Blessings and Sentiments

36. This is the number of weeks in which twin pregnancies are considered full-term. This has been our goal and fervent prayer from the day we learned we were expecting 2 babies. This is the number of weeks we are today. Hallelujuah!

I am humbled and amazed that this day has arrived. We have been on this 3 year journey plus 9 months and (besides delivery day) this is the day I have focused on the most. I have answered many, many, many questions this past 9 months and many of my responses have been, "as long as we can make it to 36 weeks......... or "our goal is 36 weeks"......... I have also been told many times how "proud" of me everyone is, that I am doing so well. This is a very sweet comment but it is nothing I have done. I was blessed with not having a job during this time (due to my company going out of business), a husband who expects me to rest and not work around the house, and the many many prayers that have been offered by countless friends and family. I am proud of all of you!

I am not a sentimental gal as many of you know, at least not that anyone can see. However today is a very emotional day for me as I look back at all the answered prayers and blessings of the past 36 weeks and beyond. I could never list them all or even remember them all but I would like to share some of them with you today. Here are some blessings, things learned, and answered prayers that have come to us recently:

- a full-term pregnancy with healthy-size twins (if measurements are accurate they should both be at least 6 lbs at birth)

- the return of family members from their various trips in April (we wanted everyone to be able to be in town for the births if at all possible)

- clearance of my parents to travel after both of them had to schedule major surgeries for the month of April

- the unbelievable generosity of friends and family in regards to gifts, hand-me-downs, etc

- the selflessness of friends and family who have done our laundry, helped cleaned the house, organized baby gifts, helped complete items on our to-do list and already prepared meals in advance for us.

- the opportunity to be pregnant at the same time as my college roommate (due 2 days ahead of me)

- being the recipient of a Box of Blessings. This is a project done by 2 of my best friends for me and my college roommate. With a box of blessings, we receive 1-2 cards in the mail each week, containing a picture or a sentimental item, with a note, scripture and blessing on the back. I cannot describe to you how wonderful and comforting that has been. If anyone is looking for something special to do for a special friend, this is a great idea!

- continuously learning that God's timing is perfect and that we don't always know what is best

- the opportunity to have been able to basically stay at home most of this pregnancy, to be able to rest, relax, eat, sleep, etc as needed (my job/company dissolved about 5 weeks before we found out we were pregnant with twins....coincidence?)

- not having any major medical complications or bedrest during the last 36 weeks

- meeting new people and becoming better friends with others, especially the older women from our church. It is amazing how much of a conversation starter a big belly is:)

- the opportunity to meet and talk with others who are struggling with or have struggled with infertility. I have prayed that we can be a help to others, to be people that others feel comfortable confiding in and experienced resources for them.

- seeing the pure joy and excitement in others as they share our experiences and milestones with us (something I really struggled with inside myself, until that stick finally gave us 2 positive pink lines)

- having 2 very active babies. I can honestly say that I have enjoyed every kick, roll, punch, etc that I have received on a very regular basis. And as silly as it may sound, I am really going to miss these feelings!

Again the list could go on and on...thank you for all of your prayers, encouragement, gifts, etc, etc. We would not be where we are without you. Now my prayers are focused on the actual experience of getting these babies out, which I must admit seems like a daunting task:) Prayers for courage, no complications, and very healthy babies are much appreciated:)

As I conclude the walk down memory lane, at least on this blog post, I will leave you with an early ultrasound picture to a more current profile picture.

Confirmation of 2 sacs, 2 heartbeats, 2 definite babies at 7 weeks

These 2 are hard to decipher, but they are profiles of just Baby Girl's head, and she was making sucking motions = 34 weeks 2 days

Can't wait for you all to meet our Baby Boy and Baby Girl!