just to hold you over

So, I was going through so videos yesterday, and I came across this gem.

When Lori and I found out we were pregnant, we decided to go visit Deedahn in Europe because we knew it would probably be one of our last chances to do so. We stayed with him in Paris and did a nice long trip to Germany. Lots of pictures were taken and Lori got pretty used to me turning the camera on her for a quick shot.

In this video, you find us waiting outside one of the castles for a tour. To kill time, I decided to put the camera on video. Lori didn't know that, so, here's the result.

If you have ever looked at our pictures and thought, "My that Lori sure does make some great faces. I wonder how that happens?" Well, question answered. she practices.

happy holidays everyone!

Ian

This blog entry was days in the making...oops

When you are about to have a baby, or when you do have a baby, advice and opinions arrive by the truckload. And for the most part, they're all appreciated.


I think there was one piece of advice we received that honestly scared the poop out of us. Here it is:


"I'm sure either you've been told this or you;'ve already figured it out but things are going to change between you and Lori--some for the best, some things not exactly for the best. Just go in to it expecting some change and know that you'll be in "baby jail" (I had some slightly prozac-ed mom of two explain this to me on a plane one time) for a little while and slowly but surely you'll go from maximum security to minimum secruity to the county lockup to parole."


This made us a little nervous. We sought the advice of another couple, who also knew the couple giving the advice. They said that yes, things change. But you have to start seeing each other and your relationship as a team, and operate that way. They made us feel a little better, but there was still that fear that something about us would change.


Now that we're into it, I'd have to say that there is a bit of a change. The change is that I have realized how much of a great team we are. How lucky I am that Ian is the person I'm sharing this with. How much fun we have (still) laughing at the girls' antics at 3:00 in the morning. How every night before bed, we come up with a new game plan. It's like we have a chalkboard charting our next play in a football game. We strategize and scheme ("so...if you take Jane first and twirl her around 3 times, and I take Sylvie and hop on one leg four times, they'll sleep the full time between feedings").

Our experience so far has been that it's easier than we thought (knock on wood). Ideally, we should be getting around the same amount of sleep--it's just broken up awkwardly into 1 1/2 to 2 hour increments. During the day, the girls sleep wonderfully. And they only do 3 things now--sleep, eat, and poop. So, if they're not eating, they're sleeping. And while they're sleeping, we're cooking, cleaning, doing laundry, Christmas shopping, eating, showering...all the things that our friends told us would be impossible to do.

Maybe it's because they're really good girls. That's my Mom's theory. But I can't help but think it's just a phase they're going through--that they were born so early, they will be sleeping for weeks to come. If we catch them early enough (all the signs of hunger in their sleep), they don't even get to the point of crying.

Another idea which I know to be true is that Ian and I are both home, and we genuinely share in the responsibilities. While Ian tends to be on diaper duty, I'm a one-woman dairy farm (not my favorite, I assure you). We've changed the routine several times, and can actually feed them both, change them, change their clothes, and get them back into the crib within 35 minutes. It used to take an hour to an hour and a half.

The girls do change up their schedule on us, though. We were on a strict 8 am, 11 am, 2 pm, 5 pm, 8 pm, 11 pm, 2 am, 5 am feeding schedule. Right on the nose. But various factors played into the shifts. Two nights ago the schedule shifted to an hour later. Yesterday it adjusted to a half hour earlier than the original schedule. As our pediatrician told us yesterday, the only predictable thing about our babies will be their unpredictability.

Ian's parents have been here since Saturday, and Ian just dropped them off at the airport. It was a great visit, and really nice to have them here. Now we have today to gear up for my Dad's arrival tonight.

It will be funny to return to "normal" after all our guests leave. Our schedules have changed a bit for each round of visitors, and our routine has differed. It's been interesting to see how.

We took the girls back to the pediatrician yesterday. Jane is now 6 lbs 3 oz and Sylvie is 5 lbs 2 oz. We actually have to go back again Monday just for a weight check. She likes them to grow an ounce a day, and the girls fell slightly short of that. Our main task this week is to fatten them up big time. And of course, to give them lots of snuggles.

More later, but love to you all.

Doctor Time!

Since that first night, Lori and I have really gotten the hang off this. If we stick to the routine (every 3 hours it's eat time) they are pretty much set. Right now, basically they eat, do their "business" and sleep. In a lot of ways, they are like a cat, but Lori and I don't really like cats, so in that way, they are NOTHING like a cat.

Everyone is doing great, the girls are happy, and Lori is recovering so well. We couldn't have asked for anything better.

On Thursday, they were almost a week old. we went to the doctor for their first visit and while we were waiting, we had them out on the table just hanging out. This was really the fist time they had been up and not swaddled. It was, and you can probably tell from the video, hilarious. Maybe it was a have to be their experience, but it it was funny to us.

Always good to have an iPhone around for this type of stuff.

More to come!

Day to day...

Every day, every minute brings something brand new. And we're still trying to navigate the waters and figure things out. I imagine it will be this way for years.

We're doing well. We ended up staying in the hospital until yesterday, so we had our first official night alone with the girls last night. I'm not going to lie--it was really tough.

But let's back up.

Jeff was here for Thanksgiving. It was quite uneventful on my side, because of my bed rest. Poor guy. I just sat around day and night, but at least he was able to catch up on sleep (my brother is the busiest human alive).

I saw a sign of labor on Thanksgiving--I won't go into detail, just know it was there. Friday morning, I went to the hospital at 8 for a monitoring appointment. All was well.

Friday night, Ian brought me a plate of Thanksgiving leftovers (he made Thanksgiving dinner all by himself, and it was delicious). As I sat, I had a little feeling. Hm.

Let's just say that it is like in the movies. My water broke. I finished my dinner. We called the doctor. Within the hour, Jeff, Ian, and I had our bags packed and were in the car heading to the hospital.

We arrived, checked into triage. They started monitoring. They inserted an IV (how many of these can I get? My arms look terrible from all the IVs and blood draws over the past 2 weeks). An hour or so later, and I was checked into antepartum--the room right next to my old one from 2 weeks ago. Even recognized all my nurses.

I always wondered how my contractions would get worse--how real labor contractions differed from Braxton Hicks contractions, and how they would feel if you always see women screaming on TV.

Then I found out. It's weird how the minute I got to the hospital, the contractions started to feel completely different--they were even in a completely different area of my body. And increasingly, it hurt.

The nurse advised we walk around the hospital for 40 minutes, to see if labor progressed. If I didn't go into active labor, Jeff would have had to go back to the house (only 1 visitor is allowed after 9pm, due to H1N1 security). So, we walked around the hospital, and holy cow. It was painful. Every contraction (about 2 minutes apart) almost stopped me in my tracks. The whole breathing thing becomes a necessity, not just a cliche of contraction.

