(nearly) 35 weeks

 

 

black is my best friend right now.

tunics.

leggings.

my size ll/12 black faux uggs (and brown too) that i got at target and walmart. j calls them "fuggs". hmmmph. don't judge me and my ski feet.

they are the only things that will fit my feet these days. HA!

last night we had a hail and farewell at kevin barry's...it gave me a chance to do my hair and makeup and get out of the house. it felt nice. but i was TIRED and ready to come home by 8. haha!

at 35 weeks:

i have about one day a week where i can't get out of bed. i think it's my body adjusting to the new weight. then i get over it, get accustomed to it, and i'm fine the rest of the week

i have been craving crab legs

i get up twice an hour at night to pee. it's fun. i can walk to the restroom and back without opening my eyes.

i have to take zantac twice a day for the heartburn.

lucy (i can tell b/c she is on my left side), constantly has hiccups.

almost all of my shirts are too short at this point. i also can't tolerate wearing anything other than leggings on my bottom half.

i'm wide awake for most of the night

i'm ready to have my body back to "normal" and meet these babies, but also scared half to death. the other day j and i were out to lunch and i started crying (hormonal mess much??) wondering if the two "bigs" are going to feel neglected. and how i'm possibly going to give them the love and attention they deserve.

oh, i want to thank you all for your sweet words on my post from yesterday. we are having so much fun decorating!!

happy happy tuesday. hope you have a beautiful day!

xoxo

 

Comments

[Jenni Hufford]

stephanie, you look beautiful!!!! you are doing such a great job-- 35 weeks with twins is amazing! God will continue to give you strength day by day- for the rest of the pregnancy and when the babies come.

[Michelle Unruh]

I missed yesterday's post and will go look, but wanted to leave you a comment about this one first..

Your two older ones will not feel less loved. I can totally understand what you are saying. No I don't have twins. But, I felt the same way because even one baby takes a lot of time. My kids were alittle older when each was born. It was hard for them to adjust to not having as much of my attention. But, I have to say, once I got a routine down.. all was good!!! You will get it!! Once babies get on a schedule... I know you will figure out a system that works for you and your family. It will all be ok!!! :) When you do, and you have it all working, you will look back and wonder what you were ever worried about!! ;)

You know.. these next few weeks will fly!!! I don't know if it works the same for twins, but I was told at 37 weeks, all was good, if I delivered early. Only thing they do is gain weight those last few weeks.

You look great!!! Lots of love!!

[samantha]

You look beautiful! I cannot even believe you are almost 35 weeks... BTW I think you are both going to be amazing parents to all 4 of your girls!

[Ginny C.]

Stephanie, you look wonderful! You're a great mama & you will find you have enough time & love for everyone. Everyday you carry the babies, they get bigger & healthier. The house looks fantastic! I'm not sure how you were able to get all of this done. Your photos made me take a little closer look at my house. I think it's time I got off my butt & got busy!

[Kim]

You are precious! I love love love to read your Real posts about your life, worries, babies (big & lil) & scrapping! you will be fine, being worried about it proves it. :)

[Hanna]

You look amazing, and I totally identify w/ your post. Thinking about having twins can be so overwhelming and I feel like I can cry at the drop of a hat too. I know once the babies arrive everything will work itself out and Harper and Sadie will be the best big sisters. Hang in there.

[ginny]

Hugs to you! You look great! One of my best friends and I were pregnant with our third children at the same time. She was in your situation with two older girls and pregnant with twin girls. I think she handled her addition better than I handled our third singleton! Her older daughters were beyond thrilled with the babies, and all worked out well. Give yourself some grace. Love grows exponentially with each new addition.

[allison]

You look beautiful, really and truly! And the fact that you are even worried about having enough love to go around just means that you will. I don't even really know you, but I am so excited to see those babies! Keep your feet up and keep doing what you are doing!

[Sabrina L]

Woah mama...look at you! You're all tummy. Your face and arms don't look pregnant at all! You look great.

[Lisa Dickinson]

you are just gorgeous. and you (and the twinsies, and J and H and S) are going to be just fine. You can do this! You have such a beautiful soul and a tender heart and if anyone on earth was made to do this job, IT'S YOU. And I know you are going to handle this whole new life with poise, grace, and most of all, an abundance of LOVE. xxxooo

[Vanessa M Santamaria]

You look beautiful and you are such a trooper!!! And a GREAT MAMA! I'm sure Sadie and Harper will be fine when the babies come because you and J are awesome parents :) Thanks for sharing these pics and how you're feeling... the babies will be here soon -- just a few more weeks to go! HUGS!!

