Life in the Twin Lane

A few new pictures

2006-06-30T22:50:00.000-05:00

Okay, so I haven't updated in awhile. I've been busy.
Here is proof!

They are growing fast! I can't believe it. She is starting to stand everywhere, all the time--even when we try to put her in her chair. She just won't unbend. "I can stand, durnit, let me do it!"

Plus, they are starting to grab things... and of course stuff whatever it is in their mouths. Poor doggie. You can compare them at 3 months... The minivan picture a few posts back was on their 1 month birthday. This is at about 3 and a half months--call it 14 weeks. Carrying them both at the same time is pretty challenging.

Official Mommydom

2006-04-13T14:05:00.000-05:00

We have a minivan! More new pictures in the photo album.

New Pictures!

2006-03-27T12:28:00.000-06:00

We have lots of new twin pix posted in the photo album. Check them out! The link is in the sidebar, labeled "Our Photo Album."

Tummy Time!

2006-03-23T09:48:00.000-06:00

Louise Carter Allen

2006-03-21T12:42:00.000-06:00

April 21, 1910 - March 20, 2006

"Life is for the living."

Published Tuesday, March 21, 2006
Louise Allen, 95, Nurse, Activist

By Rhonda Gentle
The Ledger

LAKELAND -- Mrs. Louise Carter Allen had a thirst for knowledge and took English literature courses at Florida Southern College until she was well into her 80s.

"She was way ahead of her time in the ways of reading and self-improvement, but just in step with her times in the areas of hospitality, gentleness, refinement and above-reproach character," said her longtime friend, Cecelia M. Moore.

Mrs. Allen, a former nurse and community activist, died of lung disease Monday (March 20, 2006) in Azalea Park. She was 95.

Born in Tampa on April 21, 1910, she attended nursing school at Germantown Hospital in Philadelphia. Mrs. Allen worked as a nurse in the Bartow area and at Morrell Memorial Hospital for four or five years.

After her husband, the late J. Everett Allen, founded Allen & Company in 1932, she worked at the investment company until the late 1930s.

She had a longtime interest in antiques, and following the death of her husband in 1979 she began taking annual summer trips to England.

"It was a learning tour of about 15 or 16 days," said her son, Ralph C. Allen. "She never got a chance to go into an antique store. They went from large home to large home and there were a lot of lectures. Coupled with English literature she had a lot of things to tie in and it made things more interesting. She loved her trips to England."

Mrs. Allen read the Bible daily and made it a point to read the entire Bible once a year. After founding the church library at First Presbyterian Church in Lakeland, she visited it daily, Ralph Allen said.

"She never offered anything about her knowledge of something. She would be more interested in talking to you about your interests," he said. "That was a real special trait. I have learned that her depth of subjects were apparently greater than I realized."

Although Mrs. Allen was described as a quiet lady, she was a leader in many capacities. She was a state president of the PEO in 1954, a member and past president of PEO Chapter W., a member and past president of the Junior Welfare League, a founding member and past president of the Contemporary Club and a founder and past president of the Antique Club of Lakeland. She was a 60-year member of the Lakeland Yacht and Country Club. She was a 66-year member of First Presbyterian Church in Lakeland.

Mrs. Allen was preceded in death by her husband of 47 years, J. Everett Allen. In addition to her son, Ralph C. Allen, she is survived by her granddaughters, Virginia Allen Houghton and Michelle Allen McIntire, and two greatgrandchildren.

Services will be at 2 p.m. Wednesday at First Presbyterian Church, 175 Lake Hollingsworth Drive, Lakeland.

Memorials may be made to First Presbyterian Church, Endowment Fund, 175 Lake Hollingsworth Drive, Lakeland, 33803.

Heath Funeral Chapel.

Guess who's here!

2006-03-11T19:18:00.000-06:00

Owen James, 7 lbs 3 oz, 19.75 in., 7:13PM on Monday, March 6, 2006
Chloe Louise, 6 lbs 15 oz, 19 in, 7:14 PM on Monday, March 6, 2006

Born via re-scheduled c-section due to high blood pressure in mama. We were supposed to have it on Wednesday!

Everyone is doing fine. Michelle is in recovery with 22 stitches. Both Owen and Chloe are a tad jaundiced, but otherwise are wonderful and are doing well. We all came home today--I've been without email since Monday!

