Merry Christmas!

The little peppers and how they grew.

Well then. Ultrasound today, and everything is ship shape! Two boys. All body parts are present and accounted for, and we've got Boy A weighing in at 1 lb. 1 oz. and Boy B at 1 lb. even. Right on track.

Here's Boy B, who is not blowing smoke rings. That's apparently the umbilical cord. 

This one's a little harder to see the profile on, but Boy A currently has their fist to their chin, as though he's contemplating a right or left hook to Boy B for sitting on his face. 

Choice is power.

Behold the wrath of Laura's hormonal but perfectly allowable rage:

Booooo, Simmonds, Martin & Helmbrecht. Booooo. I called the office on a whim today to be sure I was getting the anatomical ultrasound Wednesday and wouldn't you know it I'm not. Because the doctor FORGOT. I assume doctors have more training than me and know their stuff, that's why we pay them the big bucks. I assume they have secretaries and fancy computer programs to remind them of when appointments are and what kind of appointments they should be. Also it irritates me when people with a webmd education self-diagnose and tell doctors what their problem is. In this case, however, I should probably kick myself for not asking questions earlier. But not for real because I'm pregnant.

We are moving our insurance dollars elsewhere ASAP. Put myself in for another practice and we'll see how quickly they can get me in. They are also affiliated with the closest hospital to our current location. Take THAT Simmonds, Martin & Helmbrecht. Boooooooooo.

Note: My panties are not in a bind because of gender. Gender, schmender. I am just irritated because every website, book, person and doctor you talk to give a very narrow window for this thing to occur- 18-20 weeks. Which I believe is because they're looking for other things. Possibly preventable problems. Which makes me want to howl with rage and gnash my teeth and stuff. RAWR.

*Update* I went and picked up a referral today and was able to get an appointment with a radiologist for Thursday at 1pm.

Belly shot two.

22.5 weeks, just before gender time! Let us know your gender guesses and preferences, and we'll see if the doctor obliges...

Week twenty two.

Shrimps

• Are supposed to be moving in a way I can at least feel them... am curious if I've chalked too much up to indigestion. Hmmm. For the guys, imagine laying in bed at night with a hand on your stomach trying to guess whether internal movements are coming from gas or creatures living inside of you. It's weird. Also not knowing where your organs are at, exactly.
• Are really digging ice cream. 

Laura

• Is now on par with Andrew's current weight. He's always said he should weigh more, but the only option I see is for him to gain sympathy poundage. Fortunately we got him some bacon and sausage at the grocery tonight...
• Is looking for energy/motivation which seems to have wandered off. Let me know if it wanders over your way.
• Continues to struggle with twin math. Reading through baby/pregnancy books is one thing, but trying to guess at what figures and facts mean in cases of multiple babies is tricky. 

Andrew

• Is becoming aware of the birthing process. When our friends had their baby this week, his comment was something along the lines of, "it's really weird to think that that baby was in her belly last time we saw them." Yep, that is how this works.
• Has been stressed with work a bit but is still super helpful and supportive!
• Is reading off angel and babylonian names to me as I type... don't think we'll be going with any babylonian names.

Week twenty one.

Oops, kind of skipped a week... we were all busy, right? Nobody missed it too much? We had an excellent holiday and wish we could skip all this work nonsense and go right into the next one. Also had a super fun time with the Vogel Sr's and PA friends this weekend.

Shrimps:

• Are demanding an increasing amount of food and not giving Laura any of it, apparently. 
• Have yet to kick noticeably but should happen soon!
• Will reveal their gender in two weeks or less.

Laura:

• Is eating tums like candy, or at least once a day instead of the never it used to be.
• Has gained a quarter of the recommended weight for twins, better than nothing!
• Is having some quality weird baby dreams. So far the twins have been redheads, a boy and a girl, misplaced in the hospital and grocery stores, lost in a WWII bombing and then found years later. The last one was a real tearjerker. 

Andrew:

• Is starting to introduce sweet potatoes and corn to his diet, which makes for more delicious dinners in this household!

House and stuff.

Well then. We're out of the apartment and have handed over the keys. All our MD belongings are in the house... whether or not they're still in a box still I'll leave a mystery. Between that and Thanksgiving posting hasn't been a super big priority, but I thought tonight I'd write some words for you to read.

