| They're still in there |
Thanks for the comments and birthday greetings folks. We are absolutely loving living in our new home and are getting settled in nicely. It feels like our place. We had an ultrasound on Monday and things are continuing to look good. Have a Drs appointment this afternoon so I might get more info there. We are beginning to feel ready to have these little ones on the outside. Ready is a relative term. By ready I mean, not totally freaked out. :)
The crib is set up -- in answer to Denise, it's just a regular crib that they'll sleep in together. Did some reading up on this and it seems that as long as sleeping together doesn't disrupt their sleep they can share a crib till they get too big. I've read stories from many parents of twins about how great it worked for their kids. I hope it works for ours. We do have another crib loaned to us that we can set up if we need too.
On Sunday Lance and I did a photo shoot. We transformed the living room into a studio and he took some photos of me and my big belly. Since this is a pretty public forum I'll just share one with you.
It was super important to me to have these photos taken and time was running out. We had a good time working together and Lance got an introduction to my new camera.
I was going to write yesterday about Alberta being manic depressive. The weather was beserk here. It was sunny, then began raining hard. Five minutes later, no rain. Then two minutes later rain like I'd never seen before - super intense. Then sun. Then rain even harder than before. Then a longer period of sun, followed by hail, dark clouds and then back to sun. Wow.
Well, I'll keep you posted about the wigglers.
Hope you are well.
Aimee |
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| Moving Day |
Lance declared today as moving day. Very exciting.
The packing is almost all done. Last night after a bunch of packing Lance invited me to walk with him to 7-11. It was 11pm or so, but I had energy and 7-11 is close. On the way out our door I saw two of my dad's cowboy hats (which we had borrowed for our trip when we moved to Alberta, seemed appropriate. At every stop along the way Lance, me, Steven, and his then girlfriend Lisa would don our hats, it was a riot). Anyways, I see the hats and I say, "Aren't we going to wear our cowboy hats?", as though we always wear them when we go to 7-11 late at night. Much to my surprise Lance agreed. So off we went. A hugely pregnant woman and her husband wearing giant cowboy hats. Funny thing is that cowboy hats have become stylish, but in case you thought we looked fashionable, let me asure you that these are not the stylish type of cowboy hat.
Well, Lance packed up the computer area, including the power for the computer so I'm running out of batteries and better wrap this up.
Please pray for us as we move (I think we'll be moving in the evening). And also for me as I have my Drs appointment this afternoon. I'm getting my questions ready.
Hope you are well.
Aimee |
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| I've Seen it... |
And man is it nice!
On Saturday night Lance and his folks finished the nursery. Lance escorted me downstairs - I kept my eyes closed as I walked through the basement and opened them once I arrived in the nursery. It is lovely. The wainscotting is white and the rest of the walls are a pale yellow. Very fresh. I can't wait to start moving stuff in.
On Saturday I also unpacked some of our kitchen stuff. As I was putting glasses into the cupboards I was overcome with a sense of gratefulness and happiness. I almost had tears - I began to dismiss them, "Oh Aimee, you're so pregnant, crying while you put away dishes", and then I thought, "No, this is something to rejoice about, this is a big moment". I think it seemed real to me. This is OUR house. A big blessing. And as I put the dishes away I felt deeply and truly blessed.
Then yesterday we took a much needed Sabbath rest. Went to Edmonton to MEC (Mountain Equipment Co-op) - bought a backpack we plan to use for a diaper bag, and a purse for me (one with lots of compartments, to help encourage organization and not spending time searching for things). Then we went for an incredible dinner at the Keg. We never go out together to nice restaurants so this was a real treat. Lovely appetizer, delicious steak, great visiting. Very relaxing. We lingered and enjoyed ourselves a lot. We ended the day by watching the Oilers beat the Ducks at our friends Matt and Claire's place. I'm pretty sure we won't be going on a "getaway" before the babies arrive -- but yesterday sort of felt like a mini one. I am grateful.
Today Lance and his folks worked on the house again -- putting in the baseboards - what a lot of intricate cutting. Tonight after supper Lance brought me over to the house and said it was time to see the basement. He wanted to have it completely done but decided it was done enough. It is lovely. So fresh and bright. It has the feel to me of a cool loft/studio apartment. I love it. I can't believe how good it looks. It has changed so much - of course I will post photos. I sometimes was confused about which walls had been there and which were new. What a lot of work. Lance has learned so much doing this project. He said today, "this project has been totally over my head". Yes, I suppose it was. Going into the project he knew pretty much nothing about renovating. He has now had a hand in pretty much every part. What an education. I'm proud of him.
