Tis the season for exhaustion

I hope everyone had a wonderful holiday!!
It's been too long. My apologies!

Growing twins while raising twins and working full time during the holiday season has been a little more taxing than anticipated.

Good news is the McMuffins are growing! I can feel them move on a daily bases. These munchkins are very active (good luck with that Mommy and Daddy to be!)

At the last doctors appointment Dec 16th I was told some interesting news. We have now reached the stage where the babies can live independently of my body! What a big milestone. Of course that's not our goal as I hope to deliver healthy babies that their Mommy and Daddy can take straight home without worry.

I have to be honest, this holiday season as gotten the best of me. Sweets around every corner and i am not as strong as I thought I once was. Here's a picture of my girls with their first banana split YUMMY. They've been busy helping mommy make lots of treats for family! Such good helpers they are!

Genevieve felt the baby kick and she said "that wasn't very nice". It was so adorable. I now say they are dancing rather than kicking.


Here's a picture from last week. Heels have been my savior. This set of twins has been a little more taxing on my body, especially my lower back. As odd as it might sound wearing heels relieves this pain. After a weekend of wearing flats in Tahoe with my munchkins I came home and did house work in heels and immediately felt like I was walking on a cloud.

My first attempt at pot roast stew, yay for crock pots. Not too bad, however I could tell it was my first attempt.

My sessions are a lot shorter and the amount i'm lifting has decreased, however i'm still going! People say you shouldn't do this and you shouldn't do that. However as long as my doctor continues to give me the go I'll continue to beast it out! Over time i have modified workouts in response to my body (as with my first pregnancy). Staying fit is important during pregnancy i wish more women would do it!

Last but not least here's the big gift for my mini's this year! They loved it!

Now that Christmas is past I will be sure to post more often. Especially after our BIG appointment 1/7/2014. We have a hospital tour and ultrasound. Excited for my IPs to see their babies again!

XOXO JENN

Explaining Surrogacy to kids

Week 21

Current Week… 22

My belly is a growing! I can now feel lots of movement from the little ones in my belly. They were going nonstop this morning at 7:30 am. I hope they are this active next time their mommy and daddy are around.

I hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving! It’s bitter sweet being pregnant over the holidays because I want to eat way more than I have room for. Although I only had one small plate on Thanksgiving Day I made up for it by eating ½ a pumpkin pie, ¼ coconut cream pie, a slice of carrot cake and lots of Hawaiian sweet bread over the next 3 days (all items that if it weren’t for the holidays they wouldn’t be in my house).

Back to the gym I flew! Nothing like leg day to bring me back to it! The looks I get are pretty funny, I think I need a shirt that says “Lifting for 3, No excuses!” Multiple men have helped me rack weights. Pretty funny, I go to the gym to lift weights yet here are people lifting them for me, chivalry is not dead.

Now for the topic of the day, explaining surrogacy to little ones. A woman in a Surro group was wondering how & if she should tell her kids. For those who have been keeping up with the blog you know that my daughters are very involved, it makes the experience that much more rewarding. Very early on my IP’s purchased a book called The Kangaroo Pouch, this helped a lot. I constantly get “Are the babies big enough to go to their mommy and daddy yet? I don’t want them to be sad anymore”.  Explaining that I have babies being in my belly has also explained so many things that are temporarily different i.e. morning sickness, why I can’t jump in the bounce house with them, why I can’t go on carnival rides, why my belly is growing and much more. They are very excited for the mommy and daddy and I’m very thankful for this experience and the opportunity it has given me to show my kids that you can help others in many different ways.

My IP’s recorded themselves reading poems and bedtime stories. At night my daughters and I lay in bed and they take turns holding the recorder on my belly. Little things like that make them very happy because they are “helping”.

Every x-mas I donate clothes and gifts to the less fortunate. When I was young this is how we would receive presents and I have been ever so grateful to those generous people. I have told them during this time we don’t shop for ourselves we shop for others. Lately my daughters have been asking if we can buy this and that for the babies, this whole time I thought they were talking about the less fortunate but no they’ve been talking about the surro babies! Thought that was something cute that I’d share. 

Another random holiday tradition is ELF ON THE SHELF... here's our Elfy... yes he's a Niners fan!

XOXO Jenn

The Big ULTRASOUND

Woot Woot, 20 weeks is complete! Yesterday my IM’s came down for the 20 week ultrasound. 

I finally got to give them the presents I have been planning!

I wanted to do something special, and feel that I’m in a position to make this a very positive experience. I really want to make sure everyone gets more than they expected and feels a bond with their new family members early on. My IM has asked me a couple of times if I have had any cravings so I put together a basket of the cravings I've had with this pregnancy. 

I also provided them a list of what's in the basket and why/ how frequently it's consumed.

