27 Weeks!

I had another ultrasound today, and everything with the girls is going great! Both of our moms were able to come, which meant a lot to both of us. I thought that it would be a good way for both grandmas-to-be to get involved; how often do you get to see a twin ultrasound?

The doctor and ultrasound tech assured us that everything was perfectly normal. At the beginning of the appointment they checked me for a protein that would be a marker for pre-term labor; she said if the test came back positive for it, then I would have to start receiving steroid shots. I was a little nervous because I want the babies to be able to cook for a little longer! Thankfully, I didn't have the protein at this checkup, but they will continue to monitor it. The ultrasound tech then started the ultrasound, and we were able to see our girls!!! Both of the babies are still girls. Baby A has her bottom sitting right on my cervix, and Baby B spent a good portion of the ultrasound kicking Baby A in her private parts. Baby A weighs 1 pound 15 ounces, and Baby B weighs 1 pound 12 ounces. They explained that that was an 8% difference in weight, and anything below 20% was healthy. The doctor said that they prefer the first baby, Baby A, to be heavier because it's easier for Baby B to slide right out during delivery. The doctor also said that there is a 5% chance that they could still be identical. The doctor seemed very nice, and everyone seemed to enjoy him. He seemed to really know his stuff, and he was very knowledgable about twins. I go back in two weeks to get everything checked again for preterm labor. We're praying that everything remains normal! I will be 27 weeks tomorrow.

With the birth of our twins approaching and the school semester starting, James and I had to make some difficult decisions regarding my schooling. After seeking the advice of my teachers, my professors thought that it would be best if I continued schooling. However, they thought it would be best if I didn't do any nursing clinical courses. This means that I could finish in the summer or in the fall. James and I were both very upset at first about me not graduating on time. When we stopped and thought about it for a little while, we saw many positives to it. Here is the pro list:

1. If I get put on bed rest, it will be no big deal.
2. I can relax the final trimester, which means the girls will hopefully stay in longer.
3. I can relax about having a C-section because I won't be expected back at clinical/class the next week.
4. When I return to school in the fall, the girls will hopefully be on a schedule. I will be more sane than if I attempted to return in the summer.

All in all I have more peace of mind because I don't feel pressured to return back to class. I am so much more relaxed knowing that the girls will come whenever, and they will have my undivided attention (which they would have demanded anyways). So this semester I am taking four online courses, which still qualifies me as a full-time student. We're praying that everything continues to progress smoothly as we prepare for the arrival of our girls.