32 weeks.

32 weeks, 4 days...
Look who made it into the photo this week!

How far along: 32 weeks, 4 days

Size of Babies: Two large jicamas

Baby Update: Babies are taking up a lot of space in my uterus (ya think?!). They are gaining about 1/2 pound per week at this point. They have toenails, fingernails, and real hair. Their skin is becoming soft and smooth as they plump up in preparation for birth.

Fraternal twins at 32 weeks gestation



Weight Gain: +1 lb this week (total of 40 lbs gained)

Symptoms: I'm starting to really slow down these days- very tired off and on throughout the day. I've started to retain fluid in my knuckles so my hands have been feeling very arthritic (all normal symptoms). My feet are a little swollen as well. Bathroom breaks about every three steps I take... so annoying!

Movement: Constant movement- you'd think they are getting too big to move now, but I feel them all the time- I'm so used to it now. My Uncle Bruce actually saw my belly moving while at work- which I'm pretty sure freaked him right out!

Exercise: A lot of walking this week- but my movement is pretty slow- I doubt I even burn any calories.

Sleep: The bathroom breaks are a major downer... since I have to pee about 3-5 times a night. I'm still able to go right back to sleep each time (thank God)... but it's just such an interruption to have to get up in the middle of the night to go to the bathroom....again, and again, and again.

Food Cravings: Still craving the McDonald's Chocolate Chip Frappe.... I think I get one a week... is that bad?!

OB Update: Well- this week marked the start of my twice weekly ultrasounds and doctors appointments. Unfortunately, my doctor was on vacation this week, so I had to see other physicians. One of them was a male, and I swear that was the reason for my slightly elevated blood pressure on Tuesday. I had a female at my Friday's appointment and my blood pressure was fine. Babies are doing great- Baby Boy has taken the lead in terms of weight, he's measuring approximately 4 lbs 9 oz and Baby Girl is right behind him at 4 lbs 8 oz. Baby Boy has quite the head of hair on him! 

One recent development is that Baby Girl is now breech again- since two weeks ago, she did a huge flip from head down on my left side, to head up on my right side. She's since pushed Baby Boy a tad diagonal to my left side (he's basically straddling his sister's head- looks like he's sitting on her head in fact.) If I go into labor now, it's definitely a C-Section. They also started checking me for dilation and I haven't started dilating yet (which is good). No signs of early labor at this point. I am measuring as if I'm 40 weeks though... man... I'm going to be HUGE!

Sofia officially turned 3!

This past Wednesday (Aug 21st) was Sofia's actual birthday. We had a nice dinner celebration with Sofia, Adam and I. She was very excited to open presents and we were able to Facetime with Sitto and Papa so they got to see her opening presents. She got a dollhouse, dollhouse furniture, and a family for the house from Adam and I... she was very excited as that's what she's been wanting for quite some time. The dollhouse came in a million little pieces and poor Adam had to put that together! The end result was worth it though and we have a very happy little 3 year old.

A million little pieces...





Exterior Front of Dollhouse

Interior of Dollhouse

One happy little camper!



Oh what a weekend!

It started on Friday night with a maternity/family photo shoot session at Pineland Farms. A friend of mine, Amanda Whitegiver, who's starting her own photography business, took the photos to help build her portfolio- I'm excited to see how they turn out. I'm posting one family photo below as a teaser.

Yesterday, we took Sofia to a Sibling Class at MMC from 10-12pm. There were four couples there with their firstborns (all around Sofia's age). The instructor taught the kids how to diaper a baby doll, how to swaddle, etc. She read a book about bringing home baby and showed some kid-friendly short videos as well. We also got to tour MMC's Birthing Suite, Triage Room, and Infant Nursery (brought back memories!) It was a good use of our time and Sofia seemed to enjoy herself and I think she got something out of it.

 Afterwards, off to Funtown/Splashtown we went! We wanted to do a last hurrah 'Fun Day' with Sofia so we went big! I paid for it later... an 8-month pregnant woman with twins shouldn't be pushing strollers around an amusement park in the heat- I was totally exhausted. We did a little bit of the Spashtown park to start (but the water was freezing cold and therefore not enjoyable). We continued on to the Funtown park and Sofia was only excited about a few rides. Afterwards, I asked her what her favorite part was and she said the Sibling Class.... just goes to show you that sometimes less is more! Adam laughed and said we should've just taken her to the carousel at the mall... she would've had the same amount of fun for a fraction of the price.