Calls and emails are welcome... let's limit visits until the jaundice is completely gone. Thanks to EVERYONE for your support!

We have a DATE!!!

2006-03-02T13:13:00.000-06:00

Went to the doctor this morning for a regular check up and ultrasound. Owen weighs 7 lbs even, Chloe weighs 6 lbs 11 oz. Of course, the tech said that these are estimates and can be off by as much as a pound. Everyone is healthy and happy. The doctor scheduled us for a c-section, since Chloe is still breech. It is sometime next week! I'm not telling when... get your last minute baby pool votes in.

I'm excited! WooHoo!

Joanne, Penny & Ginny come to Kansas City!

2006-02-26T10:27:00.000-06:00

Click the link above for some fresh pix!

Will this ever end?!?

2006-02-09T17:07:00.000-06:00

I am ready. Never mind that there are still purchases to be made. Never mind that I still can't get the car in the garage. Never mind all of that. I am ready to have these babies in my arms instead of my belly, even if it is noiser that way. These little squimry guys are heavy!

Went to the doctor today for my weekly checkup. The babies are fine and weigh between 5 and 5.5 lbs. Their heartbeats sound good and steady: Owen at 135 and Chloe at 145. Normal. As for me, I'm still tight and closed. I couldn't believe it. I've been having contractions all week and have NOT been doing anything to stop them, and still nothing. I asked him if evening primrose oil really worked, and he laughed (like I was kidding!) and said that it was a tad early to talk about induction. Like hell it is. I'm measuring 45 weeks. That is 11 weeks ahead. That is a lot. He mentioned they sometimes used castor oil. I've used castor oil once in my life (foisted on me at age 12 by mom, thanks mom) and I don't aim to repeat it. Don't you do it, either. I'd rather drink scotch, frankly. Or Drano.

For those of you watching at home, this is what 34 weeks with twins looks like (I know you were dying to see but were afraid to ask). I took a picture last week, but I was in my pajamas and didn't want to post it. However, somehow, every blood relative I have has seen that picture. Dunno how that could happen, but her initials are Bea Meeker. My in-laws should be thankful they were spared; this was a case of record keeping gone arwy.

WPPC Baby Shower!

2006-02-07T14:30:00.000-06:00

Ward Parkway Pres. threw a baby shower for me last Saturday. It was a WONDERFUL shower--everyone was so generous! I really had a great time--and of course I ate too much chocolate cake. The food and the punch were just yummy.

There is a link to some pictures in the title, but here is the most awesome thing: the good folk at WPPC all chipped in and bought our stroller! It was exactly right and just what we need.

I am overwhelmed by the generosity. Beautiful baby clothes, baby books--signed by the artist, no less! Of COURSE our kids will be artistic--necessities, diapers, booties, little cute little things. Also, there was a twin mom and a triplet mom to give lots of very welcome--and needed!-- advice!

Talk about a bad day...

2006-02-06T11:13:00.000-06:00

A K-12 music teacher in a rural area has been administratively suspended after she demonstrated a sad lack of judgment in showing a 10 minute Faust excerpt to her 1-3 graders. She has been accused of being a lesbian (because she explained what a trouser role was) and a devil worshipper (the devil as Méphistophélès is present in Faust). This is a woman who is married with kids and is very active in the Presbyterian church. (See the link below for the article.)

It is my feeling that her 1) her lesson plan was more appropriate to middle/high schoolers; and 2) her point could have been made with many other operas. I would have been concerned about scaring them, since many of my 1-3 graders were scared of a Hansel and Gretel puppet show --but the video in question was owned by the school district! The reaction of the community and the administration was WAY out of line here. How about, "This video is more appropriate to the high schoolers, and by the way, in the future you will send home a permission slip like you would on ANY OTHER VIDEO." Duh. Don't suspend her. It is like shooting a fly with an elephant gun; an overreaction fueled by ignorance and a fear of communal reprisals.

In other words, here is a teacher in survival mode--most likely distracted by prepping her middle/high schoolers for contest--who grabbed a video off the rack in a moment of "I forgot to do my elementary lesson plans!" panic...who is now suspended.

