I'm Telling

It's been a bizarre experience, telling everyone that we're expecting. How do you bring something like that up? "Have you seen the cherry blossoms? Oh, I'm having twins." "Lovely weather we're having. Guess what?" "Can you believe that nutrition vote in the Senate?! Oh, did I mention?" And then, there's the wondering if someone's on to you. I was at a reception last week, talking with a couple of colleagues--and through the entire conversation, I'm wondering if they can tell. I swear one of them was looking at my tummy...but I was being totally paranoid, so who knows (on one hand, I'd imagine that if you didn't know what you were looking for, you might not see anything--on the other, the tummy is an increasing presence). Anyway, I've had a hard time just saying it--but people's reactions have been great. From excitement, to giggles, to tears from a few close friends, people are really happy for us. While our families and many friends know--we still have a lot of people to tell.

This weekend was very low key. We did some work around the house, took Spud to the park, cleaned out the garage, and started spring cleaning our closet. Then, we headed to Ballston--Daniel was invited to an ice skating birthday party (one of his hockey teammate's daughters is in love with Daniel, and she was turning 5). So, he skated (boo, I've been grounded--not steady enough on skates), chatted with 5 year olds, wore a princess crown, and we called it a day. We had other things to do while we were out, but we were both so tired that we just went home and took naps.

Sunday was church for me, hockey for Daniel, then an afternoon at Verizon Center watching the Caps play the Flames. The Caps did not have their best showing, but it is always fun to go to games. After the game, we had dinner with Holly and Cordell--so good to see them!

And this week--RECESS BEGINS! Congress is home for the next two weeks, so my work schedule is much less demanding since there is less going on. Woohoo!

Also this week, the babies are the size of shrimps (I like the fruit comparisons better)--our next dr. appointment isn't until April 12.

The Belly

We had an NCFC co-worker lunch downtown at Coco Sala today (so delicious by the way--had my first taste of chocolate covered bacon, yikes). After lunch, co-worker Jill and I decided to stop by Zara and H&M for a little bit of shopping, since we were in the neighborhood. I found two cute, drapey cardigans from Zara that should work well into pregnancy. Then, we moved onto H&M, which actually has a maternity line. We eventually found ourselves in the dressing room, trying a few items on for size. Also in the dressing room were three cute girlfriends, who looked like they were maybe taking a girl's trip to DC. I came out to show Jill a maternity dress--one of them saw me in the dress, and said congratulations and asked how far along I was, to which I said thank you and I'm 13 weeks. She then said, "Oh, I know how it feels--I'm actually 15 weeks pregnant, so I'm trying to find things that fit now and will fit me later." The funny thing is--this girl did not look pregnant AT ALL. No belly bump. Jill jumped in, and in my defense said, "yeah, well she's got two in there!" which made me feel better, because at 13 weeks, I was definitely out-showing this little lady!

I'm sure there will be lots more of these kinds of situations to come. Sigh.

The Once in a Decade Visit! (it had better not be...)

My parents finally came to visit Daniel and me in D.C. We were so excited, because their visit fell almost at the 12 week mark, and kicked off us telling everyone about the babies. They arrived Thursday afternoon, and I wore all black with a big jacket to cover the now slightly protruding belly. We got their luggage, grabbed kebabs for dinner, and headed home. How did we tell them? Well, it was my mom's birthday earlier this month, so we picked up an ice cream cake that said, "Happy Birthday Grandma" on it--first, Daniel couldn't stop giggling all through dinner, he was so excited. We got the cake out and lit candles--we were just beside ourselves. We took the cake over to the table--my mom made a wish, blew out the candles, then looked up at us like, let's cut this cake--we had to direct her to read the top of the cake. And it all went downhill from there :) My mom was definitely in shock about the whole thing for the evening, but they both were very excited and happy. And then, per usual, I went to bed around 9.

Over the course of their visit, we went to the White House, toured the monuments and memorials (Washington, WWII, Vietnam, Korea, Lincoln), spent a day at the Smithsonians (Gallery of Art, Natural History, American History), and walked until our feet could walk no more. We ate great food while they were here (including an entire ice cream cake). On Sunday we had Olivia, Dan and Nikki over for dinner, and got to tell that we're expecting (again, it has become rather obvious in the past week--the belly is definitely out there)--everyone is so excited!

Then, earlier today, we had a doctor's appointment with our specialist over at the Brock Family Perinatal Diagnostic Center. My parents got to come with us--we had another ultrasound, and the grandparents-to-be got to see the babies and hear what the doctor had to say (which was all good news--looking good babies!). I was so glad their visit coincided with an appointment!

This week, our babies are each the size of a lime, and even just since my parents got here my belly is making noticeable strides!! The babies are definitely out there!

Zzzzzzzzzz...

I slept for 11+ hours last night. I was sooo tired, and emotionally exhausted after my parents departed yesterday (more to come on their visit, but turns out hormones turn you into a HUGE BOOB--I cried all yesterday afternoon), but feel well rested this morning.

Generally, I'm feeling less gaggy in the evenings, which is good. My appetite is coming back little by little, and I don't feel too sick throughout the day as long as I'm sure to eat every couple of hours. Overall, I feel quite a bit better. I am still nauseous when I wake up in the middle of the night (to pee, sigh), and first thing in the morning, and the exhaustion has definitely not yet subsided...we'll see if it gets any better in coming weeks!

I'm in Heaven...

While I am super sad that my parents are leaving today...today also happens to be the first day I'm wearing maternity pants--and they are truly heaven. I've been wearing a bella band for a while now (we've long forgone doing up our pants, thankyouverymuch), but today I took the plunge--and it is glorious. Thanks to my mom for hemming these puppies up a bit!