Definitely not a fan of heartburn. Since when does water give you heartburn? Since you're pregnant is what. Since I have your rapt attention, there are several reasons for more heartburn during pregnancy. One is that your baby is squishing your stomach. Another is hormones(?). Drinking bunches can also make things slosh around more... ugh. I'm supposed to drink two or three liters a day. Ugh.

Week nineteen.

Shrimps:

• You can see their gosh darn cute little hearts pumping away at this point, awww. I do hope you can't see that after they're born though.
• According to my otherwise uncaring man doctor, it's fairly certain these guys are fraternal judging by the way the placenta looks. Like a bubble. Two bubbles. Clearly I am not an obgyn.
• The man doctor said the super big-deal ultrasound would be done at the next appointment, which is 23 weeks. Hoping to switch hospitals/groups soon, so it may or may not be around Thanksgiving for gender stuff. You'll just have to keep your pants on.

Laura:

• Gained some weight, finally... [first and only time I'll say] hooray to that! Seven pounds since the last checkup. Probably made of mostly apple pie and ice cream, no judging please. There's fruit and dairy aplenty in those items.
• Needs to end this moving process and/or never let things get so dusty/hairy ever again. Sleeping has been horrendous with the move- asthma, asthma, asthma. Stupid body. At what time is it ever an acceptable defense mechanism to stop breathing? 
• Blood test results are back and nothing to report, which is good. The other interesting part is every doctor I see wants me to pee in a cup. None of them have ever said anything about what they do with it. I'm getting really good at it, although boys you need to appreciate the ease by which you can fulfill this medical duty.
• Finally got to a parents of multiples meet and greet with Andrew and learned about how much daycare costs, ICK.

Andrew:

• Has had the pleasure of dealing with a number of Laura emotional outbreaks. He let me cry in the car for 10 minutes Tuesday while he got us a table at the restaurant, and on numerous occasions listened to me as I described how I just want to punch somebody in the face. Has not yet offered his face though. Good for him.
• Decided we have incredibly good odds for a nice beard if it's [a] boy(s). Only hope those odds to not stand for girls.
• Actually persuaded Laura to go on a sporadic trip to Brookhaven to play board games. It was amazing. And probably the best fun we've had all month. 
• Finally got to a parents of multiples meet and greet with Laura and got to look awkwardly at his hands like all the other guys during the breastfeeding conversation.

Men. Gosh.

I am about to make a terrible generalization. Men obgyns, in my vast experience, are not great. Saw another doctor in my practice this morning, first guy obgyn for me, and not. impressed. He walks in, indicates I lay down, and does a quick ultrasound muttering about heartbeats. Forgot to turn the screen toward me as he harrumphed approvingly that they were alive and kicking. And that was pretty much it. Five minutes. The other doctors said I'd get a referral for the big ultrasound, he said they'd just do it there. I had to drag information out of him. Maybe he was having a bad day, I can allow for that. But I feel much better about switching to a closer hospital and practice.

You could actually see their hearts beating though, kinda crazy.

In other news, we are mid-move and spent our first night at the new house! Andrew is the best moving spouse I've ever married. All he's letting me do is pack and unpack and pick up five guys burgers. I can totally handle that.

Week eighteen.

Well, here we are at 4.5 months- technically the middle of 9 months, but two weeks away from halfway through 40 weeks. What gives? This math is weird.

Shrimps:

• Are about the size of baked potatoes. With sour cream and fox point seasoning and some melty butter for good measure...
• Are just focusing on getting brainier and bigger from now on, mostly.
• No noticeable movement/kicking yet, aka no reason to feel my belly.
• Next week's appointment means a referral to make the ultrasound appointment to make sure all fingers and toes are accounted for. Also what sex these shrimpies are. So far we have one couple assuming they're boys. Mostly we're good with two healthy babies, but a boy and a girl could be fun. There will be no gender reveal party nonsense. You'll just know.

Laura:

• Is really into elastic waistbands these days.
• Has been slopping on the lotion like there's no tomorrow, but IT'S NEVER ENOUGH.
• Is not as awesome at moving boxes as has been the case in past moves, ugh.
• Skimmed through Dumbo on Netflix since I couldn't remember the plot and was definitely tearing up with sadness at how MEAN everyone was to a baby elephant.

