My husband and I made the 3 1/2 hour drive to Los Angeles yesterday to see our OB for the first time. Not the most sociable doctor but very experienced and knowledgeable. He did an ultrasound and measured all the babies. All four are still doing great and measuring ahead of gestational age. They each have their own placenta and don't seem to be any identicals. I brought a long list of questions we had for him, he patiently answered each one. He said I should expect to stop working around 18 weeks (this is earlier than I was expecting) due to the higher stress of my job. He also said I wouldn't have to be on bed rest unless there were complications. However, he would want me to be home "resting" around 20 weeks and no exercising. He said the average length of a quad pregnancy is between 28-31 weeks. But, as I've said before, we are not average! And we will beat the odds.
My IM is busy readying her home for quads to come home. She has 2 other little ones that keep her busy and is planning to come to the states in April and stay through the birth. So, she only has between now and April to get everything ready for them to come home.
We were hoping the doctor could have seen the babies sexes but he didn't say anything. He wants us to drive down every 2 weeks from here on out. Not looking forward to the drive but grateful to have the piece of mind to see how they're doing every 2 weeks. I am going to pin him down next time and make him see try to see if they are boys or girls. I know if I were out shopping for these babies right now, I'd want to know!
As far as weight gain, it hasn't gotten any better but I haven't lost any more, in fact, I'm back to my starting weight so I'm proud of that. I have a normal appetite now but I don't feel ravenous as I expected. I eat as normally as I would if I weren't pregnancy. I'm sure that will change soon though. Hope the grocery shoppers of the house know what's coming!
My youngest (4) keeps telling me how fat my belly is getting. She touches my belly and laughs. When we got back from our appointment yesterday, she asked me where the babies were, didn't the doctor take them out? She still has the innocence of understanding. I love it.
Now, my other 2 older children know exactly what's going and seem very excited. My mom jokingly gave me a little maids bell for Christmas and put it on my night stand. She said it's for bed rest and room service whenever I need it. My Abby (51/2) loves it when I ring it and is willing to get anything for me. It's cute to see how excited they are to be involved. I'm honestly surprised that they grasp the magnitude of the situation and how truly blessed these babies are to have overcome everything they have. It's obvious that they are thriving and I'm sure that all goes back to those positive people around me supporting me to get through each day.
I love my family, my IP's (my forever family) and I'm grateful for the role each person plays.
What a life we're living!!!
Friday, January 28, 2011
Sunday, January 23, 2011
12 weeks
We have officially entered the second trimester!!! So glad to be here and feel some relief.
Not much has changed pregnancy related lately. I am continuing to grow, daily at the astonishment of my husband. Although, I’m puzzled to figure that one out, he’s seen my belly grow on 5 other occasions. I know how intrigued he is with a pregnant woman’s body, at least he enjoys it.
Since this portion of pregnancy is usually the quietest, not as many doctor’s appointments or milestones occurring, the most important thing I have to focus on right now is nutrition. As I’ve said before, the requirements to maintain a high order pregnancy like this is unbelievable. I am hesitant to admit that I am feeling a little better and can eat more and more each day (hope I didn’t just jinx myself). Daily goals include 4,300 calories, 225 grams of protein, 2 liters of water (or more) as well as daily supplements (I think I counted around 12 pills each day). I have started a food journal to help track my daily progress and most of the food preparation, cooking and shopping is by my mom. I’m so grateful for her each day. I feel much more relaxed and able to think about the important things rather than if we’re out of milk.
My wonderful IM asked that my mom and I purchase and read a few good multiples books. Here’s the list for anyone interested:
“When You’re Expecting Twins, Triplets or Quads” by Barbara Luke
“Having Twins and More” by Elizabeth Noble
Although both have great suggestions, there are also a lot of viewpoints rather than factual information. However, if you weed through and find the pertinent information, you can form your own standpoint and build your plan from there. My mom has been cooking many meals from Barbara Luke’s book and I’ve loved them all so far. It offers an easy to read layout of how nutritious each meal will be. My IM feels strongly about eating whole foods, organic products and green cleaning supplies. We have adjusted our entire family to eating and shopping this way. The studies associated with an organic lifestyle are all the more encouraging to forge ahead and continue on, pregnant or not. We have all been personally affected by disease, illness and cancer. If eating this way can help you or family be one step closure to healthy, why not?
