The twins and I had an appointment with our midwife yesterday, and I am happy to report that everybody’s doing great (yesterday was actually one of the easiest for me—in terms of physical comfort—in quite a while, so that “great” includes me too, I suppose).

Strong heartbeats. Growth. Lots of movement.

Every indication that I have two healthy little girl-babies growing inside of me.

And I couldn’t be more thrilled.

Except…

At 29 cm., I’m only 1 cm away from how big I ever got before I had Della—a fact that has tricked my brain into thinking that I somehow have less time left in this pregnancy than I do.

P1000261-002

Just as a point of reference..

{I know you guys don’t get very many side shots of me, and this one might have to last you for a while}.

Don’t get me wrong. I know the weeks will whoosh past, and before I know it, I’ll be a sleep-deprived, dairy dispenser wistfully dreaming (with my eyes open, of course) of the days when E and M (yes, we’re pretty sure we’ve settled on names; no, we’re not ready to share quite yet…feel free to let your imaginations run wild…and share in the comments!) were still doing the Conga on my belly-button.

But still, there’s just something a bit mentally unsettling about thinking you’re almost there, and then hearing phrases like “13 more weeks.”

So, to make things worse commemorate this odd, limbo-ish state I’m in, I’m listing 5 trivial things I can’t wait to do once the angelic little kick-boxers (they seem to be taking notes in BODYCOMBAT) are actually out in the oxygen-breathing world.

1.

Lie on my belly.

I don’t usually sleep on my stomach. But now that I can’t, nothing sounds better. Ain’t that always the way?

Plus, I can’t play “sandwich” with my kids anymore, and that was one of my favorite games (I’m always the “bread” on the bottom, and I love the solid feeling of their little bodies piled on top of me).

2.

Do full-toe pushups.

Okay, so I know that sounds a bit loony, and the truth is I actually can still crank out a few, but for the most part, I have officially reached the point where I must modify unless I want to continually have the sound of ripping fabric playing through my mind as I exercise (makes me shudder even now).

After you’ve experienced the satisfaction and pure endorphin rush of levering your entire body weight down and up, multiple times, it’s hard to be satisfied with a knee pushup (and, yes, I saw that collective eye-roll).

Incidentally, in a brief search for “pregnant woman doing pushups,” Google returned only one picture that even remotely qualified, and it was watermarked/copyrighted, so I couldn’t use it.

I did, however, stumble across this rather disturbing shot:

pregnant press

via

I’m just hoping that weight isn’t as heavy as it looks???

3.

Get on the scale and watch the number either go down or, at the very least, stay the same.

I know I’m gaining weight for a good cause, here, people.

But I’m pretty sure it’s written in Section C, Sub article 1.5 of the Code of Womanhood that dramatically jumping numbers on a scale are a bad, bad thing.

So, it’s a bit of a mental beat-down every time I have to weigh for a midwife appointment (they, on other hand, practically have a parade with balloons and a big band every time I report just how much I’ve gone up since two weeks before; maybe next time, I should bring lemonade).

4.

Jump on the trampoline.

This is another favorite pastime for me and the little critters.

And I miss it, darn it.

But not only is it potentially dangerous to the girlies (it could cause the placenta to detach, the thought of which gives me even more heeby-jeebies than the whole fabric ripping sound), but it’s also not too fun to bounce into the air and then watch your belly follow you on your way down.

5.

Wear a dress with an actual waistline.

(I don’t think this one needs an explanation).

So…what about you guys?

Any of you mamas care to share the things you were jonesing to do by end of your pregnancies?

(Not that I’m at the end of my pregnancy or anything. 13 more weeks. 13 more weeks. 13. more. weeks.)

(No fair saying, “Hold my precious babe in my arms,” either. No sense making me feel completely shallow here : )).

0 Comments

  1. Oh! How about Emma and Madelyn?! Those are my daughters names and they are only 14 months apart, so practically twins, right? 😉 And I missed sleeping on my stomach, eating cookie dough and a medium-rare steak, running hard and using the bathroom normal amounts of times.

  2. you’re preggers with Twins?!?! How exciting!! My sister recently found out she’s got not one but 2 buns in the oven as well 🙂 can’t waait to see them on your blog once they’re born! hope you’re surviving the hot summer on top of being pregnant..wow! ANd ps I’ve Always been a stomach sleeper so that’s going to be so hard for me once I’m prego. yikes!

