A trip to Labor and Delivery

21 Weeks 5 Days

Yes, already... I didn't want to go. But in the best interest of me and my babies I still went just to make sure.

It started Monday night. I felt some cramping as I was leaving work. Then shortly after came some irregular discomfort. I had no idea what it was. At this point it was off and on. It was manageable, just annoying. So I went to the store, grabbed some salad and garlic bread to go with our chicken that was being marinated. I got home and Justin and I had a nice Valentine's dinner. Then we started watching The Bachelor. He's a good hubby for watching it with me, right? About half way through the show, the pain and discomfort was now constant and very uncomfortable. I called my sister, who is my saving grace, and asked what to do or how to relieve the pain. We figured it was one of the babies feet pushing down on my cervix causing the pressure and pain. Well thinking it was just one of the babies, I figured he'll move and adjust his position soon. But he didn't. I began to tear up, and decided that I would go take a warm bath with some lavender scents to relax and calm down. The bath helped a lot. I could feel a lot of movement from their legs. After the bath Justin and I finished The Bachelor, and I was able to relax enough to go to bed.

Tuesday morning, I woke up well rested. Thank goodness! Since all weekend long I had terrible back aches which kept me up Thursday and Friday nights. I could still feel a little bit of pressure, but nothing that was uncomfortable. So I came to work. The girls and I had our regular Tuesday discussion about what happened on The Bachelor, and I was fine. Around 10:30 or 11:00am I started to feel uncomfortable again. So I waited for another hour, and decided to go home on my lunch break and lay down for a bit to see if that would help. Once I got home, I was in tears. I was so uncomfortable! After calling my sister again, my mom & Justin we decided to call the doctor and get some suggestions. I called and told the nurse what I was feeling and she told me to go to Labor and Delivery to have my cervix checked and figure out what was wrong. I was a little freaked out. I was an emotional mess, probably because of pregnancy hormones. Plus I didn't want to miss more work. So I called Justin and told him that they wanted me to go to Labor and Delivery. He was equally freaked out, but was able to leave work to take me. He's such a good husband. I called mom, my sister, and work and told them that they wanted to see me. Each phone call I sobbed through.

We got to the hospital and got to Labor and Delivery. I checked in and reality set in a little more. What if I'm dilating? What if nothing is wrong at all? What if I have an infection or something? They set me up in a room in Triage and I got all changed. The sweet nurse came in and hooked the contraction monitor around my belly and asked me about a million questions. Then after talking with Dr. L (my OB who is at IMC) they decided they would run some tests to check for infection, check my cervix and take a look at the babies.

First they did the Ultrasound. Everything was fine. The babies heart rates were normal, they were moving and happy. Good!

Then they did the tests. Holy cow, those were not fun. Very uncomfortable! They sent those off to the lab.

Then the nurse checked my cervix. OUCH! But luckily, it was still fully closed. Phew!

They did a few more things, like checked my legs for swelling, took my temperature, blood pressure ect... And the nurse said everything was fine. Really? Then why am I so uncomfortable?? The nurse did say that the tests for infection could take an hour. It was 4pm and my doctors office closes at 5 so I had to wait until the morning to call and get the results. If it was an infection, they would just give me a one time dose to get rid of it. The nurse gave me some tips and pointers. Like drink tons of water... I've heard that before. But what she did tell me was that drinking water calms the uterus. Interesting! Now I know why they say drink your water!! She also said to take it easy and put my feet up whenever possible, and that just because my cervix is fully closed now, doesn't mean that it can't change pretty fast. So to avoid any problems (especially with twins) just rest rest rest whenever I can.

I guess I'm glad I went. It gave me the ease of mind knowing that the babies are fine, I'm not dilated at all, and I'm not having contractions. But In the back of my mind I couldn't help but think, "was the trip really necessary?" The nurse did say to never be afraid to call or come in, if something doesn't feel right, it's better to get it checked then to let it go and something be wrong, and to just use this experience as my base guideline. Knowing nothing was wrong, I can use the symptoms I had as a guideline to decide whether it's urgent or not. Which is true. So overall, it's best I went. But I was still a little frustrated.

