First month

Ava Jeanette and Sophia Lynn arrived on Thursday, October 22nd at 2:50pm and 2:51pm. When Sophia came out of my belly, my mom said "Rebecca" because she reminded her so much of me as a baby (screaming bloody murder). Unfortunately, I had bronchitis and had a bit of a hard time with coughing and having a c-section... but the Z-pack started helping right away. My mom and best friend Amy were in the OR with me... Amy watched the whole "surgery" and my mom tried to avert her eyes..

My mom stayed with me all 4 nights in the hospital room... poor thing. "Nurse Ratched" would wake she and I up every night by flipping on the lights and yelling at me asking what baby nursed on which breast last... then squeezing hard! I almost belted her.

We had many visitors... and many beautiful flowers and gifts. I know I didn't want anyone seeing me the day after their birth as I looked like "blank" warmed over.

I was so lucky to give birth to two healthy, adorable little girls. Both passed all tests with flying colors.

It was scary driving home with them as they were SO tiny and I kept worrying about their heads falling over. My mom was getting frustrated with me as I kept asking her to pull over so I could check on them in the back seat.

We had a restless first few (well, many) nights. The girls had their days and nights confused and tended to sleep more during the day and be up much of the night. I was told that was because they followed that pattern when they were in the womb and it would take a while to "reset". My dad walked into my room at 4 am one morning while the girls were screaming and said "I have been waiting 40 years for this". I guess I didn't sleep much as a baby.

Their first nicknames were "My litte burritos", Ava and Sophia Bear.

A few days after getting home, they had a 5 hour "photo session". I was very proud of them, they did very well. Diana (the photographer) said how alert they were. We used the pictures taken for their Holiday card and birth announcement.

We have been having a very mild fall and the girls and I were able to take a few walks when they were just days old. They were even in their first parade for Halloween downtown Natick.

I have included some pictures from their first month of life...

Day before the births!

So, unfortunately, my last days before having the c-section have been bed-ridden fighting a cold. UGH. But the big day is almost here! - Less than 24 hours from now, I will have met my little girls. A week and a half ago I was told they were probably about 7 lbs each - so I am guessing they are slightly over that now. GOOD sized babies for twins. I have no idea how they are fitting themselves inside of my little tummy. :)

I am nervous but excited for their births - cannot wait to meet them. It is so surreal waiting for the moment. My life will never be the same... in a good way.

The bassinets and bouncy seats are all ready - the bags are mostly packed and now my body and their little bodies just have to do what comes naturally. I am a little sad I will probably never feel what it is like to go through labor (I know most people think I am crazy) but as long as they are healthy and safe coming out, that is what really matters.

I feel so much support and love around me from friends and family. I really am very lucky.

Sunday, October 11, 2009 - The "plan" is that if little baby A does not move out of B's way, I will have to have a c-section at 2pm on the 22nd of October (pretty cool: 2 babies at 2pm on the 22nd)

Baby A is breech and baby B is head down but cannot get past baby A's legs to get into the birth canal.

I am still working full time at 36 1/2 weeks. Most people are shocked by that - it is tough, but I think it is better for me than to sit at home in bed :)

The picture to the left is a picture from my maternity photo shoot... I just cannot post the whole thing (that shows my big belly) until I pay the photographer... I am still waiting for her to finish processing all the photos. But, it shows how happy I am knowing I will be meeting my little girls soon!