    The House of Shoes

  3. I couldn’t wait to:

    1. Have a glass of champers
    2. Eat soft cheese & salami
    3. Sleep on my tummy (now I would settle for any sleep!)
    4. Run
    5. Cuddle my bubba 🙂

  4. I did water aerobics when I was pregnant and loved laying on my tummy in the pool – all the weight was off my back. I had terrible leg cramps at night so was glad when that stopped. I couldnt wait to wear jeans and not pants with elastic. I didnt like being unable to take a deep breath towards the end of my pregnancy. I am glad you are well and the babies are growing nicely. You have a double blessing.

  5. Names. If you’re sticking Anne of Green Gables/Avonlea theme:

    Emmeline is obvious, since Adalaide was her mother. Or Essie…though I hope not because Essie sounds like a cow to me for some reason. M could be Marilla or Murial. OH! Or Minnie May!

    But seriously, if E is Evangline I’m going to so jealous. Our “unofficial” names that we’ve picked out for our future children are Ezra and Evangeline. 😀

  6. Girl, seriously, you were that small when you had Della?! Holy Molie she must have been teeny tiny. I think I was easily twice that size and I only had one! Almost nine pounds worth of one. But still just one. 😉

    I seriously missed my iced tea – my kiddo never slept anyway, but any caffeine while I was pregnant and he turned into a jumping bean with aspirations for the Olympics! Ouch. I was also desperate to sleep on my stomach. Not that I could even really do that until the whole milk overflowing thing slowed down a bit. 😉 Ick.

    Glad to hear you and your precious littles are doing well! 😉

  7. Hi there, I’ve been reading your blog for let’s see, ummmm? FOREVER. Ive never left a comment here before but I feel like I need to tell you that you are blessed with carrying two beautiful children of God. AND you still have an amazing, tone, beautiful body. I don’t blame you for complaining one bit! I actually compliment you on not complaining more, I just thought I would drop in and say what I think and hope it brightens your day a bit 🙂
    Ps. You and your family are in my prayers throughout your pregnancy and the adventures that come with childhood!
    Love, Morgan

  8. You look great! I went to 35 weeks and 6 days with my twins (yes, you start counting it in DAYS near the end!) and by that time all I really wanted to do was take deep DEEP breaths (they were both breech and for the last month I felt like two bowling balls were lodged on my lungs), wear shoes that I myself could tie, walk without feeling that self-conscious “waddle” I acquired near the end, and eat a giant deli ham sandwich! I couldn’t eat more than a few bites at meals – my husband had more than his share of “one and half meals” because I simply could not fit any more food in.

  9. 9 days to go until my due date with my first and I can’t wait to eat a big ol’ ham and cheese sandwich. In fact, I told my husband that is the first meal I want in the hospital. Sleeping on my stomach sounds pretty darn good too!

  10. I looked at your picture and the first thing that I thought was, “Wow! She’s so tiny to be having twins!!” When I had my daughter I was gigantic compared to what you are! I’d send you a picture of my gigantic belly, but I don’t want the world to see it! It would definitely make you feel better though – I promise you that!!!! 🙂

  11. I hear you! I’m 22 weeks pregnant and I can’t wait to…
    1) Go shopping for real clothes.
    2) Lay on my stomach.
    3) Be able to run hard.
    4) Be able to train to race.
    5) Not watch the number on the scale keep going up…

  12. I just hit 19 weeks pregnant with our first little one and oh, there are many things that I can’t wait to be able to do! Don’t get me wrong, I am very excited about this little guy and can’t wait to meet him, but it’s been quite a shock to my system, both mentally and physically. So, my list (not in any particular order) are as follows:

    #1. I can’t wait to go all out and sweat during and after my workouts. And, get my muscle back!! Unfortunately, the morning sickness nausea has never left and I frequent the bathroom more than I care to mention. My body doesn’t handle the workout routine well so it’s “light” exercise for me (UGH).

    #2. Sleeping on my stomach! I am usually a stomach sleeper so this whole sleeping on your side is for the birds!

    #3. Eating normal again! I can’t keep down any meat other than fried chicken (which I don’t usually eat), let alone looking at the scrumptious steak my husband is getting ready for the grill. Made our favorite cookies last night (oatmeal, peanut butter, chocolate chip) and then went straight to bed before eating on single bite. They just didn’t look good to me at all!

    #4. A CLEAN HOUSE! The OCD, type A girl in me yells and screams for order and clean rooms, but there is no energy left at the end of the day or after work or errands are run. There are more piles of stuff then ever before. I think I need a house keeper!

  13. so glad to hear that emaline and maisy are doing well. as a mama of four who last gave birth over six years ago can tell you, this too shall pass AND you’ll miss it. oh how i loved my big full belly! And how how well i remember wanting desperately to be DONE with the pregnancy and on to the babe in arms. hugs to you!

