Early March, there was lots of tests: Glucose Tolerance Test (I passed), blood-work, RHOGAM shot, and still attending ultrasounds and prenatal check-ups every 2-weeks. On March 13th, Fetus-A was weighing 2 pounds, 13 ounces and Fetus-B was weighing 3-pounds (both babies Breech). On this day, I also reached eligibility for maternity leave...phew!!!
By mid-March, I had 3 cribs and 3 mattresses...all with a little help from my friends (and even some strangers). By mid-March, Mike had had his 2nd and 3rd "boy" dreams! Intuition? Wishful thinking?
On March 22nd, the twin nursery was ready and we began transitioning Lorelai to her big-girl bed in her new big-girl room!
On March 25th, I was 31-weeks pregnant. Fetus-A was weighing in at 3 pounds, 14 ounces and Fetus-B was weighing in at 3 pounds, 12 ounces (both Breech). I started taking an iron supplement.
On March 26th, my maternity leave replacement, Leanne, started training with me. Leanne will fit in nicely, and my only hope is to hang around long enough to provide her with proper training!
On March 28th, my co-workers surprised me with a baby-shower-luncheon, which was nice to share with Ashleigh (also expecting in May). If you recall, Ashleigh covered my first maternity leave. I guess she sat in my chair too long...LOL. It was a long day...and long night (I also hosted Book Club), which probably relates to my first case of swollen ankles/calves.
On March 30th, Mike, Lorelai and I met my Doula, Jesse, for the first time. I wasn't going to go with a Doula this time around, because Christin (my Doula with Lorelai), was on maternity leave. However, a co-worker approached me... Her best friend's daughter needed 3 expectant Moms to follow to complete her Doula certification (at no cost to the Moms). I jumped at the chance to get back into the positive head-space I was in when pregnant with Lorelai. Jesse is very personable and knowledgeable. I immediately felt comfortable with her, and was glad to have her support. I hope she gains from our experience together, and I know she'll make a great Doula upon completion of her certification!
On April 2nd, I was experiencing some "incontinence" throughout the day. This continued on April 3rd, so I decided to get checked out at Labour & Delivery to be sure it wasn't a slow amniotic fluid leak. I was assessed and happy to hear it was just urine! A bed-side ultrasound showed that Fetus-B turned into the head down position (which might have been a reason for the extra pressure on my bladder). I was also swabbed for Group B Streptococcus (GBS).
On April 6th, the Boucheres celebrated Easter early. I had a feeling that I might not make it to Easter and didn't want the added stress of hosting, cleaning, cooking, etc., being so close to my due date. It worked out great! Although I didn't do much of the work, I was pooped after a full day and a full belly!
On April 8th, I had my ultrasound and OB check-up (which will now be weekly going forward). Fetus-A (Frank Breech) weighed in at 4 lbs., 6oz. and Fetus-B (back to Breech-oblique) weighed in at 4 lbs., 4 oz. Mom, babes, growth and fluid all looking great. I'm GBS positive, which means antibiotics for me at delivery. My OB informed me that if Fetus-A remains Breech, we're looking at a C-Section in about 3.5 weeks time. Now, how do I get that baby to flip? Did someone just say 3.5 weeks????
On April 13th, I had my first "boy" dream.
On April 14th, I had my 2nd prenatal visit with my Doula, Jesse.
On April 15th, I started my weekly ultrasound and OB check-up. Fetus-A and Fetus-B both scored 8 out of 8, but still remain Breech.
On April 17th, as per Doctor's orders, I finished my last day of work.
On April 18th, I went to L&D to be assessed. I was again feeling a constant urge to pee and I was experiencing a pinching sensation every so often in my cervix. It didn't last...each one was only a split second, but each one stopped me in my tracks. Better safe than sorry... In the end, all was well. I guess the weight and pressure of twins in my uterus was causing what I was feeling. It's amazing the relief I felt once hearing the good news...
On April 23rd, I got a call. I did have a UTI, which was the reason for my frequent urge to pee last week. I started a course of antibiotics...
