Oh Hey, Friday!

Oh Hey Friday.  I am actually around, functional and have something to say for this Friday link up.  So let's just get right into it.

One.  My bikini Brazilian wax wasn't as bad as I imagined it would be.  So let's break it down here for a second.  I came in with every intention on getting an extended bikini wax, but after talking to the sweet Alana, she convinced me Brazilian would hurt about the same, but I would be happier with the results in the long run due to pregnancy.

So there I was, laying spread eagle on the table with my huge belly showing.  Alana puts some green hard wax on.  Basically it is a warm wax that hardens and you don't need fabric strips to rip it off.  She let's it harden while talking to you and making you relax a bit more.  Then she pulls a test area/area to grip, counts to three and rips.  And you should breathe out at 3 and then she puts her hand on that area for the pain.  Wow that was shocking and painful, but not that bad.  Then she uses the wax with the strips for the bikini area around the belly because the hard wax can leave a hickey like bruise if you use the hard wax.  Then it was onto the other side, then the back side and some clean up.

I made it through and she used this heavenly coconut oil after that was amazing.  It is also great for stretch mark prevention and doesn't leave your skin oily or stain.  So I definitely will be picking some of that up today.

Overall, it was a successful appointment and I even made another appointment 4 weeks from now and plan to keep going throughout and after this pregnancy.  You can say Alana won me over.  Pro wax now!

Two.  My sweet friend has her gender reveal this weekend.  I can't wait to see what the Morning's have in store for them.  I am guessing BOY, but also hoping for a girl, so my little ladies have more playmates.

This was yesterday at the ultrasound.  Will Baby Morning be Baby Piper or Baby Griffin?  Plus the girl on the left...ya she makes the best cakes and she is making the gender reveal cake plus my baby shower cake and I can't wait to eat so much yummy cake.

Three.  Nordstrom is having their 40% off sale right now and I am coveting these booties.

 Sam Edelman 'Louie' Booties

BP 'Trolley' Ankle Boot

Not necessarily in these colors, but I need these!  Actually several colors of each would do.  Should I pull the trigger?

Four.  I still haven't received my glucose test results and I am worried that I didn't pass.  You know with twins, my massive amounts of sugar consumption (except the week of the test) and my plain luck, I am not so sure I passed.  If I leave the nurse a message asking for an update, please call me back so I don't keep eating sugary things everyday.  I do have cake on the menu tomorrow evening and next week.  I want to be able to eat piece after piece.  Thank you.

Five.  Date Night.  I can't wait to have date night tonight with this fella.

Yummy Italian food, my handsome husband and a movie.  My heart gets so excited for these nights.  We have to soak it in now because date nights will come less and less once our girls are here.  I just wish Horrible Bosses 2 and Hunger Games: Catching Fire were out this weekend.

What are your weekend plans?  Wanna join in on the link up fun?

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25 Weeks

I have had a rough week (work wise) and I can't wait for the week to be over and onto the weekend where I can relax, kick my feet up and watch movies all weekend.

But in the meantime, here is your 25 weeks update.

 Pregnant at 25 weeks.  My belly is pretty covered up, but I will get a better picture this evening or tomorrow when my husband can take one of me.

How far along: 25 weeks

Babies are the size of a: Cauliflower/Rutabaga

Babies are: The babies are most likely measuring 13 1/2 to 14.8 inches in length and weigh about 1 1/2 to 2 1/5 pounds.  We will find out their actual measurements Tuesday at our growth scan.  The babies are starting to get their balance down which means they know if they are upright or down.  They are also growing more fat and hair as we speak.  We may even be able to see it on the ultrasound Tuesday.  Will the Butler babies be blonde babies like their parents?  Only time will tell. 

Maternity Clothes: Pretty much I live in maternity clothes with a shirt here or there that is non-maternity.  I am already getting tired of the lack of variety.

Stretch Marks:So far so good.  I hope I don't get any.

Sleep: Ok.  I have been waking up every 2 hours or so to pee.  Thanks to the babies playing on my bladder.  I can't wait for my next chiropractor adjustment next week and my massage this weekend.  Hopefully they help.
Symptoms: Backaches, swollen feet and overall exhausted.