Andrew:

• Continues to patient and tolerant with the general lack of food and cleanliness in our house. Chipotle is our new best friend.
• Has quite a talent in cleaning carpets- ask for a demo next time you see him!
• Is very interested in Dinovember; I think this has a better chance of happening in our house than elf on the shelf...

Belly shot!

Here's seventeen point five weeks:

Week seventeen.

Shrimps:

• Are developing baby fat, also known as adipose and creepily depicted in a Dr. Who episode....
• Should be somewhere around 5" long? According to some sources?
• At this point the only still-continuously developing part is the brain. Over the next few weeks they'll start to have an awareness of each other.
• The big old ultrasound is due to happen just before Thanksgiving. People will have to think of a new question to ask us once the genders are discovered.

Laura:

• Is looking for a hospital and affiliated obgyns closer to the new house. 17 miles is a little too far to drive in labor around here, especially if it happens to be rush hour...
• Getting some spurts of energy back that are quickly depleted. Had a lovely girls' night out Monday that I've just recovered from today I think!
• Is contemplating purchasing additional comfy maternity pants. Pants are annoying. Wish suspenders were more stylish these days.

Andrew:

• Is feeling pretty good after ~3 months on his diet, and has been running more. Work is still a bummer though.
• One day will get Laura coordinated enough in the morning to take a belly shot. One day.
• Found some stellar onesies on pinterest.... including this gem:

Week sixteen.

Shrimps:

• Okay. No sources agree on a standard, basic size of babies from week to week. Especially when you try to figure it out for twins. They're bigger than last week. Let's just say that.
• Are definitely making their presence known belly-wise... pictures to come. Maternity pants are SUPER comfy y'all. I might wear these things after pregnancy too.
• Might be noticeably moving around? The description I keep hearing is "bubbles" but all my internal bubbles seem to end in the usual way... there are more of them though. Which means moving shrimps or I need to perfect my crop dusting methods.
• Have fingernails and toenails, which will be flesh-tearing talons by the time they are born. Never would have thought to pack a baby nail file for the hospital until now.
• Are covered with tiny white hairs called lanugo, which is mostly gone by birth. 

Laura:

• Is definitely getting a little more interested in food. Hooray, food! With the in-laws and Jessie visiting Friday and Saturday, I got to eat: burger and fries, donuts, sweet potato tots, and spaghetti. Next goal is to eat healthy food.
• Has been addicted to Forge of Empires by Andrew. I think he's pleased with himself...
• Is teaching her first class this Wednesday, "Anatomy of a Leaf". Should be fun!

Andrew:

• Has a major deadline for work coming up, so he will be doubly glad when November is over! 
• Sent in our 30 days' notice to break our apartment lease. This thing is getting real, people. Our walk-through is scheduled for this coming Friday and we get the keys the following day.
• Is starting to squeeze in some running again... stress relief hooray!

Look at my belly(?)

This is not actually my belly.

I have heard rumblings and rumors that people want to see belly shots. I assume of me, not Andrew. Just so I know people read this you should comment below if you want to see me gradually blow up like a balloon.

There are a few things you should know if these shots are to happen:

• I will not be using cute chalkboard signs with fun information on them
• My shirt will remain in its normal location. No bare bellies. this also means I will not be painting snowman faces, babies, basketballs or other objects on my belly
• I will not be making heart outlines with my hands on my belly
• Andrew will not be kissing my belly in any pictures
• If you don't know what any of this means, it might be worth your while to search pinterest for pregnancy pictures and giggle for a while

Week fifteen.

Shrimps:

• I have a confession to make. These little guys are not near as big as I've been reporting, according to the doctor. Because there's two of them. I have no fun other comparisons, so just think of the thing I compare them to in the future as cut in two and molded into two miniature versions.
• So this week the shrimps will together be as big as a beefsteak tomato... a normal one. Not a Boxcar Willy, y'all. I got one of those once that split open a paper lunch bag when I tried to squeeze it in. If anyone has some fresh tomatoes they can cut up for me with olive oil salt and pepper please bring them over. With dill pickles on the side if you please.
• Can now sense light in addition to pressure from outside. I guess I should stop shining flashlights at my belly all night.
• Have begun "breathing" the amniotic fluid. Which kind of makes me choke to think about.