Good news, we recently confirmed that I am the father.

Our second appointment

Today, Daniel and I went to our second prenatal appointment. Since Daniel wasn't able to make it to the first visit, and I'd had more time to think about things, we had lots of questions for the doctor. After an extensive medical history questionnaire, we met with Dr. Salgado. She was great--a little bit more liberal than Dr. Hibschman in her recommendations and restrictions, but definitely full of good information. We went through all of our questions, then right as we were about finished, Daniel asked if she thought it would be OK if we told our families this week. She thought for a minute, then said that because I had been worried about a little bit of spotting (TMI, sorry)--and so we could feel confident telling our families--that we should go for an ultrasound right then!

So, our one hour appointment ended up taking all of the afternoon. We left the doc's office, and went over to the office where they do the ultrasounds, and spent the afternoon looking at images of our two little babies moving around in my belly. It was amazing to see how much more developed our little peanuts are than they were just three weeks ago--we could see hands and arms, noses and legs. It was awesome!



And they were SO wiggly! Wondering what that means for later in the pregnancy--but they would hardly sit still to have their measurements taken. We also got to hear each heartbeat--both were strong and sounded absolutely beautiful.

This week our babies are each the size of a fig!

PS babies--your Grandma Kaye and Grandpa Tom are going to be here this week!!

PPS my pants = don't fit.

First time to Iowa!

Tomorrow I leave for a very short trip to Ankeny, Iowa. I've never been to Iowa before. So, where is Ankeny?



This map is only moderately helpful (or not helpful at all), as Ankeny is not identified. This one is more helpful (kinda):



In fact, Ankeny is outside of Des Moines, and I'll be there for about 25 hours to attend the first USDA/DOJ workshop on competition in agriculture--good times! I'm a little bit nervous about traveling--I get SO tired (everyone cool with an 8:00 bedtime?!), and basically have to eat every couple of hours OR ELSE--but hopefully, with a little bit of planning and some napping on airplanes, I should be fine.

In exciting news, we have our second doctor's appointment next Monday--it will be good to check in on the little peanuts and see how they're progressing. Then, in really exciting news, my parents get here next Thursday. As an aside, it has been KILLING me to not be able to tell my mom and dad. I can't wait for them to get here so we can spill the beans in person!

In Silence

I feel like the first trimester is really tough, especially for someone like me who likes to talk. I am so lucky to have such a supportive and patient husband--Daniel really has been wonderful--but I have been super lame and super sick, and he is the only person I can talk to about it (we thought about telling everyone earlier--we were so excited, we couldn't imagine waiting--but when we found out we were expecting multiple babes, our doctor recommended we wait until the second trimester. So here we are--sigh.). So, I want to tell everyone--I want to explain my lameness with our supremely exciting news. But alas--I can't. I am, indeed, suffering in silence.

This past weekend, I spent a wonderful Saturday morning with Olivia. We had pedicures and manicures, which were much needed and felt so good. We then gorged ourselves on Mexican food at one of my favorite restaurants in our old neighborhood, which was followed immediately by a trip to the Dairy Godmother--ridiculously good. At this point, I was EXHAUSTED. Liv was so sweet--we had originally talked about going for a walk on the GW Parkway, or watching a movie, or doing something else for the afternoon...but I was SO tired, and my tummy was starting to question my meal choices, so I made a lame excuse and went home. I immediately assumed the fetal position and fell asleep--and woke up feeling HORRIBLE. (Note: Mexican and ice cream may sound like a good idea, and may taste so good going down, but it will result in misery.) So, I had to bail on plans that night (multiple sets of plans!), and stayed home alone feeling like trash. I wanted to tell everyone why--but I couldn't. I can't wait for this trimester to be over to be able to talk to everyone about this!

PS this eating scenario is a common theme--I generally don't want to eat anything in the evening, and really nothing sounds good to me ever (NO cravings so far). So when I'm hungry and something sounds good, I'm all over it. Unfortunately, I either eat too much because I'm excited that something is actually appetizing, or it is too spicy or just doesn't agree with me, and I often regret it later. A viscious cycle I've been experiencing this past month...in other sad, sad news, the two times I've eaten ice cream, I've really regretted it. This had better change STAT!! I clearly need to test it out a few more times...


This week: our babes are the size of a kumquat!!

In General...

1. I am sick. I.am.so.sick. I've been sick for a month now. I have not actually puked...instead, I just feel nauseous most of the time. I'm generally nauseous in the morning--Spud and I go for a walk first thing, and usually the fresh air and the exercise help--but breakfast is REQUIRED as soon as we get back to the house. A midmorning snack keeps that pukey feeling away, and again lunch is required at noon on the dot, or else I feel like crap. Afternoon snack--necessary. And seemingly regardless, I feel terrible at night, though some nights are better than others. No whining though--while I'm super excited for the euphoria that will be the second trimester when my "morning sickness" goes away, I realize that I feel terrible because of these two little peanuts and all of the hormones they are kicking out, so worth the suffering, right?

2. I am tired. I get home from work, and all I want to do is sleep. I seriously struggle to keep my eyes open past 9 pm. LAME. The other night, Daniel told me he was kind of lonely...what?! So, trying to stay awake and be a bit more interactive in the evenings...but it's hard because all I want to do is go to bed!

3. I am fat. I anticipated showing earlier and being larger since I've got two feti growing in the old uterus, but seriously? These pregnancy hormones that make you pack on the pounds aren't kidding. Daniel says he can't tell, but he must be lying. MY BELLY! My pants are getting tight. So, I made my first order from Old Navy last week, hopefully some pants with some give will help in the near future!

4. We've got two grapes on our hands this week (or in my uterus, actually)--exciting!!