Best Moment of the Week:  Watching the Wolf Pack beat San Diego State at home and take first place in the Mountain West - West conference.  Otherwise, my week has been kinda crappy - work wise. 

Movement: Lots of baby kicks and I love it.  I love trying to see which one is kicking, which body part is sticking out and the overall feeling.  These babies can kick all they want because it is very comforting to feel them.
Cravings: Fruit (big time apple kick), ice cream and pizza.
Gender: Two precious baby girls.
Belly Button In or Out: Mostly out, but it is in at the start of the day and out by the end.
Wedding Ring on or Off: On.
Anything Making You Queasy or Sick: Nothing right now.
What I Miss: Working out and going on walks with my pup.  It is really hard to get moving around without feeling exhausted.  Didn't realize how quickly it would happen, but I am embracing the sit down and relax routine.  I also miss sleeping on my stomach and back.  They seem more comfortable.
What I am Looking Forward to: Setting up the nursery more this weekend, watching movies all weekend and relaxing.
Labor Signs: We have some Braxton Hicks contractions going on, but no signs of labor.  Thank the heavens for that.
Nursery: It is coming along FINALLY!  We set one of the cribs up last night and it took quite awhile.  Those instruction sheets aren't very helpful, but now that one is done, the other should be easy this weekend.  Don't worry, I just supervise and hold up parts so my husband can put it together.  We also got our recliner yesterday (protected and beautiful) and moved it into the girls room.  Now we just have to figure out the way we want the furniture.
Emotions: I am happy when I am not at work (due to too much work stress right now), but work is sucking the life out of me this week.  I hope next week is better with a holiday and furlough.  Plus my first baby shower is next weekend and I CAN.NOT.WAIT.

Rip That Hair Out

It is Tuesday and I am posting again.  Gasp.  I haven't been consistent in posting at all lately, but I am trying to up my game and get back on the posting wagon.  Today is a real treat because I need some advice on something.  Waxing.

Being pregnant has had its challenges...one being shaving your nether regions.  Sure you can do a botched job and possibly cut yourself.  But I figured it was time to start waxing.  I have had a wax before down there, but it has been many years.  And the only thing I remember is tears, pain and some bleeding.  Plus I used to wax my eyebrows, but they aren't as high maintenance as they used to be.  I can get away with tweezing a few here and there and I am done.

So I decided that waxing would be a good thing on this pregnancy adventure.  I researched a bit and everywhere said it was fine to get a wax during pregnancy, but it may hurt more.  Cue the cringing.  Also, cue the uncomfortableness.  Since I haven't waxed in gods knows how long, growing this hair out is a pain.  It itches and is so ugly.  I am literally counting down the days until it is finally gone.

But I am still scared out of my mind that it is going to hurt, bleed and basically be a scene out of the 40 Year Old Virgin.

image via

So I have a few questions to any of you ladies who have been pregnant and gotten a wax, who are waxing veterans or anyone who just wants to put their input in:

1.  Do I have to let my hair grow out this long every single time before a wax? (remember it has been years since I got a bikini wax)
2.  Is there anything I can do to brace myself before this awful wax with my big ass belly in the way?
3.  Pregnancy safe topical for the after care?
4.  What kind of waxes have you done?  Bikini, extended (French) bikini, Brazillian, etc.  
5.  Tips, tricks, advice?

I made an appointment for Thursday with the best (according to Yelp) waxer in the Reno area.  They say she is gentle and amazing.  I don't know how gentle one can be when they are ripping the hair out of your hoohaw.  Here is to hoping I can get this area cleaned up.  And no, I won't be partaking in the Brazilian wax.  I don't think this pregnant woman can handle that at this moment.  A more in depth or French Bikini is more up my alley.  Accompanied by screams like Steve Carell in 40 Year Old Virgin.

Did you wax during your pregnancy?  Was it worth it?  Any horror stories?  Success stories?  Words of advice? 

Weekend Recap

Another Monday is here and it is a really cold one here in Nevada.  The weather literally changed over the course of a week and I am starting to love the real Fall weather.  What I don't love, having no coats that fit this huge pregnant belly.  Time to raid my husbands closet.

This weekend was pretty quiet and chill after a very eventful full last weekend.  Friday was Nevada Day so we all got the day off.  I tried to get my horrible glucose test done, but what do you know, all labs were closed, but everything else was open.  So we opted for breakfast and started shopping around for a rocker/glider/recliner for the babies room.

