Email Update 6-21-00

We had a Level 2 u/s done on Monday and everything is looking good with the girls. They are measuring about 2 weeks ahead (I'm now 28 weeks), but that is ok. Baby A's heart rate was 136 and she is measuring 3 lbs 9 oz. and Baby B's heart rate was 158 (she was kicking and wiggling at the time!) and she is measuring 3 lbs. 14 oz. Both of their fluid levels were fine and all organs and bones looked good. We have another one scheduled for July 19.

Yesterday I had a regular doctor's appt. My BP was up again, so she ordered some blood work to be done just to make sure everything is ok. This was the first appt that I didn't have their heartbeats checked by u/s first, we decided to try listening for them with the Doppler. She found B's with no problem, but because of A's position she couldn't get hers. We could hear her moving and kicking and I could feel her moving, so we knew she was ok and we weren't worried.

Because of A's position and because there are 2 babies, my doc decided that the NSTs (non stress tests) would be a little difficult, so we are going to start having Bio Physical Profiles (BPPs) done at 30 weeks instead. These are ultrasounds in which they monitor each baby for 1/2 hour and check movements, breathing motions and fluid. They give points in different categories and the score gives an idea of how the baby is doing. I'll have the BPPs once a week starting on July 5.

We talked again about the scheduled c-section and she can't schedule one until 38 weeks. I'm going to talk to her again next time about what the procedure will be if I go into labor sooner. So, at maximum we have about 10 weeks left!

The girls have been really active for which I am very grateful. They have had quiet times, but they are active at enough regular intervals so I haven't freaked out too much. Buddy said they are learning 'cause they know if they are quiet too long they are going to get hit with OJ, caffeine or sugar to wake them up! :-) Now that their kicks are stronger, he has been able to feel them more, but they still get stubborn when you are trying to feel them from the outside - we have to catch them off guard!

We have decided on the names Amanda Michelle and Krysta Marie, but we are not going to decide who's who until they actually arrive, for now they are still A and B. :-)

We did get a couple of pictures at the u/s, but our scanner is not hooked up at the moment (we're doing some computer rearrangement - what else is new! LOL). When Buddy gets the new update on the website we'll let you know. I have been working on Zachary's web page, too, so I'll let you know when his is up and running.

We hope you are all well and want to thank you all again for your encouragement and support - we wouldn't have made it this far without you guys! Take care!