Hello, Due Date!

Well, we reached our due date on Jan. 16th :)  The babies are 4 weeks old TODAY!!  Time is flying!!  Our schedule just makes the days fly by.

This is our living room set up at the moment (and the babies sleep in these really cool bassinet rockers that fold up really nicely!)

Our feeding schedule is: 7am, 10am, 1pm, 4pm, 7pm, 11pm, 3am and then back to 7am.  After the 10, 1, 4 and 7 feedings we try to keep the babies up for a total of 1.5hrs of the 3 hour block.  After the 7pm feeding we give them a bath (soap every other day) and we just keep them awake and just really enjoy them to be honest :)  This week we decided to see how long they would sleep at night.  So far, it isn't a complete disaster!  We've also been trying to figure out how one person can feed them at the same time.  We have 2 boppy pillows and have been having them both lay on their own as we feed them.  It has been working pretty well.  I need a little more practice so I can do it when Jon goes back to work (Feb. 4th.. dooms-day approaches!), but I'm confident that I'll be able to make it work!

The babies had their 2 week appointment last week and they are doing so well!  Alton's weight was 6lbs2oz and Ashlyn was 5lbs9oz!  So, they are both over their birth weights now- woo hoo!  Alton also grew and is now 19" and Ashlyn was at 18.25".  Their cords have fallen off and are healing- woo!

Alton is more fussy than Ashlyn, but they are still really amazing babies and we couldn't be happier :)  Alton sticks his tongue out a lot, especially when he first wakes up.  He also growls a lot-it makes us laugh a lot.  Ashlyn has "jazz hands" as Jon calls them when she wakes up- haha.  She makes a lot of cute faces and I wish I could capture them all on camera!  They are so dang cute!  We've been doing a little bit of tummy time and it's so cute to see them just look at each other.  We've only had one disastrous blow out so far... it landed on me lol. **edit... Ashlyn has pooped on me while washing her in the tub 3x now... lol**

Bath time is fun :)  They are warming up to the water on their bodies.  Alton cries all the way up until he gets his hair washed.  They both love getting their hair washed.  It's so cute.  After baths we go hang out in their nursery for a little while and we read from an illustrated Book of Mormon.  Who says it's too early to start family scripture reading? 

I had my first doctor appointment post c-section on the 16th.  My doctor says I'm healing well and that I am able to drive again.  I still need to take it easy, but other than that, I am doing well.  It was so funny because she told me that my uterus was super huge and during the c-section she had another doctor come and look at it because they were just so amazed.  Nice.  She said that of course with twins it's normal to have a larger uterus, but this was just a lot bigger than she expected.  We had to bring the babies with us to the appointment because they had to eat at 10 and my appt was at 9:30am- so we just fed them on some comfy couches in the hospital :)  It worked out really well.

Other than that, we are surviving.  Sleeping time for us is slim, but that's normal.  Some times we feel like this haha... 

Ashlyn's hat would fall over her eyes and she'd get really grumpy.  However, we aren't putting hats on them anymore.  It's just really warm!

Rise and Shout! The Cougars are OUT!!

Okay, maybe a corny title... but it's what I feel like doing... raising my hands in the air and shouting "woohoo!!"  I know there are those of you who already know this, but...

THE BABIES ARE HERE!!

In their BYU baby cougar outfits :)  Jon's sister, Beth was the photographer. Taken Jan. 1st, 2013.

Last week was so crazy! The 23rd was our 6 year wedding anniversary!  We celebrated by going to Peli Peli.  It was delicious!  I was happy that I actually had a dress to wear!  Jon gave me a beautiful necklace that has 2 silver hearts with a small pink heart in the middle.  He said that it was to represent the twins and this whole last year.  I gave him the "Show Dad How" book :)  It's a really informative book with a little humor in it.  It's basically a comic/picture book with all different things about taking care of babies.  IE: how to give a bath, how to mix formula, how to deliver a baby in a subway (lol).... stuff like that.  He laughed when he opened it and has been frequenting its pages for the last week :)

Christmas came and we celebrated with family.  I felt monstrously huge!!  Christmas eve we went over to Jon's sister's house to decorate sugar cookies and to have the little kids act out The Nativity.  My nephew, Jakson (6), was really timid when he saw me.  It has been a little while since he had last seen me (maybe a few weeks).   He just looked at me and said, "What's wrong with your belly?"  I was about to explain that I had babies in my belly... but before I could respond he said, "You look like Santa."  Ouch.  Haha!  See?? Monstrously HUGE!!

