25 weeks down

Amazing how much less time it takes to travel to and from Clifton than to travel to and from Philadelphia. Today was probably an exception, but we had an 11:45 appointment and were back home by 1 PM. Normally at Dr. Garber's office it takes a bit longer to do all the details and to see the doctor. But because we only had an ultrasound today it was lickity split. Lickity is underlined in red...did I spell that wrong? Anyway, I digress. Today marks the 25th week. Jeanine and I are in disagreement as to whether that means 25 weeks finished (I think) or just beginning the 25th week (she thinks). Any input from you who have been pregnant before? There was some confusion at the doctor's office regarding paperwork from CHOP today. The ultrasound tech hadn't seen any of our stuff leading us to believe that CHOP had not sent it. She also said we shouldn't come to the doctor's office for the ultrasound but should rather go to Holy Name Hospital in Teaneck, where Dr. Garber spends more time. So after she told us she might not be able to really give us accurate insight and interpretation of the ultrasound, she did relent and do the ultrasound after all (I'll give the vitals in a bit). After completing the ultrasound, and some more confusion about whether or not we would see Dr. Garber, we checked out and set up an appointment for next Wednesday morning (11:15) at the same office, with the expectation that we will also see Dr. Garber, whom we did not see today. And no need to go to Holy Name Hospital - they can do what we need done in the office, just like they did today. The receptionist seemed to have a much better understanding of the situation than anyone else there today and assured us that this was indeed the proper route to follow. Phew. At least SOMEONE knows what's going on.

Depending on your interpretation of 25 weeks, Baby A* (DMan, big baby) checked in at 830 grams, or 1 pound 13 ounces, a growth of almost 300 grams in two weeks. The tech said this is normal weight at this stage of development for a twin baby. Baby B* (Spud, little baby) came in at 457 grams, or just over 1 pound, a growth of 166 grams in two weeks. The kids are still at a 45% discordance - about 3 weeks difference - which has been consistent since week 16 when we were first made aware of their size differential. The doppler/umbilical blood flow also remains consistent and the amniotic fluid levels look to be sufficient once again. So amidst all the paperwork confusion, the message from this visit is the same and for that we're thankful - another week closer.

*And now a word about the nicknames of these two babies, as well as an inviation to let the guessing games begin. Some have voiced displeasure at our choice (well, my choice really) of nicknames for our babies, stating that they could be girls and what are we doing to them if in fact they are girls and we've given them boy nicknames? And some of you have also tried to read into how we refer to them in person and guess their gender based on the color of shirt I've worn. Alas, we are giving nothing away except that after all the testing and medical reporting we do now know their gender and they are the same - after all, they are identical. Except for their size. For now. So what do you think? I'm thinking we can have some kind of contest with three categories: 1. Date of birth, 2. Total birth weight, and 3. Gender. Sounds like fun, right? It has been suggested that we do a 50/50 with the proceeds going toward the RCRC building project. Depending on your view of such things, that could be interpreted as gambling which we good CRC members do not condone. I'll let some interested party take care of setting something up since I'm disqualified at least from the third category.

What can we pray for this week, you ask? Some of it is the same, some of it is new. 1) Praise God for growth! 2) Continue to pray for Jeanine and her spirits. Also, the weather has warmed up the last couple of days and I've heard it's not so pleasant to be pregnant during hot weather. 3) Continue to pray for more growth for the babies and also that Spud will pick up the pace! 4) Pray for at least 7 more weeks of growth inside before they decide it's time to grow on the outside.

Thanks for reading and praying once again. Next post will be next Wednesday afternoon...