Solstice

Hi! How are you? I am fine. We had some snow here this morning. It is very pretty. Yep. Definitely going to be a white Christmas in these parts. Steve is holding out hopes that Carolina will be able to beat Dallas tonight (speaking of two cities that will NOT be getting snow for the 25th as far as I know) because a Dallas loss will help the Packers during the Playoffs, but I am just not sanguine.

What?

Why are you... ?

Oh, right. The babies.

The 13s continue to lodge (comfortably, it is to be hoped) where they have been for weeks and weeks: little 13a nestled sweetly between my kneecaps and 13b ("b" for "big head") mixed up with my left lung and other points south. I had an appointment late yesterday and wound up, as per usual, in L&D for a few hours. This time (in an attempt to keep things fresh no doubt) I was vetted for possible preeclampsia, the atypical presentation kind. When I walked from the bathroom into the ultrasound room during my OB appointment, chattering like a squirrel as I do, I suddenly lost my ability to focus and there were five swimming ultrasound tech faces where only one should have been. Not wanting to lose a patient on her watch (who would) she called for backup and after a blood pressure check and a few minutes repose I was fine again. No worries. Later, however, the nurse noticed that I had gained five pounds. Since Tuesday. This seemed excessive by any standards and by the time I saw the doctor I was flushed and felt weird. So they sent me up for blood work and a couple of hours of baby monitoring. Blood work was fine and I started to feel better so I got to home. And here I am.

My most recent goal was 36 weeks but it turns out I am greedy and having achieved this milestone I have now set my sights on 37. What's another seven days? Surely I can stay pregnant for another seven measly days, right? I know I am supposed to be all anxious to get this over with and move on to the next stage, but I am just not. Not only do I think another week will give the babies a nice boost but once they show up I am pretty sure I will no longer be able to lie around on the couch watching Bridezilla every time Steve and Patrick leave the house (that's a secret by the way - I might have started this bed rest reading philosophy and feeling lofty but the situation has deteriorated since then). Speaking of Steve and Patrick, I wanted to murder them last night. They kept me company during my monitoring last night and all I wanted was for Steve to keep the child happy, quiet and contained. All Patrick wanted was to ride the wheeled stool as fast as possible from one side of the room to the other. Who knows what Steve wanted - he turned on the television (ostensibly to find something with which to sedate Patrick) and was instantly sucked into some random college basketball game; and it left him incapable of both speech and reason. I am seriously wondering whether I want either of them to come within a mile of me and a hospital ever again. I think there might be something in the ages old notion that childbirth is a womanly sphere. My nurse walked in, sized up the situation in about a millisecond (slack-jawed father, basketball, whooping child, squeaking stool, white knuckled mother) and promptly sent the Big and the Little down to the cafeteria to get pizza. She then said, "I think I will wait a few minutes before I take your blood pressure."

Ah... women.             

PS If not for the dismaying proximity to Christmas (I think four days after is infinitely preferable to three days before for some reason) and the whole 36 weeks thing, I would be tempted to favor a winter solstice birthday.  Not that anyone is asking me, but I confess that this terbutaline pump conveys the dizzying impression of both power and control. All I'd have to do, see, is pop this grommet out of my leg and... well, let's just say I STRONGLY suspect that labor would follow within a day or so. I might be delusional but it is pleasant to think it.

Comments

[Sheridan]

Yay!!! Go the 13s! And here's to 37 weeks - hooray! Great work, Julia!

[Nicole]

Holy shit... you are a champ.

[Sheridan]

Wow - first comment! Hard to believe with all the constant refreshing from all over the world. You are the first thing I check when I walk in the front door. In Sydney, in the middle of summer, I am obsessed with two winter babies waiting to arrive in Minnesota. Small world, eh?

[Karen]

PLEASE don't leave us for 3 days without a post again...geez, as though a couple of exchanged e-mails puts me on the "call when baby is born list". I think there are just so many of us pulling for you. Those of us who have been in situations where it took a lot of work to get babies are really looking forward to the day you announce your good news.

[SarcastiCarrie]

Ha HA HA. You almost think you can control the babies! Ha HA.

Thanks. I needed this to alleviate my holiday stress.

[Andrea]

Thank you for obliging us.

[Amanda]

Every time I am sure you have delivered the 13's a new post appears. Keep up the good work…. here’s to 37 weeks!

