tttssurgery images

Today is world Twin to Twin Transfusion Day. A day to bring awareness to this rare and scary medical occurrence. Spreading awareness could help save other twins. If I wouldn’t have gone with my mom gut and went in early for a scan I would have lost both boys. TTTS is a disease of the placenta that occurs in the shared blood vessels and only happens in identical twins due to a shared placenta. There are stages of TTTS. We were diagnosed at stage 4 and were told by the doc in the ultrasound room that we needed to be on the next plane out. We had the placental abrasion surgery at Colorado Children’s Hospital on the boys at 19 weeks and had to wait to see if they both survived (80% chance of one and 60% chance of both). It was the craziest few weeks. These fiery little red heads made it through and were born at 32 weeks. Though Cooper was smaller due to the TTTS he has already made up for it & weighs more than Jackson. They are truly miracle babies and we are so grateful for the TTTS Foundation and the support we received. If you know anyone pregnant with identical twins please make sure they are seen by a high risk OB from day 1. My regular OB missed the diagnosis and it almost cost us our boys. Thoughts and prayers to all those going through this and who have lost babies from TTTS. #worldtttsawarenessmonth, #tttsawareness #ttts #tttssurvivors #daisybabies #tttsawarenessday #tttsday #worldtttsday #selectiveintrauterinegrowthrestriction #tttsfoundation #monomonotwins #identicaltwins #twinboys #identicaltwinboys #tttssurgery

12.11.20 Lotnisko widmo. Wszystko zamknięte ludzi brak. I ja sama samiuteńka udająca się w najtrudniejszą podróż życia. Gdyby nie covid nie musiałabym być sama ale takie były wtedy realia. Kiedy boli tak bardzo ciało i dusza nie możesz ustać na nogach a co dopiero wybierać się w jakąkolwiek podróż. Pamiętam jak w samolocie nie mogłam oddychać przez tą maseczkę a łzy leciały mi po policzku ciurkiem… Kobieta z obsługi ciągle mnie upominała abym naciągnęła maskę na twarz a ja chciałam powiedzieć aby się ode mnie odwaliła! Byłam może „zwykłym” pasażerem który leciała w najtrudniejszą podróż swojego życia. Całą drogę błagasz swoje umierające dziecko aby wytrzymało jeszcze chwile , jeszcze chwile bo wtedy będzie szansa , będzie nadzieja na ratunek i lepsze życie dla jego brata… Strach, rozpacz, ból , poczucie niesprawiedliwości. Gdzieś w głowie na dnie serca jakaś resztka nadzieji że może jeszcze okaże się, że to błąd… Ciało zapamiętało, jakby odbiło sobie na ciele każdą tą emocje… Nigdy nie czułam się tak samotnie, tak przerażona i tak bardzo chciałam aby ktoś mnie prowadził pod rękę bo sama nie miałam siły iść… Ale nie było tej opcji po raz kolejny wybrałam dobro swojego dziecka przecież mogłam lecieć z mężem ale wybrałam Giana potrzeby ponad moje. Byłam sama i musiałam sama kroczyć tą drogą… #mamagipoleca #lovedbysant #podróż #trudnedecyzje #kopenhagen #operacja #bliźniaki #tttssurgery #tttssyndrome #strach #traumahealing #trauma

On October 3, 1988, Dr. Julian De Lia performed the first fetoscopic laser ablation to treat TTTS at the University of Utah Health Sciences Center. . . Follow @twinmomguide for all things twin pregnancy, breastfeeding twins, postpartum survival and life with twins newborn to preschool- all created by a twin mom, registered nurse and IBCLC 🤱 . . Twin to Twin Transfusion Syndrome (TTTS) occurs in identical twin pregnancies or higher order multiple pregnancies where babies share a placenta. It is reported to affect 15-20% of all identical twin pregnancies. . . It can also occur with fraternal twins or higher order multiples if their placentas fuse together. . . With TTTS there is an imbalance with the blood vessels in the placenta resulting in one baby (the donor baby) giving away more blood and nutrients than it receives and the other baby (the recipient baby) receives too much blood. . . The donor baby is at risk for malnourisnment, organ failure and intrauterine growth restriction. . . The recipient baby is at risk for its heart working too hard resulting in cardiac complications. . . There is NOTHING the mother does to cause this. The occurrence is random and can not be prevented. . . Cases of TTTS are typically monitored closely by ultrasound. Severe cases require a minimally invasive surgery called endoscopic laser ablation, which corrects the blood sharing imbalance. Laser surgery stops the connections in the placentas between the twins.  . . TTTS can be dangerous to your unborn babies. If you are pregnant with twins be sure to advocate for yourself and your babies and ask your health care provider how you will be monitored during your pregnancy. . . Did your twins have TTTS? Did you undergo laser ablation? If so, please share your experience in the comments below if you feel comfortable doing so 💕

#tttsawareness Today is World TTTS Awareness day and the month of December is awareness of many Twin Syndromes. I am a victim of both #ttts & #siugr Please take the time to understand what Mama’s of Identical Twins can face. It’s a very high risk pregnancy & can be very difficult physically, emotionally & mentally. This post is to spread awareness and also to give a moment of silence for the #tttsbabies #siugrbabies & their families that didn’t make it earthside and also for the survivors. 🤍 #tttsawareness #tttssurvivors #tttswrlds #ttts #siugrtwins #siugr #tttssurgery #fetalsurgery #fetaldoppler #worldtttsawarenessday

1 year ago today our world completely fell apart I had just returned home from having emergency surgery in Toronto. Our twins had developed Twin to Twin Transfusion Syndrome (TTTS), which is a rare pregnancy complication that only affects multiples that share the same placenta, which ours did. This means the blood vessels that form in the placenta are uneven between the babies and can cause the death of 1 or all babies if not treated. I had a few urgent ultrasounds in the city with the specialist, and then was told I needed the laser ablation surgery the following morning in Toronto. I was terrified to go there with 2 babies and return with 1 or end up losing both, which is a risk with surgery. But I knew we had to do surgery as they would likely die without it. After surgery both babies were doing great and more active than ever. I thought the worst was finally over. Less than 12 hrs after returning home, at 17 weeks my water broke and the next day our girls were born into this world sleeping. This was the worst and most traumatic experience of our lives and the flash backs are overwhelming. I would do anything to have them with us here today. I just want to say thank you all again to everyone who was there for us and made that dark time just a little easier. We never would have been able to get through this without the support and love from our friends and families. Happy Birthday in heaven to our girls 👼❤👼

Here’s a throwback of Ava from the womb at 18+4 weeks gestation!! This is they day that medical technology saved our lives! We had stage 2 twin-to-twin transfusion (TTTS) syndrome! Ava had too much blood flow and too much fluid in her sac. The excessive blood flow was threatening heart failure. Aja had nearly no fluid in her sac and no blood flow to her. Dr. Moore @womanshospital in Baton Rouge, La saved us. We pray for others going through this or have experience loss due to this condition. Mommy’s and Daddy’s please know there is nothing that can be done to prevent this. If you have a MoDi pregnancy ensure you have an MFM (maternal fetal medicine) specialist. Advocate for yourself and your babies! #tttsawareness #tttsawarenessmonth #tttssurgery #laserablation #miraclebabies #avamonétcox #ajamariecox #amctwins #CoxCrewKids #identicaltwins #twinsisters #blacktwins #identicalblacktwins #identicaltwingirls #tttssurvivors #MoDiTwins #MississippiKids #blacktoddlers #toddleractress #blackgirlmagic #twinsofinstagram

🙏🏻🙏🏻 Twin to Twin Transfusion Syndrome Surgery pictures and video🙏🏻🙏🏻 After the hours wait to found out if they were alive we had to wait until 10pm for #professorkyprosnicolaides to arrive, he arrived with baklava 🧁 😂😂 for several doctors from all around the world who came to watch through a privacy screen 📺 🌎!! He trained a guy from Peru who would be the only doctor in Peru 🇵🇪 able to conduct this surgery! I commented how active Elissa was, which I thought was positive 👶🏻💃 but he said ‘she is shouting in distress ‘save me’! That literally broke my heart ❤️ 💔💔💔! Lacie was the donor twin and was trapped in the corner with the cord wrapped round her neck 💔💔! I was given painkillers 💊 & told to brace myself! The injection which punctured through my womb was the most painful 😖! A camera 🎥 and laser was inserted into my womb to laser through blood vessels! I was awake through the whole surgery (not sure if this was the right thing 😢😂) I was shaking uncontrollably throughout!!! The Prof actually said I was pathetic 😂😂😂 but it was the scariest hour of my life for sure!!!! When you watch the video you will see/hear https://youtu.be/PBHWJPYgTMI 23.24- he shouts no! And the babies kick close by! 23.51 he tells the guy from Peru he’s not close enough to the placenta with the laser and the baby could put her arm under and it would be chopped off 😫😫 I mean this didn’t help my shaking 😂 25.48 again he nearly chops off a limb 😖😩😩 And at the end you can hear the prof has the cheek to say I was a bit pathetic 😂 #kingscollegelondon #professorkypros #professorkyprosnicolaides #tttssurvivors #tttswrlds #tttssurgery #twins #twintotwintransfusionsyndrome #twintotwintransfusion #twinsofinstagram #nicumama #just4twins #mumsupportingmums #prematurebaby #prematuretwins #ivfsuccess #ivfuk #surgery #carefertility #twintotwintransfusionsyndromeawareness #twintotwintransfusionsurvivors #twinsandmultiples

