13 weeks, 1 day

So I'm headed out of the first trimester and on to the second. Technically, the 2nd trimester doesn't start until 13 weeks, 3 days but close enough, right? I'm hoping that the 2nd tri is all that I've heard it to be.... no more morning sickness, a burst of energy, etc... we'll see!

Dave went with me to the doctor this morning. My blood pressure was normal and I've gained a total of 8 pounds. The recommended weight gain for twins is 25 pounds by 20 weeks (only 7 weeks to go) and 45-56 pounds total. I'm thinking 8 pounds in the first tri isn't too bad! Finally, we were able to hear both heartbeats and I can breathe a sigh of relief. Although the doctors told me it's not uncommon for one twin to hide behind the other, I was a little nervous that we could only get one heartbeat! Baby A's heartbeat was in the 150's (beats per minute) and Baby B's heartbeat was right around 160 bpm. Both strong and healthy! This was Dave's first time hearing heartbeats and I think he enjoyed it. It really is pretty neat! Although, I think he enjoyed talking to the doctor more!

The doctor we saw today was Dr. Karyn Markley. Sitting in the exam room we noticed that all her certificates were from the Pennsylvania Hospital, as which point Dave remembered that some Markley's lived next door to him when he was a kid in Norristown, PA. Turns out that Markley is her married name and she didn't recognize any of the names Dave threw at her but she said she would ask her husband. She also said that they do have a couple of relatives that still live in Norristown, PA and they know Woody's.... the golf facility that Dave's grandfather started and his family still runs! Small world......

My next appointment is on January 10, 2008. My mom will go with me to that appointment so she can hear the heartbeats. I will also have blood drawn for some sort of "triple screen" test. It's an easy test to possibly detect birth defects. Then the appointment in February is when we find out the genders!!!

FINALLY!!

This post is not baby related at all..... but it is about a major life event that occurred on "the road to twins".

This weekend was amazing. I have just graduated from Coastal Carolina University with a B.A. in Political Science after 8 LONG years of courses in the evening and online. Friday night I was so nervous. It just seemed like it was too good to be true. I've dreamt about graduation day for years and it's finally here! Bright and early I arrived at the Myrtle Beach Convention Center wearing my cap and gown, ready to walk and leave papers and tests behind me. The ceremony was very nice and, as I sat there amongst my other classmates (309 in attendance) all I could think was "Please, God, don't let me trip as I walk across that stage!" Well, the announcer got my first name wrong but my last name right (which is completely opposite of what is normal), I walked across the stage, shook the President's hand and went back to my seat..... all while grinning like an idiot at my incredible family up in the stands (including my oldest brother and sister-in-law who drove 8 hours from GA to be there)!

After the ceremony we went to Carolina Road House for lunch and then home for a nap.... I was exhausted! After our nap we set up for the party that evening at the Conway Train Station, which was an absolutely amazing space. I walked in and it was like stepping back in time. There were so many antiques in there it looked like they hadn't touched the place in several decades! Dave and Kent took care of setting up the bar in the Club Car, which Jason (the owner) so kindly pulled up to the station. The caterer arrived right on time with delicious food and everybody had a great time.

One thing I wasn't expecting were the gifts and cards. I was completely overwhelmed at the amazing group of family and friends that I have. The support I've received from my loved ones throughout my collegiate career are what made it possible for me to complete my degree while working full time.