Peeling!

I am sitting here in the Pass watching Macey play at the park while Mackinley is in her summer art class in Frank. I just noticed while sitting that my chest is peeling. A lot. So gross.

What is annoying about it all is that I haven't even been in the sun. Last weekend we stayed at my parents house and we went to the beach. My mom and I sat in the shade THE WHOLE time! We were there all day and the girls had their sunscreen put on and they were fine. Except the tops of their heads, but even they didn't burn. By the end of the day I felt burnt and looked burnt. I was not impressed. It wasn't even a hot day. My chest and shoulders were sore for a week and now it is peeling. I feel like that gross guy from Austin Powers that saves his skin and eats it.

Just one of those weird pregnancy symptoms I guess, the sensitive skin. At least I learned my lesson on a not so hot day in the shade instead of
out in the sun!

Cravings!!!

I don't know about you, but when I get pregnant I get intense, weird cravings. They seem to start around the last month of my pregnancy and they go away after I have my babies.

When I had Mackie I craved dirt and gas. I don't remember having a craving for a food item ever. Some food might have sounded good at a moment in time, but my mind wasn't focused on one thing to eat all the time. But gasoline and dirt were for some reason what I was craving. Of course I never ate them, but Jar did put some gas in a pop bottle for me to sniff every now and then to curb my appetite :) He was doing road inspections at the end of that pregnancy and so I went with him and I carried it around with me. I wasn't inhaling it, just sniffing!

With Macey, pretty much the same thing. It kicked in somewhere around the last month and it was dirt and gasoline again. Again, no major food cravings. Just foods that I liked. This time though they were a little bit more intense. We moved to Lundbreck when I was pregnant with her and our shower off our bedroom had tile in it. Everytime I had a shower the grout would be wet obviously and it would smell so good! It kinda smelt like dirt when it rained. I finally caved and licked the shower wall. Yup, you read that right. I caved and licked it. It was fabulous! After that, I started to cave a little bit more. I remember going out and scooping up some gravel and bringing it inside and looking for the good rocks that had the kind of dirt that I knew I would like. Oh yes, I am very specific when it comes to the dirt that I like. It's not the kind that you use in your garden or plants. It's that very fine dirt that clings to rocks or blows away when you drive down a gravel road. That is some prime dirt right there! Anyways, I sat there looking at this gravel wondering if I was seriously going to go through with this and I finally just popped a rock in my mouth. This is going to sound weird, but I felt soooo much better after doing it.

I did it one more time 3 weeks before Macey came. We were at a family reunion and Mackinley was playing at the park. I was sitting on the edge of the park because it was gravel and there was a  wooden border all the way around so it was a built-in seat. I sat there and stared at all the gravely goodness. I once again caved and picked up some rocks and sucked the dirt off and spit it all out. This was not the first experience I have had doing this same sort of thing. I have memories of playing with my cousin and we would go down to a house that was about 3 doors down from mine and they had little bitty gravel in their driveway. We would grab some and put it in our mouths and spit it out. Either at each other or to see how far we could spit it. Anyways, I had done it before. But I was a bit younger back then and it might have been a bit more socially acceptable.

So I had the two dirt experiences with Macey and the shower and that was about it. I did like the smell of gasoline, but I didn't indulge in that one that time around.

This pregnancy has been way different. In more than one way. First, twins. Second, boys. Third, I have been having cravings since around week 5. In the beginning it started out as food cravings. I LOVED those Death Rain Habanero chips for about 3-4 weeks. I couldn't get enough of them. Those big huge Lindt milk chocolate bars were another. I lived off of apples it seemed for a couple of months. I'm sure there were more, but I can't really remember. I had a stash of food by or in my bed for a long time. The food cravings have died down a bit, but the non food cravings have hit hard the last couple of days.

