The doctor's appointment was just fine.
I'm on rest and relaxation duty as anything else brings on contractions. Based on the knicker action I have going on my cervix continues to thin. I am leaking small amounts of fluid, but no one seems to know if that's my embittered bladder or something slightly more interesting. The contractions are fierce, particularly at night. I get little sleep, as I have to work to breathe through the contractions. My blood pressure is much too high (especially for me, as I usually have blood pressure so low I'm virtually dead) and I'm now on monitoring for it, and I've been having incredible headaches thanks to it. The bottom line is, the consultants don't want to do anything until the contractions get to 3-4 minutes apart. I'm not considered in labor until that happens, and that could happen anytime between now and the next 6 weeks. The consultant assured me I would be induced at 38 weeks if the babies aren't born yet.
I am not lying when I tell you I nearly cried at hearing that.
I don't feel great, but there's an endopint in sight, and the babies do better the longer they can stay in.
As for the babies, well...the cookies baking in my oven are nearly done. Both babies are over 5 pounds now, and their growth is slowing down as they are running out of room. The ultrasound showed that the boy is still engaged and ready to go. The girl is spread right across my stomach and the hope is that she can be turned once he's evicted.
They're in great shape, though. We were stunned to see them yesterday, as they showed massive signs of being nearly ready to be popped. The little girl was practicing her breathing, and we saw her little lungs working in and out, in and out, in preparation for the real thing. Good news, and amazing to see.
The ultrasound technician pointed something out on the head of the little boy. There, floating in the fluid, was the hair on his head. Our little man has hair.
Neither Angus nor I are particularly sentimental types, but we were both giggling and touched.
My Dad and stepmom arrived yesterday at lunch, and I'm absolutely delighted to see them. It's been relaxing and positive, and they're keen that we not do too much. We're off to IKEA and the Asian grocery store and then we're taking it easy.
I know I'm not very interesting just now, my posts are short and all about babies, and I'm really sorry. I'm aiming to be back on target shortly, I just need to get my head above water a bit.
-H.
1
I don't think you need to worry about being interesting right now, nor about writing long posts. Anything you write right now is very interesting and exciting. It is all about you and the Lemonheads after all and your health and safety and it reads like a good novel, so don't you worry. We just want it to have a happy ending. Ciao...
Posted by: Irene at September 19, 2007 10:29 AM (RL+iu)
2
I second what Irene said.
Posted by: ~Easy at September 19, 2007 11:01 AM (WdRDV)
3
And, I third it.
I'm happy to hear from you at all.
I'm kinda thinkin' that, after this next step, yer gonna be "balls-to-the-wall" taking care of the babies.
THAT'S when I'm gonna miss ya...
(And, actually remember to breathe again, I hope.)
*grin*
Be well, Darlin'.
Posted by: Stevie at September 19, 2007 11:11 AM (vy/8Z)
4
Truly, every morning I run to the computer, thinking, "I wonder what's going on with my girl?" Hang in there! You're in the home stretch. God bless you and your family!
Posted by: Julie at September 19, 2007 11:15 AM (bKfwj)
5
I love hearing about you and the babies, thats whats going on in your life right now, so thats what you should be concentrating on! Have a great time with family... and rest up!
Posted by: Super Sarah at September 19, 2007 11:38 AM (UK4xW)
6
Hang in there Helen. I know some minutes even seconds are unbearable. We are all thinking of you, and like others you are my first stop of the day to see if the babies are coming! I hope your family brings you some distraction and peace.
Posted by: Judi at September 19, 2007 11:55 AM (W87Xx)
7
Isn't the target of this blog anything you want it to be?
Good luck, once again!
Posted by: Hannah at September 19, 2007 12:11 PM (KuL2D)
Posted by: statia at September 19, 2007 12:18 PM (lHsKN)
9
enjoy your family time.
Posted by: wRitErsbLock at September 19, 2007 01:01 PM (+MvHD)
10
In my small opinion, there is nothing more exciting then the arrival of two new little people.
Hang in there-I know this must be tough. My daughter was very late-I had her at 43 weeks-and I started having contractions and all that general yucky feeling at 34 weeks or so. I journaled all of it because I could not believe it was happening. The doctor kept saying that it could be anytime now, but when I got to 40 weeks he told me that if nothing happened in the next two weeks they would induce. I swear I cried for two days.
On the bright side, the babies sound nice and healthy, and your body really seems to be ready to go. I think it is just a matter of days not weeks.
And ditto on the hair thing. I remember the last scan I had they pointed my daughter's hair out to me, floating around her head like a halo. It was very touching indeed.
Much love to ya babe!
Posted by: Teresa at September 19, 2007 01:04 PM (9axR1)
11
I'm torn between wanting you to be out of your misery and wanting the Lemonheads to be 100% ready - I can't even imagine how you must feel! (I also can't imagine how my mom managed to carry both of us at 8lbs.) Wishing you all the best
Posted by: geeky at September 19, 2007 01:05 PM (ziVl9)
12
Being friends (even cyber friends) means hanging out with people where they are. It's fun going through different phases of life with people, and this is an extremely exciting phase for you. The next phase will be glorious too...children. Angel3 is about 2.5 months old; once they get to 3 months and start smiling in response to people around them, they become a lot of fun. I've enjoyed the 1st 3 months with Angel3 far more than I did with Angel1 or Angel2. He's the worst one of the lot (colicky wise and very high maintenance), but I'm not as selfish or busy as I was with my first 2.
