I thought PGD testing was enough..

When I had my second trimester screening done, knowing that the embryos were PGD tested, I really didn't think much of it. Just another routine test that needed to be done. So when I got a call that my test came back positive, I figured something must be wrong. My doctor reassured me that the PGD testing is far more accurate than this test and not to worry. So I schedule an appointment to meet with a genetic counselor and have a detailed ultrasound done.
I went to that appointment today and talked to the genetic counselor who was very wonderful. I had both of my girls with me and she was great at being understand to their busy needs. She explained what the risks meant, that based on the egg donor age and the amount of protein found in my blood, there is a 1/150 chance that one or both of the girls has down syndrome. She said that I would be having an ultrasound done that will be more detailed and if there are any markers (white spots) that could also be a sign of DS they would let me know.
She also let me know that I could have either the Maternity21 blood test done or the Amniocentesis done as well. The Maternity21 is 99% accurate, which is similar to the PGD test that was done. The Amnio test would be 100% accurate. For twins they actually put blue dye in one of the babies sacs so when they draw out the fluid they know they didn't get the same sac twice.
I declined the test at this point because depending on the ultrasound, it will really be up to the IPs what they want to do.
When it was time we went in for the ultrasound. Daisy was excited to see her friends on TV. Doctor measured everything on twin A first. She is head down and all her measurements were perfect. However, he did find one small ICEF (intracardiac echogenic focus) This is a bright white spot in the left ventricle of the heart. This spot alone really doesn't mean much and is likely a normal variation in development. But along with the blood test, could mean Downs. It's not a definite though.
The doctor then checked twin B who was also head down. He found that all her measurements were perfect as well and she didn't have any spot in her heart. So her risk factor is a lot less.
Twin A weighs about 1lb 3oz, and Twin B weighs about 1lb 2oz.  Both there heartbeats were great. 147 & 135.

I emailed the girls mom to let her know this news. I feel for her. To come this far and then hear this news... I really believe both girls are healthy and well but will do what needs to be done if they ask for reassurance.

As the BUMP grows

I have been taking weekly pictures of my bump to watch it grow through this pregnancy.  Here I am weeks 13-22 and the changes that came with it.

14 weeks below

I am using the same pink shirt so I can see the change better.  Yes the bump is growing nice and strong!!!

Safe Zone!

So once you get to 12 week's, you are in the safe Zone. The chance of a miscarriage is far less at this point, although I have learned with twins anything is possible. I know the girls mom is happy we made it this far. It's never even been a possibility for her in the past to get this far, so it truly is a miracle. I feel blessed to help her.

Time Away

Wow it's been far to long since I posted last. A lot has changed in my belly since September, so what I am going to do is a few separate post of pictures and get caught up.

I am really going to try not to let so much time get in between from here on. I think part of it is life gets busy with my family. School started for my 14 & 3 year olds, I also teach weekly and I try to focus a lot of time on that. My mom has stage 4 cancer, so spending quality time with her is important. Also, my oldest son is a Marine and is currently deployed. All these things with be pregnant mean I get emotional! Plus somewhere in the mix of all of this I make sure to spend time with my man. He is my rock. He is the foundation that is secure and stable with all that is going on. He has told me that my strength impress him. I am strong enough to allow my self to have feelings with the thought of losing my mom, and yet admires that what I focus on is the here and now and making it the best I can. I still have my moments where my mom drives me crazy and we don't see eye to eye, I am human lol. But for the most part I try to have daily gratitude.

Graduated

I had my last ultrasound with my RE the week of September 19th. Everything was looking great! The girls are measuring perfectly and it was time to give my hugs and say good bye to all the meds and shots! Hooray!! My tush is so happy.
The crazy part is I was sop nervous to do them, but after the first week, it really wasn't that bad. I'm one of the lucky ones though. I didn't get any bad side effects. No lumps or rashes and even today things are well. Here is a picture of the girls along with a belly bump. 11 weeks 2 days.

9 week's 3 days

Ultrasound today and the girls are doing amazing! Both have strong heartbeats, getting bigger and baby B wasn't hiding as much! I sent the picture to my IM, but it was 11pm her time.  I know I will hear from her soon. I know she is getting excited and feeling this is real, because she shared with me that they told a few close friends and family. How exciting!!! I'm thrilled for her. I feel so blessed to help her out.  Here is the picture of the girls.

8 week's

8/27~ 8 week ultrasound and the girls are looking great. Baby B is always hard to find and tucked back in there. They are measuring further along but that is normal.  Sometimes babies measure further at one ultrasound and then right on for the next. Next u/s in 10 days.