I noticed it last week when I was cleaning the kitchen. I like to use Fantastic all purpose spray when I wipe the cupboards down and so I sprayed it and started to wipe everything up. The smell hit something in my brain and I couldn't get enough of it. It is a weird feeling to have something like that satisfy you in a way that you didn't know it could. Does that make sense? I didn't even know I wanted it, but once I had it, I felt...complete. The dirt has come back this week too. Driving today I had to mentally control myself to not pull over on the side of the road and suck some dirt off of some gravel. It's not just a mental thing either. I had a physical reaction to this craving. My mouth was seriously watering thinking about it. I have never had that happen with before. I don't know if it's because it's my 3rd pregnancy or it's boys or it's twins, but it has started earlier and the cravings are much more intense. I seriously feel like a druggie that needs to get a high. It's going to be a long 2 months of trying to refrain from eating dirt and whatever else might pop up.

I know this might sound crazy and weird, hopefully more funny. I know at first it was embarrassing, but I don't care anymore. I have gotten over it and don't mind sharing my twisted little cravings. Just don't tease me about it. You will then have a pregnant lady that will be ready to tear a strip off of you and your perfect self! Seriously.

27 weeks

I saw my OB/GYN yesterday. I am 27 weeks now, which means I am into the final trimester already! Whoop whoop! It is also going to be my shortest trimester!

Anyways, my doctor is great. He doesn't beat around the bush. He doesn't fill my head with useless information that will just get me worried. The only things we talk about are the things I have questions about. When I go in I always have a list of questions, but by the time I get in there he is so calm and doesn't seem concerned, so I end up not asking anything. Most of the time anyways. I still haven't had to undress at all for any of my appointments, which is awesome! I don't have to give a urine sample every time either. I really like the atmosphere there. I know that people really truly have issues when they are pregnant, but sometimes I wonder if problems are created by the constant tests and worry that is put into our minds. So, I really like how they run their clinic. It helps ease my mind anyways.

I went in, he measured me and listened to both of the heart rates. He asked how I was feeling and if I was feeling a lot of movement. He told me that everything looked great. I had my glucose test done and that was good. My blood pressure was good, but I am anemic, so I need to up my iron and then we'll check it again later on. So nothing major. I asked him if I had grown big enough since I saw him last. He said 'Yes, why?" I told him that I get told I am too small to be having twins or you are so tiny. Stuff like that. He chuckled and said "You look great! You are measuring 32 weeks and your weight gain is really good. You can tell those people that I said you are doing awesome!"

So there. My OB/GYN said I am doing awesome! I bring it up because I hear it ALL the time. I take it as a compliment, but sometimes some people almost seem disappointed. I don't know why, but it makes me wonder if they are disappointed because they want to see what a twin belly looks like and mine looks normal, or they want to see me fat. Either way, I am glad that I carry my babies well. Just so you know, I have gained 27 lbs so far! 27 lbs at 27 weeks. I think that is a lot because I gained only 30-35 lbs with the girls. It is important to gain weight in the first 2 trimesters though with twins. There is a 24 lbs by 24 weeks rule. Your chances of delivering your babies early drops if you gain that weight. So, I think I am doing good. I did read another article that said 40 lbs by 28 weeks. Sorry, I won't be gaining 13 lbs over the next 6 days! My minimum weight gain for this pregnancy based on my prepregnancy weight and height is 37 lbs. I am supposed to be gaining around 1.5 lbs a week, so I should do just fine with my weight and size. Another thing I get told a lot after the size of my uterus is discussed is they feel like they need to remind me that I still have time to get enormous. Thanks, I know that already. Does that make you feel better about yourself? Okay, so I'm ranting a little. Cut me some slack, I'm pregnant :)

While I am on a bit of a tangent, I will discuss the next thing I get asked/told. It is "So, you're done having kids now, right?"

Ummm, I don't know. How am I supposed to know that? I haven't even had these kids yet! I get it in both question form and as a statement. I don't know if it's the fact that it's twins or because now our family is going to be 2 girls and 2 boys so they will be evened out. But it is definitely something that I hear ALL the time. I'm not necessarily against having more at this moment in time, but I can't see into the future and I really don't know what is going to happen.