Today we are 36 weeks which means we can deliver here in Camrose. Praise the Lord. In one more week the babies will be not be considered premature. I'm still hoping they'll sit tight for two weeks - that will give us some time to settle in.
I have recently begun to feel uncomfortable. I can't believe I made it this far feeling really quite good. My ankles are beginning to swell and I'm getting tired of carrying this belly around.
I realize I never updated you about my last Dr's appointment. Well it lasted like 4 minutes and I was pretty frustrated that it was so quick. I had been hoping to ask my list of labor related questions but could only squeeze two in before he was out the door. Everything is going great the babies are growing fine and I'm doing fine -- I guess that's why the appointment was so short. Anyways I have another appointment on Wednesday and I'm going to ask my questions right away. He always asks how I'm doing, and since I'm always doing good I say so, but this time instead of saying I'm doing good I'll say that I've got some questions... or that I've been thinking about labor and would like to talk about it. I will be more determined. It's pretty important stuff. :)
Well, I think that's all for tonight.
Don't worry I'll keep you posted about any developments. :)
Aimee |
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| May Long Weekend |
Every May Long Weekend for as long as I can remember the Klassen side of my family have all taken a holiday together. These trips make some of my favorite childhood memories. With no rhyme or reason here are some point form memories.
Waiting in torturously long ferry line ups to get to Quadra Island -- running four cars back to where Grandma and Grandpa were, to say hello, and hopefully get a stick of Freedent gum. Tasting kiwi for the first time. Watching the uncles skip stones on Whidbey Island. Buying souvenirs with the generous birthday money we received from Grandpa and Grandma -- the trips didn't seem right if you didn't come home with something to remember them by. The Oregon coast -- Cara and I buying matching hats, perhaps from Brazil. Riding lay down bikes all over the beach. Uncle Dennis capturing it all on his trusty camcorder. Getting the call from Uncle Reg and Auntie Gwen, that little Jana May had been born. Mom and the aunts fashioning a bikini out of washcloths to cover the nude wooden woman in the Whistler chalet. Lilacs and icecream in Naramata. Sunday morning church services with lots of music and sharing time. Crafts planned by Auntie Genny. Getting some tennis lessons from Auntie Shirley on a bedraggled tennis court at Lake Okanagon Resort. Playing lots of volleyball -- watching (then) little Russ bump the ball so far into the air we called him "Boomer". Feeling cool hanging out with Erin and Cara. Watching the "little" girl cousins grow up. Welcoming new additions to the family. Cousins getting married. Having little ones...
And because we are having little ones very soon we will be missing this year's trip. I've misssed only two years ever. It's hard to not be along. Of course the reason we're staying in Camrose instead of heading to the Okanagan is so good, and worth it -- but I always want the best of both worlds.
I'm sure that this year will be great and that more fun memories will be made. We'll be thinking of you all. Please pray that our little ones keep growing well and that in a couple of weeks we'll have some great news to report to you.
love, Aimee
ps. Here are some photos of me today (in my new dress, which is helping me stay cool) -- pushing 36 weeks.
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| Days go by |
Hi folks. Well the days are just flying by. Tomorrow we're 35 weeks! Just one week away from being able to deliver in Camrose. We've got another ultrasound tomorrow so I'll have another baby update sometime this week for you.
The house is coming along really well. Lance and his folks have been painting this weekend. We decided to paint the nursery afterall. The green in there was kind of drab, and since we were already going to paint the wainscotting that really only leaves half the walls. So on Friday we worked on picking paint colours and bought the paint yesterday. For the nursery and the downstairs bathroom we chose a soft creamy yellow called "Weston Flax". Since I'm still steering clear of the basement -- which by the way, is getting more difficult-- I haven't seen it on the walls, but Lance's folks say it looks great in the bathroom and really lightens up the nursery. For the walls in the office area and bedroom, which you might recall are pretty much a continuos room, we chose a pale green and pale blue. It was difficult for me to choose pale colours, but I am now happy with these. For awhile Lance wanted to paint the basement white. WHITE!!! He was "coloured out". He wanted a calm space free of intense colours. I guess I can see where he is coming from. Both of the homes we've lived in so far in married life have been filled with intense colours, bright yellows, vibrant blues, deep reds, lime greens... yes, I guess I can see where he might be "coloured out". But white? I had a really hard time with choosing to paint rooms white.