I have been browsing online for quite awhile trying to figure out which kind of rocker to get.  These are very popular:

Image via Amazon

But with twins, we were wondering if we would have enough room for the two of them to sit at once, how comfortable they would actually be and how durable they are.  We sat in some of these styles in various furniture and baby stores and weren't blown away.  Some friends suggested actual recliners with the gliding ability.  So we shopped Ethan Allen, La-Z-Boy and Bassett Furniture.  We found two contenders at La-Z-Boy, but wanted to look around at a few others before pulling the trigger.  This weekend had major sales going on for Nevada Day that were too good to pass up.

I had stew cooking all day in prep for a cold Halloween.  We had quite a few trick or treaters and watched some scary movies while handing out candy.  Easy and chilly night.

Saturday I got the glucose test done.  Fingers crossed I passed.  I don't want to do the three hour test.  Then we had some breakfast and ventured out to shop more for the recliners.  We ended up buying one that day at a great deal.  It is pretty big, but we figured after our babies are a year or so old, we can move it to the living room for the use of an actual recliner.  Plus this baby is so cozy and big.  We will have enough room for the babies, it is durable and came with a cleaning package.  I can't wait to show it off to you when we get more of the girls room done.

Saturday evening we hit the Nevada Wolf Pack tailgate where it was spitting rain/snow, but only a little bit.  It was an easy evening for me since I just sat at the tables or chairs catching up with people.  Being good about taking it easy on my babies.

 My husband and I in front of the #BattleWagon.  You can't even see the bump here because I was so bundled up for the freezing cold temps.

The Pack pulled off an amazing win and I stayed warm and cozy under my big blanket.

Sunday was a lazier day as it should be.  We hit up breakfast, REI and a few stores in the outlet mall.  I needed to use a Banana Republic gift card and I was hoping to find some sweaters that could accommodate this bump and after.  And I was fortunate enough to find some.  Plus a pair of super comfortable slippers in the process.  Then it was time for Niners football which was an awful game.  The Niners need to do something about their offense play calling.  I am talking to you Greg Roman.  What you are putting out there isn't working.  Fix it or please leave.

Sunday night was spent resting and kicking the feet up.  Plus we had our first fire of the year and it felt so good to be cozy.

How was your weekend? 

24 Weeks

Another week down which means another week closer to meeting our princesses.  I can't believe we are at the 24 week mark already.  That means 16 more weeks if this was a singleton pregnancy, but more likely 12 to 14 weeks left.  Time is surely flying.

I already posted a bump picture yesterday, and I won't have any new ones until this weekend because it is getting too dark to take them when I get home and I am being lazy.  But I will try to get another one, even though the Halloween picture is from Saturday night.

How far along: 24 weeks

Babies are the size of a: Cantaloupe/Eggplant

Babies are: The babies are looking more and more like newborn babies.  Their skin is gradually becoming more opaque and their bodies are starting to fill out more as they plump up.  Their brains are growing more rapidly along with their taste buds.  Their lungs are also developing more in preparation of taking their first breath outside of mommy's belly.  All of the baby sites say babies are just over a pound and around 12 inches long, but we know they are already way bigger than that as they measured about that size a couple weeks ago.  Grow babies, grow.

Maternity Clothes: Still a mix of maternity and non-maternity clothes.  But my dress slacks came in the mail and they fit good enough.  They aren't my normal fit, but they will do.

Stretch Marks:So far so good.  I hope I don't get any.

Sleep: Pretty good.  I have been sleeping better since I got adjusted at the chiropractor on Monday.  What a relief that has been.  Now if I could only get my pup on my sleep schedule, we would get more rest.
Symptoms: Backaches, swollen feet and overall exhausted.

Best Moment of the Week:  Going to Apple Hill with my family and family friends.  Even though I overdid it for the week, it was still the best trip.  Apple donuts, apple pie, apples, crafts and family.  I would call that a big win for the week.

