May 2006 Mommies - 2nd Trimester

[Mrs U]

.
Also, does anyone have flavor recommendations for Tums? I have some peppermint ones and they make me gag. Sigh.

Cherry or the assorted tropical fruit is what I normally have on hand.

[Guinness]

Good morning. So glad it is Friday, and I have Monday off :D Today I have a routine appointment but get to meet a new doc. Should be exciting. . . .

Emily - I get tropical fruit mix of tums. Peppermint sounds awful, but I have never tried them. I also get the regular strength and take 2 if I need it. The extra strength seem to big and I end up with a mouth full of chalk.

Bedding I just got the skirt, sheet, bumper, quilt and mobile. I don't really want the other stuff. Since there are lots of colors and animals, I think I can decorate around there. Do need to find some wall arty things.

Crib decision We looked at a bunch and had an idea of what we liked. The one we got is stationary and just feels much more sturdy to me than those with dropped sides. The price was also an issue, we didn't want to go overboard if we could find something sturdy. I love the crib! I should add we were not looking for long term furniture for any of it. I figure the crib and changing table will take us through our baby stage of life and we will do bedrooms as we move along.

Jeans Not a RO either, but I have to say my favorite jeans I found at Sears in a pinch (i.e cheap). They are really cute with pockets and snaps. They are full panel with a draw string, so you can roll them down or have them all the way up. If I could wear them everyday I would, or at least it would be nice if they had multiple colors, but no luck.

Have a good day everyone. Glad this group is here and you will all be sticking around.

[Kim]

OK. I surrender. I'll never stay caught up with this thread! :p

DH has had off from his teaching job (college winter break) so we've been having lots of family time at night which means I haven't been online as much as usual. Just a quick peek here and there during the day.

Quick question-

Anyone else's baby get the hiccups all the time? Holy cow this kid always has them! DD#1 had them very often too, but I think this kiddo beats her record. She was hiccuping away during the last u/s I had. It was pretty amusing.

Guiness-Have fun at your appointment!

MrsU-Sounds like a great u/s!

nettreefrog-Sounds like you accomplised quite a bit at your appointment.

fats-Such a good point about checking out bedding in person. There was a set that I fell in love wiht online but as it turns out I didn't love it in person. The colors looked very washed out to me and I was very disappointed yet glad that I hadn't ordered it yet.

Parrothead-I just bought the bedding set-quilt (which I will use to decorate), bumper (which I will not use), sheet, and crib skirt. I really wanted to buy separate pieces since I didn't want the bumper but I couldn't find anywhere that sold Nava's things separately. I'll probably have window treatments made from coordinating Nava fabric. That's what I did for my other daughters' rooms and they turned out beautiful.

[marchfamily]

Bedding - We have the PBK Rabbit Patch collection. We bought the bumper and quilt. I mix and match solid and gingham sheets. I made the bedskirt (gingham).

[Bloomwood]

I feel like I've grown quite a bit in the past week!

last week - 23 weeks
http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b6df27b3127cce96f64efe46f000000016108Abt2jls5Zsy

today - 24 weeks
http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b6df32b3127cce96844682f54b00000016108Abt2jls5Zsy

bedding - I'm not into doing whole themes, so I just bought the bedding (also, the line doesn't offer all the extras): bumper, crib skirt, sheets, blanket (not a quilt, so I will actually use it) and extra crib skirt fabric to make a valance. I also registered for a couple of the chamois sheets in light pink from PBK to go with it.
http://www.laylagrayce.com/images/HICHPPalt.jpg

[Guinness]

Wow Bloomwood you totally popped!! You look great :D Love your bedding material too. Very cute.

QOTD I don't think I have felt hiccups. Baby is pretty low though as I feel the most kicks sitting down, I don't feel as much when I am laying down

[ga girl]

marchfamily- I have the Mimi jeans on right now and they're driving me crazy! I love the way they look but you're right, they fall down constantly. Everytime I stand up I'm yanking at them.

QOTD- I'm not sure about the hiccups, I don't think so. I can feel him move/kick from time to time but it's really low. When I'm sitting down it almost feels like it's in my lap which is strange.

Bloomwood- You have popped!! It's so great to see everyone getting bigger!! It's all starting to seem more real.

I've been searching for strollers and asking around to my friends, right now I've got it narrowed to the Graco Metrolite Metropolitan and the Peg Aria Black Sable. I've heard really great things about them both so it basically comes down to the adult cup holder/tray area and basket size. Do any of you have any opnions one way or the other?? It's only a $50 difference so that doesn't help!

[Bloomwood]

It is crazy how much I popped. I just sent them to DH and he asked if I'd eaten a big breakfast or something :p. Thanks for the compliments!

I forgot to answer the hiccup QOTD, but the answer is No. I feel the little munchkin (Macey, btw, for the name QOTD I didn't answer either) all the time and see my clothes move (up pretty high too), but I don't know how to tell if she has hiccups. What does it feel like or how do you know?

[Kim]

Bloomwood-Macey is a pretty name.

As for the hiccups, it's a rhythmic motion you'll feel. Kind of alike a spasm, then a rest, then a spasm, then rest, etc. Keeps going for a while (well, for me anyway). I tend to feel hiccups down low and kicks up high (since baby girl has decided to be head down for now). My girls get a kick out of feeling their little sister hiccup. :)

Names-I guess I missed that QOTD. Lila Grace is still my #1 choice.

[shortcake]

hiccups
not yet but I did a bunch with Gabrielle so I'm expecting them.

bloomwood & kim -I love both Macey and Lila. I love girl names! Oh well. :)

ga girl -I have an older Metrolite so it's probably different but...I do use the cup holder ALL the time. However, you can buy adult cup holders to attach. For example: stroller holder (http://www.onestepahead.com/product/85219/268/117.html). I would appreciate a bigger (easier to access) basket than what I have, but I don't know how it compares with current models.

fats - I wrote a long ol' reply to some of the things you posted a while ago, but it got deleted on accident...so a couple things - 1) can I ask what a baby nurse costs? We are looking at postpartum doulas and they are a lot! Curious if they are much different (not even sure they are available in my area). 2) you talked about whether to have the doula live near you or the hospital - I would TOTALLY have one near me, since they might even come over to your house before you leave for the hospital, etc. Also you don't want to give up those home visits. Of course they'll have to be willing to do the drive. 3) I totally know what you mean about not being sure about how to have a boy...I feel similar! But everyone I know who has a boy loves it, and some of them are now pg with girls and are worried they won't know how to raise a girl, so I guess it goes both ways.

[Guinness]

Great girls names!!

Had my appointment. I was there in the office for maybe 10 minutes. It went sort of like this: Weight - 5 pound gain; BP 108/60, sit on table for 2 seconds, Dr. walks in (never meet him) so intros, measure belly (as he says, 'you putting cocoa butter on to prevent stretch marks', 'yes', 'won't do a thing, you are a red head fair skin you'll get lots of stretch marks'), heartbeat sounds great, measuring on target. See you in 4 weeks - don't forget to drink you orange thing. Done.

Hey I will take a quick easy appointment, but I did think it was weird for an appointment where I was supposed to be meeting another dr. in case he was on call. Oh well - I guess at least I will recognize him :confused:

Maybe I am feeling hiccups? All my stuff is down low and sometimes it feels like little vibrations on and off - hmm, that is fun.

[jarm]

I am really uncomfy all the time. I go to sleep on my left side (as they suggest) and I wake up on my back. Then, I usually wake up at like 5:30 -6:00 and turn onto my right side since that's where my alarm is and I can keep hitting snooze. Problem with that? When I wake up, my whole right side is numb. My right hip hurts...I can barely lift my right leg without pain...I was like this with DD. It hurts to stand, hurts to lay down and it hurts to sit. Oh, and have I mentioned the swelling? I want to have a much better attitude, but it's just not working. Someone help me...please!

[Bloomwood]

Guinness - that is kind of a bizarre appt!

jarm - I wish you could feel better! I don't know what your activity level is (I know you work and have a toddler, so where you'd have time is unknown!), but I can say that when I wake up sore, I go for a mile walk or so and feel tons better. And, for swelling, I believe that drinking tons of water is supposed to help because it flushes out your system. Try to stay away from salt. Also, I sleep with a flat pillow between my legs and a fairly flat pillow to try to keep my spine aligned. I can't say it totally works, but it might help you. Last idea, maybe see if you can go to a physical therapist or chiropractor. Unfortunately, as you certainly know better than me, there are just some aches and pains associated with pregnancy that we have to grin and bear. I am sorry that you are having a bit more than usual. :( Can you treat yourself to a warm bath and chamomile tea (wish it could be a HOT bath and WINE!)?

[Jen1098]

wish it could be a HOT bath and WINE!)? God I miss this so much. I love getting in a hot bubble bath with my book and a big ole glass of wine.
Not much longer now.

jarm I wish I had some advice for you. Bloomwood did have some good ideas though. Has your dr. said anything or do they just chalk it up to being pregnant?

marchfamily I have gap jeans that I like but my problem is the butt area-I guess I haven't grown enough there and they keep sliding down. Fits fine in the belly but god what a pita-no pun intended:)

ga girl I like having the adult cup holder b/c I have somewhere to put my drink when walking with ds. When we go to the mall I put my coffee there- I know techinically you're not supposed but...

Bloomwood You look great and you really did pop!

You know as much as I love being pregnant it's so much harder the second time around so first timers enjoy it! It's really tough having a toddler who wants to be picked up, taking him in and out of the car seat. I feel really bad b/c sometimes he wants to climb up on me and cuddle but I can't have him climbing on my belly. I'm just happy my parents don't have stairs so at least I don't need to carry him up and down stairs.

Have a great weekend everyone!

[flyerwife]

I'm also giving up on keeping up, but I'll try to at least answer recent questions, as I actually have a few minutes. My DH is still at work and DS is actually already in bed for the night.

Names: We are going with Kyle Joseph, we like Kyle and Joseph is my dad's name. Also, my grandmother went by KJ, so we've got my family covered. I was however, amazed at how quickly both of my parents picked up on the initials. My DH has a brother that already has 3 kids, so I think that his family is covered by them, not to mention the last name being carried on by our boys.

jarm: I'm also feeling the pain of not being able to sleep and all. It was really bad this last week and didn't really matter if I tried to walk it out or not, but it's alittle better today. I know when I was pregnant the first time I had really bad back pain for a couple of weeks around this time, so I'm guessing it's similar, just not as intense this time around, at least that's my hope. I know I asked during my last pregnancy and they pretty much told me it was normal and to take tylenol if I needed to. Sorry I don't have any great suggestions, but I do have sympathy.

Nursery: We stil haven't cleaned out the office yet to make room for the baby stuff. We are buying a crib off of a friend, so we are taking what we can get for inexpensive since we don't plan to have any more children. We did pick out a set from Pottery Barn, the outlet actually. We bought the valance and we'll get the sheets, but not much more. I never used the quilt with my DS, so I'm not spending that money again. Our babys room will be mismatched again, but I don't figure he'll care and we'd rather save the extra money for education, or something else like that at this point.

If you have Target's nearby, check their baby sections, as they have lots on clearance right now. I got some diapers for under $2.50 for 50 and a portable swing for $18, not to mention some clothes that are also a good deal.

[nettreefrog]

After working until 2:15 today, I headed up to midtown for the dentist appointment. Apparently, in addition to everything else, the pregnancy has increased my plaque and has made my gums somewhat more sensitive. I am really happy that I went ... My DH brought my DD --and they both had cleanings as well! Of course, my DD was thrilled to learn that her teeth are strong and more than ready for braces...

Tomorrow is my DD's sleepover birthday party... Her real birthday is Monday. It is hard to believe that I was just about to deliver 12 years ago.

fats - I'll send you an email!

[Em7.31.04]

I have been feeling something new today...My stomach has felt really sore - as if I did too many crunches yesterday - only the soreness is on the sides. Maybe it's just growth that I'm feeling? Also, my stomach has been feeling like a charlie horse off and on today. Like a crampy pulled muscle or something. Is anyone else feeling this?

Heading to bed....FINALLY! Yawn...

[nettreefrog]

Em... I think you've got what I think I have... round ligament pain. I have had the pain primarily on the left side. My doctor says that it is completely normal. I found that a bath or shower helps as bit, as does massage.

Oh before I go, Jen1098 --I did forget it was Princeton. I have been so caught up with my own plans and chaos lately--I apologize. I am sure that I mentioned that my cousins live there, and absolutely love it! If you have any questions about schools and such in that area, forward them on--my cousin is a great resource.

Okay...gotta get ready for the arrival of 10 11-year-old girls who will be arriving at my apartment this evening! Ahhhhhhhhhhh!

[jarm]

I am doing a little better. It's been a rough few days, and I'm just chalking it up to normal pregnancy pains. Last night, though, I had this pulsating pain in my back that later radiated to my side and then was in my upper abdomen. I was seriously considering having DH take me to the ER, but I just couldn't imagine being at the ER at 11:00pm on Friday the 13th. I'm feeling better today (so far), but I also didn't have to get up and get out.

Hmmm...walking...there's not a good place for us to do it here, and I'd have to get myself up super early to do that, but I could definitely walk around the school when I get to work. Might have to start doing that.

The swelling I had with DD, so I'm not overly concerned about it. In fact, that began even earlier with her, so I had thought I was in the clear...guess not!

I'm sorry I haven't really been responding to anything else...just kind of in my own world.

QOTD: Anyone else getting stupider by the day? - OMG! I feel so stupid! I did with DD too. It's awful...ice cream in the fridge instead of freezer, forgetting that I don't have to work Monday (hopefully I'll remember now and won't try to go to work), and words that I use all the time that I can't come up with now. It sucks! I even turned to DH yesterday and said, "How in the world do you put up with my stupidity when I'm pregnant?" He just laughed!

[shortcake]

QOTD - stupiderYep! Not so bad yet, but with DD I got soooo forgetful. The bad thing is it lasts even after the baby is born for me (probably sleep deprivation at that point) and occasionally results in dangerous things! Like not once but twice I forgot to buckle her carseat. I am amazed they let new moms drive, we are all so sleep deprived!

[Parrothead]

QOTD: Anyone else getting stupider by the day? - ABSOLUTELY!!

QOTD: Names - We are keeping ours a secret. We are into pretty simple, traditional names so we won't be coming up with any thing nutty.

jarm - Have you tried a body pillow? I was waking up sore all the time and now that I have my pillow, I am doing a lot better.

Em - The pain you have could be round ligament pain or muscles stretching out as you grow. Typically, round ligament pain is a sharp, quick jab of pain in the lower sides your lower abdomen. The muscular pain is more persistent and achy, like doing too many sit-ups.

I ordered my bedding today! I am so excited.

[fats]

Guinness My last two appointments have been like that (including one with a doctor I hadn't met). I think most of them will be until we get closer (except for the glucose one).

Parrothead Did you get the Little One?

Shortcake The average rate for a baby nurse is $200 a day here in NYC - but remember, everything seems to cost more in NY so I don't know if it's cheaper by you. Our nurse is only charging us $170 (and her normal rate is $180) because a friend of mine used her first so I guess she's doing us a favor - and she felt bad that she couldn't help with my friend's second baby. How much does a post partum doula cost? If I'm not mistaken, I think the pp doula is a bit different from the baby nurse because they usually don't live in with you - they just come for a few hours each day to help you out, right? The baby nurse is really there 24/7 to take care of the baby and teach you how to as well.
Thanks for your advice on the doula - I think we may have found someone who offers the best of both (will come to the house, but also works out of the city), although I don't plan to labor at home at all because we're almost an hour from the hospital (can be much longer depending on the time of day) so as soon as I feel anything close to labor, I'm heading into the city! The more I thought about it, I figured I'd rather have someone who is familiar with the hospital I'm delivering at. Especially since I don't plan on laboring at home and I will have a baby nurse for after the baby's born. The home visits would be a nice bonus though.

I'm not sure when I last updated, but we met with a doula on Thursday night and she was great. We both really liked her. We're meeting with another one on Monday and small world that it is, these two women actually are each other's backups (I found them totally separately though!). So if we like the one on Monday as much we'll go with her because she's willing to come to our house for visits and she's also slightly cheaper (by $100, but every little bit counts!). If we like the first one best, at least we can call her right away because she was meeting with another couple due in mid-May so she can really only agree to work with one of us.

Today DH and I have spent the entire day cleaning and organizing our office space - and I think it's going to be a 2 day job. (Fortunately it's a 3 day weekend!) At least the weather is pretty horrible so DH hasn't complained about helping with all the 'nesting'!!

Hope everyone is having a good weekend!

[Parrothead]

fats - Yep. I bought the "Little One" stuff. I am really excited and got a great deal!

FYI, everyone, http://www.babyenvy.com seems to have excellent deals on bedding and all sorts of stuff!

[shortcake]

Fats - wow, I didn't realize a baby nurse stayed with you! Sounds like great help. Yes, a pp doula just comes a few hours a day (well, as much as you'd like, but I'll probably do about 4 hours a few days a week). Some of them are available overnight too. Most of them seem to be about $30/hour. And glad you found a couple good doula possibilities! I totally see you're not wanting to labor at home - I was really worried about getting to the hospital in time with #1 (we switched to a closer hospital for this one).

[Em7.31.04]

We decided on our bedding! Here's a picture:

http://a293.g.akamai.net/7/293/5910/0010/image1.styleinamerica.com/pkecimgs/images/products/200602/0004/img44m.jpg

It's from PBK, and only the bumper, quilt, and pillow (we'll put it on the rocker) are available in the print. We're going to do solid blue and/or blue/white gingham for the rest of the pieces...This is a line that used to have more options sold - now they're on Ebay. May get the crib skirt that matches on Ebay...depends. I'm happy to have decided, because now we can start thinking of painting the room. We're going to Lowe's tonight to pick up some paint swatches.

[jarm]

DH has a body pillow that he uses nightly and our bed just isn't big enough for two body pillows. He did give it up eventually when I was pregnant with DD so I sure hope that he will start to give it up soon.

[fats]

Em - that bedding is adorable!!!

[Guinness]

I just took a bath and watched my belly move all around. So cool!! There has definitely been lots more detectable movement starting this week. Hang in there for those who haven't felt much!!

jarm Hope DH gives up his body pillow ASAP. Mine makes a huge difference in how I sleep!

Fats I figure these appointments would be quick - just don't totally see the point of meeting all the doctors if it is that quick. I could do that much while screaming in labor and care less who it was, just get it out!! :p

Emily Very cute bedding. What color are you looking to paint?

Have a good rest of the weekend!

[Southlooper]

My nephew is officially 1-years-old. We just got back from visiting for his birthday weekend. He had a nice party, but OMG the toys! Between Christmas, his birthday, and SIL's sisters my brother and SIL are going to have to build a new wing for thier house.

My got to see my one of my best friends. She gave us 3 bags of stuff including spoons, sippy cups, a bath tub, baby bjorn, and big bag of clothes. Oh I love hand-me-downs!

QOTDs:

Crib:We're getting an Emily Mini Cib. We don't have a lot of space so we trying to be as minimalist as possible. My only concern is that there are no standard matresses out there so we will be using a pad used in pack-n'plays.
http://images.snapfish.com/345%3A58%3B%3B5%7Ffp337%3Evq%3D3237%3E%3A%3C7%3E94 8%3EWSNRCG%3D3233468593744vq0mrj

Names:We are settled on Natalia. We are using my mother's name as her middle name. We want to surprise my mother so we haven't told anyone in the family about our plans. When told my parents this past weekend about Natalia and they started trying to come up with sutable middle names. Since my MIL and paternal grandmother have the same name my father kept insisting that thier name as the middle name. I almost let the cat out of the bag.

Em:Your bedding is super cool!

Jarm:Extra pillows really helped for me. You can also take a thick blanket or comforter and roll it up and use that for support. Also (I learned this is pre-natal yoga) if you lie on your back with your feet up against the wall for 10 minutes a day that could help with the swelling.

[Em7.31.04]

Guinness: I think we'll end up painting the walls a light to medium blue color. Sort of like the crib sheet in the picture. We've talked about installing a chair rail, although we may go simple and just paint the walls. An accent wall would be cute too....Who knows!

I just ordered the pillow sham so we can see it in person and get a better ideas of matching paint colors.

I set up our PBK registry today too - super saurus, here we come. :-)

And without further delay.....My first belly pictures. These were taken last night:

http://images.snapfish.com/345%3A5%3A738%7Ffp338%3Enu%3D3239%3E6%3C5%3E%3B%3A 5%3EWSNRCG%3D323346%3B77%3B%3B%3A5nu0mrj

http://images.snapfish.com/345%3A5%3A738%7Ffp338%3Enu%3D3239%3E6%3C5%3E%3B%3A 5%3EWSNRCG%3D323346%3B784%3B54nu0mrj

[flyerwife]

QOTD: Yep, I'm feeling really stupid all the time now. I'm blaming it on pregnancy, hopefully that's the case.

Em -- I love the bedding. We considered it, but we thought our 4 year old might still the babies bedding since he's so in love with Dinosaurs at the moment.

Tums -- try the smoothie kind, they seem to be alittle easier to take, I've had the assorted fruit.

I'm off to find pillows to try and get a good night sleep, hopefully it will help.

[jarm]

Let me tell you that this name thing is really frustrating! I feel like no names really go with DD's name and the middle names I suggest for the two first names we have picked out, DH absolutely hates. He hasn't suggested any names at all, and I'm really annoyed at that. Oh well...I have a few more months left to decide, right?

[Em7.31.04]

flyerwife: The bedding is also available for older kids...

http://a293.g.akamai.net/7/293/5910/0010/image1.styleinamerica.com/pkecimgs/images/products/200602/0010/img89m.jpg

I am so in love with it - so cute! Just a thought for your 4-year-old. They also have dinosaur bathroom accessories...

[shortcake]

Em - The dinosaur bedding is so cute!

Jarm - yes, names are SO hard!! We like/liked Trent a lot, but my mom complained it was too (excuse the expression - she's a very blunt Jewish Mom - WASPY) which I hadn't really felt but of course now I keep wondering. All our other ideas are pretty normal, classic names so wouldn't upset her like that. Not that it's her choice and I try to brush off her opinion but you know how a mom's opinion does get under your skin! Plus I still was thinking about more classic choices anyway.

[Southlooper]

Happy Monday!

QOTDs:

Are you registered and where? I just got back from BRU. I was looking around and decided to start a registry. I did this because I happened to be in the neighborhood (there are no BRU's in my area.) I am also registered at Target. Right now the items are about 1/2 and 1/2. I was debating whether or not to delete one or keep 2. Not everyone has easy access to both of these stores...

DH/SO involvement in preparations: (I thought of this in BRU as I was watching couples walk by) Do you find that you are doing most of the work when it comes to preparing for the baby? DH has been a big help as far as getting things organized and getting our finances in order. However, I show him an item that the baby might need on line or try to get him to look at something at a store and he is resistant (I giggle when remembering the look on his face when I showed him the breast pump I inherited from my friend.) It's not that he doesn't want to help, I think it's just he has practically no experience with babies and thus has no clue at what he's looking at. Anyone else going through the same with their DH/SO?

[flyerwife]

Em -- Thanks for a heads up on the dinosaur bedding. I think we might change our hall bath over to it. It will end up being the boys bathroom anyway, so I guess the flowers should go.

QOTD: We are not registered since this in our second. However, we did register at 2 stores the first time since many didn't have one or the other. It seemed to work out fine.

Husband involvment: We really haven't done much yet. We picked out a nursery theme, but as much because we stumbled on it together as anything. He'll be doing much more work soon since we need to get this office cleaned out and he'll get to do the lifting. We both were pretty involved the first time though. I feel like we just aren't as thrilled to get things set up this time, I think it's just being busy with #1.

[fats]

QOTDs:
Registry: We are registered at BRU and a local baby store. I tried not to 'double register' and I assume most of our friends and family will go through the BRU registry, but a lot of the 'big stuff' is at the local store (furniture, car seats, stroller, etc), so I think that place will have a limited following anyway (close family). They are both online so I'm hoping that most people who shop that way won't be put off by the fact that they don't know the local store.

Involvement Eco has been about as involved as I expected. I do most of the work, but that's pretty much my personality. I'm so particular about the things I want that I don't think I'd be comfortable leaving things totally up to him. So I do all the leg work - research, etc. and then I'll pass things by him to get his opinion. So far he's been really good and always gives me feedback and tells me what he likes or he doesn't like, so in that way it's been a lot of a joint effort. And he has totally shocked me by never refusing to come shopping with me for baby stuff, so he's been there through all of the registering and picking out furniture and stuff. For the most part, I kind of feel the same way I did about planning on wedding - he has veto power. I tell him what I want and like and he can veto it if he's really not happy with it, otherwise I just go with it.

[shortcake]

QOTDs -
Registry - no, because we are on #2. But we registered at BRU and PBK for the first one and got a gifts things from PBK but mostly BRU.

Involvement - Fats you are right - it is a lot like planning a wedding with the guys! Actually for this one we haven't done much yet, but when we do it will be all me. We did buy paint for the nursery - DH was all gung ho to decide a paint color so I didn't take my usual ages to decide. This weekend we got the office all set up in the guest room - so exciting! I will post a picture, even though it's not baby related. It is related only because now the baby's room is really available to become a nursery!
http://images.kodakgallery.com/photos1469/3/3/64/61/1/1/101616403303_0_ALB.jpg
It looks a little messy with all the cords but trust me, it is just as good as what we had before and it's really very functional. I will see what I can do to make it look tidier though. We also are selling our old desk (big hunkin' thing from Ikea) on Craigslist and have a buyer coming today, so that is all taken apart and out of the nursery too.

[Bloomwood]

Registry - I registered at PBK for decor and a couple of bookcases and at a local baby store for the gear/essentials. My BFF was in town this weekend and bought 4 things off the registry for me! (symphony in motion mobile, ocean wonders crib aquarium, bjorn and a nature's sound sleeper thingie). My shower invites won't go out for another month or so, so I'm guessing that's all I'll get from the registry for a while. But, I feel very spoiled by her!

DH involvement - Fats nailed it with the wedding analogy and veto power. That is exactly how we are. I show him what I want and he says yeah or nay. I've learned that if I pick out a mid-price item I like and high priced item I love he'll usually support the mid-price item no problem. He called me on doing this the other day though, so the gig may be up. :eek: :D He used his "chit" on insisting the glider be natural wood instead of white like I wanted. So far all he has vetoed is pink paint on the walls, which I wasn't really pusing for anyway!

