28 Weeks ...

We made it! We made it to 28 weeks! In the cosmic scale of things this might not seem like a big milestone, but for us it's huge.

The girls are doing well and are kicking up a storm. Every night, about 9ish, Ell's stomach suddenly becomes massively active and it feels like the twins are kicking lumps out of each other - some of the kicks and motions are surprisingly strong - and it goes on until bedtime.

Last night was interesting, as I heard righty's heartbeat through Ell's tummy for the first time, it was quite weird and I did get a foot in the ear for my troubles (the baby, not Elly) but it was worth the effort!! Minor alarm broke out at bedtime when Ell woke up after an hour's sleep to find the kids had moved in such a way that her stomach had shifted over to her right - the bump was all lopsided and looked very odd but all is OK so we can live with that and smile about it.

I had last week off, hence the lack of posts here, and we spent days running around sorting bits and pieces out - we now have a new front step to help get the pram into the house, the Silver Birch in the garden has had a huge trim, hospital bags are almost ready, clothes have been bought, rails have been hung and a million and one other assorted jobs have been completed ready for the twins arrival.

We've even decided on their names but we're not telling anyone, so don't ask!!

I have to admit that after weeks and months of trying to ignore the pregnancy in case anything went wrong it's getting increasingly difficult not to get very excited. I appear to have developed my own unqiue set of pregnancy symptoms and blub like a baby at the oddest things and the strangest times - doesn't matter if it's a sad song on the radio, a baby outfit in Mothercare or even some TV ads, I just start filling up - it's annoying!!

Today, Ell ordered the cots and the pram which should arrive late this week or early next week. I think when they arrive it'll finally be time to admit to ourselves that this really is real and not a dream. It's hard for both of us but I think a bit harder for Elly. After the journey we've been on and the ups and downs of he last five plus years the realisation that it might actually work for us is difficult to get your head around.

Still, ten weeks to go and only ten weeks of stretching, pain and discomfort for Ell. She's been an absolute gem throughout the whole process, never complaining and never whining even though I know some days she's uncomfortable almost all the time - even when trying to get to sleep. I love you Elly Russell and I know you're going to be a fantastic mum to my daughters and a great companion to our kids.

Bugger, now I'm welling up again...