Happy Baptism Day to Lillie Fleming!

Today, Sunday, was my Cousin Anne's daughter, Lillie's Baptism. Lille is 15-months old and is such a gorgeous little girl with the most enviable curls that always look perfectly styled! She was an angel in church too and she got to wear the vintage Braithwaite/Chalmers christening gown- which is a tradition in our family for all the Chalmers children to wear on their baptism day (my dad even wore it when he was a baby). We went to the church service and then back to the Fleming's house for lunch. Sofia always has lots of fun with her cousins and they have a great house for entertaining kids.

The photo below was taken at Pineland Farms back in 2011 when Sofia was 13-months old. At my recent maternity/family photo shoot this past Friday, back at Pineland Farms, I wanted to re-create the same family photo...where does the time go???





Pineland Farms 2011 (Sofia age 13 months)

Pineland Farms 2013 (Sofia age 3)

At Funtown/Splashtown USA....


On the kiddie train

Spinning tea cups with daddy

The carousel... her favorite!

Lillie's Baptism...

Katie and Jim (godparents) with Anne & Keith (proud parents)

Lillie with the pastor

All in all... it was a great weekend... but this mama is exhausted! Have a great week!

31 weeks and Happy 3rd Birthday Sofia!

31 weeks, 4 days

How far along: 31 weeks, 4 days

Size of Babies: Coconuts

Baby Update: Babies are heading into a growth spurt. They can turn their heads from side to side, and their arms, legs, and bodies are beginning to plump out as needed fat accumulates underneath their skin.

Weight Gain: 39 lbs gained in total

Symptoms: Starting to feel more uncomfortable as I hit the final stretch of pregnancy- incredible pressure on my bladder so I feel the need to pee about every three steps I take.  Still experiencing Braxton Hicks Contractions and some swelling in the feet.

Movement: Still feeling lots of movement. The other night I think what was a baby elbow totally punched out my belly button- it was the strangest sensation.

Exercise: Frequent walks through the neighborhood and this weekend I ran around like crazy preparing for Sofia's birthday party (which was on Saturday).... I'm surprised I didn't go into labor with all the running around I did. Needless to say, I need to start slowing down.

Sleep: Having a harder time sleeping and getting comfortable these days. Wouldn't you know that out of all the days to look forward to "sleeping in"...today, Sunday, all of the smoke detectors in our house decided to go off at 6:30 AM! There was no fire- just a low battery situation in one of the alarms which somehow set them all off.... woke up my whole house and scared the crap out of my dog who jumped into bed with us.

Food Cravings: Chocolate Chip Frappes from McDonalds are the bomb!

Update on my dad: He's quite the picture of health these days- down to an astounding new low of 203 lbs. His staples (all 59 of them) were removed on Thursday. He's building up his strength and is able to go on longer walks each day with my mom. If all continues to go this well, Adam and I will be bringing them home over Labor Day Weekend!

Mr. Slim n' Trim!



Excited: Well- this coming week marks the start of my twice weekly ultrasounds and doctors appointments.... I'll basically be going every Tuesday and Friday until I deliver. Also, my little Sofia turns 3 on Wednesday August 21st! Where did 3 years go??!

A weekend of Birthday parties! 

 This was quite the busy weekend- it started on Friday night with the Bridgton Folk Festival- which my brother was largely responsible for planning and organizing. Adam, Sofia, and I attended to show our support. It was a great event- good turnout, local musicians performed, and delicious food... all free to the public.

On Saturday we were up and at 'em early preparing for Sofia's birthday party which was at 2 pm. We had to buy groceries and set up and it took us from 8 am to 2 pm to get everything ready (thank goodness for help from some friends and family). The party was a total success. It was a beautiful sunny day. We had water activities- blow up pool and slip n' slide, a bouncy house, and a piñata.... what fun. It was a princess birthday theme, for my little Princess Sofia. I thought to myself that this year, due to my hugely pregnant state, that I would do a small scale party with just family and friends, snacks, and cake and ice cream. I apparently don't know how to do anything small scale- because even though my intentions were good... we still had 15 kids and their parents. It was a fun time though. Sadly my parents couldn't be there but they kept checking in throughout the day with phone calls and I sent them many photos and video clips. I know they felt bad for not being able to be there in person- but they'll be home Labor Day Weekend!