[Guinness]

Registry I have registered at BRU, Target, and PBK. BRU and Target have some overlapping stuff, so I am not sure if I will just stick to one or not. We don't have a BRU where we live, so I wanted target to be an option. However none of my family lives near by so they would be ordering online anyway. I figure I will keep a close eye on them and if someone buys from 1 I will take it off the other - maybe??

Involvement Ditto what Fats said. Veto power. However, I have found that when I talk about it he really likes one things (i.e. natural wood), but when we went shopping he really like cherry. So I have realized he doesn't really listen and needs to go see :-) He has been a gamer to go look though, so it has worked out fine.

[lowcountrywed]

Finally, I get some time to answer some QOTDs.

Feeling stupid? yep. I'm a total airhead these days.

Registry- We haven't registered yet, but will do so at BRU and maybe Target.

DH involvement- Same here with the veto power. Although, he can be pretty opinionate about certain things. We went to BRU this weekend and was digging the Graco Metrolite travel system and didn't see why the Peg Perego was so expensive. He likes the bedding I'm bidding on on Ebay (a discontinued PBK set), but I haven't told him what I put as my maximum bid.

[Lolly]

Feeling stupid? - Oh yes! I say its pregnancy related but DH knows better.:rolleyes:

Registry - We haven't done this yet. We don't have many BRU around here so I may not bother to register there. When buying things from BRU in person I usually go to TRU, but they rarely have much of what is on the registry. So, we may just register at Target and either buy buy baby or a local baby store.

DH involvement - so far its pretty much like the wedding planning. I mentioned to him last week that we need to start looking at things so we can start our registry. Then he informed me not to worry about the crib. So I tried to inquire more about this crib he had in mind...I think its the one his younger sister used (she's 16 now). I believe he is refinishing it to match the existing furniture in the baby's room (he's a general contractor and he has a work shop down the road to do this in). Though I'm sure he was just hoping to surprise me with it, I'm a bit irritated. Mostly because I want a new crib because of safety issues. Ugh! Anyway, I figure the kid will be in the bassinet for a few months anyway so if I think this crib is not meeting current safety standards then I will insist on buying a new one. Ugh, I'm just a bit annoyed with this issue at the moment. Sorry to ramble.

[kristin9903]

feeling stupid - Check. Especially when I went to make DH's lunch and realized that I put the lunch meat and cheese in the freezer. Nice.

Registry So far, just at BRU. I'll probably register at Target, too, since most of my family doesn't live near a BRU. Any duplicates can be returned to BRU...it's not like we won't need the credit there, anyway.

DH involvement He's gotten more into this pg as time goes on. He'll occasionally rub my belly and feel for baby's kicks. I think it won't be a completely real thing to him until the baby's born.

[ironhair]

OK - I am like a million posts behind! I think I will just start fresh from here. Note to self...do not go MIA for 10 days...

Things have been super busy around here, though I don't think I have accomplished a thing. Still so much to do, especially to get ready for baby!

On a belated note, we had our big u/s on 1/12 (my 30th birthday). We couldn't get a very good face shot due to the hands and feet that were in front of it. Even through much poking and prodding, the baby wasn't about to change positions. The good news was, that position gave us a REALLY good shot of the "goods." We are without a doubt have a BOY, and he's not a shy one!

After the appointment, we went to Toys R Us (we don't have a BRU) and played with all of the strollers on display, then went to Target to register. I'm glad we can check at least one thing off our list.

I haven't even started on the nursery, but have picked out bedding (I think). BTW who mentioned javisdavis.com? You are not my husband's favorite person right now, as I now have my heart set on bedding from one of their boy collections - can we say pricey? Oh well, I think you are supposed to overspend and buy rediculously unecessary items for your first and get more sensible the next time around. Right?

OK - back to page 73 so I can try to get caught up here.

[nettreefrog]

Yesterday was my DD's 12th birthday. It's hard to believe that 12 years ago yesterday I gave birth to her... I posted about her party in my LJ (link in my signature at the bottom of this posting). I just wanted to say here that its hard to even imagine how much the child each of us is carrying now will change in the years to come.

Feeling stupid? - Less stupid --more forgetful. I try to write everything down --and go through lists as often as possible.

Registry - As indicated previously, we are not registering, and will not be buying anything for months.

DH involvement - My DH and I are enjoying feeling Gabriel kick, and he has joined me at some appointments. We generally make most decisions together --so having another child is just another thing we are sharing. Decorating, buying stuff, etc. is not a major focus for either one of us--we are just working together to make sure that I am healthy, we have adequate savings, and plan well for the future of our family.

[Lolly]

nettreefrog just wanted to say your dad's work is amazing. How cool that he's from my area (well your neck of the woods too). I wonder if my family has heard of him. My great-grandmother (d.1983) collected a lot of art and I think my aunt has most of it now. I wonder if they had any of your fathers work.

[crazycaro]

Hi all

I am so behind, pages and pages - will try and keep up better.

Some recent qotd's.

Names - don't have a name picked yet, wish we did. We had Ruby's name picked out early on and I wish we had one for this one so I could start calling her by that name!

We do have a short list but it is not final at all, needs to be added to before we decide for sure.

Chloe
Charlotte
Chelsea
Mia
Tilly

Chelsea is the newest suggestion and I like it lots! Tilly is cute but really I don't think we could use it (our last name is Little and Tilly Little is a bit funny don't you think?).

Her middle name will be Denise in memory of my Aunt who took her life last year.

Looking after a toddler... I agree with you Jen, I am finding it a bit hard sometimes taking care of Ruby while pregnant, moreso it is the physical side of things - lifting her etc. When Jason is home he does all that kind of stuff for me, right down to getting her in and out of something so simple as her high chair. I think it would be easier if she wasn't such a porker at 33 odd pounds!

The worst thing is when she pushes on my boob when she wants to get up off me, omg that hurts so bad!

Sleep - oh yeah sleep is up the creek for me too. Between waking all the time to roll over and getting up to pee I am awake about 7 times per night! I started sleeping with pillows under my tummy/between my knees this week and while it is comfortable it's a pain to rearrange myself so many times a night!

More stupid than normal? I don't think I ever recovered the brain cells iI lost from my first pregnancy so I am just as stupid as I was back then. lol It is mostly words I find I can't remember! Frustrating!

Nursery - ours is done as we're just putting the new baby in Rubys room after 4 - 6 months and making the study a big girl room for Ruby (will probably start working on this in the middle of the year).

Here are some pics of our nursery:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v627/jasbella/PICT2163.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v627/jasbella/PICT2165.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v627/jasbella/PICT2167.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v627/jasbella/PICT2168.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v627/jasbella/PICT2166.jpg

And to finish a belly pic from yesterday, 23 weeks and 5 days.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v627/jasbella/23weeks5days.jpg

[Southlooper]

Involvement I do most of the work, but that's pretty much my personality. I'm so particular about the things I want that I don't think I'd be comfortable leaving things totally up to him. So I do all the leg work - research, etc. and then I'll pass things by him to get his opinion. For the most part, I kind of feel the same way I did about planning on wedding - he has veto power. I tell him what I want and like and he can veto it if he's really not happy with it, otherwise I just go with it.

Come to think of it that's how it went with our wedding. Veto power is a good way to put it.

Crazycaro: I always loved the name Chloe. I always felt it not only sounded beautiful, but it's so cool to say.

Ironhair: Happy Birthday!! Welcome to the 30s!!! It's great to be 30+!

Feeling Stupid Whaaa? Huh???? Oh yes I am there.

[nettreefrog]

[from Lolly] nettreefrog just wanted to say your dad's work is amazing. How cool that he's from my area (well your neck of the woods too). I wonder if my family has heard of him. My great-grandmother (d.1983) collected a lot of art and I think my aunt has most of it now. I wonder if they had any of your fathers work.

Thanks ever so much. My father sold many of his works, and never documented what he sold and to whom. If you come across anything, I would love to know so that I can incorporate the descriptions of the work within the collection.

[shortcake]

crazycaro - I love Chloe and Chelsea. When I first read Chelsea I didn't notice who was posting, and thought to myself "well I REALLY like Chelsea but I can only think about Chelsea Clinton when I hear that!" But then I saw it was you, not in the US, and so no one around you would have that association! Cool! Also I want to say I LOVE the colors of your nursery. I never would have thought of that combo and it looks so calm and peaceful.

[fats]

crazycaro We have two girls that come and walk our dogs in the afternoon (they're sisters) and their names are Chelsea and Chloe. I think they're both great names!

[Em7.31.04]

crazycaro: I LOVE the name Chloe...It's my cat's name, after all. :-)

[lowcountrywed]

crazycaro- I love the name Charlotte! That's on my girl name list.

[ga girl]

ironhair- I think that was me with the javisdavis site- sorry :) I found a couple of patterns I like on there also- which one are you looking at?

Charlotte is my mom and my niece's name! If we were having a girl it would be right up there but my brother beat me to it. It's so pretty.

Feeling stupid- Pretty much, at least I have something to blame it on!

Registry- We actually have a shower in NJ this weekend w/ dh's friends and I still haven't registered....ooops. I'm hoping we get mainly gift cards anyway since we're flying. I'm planning on registering later this month.

DH Involvement- I'm actually surprised by how much he wants to be involved! My bf is an interior designer and I had planned to nursery shop w/ her but he insisted that he go. He's been pretty open to what I want- the only thing he's been stubborn about it is the chair/rocker. He calls it a "feeding chair" and after seeing the prices in the baby stores we compromised by getting a smaller Lazy Boy recliner. He even cancelled an important sales meeting next week in Chicago to come back for an u/s we're having to check the placenta previa- said he wants every chance to see his little pal.Ahhhh........

[AttyGrl74]

I love Charlotte too - Chloe is cute and so is Chelsey. There is a Chloe in Nora's daycare room. She is an adorable little pixie!

DH's lack of involvement really ticked me off before - but then a friend of mine put it in perspective that he was probably freaking a bit about the responsibility of having a family. And that was weighing on his mind early on more than crib bedding and mobiles and all that.

Later on - when I was as big as a house - he got more involved - he actually picked out our furniture and did all the work on the nursery which turned out really special.

Neither of us are all that 'involved' this time - we're too busy with Crazy Little Nora to give a lot of that stuff too much thought.

But don't worry - your DHs will come around!

[ironhair]

ga girl - Thanks for the website ;) DH may have some issues, but I love the patterns! I have narrowed it to the Pirates Cove collection (which was different prior to Jan 1, but main patterns are the same). It doesn't look very good on site but the samples are great! I wanted something that could grow with DS and wasn't too "baby," though the baby-themed nurseries are all just too cute! Just today I found an inspiration nursery on the Parents site: http://www.constantchatter.com/showthread.php?t=71&page=18 from msmarieb. It is just what I had in mind - can't wait to get started.

I love Chloe too - it was on my Girl list

[Guinness]

Good morning. Hope everyone is doing well.

I realized I never answered the feeling stupid question . . . guess it is obvious that it has hit me.

Is anyone else finding it hard to focus/concentrate? I feel very tired and out of it (maybe it goes along with stupid). You 2nd time mommies have all the kuddos in the world. I literally come home and plant myself for the evening and that is after feeling useless at work. I thought I was supposed to have a big ol' energy kick here :confused:

Hope you all are feeling a bit more energetic. Maybe today I will find some energy. Have a great day!!

[lowcountrywed]

ironhair- I thought about ordering from Javis Davis- I had my eye on the ships ahoy collection. I ended up getting a PBK set on eBay (well, I just won it last night, so I don't actually have it yet). Every set I've seen from Javis Davis has looked great. I haven't seen any boy sets (other than what they have on the site), so I'll be interested to see how yours turns out.

Is anyone else finding it hard to focus/concentrate? Totally. I'm a new job too, and I feel like I'm not giving it 100%, which makes me feel guilty. I'm hoping once the nursery furniture is ordered, paints, etc. are picked out and the registry is done, I might be more focused but I doubt it. I too am waiting for the big energy kick.

[Kim]

Is anyone else finding it hard to focus/concentrate?
Huh? :p Uh, yeah.

I have been so tired lately! I don't remember feeling this exhausted until I was way into my third trimester the last two times. I feel like I could sleep for a week! Too bad my kids have boycotted naps because I think a daily nap would do me good.

Add me to the non-mathcing nursery furniture group. Max and I ordered new nursery furniture the other day and decided to go with Mahogany. Well, he really wanted the mahogany, I felt just fine about getting the lighter coffee colored stain. I let him get his way. ;) Anway, we already have two cribs and I refuse to buy a third so it looks like baby's crib isn't going to match. Oh well. We're not planning on using it for all that long anyway since we cosleep.

This is our crib but in the mahogany stain. The furniture will be this color, but the crib is coffee
http://www.bellini.com/images/product/Vanessa%20Crib_rg.jpg

[Mrs U]

*yawns*

Afternoon ladies! The kung fu fighter woke me up from my nap. I cant wait til the horrible winter is over- here it's constantly grey and depressing. Perfect nap weather.

I got something accomplished- I'm enrolled in child birth classes after calling 3 midwives which were all booked.:eek: They are over St. Patty's weekend with my SO.

Anyone else having blood pressure problems? I find that it drops/soars when I stand too long without moving. Last night in class while watching a power point presentation I nearly collapsed. Not fun since this isnt the 1st time it has happened in this pregnancy. Anyone know what I can do?

Can I just say that I'm thrilled not to have any credit cards cause I'd so order some bedding from Javis Davis! I love the Twister Ice Blue set!

Hope ya'll have a productive day!

[Jen1098]

Hello all. I"m following along just haven't had much to add.:D

This little boy must be so low b/c that's where I've been feeling all his little jabs and kicks. Where are you guys feeling all your movements?

MrsU Sorry to hear about the BP problems. Is it high when you're at the dr.'s office?

Is anyone else finding it hard to focus/concentrate? Not really. But I don't work outside the home and Josh keeps me on my toes for sure.

crazycaro Love your possible name choices especially Chloe. I can't believe Ruby weighs 33 lbs! WOW. She weighs 13 more lbs than Josh and he was only a week early. Go Ruby.

Well since Josh is still napping I think I might also. Plus my dad is here and maybe he'll get him when he wakes up and make him lunch.:D

[shortcake]

location of kicks - I am feeling them super low too. It's not the most comfortable! He kicks my bladder but also backwards towards my tailbone, and it just feels so weird. Occasionally I'll feel a jab up higher and get excited, thinking maybe he turned around (he is breech right now) but nope, no such luck.

[Jen1098]

Shortcake You know what you got me thinking. I feel so stupid though. When I had my u/s and read the report it said baby was in transerve position. I just looked it up online and it's another word for breech. God I'm an idiot.
I remember her even saying he was laying across my belly. So I'm guessing he still is.

Do you think that's why we feel the kicks and jabs so low?

Hopefully my new office will give me an u/s when I get there on the 3rd and double check.

[Guinness]

Shortcake and Jen Mine is kicking low too. I always think the head is on my right and legs on left facing down. Does transverse mean the back is facing up? That is what I feel it is like, but I don't know. I think this is why I don't feel tons of movement???

[Mrs U]

Jen When I was at the dr's on friday my BP was a bit on the lower side. I normally have a low BP, but it seems to drop then soar really quick to over 150/110. Sucks cause I get all sweaty, sounds are like tunnel- like and I slowly start to panic if I cant get to fresh air.:rolleyes:

Kicks I know that his hands are down on my lower right side, head is somewhat level to the right of my belly button and his feet are to the left of the belly button, bum down. I still try to sleep on my tummy so when I do lay down for bed I think he goes into "oh no mommy is trying to squish me" freak out phase for 10 minutes.

[AttyGrl74]

I've been feeling kicks right above my pubic bone - so mine are low too. And also seemed to be aimed at the bladder.

These kids, I swear!

[nettreefrog]

Is anyone else finding it hard to focus/concentrate? Has anyone seen the movie clip for Hoodwinked (http://movies.yahoo.com/shop?d=hv&cf=trailer&id=1808716063&intl=us)? I ask because my DH has likened me to the character who says that he doesn't drink coffee --but is incredibly hyper all the time. I have been "nesting" since before I was pregnant. Every day, in addition to project managing at least 10 projects at work, I create lists of things I want to accomplish. Then, I set off --and am constantly adding stuff to the list, harassing my DH and coworkers about their actions items, and doing stuff myself. I do forget things, but am focused on accomplishing as much as humanly possible. Yesterday, (after I left work and walked to my DD's school to pick her up) I went through my actions items folder, paid bills, registered for soccer, talked to my dad, cleaned the kitchen, helped my DD with homework, booked tickets and hotel for my cousin's wedding, worked with my DH on my dad's website, replied to a few journals, and a ton of other stuff. Unfortunately, I ran out of time --and my DH fell asleep in front of the TV while I watched the BBC World News. I guess I could not blame him as it was after 11:00. Oh and his anime DVDs are now posted on Craigslist (http://newyork.craigslist.org/brk/emd/126389124.html).

Position of baby: Gabriel is constantly moving. I have major in my left side that is especially bad after sitting. Although, I think it is round ligament pain. I don't know exactly how Gabriel is positioned though --.

I need to get going as I need to attack more things on today's to do list... Heck, I go to sleep in around 10 hours!

[kristin9903]

MrsU I don't have that, but we talked about it a lot in my pharmacology class. It's a temporary drop in blood pressure (followed by your body compensating for that), probably caused by the fact that you have a really high blood volume now. So, as soon as you start moving after having being still for a while, it takes just a second for your body to adjust to getting that much fluid pumped through the heart. There wasn't much that could be done about that, if I recall correctly. Just make sure you are well hydrated and ask for help during those first few moments before your blood pressure stabilizes again.

Nice crib, Kim!

Kicks I feel them low and high...this kid just likes moving around.

[Guinness]

I want some of whatever nettreefrog is having!!

Mrs. U I have had a couple of those episodes during pregnancy, but I get them lots no matter what (vasovagal response). Funny story with one - I was getting my toes done early on. The water was hot and I started to feel low BP drop and got all sweaty etc. I thought I was going to pass out so I took my feet out of the water, and leaned over and tried to explain to the guy that I was going to pass out. He (not understanding english) said, oh yes steam is great for the face, more steam. I was like NOOO cool it down :eek: Hope they get better for you, it is a horrible feeling. Just take it slow getting up.

Anyone else feeling more out of breath these days? I am back to teaching and yesterday I was like wow, it is so much harder to fill up my lungs - and I have to do this for 3 more months :eek:

[Bloomwood]

Anyone else feeling more out of breath these days?

oh man. So glad someone else asked this. All of the sudden this last week has been brutal. I take the dog for 3 or so walks a day (varying from 1-2 miles each) and lately I have been winded after not going very far - or fast as she's a sniffer. Even just sitting at my desk, I get that "hard to fill up my lungs" feeling.

ETA
Location of kicks - I feel them all over; she kicks up to about 3 or 4 finger lengths from my belly button. I see my clothes move around quite a bit. I also get those kicks toward the tailbone which are just bizarre. They make me feel like my whole body is moving. sometimes I feel her wedge into one spot. I don't know why, but I find it so funny. usually if I push on the spot she'll give me a big kick.

[Southlooper]

Location of kicks DD likes to dance so I feel her all around.

This kid is already cracking me up. I started feeling the kicks 2 days ago. Everytime my DH would put his hand on my belly she would stop then when he took his hand off she'd start up again. In utero and is already a practical joker (which she gets from her father.)

[Em7.31.04]

Getting Winded: Yes, totally! I was doing laundry on Sunday and had to run up and down the stairs about a million times. I swear, I had to sit down to catch my breath every few minutes. Yet, I can still do cardio at the gym just fine...Weird.

Feeling Kicks: I think my little guy is getting ready to join the circus, he's so acrobatic! I never have an idea where or how he is positioned, because I don't think he ever lays still for long enough. I feel his kicks all over - it's like he's laying w/arms and legs spread wide out and kicks and hits me at all angles. Sometimes as high as above my belly button, which is new.

[fats]

I have really been feeling out of breath too. Especially when I have to walk up stairs. I think part of it is the baby and part of it is just all the extra weight I'm carrying around. Definitely a great incentive to lose it as fast as possible after the birth!!

I'm still not feeling a ton of movement. :( Is it just me? I hate this - I'm close to 23 weeks and I hardly ever feel anything. I'm seeing my doctor next week so I'm definitely going to bring this up with her.

[smiles33]

Hi everyone! I've been dropping in to try and catch up but am a bit distracted/overwhelmed by the whole nursery/baby gear ordeal.

Quick responses:

I don't think I ever said the name we've chosen: Jocelyn. We refer to her as Jocey, Baby J, and sometimes J-lyn (when we're joking about her being a basketball player). I'd like to get the wall letters that spell out Jocelyn but I'm shocked at how expensive they are--do I really want to spend anywhere from $30-$70 on wall letters? I haven't decided yet.

Yes, I guess it could be a brain freeze/stupidity, as I sometimes completely forget things (as in I literally have no idea what DH is talking about). Fortunately, DH is good-humored about it. We call it PB--pregnancy brain.

Jocey has been kicking higher for me--closer to the height of my belly button though it varies if it's the right or left side. Last night, as I was taking a bath, I actually saw a "bulge" when she kicked!

Sometimes I find it hard to breathe at night when I'm lying down, or if I'm walking fast. But I haven't been exercising as regularly as I should.

May I ask a new QOTD: Are you buying a full crib set (e.g., bumpers, sheets, dust ruffle, etc.) or just sticking to a crib sheet?

I don't know what to do. If I were impulsive, I would just buy the adorable Wendy Bellissimo starlight crib set as I love how cushy the bumpers look and that it's a simple elegant style (but not cartoonish).

However, I've read varying opinions about the safety of bumpers, even if they are SO cute. And I've also heard of babies that never sleep in their cribs, so I'm really hesitant to spend all this money on something just to look cute when I look at it.

Others?

[Lolly]

feeling the baby kick, Cleatus (or Cleta, lol) kicks low most of the time. Actually I think C is in the same position as Guiness described (at least that was the position at my 20 week U/S: baby laying across, head on my right with spine facing up).

full crib set? Actually I was just perusing some more sets today, but I don;t think I would get more than the crib skirt and sheet. I plan on getting a breathable bumper anyway, and I don't think the quilt would get much use either. I just posted my bedding/theme ideas in my journal.

[ironhair]

full crib set? I know it is not really worth it and everyone keeps telling me about all the stuff I won't really use and won't spend the $ on the next time around, but I am getting a set. Fashion over Function. I am getting a skirt, bumper, and a crib blanket instead of a quilt from Javis Davis, and hopefully I can find a coordinating sheet and not have to order one. I figure since the crib turns into a toddler day bed, we can still get use out of the bumper. I may regret the decision later, but the nursery is going to look darn cute waiting for DS's arival :)

I don't really get winded when I work out, but climbing the stairs to my office nearly kicks my butt everytime - I keep joking that I am going to need a lift chair before it is all said and done!

Movement - baby is most active between 2 and 4 every afternoon. I feel a lot of something, but I don't know if it's kicks, punches, or rolling around. Most are pretty low, on the left side. According to the u/s last week, he is head down on the right, with his legs down the left so his feet are in his face - crazy kid.

[Heather719]

Fats- My SIL didn't feel my nephew until she was 24w along- so don't worry! Or, like me, you may have an anterior placenta, which means the baby's movements are muffled. Doesn't impact the baby, or delievery or anything, it just means the placenta is creating a cushion between the front of the uterus and the baby- so movements are subtler. I tend to feel the baby either way to the sides or up high and most of the time they feel like muscle spams. I'll typically only feel big movements, like full body rolls, as opposed to each kick and poke of the elbow. :)

[Guinness]

Smiles One of my favorite surrogate nieces is named Jocelyn, her little sister is Bryce. It is such a pretty name, and she is the sweetest cutest thing!!

Crib Sheets We bought the set, but only because it was super cheap that way. If I was buying pieces I would probably do something more like Lolly (cute ideas by the way)

Fats While I feel movement, I really wouldn't say I feel a ton. That is why I have the theory of position. I really just this week (25w) felt more on Monday, but since then not much. I asked my Dr. last week and he said it would still be extremely subtle and the heartbeat and measurements were all right on track so not to worry. Still also going on the theory that we are just going to have very calm, easy going kids ;)

[Jen1098]

Just wanted to post a warning---It's GIRL SCOUT COOKIE time. I bought two boxes today. Yeah I need those like I need a hole in the head.

Thanks for the comments on the baby movements. Interesting.

fats I have just recently started feeling more movement in the last few days. I'd feel them here and there before but it's just recently started to pick up. I'll be 24 weeks on Tuesday. Of course say something to your Dr. they're always good at reassuring plus you might get an extra u/s out of it.:)

Out of breath Not so much now but I had this problem when I was about 14-17 weeks.

Full Crib Set No we won't be buying one, didn't buy one with Josh either. But in our new apartment Josh will have his own bathroom so I will be decorating that cute. :D

[nettreefrog]

I am just sitting here plotting what activities I need to do tonight... So, I figured that I'd post.

Out of Breath - I may regret saying this --but I do not feel winded. I speed walk in the morning and at night (usually because I am running late) --and run a bit to get even farther ahead. However, I do not feel like I am gasping for air. In the beginning, I could almost swear that I felt more "oxygenated" than pre-pregnancy...

Full Crib Bedding Set - No real clue what we're going to do. I'll check out Ikea's offerings and make a decision from there. One thing I remember well is having multiple bottom fitted crib sheets on hand --. When your little one spits up or wets the bed at 3:00 am, it really doesn't matter what matches colorwise --you'll just put whatever is available on!

Another QOTD:

Round Ligament Pain (and related pain in your sides) --What are you doing to alleviate the pain? I feel this most strongly after sitting for awhile --and have been trying to stretch, take showers, and massage...but still feel it. I hope that some of you have suggestions...

[Em7.31.04]

Crib Set: We registered for a matching bumper, quilt, and small pillow. We're getting a coordinating skirt and multiple fitted sheets...We'll hang the quilt on the wall and put the pillow on the rocker. I'm hoping it looks more coordinated than matching...if that makes sense...

[Mrs U]

Morning all! Finally I can post the much anticipated belly pics!:D

6 weeks with no belly:

http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b229/s1975/Image004_5.jpg

15 weeks (sorry I'm braless :rolleyes: )
http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b229/s1975/Image018_19.jpg

17 weeks
http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b229/s1975/Image021_22.jpg

20 weeks
http://i20.photobucket.com/albums/b229/s1975/Image029_30.jpg

Hope ya'll have a great day!

[shortcake]

Anyone think they're getting braxton hicks contractions already? I am only 23 weeks so it seems early! But I'm pretty sure I've had them a few times. Ugh I don't enjoy it.