So we're in the paint store and I'm trying to get Lance to at least show me colours he might consider. He says, "I'm tired of greens... tired of yellows... tired of blues... and I don't want to go with red". So he's pretty much eliminated the entire range of colours. As we looked I pulled out tons of chips to take home and consider, hoping they'd grow on him and he'd see them as calm. Sure enough the door was opened to atleast a little colour. I am very glad. I too am being stretched -- I never saw pale colours as my style, but I can see my self really enjoying the freshness of these light colours. Of course pictures will follow and you'll be able to see for yourself.
It looks like we might be able to move in around Thursday! After painting all that's left is the flooring, and for the plumber to come in and install the appliances. This is very exciting! I think I'm starting to get the nesting feeling. I want to settle into our new place.
Packing. Well, we're nearing the end. It's just that now it's kind of odds and ends and takes more thought. My favorite things to pack are linens. Wow, it sure feels productive when in under ten minutes you've got three huge bags labelled "linens" and an empty linen closet. I think tonight I'll pack some more of our clothes -- also easy. Since we'll be into our new place within a week we certainly don't need a ton of clothes unpacked.
Tonight is game 5 in the Oilers/Sharks hockey series. I don't talk about hockey much, but it has become a fairly large part of how I spend my time. Lance grew up an Oilers fan, and upon returning to Alberta three years ago his love for hockey has been rekindled. We spend many an evening over at the Jensen's watching hockey. Between Jensen's, Friedrich's and us we had delegates rooting for the Flames, the Canucks and the Oilers. With the Canucks not making the playoffs and the Flames being eliminated first round we're now all on board cheering for the Oilers. I guess what I like most about watching hockey is the getting together with friends. But I am surprised to realize that I do actually enjoy the game and ask questions and so am learning more.
Thanks for all your congratulations on our anniversary. We enjoyed a lovely picnic together -- the weather was great. It was relaxing and we enjoyed reminiscing different times spent together over the years. We took some photos, which I will post once I figure out how to get them on to our computer...
The reason I don't know how to get them to our computer is because they're on MY NEW CAMERA. I haven't been meaning to keep this secret from you, but there are so many other things to talk about. I've had the camera for about a week and a half. I love it. It is an incredible blessing. I haven't taken many photos with it yet, but did go out this morning before church and take some shots. The trouble with having such a nice camera is I kind of feel that I should only be taking masterpiece type photos with it. I'm trying to get over this, otherwise I won't take any at all.
Well I better eat a little something and then do a bit of packing. The game is at 8 tonight so I've got a little time for work before then.
Hope you're well.
Aimee
ps. Thanks for the grocery tips ladies. Yes, I think I'll solicit some help -- though it might be a good way to get labor going in a couple weeks!
pps. Kelly, yes it is neat to be on this pregnancy journey at around the same time. Good (in a strange way) to hear that other people are in our same boat of last minute moving and preparing. Hope that things go well for you and the arrival of your little one. |
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| Wow Thanks |
Thanks folks for all your comments. I feel like I have a better idea on what to pack for the hospital part of the adventure. We live about 5 minutes from the hospital so if we forget something important someone can bring it for us. As of the last ultrasound both babies are head down so it looks like a vaginal delivery will be the way these little ones (or not so little ones) come out. I'm still keeping in my mind the possibility of a C-section -- so that if we need one it won't be a complete surprise and devastate me entirely.
Due date... Well June 5th will be 38 weeks, which is what I've been told to expect. At 36 weeks, May 22, we'll be allowed to deliver in Camrose -- in Camrose we don't have a NICU, so any babies born too early need to go to Edmonton for the special care they need. 2 weeks doesn't seem far away at all, I think we'll make it past then.
Had a doctor's appointment on Monday. Everything is looking good. One of my kidneys is getting a pretty heavy workout but the doctor isn't concerned. I've gained 40lbs so far. Sounds like a lot, but when I look at myself I can't really see where all that weight is.
The babies are still very active. Last night I had to roll to my right side to fall asleep because the little one on the left just would not tolerate me laying on my left side. Wiggle wiggle wiggle. Kick. Kick. Squirm. Get off me mom!
Finally got out grocery shopping yesterday. That is getting to be quite the job. I need to plan the timing carefully so that I have enough energy to complete the task. Well I shouldn't say complete, since I don't carry the groceries into the house - yesterday I just brought in what I needed for dinner and things like milk that need to be refridgerated.
Things are coming along at the house. I think today they will put on the first layer of mud on the drywall. Pray for speedy drying so that the application of the layers of mud won't have to take so long. I'm kind of enjoying anticipating the surprise of seeing the project when it is done and not peeking now.