[Sonya]

My winter solstice baby turns six today! It is kind of a stinky time to have a birthday, but in my mind it beats Christmas eve! I had a stomache flu all night, but the first thing I did when I was able to move this morning was check for an update!

[melissa]

I feel much better now...thanks for the update and continue to feel good! (Your Bridezilla secret is safe with us!)

[e]

Might still make my guessed day of 24/12 then... B/G I said, and 4 something and 4 something. You mark my words...

[Lisa V]

Who would have believed we would still be refreshing at 36 weeks? Congratulations.

Aren't you glad we don't all have your cell number?

[Nicky]

No comment on the babies, but just had to say, I'm siding with Steve -- it IS important that Carolina beat Dallas, for the sake of the Packers. We live in California, but I'm still working on convincing my husband that "Favre" isn't a good middle name. The infant-sized cheesehead, though, is ready to go.

[CaraH]

Wonderful! What great news!

[Alli]

37 weeks for twins is so rare, good for you & even better for them! I am 37&1/2 weeks with my second single now and after 5 visits to the hospital - two of which resulted in a week's stay, I am thrilled to still be pregnant. I still say two boys. Good luck!

[pk]

ooh what on earth have you done about the shopping? what will you all eat for christmas dinner? (well i predict hospital food but still..) where will you be? is your mother coming from the far place?

[Nancy]

Hang in there, sweetie! I would think that after Christmas they would "unplug" you and let nature take its course...but, hey...what do I know? How amazing that you are at this juncture!! I, too, think one of each, and I will predict that it is on Dec. 28th (plenty of time to recoup by New Year...not that you are probably going to go out dancing...but who wants to feel crappy the very first day of the new year?!)
Listen...if you feel comfortable sending me your snail mail address, I have made something for the munchkins! :) I just LOVE babies...think I've mentioned that before! Hey, if Steve is too busy watching a game, or whatever, I'll fly out and be your labor coach! HA!!!!! Brrr, though...it's cold enough here in New England...can't imagine the temps in Minnesota!!! Hugs to all, and Merry Christmas!!

Nancy

[Jaz]

As someone who has a "four days after Christmas" birthday, I need to ask: Think you can hold out for a few days after that? LOL

Happy Solstice.

[Meegan]

I'm with Karen. I don't think I can stand another 3 days with no post. Yes, I will be traveling over Christmas and YES (!!) I will be checking your blog. Geez. If I checked it while in France last July, I can check it while at my parent's house.

Second, Congratulations for making it this far. Frankly, I'm amazed. I thought you would have had the 13s weeks ago. But I would NEVER have admitted it to you.

Finally, are you sure it was YOUR husband with you in L&D and not mine? Because the basketball-watching, child-ignoring, slack-jawed-over-random-sporting-event man you described sure sounds familiar. Brings back memories of being in L&D moaning through my contractions while my beloved watched Law & Order. Thanks, honey.

Good Luck! Go for 37! You made it this far so why not?

[Sheila]

You are killing me over here. I literally have bated breath.

Still, joy to the world and all that, because you and babies are fine and dandy. It really IS the most wonderful time of the year, isn't it?

[Jan]

I can't possibly be the only one awaiting mid-January when you're writing GetTheseBabiesOutOfMeNOW posts, can I?

I *heart* your nurse.

[liz]

Good for you for making 36 weeks! As far as snow in Dallas, it's gone from 60 this morning to 37 right now with a really horrible high wind, so anything is possible.

[Aurelia]

I love the description of Steve and Patrick! Just like the males in my family--and how I expect labour will work if I actually let them in the room.

I love your nurse....and yes, please update more often. It doesn't have to be a long post...really.

[Stacey]

I totally understand your complacency -- I felt that way when I had my second child, knowing that my days of sleeping through the night (for quite some time) were quite limited. But, fear not for your viewing of Bridezilla -- if I recall correctly, breastfeeding will allow you to sit in one place and zone out numerous times a day. . . might as well be in front of the TV! I fondly recall watching the entire series of Six Feet Under the loooong, hot summer of 2005. My daughter still doesn't sleep through the night, either . . .

Enjoy the last of a truly heroic twin pregnancy - Happy Holidays!!