SELF CARE KEPT ME GOING THE PAST 3 YEARS. I was on bed rest for just over 2 months with the twins pregnancy after their #tttssurgery on their placenta. Then came 61 days in NICU + C-section recovery. I told myself that I would never take for granted being ABLE to physically move again! Once I got the clear I started working out for just 20 minutes a day. I would press play ▶️ + sweat it out. Often interrupted, but I just chose to keep going and accept that not every workout would go smooth with 3 kids 😅. I kept my workouts shorter, but focused on consistency. I did them from home the first 2 years entirely because that's what worked for me - less obstacles to overcome to actually get sweating. Postpartum is legit the toughest freaking era that I've went through. I started noticing that on the days I got moving, I felt better. I felt happier. My energy would be boosted. That became the motivation = I wanted to feel better! At the end of the day, that's all that mattered to me. I share this in hopes to inspire other busy mommas struggling just like I was. It is possible to fit it in - we all have 20-30 minutes in the day... why not spend it energizing our bodies + minds!? We are so capable! If you want to get started like I did with these virtual workouts + accountability my October crew is starting Monday. I will help you find a great starting point program wise + get you into my supportive accountability App. Plus save an extra $24 this month with current promos on 🙌. Registration form is through the link in my BIO or msg me directly! 🇨🇦🇨🇵🇬🇧🇺🇲 #smilestrongwellness

THIS IS ME.  I thought it’d be fun to let everyone know a little more about who I am! So here it goes, 5 quick facts: ▪️I'm a wife & mother to 3 daughters & 2 boxers. Our twins were born at 29 weeks after a very difficult pregnancy.  They had what is called Twin to Twin Transfusion Syndrome, which resulted in me having my very first surgery at 20 weeks in order to save the babies.  Bed rest came after the surgery + 2-3 scans in Saskatoon every week.  I had my second surgery with the twins emergency C-section = two adorable little 2.5 pound babies.  61 days later we were able to take our babies home + I was finally able to move back home as well. ▪️As a kid I grew up on a grain + cattle farm.  Us three kids were in 4-H Beef for years and Dad always had something to keep us busy in the summer.  I don't remember the exact rate of pay 😄, but two jobs that stick out to me were: picking roots after a tuft of trees had been taken down in our one field.  Derrick and I would quad over to the field with our lunches packed, pick some roots, then play hide and seek in the wheat during breaks.  The second job I remember is cleaning the barn from front to back.  As we got older we were able to haul bales + help out in the field more. ▪️My favourite shows usually consist of drug trafficking 🤷‍♀️🤣 and I'm not sure why haha.  Queen of the South, Bad Blood, Sons of Anarchy, Narcos, Ozarks to be a few to name! ▪️ My first car was a red Pontiac Sunbird - standard (obviously).  I thought it was the sweetest little unit, then I hit a deer with it one night and totalled it off. ▪️ My fave thing to do as a kid was to play sports or practice sports at home with my brother (usually baseball or golf).  This happened to take out a nice new window in the house after Mom strictly told us not to golf towards the house.  I didn't think I would hit it that far, lined up, and the perfect swing = smashed out the new window.  I guess my love for sports started young.  Has carried into my competitive curling + now my coaching/personal training. There you have it!  Can you relate to anything I shared - drop it below!  I want to know what makes you, YOU!

Są takie dni , takie momenty jak dzisiaj... Że serce ściska ból do oczu płyną łzy. Osoby które mnie obserwują od dawna znają moją historie moich bliźniaków. Pisałam wam też o znaczeniu fioletowego motyla w tym procesie. I tak już zostanie że motyl zawsze będzie mi kojarzył się z Santusiem. I często jak się jakiś pojawia witam się z nim ❤️ Gian robi to samo czasami krzyczy „ Mamuś patrz Santuś poleciał” . Dzisiaj jak szliśmy na metro, Mama pojechała wózkiem z przodu a ja z Gianem z tylu bo chciał ze mną iść za rączkę. Poleciał motyl a On „ Cześć Santuś” Mówię mu „ O przyleciał się przywitać i życzyć nam udanego wypadu nad wodę.” I rozmowa się jeszcze toczyła po czym Gian powiedział „ Ja nie chcę aby Santuś był motylkiem 💔 Chcę aby był baby tak jak ja... „ 💔😭 Serce mi pęka i łzy płyną kiedy tak mówi... 💔💔 Przecież ja też bym tego chciała ... 😭😭😭 Często pisałyście, że jestem silna . Ostatnio z moja przyjaciółką rozmawiając doszłam do wniosku, że moja wiara w energię, w życie po życiu i wiele rzeczy związane z duszami pomaga mi to przetrwać . Wiele kwestii potrafiłam zrozumieć i zaakceptować szybciej. Jednak nie zmienia to faktu, że noszę ogromny ból związany z tą stratą i czuję momentami złość na to wszystko... #mamagipoleca #strata #blizniaki #utraconybliźniak #tttssurvivors #tttssurvivorwithaguardianangel #tttssurgery #lost#żałoba #dusza #dziecko #ból#żałoba #statadzjecka#śmierć#życiepośmierci #motyl #symbol #bracia #matkapolka #polkawnorwegii #miłość #tęsknota 💔

Today is a hard day. Today was supposed to be my due date with our ivf miracle twins, but instead they were taken way too soon at only 17.5 weeks 💔😔 Twin to Twin Transfusion is an ugly condition and because of this rare complication, my girls are in heaven instead of with us. To anyone else reading this who has experienced a loss, know you are not alone and that I'm sending you hugs. We are strong and just need to remember to take it one day at a time ❤

Is it strange that I just now feel like I am getting out of that post partum stage? I'm finally sleeping 😴. I finally feel like I'm not just surviving, but thriving. I never thought that we would ever have a difficult pregnancy. We had trouble getting pregnant & miscarriages, but I thought we were going to have a normal 8 ish months with the twin pregnancy. Everything about it felt "right" to me. 20 weeks in things turned around. We were rushed to Toronto for emergency surgery on the twins placenta = trying to save them both. Ultrasounds 2x per week in the city + another trek to Toronto... and Jan 2019 = 29 weeker NICU babies. All of those months on bed rest + C section recovery had my mind spinning. I realized how fortunate I was to be able to physically move and workout in the past. I vowed to never take it for granted again! It has stuck. Through the easy days, but most importantly through the hard days. The days when I didn't FEEL like it, but I did it anyways. 99% of the time those are mental battles that we need to overcome! My vision is clearer. My REASON to show up & be healthy for my family is stronger. My focus is on growth + happiness. I realized how capable we are. Like truly so freaking capable. We all have so much untapped potential within ourselves --- physically, but more importantly mentally. With the twins it was even harder to get out of the house, so my workouts were done at home, on my schedule (or the babies I should say haha). 20-40 minutes, depending which program I was following! I showed up in my virtual accountability groups + stayed accountable to the vow that I made to myself. I would listen to podcasts throughout the day to keep working my mindset muscles too. Longterm healthy lifestyle shifts to me are activities/workouts/balanced eating that I can maintain for the rest of my life! This isn't the end. This is just the beginning my friends! If you want to get into my Project 100 virtual gym and do this with me = we start April 12th!!! 100 days of focused growth! Let's do this!!!!

I am loving being able to use the reformers again after 5 weeks of bed rest! My body felt horrible not being able to move and I started to get really uncomfortable with SPD. However since being able to get back to Pilates and Aqua exercise it has completely GONE!!! #26weekspregnant #identicaltwinboys #ttts #tttssurgery #fetallasersurgery #twinpregnancy #pregnancyreformerpilates #antenatalpilates #keepmoving #pilates #reformer #strongwomen

SELF CARE IS HOW YOU TAKE YOUR POWER BACK 🖤 (Longterm progress & my 9 week program progress so far shown ➡️) It's been 2.5 YEARS since I found out I was pregnant. I remember telling my sister in law that it just "felt right" this time. Then we found out there was 2 in there 👶👶 & there was no looking back! It was a hard pregnancy. So hard #tttssurgery. My recovery afterwards truthfully felt like a breeze compared to the actual pregnancy. I knew I could handle anything after that. Mentally it was another struggle. I noticed an immediate shift in my energy and mood once I was able to start my first 20 minute program. I wasn't crying as much anymore & I was getting excited to be taking our babies home soon. 61 days in NICU and we came home. Rudy 🐶 didn't even recognize me. The exhaustion and new "routine" started. That first month was rough, but I would press play and make that 20 or 30 minutes of me time per day. My all natural pre-workout is and was a life saver. A natural kick in the ass 🤣. February 25, 2019 to now = all 20-45 minute workouts guys. You don't have to be crazyyy, just focused and effective workouts & eating balanced nutrients throughout my day. I still have enjoyed my treats along the way too... BALANCE = happiness in my life. This transformation that I see in these photos is me feeling like ME again on the inside. Feeling comfortable in my own body, ENERGETIC, regaining my strength that 4 months of bed rest & c section recovery will wipe from you... and actually feeling stronger than I ever have in my entire life (inside and out). If you want to come do this with me --- my next 9 week crew is starting on the 15th! Sign up is in my bio!