We got home, and I updated everyone that I was fine. Then from about 5pm - 7:30 I was out. It was nice to take a nap and just relax for the rest of the night. I'm glad to say that since I woke up from that nap, I have not felt any more pressure or discomfort! YAY!

As for the test results, I called this morning, and they still didn't have them. Weird. But the receptionist put a note into the nurse to call me with the results. So hopefully I get a call soon. I have been drinking cranberry juice since I left the hospital, I've heard that can be very effective in helping yeast infections. So maybe I don't have one, or it's going away on it's own. I don't know.

To say the least, my day yesterday wasn't all that grand. Lots of emotions, tears and frustration. But I'm glad that I know everything is ok with my babies. I can handle some discomfort. Everyone I've talked to has said "It's only the beginning, it gets worse" (the back aches, sleepless nights, pressure, discomfort, and pain)

Thanks to:
My Sister for listening to me whine, and ask a billion questions. I call her daily. She's so smart and she usually knows how to calm me down. She's the best big sister ever!
My loving husband who deals with my emotions on a daily basis. He's so great to try to rub my back, or get me some water or whatever I need. I love him so much!
Also, my mom, Melissa D, and Kara for easing my mind, being concerned and checking up on me after.
And my sweet friend Lindsay who offered to take me to the hospital, offered dinner, or to come sit with me and still brought me some get well treats. I'm so grateful that I have a good support system. All of these people helped me get through my day yesterday! Thank you!

Hopefully I will not have to go back to Labor and Delivery for at least another 2 months :)

150 Days to go!

18 weeks 4 days pregnant

Pretend these pictures are cute, Ok?

According to my pregnancy count down over there, it says only 150 days to go today! Crazy! My guess is, it's less then that since these little boys will most likely come early.

My sister only has 87 days left!! That's so short! I can't wait to find out if I'm getting a new niece or a new nephew! She decided to keep the gender a surprise, so we wont find out until the little one arrives! I think a little boy would be fun, then the cousins would be so close in age! But a little girl is MORE than welcome :)

I have the best sister ever. She is planning me a baby shower, and she's got me SO excited about it, I can hardly stand it! She has a theme all planned out and everything. It's a surprise for me until I get my invitation in the mail. If you know me, I love surprises! So I can't wait!

Yesterday was a little bit of a rough day. Around 10 or 11 am I started feeling sharp cramping pains and having back aches. I was a little bit nervous. This being my first time through, I didn't know what it was! So I was asking everyone I could! I decided at 12:30 that it was time to go home and lay down. On my way home I called my doctors office and talked to the nurse. She had me explain what I was feeling. At first she told me to go to the ER. I kind of talked her out of it. She told me to go home and lay down with my feet up and drink 32 ounces of water, and if it got ANY worse to go straight to the ER. She was concerned because twins is a completely different ballpark, I guess. She said she would consult with Dr. L and call me back. So I went home and did what I was told. I laid down, Justin got me a bunch of pillows, and some water. I watched a little bit of Grey's Anatomy and then fell asleep. Around 3:30 the nurse called me to make sure the pains hadn't gotten worse. I told her they hadn't. She said that it was probably just round ligament pain, which is very common, especially among first pregnancies. The ligaments in the body are stretching so much, it can cause sharp pains in the lower uterus. She told me I need to be drinking 64 ounces of water A DAY! Woah!

Our awesome neighbors had invited us over for dinner last night, I felt so bad, I had to call them and cancel. But they were still so nice, and brought the dinner to us! I'm grateful for good neighbors :) Poor Justin was so bored yesterday. He's been sitting home for a while now, with hardly any work. He loves being busy and having things to do. So to sit home is hard.

The sharp pains started to taper off around 7pm. I decided to get in a warm bath to help relax and ease some of the pain. After my bath, they were gone. Thank goodness!! My boss had told me at work that she has a friend that is 22 weeks pregnant with twins, and over the weekend her water broke! That scares me!! Hopefully this doesn't mean anything, and things will continue to go smooth. No more complications :) That might be wishful thinking, but I might as well keep a positive mind, right? I'm just glad it wasn't anything more serious! Especially at 18 weeks.