[Stacey]

I totally understand your complacency -- I felt that way when I had my second child, knowing that my days of sleeping through the night (for quite some time) were quite limited. But, fear not for your viewing of Bridezilla -- if I recall correctly, breastfeeding will allow you to sit in one place and zone out numerous times a day. . . might as well be in front of the TV! I fondly recall watching the entire series of Six Feet Under the loooong, hot summer of 2005. My daughter still doesn't sleep through the night, either . . .

Enjoy the last of a truly heroic twin pregnancy - Happy Holidays!!

[Stacey]

I totally understand your complacency -- I felt that way when I had my second child, knowing that my days of sleeping through the night (for quite some time) were quite limited. But, fear not for your viewing of Bridezilla -- if I recall correctly, breastfeeding will allow you to sit in one place and zone out numerous times a day. . . might as well be in front of the TV! I fondly recall watching the entire series of Six Feet Under the loooong, hot summer of 2005. My daughter still doesn't sleep through the night, either . . .

Enjoy the last of a truly heroic twin pregnancy - Happy Holidays!!

[Catherine]

May I ask how long they are going to try to stop labor? When I was pregnant, I vaguely recall being told that 36 weeks is considered full term, not just for twins, but any baby, and that they wouldn't stop labor if it started. When do you get unplugged from the pump?

[Ruth]

I just had a flashback September, and my husband and children's first visit to see me and meet their new sister. B delayed the visit until 7P. My youngest son (5) entered the room crying ... his father had not only failed to give them dinner, but had pushed the elevator button instead of allowing the boy to do it. I passed the baby to my husband and comforted the boy, then took him and his sister on a walk to the unit kitchen, where they keep crackers and juice for visitors. When we got back my husband and oldest son were watching Seinfeld. The youngest boy clambored into my bed and started playing with the gadget that makes it go up and down. To cover the noise, my oldest pushed up the volume on the t.v. My daughter started telling me some story about what happened at school that day. After about five minutes of this the baby started crying. I looked at my husband and said, "you all will be leaving when this show is over."

The baby was so overstimulated she cried for four hours after they left.

[amy]

Holy crap, I cannot believe you are still pregnant. I'm glad for the babies, because I'm sure it's in their best interest, but still - damn. Thanks for the update - I can go back to only refreshing every other hour now.

[carmen]

Julia, I have TWO winter solstice babies, born nine years apart. Whatever day you have them is a GREAT day.

[Toni]

Part of me wants to say "Drats, I had my $ on the 19th" - but the other part of me is saying "Go for the 31st...give Steve a heart attack b/c I'm sure he's counting the tax breaks :) ". Whatever is keeping you pregnant - keep it up :)

Have a wonderful holiday - but remember that we are ALL checking to see when these babies are coming. So post - every hour is acceptable.

[Leggy/Clover]

Yeah for making it so far!! I hope you make it to 37 weeks, because then they are no longer labelled preemies and that makes things easier both in the short term (hopefully they are healthy and go home with you) and then in the long term (you don't have to keep track of adjusted age, less risk of RSV, etc.)

[amy]

I personally hope for you to at LEAST make it past Xmas; to enjoy this Xmas with Steve and Patrick sans screaming newborns, and therefore look forward to enjoying NEXT Xmas with some ADORABLE almost-one-year olds!!! TOO CUTE!!

[SarahD]

So fantastic you all have made it this far! Hooray! Go babies and Julia!

[kathleen999]

They made me wait until 38 weeks with our twins because the doctor said that was term and it meant fewer chances of any complications. I had to hold on for about a week and half after the itching started...no sleep most of that time. I was grateful to be induced by the time I reached 38 weeks.

Hang in there...you're almost there and sounds like you are doing wonderfully! Soon we will find out if I am right. I say two boys.

[Lucky]

I know what Steve needs to get you for Christmas! A universal remote so when you are next in L&D (for another dress (undressed?) rehersal or for the grand finale) you can watch Bridezilla! My refresh button was wearing out - so thanks for the update!

[Hetty_Fauxvert]

*snort!* Love that nurse! I agree, baby-cotching should be a womanly pursuit.

I agree that 37 wks would be fab. We made it to 35w5d here, and the boyos were 6 lbs and 4.5 lbs and got to go home with us when the weekend was over. (Not that we were remotely ready to take care of twins at that point, baby newbies that we were!) So yes, to quote or misquote your beloved football, go long, go long, girl! :)

[Liz]

Happy Solstice and woot! on passing 36 weeks!