[virginia]

wow - you look awesome! I hear ya re the tights - I'm 40 weeks now and have been in forever 21 plus size tights for about 3 weeks now and looooooooving it! Plus they are dirt cheap compared to maternity tights.

[Christine Campbell]

Your girls will not feel neglected...how could they be with you and J as their parents?? They will soon be in a home with twice the love there is right now, that's all and they will feel it. There will be jealousy and tears and tantrums but there will also be giggles and squeals and cuddles of four all crowded into one bed listening to a story and it will be awesome and so so worth it!!!! And the big girls will love being sisters of four - I know I do.

[doris]

i was the youngest of five. my middle sister always complains about being the kid in the middle, but i don't know how the rest of us could make it without her. she's the glue that keeps the family together. four little sisters are a blessing for everyone. more children equals more love for everyone. :)

[Chris Hertel]

Wishing you all the best these next few (long) weeks. You look wonderful!

[meg watwood]

i cannot tell you HOW much better than "fine" you all are going to be!! you are going to be WONDERFUL!! of course you are worried, it IS a huge change but i PROMISE it will be better than you have ever imagined!! you are already used to the "hard" that is multiple children, now you just get the JOY that is twinsies! and you will be able to be up and about and active with harper and sadie more than you are now, and they will love that and love their sisters!! oh it's sosososo soon now!!

[Linda E]

You look beautiful at 35 weeks! You are in the home stretch now. I always felt that the sleepless nights at the end of my pregnancies were Mother Nature's way of preparing me for the sleepless nights ahead. Ha! Cruel joker, that Mother Nature!

[Chris Dodaj]

Steph you continue to look beautiful!
I am sure you will do such an amazing job loving all your babies, and that Sadie and Harper will be fine!
Keep in mind, that God will never give us more than we can bear, and know that he chose you and Jimmy for a reason! Can't wait to see your new little blessings!

[Denise]

You will do wonderfully with the new ones and the current loves of your life. From reading your posts, you don't lack the love they will crave, you will have more to give. You look wonderful for being 35 weeks preggo with twins. Most women don't look as good as you do now. How's that for a good feeling? :)

[tracy]

wow, you look amazing! you are making this twins thing look easy. continued good luck. those babies are going to be chubby, healthy newborns soon, soon, soon.

[Peg]

Steph, you are looking beautiful and doing so well! So good to see the days ticking by with babies still on board. I wanted to throw out a suggestion you might want to have J get a pic of you these days without the camera. It's a special time and I bet those little girlies would like a more traditional pic of mommy in the waning days of their pregnancy. :) Just in case you hadn't thought of it. Maybe catch one with the 'big girls' while you are at it. Figured better to suggest than assume you already had so if you have, move along. :)

[Stephanie Howell]

Peg- thanks for the suggestion!! We actually had professional portraits taken a few weeks ago!!! :)

Sent from my iPhone

[Megan B]

Beautiful pictures of you Steph! You will figure out how to balance it all when the babies are born. God will give you just enough strength each day to take care of all 4 girls. :) Sending you big hugs from TX!

[Lonely Scrapbooker]

You look Beautiful Stephanie.
And great that they're still baking! I carried mine to 39 weeks!
Listen, one thing noone told me: after they're born your BACK is going to freak out. I did not expect that and when I went for my first post partum check up I asked my ob/gyn and he said casually, oh yes, well since you gained that weight on your belly so gradually and then it was so suddenly removed, your back muscles have been thrown out, and your abdominal muscles can't catch back up to support your torso (I had a c-section which exacerbated it). Just so you know! I don't think there's anything you can do to prevent it. Or maybe you'll be lucky and it won't happen to you.
I started swimming (doing laps) which helped a lot. But it took a few months for my back to feel normal again.

[Susanne N.]

how can someone pregnant with 2 babies look as darling as you?
and i didn't comment on your post yesterday, but your house is just so homey and lovely that i want to come for a visit!

[Laurie Ann]

You look amazing!!!! Great job making it to 35 weeks with twins! So wonderful! Your "bigs" will be fine! Children are so great with change, much better than adults! They will do great and before you know it, you will be feeling like everyone is getting their fair share of love and attention. It just takes a little time to work out a new routine. :) Hang in there Momma! Can't wait to see these new bundles of joy!

[Danielle]

You look fantastic! And no worries you are a super fantastic mom and you will continue to be one after the 2 little ones come into the world!

[Juanna]

everything will be just fine (: you're such a strong woman! cant wait to see updates on your two lovely babies soon ((:

[Natalie]

You are doing such an AWESOME job!! You look beautiful! The older two will be just fine, they will not feel neglected.
I can't wait to see the babies in just a few more weeks!