Laura:

• Is probably experiencing rhinitis of pregnancy, although as Andrew could tell you her nose has always generally been terrible. So much nose blowing ugh.
• Found a fancy word for current feelings of stupidity- gestational amnesia! That's why I'm so bad at life right now, I'm sure of it.
• Is mentally flailing around in the lake of chaos that is our current life, looking for some order to hang on to... I can hear you parents wisely chuckling in the background. Please pipe down and let me hold on to my fantasy of order as long as possible.
• Now possesses some maternity clothes, and is waiting to grow into them.

Andrew:

• Is doing such a nice job of making Laura eat good stuff. This week he got groceries and bought her a host of things just for her that are easy to make and healthy. What a guy!
• Was certain we'd know genders this week... nope. FYI, next appointment (a month from now), I'll be getting a referral to get a super detailed ultrasound done which the doctor called "anatomical". Which means they look for more than girl/boy parts, I'm guessing.

Weekend and appointment

Why hello there.

Some quick updates for you:

• Laura visited Ohio this weekend! Very fun to see family and friends for the first time since the announcement. Also confirmed loan of a changing table, bassinet, and crib- bam. Can I just be on vacation forever?
• Shrimps are still making eating and thinking difficult. How am I supposed to be eating a healthy diet and making any sorts of plans for them in this state? Shrimps, think of your own well-being and stop this nonsense. Although I was informed today that the shrimps get "fed first" as opposed to the rest of my body... interesting. 
• Had the second doctor's appointment today; they both have heartbeats (145 and 148 bpm) and still enjoy frolicking for the ultrasound. Doctor did not seem too concerned that Laura is still the EXACT SAME WEIGHT. Gosh. You'd think all that food in Ohio would count for something... 
• While chatting idly with the doctor during the ultrasound, she mistook my comment, "Andrew laughed hysterically when he found out" as, "Andrew left me when he found out". And was very concerned. Awkward but soon remedied. 
• Andrew and Laura are still kind of overwhelmed by everything right now. Work and moving and selling a house and normal things and so forth. Continued prayers and positive thoughts appreciated.

This is going to be hunted down and purchased in the case of boy girl, just fyi.

Week fourteen.

Shrimps:

• Are about the size of a fist, unless you've got giant man hands.
• Thumb sucking may have started at this point.
• Have gained their first piece of furniture- a crib! They'll be sharing until a fight breaks out.
• Have their next appointment next week.

Laura:

• Can't wait until today is over... giant event at work that has been eating me up for weeks.
• Speaking of eating, had a horrible dream last night that Andrew convinced me to use the babies as dumpling filling, and said they'd grow back.
• Going to Ohio this weekend!

Andrew:

• Did not actually tell Laura to use babies for dumpling filling.
  

Short today, but my brain will be busted until this weekend... maybe I'll post from Ohio!

Some Prayer Requests.

Salutations, Vogel shrimp followers-

Things are getting heavy over here- figuratively only, although one of these days I'll start gaining weight- and we'd appreciate your prayers and positive thoughts on the following:

• Work life balance: of which we have none right now, so it seems. Andrew has to get his certification asap, in addition to having a full 40 hours of client work a week (which is crazy- no down time). Laura is still trying to get down doing her job efficiently and not worrying about it off the clock. Not that this will ever be "solved", but we've realized we're gonna have to get better at it soon... looking for motivation, peace, and the ability to see the forest rather than the trees.
• Mortgage lease lease: the new house is a super awesome blessing, to be sure! And breaking our current lease won't be so bad either. But that house in Upland is our biggest cause of ulcers right now, and we really need to move forward. Praying for forward movement, peace, expert advice, and maybe some help getting it market ready!
• Relationships and stress: It's been hard for us to make friends in this area, although those we do have are awesome (hi Roots!), it's difficult for Laura especially. Also with the above two bullet points, we've managed pretty well so far but it's a little scary to think what yelling and stomping we'll be capable of once our patience and energy are sapped by tiny babies. Praying for increased number and depth of friendships, and strength of our relationship too.

