Feeling my age; a pregnancy update

Thanks for the birthday wishes!  Do you know what will really make you feel "old"?  Going to the OB's office and seeing all the flippin' pregnant TEENAGERS.  Oy.  It's funny, the last time we went to the local OB, there were only two other women there and only one was visibly pregnant (the other was in her 70s, so I doubt she was...although, I suppose anything is possible).  This time, it was giant belly city.  My DH was in shock at how many pregnant women he was seeing -- a dozen, I think.  There was a line at the restroom for urine tests!  And, I'm sure I was the oldest by about 10 years.  I never feel like an older mother until I see so many young ones.

I'm just really glad I didn't go to this OB/Gyn before I was pregnant.  I still feel awkward around big bellies and like I don't belong.  And, the bitterness hasn't quite gone away.  But, I definitely don't think I could have handled going there for regular gyno appointments while going through IF.

Anyway, it was a good appointment.  We had a quick scan to see the babies' heartbeats and both were strong.  It was amazing to see how much they'd grown in two weeks and how much closer they are to each other.  The membrane between them looks so much thinner and it looks like they're starting to notice each other and kick at it.  Crazy!!!  My blood pressure was good.  The phlebotomist took 12 vials of blood, some of which were huge.  It sure is a good thing that your blood volume goes up when you're pregnant.  I felt like someone should have given me juice and cookies and a free Red Cross t-shirt after all that blood!  There were some blood levels that no one had taken so far, so the OB wanted to cover all the bases. 

I've successfully gained 7 pounds in the last three weeks.  YIKES.  I have to keep reminding myself "this is good, I'm supposed to be gaining that."   The doctor was really happy about the weight gain.  I think that, in total, I've probably gained about 12 pounds so far at 15 weeks.  I'm supposed to be aiming for at least 20 pounds by 20 weeks.  (25 pounds by 20 weeks according to one book) My brain has an incredibly hard time accepting this.  I keep expecting the doctor to fuss at me for gaining so quickly.  (Instead of praising me for it like she actually did.)  But, I have to keep reminding myself that this is a GOOD thing.  Apparently, with twins, the weight you gain before 28 weeks is what matters in helping increase birth weight.  So, I'll keep eating and eating and eating.  And, I'll keep telling the former dancer who lives in my head who has always been "the thin one" to shut up and have a milkshake.

My next appointment is a scan at 17 weeks with the MFM.  I don't think it will quite be the full anatomy scan but just to check in and to do a cervical length test.   And, possibly genders.  Eep.

We've started telling a few more people at work and the news has started to spread on its own.  It's still so shocking and scary to share.  At some point this will feel real, right??

For those who have asked, I will post a belly shot at some point but will put it in a separate page so it doesn't just hit you in the face.  I just have to get a little braver...