the twins: 17 weeks

April 23, 2013

Thanks for letting me take a much needed rest yesterday. My goal for this week is to be IN bed at 8:00. That sounds ridiculous, but I get sucked into reading and playing games on my phone for a good hour or so at night. Getting up in the morning is becoming harder and harder – the sleep is much needed! Needless to say, I’m counting down the days until summer for that reason alone.

These week both of the babies are the size of an avocado – one of my favorite fruits! I thought that was a pretty fun fact and worthy of sharing.


I feel like my belly looks so much different week to week. Last week it looked rounder because of the knit skirt I was wearing, and this week it doesn’t look quite as round because of the jeans I’m wearing. Weird.

Weight Gained: I’m not sure at this point. I haven’t weighed myself since my appointment a few weeks ago, and I probably won’t until my next appointment just a few days shy of 20 weeks.

Symptoms: Um, a growing belly? ;) Honestly, if it weren’t for the bigger belly, I wouldn’t know I was pregnant at this point. Okay, okay – I’m a little tired, and my lower back hurts a tad when I’m up for longer periods of time. But other than that, I am feeling incredible. I need to go find some wood to knock on.

Movement: Oh yes – these girls are definitely movers and shakers! I am so glad I have been feeling them earlier rather than later (I’m so impatient) because it’s so fun. I feel Baby Girl B more often – she is up near my belly button at this point. She gave me a big swift punch yesterday which made me laugh because it was a bigger movement than the little flutters I’ve been getting. I really have to concentrate to feel Baby Girl A (or you know, press on my stomach near where she is because I get nervous I never feel her), but I think her sister is stealing her chance to have the spotlight these days. I think Baby B is more in front which is why it’s easier to feel her.

Food Cravings: I just want all foods – no real intense cravings this week. My level of hunger has finally gone down to somewhat normal (which I think is still a little above normal ;) ) so that’s been nice. I haven’t had to constantly been worrying about having food with me at all times.

Food Aversions: Other than the smell of garlic, I haven’t hated anything!

Sleep: Much better than last week other than the fact that I need to get to bed earlier. I’ve been pretty comfortable while I’ve been sleeping, and I have only been waking up once a night. I’ll take it!

Stretch Marks? None.

Miss Anything? Stomach sleeping… ::sigh::

Looking forward to: Having time to relax in the summer :)

Belly Button in or out? In

Happy or moody most of the time? Happy except for one short crying episode on Sunday evening. I actually hurt my leg (okay Charlie’s tail hurt my leg), and that made me tear up. Then I started crying over absolutely nothing else. I’m thinking my exhaustion from the weekend caught up with me.

New Baby Items: Adorable onesies from one of my besties Sarah! She lives almost two hours south of me, so I don’t get to see her very often. She sent me them in the mail and they are insanely adorable.

We also went and registered on Saturday evening. Obviously we didn’t buy anything, but it was fun to see the things we will potentially get! (Although holy cow, registering was overwhelming!!) The only thing I’m still on the fence about is what kind of carrier/sling to get. I don’t think I’m brave enough to do a wrap like the Moby, and I think a sling or a carrier could be a Godsend if I have to go grocery shopping and the husband is working/no one can watch the girls. One in the sling, one in the cart!

Exercise: This past week was difficult on the exercise front, mainly because I was so busy. There is no way I can get up early in the morning right now – I need all the sleep I can get. I had something to do every single night last week so it was hard to get any exercise in. I think I got in two workouts – not bad, but not the best!

Question for moms: What kind of carrier/sling did you use for your baby?

{ 79 comments… read them below or add one }

Kim @ Hungry Healthy Girl April 23, 2013 at 6:08 am

So glad that you are feeling great and way to go on getting your much needed sleep in! I definitely think a sling is a must. I had a Bjorn carrier and absolutely loved it!

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Nelly April 23, 2013 at 6:24 am

The ergo is an awesome buy. I use it every single day and Brooklyn LOVES being in it!

