Bumpdate - Week 28

How Far Along?

28 weeks and 3 days

                    

Gender?

GIRLS!

Names?

Amelia Gentry & Mae Parker

Due Date?

November 12 will always be the technical 40 week due date, but we’re still planning on a mid-October delivery.

Weight Gain?

Yes, finally. I have gained 5 pounds in the last 4 weeks. However, both girls are weighing 2 pounds 5 ounces each…so…let’s just account them for the majority of my gain.

Stretch Marks?

Maybe a little in my upper abdomen. I feel like I’ve stretched most in that area and it’s hard as a rock. The body is a marvel of complexity!

Maternity Clothes?

I’m still able to wear a few tops that are non-maternity. For the most part EVERYTHING is maternity at this point. We’re going shopping later this week in search of a few more “staple piece items”.

Belly Button In or Out?

Still in but it’s stretching out sideways. It’s weird. What’s even more weird…one of my gall bladder surgery scars is inside my belly button, and it’s all popping out and disfigured looking. It’s attractive.

Best Part of the Week?

Last week was a full and fun week. Monday was my birthday and we celebrated with dinner, cake and presents that night with my family.

Our hospital hosts a large golf tournament every August to raise funds for our charitable organization. I’m fortunate enough to “volunteer” for two days which gets me out of the office. It’s still very busy work for two days, but in a MUCH more relaxed atmosphere. I needed those two days! Here's a link to photos from this year's tournament featuring our "celebrity guest", former Tennessee Titans' player, Derrick Mason. 

Friday afternoon was my next doctor’s appointment, where I got to see the girls again and received a beyond excellent report on both of them and myself.

Worst Part of the Week?

Weeks 27/28 will go down as when I finally started feeling pregnant with twins. I hurt A LOT. I know it’s only going to be temporary and chances are will only get some worse in the coming weeks. I’m trying to remain positive, but carrying two babies is not for the faint of heart!

Miss Anything?

Comfort. I took comfort for granted. I’ll never do that again.

Movement?

Mae Parker is by far the more active sister, but when Amelia moves, it’s forceful. They’re getting to where they move more at the same time than they did earlier on. They’re still most active early in the morning and late at night.

Mood?

While there have not been any new developments (yet) at work, I feel like I’ve let go the stress go a little more than I was harboring on to a few weeks ago. We are still patiently waiting to hear final word back on a new opportunity for myself within our department, and STILL patiently waiting on hiring a replacement for my former co-worker. Until then, I’m still pulling the responsibilities of two positions. I’ve accepted that it is what it is and I’m trying to sneak in as much pre-planning as I can for events and deadlines that will come up during my maternity leave. Overall, I feel a bit more relaxed at work than I was; just hoping I can hold on to that same attitude for the next 8 weeks or so.

Currently Reading?

Um, nothing. I SHOULD be reading all sorts of articles, websites, blogs, etc out there to prepare me for what’s to come as a new mom to twins, but I’m not. I have no excuse other than, I’m just not.

Cravings?

Still nothing much. When heartburn hits, I want vanilla ice cream or a milkshake. Tums, Pepcid, peppermint…they help occasionally, but not always. Creamy, cold ice cream seems sooth the insatiable burn when it’s at its worst.

I had a brief craving last week for Chinese food. I chose a Chinese restaurant for my birthday dinner, and then the very next day chose a different Chinese restaurant for my birthday lunch with a co-worker. After those two, my craving was satisfied and I’ve been over it since.

Am I Showing Yet?

Do dogs bark and cows go moo? Is the sky blue and the grass green?

Symptoms?

I’ll just refer back to the overall discomfort and heartburn on this one. It’ll all be worth it though in just a few more weeks!

What am I Looking Forward To?

We have our third baby shower this Saturday with my side of the family and my side of friends. I am so excited to celebrate our girls with these people!! 

(AND…I’ve been told the same lady who made our ahhhhmazing wedding cakes is making cupcakes for the shower…IN THE SAME LOVELY FLAVORS we had on our wedding day. I’m not sure who’s more excited about this…me or Stephen. But our first order of business may be to pack up to-go boxes of French vanilla, lemon and strawberry cupcakes before the shower even starts!)

I mean, remember ALL the cake we had! To bask in all there delicious glory, check out our Wedding Details recap here. 

Worth remembering...

The closer we get to having the girls' nursery complete, the more and more I catch myself wondering what their little personalities will be like and imaging these babies in their room, in their cribs, reading these books, changing their diapers in this spot, checking on them early in the morning through the crack in the door....

It's all very real and yet so hard to believe from where we were one year ago. It's still overwhelming, but yet, I've never been so thankful for something I've never seen, met or touched yet. With every kick, every little pink outfit, and every diaper box that keeps growing our stash...these girls are loved and are our answered prayers. God is faithful. His timing is perfect. His plans are perfect.