Tomato Basil Soup

Hot Chocolate

Staws

Lip Balm

Balsamic Vinaigrette

Angel Hair pasta

Basil

Peppermint Oil

Face Lotion

Apples

This was the first “official” ultrasound and took about an hour and a half. Gender was confirmed, 2 girls, the tech had no problem showing us the anatomy to solidify all thoughts, which was a little odd. Babies were also given their “official” labels of “BABY A” and “BAYB B”. She also measured everything from their brain to their toes and had very good news to report… BABIES ARE GREAT! Both are currently weighing 13ounces.

 I could not see the screen for the majority of the ultra sound but had a better view anyway. I was watching my IM’s watch their babies. They were bright eyed and bushy tailed through the whole event, and stood to see the monitor the whole time! McM’s daddy kept saying “Oh My goodness” “WOW” wearing a big smile that never faded and McM’s Mommy threw out a lot of “awws” she also would regularly turn her head horizontal trying to make out what was on the screen. Together they would act out the positions the babies were in! Every time my IM saw the heart beat her mouth would lip the sound of a heart beat but no sound would come out. When the babies hands were up by their face she would move her hands up not blinking or looking away from the screen. I’m unsure if she even knew she was doing half of the stuff. It was fun watching and hearing them try to decipher what body part they were looking at.  

Both babies were pretty active “BABY A” was originally head down and close to the “exit” however mid ultrasound she completely flipped. My IPs could see her rocking and pushing off the wall (aka my bladder) and wala when the tech went back to that baby she was feet down. “BABY B” was snuggled close to my left side, rockin out. Her movements weren’t as big but she kept doing little hand jives. We were told that their sacs were large in a good way this gives them lots of room to move around… so the somersaults will continue. I can’t wait for the moment my IPs can feel them move inside of my belly!

I wanted to say thank you for to McM’s grandma for making these adorable McMuffin/49er Pot holders, I Love them!! We used them the night we got them to make strawberry cupcakes!

I hope everyone loves the bears my daughters and I made, which include a recording of the babies heart beats. In the recording you will hear Genevieve say "BABY A" and then a few seconds of that babies heart beat you will then hear Gianna say "BABY B" and a few seconds of that babies heart beat." We then put those recordings into bears... they were put together with lots of love! Here are some pictures of the making.

1. Each bear was individually chosen, we wanted them to be soft and unique.

2. My daughters filled each heart with different qualities

 3. Gen and Gia stood on the peddle to stuff each bear to the perfect softness

4. They then put the hearts and recordings in each bear.(Don't mind my daughters rock star tattoo)

5.Next step is the cleaning station.

6. Each bear was then given a unique name and birth certificates were created.

7. Last but not least, once home I sprinkled each with baby dust, aka baby powder! This is a soft yet comforting smell that I thought would add a little something special! I hope everyone enjoys!!

Here are some week 20 belly bump photos:

 Have a wonderful weekend All!!

XOXO Jen, Gen, Gia and baby McM's

Week 19... Check!

Here's a picture of the 18 week board, that I forgot to post last week :(

We had the 20 week check up today and everything is great! (20 weeks officially starts Saturday)

It was a very quick appointment (which is good) and I was told the babies growth and my growth are right on track. This week they have grown to the size of Mangos. Fingerprints formed last week. This week one of the things is "your baby will start developing more brown fat around the neck"... I think i was stuck in this phase a little longer than most. The little babies can now dream... holy moly how time is flying!



Bump photo from the exam room today:

Ultrasound photos! My daughters and i went to get a "recreational" ultrasound for a surprise i have planned. Here are photos from the babies 11/8/2014:

Here are the girls together. I can't quiet remember how they are configured but you can see both their heads!

Here's baby A! I was finally able to figure out baby A is the baby closer to the "exit" and will be the one coming out first.

Here's a good profile of baby B

I also received, signed and sent of the Pre-Birth Order this week, YAYA!! SO happy with how everything is coming together.

Week 19 Belly bump photos:
I feel pretty big already. I even had a woman ask me "Are you about to pop?", I thought,  "yeah, you right in the eye for making a rude comment like that"... but i just smiled and said "No, I'm growing twins."
Here's a pic from earlier in the week... this used to be a dress hehe

No need to worry about nutrients!!
With my health back to normal lil McM's are eating well this week.
* I have to have small servings but eat more often otherwise it's just too uncomfortable.

*Weekly serving of fish, (baked with dijon mustard, brown sugar, garlic and honey), rice and Brussel sprouts. (there were more but i ate them first)

Squash, lots of squash! These had piled up over the last 3 weeks of fresh produce delivery so i finally did a mass squash sesh and baked a bunch. Some seasoned with brown sugar, others with black pepper and garlic.

Sauteed carrots. My kids loved these too, a simple side made with EVOO, pepper and a pinch of basil.

Stuffed Peppers, one of my favs! Ground Turkey, kale, onion, mushroom, corn, eggplant and cilantro!


I nope everyone has a wonderful weekend!

XOXO Jenn

Facebook Reveal & Family Support

Today is a big day in Facebook world LOL. I had many questions coming in and although my close friends have known from the day I started thinking about it, there are many others that didn't

Facebook post:

The BIG REVEAL!

I have many questions and congrats coming in and I wanted to say Thank You!!