Christmas day Jon and I celebrated together at home and exchanged a few gifts.  I gifted him a "new dad survival kit".  Filled with small "goodies" to help him out.  Clothes, toys, bathing supplies, bibs, soda (for late nights)... etc.  Afterwards, we went to his parent's house for lunch/dinner.  It was a really nice day.

The day after Chritmas Jon and I went out to do a little bit of clearance shopping.  We had pretty much resigned to the fact that the babies weren't coming until January.  So, we figured over the next few days while Jon was on vacation, we would start to really organize everything so it would be in the right place.  We knew that in the morning (27th) that we had a Dr. appointment and because it was in the Willowbrook area, we would run some errands and then we made a whole list of chores that needed to be done.  Laundry, vacuuming, mopping, grocery shopping, putting the last items in the nursery, bringing things downstairs for when the babies came, etc.  When we were shopping on the 26th, I found the diaper bag that I really liked on clearance!  I bought it and that night we packed it for the hospital.

The 27th (Thursday) came and our appointment was for 9:40am.  I jokingly asked as we walked out the door, "Should we bring the hospital bag just in case?"  I was 37 weeks and 1 day along.  We got to the Dr's and within just a few minutes I was getting my blood pressure, weight and urine sample done.  My blood pressure registered at 139/89 (yikes!! high!).  When my doctor (Dr. Traci Desplinter) came into the room she noted that and then she checked my cervix and I was 2cm dilated.   She then told us that she was concerned about my blood pressure and then started talking about preclampsia (pregnancy induced hypertension).  I was just under the BP limit (140/90) for her to order me make the trip to the 2nd floor to be monitored in triage (labor and delivery wing).  However, because I was considered "high risk", she recommended that we go up there to be monitored.  We agreed and headed up.

Crystal in triage with all her monitors lol (yeah... I was pretty swollen...)

They started measuring my blood pressure and I was completely normal.  It wasn't high at all.  It must've been a fluke in the doctor's office.  The triage nurses said that I would probably be going home, but I would have to stay there for a few hours.  Jon went out and got lunch for himself (I wasn't allowed to eat anything).  We let his parents know where we were but that it was nothing to worry/panic about.  I had an ultrasound and baby boy (A) was still breech, but they looked great and their heartbeats were normal and all looked well.  During this time in triage, I was having my normal contractions (nothing painful).  However, around 12:45pm they started to get a little painful.  I was still breathing alright during them, so I figured it was because I was on my back.  These painful contractions continued until my doctor came upstairs around 1:45pm.  She wanted to check on me and see where I was at.  I'm so thankful that her office is in the hospital itself!!  Anyways, she was happy with my blood pressure.  However, the triage said they found a little bit of protein in my urine.  I have a feeling that it was because I gave them a "sample" right after being checked in the doctor's office.  The doctor checked my cervix again and I had dilated to 4cm.

Um.. HOLY COW!  I was in labor.  My doctor looked at us and said "Well, today is the birthday!"  Jon and I just looked at each other in shock!  Then came the million questions of things like "what did you have to eat today and when? what's your name and birthday? do you know what we're doing here today?"  They started talking about the c-section and nurses were coming to explain everything.  My mind was racing!  I immediately started thinking.. "Wait, we don't have our bag!  We don't have our camera! I have things to do today! The cat needs to be fed!"  Jon frantically called his family and asked them to pick things up at our house and that we were going to heading to the OR soon.  I was hooked up to an IV, had a bunch of blood taken and then I was being brought to the OR.  Jon was suited up in his blue suit w/ a hat and booties.  He was then escorted away into another room and I was walked into the OR.

