25 Weeks: June 13, 2016

I scheduled my c-section this week, June 13! As the nurse was giving me all of my instructions over the phone, what not to eat, when to arrive, etc, I was thinking, "Is this really happening?!?" It seems like it is still so far away...

I've been asked multiple times over the last few weeks, "How are you doing this? How are you working full time as a teacher, raising 3 children, and carrying 2 more?" I've thought about this and honestly, it would be impossible without Aaron.  Aaron has picked up and sacrificed his time, his energy, his free time to do what I cannot do, even in the middle of the night when Elliot isn't sleeping. He has always been the parent that jumps in with all that he is and when others laugh at their spouse's inability to cook, change diapers, dress, and run a household, I can't join in their laughter. I can't join in because Aaron isn't like that. When I've left, I've never had to pre-plan meals, set up a schedule, give instructions, or check my text messages throughout my absence. I've never had to pick up the pieces when I get back.  Aaron knows as much about how to raise our children as I do. He is involved in all of the details and he always has been. In this time of our life, in this stage, I can sit back and he just takes over. He just does it. When I tell him how lucky I am, he shrugs in his understated, humble way and doesn't even realize how special, how unique, he is among men!

This week has been my glorious spring break. I started strong on Monday and my sister came over to help me rearrange my dining room. I converted it into an extension of our living room with a changing table, spot for a pack n' play, a rocking chair, and all of the kid toys.  I wanted a space to do all of the infant stuff without needing to go upstairs.  I love it.  I worked way too hard and could barely walk by the time Aaron came home from work, but it was worth it.  After Monday, my list of things to do dramatically slowed down because Elliot was sick with hand, foot, mouth disease followed by another ear infection.  I spent much of my day rocking him and dealing with clingy boy, but maybe that was for the best--I couldn't tire myself out!

Celebrating Elliot's birthday with Nana and Poppa this weekend. 

I had an appointment on Tuesday that was pretty routine. I measured in at 31 weeks (with the tape measure method for singletons) and babies' hearts were beating away.  I spent much of the next day on the phone figuring out how to make my next appointments. I have my next appointment in 3 weeks and I didn't know if I needed to schedule a growth ultrasound, my glucose test, a regular appointment--all three?  It was back and forth between nurses leaving messages for doctors, mixed messages, until I finally was able to talk with my doctor's nurse directly. The end result is no growth ultrasound needed yet, yes I should do my glucose testing, and yes a regular appointment! Next time, I'll take copious notes during my appointment to make sure I have it all straight... where's the little printed schedule for twin mommies that I can just look at!? :-)

I have my next ultrasound tomorrow to get the rest of the pictures they couldn't get last time. Hopefully it's not two hours long again. I have the two big boys with me this time because they start their spring break and I'm going to try to bring them with me. I don't know the rules about kids in the room, but we'll see. They've never seen an ultrasound live before.

Onward we go.  I'm back to work on Tuesday and worried about my strength.  One day at a time.