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.