Just wanted to get that out there. We love you guys and appreciate your support. Thursday we'll be back to our regularly scheduled funny update!

Week thirteen.

Shrimps:

• Skip this bullet if you have the mind of a middle schooler. Although I guess posting this means we kind of do? Anyway, we were loaned a great book by friends (thanks Berghoeffs!) that has glossy photography and detailed descriptions of babies growing during pregnancy. By happenstance we learned that all babies start out with an organ called an "indifferent penis" which eventually forms into girl parts or boy parts. WHAAAAAT. I will be forever squeamish about this evolution process going on inside my belly.
• Are just getting around to forming bones. 
• Have fingerprints!
• Are beginning to be a little more proportional to their giant heads.

Laura:

• Dare I hope that food is becoming tasty again? Found myself daydreaming about homemade marinara and meatballs the other day. And will soon have to get a restraining order from my pumpkin ice cream and ginger cat cookies.
• Had my first truly memorable pregnant adventure- attempting the "Billy Goat A" trail (read: rock climbing) at the C & O Canal with Uncle Gary and Aunt Lynn. This would have been perfectly fine had the weather held as I have no shame scootching down rocks on my behind, BUT it just so happened to be the day that a tropical depression hit our area (read: monsoon). Never been so wet in my life, but all's well that ends well!
• Is always ITCHY and has unbelievably strong nails. Not that these two things go together.
• Is starting to have fun with theoretically rearranging furniture in the house.

Andrew:

• Went with Laura to measure every possible dimension in the house and created a layout from it. I love this man.
• Has pretty much become the dishwasher since bits of food and soapy water skeeve me out. I love this man. Especially since the new house has no dishwasher.
• Has been married to Laura for three years as of Wednesday! Went to the Arlington Drafthouse and Cinema last night to celebrate.

A debate for you:

I had decided a few years back that cloth diapers seemed like the environmental way to go. Now that the reality of diapers is upon us, we'll be dealing with two messy bottoms at once, and daycare is most certainly going to happen for some time during the week, it seems less certain. Read this article with some of this facts and figures. I feel like it'd still be worth it when they're home... a few less disposables in the landfill. Comment with your thoughts, just know that in the end we most likely will do what we want to regardless of what you say:-).

House Update Update

You all are effective pray-ers and good thought senders... we are signing on the house this month!!! Get a full photo tour here. 

This does of course mean that a moving party will be scheduled soon, probably the weekend of November 9th. Break out your large vehicles and old clothes, people! We will feed and house you, and I will allow moving volunteers to touch my belly (if you want) without slapping your hand away!

Week twelve.

Shrimps:

• Are more lemon-sized than lime. Or, last week was true key west limes and this week is the type of lime found in groceries that is actually a hybridization of a lemon but looks and tastes kind of like a true lime but is bigger.
• Basically are perfect little human beings at this point- they have all their organs and appendages in order and hopefully on the right side of their skin (apparently some organs develop outside first SUPER WEIRD).
• Can officially be bugged by me if I squish my stomach. Guess that means I should start the awkward process of unbuttoning/safety pinning my pants together. I wonder what else will bug them... 

Laura:

• Lost her cookies. Maybe it's masochistic, but there was a feeling of gratification after three months of nausea to finally hurl. Also a good indication to never get up at 6:15am again.
• Has a giant uterus at this point that is squeezing out of the pelvic area. Bonus: less trips to the bathroom. Disadvantage: places shrimps closer to other organs so less stomach space, breathing space, and once they start dancing more- kicked organs. Hooray!
• Apparently is supposed to be in maternity clothes at this point? I have occasionally done the pants thing... but am making do with my own clothes pretty well so far. You know that giant belly bloat you have after eating way too much at a buffet, or even more so after having eaten far too much of a gas-inducing food (brussel sprouts, Andrew?)? That is what I feel like I have so far. Although I definitely cannot suck in my stomach to save my life.
• Went to my first baby store- a Carter's that opened near by. I successfully left with nothing!

