29 July 2009

Update on the twins - GIRLS!!!

Last week Crystal and I traveled to Charlotte to have a "level 2 ultrasound" done on the twins. Everything looked fine and both the twins are doing great. The doctor there also was able to tell us what the twins are. He was certain that one of the babies is a girl and was fairly sure that the second baby was a girl also.

Crystal had another appointment this week at her doctor's office here in Elkin and had another ultrasound done that confirmed what we found out last week. Both the babies are GIRLS! Now we try to prepare ourselves for pink to overtake our house and our lives....


Crystal tells me that this proves it's a girl...I'll take her word for it! :)


Maybe it's because I am their father but I can already tell them apart, in these pictures anyway!

14 July 2009

The twins @ 14 weeks

Here are some pictures from the twins 14 week "checkup". Note that this time the sonographer switched the baby "a" and "b" designation from the last ultrasound. Both babies are growing and developing as they should be. It is certainly amazing how much they have grown in 4 short weeks!





Since they are twins it automatically puts us in a "high risk pregnancy" category. Because of this, we will go next week to Charlotte to have a "level 2" ultrasound done.

"Ultrasound Anatomy Scan Level 2 Ultrasound

Details, details! This special ultrasound gives you a very specific glimpse of your growing baby.

What it screens for: The ultrasound anatomy scan, or level 2 ultrasound, is an amazingly interesting experience for parents-to-be. Your baby will be measured from crown to rump (and what a cute rump it is!), around her middle, around her head — and that's just for starters. The four chambers of the heart will be viewed, as well as the kidneys, bladder, stomach, brain, spine, and sex organs (be sure to tell your sonographer if you don't want to know what he or she sees — or doesn't see!).

Measurements are taken to make sure your baby is growing appropriately (and that his or her gestational age is still on target). A survey of the organs, including the umbilical cord, ensures that they are developing normally (or identifies any potential problems as soon as possible). The sonographer will also be looking at your amniotic fluid levels, the location of the placenta, and the fetal heart rate. Settle in to enjoy the show: The detailed level 2 scan can take 30 to 45 minutes (depending on how cooperative your little one wants to be during the photo shoot).

How it's done: You recline on an exam table with your belly exposed. A sonographer applies gel and then moves the transducer over your abdomen. As sound waves emitted from the transducer bounce off "structures" inside (like your baby's adorable face!), images are formed on a video screen. To get the most comprehensive assessment, the sonographer will be aiming for many different views from lots of different angles in this scan. When the technician gets a clear shot, he or she will freeze-frame the picture (that's the actual sonogram) and then measure the anatomy. You can expect to go home with one or two good sonogram pictures (the perinatologist and your practitioner will review the rest).

When it's done: Most level 2 ultrasounds are performed between 18 and 22 weeks. If you have a condition that needs to be monitored (such as carrying twins), you may have more than one detailed ultrasound."
Preceding information taken from whattoexpect.com

We will most likely find out the sex of the babies next week as well, as long as they cooperate. Check back next week to find out more!