Today marks 4 years since we underwent #tttssurgery at St.Michaels hospital in Bristol, U.K. I remember so vividly signing that consent form, the huge but necessary risk we were taking. Our girls had 40% of being in our arms together with it, 10% without it. These odds were just earth shattering, I tried so hard to focus on the probability we would be ‘lucky’ but all the time I was think the chances were higher we would be grieving our girls...even today my stomach goes over and the tears well up at the impact of that decision. I didn’t willingly sign that consent form, it was the only chance I could give them; without we stood only a 10% chance of bringing either of our girls home. Reflecting on the day is hard, the what if’s creep in and turn around in my mind. I have read so many #ttts stories since our journey I just wonder if it would was been better to wait? I suppose I will never know, most days i am ok with that. . . . I feel thankful I have my beautiful girl to keep me going, however I will always wonder why our ‘perfect’ surgery didn’t work for Isabelle...my tiny little baby girl...If love could have saved you we would have beat this disease together 💔 . . . I miss you as always 💖💖 only a #twinlesstwinmom knows joy and sorrow can be experienced together . . . . . . . . . . #tttsawareness #ttts #twinloss #twingirls #bereavedmother #bereavedparents #babylosssupport #babyloss #twinloss #pregnancycomplications #lifeafterloss #parentingafterloss #mygrief #mygriefjourney #livingafterloss #identicaltwins #babygirliloveyou #missingyoueveryday #griefsupport

Yesterday I was diagnosed with twin-to-twin transfusion syndrome—one of my greatest worries during this high risk pregnancy. In essence, Twin B is taking more nourishment than Twin A, creating a sizable difference between the two and can result in defects and/or death. ⁣ ⁣ My condition requires a surgical treatment, in which surgeons go into the uterus and use a laser to sever the arteries that the twins share.⁣ ⁣ This is a rare, high risk surgery—not many clinics provide the surgery in the nation. Fortunately, we live an hour and half from a clinic in Chicago that performs the surgery and will drive there today. ⁣ ⁣ Although this was my greatest worry (because the survival rate for both, or even one twin, comes with risk), I feel a sense of calm and peace. Michael and I are staying positive and hopeful during this process. 🙏🏻❤️

October 3, 1988. That’s a date that changed the outcome of my life & of my boys’ lives. I was 10 years old in October 1988. My boys are just seven now. But 32 years ago, Dr Julian DeLia performed the first fetoscopic laser ablation on a human patient - a medical breakthrough that saved the three of us in 2012. Twin to Twin Transfusion Syndrome is a rare, often deadly condition. In Canada, it’s believed about 250 cases occur each year. We are one of the lucky families. I was diagnosed at 20 weeks. We flew from Moncton to Toronto for surgery. Then, we waited. I spent 12 weeks on modified bedrest - meaning I binge watched TV in between crying and napping all day while my toddler was as daycare and my husband at work. It wasn’t easy, but it was all I could do. And it gave me time to process many of the emotions that came with our diagnosis and our prognosis. Most Preemie moms don’t have that opportunity. At 32 weeks, the boys arrived via an emergency c-section. We spent a total of 35 days in the NICU, days filled mostly with gratitude, hope, and celebration. No major compilations. No major regrets. We were lucky. While September is noted as Neonatal Intensive Care Awareness Month, it’s October 3 that always gives me pause to remember and be thankful. I know many TTTS families do not have the best case scenario experience that we did. I know many Preemie families do not have the NICU experience we did. To everyone struggling, my thoughts are with you. To everyone working to improve outcomes and offer mental, physical, & financial support to TTTS & Preemie families - thank you. 💜💚 #preemiepower #tttssurvivors #tttsawareness #lasertwins #preemiepowercanada #monctonmom #nicuawarenessmonth #tttssurgery #32weekpreemie #twintotwintransfusionsyndrome #twinsofinstagram #twinmom B&W 📸 by @yorkephoto

I SAID TO MYSELF, "I WILL NEVER TAKE FOR GRANTED BEING ABLE TO PHYSICALLY MOVE AND EXERCISE".⠀ ⠀ November 5, 2018 I had laser ablation surgery inutero on the twins placenta to save them from their stage III twin to twin transfusion syndrome #ttts #tttssurgery. I was only 20 weeks along and one of the main risks after surgery is your water breaking/going into labour or potentially one of the twins not responding to treatment and not making it. Both terrifying to say the least. I did as little as possible for the next 9 weeks until I went I to preterm labour (𝚃𝚑𝚎 𝚍𝚊𝚢 𝚊𝚏𝚝𝚎𝚛 𝚝𝚑𝚊𝚝 𝚏𝚒𝚛𝚜𝚝 𝚙𝚑𝚘𝚝𝚘) = emergency C Section. This led down the #csection recovery road. 4 full months of not being able to do my normal things... or exercise... for me exercise was my sanity so this was hard on my mental health even. I vowed to never take for granted being able to physically MOVE. It's a priviledge that we so often take for granted, until it's gone.⠀ ⠀ 18 MONTHS and I feel amazing and energized!!!! This post partum journey was and is hard AF, I'm not going to lie to you, but coming out on the other side with a healthy fam and feeling mentally stronger than I ever have. It's been constantly pushing myself to grow, learn, and develop new routines (and continually adjust them with the twins routines). It's been pressing play on my at home workouts. It's been showing up with my virtual fitfam to stay accountable. It's been sacrificing a messy house, to give my mental health a sweat break.⠀ ⠀ The goal has never been to be thin or skinny. I loved my body and what it had done through every stage. BUT I wanted to FEEL STRONG again. To be able to walk a flight of stairs without being out of breath! I lost all my strength in those 4 months I swear! I felt soooo weak when I started this #postpartumjourney. ⠀ ⠀ This wasn't hours in the gym either - this momma does not have TIME for that! 20-40 minutes a day, rest days too. A balanced nutrition guide, with treats & bevvies in the mix. BALANCE. Longterm sustainability. Lifestyle shifts. That is MY JAM!!!!⠀ ⠀ I am here to help! Apply for my Aug 10th virtual bootcamp in my BIO or DM me directly 🖤

SELF CARE IS HOW YOU TAKE YOUR POWER BACK 🖤⠀➡️➡️➡️ swipe to see a little bit of progress! That last vid is a video comparison of strength from my first program post partum! ⠀ It's been almost 2 YEARS since I found out I was pregnant again. I remember telling my sister in law that it just "felt right" this time. Then we found out there was 2 in there 👶👶 & there was no looking back! It was a hard pregnancy. So hard #tttssurgery. My recovery afterwards truthfully felt like a breeze compared to the actual pregnancy. ⠀ ⠀ I knew I could handle anything after that. ⠀ ⠀ Mentally it was another struggle. I noticed an immediate shift in my energy and mood once I was able to start my first 20 minute program. I wasn't crying as much anymore & I was getting excited to be taking our babies home soon. 61 days in NICU and we came home. Rudy 🐶 didn't even recognize me. The exhaustion and new "routine" started. That first month was rough, but I would press play and make that 20 or 30 minutes of me time per day. My energize is and was a life saver. A natural kick in the ass 🤣. February 25, 2019 to now = all 20-45 minute workouts guys. You don't have to be crazyyy, just focused and effective workouts & eating balanced nutrients throughout my day. I still have enjoyed my treats along the way too... like it's ice cream 🍦 season folks!⠀ ⠀ This transformation that I see in these photos is me feeling like ME again on the inside. Feeling comfortable in my own body, ENERGETIC (as possible haha), and regaining my strength that 4 months of bed rest & c section recovery will wipe from you! ⠀ ⠀ You can start anywhere! For me this journey is ongoing. There is no end, just constant growth inside and out. ⠀ ⠀ Find your jam! Start with my amazing CREW Monday and work with us 🙌. I only have 6 spots left!

𝚆𝚑𝚢 𝚍𝚘𝚎𝚜 𝚒𝚝 𝚗𝚎𝚎𝚍 𝚝𝚘 𝚋𝚎 𝚎𝚊𝚜𝚢?⠀ ⠀ 𝚆𝚎 𝚊𝚛𝚎 𝚜𝚘 𝚎𝚗𝚐𝚛𝚊𝚒𝚗𝚎𝚍 𝚏𝚘𝚛 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝚚𝚞𝚒𝚌𝚔 𝚏𝚒𝚡... 𝚝𝚘 𝚖𝚊𝚔𝚎 𝚝𝚑𝚒𝚗𝚐𝚜 𝚎𝚊𝚜𝚢... 𝚢𝚎𝚝 𝚠𝚑𝚎𝚗 𝚢𝚘𝚞 𝚌𝚘𝚖𝚖𝚒𝚝 𝚝𝚘 𝚊𝚌𝚝𝚞𝚊𝚕𝚕𝚢 𝚋𝚎𝚒𝚗𝚐 𝙷𝙴𝙰𝙻𝚃𝙷𝚈 𝚝𝚑𝚊𝚝 𝚒𝚜 𝚊 𝚕𝚘𝚗𝚐𝚝𝚎𝚛𝚖 𝚜𝚑𝚒𝚏𝚝. 𝙸𝚝 𝚒𝚜𝚗'𝚝 𝚊 𝚚𝚞𝚒𝚌𝚔 𝚏𝚒𝚡. 𝙳𝚘𝚒𝚗𝚐 𝚑𝚊𝚛𝚍 𝚝𝚑𝚒𝚗𝚐𝚜 𝚒𝚜 𝚎𝚖𝚙𝚘𝚠𝚎𝚛𝚒𝚗𝚐 𝚊𝚗𝚍 𝚜𝚘 𝚍𝚊𝚗𝚐 𝚛𝚎𝚠𝚊𝚛𝚍𝚒𝚗𝚐.⠀ ⠀ When I look at this progress in YES 423 days ... I remember how I was FEELING when I started. I remember the freaking hard AF days and weeks I got through. I remember sharing it with my challengers because they were right alongside of me in this grind. No it wasn't easy to press play when running on a MAX of 5 hours of interrupted sleep (that was a good night BTW)... but I had told myself that I was NEVER going to take advantage of being able to physically MOVE again after that period of TTTS surgery on the twins/bed rest/and C Section recovery. That shit changes you. ⠀ ⠀ Forget easy. Commit to actually showing up for yourself in your mental and physical health for ONE whole year. Commit to GROWING and doing things you may have never done before. FIND someone to do this with you = that is going to keep you EIGHTY percent more likely to reach your one year goal mark. It doesn't have to be EXTREME, you just need to be consistent. Most of my sessions range in the 20-40 min mark over the past year and a bit. ⠀ ⠀ Lastly...⠀ DO IT FOR YOU.⠀ You matter. Your energy matters. Your health matters.⠀ ⠀ I can help you get started, lean into an amazing support community, and give you the resources to succeed. YOU will need to do the showing up part 😃. 𝙰𝚙𝚙𝚕𝚒𝚌𝚊𝚝𝚒𝚘𝚗 𝚒𝚜 𝚒𝚗 𝚖𝚢 𝚋𝚒𝚘.