:0)Natalie

[Houston]

Steph, I'm just so excited for you! I'm certain that you and J will do an amazing job of spreading your love to all four girls and I bet H & S will love being big sisters! Have a great week! Oh and you look stunning!

[Mandy Ni Bhraonain]

look at you! wow you look amazing!!!!! you are nearly there hunny, that last hurdle, you can do and you will have more than enough love, hugs and cuddles to go around! xx

[Louise]

I just want to say at the end of my last pregnancy, which was one 7lb 8oz boy, I weighed 182 pounds and I am only 5ft 2ins tall and normally when non pregnant weigh 133 pounds, so I know how to do "huge as a house"

I have to say that you are definitely wearing "Huge as a House" very well and stylishly to boot !!

[Michelle]

You Look AmAzInG!!!

[Candy]

A home full of love...how lucky can those twins be?

[Kim]

HUGS to you !! I think every mother who has more then one child goes through what you are feeling. Don't worry, everyone will adjust to this big and wonderful change. I always included Faith in everything we did when I was pregnant and even after Emilee was born. She loved to throw dirty diapers away and fetch a clean one!! Now she is a doting big sister!
BTW..You look amazing!!

[aud]

You just look absolutely beautiful, Stephanie -- and I NEED to know, where did you get that necklace???

[Stephanie Howell]

Thanks so much!! I got it at dillards about 3 years ago. :) xo

Sent from my iPhone

[jung a]

steph-
i totally understand how you're feeling. i still feel a little like i'm not giving the attention my 4 yr old deserves (and the new baby is already 4 months)...but she knows i love her, and she loves her baby sister...i guess that's all that really matters! ;)

[amy tangerine]

YOU LOOK GORGEOUS.
and Fuggs? I am cracking up.

[K'lyn]

I so enjoy following your pregnancy. I am 18 weeks pregnant with twins and it has been a comfort to me to track your progress. I can't believe you are so close to welcoming them in your arms. I think you look darn good. Guess I should invest in some uggs too!

[wendymck3]

you look great stephanie but i know it's hard. God bless you! hey, when i was pregnant with my first, someone told me to chew sugarless gum to help with heartburn. it did help. thought i'd share.

take care!

[Leslee Barrow]

Stephanie, Congratulations on making it to 35 weeks with twins. I am a NICU nurse and every day is so important to keep them inside. You look terrific, also at this point with all the babies inside. You will adjust to adding 2 more to your family and be a great mama. Your new house is looking wondful too

Leslee in MT

[Krista Nash]

Too funny ... my husband calls my fake uggs fuggs too. Well you're still looking great and I love that put all of the pictures and words up for the cyber world to read. I know you are going to be just fine when these babies arrive. And Harper and Sadie will be just fine too. I don't know if anyone has suggested this, but when I had my second daughter, I had this new baby bring her big sister and really nice present. A plastic outdoor playhouse to be exact. But for literally at least 6 months, big sister would run over to the baby and say, "Thank you! Thank you for my house!" So perhaps if there's time, the twins can go shopping for their special big sisters.

[Steph H]

Okay, for real, you look pregnant in your belly and nowhere else. Where is the pregnant double chin? And the sausage fingers? You are carrying twins and you look stunning.
If I didn't love you, I might hate you just a little.
And you are going to do amazing with the bigs and the littles. I can just imagine all of the help Harper and Sadie are going to give you. Help in the form of 'ashion advice for the twins and comic relief during diaper changes of course.

[Wendy]

I have about 15 weeks left until #5 joins our family - your love grows in amazing ways. All of our kids are best friends and love each other so much so even if mommy slips one day they cover the loving! :) I have always wanted to have twins, but I guess God had other plans - course I'm not sure I could have handled it either. Best of luck, much prayers, and thank you for always filling us blog readers in.

[Michelle Unruh]

Oh my gosh, Harper is going to have SO MUCH fun with her 'ashion advice!!! Definite comic relief from Sadie!!! LOL They will keep you laughing, Steph! That is for sure!!!

[Tracy]

It's funny how each baby makes your heart grow just a bit bigger, so that there is always enough love to go around. You'll rock this...don't even give it a second thought.

[amanda hayes]

I met my husband at kevin Barry's .. many a rgr marriage have started there I am sure!! :)

[Sylvie]

WOW! I don't know how you do it, but you look stunning, as usual, and you take wonderful self-portraits... No need to worry about the big sisters, they will be so busy getting acquainted with the little ones, that they may just as well request a bit less attention, everything will balance itself in due time... I'm so thrilled for all of you.

[Andrea Dick]

Stephanie you really look great. You just have a couple of weeks to go. I am sure most women who have had twins envy you, shot I know women who have had singles and would be envious. I also have 4 children, no twins(that is cheating, lol)and married to the military and moved at 34 weeks pregant. Worrying about getting it right and meeting the needs of your children is a concern of a GOOD Parent. I am sure you will figure it out and so will the girls. Take it one day at a time. Just do the best you could everyday. That is all you can do.

[Karen (kphike)]

I can't believe you are already at 35 weeks!! I know it probably feels like forever to you but you are such a trooper and have such a great attitude! The bigs are going to looooove them and I can't wait to hear the stories! The house - gorgeous - I can't even believe you just moved in....you're an inspiration Steph and you're almost there!!! Hugs to all of you :) and best wishes for as much sleep and peace as possible before the big day!!

[Leslie]

I think I might be pregnant again and Boston is 14 weeks and I was a little emotional for the same reason the other day and my BFF told me

"Love is multiplied not divide"

So they way I look at it you are going to have PLENTY of love for the new ones and the ones you have. Haha and that will be 4 little "Mommy I yuv u!"'s

you look gorgeous and your face still doesn't look pregnant, that is amazing

[Julia C]

Stephanie, you look amazing! Hang in there, not long to go!

Yes, your 2 "big" girls will possibly feel a little left out at times (although I'm sure they're going to make a huge fuss of their little sisters!), but give it time and everything will adjust to your new-look family. You have more than enough love to go around and that is what matters in the long run.

I can't believe how beautiful you've made your new home already...just make sure you take time out to get plenty of rest ;)

[Misty Munn]

oh. my. goodness. YOU are absolutely GORGEOUS and I am absolutely JEALOUS!!!

SERIOUSLY...at 35 weeks (actually more around 30) I looked as if I had a child in my chin...one in my nose...one in EACH hip...not to mention the backside...OH MY!!! And did I mention that I was NOT pregnant with TWINS?!?! And, FWIW, I am only 5' 2" tall...yeah, I looked sooo HOT...you know it ;)

As far as the "Bigs"...they are going to be GREAT big sisters and will never feel as if they are "not loved as much"...God is AMAZING and GRACIOUS and He will bless each of them with WONDERFUL, LOVING AND GRATEFUL feeling toward Lucy and Cate. He is AWESOME like that!!!

BTW, thanks so much for sharing your home with us in yesterdays post...IT IS BEAUTIFUL!!!

Hugs and prayers...Misty

[Anna K.]

Don't ever worry about your beautiful girls not getting enough love or attention. They will have two new people in their life to love and who love them. Remember that love is not divided with each new addition to a family; it is multiplied.

[Sherry]

I had four children in four years and from my experience, there will be times when you just survive but there will also wonderful, precious moments of love and laughter. It will be busy but it is the best kind of busy! One piece of advice: When your big girls first meet the twins, if possible, have your arms open for the big girls. Let someone else hold the twins so the "bigs" still feel like your arms are available for them. When you bring the babies home, leave them in their car seats and read a book, color a picture, snuggle, etc. with your big girls. We've done this each time we brought a baby home and have never had even a moment of sibling rivalry. There will definitely be times where your arms will be busy with the twins but if the big girls get a first impression that you still have time for them it will go a long ways to making them your big (happy) helpers.
Blessings to you!

[ACompton]

you look SOOO beautiful! and SO tired! and SO happy! what a wonderful mother you are to be willing to carry two new lovely ladies into the world :)

[Es]

You look AMAZING!!! Everything will be fine:) Hugs ((()))...

[Amber]

You look AMAZING!!! You are seriously ALL babies!! :) In such a short time you will have your body back and 2 new beautiful girls to love on! SO excited for you :)

[Elizabeth]

I just have to say...you should look into being a model for pregnancy...you look beautiful! And I have no doubt that you and J will have tons of love for all 4 girls! You both seem like awesome parents!

[gretchen]

still lookin' good mama!!

[Sue Pardue]

Stephanie, you look absolutely beautiful. I only wish I looked half as good when I was pregnant with only one baby! You're an amazing Mom and all four of your girls know it! Take it easy if you can. :)

[Kimberly]

Stephanie,
You look absolutely gorgeous!!! It must seem so overwhelming, the future of having FOUR children including two babies. Harper and Sadie are going to be great helpers when you are taking care of the babies and when the babies are asleep, you will look into the other girls' eyes for a moment and they will get the love they need from that.
Maybe there is a helper you can hire a couple days a week to give you a little break, which I am sure you would welcome! Take up a collection...I'll pitch in for THAT!

