26 Weeks: What if...

What if we had five boys? I pondered this on our way home from church today. The palm branches we were to be waving while we sang our first song quickly turned into weapons and swinging the branches as hard and fast as possible to make the loudest noise possible.  Then, the boys had made popsicle crosses for Palm Sunday and they were all turned into swords within 5 minutes of leaving church... two-year-old included. Sometimes the amount of noise and activity that little boys can produce is deafening, sometimes the noises and grunts that replace their words is baffling, and their wrestling and tumbling is overwhelming. I grew up with all sisters and if I'm honest with myself, I never dreamed I'd be a mother of boys. I love it though. I never dreamed I'd be a mother of twins, and two more boys or not, I know I will also love it.

What if they find something in an ultrasound?  I've never had so many ultrasounds before and I do love being able to see the littles moving around and thriving. I also am anxious each visit because of the 'what if' that goes along with seeing them.  However, my ultrasound on Tuesday went well. Baby A sits on my left and weighed in just under 2 lbs. Baby B is on my right and was also just under 2. Baby B still refused to turn to get the needed spine photos, but we are just going to keep trying. Not worried. My next ultrasound will be a growth ultrasound around 30 or 32 weeks and then an ultrasound every week after that to measure the size of the babies and the amount of amniotic fluid around them. 

What if I deliver early? Have our babies in the NICU? Although these are all real possibilities, I decided to do some research on averages for di-di twins (own sacs, own placentas).  I was so encouraged by what I found. Yes, all of the above are a possibility, but the amount of moms who delivered close to 38 weeks was encouraging.  Most of those moms also had babies in the 6-7 lb range and very few had any NICU time.  I had no idea there were different types of twins and I am so glad that the twins I carry are at the least risk for early delivery and NICU time.  

What if I can't stand and have to go on bedrest?  Yes, I know this also is a real possibilities and some days I wish I could just lay down for the rest of the pregnancy, but my realistic side knows that would add a ton of new issues.  So, my new research this week was how to keep my pressure/heaviness feeling at bay, especially while working. After a little internet research I invested in this crazy looking strap that resembles a boy's athletic strap (However, my strap has a little lace decoration--makes the idea of wearing this sooo much better...LOL). The reviews came back as that it worked wonders and... also shows through most clothing.  The reviews almost all said, "Who cares if it shows! I feel so much better!"  Funny how style goes out the window at times like these! HA!  I wore it on Friday and I am cautiously optimistic. I'm also waiting on a back brace to arrive. With both I hope I can stand for longer and stave off the bed rest that looms in the back of my mind. 

I continue to be blessed with meals, folded laundry, and my house vacuumed and swept. I don't know what I'd do without the love in action from all these friends and family. A public thank you!