July05Mommies - Baby's are arriving everyday!

[July05Mommies]

Hello July 2005 Mommies and Mommies to Be!!!!

If you are due to have or have a July 2005 Baby feel free to join us. Even if you were not a part of our WC group during your pregnancy, you can still join our parenting journal here on CC!!!

Because not everyone has made the transition from the WC to CC, we are asking active members to rejoin the group (those of you who specifically said you would like to move here have already been added to the roster – if your username has changed, please let us know). To join, please submit a post to this thread with the following information:

WC Name
Me: Name, age
DH: Name, age
Married: Date
TTC: Date (optional)
BFP: Date (optional)
EDD: Date
ADD: Date
(fyi: New Stat -- ADD: Actual Date of Delivery!)

Please also note if you have any other children, etc.

Please post any requests for a change in roster info in red to make it easier for the thread moderators to see. Thanks!

Your thread moderators are:
docoNY & NewYorkNovia
**If you would like to help us maintain this thread, please email us through our individual profiles (not through the July05Mommies email address since we don’t check it too often). We are always looking for new moderators to help us so please let us know.**

Links to our pregnancy threads (on the WC):
First Trimester (http:// http://boards.weddingchannel.com/thread.jspa?messageID=3931939�)
Second Trimester (http:// http://boards.weddingchannel.com/thread.jspa?messageID=4125651�)
Third Trimester (http:// http://boards.weddingchannel.com/thread.jspa?threadID=489635&tstart=0)

[July05Mommies]

JULY 2005 MOMMIES � Member List

AirForceLove
Me: Jenifer, 29
DH: Lenny, 26
Married: February 15, 2003
TTC: Sept 2004
BFP: Oct 25, 2004
EDD: July 2, 2005
ADD: July 5, 2005
It's a Boy!!!- Frankie

char473
Me: Charlene (31)
DH: Eric (26)
Married: 3/07/04
DD: Shelby, 11
TTC: October 1, 2004
EDD: July 18, 2004
ADD: July 8, 2004
IT'S A GIRL!!! - Sydney

Danalynn
Me: Dana
DH: Matt
Married: 8/03/02
BFP: 11/26/04
EDD: 7/29/05
Children: Hayden 1/21/04
ADD: 7/23/05
IT'S A GIRL!!! - Emma Jaidyn

Deanergirl
Me: 39
DH: 49
Married: 5/4/02
DS: 1/9/03
TTC #2: 8/04
BFP: 11/14/04
EDD: 7/21/05
IT'S A GIRL!!!

DECEMBER27JJB
Me: Jessica
DH: Josh
Married: 12/27/03
TTC: Date Oct 2004
BFP: Date Oct 2004
EDD: 7/5/05
ADD: 6/13/05
IT'S A GIRL!!! - Parker Alexandria

dizylizy
me- Liz- 30
DH- Pete- 30
married - 11/8/03
TTC- July of 04
BFP - 11/15/04
EDD- 7/11/05
ADD - 7/1/05
IT'S A BOY!!! - Harrison Raymond

docoNY
me: Deirdre, 35
DH: Declan, 38
married: 6/6/03
TTC date: Jan/04
BFP: 10/30/04
EDD: 7/8/05
Prediction: Boy
IT'S A SURPRISE!!!
ADD: 7/9/05
It's a Girl!!! - Orla Margaret

heatherlynne
Me: Heather, 27
DH: Mark, 32
Started Dating: June 23, 2001
Engaged: May 24, 2003
Married: January 10, 2004
BFP: 10/31/04
EDD: 07/11/05
Prediction: boy
ADD: 7/3/05
IT'S A GIRL!!! - Sarah Liberty

jki
fka: mojito/HCK
Me: Jennifer, 32
DH: Hamilton, 32
DS: Jackson, 6 months
Wedding: July 5, 2002
EDD: July 13, 2005
Predition: boy (DH - girl)
ADD: July 9, 2005
IT'S A GIRL!!! - Cassidy Anne

Jodi AKA BostonTeacher
ME: Jodi (31)
DH: Chandler (32)
TTC since: August 2004
BFP: 11/8/04
Due Date: 7/12/04 (our 2 year anniversary)
IT'S A SURPRISE!!!
ADD: 7/23/05
It's a BOY!!! - Camden Joshua

jp'swife
fka: jp'sbride
Me: Jill, 27
DH: Jonathan (JP), 29
Married: October 11, 2002
TTC: Date Sept 2004
BFP: Date December 3, 2004
EDD: July 26, 2005
Prediction: Girl
ADD: August 7, 2005
IT'S A BOY!!! - Alexander Joseph

kakirk
Me: Katie (27)
Dh: Todd (32)
Married: 8/17/02
TTC: 11/02
IVF#1 in Jan. '04, pg with twins!
Lost twins Tess & Sam at 18 weeks due to incompetent cervix
EDD: 7/28/05 Twins! from IVF #2, will have cerclage at 12 weeks
ADD: 7/7/05
IT'S A GIRL!!! Camilla Margaret (Lily) & IT'S A BOY!!! Harrison Kirkpatrick (Hank)

kasia
Me: Kasia - 33
DH: Michael - 39
Married: 9/21/02
EDD: 7/22/05
Prediction: Girl
IT'S A SURPRISE!!!
ADD: 7/22/05
It's a BOY!!! - JACKSON KAROL

KLo
Me: Lois (30)
DH: Kevin (36)
Married: May 11, 2002
TTC: July 2003
BFP: October 25, 2004 (officially)
EDD: July 1, 2005
IF Info: Bilateral distally blocked Tubes, IVF#1 � Transferred two 8-cell Grade A embryos � Successful!! Pg with twins - one lost at 8wks.
Prediction: Boy
ITS A SURPRISE!!!
ADD: 6/16/05
IT'S A BOY!!! - Matthew Michael George

lil_nance
Me: Nancy, 35
DH: David, 32
Married: 10/12/02
TTC: 5/01/04
EDD: July 23, 2005
Prediction: Boy
IT'S A SURPRISE!!!
ADD: July 15, 2005
It's a BOY!!! - Connor Ryan

LIZNKEITH
Me: Liz, 26
DH: Keith, 35
Married: July 28, 2001
TTC: October 2003
BFP: October 12, 2004
EDD: June 24, 2004
ADD: 6/15/05
ITS A GIRL!!! - Caroline Elizabeth

maggieb
Me: Maggie, 33
DH: Auggie, 31
Married: 11.2.02
DD#1: Helena Elizabeth 12.2.03
TTC: we weren't
BFP: 11.7.04
EDD: 7.19.05
ADD: 7.8.05
It's a Girl!!! - Marisa Carmen

MareS
fka: MareB
Me: Mare (36)
DH: John (32)
Married: October 12, 2002
DS: Steven born 09/26/2003
TTC: 07/2004
BFP: 11/13/2004
EDD: 07/22/2005
Prediction: Boy
IT'S A SURPRISE!!! - Andrew John or Samantha Marie
ADD: 7/12/05
It's a BOY!!! - Andrew John

Montaukbea
Me: Deirdre, 28
DH: R, 28
Married: October 5, 2002
TTC: July 2004
BFP: November 13, 2004
EDD: July 23, 2005
ADD: 7/28/05
IT'S A BOY!!! - Jameson Robert

MsmarieB
Me: Marie
DH: Terry
Married: 11/02/02
BFP: November 15
EDD: July 24, 2005
Prediction: Boy DH - girl
ADD: July 9, 2005
IT'S A BOY!!! - Lexington Thomas

Myshel
Me: Michelle, 27 (28 soon)
DH: Chris, 25 (26 soon)
Married: June 6, 2003
TTC: Date March 2004
BFP: November 27, 2004
EDD: 7/14/05
ADD: 7/21/05
IT'S A BOY!!! - Luka Alonso

Nanner
Me: Dana, 35
DH: Scott, 32
Married: 3/27/04
TTC: 10/20/04
BFP: 11/3/04
EDD: 7/13/05
ITS A SURPRISE!!!Ava Jeanne and Samuel Ezra
ADD: JUNE 23, 2005
IT�S A BOY!!! - Samuel Ezra

newyorkgirl
Me: Erika, 30
DH: Joel, 31
Married: July 20, 2002
BFP: November 19, 2004
EDD: July 26, 2005
ADD: July 9, 2005
It's a Boy!!! - Bennett Lawrence

NewYorkNovia
Me: Teba, 27
DH: Anthony, 29
Married: 5/26/02
TTC: were not TTC yet!
BFP: 11/10/04
EDD: 7/15/05
IT�S A SURPRISE!!!
ADD: 7/22/05
IT�S A GIRL!!! - Catalina Michelle

PaulsGirl
Me: PaulsGirl, 33
DH: Paul, 35
EDD: July 26 2005
IT�S A GIRL!!!

SAMIKE32700
Me: SAMANTHA 26
DH: MIKE 26
Married: MARCH 27, 2000
TTC: WASN'T
BFP: 12/7/04
EDD: 7/26/05
Prediction: Girl (reserves the right to change her mind!)
ADD: 7/22/05
IT'S A BOY!!! - Jacob Michael

Tray85
Me: Tracie (33)
DH: Bill (33)
Married: June 21, 2003
TTC: wasn't!
BFP: 11/05/2004
EDD: 07/11/2005
Prediction: Boy
ADD: 7/21/05
IT'S A GIRL!!! - Katherine Brooke

[July05Mommies]

Member list by EDD

6/23/05
usafwife

6/24/05
LIZNKEITH

7/1/05
KLo

7/5/05
DECEMBER27JJB

7/8/05
docoNY

7/11/05
heatherlynne
dizylizy
tray85

7/12/05
Jodi AKA BostonTeacher

7/13/05
Nanner
jki

7/14/05
Myshel

7/15/05
NewYorkNovia

7/18/05
char473

7/19/05
maggieb

7/21/05
Deanergirl

7/22/05
MareS
kasia

7/23/05
lil_nance
Montaukbea

7/24/25
MsMarieB

7/26/05
SAMIKE32700
jp'swife
PaulsGirl
newyorkgirl

7/28/05
kakirk

7/29/05
Danalynn

***********************************************

Boys, Girls and Surprises

GIRLS
December27JJB (Parker Alexandria)
LizNKeith (Caroline Elizabeth)
Heatherlynne (Sarah Liberty)
Danalynn - (Emma Jaidyn)
Tray85 (Katherine Brooke)
jki - (Cassidy Anne)
Deanergirl
char473 - (Sydney)
maggieb - (Marisa Carmen)
PaulsGirl
usafwife - (S)

BOYS
dizylizy (Harrison Raymond)
myshel (Luka Alonso)
MsmarieB (Lexington Thomas)
SAMIKE32700 (Jacob Michael)
jp'sbride (Alexander Joseph)
Montaukbea (Jameson Robert)
newyorkgirl (Bennett Lawrence)

One of each - Boy/Girl Twins
Kakirk - Harrison Kirkpatrick (Hank) & Camilla Margaret (Lily)

BIRTH DAY SURPRISES
Klo. – (Matthew Michael George) It's a BOY!
MareS - (Andrew John) It's a BOY!
kasia - (Jackson Karol] It's a BOY!
Nanner - (Samuel Ezra) It's a BOY!
NewYorkNovia - (Catalina Michelle) - It's a GIRL!
docoNY - (Orla Margaret) It's a GIRL!
Jodi AKA BostonTeacher - (Camden Joshua) It's a BOY!
lil_nance - (Connor Ryan) It's a BOY!

***********************************************

Member list by ADD

6/13/05
DECEMBER27JJB – Parker Alexandria

6/13/05
LIZNKEITH – Caroline Elizabeth

6/16/05
KLo – Matthew Michael George

6/23/05
Nanner – Samuel Ezra

6/28/05
usafwife - Sarah Olivia

7/1/05
dizylizy - Harrison Raymond

7/3/05
Heatherlynne – Sarah Liberty

7/8/05
kakirk - Harrison Kirkpatrick (Hank) & Camilla Margaret (Lily)
maggieb - Marisa Carmen
char273 - Sydney

7/9/05
msmarieb - Lexington Thomas
jki - Cassidy Anne
docoNY - Orla Margaret
newyorkgirl - Bennett Lawrence

7/12/05
MareS - Andrew John

7/15/05
lil_nance - Connor Ryan

7/21/05
Tray85 - Katherine Brooke
Myshel - Luka Alonso

7/22/05
NewYorkNovia - Catalina Michelle
kasia216 - Jackson Karol
Samike - Jacob Michael

7/23/05
Jodi AKA BostonTeacher - Camden Joshua
DanaLynn - Emma Jaidyn

7/28/05
montaukbea - Jameson Robert

8/7/05
jp'swife - Alexander Joseph

[July05Mommies]

Delivery Announcements - Birthdays!!!
(plus other stats)

To have your baby's stats added, please submit:
- baby's birthdate
- mother's WC name
- baby's name
- time of birth
- weight
- height
- any other pertinent info you'd like included

Please submit any request for stat changes in red.
PLEASE NOTE THAT WE WILL NOT POST ANY BABY PICTURES UNLESS YOU SPECIFICALLY REQUEST IT!!!

***********************************************

June 13, 2005
December27JJB...Parker Alexandria
6:00am
6lbs, 6oz
19 inches
http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b5d928b3127cce929d1d070ad800000026108EbNXLdoxam

June 15, 2005
LIZNKEITH...Caroline Elizabeth
3:23pm
6lbs, 13oz
20 inches
http://groups.msn.com/_Secure/0SQAAAP8U4eL1cd8k5!cyuuekPpmyjcjUXlAMHMeusR4GW3UUo dTJVOGgkdKH8ontXhzMDr1CZsLAzObY9R!CigKnpeX9CmK20mz 6Vv1zNBO9TQYBCQorSg/P1010022.JPG?dc=4675527431821863464

June 16, 2005
KLo...Matthew Michael George
1:58pm
6lbs, 12oz
18 inches
http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b5d804b3127cce923510a9f1cf00000066108BcN2TFs2Zi

June 23, 2005
Nanner…Samuel Ezra
6:30pm
6lbs, 8.5oz
20 inches
http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b5d920b3127cce92d36f538f9f00000016108QaMW7Zw0as

June 28, 2005
usafwife...Sarah Olivia
8lbs, 7oz
20 inches

July 1, 2005
dizylizy...Harrison Raymond
5:32am
7 lbs, 15 oz
21 inches

July 3, 2005
Heatherlynne...Sarah Liberty
4:40pm
7lbs, 13oz
http://images.snapfish.com/34438%3C2%3B23232%7Ffp63%3Dot%3E2337%3D833%3D627%3 DXROQDF%3E2323947%3C58685ot1lsi

[July05Mommies]

July 8, 2005
maggieb...Marisa Carmen
2:55PM
8lbs 3oz
20.5 inches

July 8, 2005
Char473...Sydney
3:36pm

July 8, 2005
kakirk...TWINS!!!
Harrison Kirkpatrick (Hank)
11:02pm
7lb 2oz
Camilla Margaret (Lily)
11:05pm
6lb 5oz

July 9, 2005
docoNY...Orla Margaret
2:20am
8lb 6oz
21 1/4 inches

July 9, 2005
jki...Cassidy Anne
10:21am
8 lbs., 8 oz.
21 inches

July 9, 2005
msmarieb...Lexington Thomas
10:45 am
6lb 11oz
20 inches

July 9, 2005
newyorkgirl...Bennett Lawrence
11:40am
6lbs 10oz
19.5 inches

[July05Mommies]

July 12, 2005
MareS...Andrew John
8lbs, 3oz
21 inches

July 15, 2005
lil_nance...Connor Ryan
10:48pm
6 lb, 11 oz
19 1/4 inches

July 21, 2005
myshel...Luka Alonso
8:17pm
7lb 15 oz
19.5 inches

July 21, 2005
Tray85...Katherine Brooke
5:55pm
9lbs 3 oz
21 inches

July 22, 2005
NewYorkNovia...Catalina Michelle
11:12am
8lbs 5.5oz
20.5 inches
http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b5d907b3127cce935a48c325d600000015108DZuWLNs0U

July 22, 2005
kasia216...Jackson Karol
6:03PM
8lb 1oz
21 3/4 inches

[July05Mommies]

July 22, 2005
Samike...Jacob Michael
9lbs 2oz

July 23, 2005
DanaLynn....Emma Jaidyn
9:31 a.m.
7lbs. 7 oz.
20 inches

July 23, 2005
Jodi AKA BostonTeacher...Camden Joshua
9:56 a.m.
9lb 1 oz
22 inches

July 28, 2005
montaukbea...Jameson Robert
8:00PM
9lbs.
21 1/2 inches

August 7, 2005
jp'swife...Alexander Joseph
6:22 a.m.
8 lbs. 2 oz
22 inches

[July05Mommies]

MASTER SITE REFERENCE LIST
Members, please notify us of any links that have stopped working, or if you have anymore to add.

Parenting
www.sleepbaby.com
www.parentstages.com
www.inventiveparent.com
www.babywhisperer.com

Slings
www.thehiphugger.com
www.aboutbabiesinc.com
www.mayawrap.com
www.newnativebaby.com
www.prenatalcradle.com
www.babybjorn.com
www.babywearer.com
www.hotslings.com

Invitations/Announcements
www.achildsown.com
www.babygrams.com
www.babyseeds.com
www.celebrationcottage.com
www.classiccard.com
www.cuscraft.com
www.inababycarriage.com
www.invitingsmiles.com
www.mommysmiracles.com
www.naptimecards.com
www.storkavenue.com
www.sonicstefdesign.com


Thank you very much: to all the group pregnancy journals on the WC that have contributed their links and information to this thread. We are very grateful. :D

[July05Mommies]

BREAST AND BOTTLE FEEDING RESOURCES

Breast feeding
Dr. Sears Breastfeeding Page (http://www.askdrsears.com/html/2/T020100.asp)
kellymom.com (http://www.kellymom.com)
Mothering.com - Getting Started Article (http://mothering.com/community_tools/toolbox/new_baby/latch-on.html)
Mothering.com - Breast Feeding Boards (http://www.mothering.com/discussions/forumdisplay.php?f=23)
Handouts, articles, etc. by Dr. Jack Newman (http://www.bflrc.com/newman/articles.htm)
Promom.org (www.Promom.org)
La Leche League (http://www.lalecheleague.org/)
The Militant Breastfeeding Cult (ignore the name) (http://www.militantbreastfeedingcult.com/index_a.html)
www.breastfeeding.com
www.whisperwear.com
www.medela.com
www.ameda.com
www.boppy.com
www.blis.com
www.maternalconcepts.com
www.pumpmate.com

Formula Feeding
www.similac.com
www.enfamil.com
Nestle Good Start (www.verybestbaby.com)
www.brightbeginnings.com

[July05Mommies]

CC Parenting/Informational links
*please let us know if you run across any others that you'd like us to add.

