Seeing Double

We All Have Our "FML" Moments

2013-01-30T22:49:00.001-06:00

In the past 5 years I have learned that not everyone will understand me and my life's trials... Not everyone will understand the loss of a child and not everyone will understand what it's like to have a husband with combat injuries and combat stress... Though, I embrace both on a daily basis, I walk the path that's been given to me... I've been humbled more than I ever was before. We all walk our own path with our own burdens of life... We all have our own obstacles to overcome which is something that we should all understand. Maybe someone has it worse than us, maybe they don't, but that really doesn't give us the right to judge their situation and hardships.

For a couple weeks I have been disappointed in a few people for their poor sportsmanship. It's a shame that people sometimes turn their situations into a, what should I call it? "pissing contest" If you will... We all grieve or face our problems in our own way but it really doesn't give us the right to call out one another with the "my shit is bigger than your shit" persona. What ever happened to "I'm sorry for what you are going through, if you need a shoulder, I'm here for you"?! Facebook is so horrible for shitty situations. For instance, one person will post about how their life sucks, ya know, the infamous "FML" and then we have another person who sees this post and then they post something along the lines of "Shut up, your life don't suck, mine does!"

I just don't understand what makes people tick... If you are constantly being attacked about the things you post on Facebook or for some reason you always find yourself in the middle of the argumental drama, I encourage you to take a step back and reevaluate yourself. If drama is constantly following you, maybe you're the one that needs to change your outlook on things.

If you have lost a child, I'm sorry, I really know how you feel and what you are going through.. It's a rough rode to travel down. If you are having financial trouble, I know how that goes too... Money doesn't grow on trees when your husband is in the Military. If your husband is never home and is away, I know how you feel.. I lived the Marine Corps lifestyle for awhile, I didn't see my husband 90% of the time. He was always away on deployment or in the field for training and when I did get to see him it was only for a couple of days at a time. If you have twins, oh my, I'm just learning what you are going through! It's tough and stressful but fun all wrapped into one!!!! I can go on, but I won't because what I'm really trying to say is- If you're having a hard time I guarantee that what ever you are going through, there is ALWAYS someone out there that is either 1. going through it too, or 2. has gone through it already.- It's true! Trust me!

We all have our "FML" moment... We all have bad days... So next time you are thinking about posting something about someone else complaining on Facebook, that isn't "complain worthy" because your situation trumps theirs... I challenge you to stay humble and instead, focus more on YOU and how you'll ride out your own storm. Believe me, I've been practicing this for awhile now... It really works and makes you feel better about yourself!!!! No one is perfect, remember that!!!

Thanks for tuning in!
-Rainbows and Butterflies! Sugar & Spice & Everyone Be Nice!
~Mai

Preterm Labor and the Arrival of our Double Rainbow

2012-07-26T13:25:00.000-05:00

Well, we are finally home after a long and trying month... On June 19th at around 5 pm, while talking to a friend on the phone and eating a batch of chocolate covered strawberries made by my neighbor, I went into early labor... 7 and a half weeks early. Apparently Baby A had ruptured her sac a few days prior and I just thought it was the case of 'urine incompetence'. Not actually knowing that I was even in labor, I went to the bathroom and realized that my so called 'urine incompetence' had changed to a dark forresty green color. I immediately knew something was wrong and hung up the phone to call my husband. As flashbacks of the twins' older brother Raiden poured in my head, I began to panic. I couldn't afford, mentally, to lose another child let alone two.

After my husband got home, we rushed to the hospital and went straight to labor and delivery, and the nurses called my doctor. After a few hours of membrane tests and making sure the babies were okay, it was confirmed, Meconium Aspiration... After Baby A ruptured her sac, she had a bowel movement and that is what the dark green stuff I saw upon going to the bathroom. I was given Magnesium to slow the labor and given some more steroids for the girls, even though I had previous steroid shots for their lung development, we wanted to play the safe card. I was then sent an hour away to a bigger hospital that had a Neonatal Intensive Care Unit. It was the waiting game for the rest of the night and most of the next day...

Besides the experience we had with Raiden, this was the most scariest thing that my husband and I had to face and I think there were a few people who didn't realize how serious of a situation we were in. There was a chance we could have lost one of the babies or even both and it wasn't the time to celebrate...

Almost 24 hours later, the doctor decided that the Magnesium wasn't slowing the labor down much and we decided to go ahead and deliver. On June 20, 2012 I delivered two beautiful baby girls, naturally- there was no c-section performed!

After an hour of pushing, at 9:53 pm, Achara Chomli (named after my great great grandma, Chomli) was born, weighing in at 4 lbs 6 oz and 17 inches long. She was immediately put on oxygen, she couldn't breath on her own because of the Meconium Aspiration.

10 minutes later, at 10:12 pm, Phailin Sueni ( pronounced Py-Lin, and Sueni is my middle name as well) was born, weighing in at 3 lbs 9 oz. and 16 inches long.

We then spent 3 and a half long, emotional, exhausting weeks in the NICU... And was able to bring our Double Rainbow home on July 12... The transition was an interesting one. We had to learn to do things on our own without nurses and doctors doing anything... But it was definitely nice to finally feel like the nurses and doctors weren't breathing down our necks all the time. We finally felt free! We are now home and have begun our adventurous journey as a new family... A family of 4 +1 in Heaven = 5!

Thanks for tuning in, and I would also like to thank everyone for all the thoughts and prayers along the way.... We definitely needed them! And you are more than appreciated than you will ever know!!!!

Love,
Mai and the girls!

26 AND 27 Weeks!

2012-05-24T10:14:00.000-05:00

So I've gotten a little behind on my posts. I've managed to take my weekly photos and fill out the journal, just haven't been able to get it together and get it all up on here. So I'm posting a 2 for 1 where you get last weeks AND the week before! Sorry for the delay! This week will be up in a few days! Enjoy!

26 Weeks-

How far along? 26 Weeks 6 Days

Maternity clothes? Need to get some more short sleeves and sleeveless.

Stretch marks? Getting a little more..UGH Starting to look like I got stuck in a rose bush- never seen stretch marks go all sorts of different ways like this.. Not cool!

Sleep: All the moving into the new house has made me sleepy.

Best moment this week: Just being settled into the new house has been great!

Miss Anything? Being able to do physical activities especially after moving, it’s hard to move while you’re limited to what you can do. This high-risk stuff is for the birds!

Movement: My belly looks like I have aliens in there when they move!

Food cravings: No cravings this week

Anything making you queasy or sick: Nope, been good this week.

Have you started to show yet? I’m having TWINS, I’m beyond showing…

Symptoms: Growing like a weed! Little backache, off balance, random hair growth in places I didn’t even know could grow hair-eww, shortness of breath.

Gender: GIRLS!

Labor Signs: None

Belly Button in or out? I have officially lost all hope for my poor belly button!

Are wedding rings on or off? On

Happy or Moody most of the time: I have been pretty happy this week, considering all the stress from moving the week before.

Looking forward to: Project Nursery.

Milestones: This week their lungs and brain are much more developed and they can hear more outside noises. They are approximately 14 inches, the size of Hothouse Cucumbers, and are around 1.75 pound apiece.

27 Weeks-

How far along? 27 Weeks 6 Days

Maternity clothes? I still need to get some more short sleeves and sleeveless.

Stretch marks? Slowly Fading!! Yay! I bought some of this cream called Maderma and it is actually working! Thank goodness!

Sleep: Been really busy the past 3 weeks, so I’ve been sleeping pretty good!

Best moment this week: Getting the nursery painted! And Mother’s Day of course!

Miss Anything? Don’t really think I’ve missed anything this week, being busy has helped keep my mind off of things like that!

Movement: My belly looks like I have aliens in there when they move!

Food cravings: Fried Zucchini!

Anything making you queasy or sick: Nope, been good this week.

Have you started to show yet? I’m having TWINS, I’m beyond showing…

Symptoms: Growing like a weed! Little backache, off balance, random hair growth in places I didn’t even know could grow hair. This is also the beginning of the THIRD Trimester!

Gender: GIRLS!

Labor Signs: None

Belly Button in or out? I have officially lost all hope for my poor belly button!

Are wedding rings on or off? On

Happy or Moody most of the time: realllllllllllly happy!

Looking forward to: Project Nursery.

Milestones: This week they look like a thinner, redder, more wrinkled version of what they will look like at birth. Their immune systems are continuing to mature as are their lungs! They are approximately 14.5 inches, and are around 2 pounds apiece, the same as Cauliflower.

Thoughts from Daddy: I’m tired of painting. But Mothers Day went off without a hitch… Almost. So I hope Mommy liked it!

25 Weeks

2012-05-06T12:09:00.000-05:00

How far along? 25 Weeks 6 Days

Maternity clothes? Need to get some more short sleeves and sleeveless.

Stretch marks? Getting a little more..UGH Starting to look like I got stuck in a rose bush- never seen stretch marks go all sorts of different ways like this.. Not cool!

Sleep: Sleep has been abundant this week, thanks to moving. It’s exhausted me!

Best moment this week: Getting settled into our new house after moving! It’s a nice relief!

Miss Anything? Being able to do physical activities especially after moving, it’s hard to move while you’re limited to what you can do. This high-risk stuff is for the birds!

Movement: My belly looks like I have aliens in there when they move!

Food cravings: Dr. Pepper.

Anything making you queasy or sick: Nope, been good this week.

Have you started to show yet? I’m having TWINS, I’m beyond showing…

Symptoms: Growing like a weed! Little backache, off balance, random hair growth in places I didn’t even know could grow hair-eww, shortness of breath.

Gender: GIRLS!

Labor Signs: None

Belly Button in or out? I have officially lost all hope for my poor belly button!

Are wedding rings on or off? On

Happy or Moody most of the time: I have been pretty happy this week, considering all the stress from moving.

Looking forward to: Starting the nursery, the cribs finally arrived yesterday!!!

Milestones: This week there is more hair growth, developing texture and color this week! Their baby fat is continuing to fill in their wrinkled skin for a smoother look. They are approximately 13.5 inches and weigh the same as a Rutabaga, which is around 1.5 pound apiece.

Thoughts from Daddy: Cribs and nursery furniture got here super fast and I am not looking forward to putting it all together!

24 Weeks

2012-04-28T18:11:00.001-05:00

How far along? 24 Weeks 6 Days

Maternity clothes? Need to get some more short sleeves and sleeveless.

Stretch marks? Getting a little more.. UGH

Sleep: Been sleeping great throughout the night. Haven’t really been napping during the day as much, but when I get in the car, I’m out!

Best moment this week: Our Dr. appointment. Everything is looking good ie. blood pressure, weight, both babies size, fluid, placenta ect.

Miss Anything? I said this last week but being able to do physical activities. This high-risk stuff is for the birds!

Movement: My belly looks like I have aliens in there when they move!

Food cravings: Dr. Pepper.

Anything making you queasy or sick: Nope, been good this week.

Have you started to show yet? I’m having TWINS, I’m beyond showing…

Symptoms: Growing like a weed! Little backache, off balance, random hair growth in places I didn’t even know could grow hair-eww, shortness of breath.

Gender: GIRLS!

Labor Signs: None

Belly Button in or out? I have officially lost all hope for my poor belly button!

Are wedding rings on or off? On

Happy or Moody most of the time: I have been pretty happy this week, considering all the stress.

Looking forward to: Starting the nursery!

Milestones: Their lungs are rapidly growing this week. They are approximately 12.5 inches and the size of Corn Cobs and weigh around 1.25 pound apiece.

Thoughts from Daddy: I’m looking forward to getting all of our nursery furniture in and set up. I’m also super stoked that we were able to get a good house before the girls arrive. Next month I will be looking in to buying more rifles and ammo lol.

GENDER REVEAL!