On April 24th, I had my ultrasound and OB check-up. Fetus-A, Breech, weighed in at 5 and a half pounds. Fetus-B, head down (oblique) weighed in at 5 pounds. Mom, babes, growth and fluid perfect!
On April 28th, I had my Non-Stress Test in L&D. The twins tested "awesome" and were very active. The Nurse predicted boys.
My next routine ultrasound and OB check-up was on Thursday May 1st, and I was in for a shock. Mom, babes, growth and fluid were still all measuring perfect. My OB originally thought to book a section for May 7th, which would mean me coming in every 2 days for ultrasounds and NSTs, as things can quickly change with MoDi pregnancies around the 37th week. I was either to be "overly" monitored, or deliver the twins. She checked to see if the 3rd or 4th were available, but the OR was booked. The secretary found an opening...the next day...Friday May 1st. My OB said, "Let's have these babies tomorrow". I couldn't believe it. I called Mike. Mike called his work. I went for pre-op blood-work. Then, I went home...the last time as a family of 3!
Mike and I cleaned and prepped for the big day! Bags officially packed! Peter and Daniela arrived that evening, and my parents were expected in the morning.
It's midnight now...it's birthing day, and of course, I cannot sleep. Here I sit, updating my blog, expected to arrive at L&D for 5:00 a.m. I'm gonna snuggle with Mike and Lorelai for about 4-hours before our next adventure begins...
And, here it is... Take a long, LAST look at Simone being pregnant (36 weeks, 3 days). This book will officially close tomorrow morning. I have had 2 amazing pregnancies and will always have my blog to remind me of just how amazing!!
We arrived late...at about 5:20 a.m. I met my Doula, Jessie, and Mike went to Tim Horton's for a quick breakfast before meeting us up on 4WF (L&D). I thought I would have a long wait before my 7:00 a.m. C-Section, but I was taken in right away for prepping (vitals, IV fluids, etc.). I can't believe I'm posting this awful pic...
I was in the operating room just before 7:00 a.m. I was terrified about the spinal (and the whole process, really), but Dr. Hussein (Anesthesiologist) was amazing!! He wanted me to ask him all my questions, which I did, and his honest answers really helped my fears subside. The spinal was in, and it was not as horrible as I expected. Right after, Mike and Jessie were allowed in the operating room and were by my side. Dr. Christyne Peters and Dr. George Arnold were my surgeons and at 7:00 a.m., the incision was made...
At 7:14 a.m., we welcomed Gia Marie Reali into the world. She weighed in at 6 pounds, 1 oz. Perfection!
At 7:15 a.m., we welcomed Remi Marie Reali into the world. She weighed in at 5 pounds. Perfection!
We were healthy! We were happy! I missed Lorelai...
I was in Recovery for most of the day. My room was ready, but the floor was busy and a nurse had not yet been assigned to my care. I arrived in my room mid-afternoon. I finally got to see Lorelai. She was not at all impressed by her new sisters, but at this point, was still happy to see her Mama! It was so hard being away from her for the very first time. With the help of my nurse, I was up that evening for the first time. My Mom spent the first night in hospital with me, as I wanted Mike to be home with Lorelai. From then on, it was my mission to keep up and moving...
On Saturday, my IV and catheter were removed. I continued moving and walking. Family and friends visited throughout the day. Lorelai visited again, and this time, she was not too impressed with either her new sisters or her Mama. I was hoping the new arrival would not affect her, but she was definitely faced with a tough transition...it was written all over her face.
On Sunday, our hope was to go home. Gia had lost over 9% of her body weight, so she had to gain wait the same day before we could be discharged. We had to supplement both girls until my milk came in. We did, and it worked...both girls gained! The twins had to have a car seat test (90-minutes each), which they passed with flying colours!
Mid-evening on May 4th, we were discharged home...best news ever!! A new adventure about to begin for our family of 5!!!!!
PS - 8-days after birth, Lorelai warmed up to her Mama and new sisters.
We would like to thank "everyone" for their love and support throughout both our pregnancies. We are surrounded by family and friends, that without, would make our adventures impossible. From the Realis to all of you, thank you and we love you!
Although I have my hands full, I hope to continue blogging...stay tuned!