Eating
Breast Feeding Help and Support (http://www.constantchatter.com/showthread.php?t=198)
Which formula for supplementing a breast fed baby? (http://www.constantchatter.com/showthread.php?t=2575)
Formula Feeding Thread (http://www.constantchatter.com/showthread.php?t=573)
Mom's with Pumps (http://www.constantchatter.com/showthread.php?t=1540)
What is your child eating today? (http://www.constantchatter.com/showthread.php?t=191)

Sleeping
Sleep Teaching/Healthy Sleep Habits, Happy Child (http://www.constantchatter.com/showthread.php?t=133)
The "I need sleep" thread. (http://www.constantchatter.com/showthread.php?t=2390)

Other Group Threads
Cloth Diapering Thread (http://www.constantchatter.com/showthread.php?t=102)

Moms of newborns to 6-month-olds meet here. (http://www.constantchatter.com/showthread.php?t=126)

What Parenting books do you suggest? (http://www.constantchatter.com/showthread.php?t=2226)

Baby carrier and sling info. (http://www.constantchatter.com/showthread.php?t=402)

Master Diaper Bag thread. (http://www.constantchatter.com/showthread.php?t=2202)

Support thread for moms of high-needs babies. (http://www.constantchatter.com/showthread.php?t=2212)

[July05Mommies]

okay ladies, here it is. let me or doco know if you want anything added/deleted. i will update the resource threads as soon as i can.

changes:
1. i didn't add belly shots figuring that it'd be best to save page 1 for pictures of our babies but please keep on adding belly shots to the thread until the very end. :D
2. i only moved members who recently posted over to this thread. if i missed you, please don't take offense. i didn't want to move anyone over here if they didn't want to join this community.

thanks ladies! let us know if you want to see any changes.

[DanaLynn]

I guess I am the first to join.
Thank you ladies for setting this up for us. :D

[Jodi AKA BostonTeacher]

Yippee! A friendly familiar format. It feels like I just got home from a very bad vacation! I'm so glad we made the switch to these boards and thank you for setting it up.

I noticed that both of our "surprise" babies that were born are boys. My theory was that they would be to balance out the crazy % of girls we have. I've been thinking boy for myself all along so we'll see!

[msmarieb]

Just wanted to check-in so you know I'm here... :)

My feet are SO SWOLLEN. It does hurt to bend them at the ankles. I woke up with swollen feet yesterday and had to wear flip flops to work which ends FRIDAY, I work 3 days at the end of next week and then I am DONE :D :D I did put my feet up in my office yesterday, they didn't look visably smaller but the did stop hurting when I bent them. I've been feeling great though...which is really surprising. I mean my back and hip joints just feel good. It's scary, and makes me want to feel for the baby each time I think about it! Other then that I'm cool!

[heatherlynne]

Hello ladies! I am officially moving over! Looks like I'm already on the front page, so let me know if I need to do anything else! Thank you for setting this up!!!!

Had my m/w appointment this morning and I'm still only 1cm dilated. I'm trying to wait patiently, but am getting more and more frustrated with the constant BH contractions and feeling so uncomfortable.

Going to try to post a picture just to see if I can...

http://images.snapfish.com/3443454%3B23232%7Ffp45%3Dot%3E2337%3D833%3D627%3DX ROQDF%3E232393375777%3Bot1lsi

Wow, it's just like it should be!!! I'm feeling spunky now! Hope everyone is happy with the new thread!

[myshel]

Hey, ladies! I'm here too. I saw the thread last night but decided not to post until today. Not much has changed in 24 hours. Like I said yesterday, my body feels different than it did, like there's been some extreme droppage or something. In an effort to maybe kick start something, DH and I walked all over creation (okay, just one of the big Midwest chain hardware stores and our neighborhood). While I did contract quite a bit, it subsided once I laid down for the night. We also tried DTD, which DH was grateful for, but that didn't do anything in the way of labor type activity. Darn!

My MIL wrote me yesterday, saying she hoped I didn't go late (as she did with all of her kids) and that she and my FIL were concerned about the birth process for me because they think I might be "too small" to deliver a "big baby head." Gee, thanks...

[Montaukbea]

Thanks for moving the boards over here! Please add me to the thread! Thanks so much! :)

[MareS]

I'm here too! Now known as MareS (formerly known as MareB). Being a bit of a novice when I first joined WC, I had tunnel vision and used my maiden initials so I changed my B to an S cause I figure I'll probably be married for a little while ;). Plus I figured there'd be less confusion between me and msmarieb!

This place is like coming home again, but I kinda feel like a traitor to the WC too! :o

I just wanted to do a drive by to let you know I'm still with you too! I have to go to the doctor again this afternoon so I'll probably be back later with an update.

[deanergirl]

Thanks to those that went to the trouble to move the boards over here. I feared that the new WC format would give me the push to stop with the message boards already - but I DON"T WANT TO!!! Especially not when so many babies are about to be born! So, administrator, if its not too much trouble, please move me over as well.
Nothing new happenin' on the baby front - I think I am the only one here who is actually glad about that (we have been a scheduled, repeat C/S from day 1 and my mind is not prepared for laboring). Starting to get serious about baby prep, however. Last week I went to BRU and spent $$$ on basics (what a difference not having a shower for the second one makes in my basics supplies!); last night, DH and DS put together the cradle (that was too cute. DS happily pounding away on DH's fingers with his Bob the Builder tools while DH was sweating and cursing under his breath about the crummy instructions...); today I ordered some cute, girly things for her room. I am really just focused now on getting all of my work obligations completed in the next two weeks. Seriously wishing I had taken the last week off before the birth, but too late to change that now.
SO glad to come back to familiar folks and a familiar format. Good luck over the holiday weekend -
QOTD:
How many "Patriot" babies will we get over the long, holiday weekend: I vote for 1.
Cheers!

[NYN]

hey ladies!! so glad we are making our way over here. i agree that this format is much more familiar. try as i might, i just couldn't get used to the new format on the wc.

i can't believe i am 38 weeks today! that is so crazy. i am exactly 15 days from my due date. i used to feel like this day would never come. i will take a belly shot when DH gets home tonight and post it this weekend. i am pretty sure i dropped a little bit (may be wishful thinking).

yesterday was DH's 30 bday and i got him this diaper dude as part of his gift:
http://www.diaperdudebag.com/Merchant2/graphics/00000001/prd_dragon_lg.jpeg
it is a really nice bag in case any of you were feeling iffy about it. i will actually use it more myself than he will.

we are also getting a skip hop duo (http://www.skiphop.com/) from a friend as a gift so i think we are okay for now in terms of diaper bags. i hear it's really best to buy one after the baby is born anyway since you're not sure what you'll need exactly.

oh, and before i go to shoutouts, i just wanted to pimp out my friend who just launched a new children's clothing line:
Hampton's Child (http://www.hamptonschild.com/)
and while i'm pimping her out, let me pimp out my other friend's too, :D:
appaman (http://appaman.com/)

okay, now back to replies :p

jodi: i totally realized that about the surprise babies. i am so convinced i am having a girl anyway that i would be in complete shock if i had a boy. i suppose we'll have to even it out somehow but remember at first how everyone was finding out they were having girls? it was so uneven for a while!

marie: i have a great cure for swollen feet: maternity leave!! i am not kidding you. my mother marvels at how skinny my legs are again ever since my last day of work. it's incredible. and all i do all day is clean and walk and move and yet they are still about 5" thinner than they normally are. i think i had an allergy to my office. HAHA

heather: i moved you over b/c i secretly thought you might be in labor. sorry you're not - i know this must be so frustrating for you!

myshel: i'm sorry but your post about your MIL had me laughing. what are people thinking when they say things like that to someone who is days away from her due date? lol

montauk & deanergirl: i will get you added right now and mare i will change your username.

i hope everyone else makes it on over!!!

[July05Mommies]

okay montauk and deanergirl have been added to the stats and MareB is now MareS. :D

[jki]

I'm here, too... formerly HCK/mojito.

I'm glad we've moved over here! :D

[lil_nance]

I'm HERE! :)
Woke up early this morning, kiddo was kicking and wouldn't let me get back to sleep. Had breakfast and then was able to get a nap before my dr. appt. Boring appt. (pee, weigh, measure, heartbeat). Everything is good. Haven't gained any weight in the past week. No internal, she didn't want to aggravate the spotting which finally calmed down last Friday. Have another appt. on Wednesday and will probably get an internal then. Feel ok except for the carpal and I tend to be more swollen and uncomfortable at night. Lots of last minute preparations going on here. My glider should come in next week. It shipped from Dutailier on 6/29. I can't wait.

[maggieb]

I'm here too. I didn't post much on the WC thread, but plan to keep up a little better here. Isn't is great here??? :D

maggieb
Me: Maggie, 33
DH: Auggie, 31
Married: 11.2.02
DD#1: Helena Elizabeth 12.2.03
TTC: we weren't
BFP: 11.7.04
EDD: 7.19.05
It's a girl...Marisa Carmen

I'm feeling pretty good. I guess I am 37w3d now. I had my first internal on Wed and I am 2cm dilated, but still really thick and only a little soft. Hopefully, she'll stay put for a little while longer. I'm not quite ready yet. My mom arrives on 7/5, so after that I'll feel better about Marisa arriving. I need someone here to take care of Helena.

It's getting harder and harder to bend over or even sit upright. I find that my huge belly gets in the way so much. It's frustrating.

We finally got a dresser last night and DH is going to put it together this weekend. I just need to wash clothes, fill the dresser and clean her room. Oh, and I need breast pads and to get the bassinet from my friends. Other than that, I think we're set.

Hope everyone has a wonderful holiday weekend!

[Jodi AKA BostonTeacher]

Myshel they think I might be "too small" to deliver a "big baby head." Too Funny! I fear my husband's big head will be passed on to the baby and I'll pay the price via the birth canal!

Welcome to all the girls who've made the switch!

Hope you all have a great long weekend. I'm guessing 2 Yankee Doodle Dandy babies!

[December27JJB]

Yay! Its so good to see you guys over here!

Can you guys believe it's JULY!?!? I still cant believe my baby came before July! :p

I hope you all are doing well and have a great 4th of July weekend! I hope to come back and find that someone had a baby!!!! :D

-Jessica

[Tray85]

Hey everyone! Still can't figure out how to add a ticker...but so far, this site already seems easier. Happy 4th to everyone! :p

[myshel]

I think there'll be one Yankee Doodle Dandy babe from this thread. I don't want to give away my guess as to who it will be but... her name starts with an H. ;)

[docoNY]

NewYorkNovia
didn't get the email!? I will send you a PM now
thanks for moving the boards over!

update
well due to my forever increasing bp but everything else ok (baby hb, amnio fluid, baby movements, no protein etc) my doc decided today that I will be induced on the 8th - my due date

of course I have an apt again with her Tue and another NST on Thu so that could change - or if I get any headaches/blurred vision/baby stops moving, etc

so have another week left - doing ok - I usually have a crappy night sleep 1 night but then sleep pretty good the next week so doing ok

our gross humid weather is supposed to leave after today so it should be nice here.. plan on doing some walking - might help things next Friday :)

hope everyone has a good 4th of July weekend!!

[Daniel's Kitty]

Congrats on making it to July, and welcome to the babies that came early.

[char473]

Hello Ladies! It has been FOREVER since I posted (in the other board's thread), but I check in often. Congrats to all the new mommies!! The babies are BEAUTIFUL! Here is my original info:

Name: Charlene
EDD: July 18, 2005
DH:Eric
Having: Girl (already have one daughter, Shelby agae 11)


Just found out today that we will be inducing on Friday the 8th, due to my ever growing inabilty to breathe:(

So good luck to everyone, and keep the healthy happy babies coming!!

Charlene

[NYN]

driveby post to tell doco to check email and PM for messages from me.

the rest of you ladies have been [re]added to the first page.

as for 4th of July firecrackers, my guess starts w/ an H too. :D

[SAMIKE32700]

Hi ladies!! Yeah we have a much easier place to post. Hope everyone has a good weekend and a safe 4th.

Yippee our babies will be born this month!!!! :D :D

[PaulsGirl]

Hey guys, I'm here! What do you need again? Stats?
Me: PaulsGirl
DH:Paul
Due Date: 7/26/05
It's a girl

[jp'swife]

Hello! I'm here! Ok, under JP'swife now because idiot me gave the wrong email address to register jp'sbride and I can't figure out how to change it. Oh well.
Not really a bride anymore and I couldn't really think of a catchy name.

I have to get to bed now....I'm exhausted! Long week, feet swelling like hell....just need some rest! So glad to see everyone here!!!
:D :D

[docoNY]

NYN - I was going to come in here to update PaulsGirl and jp's wife but I can't log out/log in as July05mommies?!

nevermind - I finally figured out how to log in and then realized they were updated! :)

[msmarieb]

I'm waiting to hear from Heather! Things we getting a little close as of yesterday, 5 mins apart and such. SO I am waiting to see If I get a phone call saying she's had SARAH!!! I totally hope so :D So we'll have two babies around the 8th huh? YIPPIE!!!!!!!!!

[myshel]

I knew my guess would be right. Go, Heather, go!

Oh, and for the record, I dropped a huge amount of mucous plug today. Ugh! DH thinks we'll be going to the hospital soon but I highly doubt it.

[Jodi AKA BostonTeacher]

MUCOUS PLUG QUESTION FOR THOSE WILLING TO SHARE: Is this something I should be looking for when I wipe (Lord knows I'm peeing enough) or is it one of those things I probably won't miss?

I'm getting so nervous about how close it's getting.

[myshel]

Jodi: Mine is something I've definitely noticed but I've read that it's not always that way. This may be TMI but... this morning I was lounging around in my pj pants and tank sans undies (to air out at night) and I felt really wet between my legs. I got scared because I thought maybe my bag of waters broke but I checked and found this stuff along my legs that was the consistency of snot. Mine looked about like snot but was tinged brownish/brick red/ pinkish in color. Of course, this is just me and may not be the same experience everyone has had.

[Nanner]

Hi, ladies! NYN, thank you for moving my stats over!

Life has been pretty hectic since Sam was born. He's already gotten the nickname "Shmez." Samuel in Hebrew is pronounced "Shmuel," so together with Ezra, you get Shmez. Thanks to BIL for that one! :)

And here's a picture! He's just starting to open his eyes a lot more, and seems to be trying to focus on things.

http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b5d920b3127cce92d36f538f9f00000016108QaMW7Zw0as

My husband's siblings have been in town since Wednesday. We had the bris on Thursday (the ritual circumcision--it was hard for me, but I made it through). His brother left this morning, and his sister is staying until Tuesday! She's driving me insane, just like I knew she would. She was only supposed to stay until Sunday initially, when we thought he'd be born on the 7th. But when she found out that she'd be here over 4th of July weekend, she took it upon herself to extend her stay until the Tuesday after. Without asking us. Yes, she's staying in a hotel, but she's here ALL DAY, and just sits around and wants to hold the baby. I feel like I don't have any time to just myself and my baby and husband. That's why I'm typing this up quickly, because she's due back any minute. :mad: She's helped out a bit, but just her presence stresses me out. I said yes to her coming this long because I knew Scott wanted his siblings here (they live in NY and San Francisco), but she's even stressing him out, too.

Anyway, on to the good stuff. Sam is wonderful. He's strong and sweet, and eats like a horse. Which brings me to breastfeeding--it is so much harder than I ever expected. It's getting easier since he's getting older, but he had a lot of trouble latching on at first. He still falls asleep while nursing, too, so it's hard to tell if he's really eating, or if he's just sucking. So we've been pumping, and also supplementing with some formula, just to be sure, which has made for some stinky diapers! But things should get much easier here in the next week or two. I'm trying to stick it out.

Oh, and about swelling--I don't know if it's because of my c-section or what, but it is 20 times worse than it ever was during my pregnancy! I called them Fred Flintstone feet back then, and now I call them Cabbage Patch Kid feet! (Remember, they were just stuffed things with the toes sewn in by threads?) They're so swollen, the tops of them are now joining up with my toes in a mound.

Anyway, just wanted to check in with everybody! It sounds like Heather might finally be having her little girl! I hope you're all doing good, and I hope to check back in later!

Dana

[heatherlynne]

I wish I had this baby already!!!! I would love a firecracker!! I got my first baby (my dog, Bailey) on the 4th of July!!

Been having a lot of trouble with false labor with this kid though. Horrible pain in my lower back and hips too. Thank goodness for my sweet husband and an icepack! I also have had some bleeding issues which make me wonder if my cervix is doing anything at all in there! Wish I had better news to report, but I'm getting the run-around from this little girl!!!!

Jodi-With the mucus plug-mine actually came during the horrible bloody issue I had a few weeks ago, so I don't know what color it would have been normally, but it was stringy and kinda tissuey/mucusy. Mine passed when I was in the shower and it wasn't something I could have missed, even with all the blood. It was much more solid. HTH.

Nanner-your baby is beautiful! Congratulations!!! :D

[PaulsGirl]

Nanner!! Your baby is adorable!!!!

My maternity leave has started, and it's really nice to just be home & have time to take care of things. Hubby actually had dinner waiting for him twice this week. LOL- It's been hard to cook lately!

I bought a mattress for the crib, and we put it in and it's too small. I can literally stick my hand down the sides! :eek: So hopefully I can kind one that fits...