I (for one) am glad to hear all your stories and look forward to baby stories.
Warning: boys REALLY will surprise you with that whole "peeing on you" thing. It's amazing. As mindful as I was of avoiding it, he's gotten me twice so far. Keep him covered up. 10 years ago, I'd have gotten upset about it. Now, it's just one of those things. : )
Posted by: Solomon at September 19, 2007 01:17 PM (x+GoF)
13
A good friend of mine carried her twins the same way - one head down, one tucked up in the ribs. The sideways baby came out with the cutest little rib dent on one side of his forehead (gone in days)
Pay close attention to that blood pressure! Glad you get to rest and enjoy the family,
Suze
Posted by: suze at September 19, 2007 01:19 PM (0doyF)
14
I am very happy to hear you're doing well (relatively speaking) and the babies have grown so well! And I *am* particularly sappy and sentimental and I got positively teary reading about your boy's hair. Wow. How cool is it that you were able to see it in the scan? And the lungs working! That must have been amazing to watch as well.
I could never be bored reading about your life as it is now, especially after having been along for the ride over the last few years and knowing how very much you've wanted to be at this point. I'm still feeling very fortunate that you're willing to share as much as you have with all of us. You're still the first link I click every morning.
Hang in there, enjoy your time with the family, and take it easy. I'll be thinking of you.
Posted by: Lisa at September 19, 2007 01:40 PM (e8V7B)
15
Don't apologize for talking about the babies a lot. They are a big, life changing deal! I expect you to talk about them.
Posted by: Dotty at September 19, 2007 01:49 PM (KJE2B)
16
Helen, I have been busy watching and reading every day. I just dont comment cuz, well I dont know why, being a housewife is tough and I have little time. Howz that for a lame excuse.
Anyway I have loved the posts and the pics, we are all pulling for ya, you have many folks in the world watching and waiting for the big day!
The kids now weigh more than I did when I was born, I was a preemie and I came out just fine!
Posted by: Cheryl at September 19, 2007 01:51 PM (n3lCA)
17
Of COURSE we expect to hear about babies right now! We appreciate hearing from you and knowing what is going on since we can't be there, sitting next to you, holding your hand and getting you whatever your little heart desires. This is by far second-best. Thank you for sharing it all with us...
Just pointing out that my daughter was a premie born a little over 3 lbs. She had to get to 5 lbs to go home from the NICU, so it sounds to me like the lemonheads are on their way to a great start. {{{hugs}}}
Posted by: sue at September 19, 2007 02:23 PM (WbfZD)
18
If you weren't telling us about the bebes, I'd be worried! Although the high BP is scary, I'm glad the rest is progressing nicely. Enjoy the time with your family. I hope you get some relaxing time together.
Posted by: caltechgirl at September 19, 2007 03:09 PM (IfXtw)
19
Everything sounds good.
And this,
my posts are short and all about babies, and I'm really sorry. I'm aiming to be back on target shortly,
Whaaa? You ARE on target! Having the babies IS your target right now; please don't feel you have to talk about other things to be interesting. What is interesting to us is whatever is currently interesting to YOU.
Posted by: The other Amber at September 19, 2007 04:38 PM (zQE5D)
20
I have been thinking about you pretty much non-stop since yesterday. I hardly think you'll go through another 4 weeks of this, love. You're in the homestretch. And hey. I think this is GRIPPING DRAMA!
Rest as much as possible, sweetheart. I know it's so hard right now, but you're almost finished with this phase of motherhood!
Posted by: Margi at September 19, 2007 05:02 PM (zFQsX)
21
So should I assume that you cannot explain to me how women can give birth without even knowing they'd been pregnant?
Posted by: BeachGirl at September 19, 2007 05:29 PM (Fz87+)
22
Hi I love following your blog.. I have twin 6yr old boy/girl, Both of them weighed 5lbs 8 oz and they were both head down, I had my son first naturally after he was born my daughter did a flip side ways and I needed a emergency C- section...I often wished she had been turned sideways so if your daughter does a flip you will be all set to go. Many blessings
Posted by: Charlene at September 20, 2007 12:04 AM (mzReY)
23
I know this sounds funny - at this point in time -but soon you will actually miss the babies being out of your belly!
I am sure you are exhausted and anxious for the arrival, just try to relax and enjoy everyone around you at this very special time in your lives.
The great ending and a strong beginning is what makes such good writing, so you are not boring at all.
Posted by: Steff at September 20, 2007 02:03 AM (a5iyR)
24
DO NOT apologize for writing about the babies. We love hearing about them!
Posted by: kenju at September 20, 2007 03:06 AM (TiGru)
25
i love hearing about the babies!
Also, anxious to hear about how it all goes with Jeff.
love abs x
Posted by: abs at September 20, 2007 08:04 AM (pejJ8)
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