[Bloomwood]

B-H - yes, I've had them for a few weeks now (I'm 25 weeks). I seem to get them most if I stretch in the wrong direction or after I go to the bathroom.

Mrs U - you look great! Thanks for the progression photos!

crib bedding - I bought a set: bumper, skirt, 2 sheets and a blanket in coordinating fabrics. I also bought extra fabric to make a couple of valances. And, registered for some of the PBK chamois sheets that will match. I know that some get concerned about the bumper, but I'm not worried about that one. (worried about other things, just not that one!).

[shortcake]

crib bedding -No, we didn't get a set for DD and won't for this one. I will get some new sheets, though, as I just don't see him using PBK sunflower sheets! I ended up getting a bumper for her later on and that was the extent of it. The bumper and her rug were also PBK though (got them off ebay & craigslist - love those places!) and they did all coordinate, so that was nice.

Mrs. U - Great belly shots!

Out of breath -Yep, totally. I'm also very out of shape.

Hey I am excited! My mom just told me they'll be buying us a double stroller, and are willing to get a much nicer (read: not used, upper-middle-priced for doubles) one than I was going to do. And I THINK I've found the one...have to check it in person though: the zooper (http://www.zooper.com/html/p-sl888b.htm) It seems to be a good compromise between a regular go-to-the-mall stroller and a more all-terrain one. I am a little concerned about getting around in shops but I do have a friend with a side by side and she manages. It's more important to me that I can take walks and go to the zoo, etc, which will be nice with better suspension & control.

movement -Last night I had a tough night w/o much sleep. Noticed the baby was actually quiet around 5am...hm...I hope he sleeps more than that when he is out!! To those of you with less movement - it may be muffled or position OR could also be temperment - DD didn't move much at all throughout the pregnancy (to the point where I was nervous) and she is a very calm, patient kid who sleeps great. So I see a link.

[Jen1098]

Great belly shots Mrs U

I've been lurking in some of the other pregnancy boards and they've been talking about confessions. So let's confess b/c I know I'm not the only one who needs to.

I haven't given up deli meat and I don't toast it. I have a cup of 1/2 decaf coffee in am and cup of tea in pm. Twice a week I'll have 1/2 decaf cafe mocha from starbucks-yummmy
I think I've done maybe 10 kegals since being pregnant. I eat way to much chocolate.

[Lolly]

confessions: I drink more soda now than I did before becoming pregnant. And its usually got caffiene in it (I have an allergy to a preservative that's in most all sodas (sprite, diet coke) but not in regular soda (coke, pepsi)). I do limit it to once a day and usually have a few days in between sodas anyway. My doc did say one a day was fine though.

I eat more candy now than I have ever really craved. I love sugar! Especially pixie sticks and lik-a-made. Oh and sweeetarts and runts. Love them!

I think that's all for now.

ETA: I haven't exercised at all. Though I guess I could count my gymnastics classes as I am doing something (I run a local program in addition to my sedentary day job).

[fats]

Smiles Loe the name Jocelyn! Have you checked Ebay for the letters? There are some sellers that have really nice letters (custom painted) and aren’t too expensive. I actually went with www.j3creations.net for my letters. They were pretty expensive, but I looked around a lot and I thought her work was the best I’d seen. Plus, I also bought a little step stool so she gave me free shipping and 10% off the whole order.

Crib Set: I bought the full bedding set and I plan to use it all, except maybe the blanket until he’s older, but until then it’ll be decorative. I’m not really worried about the bumpers since they can’t even move around for quite some time. And I fully intend on having him sleep in the crib after the first few weeks, but more than anything, I just love to decorate and I really wanted a room with coordinating bedding and accessories.

Confessions I've eaten plenty of deli meat and I drank champagne on New Years Eve, but the thing I feel most guilty about is that I don't watch my diet AT ALL and I think I've exercised about 3 times since I got pregnant. And it's definitely taken it's toll on me - weight-wise.

ETA: For those of you still looking for bedding, have you checked out This Site (www.koolroomz.com) They have the cutest stuff and I love the crib on their home page - so glad I already bought our stuff because it's all pretty pricey!

[Kim]

Hi all! Can I just vent for a minute? DH left one of his college teaching positions for a wonderful job at a very well known company. I was thinking that would mean better benefits. Oh, how wrong I was! :mad: I hate our new insurance plan. Do you know how much it cost me to have my first two children? $10 a piece! I had to pay one $10 copay at my first prenatal appointment and then everything else was covered 100%. That is so not the case with this new plan. The hospital bill will be covered 100% since it is in pateint (thank God) but they will only pay 90% of my OB's bill which will include the actual delivery plus any procedures that aren't routinely covered by insurance (for example, urinalysis-how peeing in a cup is not a routine part of an OB appointment covered by insurance is beyond me). :rolleyes: Luckily, our individual out of pocket maximum is $1,000 so that's the most I should have to pay and it very well could be a lot less. I'm just so pissed off that we went from paying $10 to possibly $1,000. Lab work is also covered at 90% unless it's done in patient in the hoospital so every time I get my thyroid function tested (I'm hypothyroid) I'll have to pay. I'll also have to pay for my gestational diabetes test. That all used to be covered 100%. I know tings could be worse-we could not have any insurance. I'm just so pissed that we had to get rid of our wonderful benefits for this. :mad: Whatever.

Confessions-Eh. I don't have much to confess. I guess I drink too much caffeine (I love iced tea) and not enough water. I could be excercising more but whatever. I've got a pretty full plate with a toddler and a preschooler on my hands.

Crib bedding-We bought a set because I fell in love with it. We won't use the bumper because I'm not a fan of them and also because DD will cosleep. By the time we move her into her crib she'll probably be too old for bumpers (babies can use them as a step to boost themselves over the side of the crib). We'll use the quilt for decoration.

BH contractions-I've been getting them since very early on in my pregnancy. I know I wrote about it before. I can't remember exactly when they started, maybe 16 weeks? I have the details in my LJ. Thye've started earlier with each progressive pregnancy. We were actually able to see them when I washaving in u/s once. It was pretty weird.

Mrs U-Great pics!

smiles-Beautiful name! I actually made my own letters for my girls' rooms. They came out great and were so cheap to make! I know I have a pic floating around here somewhere. I'll see if I can find it.

ETA-found it. They're so much fun to make!
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v260/mama2am/138_3845.jpg

Mmmm. Who brought up Girl Scout Cookies? What I wouldn't do for some Thin Mints right now. :p

[ironhair]

Kim - Great letters. You are much more creative than I! I am recruiting the talents of j3creations - If we can decide on a name.

Mrs U - Great pictures! You look great.

Confessions: Like Lolly, I drink more soda now than before. In fact, I gave it up for a year and now I have to have one a day. I feel bad about it, but my Dr said it was ok and I will probably kill someone without it, so there could be worse things. I don't watch my diet very well - I get in salads, fruits, and veggies but I find I snack on sugary things a lot more than before (I bought eight boxes :eek: of girls scout cookies! What was I thinking?)

[smiles33]

Great belly shots, MrsU! I keep meaning to take them, but everytime I think about it, I'm getting ready for bed! Chalk that up to PB--pregnancy brain. :)

Shortcake, we just bought a Zooper Waltz for our baby because the brand was highly rated in Baby Bargains and we really liked it at the store! I didn't see the double there but it seems to be a quality brand and I've read feedback from moms raving about their customer service.

Kim, those are BEAUTIFUL! May I ask where you bought the letters and how difficult it was to paint those (or is it some kind of transfer thing?)? I've seen some unfinished/white ones on eBay around $4/letter, but I wasn't going to get them as I'm SO uncreative. If it's truly easy, I'd love to make them myself! And, as for the health insurance thing, I TOTALLY understand you. I love the fact that my university has such great benefits--I don't have ANY co-pays for my OB-GYN and I just love how easy it's been (though I think we will have to pay $100 for the hospital stay). DH has such bad insurance options that I just added him to my policy for an additional fee each month. At least in the area of benefits, I think the public sector often has better options.

OK, confessions:

I eat maybe 10 times more dessert than I ever have before in my life (I normally prefer savory items to sweets). So I've been indulging in brownies, cakes, cookies, candy, etc.

Even though I tell myself I am exercising, it's really only 30 minutes of walking a day (and sometimes I get less!). I have only done my prenatal videos 4 times and each time, I've made DH do them with me because I can't stand the boredom. The upside is that he ALWAYS makes me laugh because of his funny faces when the instructor tells us to do kegels.

HAPPY FRIDAY and hope you all have a great weekend!

[Mrs U]

Confession

I still drink a glass a wine at least 2 times a week since the begining of Dec. Heating deli meat? Please we dont even own a microwave!
Regards to chocolate- baby made me eat it!:p I've been a sugarholic lately.


Damn ya'll for bringing up GS cookies!:mad: I want some thin mints!

[Guinness]

B-H - I have been having a few here and there for the last few weeks. This week they seem to be less.

Round ligament pain I haven't had a ton, but I just try to change position and stretch - it seems to help

Confessions I hope decaf is okay, because I haven't given up my starbucks, just changed to decaf - daily :eek: I have eaten deli meat, sausage, and medium meat (pink, I usually like RED - so it is an improvement). I do drink too much sweet tea. I have had soda here and there. I definitely am eating too much salt and I need to quit that!! I do walk 2 miles every morning, so it isn't a ton of exercise - but better than nothing. Okay, my list feels really long. Do hot baths count? I do those, but don't put water over my stomach just on my back. I am sure I have lifted too much. I don't always sleep on my left side. . . . okay, now I am starting to feel bad :o

Oh and who brought up girl scout cookies - yikes I bought 6-8 boxes of these too. I will have to have DH hide them so they last more than a couple weeks :p

Have a good weekend everyone!!

[nettie]

Confessions I've really enjoyed reading everyone elses, so thought I'd share mine. I drink a cup of regular coffee every morning (and I thoroughly enjoy it). I finished off a big bag of cinnamon imperials in two days, so much for the suggested ten servings. I think I should probably stay away from the conversation hearts and girl scout cookies, I can't seem to manage portion control while eating sweets. I've had two half glasses of wine and one half glass of champagne.

Round ligament pain I'm not sure if I had this or some other pregnancy related pelvic area pain, but it seems to have come and gone. I'm not sure if that's because I've lightened up on the high impact exercise or if it's the pre-natal yoga or just luck, but I've been happily pain free for a couple weeks now.

Otherwise, I bought my first baby item earlier this week, two Carter's sleepers. DH said he was shocked that it has taken me so long to buy stuff. I'm feeling inspired to buy more, like maybe a nice diaper bag? More clothes? Hmm...

[Bloomwood]

I agree! Damn y'all for mentioning Girl Scout cookies. need them now!!

confessions: not too much. I eat turkey from the deli unheated and soft cheeses without hesitation. Sip some of Dh's wine whenever it sounds good. I haven't been that great with exercise. Case in point: My gym offers massages. I had one this morning. I went to the gym only for the massage. Didn't go early to do the eliptical. Dang was that massage nice though!

I am also using pregnancy/parenting as an excuse to change some things up. First, our housecleaner started Tuesday. Second, in another couple of months I am going to have our drycleaner start doing pick up and delivery. Dry cleaning is my least favorite chore (most likely b/c it is all of DH's stuff!). I'm so happy to have her come here instead!

I am actually proud of myself for one thing. I LOVE potato chips. Or, at least I did. I would eat them as often as possible and never bat an eye. Well, for some reason, they just don't sound good to me. I have them maybe 4 times in the last 6 months. Kudos to me! :p

nettie - good for your for holding out so long on the baby purchases!

I cannot say the same. I have a box spilling over with baby clothes, another box filled with baby essentials (my mom sent most of them to me), a corner of stuff from my registry that my BF bought me this weekend, the stroller, a bassinet filled with blankets and crib bedding and all of the stuff (except some items on the registry) for the nursery ordered (crib, changer, chandelier, shelf)!

[kristin9903]

I love those letters, Kim!! So pretty! I think we're going to go with Giggle Bug Art (www.gigglebugart.com), as recommended by another CC mommy. The letters are painted on canvas and I'm just in love. Reasonably priced, too.

Crib bedding We have a 6 piece set (Zanzibar) that was given to us as a Christmas gift from my MIL. It's more than we probably need, but it's really cute. :)

Confessions I drink a Diet Coke a week. I'm addicted to Coke Slurpees (yummmmmmm). I eat deli meat all the time. And I will be stalking grocery stores looking for Girl Scouts so that I can take all their cookies. I even went to the website to see if they post where they're going to be. Some Caramel Delights are calling my name.

[shortcake]

Kim -Yes those are beautiful letters! Sorry to hear about the insurance change. That still doesn't sound too unusual (we had to pay around $3K for our first) but I totally understand the frustration! We are now on a plan more similar to your first plan, and I hope I never have to go back!

Confessions -Wayyyyy too many sweets. Probably more caffeinated soda than pre-pregnancy (I don't drink much coffee, but I use coke for a pick me up instead when I need it, which is often - though I try to keep it to 1 per day or less...occasionally I go over that though). And I've been eating total junk - haven't seen a veggie in ages. Bad, bad me.

[nettreefrog]

Personal update...Its hard to believe--but last night I did very little...I did manage to call my dad's cousin and tell him about the site we created (http://posnerart.com/) for my dad. We had a great conversation, and he gave me the number to his son who lives in NY as well. After cleaning up dinner though, I normally find tons of stuff to do --but I felt lethargic and couldn't figure out why. So, we watched the movie Office Space. This morning, I woke up with a topsy turvy stomach that left me feeling much drained even after two bathroom runs. I was running late, and my DH drove my DD to school and me most of the way to work... My stomach improve somewhat over the course of the day --but the round ligament and other pain continued. I am sitting here with a pillow between my back and the chair. I'm planning on eating a modified dinner (not what I really want, but what I think I should have modification). I'm going to try to take a bath --and have my DH massage my back a bit. We'll see how that works.

Confessions? - I think that I posted many moons ago about how each culture has restrictions about the diet of a pregnant woman. My Indian coworker was not allowed to eat watermelon (for fear that her baby's head would get too big), but my French friend thought it was crazy that some American maternity publications wanted to restrict her from a glass of wine per day among other things. I had a can of Coca Cola a few days ago, and people in my office were shocked and wanted me to throw it out... Actually, the Coke settles my stomach and I don't have it very often, but I don't see the problem with some caffeine per day. You all know that I eat chocolate daily, have deli sandwiches regularly, enjoy some tuna fish, and have had a few sips of wine (ironically, it has been my fancy to have much at all)... I don't eat a ton of junk food as it usually just doesn't interest me. In general, I prefer to eat things with ingredients I can pronounce --and enjoy veggies and fruit.

Because I feel crappy this is such a one-sided posting--but I have read everything that you all have written --and send my hugs.

[Southlooper]

Confession: I just ate a whole medium pepperoni, pepper, tomato pizza and a 20 oz. coke. Oh it was guuuuuud! ;)

[Bloomwood]

southlooper - yuuummmm!

[Kim]

smiles-They were super easy to make! I got cheap unfinished letters from Michael's. They couldn't have been more than $4 a piece. I painted them with white latex paint and then I decorated them with these things called Wallies http://wallies.com/item/W12511.htm?tab=cutouts/kids_stuff&page=4 which are basically pre-pasted wallpaper cutouts. I cut them to the shapes I liked, wet the backs, then stuck them on. I attached some wired ribbon to the back of each letter and voila! Super easy and very cheap. I wasn't necessarily opposed to buying them ready made but I wanted a project to do. It was a lot of fun. :)

[Em7.31.04]

shortcake & smiles33: We're getting a Zooper stroller too! The Waltz...Of course, BRU doesn't carry it so I think we'll just plan to buy it ourselves. I've read great things about the brand, though. smiles33 - what color did you buy?

Confessions...

I eat sandwich meat at least once a week w/out microwaving it.
I eat way too much Italian sausage (DH loves to cook with it).
I drank half a beer and some champagne on New Year's Eve.
I regularly eat soft cheeses...most are pasteurized though (I think/hope!)
I drink caffeine almost every day.
I've had steak that was still pink in the middle.
When I use the eliptical at the gym, my heart rate goes above 140bpm...
I can count on one hand the number of times I've done kegals.
I don't eat enough fruits & veggies...but I make up for it with cheese. :D
I have taken several HOT baths.
And I don't feel guilty!

:rolleyes:

MrsU: Great belly pics - thanks for sharing! You look great.

How do you know when you're having BH contractions? What do they feel like?

Kim: Great letters - Where did you buy them (unfinished?)?

HAPPY FRIDAY everyone!!!

[jarm]

confessions - I had two huge pieces of chocolate cake at lunch today (in addition to half a sandwich and a cup of soup). I brought a piece home with me, thinking I'd eat it tonight. I got home didn't feel well and didn't eat anything until just now (11:15) and that was ice cream. Thinking about going to heat up DD's half of cheeseburger from Burger King.

I've eaten over my fair share of cold cuts, tuna, I had some wine at a wedding, I eat my burgers and steak pink, and I'm sure there's more...oh yeah, hot dogs! I don't exercise...no excuse as to why...just don't.

Names - This is a HUGE issue for us as I feel we used a great name for DD and it's unique and has a really sentimental story behind it (but that could be because DH and I picked it out). This kid still doesn't have a name...and it makes it that much worse that we don't know the sex. At least we'd only have one name to concentrate on, but no! We need to concentrate on two names. So we had a girl's name picked out, but neither of us really liked it anymore after trying to pair it up with a middle name. Last night, though, we agreed on a B name (our new approach is one step at a time...girl's name then boy's name). In talking to my stepmom tonight, she pointed out to me that the initials would be BM as our last night begins with M. Ugh! So now we're back to the drawing board.

[lowcountrywed]

Confessions- I don't eat all the fruits & veggies I should and I don't exercise. I've eaten plenty of cold deli meat, some soft cheeses (but no bleu), medium steaks (didn't realize that was a no-no), some wine on my b-day and some champagne on NYE.

[Guinness]

jarm It is our mother's generation that care about BM. I have a funny, typical mom story. My mom wanted to name my brother Brannon Mark K(lastname), but she couldn't get past BM - so instead she named him Brannon John K(lastname) - and to this day doesn't get that BJ is actually worse for our generation than BM. Honestly, I wouldn't worry about BM especially if there is a middle initial in there to break it up!! This naming things is definitely really hard though.

[fats]

jarm I agree with Guinness. I wouldn't worry about BM. No one is going to focus on his initials and even they did, you really have to think about it - especially if there's a middle initial in there. My mom always comments that she gave my brother the initials RAG (not so bad, but not great) without thinking but to this day, she's the only one who has ever pointed that out, as far as I know.

[ironhair]

Good evening all! I wanted to pop in with a quick concern...On Thursday during my body conditioning class, I started feeling a sharp pain on my lower left side. I figured it was round ligament pain from doing too much - but it is now Sunday night and I still have the pain for the most part. Isn't RLP supposed to cease after a short time? Starting to over-analyze and needed a second opinion before the doctor tomorrow.

BTW - Jarm: I totally hear ya about the naming thing being difficult. We only have to focus on a boy name and still can't! I wouldn't worry too much about the initials though. There will be a middle name to break it up and when is the last time you made fun of someone's initials? I think we find stuff to frett about sometimes (at least that is the case for me :) )

[jarm]

Hey all...thanks for the calming down on the BM name issue.

I mentioned on my LJ that last night my DD pounced on my stomach yesterday. Now yesterday was the first time that I felt the baby consistently throughout the day. Ever since, I haven't felt the baby move very much. I was going to go to the ER to get checked as I had some abdominal pain, but the abdominal pain subsided and I felt little movements here and there. I was at a loss as to what to do because DH was at work and I didn't want him to have to leave if it was going to turn out to be for no reason at all. Oh well...I have to call to change an appointment tomorrow anyway so I'll just mention it and see what they say. Looks like I might have a delay or no school at all.

I start my last Master's class tomorrow night. I'm excited about it, but not looking forward to it at all. It'll make for long Mondays and I'm not sure how the whole due date/end of class will pan out, but we'll see. Hopefully this kid will cooperate and there won't be a final...just a final project that I can submit earlier than the last date of class. Wish me luck!

[Em7.31.04]

jarm: You're in my thoughts as you take your final Master's class...I'm taking just one class this quarter - finished in March, thank goodness. But...then I have to go back in late June, for one more year. Makes me wish for an early baby so I can have more than a few weeks' recovery time before going back to class! :-)

On an exciting note...DH and I saw my stomach move for the first time this weekend! We were laying in bed and the baby was kicking/moving like crazy. I pulled up my shirt and we watched my stomach move up and down. It was pretty cool...although really weird at the same time. I felt like saying, "The alien is ALIVE!" :eek:

[Guinness]

I hit the big milestone of only 99 days until due date :D I said it to DH and he thought I was crazy. I think that sounds so soon, he thought it sounded a long ways away :rolleyes: . . . guess I will ask him again when the bebe arrives if it was that long ago. I have a feeling this is going to sneak right up on him!!

jarm Hope your pounced belly is okay. Yikes!! Good luck with your last class. My students are psyched that I am giving the final 2 weeks before the end of classes. I am sure your prof will happily work with you though! I hope so at least.

Em7.31.04 Can't believe you finish in March. How nice!! I hear you on wanting a bit early baby so you have more time before the next set of courses start. I will have the summer off, but now that I have plans in place for an early final - come on baby, that means 2 more weeks with you :p

ironhair What you are describing is what I think are RLP, but you are right mine don't last that long :confused: Hope you are feeling better. Take it easy at conditioning class, maybe it is a bit of a pulled muscle?

Hope everyone has a good Monday!!

[nettreefrog]

Just a few new QOTD:

1) Are you nesting? --I cannot seem to organize and clean enough. I spent the majority of the weekend trying to get rid of stuff and rearranging things we have. My DH is convinced that he is going to come home to find I have gotten rid of everything --including the sofa!

2) Do you feel uncomfortable or have pain after sitting in a chair for awhile? This has been an issue with me --and although I am making a point of getting up and walking around more --I still feel bothered.

3) Have you arranged now for child care? I know we discussed this awhile back --but I have not given it much thought yet, and am curious what you all have figured out.

4) Are your eating habits or tastes changing? My DH thinks that mine are --and the sweet tooth I lacked for months is now back full force --btw --can anyone smell chocolate cake with vanilla ice cream? I still love spicy food though...

[Mrs U]

Hey ladies! Hope ya'll are having a better start to the week than I am.:rolleyes:

I've been in such an emotional wreck today (bloody hormones!). I went to the town hall to find out more information in regards to the baby and who's name would be on the birth certificate, father rights, ect. A little background- I'm still legally married and I actually called my lawyer today to start this bloody divorce process. According to Swiss laws, since I am still married legally, my hubby is the 'legal' father on paper and on the birth certificate even though the baby's biological father is someone else. The fun doesnt stop there- when David is born, either my soon to be ex or myself on behalf of David can contest to the courts that my ex isnt the father and my parter can then declare himself as the father with a paternity test. To top it all off, if this doesnt go through before Christmas when we (partner and I) plan on coming stateside, then I need a notarized note from soon to be ex stating that it is ok to take the child out of the country.:eek:

Gosh all I want is to have this whole nightmare over with. I need to check my bp again- I think it's still up. The whole reason I didnt get this started sooner.:rolleyes: Sorry for the long rant- I needed to get that out.

[fats]

Hey Girls! Hope you all had a nice weekend. The weather here in NY is horrible, but we're going to see Bily Joel tonight so I'm excited.

I think I have FINALLY started to feel the little guy move around a bit more. Still nothing major or consistent, but a lot more often than before. And since it still feels pretty foreign, I'm not positive it's him, but what else can it be?!

QOTDs

1) Are you nesting? --Same here. I've been doing this for weeks and this weekend I was actually feeling so restless because I couldn't really think of another area of the house to concentrate on.

2) Do you feel uncomfortable or have pain after sitting in a chair for awhile? This hasn't really been an issue for me.

3) Have you arranged now for child care? We're going to be hiring an au pair (young foreigner who will live with us). We've already registered with two agencies and I've been looking at their applicant pool, but so far I've been really disappointed which is making me nervous - I thought it'd be easy. We both really wanted to find a french speaker, but so far it seems like everyone from one agency is from Thailand or Brazil and the other agency is the same, plus a bunch of Eastern Europeans. They keep telling us that we are way early in the process and that we should really start looking in March when the pool will be bigger and have more variety, so I'm hoping that's the case.

4) Are your eating habits or tastes changing? The only way my habits have changed is that I stopped being careful about my diet and I eat way to much junk now. I'm actually very angry with myself, but at the same time I just can't help it. I've spent my whole life obsessing over my weight and once I got pregnant I just stopped and now I've blown up. And I still have 4 more months to go!

[lowcountrywed]

Fats- You are probably feeling him. When I first started feeling movement I wasn't positive it was the baby either.

QOTDs

1) Are you nesting? --Somewhat. I have done some reorganizing and gotten rid of some stuff. We also talked to a woman about cleaning our house twice a week, which I'm super psyched about.

2) Do you feel uncomfortable or have pain after sitting in a chair for awhile? Yes, but not in back. If I'm leaning forward to type, etc., my ribs push on my belly and then get very tender right at the bottom. I was having the same issue with my underwire, so I bought a super supportive but wire free bra this weekend, and it feels much better.

3) Have you arranged now for child care? no. I've visited a few daycares and will visit my top contender again this week. The first time I went there it was a morning around the holidays, so not a very typical day. I've been visiting the other during lunch, so I want to visit that one during the same time. That one has a waiting list, but I've been to other that do not. I'm not really loving the centers (too many babies, too few workers- although still under the state regulation), so I'm hoping these will just be backups. I'm looking for either a nanny share or in-home daycare, but those are hard to arrange so far in advance. I'm kind of freaking out about having to go back to work. I started a new job in this pregnancy, and I'm so glad I did, but I'm afraid I won't be able to go back to work. Daycare with be more than half my salary and I worry about him being sick all the time.

4) Are your eating habits or tastes changing? Not really. More sweets than before pregnancy, but that's about it.

[Bloomwood]

QOTDs

1) Are you nesting? Not really. I am excited to get the nursery started, but not really anything unusual beyond that.

2) Do you feel uncomfortable or have pain after sitting in a chair for awhile? Absolutely. Thankfully I have an energetic lab that likes to make me go for walks.

3) Have you arranged now for child care? SAHM. N/A. Except I do want to line up some babysitters for the evenings!

4) Are your eating habits or tastes changing? No. If anything I've been better. I did splurge on a chocolate bar on Friday, but my biggest desire these days is for fresh fruit. I've been eating a ton of it. Had the best kiwis over the weekend!