𝙸 𝚗𝚎𝚟𝚎𝚛 𝚠𝚊𝚗𝚝𝚎𝚍 𝚝𝚘 𝚋𝚎 𝚊 𝚂𝙰𝙷𝙼... 𝚋𝚞𝚝 𝚝𝚛𝚞𝚝𝚑𝚏𝚞𝚕𝚕𝚢 𝚝𝚑𝚎 𝚕𝚊𝚜𝚝 18 𝚖𝚘𝚗𝚝𝚑𝚜 𝚑𝚊𝚟𝚎 𝚌𝚑𝚊𝚗𝚐𝚎𝚍 𝚖𝚎. ⠀ ⠀ I loved having my "adult time" at my dental hygiene position after having S. It was a strange shift... only having to take care of myself for the day. But once I found out we were having twins, I was hopeful that maybe I could stay home more with them. I felt like I may have rushed back to work the first time and I wanted to savor these young years as they seriously fly by. ⠀ ⠀ Then came the difficult pregnancy... #tttssurgery... and preemie twins at 29 weeks... resulting in 61 days in NICU 3 hours away from our home. It was a lot. I cried a lot. I worried constantly that my babies weren't going to make it after the surgery... & I knew as soon as I went into labour that there was no stopping it, they were en route 😄.⠀ ⠀ Some days I wish to have a day away kid free... a break... but that's just my introverted self just needing a recharge. ⠀ ⠀ I know now that this is what I want & I'm not really scared to say it anymore. I want more for this fam & I know that my coaching business can take me there! I can work on my own terms, my own schedule... and truly LOVE what I do. When you find your true passion, it doesn't "feel" like work. Helping people each and every day work towards becoming the healthiest versions of themselves - INSIDE & OUT is what does that for me. That's why you see me up at 430 AM 😀, trying to get more time in my day to DO MORE with my biz BEFORE the fam wakes up. I will take the hard work & sacrifice now to create our dream life. ⠀ ⠀ Want to do the same!? Ready to work with me? Then let's lock arms! My next new coach mentorship starts May 25th - Application is in my bio or DM me directly!

#mynhshero the truth is I never wanted to meet him...i will never forget those opening moments sat anxiously in the waiting room. Wishing to be any where but waiting to see a fetal medicine specialist . . This is the face of our amazing NHS, without it we would have had so much harder journey, we may not have our beautiful girly...the NHS is not run for financial gain its run by passionate, vocational people who give a little bit of them to every patient they meet. #thankyou will never be enough. You are amazing #nhsstaff #amazingman #fetalmedicine #ttts #tttssurgery #tttssurvivor #twinlesstwin #twinloss #bereavedparents #foreverthankful #stayhomesavelives

I SAID TO MYSELF, "I WILL NEVER TAKE FOR GRANTED BEING ABLE TO PHYSICALLY MOVE AND EXERCISE". . . November 5, 2018 I had laser ablation surgery inutero on the twins placenta to save them from their stage III twin to twin transfusion syndrome #ttts #tttssurgery. I was only 20 weeks along and one of the main risks after surgery is your water breaking/going into labour or potentially one of the twins not responding to treatment and not making it. Both terrifying to say the least. I did as little as possible for the next 9 weeks until I went I to preterm labour = emergency C Section. This led down the #csection recovery road. 4 full month of not being able to do my normal things... or exercise... for me exercise was my sanity so this was hard on my mental health even. I vowed to never take for granted being able to physically MOVE. It's a priviledge that we so often take for granted, until it's gone. . . One year + a month and I feel amazing and energized!!!! This is ME! This is my smile!!!! The real deep, truly happy smile! Because I feel freaking amazing! This year was hard AF, I'm not going to lie to you, but coming out on the other side with a healthy fam (so far I hope this pandemic stays clear of our household) and feeling mentally stronger than I ever have. It's been constantly pushing myself to grow, learn, and develop new routines in my day to bring my mindset/energy UP every day. It's been pressing play on my at home workouts. It's been showing up with my virtual fitfam to stay accountable. . . The goal has never been to be thin or skinny. I loved my body and what it had done through every stage. I wanted to FEEL STRONG again. To be able to walk a flight of stairs without being out of breath! I lost all my strength in those 4 months I swear! I felt soooo weak when I started this #postpartumjourney. This wasn't hours in the gym either - this momma does not have TIME for that! 20-40 minutes a day, rest days too. A balanced nutrition guide, with treats & bevvies in the mix. BALANCE. Longterm sustainability. Lifestyle shifts. That is MY JAM!!!!

There's no way that I could have consistently made it to the gym this past year #twinmomprobs. BUT I could find 20-30 minutes in my day to squeeze in a workout from home. I've loved my body at EVERY STAGE, it's never been about that. For me, it was for my mental health & feeling STRONG again after having a very #difficultpregnancy. I also share these photos with you for inspiration, because I do want to show you that even through our TOUGHEST times we can come out STRONG. . . In each picture healthy looked different for my body. That first picture... I could barely stand for more than a few minutes without experience severe lower pelvic pressure. At this point NOT doing much at all was healthy for myself and the babies #bedrest #tttssurgery #tttsrecovery. I focused on my mindset nutrition and water intake to keep my energy levels up. . . The second photo I was into my FIRST program after having the twins and getting the clear after my #csection. I was so happy to be able to physically MOVE again. It was a mental release as I was currently living 3 hours from home, at the Ronald McDonald House, as the twins spent 61 days in #nicu after being born 2 days after that first pic. These were all 20 minute workouts, and let's be real I was pretty slow moving to start... but it was amazing how each week you would improve! . The last picture I'm starting to feel some normalcy in my life again. It's been a hard year. Not just raising twins, but also the strain that puts on a household too. No sleep... and post partum in general is hard AF. The 20-30 minutes of sweat therapy literally kept me sane. Well saner than I would I have been hahaha! The only way I got these done was by using my online streaming access. There's no way I could have made it to the gym - ESPECIALLY those first 3 months home. The balanced nutrition plans I follow have also helped along the way - nothing crazy just healthy choices and 80/20 rule! . If you want me to help you as well on your post partum journey, I am here for you. I run monthly accountability groups, can find a good program for you to start with, and be your biggest support along the way 🖤. DM me for my MARCH group!

#tttssurgery was the scary...I often see mums pre-ttts asking for success stories. This leaves me wondering whether we are a #successstory I feel we are, we were lucky enough to take our girl home. This has come over to me and patience with myself. . . . During the 11 days I thought we were #winning our battle I dreamt of the crazy life twins would bring. We passed the 3 & 7 day hurdle...just #wow I thought we were going to make it...it has taken a long tine to recover my #faithinbelieving lately I have learnt hope has to exist in life. Without hope how can we make things better for ourselves...the hope I held for this short space of time was amazing...it gave me time to rest ready for the next stage of our #ttts journey . . . For that I am #thankfulgratefulblessed . . . #tttssurvivor #twinlesstwin #twinloss #twingirls #lifeafterloss #lifeisprecious #loveyourself #babyloss #babylossawareness #bereavedmother #lookingforthepositive #feelinggood #maternalmentalhealth #mygriefjourney #feelingblessed #mumsblog #bloggingmom

So tomorrow we are 3 years away from our laser ablation surgery...quite possibly the scariest day of my life. After a full day of tests we finally hit criteria..I was relieved but petrified...both our girls were very sick... #ttts #tttssurgery #tttssurvivor #twinloss #twins #twingirls #identicaltwins #fetalsurgery #fetalmedicine #twintotwintransfusionsyndrome #bravemomma #bravemum #cardiacfailure #mybabiesmyworld #thankyounhs #nhsdoctorsareamazing

I HAVE HALF OF OUR GIFTS - I THE OTHER. Together we make a whole. . . Loving the sneak peek from @kellielphotography!!! Impressive what this woman can do! Bridgette was only happy for about 5 minutes... and by happy I mean her regular stone faced look 😂. Good job Kellie - can't wait to see the rest!

