32 weeks!!

  New milestone! As of today, I'll be able to deliver at the hospital that is only 20 minutes away from my house. There was a point in time that I had considered still driving to the hospital that is 40 minutes away just because they have a level 3 nicu but the thought of driving 40 minutes while in preterm labor is scary. I had my other two kids at this closer hospital so I know that it's a good one. 
  Things seems to still be going pretty well. I did have some light brown spotting yesterday but the doctor said I can wait until my appointment Thursday to come get checked out.. unless I end up with bright red spotting. The Braxton hicks contractions are amping up but they aren't painful like labor contractions. My body hurts though. My back pain is the worst.
  I have a feeling that the babies won't be born until December. My doctor will induce me December 3rd if I make it to that date. Everything I've read says that 70% of twins are born before 37 weeks, most being between 35-36 weeks. My goal has always been to reach 36 weeks but with how well everything is going it feels like I can fly past that goal.
I've never had any cervical checks so I don't know if I'm dilating yet. 
Maybe they'll check this week. Or maybe they'll never check. 
  It's still hard not knowing what to expect but I'm staying strong! If the babies are gaining half a pound a week then they're about 4.5lbs a piece about now. A combined weight of 9lbs is the most I've carried. My son comes in second at 8lbs 7oz and I was already over 39 weeks at that point. I have another ultrasound at 34 weeks so we'll see what that one says. By that point I could be carrying 11lbs of baby! I know ultrasound measurements can be off in either direction. I do hope that they're close to these weights just in case they are born soon. 
  Well, my next milestone to reach is between 34-35 weeks so my regular OB can deliver the babies. This would be most ideal for me. The hospital she delivers at doesn't have a nicu at all so that makes me a little nervous. I intend to ask questions at my appointment Thursday. 
  So far, the nursery is almost done. We are still waiting for our second crib mattress to arrive. It had a big rip in the middle when we received it the first time. If anyone's wondering, it's a sertapedic from target. Customer service was nice about it but I'm a little annoyed that they aren't rushing the order considering they sent us a ripped mattress! So, waiting on that to get here. I planned to pack my hospital bag 6 weeks ago but still haven't done that. I really should do that this week. Another recommendation at this point is to install the car seats. The only issue is that would mean my 6 and 3 year old would have their seats moved to the back and there isn't an easy way to help them buckle themselves in that way. It's something we'll have to deal with eventually and have been trying to get them to do it themselves now, but the 3 year old especially needs help. A van probably would have made things easier but I liked the three row SUV we found. It was a great deal. It'll be easier to lean over the middle row when I don't have a boulder attached to my midsection. 
  I'll update after my Thursday appointment if there's any news. Usually at my regular OB appointments they listen with the doppler and take my vitals and send me on my way. So, we will see if they do anything else this week!

29 weeks, 2 days.

  29 weeks and 2 days today! The ultrasound went well. Each baby is weighing about 3lbs which is great. The high risk doctor told me once I make it to 32 weeks it'll be safe for the babies to come. He says that it's still pretty early but at least I would be more comfortable. Although it's comforting to hear that, I still would much rather have them after 34 weeks. I feel more and more confident that I can make it there. The babies have been laying sideways for the past 5 weeks which makes me think that a C-section will be likely. It's not ideal but I'm trying not to just look at the bad things that can happen. 

  It's helping to prepare for them now that I'm on maternity leave. I found out that my shower is still happening so that's pretty exciting. I received some gifts in the mail already and it is making it feel more real that these babies will be in the world next month! I can't wait to see who they are. It surprises me that I've still had the patience to be "team green" but it does make it harder to prepare. Everything we have so far is pretty gender neutral but I keep seeing such pretty baby girl outfits and the store and cute little boy ones too. Especially the little Christmas outfits. I can't wait!

  There's not much else to update on. It's been nice being able to be home and relax more. The time still feels like it's passing quickly. I really feel like this month is going to fly by because I love October. I'm so big and uncomfortable but it's not taking away any of my patience. I just want the babies to stay in until they'll be nice and safe to function on their own. I'm prepared for that not being the case but remaining hopeful. ☺️☺️