I had the coolest experience this weekend! I was sitting at my desk and felt the baby moving around, pretty much lodged in my left side. I put my hand where she was and I could actually feel body parts. It is amazing how cute I think she is and how in love with her I am already!

That said, I am also having irrational fears that I am going to deliver early. Too early. I was born at 32 weeks and have always chalked it up to my mom smoking and drinking with me (I know...:eek: ). But, I talk to lots of women whose moms did one or the other and they went to term. Anyone else have these irrational fears??

I have also been reading a couple of books on NCB. The bradley method book is reading very propoganda-ish to me. But, the Sears book is slightly more balanced. I've learned a lot and really hope I can keep reading to be able to pull it off. We had dinner with two dr. friends this weekend - the guy was just incredulous that I could do it and thought for sure I'd decide on drugs when I got there and the woman was more supportive, but trying to tell me about alternatives to the epi, etc. both well-meaning, but not what I want to hear!!

Anyone else here planning to do it w/o meds or has done it w/o meds? I'd love to know what you're doing or did to prepare.

[shortcake]

fats -yay about feeling the baby!

mrs U -Ugh I'm sorry to hear about the paternity issues. How complicated! I am sure you can get everything in order, but what a pain.

QOTD Nesting - Definitely! I'm much more into organizing than before - just bought a bunch of bins for Ellie's toys to go in, yay! I'm also shopping for window blinds for baby & Ellie's rooms, and today I am picking up a bassinet I found on Craigslist, hooray. (Not a super steal, but less than new and has all the features I want - rocking, vibrating, music...SOMETHING's gotta get the kid to sleep!) Last night DH painted the ceiling in baby's room, so now this week he can paint the walls and then we can actually start setting it up a little. Though we don't have much furniture for it - just a changing table. I need to find a dresser and I'm not sure we're going to get a crib - hope that DD is out of hers by the time we need it and use a pack n play if not. Though a nursery w/o a crib is a bit sad!!

[fats]

Bloomwood I haven't been having any irrational fears about delivering early although whenever people ask me when I'm going to go on maternity leave (ie if before my due date) I am constantly thinking that I have no idea how my pregnancy will progress and there's always the possibility that I could have complications and end up on bed rest or something - I'm more than halfway there, but it's still relatively early.

I have however, started to worry a lot about getting gestational diabetes. Partly because of the way I'm been eating and gaining weight, but also because diabetes runs in my family. My dad had it, his mother had it, my brother has it, my cousin (from that side of the family) got gestational diabetes and now has full blown diabetes. And my doula said that if you're predisposed for diabetes than it often shows up gestationally and then just sticks around after the baby's born, so I've started to worry a lot about that. I think I'll have my test in another 4 weeks. Anyone else worry about this?

Nothing to say about NCB. I'm so set on getting an epidural that we're actually taking Childbirth with an Epidural instead of the regular Childbirth class!!!!

[Kim]

Good afternoon all!

I'm so bummed. DH left today for his first business trip ever. :( The girls and I miss him terribly already. Luckily he's coming home Thursday so he won't be gone for too long. This is our first night apart since we were married. I can't wait to pick him up from the airport.

Aside from that, things are pretty good here. The baby's been keeping me up at night. She's a squirmy one. I haven't had a good night's sleep in years anyway.:p

1)Are you nesting? I've pretty much been nesting all along with this pregnancy. This week past week has been an exception. I've been so tired and run down that I haven't accomplished much.

2) Do you feel uncomfortable or have pain after sitting in a chair for a while?-Yes. I have some back issues (sacroiliitus) that I've never completely recovered from after my other pregnancies. I saw an orthopaedic surgeon and he actually wanted me in physical therapy 3 days a week. That never happened and I got pregnant a couple of months later. Needless to say my back has seen better days. I'm also starting with that kicked in the crotch feeling. Seems like the beginnings of pubic symphasis again. I had that last time and luckily it went away after I delievered.


3) Have you arranged now for child care? -I'm a SAHM.

4)Are your eating habits or tastes changing?-Not really.

5)Anyone else here planning to do it w/o meds or has done it w/o meds?-I think I've said it before but I had a low intervention/med free/Bradley birth with DD #2 and it was absolutely amazing. It was a much easier recovery than I had than with #1. I will do it again in a heartbeat if I can. With #1 I went in intending to go med free but I was not prepared and ended up opting for the epidural. With #2 I did a lot more reading and took Bradley classes. They were an amazing source of info and a great source of support, as well. I felt much more knowledgeable and emotionally prepared, plus I had such an awful experience with the epidural that I didn't want to relive that. I think that really got me through the pain. This time I will be reviewing the reading materials that I have, as I've already taken the courses. I have considered looking into hypnobirthing but I haven't gotten around to it yet.

[Em7.31.04]

Are you nesting? Sort of...I have been getting really excited about decorating the nursery...and I have this overwhelming urge to bake cookies (although I don't want to eat them!)...

Do you feel uncomfortable or have pain after sitting in a chair for awhile? Ugh, yes. I started noticing this last week at work. I get it after laying in one position in bed too.

Have you arranged now for child care? Not yet, but we need to start looking soon. We won't need care to begin until September, and I don't really think places around here fill up as quickly as it sounds like other areas do. I work in a daycare center, and I know we are always enrolling. Where I work is too far for next year though, since I won't be working there anymore. No sense in commuting 45 mins for daycare when there are plenty of centers near our house!

Are your eating habits or tastes changing? I used to have more of a sweet tooth before pg. Since becoming pg, I have been wanting more savory/salty foods than sweet ones.

Anyone else here planning to do it w/o meds or has done it w/o meds? I am planning to do it without meds. Or at least, without an epidural. DH and I are taking a childbirth class taught by a local doula, and it is really NCB-friendly. I don't honestly know if I will be able to go through with NCB...it's hard to know what exactly I will feel like and how much I will be able to handle. But, I am aiming to go as far/long as possible with no interventions. I am going to keep an open mind about the whole experience and just take things as they come. I'm really interested in a water birth...although you have to be med-free and I just don't know if I can commit. I want to at least labor in the tub though.

[ga girl]

I've been out of town for a few days and was laughing when I came back to find all of your confessions :) That's great!! I think this mainly because I've been thinking that I probably should be better about my habits but can't manage to make myself feel guilty enough to actually change them. I've been eating pretty much whatever I feel like- cold cuts, cheese, med steak. While we were out of town I ate waaayyy too much fast food so now I'm feeling the need to eat healthier but besides that I feel ok with what I eat. I've ordered red wine on occasion ( I love it) but found that it doesn't taste good. That really surprises me b/c normally I'll have it 3-4 times a week. I take hot showers and I'm not really exercising but I feel ok and the little guy seems ok so I'm not going to worry!

Kim- I know how you feel. My dh travels 2-3 nights a week and it's hard but you get used to it- I actually like my alone time now.

Bloomwood- Dh is convinced I'm giving birth in April. I try not to think about it b/c this is one thing in life I know I can't plan ;) I do really hope that I don't go on bedrest though- my co. isn't exactly thrilled about my pg to begin with and more time away will be hard.

Fats- My dad has diabetes and I do think about it. I'm going for my test on Wed. so my fingers are crossed.

1)Are you nesting? Yes, I've always been a planner so this is great! We just built a playroom upstairs last month and since I was decorating that I've started on other rooms also. I have this strange need to build shelving in every closet.

2) Do you feel uncomfortable or have pain after sitting in a chair for a while?- Sometimes, I try to get up at work every hour and walk around which helps but I can't lean over anymore to type and some things are becoming more difficult.

3) Have you arranged now for child care? -No, I really need to get on that. I'm hoping for an in-home child care and have found a couple but they don't know their availablity in August. I'm using daycare as a backup.

4)Are your eating habits or tastes changing?-2 things have changed- I should have put these in my confessions! I've never had a sweet tooth or really drank caffiene......I now HAVE to eat chocolate at least once a day and I have a coke or glass of tea at least 4 times a week.

5)Anyone else here planning to do it w/o meds or has done it w/o meds? No, I'm all about the meds! I even asked my midwife whatever happened to the times when women we're put under and woke up to find the baby laying next to them? ;) Ahhhh... the good old days! My biggest fear of this entire pg is that something will either prevent me from having an epi or the epi will wear off.

[Guinness]

Are you nesting? Not really, I still feel pretty tired and lazy. The nursery does have a pretty good start, so maybe I am doing nesting activities ;) I had to laugh at ga girl'scomment about shelving. I so want to do shelving everywhere, but am overwhelmed to figure out how. . .

Do you feel uncomfortable or have pain after sitting in a chair for awhile? If I sit or lay on the couch my hip hurts. Sitting in my work chair is okay. I can tell sleeping isn't as great, I felt like I moved every 20 mins last night - UGH

Have you arranged now for child care? We have, but only because word on the street is get on the waiting lists 1st thing. Luckily our neighbor does an in-home day care and she was an NICU nurse for 13 years prior. We feel very comfortable with her. She just told me that next Aug when we will be starting she will only have 3-4 kids. Perfect. We are on waiting lists for larger places to get the little one in when they are 2-3.

Are your eating habits or tastes changing? Eating too much, but not sure that is new. I am also loving milk these days. That is definitely new, but it helps with indigestion!!

Anyone else here planning to do it w/o meds or has done it w/o meds? I really have been on the 'I want meds side'. After reading Kim's response though, I am starting to think, why not look at books and techniques and be prepared for going natural for a bit. Do you have any good books to recommend that aren't overwhelming and hard core natural??

[fats]

My biggest fear of this entire pg is that something will either prevent me from having an epi or the epi will wear off.

Same here!!! :)

We actually talked to our doula about the "old days" and apparently, back then women were given drugs that made them totally wacky and delusional in a room full of a bunch of other women, but they would never remember any of it once they woke up.

[jarm]

I just went to get my pounced on belly checked out...stress city when they asked me why I hadn't called earlier and told me to come in right away. Crazy! In any event, we heard the heartbeat, which I was pretty positive we would, and they're sending us for an u/s tomorrow night.

[Guinness]

Glad you got positive news jarm! Yay for an extra u/s - another chance for a peek.

I forgot to answer the irrational fears question. I think I am in denial that I actually won't give birth on the due date. I am looking at my calendar and the weekends have filled up. I just scheduled a guest speaker in for the weekend I will be turning 39 weeks. I guess I figure if the plan changes down the road, I can change it then :eek: I have just been able to begin reading about labor, so I know I have been irrational there. I just looked in a book that showed the actual size of dilation at each size :eek: I mean really if you compare it to a babies head it isn't that big, but putting the book down by my legs I was scared silly. I am not sure I can do that sanely!!

[Southlooper]

Happy Monday Everyone!

QOTDs

1) Are you nesting? Yes. I have been since Winter Break.


2) Do you feel uncomfortable or have pain after sitting in a chair for awhile? Depends on the day and the position of the baby.

3) Have you arranged now for child care? My in-laws are helping me. Luckily my FIL is retired and my MIL works from home. I will be working part time so I'll be home too.


4) Are your eating habits or tastes changing? I'm eating less. The baby is taking up most of the room so I get fuller faster.

Anyone else here planning to do it w/o meds or has done it w/o meds? I am planning to deliver med free (which almost everyone thinks I am insane.) Besides yoga I am practicing the hypnobirthing method. I've heard ranging reviews about it but hey why not? I am open to the possibility of meds but I am doing all I can to prepare so I can delivery naturally.

Gestational Diabeties: I hear ya Fats! I am terrified of developing GD which is why I think I've been so paranoid about my weight. My PCOS was due to insulin resistance which put me at a higher risk. Also diabeties runs in my family and the thought of having to stick myself with a needle everyday is enough to keep me in line. I take my glucose test on Thursday. Hopefully I'll be in the clear.

[Em7.31.04]

Guiness ~
I read and loved The Thinking Woman's Guide to a Better Birth by Henci Goer. It's pretty slanted toward midwives (vs. OBs), vaginal delivery, and non-epi options...But it does provide both sides of the story.

[fats]

Southlooper If it's any consolation, I think that if you do have GD, you don't necessarily have to take insulin shots, you just have to watch your diet. I could be wrong though, but my cousin had GD and that's what she did. Then she developed Type 2 and had to take insulin shots, but when she got pregnant again, they took her off the insulin and put her on a different medication, so I'm not sure that they'd make you take shots. Good luck with the test!

[Standrea]

Hey everyone! I'm sorry it has been so long!

I wanted to stop by to let everyone know that we registered this past weekend at BRU. Has anyone else started to register? It was so overwhelming, deciding on all the different styles and brands and colors for EVERYTHING. I guess i should have gotten the book, but i didnt...oh well...

QOTD:

1) Are you nesting? Starting too...I have been cleaning my living room and dining room like crazy. I am going to start the nursery on Wed. I think...


2) Do you feel uncomfortable or have pain after sitting in a chair for awhile? I'm usually ok, but it depends on how i am sitting, and for how long...

3) Have you arranged now for child care? I'm going to be a SAHM after the baby comes...

4) Are your eating habits or tastes changing? I'm eating less, although i'm eating more frequently. I have craved Cheeseburgers, and I haven't eaten red meat in YEARS...

5) Anyone else here planning to do it w/o meds or has done it w/o meds? I would like to deliver med free, and am starting to look into options...but, when it comes down to it, who knows how I will feel...


I hope everyone is having a great night...i need to read back the past couple of pages to see how everyone has been!!


OH YEAH! We bought our crib this weekend too! We bought this crib
http://images.amazon.com/images/P/B000A88KDG.01._SCTHUMBZZZ_.jpg

and registered for this bedding...
http://images.amazon.com/images/P/B00014BWQQ.01._SCLZZZZZZZ_.jpg

I think its really pretty, and very transgender...Just incase the doctor is wrong with the sex...anyone else afraid of that??

[Jen1098]

Ugh I just ate four chocolate chip cookies. But I did have a big glass of milk with them so....:D

1) Are you nesting? Not yet but only b/c I'm still in Florida. Once we move into our apartment this weekend I'll have no choice but to nest. I also plan on going through all of Josh's old clothes to decide what I'm keeping.

2) Do you feel uncomfortable or have pain after sitting in a chair for awhile? Not really but I don't get to sit for to long during the day. Somebody won't let me.

3) Have you arranged now for child care? I'm a Sahm

4) Are your eating habits or tastes changing? Not really.

Anyone else here planning to do it w/o meds or has done it w/o meds? No. With Josh I had an epidural very soon after getting admitted. I was already 4 centimeters when I got there so I didn't have long to wait. It was great. I was able to relax and chit chat with DH and the nurse and Dr. They even left it on since I could feel the contractions in order to push. I'm glad I did have it b/c I tore pretty bad and with the epidural still working I didn't feel him stitching me up. What was uncomfortable was when he was pushing on my belly to get the placenta out.

I do admire you ladies who plan on going med free. I think it's great.

[nettreefrog]

5) Anyone else here planning to do it w/o meds or has done it w/o meds? I am most likely going completely au natural--given the following:
Point A) The epidural for my DD did not work. They may have given it to me too late --but basically, I asked the anesthesiologist to come back a second time --but nothing he did helped.
Point B) My coworker has been experiencing complications from her epidural. Specifically, she has back pain that her doctors said may go away within a year (which is another 6 months) or it may never go away. Apparently, this is more common than some studies may have you believe.
Point C) I had neurological issues a few years ago, and am honestly scared of the repercussions of "screwing with my nervous system" for a brief respite from the pains of childbirth...

6) Gestational Diabetes -- My DH is afraid that I consume too much sugar of any kind. I have the sugar test during my next OB visit --so we'll see if my DH is on target... Whatever will be will be for me--but I agree with Fats, it would devastating if I did have it and it lasted after the pregnancy.

Question 3 (again): Have you arranged now for child care? As my earlier post may have indicated, I am giving this considerable thought now. So today, I posted a thread (http://www.constantchatter.com/showthread.php?t=14646) on CC asking for suggestions about childcare in NYC, talked to a Tutortime (http://tutortime.com/) that is just starting up in Manhattan in February (my cousin works at one in Michigan) and they are sending me literature, and talked to the cousin for suggestions, asked my DD to ask her best friend to talk to the best friend's mom about babycare (she is a midwife), and will be talking to the mom of another of my DD's friends who is a childcare provider herself.

--

A few asides from your postings...

Jen1098 brings up a good point about episiotomies and tearing. I remember them telling me not to push until they told me to. While waiting was hard, I think it helped me not tear --but I don't know if I will be so lucky this time. Thoughts anyone on the subject?

Standrea brought about the book...not sure if she meant the Baby Bargains (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1889392197/qid=1138069269/sr=8-1/ref=pd_bbs_1/102-8495196-3390566?n=507846&s=books&v=glance) book or the list that stores like BRU give you to register. The list from the stores is in my not so humble opinion a major sales ploy --you really don't need most of the stuff on it. However, the Baby Bargains book is really great for making suggestions about stuff you do need...

Southlooper brought up hypnobirthing. I don't know anything about it... What 's it all about?

Guinness talked about dilation... It really is amazing how the human body stretches and warps temporarily to accommodate the new life. It funny though that unless there is a mirror there or someone filming, it will be hard for any of us to actually see it all happening. Is anyone filming the birth?

GaGirl brought about her need for chocolate or Coke. I feel that need too...and am so glad that I am not alone. Anyone else?

Em7.31.04 is thinking about a water birth. One of my friends did this, and said that it was an amazing experience. Does your facility (hospital or birthing center) have the accommodations for a water birth?

Kim lamented on her lack of a good nights sleep. This is my major worry as I remember how often my DD got up in the middle of the night for a feeding, a changing, or because she wasn't feeling well. It is going to be hard going to work without my requisite 8 hours of sleep. Is anyone else as concerned?

Okay...I really need to stretch and say night-night to my little baby 12-year-old!

[Jen1098]

nettreefrogYou're so good with shoutouts and such. :) With your reasoning behind not getting the epi, I don't blame you.

In regards to tearing and episiotomies: I was going to end up with one either way. In my situation as I was in the middle of labor he said he thought he was going to have to give me an episiotomie. Well I remember him saying earlier he would sometimes tell patients who weren't pushing well that he'd have to give them a C-section. He'd say this to get them to work harder.
Well in my mind I thought okay maybe I'm not pushing hard enough-well I gave one big push and well that's when I tore.
I'm sure if he did it it wouldn't have been so bad but oh well.
I've heard about the perineum massages and I guess those work but I never did it.

Is anyone filming the birth? I don't think we are. We didn't last time either. Pictures yes film no. I don't think I'd be comfortable watching it again and I can't imagine DS wanting to ever see that.;)

lack of sleep Oh yes I'm very worried about this. More so this time b/c at least with the first one I was able to nap when he napped. Once I'm alone with the two kiddos I know it will be a struggle to get through the day since I'll have to keep Josh entertained. And it's not like I'll be able to chug caffeine all day since I'll be breastfeeding.

Standrea Yay for getting the crib. It's nice to have that taken care of huh. Very cute bedding. Oh and in regards to the gender being wrong-There is no question that it's a boy in my belly. :D

JarmI'm glad you were able to get checked out but gosh why did they have to make you feel so bad about waiting. Not very nice of them.

Alright it's almost time for the Bachelor-gotta watch my trash t.v.

[jarm]

Ugh! I swear if I wasn't halfway through this pregnancy, I'd look for a different OB. They're driving me crazy. I had actually called today to reschedule an appointment they needed to change. Now I make my appointments well in advance so I can get evening appointments and then they have to change them. I was totally not pleased with the staff's treatment of me today. I don't need that...it really annoyed me and stressed me out.

So then I had class tonight. I get home and there's a message. I know exactly who it's from...it's from the OBs office about my u/s tomorrow. The girl said, and I quote, "I'm in a tizzy about your ultrasound tomorrow." WTF? I didn't get home until after the office had closed so I have no idea what the deal is. Hopefully they'll let DH take care of it tomorrow.

[Southlooper]

Happy Tuesday Everyone!

Hypnobirthing: It's a method where you use hypnotic suggestion/self-hypnosis to help you cope with the pain of childbirth. You can either take formal classes or buy tapes/CDs. I first learn about it a couple of years ago when it was featured on 20/20. The 2 women featured were in intense active labor and they were just sitting there like nothing was going on. They both gave birth then 10 minutes later were walking around. From what I understand labor feels more like intense pressure instead of pain.

Like I said, I read a range of reviews. Some have said that it totally worked, other said that the pain was still there but it was manageable while others were screaming for the epi. It depends on how much you buy into it. I'm on the first CD and I can tell you that it has helped me with relaxation and that I'm sleeping better and am better able to deal with the stresses of the day.

There is a thread floating around in the pregnancy section. You can also look at hypnobirthing.com.

Coke and Cake: My favorite meal of the day (says the woman with a predisposition to GD ;) ) I have never craved soft drinks or sugar as much as I have these past few months.

Waterbirth: My hospital has the facilities but my OB doesn't believe in it so were not doing it.

[ironhair]

Cake and Coke? I had cake for breakfast! I did wash it down with a big glass of milk, so that made it better, didn't it? I hear ya about craving soda and sweets - this poor baby is going to come out bouncing!

Filming? Uck, No! It's going to be bad enough, I don't think I need to re-live it. I know I am a big baby and really don't need a reminder of how horribly I am sure I'll behave.

Med Free? Are you kidding? I really admire those of you who considering or committed to med-free, but I just don't think I can do it. My MIL is incensed that I would consider drugs - I'm sure there will be many more things to come that will put her in a tizzy, might as well start off right!

Hypnobirthing - never looked into it, but think I might. If for nothing else the help it brought Southlooper in dealing with stress.

Lack of Sleep - I have to pee at least twice a night, I figure that is just nature's way of giving me a little practice. My only worry is that DH will sleep through the night and I'll be the only one getting up! Anyone else worried about getting a lack of help/support from their DH. Not that he's not involved/excited, I just think he thinks it's my job for some reason. Never mind that I work just as many hours a week as he does.

Nesting - DH is making so much fun of me for this. I have purging stuff for months now. I have probably tossed a ton of things that I may need again someday, but I just can't be stopped. I stripped the wallpaper from the hallway and redid that (the previous owners had a bit of an obsession with wallpaper). Last night I started on the nursery - I have now decided it would be easier to rip all the walls down and start over! :eek: I don't know what she used for wallpaper paste but it's NEVER going to come off!!

Standrea - Yeah for purchasing the crib! I imagine it feels really good to get something checked off the list. I should probably start that!

Worried if the Dr is wrong about the sex of the baby? Wow, unless there is something quite wrong with our DD, it is without-a-doubt a boy! ;)

Names - I know we have discussed names a few times here, but anybody else still totally clueless? We finally decided on a girl's name (with your help :) ), then found out we don't need a girl's name. Now we can't seem to decide on a boy's name. I know we still have time, but I feel like it has to be named, NOW. I made fun of two of my GF's b/c it took them days after the birth of their babies to name them, and one even knew what she was having! I think this is carma coming back to get me.

Wow sorry, long post. I guess I better get to work now!

[fats]

Standrea: LOVE the bedding!!!! One of my good friends is hoping to do an aquatic theme and right now she’s stuck on some Turtle Bedding, but I just forwarded her yours – so cute!!!

Jarm: glad you got into the OB and heard the heartbeat at least. What a wacko leaving you that message – how would she expect you to react to that?!

Jen: You said that having the epidural helped when they repaired the tear. What was is like recovering from the tear afterwards? That’s my main concern. I mean, I know with everything going on, I’m not going to feel the tear/episiotomy or repair, but I’m dreading what the recovery will be like from stitches ‘down there’.

Nettreefrog: Good points about the epidural. I’m still going to get one, but now I’m just more nervous about it!!!

ironhair: Your post cracked me up because I'm right there with you on the filiming and medicated birth issues!!!

Water Birth: Our hospital has a birthing center that has a tub for a water birth (I think – I’m not using the birthing center so I didn’t look into it)

Filming the Birth: NO WAY!!!! I’ll bring my camera for some pictures after the baby is cleaned up and my hair gets brushed off my face, but I don’t think any of us want to see him coming out of my hoo ha all covered in yuck.

Craving Chocolate or Coke: I eat a lot of chocolate, but I don’t think it’s related to the pregnancy, it’s just me. I almost never drink soda but last night I really wanted a coke, so maybe it’s pregnancy related. I think I just wanted the caffeine because I had a very late train ride home and I didn’t want to miss my stop!

Lack of Sleep: I’m definitely concerned about the lack of sleep after the baby’s born, but what can you? I figure it kind of goes along with the territory, especially if you’re breast feeding. Although I agree with Jen – it’d be much worse if I had another child to take care of.

DH helping: I don’t worry too much about this because I know that Eco really wants to help and he usually keeps later hours than I do, but at the same time, I’m hoping to breastfeed and until I start pumping, he can’t really help with that. Also, once he goes back to work and I’m still on maternity leave, it doesn’t seem fair to make him get up in the middle of the night when he’s got to go to work in a few hours.

Sex of baby being wrong: Not an issue for us – we had it confirmed by the amnio!!

Last night we went to see Billy Joel and Madison Square Garden and it was an AMAZING concert!!! I’m looking for tickets to go again – fortunately he’s got a ton of shows there!! I kept hitting my stomach to wake the baby up so he could enjoy it too!!! :)

Update on Me
I don’t think I ever updated about my work situation. I had the best news last week. I’d been stressing for a long time (since I got pregnant) over how I was going to talk to my boss about maybe working part time after the baby’s born. I had this whole plan worked out but I didn’t know when to bring it up with her. So she completely catches me off guard last week and comes into my office to talk about what to do after I come back to work, and get this – SHE asked ME how I would feel about working part time!!! I was ecstatic. I told her my plan – 3 days in the office working until 3pm and one day working from home. That gives me one day completely off to spend with the baby (and the day working from home I’ll get to spend lots of time with him too I think). She seemed ok with it and is just going to see about getting it approved by the higher ups. Such a load off my mind – still a lot of details to be worked out but I couldn’t be happier!!