Andrew:

• Has been sick lately, poor thing. But has been nicely keeping it to himself.
• "Paternity leave" was actually a phrase uttered by his boss after hearing the news... not that he'd get much if any, but I'm hoping there will be a little leeway?
• Is okay with my idea for a color scheme of "carrot" aka orange and green. I think it's because dinosaurs are also often green and orange. We still may or may not have a nursery, but it'd be nice for things to kind of coordinate. 
• Feels it would be best if we had a boy and a girl, or two boys. If we had two girls, he would be outnumbered 6:1 (if fixed cats count).

Other news:

• We are now first in line for the house!!!!!! Assuming our credit and other various stuff checks out, we will have a house HOORAY.
• FYI I do have a secret pinterest board of baby things, if you'd like to join in just let me know! This is the kind of stuff that gets posted:

House Update

Original, 1700's section to far right.

So Andrew and I visited the park house (see first mention in Week Eleven post) today:

• 4 miles from Brookside, 5 from nearest train station (for Andrew)
• Original part of the house built in the 1700's 
• Located at the entrance of Paint Branch Park
• Nice big yard
• 2 bedroom, 1 bath, with loft and basement

LOOK AT THIS KITCHEN. Not that we can use the fireplace...

The positives:

• Just the right "upward expansion size" for us... allows room for kids and Andrew's work easily but not too much to furnish.
• SO MUCH FREAKING character
• An old home without as much of the old home stress: since we would be renters Parks takes care of all the big projects before we get there.
• The price is right- would be about the same as rent as our current apartment.

Beautiful entry hall with original floor and room for bookshelves.

The negatives/unknowns:

• We are second in line- if the first person qualifies and decides to take the house, they get it.
• If we get it, money will be really tight for a bit- they want folks to move in next month, if there's no flexibility there we will be carrying two leases and a mortgage simultaneously.
• We will be in charge of maintenance, such as mowing the gigantic lawn and taking care of the old house problems we noticed during the visit- bugs, humidity, etc.
• Not sure at this time what the utility bills would be like.

One half of the lawn... ignore my expression as I was feeling sick.

I think I'm leaning more toward the house than Andrew, but we've agreed if the first person passes we'd take it. I just don't know the likelihood of that happening. We did talk to the maintenance guy working there today and he said another house would be coming up for rent soon that was nicer but probably more expensive. Would appreciate prayers and positive thoughts directed our way!

Loft that could serve as Andrew's office.

I swear Andrew will try this at least once...

Week eleven.

SOOOOO CLOSE to the end of the first trimester. FREAKING OUT about twins.

Newsflash: Laura and Andrew have decided to go public this coming Monday, September 30th. That means you can go public too! We would like to reserve the right to be the first to tell certain family members and friends, and will let you know accordingly. 

Shrimps:

• Both have heartbeats that are ridiculously fast, like mice or very small birds.
• Apparently enjoying dancing for ultrasounds.
• If it was one shrimp, they'd be the size of a lime or small lemon now. Not sure how this works when there are two. I'm hoping they won't both be 10 pounds like I was at the end...
• Are officially fetuses (feti?), and practically human-baby-looking at this point.

Laura:

• Is flabbergasted. During the ultrasound the doctor kept commenting, "you are SO calm." She did not observe the symptoms of shock I'm guessing.
• Got bunches of free prenatal samples, pregnancy magazines, a folder of homework, coupons, pacifier and one diaper from her appointment. Bling bling!
• Is learning about the differences in twin pregnancy. For instance, you're supposed to gain 45 pounds instead of the 25 for one baby. To do that they recommend 600 extra calories a day and/or gaining 1-2 pounds a week. EEEEEEKK. I guess if anyone has to deal with such things, it is helpful to be 6' with a frame to match...
• Is looking to join a local multiples support group ASAP.

Andrew:

• Just giggled when he heard about twins. Then he started looking up information (like how much weight I should gain above) and giggling some more. We joked about having twins and how crazy it would be, it's still apparently funny when it's true.
• Seems more affected by this news than the actual pregnancy, as far as Laura can tell...
• Has already used twin news to his advantage at work. When he told one of his [sometimes cantankerous] clients today, he was invited to lunch next time he came by.  Handy.