Just had a thought: there is a witch in Hansel and Gretel. She had scary red glowing eyes, makes little girls her slaves and eats little boys.

If you need me, I'll be talking to my lawyer.

Here is the link:

Playbill article

They have HAIR!

2006-02-02T12:35:00.000-06:00

Both babies are measuring just shy of 5 lbs.... I think it was 4 lbs 13 oz. EACH! That is almost 10lbs worth of baby... I'm begging my OB to induce me in 2 weeks. He just smiles at me and says that we are looking at 37 or 38 weeks. Assuming that they gain a pound every 7-10 days, that would make them 8 or 9 pounds each at birth. About 16 pounds of baby!!! Help...

I am 33 weeks and am measuring at 44. That makes me look about 4 weeks overdue, even though I have 4-5 weeks to go. My blood pressure is very good (104/70), and everything else is fine. They are still in the ying-yang (head up/head down) positions, and likely to remain that way till birth. Owen is head down.

Proof of hair:

This is Owen's head, a kind of bird's eye view.

And here is Chole, likewise a bird's eye view. Note the fuzzy outside edges of each little head? That would be hair!

Baby Shower at Shauna's!

2006-02-02T12:30:00.000-06:00

I had a great time last Saturday at Shauna's house. She was a great hostess, in spite of her losing her voice. There was a VERY cute cake with twin babies on it, and punch, and enforced voting in the baby pool. =) Everyone was so generous with their gifts and their time; but the highlight of the day for me was just getting to see everyone.

Thanks, ladies!

Busy busy busy

2006-01-30T11:09:00.000-06:00

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

2006-01-26T13:00:00.000-06:00

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

2006-01-24T12:00:00.000-06:00

Extended choral techniques and Honda. My Prius is jealous.

Maybe all the Psalters Have Been Wrong...

2006-01-24T11:42:00.000-06:00

What they REALLY were trying to accomplish:

"Anglican Chant for the Common Man"

Jury Duty

2006-01-24T08:23:00.000-06:00

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.

2006-01-23T19:49:00.000-06:00

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

2006-01-23T19:29:00.000-06:00

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!

2006-01-19T13:45:00.000-06:00

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

2006-01-19T13:23:00.000-06:00

Check out this site. Fun!

The Rock of Gibraltar

2006-01-19T13:06:00.000-06:00

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

2006-01-16T16:06:00.000-06:00

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

2006-01-12T12:46:00.000-06:00

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

2006-01-10T18:47:00.000-06:00

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!

2006-01-05T18:47:00.000-06:00

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

2006-01-02T21:45:00.000-06:00

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

2006-01-01T11:27:00.000-06:00

Movies I have seen since Tuesday

2005-12-31T18:39:00.000-06:00

Unless I have forgotten something:

Frank Miller's Sin City
Auntie Mame
Signs
Harry Potter and The Sorcerer's Stone
Van der Graaf Generator Godsbluff Live
Serenity

Open to suggestions! Yea for Netflix!

Baby Pool!

2005-12-29T18:17:00.000-06:00

If you have a second, come take a guess in our baby pool!

The link is in the title above. The game name is "mcintiretwins." Have fun!

ACK--Bed Rest!!!

2005-12-28T13:00:00.000-06:00

I've been having pretty constant Braxton Hicks contractins since Christmas Eve. As a church musician, Christmas Eve is really busy, and with Christmas on a Sunday this year I didn't get the morning after break I usually get. So, with two services Christmas Eve and another Christmas morning, all involving lots of conducting and singing on my part--standing, in other words--the contractions just got really intense. Neither David nor I were too concerned, as this had happend before; the last time it had happened, we were in the hopsital in Labor & Delivery for several hours and everything was fine! We didn't want to have a repeat of that trip.

So, Tuesday I called the office to get the results of my 3-hour glucose tolerance test and talked to the nurse about my contractions while I was getting the results. I had been drinking TONS of water and keeping off my feet, but they kept coming. So, she had me come in for a cervix check. When David and I went in, everything was still closed (whew) but Dr Perryman placed me on bed rest until week 32 (which would be around January 25 or so). As he put it, since I was doing everything right (I love hearing that!) but the contractions were still coming, to quit work and see if that helped any, and to call him if there is any change in "character." He also kindly mentioned that at not quite 28 weeks I am as big as a term singleton pregnancy, so no wonder that my uterus is grumpy...