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Megan April 23, 2013 at 6:28 am

You have such a cute baby bump! Twins, how exciting , congrats!!
My favourite carriers are my ring sling and moby wrap. I like the ring sling for things like running errands because I can get the baby in and out of it easily. The wrap is great if the baby is going to be in there for a longer time because she likes to nap in it and it keeps her head secure.

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Shel@PeachyPalate April 23, 2013 at 6:40 am

Very pretty onesies! Even if your feeling tired you’re looking fantastic! Keep up the resting! I’ve no excuse for my early nights other than I love and need my sleeps…in bed by 9 :) The bright nights make it a little harder mind you!

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katie April 23, 2013 at 6:40 am

You look so GREAT and so ADORABLE1! Can’t take it!!!!

Glad you are feeling good!!

Ok, so we registered for an ergo baby carrier, but didn’t get it and I think I am going to get it with gift cards. I have heard it is a good one!

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Tina @ Best Body Fitness April 23, 2013 at 6:40 am

How CUTE are those little onesies!! For the wrap…I found that the cheaper option worked just as well (if not better) than the Baby Bjorn stuff and I always found it comfortable. Whatever kid used it loved being in it too so I think it was a win. Ours was the Infantino brand (although I have a few friends who had the Ergo carriers and RAVED about them).

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cleaneatingchelsey April 23, 2013 at 3:19 pm

Thanks for the advice!

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Adrienne April 23, 2013 at 6:44 am

Spend the money in Ergo!!! So worth it.

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Elizabeth @ My Neon Running Shoes April 23, 2013 at 6:44 am

We had a baby bjorn and loved it. It was great when he was really small but even at 9+ months we still used it. They probably make a special double one these days ;-)

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cleaneatingchelsey April 23, 2013 at 3:20 pm

haha I wish!!!

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Linz @ Itz Linz April 23, 2013 at 6:47 am

those onesies are adorable! love the yellows!

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Liz April 23, 2013 at 6:48 am

the Moby is fantastic! don’t be intimidated by it. there are lots of youtube videos showing people putting it on and putting baby in it. we also really like the Ergo. you have to get the infant insert if you want to use it right away, but it’s really great for a bigger baby.

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cleaneatingchelsey April 23, 2013 at 3:20 pm

someone just commented that there is a twin hold too - game changer!!!

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Jen April 23, 2013 at 6:59 am

We use the Bjorne and LOVE it. I almost bought the ergo until I found out they arent really meant to face forward in it. That was a deal breaker for me.

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Sam @ Better With Sprinkles April 23, 2013 at 7:23 am

Ahhh, the baby bump is adorable! Looking great, Chelsey :-D

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Jen April 23, 2013 at 7:32 am

Ergo!! I have a 4 wk old and girlfriend lives in that thing. :)

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Courtney @ Sweet Tooth, Sweet Life April 23, 2013 at 7:35 am

LOVE those onesies!!! I registered for the Ergo and a Moby wrap, but I also recently heard something about how the Ergo can get pretty warm? Especially because of the material of the infant insert or something? I could be totally off on that…I’ve been meaning to check into it. Obviously, I haven’t yet ;)

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Jonna Green April 23, 2013 at 7:36 am

Hi Chelsey!

I follow your blog and love it. I am a Mom to boy/girl twins who are now 8 and an 11 year old boy. I loved the Baby Bjorn carrier (we had one for my husband too so he could carry one of the twins). I also loved our snap-n-go double stroller frame which we were able to snap both of our Graco car carriers into. When the twins got older and no longer could go in car carriers we got a McLaren double stroller which is lightweight, sturdy and very portable. Having twins is just awesome! Wishing you the best! If I can help you with any other twin questions, you can feel free to e-mail me.

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cleaneatingchelsey April 23, 2013 at 3:21 pm

We definitely registered for the snap and go! It was a must - I can’t imagine doing a double stroller with the infant seats in them!!