I was so scared.  I had to get a spinal block.  I was grateful for one of the nurses there who held my hands while I was curling over a pillow so that the anesthesiologist  could do the spinal block.  I immediately started to go numb.  I had to lay on my back very quickly and then they started putting a sheet up in front of me.  I started shaking (because of the meds).  They put this thing on me called a "bear hug".  It warmed up but it inflated and it was loud!  I had a hard time hearing things because the air that was blowing was near my head.  Then, Jon came in.  He sat with me and kept talking to me about things to keep me distracted.  I could feel a lot of tugging and pulling, but no pain.  Before we knew it the doctor said "here is baby boy!"  at 3:01pm Then we heard a cry.  Jon and I started getting weepy and tears were rolling down our faces.  Baby boy was lifted up over the curtain and he looked perfect!  Then came baby girl a minute later at 3:02pm.  She too had a small cry.  She was beautiful!  They wrapped them up and then brought them to where Jon was sitting and we both kissed them and Jon held them.

Our new little family in the OR - minutes after they were born

They were then whisked away to have their measurements done and get cleaned up.  While they were heading there, Jon walked past his parents with our barely 10minute old babies :)  They were all so surprised.

Baby Boy "A"

Baby Girl "B"

 

I was left in the OR so that I could be stitched up and then I was taken to recovery for an hour to be monitored.  I was dying to see Jon and the babies!!  The nurses were surprised I hadn't fallen asleep.  I guess that most women do, however, I was so anxious!  I then was rolled up into my post partum room (#2308).  The nurses tended to me and helped me get into the other bed.  After they were done, Jon came in and the babies were rolled in.  Jon's parents and sister, Leanna, came in after.  I learned at that time that the babies didn't have to step foot into the NICU.  How lucky and blessed we felt!  We were overjoyed! They were perfect.

It took us a little while to figure out their names.  We finally decided around 9pm that night.

Introducing for the first time:

Alton Blair Criddle - born at 3:01pm on December 27th.  Weighing 5lbs 7oz and measured in at 18"


Ashlyn Bella Criddle - born at 3:02pm on December 27th.  Weighing 5lbs 4oz and measured in at 17"

Alton Blair & Ashlyn Bella  (1/1/13)  Taken by Beth

Beth's Site: http://www.bethvphotography.com/

That night, we didn't sleep.  I had these terrible things on my legs that inflated every 5mins and made an awful sound.  So, when I was about to fall asleep, they'd inflate and I'd jerk awake.  Sad.  Jon would also do the same.  Then there were the nurses coming in to constantly take my blood pressure and temperature and then the other nurse coming in to give me meds and to push on my belly- talk about PAINFUL!  We were a real mess on Friday.  Jon was frazzled and I was just a hot mess.  I had a hard time standing and walking when it came time to do that.  I was in a lot of pain.  I started to freak out quite a bit.  It was terrible.  I couldn't enjoy the babies how I wanted to and I was just freaking out.  We decided to send the babies to the nursery for the night so that we could sleep and also so that we could regain our sanity because of no sleep.   Saturday was MUCH better.  We were functioning like REAL people!  I was even able to stand up straight and was able to walk down the hall.  Wahoo!  We did the same thing that night and Sunday we were more rested again.  We were released and discharged on Sunday afternoon.  We got the babies packed up and headed out.  We were parents!  We had KIDS in the backseat!  It felt amazing.  Overwhelming, but amazing :) 

Alton & Ashlyn getting ready to go home for the first time!  12/30/12

I realize that this is very long and I skipped over some mundane things that happened in the hospital, but there is just too much to cover and not all of it was important to document.  These babies are amazing.  They sleep and eat so well!  We are still very sleep deprived, but the babies are healthy (had their first check up today) and they are doing amazing.  I am so very thankful for these two miracles that were entrusted to us.  We are in love!

drum roll please..... 35 WEEKS!

Wow!  I honestly can't believe we have made it this far!  It's exciting!

