Where'd my Be-Bo* go?

Last night I discovered my cute little belly button has disappeared - transformed into a large bowl valley in my tummy.
I think that's a good indicator of how these babies are expanding...

I also learned yesterday that my aversion to knitting during this first trimester is not unique. Apparently most of my knitting friends had an aversion to knitting at this point too.  It seems weird to me, still, that just the thought of an activity would make me more nauseous.   I'm pretty sure I was knitting at this point when pregnant with Abi. I remember I started a small baby blanket (and I was very new to knitting then) just to have some focus and reminder of the pregnancy because I couldn't 'feel' anything. You know, because in the early months you don't feel movement, etc. But maybe I didn't get started until second trimester...
Regardless, I've had to force myself to at least work on the knit-a-long design. But any plans I had for Yule knitting have been tossed.

*"Be-Bo" is a tiny hippo's way of saying belly button, as per the Belly Button Book by Sandra Boynton. Not that I'm a hippopotamus. But if I were, I'd at least like to think that, relatively speaking (compared with other hippos), I'm a tiny one.

Baby Bump and Christmas preparations

Here you go folks. The (almost) 11/13 week baby(ies) bump.
Feeling better lately. Not nauseous all day. More on and off.
Abi's also feeling better.
Nothing exciting to report - other than some folks around here are eagerly anticipating the Grey Cup this afternoon.  I'm not sure which is more exciting - the game or the food and beer. (No beer for me of course, but I'll happily partake of the food.)

(Photo taken at a Christmas ornament exchange party last night, which is the only excuse I can grant my friends for having their tree up already!)

Abi is eagerly anticipating Christmas this year. She drew a photo for Santa and dictated a letter for him. The first item on her list is a flashlight - so she can go camping again. Bath toys (in particular another soft kitty and a rubber duck) and dollhouse toys are also on the list. I think Santa can deliver.
Santa also sent her a video from the Portable North Pole.
She's also decided to make Santa a gift - because she thinks he deserves it for making so many gifts for others.
That's my girl.
I reminded her that Santa really likes milk and cookies and that we'll also leave carrots for the reindeer.
I'm not sure how early we'll set up the tree this year, but I did make a countdown calendar for her with poster board and paper pockets that will hold stickers and little gifts like a silly band bracelet.  We'll use the stickers to mark the days that have passed as we count (from 1 to 24).

Heartbeats and hot kid

Yesterday I listened to the babies' heart beats. I recorded it so Robin and Abi could hear since they did not come to the midwife appointment with me. (Working on being able to upload the sound file to share.)

My blood-work all came back good - good amounts of good stuff and no bad stuff.
The ultrasound report still hadn't been sent over (really folks at True North Imaging? It had been a week. And the office is in the same building). It was faxed over quickly upon request. In the meantime, I was able to share the U/S pictures with the midwife, because I had thought to bring them along :)
The report itself was both informative and laughable.  Babies look good - same size, etc. (3.7cm from crown to bum.) As I already overheard, two sacs are visible and the two placentas have fused into one. Plus the placenta is anterior. But there were all sorts of numbers of weeks and days thrown about as estimates, with the final "conclusion" estimate being "about 11 weeks 4 days" (that was last week) - seemingly an average of the other numbers. Emphasis on "about". Dating ultrasound fail! Anyhow, they're off by a few days early. My date is right :P  I know these things - trust me. So we're keeping the EDD at June 5.  Of course, it's not as if I actually expect to go to 40 weeks term with twins.  Certainly, if I get to 40 weeks I'll be the one saying "get these babies out of me!"  Or, so I assume... I wasn't that way with Abi at all, but that was one baby.

Just finished convincing Abi to let me take her temperature.  She is/was quite adamant that she is not sick - even though I could feel she was hot in the middle of the night and still was hot to the touch when she woke after 10am and came downstairs.  101.4*F in the armpit = fever.  Not that she'll admit to it. Day of rest prescribed by mommy. Hoping nothing further develops... she's got a good immune system that typically fights off any virus quickly.

I couldn't help but record and share her stubbornness. For everyone who thinks she's always so sweet and happy... this final agreement on her part comes after a much longer period of arguing with me and making that funny dismissive sound of PFFFF.  She likes that sound.  Clearly, informing her I thought she might be sick was the wrong approach, since she's convinced she is not and therefore I must be wrong...