My shower was last weekend and we got everything we need. I stocked up on diapers & wipes, desitin, and Mustela products for her...washed all her stuff (clothes, blankets, bedding) and now I just have the fun stuff left, finishing touches (art for the walls, shelves, etc).

Thursday I went in for my regular non-stress test and my doc wasn't happy with her movement patterns, so off to the hospital labor & delivery I went for an emergency ultrasound. All is well. :) I guess she's less active in the mornings.

I think I'll pack for the hospital and write thank you cards this week...and try not to scrub down the house. LOL

Here are some pics from the shower:
Centerpieces:
http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b5d806b3127cce923fb094016000000025118ActWrFozctL
Cake:
http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b5d806b3127cce923fdbc9419000000016108ActWrFozctL

:) We had fun.

[kakirk]

Sign me up please! I'm still here, still pregnant. 36w2d w/the twins.

The docs are taking out my cerclage on Tuesday morning, and there's a decent chance I could go into labor right after that. Of course, there's an equally decent chance that I won't, so who the heck knows?? :rolleyes: Either way, I am SO DONE being pregnant. I'm READY for these babies.

Katie

[DanaLynn]

Nanner - Sam is gorgeous. Thank you for posting pictures. :)

Paul'sGirl - your pictures are great. Your cake is making me hungry.

Kakirk - good luck with the cerclage removal. I can't wait to see pictures of your twins. I have twin nieces and they are loads of fun.

Still pregnant 36w1d.
I am on weekly visits now. My next appointment is on Tuesday.
Have a wonderful 4th.

Good Luck heatherlynne.

[msmarieb]

Thanks for posting an update Heather, that was yesterday and all I had is the "I'm bleeding and having contrx post " to go by. But it's cool we'll be waiting for Sarah

Kakirk wow you are still here! That is great, are both of your twins presenting head down? That would be awesome if they were, I know they have the tendency to be one up and one down...

Pauls girl your shower looked great! That cake is sooo Adorable! It reminds me about what I learned about diaper cakes last night... They're cute but a huge PITA! I got one with over 100 diapers over 50 in the bottom layer alone, so last night I started trying to unroll them :mad: I couldn't just let that many diapers sit there! So anywho we ended up having to sandwich them in between some phone books and hope they regain they're normal shape.

Nanner Dana Sam is SOOO CUTE! UUUGH about your SIL I would feel the same way! It's almost Tuesday right? And the swelling is normal, All that water that was moving all that extra blood around for those 9 months has to do something...I've heard alot of people sweat it out at night...so you got two choices cabbage patch feet or sweaty nights...sounds about right pregnancies 11 months long! LOL

I'm so glad that Sam is healthy and beautiful!

Jodi It can come out all in one or it can trickle for weeks. For some people (like me) it is a very small amount intermingled with other discharge, it is very hard to tell. Don't worry about color that might be really hard to distinguish, the consistency is different like mucus, our stretchy. Where as the other stuff up till now has been like lotion... :confused:

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

I'm 37 weeks! ANd this house is so damned clean! :D I mean it is spotless, I still would like to have another week to relax though. I'm still not feeling totally done with pregnancy. :confused: I don't know why but I have a feeling he will come sooner then later and that feeling just makes me feel like I'm running out of time to prepare. The nursery will be done today (finally) and I'll post pictures hopefully sometime tomorrow, I'm still waiting on the art I ordered We've gotten so much done this weekend! I even redid the window treatments in my bedroom to let more light in :p I was crazy preggo this weekend!

I have an appointment on Tuesday, to go get an U/S still monitoring my placenta as it is still low, I hope it has moved up some, my doc agreed that as long as I didn't have any bleeding he would let me go to the very end keeping an eye on it. I also get to see how big my little lima bean has gotten. I can't wait to kiss his face! :D

[heatherlynne]

Good morning!!

I have been having contractions like I've never felt before. My hips and back are giving me a horrible time, and I told Mark that I know what a spider feels like when a kid pulls off his legs...

Most of my contraction pain now radiates through my lower back and right hip. Since 1am, they have been about 5-7 min apart, but vary in intensity. I am still waiting for them to regulate before I get my hopes up too high... TMI, but I have had 4 bowel movements in the past 8 hours!!!! I heard that your body may try to clean itself out, but I think that's carrying it a bit far!!!!

Also still having blood tinged mucus, but not too much, so I am not worrying myself with it. I just went for a walk with DH and am having some fresh fruit for breakfast. Hopefully these contractions will buck up and I will have my baby soon. :cool:

Marie, I can't wait to see your nursery!

I hope everyone is having a wonderful holiday weekend! Pray that I get my girl soon if you would!!!!

[myshel]

Nanner What a sweet, sweet boy! He looks amazing!

Heatherlynne: Boo! No baby yet! I'm sure, based upon your reply today though, that it's going to happen soon.

So far, not much to report here. Yesterday was awful. I could barely walk, let alone dress myself. I woke up in the night with horrible cramping (think menstrual cramps) that were spreading into my back. I tried really hard to sleep and I woke up this morning feeling okay. Other than that "false" alarm, I keep dropping my plug but that's it. I think DH was really hoping for a holiday baby but I just don't see it happening.

[NYN]

nanner:omg, he is so cute!! i'm going to put his picture w/ the stats on the front but let me know if you want me to remove it and doco or i will get rid of it asap. and about your SIL - i don't know what to say other than i'm so sorry. i have no idea what posseses people to do things like this. on the plus side, at least she is not sleeping in your apartment.

re the swelling: i heard that after a c-section you will be very swollen (much moreso than during pregnancy which is hard to believe right now). is this true for a vaginal birth as well?

heatherlynne: thanks for updating us! i can't believe you are having contractions that are 5 to 7 minutes apart and you are not rushing to the hospital but i guess this baby has cried wolf so many times it's understandable. i really hope something happens today. hang it there!

PaulsGirl: your shower looks like it was so cute. that cake is adorable and so are your centerpieces.

katie: i already carried you over to the front page. i figured you would want to since you were an active member. congratulations on making it this far. i can't believe those two babies are still so cozy in there but i'm so glad they are. i would love to see a belly shot if you are willing to share. i know a lot of twinmamas don't feel comfortable posting one.

marie: i am going through the same thing as you. my house is so clean. i love it. :) good luck on your u/s.

myshel: i had a bad day yesterday too so i feel you. at least you lost your mucous plug. i am having contractions and i'm sure i'm still tight as a drum (TM heather :p).

-----------------

here is my 38 week belly shot:
http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b5d920b3127cce92d177164e7e00000025108DZuWLNs0U
as you can see, i haven't grown and i haven't dropped. :rolleyes: i have been feeling great, just having frequent bowel movements and a little bit of nausea. then yesterday i started getting contractions every half hour to 45 minutes. they were painful enough that i had to stop what i was doing. i took a long shower and then a nap and they seemed to go away. then at night they started again so we took a long walk and came home to do the shower/bed ritual again. i had a pretty hard time sleeping b/c of all the pressure on my lower back so i did a lot of rolling around on the birthing ball trying to take some pressure off of my pelvis. i have a feeling that birthing ball is going to be a life saver. anyway, they stopped again at around 5am this morning and i was able to get some sleep in.

i'm hoping that i don't have the baby until next week (right around my due date). DH will be working until friday and i would like to go into labor while he is home since he is my coach and we have trained for this after all. :p i still harbor hope that i'm going to be able to labor at home for most of the time. i am not yet at that point where i really want pregnancy to be over (i know some of you are at the "get this baby out of me!" stage) though i am really dying to meet this baby.

anyway, i hope you guys have a great July 4th. heather, good luck and i hope you have someone lined up to let us know when little sarah arrives!

[kakirk]

Just for NYN -- :)

36 Weeks
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v483/katie_rose/DSC00385.jpg http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v483/katie_rose/DSC00387.jpg

And the swollen feet:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v483/katie_rose/DSC00395.jpg

Katie

[lil_nance]

Kakirk Congrats on making it this far. I'm so happy for you. You look great.

Heatherlynne Hoping for Sarah soon. I sympathize with all your false alarms. My spotting and contractions have calmed down for the past week. I think stopping work early helped.

msmarieb Want to come clean my house? Although I've gotten a lot done this weekend. The full nesting must not have kicked in yet because my house has a ways to go.

Nanner "Shmez" is adorable and I like the nickname ;)

Anyone have any tricks for relieving carpal? My hands are sore and fingers are numb all the time. I'm wearing a brace to bed which helps the pain but then my fingers are really stiff in the morning. Next dr. appt. is Wednesday. I think she'll do an internal. I'm curious to see if anything is going on down there.

HAPPY 4th!

[msmarieb]

Sarah Liberty

HEATHER HAD HER BABY!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Sarah Liberty made her grand entrance at 4:40 today weighing in at 7 lbs 13 oz and she is absolutely GORGEOUS...waiting for pictures!

CONGRATULATIONS HEATHER!! I'm sure she was worth the wait!:D


Any bets on who's next?? :)

ETA: The next one has to be a boy to keep things even ;)

[NYN]

oh wow, i'm so happy for heather!!! welcome sarah!!!

katie, you look GREAT!

[maggieb]

Welcome to the world, Sarah Liberty! What a fabulous name!!!

kakirk: You look phenomenal!!! Way to go!

[DanaLynn]

Congratualtions HeatherLynne!!! That sure was fast.

Kakirk - You look wonderful. I love the picture of yor feet. Keep us posted.

Swelling - I had a C-section with my son and I don't remember being swollen at all. I think everybody is different too.

Happy 4th!!!!

Bring on the babies!!!!

p.s. Who do you think will be next???

[Klo.]

Hi ladies -
I'm finally checking in here! I've been lurking for a couple days and finally just got around to registering, etc.
I have a couple minutes while my munchkin is asleep.

NYNovia - The new thread looks awesome!! And so do you!

Heather -
Glad I popped in just in time to say Congratulations!!! Can't wait to see your little girl. I'm sure she is beautiful.

Katie -
You look awesome!! You're almost there!! I'm so excited for you.

Nanner -
Samuel is beautiful. The first time I glanced at his picture I thought he kinda looked like my Matthew! funny.
I soooo know what you mean about the BF'ing. I had NO idea what I was in for and its so much more difficult than I ever thought.

Hello to the rest of you. I hope you are all well, you are almost there.

***************************************

Matthew and I are hanging in there. He's been sleeping really well and only woke up once a night for the past 3 nights in a row...until last night! We were staying at my IL's and he was up ALL night and I finally had a major meltdown when we got home today. I've heard babies kind of "wake up" after the first 2 weeks esp. when they are a little early and I feel like we've approached that. Until today he only cried when he needed to be fed, now he seems to fuss a lot more and be awake a lot more. I love when he's awake because he's so dang cute - but not at 4am!! Anyway, he's generally a pretty good baby and I think we are just going through a growth spurt because he is eating like a madman too.

I can't believe he's 2 weeks old already!! Crazy. He was back up to birth weight (surpassed) and seems to be growing and doing fine. The midwife gave him a "perfect" bill of health. :D

Do you mind if I show off a couple pictures of my guy?
(you can use this picture for the front page)
http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b5d804b3127cce923510a9f1cf00000066108BcN2TFs2Zi
Dad cutting the cord:
http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b5d804b3127cce92351e9ef1ff00000025108BcN2TFs2Zi
Our first walk at our favorite park at 5 days old.
http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b5d804b3127cce92351021f14700000036108BcN2TFs2Zi
http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b5d804b3127cce92351010704600000026108BcN2TFs2Zi

Sorry don't mean to get carried away there. I just love him. :D

I have my birth story written out too. Do you want me to post that? I have to warn you though, its a little long.

[msmarieb]

Awww Klo he is soo cute & cuddly, wow he is two weeks old already? Man time is flying by! He is a gorgeous little boy!

ETA: You look good too! Way to bounce back mommy! :D

[NYN]

yes Klo, please post your birth story. i'm all about the details. thanks for updating us. your son is gorgeous!

[kakirk]

Lois, he looks so much like you!!! I love the picture of him sleeping. :)

K

[PaulsGirl]

Congratulations Heather!! We can't wait to see pics!

Klo!! I am so happy for you! What a sweet little guy! And you look GREAT for five days post partum!!

[maggieb]

KLo!!! You look incredible! WOW! And your little guy is very handsome. Congratulations. It's an awesome journey.

[Jodi AKA BostonTeacher]

Lois Congrats! He is soooo cute. I can't get over how amazing you look though! It is inspirational seeing you out walking and looking so svelt just 5 days after the birth! I'm impressed.

Heather: WELCOME SARAH! I see you posted in the morning and had her in the afternoon. I know you had a very long road before that though so I'm so glad your "happy ending has arrived!"

HAPPY 4thOF JULY

The weather here has been beautiful and so accomodating to lil' ole pregnant me. The sky is sunny. The temps are in the 70s. There is no humidity and there is a great breeze.

The downside is that I am SO unbelievably tired! I swear I wasn't this out of it in the 1st trimester. I normally get up at 6 everyday. DH just dragged me up at 9:30. This is after sleeping for 12 hours. I nap every afternoon too for several hours.

[docoNY]

Heather
Congrats on baby Sarah!! I had a feeling you were going to have her soon!! :)

Klo
Matthew is adorable and I give another vote for the birth story! :)
and you do look great in that park shot!

kakirk
you look great!!

who's next question
hmmm.. char473 and I are both being induced on the 8th (my due date). I am fine with going sooner and have been walking everywhere but not much going on

haven't lost my mucus plug yet and I am already 39 wks 3 days! and just get BH about every 15 min every night the last few days.. they are just uncomfortable and just hoping something is going on down there so that the induction Friday isn't from 0 to 10!

I think kakirk and the twins will be next :):)

[myshel]

Heather: Yay! Congrats. Sarah Liberty is such a beautiful name. I hope you're doing well.

Katie: You look fabulous, my dear.

KLo: Matthew looks so sweet. What great pictures!

_______________________________________________

Last night, DH and the rest of my family in town went to the "small" fireworks, with a larger display coming tonight. I had to walk quite a way but I tried to not complain about it too much. My sister, who is not pregnant, did complain. Funny how that happens.

This is a picture of DH and I at an outdoor wedding on June 25th. I was just over 37 week here. I look pretty decent though some of the pictures from that day make me look like a runaway parade float.
http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b5d925b3127cce92c451bc14ea00000016108AaNXLJu4aNh

[Tray85]

Congratulations Heather!!! Can't wait to see pics!!

KLO - What great pics of your little munchkin. Thanks for the warning on the 2 weeks! :eek:

Seems like nuthin' is going on with me! According to my original July 19th due date - I'm 38 weeks today. I swear I still haven't had any contractions. I have lots of aches and misc. pains - but nothing that I think is a contraction. What do they feel like?!?!? I so want pregnancy to be over with.

Anyway - happy 4th all!

[char473]

Doco: Only 4 more days:)

I have to work tonight and tomm night. So maybe being on my feet all night will do some magic. ( I work in the NICU, so if I go into labor, I'm only a bit away from L&D.) I lost my mucous plug last night, so maybe that will speed things up too.

I am just so ready to meet her!!

Congrats to Heather:)

And happy 4th to all of you mommies!

[Klo.]

Hello ladies -

I hope everyone is having a great holiday. I love 4th of July. But just chillin' with my little guy right now. DH is working on his school project so we aren't doing too much this year.

Thank you everyone for the wonderful compliments. You sure know how to make a new mom feel good. :D

OK, here is my birth story. I warned you it was a little long - don't feel obligated to read it all but I really enjoyed writing it.
(wow, looks like its REALLY long! I have to split it up into a couple posts.)

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Wednesday, June 15 -
I went in for my weekly check-up at 1:00. I was very anxious to see if I had dilated anymore since the last check a week ago when I was 4cm. I had had some contractions but nothing regular but it kinda felt like the ones I was having were doing 'something'. When Kelly (Midwife) came in we didn't chat much like we usually do, we decided to just cut to the chase and see what my dilation was at. She said I was at least a 5 but could be stretched to a 6 and 100% effaced. She suggested we do something about it. She said we should probably start an induction, but just breaking my waters to begin with and the other steps if that didn't get things going. She said she had to coach her daughter's softball game that night but we could do it afterwards, like at 10pm or wait until morning. I decided I would rather wait until morning. I was secretly hoping that if I went on a long walk and did a bunch of work around the house that things would get going on their own. I called Kev when I left the clinic and said, "how would you like to have a baby tomorrow." He thought that sounded like a great idea and was very excited to get things going. I still had very mixed feelings about all this. I know I had been whining for the last week that I was sooooo ready for this baby but now I was nervous. I didn't want an induction and it mostly it scared me. He assured me all would be fine and that this was definitely a good thing.
I got home and talked on the phone for a bit. A couple other people had called and of course they assume since I didn't answer the phone I must be at the hospital. I didn't call them back, mostly because I didn't anyone to know that we were going to be at the hospital the next day but I just didn't feel like explaining it over and over. I talked to my best friend Kristin and she was just giddy with excitement. I didn't have the same excitement, I was excited but I was also scared. I took Eddie for a nice long walk to the park and had quite a few contractions but as always nothing regular. I was very sentimental on my walk with him, I couldn't stop thinking of all the changes that were about to come. I was very sad for him because things in his world were about to be turned upside down. I told him over and over how much I love him and that would never change. After our walk I vacuumed out the truck, picked up around the house and vacuumed as much as I could around the house.
Kev got home from class around 10 and by that time I was pretty tired. We continued to get things ready around the house and talked about the next day. Around 11 I started having a lot of anxiety about doing an induction. It just kept going through my head - induction leads to epidural, epidural leads to C-section. What if they break my water and I don't have contractions? Then we would have to use pitocin. Kev kept assuring me that I didn't have to do this if I wasn't comfortable. He said lets not make a decision right now, lets get a good nights sleep and we'll make a decision in the morning.
We went to bed around midnight. As I laid in bed I prayed and prayed for God to help us bring our baby to us and for a safe and healthy birth for both my baby and me. I fell right to sleep after that and slept pretty good for the most part.

