Drum Roll, annnnnnnnd Nothing!!!

So, the contraction meter that was hooked up to Cristine was very active most of the night... most of the night. Somewhere in the medium hours of the morning the large, lengthy, and frequent contractions she was having gave way to a strange absence of contractions. Babies look fine, heartbeats strong, just no more contractions and a high cervix. If Mommy had dilated any more than the 2 cm she was at when we came in, the Doctor said he'd have kept us and induced. But, as it stands...

"You're free to head home..."

That's what we want to hear AFTER the babies come. Can someone shake that Doctor, make sure his batteries are fresh, and see if he understands we're ready to have us some twins?!

Thanks for all the prayers, keep them coming, we're headed back to Cumming, and hopefully the contractions will be coming back, we'll be coming back, and the babies will be coming to Cumming today... tonight... this week...

God is righteous, sovereign, and good.

in Him,

Papa

Update

Contractions - big suckers... Yet, still not fully dilated. The Dr. should be returning soon to let us know if they're going to send us home and make us come back again. For now, Mommy's a little more comfortable from the meds they gave her. Actually, more like "asleep" from the meds they gave her.

Back to the waiting game - this time it feels like the "full contact waiting game".

Owwwie.

- Papa

Hurry Up & Wait

We got the call back from the doctor following an episode of "pressure" Cristine was experiencing. Considering she was experiencing contractions and all else that comes to bear on the situation, he gave us the go-ahead to... go ahead. We dotted a few i's and crossed a few t's and once we were comfortable the house and the girls would be well supervised, headed out to the hospital. Come 1AM, there weren't a whole lot of wheelchairs available in the lobby (there's a big wheelchair basketball league in this part of town and I'm guessing they were a man down or something). But, we managed to get Mommy into the elevator - Papa almost didn't bring Mommy OUT of the elevator once it arrived.

She's moving as fast as she can, Papa. Cut her some slack, right?

Once we got to the admin desk, of course we had plenty of paperwork to fill out, but soon enough, we were on our way to our room. Now, let me set this up - Mommy's a little nervous about the fact that the babies are finally coming. She's also sweating and a little freaked out over the back pain, etc. she's going through.

So, is it okay if we walk into our wing without hearing a woman screaming at the top of her lungs a few doors down?!

Yeah, Mommy wasn't too reassured by that.

Regardless, we followed up on our housewatchers, settled into the room, and are now awaiting... awaiting... the twins!!! It looks like they'll be here soon, just not as soon as the uncomfy Mommy may like. For now, it sounds like we'll be here for several hours while Jovi and Jezreel finish cleaning up their wombs.

More as soon as it's available.

Thanks, for your prayers!

Aarron & Cristine

Really?

Yeah, after a whole lot of waiting and thinking that our plans were going to work out, we get to see God's plan - three days later than we had expected, but right on time in His timing!

Mommy's having some serious contractions at 36+ weeks and the doctor just gave us the go ahead to head to the hospital! Could be anytime, now!!!

Keep her and the twins in prayer!

Oh, yeah, and me, too!!!

AP

Ouch!

Alright, now THAT was a contraction. Too bad the last one was over 90 minutes ago!

Easter twins, maybe?

Could it be?

Well, we've been waiting quite some time now (35.7 weeks to be exact) and still have only signs that the twins are coming. What Mommy's aching for now are some signals!

Cristine has been such a champ - to date, she's carrying two 5-1/2 lb. babies who kick and roll at every turn, making it truly uncomfortable for her to stand... walk... sit... lay... breath. And yet, she perseveres. Sometimes, she even tries to do regular household chores, which Papa has to scold her for. Lately, Papa has been flying solo to church, events, meetings, and people ask him - "how's Cristine?" to which I can only reply "ready..."

Earlier this week, we had some pressure that we thought was contractions, but turned out to be... turn-ing. Yeah, as the twins are now both head down in preparation for an Olympic photo finish, they're creating all kinds of pressure in all kinds of unfamiliar places. Although the most recent pelvic exam resembles my old favorite haircut (high and tight), we can't help but imagine that could change at any moment.

Today, Mommy's feet are swollen for the first time and the pressure is more evident, but we're both still scratching our heads wondering if this will be the day. For now, keep praying and we'll keep you in the loop.

in the love of the Lord,

AP

How Big IS a Woman Carrying Twins?

Mommy's been gracious enough to pose for a photo most women wouldn't dare allow. About a week or two ago, she remarked - "Babe, I'm BIG!"

Now, most guys might fall for it, but I've been counseled by some older, wiser men - "don't ever answer that statement wrong!" So, I replied "Sweetheart, you look great!"

While we had to agree to disagree on that point, we had to agree that a photo wouldn't lie. So, as we approach today, day 1 of week 34, we proudly present - Preggo Extraordinare, my lovely bride, Mrs. Cristine Pina, with the belly out to... here?

Keep praying that we go to at least 36 weeks, possibly 37 for best results. Strong, healthy babies, who walk with the Lord all their days.

AP