All done ranting. A little bit more exciting stuff, well for me anyways. Since I am 27 weeks yesterday, I only have 10 weeks left! Well, 10 weeks until my twin due date and 11 weeks until they induce me if I go that far. So, I have max 11 weeks left of being pregnant! I am really hoping that I can hold out to 36 weeks. Jar is working from my week 35-36, so I will be happy with anytime after 36 weeks. Around 50% of twins come before 37 weeks and I think the average time they come is at 35.5 weeks. So it makes me a bit nervous, but once he is home, they can feel free to come when ever they want! In less than 2 weeks it will be August, so in 2 weeks that means I will be able to say that these babies are going to be here next month. Nerve racking, exciting, surreal.

Jar's sisters have both had babies in the last 2 months and on Sunday they were both together. They are close to the same weight, so I held them both at the same time to give me a glimpse into the future. Oh dear. It was pretty crazy. Pretty sure I've held two different babies before, but never when I am expecting two!

I am starting to get anxious for them to get here. I can't wait to see what they look like and to figure out the twin thing. Yes, to all you naysayers, I know it's going to be a lot of work and there are going to be bad days, but I don't have anything that I need to do other than take care of my kids and I know how to simplify. Mackie is old enough to do a lot and she is seriously the best little helper I have ever met. I have a chest freezer full of freezer meals and I am trying to get as much prepared as I can now. I am not really concerned about the after labor, it's just getting them here healthy and not knowing when it's all going to happen, that is stressful. Next month I start having regular ultrasounds to see how they are growing and to see their position. Once this starts, I know that a lot of my anxiety about how they are doing will drop a lot and it will ease my mind about delivery as well a bit. I am excited for this new adventure and I feel blessed that our family was chosen for this special opportunity. Come on 10 weeks and fly by!

Never ending!

The last couple of weeks I've been gung ho about getting this house clean. Not just clean, but organized clean. Yes, there is a difference :)

We have been renovating our main room for over a year now. Well, let's be honest, it's just been torn apart for over a year now and we haven't really done much the last 6 months. Most of our storage was in that room because there is a hide away spot under the stairs. So, we had a ton of stuff to find a place for. That ended up being the downstairs spare bedroom and the other bedroom upstairs. This worked for a bit, but it just seemed like after all that time, everything else in the house has gone to pot in the organization department. The big closet downstairs, the closet upstairs, the junk drawers, the laundry room. I could hide it well by closing drawers and doors, but it was really starting to drive me nuts! I'm on a deadline here!

I just started cleaning without really planning on it. It was the kitchen junk drawers first. Then the closet in the kitchen, then the dreaded closet downstairs. I planned on being done for the night, but I started in on the bedroom downstairs and I just couldn't stop! It still has things that are sitting in there, but at least someone can sleep down there again and there is room to move. Seriously, you couldn't walk in there and the room is huge! Then I started the bedroom upstairs. Even though I've done all of this cleaning and dejunking, my house is a disaster! It's just stuff. Stuff that needs a home, but everytime I put something away, I seem to find something else that is out of place. I know it will get done eventually, but it is so frustrating sometimes! At least it's not hard work. Just time consuming. I will feel so much better when it is all done.

The room that is being renovated should be done soon as well, so that is nice. Just a bit more mud and some sanding and paint. I am not doing any of it this time, so it's been slow going. But, once it's ready to paint, I will be a happy girl! Although we have that room to paint, the kitchen and the babies' room as well. I do have help with the painting, so that will be nice.

So even though it seems like a lot of work, the cleaning I mean, it's not that bad. If I kept at it steadily, I should be done in 2 or 3 days. I just get really tired, really easily lately. Surprise! I'm not used to taking breaks for stuff like that, even when I was pregnant with the girls. I have overdone it a few times lately and it takes a good 2 or 3 days to recover. I really hate it, so I am learning that I need to slow down and rest. Which is good I guess.

