Eve

I am getting another cold but we are just going to ignore that fact. Otherwise I will cry because if it is half as bad as the cold from which I just recovered I am in for a miserable week. Alas.

Happy Christmas Eve to you, should you celebrate it, and a very pleasant and peaceful evening to those who do not. Although I am never offended to be wished a happy new year in the Fall, I can imagine that an assumption of presumed cultural Christianity might get a bit tedious for people of different faiths. In DC it was simply not done to blithely wish people Merry Christmas or ask how they enjoyed their Easter services. Here people start cocktail party conversations by inquiring what church you go to or, my personal favorite, there was one time when someone specifically asked me which LUTHERAN church I attend. I almost choked on my bourbon. But I digress. I wish you both happy and merry.

Steve is wrapping presents behind me so I am not allowed to turn my head. I would be watching the Monday night game but it is, um... not a lot of parity in this one. I note that there seems to be a Bridezilla marathon in progress which I keep accidentally clicking back to while I type (my new favorite bridal reality show line: "It's my wedding day! I deserve a new pair of shoes!" Can't really argue with that can you? Steve observed, "Sure as long as she gets them for $15 and then uses glue and fake pearls to dress 'em up." This actually made me a little teary. I had forgotten I did that, and was suitably touched that Steve remembered. I was one thrifty bride.)

I have pulled out a few presents for Patrick to take to my friend's house (just in case in case we have to bolt in the middle of the night) but I doubt it will be necessary. I have felt much less like I was teetering on the brink of labor for the past several days. Not sure why but there it is. I got new orders from the OB this morning, which was rather exciting. The nurse called and said that rather than come in for an NST today and then the usual BPP/NST/appointment on Wednesday and Friday my doctor wanted me to 1) stop the Heparin tomorrow [huzzah!] and 2) stop the terbutaline and monitoring on Thursday and they would see me Thursday for an NST. I think the assumption is that we will then have the babies this weekend. MIght not happen that way but we'll see. I'll ask what the logic is before I pull the terbutaline plug but I suspect 13a's continued shrimpiness and my new propensity towards rapid unexplained weight gain and  temporary blindness are contributing factors.

More later.

Comments

[MelissaC]

What exciting news! I just had to check on you one more time before I trotted off to bed (East coast time - already past my regular bedtime!) I wish the merriest of Christmases to you, Steve, Patrick and the 13s. Here's hoping for good news from you this weekend. Cheers!!

[Laura in L.A.]

Praying for you and the 13s, Julia! Can't wait until they're here, safe and sound!

[Beth]

As someone who doesn't celebrate today, I was delighted to read an update, having thought that movies and Chinese food would be the sum total of my excitement for the day. So pleased to hear that you're all still hanging in there and keeping all fingers crossed for things to progress just as you'd like. Terribly excited for the news when it does come!! You amaze me with your attitude and I wish you nothing but the best, best, best. Merry, merry, ok?

[Marsha]

So...if it's not a Lutheran church, do tell what Episcopal church you attend. What? There are other options for attending to issues relating to one's soul's repose you say? Hm. My MIL would be most curious to hear this news.

This is my last stop on the interweb before heading upstairs to allow sugarplums to dance in my head. Do take care, don't turn your head until Steve is done and give Patrick a squeeze from...well, I don't think I'm going to far out on a limb to say give Patrick a squeeze from just about everyone in the country.

[Heather G]

Just had to check. We're finished Christmas lunch and just about to have the second round, with my in-laws this time.
Hope you have a lovely Christmas and good luck for the weekend.
It's funny being a day ahead of you.

[Kim]

Since you do celebrate (me too, but even if I didn't I'd wish it for you), Merry Christmas - your last Christmas as a Mom of One Outside (or a MOO, if you will... :D). I hope the babies stay put according to the plan so you can enjoy Patrick tomorrow. :)

Merry Christmas and happy last few days pre-babies!

[Lisa]

The babies are coming! The babies are coming! (on Friday) While I certainly could be wrong I will tell you that my sister delivered my nephew within twenty-four hours of pulling out her terb line and turning off her pump.

I'll be checking for updates later in the week.

Merry Christmas!

[JuliaKB]

what great news!
Enjoy the presents, and the bridezilla marathon, and the last days of terbutaline. May the cold pass you by or at the very least turn out to be a very mild one indeed.

Merry Christmas to you!

[Pam L]

Oh yes, babies on the weekend! Docs love this. Mine had me set to come in to be induced on a Thurs.evening but it turns out I was already in early labor that night. The next day things weren't moving along fast enough for him so he did start the pitocin on Friday and proclaimed we would have this baby out by 5PM for he had plans to be at his home in Tahoe for the weekend. Lucky for me the boy was more than good and ready at 9 lbs 9 ozs. Merry Christmas to you and your 4!

[Leggy/Clover]

In between the seven fishes (its an Italian Christmas Eve thing my inlaws do) whether anything exciting had happened, so I thought I'd check before I head to bed. Merry Christmas to you and yours and I'm so glad all is well. Looking forward to hearing the news, or at least another update.