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Brooke @ Running In Heels April 23, 2013 at 7:50 am

Those onesies are adorable and you look great!! :)

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Anne Kendall April 23, 2013 at 7:53 am

Hey, there! I’m new to your blog, and I’m loving everything I’ve read so far! Congratulations on your twin ladies!

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cleaneatingchelsey April 23, 2013 at 3:22 pm

:) Thank you!

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Lindsey April 23, 2013 at 8:03 am

I just bought a Baby Bjorn. They can be pricey new, so I found one at a second hand store that is in really good shape for $30, usually they are $130.

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cleaneatingchelsey April 23, 2013 at 3:22 pm

Great advice!

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Aunt Patti April 23, 2013 at 8:05 am

You look adorable! Times flying XOXO

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cleaneatingchelsey April 23, 2013 at 3:22 pm

Thanks! I hope you’re reading for me to be over at your house daily once it’s warm outside. I’ll be needing to float in that pool of yours!

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cleaneatingchelsey April 23, 2013 at 3:23 pm

ready** - apparently I’ve taught for too long today.

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Leah April 23, 2013 at 8:07 am

I have a Moby and an Ergo. The Moby IS a bit of work, but for the price and comfort it is good. (you can get them on Ebay for $30). I LOVE my Ergo. They are pricey, but worth it! You can carry babies or toddlers in it and it is easy to put on. I don’t recommend any carrier where the baby is held up between the legs, but rather one where they can have a sitting or froggie type position. I’m so excited for you, my cousin is also having twin girls…next month (I think)

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Laura @ Special Treats April 23, 2013 at 8:21 am

Def. get an Ergo!!!!!! I’ve only heard RAVE reviews from friends who have them and I’ve even used my sister in laws with her baby and it was super comfy and awesome. They are a little pricey, but totally worth it :)

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Maureen @ Breaking Free & Finding Me April 23, 2013 at 8:25 am

you look so cute!! love reading about the twins!

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carly71722 April 23, 2013 at 8:33 am

Looking great, mama :) We decided on the Ergo carrier based on recs from other people. I have been warned AGAINST the newborn insert based on when my babies are due because I guess it is REALLLLY hot. Since my boys will likely be born in August (in Arizona!) I think they will outgrow any newborn carrier before it cools down. So jealous of all of your movement :( Mine are both attached to the front which makes it harder to feel them, although I am feeling them a lot more now at nearly 21 weeks. Keep up the good work and I love seeing your updates :) xoxo

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cleaneatingchelsey April 23, 2013 at 3:24 pm

Someone commented that the Moby has a TWIN hold!!! I am definitely registering for that one now as well. I’m pretty sure the girls are attached to the back which is why I can feel them already - and apparently little miss A was jealous that I said I could only feel her sister because she’s been moving like crazy all day long!

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Hannah @ CleanEatingVeggieGirl April 23, 2013 at 8:43 am

Those onesies are beyond adorable!! The combination of bright yellow and daisies is one of my favorites. My room as a teenager used to be decorated with that design :) .

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Maryea {Happy Healthy Mama} April 23, 2013 at 9:12 am

You look absolutely adorable!! I’m glad to hear you are feeling so well. Gotta love the 2nd trimester!

I have an Ergo, but Luke never liked it. I didn’t do the baby carrier thing much. I think I probably would have with twins though!

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cleaneatingchelsey April 23, 2013 at 3:24 pm

haha hopefully I”ll be lucky enough that at least ONE of them like it, right?!

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Julie H. of Spinach and Sprinkles April 23, 2013 at 9:16 am

You look great, Chelsey! Those two lucky girls are growing fast! … I love my Moby with Jackson! I would give that a try, especially if you have a friend that can show you how to wear it. Also, so glad you’re feeling well! Have a happy day!

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Alyssa @ See This Girl Run April 23, 2013 at 9:26 am

Ok those onesies are ADORABLE! I still stand that you’re the cutest pregnant lady, regardless of the shape of your stomach :)
Good luck on your goal to be in bed by 8! I think that’s awesome. I wish I could get to bed earlier but for about the next week or two it just won’t be possible.