(Don't mind me - still in my housecoat etc in the morning. Didn't want to wake Abi early.)

Santa came to town

This morning we excitedly attended the local Santa Claus parade. (I shall refrain from complaining about how early it is for such a parade.) We missed the local Thanksgiving Parade, much to Abi's disappointment. She was very eager to see Santa. We arrived early and waited a while (with yummies from Matter of Taste cafe).

At last it began. Abi was shouting Happy Christmas throughout. Literally. Or singing Jingle Bells.

She wanted her picture taken with this beaver float.

Finally, the man himself drove past.
When asked what her favourite part of the parade was, Abi replied Santa Claus (of course) and all the treats she got.  She was so eager and smiley that I think all the people handing out candy stopped to share with her. (No, they didn't stop for every kid. Kids next to us certainly did not get much if any.)  At one point, students from WLU were walking past, Abi shouted Happy Christmas and as if rehearsed, about a dozen students said "ahhhhh!" - and then gave her candy.

So, this was our favourite part:

Reality check. And baby book(s)?

I've had some time to think more about baby travel, and realize I was talkin' crazy when I thought I'd need a double stroller. Aside from the inconvenience of those things and the CRAZY prices (at least for a decent, less cumbersome stroller), I really don't need it.  However, I will admit that a simple singleton stroller with a fully reclining infant seat will be needed. I can baby wear one and push the other (when I'm not wearing both - side by side or front and back).  And Abi can freakin' walk like she does now.  We don't have a stroller for her now, so why would I add one? If we're going on a long hike, I won't be doing it alone, which means Robin will be there to help with child transportation.  Yeah, so thinking of a double stroller with a child board or such was just crazy talk.  Please ignore the freakin' out in the aftermath of learning about the twins.

However, I do have a creative dilemma. How does one prepare a baby book for twins?  One book? or two? Right now I'm thinking DIGITAL.  If I keep/prepare a digital baby book, with digital photos, I can print out two copies without actually having to work on two books.  That way, one day, each child will have a comparative record of their first year(s).
For Abi I had a formal baby book and a second scrap book filled with photos and blessings from events, footprints as she grew, etc. I was already planning to create something that combined both of these for this pregnancy.  I'll just have to scan in the blessings and cards and foot/ hand prints.
I wonder what other parents of multiples do... or are they too busy to worry about it? I'm determined to make sure all my kids of proper baby books!

Fall Out

So, twins.
Huh. There go all my plans and expectations. Oh sure, I knew there is always the possibility of 'hitches' in the plan, but I certainly wasn't expecting this one!
There are a lot of serious and seemingly simple (but costly) consequences such as:
We'll need two new car seats.
We'll need a bigger vehicle because there's no way we can fit two rear-facing seats plus Abi's seat in our Corolla. (Let alone take the dog anywhere with us.)
We'll need more sleeping space - not that I expect Robin and I will be sleeping much.
We'll need more cloth diapers (and covers and wipes)
and clothes
and blankets (let's hope they're not droolers/spit-up kids. I was lucky with Abi. She wasn't either of those things.)
(so much for second pregnancy being practically "free" as anticipated)
A large stroller (I usually don't use one and prefer baby wearing, but I don't foresee wearing two through toddler-hood as I can with one! I'm going to assume if there's a stroller then Abi will want to ride on it too, so I'd need one with the funky standing space for older kids. And that takes us back to a larger vehicle - that can fit such a thing.)
A cot to fit two babies (we'll still co-sleep but I like somewhere safe to rest wee babies when they nap; we had a basket and a co-sleeper for Abi both of which I sold immediately because we didn't need them long and didn't have space to store them)


But let's assess what we do have -
plenty of baby-wearing stuff. (two wraps, two slings. I don't think the Ergo will be much help and it's in Winnipeg right now)
a decent collection of cloth diapers
plenty of yarn to knit more covers!
great friends
an eager helper (that's Abi; she'll be 4)
some girl clothes in Winnipeg with my sister. But I only kept my favourite/special clothes.
family in Winnipeg we will return to...

Once in Winnipeg we'll of course need a house and work, which are huge, but not something I'm overly worried about because I have full confidence we can find both with ease.

Ultrasound Results

There are my babies.
We (Robin, Abi and I) saw their strong heart beats. Saw them waving and wiggling.
Saw two babies!
Two freakin' babies.
So screw you all who said multiples.