We had an ultrasound yesterday and both babies are doing so well!  Baby boy (baby A) is still breech and baby girl is head down.  I'm pretty positive baby boy isn't going to move lol.  There just isn't any room left.  They will be happy to be out of there I think- so they can stretch out!  Baby boy's head is resting on his sister's belly... talk about a pain in the gut!  Okay, sorry.. I couldn't resist.  The measurements were really hard to get because of how squished they were, but they are estimating that baby boy is 5lbs 3 oz and that baby girl is 5lbs 5oz.  Before you say "oh that's wonderful!" did you do the math on that??  That's 10.5lbs of baby!  Just baby.  No fluid involved.  I'm feeling a bit miserable lol.

My doctor isn't in the office on Tuesdays so I had to go back in today for that visit.  I had blood tests done yesterday and she had the results back today.  She is upping my thyroid meds.. wonderful.  I asked her what the chances of the hypothyroidism going away after the babies come and she said that I will probably have this the rest of my life.  Then she was like "but the good news is that your carpal tunnel will go away!"  That's the spirit!  Looking on the bright side lol.

Anyways, she was talking to me and she was like "really, how are you feeling?"  I said my usual, "I'm fine" and then she said "I think those who have gone to such lengths to get pregnant feel like they can never complain, but you have every right to complain!  It doesn't make you less grateful!"  It made me smile to hear her say that.  So then she asked again "so how are you feeling?"  I answered honestly and just told her I'm just miserable lol.  Then I went on to say that I really can't see myself going to 39 weeks like she wants me to.  However, it sounds like it's more about the insurance companies who are making them change their policies.  Seriously- men in suits are the ones who are making these policies!  They aren't the ones carting around 10.5lbs of baby at 35 weeks pregnant!  They can probably still fit in the same shoes and clothes too! LOL  Oh well. 

My doctor just kept looking over my information and just saying how amazed she was with me and how well I'm doing.  She just looked at me and said "It will be interesting to see how far your body will let you go".  She's happy with the growth of the babies and she said that they are both growing as if they were singleton babies.  She threw in the comment of "you are really good at this pregnant thing!"  I then thought in the back of my mind, "then why did it take me so long to get pregnant" lol.  She checked my cervix and it's completely closed.  She said I'm at 50% for the length.. but I'll be honest.. my brain is lacking in the memory department on that part.  Either way, it's still really good.  She also measured my belly.  Her eyes just went wide.  She was like a normal woman at full term should measure around 40.. and you are measuring at 42.  Way to go, body! 

Anyways, I am now going to be seeing her every week up until my due date (unless the babies decide to make their debut earlier).  She had me schedule all those appointments and then I got scheduled for a c-section.  So, if my body decides to play the hero... we are scheduled for Jan. 9th (a week before my due date) at 12:30pm!  4 weeks at most!  Crazy!

There is so much more I want to write and so much I need to catch up on.  However, my fingers went numb after the 2nd paragraph... There are just so many people I need to recognize and thank for everything they have done for us and for the kind acts of service we have received.  My heart is full and I can't thank everyone enough for their kindness and support.  We are truly blessed to have amazing family and friends.  I will have to catch up on all of that a little later :) 

33 weeks

Due to my hands and wrist braces, this post will be short and sweet :)

We've made it to 33 weeks today!  Huzzah!  Each week is another milestone!  I had a routine check up this week with my doctor.  She is happy with everything she is seeing.  It's a good thing, but I'm starting to worry that my body is going to hold out to 39 weeks lol... that would be great and we want healthy babies... but if I'm already this uncomfortable... I can't imagine what I'll feel like then!  She mentioned having me go see a hand specialist, but I told her I wanted to hold off.  The braces have helped a lot and I really just don't want to go see another doctor.  I still get achy and my hands go numb still- especially when I'm driving!  No matter how far the drive, my hands go tingly and numb.  Awesome.

Cravings this week... sadly.. all unhealthy lol... burger, fries and ice cream.  Jon happily obliged to all of the above (on diff days) :)

Lastly, I am having tons of contractions.  None that are concerning, but I'm pretty much laying low.  When I change positions I start having multiple contractions, when I get up to walk they come, bending over, going up stairs, sitting down lol... so who knows what this means.  The doctor isn't worried or anything.  It's just weird.  So, I am being "lazy".  I mean, I am growing 2 humans after all... so I can't be considered THAT lazy.  I'm just itching to clean the whole house and do all this stuff, but I can't.  I'm just going to have to learn how to be okay with that.