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cleaneatingchelsey April 23, 2013 at 3:25 pm

:) Thank you!

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Jen April 23, 2013 at 9:27 am

You continue look adorable! And that yellow onesie makes me want a baby girl!

The Ergo was a godsend when Wyatt was colicky. It was much easier to pace with him in it than hold him. We still use it now at 17mos — he likes riding on our backs!

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Erin @ Axell's Kitchen April 23, 2013 at 9:41 am

Beautiful!! And yes registering is totally overwhelming- I had to take my sister in law with me!

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Hayley @ Running on Pumpkin April 23, 2013 at 9:54 am

You are glowing! :) Looking beautiful and glad to hear everything is going so well! PS that onesie makes my ovaries ache…baby fever.

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Carly @ Snack Therapy April 23, 2013 at 9:59 am

You look stunning! I can’t believe you’re hoarding TWO baby girls in there. At least they won’t get bored, right? ;) .

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cleaneatingchelsey April 23, 2013 at 3:25 pm

haha no they definitely don’t! I think they’re already competing in there for my attention. ;)

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Ashley @ My Food N Fitness Diaries April 23, 2013 at 10:00 am

We got the Ergo… I haven’t used it yet since Hunter has his oxygen right now, but I’m excited to try it out! I’ve heard nothing but great things about it. It’s a little more on the pricey side, but worth it I hear!

You look so cute! I noticed my belly looked different from week to week depending on what I was wearing too. Glad you’re feeling so well! :)

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cleaneatingchelsey April 23, 2013 at 3:25 pm

Friend! I feel like we haven’t spoken in days!

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Lindsay April 23, 2013 at 10:06 am

So glad things are going smoothly! You’re definitely bumpin’ and lookin’ gorg :D

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Amanda @ .running with spoons. April 23, 2013 at 10:12 am

You look gorgeous, Chelsey, and it’s so great to hear that you’ve been having an easy pregnancy so far! I’m knocking on wood for ya, in case you didn’t find any of your own ;)

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Katie @ Peace Love & Oats April 23, 2013 at 10:54 am

I hear so much about moms always having to carry their baby around and not having a free hand, I can’t imagine what you’ll do with TWO! Oh wait, I’ll just hold the other :)

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cleaneatingchelsey April 23, 2013 at 3:26 pm

Someone just told me you can do a twin hold with the moby. Game changing information.

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Ashley April 23, 2013 at 3:52 pm

I hate to say…..but this totally did not work for me! Its very bulky with 2 babies and they seem super squished! I would sometimes do it around the house (like when both babies are fussy and just want to be held and you’re alone), but I never once did it in public as an actual means of transport. Everyone is different and I know some people who loved the Moby for multiples, but I would say to try it for yourself and see how you feel - it just didn’t work for me.

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lindsay @ fuel my family April 23, 2013 at 11:45 am

Don’t let the moby intimidate you, its awesome for infants! I would always wrap myself up in it before I left the house , then wore it in the car, so I wasn’t in the parking lot of the grocery store trying to do it. And you can put BOTH babies in the twin hold! The ergo is awesome for a little older baby, but you can only carry one obviously. The moby is better for infants because it holds their floppy heads still whereas in other carriers it flops back and forth when you lean over to get something off a lower shelf while grocery shopping!

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cleaneatingchelsey April 23, 2013 at 3:26 pm

Game. Changing. Information.

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Nicole @ FruitnFitness April 23, 2013 at 12:06 pm

I love the little growing belly! That’s great that you are feeling well :)

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Marie April 23, 2013 at 12:26 pm

Chelsey, you are glowing; so gorgeous! I love your hair up, too! How has the round ligament pain been? We used baby bjorn and that worked well for us. In the earlier months when I was by myself, I would put one in there and hold the other with my extra hands. ;)

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cleaneatingchelsey April 23, 2013 at 3:26 pm

Non-existant, thank goodness!!!

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Em @ Love A Latte April 23, 2013 at 1:32 pm

So exciting!!! You look amazing!