2012-04-20T16:27:00.001-05:00

So after lots of poking and prodding to get Baby A in the right position so we can have a glimpse of the goods and then a long debate on whether or not we should even share our 'big surprise', we decided to share the news with you. Here it is... The moment you all have been impatiently waiting for!!!!!

What's it going to be????

BOY & GIRL? BOYS? GIRLS?

TADA!!!!!!!!

SURPRISED!!!!!!!!!

GIRLS?!!!!!!!!!

LOVE!

CELEBRATE!

HOPE YOU ALL ARE AS EXCITED AS WE ARE!!!! IT WAS FUN TO KEEP YOU ALL WAITING! THANKS FOR TUNING IN!

(The two "It's a Girl" custom art were made by a friend at Lazy J Custom Home Decor! Check her out here) https://www.facebook.com/Lazyjcustoms

23 Weeks

2012-04-19T16:42:00.002-05:00

How far along? 23 Weeks 5 Days

Maternity clothes? Need to get some more short sleeves and sleeveless.

Stretch marks? Had a handful pop up this week. How depressing!

Sleep: Been sleeping great throughout the night. Haven’t really been napping during the day as much, but when I get in the car, I’m out!

Best moment this week: By far the 4D ultrasound. It was the best entertainment ever! They spent the whole 2 hours kicking each other in the face. Haha

Miss Anything? I said this last week but being able to do physical activities. This high-risk stuff is for the birds!

Movement: Lots and lots, they are little soccer players or something!

Food cravings: None really this week.

Anything making you queasy or sick: Morning sickness this morning but I think it was because I got out of bed too fast.

Have you started to show yet? I’m having TWINS, I’m beyond showing…

Symptoms: Growing like a weed! Little backache, off balance, random hair growth in places I didn’t even know could grow hair-eww, shortness of breath.

Gender: TBA

Labor Signs: None

Belly Button in or out? I have officially lost all hope for my poor belly button!

Are wedding rings on or off? On

Happy or Moody most of the time: My mood was off and on this week. One minute I was extremely happy, and then the next I was very stressed, and then right back to happy.

Looking forward to: Doctor appointment next week.

Milestones: They are approximately 11.5 inches and the size of large coconuts and weigh around 1.1 pound apiece.

Thoughts from Daddy: I just can’t believe all of the movement we saw in the 4D. They were nonstop, fighting and battling.

22 Weeks

2012-04-13T17:21:00.000-05:00

How far along? 22 Weeks 6 Days

Maternity clothes? Some of my maternity shirts are shrinking…. Oh wait that was just the husband shrinking them in the wash!

Stretch marks? A couple little one’s popping up.

Sleep: Been sleeping great throughout the night. Haven’t really been napping during the day as much, but when I get in the car, I’m out!

Best moment this week: Kicks!

Miss Anything? I said this last week but being able to do physical activities. This high-risk stuff is for the birds!

Movement: Had one of the hardest kicks a few nights ago and luckily the husband got to feel it before it stopped!

Food cravings: Ham n Cheese Hot Pockets.

Anything making you queasy or sick: Nosir!

Have you started to show yet? I’m having TWINS, I’m beyond showing…

Symptoms: Growing like a weed! Little backache, off balance, random hair growth in places I didn’t even know could grow hair-eww, shortness of breath.

Gender: TBA

Labor Signs: None

Belly Button in or out? I have officially lost all hope for my poor belly button!

Wedding rings on or off? On

Happy or Moody most of the time: Compared to last week I have risen out of my depression slump! Things are looking up for the rest of the month! I’m excited to see it through!

Looking forward to: My Birthday next week, and of course we get to see the Womb Mates again on Wednesday but this time in 4 dimensions and we can’t wait!

Milestones: This week, their senses are really developing. Nerve endings are developed enough for the babies to experience the sensation of touch. They are approximately 11 inches and the size of Spaghetti Squash and weigh around 1 pound apiece.

Thoughts from Daddy: I’m really excited about seeing the babies in 4D as well. Although, at the next doc appointment I think I’m going to have to express my growing concerns for my wife’s lack of room inside lol.

21 Weeks

2012-04-06T19:19:00.005-05:00

How far along? 21 Weeks 6 Days

Maternity clothes? Yes!

Stretch marks? A couple little one’s popping up.

Sleep: Sleeping pretty good throughout the night, not many bathroom trips.

Best moment this week: It’s really just been a miserable week all around.

Miss Anything? Being able to do physical activities. This high-risk stuff is for the birds!

Movement: Been kicking like crazy the last 3 days, nonstop.

Food cravings: Chocolate donuts.

Anything making you queasy or sick: Nosir!

Have you started to show yet? I’m having TWINS, I’m beyond showing…

Symptoms: Growing like a weed! Little backache, off balance.

Gender: TBA

Labor Signs: None

Belly Button in or out? Half exists while the other half has been missing.

Wedding rings on or off? On

Happy or Moody most of the time: Pretty depressed this week, hopefully we won’t have a repeat next week.

Looking forward to: My next appointment of course!

Milestones: This week, they will begin to swallow amniotic fluid and absorb small amounts of sugar. However, most of their nutrients are still delivered from the placenta. They are approximately 10.5 inches and the size of Bananas and weigh around 12.7 oz apiece.

Thoughts from Daddy: I’m just pretty thankful for her cravings i.e. the chocolate donuts. Lol Most of her cravings coincide with things I also enjoy, so I’m all smiles. No weird stuff this time. (yet)

20 Weeks

2012-03-29T20:21:00.000-05:00

How far along? 20 Weeks 5 Days

Maternity clothes? Yes!

Stretch marks? Only the ones from the previous, so far.

Sleep: No naps this week but been sleeping like a baby throughout the night!

Best moment this week: John finally got to feel some kicks!!!!! We also got to see them again today! Everything looks great! They looked like they were plotting an escape plan though, they were both head down, silly babies need to stay in there for a while! Their hearts looked good, their cords were pulsating wonderfully, fluid looks aplenty, and placenta looks great. Got to see the lens in Baby B’s eye, that was super cool! Baby A seems to be as lazy as it ever was haha.

Miss Anything? I really had a great week this week so I didn’t have time to miss anything! I guess that’s a good thing!

Movement: A little more everyday! Daddy finally felt some kicks!

Food cravings: Really wanted something sweet, but was having trouble trying to figure out what that was.

Anything making you queasy or sick: Nosir!

Have you started to show yet? I’m having TWINS, I’m beyond showing…

Symptoms: Growing like a weed! Little backache, off balance, constipation this week but nothing 2 and a half glasses of Dr. Pepper didn’t cure- unfortunately that was my first consumption of caffeine throughout this whole pregnancy… I was HYYYPER!

Gender: TBA

Labor Signs: None

Belly Button in or out? Half exists while the other half, well; it’s been missing for a few days…

Wedding rings on or off? On

Happy or Moody most of the time: Super happy this week!

Looking forward to: The next couple of Dr. Appointments coming up! Things are going by so fast!

Milestones: This week, their skin will become covered with a waxy-like substance called vernix, which will protect their skin from becoming scratched or chapped. They are also starting to produce meconium, the result of digestion, which will accumulate in their bowels and eventually pass during delivery or in their first diaper. They are approximately 6.5 inches and the size of Small Cantaloupes and weigh around 10.6 oz apiece.

Thoughts from Daddy: I’m just glad to see them progressing well and healthily every time we return to the doctor.

19 Weeks and Half Way There!

2012-03-21T16:41:00.000-05:00

How far along? 19 Weeks 4 Days

Maternity clothes? Yes!

Stretch marks? Only the ones from the previous, so far.

Sleep: Caught up on my sleep this week, almost missed din din every time.

Best moment this week: The Womb Mates would play tricks on daddy, kicking until he wanted to feel then they would stop! Ha We are also halfway done!

Miss Anything? Hmm my waist haha

Movement: Getting stronger as the days go by!

Food cravings: Candy bars, any kind!

Anything making you queasy or sick: Nosir!

Have you started to show yet? I’m having TWINS, I’m beyond showing…

Symptoms: Growing like a weed! Little backache, off balance.

Gender: TBA

Labor Signs: None

Belly Button in or out? In, but it is slowly disappearing. It’s dang close to being non-existent!

Wedding rings on or off? On

Happy or Moody most of the time: Still annoyed.

Looking forward to: Our next appointment and of course more shopping for the babies!!!!!

Milestones: This week, many of their senses are developing as specialized areas in the brain are being designated for smell, taste, hearing, vision, and touch. They are approximately 6.0 inches and the size of Heirloom tomatoes or Mangos and weigh around 8.5 oz apiece.

Thoughts from Daddy: I think these babies need to stop playing tricks on me, and let me feel them move. Every time Lamai’s like “I’ve got company…” and I rush to get a hand on, and I never get to feel anything.

18 Weeks

2012-03-16T14:07:00.000-05:00

How far along? 18 Weeks 6 Days

Maternity clothes? I’m officially addicted to buying cute maternity tops!

Stretch marks? Only the ones from the previous, so far.

Sleep: Had no time for naps this week!

Best moment this week: Seeing the Womb Mates again at the doctor appointment on Monday, we found out that they are just a little bigger than we suspected! And buying Baby B their first outfit at Ralph Lauren (I know my babies are already spoiled! Who buys baby clothes at Ralph Lauren? These parents!)

Miss Anything? Mascato – I’m starting to see a wine trend this past two weeks!

Movement: Getting stronger as the days go by!

Food cravings: ICE CREAM!

Anything making you queasy or sick: Did good this week, no sickness!

Have you started to show yet? I’m having TWINS, I’m beyond showing…

Symptoms: Growing like a weed!

Gender: TBA

Labor Signs: None

Belly Button in or out? In, but it is slowly disappearing. It’s dang close to being non-existent!

Wedding rings on or off? On

Happy or Moody most of the time: Annoyed with fake friends, but what’s new. I don’t think that has anything to do with pregnancy.

Looking forward to: More shopping for the babies!!!!!

Milestones: This week, their bones are starting to harden. They are approximately 5.6 inches and the size of Sweet Potatoes and are suppose to weigh around 6.7 oz. apiece but the doctor informed us they are around 9 oz! Wow!

Thoughts from Daddy: Now that we bought our first outfit for the twins, I’m super excited to bump up my shopping addiction to shopping for three. Lol sounds a little “femi” I know, but I’m going to have a lot of fun with these three in my life. (Lamai is included in those three. In case anyone was wondering.)

17 Weeks

2012-03-08T17:14:00.001-06:00

How far along? 17 Weeks 5 Days

Maternity clothes? Just purchased some more shirts this week! Yay!

Stretch marks? Only the ones from the previous, so far.

Sleep: A little less often but still sleeping a lot.

Best moment this week: Listening on the Prenatal Listener, like always and more movement!

Miss Anything? Blackberry Merlot- mmmmmm

Movement: Getting stronger as the days go by!

Food cravings: Chicken and noodles.

Anything making you queasy or sick: I woke up with morning sickness only one time this week. Spent a couple minutes with my head in the toilet, but it wasn’t too bad.

Have you started to show yet? I’m having TWINS, I’m beyond showing…

Symptoms: Heartburn is here full force. Nothing seems to help. Grew another 2 inches. The babies are in the middle of a growth spurt so, lots of growing lately. I’m having little pains but no worries, just growing pains, it’s normal!

Gender: TBA

Labor Signs: None

Belly Button in or out? In

Wedding rings on or off? On

Happy or Moody most of the time: A little moody and emotional.

Looking forward to: MONDAY!

Milestones: This week, they have mastered some simple reflexes such as swallowing, sucking, and blinking. Fat is forming underneath their skin and will continue to do so in later months of pregnancy. This helps prepare them for temperature change from inside the womb to the outside world! They are approximately 5.1 inches and the size of onions and weigh around 5.9 oz. apiece.