[Pam L]

Oh yes, babies on the weekend! Docs love this. Mine had me set to come in to be induced on a Thurs.evening but it turns out I was already in early labor that night. The next day things weren't moving along fast enough for him so he did start the pitocin on Friday and proclaimed we would have this baby out by 5PM for he had plans to be at his home in Tahoe for the weekend. Lucky for me the boy was more than good and ready at 9 lbs 9 ozs. Merry Christmas to you and your 4!

[Sam]

Merry Christmas.

[Beth]

Have a Merry and a restful day tomorrow. Babies this week! yay :-)

[Deb]

Um- is there any other church in Minnesota besides Lutheran? :-)

Have a wonderful holiday, Julia. My best to you, Steve, Patrick, and of course the 13's! (Who I order to STAY PUT til at least Wednesday!)

Best-
Deb

[Jaz]

If you're going to have the babies sometime in the next week or so, you might as well go for before midnight on Saturday, and get those tax deductions, y'know?

Have a wonderful Christmas, and one of my Christmas wishes is for you - for a wonderful birth of two healthy babies and a healthy Momma (umm... but not on Christmas day itself, necessarily).

[Cathy]

I made one last check before heading off to bed and am glad I did. Have a very Merry Christmas and enjoy Patrick's last hoorah as an only! I fully expect the 13's to come roaring out early on Friday morning. Don't worry about 13a, it's been my experience that they usually weigh a good bit more than the u/s estimate. I too thought Lutherans were all there was in Minnasota. Well, and Catholics, but all I know about Minnasota I learned from Garrison Keiller listening to the Prairie Home Companion!

HO HO HO Merry Christmas and the Grandest of New Years!

[Linda]

Julia, may all the best of the holiday season be yours. Wishing you all the happiness and that you and your family deserve - and a short and uncomplicated labor. Have you got your Christmas names ready in case they're born tomorrow? (eg., Merry and Noel? Jesus and Maria? Dasher and Dancer?) Merry Christmas to all and to all a good night!

[Nony Mouse]

Merry Christmas, Julia and family! Thank-you for keeping us updated in the days before Christmas, especially when you have so much to deal with. I'm anxiously awaiting to hear of the safe arrival of 13a and 13b, and will be so happy for you when it happens that I just might burst.

[Melissa]

Merry Christmas, Julia!

Wishing you, Steve and Patrick a fabulous day tomorrow...and hoping for an easy, breezy labor & delivery of the 13s.

Very happy and excited for all of you -- and can't wait for the big event!

[grace413]

It's been so exciting following your progress. Wonderful that you have made it so far. Hoping the next few days will bring you much happiness, a great holiday shortly following by the joy of two new healthy babies.

And as one who does not celebrate Christmas, I very much appreciate your cultural sensitivity. Thanks.

[Amber]

seems like this pregnancy (yours, actually) is lasting forever for me. perhaps because my own pregnancies last only 8 to 10 weeks. ahh, thats a very poor attempt at humor. my apologies. please have those babies soon. i can barely wait. i am extremely excited for you and still thrilled you stayed strong and did not find out the sexes!! SO EXCITING!

[Sophie K]

Keep them cooking for a little longer or have them this weekend, just keep your eyes on the prize. Little do you know how much you have inspired me during my ongoing SIF struggle.
I wish you the very best, enjoy the festive season.
I am quietly cheering you and the 13's on from the sideline.

[Melissa]

Another reader applauding your holiday-greetings sensitivity. (Yes, presumed Christianity does get wearisome.)

Wishing you everything wonderful as you head towards delivery.

Happy holidays and new year!

[Mandy]

I'm awake, eagerly anticipating my daughter's discovery that Santa has been here, and very glad to see an update from you. I'm sorry the vision issues are increasing and glad we'll be seeing babies and a healthier you soon. You've done an amazing job keeping those little ones baking. Enjoy your Christmas, take it easy, and thanks for the update!!

[terri c]

Hope the cold is minor, the presents wonderful, and the like!

[KarenT]

Wishing you two healthy little babes for New Year's, and a happy Patrick, too.

[Mara]

Thank you for being one of the few to recognize that not EVERYBODY celebrates Christmas! It's deeply appreciated by those of us who don't. I've been checking here every day for your updates-- hope everything goes just perfectly with you & the twins.

[jen]

My hubby wouldnt let me take my puter to my mum's (something about spending too much time reading blogs?!!) so I am having a sneaky 5 minutes just checking to see if those 13's have arrived yet! Hope you have a very happy Christmas, and look forward to hearing news semi-imminently! I guess the next target is 31st Dec, if only to guarantee those kids a darn good party every year.... ;)

[anne nahm]

Merry Christmas! Thinking good thoughts for you that everything is going well.

[Mella]

Sheesh! I'm almost afraid to bring up your url every day--okay, make that every month...no, it's been at least a year and then some--for I twitch in anticipation of the news. These days, I expect the best news to greet me: safe arrival of the 13s. Been such a journey, Julia, but ain't it grand to be gloriously about to hatch?!!