So far in our journey we have been given assistance, advise and help from a Doula, a nutritionist, a nathropath, an acupuncturist, and a whole foods cooking instructor. Next, my hubby and I are off to see the OB for the first time in Los Angeles, Dr. Tabsh from UCLA Santa Monica. I am looking forward to the ultrasound as well as having a knowledgeable doctor such as him by our side. We will continue these drives to see him until we relocate to the area, most likely around April. My IM is also planning on flying over and staying from April on. I’m so thrilled knowing I get to see her and her beautiful babies. I keep having tearful dreams of seeing her little ones walk through the door and wrapping my arms around them, touching their skin and hair. It’s been over a year since I held the handsome little boy I birthed and I can’t wait to see how he’s changed. What beautiful children this couple creates, I can’t wait for the day when I get to see these 4 wonderful babies we’re growing in my belly.
My IM recently said to me how important your state of mind is. If you have in your head you can do something difficult, you’re more likely to succeed. I mentioned that the national average gestation for quads was around 30 weeks and based my timeline on that. She stopped me and mentioned their goal is to have me go many weeks past that average (besides, it’s only an average and I’m not average!). I agreed and appreciated the incentive. I have set my personal goal to gestate these babies to 35 weeks. I know I can do it, I will do it and I will shatter the average!!
35 weeks, here we come!!!
Not much has changed pregnancy related lately. I am continuing to grow, daily at the astonishment of my husband. Although, I’m puzzled to figure that one out, he’s seen my belly grow on 5 other occasions. I know how intrigued he is with a pregnant woman’s body, at least he enjoys it.
Since this portion of pregnancy is usually the quietest, not as many doctor’s appointments or milestones occurring, the most important thing I have to focus on right now is nutrition. As I’ve said before, the requirements to maintain a high order pregnancy like this is unbelievable. I am hesitant to admit that I am feeling a little better and can eat more and more each day (hope I didn’t just jinx myself). Daily goals include 4,300 calories, 225 grams of protein, 2 liters of water (or more) as well as daily supplements (I think I counted around 12 pills each day). I have started a food journal to help track my daily progress and most of the food preparation, cooking and shopping is by my mom. I’m so grateful for her each day. I feel much more relaxed and able to think about the important things rather than if we’re out of milk.
My wonderful IM asked that my mom and I purchase and read a few good multiples books. Here’s the list for anyone interested:
“When You’re Expecting Twins, Triplets or Quads” by Barbara Luke
“Having Twins and More” by Elizabeth Noble
Although both have great suggestions, there are also a lot of viewpoints rather than factual information. However, if you weed through and find the pertinent information, you can form your own standpoint and build your plan from there. My mom has been cooking many meals from Barbara Luke’s book and I’ve loved them all so far. It offers an easy to read layout of how nutritious each meal will be. My IM feels strongly about eating whole foods, organic products and green cleaning supplies. We have adjusted our entire family to eating and shopping this way. The studies associated with an organic lifestyle are all the more encouraging to forge ahead and continue on, pregnant or not. We have all been personally affected by disease, illness and cancer. If eating this way can help you or family be one step closure to healthy, why not?
So far in our journey we have been given assistance, advise and help from a Doula, a nutritionist, a nathropath, an acupuncturist, and a whole foods cooking instructor. Next, my hubby and I are off to see the OB for the first time in Los Angeles, Dr. Tabsh from UCLA Santa Monica. I am looking forward to the ultrasound as well as having a knowledgeable doctor such as him by our side. We will continue these drives to see him until we relocate to the area, most likely around April. My IM is also planning on flying over and staying from April on. I’m so thrilled knowing I get to see her and her beautiful babies. I keep having tearful dreams of seeing her little ones walk through the door and wrapping my arms around them, touching their skin and hair. It’s been over a year since I held the handsome little boy I birthed and I can’t wait to see how he’s changed. What beautiful children this couple creates, I can’t wait for the day when I get to see these 4 wonderful babies we’re growing in my belly.
My IM recently said to me how important your state of mind is. If you have in your head you can do something difficult, you’re more likely to succeed. I mentioned that the national average gestation for quads was around 30 weeks and based my timeline on that. She stopped me and mentioned their goal is to have me go many weeks past that average (besides, it’s only an average and I’m not average!). I agreed and appreciated the incentive. I have set my personal goal to gestate these babies to 35 weeks. I know I can do it, I will do it and I will shatter the average!!