In other news:

• Double the babies has made us start thinking about housing a bit.
• Just today, Laura received a flyer at work for a Parks house that just became available for rent (see it from above here). 
• It's still small, but with a basement, loft, and awesome backyard/front yard in addition to 2 bedrooms 1 bath it would be SUPER NICE.
• The rent would be very similar to what we're paying for the apartment.
• Still pretty convenient to the gardens and a metro for Andrew.
• Laura's been pestering them all day and we are working on submitting an application tonight. 
• The house isn't ready to be shown (some interior work is being done by maintenance) but Laura and Andrew stopped by today and were really intrigued by the outside at least. Should be contacted by the end of this week to schedule a time to see the interior...
• Having this come up the day after twin news is overwhelming to say the least, but prayers and good thoughts our way are much appreciated. Who knows if it will work out, but it seems like it would be REALLY NICE if it did!

Appointment Update.

Well then. Had my first appointment and I am indeed pregnant. Here's an upside-down picture of Shrimp:

 And here's an upside-down picture of Shrimp's twin.

WHAAAAAATTTT. NO history of twins on either side of the family; apparently there's a 1 in 80 chance of twins without genetic predisposition. I heard both their heartbeats and saw one of them dance a jig. Everything else seems to be hunky dory, twins are naturally a bit more risky than one baby, but other than that things are fine according to the doctor. April 24th still, although typically twins are delivered pre-term.

So if you're already buying us baby stuff, go back and get two of each. We'll be in shock for a few days.

Week ten.

Double digits, baby!

Shrimp:

• Will officially be a fetus by the end of the week.
• Is about the size of a AA battery- take that, baby sizes compared to fruit in all the books.
• If shrimp can just get through the end of this week without developing congenital conditions, we will be mostly in the clear. C'mon little buddy.
• Has a heartbeat that can now be heard by Doppler... something we may be hearing on Tuesday (first prenatal appt). 

Laura:

• Is attempting a neti pot revival. As weird as it is, seems much better than sneezing fits and antihistamines. Purchased a fancy schmancy ceramic pot to inspire more frequent usage.
• Is super grossed out by chemicals. Trying essential oils, castile soap, and other non-offensive cleaning products around the house.
• Is hoarding food at work like a squirrel. Instead of lunch, she eats about a dozen snacks.
• Misses pooping. Can't decide if she's showing or if it's a gas baby.
• Has even more pregnancy and baby books, both borrowed and gifted.
• Is trying to feel amenable to people patting her belly once the pregnancy is more public. Right now it feels like her reaction will either be a) an icy glare, b) a quick backup to get away from prying hands, or c) swatting away the offending appendage. Please take a number and wait for the baby to come out of my body. 

Andrew:

• Has a few sections to read in the new books...
• Is becoming adjusted to the idea of potentially losing his second bedroom office.
• Made a beautiful dinner of tilapia, sauteed kale and onions, and squash this week. Laura will be looking for more soon.

My very favorite neti pot video.

Is there a light at the end of this terrible foodless tunnel?

Personal best- two home cooked dinners in a row! Andrew made lemon pepper tilapia, acorn squash and sauteed kale last night (bonus, we watched Scott Pilgrim vs. the world). I made white bean chicken soup with rosemary tonight. Let me tentatively welcome back healthy, normal, homemade food into our lives...

Excellent suggestion.

Week nine.

Shrimp:

• Is about the size of a grape- all baby sizes seem to be fruit WHY- or perhaps an olive, the kind marinated in herbs and stuffed with a garlic clove.
• Is not actually marinating in herbs and stuffed with a garlic clove.
• Has fingers and toes and a mouth. Let thumb sucking commence.
• A gender decision has been made that we won't get to know about for another few weeks.
• Has received the first gift (see below). 

Laura:

• Is super tired of being tired. 
• Wears sleeveless tops and burrows under fleece blankets in the same day.
• Found gummi prenatals PRAISE THE LORD. They are delicious and do not act as a throat stopper.
• Still wants a personal chef to provide tapas every hour or two.

Andrew:

• Says he has nothing to report. I will have to work on this.
• Helped Laura recognize, after a weekend away, that the apartment did not actually smell like old cheese on their return.

Education.

I now possess borrowed copies of a number of books about pregnancy, babies, and so forth. After skimming through a few of them, I must say that it appears pregnancy and birth will be just as uncomfortable, stressful, and painful as I had expected. I figure if I set the bar low then the little perks throughout the pregnancy and resulting human being will seem all the better, hooray!