So, nothing terrible--not bad news--just a pretty inconvenient boring ol' time for mama!

I Passed!

2005-12-27T13:15:00.000-06:00

I passed my 3-hour glucose test! I DON'T have gestational diabetes!

HOORAY!!!!!!

This makes me so happy...

Blood Sugar

2005-12-23T22:36:00.000-06:00

Well, I failed my initial screening for gestational diabetes. So, I went in this morning (12-23-05) for the full, 3 hour test, which should be more accurate. I fasted from 10 PM the night before and reported to the lab at 8 AM this morning. They took an initial blood draw (1 of 4! That alone almost killed me) and then fed me this highly concentrated glucose drink, which tasted like lightly carbonated mandrin orange syrup. Truly nasty stuff. In the spirit of Christmas, I offered to split it with the nurse, but she declined. Oh well.

This stuff almost did me in, I swear. I'd brought some things to work on--after all, I was going to be sitting there for 3 hours, waiting for my hourly blood draw--but about 30 minutes after I had my little AM cocktail I was ready to sleep. I asked if there was a place to lie down, and there was, lucky for me. I went right to sleep. The nurse woke me in time for my next blood draw, after which I went right back to sleep. The third time I only slept for about 10 minutes and woke up on my own, and was feeling almost normal for my last blood draw. All in all, I don't think it looks great for me to pass this test, either. Keep your prayers coming and your fingers crossed, cause I'm worried about the dreaded "Gestational Diabetes."

We should have results on Tuesday.

Hi Mom!

2005-12-21T12:13:00.000-06:00

Mom LOVED working in the nursery.

meme of four

2005-12-21T08:09:00.000-06:00

I stole this from Jay who stole it from Alex Ross, who stole it from someone else... it goes back at least 2 more times. I'd post the links but never mind... you can follow them yourselves. Feel free to steal it yourself! I'd love to see your answers, too. Post them in the comments section so everyone can see them! =)

Four jobs you've had in your life: Besides the obvious? admin assistant in an iron smelting factory, Wendy's counter girl, secretary at Bausch & Lomb, church secretary

Four movies you could watch over and over: Groundhog Day, It's a Wonderful life, Snatch, The Straight Story

Four places you've lived: Berlin, Ithaca NY, Greenville TX, Arcadia FL

Four TV shows you love to watch: Twin Peaks, Iron Chef, the Avengers, Dr Who

Four places you've been on vacation: Spain, Bahamas, Netherlands, Ft Myers Beach

Four websites you visit daily: Kevin and Kell, NationStates, David's site, Mothers of Multiples.

Four of your favorite foods: David's steak and roast potatoes, peppermint ice cream, cheese bread

Four places you'd rather be right now: snow skiing (if only), in Florida with my grandmother, someplace where the laundry is done, sitting in front of the fire knitting.

How boring is that?!?

It Isn't In My Head...

2005-12-20T13:21:00.000-06:00

I really am huge!

I went to the doctor this morning for a regular checkup, and he (as usual) measured me. I'll be 27 weeks tomorrow (12-21-05) but I'm already measuring 34 weeks! No wonder people think I'm going to pop any day. It does not bother me; I think it is pretty funny, actually.

Everything looked good. I had my glucose tolerance test this morning, to check for gestational diabetes. I'll get the results tomorrow. Wish me luck!

My sister Brooke just found out she is having a little boy! Congrats Brooke and Jim!

Be careful what you say. It can haunt you.

2005-12-15T23:04:00.000-06:00

I was reading over my posts from November, and I found where I said I had gotten 'very large.'

I actually set my coffee cup on my belly this morning.

Now, THAT is getting large.

But let's put things into perspective: The babies are only around 2 pounds right now, and I have about 12 weeks to go...

Dave's response? "Wow. You are going to be a manatee."

I love you, too.

First Real Scare

2005-12-13T22:05:00.000-06:00

Last night, David and I have an adventure: an emergency trip to the hospital!

Before I tell the story, I should preface by saying that everything is fine.