  14. Driving comfortably. I’m on the short side of average, so when I was very pregnant, seat belts were quite the conundrum. It was hard enough getting the seat belt on the driver’s side settled right around my pregnant belly, but to get my short legs to reach the gas/brake pedals, my baby belly was very close to the steering wheel, so I had to drive with my stubby arms and legs sticking straight out. I couldn’t wait to be able to drive normally again.

    I was also desperately looking forward to wearing pants that didn’t have an elastic waist.

  15. You are so cute! I’m glad you are all three doing well 🙂

    I am 34 weeks pregnant… actually 34 1/2 weeks 🙂 This is our first and I am SO excited as well as totally freaking out! Lol, will I ever get the house organized and her nursery ready??

    I can’t wait to do things for myself again.
    Things like rearranging the furniture in the living room, or filling up the humming bird feeder… you have to stand on this little ledge to get it down and I’m pretty clumsy. I hate waiting for my husband to get home to do these little things.

    I am finding the best deals in the cutest clothes right now….. of course they would all fit my pre-pregnancy body. I don’t even know why I walk in those stores?! I will find something and think “oh this will definitely fit me right now it’s huge, but cute”. When I go to try it on… it wont even fit past my neck.

    I want to eat sushi again…. sigh

    Before I got pregnant I wouldn’t think twice about eating a huge piece of chocolate cake with lots of chocolate icing… now I feel bad eating things like that. Don’t get me wrong, I still eat sweets, just not like I use to. I guess thats a good thing, but I miss over indulging on sugar 🙂

    I also want to sleep on my stomach or flat on my back. Sleeping on my side is so uncomfortable.

    I have gained 30 pounds and I still have 5 1/2 weeks of rapid growing. I never thought I would weigh this much. I miss being 30 pounds lighter.

    I really shouldn’t complain. I have had a GREAT pregnancy with no sickness (knock on wood).
    My sister is pregnant as well, so it’s been fun going through this with her and taking week by week baby bump pictures together 🙂

  16. I’m sure there’s a ton to look forward to-
    But as for now, you look so beautiful! You do pregnant well, girl!
    Happy to have you back! The hubs and I are planning a trip like what you guys just did- did you book through a travel agent? How did you find/choose the trip?
    xo Becca

  17. At 37 weeks and 4 days with one little baby girl inside me, can I just say you are quite literally my hero. I just got off the phone with my boyfriend in sobbing, gross hysterics because “I just can’t take it anymore” and here you are carrying twins like a dynamo. I must stop complaining, I must be grateful (not to not be having twins, just to be carrying a healthy baby period), and I must remember to thank God for this blessing and answered prayer.

    Also, we’re having a baby E.. for Eliza. Also a big fan of Molly. 🙂

  18. Oh my goodness! I am 14 weeks with my 3rd and look almost a pregnant as you! You look awesome 🙂

    and I think the names are Evelyn and Madelyn (or any version of the spellings)……..Just to let you know, I am not a big fan of suspense, can’t wait to see your girls and find out their names! God bless you Abby!

  19. I have about 6 weeks left and I agree with every single one of those! I tried doing pushups the other day…it was fail. I can’t wait to run again. I can’t wait to hug my family without having to turn sideways, or negotiate a watermelon. I can’t wait to go a whole 24 hours with no heartburn. I can’t wait to fit into MY clothes.:) After my daughter was born, I was sleepy tired, but amazed at how physically awesome I’d felt. Even the “good days” being pregnant weren’t that great, so I can’t wait to feel “normal” again. All that being said, I’m trying hard to praise God for the privilege of carrying this child, even though I really don’t think there are many “pluses” to pregnancy other than that baby.:)

  20. Eat a nice lump of soft squishy cheese (like brie) with a glass of wine…in fact, I think my Mama actually bought me a whole brie after I had my first!

  21. I just learned that I’m pregnant (7 weeks, yay me!) with my 4th kiddo and I already wish I was where you are right now, about to pop! The one thing I couldn’t wait to get over with ALL my pregnancies was the unfortuantely and accidental sneeze and fart, or worse, sneeze and pee >.< I look forward to having control of my muscles again LOL.

  22. I’m still having a hard time believing that there are 2 babies in there. And that is how you looked at full-term with Della…..amazing! You must have been back in your skinny jeans the day after delivery…….haha! Ok, now that I got that off my chest, I was cracking up at your 5 things. Oh so true! And that preggo weight-lifting shot is……disturbing! One thing I missed was being able to give myself a good pedicure. I could do a quickie polish job, but the full-fledged scrub-down was out of the question. I also missed being able to hold my other 2 muchkins on my lap & read to them…….it just got too crowded. But, all of that pales in comparison to being able to grow a human (or two) inside of you! God made our bodies amazing!

I love hearing from you guys!