BTW, I remember fondly the day I stopped my daily belly injections at 36 weeks--enjoy having one last needle to poke ya.

Festivities almost finished on this side of Atlantic but wishing you & your family a fab Xmas, your last as an awesome threesome!

[victoria]

You have to go with Merry and Noel. Or Merry and Noelle. Or Noel and Jesus. Happy Christmas! I love you all a lot and I hope you have a wonderful holiday no matter what happens.

[R]

Merry Christmas to Julia, Patrick, Steve and the 13s. I'm checking back daily for news of a safe delivery!

[Kristen D.]

Julia, Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays, and hope that the five of you are all doing well.

Awaiting with baited breath the birth of the long-awaited 13s, and for Patrick becoming a big brother.

My DH and I, as collectors, laughed heartily at the story of Patrick at the coin collectors' show. All we could do is cheer "Way to go, Patrick!"

[Meegan]

Wow! I'm amazed, yet again, that those 13s are still cooking. I'm pulling for Friday, December 28th and it has nothing to do with the fact that it's my birthday. Well, ok. You got me. It has a little bit to do with that. But if you can hold out until New Year's Eve, I always thought that seemed like a REALLY good birthday. I mean, everyone is ready to put on their party shoes and GET FUNKY. Nothin' wrong with funky, right?

Good Luck to you. Hope you all had a very Happy Christmas.

p.s. How about those Chicago Bears? ;) I couldn't help myself.

[spacemom]

I hope today was wonderful for your family...

(You had me worried there that Baby 13 a or b was named Eve)

Hang in there if you can... Are you serious about the blindness? that's not cool check on the protein levels

[kate]

I bet your cold symptoms will be alleviated when you deliver! Your blood volume will go down, and voila! Unstuffed nose. Course, you won't even notice, what with two babies and all...

[Candy]

Temporary blindness? Well that's a symptom I hadn't noticed you were having...how'd I miss that?

Maybe you can time this so the babies are the first born in 2008, and we get to see you on the Today show being interviewed by Ann Curry! You love goals, so there you have it!

[tiffany]

Merry Babies to you!

[tiffany]

Same here Candy -- sneaky blindness mentioning, right??

[Monica C.]

I am so excited for you! Just one more day (according to my prediction) until you see your beautiful boy/girl twins (yet another brilliant prediction of mine)!

[Tine]

Merry and Happy to you, too, Julia. I'm convinced your babies will be born ever-so-soon, so it'll be a Merry-Happy sandwich with Double Joy in the middle!

You have my sympathy on the return of the cold. We're in the Twin Cities, too. I think this year's flavor of viral misery is that it comes in installments. Since September, we've had three installments at our house -- the third just kicking in now. Blech.

I trust the aforementioned sandwich of delight will eclipse the yuckiness in your house. Can't wait to hear the happy news!

[electric boogaloo]

Where are my comments? I am not a robot!

[electric boogaloo]

Ooooh wait, I see them now. Sympathy temporary blindness, very common you know.

[Melissa]

Can't tell you how many times a day I've been refreshing. Getting slightly obsessive.

Hope all is well, the cold isn't too bad and you and yours are all safe these holidays.

[Katie]

I was gone over the holiday without access to your page, and was thinking of you daily. Wondering if I would come back to a baby announcement. Glad to see you still pregnant! I had my oldest daughter at exactly 37 weeks, she was 7lbs 6oz. Heres to hoping that yours come out at a combined of 12 or so!! I can't belive you have made it this far! Amazing just amazing. Can't wait to see the post, "Real deal, in labor, off to birth my 13's" Followed by a "Wow what a fast labor, and the 13's are big and healthy! I say boy girl, on Thursday, 1st one being born at 7:05. Best of luck!

[Lee]

On a practical note, I'm hoping for babies before the new year. You'll get the tax break just under the wire! Hugs...Lee

[Sarah]

Thinking of you. Best wishes.

[jb]

are you having a grommet coming out party? Seems appropriate! Good luck, congrats for making it this far. I am so impressed with your resiliance...even if I can't spell it.

[Laura in L.A.]

Julia, I'm actually commenting on your Redbook blog because I don't have time to sign in there. You did EXACTLY the right thing by subjecting yourself to bedrest and all the other stuff you had to do to keep those babies inside full-term! Don't doubt yourself for a minute! I am an auntie to 25-weeker twin girls, 3 years old now, and I would have moved heaven and earth to give them the opportunity that you gave your babies. Your babies will be healthy and normal, praise God! We have many challenges, and we are only off oxygen and feeding tubes in the last year. Wishing you a healthy and peaceful birth.

[Katie]

I read your post at RB and I think we need to see this belly that has finally "popped out"! 3 more days and you will be 37 weeks, thats not even early for a singleton!! Way to go momma!! A friend of mine was on the pump for a very long time, from 22 weeks I think. Anyway after they took her off of it they ended up having to enduce her labor, when she was still pregnant 2 weeks later! HEHEHEHEHE, good luck!