Thursday, June 16 -
I was awake before the alarm rang at 5:30. I immediately showered and started getting myself ready and packing my bags. Kev came and asked me if I was sure about doing this and I wasn't but said we should go to the hospital anyway and at least talk to Kelly. I just had a half bagel and some fruit for breakfast and thats about it. I was anxious but not horribly nervous. I was overly emotional about everything. I took my time saying good-bye to Eddie. We left the house a little late but it wasn't too big of a deal. It seemed like we had an obnoxious amount of stuff for just leaving for 2 nights!

We got checked into the hospital and they put us in OB room 2. The nurse told me to get undressed but I told her I wanted to wait until Kelly came because we weren't sure about doing the induction today. She gave us about 10 minutes and came back to talk to us again, Kelly hadn't arrived yet but she wanted to see if she could help in anyway. She talked us through the induction again but was clear that it was absolutely our decision. She left us alone for a bit and we decided to go ahead! It was definitely time. And all would be ok.

I got into the gown and they hooked me up to the monitor and took my vitals, etc. bambinO was as active as he had ever been!! He knew 'something' was up. He was literally about to bust out of there!! Kelly came in about that time and we chatted some more and she still said the choice was mine to stay or if we wanted to wait. I finally said yes, we would stay - lets get this party started! She broke my waters around 9am. There was no pain involved with that whatsoever, but what a completely strange sensation that was! The warm fluid just gushed out of me. She asked me if it was ok if she stretched me to 7cm dilated, but warned me it would be a tad bit painful. umm, yep. After all that, all we could do was wait and hope the contractions would get started. Kev and I walked around for a bit, we played some CD's that we brought along, I read a little bit from my Ina May Childbirth book hoping for a little inspiration - I had marked off some of my favorite stories so I read those. Kev had had about 3 cups of coffee by this time and was in rare form. I loved it though because he kept me laughing the whole time. The new nurse came in and introduced herself - Shelly, she was very cool and Kev and I both clicked with her right away. She was asking me about IVF and my surgeries and stuff because she is facing basically the same stuff so I definitely felt a good connection with her. She went through my birth plan step by step and complemented on me on it, said it was very well done and well researched! They brought me some breakfast and i ate a little bit of that. I was feeling contractions about 10 minutes apart. I could feel them but they weren't anything worse than period cramps, just enough to stop me and breath through them. They hooked me up to the monitor and that showed that I was actually having contractions about 5 mins apart but I wasn't feeling all of them, or if I was just a tiny bit. She also said that the contractions were lasting a lot longer than I was feeling too, I just wasn't feeling them until they peaked. Shelly assured me I was doing great and to just keep walking around, said to try some nipple stimulation and encouraged me to sit on the peanut (instead of a round exercise ball they have one shaped in a peanut - its a bit more stable than the round ones).

I straddled the peanut and suggested to Kev that we play a game of backgammon. We started the game and I was feeling fine. He was totally kicking my butt and it looked like no possible way I could win. The contractions started coming on a bit stronger and I started catching up. By the end of the game contractions were only 2 minutes apart and getting VERY intense - and I made the greatest backgammon comeback of all time and won!!! (I swear he didn't let me win either!!)

[Klo.]

Noon: Kelly and Shelly came back to check on me and contractions were starting to come one on top of the other. Things had changed quickly and significantly since the last time they were there. I thought I had to poop and tried but couldn't. They hooked me up to the monitor again real quick and Kelly checked me. I was at 8cm. I didn't know what to do with myself at this point. She said if i felt the urge to push I could but if I wanted to just ride the contractions out a little bit longer that would be ok too. She said this was what they call transition. Everyone's voices were bothering me and I couldn't really talk, I wanted very little stimulation. She said that I could push if I wanted to, but I didn't quite understand. I had to hold my breath to push but yet I was supposed to breath through contractions. They asked me if I wanted to get in the tub and that sounded good so Shelly filled up the tub for me. Her and Kev helped me get in and it felt oh-so-good, it definitely lessened the pain of the contractions! The tub had jets so I turned those on but hated the stimulation so turned those off quickly. Kev just sat beside me and held my hand and helped me through the contractions. I laid in the tub and the contractions kept coming. I felt kind of high at this point. I wondered how I was going to take the pain of pushing this baby out. I had wondered if it was too late to get some drugs, something to take the edge off, but I never said anything out loud. I had made up a little mantra for myself over the last several months while I was on bedrest and preparing for birth. I kept saying, "My body will not fail me." I remembered that and kept repeating it to myself over and over. I remembered from the stories in Ina May's book about calling the contractions "rushes" and riding them out like waves. I moaned and breathed through them as best I could. I kept my eyes closed most of the time. Shelly came back to check on me and we decided it was probably time to get out of the tub. I said something about going back in but she thought it was probably a good idea to get me in bed.

Kelly came back to check on me. I was dilated to 10. It was time. Kelly said I could stay in the bed or if wanted to squat or try pushing while sitting on the toilet at any point I had that choice and just to let her know. The thought of moving at that point did not sound like fun so I just stayed in bed. Her and Shelly got their scrubs on and got everything set up for the baby to arrive. Contractions were very strong and very intense. I was pushing with each contraction but nothing was really happening. Turns out I was pushing wrong. I was trying to push through my stomach and not through my butt (so to speak). At a certain point I figured out the whole pushing thing and things started to get moving. It hurt like nothing I could even begin describe. Unlike some people, pushing did not feel good - it HURT!! With each contraction I had to lift my legs up, get my chin to my chest and push with all my might. Shelly would count to 10 with each push and I would take a quick breath and push again. She even asked me if it was ok that she count which I thought was nice of her. Funny side note - as intense as everything was at this point I also remember feeling hunger pains! Wierd. I was so hot and sweaty I couldn't deal with anything. They put the fan on me and put a cold washcloth on my forehead which helped but my hands were slipping off my legs so I made them get me some towels to put under each leg. I just kept pushing and pushing and wondered when this baby was going to come out. At a certain point I couldn't lift my legs everytime a contraction came so Kevin and Shelly, who were on either side of me, had to hold my legs up the whole time. I screamed and cried several times but all 3 of them in the room were so encouraging and helped me through. Baby's heartrate started changing (up or down, I can't remember) so they started giving me oxygen between each contraction. They didn't hook the mask to my face, (which was nice) but they just had Kevin hold it a couple inches from my face and I would breath it in. That also helped me focus on getting in some nice deep breathes to keep the oxygen flowing to my baby. The head started to crown and they could see a little bit of dark hair. I was pretty out of my head at this point and I was in a completely different world and i couldn't open my eyes. We were almost there. I have no idea of the time frame or how many more pushes it took. Eventually his head came out. I remembered reading about "the ring of fire" and I was definitely feeling that!! OUCH! doesn't begin to describe it! Kelly was telling me to reach down and touch him because he was here and for some reason I couldn't. I couldn't move my arms and I was just in shock over the whole thing. A few more intense pushes and at 1:58 pm he came out. He let out a big cry and they immediately laid him on my stomach and he stopped. I was crying and I looked up at Kevin and his eyes were welled up with tears. They wiped him off a little bit and clamped the cord. He was laying on me and I didn't know what to do with him. I was totally in shock. I couldn't believe my eyes were looking at my child. Someone said, "should we see if its a boy or girl?" Kev was like, "yeah, I almost forgot!" They picked up his tummy and there it was - we had our boy. I looked up at Kevin again and he had the hugest smile and was crying happy tears. We weren't all that surprised, it was what we thought from the very beginning. They laid a warm blanket over the two of us and I just looked him over from head to toe. He was the most beautiful thing I had ever laid my eyes on. One of the coolest things I've ever seen: Kev was standing beside me and said something and Matthew moved his head and looked right towards him, it was a very familiar voice and he wanted to see who it belonged to. I still had to push out the placenta. It didn't hurt but felt very strange but almost felt kind of good. They asked us if he had a name and we gave him his name: Matthew Michael George O'Brien. The next 20 minutes or so were not very comfortable. My whole bottom was ultra, ultra sensitive and I didn't want to be touched! Unfortunately, I had some stitches that needed to be sewn up. I had a second-degree tear that required 5 stitches. I did not like this part but Kelly went as quickly as she could so Kev and I could enjoy our sweet little miracle. Once she was done we tried to get him latched on my breast, which wasn't as easy as I thought it was be. He eventually got on and it hurt. I wasn't expecting that, his suction was really hard.

Kelly asked me if I had to do it all over if I would still do it without any drugs or anything. I wasn't so sure! I said to ask me again later. I'm so glad I did but dang that hurt! I dealt with the contractions just fine but that pushing part was not so fun. She agreed. She said she never understood that part about how some women say it felt good to push because it was hard for her also.

I don't really remember much about the next couple hours. I held our sweet little boy and Kev and I just took it all in and just stared at him.
A new nurse came on about an hour or so later. She was a handfull! She informed us that she has worked OB since 1980 and sometimes parents don't like the way she handles babies but they aren't going to break, yada, yada, yada. She was nice but a little obnoxious. I didn't mind so much the way she was handling Matthew it was her stupid loud voice! He would just scream every time she came around and she just kept talking so freakin' loud to him. It was driving both Kev and I crazy. We decided it was finally ok to get Matthew weighed and measured so she did that (all right in the same room) plus gave him his eye ointment and Vit. K shot. He weighed in at 6 pounds 12 ounces and was 19 inches long and his head was 13 in.

Around 4:00 I finally got up and took a bath and a shower and we brought Matthew in to have his first bath with me. He didn't like it so much. Kev started calling people. We had a list and the order in which everyone was to be called so we wouldn't piss anyone off. Unfortunately not everyone - or anyone for that matter was answering their phones when we needed them to so we some calls out of order. Aunts got called before Moms and friends before sisters and feelings were hurt. ah well, they all got over it when we told them the good news. Kev also decided he didn't like calling the women, after 2 of them shrieked on the phone he decided I could call the women. Our first visitors came a little after 6 and just they were leaving another family came we had about an hour break and then my oldest sister Shelly, her husband and 2 girls came about 9. It was so fun to show him off. Everyone passed him around and admired our son.

[Klo.]

Looking back about a week removed from the whole thing. I couldn't have asked for a better experience. My husband, my midwife, the hospital, everything. It was amazing and beautiful. I wouldn't change a single thing. Giving birth the way I did is the single most empowering thing I have ever done. I feel like there is nothing I can't do right now. I did it. My dreams came true. Not only did it go almost as I had imagined it - it was better. Was it all worth it?? The tears and pain we went through to get pregnant, the months of waiting, the strain on our marriage, every surgery and procedure, every needle prick, every dull and shiny penny, all those weeks of bedrest, all the worry and discomfort. Everything. It was worth every little and big thing.
I look at him with such amazement and wonder. God gave us the most perfect baby. He is simply the most beautiful thing I have ever laid my eyes on and he is simply perfect. I can't believe I am finally holding this little miracle in my arms - and he is mine to keep.
I can't help but think of how differently things would have been had the other baby survived and we had twins. It would have been a completely different experience. I think with my cervical issues I wouldn't have been able to carry both of them, but God wanted me to have this perfect little one and he was what was meant to be. I dunno. I don't try to make sense of God's plans but I know there is definitely a reason for me having THIS baby.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

OK, so I guess it was 'rediculous' long and they made me put it into 3 posts. Sorry. :o

[lil_nance]

My dad sent this to me and I had to share. :)


Baby Power
Hello, my name is Quinn, and I'm nine months old. This is powerful advice for all you babies out there. Parents, please leave now, or you will be punished. Okay, now that the minions are gone, let's get down to business.

Do you feel like you have no control over your life? Do your mommy and daddy make you do and wear things you absolutely hate? Are you at the bottom of your family's power structure? I'm here to tell you that all this can be a thing of the past. By following my ten simple rules, you'll be wearing the diaper and the pants in the family in no time!

Rule #1, You have absolute power.
Repeat this to yourself on a daily basis. You are the ruler of your universe. Your parents are there to serve you, not the other way around. You have unlimited power over them.

Rule #2, Cry.
Tears are your biggest asset in your arsenal against your parents. If you don't like something, cry! Parents have absolutely no defense against this wet onslaught. They will do anything to get you to stop. This is especially useful in public places. For maximum effectiveness, increase volume every fifteen seconds.

Rule #3 , Be cute.
This is your number one defense mechanism. You're going to pull a lot of crap most people would never get away with, and your cute factor is the only thing allowing this. Flash a smile, and your parents will go weak in the knees with gushing admiration of your blessed existence, even after you've just broken half the stuff in the house.

Rule #4, Keep them weak.
I don't care if you have to set an alarm clock for yourself, but you need to wake your parents up at least three times a night. A rested parent is a strong parent, and that means bad news for you. The more weary they are, the more malleable to your intricate plans of global domination.

Rule #5, Pee on them.
Once out of every ten diaper changes, you should let loose your golden stream of glory. This shows them who's boss, and keeps them on their toes. If you can, aim for the face for maximum effectiveness. At the very least, you should be able to cover yourself as well as a portion of your parent's clothes. This works well for those situations where they've put you in an embarrassing outfit, or they're in a hurry to get somewhere

Rule #6, Make them carry you.
Do not let them put you down! This is very important. The moment they realize you can get around by yourself, they will no longer want to carry you. If you are put on the ground, see rule #2. Your parents are strong, and there's two of them. They can carry you forever.

Rule #7, Smack them around a little.
Parents are under the false impression that we have very little control over our arms and legs. Use this to your advantage! Every now and then, just randomly slap them in the face, and then smile and laugh. They may curse a little, but I guarantee no harm will come to you. They are powerless against the smile and laugh combination.

Rule #8, Women and grandparents love babies.
Capturing this key demographic can bring you joys beyond your wildest expectations. Toys, food, and attention can all be yours when you manipulate this segment of the population. Gramps will even let you watch the Spice channel if nobody else is around!

Rule #9, Siblings exist for your amusement.
Your brothers and sisters are the court jesters in your vast kingdom. They are there for your personal entertainment, and nothing more. Laugh at their crazy antics, but the moment they get out of line with that "the baby gets all the attention" crap, pull their hair. One word of warning though. Make sure a parent is nearby when you do this, as siblings are immune to your cute defense mechanisms. Be sure to cry, so your parent is alerted to your mortal danger.

Rule #10, No private time.
This is perhaps the most important rule of them all. Do not let your parents have private time! If you hear these evil words uttered, alarms should go off in your head. Nothing good can come from private time. At the very least, private time rejuvenates them, making them more resistant to your powers. And in the worst possible scenario, private time could lead to a new baby replacing you as the ruler of the house! This event needs to be stopped at all costs!

That's it, troops. Follow these simple rules and you should have a long and fruitful reign as ruler of your household.

You have the power!

[DanaLynn]

KLo-
That was beautiful. Thank you for sharing.

[kakirk]

Congrats Heather!!! Looking forward to pictures!!

Doco, I think kakirk and the twins will be next BLESS YOU!! I certainly hope so because I am D-O-N-E!!!!

Cerclage comes out tomorrow ladies...hoping it will bring on labor right after, but we'll see! Hopefully I can sleep tonight too! :eek:

Katie

[SAMIKE32700]

Welcome Sarah Liberty!!

I went to Daytona this past weekend for the Nascar race Saturday night. It was a last minute deal but glad I went. I was concerned about the noise at first but then I told myself that I wasn't standing in front of those cars so the noise wouldn't be too hard on the baby. Then I see not just 1 but at least 4 women bringing in their little infant babies in there. :mad: The one bad thing is the feet swelling. We walk a little more than normal & now I can feel the liquid in the tops of my feet. :eek: So I am calling in this morning and putting my feet up for the day. I go back to the Dr tomorrow and will be deciding on a b'day for my little guy. :D

[jp'swife]

Hello everyone! Sorry I've been MIA! these boards have been tough to get on today!
I have off today as an extra 4th of July scheduled vacation day (per work) so I'm trying to find things to do to pass the time.

The house is pretty much clean since we had family and friends over this past weekend but I've been feeling like crap!! My lower back was killing me yesterday and my feet have been pretty much swollen to hell since Friday. I had my first bout of BH Friday afternoon at work and was wondering if stress egged them on a bit. I don't think that my work fully understands that my last day of work with them is the 8th. UGH! I don't know what to do. There is a million things going on there and they really need my help. But, I honestly don't know if I can comfortably make it another week or even another few days after this Friday.

I just want to have Alex now! I want to meet him and I want to be done!!!

Klo -Matthew is so gorgeous and I loved your birth story!!

Nanner-You too! Sam is beautiful!!!

Heather-Huge congrats to you!!! I'm sooo happy for you and proud of you! I can't wait to see Sarah Liberty!!

Ok, I'm wondering who the next one will be!!
I have my next doctor's appointment tomorrow and I'm hoping that they say that I'm dialating. I've been feeling so horrible lately and little pains here and there down there. Hopefully that means things are progressing.

[myshel]

KLo: Thanks for sharing your birth story. I'll be honest; it did freak me out a bit but I think it's because it the real deal and not some Hollywood version of birth. Your birth story opened up a great line of discussion between DH and me.

[NYN]

hey ladies, drive by post here...i have been having contractions since saturday. they are not consistent but they are very strong. i will have them every 45 minutes or so for a few hours and then they will go away for several more hours. i feel like i can't go anywhere, though yesterday i didn't get any at all and today i only got some in the afternoon for two hours. it's very frustrating and honestly, very painful. while it is happening the only thing going through my mind is epidural! epidrual! epidural! i am very curious to see what active labor is going to be like.

anyway, i went to the doc today and he wanted to do an internal and do some "stretching" down there and i turned him down. i'm just not interested in doing any interventions until next week so we agreed that next tuesday we (well, he) will do some "stretching" and then if i don't go into labor by friday (my due date) we will induce on sunday, the 17th. originally i was planning on fighting him on this whole "you can't go past 40 weeks" thing but now i just decided to go along w/ it. i think the only reason why i'm so relaxed about it is b/c i can't imagine getting to the 17th w/out going into labor on my own but we will see if i am right about that or not. :p

otherwise, everything is fine. waiting for my crib (it arrives on friday) and once that is up we are all set. DH will be home starting this Friday for two weeks and then he starts school so i am looking forward to spending time w/ him.

question: do you guys notice that the baby is much more active than in previous weeks?

-----

Klo: thanks so much for posting your birth story. you did an excellent job writing it.

jp: hang in there and don't give in! if they want you to stay past the 8th say no way!!! i am telling you - maternity week is like a cure-all. my feet have not swelled once since i've been home!

samike: good luck at the doctor's...what day do you think you'll pick?

char: any news?

doco: we are all thinking of you!!!

myshel: btw, i meant to tell you, you look great in that wedding picture!

[jp'swife]

jp: hang in there and don't give in! if they want you to stay past the 8th say no way!!! i am telling you - maternity week is like a cure-all. my feet have not swelled once since i've been home!

Thanks honey! I know...I've been feeling good these last two days completely off my feet and my cankles haven't shown up! Plus, the heaviness goes away a little bit. Sitting the whole day at work isn't the best thing for me right now and I honestly don't think I can take another week or even another extra 3 or 4 days of it...mentally or physically.

Look at you with the contractions!! So nice that you have a date all set! How exciting!
:D

My doctor's appointment this morning is at 9 so I should be back later for any updates (hopefully I will have something to share

[docoNY]

question: do you guys notice that the baby is much more active than in previous weeks?

since my bp keeps going up they have me paranoid about the baby movements and yes - I have noticed mine is more active.. some nights my insides are getting a beating! last night wasn't too bad!

klo.
thanks for the birth story!

NewYorkNovia
I have been getting a lot of contractions too but they are all over the place.. haven't even bothered to time them since they seem so sporadic.. hopefully they are doing 'something' for Fri!
good luck with the crib and hopefully your baby will arrive soon too so baby gets some quality time when your husband is home!!

SAMIKE32700
enjoy your day with your feet up!

jp'swife
good luck with your last few wks! don't let them stress you out!!

dizylizy
congrats on your baby boy!! since the cc boards are finally up I am going to update page 1 for you and took the post from WC & posted it here for you since I am sure your too busy to get back in here today

here is dizylizy's post:
Spud is here! Harrison Raymond
Ladies!
Yeah! it was the most amazing experience ever! I still have trouble believing it wasn't a movie and it happened to me!

Stats:
Harrison Raymond
Born: 5:32am on July 1st after 15 hours of labor.
7 lbs, 15 oz
21 inches
brown hair, blue eyes (but kinda grayish blue)

Had a c-section. My water broke at 3pm. called doc. at hospital by 5pm. started pitocin at 6:15. contractions were ok until about midnight when they really started to hurt. at 4:30 I was still only 4cm. decided to do a c-section as baby would not drop into my pelvis. and his heartbeat was dropping after the contraction not with it. Not too disappointed to not delivery vaginally. b/c some of the contractions HURT!!!! 80 on the internal monitor. delivered at 5:32am. nursing my 7:30. what a day!

[char473]

http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b5d927b3127cce92e10830c4cf00000015108IaNmjNm5aM Congrats again on the babies:)

I am still here with child. The L&D girls at work were trying every trick to make me go into labor on my last night at work, but Sydney is just too comfortable! I'm still contracting, still with ALOT of pelvic pressure, but still pregnant :rolleyes: So it looks like Friday is still the day. I go in at 7am, and hopefully by afternoon will get to meet my baby girl!

And isn't the feet (and everywhere else for that matter) swelling fun?? My fingers look like little sausages. DH and I went for a walk last night, and by the end I felt like every bit of fluid in my body was in my "cankles".

Klo: Your birth story was amazing, and inspiring! Thank you for sharing.

Take care ladies, and bring on the babies!!

Charlene

Editited to show a belly shot, finally;) Granted it's an old one: 35 weeks, and I'm 38 now:

[December27JJB]

KLo Congrats again! You look great and Matthew is beautiful! Thank you for sharing your birth story, it was so touching. I admire you for going through it all with no drugs!

Samike Keep your feet elevated when you're sleeping. Someone once told me that your feet should be higher up than your head so try propping some pillows underneath your legs. I hope you feel better soon!

HeatherLynne CONGRATS! And Welcome to the world Sarah!!!!

dizylizy Congrats on your little boy! Welcome to the world Harrison. Funny, before we found out Parker was a girl we were thinking of naming a boy Parker Harrison. Love that name!

NewYorkNovia Wow, you poor thing. Make sure DH gives you lots lots of massages!!! It does sound like the baby will come soon. I wish you all the luck on L&D and I cant wait to hear all about the birth of your baby!!!

char473 You look great!!!
_________

Not much has been going on here. DH, Parker, and I all went to my parents' lake place for the weekend of the 4th. We basically relaxed, watched movies, read books, and ate a lot of junk food. Unfortunately, for me, I cant go swimming for another month because of my c-section. Parker was sooo good the whole time we were there. She rarely cried and everyone was holding her. She just loves being held! Before we left to go there, I told DH to bring the whole bag of diapers well, DH went like, "No we dont need THAT many diapers" Well, we ended up having 4 left and the nearest town was about an hour away! My mom and sister went out and got more.Now, there is a hurricane brewing in the Atlantic and it may head this way, I told DH if it does I am buying all of the newborn swaddlers at Publix! It's funny because I have never been a mother before and I know what to do. Almost like it comes naturally as soon as the baby is born. It's weird!

[Jodi AKA BostonTeacher]

Good Morning Girls,

If there were any truth to the "nesting" instinct then I most certainly should have gone into labor last night. Secretly I'm glad I didn't though.

I told myself in the morning that I would be productive, but man I never predicted I would spend 8 consecutive hours cleaning and scrubbing. I even used a toothbrush in corners. I cleaned on top of the ceiling fans. I washed the windows. It was insane!!! I thought for sure it meant I was going to find myself in L/D by morning, but alas I am now off to my 39 week appointment.

I'm hoping he does an internal and can give me some more insight. Last time he told me "I was on a need to know basis and that there was nothing to know at the moment."

Hope you are all feeling well. The weather here is calling for rain and temps in the high 60s low 70s for the rest of the week. It's like a gift for the pregnant women in the area. Take Care girls!

[heatherlynne]

Thank you all very much for the warm wishes and congrats. I am so thrilled that she is finally here. I am feeling very good-better each day, and I am happy to report that sleeping on my stomach is so wonderful!!! :D For the crap labor I had, delivery was a dream. Couldn't ask for anything more.

After I last posted, I decided to take a nap. I had one contraction where I felt a stab in my left side, then pain going through my right hip and down my leg. I screamed and panted through it and then closed my eyes again. The next contraction came, a second or so later, there was a pop, and then woosh! I called to Mark to bring towels, but thankfully my yoga pants were super absorbers! Trust me, there was a TON of fluid. I got into the shower while Mark tried to call the midwife. I knew that once my water broke the contractions would be stronger, but I could barely stand them as it was, so I tried to hurry. The midwife's service wasn't picking up, so we just tried to get out of the house. My mom beat us to the hospital because I couldn't get my clothes on for the contractions, so she took care of having the midwife paged by the staff.

On to the hospital. I knew I couldn't do a drug-free delivery with the pain in my back and hips, so I asked them to please let me have an epidural. They checked me and I was at 4cm and they did my blood draws and started my IV so I could have the epi. The pain was so bad, and thanfully I asked if I could labor in the shower because Mark was rubbing my back so hard that I knew he'd give out soon. They brought me a stool covered with towels and I sat on it while Mark aimed the hottest water on my back. I was able to put another towel on the handicap bar and lean my head on it and try to drift throught the contractions. I felt like I was having my legs ripped off my body. I did manage to labor fairly quietly for about 1-2 hours in there.

When the nurse said that I could have my epi, I was just starting a contraction, but I tried to get out of the shower and back in to bed asap because I didn't think I would last through too many without my precious shower. The dr came in and began preparing me for the epi. I was just about delusional at that point and could barely move. I knew it might take a while for the process, but I was praying for something fast and easy-my prayers were answered. I was a prime candidate and it only took a few minutes. I started to have one contraction about the time that Mark decided to fink out on me and headed to the hall to keep from passing out. I made it through and everything was smooth after the next few contractions. :D At that point, I was in heaven-7cm dilated. I managed to get my hair brushed and my makeup on and visited with my mom, sister, and Mark for a while. The nurse came in and said my midwife would be in at 4:10. She checked me and said the baby was in the birth canal and I was 100%! They turned me on my back and I got ready to push.

When the first contraction came, I pushed too much with my face b/c I couldn't feel it, but she managed to crown and I could feel her hair. They brought out a big mirror and stood it at the bottom of the bed. Trying to keep my eyes open during the contraction helped with my push, but then my contractions slowed down and we were sitting there wondering if there was a problem with the machines. Had some laughs about what time she might actually be born and waited for the next one... It was amazing to watch and during my 5th contraction, I managed to push out her little head. They turned her, pulled out her shoulder, and said to reach down and pull her up. Mark announced the name he chose, and the phone calls started. I pulled her onto a pile of blankets and they wiped her off and pushed up up close to my face while they did the chord blood and delivered the placenta. I did have two tiny tears that they stitched up for me, but I think they said I only have 3 stitches or something like that.

The nurse took Sarah to a warmer right next to me and did her apgar tests and took her weight and such, bundled her and brought her back to feed. She took to the breast like a champ and I was very happy. Because of the shift switch in staff, I stayed in that room for a bit longer, but Sarah stayed with me and they didn't take her to the nursery for almost 3 hours!

During that time, Mark's parents and my sister's husband (James) arrived to visit. Mark went to the nursery with Sarah when the time came, and I moved to my new room. Amber and James brought me Longhorn for dinner, and my aunt, uncle, and Mark's friend Dave came for visits. After that, we were on our own.

Everyone came to visit on Monday because of the holiday, so there was a steady stream of people all day and into the night. Sarah was so sweet and in a really good mood and not fussy at all.

Her breastfeeding has continued to improve and now she latches on with the first try usually, but she seems gassy to me, and is fussy at night. On our second night, the nurse took her to the nursery because she was pretty bad, but we did manage to get some rest last night and she is nursing now. I have an appointment in an hour with my chiro to see what went wrong with my hip, so I will post pictures very soon, but they're not all up yet...

[adoredh]

Heather I'm so excited for you, Mark and Sarah! I'm glad that they were able to get the epi in quickly for you, I know the wait for it must have seemed long, but it sounds like after you got the epi, everything went smoothly from there!

I'm so thrilled and I can't wait to see your first family pictures!

Congratulations Momma!

Hugs,

Alisha

[myshel]

dizylizy: Congrats on Harrison! What a super name!

Heather: What an amazing story! I'm sorry things were so painful but it was totally worth it. I can't wait to meet Sarah.

Jodie: I totally feel you on the nesting thing. I've been carrying around furniture, laundry baskets, and cleaning like it's nobody's business. Maybe things will be soon?

Teba: Yay for contractions. Boo for the fact they aren't regular. I have noticed, too, that the babe has been very active lately. I read somewhere that some women mistake contractions for baby activity. Maybe that's the deal because I've been getting it too.

Well, not much to report here. DH keeps asking me if I'm having the baby today (except he's asked every day since July 1). Every morning, he leaves for work, giving me a kiss, and then says to my stomach, "Luka, can we please meet you today?" I'm starting to think this kid is stubborn.

We walked for a while last night and while it did induce some contractions, once I got home and relaxed for an hour, they quit. I have tried almost every old wives' tale way of inducing but nothing has really worked well for me. Spicy foods don't work because we eat like that all of the time (DH is Hispanic). Walking helps but things fade quickly. DTD hasn't really worked either. Argh! I have a 39 week appointment tomorrow. I guess we'll see what's up then.

[Tray85]

klo - thanks for posting your birth story. You had me in tears!

heather - wonderful birth story. Glad Sarah is doing well bfing.

QOTD - Baby is really active lately. Its almost comical how much she's boogeying in there!

[MareS]

Hey Gang! I'm so far behind!

Nanner ~ Samuel is so cute! Congrats again!

Katie ~ You look great and they could be my feet in that pic!

Heather ~ Congratulations on the birth of Sarah! I loved your birth story too! Can't wait to see pictures!

KLo ~ Matthew is so sweet! Thanks for sharing your story, you made me cry!

Samike ~ I was b1tching about staying awake to watch the race and you went to it??!! :eek: Brave girl! (By the way, I didn't even make it to half way!)

Liz ~ Congrats and Welcome Baby Harrison!

activity ~ Little Bugger seems kinda quiet today. Then again, he's been shaking his booty when I'm trying to sleep too, so it might just be too early for him!

37wk,5d: Not too much going on here. I have to go to the doc this afternoon for another NST and the usual stuff. Tomorrow is my last day at work, WOOHOO!! Didn't think it was gonna be this bad, but I definitely should have stopped last Friday! This Friday I go to the hospital for another growth scan and my pre-admission tests. Tuesday is showtime! I'm filled with mixed emotions about it too. It's a cross between excitement and totally overwhelmed!

Happy Wednesday! :D

[MareS]

I have a question about the loss of the mucous plugs. I never lost it last time so I really don't know, sorry if this is gross. Does it happen when you're going to the bathroom or does it just happen? Currently, I only wear a pantyliner, should I be using something a little thicker? Thanks!

[December27JJB]

MareS

Mine never made it to my underwear, I only found it on toilet paper when I wiped. It looks like snot, sorry TMI, mine was brown. I dont know if people have found it on their underwear so I guess it wouldnt hurt to wear thin pantyliners. Hope that helps?

[Jodi AKA BostonTeacher]

I had my 39 week appointment today. All is well, but there is no sign of a baby's arrival on the immediate horizon. My doctor told me to schedule my appointment for next week with his collegue because he will be away at a conference all week!!!

EXCUSE ME?

Did he forget the fact that I am due next week? Now granted the baby could come this week. Perhaps that baby will come the following week. Regardless I am shocked to find that he didn't call and ask me if it would be OK if he were to leave the state for a 7 day hiatus when I am expected to deliver smack dab in the middle of it. Would it have beem so hard for him to speak to the people in charge of this nation-wide conference and kindly request that it be rescheduled for August? With today's technology had it not even crossed his mind to set up a satellite and give his lecture and presentation via live internet feeds between contractions? After 9 very intimate months together I deserve at least that.

I feel like I've been stood up for the prom. :)

[lil_nance]

Heathlynne CONGRATULATIONS! I'm so glad Sarah didn't keep you waiting any longer. Thanks for posting your birth story.

dizylizy Congrats! Welcome Harrison!

KLo Thanks for posting your story, I had DH read it. I like to hear these real life non-TV stories.
---------------------
I just got back from my appt. I'm 37 1/2 wks, measuring closer to 36. Nothing is going on. The spotting stopped and I am not dialated at all :(. I'm kind of glad since my parents don't arrive until 7/19. I'd like them to be here before kiddo arrives. Dr. said that when I do start contracting, I may have a heavy show based on my previous spotting experience. Nice that she warned me. Also, if things don't change, they will induce. They won't let me go more than a week past my 7/23 due date. :rolleyes:

[Tray85]

Jodi Sorry your doc is leaving town. :( Hopefully if you have to deliver w/ the other doc he/she is super nice.

lil nance Sorry you aren't dialated at all. Its good the doc warned you what to expect though.

Had another OB appt. today. I am 1 cm dialated. Doc "agitated" my cervix. Holy hell did that hurt! She said she hoped I got some spotting from it and I certainly did. I'm almost worried that its too much spotting. Now I'm pretty crampy. Blech. She said she didn't think I'd go soon and that I'd be in there for my next week's appt. I'm half glad and half not if that makes any sense.

[NYN]

WELCOME HARRISON!!! :D

tracie: why in god's name did your doctor "agitate" your cervix? i have never heard of that before. i wonder why she wanted you to spot. did she say to call if you start cramping? (sorry for all the questions).

lil_nance: you sound like i did last week and now this week things seem to be moving along so have patience. ;)

jodi: that SUCKS!!! but your post had me LMAO. :)

Mare: congrats on your last day of work. i never thought i would be this "into" not working but man, i'm loving it.

myshel:
I read somewhere that some women mistake contractions for baby activity. Maybe that's the deal because I've been getting it too.
i read that too and after you said it i started to pay more attention. i'm pretty sure i'm feeling more movement than contractions though b/c when i feel the contractions that aren't painful (if you know what i'm talking about) it's more of a "tight" feeling where the baby seems to be trying to come out my side. who knows. i am probably totally wrong.
DH keeps asking me if I'm having the baby today (except he's asked every day since July 1).
HAHA, that sounds like my DH.

heather: great birth story. after all that you went through, i'm glad that it went so well for you. can't wait to see pictures of beautiful miss sarah!

December:
It's funny because I have never been a mother before and I know what to do. Almost like it comes naturally as soon as the baby is born.
thank god you said this b/c i have been getting so nervous lately. like how will i know what to do??? this is very reassuring.

char: you look great but i was going to say "wow, she is small for 38 weeks," LOL. are you an L&D nurse? that's so convenient.

-----
i am still here. i have been having very mild contractions - nothing like this weekend and yesterday - and have just been going about doing my things. it is crazy that you can have a contraction while in the super market and all you have to do is stop for 30 seconds or so and wait for it to go away. ;) i am looking forward to cleaning the bedroom floor tomorrow so that the delivery guys will just be able to set up the crib for me. i know i keep talking about this crib but i'm really looking forward to getting it. :D

[maggieb]

Welcome to the world, Harrison! Great name!

Had my 38 wk appt today. I am 3cm dilated, but still high and only a little effaced. I had several contraction before I got out of bed this morning and thought that the time had come, but as soon as I got out of bed, they stopped. That's a good thing...I'm not ready. My mom just got here last night and I'd like a few days with her before #2 arrives. And, I'm savoring my time with Helena as my first baby right now.

Tray85: With DD#1, dr 'agitated' my cervix too at my 39 wk appt and I had DD the next morning!

[kakirk]

Bah...I'm still here too! :mad:

Yesterday's cerclage removal was successful in that the stitch is out, however it failed to put me into labor! ;)

As of now, we wait for the next eight days to see if I'll spontaneously go into labor. If not, I'm scheduled for an induction/c-section (my choice) on July 15.