[shortcake]

cake & coke
I am soooo craving soda and chocolate. And giving in. DH wants me to quit a month or more before duedate so DS doesn't come out addicted to caffeine!

filming
Heck no, but I'm glad we'll have a camcorder this time for afterwards. Last time we didn't own one yet. Also I hope DH or someone will take a "right away" photo - I kind of wish we had one of DD. DH thinks it's gross. But I would like one - even if it's not in an album but just floating around to look at now and then.

med free
Nope - I loved my epidural! I hope it works as well this time, I think I got a very good one - no pain but could still feel to push, etc. By the way, if you do need stitches and don't have an epidural, they do numb you before sewing you up.

hypnobirthing
Not for me (see med free above!) but a friend of mine loved it.

lack of sleep
Totally a bit concerned. I was soooo sleep deprived with DD. Hoping to get a baby that at least sleeps 2-3 hours at a time this time! Also planning to pay the bucks to have a postpartum doula at least 1 night a week for a month to give us a little break.

lack of help from DH
I know he will do what he can, but he does plan to go back to work after 2 weeks which is sooner than with DD. So yes I am worried - once he's doing that, it will be all me. Also concerned b/c DD has been waking at night lately - I can't handl TWO waking kids! (Plus newborns tend to sleep in a bit, while DD gets up between 6:30 and 7:30).

Standrea -Yay on the crib! I like the bedding, too.

Crib
I am a bit confused because we don't plan to get a crib. DD is still in hers but should be out of it at some point...but a nursery without a crib??? Even temporarily? (Until Baby is 3 months or so) It is chaffing my nesting instinct just thinking about it! Fortunately I did just get a bassinet so I will put that in there and maybe that will help. Seriously, I feel a big problem with not being able to set up a crib in there!

names
Yep, still totally clueless. I think we will have to pick a common one because I'm not a fan of trendy boys names and don't want something weird either. So Ben/Josh/Mike or something. Kind of disappointing. I will keep thinking about it.

tearing
I was really set against an episiotomy, and told the dr. I'd rather tear. He was cool with that (that is his practice, unless it's really needed). I did tear, but not too badly. I think it's b/c DD came so quickly - only 3 pushes!

[Jen1098]

fats Great news on your work situation. Makes it much easier having your boss approach you about it.
You know, the recovery from the tear wasn't tooo bad. It was sore "down there" for a little while but nothing I couldn't handle. I used a sitz bath for a couple of days afterwards and that helped. Plus the stitches I had disolve so I didn't have to have them removed.

namesOh yes,still so cluecless. DH doesn't like my choices and I don't like his so right now this boy is nameless. I think I'll pick up a baby book and go through it while I'm still here in Florida.

shortcake Wow three pushes,that's awesome. My labor was pretty short but certainly not 3 pushes. That makes sense about getting numbed for stitches. Duh.

[ironhair]

Fats - great news about your work situation (though I am secretly envious!). LOL about the "hoo ha" comment!

Shortcake - 3 pushes?!? I am hoping to get that lucky!

Jen1098 - Good luck with the baby name book. We look at ours EVERY night, and still nothing. I keep finding new ones I like. Hope it goes better for you! You know, I had a name picked out for about a year and was sure I would use it, then when I found out there was a "real" baby to use it on, I suddenly didn't like it anymore - figures!

[shortcake]

jen & ironhair - Yep, it was quick! I was induced with pitocin at around 8am, had my water broken at around 9, and she was out at 1:06pm. It was very intense though!! It's good I had an epidural, because the doctor wasn't expecting me to be ready so soon and I had to wait for him a bit, after already doing a "trial push" with the nurse. It would have been hard to wait w/o epidural!

[Guinness]

With all of you talking about chocolate cake and coke, I am convinced this surprise baby is a boy ;) Yesterday I got home from work and all I could think about was the coke in the fridge. I poured a big glass with ice. This weekend I wanted a cake so bad - I ended up with a piece of the reduced fat marble coffee cake from Starbuck's. You must try if you are on this kick. Very yummy.

Filming No way. My nightmare is having 'a baby story' type of birth. It will be me, DH and docs, no cameras and DH will be next to me, not at the end of the bed watching the show :eek:

Thanks for the book rec Emily!

Lack of sleep This is already beginning and I am worried. However, I will have 3-4 months off with the baby and DH will be working, so with BF I will definitely take these shifts. Maybe on the weekend he can do it for bonding.

Lack of help from DH I am a little worried about this, but not from his lack of wanting to. He commutes 1 1/2hrs by car each way to work 4xs/wk to work full-time, and is working on his MBA so has school at night/weekends. This won't change when the baby comes, so I will be doing a major chunk and having him help when he can. I know he wants to be completely involved, so we will have to take it step by step. We'll get through it.

I am having some serious round ligament pains today. . . guess more belly popping ahead.

Hello to everyone - not in the mood for SOs - sorry :o

[shortcake]

Guinness - I defininitely think sweets=boy for me! With DD I was craving savory food wayyyy more.

[Guinness]

hmm, well I am craving coke, cake, chips and steak - so that makes it 50-50 again :p

[AttyGrl74]

I'll eat anything and everything in sight.

[AttyGrl74]

btw - ya'll stink with your talk about coke and cake - cause now I MUST HAVE COKE AND SOME CAKE!

You're a bunch of craving-enablers! :D

[nettie]

Wow, I am so far behind here. A few QOTDs that I remember...

Nesting I guess I've been nesting, we've done a lot of organizing, throwing out, rearranging. But really, this is just me being me, I'm an organizer/planner by nature. The baby's room is beginning to resemble a baby's room by this point. We pick up the crib this weekend!

Epidural or no? I'd like to have a med free birth, but I'm not totally opposed to the epidural either. This is my first pregnancy. Despite all the reading, classes, people I talk to, I can't be sure how I'll feel while in labor, so I'm keeping my options open. The class I'm signed up for is for both med and no-med births, so I'm hoping it will help. I've also been reading the Birth Book by the Sears. It's biased towards the med free, but it's actually making me excited for labor. The Sears have such a warm approach to discussing things.

Daycare I'm on 6 waiting lists. Yes, this does seem crazy to me, but it's the advice I got. I'm thinking I'll feel most comfortable with center care and infant slots in centers around here are hard to come by. Ugh. Anyway, all of the centers we visited seemed nice, NAEYC certified, different atmospheres, but mostly similar philosophies. It'll be difficult if we actually have a choice between them come next Oct when we'll start daycare.

Support of DH DH is super excited to be a Dad and probably more ready to be a parent than I am. That said, I'll be breastfeeding and he won't. I'm hoping he'll be as helpful as possible, but I know that for the first 4 weeks, 8 weeks? it'll be mostly me caring for this baby.

Names We have a list of three that we haven't shared with anyone, though I'm tempted to share here. We know it's a boy, the ultrasound made that very clear. We're just mulling around the three names to see if one really jumps out as THE name at some point. It's kind of difficult because he'll be Baby Mylastname DHlastname, and my last name is a mouthful.

I think I got all the big ones. My next appointment is tomorrow and I get to do the GD test, woo hoo. It just seems like such a waste of sugar calories. Couldn't I just eat a chocolate bar instead? :)

[Guinness]

Nettie My doc said I could eat 50 jelly beans instead of drinking that drink (in 5 minutes). I should have asked him if he was serious, because that sounds lots better! Although DH pointed out it is jelly beans not jelly bellies and that is a mouthful of sticky in five minutes ;)

Attygrl74 LOL. I just went and got a Reuben, chips and Sweet Tea to hit all the cravings - want some :p I swear next time I go in I will have gained 10 lbs - UGH

[Em7.31.04]

Filming the Birth: NO WAY!!!! I’ll bring my camera for some pictures after the baby is cleaned up and my hair gets brushed off my face, but I don’t think any of us want to see him coming out of my hoo ha all covered in yuck.

AMEN!!!


I am horrible, and I mean, HORRIBLE employee...This morning I woke up a bit earlier than normal to go into work. Mind you, this was at 6:30am, and I had gone to bed at 10pm last night...I decided that I really didn't feel like going in yet, so I called in sick and stayed in bed until 11am. I am SO rested today...but I feel terribly guilty. Anyone else done this...or at least thought about it?

[Standrea]

Hey Ladies!

Wow-2 days in a row!

I forgot to mention that we chose a name. We are going with Abigail (99% sure anyway).


Thanks fo rthe info on the hypnobirthing...ive been meaning to look into it, but keep forgetting...

Has anyone done their registry's yet??

I have to eat chocolate everyday, but think i need to quit...its such a bad habit...i dont want to do it anymore! That's my number 1 guilty indulgence...

Nesting-I just scrubbed down my bathroom door with a mr. clean magic eraser...not quite sure why, but it looks fantastic now!;)

[jarm]

I've been really stressed and aggravated, but thank goodness life seems to be calming down.

We went for that u/s tonight (later than anticipated because the office people are idiots) to check the placenta and they couldn't do it with the regular one...I had to have a vaginal u/s. Great!!! My placenta is low, but it's not placenta previa. Now I'm wondering why this wasn't caught before as I don't think it was from Arlyn jumping on me.

The baby was fine, though...thank goodness. Just a bit stressed and concerned about the placenta.

[ironhair]

Standrea - Yay on picking a name! DH and I finally registered on Jan 12. He was no help at all and just kept scanning things at random! The next day I pulled the registry up online and deleted all of his entries and added some things I forgt. Don't take your DH!! We only registered at Target b/c that's pretty much the standard around here - no real access to anything else except via internet. I bought the Baby Bargains book, but decided I was way too lazy and confused to even bother with it - I relied more on the advice of my mom friends.

Jarm - glad to hear the u/s went well (for the most part) and the baby is doing OK - try not to stress too much

Em7.31.04 - I do consider that regularly! Unfortunately I don't deal well with guilt and have never been able to pull it off :( Sometimes it's good to take a day for yourself, hope the rested feeling stays with you for a while.

[nettreefrog]

AMEN!!!


I am horrible, and I mean, HORRIBLE employee...This morning I woke up a bit earlier than normal to go into work. Mind you, this was at 6:30am, and I had gone to bed at 10pm last night...I decided that I really didn't feel like going in yet, so I called in sick and stayed in bed until 11am. I am SO rested today...but I feel terribly guilty. Anyone else done this...or at least thought about it?

I wish... I worked a full day, picked up my daughter, and just worked for an additional 4 hours. Yawn...I need to relax.

[ga girl]

Em7.31.04- Ha! I just did that yesterday!! Our flight back from Philly on Sunday was delayed several hours and we didn't get home until after midnight. The next day I woke up on time but thought- forget it! I took the day off and didn't change out of my pj's the entire day:) It was nice but like you I do suffer the guilt.

I have my GD test tomorrow- blah. The good part is that I also have another u/s so I get to see the little guy!

Standrea- I just finished my registry about 10 min ago. I did it all online b/c the BRU near me is a madhouse on the weekends. I figure that I can return anything that doesn't look the same in person. It took me forever to do it!!

Ok- I'm such a dork. My parents bought our travel system for us and the infant seat came in today. My mom rushed it right over and I was so excited!Dh just stared and asked if I was planning to put items in it and carry it around now just for fun....ha,ha.:rolleyes:

[Southlooper]

Happy Wednesday!

Confession II Yesterday I ate 2 milky way minis, a mini bag of Oreoes, 6 Fannie Mae minature chocolate balls and a piece of leftover red cake. With all that sugar it was hard for me to get up this morning.

I just finished an Egg Mcmuffin, hashbrown and small orange juice. I think I'll be drinking water for the rest of the day (i'm going to DIE at the gym this afternoon.) Can't wait for my GD test tomorrow.

Growth spurt: Yesterday I sweat I could feel myself growing. My had some pain that felt like muscles and skin expanding. It could be because I ate all that junk (I'm also thinking that I ate all that junk because I was growing.) Anyone else experience this sensation?

I'm suppose to be in a department meeting in 5 minutes, but I think I'm going to hide in my classroom instead.

[fats]

I am horrible, and I mean, HORRIBLE employee...This morning I woke up a bit earlier than normal to go into work. Mind you, this was at 6:30am, and I had gone to bed at 10pm last night...I decided that I really didn't feel like going in yet, so I called in sick and stayed in bed until 11am. I am SO rested today...but I feel terribly guilty. Anyone else done this...or at least thought about it?

Think about it? Every day!! But since I don't get any paid maternity leave, I'm trying to save every single vacation/sick/personal day I can!!!

jarm Glad to hear everything is ok. On the bright side - a low placenta is better than placenta previa, right?

standrea LOVE the name Abigail!! Are you going to call her Abby?

We registered a while ago - well, about a month or so ago but I didn't register for any clothes or blankets or stuff like that. I figure people will buy that for the shower whether or not it's on the registry. I actually feel like the registry is more of a checklist for me to remember what we need to get than for people to buy stuff for us.

I've been feeling like I have an upset stomach a lot lately - anyone else get this? I don't know if it's from being pregnant or all the crap that I eat. Or a combo of the two. Also, I find that I've been getting cramps too - nothing servere, but just that yucky PMS crampy feeling. Anyone else get those? I've got an OB appointment tomorrow so I'm going to mention it.

[Jen1098]

Good afternoon.

I weighed myself yesterday at the grocery store. Granted they seem to always be off by a pound or two. But...if that scale is right then I am only 7 lbs away from weighing what I weighed the day I delivered Josh. With him I only gained 18 lbs. Not from lack of eating though.
I figure once I leave my parents I'll eat better b/c here there is an endless supply of cookies, ice cream etc.

fats I've had the stomach cramps and upset stomach once in awhile also. It seems to go away pretty quick though.

Southlooper I also feel like I'm stretching and stretching...:D Sometimes I feel like I might fall over with this big belly.

ga girl You're not a dork! Last time I would constantly rearrange Josh's clothes and his closet.

jarmI"m glad the u/s went well for you.

Standrea Abigal is such a pretty name!

[fats]

I have another symptom question - does anyone feel like their chest (inside) is too small/tight? I don't know how to describe it - but so often I feel like I can't take a deep breath because there's just not enough room in there for more air.

[Jen1098]

Fats I had this problem awhile ago and luckily it went away on its own. It's possible your baby is high and once he drops some you'll feel some relief.

[Guinness]

Fats Yep, got it. I have felt like a big out of shape blob and I am walking 2-3 miles/day at a decent pace. I get winded so easily though, and hardly get a good deep breath.

Another symptom?? My boobs are getting unusually sore at the nipples again. I have total nipple awareness these days. Does anyone know what this might be related to? Am I going to start leaking soon? Is anyone leaking? Sorry if TMI - I just know you are the crew to give a straight up answer :) Maybe I am having a boob and belly growth spurt

[AttyGrl74]

Fats Yep, got it. I have felt like a big out of shape blob and I am walking 2-3 miles/day at a decent pace. I get winded so easily though, and hardly get a good deep breath.

Another symptom?? My boobs are getting unusually sore at the nipples again. I have total nipple awareness these days. Does anyone know what this might be related to? Am I going to start leaking soon? Is anyone leaking? Sorry if TMI - I just know you are the crew to give a straight up answer :) Maybe I am having a boob and belly growth spurt

Fats Yup - my lungs feel like they're about the size of tiny water balloons! I hate to say it - but it will get worse before better. At the end, when the kid drops - it is heavenly cause you can breath again. Of course, you feel like you're sitting on the kid's head, but that's another story entirely!

My nipples are killing me. I'm so thankful that Nora self-weaned 2 months back!

I'm not leaking - but I am finding flakes of stuff that looks to me like dried colostrum sometimes in the morning as I'm stepping in the shower.

[kristin9903]

Guinness Some women leak, some don't. I started noticably leaking a couple of weeks ago. It usually happens after I've had a couple of days of nipple soreness and it (so far) has only happened in my sleep.

[Guinness]

Thanks Atty and Kristin!! Guess maybe some leaking will begin :eek:

Another question. . . What week is 3rd trimester? I see as early as 27 weeks and as late as 29. Doesn't really matter, just curious.

[Bloomwood]

Hello!
I just got back from seeing the pediatric cardiologist for a follow up u/s for the echogenic foci they found at week 20. The spot has decreased and the dr. said I have nothing at all to worry about. He wasn't even concerned before he looked at the heart. He said that in over 27 years of practice he has never seen the focus turn into anything. Her heart was beating perfectly. I haven't really been concerned about it, it's been one of those in the very back of my mind things, but now I am really not concerned and just elated.

She was so cute sucking her thumb and bouncing around. He also confirmed for us again that it was a "girl."

I've actually got to do work now, but wanted to do a couple of SOs:
Fats - totally feeling like I am getting winded more easily. I think part of it is the babe's position (thankfully she moved down a little the last couple of days) but also lugging around this extra 15 lbs! Also, yes, I've had passing nausea recently.

Guinness - I've had a couple of days of really sore nipples too. Haven't seen any leaking or flakes, but also suspected I'd be getting another growth spurt! And, I've always gone by the 3rd trimester starting with week 27.

As for taking personal days, I WAH all but one day a week (when I go into an office for a whopping 4 hours). My whole pregnancy I've gained so much respect for women that work full time (sometimes more). I am lucky enough to sneak in a nap every now and then when I need it and have a pretty mellow work day, in general. I totally think you deserve anytime off you can get. For heaven's sake, you're making a new life in your body - that takes some effort!

Registering - did it over the holidays. 3 things were purchased by my BFF when she was here last weekend.:D and my shower is planned for March 5, so I expect the invites will go out soon and a bit more will be purchased. Also only have essentials and gear as a checklist of things I want/need. Since it is a girl, I expect lots of ppl to skip the registry and indulge in adorable outfits.

[fats]

I've been going by this trimester chart
http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b5db04b3127cce9184b066748400000016108AZsm7lw1btc o

[smiles33]

Quick question for those planning to put DC into daycare--how many waiting lists are you on? And did you pay a $50 fee for each one? I've already gotten on 1 list, but now I'm worried I won't get in and wondered if it's worth spending all this money on nonrefundable waiting list fees....

[Guinness]

YAY that means I will be 3rd trimester next week, and since I have one of the early EDD than the rest of you will be following soon :D

Smiles33 I am on one waiting list and paid $25, however I have care set up for the 1st couple years, this is actually to hopefully get in by the time DC is ready for the 2 yr old class. They told me to basically forget trying to get an infant in :eek: I am in a small town and at a University, so this waiting list is for the University run day care. If I were you I would pick a couple that you are comfortable with and get on their waiting lists (1-3).

Wanting to stay home from work Everyday I struggle with this, or leaving early. I am on a pretty make my own schedule and things are slow. It is hard to motivate to get in much earlier than 9am.

Registering We have registered, but I haven't told anyone about it, so not sure if it counts :D I agree with those who say it is a good checklist.

FWIW, a couple of multitime mommies warned me yesterday to not stock up on a certain type of bottle, but to get a couple in a variety of brands (for bf if pumping and formula). They say their DC was very particular about the nipple and many wasted lots of money on Avent/Playtex when Walmart was their DCs favorite. Thought it was good advice and that I would pass it forward. *need to remember to take the 10 Avents I registered for and cut that down a bit* Any ROs have other good tips to share?

[nettie]

smiles33 I mentioned in my last post that I'm on 6 waiting lists. They were all $50-$100 to get on. This is what was recommended to me by others with infants in daycare in DC. All of the daycares we applied to are either non-profit or in federal facilities (which gives preferences to employees of the agency in which it is located), and have long waiting lists especially for infants. I would talk to the center you applied to about your chances of getting a slot when you need it. The centers I applied to made it clear that it would be in my best interest to apply to many places.

It was a frustrating experience to visit so many centers and make so many donations, as I like to call the waitlist fees. If I were you, I would ask around about the norm, because I'm guessing that my situation is unusual.

[Bloomwood]

Just wanted to say thanks to the ladies that posted about their birth experience. med-free or not, I love hearing them. I really hope I am committed enough to pull off med free!

[nettreefrog]

QOTD in completely random order:

1) How many waiting lists for child care are you on? None yet. I just received brochures from Tutor Time, and will check out their facilities in early March (they open in late February). I need to find other places to look at and created a thread asking for help finding a childcare provider (http://www.constantchatter.com/showthread.php?t=14646) here in NYC.

2) When does the 3rd trimester begin? I am going with the chart Fats posted!

3) Has anyone done their registry's yet? We're not registering.

4) I have another symptom question - does anyone feel like their chest (inside) is too small/tight? Thank goodness no... but my side still hurts quite a bit.

5) Another symptom?? My boobs are getting unusually sore at the nipples again. I have total nipple awareness these days. Does anyone know what this might be related to? Am I going to start leaking soon? Is anyone leaking? No nipple issues yet...but my breasts are still growing. I believe my DH calls them my "cachangas"--

6) Taking personal days... I actually don't like being away from the office. I feel like I miss too much --in terms of knowing what is going on. I am the focal point for most projects, and if I am not there, I don't know what is going on. And really, what am I going to do at home? I can only sit for so long before I start to go crazy... I also like being around other people--I am a social being after all ;)

7) Bottles and nipples... The world really has changed considerably during the past 12 years. When my poor and deprived child was a baby, the majority of these options did not exist. Once again--you won't be shocked to hear me say that you shouldn't pay a fortune for your baby gear --including nipples and bottles. Try a variety of things and see what works best for you and your baby. You can always buy more.

Another few quick QOTD:

8) How much do you expect to pay weekly or monthly for childcare? I know there are some SAHMs, and everyone lives in different parts of the country...but I wanted to get a range. We're estimating around $400 or so weekly here in NYC.

9) Right now--do you predict that you will deliver before, after, or right on your scheduled due date? My friend (due at the beginning of June) and I were discussing it--and she wholeheartedly believes she'll be 2 weeks late. I was induced with #1, and keep wavering on when this baby will come. One minute, I am worried about being horribly early--the next I worry about being induced again.

[Lolly]

Sorry I didn't post earlier this week. I've been trying to read (and catch up) when I can. I just started training my backup for when I'm on leave this summer. Good thing my boss thought of this early on. I have a LOT to train her on. Anyway, I'll try to catch up on some QOTD's. (aren't I always catching up in here?! lol) And yes I'll use nettreefrog's QOTD list, as she always makes an easy to copy list. :)

1) How many waiting lists for child care are you on? Just one. Actually I guess I'm not on a waiting list. I'm actually due to start taking my DC there in late August early Sept. I did have to make a $75 non-ref. deposit for it.

2) When does the 3rd trimester begin? I guess I'll go with 27 weeks too.

3) Has anyone done their registry's yet? I plan to start ours soon. My MIL just called me today to tell me my shower is planned for March 25 and my SIL needs to know where we are registered so she can put that in the invites. So I've got a little more browsing to do this weekend then I'll decide on where to register at. DH is extremely busy this month and next so I think most of the registry will be done by me.

4) I have another symptom question - does anyone feel like their chest (inside) is too small/tight? no, not yet.

5) Another symptom?? My boobs are getting unusually sore at the nipples again. I have total nipple awareness these days. Does anyone know what this might be related to? Am I going to start leaking soon? Is anyone leaking? They may get a little sore now and then but so far not like they were early on in the pregnancy. Haven't had any leaking either.

6) Taking personal days... I'm taking a planned personal day in February (the Monday of presidents day weekend). DH and I are going away and taking a long weekend for a little relaxation. I personally would feel guilty calling in (unplanned) but that's just me. I have nothing against anyone else doing it. I just have a really guilty (Catholic) conscience.

7) Bottles and nipples... haven't even really thought about those yet.

8) How much do you expect to pay weekly or monthly for childcare? Luckily I will be getting a discount by taking my DC to the daycare I made my deposit at. We get the discount through my work. Infant daycare there normally runs about $300 a week, but I'll be paying about $200 a week. I was originally figuring about $1200 a month so I wasn't too far off. I'm in the DC suburb area and I think $1200-$1500 is fairly average, if not low.

9) Right now--do you predict that you will deliver before, after, or right on your scheduled due date? I had a dream last week that I went past my due date. I'm actually hoping I do go past because that means I'll get a few more weeks of summer while I'm on leave. (I may change my answer as the due date nears though. I may get so big and uncomfortable that I'll want to go early :))

[Mrs U]

Morning All! I guess David doesnt like German classes cause boy did he kick up a storm last night! Good thing it was my last class and our teacher brought in cake- seemed to quiet him down. :D

1) How many waiting lists for child care are you on? None- gonna be a SAHM

2) When does the 3rd trimester begin? I guess I'll go with 27 weeks too- 3 more weeks!

3) Has anyone done their registry's yet? I 've started one at Target, but I need to foward it to my mom. Only sent it to my brother oddly. I really dont need much since my SO's mom is very keen on buying us everything it seems.:rolleyes:

4) I have another symptom question - does anyone feel like their chest (inside) is too small/tight? no, not yet, but I am wiped out on Thursday due to the constant every hour trip to the basement for laundry (40 something step one way) and taking the dog out.

5) Another symptom?? My boobs are getting unusually sore at the nipples again. I have total nipple awareness these days. Does anyone know what this might be related to? Am I going to start leaking soon? Is anyone leaking? If I dont wear a bra, they get a little bit sore or irrated. No leakage yet. Just like Atty I have found some dried white flakes when I go in for a shower, but nothing too concerning.

6) Taking personal days... Everyday is a 'personal day". :D

7) Bottles and nipples... I only have one glass bottle that was given to me. i bought a duo pack of silicone nipples since the one that came with it was latex and well, yeah the bottle belonged to someone else.

8) How much do you expect to pay weekly or monthly for childcare? $0, just the occasional babysitter.

9) Right now--do you predict that you will deliver before, after, or right on your scheduled due date? I have had dreams that he's was delivered in Dec, and well that hasnt happened. :D My guess is a couple days early especially if he keeps up this Karate Kid act.


Bloomwood Good to hear that your little girl is doing better! Still havent caught mine sucking his thumb, just bopping himself in the head with his hands.:o

Jarm Glad to hear that everything is ok!

Standrea Abigail is such a pretty name!

[ga girl]

I had an ultrasound yesterday and the little guy has consistently measured ahead so my due date has changed, it's now May 14th, Mother's Day :D What a present that would be!!

Please change my due date to May 14th....thanks!

[fats]

Had another doctor's appointment today. Nothing new except I gained more weight. I'm very depressed about it. Doctor said that some women just gain no matter what they do, but still wants to put me on a VERY strict diet. Did I mention how depressed I am over this?

Answering the questions I haven't yet...

1) How many waiting lists for child care are you on? None - we're planning to get an Au Pair.

2) Another symptom?? My boobs are getting unusually sore at the nipples again. I have total nipple awareness these days. Does anyone know what this might be related to? Am I going to start leaking soon? Is anyone leaking? Haven't had any boob issues yet, but I have noticed that my nipples have gotten MUCH bigger.

3) Bottles and nipples... I got the same advice - not to buy too many of one brand because babies tend to be really fickle. But I was also told that Dr. Browns are "the best" if you want to breastfeed because they force the baby to really suck on the nipple the way s/he has to suck on your boob. If the bottle is too easy, then the baby will prefer it and not want to take the breast anymore. Just what one of the doulas told us.

