Slow moving vehicle

I have officially hit the wall! I need a slow moving sign glued to my butt! :)  We are entering the third trimester, and boy, do I feel like it! I dropped my grocery list in the store last night and just stood there looking at it trying to figure out if it was really that important to have or if I could just wing it and leave it lay there, getting up from the couch has become a rolling sort of maneuver, and forget about wearing shoes that require tieing!

I started wearing a maternity belt to work to see if it would help with back and ligament pain from being on my feet during the day. The directions stated to 1. Put on the belt. - OK  2. Lay on my back. - done.  3. Bring your knees to your chest and pull the straps on each side of the belt to tighten it. - Ummmmm Hahahahaha! Say what? Bring my knees past the 2 bowling balls in my stomach to meet the 2 watermelons laying on my chest? Well, sure! I got it tightened, even though the knees did not reach their destination. It helped with back and belly pain, so I give it a thumbs up! It needs adjustment when going from standing to sitting, but I'm sure that will come easier as I get used to it. Now, if I could just go braless without ridicule, I'd be much more comfy at work. :)

It has been nice to have so many snow days to keep my feet up and relax, but I think (at least I hope, for summer's sake) that our snow days have come to an end. It's going to get harder to get everyday things accomplished, so I designed a new chore chart at home where the kids will have more responsibilities, since I just don't have the energy or mobility to do as much as I normally would. So, let's just say that the kids used to like Marc and Michael, but I think they may have changed their minds recently. :) I'm sure they will step up and be great at helping out! I'm going to say that with a lot of positive thinking behind it!

I have had some contractions on and off over the past weekend, but nothing painful or consistent. I'm hoping this isn't a sign of bedrest to come. I'd like to work right up until delivery. I'll be going to the doctor again this Friday, and hopefully won't show any signs of pre-term labor at the exam. Although the minute the girls are ready to be born healthy and happy, I'm ready to help them make their appearance!

2 Princesses - Coming Soon!

So, there are 2 little girls getting ready to make their appearance in late April, and there are 2 guys doing a whole lot of sweating worrying about how they are going to handle that. :)
I'm very excited to see them melt when they first meet these little princesses. Might as well put a category in the budget titled "Anything the girls want" and put the amount as unlimited. I also wish I could install cameras in every room of the Standifer-Hammer residence to see the chaos of the first few months. It is sure to be entertaining!
Things are going well. The girls look great on ultrasound. They are both about 1 pound 2 ounces and they like to move! My stomach is constantly bouncing around. I'm feeling good. I have to remember to try not to be on my feet too much each day or I have a rough evening, but when I reduce my activity like I should, things go very well. It's hard to tone it down as a mother of 5 and a 2nd grade teacher. Being on my feet is pretty much how I live.
In case you didn't know - Marc, Michael, Craig, and I are all famous now, after appearing in Hollywood superstar writer, Brad Hammer's article in the Huffington Post. It got a lot of attention online, and hopefully will inspire others who have dealt with infertility or who have felt like family isn't an option for them as a same-sex couple. Thank you Brad for your hard work and your spotlight on the story!
I think this past couple of months have been the best out of the whole surrogacy experience. No shots, only a blood draw or 2, and not much sickness at all. Of course, second trimester is always the best. First trimester is the sick and tired phase, and third trimester brings the big as a house and done with this nonsense stage, so I'm enjoying the middle of the road phase where everything is pretty calm and quiet.
I have a doctor's appointment later this week, so will update more after that. Until then, all you Pinterest followers need to start pinning some great sites to share with the boys on doing girl's hair, dealing with divas, and how to properly raise princesses. ;)