An out-of-date update

First, thank you all who gave us tips and suggestions on names for Twin B. My friend Sarah asked about a prize if DH and I chose a name offered in the comments. I'm game! There are just two catches: 1) It won't be awarded for at least 4 months, because we likely won't finalize the names until we meet the boys and 2) I have absolutely no clue what the prize will be. It won't be extravagant (see entry on supporting a family of five on one salary) but at the very least, some yummy treats or a gift card for some lattes. So if you haven't given your input on my The Name Game post yet, head back and add yours! Oh, and obviously the three names we have already chosen -- Twin A's name and two possible names for Twin B -- won't count. (I do have email proof that those names were on the shortlist before my post.) And no fair typing out a list of 100 traditional names. It's my first giveaway/contest, let's keep it clean, people. Thanks for playing along!

I am finally getting around to posting about my big 20-week anatomy scan last Tuesday -- the one that couples who haven't seen their child's goods eagerly await so they can start preparing for pink or blue. But we have seen the family jewels (as well as every other body part, in detail, with measurements) so many times that it was rather anticlimactic. Laying in the dark, warm ultrasound room for at least an hour without a little voice begging "upeeeeeeeee" constantly... I almost fell asleep. Twice. It was awesome.

And even more awesome: they are both still looking healthy. The belly is growing massively, I measured at 27 weeks compared to singleton pregnancy (that's 7 weeks ahead). Twin A was estimated to weigh 1 lb, putting him in the 67th percentile, and Twin B at 14 oz was in the 60th. Not too shabby for carrying two babes, if I may say so myself!

On the not-so-awesome side, though, I was 2 pounds shy of my weight-gain goal for the appointment. Although I did gain 2 lbs in two weeks, I'm only up 8 lbs overall, according to their initial weight for me. Gah. Well, that's still 23 lbs above my pre-Bean weight, and I have a laundry list of reasons why that is more accurate than their initial weight. Not that it matters, my OB was completely unconcerned and said she's still a ways from having me order extra fries with my Big Mac. Because obviously that's the healthy and appropriate way to gain pregnancy weight. Thank you for the sound medical advice, doctor.

One of my friends from preschool is due with her second baby just a few days after I am set to pop, and I am fortunate that she often watches Bean for me as I roll myself to the OB's office. We traded babysitting this week because she had her anatomy scan the day after I did. While I was gone, she captured one of my most favorite pictures ever -- Bean's first kiss.


Obviously he is thrilled. And I couldn't be more pleased with the match myself. Em is very bright and I think her spunky personality will be a good balance for Bean's sometimes overly cautious nature. She is also incredibly sweet, patting him on the arm and saying, "It's okay, sweetheart" when he was crying for his mama. There has already been talk of a dowry and sharing wedding expenses. (On a related note, does anyone know if five goats is considered a fair dowry these days?) I got a few pictures of them at my house, too, although nothing nearly as adorable.

And now I will leave you with an actual conversation that took place between me and my beloved son in the car as we drove to a play group this past week. I won't include the ME: and BEAN: labels because I'm fairly sure you can figure out who is who. (Hint: He starts.)

"Mom?"

"Yes, darling."

"Mom?"

"What can I do for you, honey?"

"Mom?"

"Is there something you need?"

"Mom?"

"Is everything okay back there?"

"Mom?"
"Did you drop your binkie?"

"Mom?"

"Would you like a piece of cheese?"

"Mom?"

"I can unwrap it for you and hand it back."

"Mom?"

"Yes, honey?"

*silence*

*silence*

"Mom?"

"Are you afraid to talk to me about something?"

"Mom?"

"Is this about a girl?"

"Mom?"

"Because you should never be afraid to talk to me."

"Mom?"

"Although really that's what your father is for."

"Mom?"

"Did someone offer you drugs?"

"Mom?"

"Always say no, honey. If they are really your friends, they will respect that. It's not worth ruining your life."

"Mom?"

"We are almost to the gym, if that's what you are wondering."

*silence*

*silence*

"Mom?"

*sigh* "She's not here anymore."

This is why it is important to join a mom's group, as otherwise this would have been the most stimulating conversation I had in 12 hours. Well, other than when the dog and I debated the truth behind global warming, that is.