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Erica @ For the Sake of Cake April 23, 2013 at 2:02 pm

You look great!

Those onsies… I’m dying.

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Jessica April 23, 2013 at 2:09 pm

We have several different types of carriers that we have used for our three angels. My favorite for the is the Boba wrap. I was overwhelmed by all the wrap choices too, so I was happy that my sister picked this one for me. It did not take long to get the tying down. i was nervous at first too, but i feel like a jedi now when i am tying it on. These tie on wraps are extra awesome for small babies and imitating the womb. Great for naps….and like a nice fashion accessory. Also, when done correctly,there is little pain from pressure points. Very ergonomic! The main downside for it and other similar wraps is that it is mre difficult to put on in public and not get dirty….one long piece of material. I can do it while standng by the car without getting it dirty, but i usually just put it on before leaving the house if i want to use it out and about. We also have a bjorn that is awesome on the go…quick to put on and off. Also easy to adjust. My husband prefers the bjorn. We also have a back carrier that we recently acquired, but my six month old is too small for it still. We also have a sling carrier that was custom made. It works best for older babies and hip carrying, I need to bust it out again to see if the third baby is bg enough yet. Of all the ones we have, I have used it the least.

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cleaneatingchelsey April 23, 2013 at 3:27 pm

Thanks for the advice!

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Cari April 23, 2013 at 2:21 pm

You look fabulous! I loved my Ergo Baby carrier. It’s what I buy my new mom friends as a gift I loved it so much. There are so many positions you can use it for but the best was when the boys were older and thy could “piggy back” without me having to use my hands. Here’s the link: http://store.ergobaby.com/
PS my husband liked it too because it was more “manly” than the test. LOL.

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Ashley April 23, 2013 at 3:48 pm

If you haven’t yet, you MUST join a “Mothers of Multiples” (MoM) group! I’m not from your area, but I’m SURE there has got to be an active group near you! And nowadays with facebook they often have private groups where its basically a forum where you can ask questions/get advice/etc on all things multiples! I have twins & more than once I have gone shopping with one baby in the basket and one on me (I used a Moby and a Baby Bjorn - but they have to be a bit bigger for the Bjorn and my girls were 2 months early so they were teeny-tiny for a long time). Also, depending on your stroller, I’ve gone shopping with both girls in the stroller and used a carry basket and the under-stroller compartment for holding my items. Lastly, the babies have to be bigger (sitting on their own), but Costco is awesome because their baskets are so big/wide that they actually have space for TWO babies to sit in! Woohoo! It’s made my life soooo much easier!
Best of luck!

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Alyssa @ Road to RD April 23, 2013 at 4:03 pm

The size of an avocado? That’s so cool!

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Lindsey April 23, 2013 at 4:29 pm

One word…ERGO! Do NOT waste money on the baby bjorn. It was horrible. I used it for the first 5 months because I didn’t know there was anything else out there. It REALLY hurt my back, like big time. I actually went to a playdate with a bunch of mamas when my baby was about 7 months old and they all had different carriers and let me try them all on. I loved the Ergo and went out the next day and bought one off craigslist. I still use it and my baby will be one on Saturday. I have zero intentions of stopping anytime soon. I will carry him in that thing until he’s 5 :) It’s great b/c once the baby does get older and heavier you can wear it on your back too. Can you tell I’m obsessed?! Also when babies are super super little, I recommend getting a Moby wrap. Those things are intimidating at first but feel so good when you finally get the hang of it. They are great for having the baby(ies) so close to you while they are so young. I will wear mine much more with my second :)

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Michelle @ A Healthy Mrs April 23, 2013 at 4:38 pm

Love these updates! Looking good Mama-To-Be! :)

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Chelsea @ One Healthy Munchkin April 23, 2013 at 6:24 pm

I’m so glad you’re feeling so great girl! You look it too.