4) How much do you expect to pay weekly or monthly for childcare? The Au Pair agencies have program fees and then a weekly stipend that you pay the au pair, so if you average it out, it'll cost us about $260/week. Plus they live in, so we're giving her room and board as well.

5) Right now--do you predict that you will deliver before, after, or right on your scheduled due date? No idea. I don't even want to think about it - I think if I go one day over my due date I'll slit my wrists. I really don't like being pregnant.

[shortcake]

fats -sorry you left the dr feeling depressed! And soooo sorry about having to be on a diet. I think soon I'll have to do my gestational diabetes test and I'm terrified of not passing that!

delivery prediction - I predict I'll deliver early...with DD I lost my plug the night before I was induced, which was only 36 1/2 weeks. I know that's not a sure indicator, but I believe it means there's a good chance she would have come within 2 weeks after that. I don't know what that means for this kid - I really wish I knew b/c I want my mom to be here to watch DD when I'm in the hospital, but if he's early (and we don't know ahead of time that he will be) I don't think that will happen.

[ironhair]

Waiting Lists? Got into the second facility I called. It's a private residence, close to where I work. She came highly recommended by my boss and father of quads. I figure if she can handle 4 babies at a time, mine will be no problem! No deposit. We are good to go in July (if all goes well).

How much weekly or monthly for childcare? I live in a tiny town in Kansas...I can't imagine paying what you all are paying!! I will pay $15/day or $300/month. Then again, you probably make more than I do ;)

Delivery Prediction? Tough call. I have heard that first babies tend to be late. Based on that and the fact that I was 15 days late, I just assumed he would be late. But, I really want it to be in May, so not too late.

Fats - I'm sorry to hear about the diet and that you are depressed and don't like being pregnant at the moment :( I work with a lady who HATED being pregnant, yet has 5 kids...Good news is, it will be here before you know it!

New QOTD: Is anyone else's bellybutton sticking out yet? I didn't think it was supposed to happen until much later (especially as we have always referred to it as the "done button"), but nope - it's starting to stick out there. My mom said hers poked (way) out with me, but not with my sisters, hmmm?

[May2006Mommies]

Updated to here!

[Bloomwood]

fats - I'm sorry you're bummed right now. I hope it passes soon. You are in NY right? I know cold winters can be tough on the psyche. Hang in there. The baby will be here soon and you'll probably be ready to it all over again!

ga_girl - that would be a great mother's day gift!

delivery prediction - I would be so excited to go on exactly 37 weeks. Even though that is only 11 weeks away! :eek: My mom delivered me way early (8 weeks early); I don't want to go that early, but as soon as I hit full-term I'll be ready to meet this little girl! Watch...I'll probably have to be induced at 42 weeks!

Belly button - yep. It is slowly working its way out. Linea negra and the outtie are two things I was hoping to do without, but lucky me! got em both!

I have a cold. Dear, generous husband was kind enough to give it to me. I'm sucking down water and trying to flush it out.

I did the GTT today. The drink wasn't that bad while I was drinking it, but then I def. felt nauseous from all that sugar. I really hope I pass!

Any volunteers to join as moderators for the Third Trimester? We should probably think about starting a new thread, maybe on Valentine's Day? Most of us should be there by then. Thoughts?

[kristin9903]

1) How many waiting lists for child care are you on? Ugh...don't remind me. Must get on that.

2) When does the 3rd trimester begin? I like 27 weeks considering I'm there according to my LMP due date (4/26). The doctor's gone back to that one since Ethan's measuring ahead of schedule.

3) Has anyone done their registry's yet? We registered at BRU before the holidays. I don't think I'm having a shower, so for us it's just a nice checklist.

4) I have another symptom question - does anyone feel like their chest (inside) is too small/tight? I sure am getting winded a lot more now...I got so tired walking through the mall today!

5) Bottles and nipples... I just take this as a sign that I really need some sort of class or manual on how to take care of a kid. I never knew to even think about this one!

6) How much do you expect to pay weekly or monthly for childcare? Hopefully around $150/week.

7) Right now--do you predict that you will deliver before, after, or right on your scheduled due date? I think I'll go early. Hopefully not *too* early. I've always had April 13th in the back of my head as his potential birthday, which would make me 38w1d. I'm with Bloomwood,though, 37 weeks sounds great to me!

Fats Sorry to hear about your appointment. Weight's a hard enough thing to deal with when not pregnant, so I can imagine why you're feeling depressed!

[Guinness]

Fats I am in the EXACT same mood as you today and I haven't been to the Dr. to get on the scale, but I know it isn't going to be pretty. Last appointment I gain 5 according to their scale, stepped on mine the next morning and it was 4 higher from thats - so add 4 weeks of constantly trying to find something to satisfy me - it ain't goin be pretty!! I am sure I will be on a strict diet with you in a couple weeks.

I also spit my drink out reading your response to when you will deliver. I couldn't have said it better. This pregnancy thing sucks as far as I am concerned. I feel like a big blown up whale and I am 26 1/2 weeks :eek: Stupid work today had a picture day and this lovely picture will be on websites and posterboards for years - and I look like a sweaty blob, not a cute glowing pregnant lady!!

As for playing hookey from work. I left today at 3. I just feel miserable and so wish today was Friday. There is not one guilty bone in my body right now

Okay, I will end downer/major vent post with answers to QOTDs

Daycare costs $500/month in a inhome day care with 3-4 kids total.

Due Date Prediction Ditto Fats - I would happily be an April Fools mommy right now.

Belly Button Nope mine is still pretty inverted, but I swear early pregnancy that the baby was swinging from my belly button because it totally caved in. It is more back to normal headed towards flat.

Hope everyone is feeling better than I. Thanks for letting me vent even if you didn't want to hear it ;)

[Jen1098]

Okay now that I totally stuffed myself tonight at dinner. Ugh. AS much as I love being here in Flordia it will be nice to be back home where we don't eat out that much and there isn't an abundance of cookies and ice cream.

Bloomwood I'm happy to hear you had such great news at your appt. and the dr. isn't concerned at all. Yay.

fats I'm sorry your appt. didn't go so well. Did he say how strict of a diet he wants to put you on? My friend hated being pregnant too, in fact she bought the Pregnancy Sucks book.;)

Delivery Prediction? Well I was exactly a week early with Josh. They say that the 2nd one comes early too. But who knows. This is a tough one, I wouldn't mind if he was late only b/c it gives us extra time with Josh. I felt great last time right up until the day before I had him. We're also in a bit of a bind b/c we need my mom there to take care of Josh while we have #2 so we've got some figuring out to do. You all who have family near by are lucky.

5) Bottles and nipplesThat was a good point about not going nuts and buying a certain brand. By the time Josh finally took a bottle he prefered the playtex drop ins-dh was the one who figured that out since he was the one introducing the bottle.
The same goes for diapers-we stocked up on huggies whenever they were on sale but we ended up hating them b/c they always leaked so we switched to pampers.

Belly Button Hasn't popped but didn't last time either.

[fats]

Thanks for all the support. The diet the doctor mentioned (although she was careful to specifically say it's not a "diet" but it sure sounds like one) is totally old school. Not a Weight Watchers/Jenny Craig type of thing, but she was talking about eating only lean protein that's steamed - nothing on it, and as for sides, just raw veggies. C'mon - I couldn't do that even if I wanted to. The thing is, I've been on WW on and off for more than 15 years so I've been obsessed with diet and exercise forever and I guess I kind of took a break from it when I got pregnant. I didn't go totally crazy (ie. the "I'm eating for 2" mentality) but I think genetically, I'm just the type of person who HAS to watch what I eat and work out in order to maintain a normal weight. Now the idea of having to be super disciplined again kills me. And it's not like there's an end in sight. It's not like it would just be this short period while I'm pregnant, like the doctor said. Once the babies born, that's when I really planned to get it together and lose the baby weight. I think I just have to face it that I'm never going to be a naturally skinny/healthy person - I will always have to work at it.
***Ok, sorry, vent over.***

My Belly Button is the same now, but it made me think of another QOTD - anyone have a belly ring? Mine is still in and I've been wondering what to do with it and today my doctor told me that I should take it out - and I should probably do it now because it might get harder to do later. She said if I leave it in I will probably end up with a huge stretched out hole and/or it will just be painful during the pregnancy. I really don't want the hole to close up though. I had to have it repierced once before and I don't want to do it a third time (although if I don't lose the baby weight, I might not care!!). What is everyone else doing (if it's even an issue)? I've seen some belly rings that are specifically made for pregnancy - to hold the hole, basically - but I don't know how they would prevent it from getting stretched out or not be uncomfortable if a normal ring is.

Guinness I'm glad I'm not the only one who doesn't like being pregnant. I really don't. And it's funny because even when I was on the fence about having kids, I knew I wanted to see what it was like to be pg because I just thought it would be this amazing experience. Well, I haven't enjoyed it from day one. I think it's just one uncomfortable thing after another and it seems like it just gets worse as we go on. And then it doesn't even get better after the baby's born - we have all this extra weight, breastfeeding is often painful and let's not forget about all that bleeding for 6 weeks or so. I'm not saying I won't do it again, but just that I think it really sucks. Anyone else kind of disillusioned with the whole pregnancy thing?

[Em7.31.04]

I'm trying to catch up after a few days of not reading...

Registries: We registered at Pottery Barn Kids and Babies R Us. We did the PBK one entirely online, since we live about an hour from a store. We started the BRU one online too, and then went to the store to add a few things we wanted to make decisions about in person. Overall it was pretty relaxed, but I do recommend starting BRU online. It gets you out of having to meet w/the pushy registry people. At least, the ones at our store seemed pushy. :-)

Childbirth Classes: We signed up for our childbirth class this week! We're taking a weekend-long one, the weekend of 3/25-26. A friend of mine is in the same class, so that's exciting.

standrea: Abigail was one of our favorites for a girl....So cute!

Breathing: I feel this way a lot of the time. I had always attributed it to anxiety, because it's similar to what I've experienced in the past. But...maybe it's pg-related after all? I feel like I can't take a breath deep enough to feel better. I'm sure I sound lovely trying, though!

Nipples: I don't know about anyone else, but mine are GIGANTIC! :eek: DH finds them very entertaining....I however, do not. I *think* I may have had some leakage a few days ago, but I didn't catch it until it dried. It left sort of a crust (sorry, TMI)...Sure can't wait for the actual leakage. Fun times!

Bloomwood: That's great news about your little girl. So glad to hear her heart looked perfectly healthy.

smiles33: We aren't on any daycare waiting lists yet....That's a glaring thing at the top of our to-do list...

Guiness: I've heard that about bottles too...Baby Bargains recommends getting a few sampler kits of different brands to try out what your baby likes. We registered for Avent & Dr. Brown's sets just to try them out. See what all the hype is about, you know?

How much do you expect to pay weekly or monthly for childcare? Well, the center I work at charges $191/week for full-time infant care. I'd say it's in the middle, price-wise. We'll only be needing care 2-3 days/week so we'll be paying less than that. It's insane how much daycare costs!!!! At least at my center, the rates go down w/each classroom the child transitions to.

Right now--do you predict that you will deliver before, after, or right on your scheduled due date? Well, I think it all depends. If my previa doesn't clear up, then I fully expect to deliver early. I really want to deliver early, just because I have to be in class 4 weeks after my due date. If my previa does clear up, then who knows....Late, I'm sure. Lucky me! But then again I REALLY don't want to be induced....although maybe that could change as it gets later.

ga girl: Yay for your new Mother's Day due date! Wouldn't that be a treat.

fats: (((hugs))) :)

QOTD re: Linea Negra ~ Mine is faintly visible...Probably because I'm so dang pale right now. Love the winter...

Belly Ring: I used to have one, but I took it out a few years ago...Now I just have a lovely purple scar as a reminder. Fats ~ I too had it re-pierced and it was the worst experience....I fainted...Sorta makes me doubt my NCB abilities, ha ha.

[Mrs U]

TGIF Ladies! Although I am thankful it is Friday and the start of my crazy babysitting weekend as usual, it's a downer cause today is SO's last day of work for a couple of weeks. Bummer cause I cant surf the net all day when he is home. On the other hand he has no excuse to go with me to Ikea to pick up the baby furniture.:p

Belly Button/Piercing My belly button is a bit on the flat side. I asked my dr about my belly ring and he basically told me to take it out if it bothers me. I have no problems with it, so it's staying in as long as possible.

Linea Negra Although I am mighty pasty white, no sign of the line yet.

[Bloomwood]

Jen and Emily - thanks for the well wishes on my appt. I'm pretty happy about it.

Mrs U - hope you get some time to enjoy you SO's downtime!

Guinness and fats - I'm so bummed you aren't enjoying pregnancy. Never hesitate to vent here, that's what we're for!

Very happy to report that I passed my GTT. Phew. But, my iron is low, so I might have to start supplements.

I think I mentioned it, but we signed up for the crash course in child birth classes. It is being held this weekend at the resort where we were married in '04. It'll be our first trip back, so we're looking forward to it. Except that I have this cold. I'm sure I'll get plenty of evil eye from the other preggers when I show up germy, but it came on too late to cancel. I'm taking Purell to keep the germs to myself.

I hope everyone has a happy weekend.

[ironhair]

Quick post...

Belly Rings: I took mine out a few years ago, but the salon where I had it done recommended taking it out during pregnancy and putting in large gauge fishing line to keep it from closing up. My sister did this during her pregnancy. Not sure how she kept it in though - I'll have to ask her.

Pregnancy Dissolutions: Fats and Guiness, sorry to hear you are not enjoying pregnancy as much as you had hoped. I have been really lucky so far (knock on wood), and had a pretty uneventful pregnancy. So far, I really like being pregnant - the opposite of what I would have predicted - I just hope it continues for the next 16 weeks...Holy Cow, that's not very far away!

[Guinness]

Thanks everyone for your compassion. I will say that one day made it a bit better. Today was a much better day than yesterday and it's FRIDAY - YAY.
Fats we will get through this and have someone pretty special on the other end. And don't get me wrong, I want more children so I will endure it again, but it isn't easy having your body taken over for a few months - and sometimes we just need to whine :o

Bloomwood I hope you have a fantastic weekend. Sorry you have a cold, but maybe you will find some romance time :D Yay for passing the GTT - congrats.

No belly ring or linea negra for me.

Hope everyone has a good weekend!

[Standrea]

It took my DH and I over 2 years to get PG. We had a MC and went through Clomid, PCOS, and it was very stressful.

My Bestfriend from HS had a son 2 years ago. She called me on a daily basis (literally) for the past year and a half to find out if i was PG yet. As soon as I was, next thing I know, she is. She is due June 20th. She is having a little girl, and naming her Gabriella. How cute, Abbey and Gabby.

Ok, so, with that said, she told me that she got extremely jealous when she found out i was PG, and made her DH get her pregnant immediately...must be nice to be a fertile mertyl...

OK-so the REAL vent. She called me the otherday and asked me if she should REGISTER...I said, I guess, if people ask you if you need something, you can direct them there. SO...she called last night, and pretty much asked me if Our other BF Courtney and I are planning on "doing anything" for her...meaning a shower. It's her second child. Granted, she had a son before, she still has everything for a baby, and really the only thing she needs is girl things, and diapers and stuff like that. We were planning on a little lunch with 4 or 5 close friends, but APPARENTLY her sister told her to tell me that we could do whatever we were planning at her house. Is this completely uncalled for?? Not to mention, how can I plan something if i dont even know when MY shower/s are going to be?? It really has me upset, and I dont know what to do.

***Pregnancy has done nothing for me. Until the past 2 weeks, you wouldn't know i was pregnant. That's when I "popped" and the baby started to kick. I was fortunate enough to not have M/S at all and was only tired once in a while. I'm feeling great, but I'm not "glowing". I agree that the weather in NY does not help. It's really depressing, and I think when it starts to get warmer, I will feel alot better. I shouldn't complain, but it's just blah...



I hope everyone has a great weekend. I'm so sorry to vent, but my DH really doesn't want to hear it anymore, and i needed to get it out!:rolleyes:

[Standrea]

I forgot to say that I had my appointment yesterday and everything looks great!

next appointment and gestational Diabetes test-
February 21

[nettreefrog]

I just decided to do major shout-outs...but I send hellos to all of you!

Standrea - I am very sorry that you have to go through this situation. There is probably a nice way of saying this --and I do apologize if it sounds rude on my part--but your "friend" sounds horribly insensitive. I do think that asking for a shower is completely out of line --and it is preposterous to think that she is basically setting you up to give her one. If any of my friends did this, I would confront them immediately about the situation. I know that the weather is cold here in NY (and probably colder if you are Upstate) --but I am sending you Downstate warm thoughts...

Bloomwood -- I am excited to hear about your course this weekend!

Fats -- My DH has weight issues too... and he recently went to a nutritionist. I was horribly skeptical (yeah --shocking--I know), but he has actually lost weight and feels better. Among various things, she suggested that he eat more bran, and have a glass of red wine daily. If you don't like the suggestions your doctor made, maybe a nutritionist (either now or long-term) would help? Another major thing is exercise... I have to walk everywhere, and find that it actually helps improve my comfort level during the pregnancy. And, my old neighbor actually decided to run the NYC Marathon so that she could get back in shape after having her son... I'm just saying that there are some great options out there --that you can choose to fit your lifestyle and needs. I have confidence that you will find what works best for you.

Belly ring / Belly-button pop --> I have no ring, but my DH calls my button my third nipple. Yes ladies, I have always had an outtie, and she now really stands out. I was a bit self conscience during my daughter's party, and tried to tape it down. Of course, my DH and DD caught me in the act --I had the tape still in hand ... They proceeded to laugh and it made it worse...

Disillusioned by pregnancy?: Remember ladies --this is not only time #2 with me...but it has been 12 years since my body went through this misery. In one sense, I am ready for Gabriel to come out --so that we can get on with things...but on the other hand, I am not ready to pay for child care! I also know not just want is coming vis-a-vis the baby/toddler stage...but what is coming on up to the tween stage (where we are now with my DD)--so woe is not completely me...I should have remembered--I should have realized.

[fats]

Standrea: I don't blame you for being a bit upset. It seems kind of selfish for your friend to be expecting you to throw her a shower for her second baby - I've never really heard of people have a shower the second time around - unless it's just some impromptu thing at work. If her sister offered her place for it, then why doesn't she just throw it. I'm kind of suprised that none of my friends has offered to do anything for us, although it's possible that they're thinking that I don't want one because I'm Jewish. I already spoke to Eco's sister though and she's going to host a shower, but I'm just surprised that my closest friend hasn't at least asked if I wanted one.

Bloomwood I think it's so cool that you're going back to the place you got married to do your childbirth class!! We're doing the weekend one too, but not until March. Hope you feel better.

I left work early today because I wasn't feeling well. We're moving our office over the weekend so I was already packed up and there wasn't much work I could do, but I just woke up with an upset stomach and it just got worse as the day went on.

I have to agree with Guinness though - as much as I am not enjoying pregnancy, I would do it all over again because I know it'll be worth it once I see this little guy and I'm pretty sure we'll have another one so I'm already anticipating doing it again. I just wish I didn't feel so uncomfortable all the time.

Tomorrow we're meeting with a pediatrician to see if we like the office. It's super convenient to our house (and we live in a semi-rural area, so nothing is ever convenient to our house!!) so I'm hoping we like him and won't have to start looking all over and interviewing a bunch of other doctors. Then Eco is having all his friends over for poker and I'm heading to my first prenatal yoga class and then to a prenatal spa for a facial. I was supposed to get a massage too (lots of gift cert. for Xmas!) but the therapist called in sick so I'll have to reschedule that.

Hope everyone has a good weekend. Thanks for all the moral support!!!

[Southlooper]

Happy Friday Everyone!

Fats: GD SUCKS!!!! GD diets SUCK even more!!;) Sorry you're going through this. Did the nutritionist talk to you about exercise? My nutritionist told me that walking at least 10,000 steps a day can go a long way in helping keep your sugar down (it may seem like a lot but a city block in Chicago is about 1000 steps.) Also, high fiber foods and a teaspoon on cinnamon a day can also lower your blood sugar (there have been countless studies done on this according to my nutritionist.) Good luck with this.

How did the peds visit go? What did you discuss?

standrea: Abigail is a great name! That's odd about your friend, especially since you have your own situation to worry about.

Bloomwood: I'm glad that the cardiology and GTT test went well. Congrats!

ga girl: What a great Mother's Day present! I hope DC is on time.

Registries: Dare I say I'm a little obsessed with my registry. I check it everyday and everytime I walk into a Target I always add something. I think I change it at least 3 times a week (partially because people keep giving us stuff.) I was like this with our wedding registry (and we only registered for 12 items). Keeps me off the streets I guess.

Childbirth Classes: We signed up for a one day program affiliated with our hospital. I have low expectations about this class. I am primarily interested in the hospital tour and the "what to do when you are labor" procedures. I've already started preparing on my own (hypnobirthing and yoga.) Really, they say L/D takes just as much energy as running a marathon, yet you wouldn't take 6 weeks to prepare for a marathon, so why L/D? I don't think enough attention is paid toward the physical and mental preperation for L/D. Ok, off my soap box...

Breathing Difficulties: I only feel this way at night. It's hard to get comfortable.

Nipples: Everything in this area is bigger. My DH finds this entertaining too. No leakage (knock on wood.)

Bottles: We inherited a pump and a good number of matching bottles from a friend of ours. I hope DD takes to them. I don't want to buy bottles.

How much do you expect to pay weekly or monthly for childcare?: Here in Chicago childcare ranges from $200 - $350 per week for one child depending on the setting. My cousins, whose babies are a year apart, are hiring a nanny who will take care of both thier babies. It comes out a lot cheaper.

Linea Negra: Mine is fairy visable and getting darker by the week.

Belly Ring: I always wanted one. Motivation to get in shape after the baby is born.


Yesterday morning I woke up with a terrible leg cramp. My muscle siezed 3 times before it calmed down. It took me 10 minutes to out on my shoes on because of my belly and my crampy leg.

I also saw my OB yesterday. She said that my U/S shows the placenta is low and that I will have to get another U/S. She wasn't too concerned. Now she said I didn't have Placenta Previa which confuses me now that I think of it? What would constitute Placenta Previa?

Next appointment is February 23rd. Have to take my glucose test then. JOY!!:rolleyes:

[Southlooper]

Gung Hay Fat Choy

Happy Lunar New Year Everyone!

We are in the Year of the Dog

1922, 1934, 1946, 1958, 1970, 1982, 1994, 2006

Look what's in store for us:

People born in the Year of the Dog possess the best traits of human nature. They have a deep sense of loyalty, are honest, and inspire other people¡¦s confidence because they know how to keep secrets. But Dog People are somewhat selfish, terribly stubborn, and eccentric. They care little for wealth, yet somehow always seem to have money. They can be cold emotionally and sometimes distant at parties. They can find fault with many things and are noted for their sharp tongues. Dog people make good leaders. They are compatible with those born in the Years of the Horse, Tiger, and Rabbit.


Funny, I realized that we are a family of Dogs: DH and I were born in 1970, DD will be born this year, even our dog is a Dog (born 1994.)

If you were born in 1970 you are now 48 Lunar Years Old... :)

[shortcake]

bottles we used Dr. Browns for DD and they were great - so I guess we'd use them again for this one. Though they are kind of a pain and I'd rather use Avent (less parts to clean) so we'll see.

Standrea - weird about your friend! Sorry she's being so selfish.

placenta previa I think this is when the placenta actually covers the cervix. I have a low lying placenta, but it's not placenta previa because it's not touching the cervix. Either way, they usually move up so that's why we're getting rechecked later.

[jarm]

southlooper - I was reading over your post from Friday thinking that I had written it. My placenta is low as well, but it's not placenta previa. shortcake is right that previa is where the placenta covers the cervix. My u/s tech said the other day that the placenta can only go up and not down now, but I'm not so sure I believe that. She also made no mention of futher u/s.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
A couple of questions that might include a little TMI, but we're pregnant together, right? Is there such a thing as TMI?

1)Is anyone really, really cranky all the time and just tired of being pregnant?
This is totally me! I am cranky all the time. The other morning DD asked me what was wrong and when I told her that I was cranky, she turned to DH and said, "Daddy, mommy's cranky...again." It's been such a long weekend because I'm so cranky and emotional...crying, getting aggravated too easily...just not good.

2) I have been experiencing this feeling in my cervix area almost like it's stretching and pulling...hard to explain, but is anyone else feeling this?



DD went to sleep an hour early tonight...kinda nervous about that. I'm going to take advantage of it and try to get some work done.

[ironhair]

Good morning all - hope everyone had a great weekend!

Standrea - I'm sorry to hear about your friend and your situation with her. I agree with Nettreefrog, she seems a bit selfish and I wouldn't feel at all obligated to do anything for her. Afterall, it appears she got pregnant to basically steal your spotlight after two years of trying. Not really the makings of a good friend.

Southlooper - LOL about being obsessed with your registry. I was onling again last night changing my registry. I keep discovering new things we need - who knew such a little person could need so much! Yes, I know...they don't really need all of this stuff, but is sure is fun to buy/receive!

Jarm - I am WAY cranky. I can't control myself sometimes, my poor DH. I told him, at least three times, I wasn't hungry on Friday night. So, when he asked me where I wanted to eat I lost it. What part of "I'm not hungry" suggests you should take me out to eat?!?!? I think he'll be glad when this is all over.

I spoke a little too soon about having an uneventful pregnancy (which I knew it would come back to haunt me). In church on Sunday, I was sitting with my legs crossed and I suddenly had a terrible pain from groin to my toes, then my leg went numb, sort of. It feld numb, but it still hurt. The sensation is still there. Plus, I think the little guy shifted positions and now I have to pee litterally every 30 to 45 minutes!

On a happy note, I finally ordered the nursery furniture. I thought it was going to take 6 weeks to get it - it shipped today!

Oh one more thing...Moderators, would you mind udating the sex of my baby to a boy the next time you do updates? THANK YOU!
Hope everyone has a good Monday!!

[fats]

Hi Moms!
Hope everyone had a good weekend. I was Miss Maternity this weekend. I went to a prenatal yoga class (which I actually enjoyed, but normally I hate yoga), then I went to a prenatal spa for a facial (I was supposed to have a massage as well, but the masseuse was sick) and I spent a lot of time (and money) this weekend buying some new maternity clothes and some cute onesies for "the boy."

We also checked out a pediatrician on Saturday. I was actually a little disappointed. I thought we'd walk in, love the guy and be done with it. But his practice is run a bit different than the norm. He's the only doctor and he's got a bunch of Nurse Practioners, so when you go you will sometimes see him and sometimes see an NP (and not necessarily the same one every time) - they said they try to alternate with each visit (Dr/NP/Dr/NP). The doctor wasn't even there when we went in on Saturday - we met with an NP. I'm not sure I like this set up so I think we're going to keep shopping around.

