The New Journey Begins

It has been an emotional last few days with passions in all directions. We had the shock of an unexpected delivery of the twins two weeks prior to the plan. There were some initial health concerns that seem to turn out not to be worries. However, as time progressed new worries set in.

Journey’s End…Sorta

So, roughly 24 hours ago, Kristina and I were at the final routine visit before the scheduled delivery of the twins on November 1. There had been a little excitement earlier in the day as Kristina was trying to decide whether an incident was simply some pregnancy-related incontinence or whether she may have had a sign her water might be about to break. With her first pregnancy there was a similar incident that occurred a few hours before her water broke.

A Letter To My Sons

Dear Grayson and Bennett:
 

There are only days remaining before I get to meet the two of you. This is a very exciting time for your mother and for me. We are nervous, eager and thrilled about your arrival.

Milestone 32

This week is somewhat of a magical milestone. It is the “last marker” before delivery, and what our doctor refers to as the safety point. Although, optimal is full term, twins rarely make it that far. However, at week 32, all the critical development is complete, and key abilities to survive outside the womb are in place.

No Work; A Lot Of Labor

Yesterday the doctor put Kristina on bed rest. “Modified bed rest” she likes to remind me. And in all fairness, the doctor gave a generally vague guideline for what should could and couldn’t do. I pushed for a weight limit (lifting, that is) but no specific number came from that conversation. But – at the end of it all – she was no longer permitted to stay at work. So, early maternity leave has begun.

The 29-Week Visit

Today we visited the perinatal specialist for a routine ultrasound and check-up. The boys are healthy and fine. Grayson weighs 2 lbs 9 oz, and "little" Bennett came in at 3 lbs 2 oz. I jest about "little" Bennett because he was the morula and implanted about 24 hours after Grayson; however, he has made up for it now. Of course, who knows which will be bigger in eighteen years?

Third Trimester

Well, we are officially in the third trimester now. That being said, it is probably closer to only eight weeks before delivery. It's getting down to the wire; so, I guess I need to refer back to my checklist of things to get done.

Raffling Off Dates

At Kristina’s Baby Shower yesterday, there was some brief analysis of how long she will last before the twins arrive. Although I don’t think she heard me, I jested that I was going to start selling dates on the calendar in a betting pool.

Two Dozen Weeks

It was a much better and calmer week...until last night. Kristina just seems to collect quick-passing kidney stones. I suppose the quick-passing part is a blessing...and at least this one didn't land us in the hospital.

The 23 Enigma

Last week I mentioned stress coming down on us at this phase of the pregnancy. Many wished for us to have some relief. Well, it didn't come immediately as we were in the hospital last Saturday to treat the second kidney stone Kristina had developed.

Tick-Tock

It has been a stressful week. We had our one-year old SUV break down over the weekend and had to be with loaners for five days. Granted a loaner vehicle is better than no vehicle, but it did throw a curve in our routine. More details would be just complaining...

105 Days (Fifteen Weeks)

Considering the weather over the past two weeks here in Oklahoma, I am glad to give an update on the twins development. We all could probably use some happy news. By the way, we have another ultrasound next week, where we will likely confirm the genders.

End of the First Trimester

The timing of our posts have not been quite what we expected. What I mean by that is the due date, and thereby how far along, has shifted by a day or day as we progress. First it was moved forward, then moved back a day. We were trying to post the new-week update on the precise day. However, we've given up on that kind of precision.

At 9 Weeks

Since the doctor officially moved the due date, we can update the progress a little early. Kristina is technically 9 weeks pregnant with the twins now. In that light, below is the description of development from BabyCenter.com

Everything In Pairs

So, we joke that we do everything twice. We got engaged twice. I bought the ring twice. We set the same day twice. We went through in-vitro twice.

The Test Results

It has been a long process. We knew when we got married having a child together would present a challenge. After all, I had a vasectomy six years prior. When we learned the reversal surgery was not successful last summer, it seemed that challenge turned into a barricade. After our first cycle of IVF resulted only in a chemical pregnancy, that barricade brought questions about our belief of how the universe works.

What To Expect

I thought I would add a quick note about the upcoming tests for success. It is already a tough week with the anticipation of the results being either one way or another. Kristina and I can both feel the stress of it.

Next Report: 2 Weeks!

The transfer took place today. Kristina is now home and resting for the next 48 hours. She stated this time was a little smoother than the last one. That said, there is a somewhat somber attitude lingering in the early hours after the procedure.

Transfer Tomorrow!

I know we've posted nearly every day for the past week. However, I thought I would drop a quick note to let our readers know what to expect for the upcoming days.

"Creature Report"

Because of Disney Jr, we see a show called The Octonauts fairly frequently. They have a section where they sing a short ditty called "Creature Report," which always pops in my head whenever we discuss the embryo report. I may have explained this last time; I don't recall. Nonetheless, I keep waiting for a turnip and the dance break. Those who know the show will understand. Everyone else, don't worry about it.
 

Here is what we know 24 hours after the retrieval: