Twin Pregnancy - Week 22

Week 22! According the theBump.com, the babies are now the size of a papaya! I’m defiantly noticing more movement now, and John has been able to feel a few more kicks as well.

Check out my Halloween shirt. I ordered the iron-on designs from Etsy, and used a top from Motherhood Maternity. It was well received by my coworkers, family and friends. I just thought it was an awesome idea. John was the one who discovered on Etsy for me.

In other news… I’ve been working on names, but it has been very difficult. I REALLY thought we had two first names picked out, but John backed out of one, and since they kinda went together (somewhat) I think we’re pretty much back to the drawing board. There is a name I really have been liking a lot, and John seems cool with it, so we just need another name we both like that goes with name 1. I like the idea of having the same middle name for both girls, and there’s one in particular that is just lovely and we’re kinda set on it (or at least I am!).

Work has been progressing slowly on the nursery. The walls have been painted a fantastic light seafoam green color. I have some work to do on the doors and baseboards though. Also, we STILL need to move stuff out of that room! I found a home for our snowboarding gear. I still have art stuff I need to figure out. And a guitar that I don’t know where to put (maybe it’s time to sell it).

I’ve been listening to a bunch of pregnancy/new mom podcasts. I listen in my car, while I cook, and sometimes while I’m at work. I figure the more baby stuff I’m exposed to, the better. Sometimes I do feel like I’m getting overloaded with info, but in general I’ve really enjoyed becoming aware about different products, parenting techniques, etc. I’ve made two discoveries this week that I’m kinda excited about:

1. Baby sign language – Apparently, babies are able to make hand gestures before they are able to speak, and when you teach them a few words in sign language, they can actually communicate long before they can talk! This sounds awesome, I want to do this. I’ve read that babies who do sign language are less frustrated because they can express themselves by some other means than crying, and they actually start talking earlier than babies who do not learn to sign. It will take some effort by us parents, but it sounds like a small price for some big rewards. And it just sounds fun. 

2. Breastfeeding Mediation – This is a CD I heard about from one of the podcasts and it sounds really cool. It’s a hypnotherapist who goes through guided mediation/relaxation/affirmations to help moms produce more milk and have a better time breastfeeding. Apparently, when you’re de-stressed and relaxed, you produce more milk when you nurse or pump. Also I believe in the power of affirmations, which is another reason I’m drawn to this CD. I purchased it from iTunes for $10. Being a first time mom of twins, I often worry about being able to provide for both babies, and I think this CD might really be helpful.