Abi is delighted!
Robin and I are still in shock.
And while we don't know the sexes yet, I'll trust Abi's right and she's getting the brother AND sister she wants.

Blood

Abi had her first experience witnessing blood being drawn. She was well behaved as we waited at the lab for me to get some blood work done (finally went in...).  I hate needles and having blood drawn, but Abi was just plain curious and I of course did not want her to know that I dislike this.  So, when it was finally my turn to sit in the chair and await the lab person, I explained to Abi what all the supplies we could see were and how they would be used.  And when the lab person came to draw the blood, Abi watched closely to every step.  And, since I didn't want her to see my dislike I actually watched with her as the needle was inserted and 4 tubes were filled with my blood.
You know, it really wasn't so bad.  I always look away.  I'm always scared. And there was nothing scary about it once I resolved to not be scared in front of my child.
Yay me.
Yay Abi for thinking it was interesting.
After, she asked the lab person if only adults have blood drawn.  We were informed that it is usually adults, but sometimes very sick kids come in too.

Meanwhile, Abi's seems to have a tummy bug, although she's not complaining that her tummy hurts (this time). Instead she regularly takes herself to the loo. Otherwise she's her usual self.

In baby news, the first ultrasound is scheduled for this Monday. (I was surprised to be able to make an appointment so soon.)  I'll be sure to let you know that we're not having twins. (or triplets...)
And, in more exciting (to me) baby news, I get to have my former midwife again! Originally she was scheduled to be on vacation when I was due, but for some reason the group had to reschedule things and now she's available and called to let me know!  I'm very excited!!!  The new midwife was nice, but I'm really happiest to have Sheryl again.
Also, I need someone to play with Abi on Monday at lunchtime...

Looking the Role

What I've been feeling lately was confirmed by friends last night. I look pregnant. I'm not talking about "baby glow".  I admit, I walk funny - yes, I waddle a little - ridiculously so when you consider that I'm really not far along in the pregnancy. I have a tendency to hold my belly. And my pants have not fit for a long time.  The photo above illustrates this.  Already at 8/10 weeks - and actually well before now - I've got a belly. I don't recall this happening last time. Certainly not so quickly.
The pants pictured above were my favourite jeans.  The perfect fit - neither tight nor loose.  I've put on at least 15lbs since I could wear these. That is, the last time I weighed myself at the midwives office 3 weeks ago I was 15 lbs heavier than what had become my normal weight in the previous 3 years.
So why the weight change?
Do not say twins!
It's more likely related to the fact that at the same time as we conceived I stopped nursing Abi. Yeah, mean mommy cut her off (at almost exactly 3 and half years old; not so mean). I explained that I need the energy to grow a baby brother OR sister and Abi's cool with that.  Nevertheless, those extra calories not being burned add up.
Then add the nausea. 24/7.  And the snacking - usually healthy stuff but not 100%.  It's the nausea - the discomfort in my tummy - that causes me to hold and rub my belly often and to walk funny. Yes, I'm not very comfortable most of the time.
And my discomfort and exhaustion has me laying down a lot.  Even though I regularly take the kids to the park, etc, I'm not the one running around for an hour or more.
My next midwife appointment is in two weeks. Which reminds me I need to go get some blood-work done soon. I'll see how I've grown then. And I'm hoping things even out soon.  Which also reminds me that I have a few piles of clothes to sort through. The pre-preggo stuff can be packed away again.  The preggo clothes I don't yet fit can be stored within easy reach (I'm wearing my favourite orange preggo shirt today even though it's unnecessary; I like the excuse to wear it again.) Plus all the summer stuff has to go away - including all the cute summer dresses and tailored not-button-up tops I won't be wearing again for a couple years because they are not nursing-friendly. 
Which reminds me of the other obvious sign of my pregnancy and the other pile I have to sort through. Breasts and bras.  I've already had to haul out the larger cups, so it's time to put away the others.

Elora Gorge

We spent a lovely Sunday in Elora, exploring the gorge (and looking for some geocaches, of course).

Look down Nana. Look waaaaay down.

There was a lot of hiking involved, and Abi was eager to explore.

Abi was watching some fishermen. They caught and released a large fish while we watched.

Yes, a lot of walking. A lot to see.

It was often slow-going.

You can see the fishermen below. That's where we were previously.