35 weeks, here we come!!!
Monday, January 17, 2011
Wednesday, January 12, 2011
11 weeks
We've made it to 11 weeks. I'm feeling better each day, working through the nausea and lack of appetite. I haven't gained any weight yet but have stopped losing weight. My belly is officially growing and I brought out my old maternity clothes and got them all washed and ready to wear. Although, I cannot break down and put away my regular clothes yet, not sure I won't end up still trying to wear them, only problem is if I don't there's no room in my closet for the maternity clothes. So, in the basket they sit.
My mom is here and I couldn't be happier! She has been making wonderful organic meals for me and my family. It's so reassuring knowing she's here and the kids will be taken care of no matter what happens. She's doing the shopping and helps me clean up around the house. I feel so relaxed and at ease. We had a wonderful cooking session the other day with a woman that teaches the benefits of organic holistic cooking and eating. It was definitely a lot to take in and would take years to incorporate into our lifestyle but it was interesting and worth the experience.
We haven't made any decisions for sure yet but my IP's are doing their very best to research and contact the best OB's in California. They are trying the find a combination of a great and experienced OB along with a top children's hospital for the babies. The idea is to have an OB that has proven experience with having HOM born at a later number of weeks than the national average which is around 30-31 weeks. We also want the hospital to be capable of handling 4 babies and any medical needs they may have without having to be transported to a different hospital, those moments in transport are crucial and can be detrimental to their health. We know that it's important to stay goal oriented and support one another on the potential of this goal we all share. I know the hardest moments are yet to come and working on focusing on the ease things are at this point in the pregnancy.
We had another great ultrasound, the first in many weeks. I was able to have my mom come with me to see them for the first time. I was pleasantly surprised by how big and developed they all were. I was expecting blobs but they had defined arms and hands, faces, legs and feet. We had the same ultrasound technician as the first appointment when we found out there were 4 and she was glad to see the progress. All the babies are in their own sacs and have great heartbeats, around 170. They all measured right on target and wore wiggling all around. The only thing missing was my IP's. I'm sad they couldn't be closer to see these special moments with their babies.
Friday, December 31, 2010
9 Weeks
We have officially entered week 9. In my opinion things are going great. I feel good just really, really tired. I have pretty much given up on shopping, picking up the house. Everything just stays in disarray. I'm not used to being so disorganized but I'm just too tired to even care :) I'm grateful for our house keeper...thanks Annette!! (And my IM) I know things are growing in there, any extended standing leaves me with painful cramping and stretching feeling. The doctor said it's from my ligaments stretching for my super fast growing uterus. I don't feel like I look pregnant yet. Although, according to what I've read and seen, by 24 weeks my uterus will be the size it would be with a full term singleton. So, I'm sure I will start growing very quickly very soon...that's only 15 weeks away.
I got some really fantastic news today. We've been struggling to quickly find a nanny/cook for the house, there just doesn't seem to be a demand for experienced people in my area. Nothing seemed to work out or feel right. My mom and I previously talked about her coming to stay with us to be our nanny....who wouldn't want their mom in this sort of situation?? Nothing is better than that! Due to their travel situation, there wouldn't have been able to come up until the middle of February but we need the help now. She called today and said, "I'm coming, I'll find a way and will be there next week!" I was thrilled and felt so relieved at the same time. The search was over, I'd have my mom and help...the best of both worlds. I'm so lucky to have my wonderful parents, supportive husband and incredible IP's! Life is good...
Going into this new year, I am certain this is what was meant for us. This will be a challenging journey for me, my family and friends but I know it will bring us all closer and we will have 4 wonderful babies in the end.
We have decided to hold off on anymore unnecessary ultrasounds until the normal 12 week ultrasound quad testing. I will be released to my OB starting at 11 weeks and we'll be off from there.
The nutritional requirements are hard. The ideal calorie intake is around 4500 calories and 225 grams of protein each day. We have converted to shopping all organic at Trader Joes and cooking everything from scratch. My goal is to pack on some weight between now and 20 weeks...around 40-50 pounds. That equals to be about 3-5 pounds per week! Sometimes it feels like an uphill battle, every time I get on the scale, I weigh less instead of more...I've lost nearly 5 pounds so far. My appetite has been less and I normally have to force myself to eat so I know it will get better once I start feeling better. Just hope that's soon! I've read a number of other blogs by quad moms who had the same struggle and overcame in the end. I just takes so much to help these babies get big and strong.
