Thursday, July 26, 2007

Pre-term labor? Hope not....

Well, things have progressed a bit earlier than we hoped. We went to the hospital Tuesday night because I was having strong contractions, abdominal cramping, painful backaches, and swelling that would not recede. Evaluation showed 2 cm dialation and 60% effacement which was not a good thing at 32 weeks. After spending most of the night in the OB ER, I tested negative on the fetal fibronectin test (which screens for preterm labor) and they decided it was safe to send me home with steroid injections to promote lung development in case the babies come anyway. I am on moderate bed rest and took early maternity leave from work (I am only allowed out of the house for an hour-ish every so often). Mom came up to Oklahoma to sit on me to make sure I followed doc orders.
Funny thing, when faced with potentially giving birth to twins born that early, I tend to listen a bit more than usual.
Good news is that upon doc appts the next morning, my cervix has closed again and the specialist and midwife felt that I will probably go at least to 35-36 weeks---hope they are right!
Sure is a good reminder that prayers work!!!!

Tuesday, July 17, 2007

31 weeks down and 3-6 weeks to go!

Life in Norman is rocking and rolling along with summer in full swing (and nearly over!). The flooding rains have gone--Matt was able to enjoy the higher river levels in Arkansas this past weekend with Dad and other Ozark Society paddlers from Shreveport. The heat has kicked up here, reminding me to appreciate the prolonged spring-like weather we have had until now.

Being 31 weeks pregnant with twins is beginning to be challenging, with the increased swelling, fatigue, emotional roller coaster ride and BH contractions. As of last Fri's doc appt, things look well. We have an "average sized" little Peanut and a "large sized" Squirt, which is great for having two babies in my belly. There is not much more room but they are certainly trying to make space! Squirt, who is on the bottom, is head down and ready to go, so if all stays put, we are setting up for a vaginal delivery. My cervix is remaining closed and there is no sign of pre-term labor at this point. The babies have been responding to our voices, especially Matt's (I guess they hear me all day long and it's not as exciting as hearing their daddy!). They are kicking and wiggling up a storm, moving constantly and growing very well. Their heartbeats have been very strong throughout the pregnancy, always around 150 beats per minute. My fundal height measured the equivalency of a woman 38 weeks along in her singleton pregnancy, so you can imagine how big my belly looks (and why I only have a few shirts that cover it!)

Everything is going really well and I am trying to maintain a positive attitude and let go of fears and emotional insecurities about becoming a new mom. It is very encouraging and life altering to have a wonderfully supportive and loving partner who is by my side through everything. It is also hopeful to see how well Kendal and Lauren are doing with their twins, as well as other of our close friends who have newborns.

I know that Matt and I are going to be fine and the babies are going to be beautiful and healthy and challenge us like we have never been challenged before. I know that God is in complete control of what is going on and that gives me comfort, peace, and security. Thank you for all of the many prayers and thoughts for our well-being and strength....keep 'em coming!

Wednesday, July 11, 2007

More Pics from Spa Baby Shower in Norman




Pic 1: Jacki is a true friend to paint my toes, since I can't reach them! (Sorry, I can't figure out how to rotate the image!)
Pic 2: Millie, Alicia, JJ, and Libby--cracking up while scrapbooking
Pic 3: Sandie, Amy, Missy, and Renee doing manis

Sunday, July 8, 2007

Anniversary Pics


~ Our 6th Wedding Anniversary: Dinner at Blu Wine and Tapas Bar--highly recommend it!
~ Matt and his new Jeep Patriot





~ Guess who is NOT pregnant: Hostesses Misty, Renee and Missy
~ Now guess who is REALLY NOT pregnant: Crazy Granny Picture (Sandra, Debbie, Judie, and Wally)
~ Sherry, Judester, and Carrie
~ What great scrapbookers....you have NO idea how much I appreciate all of the pages!
7-08-07
Hi! Since my last blog update, we have been very active in the Jankowski household. We had our relaxing, spa-riffic baby shower, complete with Missy Dodson massages, manicures, pedicures (Jacki so sweetly painted my toes since I can't reach them anymore!), and soaked our feet. Friends and family spawned creative scrapbook pages for the babies' 1st year albums. Now all I have to do is stick the pictures on the pages and I'm done! We received so many nice things for the babies--can't wait to use them all! Mom and Dad Martin, Mom Jank, Sherry and Doug, Granny Wally Watson, Sandra Hart, Amy and Drew, and Vannie and Bobbie all came in for the festivities! It was so fun having everyone in "our" town!

Twin update... we went to the midwife last week and due to Braxton Hicks contractions happening 2-3xhour, I was gently forced to cut back to parttime work---definitely a good idea so these bambinos will stay in at least 6 more weeks. Today, I broke down and agreed to buy a recliner, which will be more comfortable to put my swollen feet up and get better rest at night. Peanut (baby on top) has been trying to stretch out my ribcage...not so comfy, especially with Squirt kicking at my bladder. Boy are we in for it....and they are not even here yet! ;) Honestly, we are so excited....I can't wait!!!

Matt has been working so hard around the house trying to get it ready for the babies. Between force-feeding me meat, lifting heavy objects, painting the trim of our house, mowing the grass almost every four days (it's a jungle after so much rain), turning down paddling opportunities--which is killing him I might add--and cooking nearly every night, he DEFINITELY wins hubby of the year award! And all of that is after practicing law all day...

This week is my first parttime week, so keep us in your thoughts! We have another doc appt Fri, will let you know if anything changes...