One way or another, these monkeys are arriving by the 15th!!

Katie

[jp'swife]

Hello again!
I am just beaming here reading about what is going on with everyone!! I really can't believe our babies are here or are on their way here!

heather-what a great story! you are a champ! I can't wait to see pictures of the beautiful Sarah!

dizylizy-Congrats on Harrison! Great name! can't wait to see him too!

----------------
Can't say too much about baby Alex right now. Super active but more like stretching and pressure. DH and I keep asking him politely if he could come out sooner than later because we really want to meet him.
I had my weekly doctor's appointment this morning. I tested positive for the Group B Strep. Son of a.... oh well. I guess I can't do anything about that. All the doc said was that they will give me some antibiotics in my IV. No biggie. He wasn't worried whatsoever so I guess I won't be either. Not diggin' that I tested positive for the last damn test taken for the pregnancy though. Ugh!
:mad:

[heatherlynne]

Finally some pictures of Sarah! Thank you all for the support. I hope all of your deliveries are quick and easy!!

Just after delivery...
http://images.snapfish.com/34438%3C2%3B23232%7Ffp64%3Dot%3E2337%3D833%3D627%3 DXROQDF%3E2323947%3B%3A96%3B3ot1lsi

The next day...
http://images.snapfish.com/34438%3C2%3B23232%7Ffp63%3Dot%3E2337%3D833%3D627%3 DXROQDF%3E2323947%3C58685ot1lsi

http://images.snapfish.com/34438%3C2%3B23232%7Ffp64%3Dot%3E2337%3D833%3D627%3 DXROQDF%3E2323947%3C44743ot1lsi

[char473]

Heather: She is beautiful!! What an angel:) So glad everything went well. Like I said earlier, I haven't posted much, but have pretty much kept up with you ladies regularly. I'm so happy for you.

NewYork: No such luck on being small, this little gal has popped out big time in three weeks! I am a respiratory therapist and I work in the NICU, and go to all high risk deliveries, and all c-sections. So I know the L&D gals quite well:) They have promised to treat me like a "super-star!" ;)

JPswife: Don't worry about the + test. They will treat you, and Alex will be fine. I go to deliveries all the time with + mommies, and the babies are beautiful and healthy!

Basically 1 more day till the induction. I keep walking like crazy, trying to get her to come earlier, and on her own, but she seems to have my DD's stubborn streak already.

[Tray85]

Newyork - Doc said she was trying to stimulate contractions. She didn't mention cramping - but I do feel like I have bad menstrual cramps. I "think" I've had a couple of contrax tonight, but as you were discussing w/ Myshel - I find it hard to tell the difference between the baby stretching like crazy and a contraction.

maggieb - WOW! Uh oh - tomorrow could be an interesting day for me then!!!

heatherlynn - What cute fuzz hair! I love her going home outfit too. :P

If anyone needs to kill some time waiting for their munchkin - here are pics of the nursery:
http://share.shutterfly.com/osi.jsp?i=EeAM2zlm5aOWbFfg

[SAMIKE32700]

heatherlynne~ What a cutie!!

Good news for me. I have scheduled my c-section for July 22nd!! :D :D He was still very much breeched and he's weighing in at a whopping 7.8 pounds already!! :eek: :eek: I am going to work til next Friday and then have the wek off before the baby. That is if he doesn't come any earlier. I was hoping for the 15th but Dr said no. They like to do the C-sections in the 39th week if possible. But if I go into labor before just make sure to tell the on-call doc that he's a breeched baby.

Yeah only 16 more days. Almost 15 now. :)

[maggieb]

Tray85: I forgot to mention that cramping was how I knew I was dilating. Totally normal, especially after a vigorous exam. I woke up this morning with tons of cramping and knew that I had dilated more. When that cramping starts to occur at regular intervals is when it's time! :)

[DanaLynn]

HeatherLynne - Sarah is gorgeous. She is the perfect girly-girl in pink.

Tray85 - I love your nursery. So cute.

I wish I had more time, but I need to put my little one to bed. I will be back later.

[heatherlynne]

Good morning ladies!

Jill-If I could offer some advice... If you are anything like me, you'll get a yeast infection, and possibly give the baby thrush from those antibiotics. To avoid this, when you go into your delivery and they give you the antibiotics, you can make sure the delivering doctor and also your postnatal nurses know to give you Diflucan. I had my doses the two days after delivery and have had no problems. I can't imagine itching and burning down there in addition to all the other sensations. :eek:

Tray-don't worry too much about the spotting after your exam. I had my exam on Friday morning and then had period like bleeding off and on for the two days before my water broke. I wish you luck and hope your baby comes soon!

MareS-when you lose your plug, if you are wearing your pantyliner, you should be fine. You may have some bleeding with it, but would have plenty of time to get to the bathroom. My poor pantyliner worked it's wonders and managed to save my bed from my water breaking.... :p

I'm typing like a mad woman between feedings, but I just wanted to tell you each how great you look and how much I'm looking forward to hearing all your stories!!!

[docoNY]

well this time tomorrow we will be heading off to the L&D for the induction

getting a little bit nervous about it - been walking all week (not that its easy in the NYC pea soup weather) and getting contractions and cramping and just hope something has started down there!!

Heather
your daughter is gorgeous!! love the blond fuzz!!!

*waving* to the rest of you - hope everyone is doing ok! :) char good luck tomorrow!!

off to jump in the shower - have a NST this morning and then have last minute chores.. I think I need to totally repack my bag - been taking stuff out over the last few weeks and don't remember what is in there anymore!!

[jp'swife]

heather- Sarah is sooooooooooo beautiful!! What a little doll-baby!
Sigh! I just love seeing her! Man, I feel like I 'know' some of these babies after all these months!!
Thanks about the treatment info. I will definately make mention to the nurses about that when the time comes!

char-thank you also! You made me smile!

I sorta hit it emotionally yesterday after work when I got home and read about the Group B strep. Man, it's scary if not treated! Of course, I was reading What to Expect and the Mayo book and both had horrible outcomes. So, I started bawling and JP started rattling off info about it that he read (I guess he pulled up the info at work after I called him about the test results). He has no worries at all and was all over the facts and figures. Made me feel a lot better. :)

Sam-Wow! You are so lucky to have your date all set!

Man, I can't wait to meet more July babies!! This is so exciting!

[char473]

Doco: Good luck to you!! I have been walking like crazy too, trying to help the induction process. I also have my husband programmed to say "Hi, this is Charlene, and she would like an epidural" ;) Now if I can only keep those pesky hurricanes away.

Have a great day ladies. I'm sure I'll post a million times today due to nerves. It's been 11 years since I have done this (with DD), so I am soooo out of practice!

[December27JJB]

Heatherlynne Wow your daughter is beautiful!!!!

Samike Congrats on picking out a due date! :D

DocoNY OOhhhh another baby on the way! Congrats! I cant wait to meet your baby!

JP'swife I am sorry about the + test. I never got my results back because I went into labor early and they had to go ahead and give me the antibiotics just in case it wasn't bad at all. ;)

Tray85 Cute nursery!! We have the same bouncer and swing.

[msmarieb]

Hey everybody! :)

Well I'm still here of course! I have been to the doc's so much this week I can hardly stand to see them again Blech!! My fluid was low on Tuesday, and they said the "I" word for the first time. I fought it, got one day to drink as much water as possible went back yesterday fluid was great, but they want to do a NST every time I go in now which is twice a week until I deliver. I told them to check my damn ankles, it looks like I'm walking around with brown paper bags tide around the bottom of my feet! I tell you this end of pregnancy! I have contractions everyday, nothing at all consistent, they come and go for like 3 hours usually in the middle of the night and then they leave. I'm not worried as I am ZERO cm and "very firm" :p Oh well I'm actually looking forward to delivering on-time!
TODAY IS MY LAST DAY OF WORK WHOO HOOO!!!
I can't wait I have so many plans!

Here's my list of NO work plans:

prenatal massage
dry brush skin treatment
Pedi and mani
Be taken out to my fav restaurant
snuggle DH
eat Rita's Italian Ice till I burst
Put my feet up
Watch really horrible TV...maury and such!



Oh and sleep! I have only been sleeping for 4 hours a night :mad: I wake up at 3am and can't sleep. I hear this is a sign of empending labor but it's getting to me, I'm so tired everyday. I just want to go to bed.
__________________________________________________ __________

Enough about me :rolleyes:

Jill I went through the same breakdown after reading about the Strep, talk about freak out. But it can have a positive outcome, we just have to be sure if you think your water has broken to get some antibiotics asap.

Heather Sarah is so beautiful and her outfit is so cute!! I love it. She is just gorgeous.

Congrats Liz!!!

To the ladies with inductions for tomorrow WHOO HOO! May your labors be short sweet and well worth the effort!

ETA: Tray VERY CUTE NURSERY!!!!!!!!!!

[MareS]

Hi Girls!

December & Heather ~ thanks for the mp info, I feel better prepared now.

Heather ~ Sarah is beautiful! Congrats again!

Tray ~ The nursery looks great!

Doco & Char ~ YAY for 7/8 babies! Keep us posted!

jp ~ I tested positive for Strep B too. Bummer. I didn't read too much about it cause I didn't want to make myself too nuts, but I want to know why they are waiting for the antibiotics. They know I have, give me something now! Oh well, guess they know what they're doing!

msmarieb ~ Right with you.....WOOHOO for the last day of work!!!! (Although your post-work activities sound way more fun than mine do!)

I went to the doc again yesterday, pretty routine. Had another NST. When she came in she was asking how I was feeling, any contractions, etc. I told her no, just normal aches and pains. She was looking at the NST monitor and said that I was having a contraction. I said okay, I guess I'm having occasional contractions, hehe, who knew! Felt like nothing more than the baby doing an extra big stretch. To me, contractions are what I felt two minutes apart last time I was pg, not what I was feeling yesterday! She didn't do an internal since I'm going for the c/s on Tuesday, but now I have to go again tomorrow morning and Monday for NSTs. :rolleyes: Oh well, we're in the home stretch now!

Happy Thursday! :D

[myshel]

Induction Ladies: Good luck tomorrow!

Marie: Yay! No more work! Your list sounds really fun.

Heather: Sarah looks too cute! She's certainly an angel.

Well, I just got back from the OB. Guess what? Nothing's happening! Super! (please note the intended sarcasm). The dr said that I'm fingertip and said that I'd probably be back for my appointment next week. That was sort of it. We didn't really discuss what would happen if I did come back next week which, I guess, is a good thing because that means that the dr isn't hot to induce me. ARGH! I wanted to cry but I've decided that food is the better option. *Sigh*

[jp'swife]

Marie-Yippeee for you last day tomorrow!

So is mine!! I really can't wait! Your time off sounds much better than mine however, a few parts are similar! I love watching talk shows! I can't wait! Also, baby story, adoption story, special delivery, etc are on all afternoon!! It will be one big cryfest for me. ha! ha!

To everyone who responded to me about the strep test
Thanks for your support!!
Yeah, the strep sucks but what can we do, ya know? I will definately be mentioning it as soon as I walk into (ok, hopefully I will be able to walk) into those hospital doors!
I'm not taking any chances! I mentioned about the oral antibiotics that one book said that you can start taking a few weeks leading up to labor. However, DH quickly reminded me that they are not approved by the FDA (that he read) so I guess that's that. He just cracks me up!!

induction-Yes! Good luck to all the ladies!! I'm soooo happy for you!! Like I said before....I am just beaming as I read about everyone here!
I mentioned the subject of induction at my appointment yesterday. Apparently, for insurance and practicing purposes, my doc won't even start talking about inducing until I'm 40 weeks or even 41 weeks! Holy moly!!

Aches and pains....waking up in the middle of the night-Oh yes! I wake up allll the time and start thinking about things (of course I go to pee too!). What a hassle! Today I have SOOOOO much pressure downward in my belly. I'm thinking that Alex has dropped or is dropping. I'm NOT comfortable at all! Plus, I get some sharp pains here and there down there and I'm not sure what that is all about. I'm a bit ticked that at my appointment yesterday my cervix wasn't checked. I've been getting twinges and pains for the last few days and was really hoping that they would check and let me know if I was progressing or not. Oh well. I guess I will just have to wait for my next appointment which is on Tuesday.

[Jodi AKA BostonTeacher]

OUCH!

My left kidney (?) is killing me. Something's not right. It's persistent though so I don't think it's a contraction. It's been happening for about 40 minutes (TMI...along with a few trips to the bathroom). It came on fast.

I'm going to take a shower and see if it goes away. Otherwise I'll call the dr and see if I can pop in for a urinalyis. The last thing I need is a kidney infection. I am in denial that it could be some form of labor.

Jill I also tested positive for Strep. My doctor did not show the slightest bit of concern. I choose not to read anything b/c my sister had tested positive with her baby (that she had in Feb) and I remember her telling me how freaked out she was. I'm going with an "ignorance is bliss, they know what they are doing" theory.

Off to shower. If I don't get back on here today I just wanted to wish you girls luck with your inductions tomorrow!

[maggieb]

Jodi: Could you describe the pain a little more? About 5 weeks after I had Helena I got kidney stones and it was a terrible pain, not unlike contractions, but concentrated in my lower back area. Also, instead of hurting for a minutes or two like contractions did, this hurt for about 45 min and then would subside for about 30 and then hurt again for 45. Call you dr and be very specific about the pain. I wasn't very specific with my description of the pain and my dr thought I was just having a reaction to some meds I was taking. When I called back and said I thought I was dying, she listened to me a little more. ;) Hope you feel better soon and that the pain will go away soon. Maybe it is labor!!!

[myshel]

Jodi: I hope that you're okay. Let us know, okay?

Jill: I didn't respond intially about the + strep test but I wouldn't worry about it too much. I know that I already have to have antibiotics in my IV during L&D because of a heart condition I have. I have been reassured many times that it's nothing to worry about. So, don't worry.

Well, I've gotten over the fact that I'm basically tight as a drum at 39 weeks. I ate some lunch and then took a really long nap. It made me feel a lot better. I think I'll just go on with my every day life and try not to concentrate on this darn baby stuff so much.

[Tray85]

Thanks maggieb and heatherlynne for calming my fears! It seems to be going away today, so that's good.

Good luck to the ladies being induced tomorrow!!

[PaulsGirl]

Jill, I tested positive, too. I found out today. Here is a link with more infomation:

http://www.mothering.com/articles/pregnancy_birth/birth_preparation/group-b.html

************************************************** ******

I started packing my bag yesterday....

The nursery is 95% done. The rest of it (small decor) is just to keep me busy till she gets here. :)

Hang in there, everyone!

[msmarieb]

My last day of work was kinda sad...then it hit me...I'm gonna miss work :( Whoda thunk it? Oh well, I said my goodbyes.

Today is very exciting for me...NOT! LOL I go in at 9 for my NST and then I think I'll come back and have a nap....yawn...I do have a small todo list. I want to get my announcements ready to print, and get my who to call/who to e-mail list ready. But none of that has to do be done today. So after I make myself a sandwhich it's nappy/TV time for me. :D
__________________________________________________ _______________

myshel I think not really focusing on when the baby gets here is the best course of action! It's hard to do when there so many darn cute babies in this journal though!

Jodi I really hope you feel better! Call your doctor girl!

Jill Yes, yes it seems over the last 2 weeks those baby shows have become so real...and I cry everytime theres a "special delivery" it seems so amazing.

And thanks for posting about waking up in the middle of the night...I'm still on my 4 times a night bathroom scheduel but lately I'll wake up at 3 am and just can't shut my mind down. Usually I'm thinking about the baby or something baby related. It's so annoying. I'm so glad that I'm not a work so I can sleep during the day.


I need to go shower fro my appointment. Good luck ladies TWO MORE BABIES ON THE WAY!!!

[myshel]

Marie: You're right... it's just so darn hard!

So, I'm starting to wonder about Jodi. Maybe her back pain was back labor? She's due soon. Also, I'm curious to hear about doco and char. Hmm.... This weekend could be a banner baby weekend in this thread!

[Jodi AKA BostonTeacher]

It's A . . .







kidney stone :mad: I called the doctor yesterday who informed me that it could be back labor. She told me to give it an hour and then call back if it didn't improve. I called DH and asked him to come home. I ended up calling back in 20 minutes and told them I was coming in because the pain was unbearable.

Since she had said it sounded like "early labor" all I kept thinking was "I'm screwed" b/c if that was EARLY labor I wanted nothing to do with the rest of it. We ended up taking all of our bags in case it was labor, but I assumed it was a kidney infection. I figured I would simply pee in a cup and be given a prescription for an antibiotic and sent on my way.

How wrong I was.

Within 15 minutes of arriving at the hospital I had blood drawn. I had a urine test via a catheter (NOT FUN!!!). I was hooked up to an IV (which took 3 tries to get in) and I was puking. They also checked my vitals and hooked my up to the fetal monitor for a NST. The uralysis showed traces of blood which is indicitive of kidney stones so I was then told I would be heading down for an ultrasound on both myself and the baby.

As an added bonus I was getting regular contractions. They were small, but b/c I had so much pain in my left kidney they seemed painful.

The nurse gave me a shot for the pain. The shot killed! I soon felt dizzy and started puking again. Overall it helped the pain somewhat, but made me feel drugged (which technically I was, but you know what I mean). We were nervous going down to radiology because we didn't want to know the sex of the baby and were afraid we would find out.

I was so out of it, but am happy to report that I didn't see a penis. That doesn't mean it's not a boy it just means that I still don't know if it's a boy or a girl.

The ultrsound showed nothing in my left kidney (where the pain was) but a large stone in my right. At that point they weren't sure if there were two or if the pain was just radiating. They decided to keep me overnight b/c they wanted me to meet with a urologist and based on the pain thought they may need to induce me this morning so that the stone could be treated.

Around 11:30 p.m. I got up to use the bathroom. I felt nothing out of the ordinary while peeing, but instantly felt 100% better when I was done. They had one of those hat things in the toilet to catch/strain the pee and appearantly I had passed a smaller stone. That was what was causing all of the pain.

The urologist said that since the right stone is so large, but not causing any pain at this point then he wants to leave it until after the baby is born and that I should elect to have it removed afterwards because it's too big to pass as it is.

I HATE medical things.

The upside to this whole ordeal is that the baby received stellar reports from the OB and all the nurses based on the ultrasound and the 6 NSTs they did while we were there. Another good thing is that they informed me that the kidney stone is equal to or worse than labor and I survived. I also feel much more comfortable with the hospital scene after my sleepover so I'm sure I'll feel more relaxed when it's time to deliver.

I have know idea when that will be since the cervix is still locked up tight. I am effacing though. By 11:00 a.m. we were so bored and couldn't wait to get home. I was placing bets that my water would break within an hour of getting home. We'll see.

I hope everyone is doing well. I wish I had more exciting news to report, but the birth of my kidney stone is the best I can do. Have a great weekend.

[myshel]

Holy crap, Jodi! I'm glad to hear that you passed the smaller stone. I am sorry, though, that you'll have to deal with that larger stone after the babe arrives. I thought for sure that you were having a baby today! Take care of yourself, okay?

[December27JJB]

Jodi!

You silly! I was like OMG she had her baby!

Im sorry about the kidney stone, no fun!! But Im glad you got one of the stones out!

You take care of yourself!!

[Tray85]

OMG Jodi - you poor, poor thing! What an ordeal! I'm so glad you passed the stone and hopefully don't have to worry about anything for a while.

I said bye-bye to my mucus plug today. :p I told my husband and he said "gross". Hopefully this means it won't be too long!

[msmarieb]

JODI-The whole time I'm reading about you passing the small stone I'm thinking....what is that BIG one going to feel like! Well one labor down one to go :D So glad you're feeling better though. Don't worry about U/S at this point it's so tight in your tummy it's very hard to see any parts that aren't the head and the tummy. Have a good weekend!

[Kasia216]

WELCOME to all the New babies that have arrived! I love the pictures and all the birth stories. I'm 38 weeks today and next week is my last full work week!

Have my Lamaze classes this weekend :cool:

Hope you are all doing well!

[NYN]

omg jodi, i am going to kill you, lol. i saw the pink smiley and i thought it meant "girl" HAHA. you poor thing though - my cousin had two babies and then she had a kidney stone and she said the pain from the kidney stone was much worse so if you made it through that, the birth is going to be a peace of cake!!!

i finally got my crib and carriage. will post pictures later today.

[SAMIKE32700]

Here's to hoping that Jacob doesn't decide to come this weekend. My Dh is in Miami til Sunday. Plus with this dang hurricane coming I am going to be glad when this weekend is over.

[DanaLynn]

Jodi - I am so glad you are ok. At least you are somewhat prepared for labor. I do hope your labor is less painful.

Has anyone heard from Katie???

I am 37 weeks today. My ankles are still swollen and every morning when I wake up my feet are killing me.

QOTD -
Who is going for an all natural birth and who is going for a fully medicated birth???

I am going the fully medicated route, since I am having a c-section. If I was not having a c-section I would still be fully medicated. If there is a drug for pain I will take a double ;)

[SAMIKE32700]

I second you Dana. If I wasn't having a C-secion I still would be fully medicated.

I too am almost 38 weeks and my ankles are no longer ankles and my legs, back & pelvic area KILLS me everyday.

[Klo.]

"Has anyone heard from Katie???"

I hope its ok that I post this. I just saw in her LJ that she is in the hospital and is going to have a c/s some time tonight. Thats all the details I know right now. If I hear anything, I'll try to get on here and post it.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

I really want to write a proper post but my boy is sleeping and I should be too. You never know how long these sleeps will last....

No word from doco or Char today?? They were both being induced right??

[msmarieb]

Ok yall. I'm on my way to L&D I've had bleeding twice already this am. And the Doc told me to bring my bags. I might just have a baby today!!! 8-O Lex is full of surprises...I'll have someone call if he comes...if not I'll be on here moping...I hope he beats the hurricane!

P.S. can someone copy and paste this on my WC journal...thanks bunches! :D :D :D

[SAMIKE32700]

Good luck Marie. Hope you have an easy delivery!!

[December27JJB]

Congrats for picking a birth date Samike !!! I know St Joes will take care of you!!!

msmareb OMG!!! Wowww!! I wish you all the luck if today indeed is the day Lex comes!!!

[SAMIKE32700]

Thanks December27JJB. How are you feeling these days?? Are you still sore??

[Klo.]

Katie had her twins!!!!

Baby Boy was born last night at 11:02 weighing in at 7.2 pounds!
His name is Harrison Kirkpatrick and goes by Hank.

Baby Girl was born last night at 11:05 and weighs 6.5 pounds!
Her name is Camilla Margaret and goes by Lily

Katie was dozing, but said Hi. Todd said Katie did well, and the babies are both huge and so, so cute. They are taking today to rest and relax as a new family. He also said Lily is nursing like a champ and Hank is starting to catch on to things.

Congratulations Katie and family. I could not be more happy for you. Those are some nice size twinnies. No wonder you were so uncomfortable you poor thing - but great job!! I'm so proud of you.

Good luck Marie.

Still no time for a normal post - babe is waking.... So just waving Hi to everyone. Hope everyone is well.

[lil_nance]

Jodi Sorry about the kidney stones but glad to hear you're ok.
Marie Good luck!! Good thing you stopped work when you did. ;)
Katie A HUGE congratulations and welcome to the twins. They are both good sizes for twins. :)
-----------
We finished the nursery last night. YEAH. My glider is arriving on Wednesday.

I got no sleep last night :mad: Didn't fall asleep until 2am and that was on the couch. Slept for an hour and then moved back upstairs to bed for 2 more hours. Woke up at 5am. Shortly after that DH's work called. They have stuff going on this week and needed his help. They kept calling back every 10-20 min for the next hour and a half. I was still wide awake. Tried moving to the couch again, no luck. Had breakfast and then finally got 2 more hrs of sleep between 9 and 11. Whoever said, "get your sleep before the kid arrives" was not a pregnant woman. Between being uncomfortable and peeing every 1/2 hr to hr it's impossible to sleep.

I'm 38 weeks. Can't believe I made it this far. We're going to a BBQ this afternoon. I need to get out of the house for a bit.

[DanaLynn]

good luck marie. :)

[myshel]

Yay, Katie! Those are some huge twins. That is so awesome.

Marie: Good luck to you! I really hope this is it and Lex comes today!

Nance: If it makes you feel better, I don't sleep well either. Being huge doesn't make for great positioning.

I'm telling you... banner weekend! Bring on the babies!

[DanaLynn]

I must of been posting when KLo was and I missed the post about Katie

Congratulations Katie. I can't wait to see pictures. :)

[SAMIKE32700]

Welcome Lily & Hank!! Congrats and hope you are feeling good Katie!!

Well I got my paperwork for preparing for my C-section. I go to the dr on the 18th and then to the hospital for some kind of tests. This is so bizarre to me. I feel the baby moving and all but to think that he will be here no later than 13 days just blows my mind!!

[Kasia216]

Congratulations KATIE!!! Can't wait to see some pics of Lily + Hank!!!

msmareb - Hope things went well!

DanaLynn - BRING on the drugs for me :D I'll do anything to make the delivery as pain-free as possible....

[December27JJB]

Congrats Kate, Hank, Lily, and DH!!!!!!!!

[NYN]

congratulations katie on your beautiful children!!!

still no word from doco or char...

good luck marie!!

i am doing a driveby here as we are going out to dinner. i will do updates on the front page tomorrow!

[December27JJB]

Parker, almost 1 month old!

http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b5d928b3127cce929d1d070ad800000026108EbNXLdoxam

[maggieb]

Just wanted to quickly post from the hospital that Marisa Carmen was born yesterday, July 8, at 2:55PM. She weighed 8lbs 3oz and was 20.5 in long. All is well and big sister, Helena, came to meet her little sister today. I will post pics and birth story in a few days.

[heatherlynne]

Sorry I forgot to ask before, but can you post Sarah's picture on the first page. Let me know if you want me to repost it (the pretty one in pink :p ) Thank you very much!!!!

Oh, I just love all the new news!!!

Congrats to all the new babies! I can't wait to hear about their births!

Everything is busy here. Sarah had her first appointment yesterday, and hasn't gained back her birth weight, so I have to go back again next week. My milk just came in yesterday evening though, so I'm sure I'll be fattening her up quickly. She's already getting full easily and feeding alot less. It's an adjustment, but Mark and I are doing well. Sarah is a wonderful baby. I'm going to jinx myself, but she has a wonderful disposition and is very content to just relax and hang out. Thank you all for thinking she's so cute! I'm partial to her, but that could just be because she's mine...

Good luck to everyone! I hope you are all feeling well and are holding your babies soon!

[heatherlynne]

I am very proud to post that msmarieb had her baby!

Lexington Thomas is here!

He arrived this morning at 10:45 am, weighing 6lb 11oz and was 20 inches long! Just a handsome little fella!!!

Congratulations Marie! Can't wait to hear your birth story!

[December27JJB]

Congrats Maggie and Marie and DHs!!!! Welcome to the world Marisa and Lexington!!!!

Yay yay more babies!!! Who is next?

[char473]

Babies and babies and more babies! Congrats to all:)

Friday July 8th: Things went really really well for us. They started the pitocin at 8:30am, then I got the epidural at 12:30pm, then Sydney was born at 3:36pm. It was perfect! (Can you believe no tears or episiotmy?? Pelvic excersing is my friend! ;) We were able to come home the next day. (my doctor knew where I worked, and everything with her was perfect, and I was doing good, so he let us try and get home before the bad feeder bands from Dennis hit).

It is so amazing to have her here. We are all so in love with her. I hope to post more later, and some pics.

Doco, I hope things went well. And again, congrats to all!

[Jodi AKA BostonTeacher]

CONGRATS ON ALL THE NEW BABIES!!!!

I'm starting to feel like I am way behind even though I'm not actually due until Tuesday.

Thank you all for the kidney stone sympathy. It was not a fun experience, but it has made me much more confident for labor. I wonder if the Florida weather has brought about so many of the southern babies. In my birthing class the instructor mentioned that storms bring on babies.

I can't wait to see some more baby pictures. I hope all of you new moms are relaxed and feeling good and loving your new roles!

[Jodi AKA BostonTeacher]

Do I have this math right?

MsMarieB posted at 7:13 a.m. that she was going to the hospital and had Lex at 10:45 a.m.??? Man I'm jealous! Way to go!

[myshel]

Welcome Marisa, Sydney, and Lex! Wow, talk about a host of July moms this weekend. This is awesome. I wonder how doco is doing...

Not much is going on with me yet. I did a lot of work yesterday-- washed cars, washed house siding, cleaned house-- and also had some fun-- went swimming.

I didn't sleep well last night because my back is killing me. I've been up on and off since 3am with back pain and a sort of crampy feeling down low. DH keeps asking if we're going to the hospital yet. Sadly, no.

Stay safe, Southern Moms and Moms-to-be!

[SAMIKE32700]

Wow welcome to all the new babies. I always feel like one of the last ones for everything. Thankfully my baby will be here by the 22nd.

i'll be glad when Dennis is gone. Having these dang feeder bands of wind and rain is geting old. I am sorry to all the people that are about to get pounded by yet another powerful hurricane. I am just glad my maternity leave goes through most of hurricane season. Being a Florida resident you just never know anymore.

Hope you all are having a good weekend. My Dh is on his way back from Miami. I'll be glad when he's home. Just incase you know who wants out a little earlier than planned.

[July05Mommies]

ladies, i think i updated everyone on the front page for now. please check and see that i got everything right. i am missing some stats for people so if you want me to fill them in, just let me know in red.

heather: i wasn't sure which picture you wanted me to use so i put up the first one but if you want me to switch it, let me know.

need help: i am assuming that doco had her baby either friday or yesterday and if i don't go into labor this week, i will be induced one week from today. i don't want the stats on the front page to fall behind. if one or two of you who are due towards the end of the month wouldn't mind taking over in our absence i would really appreciate it. it would probably only be for a few weeks.

i'm so glad we have so many babies already!!!

[NYN]

CONGRATULATIONS ON ALL THE NEW BABIES!!!

SAMIKE: i think i forgot to congratulate you on picking a date. at any rate, congrats on that and also on baby holding off this weekend while your DH was in miami.

myshel: if you are not in labor, i hope you feel better. do you have an excercise ball? i use it when i am having lower back pains and it works wonders.

jodi: i am pretty sure you have your math right. here's to hoping we have the same luck as msmarieb. :D and i was thinking the same thing as you about the storm. actually, i am wondering if marie ended up in a single room b/c i remember she had the same fears as me that she would "christen" the double-rooms in the hospital, lol.

char: a big congrats to you and a big WOW on the no tearing. i have been doing my pelvic stretches so hopefully i will be as lucky as you!

heather: hope sarah's weight goes up. how bad was it when your milk came in? i hear it's pretty painful. i feel like it took you a while, no? i thought it only took 2 or 3 days...

maggie: congrats on your baby girl!

december: parker is gorgeous. i can't believe she is going to be a month old already - how crazy!

---
nothing to update on my front. i have been feeling great with only sporadic contractions, usually at night but nothing bad. i am now thinking i will probably make it through this week which i am fine with. we will go ahead w/ the induction on sunday (at least i am 95% sure of that -- i reserve the right to change my mind at the last minute. :p).

my famous crib finally arrived last friday at 1pm. it was great setting it up and whatnot. DH is fixing up the rest of the room as i type this (putting doors on the closets he made LAST YEAR, getting rid of the remnants of the computer, etc.). even though it isn't a nursery (we live in a one-bedroom) it is a big bedroom and we managed to make it work so i am excited.

some pictures:

crib (my bedding is DwellBaby's dots & stripes in pear):
http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b5d931b3127cce92e6babfff6700000016108DZuWLNs0U
closeup (mobile is baby einstein and dolls are gifts from my SIL and sister):
http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b5d931b3127cce92e6babdff6500000016108DZuWLNs0U
and this is my favorite thing. my bedding didn't come w/ a diaper stacker so i bought a plain one. then i took some ribbon that came w/ the blanket in my bedding set and sewed it onto the diaper stacker so that it would match. HAHA. for some reason it amuses me:
http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b5d931b3127cce92e6b84eff9700000015108DZuWLNs0U
and here is an insane picture of me pushing my carriage which also arrived on friday. it's the Inglesina Liberty Pram:
http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b5d931b3127cce92e6bae67e0e00000035108DZuWLNs0U
this picture was taken yesterday at 39.1 weeks. please note that we were on our way to a party and that i don't normally wear dresses around my house. lol

anyway, hope you are all doing okay and that we hear about more healthy babies soon!

[char473]

Here's a pic of my little princess, Sydney:
http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b5d931b3127cce929a4b1b3e0c00000016108IaNmjNm5aM

She weighed 8 pounds, and was 20.5 inches.

NewYork: Love the stroller and cribbing, and what, you mean it's not normal to walk around in party dresses?? ;) :D

[Tray85]

Congrats on all the babies born his weekend!!!

Char - your daughter is adorable!! So glad your delivery went well. And so share what pelvic exercising you've been doing - quick!!

Newyork Your crib is gorgeous! We have the same bear in a bunny outfit in our crib. We "had" the same mobile too but had to return it b/c it wouldn't install correctly since we have a sleigh-style crib. Your pram is so cute too!

[DanaLynn]

Welcome all new babies. It is so exciting around here. So many babies, I can hardly keep up.

QOTD - how many of us are still pregnant???

I am.

[myshel]

QOTD - how many of us are still pregnant???

Me too! I'm due in four days and have my next appointment in five days. I seriously doubt anything will happen before any of those dates.

[heatherlynne]

Perfect! Thank you very much!!

New York Congrats on finally getting your crib! It is beautiful!

It wasn't bad at all when my milk came in. My breasts just got tender like they do right before my period. I was trying on nursing bras, and they were achy and felt hard to the touch, but nothing really bad. I'll tell you that a supportive bra is a savior! Once she had a feeding on each side, all was well again.

I haven't had any leaking, but did have a problem where Sarah hurt a nipple and it bled and then she spit up blood after feeding on it. I freaked, but luckily remembered the damaged nipple and fed her on the opposite side for a few feedings and pumped the hurt side until it healed up. Only took a few hours....

[lil_nance]

WELCOME Marisa, Sydney, & Lex. Congrats Mommies & DHs

We had a fantastic time at the BBQ yesterday. I'm so glad I was comfortable enough to enjoy it. DH and I both realize that it may be a while after kiddo arrives before we get to do things like this again so it was extra special.

The nursery is finally done. YEAH! My glider/rocker arrives on Wednesday. We went to Big Lots today and picked up a cheap white bookcase that I'll probably put near the closet for book, toys, etc. Here's the link for the pics. :D

http://share.shutterfly.com/osi.jsp?i=EeAtW7Ju1aNHkA

[Kasia216]

Yeah - New Babies are arriving!
Welcome:
Sydney
Marisa
Lexington

NewYorkNovia - Such adorable Crib Bedding and I love your Pram ;)

I have just 12 days to go till my due date!!!

[Jodi AKA BostonTeacher]

QOTD: I'm still very much pregnant as well.

I feel like I'm in such a weird state of waiting limbo. I don't want to go too far. I don't want to commit to any plans for the week. I just wait.

I was telling my mom how tired I am of not knowing. It's not that I'm ready to be done being pregnant (because I do love it), but the unknown is killing me. I told her how I was so stressed out at the grocery store because I didn't know if I should buy a quart of milk or a gallon. If I buy the quart and don't go into labor I'll need to go back out and buy more. If I buy the gallon and do go into labor it'll go to waste.

She plans to stay here while we are at the hospital. She told me to stop stressing, buy the gallon and she promises to not only finish it if we are in the hospital, but will reimburse us for the difference between the quart and the gallon :)

[jp'swife]

OMG!! I've missed so many babies!!! CONGRATS TO ALL!!!

I will try to post replies one by one later on!! Heck, I'm posting this at 6 in the morning! :rolleyes:
Sorry, I can't believe I've missed so many births!
Still so exciting!!

