NEWS FLASH!

this just in from the 16 week ultrasound...

The Mozart Effect

I began listening to Mozart during my drive to and from work since they say the babies can now hear in the womb. Sure, the "Mozart Effect" is debatable, but I'm really enjoying it myself! Creating a "genius" is a stretch, but maybe someone will have the musical intelligence of both their grandfathers and I'm simply supporting it very early. :)

Pregnancy Brain?

Yesterday I hit my husband's car in our own driveway. I've heard that pregnancy makes you so "off" that you do stupid things. I'll blame it on that, even though it's hard to say this isn't just "flaky Catherine". Kreg was as calm and cool as usual ... thank heavens.

16 Weeks Belly

Jug-O-Needles

Posting for shock value to a degree... I looked up how to dispose of medical waste and will be gleefully tossing all of these wonderful used needles we've been storing over time. Kind of gross. I do want to give a big hug filled with support to any woman who is going through this type of struggle. It's both physically and emotionally exhausting and, for me, the biggest personal challenge I've faced.

Mommy Sorority

Last night I attended a club meeting for women in the bi-county area who are mothers of multiples. There were about 100 in the room, mostly moms of twins with about 3 moms of triplets and 1 mom of quads (I think). I was quietly listening as the meeting was conducted and realized that it was JUST like a sorority...which I found humor in. Rather than planning the next semi-formal with the brother fraternity, the group was discussing things like the multiples Halloween parade at the retirement home or "Convention" which is taking place in Pittsburgh this year. It was all so fascinating.

The New Members Chair (yes, bizarrely just like "rush") stood up and talked about the group of about 20 women who were sitting around the table either pregnant or as new moms. She ran through a couple prospect and new member counts; then announced that there was a mom expecting triplets in the group. I was asked to raise my hand and the crowd of proud moms made a little noise to show their support.

I'll go back next month. It's a nice way to feel connected to the community (I'm not good at that) and I was already able to chat with 2 moms of triplets and pick their brains.

Goodbye First Trimester

I'm a few weeks into my second trimester and can say goodbye to the kooky symptoms from the first. Thankfully I did not have it as bad as most triplet pregnancies ... but below is what I can wave goodbye to.

- Gagging at the smell of my perfume
- Cringing at the thought of taking prenatals that make me want to barf
- Sleeping almost 24 hours around the clock during the weekends - For Real
- Crazy food cravings = matzo ball soup, celery and lots of it, pickles, ice cream (but not with the pickles), lots of lettuce, pasta with meatballs, milkshakes and french fries, baked potatoes

Now I just have to manage through these day-long headaches, but generally I feel great! Goodbye First Trimester!!

Just Ducky

My friend Sarah gave me these outfits for when the babies come. Totally adorable. Thanks Sarah!

14 Weeks Belly

Some of you have been asking for this...

A Gift from Israel

My friend Keren visited Israel during the time that Kreg and I were doing the IVF. She brought this back and said that the design is for "fertility" and gave it to me after we got the good news. As I dug it out of the protective travel wrapping, we both gasped when we realized the connection of its design to my new reality.

"Popped"

I didn't realize I was waiting for the moment until it happened. Yesterday a woman at a shop asked me "when are you due?" I stopped short and smiled at the thought that I am looking pregnant....not like a woman who's had too many pieces of pizza or hoagies...but pregnant. When I told her that March 11th is the due date I realized I had to explain myself further after watching her expression. It was clear that I look further along than a woman expecting in March. The woman got so excited for us and then proceeded to tell me that she had twins as a surprise in the delivery room. They were 3 and 4 pounds each, but gained weight quickly and were perfectly healthy. This nice stranger told me to hang in there and that we'll get through it. :)

ps - her shop is totally cute. http://www.frenchaccents.com/