Thoughts from Daddy: Well, now seems to be around the time that Lamai’s beginning to notice, physically, that there are babies in there. So, even as the physical challenges are just beginning, I wish I could do something to help L Other than that though, everything is going well and I can’t wait to find out what gender(s) they may be.

16 Weeks

2012-03-01T17:51:00.000-06:00

How far along? 16 Weeks 5 Days

Maternity clothes? Yep.

Stretch marks? No new ones.

Sleep: A little less often but still sleeping a lot.

Best moment this week: Getting to see them again, at my appointment.

Miss Anything? Still missing tanning the most. I’m a little too pale for my liking.

Movement: Got a good little kick yesterday, thanks to the husband poking and prodding!

Food cravings: Strawberries

Anything making you queasy or sick: No queasiness or sickness!

Have you started to show yet? Hello! I’m having TWINS!

Symptoms: Heartburn is here full force. Nothing seems to help. Grew an inch and a quarter in one day-whoa baby!

Gender: TBA

Labor Signs: None

Belly Button in or out? In

Wedding rings on or off? On

Happy or Moody most of the time: I’ve been a little snappy this week.

Looking forward to: Finding out the sexes.

Milestones: This week, limbs are much more developed; legs and arms are longer and are becoming more controlled in movement. Their skeletal system is developing more as calcium is deposited onto the bones. They will hit a growth spurt and double in weight and size in the next couple weeks. They are approximately 4.6 inches and the size of avocados and weigh around 3.5 oz. apiece.

Thoughts from Daddy: They are growing so fast now. I feel like I’m literally watching Lamai’s belly grow in front of my eyes everyday.

Open mouth + insert foot = You're being mean.

2012-02-24T12:47:00.000-06:00

It really bothers me when people act like this is my first pregnancy or that I've never been pregnant before.... You know, the 'know it alls'. The people that think they need to tell me how it is, what to do, and what to expect during the pregnancy process and after. The people that make catty comments that make me feel like I'm ignorant to the pregnancy life or that I'm a non existent mother. News flash: This isn't my first run through the park, and I am a proud mother to an Angel, and now twins. That's 3 children my friends. Though, some people I give credit to, they do not realize that they say such hurtful things. I know they are just trying to help. But others, it's down right obvious that they meant what they said. Here's my favorite(sarcasm) example: "Motherhood is the best thing in the world! Not that you're not a mother, but you know what I mean.... It's different." Yes, people actually have said this to me... I can count a handful of people right now off of the top of my head that has said these exact words to me since finding out I was pregnant. Really? Do people really not think before they speak? Quite frankly, I'm getting tired of it. Ironically that is the comment I hear the most amongst other comments that have to do with pregnancy like: "Welcome to pregnancy." "Well, you should do this." "Expect this." "You better get ready for labor." And it's not these comments alone, it's the way people say them to me like I just have no idea what I got myself into. And when I respond with "Oh, I know", they keep on like no, I don't know. And then when I say something along the lines of "Well, when I was pregnant with Raiden..." They don't want to hear it. It has pushed me to the point where I really don't want to hear what these people have to say. I am open for advice, especially from mother's of multiples. But I am not open to hear what I should or shouldn't do during this pregnancy, what to expect, and what I should or shouldn't do when they arrive such as feeding, diapering ect. I have a doctor for the duration of the pregnancy, that I'm pretty sure knows what he's doing... I have all my trust in him, beings that this is a "high risk" pregnancy. So I think I'll be fine without the catty, know it all comments. And as for after the babies arrive... I'm going to do things my way. I do not care if you think that I am choosing the "hard way" to do things, especially with twins... It is what I want to do, it is what I've been planning on doing, and it is what I WILL do. I'm sorry, you disagree. And as for the whole 'I'm not a real mother' comments. I grew a baby boy in my belly for 8 months 4 years ago, I gave birth to him, I held him and loved him, and then I had to say goodbye. So yes, I am a real mother. No, I don't get to see him grow and no the twins will never meet their big brother, but all the same, I'm a mother just as you. And for the record, I think that being an Angel Mommy is a way better title than being JUST a mom. Lucky for me I get the best of both worlds and get to be both.

Words of advice: before anyone tries to give someone else advice, THINK before you speak and make sure what you are about to say isn't going to hurt that person and try not to be a know it all. I know it's hard for some of you, but try it, you might actually not get a catty response back! Nice, thoughtful and supportive advice goes a lot further than mean hurtful comments.

And for the record again, this was not a rant blog, it was more of getting my feelings out there so my readers will remember this the next time they are talking to someone who is in similar shoes as I am. :)

<3 Mai

15 Weeks

2012-02-23T18:26:00.000-06:00

How far along? 15 Weeks 5 Days

Maternity clothes? Yep.

Stretch marks? No new ones.

Sleep: A little less often but still sleeping a lot.

Best moment this week: Listening to the Prenatal Listener is always the best part of every week.

Miss Anything? Tanning.

Movement: There is! It’s very light, but it’s there!

Food cravings: Potatoes, lots of potatoes.

Anything making you queasy or sick: Nope. But, Hello Heartburn!

Have you started to show yet? Hello! I’m having TWINS!

Gender: TBA maybe on the 1^st!

Labor Signs: None

Belly Button in or out? In

Wedding rings on or off? On

Happy or Moody most of the time: Been really moody this week…. oops

Looking forward to: Next Thursday, the 1^st. I get to see the Womb Mates again!

Milestones: This week, lots of hair called lanugo is growing all over their bodies. They can sense light even though their eyelids are still fused shut. Taste buds and blood vessels are forming! They are approximately 4.0 inches and the size of oranges and weigh around 2.5 oz. apiece.

Thoughts from Daddy: Well, it’s now in the second trimester, and boy, I tell you what! Mooooood Swiiiings have made their monstrous appearance in the last week lol. Nothing we can’t handle though. I can’t wait until March 1^st.