We go to the ultrasound doctor to see the little guys again and make sure everything is ok. I'm interested in what the doctors will say. So I'll update you on that once we are done!

We got their dresser all painted! It looks really nice! The color is a little lighter then we though, but I think it compliments the room nicely. I've decided I'm going to put a vinyl quote up on their wall that says:

"Because I have a BROTHER,

I'll always have a FRIEND!"

Have I mentioned that I have the best family and friends ever? The support and love we are receiving is amazing. People offering to throw me showers, buy stuff, help with meals or just anything! I'm so grateful for that! These boys are definitely going to be spoiled!

Lake Powell

This weekend we had the chance to go to Lake Powell with my wonderful Uncle, Aunt and two cousins. We had an AWESOME time! We are thankful that they invited us! What an amazing place!

Aunt Leah

Lexi & Livi!

Do you see the face?

The knee board hit me in the head! Ouch!

The crack of doom!

Glen Canyon Dam

Silly model pose

Sexy model pose :) haha!

Goof Balls!

Still Here, Dreams and 4th of July

Hi Everyone.

I'm pretty much lame. And I'm sorry. I've been such a slacker at posting. It's hard when the only Internet we have at home is the Internet from my cell phone plugged into the computer. It's SUPER slow! I do have some pictures to post tho! So I'll get them up soon.

I just have to talk about a dream I had last night that has stuck with me all day...

As most of you know, my brother Marcus has been gone on his mission for almost a month now. He's at the MTC learning Spanish to prepare for his mission in San Fernando California. It's weird that he's so close, yet... so far away. At first when he left, yes I cried. The first days were pretty sad. I didn't cry much but I thought about him A LOT! It just seemed like he was going on a vacation and he'd be back soon. But he's not. This dream I had last night was me missing him. A Lot. Cause I do. I just remember seeing him, hugging him cause I had missed him.

Anyway. Maybe I'm just super emotional right now, I dunno but I do know that he's out there for the right reason! And that he's going to touch so many lives :) That makes me happy! He sent home and SD card with pictures on it. I'll post pictures on his blog soon!

I love the 4th of July. It's the best month EVER! I love the sounds, smells, activities, spending time with family and having fun! This 4th was great! Ever day on and around the 4th was a celebration. My brother-in-law and nephew came up for the 4th this year. It was sad tho cause my sister had to stay home alone :( I miss her. My BIL and nephew came to the Eaglewood fireworks with us on Saturday. That was fun! I love fireworks! And we had a BBQ with family Sunday night and I made a USA cake. Yummy! Today we went swimming with friends and cousins. I now look like a lobster! Haha!

I love July! It's awesome! I'll post some pictures soon!!

I'm still here!

Hey everyone!

I know, it's been FOREVER. I'm sorry. Life just gets so busy sometimes! Here's an update of the last month!

First, I started a new job! I now work for Prime Alliance Bank in Bountiful. It's so great because I am 5 minutes away from home. Instead of driving 15 minutes and filling up on gas every week and a half, I drive 5 minutes and fill up ever two and a half weeks. I love the people I work with. They are all so great and easy to get along with. They've been so welcoming. I work in the Credit Administration department doing the payoffs & reconveyances, appraisals, and loan bookings. I love working in that department. I'm learning so many new things, which I love. I think it will be great having more knowledge of what goes on in different departments at the bank.

Next, I've been busy making some cakes! I have made 3 in the last few weeks! I'll post them on my cake blog, so go see them!

Then, my sister just came into town! She got here on Saturday and will be here till next Sunday! It's so great having them here, I've missed them SO much. My nephew has grown up so much, it's unbelievable! He knows his letters, numbers, colors and is even potty trained! My sister is such a good mom, I know who to turn to when we have our own little munchkins(No, not yet)!

On Sunday we celebrated my mom and brother-in-laws birthdays! My mom's was on the 10th and Cody's is on the 18th. We had a yummy steak dinner, and then the grandparents came over and we had cake and ice cream!

A tote for my mom to put her jewelry making supplies in!

Pictures of our family pictures that we had done in AZ!

Lincoln blew out the candles for his dad!

I colored the inside of the cake green, it's my moms favorite color.

