It's a . . . & it's a . . .!!!

I found this cute idea on a forum for scratch off gender reveals and thought it would be perfect to let our families know what the babies will be since we're so spread out! It was super easy and I thought they turned out really cute! Unfortunately the USPS lied about delivery to IL so most of Matt's family didn't see them until Monday . . . I had hoped for a Saturday delivery since we had already been holding onto this gender information since Tuesday.

Anyway, here is a picture of the finished product . . .

Oh, and you probably want to see it without the scratch-off paint (mix 2 part metallic acrylic paint with 1 part dish soap, then brush over contact paper and finally stick the contact paper over whatever you are trying to hide).

It's a . . .

& it's a . . .

Sisters! This makes my heart smile! I love my brother dearly and even have a couple of girlfriends that I consider sisters but there is something sweet and special about a bond between sisters that I'm excited for my girls to hopefully share!

I guess twins, and/or IVF twins, are considered high risk so we had our first visit with the perinatologist about 2 weeks ago. They are located in the new women's center at Northside Forsyth and it's so nice! The u/s tech and doctor both said two girls. I was only 12w3d so there is a chance that this could change by the time we go back in 2 weeks so Matt's making sure I'm watching things like Justified and 300! :)

The ultrasound was amazing . . . our babies are no longer little jellybeans but actually look like humans. They were both moving around and waving, just too cute! We also finally got to hear their little hearts beating, 163 & 171. The girls were measuring 12w6d and 13w0d and everything came back "normal" for the first trimester screening.  The "age risk" for Baby B was 34 which is in the normal range but higher than Baby A's 27. I'm not sure who called with the results but when I asked her what the "34" meant, all she said was that it was high but still "normal" and the doctor would go over the results at my 16w appointment. I think I would rather them just hold onto that information until my next appointment b/c I spent the rest of the afternoon worried and googling.  The blood tests aren't really accurate for twins anyway b/c they measure the level of 2 hormones in the mother's blood that come from the baby and just divide it by 2. They do measure the fluid behind the neck (nuchal translucency) via u/s so I'm guessing this is where the "age risk" comes into play.

12w3d

So far, so good! My streak of no morning/noon/night sickness has continued and I'm grateful for that. My appetite has also calmed down a bit and I think my energy is finally starting to return. I felt like I was hungry 24/7 during the first trimester but also tired ALL the time. Now if I can just stop these headaches that keep popping up.

I'm already showing and I think I'm starting to look less fat and more pregnant which is nice. A twins/multiples book I've been reading said that women pregnant with twins can start showing 4-6 weeks before other women which made me feel better b/c it also says to gain 20 of my 40lbs by 20 weeks. I'm pretty sure the weight gain isn't going to be a problem though due to the lack of morning sickness.

There was a time when exercise meant hours on the bike or an hour + run but now I'm good with my 30+ minute walk/jog in the morning.  My goal though is to work in some yoga and/or stretching which should help the further along I get into this pregnancy.

In non-baby news . . .

Matt has been busy getting ready to start a training plan for Ironman. He completed his first triathlon last month with the Xterra at Fort Yargo.

He's also turning into a roadie completing a couple of centuries this month . . . 3 State 3 Mountain Challenge and Tour de Cure.

Kirby & Matt finishing up 3 State 3 Mountain

We've also been busy working on some stuff around the house.  Matt put a few much needed cabinets up in the laundry room and had our kitchen updated with some granite counter tops and a new tile back splash.  The kitchen looks awesome so call Kitchen Constructors if you are looking to do any work around your house (not just kitchens).

The next week or so should keep us busy with family coming through and our quick trip to Savannah and Greenville to see some family. We're also trying to find somewhere to go in July to get away and take some time off work . . . just not sure where to go.

That should keep us entertained until we get to see the girls again when we head back to the perinatologist in 2 weeks for the 2nd trimester quad screening. I still get really nervous before each visit and I'm constantly thinking about how I'm going to make them stay until 37-38 weeks so it is greatly appreciated if you keep us all in your thoughts and prayers!