Oh and one last thing.  Some of Jon's co-works threw us a baby shower the Friday before thanksgiving.  It was really so nice and generous of them!  Jon just got pictures today.  I figured I would post one :)

In all things give thanks

Anyone who has glanced at our blog over the last year knows that we have been blessed far beyond anything we deserve and have much to be grateful for.  As we pass 32 weeks, I wanted to point out a few things where I would like to express my gratitude. 

Pregnancy
I am not only so thankful that we have been blessed with our pregnancy, but also with how the pregnancy has gone.  Through seven months Crystal has been blessed to avoid any serious nausea, food aversions, or strange cravings (that I know of!).  Couple those with no serious heath concerns and we couldn't have had a smoother seven months, all things considered.

32 weeks and looking great!  I'll talk about the brace in a moment...

Access to Modern Medicine
This section of thanks is twofold.  First I must express how thankful I am that we are even pregnant.  Our followers are aware of all the time we spent working with the Fertility Doctors.  Without them we likely never would have been able to get pregnant in the first place. Second I am grateful that we continue to have access to modern medical facilities.  Two recent updates comes to mind. 

About a month or so ago Crystal started having regular, painful contractions one night, about every 5 minutes on the dot (you could set your watch by it).  The doctors were able to get her stabilized and address the issue, re-hydrating her body and getting it to calm down.  Then this weekend she started complaining of her hands hurting constantly and going numb.  Monday we called the doctors and after some deliberation they believed she had developed pregnancy induced Carpal Tunnels.  A trip to the pharmacy and two wrist braces later and she is doing much better (though looking like a boxer with taped wrists).  While we wish both of these issues never would have occurred, we are thankful that we have the access to and insurance to get help for them.

Family
No list of thanks is complete without bringing up family.  We are so thankful to have my family near by.  We just wish we could be closer to Crystal's as well.  

Monday we didn't feel like cooking so we went to Papa John's for their Monday special.  As we parked to pick up our pizza, we randomly noticed the other car that pulled into the lot at the same time was my parents.  It turned into a nice opportunity to have our dinner together and visit for a little while as they have been rather busy recently with to-dos of their own.  Thankfully they ordered a different topping than us!

And since I'm already talking about family I cannot leave out the fact of how grateful I am that our little family will be expanding very soon.  We are so excited to meet the new additions, learn their personalities, and realize how little we knew about raising children and being parents.

I am so thankful for the blessings and challenges that I have in life.  While it would be nice to live a life free of hardships, I am grateful for the lessons they teach and the opportunities that we are given to overcome them.  I hope you are all able to enjoy the holidays with your loved ones, near and far.  Happy Thanksgiving from the Criddles.

 

Sharing Infertility

I know that we have been very open about our struggle with infertility and that's what really helped us cope with it.  I understand the need to be private about it and I know there are those of you who have read our blog who are struggling privately and I totally respect that 100%.  It's a very personal thing and it is very heartbreaking.

As we are gearing up to bring these beautiful babies into the world, I sometimes feel guilty for blogging about it, knowing that there are others out there still struggling.   To those who are still struggling, please don't lose hope.  I can't tell you why you are going through this or when it will end or how to fix it, but I can tell you that you are so very loved by our Heavenly Father.  He knows what you are going through.  Never forget that. 

Lastly, I wanted to share this video that was shared with me about being open/private about infertility.  It's about 10mins long, but I really enjoyed it.

Blessed

**edit... I am sorry this is so long!  There aren't any pictures either.. sorry about that.**

November is a time that we all count our blessings and give thanks.  It's just the season.  THANKSgiving is right around the corner, after all. 

This year, we have been blessed far beyond we deserve.  I'm not just saying that to make us sound like we're tooting our own horns or anything.  There have been things that have happened that are purely not a coincidence.  There were times where there was extra money in our bank account even though I knew it shouldn't have been there- the math just didn't add up.  Our families have been safe - esp those of our family in New England who had to experience the "franken-storm", Sandy!

Our list is never ending of things we are so thankful for.  I know that the Lord has a hand in all things and he guides and directs us through it all- no matter how little it may be.

