy heads.

Mama (ces't moi) is measuring 37 weeks. If I were allowed to go anywhere, I'd be getting horrified looks.

Everything looks GREAT! The ultrasound technician kept telling us how great they looked, not once but many times. They were both very wiggly! They also have lots of room to move, so there is a chance that Chloe may turn, but I'm not holding my breath (because I can't inhale because her HEAD is in the way). =) The doctor is also very pleased. I am going to weekly appointments now--things are starting to roll faster and faster. I can't believe that they will be here soon. Help! I'm not ready!

I'm doing fine on bedrest. Getting a lot of stuff done (bookkeeping, knitting, reading, movies...) Bored though. Well, not really bored as much as restless and isolated--I miss people. I guess I'm really bored of being by myself. -=whine=- So, if you are bored too, call, email or visit! I'd love it!

I'll try to get the ultrasound pix scanned in tonight...

Yea for Video Games

Carrie came over and brought her playstation with her--as my experience with video gaming is fairly limited, I was really awful at it. But it was great fun!

Andy came over, too, to talk about music with David. We ordered pizza. Then, while the guys watched some Van der Graff Generator video, Carrie & I went upstairs and watched Fierce Creatures, which she hadn't seen and seemed to enjoy. I've seen it several times, and it never gets old. Gotta love that.

Hardly felt like bedrest at all, and I was pretty good about not moving around much! I was ready for some company. Thanks for coming over, y'all!

My New Year's Resolution is to wish you a