Does anyone have a Destination Maternity near them? It's the best store EVER. That's where my prenatal spa was - in the back of the store. (They don't all have the spa, but a number of them do). Basically, it's like having all of the maternity stores (Pea in the Pod, Mimi Maternity, Motherhood Maternity, etc) in one place. Of course I passed right by The Pea in the Pod - who the hell can spend that much money on maternity clothes? I don't even spend that on clothes that I plan on wearing for more than 9 months! But I made out pretty well - I had a bunch of gift certificates from Xmas and my birthday. I'm definitely going to go back there! For you NY girls, they are opening one up next month (next week I think) at 57th and Madison. And it will have a spa.

Cranky Much? I gotta say yes to this one although I would say I'm much more emotional than cranky. I've had one of those weeks (actually, it's been about 2-3 weeks now) where I've just had one annoying thing or something go wrong after another and I'm not sure how much more I can take. I hope it gets better soon!

[Guinness]

Hello Ladies!

Ironhair Yikes on the leg pain. Is it sciatica? Hope the sensation goes away soon!!

jarm Hope DD had a good night sleep and took advantage of the extra hour :)

shortcake I haven't heard of Dr. Browns, must go look online. I have only registered for Avent, but really should go look I guess :confused:

Southlooper I love that you put the Chinese Year stuff up. Our babies will be dogs and it is funny, I am a Rabbit and DH a Tiger, so we should all get along. Sorry to hear about your cramps and low placenta - hope they get better, or at least no worse :(

Fats How was your peds visit? I am clueless on how to go about doing this. Do they need to be at the hospital for the birth? Must start asking for references.

Nettreefrog yikes, your prospective shoots me years ahead. I have been very happily naive in my baby phase - and everyonce in a while think about teenage years. I sure know we are only beg. to worry!!

Strandrea UGH, what an annoying situation! Sounds like someone is a little self-centered. I would just plan it how you want, 5-6 good friends with a girl theme party or something. Her sister can throw her a BIG shower if she wants. I would be so annoyed.

Okay, caught up on some SOs. Waving to everyone else lurking - Hope all is well.

QOTDs
Is anyone really, really cranky all the time and just tired of being pregnant? That is me. I am not so cranky, but just short patience. As I teach I am usually really understanding of people that don't understand and take time to show them another way. Today I could feel myself getting shorter and shorter with my answers - must take deep breath and cool down - I have many more weeks of this.

I have been experiencing this feeling in my cervix area almost like it's stretching and pulling...hard to explain, but is anyone else feeling this?
Something is pulling and stretching, not sure where/what it is. My baby has been very quiet this weekend, and I am not sure if they have changed positions or what - it is like they are bouncing on something and I get weird tingling in places I didn't know existed.


Update on me:
Our weekend was uneventful - trying to get the baby to move on demand with no such luck. Made it to week 27 and am totally counting the days. That is bad though because there are 91 left :eek: I am starting to feel like I am going to have to buy another round of maternity soon - Anyone else? Either that or wear a bella band to cover the belly.

We start our child birth classes tonight. DH thinks we'll watch a movie - hmmm. I am hoping these classes help move time by faster :D

Alright, back to work!

[Bloomwood]

Standrea - glad everything went well at your appt. That is really bizarre about your friend. I agree with Nettree for sure.

Southlooper - thanks for the Chinese astrology stuff. So fun. I am a rat. I'll have to see how they get along! I've checked out those Dr. Brown's bottles and heard such good things, but they look like a huge pain to clean. Are they?

ironhair - weird sensation! still seems like you fall in the "uneventful" pregnancy camp though. ;)

fats - so glad you were able to indulge this weekend. How fun! Sorry you didn't like the ped. I need to get on that one.

Guinness - I'm right there with you. I haven't been feeling her very much the last two days and it makes me nervous. I was just reading WTEWYE, which does nothing except fuel the anxiety. It also says that in the 3rd tri, movement slows down, but you should be able to feel the baby 10 times in a two hour period when you are laying still. And, I do think I need to move into the next size maternity tops. There's no way what all that I have will make it to the EDD.

QOTDs
Is anyone really, really cranky all the time and just tired of being pregnant? Not really. I keep waiting for it to come, but for the most part I haven't been that unpleasant. I talk to clients/coworkers on the phone all day, but don't have to deal with a ton of ppl too often. Probably the only thing saving me - that and the fact that DH is traveling 2-4 days/week right now!

I have been experiencing this feeling in my cervix area almost like it's stretching and pulling...hard to explain, but is anyone else feeling this? I have a crampy/pulling/stretching feeling down fairly low today. I assume it is a growth spurt? I also have the tingling sensation Guinness described. (I'm so glad she posted it so I don't totally freak out!)

Weekend/childbirth prep update
We did our class. It was fun to be back where we were married and spend time together since the w/e of the wedding we really didn't see each other much.

The class was good. We watched 3 birth videos, talked about pains of pregnancy, practiced breathing (hard to not giggle during this), got a video tour of the hospital, talked about medication options during labor. We also got to see the internal fetal monitor (didn't like that at all!), the vacccum and the forceps. I really hope I don't need any of those during the L&D, but I guess it is good to see them beforehand. DH feels more confident that I can do it ncb than he did before, so that makes me happy since he will need to be supportive during the process.

I was really glad to hear that my hospital doesn't do episiotimies anymore and they are proponents of the baby being given to the mom immediately following birth to be warmed and to start the bonding/bfing while the crew cleans the baby and delivers the placenta.

I am a little concerned about how I will deal with DH during labor. I tend to "pull into the core" when I am stressed and I am not sure how I will respond to his encouragement in the moment. He has a very high energy level and I get nervous that he will be "in my face" when what I need is to be soothed and calmed. I broached it with him after our class, over dinner, in a very non chalant way (I don't want him to think I have an issue with his personality! I don't, of course). We respond to stress differently and I need to make sure his response gives me what I need in the moment.

Sorry for rambling...

[jarm]

Oddly enough, I am finding that my crankiness revolves around my DH. What a surprise, huh? It's like I'm giving him major attitude because "he got me in this situation." I was not like this with DD, though, so I'm really baffled by this. I have no patience. DD wanted to eat out of my bowl with her fingers tonight and I was so annoyed about that.

Pain is pretty bad tonight. I think it's because I was on my feet all day. I tried to get off my feet, but then the kids would need me for something and I'd have to get up to help them. It's a long way to May...

[flyerwife]

Standrea That's really lousy about your friend. Do what you had planned on, if she wants another shower then someone else can do it.

Is anyone really, really cranky all the time and just tired of being pregnant? Count me in this group! I'm happy that we are going to have a 2nd child, but really could have dealt without the pregnancy part. In fact, when I saw my doctor today he even picked up on it and said something to the effect that the novelty has worn off. To be honest I never felt the novelty of it this time. Just more restrictions on everything and all while trying to keep up with DS. I know my husband would say I'm grumpy, in fact I just got mad at him for chosing to use the bathroom rather than help me carry in the groceries.

I have been experiencing this feeling in my cervix area almost like it's stretching and pulling...hard to explain, but is anyone else feeling this? I've been feeling lots of different movements and stretching lately and I figure this is just the beginning.

Childbirth prep We are not planning to take any this time, except maybe a breastfeeding class. I'm still being scheduled for a c-section, so no need for the childbirth aspect, not to mention we took it last time.

Not much to report, weight is fine, blood pressure is still fine, the baby is growing and moving lots. C-section is being scheduled and although I'm still not positive about that aspect I'm excited that we'll have a date set. I have to go for the GD test sometime around the 17th, which I'm not at all thrilled about. I was trying to describe the drink to my DH and I really think that they should have to try it too. YUCK!

Hope the babies treat everyone well this week, it does seem like time is going quickly, they will be here before we know it.

Speaking of, anyone else starting to worry about how to handle everything when the baby arrives? I wasn't concerned when it was just the one baby, but now on the 2nd and a 4 yr old to keep happy, I'm feeling the pressure.

[Em7.31.04]

Has anyone else been feeling a strange sensation of pressure in their lower abdomen....but toward the outside? The best way I can describe it is like the baby is going to fall out through the skin underneath my belly button...Sounds weird when I type it, but that's my best description. It's not pressure between my legs, but more like pressure through my skin...Anyone else?

Ok, TMI time...I've started noticing BH contractions. But only after DTD!! Anyone else? They've almost become part of my O....WEIRD! :eek:

On a less TMI note...I went swimming over the weekend, for the first time since pg. I just loved it. Really took the pressure off my body and it was nice not to feel pg for a while. Laps were so tiring, so I couldn't do too many in a row. But it just felt great to get in the water. I highly recommend it!

Back to my homework...:(

[Mrs U]

Hi Ladies!

Received my diaper bag in the mail today- very exciting!

I think I broke my pinky toe last night- sucks cause there is nothing I can do for it medically.

Tommorrow we are taking the train to Zermatt for 3 days for a small vacation. I'm going to attempt taking the lift up to the Small Matterhorn (something like 3883 meters above sea level). Dr says it's ok but to take it slow cause of the altitude. I really want to do this since I dont think we will get back there anytime in the near future and well that's the main attraction in Zermatt besides shopping!:p

The hotel we are staying at has a pool, but trying on my bikini last night- whoooh boobies! They are nearly falling out of my top! I need to see if H&M has bathing suits out to pick up a cheap suit- I really refuse purchasing a maternity suit for the 106 days left plus I have a wonderful belly and dont mind showing it off.;)

EM I have also experienced BH's while/after Oing. Total mood killer in my book.

Ironhair I have had the whole week the feeling like I pulled a butt muscle- really sore pain down the back of my right leg. If it's not one thing, it's always something else.....:rolleyes:

I have been experiencing this feeling in my cervix area almost like it's stretching and pulling...hard to explain, but is anyone else feeling this?
Sometimes I get the kicked in the crotch feeling. Not too much of the stretching and pulling. Mainly from walking too much it feels like my hip joints are coming loose.

Is anyone really, really cranky all the time and just tired of being pregnant?
I had 2-3 weeks where it seems like I was crying every night. Mostly from SO being a pain in the a$$ Gemini that he is. Dont mean to offend any of ya'll that are Gemini's, but he's really demanding unlike the laid back Virgo that I am.

[nettreefrog]

Is anyone really, really cranky all the time and just tired of being pregnant?
Oh yeah (on the tired of pregnancy thing)... I have 14 weeks, 1 day left until I am 40 weeks. I cannot wait to go back to sleeping on my stomach --or at least sleeping comfortably on my sides and back. I'd like to see under my belly --and I am tired of my shirts continually lifting up because my belly sticks out so far. My DD thinks I am cranky -- but I think I just get annoyed more easily now.

I have been experiencing this feeling in my cervix area almost like it's stretching and pulling...hard to explain, but is anyone else feeling this?
I've got stretching in my side that is horribly uncomfortable--but I cannot say whether there is other stretching going on. Its just uncomfortable all over now...

Childbirth prep -- We already have such a tight schedule--and the thought of taking a class together which would require possibly taking DD in tow --along with the reality that I have already done this once--well it just leaves me feeling like it really isn't necessary. I already know the basics (although every child birth is different)--and because of that I feel that any additional preparation really won't be much of a value added. If my DH really wants to go, I suppose we'll find the time --but it just doesn't seem like a good use of my time right now.

Swimsuit -- I need one for Puerto Rico in a few weeks (we're going down to visit my FIL, his parents, and my DH's siblings). I don't like the maternity suits either --but most of the suits I do see (Target has their collection out now) are a bit flimsy. I don't want to spend a lot because I know that I will only use it a few times... A bikini is fine too--if I could find one. Thoughts anyone?

Here are a few easy to answer QOTD:

1) Are you continuing to DTD? Its just not comfortable for us now...
2) Has your appetite changed yet again? I am eating more than I was, and I have a sweet tooth whereas for months I had none. My DH even made me brownies last night! I put ice cream on top.
3) Can you see underneath your belly button? Nope...but I can see my feet.
4) Do you feel like your belly is growing significantly faster than before? Seemingly yes for me. The weekly belly shots show major changes --Its hard to imagine where I will be in a few weeks.
5) Aside from health, what are your major concerns related to the baby? I am worried about going to my MIL's house during the summer (we'll be staying for 2 months so that she can take care of Gabriel while we work), finding a reputable day care provider and paying ~$1,900 monthly for it, crying throughout the night that won't let me sleep, etc.

[shortcake]

mrs U -Ooh I love Zermatt! It is so beautiful there - went there a couple times with my family as a kid/teenager. Have fun! Oh and sorry to hear about your toe.

DTD - Uh....nope. Pretty uncomfortable, not to mention I can't really stand DH touching/hugging/kissing me right now - poor guy!!! It pretty much sucks.

worries - How DD will react...how to handle a toddler and a baby...no sleep...no money!

Oh we painted the baby's room this weekend (did I say that already in an earlier post? If so chalk it up to pg brain) and it's cute! It's a bit more "sky blue" than we had thought (we'd pictured a more subdued color) but it is very sweet and will be cute for a baby up through toddlerhood.

[AttyGrl74]

I had 2-3 weeks where it seems like I was crying every night. Mostly from SO being a pain in the a$$ Gemini that he is. Dont mean to offend any of ya'll that are Gemini's, but he's really demanding unlike the laid back Virgo that I am.

HEY! I'm a gemini and I resent that - I'm only a PITA about 75% of the time! ha ha ha :D

PS - I also have the Kicked in the crotch feeling a lot and I had it nearly constantly the last 3 months I was pg with Nora. Good times.

[fats]

Ok, TMI time...I've started noticing BH contractions. But only after DTD!! Anyone else? They've almost become part of my O....WEIRD! :eek:

Sex? What's that? Seriously, I can probably count on one hand the amount of times we've done it since I've gotten pregnant. It's not even that it's so uncomfortable, I'm just not in the mood at all. Sometimes mentally, but often physically. I'm always feeling bloated or gassy or something that just isn't conducive to DTD. Poor DH - he's a good sport.

Guinness I think you asked about my pediatrician visit. I posted about it in my last post. It was a bit of a disappointment because he relies heavily on the Nurse Practitioners in his office - you don't get to see the doctor every time and we didn't even meet him on Saturday. I'm not sure that's what I want so we're going to keep shopping.

Our Au Pair's room is done (yay!) and the handyman is starting on the nursery today - I can't wait to see the progress!!


1) Are you continuing to DTD? No, see above.

2) Has your appetite changed yet again? Not really, although I ate a bunch of crap over the weekend and felt so sick that night so I think I'm finally starting to crave more healthy food.

3) Can you see underneath your belly button? Yeah, despite the fact that I feel enormous, my belly isn't really poking out too far yet.

4) Do you feel like your belly is growing significantly faster than before? Yes, I think so. Or maybe it's just that I feel big all the time.

5) Aside from health, what are your major concerns related to the baby? I'm worried about being able to breastfeed and just knowing what to do in general - I don't have a clue how to take care of a baby. But more than anything, I've been totally stressing about what sort of clothes to buy him!!! Anyone else have this problem? I mean, do I get all short sleeve stuff for the beginning or will he wear long sleeve onesies? It's going to be summer but I know babies need to be kept a little bit warmer than adults. Does anyone have the answer to this? Also, when does he start wearing clothes - like pants and a top? I keep buying onesies and thinking that's all he's ever going to be wearing, but then I see all these clothes that are in itty bitty sizes too.

[Bloomwood]

Mrs U - enjoy your little getaway. Sounds beautiful!!

Shortcake - would love to see photos fo the in-progress nursery. I think we're (DH) going to paint this weekend.

1) Are you continuing to DTD? We're trying for once a week. But, first he was sick and now I'm sick, so we're off track...I'm usually tired and not really into it, but I suck it up for his sake.
2) Has your appetite changed yet again? I get full really easily, but yesterday I couldn't seem to eat enough. I grazed all day long.
3) Can you see underneath your belly button? no! I have to lean over.
4) Do you feel like your belly is growing significantly faster than before? Totally. I looked in the mirror the other day and was scared at how much more it is going to grow!!
5) Aside from health, what are your major concerns related to the baby? Where do you want me to start? I can go alphabetically or by category...

Thanks for the questions Nettreefrog!

We are going to Santa Barbara in a couple of weeks for our final "babymoon" weekend. I will NOT be wearing a swimsuit :p

I wrote such a long post yesterday, I don't have much to say today! lol!

[Guinness]

Have fun on your trip Mrs. U!! Sorry about your toe :( You are brave to be bathingsuiting it. That is just not going to happen for me!!

Fats thanks for the info on ped visit. I think I will ask for recs and then call the office to see if I need to visit first.

QOTDs
1) Are you continuing to DTD? We have been about 1x/wk, but more for him - it is just not comfortable or much fun for me. I told him this weekend that our times were numbered, it just plain hurt, and really we are running out of possible positions that don't make me feel more like a cow (sorry if TMI)
2) Has your appetite changed yet again? I am trying to watch it more this week. I could eat plenty, but don't feel great afterwards. Really trying to eat less more often and skip junk. Seems hard.
3) Can you see underneath your belly button? No, I have to lean, but I thought I could - until yesterday I looked closely in the mirror and I DO have the linea negra?? I totally didn't expect that. Also noticed a couple more stretch marks toward my hips :(
4) Do you feel like your belly is growing significantly faster than before? Definitely growing. Goes along with the realization that these maternity clothes aren't going to cut it the whole time. I am wearing a regular shirt and jacket today, but my belly keeps getting exposed :o
5) Aside from health, what are your major concerns related to the baby? Right now I am pretty focused on sleep/bf issues. . . . I will pose another question with this.

Has anyone thought about a sleep plan? I know this is extremely controversal and personal for many, but it would be helpful for me to hear lots of perspectives if anyone is willing to share! I think we can be respectful of differences in styles.

I am pretty set on trying to get to STTN relatively quickly. I understand with BF this will take a while, but I know lots of people who have been successful and that is what I am shooting for. I just bought Babywise and Healthy Sleeping habits Happy Child. I agree with the premise of Babywise (don't flame me please), but would obviously do it in a way that works for us. We won't be co-sleeping, and the idea of eat - play - sleep is appealing to me so I don't create a habit of always needing to be there to fall asleep. I am going back to work and DH commutes far, so the sooner we can get to good nights of sleep I think the happier ALL of us will be.

[Parrothead]

To answer Em's question from the last page:

Has anyone else been feeling a strange sensation of pressure in their lower abdomen....but toward the outside? - YES! I often get it when I stand up and walk around from sitting for awhile. It's like I can feel my stomach muscles s-t-r-e-t-c-h-i-n-g apart. It is a bit painful!! I am going to the dr. tomorrow (yeah, GTT) and will ask him about it, just in case.

[fats]

Guinness Can you elaborate a bit on those books and sleep plans? I really don't know much about it. I'd love to get the baby to sleep throught the night as soon as possible, but I just don't know how you do it. I mean, are you just supposed to let him sit and cry until he falls back asleep? I really haven't looked into any of this.

[Southlooper]

QOTD:

I have been experiencing this feeling in my cervix area almost like it's stretching and pulling...hard to explain, but is anyone else feeling this?
I've been experiencing this from the very beginning. at first it was scary because it was surprising and really hurt, but now I know it's my cervix getting into shape.

Swimsuit -- I've had luck with figleaves.com and amazon.com. They have really good sales.

Are you continuing to DTD? Yup, and what an adventure it has been!! I experienced BH early in the pregnancy, but not lately.

Has your appetite changed yet again? I want more sweets.

Can you see underneath your belly button? Yes.

Do you feel like your belly is growing significantly faster than before? Yes, there are times that I can feel myself expanding. It's a weird and exciting feeling.

Aside from health, what are your major concerns related to the baby? Right now it's financial. I am planning to work part time so there is some anxiety about finding a job that can fit my schedule that will pay enough to cover the expenses.

[Kim]

I'm behind as usual. I've got a lovely little cold which has left me with no energy to post. :rolleyes:

Are you continuing to DTD? -Yes. Probably about once a week.

Has your appetite changed yet again?-It hasn't been very consistent. One day I can't get enough to eat, the next day the thought of food isn't very appealing.

Can you see underneath your belly button?-Nope

Do you feel like your belly is growing significantly faster than before? -Yes. Baby must have had a growthspurt recently because all of a sudden some of my clothes are fitting me differently.

Aside from health, what are your major concerns related to the baby? -Juggling three kids. My Mom swears that she had a much harder time going form one to two, than she did form two to three. We'll see. I guess the thought that DH and I will be outnumbered is a bit intimidating.

Has anyone thought about a sleep plan? -Not really. I was pretty adamant that we wouldn't cosleep with number 1 but that plan went out the window. I found that we all slept better when she was sleeping with us. I didn't have to get up to feed her (just lifted up my pjs and popped her on the boob) and I wasn't constantly worried that she wasn't breathing. By the time she was 7 months or so we found that that wasn't really working anymore (DD liked having her space and didnt' want to be all cuddled up anymore) so we moved her to her crib without much trouble. We did the same with DD #2 but found that the perfect age to move her to her crib was 15 months. We followed our kids cues and plan on doing the same with #3. It's worked out extremely well. My kids are excellent sleepers (though I've lost the ability to have a good night's sleep since they were born-i've become a very light sleeper, but that's another issue). :p

When it comes to sleep, everyone needs to do whatever works for them and their family. :)

[Guinness]

Fats I haven't read them completely through - so this is what I gather. Babywise - the idea is getting into a routine quite early (keep in mind many are very against this), but I haven't read that it is so rigid as has been interpreted. From my understanding you feed approx every 2 1/2 -3 hrs. This can be adjusted depending on your babies needs, so might be necessary to start every 1 1/2 -2hrs. From what I understand you feed until full (vs. just feeding little bits and falling asleep), and then keep awake for a short period of time (i.e 1/2 -1hr) and then lay down to sleep. If the baby crys you go in and sooth them and then lay down again. I think there are ideas to let them fuss/cry for a couple minutes if needed and extend this period gradually if needed, but I haven't read anything about total cry it out. The idea is that they are learning to fall asleep on their own, instead of being fed to sleep. After a few weeks/months you begin to drop some of the night feedings as the child is sleeping through it and eventually it extends to STTN. I obviously have to keep reading, but that is what I gather so far. . . . doesn't sound neglectful or cruel to me at all, but that is the interpretation from some, so it is worth looking at all sides. HTH I haven't started the other book yet, so can't say much yet.

ETA: Kim, all my intentions may go out the window too when reality hits, but trying to have a plan ahead of time. I agree though everyone has to figure out what works for their family!!

[flyerwife]

QOTDs
1) Are you continuing to DTD? Not much, maybe once a week, pretty much for his sake, but I doubt that will be enough reason for much longer...
2) Has your appetite changed yet again? I'm craving lots of sweets, but at least I can stomach veggies again, so I try to eat those too.
3) Can you see underneath your belly button? Some, but not for long
4) Do you feel like your belly is growing significantly faster than before? Definitely growing. I'm hoping that all the clothes I have will last, I hate spending money only for a few months.
5) Aside from health, what are your major concerns related to the baby? Just dealing with the house, life, a 4 yr old and a newborn and getting some sleep!
sleep plan? We'll try what we did last time. We just put DS in his room in his crib and it worked well, at least until the colic set in...We were open to a pack in play in our room or the crib, but he really seemed to sleep best in his own space and still does. I know co-sleeping works for many, but not us, DH moves way too much and sleeps too soundly, so I couldn't ever sleep with a baby in the bed along with him.

Good luck finding a ped. We lucked out and found one the first try. We felt comfortable with her and her methods, she listens to the parents and doesn't medicate unless it's necessary. She's in a practice and I like 2 of the other doctors, but not the one, so I avoid him. I asked in my DS last well child visit if we needed to fill anything out for the 2nd one and she said all we had to do was list her on the hospital form. They routinly do rounds there anyway, and probably get calls from the hospital when the babies are born. Last time they came by and checked on the baby while we were in the hospital and then we had to schedule an appt when he was 2 wks old. Not much to getting the paperwork done once you find one you like.

[nettie]

DTD We've hit a dry patch recently, partly due to me and partly due to DH being sick.

Appetite I too am craving sweets after having no interest in them for the first trimester. But then again, this isn't too far from my normal sweet tooth. I kind of wish I had a bizarre middle of the night craving, DH has been very lucky.

See underneath belly? Nope.

Belly growing faster Not right now. I had a big growth spurt around 22 weeks, but seem to be back to my steady pace again.

Major baby concerns Daycare, room for everything in our 1200 sf house, and schools. Yes, it will be a few years before the local public schools become a bigger concern, but it something I think about even now.

Sleep plan We got a pack and play so the baby can sleep in our room for the first few weeks. I'm open to him co-sleeping if it means everyone sleeps more. I do plan on reading the Weissbluth book before he comes though, because if there's any chance he'll STTN I want to make sure I take advantage of it.

Related to the belly size question, do people ask how much you've gained? My mom asked last night, so I told her and got an "Oh that's not so bad." Well, actually, I'm right on target with all the recommendations, it's actually really good. DH likes to tell all our acquaintances how much I've gained. I actually kind of like keeping my weight to myself, pg or not. I feel like I've turned into this public science experiment at times. Not to mention the alternating comments of "you look so small" and "you look so big." Ugh, I'd be happier if people never commented on my weight. At least I'm recognizably pregnant in my winter coat now, and I get offered a seat on the metro in the morning. :)

[nettie]

One more thing...

Pediatrician Stupid question, but do they come visit the baby while you're in the hospital? Do I need to find one with priveleges at the hospital I'm delivering at? How early do I need to find one?

[fats]

nettie You don't need to find a pediatrician that has priviledges at your hospital. If he doesn't, then the ped on staff will come see the baby in the hospital and then you'll bring him/her to your own doctor once you go home. That's what we'll be doing since we're delivering an hour away from the house.

[flyerwife]

Pediatrician Ours did come visit while in the hospital, I think that it's the law here in Ohio. I know one of my friends hadn't picked one prior to delivering, so she got assigned one while in the hospital. Fortunately, she liked them enough to stay with them, but if she hadn't of course she could have switched. I'm guessing they do need priveleges at the hospital.

[Lolly]

Are you continuing to DTD? Yes, once to twice a week. Most of the time I'm not too in the mood but I do it anyway so DH won't bother me for it. :rolleyes:

Has your appetite changed yet again? Not too much. I do crave cereal and milk more often now.