My very thoughtful IF sent me a package from Amazon that I received in the mail yesterday. He told me that when he found out about the quads, he had been listening to an audio book on CD in his car while on his way to work. He said it matched perfectly with the miracle that was happening to us all and the bond it created. So, he purchased the same CD and had it beautifully gift wrapped and mailed to me. It made me so happy to be so thought of and cared for. I am looking forward to listening to the CD's while on bed rest. (the book is called "The Secret")
Thank you to all my supporters around me including my wonderful coworkers. Thank you for the prayers, encouragement to eat and emotional strength. I couldn't do this with out all of you!
Happy New Year...it's going to monumental!!!
I got some really fantastic news today. We've been struggling to quickly find a nanny/cook for the house, there just doesn't seem to be a demand for experienced people in my area. Nothing seemed to work out or feel right. My mom and I previously talked about her coming to stay with us to be our nanny....who wouldn't want their mom in this sort of situation?? Nothing is better than that! Due to their travel situation, there wouldn't have been able to come up until the middle of February but we need the help now. She called today and said, "I'm coming, I'll find a way and will be there next week!" I was thrilled and felt so relieved at the same time. The search was over, I'd have my mom and help...the best of both worlds. I'm so lucky to have my wonderful parents, supportive husband and incredible IP's! Life is good...
Going into this new year, I am certain this is what was meant for us. This will be a challenging journey for me, my family and friends but I know it will bring us all closer and we will have 4 wonderful babies in the end.
We have decided to hold off on anymore unnecessary ultrasounds until the normal 12 week ultrasound quad testing. I will be released to my OB starting at 11 weeks and we'll be off from there.
The nutritional requirements are hard. The ideal calorie intake is around 4500 calories and 225 grams of protein each day. We have converted to shopping all organic at Trader Joes and cooking everything from scratch. My goal is to pack on some weight between now and 20 weeks...around 40-50 pounds. That equals to be about 3-5 pounds per week! Sometimes it feels like an uphill battle, every time I get on the scale, I weigh less instead of more...I've lost nearly 5 pounds so far. My appetite has been less and I normally have to force myself to eat so I know it will get better once I start feeling better. Just hope that's soon! I've read a number of other blogs by quad moms who had the same struggle and overcame in the end. I just takes so much to help these babies get big and strong.
My very thoughtful IF sent me a package from Amazon that I received in the mail yesterday. He told me that when he found out about the quads, he had been listening to an audio book on CD in his car while on his way to work. He said it matched perfectly with the miracle that was happening to us all and the bond it created. So, he purchased the same CD and had it beautifully gift wrapped and mailed to me. It made me so happy to be so thought of and cared for. I am looking forward to listening to the CD's while on bed rest. (the book is called "The Secret")
Thank you to all my supporters around me including my wonderful coworkers. Thank you for the prayers, encouragement to eat and emotional strength. I couldn't do this with out all of you!
Happy New Year...it's going to monumental!!!
Thursday, December 23, 2010
8 weeks
We had a second ultrasound on Monday and the quads looked great, all growing well, next appointment in 2 weeks. I'm feeling good, no morning sickness just a little more tired than normal. I'm hoping to stay off bed rest until at least after 20 weeks but we'll see how things go. My IP's just hired a house cleaner who starts next week that will come twice a week to help out around the house. I'm currently looking for a nanny type person to hire to see my children off to school each morning and cook the necessary health food I will need throughout the day while on bed rest. I'm looking forward to getting acquainted with that person to ease any worries of how my family is cared for. My kids seem to be understanding well and always excited to help mommy.
I reflect back on this process each day and although many have different viewpoints, I wouldn't change a thing. These babies are meant to be here, I was meant to do this job and I will be successful! I'm grateful for my IP's and look forward to life long relationship with them. I won't be satisfied until all four of these wonderful little ones are safely in their parents arms.
I reflect back on this process each day and although many have different viewpoints, I wouldn't change a thing. These babies are meant to be here, I was meant to do this job and I will be successful! I'm grateful for my IP's and look forward to life long relationship with them. I won't be satisfied until all four of these wonderful little ones are safely in their parents arms.