A quick update on pregnancy and I am done and then I have to go back to cleaning! I haven't gained much weight the last couple of weeks and that makes me a bit nervous, but my weight gain is in the normal range for a twin pregnancy weight gain, so that is a bit reassuring. I have less than 13 weeks max left. I would prefer less than 12 though. I know I don't have total control, but once I hit 36 weeks I will be doing acupressure and massage and whatever else I can to get labor going. Everything except castor oil. I took it with both girls and it worked, but I don't feel super comfortable doing it with the twins. My blood volume has increased by 100%. That's what all the twin calendars say. In a single pregnancy blood increase by only on average 40-50%. Although it can go up to 100% as well. But not until around 34 weeks I think it said. I am definitely feeling that increase. I am getting bloody noses, which really bites. The last one I remember getting was when I was 12. I never got them with my other pregnancies either. I get tired fast and shortness of breath really fast. I feel like I'm in the last month of pregnancy and I still have 2.5 left. Day by day, right? The babies are really kicking up a storm in the last week. Sometimes it's just one moving around and then the other will start up. Sometimes they are both going at it at the same time and it is quite the experience! It really is bizarre. The last thing that has changed in the last week is how much room, or lack of room, I have for food. I have thrown up a bit, not because I felt sick, but there is no room for it, so it just comes back up. Nice, right? Please don't think I'm complaining, I'm not. It's just the truth about what is going on and yes, it's uncomfortable and sometimes inconvient...not sure if that's the right word....but I'm glad it's happening and I wouldn't change it at all!

I love my mom!

This weekend was a crazy, busy, productive weekend! I seriously have THE best mom ever! For reals.

When I found out I was having twins I went into panic mode. I like to be prepared. I like organization. I like to feel some control of my situation. Having twins kinda threw that out the window. I don't really know when they are coming. I know that they won't let me go past 38 weeks, but they could come earlier. I have limited energy. My body is already starting to ache. I knew the aches and pains were going to come faster and I knew I wanted to be prepared. I also knew that I really want to be able to enjoy these babies as much as possible when they get home. I plan on nursing them, so I bought a twin nursing pillow to make it easier. I am buying a stroller that is kinda pricey, but it's going to be a huge life saver in the end. I went down to Kalispell to go buy some boy things so that I didn't have to depend on anyone else giving things to me or buying things for them. Plus it's so much cheaper in the States! I didn't buy a ton, well it seems like a ton, but I bought enough basics to cover my butt. See where I'm going with this so far? I want to be prepared now. Not right before they get here or after, but as soon as possible. Then I can focus on my kids. So because of this need of mine to feel somewhat in control.....let me clarify......I don't need to be in control of everything and everyone around me, but I like to have a plan so I can be better prepared for what life may throw at me. Anyways, because of this need, I got it into my head that I HAD to have freezer meals prepared. Lots of them.

I mulled the idea over for awhile and I had seen some things on Pinterest that looked good. I  knew that I would need help and that if I didn't have someone else to do it with I wouldn't get it done. Last fall I made around 30 apple pies and 30 apple crisps by myself and I hated it. I am glad I did it, but I wasn't pregnant then and I was beat. It was 2 days of constant apples. Ugh! That's why I knew that I knew I needed someone else to join in.

I talked to my mom about it and she was definitely up for it. She even had freezer meal recipes and a grocery list with prep instructions that she got from a class that she went to. It was perfect. She copied off the list and we set a date. We would both buy our groceries and I would go up and we would make ours together and we would both end up with a freezer full of meals. It was a perfect plan.

My mom ended up deciding that it would be too much work to do both of ours, so we just did mine and then she'll do hers later. It's a good thing too. I got over 100 meals out of it and her two freezers were completely full. It was a struggle to get everything in. I was only able to bring about half back, but we are going to be up there again this weekend, so I'll take my coolers up again and fill them up with the rest.

I was really impressed with the recipes. There was 14 different ones. I can't remember them all, but there was Chicken Cordon Blue, Hawaiian Chicken, Chicken Casserole, Manicotti, Enchiladas, Chicken Pot Pies, Swiss Steak, Meatballs, Meatloaf, Lasagna, Shepherd's Pie, Ham Alfredo, Meatlover's Pizza Casserole, and one more that I can't think of. They were all really good recipes with lots of vegetables. Everytime we finished one we would say "Oooooo, that looks really good!" I will have to still prepare some rice or potatoes or a salad or some type of side with some of them, but I would have to be making something anyways. This way, I don't have to feel bad that I am feeding my kids Kraft Dinner or ichiban all the time. Some can be eaten by itself, especially when Jar is at work. Between the girls and I, we won't eat as much, so I really liked the portion sizes. I am glad it is all done and I won't have to worry about it anymore.