Movement: Babies are moving and shaking in there.  They love to kick mommy when she is trying to sleep.  They are growing so big which means I feel the kicks everywhere, but I absolutely love it.
Cravings: Fruit, pizza, ice cream. 
Gender: Two precious baby girls.
Belly Button In or Out: In half way. 
Wedding Ring on or Off: On.
Anything Making You Queasy or Sick: Nothing right now.
What I Miss: Being able to workout, being a busy body and not relying on everyone for everything.  I am such a control freak that this part is been a bit hard for me.  But I was told to enjoy it, so I am trying to let people spoil me.
What I am Looking Forward to: Decorating the nursery even more, finishing the mobiles, going to watch the Wolf Pack this weekend and the Fall storm that is expected this weekend.
Labor Signs: We have some Braxton Hicks contractions going on, but no signs of labor.  Thank the heavens for that.
Nursery: We have painted the room and we are setting up the cribs this weekend (well my husband is and I will just manage the project).
Emotions: This week has been a bit rough as I overdid it in all aspects of life, but I am starting to take it easy, put my feet up and take care of these girls.  Next up, the awful glucose test this Friday or Saturday.  Please oh please let me pass and not have to go to the three hour one.  And please give me some good news as this momma has been a bit scared all week.

A Blow to My Ego

Wow, I will once again dust off this blog and write.  But get ready because this post isn't all sugar, lollipops and butterflies.  This is post is real...my frustrated thoughts and tears.

I keep pretending everything is fine, even perfect.  I have had the perfect pregnancy....wrong.  I have the perfect little pregnant body....wrong.  I have been good to myself....wrong.  Everything I have been doing has amounted to me not "properly" taking care of my precious baby girls.

I have went about my life for the last six months as if I didn't need to change much.  Sure, I take more vitamins, drink more water (still not enough), eat a bit more (can we say too many sweets?), take it "easier", but in reality, I just kept chugging along as if I am superwoman.

Well yesterday, my doctors proved me wrong.  They were kind to me in telling me what was going on, but being pregnant/hormonal all of that kindness went out the door and I felt attacked.  To the point of tears.  Even tears right now as I write this and I have surely cried it out to my mom, dad, sister and husband in the last 24 hours.

I knew two things going into my appointments yesterday.  I may have gained a bit more weight this month then before (dang you scales in the fancy Wynn resort last week) and I overdid it this weekend (everything hurt...especially down there).  But what I didn't realize was the wrath that was to be had.

Here is a breakdown of my appointments:

1 pm - Perinatal appointment.  I laid down and waited for my ultrasound to start.  Great news...there is still more fluid than we want, but it was the same (or very close to) in both sacs so that means the girls are doing great and are not being affected by the excess amniotic fluid.  They were both moving a ton and looked perfect.  Great news again.

Then my doctor asked about contractions (Braxton Hicks).  I told him I have felt them, but not that often.  He said it was time for my first contraction monitoring and cervical check, but not to worry.  Well I had that thing hooked up for maybe 5 or 10 minutes max (I was daydreaming about my princesses) and this was the result.

Pretty consistent contractions (lasting 30 seconds)

He wasn't super concerned as my cervical check showed my cervix is still really long and thick (ie not in preparation of birth).  He told me I needed to take it easy, but talk to my OB (which I had an appt right after) and he would do the same.

2 pm - OB appointment.  Apparently in the 15 to 20 minutes between my appointments and the time I was seen, my OB and Perinatal docs had a talk.

First off, I am embarrassed to say this but I gained 9 lbs (yes you read that right, 9 lbs) in one month.  the total weight gain in 24 weeks is under the recommended for this stage of twin pregnancy, but that much gain isn't good for me, the babies or my back.  I have to cut down on the sweets, not have my daily protein shake and watch my portions (something tastes good, and I overeat it, even though I eat less now than when I wasn't pregnant).  Ok so sweets have gotten out of hand, but I can cut down on them.  And be healthier.  Got it.

Second, my doctor was pissed that I went to Vegas for work last week.  To the point, he cut me off from traveling anymore and wants me to work from home.  I told him I just overdid it this weekend with a Halloween party (where I stood for almost 3 hours talking to people and went to Apple Hill Sunday where I walked and stood all day.  I knew I overdid it.  I was tired, my body ached and knew I couldn't do that again.