Thursday, December 16, 2010
The Ultrasound
My surrogate journey started in my head before any of my own children were even born. From the first time I heard of the idea, I knew it was something I wanted to do for someone.
With the support of my husband and as soon as we were done having our own 3 children, I began the process. I was quickly matched with a wonderful couple from another Country. They had 1 young daughter already and the mom was praying for a large family. In November 2009 I gave birth to their son. They decided to try for one more and asked if I'd help. I agreed and off we went.
On 11/17/10 the doctor transferred embryos into my body. I spent the next 2 weeks having blood test and just waiting. They confirmed I was indeed pregnant through a blood test and I anxiously waited for our ultrasound on 12/14/10 to find out how many were growing. I new there was more than one but that's all I knew.
My husband was thrilled to attend the first ultrasound with me, he proudly stood by my side holding and rubbing my hands. The technician quickly turned the monitor away from me so I could not see what she was looking at. She then looked at me seriously and said, "I need you wait a minute then I'll show you the monitor." I knew right then something was coming. I watched my husband's face as he stared at what she was seeing. I could see her mouth moving as if she was counting or seriously thinking, she turned and said cheerfully, "Are you ready?" "Ready for what?" I said. "To know how many there are!" She said. Oh my gosh, really? When you have to prepare me for what you're about to say, it can't be good. I would never say what she said next was bad, just shocking....4! She yelled it out with excitement. I started shaking and couldn't hold back the tears. It was so unexpected and unknown and new and wow...what are we going to do? Luckily, my wonderful husband Gus was right there, he kept saying we'll be ok, this was meant to be.
Later in the day I got to tell the parents over the phone. I made sure they were sitting down and spilled the news. She was shocked as well and almost speechless, I'd say. She was happy, of course. She got right to the thinking part and ok, we can do this. She called me a clever girl but seemed slightly disappointed that the doctor misled them a bit.
Since, she calls each day and asks how I'm feeling. We are both online constantly researching nutrition and what to expect for the next few months. We both know that bed rest is in the near future and I'm going to need help at home with the kids and the household chores. She is always there to support me, every step of the way.
Wow, what a journey we have ahead of us.
These little babies were meant to be on this earth and with my help, they shall!!!
With the support of my husband and as soon as we were done having our own 3 children, I began the process. I was quickly matched with a wonderful couple from another Country. They had 1 young daughter already and the mom was praying for a large family. In November 2009 I gave birth to their son. They decided to try for one more and asked if I'd help. I agreed and off we went.
On 11/17/10 the doctor transferred embryos into my body. I spent the next 2 weeks having blood test and just waiting. They confirmed I was indeed pregnant through a blood test and I anxiously waited for our ultrasound on 12/14/10 to find out how many were growing. I new there was more than one but that's all I knew.
My husband was thrilled to attend the first ultrasound with me, he proudly stood by my side holding and rubbing my hands. The technician quickly turned the monitor away from me so I could not see what she was looking at. She then looked at me seriously and said, "I need you wait a minute then I'll show you the monitor." I knew right then something was coming. I watched my husband's face as he stared at what she was seeing. I could see her mouth moving as if she was counting or seriously thinking, she turned and said cheerfully, "Are you ready?" "Ready for what?" I said. "To know how many there are!" She said. Oh my gosh, really? When you have to prepare me for what you're about to say, it can't be good. I would never say what she said next was bad, just shocking....4! She yelled it out with excitement. I started shaking and couldn't hold back the tears. It was so unexpected and unknown and new and wow...what are we going to do? Luckily, my wonderful husband Gus was right there, he kept saying we'll be ok, this was meant to be.
Later in the day I got to tell the parents over the phone. I made sure they were sitting down and spilled the news. She was shocked as well and almost speechless, I'd say. She was happy, of course. She got right to the thinking part and ok, we can do this. She called me a clever girl but seemed slightly disappointed that the doctor misled them a bit.Since, she calls each day and asks how I'm feeling. We are both online constantly researching nutrition and what to expect for the next few months. We both know that bed rest is in the near future and I'm going to need help at home with the kids and the household chores. She is always there to support me, every step of the way.
Wow, what a journey we have ahead of us.
These little babies were meant to be on this earth and with my help, they shall!!!
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