DID YOU KNOW that breaking a bad habit or addiction is only FIVE PERCENT affected by will power!? Crazy right!? SCIENCE. It fascinates me. Learning more about the science behind breaking habits just has my spidey senses tingling! I've always had people say to me that they wished they were as motivated as I am. Well the truth is, I've actually become more MINDFUL about my routines, habits, and thought processes related to them. NOBODY feels motivated all the time guys! Everyone has their ups and downs. I usually have ONE WHOLE WEEK per month where I REALLY struggle. I've developed solid ROUTINES in my day that help me stay MORE consistent though and ultimately have broken YEARS & YEARS of bad habits (because let's be real here I'm getting old 🤣). Those seemingly SMALL decisions and actions that you do DAILY = MATTER. . . What HABIT would you LOVE to break!? What HABIT would you LOVE to feel second nature to you!?

HAPPY BIRTHDAY BABIES 🖤 You continue to amaze us everyday. Continued from my story yesterday: I was in a lot of pain by the time we got to Saskatoon. I could tell it was progressing differently than when I had Scarlett. I was 1 cm when I got there - like WHAT!? That's it!? Lol! I seen my specialist right away and she explained that the babies are a good size (over 2 pounds) and that they wouldn't be able to stop the labour. They would need to do a C section due to their size and righty (now Blair) was breech, with minimal fluid from the ttts... so they were also concerned about the cord. They gave me some magnesium via IV to help protect the babies during delivery because they were so tiny yet. I proceeded to go through the worst pain of life for 2 hours (I would describe it as 10 times worse than my contractions with Scarlett haha). Turns out I had dilated to 8 cm within that time 😬. It then turned into panic mode to get me in for the section before my water broke. They put the spinal in and it was gloriousssss. At 11:22 we heard a little squak = baby A had arrived, my lefty = Bridgette. 3 minutes later Blair arrived. They had to work on her and she was intubated from the start. We got to see them before they took them down to NICU where they would spend the next 61 days. It's a strange feeling not having your babies with you in the delivery room, but I'm grateful that we get to spend every day with you going forward. Happy birthday little sweeties.

ONE YEAR AGO. I had been feeling a fair amount of pressure/tightness and just generalized discomfort that afternoon. This wasn't out of the norm with my twin pregnancy though... after the #ttts diagnosis and surgery I was pretty slow moving. 2 babies in there is TOIGHT okay! Especially when one doesn't have barely any fluid around her! I had my regular evening bath... which usually would calm my muscles enough to help me go to sleep in my big pregnancy cocoon pillow that was a complete lifesaver 😂. That night it didn't though. I finally fell asleep shortly after 11. I woke up at 12:30 AM and I was having some pains. I had gone into the hospital once prior though (and wasn't in labour), so I didn't panic, I just started timing them though. These felt different than last time. They were starting in my back then working around to the front of my stomach and contracting. They weren't too painful though and I think that's why I wasn't overly panicked. Time flew by, which was a red flag for me (that's how time felt when I was in labour with Scarlett)... all of a sudden a few hours had gone by. I turned on the lights and told my husband that I needed to go in. He didn't think I was in labour I could tell from his drowsy eyes lol. I started my car and grabbed my bag. He was going to call his Mom to come to the house to watch Scarlett when he came in. I knew I was in labour... I especially knew when the doc was in the room within 15 minutes of me being there haha. They needed to get me to the city = 3 hours away. Air ambulance was occupied = good ol road ambulance for this cat. I think it took about 2 hours 15 minutes. Thank God I didn't have the babies in there! Hahaha! I will share the rest of my story tomorrow on the twins first birthday 😍

IT'S BEEN A YEAR FOR THE BOOKS. One that likely won't be forgotten that's for sure. Extreme highs, to many lows. Struggling with lack of sleep, overwhelm, anxiety, and the trauma of having a fearful, high risk pregnancy & 61 days in NICU. Last year at this time I was on bed rest, wishing that I could even walk/stand for more than 10 minutes. Today I embraced the hard. I embraced the sweat. I knew if I wanted to keep my head above water, that I needed to give myself a little bit of sanity in my day. At the start (Feb 25th post C- section recovery) it was 20 minutes. Often interrupted. That was okay though. Momma needed a rest anyways as I was WEAK as all beat hell after 4 months of not doing anything at all. I noticed on the days that I skipped that I was grumpier & less energy. That fueled me to keep moving. I wanted to FEEL better even in the midst of my new chaos. I wanted to be healthier. My nutrition was balanced as per usual with cookies and bevvies, but that's why I aim for long-term consistency with the 80/20 rule -- rather than short term strict, angry eating Dane 😂. I wanted to be strong again too - on the INSIDE and out. Post Partum is hard & I'm truly happy that this year is over. It feels like a fresh start. That we've grinded this year and that maybe we can get some normalcy back into our lives. ✌ Out 2019, I'm Ready For A New Decade filled with health, growth & laughter. I'm done fearing change. The time is now.

NATIONAL TWIN DAY 👭. Wouldn't have it any other way. It was quite nice for a lady to say "oh my gosh congratulations" today, instead of something negative about having 2 babies at once 🤗. So, lady that I didn't know at the hospital - I thank you for that!

YOUR DAILY TWIN SPAM #yourewelcome We're off for more appointments today. Hard to believe these 2 are almost a year Old!!! Hey, I'm not complaining though... I love it when they start to get their own personalities and terrorize the house. I'm not even joking that's the funny thing. We will see how Blair's head shape is doing with her helmet & also pop into the Jim Pattison Children's Hospital for physio. Should be our last medical trip of 2019! Hopefully each year we have fewer and fewer.

TWIN BOND STRONG ✊ . . . . . . . . . . . #ttts #tttssurgery #tttssurvivors #tttsrecovery #nicu #nicutwins #identicaltwins #identicaltwin #tinyfighters #preemies #preemie #29weeks #postpartumjourney #postpartumrecovery #momof3 #3girls #twinmomma #twinmom #moditwins #twinbond #twinbondstrong #twinsisters #positivity #doubletrouble #lifeafternicu #helmetbaby

THIS IS US If only it was summertime at the lake & we were chilling in our campsite around the fire. I'm looking forward to the future months and years. The twins are really getting to a fun stage & I'm sorry for all you tiny baby lovers, but I'm ready for toddlers. The preemie newborn stage is SO LONG ... it really wasn't until this fall that we started to see a bit of normalcy in our days (that's 8 months of newborns). A lot of it has been survival mode mentally & physically. It's hard to describe to anyone really. The sleep program we used was a life saver truthfully. It got the twins on the same schedule during the day, and now for the last month have pretty much been consistently making it through the night 🤞. I find it hard to do much of anything outside of the house or in town. It's also tougher to find a sitter for not one, but two babies... even though I promise they are happy babies 😉. I also feel guilty asking for help pretty much everytime 🤷‍♀️. I've found a few things that have helped me stay sane (as possible lol) = curling, exercise, coaching, and just plain old chatting/visiting. I know this phase is totally transitional for our fam & I like to sit back and think of things I am grateful for each and every day. I would love to have more coffee dates ☕ in town throughout the winter if anyone is available during the day = Let's plan! I need to overcome my hermit mode that is already trying to kick into overdrive here in the winter! 📸 Alecia Milanne Imagery @a.milanne.imagery

One thing they don't tell you when you're pregnant with twins = the appointments don't end after you have them... especially if they're preemies. Thankfully I was used to coming to Saskatoon twice a week when I was pregnant, so every 3-4 weeks doesn't feel too bad. Just a little break from good old Meadow 😏. I started the day off with a challenging workout from my new program, then got the rest of my packing complete. Bridgette took a big crap after I had her all strapped in - classic move Bridgie... she also puked all over herself on the way down to the city haha. Appointment went well though & caught up quickly with Sandie Jean at the new hospital. We don't do too much once we get settled in at the RMH. Supper & now babies to bed. Time to get a bit of coach work done for the day 👌

World Prematurity Day 🖤. Our 29 Weekers.

WHO WOULDN'T WANT TO WORK HARD TO BE ABLE TO SPEND MORE TIME WITH THIS TRIO!?? I want to be with my family as much as possible, especially after this past year and what we went through #ttts #nicujourney. Will it be easy? Not everyday no. BUT I'm working hard to make my vision a reality. The fact that I get to help people work on becoming the best versions of themselves inside and out, makes it so fulfilling at the end of the day. I'm not afraid to shout my vision from a rooftop! My goal is to NOT be tied to my 9-5 & be home with this trio... spend all summer together... go on trips every year... just basically have the freedom for those small daily activities even. I'm a very laid back gal. I just want to experience life with those that I love 👨‍👩‍👧👯‍♀️👯‍♀️

Our TTTS Surgery Story ~ Continued From Yesterday. I was wide awake at 5 am. I couldn't sleep anymore, my face was all puffy from crying and I was trying really hard to hold it together. Darien Demers was en route to Toronto and bad made it through the blizzard to Saskatoon late the night before. I rolled into Mt Sinai Hospital at 7:30, with my rolly bag and all. As soon as I made it to the floor I needed to be on, I felt my anxiety decrease a bit. After I got checked in, I got whisked in for a full anatomy scan. This took 2.5 hours, topped with the severe discomfort that I was already in with ALL of the pressure I was feeling - by the end I was concentrating on my breathing just to make it through. The whole team at this hospital that Dr Ryan has honestly makes you feel so at ease though. They deal with 1-2 cases of TTTS every day from across the country. Duff arrived after the scan was done and we met with Dr Ryan. From the scan they figured that both babies were still healthy babies as long as we could address the TTTS. Some of my symptoms were classic symptoms for TTTS too, but I had just put them off as "I'm carrying 2 babies not 1". The sudden growth & pressure being both indicators. There was risks involved with the surgery as they puncture the sac when they go in - preterm labour or my water breaking being 2 of them. Even with surgery there was only a 63 percent chance that both girls would survive, and a 76 percent chance that one would survive. They mapped out where my placenta was, and the best way to access it without hitting any blood vessels. Now was the waiting game. I must say that fasting while pregnant is not fun hahaha, we waited all day at the hospital crushing out Netflix. If there was no OR availability then I would have to do it all over the next day. Finally at 730 we got the go ahead. We were whisked away to the OR, and when they rolled me into the OR there was A LOT of people in there. It made me nervous, but they reassured me that they were all there to help me and the babies. This was my first surgery ever, first time being partially sedated. I knew what the routine would be like, they had prepped me for it. ⤵️