 Juno and Bleeker

But he still wasn't happy with me because those contractions were too consistent.  He wants me to start maternity leave Monday.  I can't fathom 3 more months of sitting at home with no interaction.  He told me the girls are viable at 24 weeks, but with complications and I am not being good to them.  He told me my left leg/ankle is super swollen and indicative of overdoing it.  Got it, feet up.  He told me that if I don't slow down to the point of almost being lazy (in my opinion lazy as in slower walks, sitting down all the time, and resting being a couch potato), these girls will either come early and don't have as good of a chance of surviving or being in the NICU for a long time or I will be in the hospital on mandatory bed rest and it will be awful and costly.

Duly noted doctors, but it sent me into full on panic, stressed and upset mode.  I feel horrible that I am not doing things right for these girls.  I know I need to slow down and I know it is hard for me to do that, but I HAVE TO.  I am going to work part time from the office and part from home (home on the days I feel tired/sore/needing rest).  I am going to let my husband do more stuff for me, I am going to let others cook and clean for me (even though I am a control freak), and I will put my feet up and rest more for these girls because they are beyond worth it.

I guess my feelings are hurt, I am mad at myself and praying that I don't go into labor anytime soon with how irresponsible I have been to these girls.

Anyone have any tips or been in a similar situation?

Oh Hey Friday + Thank Heaven for the Giants

It is Friday, I am out of town for work next week (Vegas) and the Giants are going to the World Series again!  Life is good.  I am pretty much on cloud nine after last night's Giants game.  It was a very exciting last two innings with the best outcome.  Get ready Royals, we are coming for you.  Love, The Giants.

I smell a three-repeat (World Series win that is).  Giants won the 2010, 2012 and hopefully the 2014 World Series.  Super pumped today.  Can't you tell?  My husband says the sass is at an all time high today.

Per usual it is link up day with Oh Hey, Friday over at September Farm.  This week I am going with another set of randoms.

One.  The Giants.  I know I already said it, but those last couple innings were amazing.  A pinch hit home run and a three run home run by Ishikawa.  Pure amazingness.  I bet the Cardinals are really regretting taking Wainwright out last night.  I am happy they did, but I bet he is mad.  The Giants couldn't hit anything off of him from the fourth inning and on.  I know what I will be doing Tuesday at 5:07 pm (PST)...watching the Giants from the coziness of some bar/restaurant in Vegas.  I will be watching the Giants there on Wednesday too.  I.CAN.NOT.WAIT.

image via

Two.  We are working on the girls room this weekend.  Cue the excited high pitched screams from me.  We picked our color, now we just need to buy the paint for it (later today).  Tomorrow we shall paint the girls room (two walls) and watch college football.  My in-laws bought our sweet girls their cribs and mattresses which should be here next week, so we want to get started on this room.  I hope to have some of it done before my baby shower in November.  I can't believe how fast this pregnancy is going.  Oh and I need more ribbon to finish their mobiles.  They are beyond adorable and I can't wait to share them with you all.

Three.  My husband and I are going to dress up for Halloween this year.  We have a party to attend next Saturday and are actually dressing up.  I always want to dress up, but my husband, not so much.  I came up with a couples costume I saw everywhere on Pinterest (ya we are very original) and we bought all the gear two days ago.  I didn't need much, but my husband did.  Thanks to Amazon we got what we need.  Care to take any guesses on the popular couple costume we chose?

 Hint, it is nothing like this outfit from 2008

Four.  I still want your opinions before my hair appointment today.  Should I cut my hair into a lob or leave it alone with a trim?  This pregnant gal can't make any decisions.  Refresher on what I want is here and here are a few new inspiration pics.

What do you all think?  images via

Five.  The Fall weather is finally here.  That means gorgeous sunrises/sunsets, crisp mornings, pumpkin EVERYTHING, boots, sweaters, scarfs, leggings, comfy socks, hats, etc.  I love FALL.  I can't stop talking about our trip to Apple Hill next weekend.  I need all the apples I can get for my daily apple/almond butter snack, pies, apple crisp, apple donuts, caramel apples, crafts and basically apple everything.  We have a family tradition and I can't wait to see all of our family friends.  Plus it will be the babies first time there.  I can't wait for next Sunday!

What do you have in store for this weekend?

Now you should over to September Farm to join in on the link up fun.  You know you want to.