Today we attended Sofia's friend, Adelaide's 3rd Birthday party (the girls are only 3 days apart.) This was a fairy-themed birthday party with a treasure hunt. It's safe to say that we are officially partied-out!

Here are some photos from Sofia's Birthday Party Extravaganza...

Princess Sofia Cake-
What... doesn't every little girl have their own Disney princess named after them?!



PB & Chocolate Whoopee Pies served as party favors
and of course, everyone had to sign Sofia's Birthday Scrapbook

 

Snacks and Drinks

Cousins Cora and Maddie

Cousin Ainsley with Sofia

Adorable Cousin Lillie

Let there be cake!

Happy campers

Neighbors Landon and Cole (the "tough guys")

Anne, Jim, and Katie

Little Cousin Britta

Lining up behind the birthday girl to take a swing at that piñata!

Sofia up to bat first = Swing and a miss!



It was Maddie who broke the piñata and there was a mad-dash for candy!

Lyndsay and Lucy

Fun in the pool with Adelaide

GP and Nanee with granddaughter Elise

Annie and Lillie

Cora jumping in the bounce house



Happy Birthday (on the 21st) to my little Princess Sofia! You bring so much joy into my life. I love you so much!

 

My little princess

The cutest fairy I've seen!

 

 

 

30 weeks.

30 weeks, 4 days
 

How far along: 30 weeks, 4 days

Size of Babies: Cabbages

Baby Update: Babies are about 16 inches long now and weigh about 3 lbs (mine way more than that- more on that later). Eyesight continues to develop, though it's not very keen; even after birth, the babies will keep their eyes closed for a good part of the day. (Let's hope they nap too!)



What 30-weeks gestation looks like

Weight Gain: 37 lbs total.

Symptoms: Fatigue, swelling of the feet, Braxton Hicks contractions, frequent potty breaks!

Movement: My belly contorts all the time- you can just stare at it and see it move. Today, Marney had her hand on my belly for awhile and couldn't believe all the activity- she said they were aliens!

Exercise: I've been better about going for nightly walks in the neighborhood with Adam and Sofia- however, not sure how much of a work out it is, as we tend to stop at every neighbor's house along the way and have impromptu play-dates. Gotta love friendly neighbors!

Sleep: I'm hating sleeping on my left and right sides- but I'm afraid those are the only options I have these days. The bathroom breaks are a nuisance (at least 2-3 a night).... but it comes with the territory!

Food Cravings: Blueberry cake- so I made my Nanny Velma's recipe the other day and it was delish!

Excited: My 30-week ultra sound and check up were this week and babies are doing great. Baby Girl now weighs 3 lbs 11 oz and Baby Boy weighs 3 lbs 7 oz. I was able to view the babies in 3-D for a little bit- you could make out big beautiful lips on Little Miss and she even did a big yawn, which I got to see in 3-D as well- it was pretty cool! Baby Girl is now head-down but Baby Boy is still horizontal and seems quite comfy that way. I got a decent look at him as well and I think he looks more like me- Little Girl, however, I think looks like her daddy. Dr. Worster said that in another four weeks, she'll have a good idea as to how I will deliver... and she thinks a scheduled C-Section is in my future due to Baby Boy's transverse presentation. Want I want to avoid is having Baby Girl vaginally and then having an emergency C-Section for Baby Boy. Dr. Worster is afraid that if she tries to turn him in the delivery room, to get him to come down vaginally, that he'll end up coming down feet-first, which is obviously what we don't want happening. I go again at 32-weeks... and that marks the start of my twice weekly ultra sounds and doctor appointments up until delivery day.

Boston Strong! On Saturday I headed down to Boston for an overnight to visit my parents. Sadly, Sofia can't be around my dad for at least three months, and we couldn't find a sitter, so Adam stayed home with her so I could go (what a nice husband I have.) Marney was also there for a Bachelorette party so I got to see her again as well. I am very pleased to report that my dad is making great progress and I can't believe how much weight he's lost! He's so slim and trim. When he weighed in for his operation he weighed 231 lbs and now he's down to 207 lbs... that's insane for someone formerly nicknamed "the bear." His 59 staples will get removed this Thursday. He has multiple X-rays and physical therapy appointments each week and the doctors are still adjusting his medications to find the winning combination. He's in great spirits though and my mom is taking excellent care of him. I brought them down some DVDs and Backgammon to help keep them entertained as the days are long. All-in-all, it was a great visit and I'm SO pleased with his progress! Thank you GOD!  