One year ago I was headed to the city for another prenatal appointment with my specialist. I had my suitcase packed as I was due to fly out with the curling team the next morning for one of the Grand Slam events. I hadn't been feeling too hot over the weekend, and I even remember saying to my husband that week prior that I didn't know how much longer I would be able to work. I had grown a fair amount since my appointment 10 days prior (which there's 2 in there right!?) & there's really no other way to describe the feeling of PRESSURE - especially LOW pressure. Like any type of pants were ultra uncomfortable. Being as active as I had been, I had noticed that I had to take it easy on a few workouts too from this low pressure. Needless to say I was happy I had an appointment before heading off to curl for a week. As soon as my doctor seen me she looked worried & asked how I had been feeling. I told her not great, then kind of chuckled about how much I had grown since my last appointment. She started to scan me, I heard a deep sigh... something didn't look right on the ultrasound (I had been having scans regularly). She moved it over to righty (now Blair) - I could see her clearly, compared to the last image. My doctor told me within minutes of that appointment that the girls had developed into stage 3 twin to twin transfusion syndrome. Essentially because they share a placenta, they can actually start sharing blood flow/nutrients = in my case this resulted in Bridgette being completely saran wrapped, with no visible bladder/stomach --- & Blair having too much fluid. Both of the babies dopplars showed that they were under stress = stage 3. I immediately started crying. It took us a long time to get pregnant & I didn't know if I could mentally go through another loss. I was told that I would be having emergency surgery in Toronto & to book a flight for that afternoon. The surgery wasn't guaranteed & had its own risks involved. I was only 20 weeks so preterm labour wasn't an option. I was too scared to Google or look at the stats my doctor had given me. They would only stress me out more. After crying for hours, I now had to go on a commercial ⤵️

TWIN UPDATE: We had another follow up appointment in Saskatoon yesterday with our nicu doctor, physical therapist, OT, and Speech/Lang Pathologist. Overall they are happy with how the girls are progressing with their milestones. They are pretty much on track with eveything for their corrected age (7 months). We are going to start coordinating therapy appointments with Blair's helmet appointments now too which will be nice (and we will get to check out the new hospital too ☺). A few things that we are going to be working on with the girls is more floor time and less jumpers, sitting - with toys in front of them to bring their movements forward instead of their tendency to go backwards, and giving them some hard munchables to get them used to harder textures of food and bringing food to their mouths. The doc was really happy with how Blair's head is looking since we last seen him in June. He's also happy with Bridgette's head - she had a brain bleed when she was first born that had resolved before we had been discharged. It's something that they want to keep an eye on with her head circumference though. The girls travelled so good yesterday - we made a round trip - so it was a long day for everyone. Next time we will be spending the night with the dual appts - hope to catch up with a few people on that trip!

ALWAYS BE PROUD OF YOURSELF & HOW HARD YOU'RE TRYING 🙌 . . These littles don't care if the dishes are done or the house is spotless. All they care about is the LOVE & FUN that we are having. . . I know some days can feel overwhelming to "get everything done" as a parent, but in the end we are all trying our best. Be proud of yourself. Focus on the blessings and things that went well in your day. It's easy to fall into the negativity on those hard days -- but just sitting down at the end of the day and writing down 3 things that you are grateful for can change your whole perception. Have a happy Friday ~ & for anyone that needs to hear this today ~ you are doing great & you're a good momma 🤗! . . #tiredtwinmom #tiredmoms #momguilt #lovemakingmemories #momsliftingmoms #momssupportingmoms #doyourbest #momknowsbest #twinmomsunite #gratitude #youredoinggreat #tttssurvivors #ttts #tttssurgery #tttstwins #twinmommas #busymomlife #twinmomprobs

I'VE LOVED MY BODY AT EVERY STAGE 🤰🏋️‍♀️ Heck I think it's amazing that one can grow 2 babies, have a C- section, then somehow regain past strength after months of consistency... especially when I felt SO weak for months. I couldn't do a flight of stairs without being out of breath and my legs burning in February. This is Day 1 and Day 80/100 of my current program. It hasn't been perfect - that's not the point of it really. I've battled a sinus infection and cold 🤧 for a few weeks setting me back. I've also been on the road curling. My goal is to complete all 💯! At the beginning 100 seemed so daunting, but it's actually flown by with the 20-30 min fun & unique workouts. This most recent program has made me truly realize how far I have come since I started this post partum journey at the end of February. Its pushed me. Its challenged me to try new moves - thinking that I can't do them, but then one week you are strong enough to do them 💪! It's helped me bust through a plateau that I had hit. Its helped me with my morning routine! 100 workouts sets you up for SUCCESS. It creates INSANE habits throughout that time frame. I'm ready to finish strong with my crew --- then onto a NO EXCUSE NOVEMBER 🎃🎄. There aint no slowing down for this cat through holiday season. I know how GOOD this routine makes me feel and the insane energy it gives me soooo... instead of slacking off for the remainder of the year, I'm going to keep on keepin' on. Will it be perfect with the holiday season? Nope. But it doesn't need to be --- consistency is what matters. Are you ready!!?? . . #tttssurgery #postpartumtwins #postpartumfitness #takingbackpostpartum #postpartumrecovery #postpartumfitnessjourney #postpartumbody #postpartumwithtwins #twinmom #twinmomma #tiredmom #dentalhygienist #tttsmom #moditwinmom #nicumomsrock #downtoearthmom #homebodymom #homebodylife #twinfitness #smalltownmom #saskfitness #saskmoms #prairiemoms #curlingmom

A HUGE PART OF MY DAILY "WHY" & INNER DRIVE 🖤 I love seeing these two interact everyday. I love experiencing all of the smiles & giggles. Yes some days are long, but at the end of the day I wouldn't change a thing. Being able to work from absolutely anywhere is truly a freeing feeling. Having control over your day and hours 👌. Why live what society calls the "norm" 40 hour work week, when there's other options. Options that give you the freedom to LIVE your life and not WORK your life away. I realized that what I HAD BEEN doing wasn't going to give me that financial freedom or give me the complete flexibility with my time. I actually remember saying to myself, "nothing changes if nothing changes" 🙌. That was the day that I made the decision to start on this new health and wellness journey. Was it always easy working full time, competitively curling, running after a toddler 🏃‍♀️... and starting this business 👩‍💻? Negatory. But when you are so in love with what you are creating & doing --- helping people change their lives --- it's just an extremely fulfilling feeling at the end of the day. Be the change. Keep chasing your dreams 🦄. It's okay to be different.

DOUBLE THE LOVE ♡ THESE two were sooo stinking happy and giggly today. Calls for some TWIN SPAM from the last few weeks 💁‍♀️. Grateful that they were so happy, while this Momma was all brain fogged --- damn you sinuses! I'm ready to feel back to myself anyday now!

HEY BUSY MOMMA! Ya You! I know we're tired. We've got SO many things to do, that sometimes the list seems endless. We keep saying, "when things slow down", but it's October now & Thanksgiving, Halloween, and Christmas really are just around the corner. We're running from activity to activity... or feed to feed... the days fly by (somedays could go by faster when the babies are fussy hahaha). But on a serious note --- YOU DESERVE SOME ME TIME. Some time to work on YOU. The 20-30 minutes that I take to just sweat it out - it's like my 20 minutes of sanity. It actually ESPECIALLY feels good on the hard days. I know that I have those 20 minutes for ME & some days that's all I get! I've realized that this time has helped me get through some really tough times this year. It's my post partum therapy. Plus knowing that it's given me an extra BOOST of energy to get through the rest of my day - makes it all worth it. Energy... mood... sanity...therapy... Helping me on the tough days. Helping me on the good days. It's not selfish to FILL YOUR CUP. Say no to things you hate & say YES to things that light a fire in you. Want to walk this journey with this AMAZING online Bootcamp world that I run!? I can help you start your day 1. Whatever that may be & wherever you may be. Let's show up together 🖤 . . #newmoms #takingbackpostpartum #postpartumtherapy #sweattherapy #identicaltwinmom #identicaltwinmoms #identicaltwinmommas #twinmomprobs #twinmomsunite #moditwins #tttssurvivors #tttssurgery #ttts #lifeafternicu #busymoms #momlife #tiredmom

HERE WE GO! Prepare yourself for all of the cute helmet pics. This week we will be working our way up to 23 hours/day - likely in about 6 days from now we will be at that point. For all of you that can't tell them apart - you are set for a little while now (THIS IS BLAIR 😊) . . #helmetbaby #torticollis #preemietwins #babyhelmet #ttts #tttsmiracle #tttssurvivors #tttssurgery #identicaltwins #identicaltwinsisters

OUR BODIES ARE AMAZING Absolutely crazy what they can do! First things first- I loved my body at every point shown here. It's all apart of the journey. Grateful that I was able to carry these babes & recover afterwards. My goal in February was to get STRONG. I really didn't care about the weight or inches - yes it felt good to get back into my regular clothes, but that was never my main focus. You see I lost A LOT of strength during that pregnancy and recovery. I couldn't even go up a flight of stairs without being winded and my legs burning. I felt weak!!! Bed rest and C section recovery is no joke! Boring AF first of all 😂 & sooo limiting on what you're supposed to do. Today I had a few things to be PROUD of. My sports bras are too tight on my shoulders & I need new ones = gains & shopping #winwin. Secondly I lifted heavier TODAY during my upper body workout, than I was last summer in my best shape. So today I am celebrating being stronger than I've ever been. I am healthy, willing, & able to workout - life is Good! We don't appreciate that often enough, until it is threatened or taken away!!!