Shannon asked about pictures of the nursery. This made me chuckle. The nursery is in the basement and so is in the disaster zone. It looks pretty much the same as the earlier photos I posted -- just messier. We plan to leave it green and maybe paint the wainscotting white to make it look fresh. The linoleum will be replaced with laminate flooring (fake wood).
Any settling in to the nursery can't be done till the rest of the basement is finished. So even if I had the urge to nest I couldn't. We'll just have to wait. Sounds like painting will be able to happen this weekend. We still need to pick a colour or colours for the rest of the basement.
Well it's still early, as in I've only been up for a couple of hours, but I better have a nap. Then over to the school for some wrapping up of my job. Almost done.
Tomorrow is our 4th anniversary. We don't know how we'll celebrate. We'd like to go on a little getaway but that won't be relaxing until the house is done. And after the house is done I imagine the babies will come quite soon. Maybe we can squish one night away in. Perhaps for tomorrow we can have a special meal together. Maybe a picnic if the weather is nice (it's been ridiculously cold here, after having a short stretch of summer weather. It's been wet and gray and windy. Today there is blue sky and sun, ahhh. I'm getting spoiled living in Alberta!)
Okay, off to have a snack and then to bed.
Aimee
ps. Welcome to the new commenters -- I won't mention you by name because I'm positive I will leave people out. But I'm glad you're reading. |
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| Survey for all Moms |
Trying to be a bit more on the ball. Lance said he'd be more relaxed if we had our "bag" packed -- you the "bag". The one you take to the hospital when "it's time". Of course I've got books that have lists of things you should bring, but I wanted to get feedback from you folks.
So, what do you think should go in my labor bag? What did you find invaluable? Obviously I'm new at this and could use a little help.
Lance and Pete are over at the house drywalling today. I guess there have been some setbacks today. Please pray that work on the house goes well and swiftly this week. This would be a big blessing -- especially for Lance as it weighs on him that the place isn't ready yet and the babies could come really soon.
Went garage saleing yesterday and today. Got a lawnmower. A gas can. A white wire shelf (four shelves, maybe for the laundry room). We also stopped by a couple's place who I met through the twins group -- did I tell you about the twins group? This couple (Brad and Leanne) gave us an infant carseat and leant us a swing. More blessings.
This evening I'm trying to do a combination of packing and tidying. Our place here is so dishevled that we'd really rather not spend any unecessary time here (especially Lance feels this way, the orderliness of his surroundings has more of an effect on him than it does on me). The kitchen looks pretty good. I think the dining room table could use some attention. We'll see how things go.
We're going to Jensen's for a late super - after the boys are done working - so I think I can get a little work done before then. Also trying to remember to rest. It would be so stupid to trigger labor by mopping the floor. I think I'll forego that level of cleaning.
Alright, that's it for now.
Hope you guys are well.
Aimee |
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| My Brain and While I was out |
Lately I feel like my brain has some holes in it. I think slower. Even my emails or blog comments are different, choppy, short. It's like I just have enough energy for "point form". I think all my energy must be going right to the babies.
Speaking of babies. Had an ultrasound on Wednesday and the twins are estimated to be 5lbs and 5lbs 2ounces. So they are growing really well. I feel so blessed. Hearing about their growth helps to alleviate my worries.
The house. Well, I haven't seen any of the progress for over a week. Why is this you ask? Well Pete had the idea that I shouldn't see it until it is done. Like, "While You Were Out". I think I'm going to do it. So Lance tells me what is happening, but I won't see it till it's done. Of course I'll be involved in paint choices etc. I'm making sure Lance takes photos of the process so that later I can look back and see the stages. This is kind of fun, but I'm so curious too. We'll see if I can make it. Of course I can change my mind at any time too. :)
My work at CLBI will officially be done in one week. Internships are wrapping up and I'm trying to get organized for the handoff to Jeremy who will be taking over my position. I look forward to being done. One less thing to stay on top of.
I'm getting huge, or at least it feels that way. Last night at the movie store an employee said, "Holey Moley are you ever pregnant!". Now I know this would be offensive to some pregnant women, but at that moment I really liked someone noticing my hugeness. I get such a variety of comments regarding my size -- mostly that I look small for twins. I feel relatively good - but sure need to rest more than before. By the end of yesterday I was very uncomfortable - but for the most part I feel good.
Please pray for us as the time for the twins to arrive is coming very very quickly. The weeks are flying by.
Hope you are well.
Aimee |
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posted by Aimee at 