I laughed when you said that baby B punched you… sounds like she might be a bit of a handful. ;)

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Meghan @ After the Ivy League April 23, 2013 at 6:49 pm

Yayy! 17 weeks! You look great and those little onesies are the most precious things ever! haha

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Amber K April 23, 2013 at 7:32 pm

Oh man, I would totally miss sleeping on my stomach! As of right now I literally can not stay asleep any other way. I actually wake up in the middle of the night if I’m on my back or side. Pregnancy is going to be a huge preparation for sleep deprivation!

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cleaneatingchelsey April 23, 2013 at 7:59 pm

lol you’ll get used to it - but I tell ya, I can’t wait until September when I can sleep on my stomach!!

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Angie @ Pint of Goals April 23, 2013 at 8:11 pm

Although I haven’t tried them yet, we registered for an Ergo and a Baby K’Tan. I see my husband and I both using the Ergo but just me using the K’Tan.

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Kristin April 23, 2013 at 8:34 pm

Bjorn!! I use mine everyday.

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Jill April 23, 2013 at 9:27 pm

You look so great! I have the same Old Navy tank top (I am 23 weeks AND a teacher in Chi as well :) ). I heart Old Navy for maternity clothes (I love both the maternity and non-maternity stuff - empire waist dresses will save me this summer)!

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Rifka April 24, 2013 at 4:09 am

Congrats on your exciting news! I don’t have twins but I do have four kids (ages 17-1.5!)and may I make a suggestion? Before you buy a carrier, find a few to borrow and try out from friends after your babies have arrived. I have three different kinds and I have to say that trying them out with your baby(ies) is the best way to know what you will actually use/enjoy/works for you (and them!) before you spend $$$ on it. Having said that I do love my ergo as well as the serene sling which saved me when one of my sons was colicky and needed to be held basically all the time :) . Best of luck for a happy healthy pregnancy and beyond

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Kate April 24, 2013 at 10:38 am

We have the Ergo and love it. I received a Moby Wrap too, and never got into it. It just didn’t feel like my son was secure enough and it made me hot. Really hot.

The Ergo is super easy to use. Both my husband and I use it often. And, unlike some of the others, it offers some lower back support.

I have a large-ish kid. And, bought the Ergo on recommendation from someone else with a large-ish kid. I can only imagine how awesome it would be with an average sized kid! :)

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Heather April 24, 2013 at 2:50 pm

Could you post a link to your registry or list what you are registering for? I am having twins as well (I’m only 9 weeks) and have no idea what to register for in terms of strollers, carriers, etc for them.

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cleaneatingchelsey April 24, 2013 at 5:49 pm

I can post some of our items on next week’s post!

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Liz April 24, 2013 at 4:27 pm

Well I haven’t been on your blog in a while! Congrats!! I just recently started my own blog and would love if everyone checked it out, BTW it’s gluten free!!

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Erika April 24, 2013 at 5:43 pm

We got the Boba carrier and it is AWESOME!!! I wear it every single day with my 8 week old because she can’t stand being put down for even a second. It’s really comfortable and you don’t have to buy a separate infant insert like you do for the Ergo. It’s a little on the expensive side but soooooo worth it. Plus I like the fact that she can be worn on my back when she gets older.
http://store.bobafamily.com/baby-carrier/
Another item we got and use every single day is this vibrating chair. My daughter is colicky and this chair and being carried in the Boba seem to be the only things that can calm her down.
http://www.target.com/p/fisher-price-infant-to-toddler-rocker-girl/-/A-14297085#prodSlot=medium_1_23
I’m glad you’re feeling so well. You look fantastic! I hope you keep enjoying your pregnancy. It’s such an awesome experience.

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char eats greens April 26, 2013 at 7:19 am

You look absolutely gorgeous!!

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Kristen @ notsodomesticated April 26, 2013 at 1:12 pm

Stock up on onsies … you’ll be amazed at how many you use. ;) And I originally bought a Moby but I think I’m going to return it and get an Ergo because I think it will be easier for me to use, and I’m wanting to start using it. Addie is only a week and a half now, but I’m already thinking it would be useful so that I could hold her while I’m getting things done around the house!

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