[swissmiss]

Congratulations on making it so far. And just think, if they're born at the end of December you still get the tax deductions FOR THE WHOLE TAX YEAR!

[Dara]

Wow....I am so happy for you and the 13's. I know I predicted 12/23.....but, hey a few more days would be thrilling. I am 40 weeks and waiting for some action, so maybe I am projecting......yikes, I am tired of being pregnant!

I don't understand the dismay that everyone exclaims around a Christmas baby. If I get asked one more time, "Will you celebrate his B/day in June?", I swear I will spew some Grinch-like wrath.....gah!

I still say 2 girls.....

[Katja]

Great work! As one of my best friends is pregnant right now, we talked to my Mom recently. She gave birth to twins almost 20 years ago (my sisters) and she actually carried them full term to 40 weeks! However, she said, that if she'd have to do it again, she'd insist on having the doctors induce labor earlier :-)

[Chickenpig]

Heck with 37, go for 38 I say :) All the moms of twins are doing it....you know you want to!

I'm quite sure what you have is an illusion of control. In spite of the fact that you are contracting all the time, (I was too, although couldn't feel it due to my surgically enhanced uterus) the babies have to hit the hormone switch for them to arrive, and they haven't. At 38 weeks I walked to my appointment, with baby A between my knees and still nothing. I think that if you went off the pump and walked around you might go into full labor...but maybe not. My guess is that like me, they will take the babies or push your labor due to other factors (blood pressure, etc). Congrats on going this far!!!! You are a trooper!

[Sonya]

RE: "the dismay everyone exclaims over a Christmas baby" - I have three girls who all have birthdays in close proximity to Christmas (the first two were our own fault, but the third is adopted and her birth month was completely out of our control). When they are little it is no big deal, but it is tough planning a birthday party for our winter solstice baby between all the school Christmas parties, programs, concerts, etc. And trying to find a day to bring B-day treats to school was essentially impossible. I was grateful to the parents of most of her friends, who did manage to wrap her presents in b-day paper instead of XMAS paper (we did have a few XMAS-wrapped gifts). We celebrate three children's birthdays and Christmas all within a span of 16 days. It's insanity, I tell ya!

[winecat]

You officially based my date on Thursday so now hang out all long as you can. Those 13's a very sturdy babies!

I join the crowd on not waiting 3 days for a post. the agony.....

[sadie]

And here I thought I would be sneaking away from A Very In-Law Christmas to be finding out whether we're talking xx xx, xy xy, or xy xx.

Keep enjoying the gestating! And the Bridezilla. What with the snow and all, it's all sounding rather cozy...

[Elena]

Hi, Julia! I haven't commented in quite some time but I am looking forward very much to hearing the babies' birth story and seeing first pictures. Just wanted you to know I made your oatmeal buttermilk pancakes this AM after having it on my To Do List for months, finally remembered to get buttermilk at the grocery store? They were completely delicious and I plan to try the baked fish/potato/oregano dish while my parents are here this week. Have a wonderful holiday!!!

[Erica]

Can a person wear out the "Refresh" function on their browser? If so, I think you owe me a totally new or refurbished "Refresh" button -- our household is on pins and needles waiting for your babies too!! We also demand photos once the big event transpires, which, one hopes is at least in week 37. Thanks for the update!!

[victoria]

OK, I have been your ardent fan and devoted reader for years now, and I have supported every single choice you've made, but 37 weeks? THIRTY SEVEN? Now you're just being unreasonable. I can't wait until 37 weeks woman are you mad? Jesus. You're having Christmas babies and that's the end of it.

[daysgoby]

Happy Holidays to you and (all) yours, Julia!

[Naomi]

I think they're coming tonight. Just because there's six inches of slippery snow on the ground and lots of blowing snow so it will be a complete pain to drive to the hospital, AND if they hold off until it's after midnight they'll be showing up on Christmas Eve. It will be a pain in the tush AND it's Christmas, therefore I predict babies before morning.

[terri c]

You've all done so very well. I love the story of Steve and Patrick succumbing to the effects of Maleness in your room. Yikes. It would be best, perhaps, to actually HAVE the 13s in the room with no remote... even better if the TV itself just did not work. Every good thing to you all.