HANGING ONTO SUMMER FOR DEAR LIFE! Seriously - where has this nice weather come from!? I love it! It actually is making me a bit nervous rolling into the fall/winter months and being on maternity leave still. I think mainly because it's bringing back memories to when I had S in August- then fell right into those short, cold months not that long after. I stopped leaving the house and really hunkered down. If it wasn't for curling that year I wouldn't have left at all 😃. I was also super anxious to take her places though, which with the twins I am to a point - JUST because there's 2 of them and one of me. Post Partum is real and can hit at any point so I am looking for things to keep us busy and social. This is a struggle in a small town though. Maybe I could start a BYOB (bring your own baby) day time workout crew!? Or a coffee crew... because I love coffee 😁. Or maybe combine the two? I can't be the only one that struggles with our short, dark winter days! Or maybe I will stay a hermit 😂. That's my comfort zone talking though. I know I'm going to have to bust through that to stay sane this winter ❄. Let me know of you would be up for some day time activities!

8 MONTHS AGO OUR family was completed when this duo arrived at 29 +1 weeks. Their smiles light up our days & they really like chatting/cooing amongst us all. The same egg, but completely unique babies. They are loving sitting upright in their jumpers right now. They're getting quite strong, we have been working on sitting up, but not quite there yet. Lots of drooling, but no teeth. Good little nappers in the day, & usually up once in the night yet. We've started solids the last week or so. Blair is getting her Helmet on the 24th, & our next neonatologist check ups will be in October. They sure love their big sister and light up when she talks to them. She's also been enjoying her time at school though, she wishes she could go everyday 😁

Last year at this time, I was pregnant with twins & the hubby legit could barely move around the house because he had broke his leg (badly). You know life throws some crazy curve balls at you. We had struggled to get pregnant with our first & had a miscarriage in that process. Same thing the second time around. We had just been referred in June of last year to finally see a specialist, but I had to do some blood work during the waiting process & it had to be at a certain point in my cycle. Anyways, I missed my first cycle getting in for the blood work in June. So along came July - I made it in on time - and went on my merry way. Next thing I know my doctor is messaging me telling me that my bloodwork was showing that I was pregnant! Naturally I still had to verify with a test 😂🤷‍♀️. This all happened at the same time as this man's leg was shattering (backflips/wakeboarding= his knees aren't 14 anymore). I had day sickness with the twins. I would actually feel my best in the morning, then progressively get worse as the day went on. This did get better after that first 12 weeks though. It was a tough Time! BUT you know, it really wasn't as tough as the day I was told the twins had developed TTTS Stage 3 (twin to twin transfusion syndrome) & that they were both under stress at that point. The fear of losing them was unbearable. They had been in there for 19 + 6 days. I could FEEL them moving since that 10 week mark. Flying across the country for laser surgery, the hubby meeting me there the next day, having surgery, recovering... then resting until I went into labour at 29 weeks. A 61 day NICU journey that had it's rollercoaster of emotions to go with it. It's been one heck of a year folks. Grateful for my rock & MY number 1 supporter in everything that I do. Thankful for the support and connections I have made on here along the way. I'm hopeful for a little less hospital time this year 🖤, grateful for every day that I get to hold my babies, and grateful for everyday that my body is able to MOVE.

I'M EXCITED TO GET MY TRIO TODAY 🖤. As much as sometimes you FEEL like you just need a break (and I think we do like let's be honest lol), two days later and you're feeling like you haven't seen them in forever and miss them like crazy! Grateful for the in laws this weekend having their first sleepover! They're champs!

Our babies scan yesterday. It’s amazing how well they are doing now. I’m so incredibly thankful for modern medicine and the doctors that have all the knowledge to perform such a surgery to save your babies lives. 💙💙💙💙💙💙💙💙💙💙💙 They have equal amounts of fluid now and are moving like crazy! They are on the smaller side for twins at 1 pound and 12oz both! I can’t wait to meet these little guys.

THIS IS ME I'm a wife & mother to 3 daughters & 2 boxers. I'm a new twin momma as of January 9th to my 29 weekers. OUR twins had Twin to Twin Transfusion Syndrome, which resulted in me having my very first surgery at 20 weeks. I had my second surgery with the twins C section. OUR twins were in NICU for 61 days. I'm a dental hygienist 😷 Competitive curler (the sport, not curling hair) - Team Streifel Homebody Coffee lover Energize fanatic We live in an old farmhouse 🏠 Pizza lover Sports fanatic Raised a farm girl - cattle & grain Outgoing yet shy... I need my recharge time. I love being social, but often get anxious in these settings. My skin is the worst - it thinks I'm a teenager most days. I love to travel. I don't like to be told what to do 🙉 - middle child probs I guess. I love ice cream. I think about my Grandma every day. I love camping. Miscarriage struggles. I love the forest & being outdoors. I love quadding - in our case side-by-sides. Lake Life is the best. I'm a beer gal. I prefer country or rock music. YES I am likely looking at your teeth while you're talking. I HATE wearing makeup. My hair is usually up in a bun. I was in 4-H growing up ☘. 4H for life! I find something so absolutely fulfilling when I help others with their health and fitness lifestyle changes & journey. 👇👇 This was something that I never "seen" in my path when I was younger. That was until I had to adult 😃. I realized adulting isn't all that I imagined it to be... I felt like I was working my life away. I wanted more time to travel & be with my family/young daughter. I made a shift. I made a choice to work on ME, but also HELP others along the way. THIS small decision changed my entire path. I now have more time with my family & I've already been on 5 trips in 3 years! The extra income has helped our family in more ways than I can explain. Who are YOU!? Do we have anything in common!?

7 MONTHS 🖤 . . It's been quite the life changing year. YOU know when you have those points in your life where you're like YEP that's when life as we know it changed!? That was January 9th for us. The stressful pregnancy leading up to that day, how scared I was knowing I was in labour, the thought of losing one of them unbearable, 61 days in #ruhnicu, #csectionrecovery, and then the post partum journey at home. It was all worth it having these 2 smiley gals and we'd do it all again. Everyday is a challenge don't get me wrong. Some days I don't know how I actually made it through. Coaching had been such a positive outlet for me. I love immersing myself into helping others. Getting mobile again also helped with my mood and energy levels... and stress relief. Having other moms and just overall supportive friends and challengers in my groups gave me an entire crew of inspiration. Fellow coaches and my own team have reached out and some came to visit me even in the hospital. THANK YOU!!! My fam & friends = you guys are the BOMB & thank God we live close to home. New #twinmommas that I've connected with - it's so nice to chat with YOU!! Post Partum is TOUGH guys. And I think I truthfully suffered in SILENCE after my first pregnancy. Make some time for yourself! 20 minutes even! It all helps! Yes some days I still cry and have tough days = that's okay in my eyes. This journey isn't perfect. It's ours. It's hard. But dang the LOVE we feel for this duo and their older sis is over the MOON ❤

This is exactly how we feel right now! •••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••••• We got the best ultrasound yesterday!! (Finally) we are so incredibly thankful for the docs and the surgery that went as planned. • • • We had a (big) scare last appointment which was Monday. Baby A had a centimeter of fluid on his brain and he shared blood to baby B during the surgery so he became anemic and they found he had “Hydrops” so we were a little freaked out and scared he would need a blood transfusion or we would have to deliver early. When we went to our high risk appointment yesterday literally everything has healed on it’s own. It’s crazy. He has no fluid on his brain he doesn’t have Hydrops and he isn’t anemic anymore 🙏🏼 both babies are doing so well on their fluid levels and my cervix is looking amazing to keep them in there. I couldn’t thank these amazing people who specialize is such complex things with babies and for all of your guys prayers. Hopefully now we can all move forward to some growth and two healthy baby boys 🥰

🙏🏼Thank you for all your prayers 🙏🏼 The surgery went as smooth as possible and both babies have a heart beat! We flew into Washington state for our appointment on Friday and that same day had surgery at this point we were at a stage 3 TTTS & baby B wouldn’t survive without the surgery. It was very scary and I’m so glad we didn’t waste another min. We spent one night in the hospital and in the morning we had a ultrasound.. miracles are around us and baby B has fluid back already they took 2 and a half liters of fluid from around baby A and it’s now being donated to their research program as well as my placenta when I deliver these two little guys 🥰 They made 14 laser incisions to my placenta so I’m pretty sore and will be in bed the rest of the week. One thing I will never forget is when the Dr told us during surgery baby B was in need of blood and his brother baby A started donating his blood over to him ♥️ I have so much to say and I’m so incredibly thankful for Dr Walker in Washington for performing this amazing surgery to help save their lives. Now I just got to keep them in there as long as we can. Next step:: High risk Doctor in the morning 🙏🏼 @garrettpovsquat

BEACH BABIES . . Fresh air = some long naps for these kiddos yesterday. Looks like we are going to have another beauty today! We have really been craving some camping time & honestly it just feels so good to be out here. You can't beat it. Friends, kiddos for Scarlett to play with, good laughs, and alotta outdoor time. Keep the good days coming!