The obvious blessing that we are so very thankful for is the blessing to being able to start our family.  So far, this pregnancy has gone better than we could have imagined.  We've had some hiccups with different things, but overall- everything is going well.

I hit 29 weeks on Wednesday (Oct 31st).  I won't lie, I was seriously dragging that day.  I was so tired.  I could tell I was developing a head cold.  I planned on taking it really easy on Thursday.  I wasn't going to go anywhere or do much of anything.  Well, Thursday (Nov 1) came and started out just fine.  I got a lot of reading done and was able to watch one of my favorite chick flicks. 

Anyways, just before 6:30pm I had decided to start getting ready to go to a church meeting (I was feeling pretty good and I knew I wouldn't be running around if I went).  As I was getting ready, I started to have a lot of pain in my lower abdomen.  At first I figured it was round ligament pain, but then it got worse.  Then came the lovely braxton hicks.  However, I guess at this point we'll just call them contractions.  They were painful.  In a half hour I had had 4.  Jon called me because he was getting ready to come home from work.  I filled him in and while on the phone I had 2 more.  I'm not going to lie.  I had to set aside my pride and make the decision to go to the hospital like my doctor told me to do if something like this happened.  Jon and I planned to meet at the hospital.

I first called my in-laws and they were about a half hour away at a meeting.  So, knowing that most of my lady friends were at the church meeting I was going to go to, I started to think "hmm... who to call??".  The only thing I could think of was to call a few people in order of how far they were from me lol... I was able to get a hold of my lovely friend, Kelli.  She is pretty much a rock star.  Timing was perfect as she was just pulling into her driveway so she dropped her kids off with her husband and headed straight here.  We stopped at chik-fila on the way.  I had eaten a granola bar earlier to tide me over so I could have dinner with Jon when he got home.  Oops..  so we stopped for some food on the way to the hospital.  Anyways, we got to the hospital and I signed in at labor and delivery and was told that all their beds in triage were full so they would come and get me once one had opened up.  I was still having contractions.  Jon got there while we were waiting- so that was nice.  Kelli stayed with us until we were called back to triage.  I really can't thank her enough.  The only thing I could do was buy her dinner at chik-fila- haha!

The nurse was nice and she hooked me up to 3 monitors (1 for contractions and the other 2 for the babies heart beats).  She proceeded to do different tests to determine if I was going into pre-term labor or if there were other problems.  She spoke to the doctor who was on-call for my dr's group.  It wasn't my doctor, but I've met the one who she was talking to.  Anyways, while we were waiting for test results to come back, my contractions were 4 mins apart on the dot.  There was still discomfort/pain but it was lessening.  The most serious tests came back negative- which was really good.  However, they found that I was dehydrated.  For those who know me, you know that I'm always carrying a water bottle with me EVERYWHERE!  So, I was honestly super surprised.  We figured it was because of the head cold I've been getting over.  Anyways, the dehydration was causing the contractions so I was hooked up to an IV and I drained 2 bags of fluid.  Once I got through the first bag, my contractions started to slow down to every 6 mins and then as we started the new bag they slowed to every 8mins.  The on-call doctor was happy with this and said as soon as I was done with the fluids that I could go.

My discharge instructions:  I was told to drink more water than usual because I am having twins and to rest as much as possible.  So, not full bedrest, but still keeping my feet up as much as possible.

I won't lie, I did feel a little sheepish going to the hospital because I knew everything was probably fine, but the nurse eased my feelings by telling me "well, this wasn't nothing!".   I am thankful that it wasn't anything super serious and that I was able to slow my contractions with the IV.  I am so thankful that I felt prompted to go to the hospital.  The Lord always knows how to reach us, no matter what.  We just have to be willing to listen. 

I am so thankful for Jon and for everything he does for me.  I know that coming straight to the hospital from downtown wasn't the easiest commute, but I am so thankful that he was able to be there with me.  He is such a wonderful and supportive husband.  I'm pretty much the luckiest girl on the planet.  I love him so much and am so thankful that he is the one I get to share this adventure with.

30 weeks on Wednesday!  About 6-8 weeks to go!