14 Weeks

2012-02-16T18:33:00.002-06:00

How far along? 14 Weeks 5 Days

Maternity clothes? Yep.

Stretch marks? No new ones.

Sleep: A little less often but still sleeping a lot.

Best moment this week: Did some window-shopping to plan, and listening to the Prenatal Listener.

Miss Anything? Not really anything this week.

Movement: I think there is a little bit, indeed.

Food cravings: Dr. Pepper and my food aversions are getting much better.

Anything making you queasy or sick: Nope, I did well this week!

Have you started to show yet? Hello! I’m having TWINS!

Gender: TBA maybe on the 1^st!

Labor Signs: None

Belly Button in or out? In

Wedding rings on or off? On

Happy or Moody most of the time: Well, today I had a major mood swing at Taco Bell when they got my order wrong and then told me they couldn’t fix the order without the receipt that John just threw away. Let’s just say they took what they messed up and fixed the order pretty quick.

Looking forward to: Dinner, I’m hungry! :)

Milestones: This week their faces can make expressions like a squint or a frown. They are possibly starting to grow hair on their heads or on their face, such as eyebrows. They are approximately 3.4 inches and the size of lemons and weigh around 1.5 oz apiece.

Thoughts from Daddy: Same ol same ol… EXCEPT that my big brother Chad and his wife Afton just had their baby boy Banks this week! Going and visiting the three of them in the hospital this week was a huge teaser. I never mounted the courage to pick up the little guy while I was there though, lol. I’m saving that for mine.

13 Weeks

2012-02-07T15:38:00.000-06:00

How far along? 13 Weeks 3 Days

Maternity clothes? Yep.

Stretch marks? Still trying to keep the existing ones from the previous at bay.

Sleep: A little less often but still sleeping a lot.

Best moment this week: Got to see the womb mates again Thursday at our appointment! It was so fun. The baby that we suspect as a boy was really hyper, throwing punches and elbows. He even spun around really fast like a crazy baby. We also got a Prenatal Listener this week! So excited that we can listen to them whenever we want. Great stress reliever for the worried Angel Mommy.

Miss Anything? Getting my tan on.

Movement: Still none that I can feel yet. I think what I do feel is my imagination…

Food cravings: Not really any special food cravings this week, but my Food Aversions are slowly subsiding.

Anything making you queasy or sick: Cream Cheese really didn’t set well with me this week when I tried to eat a cheese ball and some pinwheels.

Have you started to show yet? Hello! I’m having TWINS!

Gender: TBA maybe on the 1^st!

Labor Signs: None

Belly Button in or out? In

Wedding rings on or off? On

Happy or Moody most of the time: We’re good!

Looking forward to: Some more shopping! Oh, and getting my prenatal yoga DVD’s!

Milestones: This week their bodies are starting to catch up and grow more proportional to their heads. They are able to move and flex the arms and legs because their motor skills are starting to work. Fingerprints have formed on their tiny fingertips. They are approximately 2.9 inches and the size of peaches and weigh about .81 oz apiece!

Thoughts from Daddy: Scattered thoughts of excitement and anticipation. Some fear is nestled beneath the other two, but growing ever more confident of my parenting potential.

12 Weeks

2012-01-31T14:33:00.000-06:00

How far along? 12 Weeks 3 Days

Maternity clothes? Think I’ll go buy some more today or tomorrow.

Stretch marks? Still trying to keep the existing ones from the previous at bay.

Sleep: A little less often but still sleeping a lot. I’m slowly getting more energy (knock on wood!)

Best moment this week: Hasn’t happened yet, but will probably be the doctor appointment!

Miss Anything? Cappuccino

Movement: Still none that I can feel yet. I think what I do feel is my imagination…

Food cravings: McDonald’s hash browns with grape jelly on top (keep in mind that the grape jelly isn’t an ‘odd’ craving, I eat them that way all the time, pregnant or not!)

Anything making you queasy or sick: Hot Ham and Cheese sandwich didn’t really set well in my stomach the other day, which made the toilet and I get a little personal. My Food Aversions are still quite strong.

Have you started to show yet? Hello! I’m having TWINS!

Gender: TBA

Labor Signs: None

Belly Button in or out? In

Wedding rings on or off? On

Happy or Moody most of the time: I am so happy with a little mood swing here and there.

Looking forward to: My doctor appointment on Thursday!

Milestones: This week their faces are becoming more defined. Noses have taken more shape. Their tiny fingernails are now well formed on their fingers. Most importantly in their brains, synapses are rapidly growing! They are approximately 2.1 inches and the size of plums and weigh about .49 oz apiece! The most dramatic development this week are reflexes! Their fingers and toes will begin to open, close, and curl. Their eye muscles will clench, and their mouth will make sucking movements. Apparently if I prod my abdomen, they will squirm in response!!!

Thoughts from Daddy: It’s crazy to see the change that’s happened in just the past week, watching her belly grow is exciting!

11 Weeks

2012-01-25T13:24:00.000-06:00

How far along? 11 Weeks 5 Days

Maternity clothes? Yep, need to get some more cute shirts though.

Stretch marks? Trying to keep the existing ones from the previous at bay.

Sleep: A little less often but still sleeping a lot.

Best moment this week: John and I have been planning a lot, we love to plan!

Miss Anything? Cappuccino

Movement: Still none that I can feel yet.

Food cravings: Krispy Kreme donuts that the husband won’t go buy me!

Anything making you queasy or sick: Nothing really making me queasy or sick but my Food Aversions are quite strong. Not liking Mexican or Asian food, which is a shame!

Have you started to show yet? I’m beyond showing…. I’m huge!

Gender: TBA

Labor Signs: None

Belly Button in or out? In

Wedding rings on or off? On

Happy or Moody most of the time: I am so happy with a little mood swing here and there.

Looking forward to: My doctor appointment next week on Groundhog’s day!

Thoughts from Daddy: Everything seems to be going so well, so far. I’m super excited, and can’t wait to feel some movement!

