36 weeks

* i look like i'm smuggling a bouncie castle under my dress

* when the lady at WalMart said "YOU ARE HUGE!!!" the other day, i briefly debated saying "and you are rude...at least my problem will be remedied in a few weeks!!" but i didn't. i just smiled.

* not sleeping at all. pretty big braxton hicks every night.

*taking LOTS of baths. LOTS. the water bill will be interesting. HEE!

*working on not being so grumpy. remembering that these babies will come when THEY are ready. not when I am ready.

*feeling so sad that i can't hold my girls really at all any more. i can't pick them up and there's no room left in my lap!

*watching modern family season one on dvd

*reading and resting lots

*i had a complete nervous breakdown tonight (ugly cry and all) b/c i couldn't get the dinner i was trying to eat to my mouth. i literally could NOT get it over my belly. i dropped the bite a few times and then had a meltdown. feeling much better now, actually. it was ridiculous. i was laughing at myself as i was crying. hahahaha!

*so happy with the nursery, my mom worked hard on it today and it's precious.

*listening to lots of cee lo green

*enjoying the time that is left with our family of four. remembering to be grateful, not grumpy. trying my hardest not to worry. it's all in God's hands!

Comments

[sharron]

well i think you look beautiful!!
it's your party and you can cry if you want to..:)
hang in the...you have done so well& you are in the home stretch!
so happy that your mama will be there to help you with the girls and cannot wait to see the nursery and seeing your family of four become six!!
blessings~

[sharron]

oops meant hang in there...

[Kristi]

Stephanie, I cannot believe you are 36 weeks. I've had several friends have twins, and they didn't make it NEARLY as long as you did, and were about 600 inches bigger than you were! So people who say "you're so big!" are SO discombobulated!!! hang in there girl, you're amazing!!! Laughing--laughing!! at the food not making it over your belly. That story/image will be funny to you soon :)

[Christine Campbell]

I'm soooo glad you're Mom is there!!! Sometimes, you just need you're Mom, still, ya know...
I think you're stunning - my Mom was the same size you are with her first, my older sister Teri. LOL. She was almost a month overdue but they didn't induce back then. We only have one picture of her...just a few days before she had my sister. It's so awesome that you have so many photos documenting this journey you and your family of four took the last 9+ months so Cate and Lucy can look back on later and read and laugh know just what you all did and went through to make sure they were born as healthy as possible. When they're older and become mothers themselves...they will KNOW...and be grateful and will be soooo glad that you will be there decorating the nursery for them when they need you to. Won't that be fun!!

[Mel brewin]

HOW RUDE!!! I think you look amazing!!!
I remember the last days of my youngest & having crying days & not being able to even see my fat feet, so get that!!! Your girls will be here before you know it!!! Kick back & keep relaxing (although make sure you are in a chair you can get out of) hahahahhaah
praying for an amazing delivery for you. Be blessed.

Mel xx

[Jennifer Camplin]

Amazing.. it will be soon.. glad mom there to help out!
Hang in there.. Send love with family!!

[Christine Campbell]

Oh, and Mom says (she's here helping me pack - moving next weekend) just put your plate right on your belly - that's what she used to do. :) less chance to lose the food from your fork. LOL Oh, but I guess Teri used to kick the plate when she did that. hahahaha.

[Joanna Rummel]

You look awesome!
Take care!

[nancy n]

I know it is hard to wait for one and you are waiting for TWO!!! Can you share pictures of the nursery. I
would love to see what your Mom has done.

[justem]

I think you look great. Like seriously...not huge at all! The babies are just so comfy and happy now...getting bigger and stronger each day...just waiting for the perfect moment to make their appearance!! ;) Can't wait!

[cindy noesen]

I agree with the others, you look wonderful, and not huge. I totally ate ice the ENTIRE time with all 3 pregnancies of mine. They say it is an indicator of iron deficiency. I could never take my pre-natals, and I was just fine. And my cravings for ice were done as soon as my babies were born.

[Jody]

I will never understand how most people on the planet lose all their sense of decorum when speaking to a pregnant woman.
I give you props for holding your tongue, I probably would have given some New York attitude with a big sarcastic "Wow, thank you!" while smiling like a crazy woman.
Works every time.
You look beautiful :)

[Mariah]

You're almost there. You are doing great!

[Shara]

Darlin', you're beautiful! Can't wait to meet those babies, or until then "see" the nursery (hint hint!) Hello to the "big girls" (from Libby!)

[Michelle]

You look mah-velous! Hang in there. I have heard that the ice cravings ae tied to an iron deficiency....

[Kirsty P]

You look amazing!
I remember my last baby I craved ice. And it HAD to be crunched. And the contractions every night for 3 weeks. They helped in the end though, I had the easiest birth :)
Hang in there mama..you are doing SO good!

[Barb @ getupandplay]

I think you look great, too! Not like you have TWO babies in there! I always feel better after a good cry, so I'm glad you felt better after the "ugly cry". Hang in there! (And isn't Cee Lo Green amazing? I loved him in Gnarls Barkley, too).

[Lynn]

Hang in there! You are doing great!! So glad that your mom is with you sharing these wonderful times!

[Elizabeth Foss]

I have LOVED watching you grow;-). You look just beautiful. About that ice--I craved ice with my fifth baby. Turns out it's a symptom of low iron. I'm sure they're keeping tabs on that. In last last few weeks before he was born I literally dreamt about that soft ice in birthing inn. You have done such a wonderful job of nurturing those babies. I'm praying you to the finish line.

[Vanessa M. Santamaria]

You're the prettiest mom-to-be I know! And such a trooper even in the tough times! Hang in there my bloggie friend :) the babies will be here in no time. I cannot wait to see the nursery that your Mom helped with! xo

[Amy]

you are beautiful :)
The ice craving is iron deficiency...but I am sure you are taking all the iron you can handle already...might want to mention it to your doctor though just in case. I can't wait to meet those girls...they are going to be just precious

[Marianne]

You look amazing and your arms are thinner than mine and I'm not even pregnant! All the very best. I'll look forward to seeing pictures of your baby girls.

[Kate aka stinkydudette]

Hang in there, Steph. It'll be worth it in the end. Praying for a safe delivery, health of mom & girls, and your sanity.. lol.. *hugs*

[tara pollard pakosta]

dear stephanie,

you are NOT huge, that lady is out of her mind!
you really look fabulous, you are all "babies" out front and skinny everywhere else! Look at your top half in this photo, you look wonderful!
seriously!!!
hope they come soon! way to go keeping them in there so long!!! xoxo
tara

[kelly]

pictures of the nursery, please ;)
and i would have triple dog dared you to say that to the lady at WM - she deserved it!

[Mary Ann]

Love you, just love you!

[GinnaG]

Would love to see pics of the nursery. You are so cute and right about the rude comment. You will soon have those beautiful peanuts in your arms. Remember that hormones are there for a reason. Need them to great through this up coming event. So happy for you and your family. You will be fine and do great.

[abbeyviolet]

You are being such an amazing Mama for those baby girls already. They are so lucky to get to keep growing safe with you. I cannot imagine how hard it is, but am so proud of you and sending hugs and prayers your way.

[Angie F]

It's hard to wait for something so wonderful when you are getting close to delivery day! Hang in there!! :)

[Jill Sprott]

Don't you LOVE Modern Family? I'm going to guess that it's all of that laughter that's responsible for those contractions. :) I am getting more and more excited for you with every post!

[JenRay]

I was thinking of you today, and wondering if you were having the babies. Guess not. ;o) All in due time - they are just getting healthier. And you look great! I was 7 or 8 months pregnant before people even realized I was pregnant. I think they all just thought I was getting fatter! (I am busty too, so my shirts hang away and hide the belly.) At least people know you are pregnant! Glad you have your mom and hubby there with you!

[Nirupama]

You are so hilarious, I love it. I would cry to about something like not being able to eat over my belly, although I have started using my belly as a table and setting bowls on it to eat. My husband likened me to an otter, awesome.

[summer]

oh goodness, I admire your strength for not telling her off! you have to be one of the cutest pregnant women I've ever seen, I only hope I'll look half as good when we are expecting...praying for you and your family that the delivery will be timely and worry free. can't wait to see nursery pictures!

[Annie]

Some people do not think before they speak. It's awful! You are carrying 2 beautiful baby girls that are going to be such a joy to be around and watch grow. Praying for you for strength and endurance during these last days.

Hugs!

[bluemoon]

I was thinking when I first saw your picture that you sure do not look like you are carrying full term twins at all! and possibly that lady didn't mean it the way it sounded. I think the time is close. We all get grumpy when we are not feeling ourselves, for many different reasons. When I have a meltdown, I have a nice refreshing shower and always seem to feel a bit better. Maybe it is the nature of us women! Hooray for us Women!! You've done terrific and everything will work out. In no time at all you will be juggling 2 babies and 2 big girls and finding your new stride. All the best to you all!

[Elizabeth]

You look beautiful...love the dress! And you know what? You're aloud to be grumpy once in a while, we all have our bad days....and besides...you have a "couple" of good excuses to be....Have a Happy Sunday:)

[Leah Killian]

Huge. . .yeah. . .comes with the territory, but you are also HUGELY blessed! What an amazing thing to carry them for so long! They will be so much more healthy and strong and ready for all the love they can get when they do make their appearance!

I am so happy for you!

[Tracey]

Girl, you really do look beautiful. I've been pregnant 3x, with just one baby in my belly each time, and I was easily twice your size. Fluid everywhere. It was nuts. You may not feel it, but you look lovely and graceful. I'm envious. ;)

Hang in there (or just hang out there, as the case may be - that was my pregnancy joke). The end is in sight! Two more gorgeous little faces will be here before you know it. Praying for you all!

[Julia C]

It's amazing how a good meltdown can make you feel better sometimes! You look amazing and you've done brilliantly to still be carrying the babies at 36 weeks...not long now!

[Stephanie]

Now, I understand. YOU are an amazing mom because YOU have an amazing mom. Nursery must be nice.
You look really nice, you know? I hope these "demoiselles" will be patient. 36 weeks!!!! So proud of you! For you!

[Amy K]

Stephanie, you look amazing! What a blessing that your mom can be there with you and for you.
Some people definitely need to think before speaking, but be proud of how big your tummy is...you've done an exceptional job of incubating those little chicks.
You obviously needed that ugly cry - it's ok, we all need a good cry at times. You're entitled!
Those two bundles of joy will be here before you know it!
Praying for you...

[Cass]

You look gorgeous! What a blessing that your little bubs have stayed safely in your belly so long. *big hugs* for you. I'm praying for a safe, smooth delivery of your princesses some time in the next month. :)

[Kim Stewart]

Wow! I am in awe that you have carried those sweet girls for this long. Each day just means they'll be that much healthier. I can't even imagine how difficult it is for you at this point. They are so blessed to have you for a momma.
(And a couple of episodes of Modern Family will cure even the grumpiest of moods. Isn't it hysterical? Last week's was a riot.) Hang in there...even if it does mean extra baths! Just smile at the rude people. It drives them crazy!

[Ladybird]

Take care...! :)

[Heather]

You are amazing! I have loved following your pregnancy journey and admire your honesty. You are doing the hardest job in the world with such grace.

[Pam]

Well you must take some pretty darn photos and I'm wondering if you can give me some tips because I don't think you look huge at all! I think you look awesome! It's hard to believe you have TWO babies in there! Look at you, you haven't gained any weight anywhere but your belly! And the fact that you are a saint on top of it is just amazing, I would have bopped the rude lady! :) You are doing fabulous! You are in the home stretch now!

[jackie]

you look amazing!!! i am always praying for you! i am sending lots of hugs your way. don't worry about the crying...it's okay.

[Ally]

On the other hand, being huge is a GOOD thing! It means the babes are growing big and strong. Try to be proud of it! It's amazing how you look.

[Cheryl]

You look gorgeous! There is nothing more beautiful than a happy, healthy pregnant woman.

[Jennifer]

best wishes!!
I think you look great.

[Lara Carson]

Well, sending you hugs and prayers and wonderful blessings for when your family finally becomes 6! God Bless you and all of your lovelies!

[Maritza]

God bless you. You look beautiful. I don't always comment but I laughed and teared up a little for you, just imagining. I admire your work and family life. Thanks for all you do.

[Rita]

Glad to see you always find the positive even during those miserable moments!! I can't help but look at your photo and get jealous.......at least you didn't get gigantic boobs!!! My boobs seemed bigger than my abdomen, like a 38E. MISERABLE>>>>there was no definition between my boobs and belly, felt like a turtle with my head popping out on top!!! Happy to say that I survived it all, but still wish for a flatter chest!!!!!

[kate sade]

coming from someone who was JUST there 10days ago... it will be over soon...then the remarkable moments of joy will follow when you get to snuggle soft baby heads and stare at them... praying all goes well for you..

[Christine F.]

Keep your chin up! People can be so rude - I think you look lovely.

[C. Rayevich]

=) you should have said that to that lady lol, would have made you feel better and took her down a peg or two ;)) I think you look beautiful. but i know the last couple weeks take forever.
xo

[sheila hardie]

you look awesome!!! Enjoy your last few weeks pregnant--soon very soon your lap will be full w/4 precious girls :-) and eating will be a distant memory well at least eating a warm meal ;-)

[Rhona]

I think you're doing so well and it won't be long now. My daughter had her daughter on Thursday and we're loving getting to know her and so grateful that she and her partner are living at home with us for now. I'm glad your Mum is there with you and I'm sure she's helping loads.
Can't wait to "meet" your babies next :)
xx

[Stephanie Eaken]

My heart goes out to you-but you are ALMOST THERE!!! YAY! Ooohh, what are you reading these days? Anything good? Hope you'll post pics of the nursery!
XO "
U

[Lyndsey]

You are doing great! Will we get to see pictures of the nursery?!

