I think we were all a little anxious to see if the babies were growing and thriving as they should. The doctor told us that they would get the measurements and talk to us when they were done...it would be much easier to enjoy the ultrasounds if they told you right away that everything was fine. Turns out the babies are both exactly where they should be, weighing in at 10 and 11 ounces. Baby A, the baby whom has been the most active in all the ultrasounds, is (as I guessed) a boy, and Baby B is girl. I felt so proud watching them on the monitor, it's gratifying to know that I have been doing a good job taking care of them. They also checked my cervix's competency and there was no sign of the subcorionic bleed that we experienced at 12 weeks, and my cervix is nice and thick...great news! The doctor was a little... how shall I say....chauvinistic. He made it clear to me that I WILL get uncomfortable and then he turned to Johnny and said "she WILL get unreasonable". I am a pretty competitive person and took what he said as a challenge :-) He pretty much said I would have to have an epidural no matter what, he wasn't really open to having a conversation about it, I believe there was talk about the fact that if Baby B is in distress he may have to reach in and grab her and that would be very painful. I can tell he was a good doctor, the kind you would want in your corner if something is going wrong, however, I am glad he's not my doctor ;-) I see a doctor this month and I will have a good conversation about our options. The parents and I agree that the number one priority is delivering two healthy babies.
Next we went to our OB appointment, on the way I called the hospital social worker whom I called one month prior to tell her we would be coming on this particular day, she made it clear that she had other things going on and that she would only have limited time to meet with us. This was not what two parents whom flew from the East Coast with important questions wanted to hear. This would most likely be Jonathan's last visit to Iowa before the babies are born and it was important that this meeting happen. To make things a little worse, my midwife was behind schedule and the time frame the social worker gave us was coming to a close. Eventually Sara made some connections and we decided to come in the next day so we could have as much time as we needed to see the hospital and ask questions. This eased our minds and after a positive appointment we headed home.
My family, including my mom, younger sister, nephew and our kids were anxiously awaiting our arrival. Sara and Jonathan brought gifts and the kids pretty much attacked them from the moment they came in the door. I was excited to have Sara and Jonathan stay in our home and spend time with our family, it is important to me that our kids get to know Sara and Jon as these babies' parents, I feel it will be easier for my kids to really understand this process if they form a bond with them.
We had a great night and the next morning my friend and her family, as well as Johnny's mom came for breakfast. I love that the most important people in my life can meet Sara and Jon, I see them as an extension of our family now, as we are forming an unbreakable bond that will bring us a lifetime of friendship.
An informational meeting/tour at the hospital brought our visit to an end. I will see Sara again at the beginning of December, I am sure at that point she will be able to feel the babies moving, I can't wait for that moment. This was a great visit, it is hard to believe that in just under 18 weeks we get to meet the babies face to face, time is flying by!
Sara and I
Family!