All in all, a lovely day. Even if we didn't find the second stage of one of the geocaches. (Others reported it unfound too.)

On our way home we stopped at the last remaining covered bridge in Ontario. (That conveniently has a geocache nearby. Imagine that.) Also known as the local kissing bridge.

Photo by Abi.

Hope everyone enjoyed their weekend too.

Craving Kale

Okay, it's unofficially official... I think I need a daily raw kale salad.  My body craves it and I feel like ICK until I get it.  Nothing fancy. Just raw kale leaves (no stems, yuck) softened up with a tasty acid like fresh lemon juice and/or a little balsamic vinegar or such.  Also massaged with a pinch of sea salt.  And for some added flavour and texture (and healthy goodness) some avocado. Or chick peas. Or something like that.  So far I've been using up the avocado and chick peas. Fresh cherry tomatoes or such are also tasty as I recall from long ago when I ate kale salads more often.  If I am to have a daily kale salad, I imagine I'll be looking up some more recipe ideas so I don't get bored.
I also need more kale.

Halloween

once again, Abi delighted in Halloween. The costumes, the treats, the running door to door (to door to door...), the jack o'lanterns, the decorations, the scary monsters. Yes, she adores the scariest houses.

She also enjoyed designing her own jack o'lantern. She even carved some of the eyes.  (The next day she added the tattoo.)

She really wanted to pose with her pumpkin - for many pictures.

As for dressing up, she chose to be a pirate. Pretty cute pirate. Cheeky too.

Hope everyone had a fun, safe and a little-bit-scary Halloween.

7 or 9 weeks

I've got my calendar marked up with what 'week' of fetal development we're at.  Of course I have two numbers. The 'real' number and the 'standard use' number.  So, I'm at 7 or 9 weeks. 7 actual weeks (or so) of growth and 9 of 40 weeks along.
Baby looks something like this - I love the hand for perspective. And this is a model, not what a fetus actually looks like.

(source: http://www.firstscience.com/home/photos/life-8-weeks_11.html)

Adorable, but not as cuddly as a baby.
Still dealing with 24/7 nausea.  And the newly acquired stash of candy and chips is an evil temptation. Especially the potato chips.
Which is why I just popped some perogies in the oven. (Marginally better...)
Before I leave for childcare I'll prepare another bowl of Kale and Avocado raw salad. mmmmmmm. I still swear it's the best thing I got from my (short lived) raw diet. Just kale massaged with sea salt and lemon juice, with chunks of avocado. (Stems ripped off of the kale of course to keep the leafy goodness.)

Abi and I were looking through some scrapbooks today. Marion's (her grandma) and her own baby books (one is a scrapbook, the other a more traditional baby book.)  It reminded me that I should probably start tracing the growth of my belly soon.

First pregnancy (Abi) growth at 34 weeks.

I like what I did for my first pregnancy. I think it's a lovely piece of art now featured in Abi's scrapbook.  Emphasis on it can fit in a scrapbook. As much as I love the series of pictures some people take, and belly casts, I think this single rainbow is simpler and easier to look at later.  I simply taped the paper (with painter tape so it wouldn't leave a mark after 8 months) to the wall at a corner, then would stand with my back at the same place and trace.  Of course it's not entirely accurate, but close enough.
There are old posts about this art starting here,and here, and here, and here.

Also, I need to start considering another baby book. I'd had Abi's since I was a young teen. Yes, I saw that flower fairies baby booked and bought it for my distant future.  I love the book and I think it had a lot of good sections, but there are parts I improved upon and things I had no interest/need to fill in. I've often thought of designing my own baby book. I've chatted with friends about their art for it - since I'm no artist. And clearly I stalled on that within the last 3 years. My design and content would be more holistic. It wouldn't assume things such as having a hospital birth with a doctor. Or an end to nursing within so-many WEEKS - listed as an early 'achievement'.  It would have more space for the first year of celebrations. For naming and community ceremonies, for first winter, first spring, first autumn, etc. For baby on the go (preferably to feature baby wearing, but not necessarily), and for the usual things such as crawling and rolling and steps, but adding cruising.  And there are things I'd certainly add to my own book - such as use of a potty...
Yep, without a baby book already in my possession, I think the next baby book will be my own creation using a scrapbook binding. I'll prepare the pages in advance (soon...) so I know what I want to keep note of.