So, I was having contractions pretty steadily for about 2 hours. They weren't very hard (mostly) but they were regular. I wasn't too worried except for that regularity; they were coming every 2 - 3 minutes. I laid down on my side and drank a ton of water (32 oz or more), which is supposed to help, but I didn't know how long it would take to work. (For future reference, give it about an hour and a half!) I timed the contractions for about 30 minutes and then David called the doctor.

Doctor called back about 15 minutes later, and the contractions were still coming. He asked me a couple of questions (are you hydrated? have you changed position?) and told me to come in to L&D (Labor and Delivery) to be monitored. Okay... off we went.

(I should add that we went leaving a beautiful pair of steaks and a half done pile of roast potatos.... David was fixing a super supper, and we didn't get to eat it until about 10:30! But, it was still very good.)

So, we both got lost going to L&D, but that was fine, we made it eventually. I was very embarrassed to find that, upon being actually hooked up to the monitor... you guessed it, the contractions had stopped. I was like, I guess we can go home now! But the nurse said no, we needed to be monitored and checked to make sure that the contractions hadn't changed anything internally.

She hooked me up to the monitor three ways: one heartbeat monitor for each twin, and a contraction monitor for me. I was a mess. It was very cool to see the heartbeats and contractions on the screen, though. The heartbeats were amplified, which was nice. The kicks the babies made were also amplified, which wasn't so nice to highly sensitive musician ears (SQUEEEAAAL) but still reassuring in a noisy kind of way. Out little girl wasn't very cooperative about sharing her heartrate with us, and kept kicking me and moving away from the monitor. I didn't think she had enough room to do that! Apparently, she is going to grow up to enjoy spelunking.

The boy didn't seem to care who heard him. He just sat there, broadcasting. Hmmm. He's going to be a composer... or maybe a DJ.

Eventually my doctor came. I lucked out a LOT, because it was my regular OB's night to do rounds at the hospital. Yea! No strange doctors for me. He did an internal exam and took a swab for a fetal fibronectin test. He said everything looked good with me, but that the results of the test would tell whether it was likely I'd go into labor during the next week or two. Thankfully, the test results came back negative, which is GOOD. I'm only 26 weeks. Let's shoot for at least 10 more, shall we? He said I was to take it very easy for the next week or so and try to figure out what it was that triggered the contractions. (I had sung for a memorial service that morning, which is the only non-routine thing I'd done. Perhaps performance stress? But I didn't feel stressed at all. Hard to say if that was it. Maybe not enough water during the day.) So, I'm not on full time bedrest, still just the modified 2 hours in the AM and 2 hours in the PM off my feet. I'm hoping to avoid full time bedrest... I hear people get a little strange after a couple of months in bed.

On the other side (of me, that is) the therapy seems to be helping my back. Hooray! Sciatica is a major pain in the... well, the back. My therapist taught me today how to roll over in bed without twisting my spine, which hurts. You do it by keeping your spine, pelvis and knees kind of 'locked' and not allowing the spine to twist. Bliss... except I was irritated with myself for not figuing this out. Placenta brain. Voice students of mine will also be happy to note that I learned a new trick for the Great American Chicken Head. No, I don't require that treatment, thank you very much... I asked her on YOUR behalf. =-) If you need it, you'll be getting it this week. Lucky you.

We buy our Christmas tree tomorrow! Yea!

Baby update

2005-11-26T12:57:00.000-06:00

Not a lot to say, except that they are almost exactly the same size (except for the wee bit of proud flesh). They are 1 pound 3 ounces. They can open their eyes, and if they were born today (God forbid) they would stand a chance of making it. Not a GREAT chance, though, so I think we ought to cook a while longer.

A note about due dates: The official due date is March 24 (which is 40 weeks), but for you baby poolers out there, I should tell you that the doctor said he would induce me at 38 weeks if they hadn't already decided to come on their own. From the reading, talking and research I've done online, twins often come as early as 35 weeks--and some manage to stay out of NICU. Let that be us, please. Not the 35 week part, the staying out of NICU part.

My doctor told me at my last appointment that he had delivered twins that morning, 38 weeks via C-section. Those durn kids weighed 8 and 9 pounds. That scared me silent. Can you imagine them at 40 weeks?!?