PROGRESS PHOTOS aren't always the easiest to take. For me it's always an exciting start to a new part of my journey though. I say a new part because my journey doesn't have an end point. This is my lifestyle. This year has been a crazy year of healing both mentally and physically, adjusting to our new life with 3 kiddos, and just embracing the chaos. I am proud of my body in the 1st through to the current photo in 3 because we have been through a lot. I have the scars to prove it... and the memories are so fresh to share it. I have even more reasons to be HEALTHY now 👶👶👧. These progress photos are a great reason why I hate using the scale to show your progress. 3 pounds VS 13.25 inches 😮. AND for me this whole post partum process has been about getting ME BACK... and becoming mentally stronger and more sure of myself. Getting my energy back. Getting my routines back. Becoming the strongest version of myself. This next 💯 days is going to challenge me once again & I can't wait to see where myself and my ENTIRE CREW is feeling at the end! You can still start here in August too - just touch base with me and I can get you ready for YOUR DAY 1.

My Thought Process This Morn: . . Ugh I'm Tired 😴 I don't feel too hot, am I getting sick? 🤢 I'm going to workout later... maybe I should skip today. Ugh I have so much to do. I better eat my overnight oats. Ah, may as well mix my Energize. EAT 🍓 READ 🤓 VISUALIZE 🙇‍♀️ DRINK ENERGIZE ⚡ I feel great. Oh babies are awake, that's okay. I will do what I can until they aren't happy. PRESS PLAY ▶️ . . ROUTINE. This morning routine gets my body ready to workout. It expects it afterwards in fact. I still have the excuses guys. Everyday. My mind recognizes them as excuses now though & my routine prep me for the day. This upcoming month one of our primary focuses is going to be WINNING THE MORNING. Because routine creates consistency. And consistency creates HABIT. . . WHO WANTS TO WIN THE MORNING!?

BOTH took 💩 Now they're happy 🤷‍♀️ Even with the recent 💉 Baby science is hard sometimes. Legit just hard. I need a few more hands, more time in the day, and likely more patience (let's be honest here haha). But I will give myself some slack, I'm running on 3-6 hours of sleep every night... if I get testy with ya maybe just let me go have a nap 😀 or mix me up a fruit punch Energize 👌 . . Some may wonder why I am calm around the babies when they start crying... well it's from days like today when they scream all morning. It would be fine if I could bounce or hold both of them, but it doesn't quite work that way 😂 . . Stay strong out there Mommas! Some days are tough & some days are smooth! You never know what's cooking!!! In today's case it was a big old 💩... classic really. . . On a side note: These 2 were 6 months old while I was away in Indy 😊

That moment when your GOAL becomes REALITY 🖤 . . Now I sit back post summit and I just can't explain the emotions and energy I'm feeling. One thing I know for sure is that I wish I would have started coaching sooner! I didn't even KNOW about it though or what it all entailed. I told myself I didn't have time & that I could never be one of "those" coaches that actually rock the biz 🤷‍♀️ . . It's been a rollercoaster ride. Ups & Downs. I have always stayed true to my VISION of helping people become the best versions of themselves 💪 & finding that INNER BELIEF 🙌. Consistently helping people start and continue to live healthier lifestyles... while also building an amazing TEAM of like-minded boss ladies working towards our BIG DREAMS & GOALS. All while being unapologetically ME. . . It's a freeing feeling to just look fear in the eye and go for it. Along the way you grow and learn... ultimately crushing comfort zones and getting stronger mentally and physically each and every day. Are you wanting to help others too & join Team Smile Strong!? Let's get your mentorship rolling 🦄

SELF CARE IS HOW YOU TAKE YOUR POWER BACK 🖤 . . It's been almost 1 YEAR since I found out I was pregnant. I remember telling my sister in law that it just "felt right" this time. Then we found out there was 2 in there 👶👶 & there was no looking back! It was a hard pregnancy. So hard #tttssurgery. My recovery afterwards truthfully felt like a breeze compared to the actual pregnancy. I knew I could handle anything after that. Mentally it was another struggle. I noticed an immediate shift in my energy and mood once I was able to start my first 20 minute program. I wasn't crying as much anymore & I was getting excited to be taking our babies home soon. 61 days in NICU and we came home. Rudy 🐶 didn't even recognize me. The exhaustion and new "routine" started. That first month was rough, but I would press play and make that 20 or 30 minutes of me time per day. My energize is and was a life saver. A natural kick in the ass 🤣. February 25 to now = all 20-30 minute workouts guys. You don't have to be crazyyy, just focused and effective workouts & portion control meals throughout my day. I still have enjoyed my treats along the way too... like it's ice cream 🍦 season folks! . . This transformation that I see in these photos is me feeling like ME again on the inside. Feeling comfortable in my own body, ENERGETIC (as possible haha), and regaining my strength that 4 months of bed rest & c section recovery will wipe from you! You can start anywhere! Find your jam! Start with my amazing CREW and work with us 🙌

THE BOSS BABIES . . THEY run the show 😎

5 MONTHS AGO Pretty close to this same time of day... Our family was completed. Our little 29 weekers are getting pretty big now - they actually seem like tanks to us 😂. They are full of smiles, cooing, and a few laughs here and there. Scarlett likes to dress them up and pick out their outfits everyday. Her sisters are always looking for her voice and give her loads of smiles when she's talking to them. They sleep like babies in the night - so they wake up 😄, but I am getting the rest I need... and coffee/energize/endorphins during the day that I need lol. Twins are a lot of fun so far! I can't wait to see them grow together 🖤

BEST FRIENDS 4EVER

4 MONTHS 🖤 . . We've starting smiling this week! We are both pretty content babies for the most part - although some days we like to take turns taking sleep strikes. We sleep pretty good at night, usually only getting up the once. We are true twinsies --- pooping, waking, crying, and eating at the same time. Last week we were 9 pounds! We love our mamaroos & car seats 🤷‍♀️. That's about all for this update 😊

FOCUS on what you are grateful for. RELEASE what you can't control. #gowiththeflow

Come join me for a fun, colourful, 5 km for a darn good cause!!!! June 2nd --- Saskatoon. I set up an official donation link when I registered if you want to support Beads Of Courage check out the link below. We will always cherish the beads that the girls received and it really was such a neat program to be a part of in NICU. Today is the LAST day for early bird pricing!!! . . Registration Link: https://beadsofcouragec.z2systems.com/eventRegistration.jsp?campaign=62&fundraiser=5933&event=600& . . Donation Link: https://beadsofcouragec.z2systems.com/campaign.jsp?campaign=62&fundraiser=5933&

TWIN SPAM 🖤 . . I'm busy just doing my thing, trying to be the best Momma to these gals. Yes we have long days, and yes they're a lot to work... but at the end of the day all I can think of is gratitude. HECK it's been at least a few weeks since my last cry session 🤣... that has to be a record since January 😎. I'm embracing the chaos. Most days it's survival, but I'm okay with that. Last week I had a cold and those made for some LONG freaking nights. The last few days I took the girls to the city to their first #grandslamofcurling event to cheer on our friends. We had many twin questions (so it begins I guess)... and only one lady said twins must be a nightmare (to my face anyways hahaha). I don't really know how to respond to such a comment after all we have been through with the pregnancy and 61 days in NICU. I would actually consider them miracles and absolute blessings. Sometimes you gotta stomp those negative vibes & just focus on ALL of the positive energy around you. Thanks to my Mom and @mcivorjolene (and her amazing fam) for all of the help and support in the city! Much LOVE 🖤

#TTTS #TTTSsurvivors #TTTSsurvivor #TTTSsurvivorwithaguardianangel #TTTSawareness #TTTSsupportteam #TTTSangel #TTTSbabies #TTTStwins #twintwintransfusion #twintotwintransfusionsyndrome #twintotwintransfusion #twintotwintransfusionsyndromeawareness #twintotwintransfusionawareness #twintotwinsyndrome #twintotwinsurvivors #donortwin #recipienttwin #tttssurgery #fetalsurgery #fetalsurgerybaby #fetalsurgerymom #TTTSadvocate

THE TINY FEET THAT MAKE US WANT TO BE BETTER... Be better not for ourselves, but for something bigger than that. To be able to do all of the THINGS that we've imagined, spend more time with those that we LOVE, live a long healthy life, and have a lot of FUN along the way. . . Truthfully, after having Scarlett, I was scared that I was missing too much. Working too much at my dental hygiene job (yet needing to work to pay the bills obviously hahah). I was scared about potential repetitive stress injuries related to my job. I was scared that I was going to look back with regret, yet I was terrified of change. I love my comfort zone like most of us do. I was doing just FINE with my full time position... am I crazy for wanting more!? It took weeks for me to decide if I was going to start coaching. I like to know the ins and outs. I was scared of failing. I was scared about what people would think. . . Something inside me kept telling me to go for it though. After a few weeks of research I did just that. I told myself I would work at it every day & that's what I did. Consistency has gotten me to where I am. Not luck... or anything else. You get what you put into something. HEART & consistent work has gotten me to this point now... with 4 extra little feet to motivate me. Want to hear more about my team #SMILESTRONG & what I do everyday!? I can send you a link to check it all out 🖤