I also wanted to let everyone know I am a surrogate, and am 19 weeks with twin girls. Yes again!

This is something I’ve wanted to do for a while and am very happy with my decision. I’m helping a loving family grow X2. The joy my daughters bring me on a daily basis is something indescribable. I cry tears of joy daily, thankful to be their mother. Simple moments like silly faces, good night kisses, morning farts, and holding little hands are very dear to my heart and I hope everyone gets a chance to enjoy these experiences. I’ve decided to help an amazing family experience these many joys and it’s been an amazing experience. If you’re interested in knowing more I do have a blog: fiestymomma.blogspot.com.

XOXO Jenn

Today was also my Corporate Reveal: I have been wearing large blouses at work to be inconspicuous and today is the day that went out the window. Mainly because i hadn't really went maternity shopping get and large blouses is all that would fit appropriately :) A handful of my closest coworkers have known, but not many. I notified the teams I support approximately 2 weeks ago and everyone was shocked but supportive. To me how this played out in the office is important. I have a specialized role and support a large team therefore I wanted those i work directly with to know my future plans as it will directly effect them. So far I'm thankful in the way things are playing out :) 

I'm very grateful at the positive responses I've been getting. I have had nothing but support from the beginning. My family is amazing and never had reservations about me embarking on my journey. This leads me to my topic of today SUPPORT!

Recently there have been many questions (both in my surro group and in Facebook groups) re gaining the support of the ones closest to you. This is very important and should be considered in 2 parts.
1. Whether friends and family think this is something right for YOU,
2. Whether they are for or against surrogacy all together.
Really in the scheme of things the later doesn't matter. Everyone is entitled to their own opinion and when getting feedback from those that matter it's important to not look at their opinion on surrogacy but instead their opinion on whether or not they think you would be good for the job.

Not all women are made for this. Many do it for the wrong reasons, aren't as healthy as they think they are &/or can't emotionally go through with it.
If someone close to you says they do not think this is right for you ask why (and not in a defensive manner). Others perspectives are valid (especially if it's a husband). Sometimes we think we can do more than we can or we think we are stronger than we are. Yes it would be hard to swallow. Of course state your case why you want to do it and why you think you would be a good candidate. People might also hold back the reasoning and not want to hurt you.

Example A; For instance my grandpa said he wasn't sure if it's a good idea, he was a little standoffish on the subject. I really look up to him and wanted to know why so we sat down and his only concern was my career. He has seen me make significant advances in my career over the past few years and was afraid that this would hinder my growth in the corporate world. This is my means to an end and what will continue to put food in my daughters mouths. I was very thankful that he had such concerns about me and my future and didn't take it lightly. I went on to look into how this would affect me and was very pleased with what I found. I let him know that I still intend to work full time and I am able to work from home if necessary and that I could not be replaced while on maternity leave, which i don't intend to take much of. In the end he gave his nod of approval and said I was a strong woman and that he has no doubt in all other aspects that this is a good choice for me.


Example B: I had an acquaintance come to me and right off the bat ask how much you get. First off that's rude, second off it's none of your business. If you were truly curious you'd do the research. The person later mentioned that they wanted to do it and she had mentioned it to her boyfriend and he was against the idea, she wanted me to talk to him. I was not ok with this. Obviously I am PRO surrogacy but to I think everyone should do this no. Money should not be your first motivator (which in many cases it sadly is). If your monetarily driven you might not have the best interest of the child in your mind 24-7, which is important. She has a daughter who at times she puts after her materialistic needs, a $300 purse but struggling for rent. I"m sorry but it makes me question whether you'd go that extra step to buy the prenatals over getting your nails done. Or healthy more expensive produce over going to BJ's for dinner. Yes this might seem minimal or petty to some but I don't think so. In such cases friends and family might not show support because even though they love you they don't think you're a right fit. They might not out right say why they think that in hopes not to hurt your feelings or make you angry.

ALL in all if your family/closest of friends don't think it's a good idea I think that is a main area of concern that should not be taken lightly. It's always good to have shoulders to lean on Good Luck!

18 week- flu while preggo

So week 18 has had a rough start. I've had the stomach flu for the past 4 days. I went to the doctors to make sure the munchkins are OK, and they are!!!

I'm not big on taking medicine however the doctor has assured me that the prescriptions she recommended wont hurt the babies. Since I've been taking the medicine I've been able to sleep for more than 25 minutes and am no longer crying in pain.

I  also got to hear the babies heartbeats, 145 &150, which are perfectly in the normal range! What a relief. The doctor then confirmed that my cervix is long and closed. (sorry if that's TMI, but with was a big sign of relief after all the cramping that came with the getting sick). The Most important thing is that we received reassurance that nothing is wrong with the growing baby girls!!

Here are some belly bump photos from Yesterday:

Side note... I have a very close group of friends, that are the most successful, supportive, outgoing group I could ask for. We had a Halloween get together this weekend and I decided to switch it up. I went as a Unicorn! Pregnant is pretty much the only time I'd ever wear full body spandex! My crew could not stop laughing.