Also irritated that the books that tell me that I will be nauseated and full of food aversions for three months are the SAME books that chide me for eating empty calories and tell me I must make every bite count. Stupid book, or, perhaps, stupid body. Why, when nutrition matters so much, would your body have evolved to reject anything with nutritional content?

I am looking for a chef, position available immediately. Interested parties may apply via email or phone. Must be able to sneak healthy ingredients into food I want to eat, and also cook for Andrew's diet.

Eight weeks.

Things to know:

• Shrimp is approximately the size of a gummi bear. But not squishy- this thing is all joints at the moment, fingers, elbows, knees and so forth. 
• Almost not a tadpole anymore- the tail will be nearly gone by this week. 
• I've tried watching those time lapse videos of baby development. A bit creepy. Maybe I'll try again in a few weeks.  Note to self: do not watch Alien movies anytime soon.
• Andrew and I have been a disaster this week- he's got Crohn's stuff going on, and I've been so tired and icky feeling. Yesterday I took a half day and we both kind of gave up for the day. 
• Have since decided that the allotted 12 oz. coffee is incredibly important- I took my dose this morning with cream and sugar and felt super. Fat and sugar are so kind to me these days, cutting acidity and letting me consume calories in a more dense manner. 
• Starting to plan next year's programs. Sneakily making sure there is a relative void of activity in May. Excited to start interviews for my assistant position next week- my unwitting substitute during fmla... hehehehe.

Week seven.

Halfway through week seven, hooray! Things worth noting:

• The shrimp will be a whooping half inch by the end of this week.
• Cerebral hemispheres of the braaaaaains are now developed (that's for you, Yoders and Bakers).
• The appendix is also there now- how useful.
• Instead of feeling hungry and full, I feel nauseated and un-nauseated.
• Bad smells this weekend- ripe chicken necks (we went crabbing), mayonnaise, the parking lot at the ice cream place, sunscreen, grilled chicken, barbecue sauce. Reoccurring, queasy smelly memories of a caramelized onion dip Dongah and I made. 

Smell bad.

My co-worker has a huge shelf fungi in her classroom this week and I have to hold my breath as I walk by- dead fish. I thought of the smell of honey mustard during a meeting yesterday and felt really queasy. Our apartment smells like stale cigarettes and an old sweaty gym locker. During a potluck at work today I was definitely avoiding nose breathing. I think I'm probably pregnant.

Waiting game.

It's kind of a let down to get this kind of information and sit on it for a trimester. Blerg.

I am starting in on research at least. Book recommendations (or loans) welcome. I really think they should have parent certification classes. It seems very odd to need to do so much research for a biologically essential function to occur "successfully".

My body is generally opposed to food at the moment. It prefers sleeping and non-activity to calorie consumption. Dinner was five spoonfuls of vanilla ice cream... a still-tolerated food SURPRISE. Andrew's been super and makes his own food quite a bit which is especially awesome considering he's back on the purist version of his diet again (no grains, no starches, no sugar, no lactose).

Prenatal vitamins are GIGANTIC. I already knew this of course, but it now seems like an especially poor idea, considering nausea is a common symptom.

Buuuuuut, things are going fine. Nothing much to report! Send ice cream money.

Here we go.

We are pregnant. That is, I am pregnant and Andrew has to deal with me. Only six weeks in now, so hush hush... no history of miscarriage or pregnancy oddities on either side but we'll be sneaky about this for a few more weeks. No one will suspect judging by my food intake, anyway, since I've ALWAYS eaten as many dill pickles and ice cream as I can get my hands on (not together though).

You have been invited to this blog since we think you might actually enjoy seeing the details. I'm a firm believer in not putting a bunch of personal information on facebook. So if you want details this is how you're getting them.

Here are some fun things for you to know:

• Important facial features, such as ear nubs, a nose nub, and mouth are starting... as are some flappy little leg and arm buds. Sort of a lumpy tadpole. One that has tripled in size at this point- a Godzilla lumpy tadpole.
• My favorite activity is sleeping.
• Regretfully giving up coffee, pickles, tomatoes, and citrus for now; gaining a healthy respect for tums.