After 40 minutes, we returned to the room and the nurse came back in. They checked my dilation for the first time--7 cm already. They ordered an immediate transfer into labor and delivery, and the epidural.

By now, there was so much going on and quickly. Monitoring the babies by hand, then using the head monitor for Baby A, giving the epidural (it took them 3 times....not fun). I just bore down, focused, and got lost in the focus.

The doctor came in, told me I needed to start pushing--there were a few in the labor room before we transferred to the OR (all twin births are in the OR, just in case).

Then, it was just coaching, and I had my eye on the prize. The doctors and nurses were amazing--really encouraging and helpful. They told me I got the best patient AND best pusher award. Even in the midst of all that discomfort, that made me happy.

Twin A was out before we knew it, and how unbelievably amazing is that experience. To see her for the first time. After she was checked out, and they brought her to me--she just looked right back at me, and it's such indescribable love.

And then it was time to start from Ground Zero with Twin B. About 45 minutes later, and she was also out.

By the way, 2 notes about the video Ian posted. One: he wasn't crying. :) He was laughing at how funny it was she was already mimicking one of my habits. Two: She was the calm one (we thought). We've since learned otherwise.

Anyway, it was so awesome that Jeff was there for their birth, and he was able to spend 2 hours with them before hopping his flight back to Charlotte. Uncanny, perfect timing.

By now it's 8:00 am, and Ian and I are exhausted. Why must babies always come in the middle of the night? Why don't they wait until you have a full night's rest, and then come?

Everyone at the hospital was great (OK--except for one nurse. She made me feel very grouchy). But otherwise, you feel like they're really there for you and help you out. The babies roomed in with us, so there was little sleep--we're feeding them every 3 hours, and being checked on in between.

The final night, Jane and I were checked out, but Sylvie was admitted into the pediatric unit--they wanted to monitor her blood sugar and slight jaundice a bit more. That night was like clockwork. Ian and I tag teamed our roles, and while we didn't get much sleep, we had a good handle on our girls.

We have to feed them every 3 hours, but with both girls--well, we have found that it takes between an hour and an hour and a half to accomplish this. So, we're left with an hour and a half of sleep in between each time. It's challenging. I can't imagine doing any of this on my own. And, (no offense to anyone with singletons!) if we ever have another, I think it will be a piece of cake. From the birth itself, to feeding, to changing, to holding. How much simpler it would be with only one!

They are absolutely precious. They're so soft and sweet, they smell good. They're cuddly and snuggly. They make cute faces. They make funny faces. They're tiny. They have loads of silky hair. They make us laugh.

Anyway, so we came home yesterday. And a new sense of pride or awe comes over you. You leave a family of 4. You have 2 newborns. They get in the car with you. Life will never be the same.

Last night, like I said, was a bit rough. Not much sleep was had, and they were awake and fussy most of the night. It was frustrating and exhausting. But I ended up getting in almost 2 solid hours of sleep, and woke up refreshed to a sunny Seattle day, and 2 very sweet and cooperative girls. Today, so far, has been great.

And for the next phase--starting tonight, we will have guests for the next straight month. My mom is on her way now--she'll be here tonight. She leaves next Thursday--the same day Ian's parents arrive. They leave on the 15th, the same day my Dad arrives. He's here until the 31st (and I think Jeff will be back at some point during that time). Lots of guest sheet changing for us! But looking forward to it. We had our one night alone with the girls, and now it will be family filled! What to do come January?!?

Anyway, that's all the updating for now. Will try to post more pictures soon.

Love to you all, and thank you for all the emails, voicemails, and well-wishes! We'll try to answer the phone as we can, or email as we can. But our hands are a little full. :)

A funny thing happened today...

Our family doubled in size.

Lori is doing so great. I mean, look how beautiful and happy she is right after two babies.

I know you are asking, "what are their names?" well, we do have names, but before I give that up, I want to make sure it's official. Lori's sleeping right now, and I think after her nap, we can make the 100% decision.

Funny, they already have their own personalities. This is baby "A". The oldest (by almost 1 hour) What she's doing with her hands; that's how Lori watches TV. hilarious.

Also, funny enough, this is our 100th post.Pretty nice how that worked out. You always want to make those big, round numbers special. I think we did that. :)

We'll keep you all posted. More to come for sure. Just know that things are going great.

Ian

All is good!

Hi all,

So, the appointments yesterday went well. My bloodwork looked much better (crits and platelets both up!), the amniotic fluid levels are holding constant. They're on the lowest end of the scale, but not a huge concern. The only thing they caught when they were doing the stress test is that one of the baby's heartrates dropped suddenly. This could be because they are not getting enough fluid, or blood from the placenta. At any rate, they've got me coming back Friday for another monitoring session just to be sure.

My next round of appointments will be next Monday--more of the same. To labs to have blood drawn, to ultrasound (this time, I'll get growth as well), then up to the doctor to review everything, and finishing off with a stress test. Ah, the routine. What will my life be like without ultrasounds every week or 2 weeks? It's been the norm since June.

In other news, Jeff is coming in tonight, which is pretty exciting. I can't believe it's already Thanksgiving--I feel so unprepared! Not that I need to "do" anything. We just don't have a plan, and it will rely heavily on Ian playing chef. If I don't write beforehand, or have a chance to talk with you, I hope you all have a very happy Thanksgiving.

The transition home.

I was discharged from the hospital Wednesday night, in time for Ian to wheel me to our last twins class, where we practiced changing diapers, bathing, and focusing on pain (or focusing away from pain).


Finding out I'm outta there!

View from my bed with lovely flowers. :)





It was odd being able to leave the hospital. Just walking out (or being wheeled out) in normal clothing. First time I had worn real clothes in almost a week.


Ian drove me home and it was a great homecoming. The house was sparkling clean, and Ian had really done a lot of work rearranging some furniture, hanging more pictures, putting finishing touches on the nursery. The biggest surprise was that he had painted the kitchen, and I love it! My favorite was the chalkboard wall, which we had talked about doing. It was such a nice surprise, and it looks great.
I felt like I was coming home to something that felt more like home, as it still had not quite felt homey since moving in.


Since then, I've had mixed feelings. It's hard to be discharged with the orders to have the same activity level that I had when in the hospital--only up for bathroom breaks and one short shower a day. It's actually close to impossible. While Ian is on standby at all times, at the hospital you're forced to stay put, and have to have everything brought to you. And you never get dressed. There was such a routine to it that I had gotten used to--it's hard to mimic and feel ok with yourself at home.


I had an appointment Thursday with my doctor, and they put me on the monitors for a bit. Pretty much the same as it has been--plenty of contractions, but the babies look great. I also had my last IV iron transfusion, which was really easy. Hope it took effect!


One of Ian's best friends from college and his girlfriend also came to visit, and stayed with us Friday and Saturday night. It was my first opportunity to hang out with them, but kind of a bummer since I wasn't so mobile and had to sit like a bump on a log. At least Ian was able to take them out to the local pub Friday, and then Saturday they were out and about pretty much all day.


Today I am preparing myself to head back to the doctor for another round of tests and checkups. I have labs first (I have enjoyed not getting blood drawn twice a day), then to ultrasound to check the girls' fluids, then back to my doctor's for review and monitoring. We'll see what comes of today. It's one of those things that can change so quickly--with this visit, they might just send me home until the next appointment. Or, they can deliver me or hospitalize me again. It's really a crapshoot.


My brother Jeff is coming to visit us tomorrow for Thanksgiving, and is staying through Saturday. I'm really looking forward to the visit, but again--a tiny bit bummed out that I can't do anything.


Also, last night I discovered that we have city views from our living room window! Exciting. Because the leaves finally dropped from the tree in front of our window, we can see a bit of the skyline...

Alright, more later. We'll let you know how things go today.

Hope! Perchance.

Hi all,

Here I am, writing from Command Central (my hospital bed). I've got my whole setup going...water (check), laptop (check), phones (check), pen (check), notebooks (check), book (check), magazines (check). dining menu (check).

About to hop on a conference call in 10 minutes. Trying to make the most of my fun time here, and get some work in, feel good about transitioning, etc. Plus, daytime TV isn't my most favorite thing.

I guess I got into quite the routine here, so when my routine changed abruptly on Monday night, I was a little unnerved. My 6:30 lab person didn't show. Then my night nurse didn't come in at the usual time. It wasn't until almost 9:3o before I saw anyone. Luckily, it was Nina (a nurse I had had before), and she explained that my routine changed.

So now I only have one blood draw a day--at 6:30 am. Yay for that. And I started my IV drip on Monday night of iron. Being at a hospital is quite the education. I'm learning something new everyday.

For example, I now know what a perinatologist does. They are high-risk pregnancy specialists. I know what it means to have a low crit level, and complications that can cause. I know all the symptoms of preeclampsia and HELLP. I also know what Idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura (ITP). They actually think I could have ITP in pregnancy....

The news as of this morning is that I might get to go home! That's super exciting, but I've also come to expect that I should just go with the flow, and that things change quickly. The perinatology team seem to think I'm healthy, and they don't believe I have preeclampsia. They think I simply have low blood platelets and iron deficiencies, which are a result of the twin pregnancy.

If that's the case, I might be able to leave. Of course, final verdict will come from my doctor, and she'll likely factor in contractions, low amniotic fluids, etc. But the thought makes me happy. All I'd have to do is come in for monitoring twice a week, and finish out my round of IVs (which will end tomorrow night). YAY!

Again, I should know more this afternoon. So funny how yesterday morning she was talking like she was going to deliver me, and then later in the afternoon the verdict changed so much. I'm thankful to be somewhere like this, where they have a high-risk specialty unit, and people who care and are on the look-out for signs that can lead to serious complications. While it may feel slightly useless for me to be here, I know it's all for the best (for the girls, and for myself).

Talk to you all soon!

My Daily Routine.

Hi everyone! So sorry for the delay in writing--don't mean to keep you all guessing over there. I'd like to say I've been busy, and that's why I haven't written. But I'm not sure that busy is the right word...

Today's Monday, and I'm still here in the hospital. I should treat this blog like Twitter, because the updates change so quickly and are so frequent. What I'd write right now is so different than the story from Friday, or Saturday, or Sunday.

Friday was probably the worst day. Mainly because it was all new, and they were getting us ramped up--they didn't "put us to bed" until after 1:30 am, and the night of sleep was pretty bad. It was a lot of monitoring, meds, shots (including steroids in the butt...ouch). Contractions were actually pretty active--every 3 minutes, so I had a shot and meds to stop them.

My days typically run in 2 cycles. At 6:30 am, someone from the lab shows up and takes blood. It has been adventurous to find new veins after having blood drawn 7 consecutive times. Then around 8, shift change has happened, and I get a new nurse. She runs my vitals and hooks me up to the fetal monitors (I get 3) for about 45 minutes. Afterwards, she consults with the doctor on the results of that, plus my bloodwork and they come and give me a plan. The same thing happens all over again in the pm (6:30 pm, lab shows up...8pm new night nurse)....

The plan has changed every time depending on the results. As of yesterday, it looked like they might induce me. As of today, no induction is in sight, but now I'm going to be getting an iron IV sometime today because my crit level is pretty low. My platelets have been low, they've gone up, then down....it's a bit of a roller coaster.

They do have 24hour room service, which is pretty good. Ian spent the first night with me, but after that--what's the point? So we can both have lousy sleep? I have sent him (reluctantly) packing so that he can get home and finish up the nursery, buy some car seats, clean the house, do his own work, and actually get sleep. Somehow it might be more depressing when he's here, because then it's both of us sitting here watching the 10 channels I have, or playing a game of UNO, or ordering room service. Makes it more obvious we're not anywhere fun, or getting to do what we really want to do.

Saturday night they added a sleeping pill to my list of meds in the evening. I've never taken one before, and boy did it work. I got a great night's sleep. I turned it down last night, and shouldn't have. It was a terrible night, and I couldn't wait until 6:30 and the lab person showed up.

Today I had an ultrasound, and it's just so strange. Instead of walking down a floor, the transport comes to get me and wheel me around laying down in a bed. It was actually a fun little ride, but makes you feel weird when you feel fine, but they don't let you up. So strange!

Ian's coming to visit any minute now. I've been working today--thankful for something else to do other than watch TV, read magazines and books. I'm actually sitting in a chair and not the bed, and no one has scolded me yet. I figure once the IV comes, I'll be locked down anyway.

So, all is well dear friends, but just a bummer to be stuck here. The scary part is that they might keep me here until I deliver, which could be goodness knows when? A week? Not a week? Two weeks? Ew!

I'll keep you up to date. Glad to get on a computer today....

Oops! See? I hadn't even posted this yet, and there's a new update. Sheesh. Dr just came in and said I will be in the hospital until delivery. Gross! I wish that weren't the case, but oh well. But she did say they won't deliver me today. ha--good to know. She said they'll hold out for a little while longer, let the steroids work (it's to help develop their lungs since they're gestationally so young), and then get my blood back in order...oh well. As long as the girls are fine, that's all that matters. Oh, and I did get scolded for not being in bed. :) oops!

Speaking of the girls, how hard is it to name a baby??!?! Well, it's terrible, I tell you. Ian and I are having the worst time. It's not like a stuffed animal or a plant...that you can rename 2 weeks later because the name doesn't quite fit or you don't like it anymore. It's a lifer! And there's so much to consider...last name combinations (Goode is very difficult, I tell you), initials, sound--and with 2 of the same, watching out for rhyming or same letters, or sounds. While some people are into that, we're not.

Alas, I guess one of these days we'll figure it out. But I really hate that we have to do it at all. :)

Oh, the drama.

Well, here we are into my 33rd week of pregnancy. We had our class Wednesday night on breastfeeding--there were a lot of giggles from Ian. Not that he can't handle Boobie Talk, but our teacher is legimately funny. It looks tough, but the human body is so amazing, and I'm sure we'll get the hang of things eventually with 2. We even had little baby models (instead of using the giraffe Ian and I used at home). I'm looking forward to next week, our last class. It's more on infant care and post partum.

Ian and I both really enjoy the class. It's fascinating, really. There's one couple in there that we've somewhat clicked with. And the most bizarre thing happened. They just mentioned they were looking to buy a new house, and we responded to say that we thought our neighbor was interested in selling at some point. Fast forward 2 weeks, and this morning they had the inspection, and are closing in less than a month. Can you believe that? They already have a 4 and 2 year old, and their twin boys are due in February. Unbelievable, and pretty fun! What's also fun is that he's an architect, so we're really hoping at some point he can help us with our funky downstairs. :)

In other news, Ian and I were both excited about this morning's doctor appointment. Interested to see how things were going, how much they've grown, etc. As it turns out, they're huge! Twin B is 5 lb 14 oz and Twin A is 4 lb 12 oz. So, I'm basically carrying over 10 pounds of baby in my belly. And I can tell. This week has been tough mobility-wise. They're both super active, hearts are beating wonderfully, and they're both practicing their breathing (all great signs)!

But alas, always the drama with these twins. Both of their fluid levels dropped. So, we met with the doctor and she wants me to come in Sunday to the hospital to check again. She's unsure the cause, but they need to monitor--she said to be prepared and pack my bags to stay. They then found out, too, that my blood pressure went up. So, they took more blood today.

I thought that was it. I thought I'd blog about wishing me well for Sunday. But I just got off the phone with them--both the doctor and nurse called leaving messages while I was on conference calls for work. My bloodwork came back, and apparently my platelets have dropped. Top that off with a big weight gain jump this week, the lowered blood pressure and fluids...and well, there you have it. All indicators of preeclampsia.

So, as soon as Ian gets home and I can pack up my overnight bag, we're off to Triage at the hospital. What a bummer! No guarantee that I'll stay overnight or anything, but they have more and more tests to run.

I had decided a while ago that I never would have been a candidate for preeclampsia. I've never had blood pressure issues or anything. But, I just read the article I linked to above. And gross! Who knew? It was always the part I skipped over in my pregnancy books...I guess it's more common with twins.

Oh well. At least Ian just did laundry, so my pj's are clean! :) Will let you all know how things go.

Bracing ourselves, and storing for the winter.

Finally, after all this time being dedicated to settling in and doctor's appointments and work and seemingly everything else under the sun, we are focusing on these little girls that are about to enter our lives.

With the birth of little baby nephew Lucas, with our weekly Preparing for Multiples class, with the crazy baby dreams that just started last week, with the awareness of contractions and how big they're getting...well, I'm listening, and I feel you're on your way.

We had finally bothered to register for the girls a few weeks ago. Even though we're not having a shower, we had some people ask. I know for one that I was stressing Stephanie out big time--every time I spoke to her, and she asked how the nursery was coming along, or what we've gotten for the girls, my answer was pretty much always the same: "well, we have some clothes, but that's about it." She was stressed for us.

So, the boxes started arriving, and Ian and I finally got it in us to arrange furniture and make it look more like a room (less like an extra bedroom to store stuff in). Of course, the room is tiny and it fits the one crib perfectly. Eventually--and from what we hear, a few months down the road--the second crib will need to come into effect, and we'll cross that bridge when we get there. Things will be a bit tight at that point.

Regardless, while I'm putting tiny socks into drawers, or folding little hooded towels, it is still so hard to imagine them coming. It's hard to imagine what our lives are about to become, how we'll cope, what they'll look and act like. I just can't even wrap my head around it. We gave the new changing pad a test run with our baby stand-in (a Giraffe). He was a good little baby--hardly made a sound or move before we put him back in the crib. Still hard to imagine the real thing, and how we'll actually be using the room and what we'll use and when. Just crazy to think about.

Ian even finished up the mobile and hung it yesterday, and I think it's super cute (he's pretty proud of it himself). I really love the way it turned out, and I hope the girls like looking up at them.

And I'm started to get excited about Christmas, even though we haven't done any shopping and it is also hard to imagine. I feel like it will be a gift card year, especially since we're all the way over here. My Dad will be here for Christmas--which is super fun news, but other than that--I guess we'll be doing a lot of gift shipping. Regardless, Christmas in a new house is fun--deciding how to decorate and what new traditions might crop up.

And can you even believe Thanksgiving is literally right around the corner? Not me! Sheesh. My brother Jeff will be visiting us--how lucky are we that people are willing to travel the 3,000+ miles to hang out with us. Still so much to do with the house, but these things will take time.

Anyway, I guess that's it for now. Pretty boring entry, but I feel like we're closer and closer to being ready for our family to double.

New bill o'health, and a pictureless Seattle

Quick update on my health! Or more importantly, that of Twin B. Had my ultrasound yesterday, and follow up doctor's appointment today. Twin B's fluids are back up to normal, and all is well!

On the one hand, it means that bed rest did a body good. So, I'm still advised to take it very easy--only go into the office part-time, etc. But at least I won't feel guilty everytime I get up to do something. I'm so happy I won't be home-captive completely this weekend.

This week, my very good friend Carlos was in town from SF for work. I have missed him terribly, and it was fun having him. We had a great date Monday night at Wild Ginger--really delicious food. I love when you can go somewhere with someone, and hours can pass without realizing it. We shut the place down.

Last night we went for Round 2, and luckily Ian was able to join, after having gotten back from the east coast on Wednesday afternoon. We went to Bizarro for dinner--tasty treat, and nice in the midst of a rainy night. We followed it up with some Molly Moon's ice cream and some lounge time at home before taking him back to his hotel.

There have been 3 distinct times this week that I've been reminded to have a camera with me at all times here! With crazy weather like Seattle, there's always something interesting going on in the sky--between the bursts of sun, dark clouds, mountain ranges...without a camera, you miss out on some amazing shots. On the way to pick Ian up from the airport, Mt Rainier was insane. Just breathtaking. On the way to my ultrasound yesterday, it was gray and dark over Seattle's skyline--just outlines of buildings, really. But above the space needle were beams of light--so perfectly placed, and bizarre at the same time. And finally, on my way into work this morning, I passed the funeral procession for a police officer who was shot. 1500 police cars, ambulances, fire trucks. All with their lights on, but without the noise of sirens. As far as you could see--cars from Oregon and British Columbia, and all over the state of Washington. Breathtaking and moving and sad.

Anyway, Ian and I should both just arm ourselves with cameras.

Below is a pic I took from my window at work 2 weeks ago. Happy to have had a camera handy.

Seattle so far....

In phases, I'm going to catch you up to date with some things we've been up to--granted, not everything, but just a couple of the major things.

Victoria

We spent our anniversary weekend in the city of Victoria, on Vancouver Island. It was a gorgeous weekend, and we had a perfect time.

We took the Clipper--about 3 hours, and arrived in the sunny harbor city. Highlights of the trip were walking the town, and discovering its extremely cute, quaint, and historic shops and boutiques, a tour of the nearby castle, food!, and the wax museum (yes, cheesy, but it was fun).

Moving In

Next major event was closing on the house (finally!) and moving in. We've officially been in the house just over a month, and boy has there been a lot of work to do. On the 5th day of our move-in, Ian's parents came to visit for a week. They were a HUGE help to us, taking down loads of wallpaper, making countless trips to Home Depot, swapping out fixtures, installing a dishwasher, painting....the list goes on. There's still a lot of work to do, which we'll tackle over time. But the main things have been taken care of initially.

Other Things

We got an annual membership to the Woodland Park Zoo--it's really close to our house, and is great. It's kind of like a large park, which happens to have animals in it. And the habitats seem nicer than the SF Zoo, which is nice. We particularly enjoyed the orangutan, who draped a blanket over his head and played up to the crowd.

Ian also celebrated his 30th birthday! That weekend, Carrie and Paul had us over for dinner and a movie. The next day we had a neighborhood potluck with a lot of my co-workers, (Ian and baked pumpkin cheesecake), and then carved pumpkins in the neighborhood, which was pretty fun and festive. Apparently, every year this guy Gene (who lives across the street from Carrie and Paul) buys hundreds of pumpkins, and invites the whole neighborhood to drop in and carve. He has all these stations set up, and provides stew and drinks. Then he lines all the pumpkins down the stairs and along the wall in front of his house. Good times.

The following day (Monday) was Ian's birthday. I surprised him by taking the day off, and we spent a relaxing day together--got a late brunch, went to see a movie, had a delicious dinner.

Ian and I started a pregnancy class a couple of weeks ago--Preparing for Multiples. It has been really interesting, and we like our teacher tons. There are still 3 classes left, so I hope I can make it that long--the good stuff is in the last 2 weeks.

But as we both mentioned in our last couple of posts, I've been prescribed to bed rest (at least for the next week). This weekend has been kind of a bummer because of it. Mainly because I feel fine and the weather was seriously gorgeous. And I stayed inside all day both days (stepping out last night to go to Paul and Carrie's--where they fed me delicious lamb stew and we passed out candy to the tons and tons of kids. Everyone gets so into it here! How much fun.

And then the final most fun news is that Ian and I become an aunt and uncle last week. Ian is now visiting his new nephew (plus, the rest of his family) right now. It sounds like he's having fun, and I'm just really happy that he was able to make it, especially before it gets too crazy for Hilliary and Francois (with the guests they're about to have, moving into a new house, etc).

But of course, I miss him.

It's crazy I'm in my 31st week of pregnancy. Not much time left, I suppose. I am hoping the girls appreciate my sedentary weekend, and that it has the effect it's supposed to on their fluid levels. Looking forward to finding out at the end of next week...

Oh! And we had been working on a project--I think I'm leaving the last part of it for Ian to finish up. We bought fabric and sewed a bunch of birds in order to create a mobile for the girls. Our birds are pictured here. It was actually a really fun project to work on together (and Ian is such a good sewer!).

the traffic report

Well, not only does our relationship get better everyday, we also learn more about each other everyday. For instance, we found out that the way I push a wheelchair effects Lori the same way I drive a car. She gets all stressed out and thinks I'm going to run into everything. She has every reason to think this. During the 45 minutes that I wheeled her around, I managed to run her into the elevator wall, the back of someone's leg, and I almost ran over our guide's foot.

Don't worry, I'll get better. I need to be careful when I push you and those two tiny girls around.

Sweet dreams my pretty wife.

Oh, and I wanted to share something that Lori and I found. We lost it two years ago, but just recently, it's come back into our lives:

Autumn.

Thank you Seattle for having seasons.

Our blog is a long-distance love letter.

It's raining here in Seattle. You might think to yourself--why point it out? Doesn't it always rain in Seattle?

Well, it doesn't. And even when it does, it's not enough so that you hear it on the inside. But right now there's a nice sound of rain hitting windowpanes.

It's 10:32pm, and I'm about to head to the bedroom and call it a night. Just spoke with Ian about 20 minutes ago, and he's settled into Hilliary, Francois, and baby Lucas's place.

I actually just got on to say one thing, because I got a second alert that "anonymous" posted another comment. I thought I'd respond.

I've been meaning to update the blog. Really and truly. We've had a very busy couple of months, and it has been great.

What I was going to say before shuffling off to bed is that because I'm on bed rest and have nothing better to do this weekend, I will absolutely update the blog. I even uploaded pictures before Ian took off this morning, so there are no excuses. And all of the running around I may have done--unpacking, cleaning up, running errands....well, it's kind of gone to pot now that I'm storing my blood flow, energy, and whatever else for the week to make sure B's fluids pick back up.

So, I logged on to say--Anonymous! you win! Check back this weekend! (and tell me who you are), but I noticed that not only is the header different (which Ian showed me this morning), but that he had actually written something!

And not just anything! But a love letter of sorts. I have to say that we just hit the 3 year mark, and man oh man. It's been a good 3 years, but it seriously just keeps getting better and better. If these girls bring even half as much happiness and love into my life as Ian and I already have....well. Watch out world. The seams will burst forth from the house.

My love, I'm being good. I've been drinking so many glasses of water (I refilled the Brita 4 times today already!), and since coming home from the doctor, I've been on my feet for probably 10 minutes all-in-all. If that! The only thing I will suffer from at all this week is (1) boredom. And (2) missing you.

But, I am so so so happy you are able to go visit your sister and your new nephew! It's weird to think that a new person has just entered our life for good. That we will be involved in this little person's whole timeline--graduations and weddings and births and such. Bizarro. And that soon there will be 2 more new people to add to the chaos.

I'll just leave you all with a goofy, blurry picture. When I found out I had to have 24-hour bed rest yesterday, and told the doctor we had our hospital tour, she insisted I take the tour in a wheelchair.

So, Ian and I tried to smuggle a picture. There's not a dumber feeling than when you feel perfectly normal/fine, but you still have to be pushed around in a wheelchair. At least I liked my driver. A lot. :)

Nighty night everyone.

the view from here

I’m sitting on a plane, somewhere above Colorado. Maybe. I don’t know. I’m 2 hours into my 4 and a half hour flight to Washington DC and that’s my best guess. Thankfully, our pilot doesn’t like to inform us of things except when they are and are not illuminating the seatbelt sign. As if the loud “PING” and the light itself weren’t indicators of the change.

I’m thinking about Lori and the girls a lot right now.

Due to the nature of the pregnancy, we have to have an ultrasound every two weeks. We’ve gotten to the point where we actually understand what it’s showing on that screen.

I don’t speak much when I’m in there. I always feel like it would be awkward. Usually I just hang out by Lori’s side and think, “That’s the bladder. Those are the kidneys. That’s a foot pushing on someone’s head.” I also go over the different qualities of our ultrasound technician. After meeting so many, I can’t help it and I know that Lori is doing the same. We always compare notes when they leave the room. We don’t like Karen.

Typically, we have zero news to deliver. They are growing and the amount they weigh is usually the only thing that changes. (they are both around 4 pounds now) Yesterday it was different.

The amount of fluid around baby B was not ideal. They put Lori on 24-hour bed rest and told her to come back in the follow day (today) to redo the scan. We both think that it’s an error on the part of the ultrasound tech. She was having trouble getting certain measurements and so we hope the revisit will show it was just a hard reading. I hope the appointment ends with a “Keep up the good work and keep drinking lots of water. “

With this news (no matter how much we talk ourselves out of it) I can’t help but worry. I would elaborate, but I feel like “worry” really covers it.

Before I left, I made sure to demand she “take it easy” while I was gone. Like me saying that would change her behavior. She’s so incredibly independent and headstrong that I know the only way she will “take it easy” is if she wants to. It’s one of the things that makes, Lori, Lori, and I’m 100% positive she will pass that on to our girls. I wouldn’t have it any other way.

I’m in the window seat. 30F. I noticed my computer was a different color so I looked out the window and noticed the sun going down. This sunset is very red and curvy. My computer reads 4:05. Flying east always makes the day so short.

I’m on this trip to visit my sister. After I touch down in DC, I’m catching another flight down to Charleston so I can meet my new nephew. This is my first trip to Charleston since Hilliary and Francois moved there. I’m really looking forward to seeing how things are going for them and how they are settling into their new role as parents.

It’s so crazy how things sneak up on you. My sister and I are adults. Wasn’t it just yesterday we were reading Where’s Waldo books and eating as much mac and cheese as possible? I wonder how she’ll be? Will being a mom make her a different person? I guess I’ll find out in a few hours.

My battery looks angry. I better get back to my book and give this guy a rest.

Lori, I miss you already. side-wave

update:
Okay, since I haven’t posted this yet (there wasn’t time between my flights) I’ll just include it along with this first post.

The Tech wasn’t bad at measuring the fluids. They really were on the low side. They issued Lori a week of bed rest to get her fluids back up and if that doesn’t do it, she might remain that way until delivery.

Well crap.

Now I really wish I was home with her. Who’s going to get her cool whip? Who’s going to bring her milk or orange juice? Looks like Carrie and Paul are going to have their hands full. ☺

The Scarlet Letter

Now I know what Hester Prynne felt like. Kind of. While I don't have a big Scarlet letter A, I do have something else that puts me into a grouping. Something obvious that attracts attention. It says, "This woman is pregnant. This woman has done something to become pregnant. This woman is married. This is a woman."

Is it OK that I still kind of feel like a kid? That I'm plugging away through my 30's, and am a little incredulous that I'm even old enough to have kids? It's insane for me to think about the overwhelming responsibility of caring for the peanuts for the rest of my life.

I keep thinking that I'm becoming one of those people--the people I see battling their screaming kids in stores, or trying to stop their kids from throwing cheerios on restaurant floors and banging sippy cups on high chairs. Or one of those people that forces other people into listening to countless stories about how cute junior is and what junior eats and throws up, and let me show you another 100 pictures and videos on youtube. Or I'm becoming one of those friends that sinks into the oblivion of motherhood, and no longer has time to hang out with friends, or drink lots of glasses of wine, or go on trips on a whim. I will become the one that invites people over, and spends the evening fawning over my kids, trying to put them in bed, revolve, revolve world around these things....

I sound cynical. Or like I don't want to be a mom. And that's not true. I also sound like I don't like that my friends all became moms. And that's also not true. I think it's just the hardest for me to imagine how my life will change, what those peanuts are going to be like, if I'm going to be a PTA mom or a "cool" mom or a strict mom or an impatient mom.

It seems a sink or swim situation, and no amount of preparing can actually prepare you for what's to come. You just have to take it as it comes, learn from it, adapt. But in the meantime, it's anxious waiting to find out what kind of person you're going to be. It's like being in 2nd grade all over again, and writing an essay on "when I grow up...." and then finding out 20 odd years later that I'm not actually a store clerk. That I live in Seattle, WA. That I'm 32 years old. That I'm married, work for a huge company, and am about to have twin girls..........

Alas, enough about that. What have we been up to in our new city? Well, we finally moved out of Abobo (that's the affectionate name for corp housing), and moved into Extended Stay America last Thursday. One word: wow. More like, Extended Chiropractic Visits. Or, Extended Foot Fungus. Or, Extended Time to Not Sit in the Nasty Chair in order not to catch something. or Extended amounts of time stale cigarette smoke can hang in the air.

It was disgusting. Picture the seediest motel room from some Tarantino flick, and that could be our hotel. It lasted a long 5 nights, and we just moved in with friends Carrie and Paul.

But not before we had dinner with other friends Saturday night--in a cute dog-friendly pub/eatery in Fremont called Norm's. Two couples we knew in North Carolina--it was such a fun and comfortable environment, and really great to be around familiar, old-school friends. Even greater to find out that Grace was also pregnant, and due in March. Should be super fun, although they're moving next June.

We also went mattress shopping (hooray, Labor Day!), and invested for the first time in our very own mattress. Can't wait to have it delivered (4 days after we move into the new house). And speaking of the new house, we went for a visit on Monday. Rosemary (the seller) is super fantastic, and it was a great visit. We are both so excited and anxious to move in. The house is going to be absolutely perfect for us, and things happened as they were supposed to. She gave me the tour of the gardens--I hope I don't mess those incredible plants up--but hopefully I'll learn.

We're set to move in on September 25 officially--so just about 2 weeks / 2 days! Hooray! It can't come soon enough.

Until then, Ian played a great house husband and made us a delicious Mexican feast from scratch last night. It was awesome coming home from work, and having such a great meal on the dinner table. We'll see what he cooks up next...

And our 3rd wedding anniversary is tomorrow! Crazy, no? It seems like so long ago. To celebrate, we're heaving to Vancouver Island Friday-Sunday, staying in Victoria. We get there by the Seattle Clipper--kind of like a big speedboat, but just under a 3-hour trip. Should be a great get-away.

Okie dokie, that's all for now!

if I wrote everyday....

You might hear a different story about my pregnant life. I meant to write on Thursday, and I planned the beginning. I've forgotten it now, but it was going to be something about how I named myself the White Whale for the day. It's weird even now to see the fluctuations between a huge tummy, a pretty big tummy, a tiny slit of a belly button, then a rounder one, tummy slighty squishy, tummy so hard it might knock someone out. And while there is now no mistaking whatsoever that I'm pregnant, it's funny it would vary so much by day, and by outfit. It's starting to get harder to put on shoes, or sometimes get up from really slouchy couches. And the girls are kicking and moving pretty much all the time. Ian hasn't been able to feel them yet, but I sure do.

We had our first Seattle ultrasound this past week, and for the most part, all is well. They're sharing their fluids nicely, I'm still holding up well. One unhappy piece of news, which is that apparently Twin A has a calcium deposit on her heart. It's a common indicator of down's syndrome.

Now, here's where you have to take things with a grain of salt. Of course whenever you hear something like that, it's worrisome--and often creeps back into your mind from time to time (especially that day). But the truth is that we've already done the testing--we're something like 1 in 33,000th chance. It would also be strange for A to have it, and not B (at least I think so, since they're identical), and there aren't other indicators at this point.

The doctors didn't seem very worried, either. So it's one of those things that taint the overall visit a tiny bit, but that we can't really sit and worry about. Because what can we do about it, anyway? And an indicator doesn't mean it's positive. So alas, overall the girls are fine. Calcium deposits--perhaps I should switch milk brands. haha.

Things with the house are progressing as they can be. There's something new every day (welcome to the new mortgage application process!). Oh, night and day from buying our first house. And unfortunately, no one in the business currently knows what's going on, since rules and regulations change literally every day. So, it's hand one thing in today, later in the afternoon it will be something else. We've been compiling our financial history steadily now for the past 2 weeks. We really just can't wait to get in and start getting busy. So much work to be done (all cosmetic), but so exciting to make our own. Our close date is now 9/18, and we're able to move in the 21st.

Until then, we're stuck in this lovely corporate housing for another 4 days, move out Thursday into an Extended Stay America until the following Tuesday, then move in with Carrie and Paul that night until we can move into our house.

Oh, the nomadic life. It's fine. Aside from the easy proximity to work, this place is terrible. There was a raging party last night--I feel like I'm forced back into college. And we love this place and their smarts--how all the elevators are brought down for maintenance at once (and for 2 weeks)...not the most well-run place. We are constantly amazed that anyone would actually choose to live here on their own.

Next week work-wise should be fun. Seattle is definitely the hub for out-of-town visitors, and next week there will be plenty of them: at least 6. Good times. Also, Ian and I are planning our anniversary trip. I think we'll be heading up to Victoria Island, BC. It's part anniversary, part last trip before we have babies. So with even all this financial pressure lately, we think it's important to slide it in.

Today we're thinking about heading to the zoo. I love zoos, and can't wait to see the one that will be within a couple of miles from our house!!

ps--my feet are back to normal, thank goodness. It was just a NY / flying thing. whew!

And we're rolling on....

My feet are huge. I am calling them my piggies. Or, it's like someone just inflated a latex glove and tried to stuff it in my sandals or flats. They're enormous, whiter than usual, puffy, and ridiculous. I hate them.

I'm hoping it's temporary. I'm hoping that they will reduce quickly--as though someone took a pin to them and they whirled around the air aimlessly, all the while getting smaller and smaller. To the size they should be. To the size that makes them comfortable to fit into my shoes. Or at least to the size where it isn't painful.

I'm going to blame it on New York. I've been in New York City this week--since Sunday, and just returned last night. It was an inauguration of sorts to step back into the East Coast humidity. It just happened to also be 100 degrees on top of that. Holy great goodness, am I happy to be pregnant on the west coast! In cities like SF and Seattle, where humidity is unheard of, and high temperatures a bit rare to find. And if it is hot, all I need to do is walk on the shady side of the street.

I'm blaming my feet on New York, because that's when--for the first time--they blew up like this. There was a woman Ian and I used to work with, and she was pregnant a few times while we worked there. Ian and I set a certain bar against her. Remaining nameless, we call her condition, "First name X/ last name Y pregnant" which is a different type of pregnant than normal pregnancies. It means that you blow up like a balloon and it's something I wished would not happen to me. But I have First name X/last name Y feet. It's depressing.

I walked a lot in NY. And it was stuffy and hot. And then I flew back yesterday amidst multiple delays and cancellations, and ended up back in Seattle a full 8 hours after my expected arrival time. Perhaps flying didn't help either.

But today, they're still a bit swollen and painful, and look ridiculous in the sandals I wore today. Alas, enough about my feet and being pregnant. I guess the last thing I will say is that all is well in that department. I'm at 21 weeks, and recently feel like I blew up (or out, I should say).

On the subway in NY, I had someone offer up their seat for me. A young woman--how sweet! It was a first. I also made friends with the man at the Westin checking me in, when he asked and found out I was having identical twin girls--he just had twin girls 3 weeks ago. He came around the counter, digital camera in tow, to share pictures with me.

I had a huge meeting in NY that I'm so relieved is over. My past 2 months have been revolving around build up for this meeting. I was so nervous, that pit in my stomach having a hard time fighting for room with the girls. But the meeting was better than I could have asked for, and I really wished at that moment I could have a huge, celebratory alcoholic beverage. But alas, I have to wait for many more months. It's tough.

I was also spoiled in NY because I got to hang out with my good Hippo friend Kirsten on multiple nights. It was like we lived in the same place again--meeting after work for dinner or a movie (or both). It was so comfortable and fun, and at the same time felt completely natural. Sad that we're not closer, but don't you love having those friends you can fall back to and it's like no time has ever passed?

In other news, I wish Ian would write on this blog! He has been single-handedly exploring the city during the day, in between networking and working on freelance jobs. He admitted to me last night that he's in love with Seattle, and is sooo happy we moved here. He's also been spending time with his new BFF, Paul, my good friend (and boss)'s hubby. He's even out tonight with other friends, and I think Seattle will be good to him. Good to us. :)

In other news, we spent our first weekend here really diving in. Saturday morning went for brunch in Capitol Hill (it was OK, not our favorite place), and then went to the Science Fiction and Experience Music Project museum. I just had to go there because they were hosting my dream exhibit--a whole exhibition on Jim Henson!! The exhibit left a tiny bit to be desired, but can you believe I got to see a real Kermit, Rowlf, Bert & Ernie, and Gobo? Not to mention all of the sketches, original commercials, ideas coming to life...what a genius. Ian enjoyed the Jimi Hendrix exhibit, and the history of guitars...and even the Science Fiction portion was cool--we saw ET, a Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle, and Yoda.

That night, we went to Carrie and Paul's house--her brother and his girlfriend were there, along with her best friend Annie. We ordered in Thai and then just hung out--watched a few episodes of a show, and walked up to 45th street to Molly Moon's--maker of delicious homemade ice cream and treats. You have to love a place that makes waffle cones (on a waffle machine) right before your eyes and serves them up slightly warm. Delicious. No wonder there was a line down the street. On the walk back to their place, we ran into another friend from work and her husband, who only live a few blocks away.

Sunday we had a better brunch in Capitol Hill, and then hit the open house circuit. I think we must have seen 12 or so? It was exhausting, and honestly slightly disappointing because the only thing we fell in love with was way out of our price range.

Monday was a different day. I saw a house go on the market in Wallingford (the neighborhood we love, where Carrie and Paul live). The house was actually in our price range (rare for that area), but no pictures were posted yet. Ian decided to do a drive by, and then somehow worked his way in to see the house that day--it was brand new on the market.

Next thing I knew, I was going to see it too, with our realtor, and we decided to put in an offer. Long story short--we're under contract and close on or before 9/23. Hooray! It's only a block from 45th--where the great ice cream place is--and is quiet. It has an incredible garden, and requires only cosmetic work (it has a lot of wallpaper). Super exciting news. Financing is so tricky, though, so we'll see if we pass through. It's well within the budget we created for ourselves, but with Ian freelancing, it's a bit tricky to navigate financial approval waters.

Not much else to report other than those things--we did go to a concert last Saturday in Marymoor park--interesting to see how Seattleites differ from other places / people we've been. Was a nice outdoor show with beautiful weather.

So, that's it for now. I'm going to prop up the piggies, and eat some food. Maybe it will distract me from the girls completely doing acrobatics right now.

a whole new blog?

This blog is about to change in a major way. Most of you know how this blog is changing. Ian even suggested starting a new blog, but I think we can all agree that that is a bit ambitious considering our blog-writing track record. So, let's give this a good, hearty continuation instead.

Our last months in SF (yes, this is the end of making the Mission neighborhood our Mission) were pretty amazing. I had a great birthday weekend back in May in Mendocino (yet another fascinating / beautiful area of Northern California), we went camping by the ocean, my great friends from college (the Neos) came to visit in July, Ian and I traveled to Paris and Germany with my Dad, just got back from a crazy week in Atlanta....we have been busy, busy beavers.

On top of all that, we found out back in April that I was pregnant. The first ultrasound revealed a surprise (read: shock)--we were having twins. A later ultrasound confirmed they were identical twins, and here's where I'd like to explain a bit, because most people ask me: "Do twins run in the family?"

Here's the thing that differentiates identical twins from fraternal: it isn't hereditary, it's not a result of fertility drugs. It's nature's own little oops. There's one egg, one sperm. Just like normal. Except when the fertilized egg travels down to attach itself to the uterine wall, it accidentally splits into two and they both attach. That's why identical twins also share chromosomal makeup. They are contained within the same placenta (sharing blood back and forth), but mine are in their own sacs.

Having identical twins automatically makes it a high risk pregnancy. I have to go every 2 weeks for an ultrasound to make sure they're playing nicely and sharing blood and fluid properly back and forth. I guess it was worrisome at first, but now it's a bit comforting to be so close to the process, and have those regular check-ins.

Fast forward to this week--I'm 19 weeks along. The latest ultrasound (yesterday!) was the big one, and everything looks great. We found out a couple of weeks ago that we're having girls. Wow wow.

The twins, and our thinking for almost the past year about making the move to Seattle, has found me here today. In our corporate housing, or first full day having moved to Seattle, and having left San Francisco behind.

It's a little surreal. I keep feeling like it's a normal trip to Seattle, which I take all the time. Ian and I left last night--I went into work this morning. Typical, really. But the difference might have been that Ian was with me, or that we checked in 6 bags total, and rented a car, and picked up keys, and drove to an unknown apartment complex, and unpacked our bags.

We've spent the past week or so frantically--finishing things up, coordinating the movers and packers, working, finishing work (Ian is officially not employed, and taking on mass amounts of freelance!), and living in a hotel in Union Square--like total tourists. We've been having goodbye dinners, and brunches, and a series of lasts. It's funny that SF ended for us in the area it did--on the street it did. It ended as it began.

And so here we are. The new office is great, and my manager Carrie made it extra special for me--she bought me a plant, snacks, folders, a mug---just so thoughtful and welcoming.

So begins a new chapter in our lives. The next series of adventures. In the past months, we've put offers on two houses (neither of which went through), and we're pretty motivated to find a place. We can't wait to keep exploring and finding the right home for us, and our expanding family. So comes the exploration, the house, the babies....so many things to continue to blog about.

Ian is out with Paul now (Carrie's hubby, and Ian's good friend)--they are so happy to finally be together. :) They went to Serious Pie for dinner. I am relaxing--have had a pretty exhausting few days.

Anyway, Ian has moved all our pictures into special backup places and I haven't had access to them. Once he's organized them, I'll be able to post pictures of our last few months' highlights--because there are great pictures!

Talk soon....

F.O.S.

I'm not sure why, but recently I have really been interested in French Onion Soup.

Before this new phase, The number of times I actually had F.O.S., I could probably count on one hand. It's weird how that happens.

I just had a bit from Whole Foods and I'm still enjoying my decision. It's become a default lunch for me. I pop in, fill up a cup with soup, grab a small thing of whatever bread they are pushing that day, a small serving of gruyere and an apple. I give the friendly/hip cashier 7 bucks and now I have lunch. It makes me sort of sad that I never participated in the F.O.S. thing prior. I mean, yes it smells a tad to the outside person (as in the person not eating the soup) but other than that, it's the perfect lunch.

Today, I brought it back and watched a bit of the movie Wall Street while I diced the cheese and dipped my bread. (I love that they talk about "new" technology and at one point, Charlie makes fun of this portable tv Michael Douglas shows him.)

As you might be able to tell, I'm dragging a bit today and feeling a little uninspired at work. I guess that's why this posting is about soup and not back flips or something exciting. 2:15. I have 2 hours and 45 minutes until it's time to go.

Why is this post about soup and not our amazing weekend with Micah and Marianna? Well, I don't believe I can do it justice at this moment. I'm too draggy slow. When I have more pep, that will come out. I believe I'll think about soup until then. Maybe it will make the time fly by.

Talk soon
Ian