Rachel went with me to the ultrasound on Tuesday, Novemeber 22. I was glad she was able to go. The twins were very active. They were both head down (it would be great if they stayed that way, but the tech told me not to hold my breath), and they were facing each other. They were also kicking the stuffing out of each other--practice for real life, I guess. I keep thinking about the stories Mom tells about her and Uncle Bobby at age 21 trying to kill each other, with my grandmother hanging in the doorway clutching her chest and wheezing, "Oh, my heart, my heart!" I can just see THAT coming!

Grandma rocks in the nursery

2005-11-26T12:35:00.000-06:00

Mom helped with the nursery. That is to say, Mom made the nursery possible. Go Mom!

The nursery began life as an upstairs office with the ugliest wallpaper I've ever seen. Bleech. First, it had to be peeled off the wall, then the remaining glued side had to be wetted and scraped off. Needless to say, Mom did all of the truly nasty work, for which she should earn a medal. After the wet stuff had been scraped off, there was this icky glue residue left, which Mom eliminated with vinegar. Then she cleaned everything up, bought spackling, primer and brushes and rollers, and spackled and primed the walls a very happy yellow.

I helped a little bit... So, why are there any pictures of me?

Because Mom actually posed me. The picture I took of her is an honest-to-God action shot.

Go Mom! Many thanks from all four of us...

Thanksgiving = Good Times, Good Food

2005-11-26T12:18:00.000-06:00

The menu:

David's Grilled Turkey
Smashed Potatoes (with horseradish)
Turkey Gravy
Green Bean Casserole
Cranberry Sauce
Croissants
Oyster Stuffing a la McIntire
Apple-Cheddar Pie
Pumpkin Pie
Vanilla Bean Ice Cream
Sparkling Apple Cider

Rachel, Eileen, David and I inhaled all of this food within a 24 hour time period, which I found pretty amazing. Well, actually, there is some pie and ice cream left, and maybe a little turkey. (Well, okay, a little more than a little...) The potatos didn't last the meal, and neither did the bread. We like our starches!

The oyster stuffing didn't last all that long--which really IS amazing when one considers that David is the only one who will eat oysters. =)

Eileen made the Pumpkin Pie, and did a fine job. The crust came out really well, and she decorated it with pastry leaves--something I have to admit that I never think of when I'm actually making a pie. Fortunately, we had leaf shaped cookie cutters. (Yes, I stole her idea and put leaves on the apple pie, too!) We had a bit of a crisis with the ground ginger...meaning we didn't have any. So, for future reference, ground cardimon works just a well--just use half again as much as you would ginger. A good pie!

Apparently, I'm addicted to tickers:

2005-11-25T18:56:00.000-06:00

New Ticker.

2005-11-08T20:24:00.000-06:00

This one is cuter!

2005-11-03T20:30:00.000-06:00

It has been awhile since my last post. Things have been kind of busy!

Since the last post, I've:

1. gotten unoffical word that I passed two more hours of comps (4 to go)
2. sung a concert under Dr McCoy of North Texas State
3. been to the doctor for 3 days of cramping after the aforementioned concert
4. been placed by aforesaid doctor on modified/partial bed rest and told to do "nothing unessential"
5. flew to Florida (with same doctor's okay) because my grandmother wasn't doing so well (pulminary fibrosis)
6. came back.
7. had several rehearsals with church and recital choir
8. had dress rehearsal with recital choir and orchestra (yea!)
9. gotten very large.

After the recital (Saturday night, 7:30, St Paul's Episcopal Church on Main, y'all come!) I plan to RELAX.

Doctor's orders!

Apprehensive Exams

2005-10-11T20:50:00.000-05:00

Whoops! I meant comprehensive. Paging Dr Freud...

I had 8 hours worth of questions. So far, I've gotten results on two of the hours. I passed them! Two down, eight to go.

I ran into that professor in the hall as she was turning in the exams she had graded. She didn't look too happy with me, and I know why: I'm not exactly thrilled with my grade. However, pass/fail is pass/fail, and I suppose that ultimately what matters is that I've grown from this experience, and I certainly have! However, I wanted to show a little better.

Yes, I know I have reason to be distracted. I realize that (every 20 minutes, when I'm in the ladies' room). However, in spite of my philosophy of growth through learning, and growth - not grade - being the goal, something deep in me wants 1) an A every time and 2) to have my teacher pleased with me. Not necessarily mutually exclusive; this combination of factors worked fairly well for me until lately.

