I still cant believe its been a year.....

The boys had their first year checkup yesterday. They were not impressed with the 4 shots. Nathan got over it quickly (before I got him dressed) but my wonderful little Corwyn continued to sniffle and protest for a while (he's so cute).
Nathan came in at 11kg (24.3 lbs) and 79cm (31.1 inches)
Corwyn kept his own pace at 9.69kg (21.4lbs) and 77cm (30.3 inches)
Their height difference has almost stayed steady at around 2cm. But as you can see, Nathan has been gaining on Corwyn in the weight department. Nathan is in no way a chubby boy, but is built much sturdier. Its only 3 pounds, but when you hold each, you can really feel those pounds.  Both remain very tall for their age.

I was looking back over the blog from last year. What a time that was, with hospital stays and visits, unsure medical diagnosis. Heck, I didn't even pick their names until I met them. Their names suit them so much. I cant imagine them having any other name. Even the meanings fit. Their names mean gift from god, enthusiastic and hearts delight, twin. Pretty good.

Now onto the eye candy. These were taken by some friends who love the boys and enjoy taking them on long walks. The boys obviously enjoy spending time with them.

Names

So, as the countdown goes on, everyone is asking about names. I'm not trying to be obtuse. I honestly don't want to name them until after I meet them and spend at least some time with them, outside my body as individuals. I don't think it will be long to name them, but I'll take the time I need.
In the meantime, I have a "short" list that I'll share. I'm also willing to throw this list away and use a totally different name once I meet them in person.

Alistair/Alister (english) - defender of mankind
Alaric (german) - ruler of all
Colby (english) - dark farm or village
Corwyn (english) - heart's companion; heart's delight
Darius (greek)- wealthy /(latin) - royal
Demetri (greek) - lover of the earth
Jason (greek)- healer
Kelton (english) -
Rhys (welsh)-enthusiastic
Silas (latin) - of the forest
Tristan (welsh)- bold
Theodore (greek)- gift of god

These names were on the list, and are mostly off the list from popularity, but may still be used because I like them - not sure yet.
Alexander (greek)- protector of mankind - too popular - but maybe
Damien (greek)- to tame - sorry, the Omen 2 was Damion, I cant even say the name without thinking of the movie
Ethan (hebrew)- strong and faithful - too popular
Jacob (hebrew)- love the name and the nickname but it means supplanter/substitute - not a good name for a twin and in particular a DE twin
Nathan/Nathaniel (hebrew)- gift from god - too popular
Nicholas (greek) - peoples victory - too popular - but maybe

And there are still initials to think of. For example, I cant use Alexander Rhys because his initials would be 'ARF' and that would likely lead to lots of teasing. Thats the hard thing when either a name or middle name starts with a vowel.

As you can see, the names come from all over. Few are considered conventional or popular, but at the same time they are not bizarre nor hard to spell. Those that can be shortened to nicknames have non-offending nicknames.

Feel free to comment, spam etc. But remember, these are my boys, I'll have the final say.


Keep the comments coming!!! This list of names has been through the suggested tests of calling them in both the happy and stern voice and the full-name-finger-shaking tone of voice also. There were others that got tossed off the list that I couldnt get out properly.
Twin boys born Wednesday to my previous roommate are currently Zach and Baby B. Boys are not easy to name.

16w3d - I guess that's 4 months

And true to the norm for twins, I measure/look 6-8 weeks ahead of this. I really don't mind. I like looking more pregnant and less fat.

My Dr appointment didn't really tell me anything different, that I didn't already know.

My weight went up 1 pound in the 4 weeks for a total gain of 5 pounds. Since I still have lots of fluff and the babes are growing well, I'm not worried about the slow gain. I'm not dieting and not really doing anything called exercise (although I'm thinking of going swimming tonite).

We listened to the heartbeats, which is always nice, but since I have the rental doppler, I do that fairly regularly myself.

She's trying to get through to the OB to book a first appointment. I'm going to have to prod the office to find out what's taking so long.

My detailed anatomy scan will be on Feb 4th. To answer the oft asked question, yes I want to know gender. I'm not certain they will tell me. Its very clear on their form that they wont tell gender until 24 weeks and I'll be just over 19. Why 24 weeks you ask? Well in Canada, you can get an abortion until 23 weeks and there are people (too many) who will abort a female fetus (grrrr!). I'm hoping they will let it slip or it will be too obvious to not notice. If not, I'll book a 3-D scan and find out (I want a 3-D anyway).

I can sometimes feel minor movement from the babe lower down. It's a bit of a thumping, drumming feeling. I call this one Thumper. The upper babe sits behind a placenta and its harder to find the heartbeat and I cant really feel the movements yet. I call this one Little Rascal, shy with a playful nature. So collectively they are the babes or bump and individually Thumper and Little Rascal. I like these names (not once their born!) as they represent their known personalities so far.

On to names. I have a few picked out, but nothing definite. Anytime I see a name I like, I write it down to add to the list. A few things I want are a name that wont be constantly mispronounced, a name that is not in the top 50 names (not in the top 100 if I can swing it), a name that flows and does not produce initials that spell anything. I also don't want to use a name of anyone around my life. I don't want to seem to be playing favorites, nor do I want someone to mistakenly think the baby was named after him/her. I don't really want to share names with people in advance since I'm prepared to change my mind at any point until the papers are signed. I'm hoping to have several name options in my head and name the babies after they are born and I can meet them in person.

I still have no distinct pregnancy symptoms, which is okay now that I can hear the heartbeat occasionally and see the growth. I have had a horribly sore/tight neck that has caused headaches for the last week or so. I saw a register massage therapist yesterday. Apparently some of the knots were so bad she was surprised I was able to sit or stand as fluid to the brain was blocked. She obviously doesn't know my high tolerance for pain. It certainly has helped, but it will need more than one I think as my neck/back muscles seem to like being knotted. But that will have to wait until the tenderness goes down a bit. For now, I'll survive.

That's about it for how things with me, Thumper and Little Rascal are going. I'll try for another belly shot soon.