[Natalie]

Well, you look GREAT! I cannot imagine how bad it is. I'm 33 weeks pregnant with ONE and I can't sleep, I'm taking a ton of baths, feeling lots of braxton hicks contractions, and I feel like I need to eat with a bib so i don't drop food on my clothes (it happens with every meal it seems). And that is with one baby...so I really do feel for you! But, hang in there! You are doing amazing! It can't be too much longer for you (or me). I'm trying so very hard to NOT complain. Remember how hard I tried and how much we wanted this little boy! And trying to just be greatful in all things.

Would love to see pictures of the girls' room!!!

Good Luck though! I keep checking daily half expecting to see a 'water broke' or 'on the way to hospital' type post. Will say an extra prayer for you tonight!

[Es]

Sending you hugs ((())). It's SO worth it:) I was just thinking the same thing as someone previously mentioned. Most multiples don't make it as far as you have. I am a twin and we were premature. Wishing you the best and praying for you. Hang in there. You're in the home stretch now;)

[Soldier Girl]

LMAO .. for some reason I just pictured you laughing and crying and laughing and crying and I would have spat off some of that Cee Lo to that lady in Walmart .. I think she was just jealous that you actually look pretty damn good for your frame being pregnant with twins ..

[Jenn A. (cccjenn)]

oh I am just hoping you get to meet those sweet babies soon! Stephanie, you have done such and amazing job making it to the finish line, so I know they are going to be super healthy and absolutely beautiful.
I can't wait to see the nursery and them in it. :)

[Bonnie]

You look GORGEOUS! 36 weeks is a big accomplishment (pun intended)- you go girl! Can't wait to see the nursery! (and of course Cate and Lucy!) Wishing you and your family a very blessed Thanksgiving!

[Sarah K]

I think what the lady at WalMart meant to say was, "You are beautiful--inside AND outside." Because you absolutely are beautiful. Hang in there & God bless.

[gillian]

You are beautiful. :)

g

[Tinka]

You look fabulous! But, sorry....I had to laugh about you dropping your food! Reminded me of when my middle sister was pregnant with her first. Since I was (still am!!) bigger than she was to begin with, as she gained weight she started borrowing my shirts and sweaters. EVERYTHING came back to me with stains from food. I still, 21+ years later, give her grief about ruining one of my favorite sweaters. ;o)

Also, those contractions, as others have said, will help the delivery. My niece, who just had her first baby 2.5 months ago, was having very hard contractions for several weeks and that's exactly what her dr. told her. And it was true...she only pushed 3 times!

Can't wait to "meet" Miss Lucy and Miss Cate!

[jamie hansen]

i can't believe you have made it this far so far. I did not see you post for a couple of days and thought...hum maybe she went into labor.

So, are you set for a natural vaginal birth or are they setting you up for a Cesarean section? Did you say already?

You look beautiful and small for 36 weeks. Can't wait to see your two new little ladies.

[Liz]

modern family will make you laugh so hard,maybe your water will break :) LOVE that show.

[reyanna]

Dude, some people are SO rude! Ack. Sorry about those silly people. :-p

You look amazing, and you are such a rockstar! Hang in there! You're ALMOST done! YAY! Gosh, that went by fast. Well, to me, it did. LOL. Love you, Girl! :-)

[Amy K]

Thinking of you this morning....Many Blessings!

[bluemoon]

No word from Stephanie since the 20th.... are the babies here already????? I'm wondering!!!

[Stephanie Howell]

Nope.

Sent from my iPhone

[elizabeth]

I have been a pediatric nurse for 11 years and have seen first hand the importance of carrying twins to term (or as close to it as possible). you are Superwoman! and please do not let a stranger's rudeness diminish that. You are taking WONDERFUL care of those baby girls. Sending lots of well wishes your way :)

[Christine Parker]

So funny, blue moon, I was thinking the same thing! We're just all so anxious to see the Howell Family of 6! Thinking of you, Stephanie, and wishing you all the best as you prepare to deliver two more precious girls!! May God Bless You All!

[Kim Stewart]

No blogging from Stephanie since the 20th??? Have Cate and Lucy arrived??

[Kim FAucher]

Hey there... wishing you a spectacular thanksgiving.. we all have so much to be thankful for !!!

Keeping you in my prayers and thoughts sweet girl... soon you will be meeting two new beautiful little chickies.. bet you can't wait!
Keeping my fingers and toes crossed they come soon, healthy and happiness for your sweet family!!

Kim Faucher

[Angie]

I hope you have a smooth delivery! By the way you do NOT look big enough to be having twins. I would've never guessed it.

[Michele]

You wear "pregnancy" - particularly twins extremely well; I would never have guessed you were having twins!

Congrats on making it 37 weeks with twins; God is good!!!

You look beautiful!