Pictures!!!

Proof
Okay, y’all have asked for more pics so here they are below!

We had a rare sunny day here in Portland (Summer has been held hostage by Spring) and we got to shoot a few outside. Some are pretty goofy… evidence of how great I feel these days. 🙂

Belly Mama Update
We had a midwife appointment two days ago and all is VERY well. She seemed super pleased with everything and told me a number of times how great I look (she’s not only a midwife but a Naturopath so she’s looking at my skin color, eye brightness, tongue, etc.)… so, we were really happy with how happy she was, particularly after having been so sick previously.

My blood pressure is nice and low (super good for a “high risk pregnancy”) and I weigh in at 159 now! Yahoo! My goal is between 55-60 pounds. I started around 134 so I’ve gained 25… not quite half way there in weight but catching up quickly.

By the way, my rib is really on the mend, my ears still have fluid and overall I feel SO GREAT! So, SO great.

The physical changes that are happening this week are all in my belly. I can feel the fascia at the top of my rib cage stretching and tearing (right where the bra comes together, where the stomach bowl is). That’s what the midwife says that is, anyway. And as much yoga as I’ve done to avoid stomach muscles tearing, I feel the stretch and pinching and pulling of that happening all day long now. Early for a normal pregnancy but again, pretty right on time for twins.

Baby and Belly Update
Babies are growing healthy. Heartbeats are nice and strong and steady. And, as you can see in the pics, I’ve had a growth spurt as “wide” as I have “out”. In fact, it’s the first thing the midwife noticed, “Wow… you really grew sideways and wide this month. Wonderful!”

I’m measuring at 26 weeks, though I’m 21 weeks today. Pretty spot on for twins. She put her hands on my belly and really felt around, called her intern over excitedly and said, “Look at this! She is a great example of twins. You might not catch it at first but when you look more closely and feel in deep, there’s clearly ONE 20wk baby (and then pressing the other side- ugh) and ANOTHER 20wk baby. Both full to their term and everything feels great.” Hurray!!!

Exhale and Joy
Every time we have an appointment and I hear more good news, hear the heartbeats, and know the babies grow bigger I feel more and more at peace.

And while I’m having some mild concerns about birthing in a hospital as of late, I’m actually really excited about the labor and birth.

Ultra sound is next week, which will settle me again, I’m sure. So, we’ll be in touch again then.

Until then…enjoy the pics.

Much love…. xo