20 weeks

I'm actually 20 weeks now, but all of these pictures were taken last week at 19 weeks. The past week has been filled with lots of doctors appointments and changes to my routines. I found out on Valentine's day that I do have gestational diabetes. I was already preparing myself for that, but it's hard to face the reality when I now have to be on a diet for at least 15 weeks. I'm in a Catch 22 on the one hand I want my babies to big and healthy for birth, but on the other, I want to do what's best for them and maintain a good blood sugar levels. So last week started with a trip to the Diabetes Education Center where I was given my diet plan and told to go off and put it into practice for the first week. Here's my diet....

Before Breakfast - Test blood sugar (should be under 95)

Breakfast - 30g carbs or 2 carb servings

2 hours After Breakfast - Test blood sugar (should be under 120)

AM Snack - 30g carbs or 2 carb servings

Lunch - 45g carbs or 3 carb servings

2 hours After Lunch - Test blood sugar (should be under 120)

Afternoon Snack - 30g carbs or 2 carb servings

Dinner - 45g carbs or 3 carb servings

2 hours After Dinner - Test blood sugar (should be under 120)

Bedtime Snack - 30g or 2 carb servings.

For the first week, I had to write down everything that I put into my mouth and track my blood sugar on the schedules that they gave me. This morning I went back to the dietician to see how I was doing and I got a good grade... I'm on my own now. Keep checking my blood sugar and counting those carbs. You would not believe the amount of carbs that are in the things that we love... For instance, the large lemonade at Chick fil a, can't have it at all... 92g of carbs! Woozer!

Also, last Monday, I made my 3rd visit to the Maternal Fetal Specialist. The boys are both healthy and growing. They were actually about 5-6 days ahead of their gestational age measuring both exactly 12 oz. I have two coke cans in my belly right now! The Dr has referred me to a Pediatric Cardiologist for Baby A because he has a slight VSD (ventricular septal defect), otherwise known as a "hole in the heart" or sometimes referred to as a heart murmur. This hole is tiny and will hopefully not be a big deal at all, but we're going to get it checked out just in case. Prayers for that would be much appreciated.

Here's are their pictures from the specialist visit...

Last week, this is what I looked like. I feel like I am already bigger this week. It's much harder to bend over and I'm definitely not moving as fast as I once did. My final doctor appointment last week was to my OB. Those visits are nice and easy, sonogram to hear both babies hearts and then talk about any concerns that I may have. Then she measured my belly, with one baby the measurement should be equal to the weeks you are.... not for me, at the time I was 19 weeks and I was measuring 25 weeks. Makes me feel real good about what I have to look forward to in the coming weeks.

Only one more doctor appointment this week (the previously mentioned cardiologist), and then I have a break from doctors for two whole weeks. Can you believe it?!?

Zach is working hard on the remodel of the babies room. Nothing is ever easy in the Shirley household. While he works hard, I will be registering for all the necessities on Thursday evening. Everything in pairs!

And I'll leave you with this pic of our sweet puppy, Derby. He just can't resist a basket full of freshly washed laundry. He thinks it makes the best bed!

17 Weeks

This is week 17 with the babies. We're about halfway there if I go to the average amount of weeks for a twin gestation. About two weeks ago, I took the one hour glucose test as my doctor advised. Since I am carrying two babies and I have a family history of Type II diabetes, my doctor wanted to be extra cautious. I found out this week that I failed the one hour test, so tomorrow I go in for the 3 hour test. I know the babies and I are going to be starving when the test is over. I'll go straight to lunch, and then on to work. Hopefully I'll know the outcome of the test by Monday, so that I can get on a gestational diabetes plan right away if I need to. Since I'm preparing to have diabetes, Zach and I made a feast tonight. Tortilla crusted chicken, mashed potatoes and broccoli cornbread. Yum! None of these dishes will be friendly to me if the test comes back that I failed.

Hopefully in the next week our master bathroom project will be completely finished. Be looking for the final pictures of the latest project in the Shirley house.