Our Double Rainbow

2012-01-14T10:38:00.000-06:00

If you are reading this then I assume you just heard the news, or you're actually just now finding out as we speak, or you already knew that we are not having 1 Rainbow Baby but 2 Rainbow Babies, giving us a Double Rainbow!

Are you lost and not sure what a Rainbow Baby is? A Rainbow Baby is a baby that is conceived after a stillbirth, infant loss ect.

It is understood that the beauty of a rainbow does not negate the ravages of any storm. When a rainbow appears, it does not mean that the storm never happened or that we are not still dealing with its aftermath. It means that something beautiful and full of light has appeared in the midst of the darkness and clouds. Storm clouds may still hover, but the rainbow provides a counterbalance of color, energy and hope.

I am 10 weeks today. Let me catch you up to speed! We've known for quite awhile, well before Christmas anyway, but we just wanted time to soak in the news ourselves and wait until after the risk factor was over, considering what happened with Raiden. We want to be extra cautious this time around.

On December 20th, after having suspicions for two weeks, we did the ol' "home test". JACKPOT!

And since that wasn't "clear" enough, we brought backup!

January 3rd, a day before our 6 Year Wedding Anniversary, was our first doctor appointment. Everything was routine, going through the motions, until we get to the sonogram table... And to our surprise, there were indeed 2 little peanuts in there NOT 1! Well now, this just changed the whole ballgame around and completely throws our whole game plan off course! Just being pregnant alone puts me at high risk because of our beautiful Angel son Raiden, and now that we are seeing double, that puts me at Double High Risk! We were planning on leaving for sunny Florida (for good) that Friday!!! But with twins on the way.... We're thinking closer to family for the duration of the pregnancy and birth is the best idea... Florida will always be there after the babies get here!

The next day. January 4th, our 6 Year Wedding Anniversary, and our second doctor appointment. We had a more detailed ultrasound... Just to confirm and make sure things were running smoothly... Better safe than sorry is our motto this pregnancy!!!! The babies were healthy and happy and calculated to be 8 weeks and 3 to 4 days old. Both of them even gave us a little dance, in which the doctor said that they were very active for being this early on in the pregnancy! What an amazing Anniversary present!! The best!

In the picture, Baby A is the two on the left and Baby B is the two on the right. I may not be right, but my guess is Baby A is a GIRL and Baby B is a BOY! But what do I know? I'm only the mommy! ;) What's your guess??????

Starting today, I will have a weekly Journal Blog to keep friends and family and whoever wants to stay updated with the twins. Anyone is more than welcome to follow us on our Double Rainbow Journey!!

How far along? 10 weeks

Maternity clothes? Just went and bought some Tuesday! Lots!

Stretch marks? Only the ones Raiden left me...

Sleep: YES! Always, 3 hour naps! I'm a sleeping fool!

Best moment this week: Buying maternity clothes, my clothes were getting too snug!

Miss Anything? Nothing yet, I'm just so excited!

Movement: In the ultrasound they were dancing, but nothing I can feel yet!

Food cravings: From the beginning to now: Totino's frozen pizzas, baked potatoes

Anything making you queasy or sick: Nothing that 'makes' me, however, I get randomly nauseous.

Have you started to show yet: UM YES! I do have two in there you know!

Gender: TBA

Labor Signs: None

Belly Button in or out? Inny for now, but I have a feeling with twins, it will be an outy by the end of all of this....

Wedding rings on or off? On

Happy or Moody most of the time: ECSTATIC! With a little mood swing here and there.

Looking forward to: Having two beautiful healthy babies!

Negative Nancy, Go Home!

2011-08-07T11:41:00.003-05:00

Sometimes I get so frustrated when I read what people say about their kids, families, husbands ect. At times it's just down right annoying... I'm not saying that absolutely no one can vent, or complain about anything in their life, and shitting rainbows and butterflies are the way to go. No sir. I like to complain or bitch, it's one of my specialties. What I am saying is simply this:

STOP TAKING THE GREAT THINGS IN LIFE FOR GRANTED!

You are making an ass out of yourself when you bitch about your husband/wife and how big of a dick he/she is to you and how he receives but there's no giving back, boo hoo, you know who you are. 1. No one gives a shit that you want to be a pissy patty. 2. Get over yourself! - I love my husband to the moon and times over. Is he perfect? NO. Do we have our disagreements? YES. But I do not talk shit on him and make him look like he's the dirt under my shoes. He's my equal, my other half, my best friend, and my soul mate. Yes, sometimes I complain about the silly things he does that frustrate me but at the end of the day I still love him more than ever. If anything I put him on a pedestal for many things; being the man in my life, the things he has done and sacrificed for this country. Just because your spouse hasn't fought for this country still doesn't give you an excuse or the right to treat them like crap either. They took you as their own, maybe even took in kids that aren't even theirs, maybe you have children together, they provides for your family, and work hard to make a living or to keep the household running at a normal pace. If anything you should be worshiping the ground they walk on. Do your wifely/husband duties and Honor and Obey. And for God's sake, wo/man, stop taking your husband/wife for granted!!!

Complaining about your children is my biggest pet-peeve... And that goes for anything that has to do with children... I'll keep this short and sweet, not everyone has the luxury of children, and sometimes when these people see you treating or talking to your children badly, they get very angry. You look like ignorant scum and you are definitely not teaching your children good morals or characteristics. Children learn by example, what example do you think you are? And this also goes for your "baby daddy/mama drama" Even though you may not know it, surfacing this drama still affects your kids. Grow up and be the bigger parent. Who gives a shit if you're not getting child support, or the kids never see the other parent. That just shows who's classier, unless you cause more drama, or bitch about it to everyone, well then that's not classy at all!

In conclusion, I just think that the problem with society today, is that most people really need a humbling. -Humble, adj. 1. Not proud or arrogant; modest: to be humble although successful: courteously respectful- They should be grateful for what they have because somewhere out there, there is ALWAYS someone who has it worse.... Always someone out there who longs to see their husband everyday, who worries day and night if they will ever see their husband again. And there's always someone out there who wishes she could just hold her child in her arms again, just waiting for the day they meet again.