Mr. Slim-and-Trim!

Dad and his daughters- my belly is now bigger than his!

Nurse Mom helping dad with his meds- they have it down to a science now

"My three girls!"- Dad said while snapping this pic



 

 

 

29 weeks... and a baby shower

 

29 weeks, 4 days
My belly looks so big, my legs look so small!

How far along: 29 weeks, 4 days

Size of Babies: Butternut Squash

Baby Update: Muscles and lungs are continuing to mature, the head is growing bigger to make room for the developing brain. Lets hope these brains are smart... smart enough to earn college scholarships!

Weight Gain: 36 lbs total

Symptoms: Lower back pain, leg cramps, and fatigue- and I can't stop nesting.

Movement: Man-oh-man... these babies are throwing some good kicks and jabs- I feel like my belly is going to pop- and I still have 7-8 more weeks to go. I heard through the grapevine that my Uncle Bruce said that "it looks like I'm carrying quadruplets".... not appreciating that comment!

Exercise: Does nesting count? I don't think I've sat down all day.... until now.

Sleep: Still getting up to pee 2-3 times a night- but luckily, I fall right back to sleep. I'm grateful that we purchased a Tempur-Pedic mattress last year because it definitely seems to be helping me.

Food Cravings: Chocolate cake with peanut butter frosting (and I'll explain why later)....

Excited: Lots to be grateful for this week....

First and foremost, my dad was discharged from the hospital last Thursday- after only 9 days! (He was told by doctors to expect a 2-3 week hospital stay, so a 9 day stay is quite impressive). He's doing great and making such incredible progress each day. He and my mom have rented an apartment close to Mass General, as my dad has multiple doctor's visits still, but they are hoping to be back in Maine by early to mid-September... just in time for the twins' arrival. Hurray!

Have you ever seen a more handsome double lung transplant recipient before??
This photo will surely go down in history....



Discharge Day!
August 1, 2013

Second of all... on Monday I received the 'Maine Young Agent of the Year' Award.... a prestigious award recognized to a Maine Young Agent who has made an impact in the insurance industry at a young age. I was truly humbled to receive the award. This award is usually given out at the Young Agents Annual Convention in October, but due to my impending "due date," the Maine Insurance Agents Association pushed up the time frame so that I could receive the award in person.



Myself with Mike Marquis, of Swett and Crawford, who presents the award annually

Last but not least.... my baby shower was on Saturday! I must say, my sister, Marney, is the best sister a girl could ask for... she hosted the shower all by herself (sans my mother- who's in Boston with my dad) and did an incredible job. I know that a TON of work went into it and it was truly amazing. Every last detail was well thought out and executed. Thank you Marney, from the bottom of my heart, I love you! Also thank you to my family and friends who helped pitch in (Meghan, Laurie, Beth, Annie, Janet, and Mary). The support of family and friends has been amazing these past two weeks through my dad's operation and recovery period. I know my mom felt bad for not being at my shower, but her heart was there, and she got to see a lot of photos so I think she felt as though she were there... dad too!

Here are some photos from my shower...

The decorations....

The living room- loving the clothesline of onesies!

The adorable cakes- which follow the twins' nursery theme perfectly- owls and elephants
Marney secretly had Adam snap photos of the nursery for the cake decorator to use as inspiration
P.S. The elephant cake is chocolate with peanut butter frosting = To Die For... hence my new "craving"

Sofia's special "Big Sister" cupcake

The delicious buffet spread

The best hostess and sister in the world...

The guests...

Marney, me, and Cousin Anne

Cutest girls ever: L-R: Cora, Sofia, Molly, & Maddie



Me and my sister-in-law, Nina
 

Meghan, Annie, and me
 

Sue, Molly, Cora, and Laurie

 

Sara & her little Leona
Paula ("Nanee") & Grandaughter Elise



Aaron, Nina, & Elise





Cousins- Ainsley and Sofia


 Gift opening: What a "shower" of goodies it was...feeling very fortunate...

 

Cutter Family of Three... soon to be Five!

 

With a smiling Sofia to boot!

Someone got her balloon caught in the fan! Oops!