[Kimberly]

This seems like wonderful advice!!!

[Brianaj]

I can not believe time has gone this quickly! You look great. Oh I can imagine how your feet and legs feel - not really but half way anyway ; ) I actually wore crocs out in public when I was pregnant. No offense anyone. But that was when I became addicted to crocs - but i only do it in the privacy of my own home. home - yours is looking fabulous! Love the H mix on the mantle.

[bluemoon]

You're looking wonderful Stephanie! I don't think you should worry at all. Your girls are at a wonderful age, and being girls they will be all over the 2 new little babes, and wanting to help and hold and love, and you will teach them when they need to know things. 2 for 2 is a good ratio, they won't have to take turns being with a new baby! I think everything will be sooo ok, you'll see.

I think S & H will have 2 special presents this Christmas lol. Take care! I wish you all the best, thinking of you!

[Tammy Graves]

You look amazing! When I had my third I wondered the same thing...how will I love each one and will there be enough love and attention to go around...somehow, it all works itself out...you are an amazing mom now, and you will be no less when the newest girls arrive! Blessings!

[Tracy]

You are totally glowing and look amazing. Not long to go till you meet your bundles of joy. All the best and hope all goes well.

[Amy K]

You look amazing Stephanie, and you're handling everything beautifully.
You big girls are going to be just fine, and you will definitely have enough love to go around! They are going to fall instantly in love with their new baby sisters, and be such big helpers to mommy & daddy.
You continue to inspire me.

Blessings...

[Lara]

You look fantastic!!! 35 weeks for twins, great job!!!! The outburst of tears, for me, was an indication of childbirth. It was the day after Christmas and I was watching one of those childbirth shows on TLC, and started bawling!!! My husband turned it off and told me I shouldn't be watching it, lol! I went into labor that day.
It's amazing the amount of love God puts in our hearts for our children. If you think about it, it's how He loves us, and He's got a lotta kids!!

Fake + Uggs= Fuggs thats what they're called in our house too, lol!

Keep on keeping on, Stephanie!!! You have a beautiful family that's getting more and more beautiful!!

[Ann]

Another shout out to you, Stephanie! You look great. The "big sisters" are moving into a different phase of their development. They'll need you as their mama in a new way. You, the strong woman who has dealt with deployments, moves, pregnancies, will be okay. Roll with the flow. You are wonderful.

Fuggs, Uggs...whatever anyone wants to call them...they are wonderful!

[Jessica]

You look great! My fuggs are my fave shoes right now, too.

[Soldier Girl]

Dear Stephanie,

I refuse to believe you are 35 weeks .. holy smokes .. you look good girl .. wowsa.

[MilliD]

Girrrrrrl, you look better than I did as a pregnant lady and I was only carrying ONE!! You look beautiful. Hope you get to meet your babies soon and get your body (and comfort) back!

[Christine F.]

You are just glowing! So beautiful.

Your older girls know they are loved and cherished. You all will adapt to your expanded family and will be full of love! I know they'll want to be big helpers!

[Keshet Shenkar Starr]

You are going to be an AMAZING mama, i have no doubt. You look great!

[Barb]

Holy baby! You look adorable!

[DeeDee]

You look beautiful! I think having two bigs and two littles will work out great! S & H will each have a baby to hold. I'm sure they will be very helpful big sisters! Looking forward to you next blog post! Thanks for sharing your family.

[Gayle S]

Congratulations for reaching 35 weeks. That is fantastic!! I made it to 37 weeks and my girls were HUGE for twins. My big girls were 3 & 5 when the girls arrived and they loved having "one each" and felt so important and special that they had twin babies as no-one else they knew did. H & S will always remember how loved they are and as Mummy to 4 gorgeous girls I can guarantee you, you will have love to spare. xx

[berta]

You look wonderful for being 35 weeks with twins! And the big girls will love thier little twin baby sisters and you will have more than enough love for all your girls! Beautiful new home!

[Emily B]

oh Stephanie!! You look simply amazing!! And your home inspired me to get my butt into gear and make this apartment of mine a home! Curtains and all!!

Happy Veterans Day to J and YOU! You are serving too and we couldn't be more thankful for helping the rest of us get through the separations!

Hugs!!

[Lynne]

Wow!! You look great!!

[Holly]

Scrapbook Question... How are you planning to organize your pregnancy LOs for the twins? Will they be for *your* book? In the past, I have included my pregnancy LO as part of the baby books... now that I am having twins I worry about who will get what! :) Just curious if you have a plan for this...