So I guess what I am trying to say is just:
DON'T TAKE ANYTHING IN LIFE FOR GRANTED! Embrace it, it's not worth the drama.

As always, Thanks for tuning in-
MaiTai

The Burtality of my Honesty

2011-06-14T11:09:00.000-05:00

I guess you can say that I am a brutally honest person. Apparently, at times, being this way gets me into trouble. Or at least it is offensive to particular people who cannot take anything I say with a grain of salt. That is just the kind of person I am. For those getting to know me, have probably figured it out already, and those who have known me for years are aware and accept that I am, indeed, an outspoken person. I am brash but I am not fake, so I feel like I shouldn't have to accomodate someone else and sugar coat what I have to say because to me, that is being a fake person... If you must sugar coat something for the sake of others feelings, that is not being true to yourself or anyone else for that matter. I'm not saying that I relish in hurting someone's feelings, but what I am saying is that when it comes to expressing my feelings, I'm not going to hold back and I will express how I feel because I am that kind of person... If that is something that another does not fancy, then they should take it or leave because I'm not going to change who I am as person because they cannot take my feelings with a grain of salt. Whether anyone likes it or not, I'm still going to do ME. However, taking everything I say and annalyzing it or twisting it around to make me look like a horrible person probably isn't wise either... I express my feelings about a plethora of different subjects, what can I say, I'm a very opinionated person. But if you sit there and take every little thing that I have ever said, knit pick at it and annalyze it because for some reason you think there is some kind of hidden meaning in there somewhere, then you're wasting your time. I say what I mean and I mean what I say, and there ARE NO HIDDEN FEES! If I confide in you and complain about something or someone, then don't assume that what I said about that particular something/someone applies to you! It probably has nothing to do with you, so don't for one second get a guilty conscience and think that I would think the exact same thing about you. That's rediculous! And we all know where "assuming" gets you, and if not let me tell you. When you assume something, all it does is make an "Ass" out of "U" and "ME". Or taking something I said 2 years ago and turning it around to make it about you. Something that had absolutely nothing to do with you at all, you weren't even there, I just told you the story because it was about a shop owner treating valued customers like shit. But for some reason, even that can be twisted and misconstrued to be about one's self. I really don't understand how that even comes into play. But from now on, I choose who I say what to... From now on, certain people I confided in will no longer get their ear full, even though they too fill mine with nonsense and expression of their own opinion, I will no longer express any such thing to them... It is too tiring if I will have to go back through every single thing that I said months, even years, ago and explain because they sat on every word and made it about them. No, from now on I will only be cordial to people of this nature and keep my opinions to myself. It's not worth my time. They probably won't like it, but you reap what you sew. I treasure my friends, and listen to everything they have to say with an optimistic attitude because I put their feelings first, especially if they have strong feelings on a certain subject. I never twist and alter their words to be about me. And I can't believe a friend would do that to me... But what's done is done, and I'm moving on. They will probably think I'm quite a boring person with nothing to say... I have lots to say, just not to them! We will see how far their gossip goes, when I don't produce any opinions anymore! Wahahaha

Thanks for tuning in-
And remember, Don't Get it Twisted!
-Maitai

Wa Wa Wa Weight Watchers??????

2011-06-07T10:44:00.001-05:00

Well I finally caved and joined weight watchers for a whopping 17 bucks a month... Aye Aye Aye what the hell have I gotten myself into?!!! It's okay though, it's gonna work out... My main problem is control... I'm the epitome of a Foodie. I love me some good food... And I'll eat me some good food... 'Til I can no longer see me some good food! I'm not kidding... I have a problem with stopping when I'm satisfied. Hell, I have a problem stopping when I'm overly full! So that is the main reason I joined. That and I need to shed a few unwanted pounds.. But mainly to help with my portion control because mine, is out of control! My workout routine is pretty good, but the food is holding me back... Another thing that is holding me back is the support system.. Or, lack there of! I have a buddy for workouts, but that only goes so far when there is no effort put forth to keep me motivated and wanting to continue. In fact I got into a fight about it with this buddy yesterday... I just let it all out on the table, that I was pissed, and not satisfied with our so called pitiful workout plan, or like I have mentioned "lack there of". So I turned to a new leaf, and joined a community where I can pick and choose the friends, groups, and challenges... I can pick friends who are in similar to myself. ie: Military wives, Marine Corps wives in particular, and a different bread of woman that are very important to me and are more than likely feeling and going through what I am going through, Infant Loss mothers. I think all in all the support system that WW provides will be better in the long run than what I've got going on now... First week with WW and it's been pretty interesting in the first 3 days. So far so good... But then again... It's only Day 3! Hopefully I can stick with it, change my lifestyle, get my portion habit under control, and make amazing friends as I go. I guess what I'm trying to say is; Wish me LUCK!

Thanks for tuning in!
-Mai Tai

Just kiddddddding

2011-05-15T01:57:00.000-05:00

I've notice that in a couple of recent blogs, I keep telling my readers to 'look for more blogs' or 'I'm going to be blogging more'.. Well, JUST KIDDDDDDDDING! Okay, I wasn't just kidding really, but it seems that I've became one of those "Fibbers". I fibbed... I know horrible... I've been meaning to get at this damn thing, but I just keep finding myself busy... Well not really busy, just wrapped up in my makeup... I've been obsessed with coming up with new looks. What did you say? Convert my makeup into my blogs?!! What a marvelous idea! I'd say I get on that but I'd just be kidddddding! Maybe I'll try it.. Then I can do both AT THE SAME TIMMMMMME! Come one Mai get on it! On the bright side, I've been making money from my makeup... That's always fun... Okay, I'll try to blog to my bloggity more! Gah, get off my back!

As always- Thanks for tuning in!

Love you all!
~MaiTai