Can you see underneath your belly button? Yes

Do you feel like your belly is growing significantly faster than before? I think I've definitely popped more in the past two weeks.

Aside from health, what are your major concerns related to the baby? BFing, because I would really like to. My sleep and the baby's sleep. I think that's it for now.

Sleep plan. DH and I will be getting a bassinet for our bedroom. This way the baby will be nearby but not in bed with us. After a few months the plan is to move him/her into their crib at night. I'll also have a pack n play downstairs for naps during the day. Hmmm I wonder if that's too many sleeping options? Ideally I would like my kid to be able to fall asleep anywhere though.

I have been experiencing this feeling in my cervix area almost like it's stretching and pulling...hard to explain, but is anyone else feeling this? Sometimes I feel what I think feels like an electric shock going down my belly. Its really quick and doesn't happen all the time. I figure its just muscles. Also I had a numb spot under my boob on my ribs for a few hours the other day. very weird but it went away.

Swim Suit At 20 weeks I wore on my regular bikinis but definitely had to wear one with a full top. (Also I don't think I looked too pg 4 weeks ago, most like I was chubby instead of pg). I tried them all on and my triangle tops were hanging on for dear life! I may be getting a tankini soon just so I can go to the hotel pool on our next little vacation before the baby gets here.

[shortcake]

It's going to be summer but I know babies need to be kept a little bit warmer than adults. Does anyone have the answer to this?
DD was a winter baby, so I don't know exactly what to do with a summer baby, but there are some useful things I learned. Basically, the baby needs 1 layer of clothing more than you, since they aren't as active as you are. So if you're in shortsleeves, they could be in longsleeves & pants or a cotton pj set. Apparently lots of people over dress their babys, and they really don't need to be that much more clothed than us. You can get "real" clothes from the start but I found pjs and rompers to be easiest...maybe for the first 6 months or so for sure? I know in the summertime (when DD was 6-9 months) we had a combination of "real" clothes and rompers but at that point were pretty heavy on the real clothes.

sleep training
I think that it's great to read up on the different techniques and then figure out what seems to work for you as a family. I am definitely nervous, because DD slept through the night at 4 months (despite being a HORRIFIC sleeper at first - up every hour at least, literally) and yet I know some kids are still waking up multiple times at 9 months.

[nettreefrog]

I thought I would comment too on the pediatrician issues... My daughter has had a range of pediatricians during the past 12 years. She had one guy (lets call him Dr. Arrogant Jerk) who claimed that my daughter was "always" getting sick because she went to a day care provider. When I explained that I needed to take her there because I had to work, he said: "That's a social issue--I only deal with medical issues." Needless to say we found another doctor --and I changed because of different medical plans or because we moved at other junctures as well. Here are some things I have found along the way (feel free to add to this list):

Not all pediatricians have a good bedside manner, and you want someone who will have a good mix of nice/funny and competent. (Think screaming toddler getting shots...)
Certain doctors are not willing to perform various procedures--or are too pushy about others. For example, my daughter was one of the "pioneers" in receiving the Varicella Vaccine --but other doctors wanted to wait.
Some offices have separate well child waiting rooms --and keep sick children segregated. Other have specific appointment slots for well children with the same goal.


Of course you'll want to keep in mind the list of things that are important to you --things like: board certification, amount of time in practice, specialties, office hours, number of doctors in the practice, hospital affiliations, location from home/office/daycare provider, the use of nurse practioners, place doctor did residency, school where doctor received education, whether s/he accepts your insurance plan, etc.

There is a ton more information the American Academy of Pediatrics website: http://www.aap.org/

[shortcake]

pediatrician
nettreefrog -really good thoughts! I have a few more. We also switched because of bedside manner - though it was nothing concrete. It's just that once DD started having some medical issues and I was a wreck, I wanted a bit more compassion in the peditrician (ex: tell me not to worry!! :) ). We switched to someone in the same practice and feel fine seeing the old doc every now and then if we need to go in and she's the one there - she's still a very good doctor. I would never have known I had an issue with her if DD hadn't had health problems.

Also - how do you communicate with the dr. for non-office-visit questions...do you get to speak with them or is it a medical assistant you talk to? Or an answering service! I don't like the way ours is set up - I call the service, they relay the message, the assistant calls to get more info from me, speaks to the doc, and calls me back - I don't speak to the doc herself. Convoluted! Also what happens if you need advice after hours? I like that we have an advice nurse 24/hr a day. In fact I have occasionally waited till after hours to call with a question, because the nurse is always there instead of waiting for the aforementioned convoluted process.

And - proximity. I know it seems silly, but it is soooo nice to be relatively close to the office. You go there a lot at first! And later when your kid feels like crud and you have to drag her there, it is nice that it is a short car ride. On the other hand, quality of care is obviously primary so if the places near you aren't good, forget it.

[Bloomwood]

Thanks Guinness for those book ideas; I will check them out. The only plan I have for sleep right now is to try and get some!

I know this is only tangential to the sleeping topic, but our OB's office recommends that mom goes to bed early - like 8:30 or 9 - and dad does the last couple of feedings (hard if you aren't pumping/supplementing obviously). Then, mom gets up for the middle of the night feedings so that both parents get a decent amount of sleep. We'll probably try it though since DH doesn't get home until around 7-7:30, I might be too sad to not spend some time with him.

As for the pediatrician topic, this is next on my list of to dos. I am really a proponent of balancing traditional medicine with other non-traditional approaches, like Eastern medicine. For instance, I don't believe that kids need to be immunized so aggressively and not at all for chicken pox. There is also some research that supports that some forms of vax lead to autism. That said, I was eager to find a practice that aligned with that. Somehow, I got incredibly lucky when I was at dinner with a bunch of random women a few weeks ago, one of them happened to be a ped that works in an office that combines these forms of medical practice. She is based in the city (SF), so she gave me her card for referrals where I am. I'll keep in mind the words of wisdom from shortcake and nettreefrog when I interview them!

Baby must've had an off day yesterday, she was so quiet and still. She made up for it today! I was getting a whole series of kicks all afternoon. :D

[Guinness]

Thanks everyone for all the Pediatrician questions!! Very helpful. I got a recommendation from a friend and called the office this morning. It is a group of 4 peds and 1 NP. They want to do a prenatal visit first to meet, but don't want to schedule it until the earliest 6 weeks before EDD. So I guess I will be waiting for that, but have heard good things about this group.

Now I have to figure out how to add a baby to my insurance. . . it is hard to tell what month this baby will be born with an EDD of May 1.

Hope everyone has a good Wed. - Hump Day :)

[fats]

Guinness That seems weird that they will only see you 6 weeks pre EDD - what if you want to check out other practices?

As for insurance, why do you need to know what month the baby will be born? Most plans give you 30 days after a "life changing event" to add or remove parties from your coverage.

[Guinness]

Fats We are an extremely small town, so I will probably go with this practice, just not sure what doctor and I am sure that can come later if need be. I thought they would rather see me earlier, but whatever. As for insurance, you might be right - the paper work I saw says it goes into effect the month after paperwork is received, so I figured that meant I should probably pay for April even though the baby might not be born until may. I have a call in because obviously it isn't clear on the website. And doesn't the baby have to be covered before if something happens vs. adding on 30 days later??

[Lolly]

Just got back from my 24 week appt. and so far so good. I'm up 15 lbs so far in this pregnancy so I think that's OK. It's just hard for me to see that number on the scale. I just kep reminding myself that's it just because of the baby and that it will all go away afterwards. Ugh!

Thanks for all the info on pediatritions. It reminded to ask my doc about it today. He recommeded a practice, but also suggested that I pirnt out my insurance provider list of doctors and he could go through and let me know if he recommends anyone else. So, that's nice.

Tonight DH and I are going to start our registry. So, I'm hoping it goes well. :)

[marchfamily]

Just returning from our trip to Ireland (first trip without DD). Had a blast!

Are you continuing to DTD?
Sex, what's that?

Has your appetite changed yet again?
I am eating like a horse....all the sudden.

Can you see underneath your belly button?
Nope.

Do you feel like your belly is growing significantly faster than before?
Mach-speed

Aside from health, what are your major concerns related to the baby?
Not really.

Has anyone thought about a sleep plan?
DD was a terrible sleeper (had colic from 3-7 weeks). I was too kind to the hubby - who generally got good sleep. I slept on the couch and she slept in the bouncer or the car seat...probably until 3 months. This time, I think we'll try to have her sleep in the bassinet in our room.

Pediatrician?
I had asked my OB for a recommendation. I wanted someone affiliated with our hospital. We interviewed the ped before DDs birth. We love him! He is our age and he and his wife have a daughter a couple of months younger than DD. He's fairly laid back and appreciates that we do our homework on issues. He's in a practice with a number of other peds if we need to get in.

Adding baby to health care?
We called the insurance company a couple of days after the birth to give them the info. I think we had up until 30 days to get it official. It still managed to get screwed up...but it all worked out.

[ironhair]

Guinness - I wrote a post earlier on your insurance worries, then deleted it. So, as an add to what fats posted, typically you do have 30 days to make the change due to a life changing event (the birth of your baby). When you add the baby, the effective date will be retroactive to the date of his/her birth, so there will not be a period of time where there isn't coverage. For most plans, the effective date for the birth of a child is the date of the birth, not the first of the following or preceding month - but not all plans are the same so you might have an oddity. HTH. Insurance is such a PITA.

[Guinness]

Thanks!! That makes sense . . . so I hope it is true. Still waiting for the call back. I guess I just assumed they would put that on the paperwork for adding or deleting a dependent (i.e birth, or child turns 25), but that would be too easy. Insurance is a PITA and if you don't do it right you get screwed somehow. UGH

[nettreefrog]

Guess what everyone? My company just changed its maternity policy!

"The first 12 weeks after birth may be taken as paid Maternity Leave. The payment will provide the equivalent of the birth-mother’s full base salary. (This payment includes any Supplemental Sick Pay that is paid after the birth date.)"

I most likely will not take all of it--but isn't this amazing news!

[ironhair]

Marchfamily (and all you others taking a "babymoon") I AM SO JEALOUS. I don't think DH believes in travel - he should have come with a warning!

Are you continuing to DTD?
About once or twice a week - but like a lot of you, it's just for DH, and mostly to keep him from bugging me to death. I figure I am going to take full advantage of the 6 weeks after delivering, so I should give in occassionaly now.

Has your appetite changed yet again?
Not really. I have been eating pretty much everything in sight the whole time! It might be a blessing to be put on a diet:o I am beginning to wonder if the maternity clothes I was sure I would never be big enough to fit into will last another 15 weeks!

Can you see underneath your belly button?
Just discovered this morning that I can't :(

Do you feel like your belly is growing significantly faster than before?
Not so much - I feel like I have been pretty steady the whole time.

Aside from health, what are your major concerns related to the baby?
Is everything going to be ready in time - breastfeeding - going back to work - money - shall I go on?

Has anyone thought about a sleep plan?
OMG one more thing to fret about! I think whatever works will be what we do.

Pediatrician?
I live in a small town with one clinic of GP's and no Peds. While my choices are limited, I have confidence in all Dr there. So, that's pretty much taken care of. However, as I will be delivering an hour away, none of the Dr from the local clinic will be there - I suppose the hospital will just assign a Ped for delivery and following, then we'll move to our own Dr.

I have a question for you RO's who breastfed and work outside of the home. I want to go all or none with the breastfeeding. So, if I breastfeed exclusively, how/when do I pump to get enough of a reserve for my return to work. While at work, I can continue to pump to keep my supply up, but what about those first few days at daycare. Won't he consume all I can produce? How do I get ahead of him?

One more question: Is anyone taking anything in addition to the prescribed PNV? DH's SIL took something during her last pregnancy (can't remember what). DH made me ask the Dr - I think it was for brain/eye development - and my Dr told me to take Fish Oil pills. Just curious if anyone else was taking anything additional.

Last thing, I promise: DH finally got to feel him move this weekend. Before he would always stop moving when DH touched my belly. DH was supprised by how much he moved around - he said, "What is he doing in there?:eek: Does he always move that much?" Then he told everyone at work about it the next day - which I was glad to here, I wasn't sure if he really found it all that cool. Guess he did.

[ironhair]

nettreefrog - just read your post. You lucky girl you! That is amazing news! ...great, now I'm jealous again :(

Oh, DH and I work for the same company, so we don't each get the 12 weeks of FMLA leave. We only have a combined 12 weeks and DH just informed me that he wanted to take at least 2 to 3 weeks off. While I would love to have him home with me, he is going to eat up all of my leave! I think (hope) the company will work with us, but...

[marchfamily]

if I breastfeed exclusively, how/when do I pump to get enough of a reserve for my return to work.

I'm no expert, but I did exclusively BF until I was 2 months pg with #2 (DD was approx 9 months). I'll give you my experience....I experienced engorgement starting the 3rd day or so. I would express/pump some milk before feeding the baby (mostly colostrum still - later we mixed this with breast milk - good booster for the baby). Basically once my milk came in, I would feed DD until satisfied (usually both breasts). If she wasn't going through a growth spurt, sometimes I would empty the second breast by pumping. I had approx 60-80 ounces built up by the time I went back to work when DD was 11 weeks. Once back at work, I would feed DD in the morning, pump the rest, pump 3 times per day (mid morning, lunch, mid afternoon), feed baby at night. DD would basically consume the milk from the previous day. We rotated in some of the frozen breast milk (usually about one bottle per day). Slowly, over the next couple of months, I would fall short by a couple of ounces a day. The frozen BM helped through those times. Then AF returned and I got pg that cycle. After 2 months into my pg, my stash was gone and we started supplementing. I weaned completely when DD was almost 11 months.

It's a very personal choice to BF or FF. I found BF to be a wonderful experience (once you get past the first couple of weeks). I'm so glad I stuck with it and hope to do it longer with #2.

Other notes: I have a good pump (Medela double pump) and a pumping room at work. These are both great tools to make pumping work for working moms.

[Parrothead]

Just got back from my check up. Everything is looking perfect for our girl and I am up 1 pound since my last appointment (15 overall). I went a bit nuts over the holidays and felt I had gained too much as of my last appointment, so I was happy to only gain one pound since last time.

Like I posted over on the Pregnancy board, I am pretty sure I'll fail my GTT. I had a good amount of sweets last night :( No one told me that could impact today's test. Not that logic couldn't have told me that, but now I am bummed. Dang marshmallows. They sounded SOOO good! I just couldn't resist! Kind of a bummer though...

[ironhair]

Marchfamily - thanks for your response, definitely helps.

Thought of another question earlier:

Is anyone considering having professional belly shots taken? If so, when - or, more specifically, what week will you be in?

[Bloomwood]

marchfamily - welcome back! Where did you go in Ireland? I was in Dublin and Northern Ireland this summer. So beautiful there!

Lolly - YES it will go away! You're doing great!

Guinness - ours is the same as others mentioned. The baby is covered for everything at birth, but then we have to add her to the policy by 30 days after birth. I'm sure they'll come back with a reassuring answer for you.

nettreefrog - that is great of your company. while you may not be taking all the time off, I am sure there are other mommas to be that are even more over the moon with the news! Congrats!

ironhair - I have heard of people taking fish oil. It sounds really gross to me! Can I just eat fish?? :p I am taking iron supplements per my ob and trying to eat more greens and red meat (and Total cereal in the am). I eat lots of greens now, but not a ton of meat, so that's not been so fun. That is not fair that you and DH have to split your p/maternity leave time!!

Anyone else taking iron supplements? The CBC was part of the GTT test.

Parrothead - maybe if you fail, you can ask to just retake the 1 hour GTT instead of going right into the 3 hr?

Pro belly shots - I have a girlfriend that is a pro photographer and she wants to take them of me. I haven't figured out the week. Maybe around week 34 when I'm nice and FAT?? ;) :D

My mom sent me a box of baby clothes yesterday. This kid is definitely set. And, my shower invites went out yesterday. Not much else to update!

hi to anyone else I missed!

[shortcake]

nettreefrog -woo hoo about the maternity leave! That is an amazing plan - good timing!

babymoon
That is a great idea for those who can do it! I wish we could. Instead, I am traveling (alone) with DD to visit my family in a couple weeks. It will be nice to see them but I am not looking forward to the traveling part!

pg photos
I think it is best to do it around 32-36 weeks so you are big but not feeling quite like an elephant yet! We did ours last time at around 34 weeks and it was great (and lucky we did it then, too, as I delivered DD at 36 weeks!)

[nettreefrog]

Thanks all! We still need to figure out what we're going to do... In other news, I am still looking for day care providers in downtown Manhattan and Brooklyn. Today, I found two childcare referral services--and one is sending me a list of providers in the area. I am still looking on my own, and my DH visited one last night. Many programs start at 6 months--but we need something earlier.

Adding baby to health care?
We have Oxford, and they sent me tons of information on pregnancy, and are well aware that the baby is coming. Hopefully, it will be easy... and painless ;)

Professional pregnancy shots?
Actually, we have been taking shots with our own digital camera (I think many of you have seen some of them.)... We'll continue to take photos, and my husband has suggested shooting video of our life now --pre-Gabriel.

Additional vitamins?
Are you all kidding? It is hard enough for me to take my PNV! I do try to eat well though--including fish with good omega-3 oils.

Babymoon?
Well, like I said, we are headed to visit family in Puerto Rico in a few weeks--and we'll be in Texas for a few days for a wedding. I need to take another few trips as well--but we'll see what happens.

[Em7.31.04]

I took some belly pics this morning. I'm posting my most recent ones for comparison. The ones w/my shirt down are harder to compare because the shirts are different...

First, taken at 21w, 3d:
http://images.snapfish.com/345%3B%3A985%3A%7Ffp338%3Enu%3D3239%3E6%3C5%3E%3B% 3A5%3EWSNRCG%3D323346%3B77%3B%3B%3A5nu0mrj

Second, taken today at 24w:
http://images.snapfish.com/345%3B%3A985%3A%7Ffp337%3Enu%3D3239%3E6%3C5%3E%3B% 3A5%3EWSNRCG%3D32334%3A8385778nu0mrj

21w, 3d:
http://images.snapfish.com/345%3B%3A985%3A%7Ffp338%3Enu%3D3239%3E6%3C5%3E%3B% 3A5%3EWSNRCG%3D323346%3B784%3B54nu0mrj

24w:
http://images.snapfish.com/345%3B%3A985%3A%7Ffp336%3Enu%3D3239%3E6%3C5%3E%3B% 3A5%3EWSNRCG%3D32334%3A839843%3Bnu0mrj

Can you tell a difference?

[Jen1098]

Hello all. I am so far behind. We moved to NJ this weekend and it wasn't fun. Luckily Josh was a trooper throughout the whole trip.
I see my new OB tomorrow so I'm excited about that. He was recomended to me so that's one less worry.

First I'll try to catch up with the questions then come back for shout outs.

Are you continuing to DTD? Ha! Not nearly as often as DH would like. I try for once a week but he is pretty understanding-most of the time.;)

Has your appetite changed yet again? I don't think so. Still love to eat!

Can you see underneath your belly button? Haven't been able to for a couple of weeks. Gotta make that bikini wax appt. soon.:D

Aside from health, what are your major concerns related to the baby? I think the biggest is making sure Josh still gets plenty of loving and attention. I know it's going to be hard and I'm going to feel so quilty but at least we'll have help the first month or so, so we'll have lots of love and extra hands to go around.

Has anyone thought about a sleep plan? Well I'm not even going to think about sleep for the first couple of months b/c I know it won't be happening. We followed Weisbluth with Josh and he's been a great sleeper since about 6 months old. Before that was very rough b/c he was colicky and he took major crap naps. Hopefully this one loves sleeping as much as Josh and I do.

Pediatrician? Gotta find one quick b/c I need one now for Josh. Hopefully I can find one that has privilages at the hospital I'm going to deliver at, if not no biggie.

Em7.31.04 You look great! I can definetly tell a difference.

nettreefrog Great news about your new maternity policy. Good luck finding child care, I know it can be hard to find the right one.

shortcake Are you flying or driving with your dd. I just flew alone with JOsh and that's always the most stressful part but luckily he does great.

[shortcake]

Jen -I'm flyiing with DD. I've flown with her before and she does pretty good, but it's still hard. Luckily we did get her a seat this time - I can't imagine having her on my lap, sqirming, the whole time (which is the usual thing) - I can barely breathe as it is! Now I just hope she'll stay in her seat!!

Breathing -Holy crap I am so short of breath! This didn't happen with DD. Maybe there is something to the tale that you carry boys higher? It's really lame.

[Jen1098]

shortcake Getting Josh his own seat was the best money ever spent. I suggest taking her shoes off once she's in her seat b/c when Josh had his shoes on he kept trying to kick the seat off in front of us.:rolleyes: Oh and those barf bags come in handy too-he loved putting stuff in and out of them.

[jarm]

Went for another check-up this morning. I've gained a total of 10 lbs. so far...not at all what I wanted! I was hoping to maintain my weight instead of gain. Oh well...the doctor was late and I had the first appointment in the morning. So glad I took a sick day as I would have been late and my BP would've been really elevated.

The doctor finally comes in and she looks through the "chart" on the computer. The report from Yale about the clubbed feet said that they recommend I come back in three weeks for a repeat u/s. Ummmm...hello? Was anyone going to tell me? So I'm supposed to go next Thursday, but I have to call and see if I can change it because DH has to work that day and I would prefer an after school appointment so I don't have to skip out of work again. It's not easy to leave since I'm responsible for 22 children.

She also was questioning the low placenta and in the chart, it said that I need to have a repeat u/s at 32 weeks to check position of the placenta. My u/s this time around have far surpassed those I've had with DD. Crazy! Thank goodness for insurance!

[Lolly]

marchfamily, where in Ireland? I've been many times as my brother and his family live there (Lucan, County Dublin). Usually I go for a few weeks and make sure I take a few day trips to other areas that I haven't been to yet or revisit ones I have. Glad you had fun!

[marchfamily]

Ireland - We spent a couple of days in Dublin and the majority of the time in a small town outside of Galway. Such a beautiful country!

[Southlooper]

Marchfamily: How cool you went to Ireland! I remember when I visited there I was so tempted to stay permenantly. It's such a great place.

Jarm: That's so frustrating about the communication with your doctor. Lack of communication was the reason why I fired my original OB/GYN. It's hard being a teacher and trying to schedule appointments. It's hard to get people to understand you can't just leave the job for 2 hours and come back and finish the day.

Adding baby to health care: We have 30 days after the birth to notify HR about adding the baby to our plan. Hopefully this will be painless (city bureaucracy can be maddening.)

Nettreefrog: That's great about your maternity leave. Perfect timing!

Additional Vitamins: I'm taking additional Omega-3 vitamins. They come in fish oil and vegetarian form (I'm taking the veggie since I'm allergic to fish.)

My childhood friend e-mail me this morning to tell me that she will be flying into Detroit (where we grew up and where my parents live) to attend my shower. She asked if her mother could join us. Normally we are a "more the merrier" crowd but I really dislike her mother. Lately everytime I see this woman she regales me with the same tired stories of my poor, ignorant, uncouth immigrant parents ( "oh your parents could barely speak English when they first arrived here." or " You parents always served the weirdest food." ) She always adds elements and conversations to these stories that I know for a fact NEVER happened. I don't want her mother there. She has no respect for my mother, so why should I invite her to an event for which my mother is paying?

[jarm]

Ultrasound Scheduled for 2/14
Next appointment - 2/28

I haven't been very good at responding to QOTD and to people, but be assured that I read everything and I thank you for all your thoughts. I'm just feeling superly overwhelmed at this point, and I even took a sick day. I had the day to get work done, but DH took off to the gym and so when I sat down to correct papers, my DD decided she wanted to sit on my lap. He came home, showered and then went to run errands. Again, she decided to sit on my lap. I just couldn't take it. He came back home and took her out with him...thank goodness! And he picked up lunch! So the points he lost early in the day were definitely were earned back. I brought a lot of work home with me, I have tons of homework to do for the class I'm taking, and I'm overwhelmed with my independent when you're not busy, but clingy when you are DD.

[fats]

Professional PG Pics: Even before I got pregnant, I was totally planning on doing this and really looking forward to it. Now that I'm pregnant I don't look nearly as "cute" as I thought I would - I just feel like I look like a big, fat whale (sorry, but I'm being honest), so I'm really thinking that I don't want to take an pictures. I mean, I have my own pictures showing my progression, but I don't think I want anything professional. Then again, I think little by little I'm starting to look more pregnant than fat, so maybe in another few weeks I'll change my mind.

Another QOTD/ I'm thinking of going to a place that does 3D sonograms just because I think it'd be cool to see and to have (my medical sonograms were all the regular b/w 2D). You get a package that includes pictures and a DVD. DH isn't sure he wants to do it because he thinks the 3D images are kind of freaky, but also he said he wants the first time he "fully sees the baby" to be when he's born. That's cute, but I don't think the 3D sonogram would really ruin that. Is anyone else thinking of doing this?

A few updates for me
First off, our nursery is almost done (painting - not furniture or anything). The room was originally painted yellow and we (ie ME) decided to put a chair rail up and paint the lower half of the wall green. Here's the before
and after:

Before
http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b131/fatsella/Home%20Decor/Nursery/112_1291.jpg

http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b131/fatsella/Home%20Decor/Nursery/112_1289.jpg

http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b131/fatsella/Home%20Decor/Nursery/112_1290.jpg

After
http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b131/fatsella/Home%20Decor/Nursery/113_1306.jpg

http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b131/fatsella/Home%20Decor/Nursery/113_1307.jpg

http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b131/fatsella/Home%20Decor/Nursery/113_1309.jpg
(the mirrored closet doors are going to be replaced with white bifold doors)

I was inspired by this picture (which is our bedding) and I can't believe how it looks just like it!!

[can't post it b/c I have too many images so I'll continue in the next post]

[fats]

[continuation of my post]

This was the picture I was working off of
http://babysupermall.com/main/products/kmg/kmg616033.jpg
I'm really happy with how it's come out so far!! I can't wait to see it with all the furniture in it.


Finally, here's a belly shot. I feel so huge and I didn't want to post it, but it is what it is.

http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b131/fatsella/Baby/112_1284.jpg

And my first full frontal
http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b131/fatsella/Baby/112_1288.jpg

[missy329]

Sorry I have been MIA. I have been so sick with a sinus infection and respiratory infection. It is 3 weeks today since I started getting sick. I think I am finally over it. But it did take two trips to the Dr, one trip to the ER/ Labor & Delivery, and two antibiotics. Other than that things here are going rather smoothly. I have a bunch of QOTD's to answer. I need to go back and catch up on this thread. Hope everyone is doing great!