Even though it was a lot of work, it was still a great weekend. By the end of the first day, we were both hurting and tired. The first day was long and it felt like we got a lot done until we looked at what we had left to do. The second day went by really fast though and we had everything done, supper made, and the kitchen cleaned up by 4:30. It was awesome! The best part of it all though, was hanging out with my mom. We talked and laughed, I'm pretty sure my mom wanted to cry. She is pretty banged up right now. She's turned into a walking disaster the last 2 weeks for some reason and keeps hurting herself. One knee is a big scab that keeps weeping and dripping...ewwww! The other knee is black and blue. She ran over her baby toe with the shopping cart the night before we started while we were getting the last bit of groceries. So, yeah, pretty sure she would have cried if she could. She's real tough though :)

It was a blessing to me to have my mom show her love to me through service. It seemed pretty huge to me that she would do that for me. It was a huge undertaking. In the beginning when we both planned on doing it, I figured that we would be helping each other, but it ended up just being my food made. I know my mom loves me lots. She tells me all the time and she shows me all the time. She is always there for me when I need her and she has been there for me even when I think I don't. That's probably when I need her the most! She is a great mom to me by being a great Nana too! I know she loves me, but this weekend was different for me. For those who know me well, they know that I don't really like help. I have always been very self reliant and I like being that way. It wasn't hard to accept my mom's help, but it was such a huge help and I wasn't expecting to be just making my meals. I don't know if she realizes how much help it actually was, well how much I appreciate it. I'm glad that I have a mom that loves me and knows me well enough to know how important it was to me to get those meals made. I'm even more glad that I have a mom who will take time out of her busy schedule to help me get it done. Even when she is busted up!

Even though it was hard work, we got a lot done and I have a new appreciation for how far a mother's love will go. Thanks Mom! I love you!

Last day of school!!!

Today was Mackinley's last day of school! I can't believe it's done. She is growing up way too fast. We had a fun day today to celebrate. The kindergarten class went to one of the classmates farms and hung out for the day.

We went for a LONG walk. I was completely done by the time we got back. We walked up to some hay bales and took a break. The kids had fun climbing and jumping on them. Then we continued up to a little dug out lake. We stopped and had some snacks and then we started to go back down to the farm. It started to rain. A lot. It was awesome! I love the rain. The smell, the feel, the sound. I love how it has kept things cool. I don't like the mud though....

Anyways, I did bring our rain gear, so we had on our jackets and our gum boots and it was good. I did manage to get my XL youth rain jacket on and zipped. I was pretty happy with that. My legs were soaked, but it was good. We got back and had to go inside to eat lunch. Then we headed back out into some more sun for some more walking. We toured the barns and looked at the animals and then came back up for some more snacks and then we headed home.

It was a long day, but it was fun. I will pay for it tomorrow. I can already feel the joints stiffening. It was fun to see Mackinley in her element. She loves school and she loves friends. She is such a social butterfly. I can see so much of her in me and there still so much that isn't. She really is a great girl. She is my big helper and I am so glad she was sent to me!


 Here are pictures of her on her first day of school and the last day of school. I didn't realize she ended up wearing pretty much the same outfit until after. Pretty funny!

My husband is not a D-bag :)

So after my last post my husband voiced his concern that he felt like a D-bag afterwards. Just so everyone knows, he most definitely is not!

He is a wonderful husband and father. We have definitely hit some rough patches, some I didn't know how we were going to get out of, but we did. Together. We are a regular couple who can have good days and bad days. There are things that drive me NUTSO and probably will for the rest of our lives, but I'm sure it goes both ways :)

I wouldn't have it any either way. I couldn't ask for a more supportive, caring and loving hubby. He really is the best!