However, I suppose that even a B- in my worst subject (and it was!) is reason to celebrate. Passing is passing is passing!

But please understand if I dig my toe in the ground and say "I guess so" when I'm congratulated on my passing. I don't feel like I deserved it. But I AM glad I passed. I think I'll feel better when I know what the other 6 hours bring.

Here is the countdown ticker!

2005-10-11T19:25:00.000-05:00

The genders are in...

2005-10-11T18:52:00.000-05:00

We have a boy and a girl! Yea! Both are measuring a few days ahead, and everything looks good. We opted for no invasive testing, so no amnio, but it didn't look like we needed it anyway. Hooray!

Comps are over

2005-10-01T21:16:00.000-05:00

and I can't even have a drink. So, if you read this, have a drink for me. Actually, make that a double. Anything but scotch--blech.

If you are thinking, "Comps?!?" those are the exams I have to pass in order to graduate. If I fail a section, I can take it over---ONCE. And I'd have to continue another semester. No pressure or anything. Also, most of the questions were totally random, except for the one where I was to prepare all of the vocal music in the history of the world--west AND east--UP TO 1750. Oh, and I ought to know the instrumental forms, too... that is the exam that worries me. I should know more in a few weeks. Let me rephrase that: I should know if I get to graduate this semester in a couple of weeks. -=sigh=- So, no, I don't really feel relieved.

Two more major hurdles, assuming I pass: my recital (November 5th, y'all come) and a paper for the same professor who gave me the evil (did I mention it took me two hours for just hers?) question. After that, I can relax and just be pregnant. And teach voice. And (possibly) direct my choir. We'll see--it is getting hard to stand up for very long.

Pregnancy complaint disclaimer: I'm really happy about being pregnant. Complaining about pregnancy symptoms is like complaing about cafeteria food: we secretly actually like most of it, but would look like a geek if we admitted it out loud...

I'm 15 weeks along (that's a week shy of four months, for those of you who hate math) and can no longer sleep on my stomach. I'm thinking about buying a glider--a friend of mine spent her entire 3rd trimseter sleeping in hers. Quit laughing; it isn't funny. Aside from not being able to roll over, and the occasional food aversion, I don't really feel pregnant. I'm starting to show, but if you didn't know I was pg you'd just think I'd gotten fat again. Distressing, but I'm trying not to let it worry me; I've got bigger fish to fry than other people's opinions of my figure. As long as my doctor is happy, I'm happy; he says I can gain 40 - 50 pounds with twins, and I've only gained 7 so far. The sciatica is getting pretty rough, too; if I'm on my feet for more than about 20 minutes, my back starts to kill me and my right thigh falls asleep--weird in the extreme. I told someone several weeks ago that I would rather have sciatica than morning sickness, and I'm about to retract that; morning sickness would be over by now, but the sciatica is only going to get worse. Yippee!

So aside from getting fat, having trouble sleeping and walking, and an utter lack of the ability to concentrate for extended periods of time, I don't feel pregnant at all!

Who would have thought...

2005-09-21T23:10:00.000-05:00

...that I'd be so tired? Man, I'm pooped. I'm going to bed.

Today, I woke up at 2 AM, wide awake. Read till 4, went back to bed and slept till 7:30. Class at 9, back home. Studied and worked until 2, class till 3:30. Ran home to change, handbell choir at 4:45, chancel choir at 7.

The only good news is that I've started to show! Yea!

Bed-time for Bo-bo...

Am I nuts?

2005-09-19T22:56:00.000-05:00

I have comps next week. I guess I'm feeling left out of the blog craze, cause I have nothing to say. Plus, I hate journaling.

SOOOoooo, I'm almost 14 weeks pregnant, I am finishing up a second and totally unnecessary masters, I am avoiding studying for both my comprehensive exam and a mid-term in Renaissance, I haven't yet done my homework for tomorrow's class, I have a recital this semester and we are not yet out of our old house. Wait, there isn't enough stuff here yet! Okay, plus I have a church job and 12 hours worth of private students (mostly voice, a few piano). Anyone want to go out and play? For tomorrow, we die!