Then we just hung out! My little nephew is so outgoing, he runs around the house calling out anyones name that will play with them "Emily, Kyle, Justin, Papa!" It's so fun! My nephew has become obsessed with a game on my dads iPod. I don't know what it's even called, but we call it "Go Fast" Its a traffic car game where you try to get as many cars through the intersection without them crashing. Lincoln will sit and play it for HOURS! He sits and goes "Go fast, Go fast, Oh no, watch out!" then he'll crash and be like "OOOHHH, Crash the blue." That means that the blue car crashed, or whatever! Here's a video of him and kyle playing with the iPods. My brother taught him the pound it and blow it up! I love it! And he's catching on to "I love you"

And now...

PRESENTING!


MY SISTER!!

(I turned on my camera to upload these photos and this is the surprise I found from her )

HAHAHA! This last one is classic! I couldn't help but Laugh Out Loud when I saw these!! I love my sis!

What we've been up to!

So some of you have probably been wondering what we've been up to besides just making cake. So I decided to elaborate. (In order from oldest to newest photo's)

Viewmont high school had a powderpuff football game. Kyle was a cheerleader! He's such a funny kid! He was also elected to be the designated "flyer"
Check It Out!

Good thing they caught him.

The Junior Cheerleaders

Kyle and his best friend Caden.

Also, Justin has been working so hard. His boss went out of town for 3 days to go deer hunting. So he decided to call my Aunt Leah and help her out with her new house down in Draper. In return Aunt Leah gave us this. THANK YOU SO MUCH! WE LOVE IT :o)

And last night after family dinner at my mom's house, we decided to make caramel apples. So i melted the caramel and got our 4 choices of toppings ready: Mini M&M's, Toffee pieces, Chopped peanuts, and Halloween sprinkles.



MMM! They were delicious!

And of course, the boys love to play/torture poor duke. But he's such a good sport. (Sorry for the bad filming, I'll take the blame for that)
They put aluminum foil on his feet with rubber bands. So when he'd run into the kitchen he'd slip and fall. But he didn't like the feeling on his feet at all!

Anyway, we've just been busy working and hanging out with friends A LOT, and the boys play Counterstrike A LOT. But other than that, not too much is going on.

However I am excited for the following things coming up soon:

With Tatjana & Jeff this week

Halloween!

November 6th is:

Our birthdays!

at:

And then the perfect ending to our year in:at my sisters house with the whole family :o)

Sick, Birthdays & Family Fun

As you can tell from my tag, i am sick. I'm sorry for the negativity. On Monday the 2nd of March i started getting a sore throat. You can tell when you're getting sick, i was tired, got the fevers and chills often and just wasn't my normal self. So by Thursday my throat felt terrible, so i called the doctor cause i knew my sister and nephew would be here Monday the 9Th for my mom's big birthday surprise. I wanted to be well for it so i went to the doctor. They had no questions about it when it came down to strep throat. So they prescribed me with Ammoxocillin. I thought i was set, I'd be feeling much better by Monday and I'd be able to enjoy two days off with my family.
Well come Monday, i was feeling worse. So i called the doctor again telling him my sinuses hurt and i was very congested. So they called in another prescription of Ammoxocillin and Augmenten. Well today is Thursday... I still don't feel any better. I'll probably end up going back to the doctor tomorrow.
However, i did have a WONDERFUL time with my family. We flew my sister in for my mom's birthday on Tuesday. So we surprised her at breakfast at village inn, she was SO happy. After, we went bowling then that evening just the girls went to the play at Viewmont High, Aida. It was so great!
Tuesday my sister and i went to the hair salon and i got highlights, for the first time in years! It is different cause I'm not use to it but i think i like it. Then we gave my mom her birthday presents, had some dinner then hung out at their house. It was so fun!
Then last night we decided to go to the Bountiful Rec Center to go swimming. Lincoln loves the water! He had a blast! Carly, Marcus, Justin and some of his friends were able to come. We had a great time. So over all this week has been pretty good, but i just can't kick this sickness. Hopefully the doc can help me feel better soon!
Thanks everyone for your love and support.

XOXO

Here are some Random pictures of Duke we took of him while giving him a bath: