Perinatologist, Primary Care, and Dermatologist

Yesterday I had a doctor appointment with the perinatologist. A perinatologist is an obstetrician that has received extra training and is board certified in the specialty of maternal-fetal medicine. He himself is not one of the multiple doctors that could potentially deliver the babies (depending on which doctor is on call when I go into labor). He acts as a consultant with the group of obstetricians about our situation. Andy and I like him and we will be seeing him more often as the pregnancy progresses.

The appointment with him went well. The babies looked good and their heart rates were normal. Cervical length is still on track. My blood pressure was good. He seemed to think things were okay and to come back in two weeks. He mentioned in three weeks (at 32 weeks) that they would start monitoring me twice a week on Tuesdays and Fridays to watch for pre-term labor and preeclampsia. The perinatologist did want me to see a dermatologist about my skin rash to receive the best care for that since he is not a skin specialist. About the skin rash: I developed this rash on my stomach over a week ago. It has spread to my arms, chest, legs, and rear. Yes, you read that right. Due to our insurance being an HMO, I have to go through my primary care doctor to get a referral to see a dermatologist.

Now on to the referral for the dermatologist. I went to see the primary care doctor yesterday too! She asked if I had been around a cat or anyone with thrush, or taken any medicines, etc. All of which are "no". She decided to have me try calamine lotion and benadryl and see her this Friday before referring me to a dermatologist. I'll keep you informed.

A Taste of What's to Come

On Sunday, Jennifer's mom and sister gave the babies an awesome shower. We are so blessed by the outpouring we received and are very thankful. An interesting side note is that Howie, our miniature schnauzer, has discovered that a whole lot of new stuff appeared in the house this weekend. He also got visits from almost all of his grandparents on the same day.

Yesterday, Jennifer and I caught Howie in the girls' room looking through the bags of clothes, toys, etc. and he came upon a "diaper" cake that our friend Tracy made. On top of it was two stuffed bears. Howie, of course, loving toys was fairly convinced that those were for him. So, this is what we have to expect for the upcoming arrival of the girls:

• A constant battle between Howie and babies as to ownership of all toys in the house
• The potential of finding toys and stuffed animals hidden throughout the house. We've recently found toys behind the couch. Apparently when Howie decides he needs to jump up on the couch to check out the neighborhood he does so with any stuffed animals in his mouth and as soon as his first bark comes out, out comes the stuffed animal on to the floor
• We will also probably know from Howie which girl needs "attention"

So, the bottom line is that there will be some interesting jealousy issues in the near future but I'm confident all will be well.

Third Trimester

As of yesterday, I entered the third trimester. I am now 28 weeks and 31.5 pounds heavier. Just think, in two months our babies will be here.

Baby A and Baby B named

Some people have asked if we have names for our girls yet. The answer is yes! We were pretty sure on first names, but still not set in stone on middle names until recently. We have finally decided what each one will be named. Some may know the names already and some may be seeing the names for the first time.

Baby A is Rachel Ann. She is on my left side. Baby B is Abigail Jean. She is lying transverse and is on my right side.

Results

Just wanted to let everyone know that I just spoke with the nurse about my lab results. Everything came back okay!!! Thank you for praying!!! The babies and I send you all lots of love!

27 weeks

Today, I am 27 weeks. 10 weeks until the babies are full term. Time goes by so fast. I have gained 29 pounds total. The girls seem to be doing well. They move around here and there. Other then that, I have no other news to report.

Fun Test :)

Yesterday, I went with my paperwork to a testing lab to see what I needed to do for the urinalysis. The doctor ordered a 24 hour urine creatinine clearance, total protein count, and culture. I found out 24 hours literally means 24 hours of collecting urine. The woman at the testing lab explained that I should start at 7 or 8 a.m. on Tuesday (today) and collect all urine through 7 or 8 a.m. on Wednesday. After I have collected all the urine, I am suppose to bring it to the lab and have blood drawn also. These labs hopefully will help explain why my urine dipsticks are turned darker than they should be. I am thankful that I have doctors that care and want the babies and I to be safe. So collecting urine is my job until 8 a.m. tomorrow. :)

Four pounds of baby

Today's ultrasound went well. Both girls are now two pounds each. Baby A has turned herself from the breech position to head down. Baby B is still lying transverse. Both girls look great and are doing well!

Proteins and Cribs

Four weeks ago, I reported that my urine dipstick test showed a darker green than it should have. It was thought that maybe I kept the stick in the sample a few seconds too long. This past Friday, I was asked to do a urine test again at this doctor visit. (I do this for every doctor appointment.) My urine dipstick once again turned a darker green raising some flags. The doctor is sending me for a 24 hour urinalysis to check my proteins and to see if I have an infection. I am doing the urinalysis this Monday and Tuesday. My sugar level in the urine was also elevated. However, my gestational diabetes test came back normal. :) Hopefully everything with the urinalysis comes back good and that I am reading way too in to this protein level thing. (I research way too much!)

On a better note, my mom and step-dad assembled both baby cribs today and rearranged the room! It's starting to look like a nursery now instead of a storage area for boxes. :) The girls will like their new room! Thanks mom and Dan. Also, thanks Grandma and Grandpa Berwer for the mattresses!!!

Pick-up

Today the cribs were picked up at the Carson's Furniture Warehouse in Naperville. They are in boxes in the babies' room. Still a little too early to put together. :)