QOTD- *raises hand* me!! I'm still very prego! I get a lot of downward pressure at times but nothing significant. Not even sure I've had a contraction. Oh well. I just want him out!! I'm so tired of feeling heavy and out of sorts. I just want to meet the little guy!

We have a ped appointment this morning to 'interview' a little. No biggie. So, I'm going to post more later!!

Take care and once again, welcome to all the new babies! I can't wait to meet everyone!

[annie_girl]

Hiya everyone, I have not had a baby yet, in fact I'm not pg either. Heh. I am here because I have just been looking ALL OVER for jp'swife and looked on WC first and followed you all in here, read this ENTIRE thread, only to see the VERY LAST POST is from Jill. :) So, HI JILL!!! *waves* I hadn't heard from you in quite a while so I was wondering if you had your little guy yet. Glad to see you post here TODAY so I know all is well. :) Please check in with us on LJ so we know how you are doing!! :) Love ya!!
Alexis
PS Also good to see you Char!! Congrats on your baby!! Congrats to ALL of you!! :)

[Tray85]

QOTD - Still pregnant. I'm due in a week. I'm getting antsy not knowing either. I have an OB appt today so hopefully they will check my progress.

lil nance - Your nursery is adorable!! Love the little bugs on the changing dresser and the murals.

JPs bride- I feel the same way. Not sure if I've had a contrax, but I have a lot of pelvix/pubic pressure and lots of menstrual like cramps. Who knows!

[deanergirl]

Another still pregnant woman waving madly over here...

I haven't had time to check the thread for a while and all I could think of as I caught-up today was "Baby Shower" as in, its literally raining babies around here!

I am so excited for all of you new moms and am pleased to hear that everyone seems to be doing so well! May there be more and more beautiful new babies this week!

I had my last OB appointment last week - his office is closed for staff vacation this week (but he is staying in town, thank goodness) so the next itme I see him will be when I am admitted for the c-section on Monday morning. Feeling pretty good, but I definitely overdid it yesterday. I am way too lazy to clean these days so my nesting has involved organizing and purging - lots of it. I was really miserable last night, but at least I feel almost ready now for Miss Priss to make her appearance next week.

I have had such a terrible time sleeping lately and I chose not to take any time off before the delivery (in retrospect, a mistake) so my doctor convinced me to take Ambien to get some rest before the baby comes. I was pretty reluctant at first, but boy-oh-boy what a difference a good night's sleep makes! Not only can I stay awake at work now, but I can still keep up with my toddler afterwards. IF any of you are thinking about this option, I recommend it for short-term use (1-2 weeks).

Please keep the babies and baby pictures coming...!

[jp'swife]

Annie girl-Hello sweetie! You found me! LOL! I will be sure to get my arse over to LJ ASAP!!! Thanks for stopping in and I'm sorry you had to look around for me!

Tray85-Yes! I know, it's very hard not knowing what the feelings really are!
I have a doctor's appointment tomorrow morning and I'm hoping he checks for progress. I hate saying this but I'm hoping for another internal! I had one two weeks ago...no dilation but softening....then I was hoping that they would do another one last week because I was having some pains down there but they didn't bother checking. Oh well. I'll just keep my fingers crossed that they will check.

Tonight we are going to have some of that Zataran's Chicken and rice creole mix for dinner. I'm hoping that all the spicy food will help things along!

This morning, DH and I met with our ped. Super nice guy and we are totally comfortable with him. Plus, he answered everything perfectly. My neighbor loves him so I'm thinking he was a good choice.
Today is actually my first day as a stay at home.......mother to be??? My last day was Friday. They took me to lunch and we had a shower there. Got a lot of really wonderful things and now I have time to work on Thank You's!!
I've been cleaning like a mad woman...have a lot of energy but my poor feet are soooo tight and swollen. I just have a really hard time 'taking it easy' and kicking my feet up even though I know that's what I should be doing. I just can't sit still.
Alex's room is really coming along! We have all of our shelving up and bought an unfinished bookcase on Saturday. So, we painted that black and then I found a little end table here in the house that we weren't using and painted that too. Everything is looking so nice. The final piece of furniture, the crib, still isn't in. :rolleyes: :rolleyes: Apparently, it might be on the Wednesday shipment to the store. That's 16 weeks and counting.
Then, all we have to put up is the ticker that DH is making and the mural that my dad is finishing up. I'm hoping the room is completely finished by the time the baby arrives.
I guess that's about it with me for right now!

Labor vibes to EVERYONE still waiting! I know it's not even the middle of the month yet but these babies are coming fast and furious!! How many pregos are left in here??

Congrats again to ALL the new mommies!!! I'm so happy and proud of you gals!! :D :D

[myshel]

Jill: I hope the spicy food works for you! :p I know that it won't work for me because that's what DH and I eat all of the time (only hot salsa in the house, always order the hottest Chinese dish, love jalapenos, etc.). My sister swore that it worked for her (Chicken Santa Fe Wrap at Applebee's) so maybe it will for you too.

Saturday was a great day-- lots of cleaning and swimming to top it off. I felt weird being at the lake with this huge preggo belly (which I kept covered up) because people kept pointing at me and saying, "She's pregnant." Yeah, no kidding.

Sunday was kind of a laid back day as my lower back has been killing. Thanks for the suggestion of the birth ball, Teba, but I don't have one at home. I decided not to get one because our L&D center provides them during labor to patients. Nothing really seems to be helping the situation along, even a hot shower with the nozzle pointed right at my lower back. Hmm... a sign maybe?

I've noticed lately that anytime DH and I either don't answer the phone or leave a message with someone, they assume we're having the wee one. It's pretty funny because we always get these panicky phone calls saying, "Is it time?" Umm... no.

Teba: You mentioned something about possibly being induced. When did your doctor discuss this with you? If you had to be induced, when would you do it? I'm curious because our due dates are right next to each other and my OB has not mentioned it at all. Not that I'm complaining but I'm just curious.

[Jodi AKA BostonTeacher]

Nancy: Your nursery is so adorable! I love how bright and cheery it is.

JP'sWife: I also feel disappointed when they don't do the internal. Although I ended up having one last week during the kidney stone incident and learned that I wasn't dilated at all. i think not knowing was better.

Deanergirl: Only one week to go!!! Hang in there. It's too bad you still are working. I've been done for 2 weeks, but can honestly say I need a distraction. I feel like all I do is sit around and wait.

I've become annoyed by the voice mail messages. Anytime I leave the house I come home to at least 3..."Hi it's ______. You aren't answering. I bet that means you are in the hospital!!" I feel like I need to call them all back and say, "nope still here." Yet I realize I'm just as guilty about this on this thread. If someone doesn't post within a reasonable amount of time I assume they are off giving birth. LOL!

[dizylizy]

Hi, all. It took me a bit to get over here. But I made it. Motherhood is great. Iwill try to get pictures soon. I have been pretty busy. Breastfeeding takes a lot out of you.... I get pretty sleepy. but it is going well. Harry developed jaundice the last two days of my 5 day hospital stay. but we got to take him home. I cried a lot when he came home.... pg hormones are hard....
Can't believe there is another Harrison on this thread! I thought I had a unique name... not a big deal. just a fun coincedence... :)
Quick suggestions- take the pain killers when offered, get out of bed soon, get the suppository (trust me, easier then waiting for nature to take it's course...) Ask the nurses for help! I didn't ask enough, do Pete asked for me and they were great!

[SAMIKE32700]

QOTD~ Still preggo here. But only for another 11 days. :D :D

Jodi AKA BostonTeacher~ I know exactly what you mean. I was at work on Friday but in another location and one of my friends told me Saturday that the rumor was going around I was in labor. Thought that was funny. Just cause a preggo is out or not in doesn't mean we are in labor. Don't they think we would call them??

Not too sure if I have had any contractions but do have the pelvic pain and my poor feet are just so swollen. No matter what I do. I am also at that point where when people ask me how I am doing I just wanna scream. I'm fine. If I wasn't I wouldn't be here. Thank God this is my last week.

[jki]

Another baby has arrived! :)

Cassidy Anne
July 9, 2005
10:21am
8 lbs., 8 oz.
21 inches

http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b5d930b3127cce9283864ec76900000016109AYtGrJu3ac

No time to type up the labor story right now.... but it was MUCH, much easier than my first! :D

[DanaLynn]

I was wondering what happened to you JKI.
I am so happy and Cassidy is just adorable.

I have a Dr.'s appt. tomorrow and I am going to beg my Dr. to change my c-section date to 7/19. Wish me luck.

[ahavnes]

May Mommy Popping In!

Just wanted to congratulate Maggie on her baby girl! :) (And everyone else as well, but I know Maggie IRL so I wanted to post. ;))

Good luck to all of you still waiting. The best is yet to come!

[char473]

Hello Mommies :)

Sending lots of good labor vibes out to those still pregnant and waiting.

As for the pelvic stretching, I found out about them from Kimthebride. I have kept up with the June, July and August mommies, and I remember reading from her how they helped her, so I thought I'd try. I only did 2 of them, she suggested 3. Basically the ball was my friend anyway, because that was the only place I was comfortable - sitting on my big green ball. So the ones I did were: sit on the ball, keep upper body still, and rotate hips/pelvis in circles, first clockwise, then counter. About 3 sets of 20, 3 times a day, at least is what I did. The second: sit on the ball, and tilt your pelvis forward, hold a sec, then tilt back. I think I had this one right, but in any case, it helped. Same reps for this one too.

Any other moms having fun with breastfeeding?? My milk just came in today, and I immediatley became engorged :( So one of my friends, who is a RN and works in L&D and Mother/baby unit came over, and helped me get through that. So hopefully, things will get easier.

Hope everyone is doing good and spoiling all of these beautiful babies!!

jki - She is so beautiful!! Congrats :D

[myshel]

jki: Congrats on Cassidy! I love her dark hair.

Well ladies, I broke down and called the on-call dr tonight. My back has been killing me for almost a day and a half and it's actually gotten worse. The on-call dr said this could be early labor or it might not be. She asked the typical questions-- lost mucous plug (yes), back pain that doesn't really get better (yes), pain in front (menstrual like pain that comes and goes-- yes, BH type feeling-- yes but not on a consistent basis). Basically, she said to monitor it, relax, and try to rest. I desperately want to go to sleep but I can't because my freaking back hurts so bad. I feel... bleh.

DH is trying to sleep but I think he just wants to know either way. He suggested we go to the hospital anyway just to be checked even if we do get sent home. I told him we'd just wait it out and see. *Sigh* How am I supposed to know if this is the real thing or not? God, I'm tired!

[myshel]

Well, I'm pretty sure it's not the real thing. I'm still here, albiet with a huge lack of sleep. I'm guessing what I felt was false labor but since I was too chicken to go have it checked out, it resolved itself on its own. I think DH is disappointed but... eh.

I guess I'll go through with everything I have planned for the day.

[July05Mommies]

Congratulations jki and Welcom Cassidy!!!
i didn't post her picture on the front page - let me know if you want it there. ;)

[NYN]

myshel: so sorry for the false labor. i know the feeling! in regards to your question about the induction, i will find out more today (my appt. is this afternoon) but my doctor has told me from the beginning that he does not like going past 40 weeks. most doctors will let you go to at least 41 weeks, if not 42. so in my case i will most probably be induced on sunday, the 17th at 40.2 weeks.

char: those are the same excercises i have been doing!!! the only thing is that i haven't been doing them for very long...just as long as i've had my excercise ball so i don't know that they'll help much.

DanaLynn: best of luck w/ the date change! Lois will be happy, lol.

jki: your daughter is beautiful!

----
phone messages: i have not gotten any but i think it's funny that my mom gets about five everyday asking if the baby has come, lol.

btw, in case you are wondering i am still pregnant too. :p

[Jodi AKA BostonTeacher]

I have set up the "Baby Hotline" on our home number. Callers now hear...

"Hi. You've reached 978-xxx-xxxx. Today is July 12th. If you are a friend or family member calling for an update there is no baby to report at this time. If you are a bill collector, the check is in the mail. Telemarketers and solicitors, we have caller I.D. so don't bother calling back. Otherwise leave a message and we'll get back to you pending any contractions that take us to the hospital."

[lukesmommy]

Just wanted to say congrats to Maggie and family!

[docoNY]

hola ladies!!

finally got a minute to get in here!

our surprise is here and it was a baby girl!!!!!

Orla Margaret
Sat July 9th 220am
8lb 6oz
21 1/4

my cervix was locked up tight - was so hoping it wasn't
I got cervidil about 2p on the 8th and by 4ish was getting contractions
by 7-730p they were getting really bad - luckily my doc was in the building and checked me around 8 something (slightly foggy) and I was 2-3 cent already and took out the cervidil and ok'd getting an epidural then since the contractions were pretty much 2 min apart and I was suffering massively

started the epidural process at 915p and by 930p I was a new woman and then at 10 something when she checked I was 7 cent - was moving on my own without pitocin so she left me that way

by 12m I was fully dialated and started pushing at 1216p and pushed for just over 2 hrs

I did get an epi but just wanted it over with by then since I was getting tired and the healing process is slow - my body feels better from the pushing as of Monday but still healing

we are in LOVE! she is cute as a button - was an angle in the hospital and think she has her day/night mixed up since she is an angle now and not so good at night - totally sleep deprived right now

Orla is Irish name and a real conversation piece now that we have shared it .. it flows with our last name and we love it and its growing on everyone and goes with our Irish backgrounds (DH's family is in N. Ireland) and I am 1st gen Irish and all my relations are over there. Margaret is my 98 yr old Granny's name and really close with her.

Orla latched on well and has been bf well - my milk came in yesterday.. there is some pain when she is too excited to latch on correctly. She also has a bit of jaundice but hopefully now that my milk is in we will get over it. Doc apt tomorrow.

I will post this and add a pick of Orla in a minute - think I hear her

congrats to the other ladies.. totally have to catch up in here!!!

[docoNY]

Orla Margaret

http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b5d930b3127cce92ea198fa72900000026108IcN2zdo4aE

[Sand]

Doco, she is absolutely beautiful!!!

[SAMIKE32700]

Orla & Cassidy are beautiful!!

You ladies are making me jealous. I have a dr's appt tomorrow. Good luck to all those who may have their babies this week. Only 10 days left for me!!

[December27JJB]

Oh my!! I am so behind! Congrats to all the new mommies and babies!!! They are beautiful!!!

Is it possible if you can post Parker's picture on the 1st page as well? THANK YOU!!! :D

I ordered my birth announcements from inababycarriage.com. I am so excited. Amber did a great job!!! She will give WC/CC members a 10% discount if you are interested. ;)

http://www.inababycarriage.net/images3/parker.jpg



ETA: DD slept from 9 pm till 4 am last night!!!!!!!!!!!! :eek: DH and I were thrilled!

[char473]

Doco, she is just beautiful! And I LOVE her name :) I'm glad things went well, and you have her home and healthy.

[Kasia216]

WeLcOmE - Orla
Docony - Love the name and she's so adorable!

December27JJB - Love the announcements!


QOTD: Have any of you girls who are still waiting been a mixed bag of emotions? I'm getting so nervous that the time has finally come. anybody else feel this way?

[DanaLynn]

Doco - Orla is a beautiful baby. I love the picture.

December - I really like your announcement. Amber did my son's announcements and 1st birthday party invites. She is so talented. Parker is adorable.

I went to the Dr. today and he schedueld my c-section for July 23. I was a little upset because it seems like forever, but I am over it. I had an internal and I am nothing. Nothing is going on and he highly doubts I will go into labor before the 23. I am ok with it. :o

I hope everybody is feeling good.

[lil_nance]

Welcome Cassidy & Orla!

QOTD: Me, Me, Me! Some days I feel prepared and excited, other days I feel so NOT ready. My parents don't arrive until 7/19. Hoping kiddo can wait.

Yesterday was a mixed day for me. Felt good in the morning. I went to my first La Leche meeting. It was pretty good. One of my former yoga instructors was there. She's due 2wk after me. :) Kiddo has been super active so much so that it's distracting in the day and keeping me up at night. I I felt lousy last night, sore back, pelvic tension, general ickiness. Thought it might be pre-labor but it wasn't. Next dr. appt. is Thurs. afternoon.

[Jodi AKA BostonTeacher]

Congrats to the new moms. The babies are so cute!

DocoNY: I love that your name ties in with your heritage. Just curious...what was your boy name going to be? I'm sure it is as cool as your girl name.

QOTD: I really think I'm in denial. On one hand it feels like all I'm doing is hanging around waiting, but at the same time I don't think I've fully come to realize that I'M GOING TO HAVE A BABY! This is probably a good thing b/c when I really stop and think about labor I get all freaked out so it's best if I just get caught up in the moment.

Today was my due date and it came and went. I'm sort of glad because it is also DH and my anniversary. He had to work and I obviously can't venture off too far. I spent the afternoon cooking and packed us a really nice picnic that we took to the beach. I'm really glad we were able to have some time for the two of us and enjoy the summer night.

I have an appointment tomorrow. My blood pressure has been high so I know if I were to fake headaches and seeing spots (the two things they told me to watch for) then they would 'get this show on the road' but I'm so afraid of being induced that I'm more content just waiting. I think they'll induce after a week so it looks like I won't have to wait too long anyhow.

I really do have the mixed emotions. I'm obviously excited (esp. about finding out if it's a boy or a girl), but at the same time it's scary to think that very soon I'll have a life-long responsibility and reason to worry. I don't think I've fully appreciated how carefree life has been.

[NYN]

doco she is so gorgeous! congratulations on your little girl (i too love the name Orla!). i'm so glad you posted btw b/c i was starting to get pretty nervous.

december: yes, i'll post parker's picture tonight when i post orla's stats.

QOTD: i am not nervous in the sense that i'm afraid of having the baby but i'm nervous about really crazy/stupid things like, will i end up going into labor on a day when my doctor is in the other hospital? (the one i don't like) and things like that.

anyway, i went to the doctor today and got hooked up to the NST machine (remember, my due date is this friday) and i am having contractions here and there but that wasn't news to me. i was almost fully effaced (doctor felt the baby's head - that was pretty painful. wtf?) and i was 1cm dilated so he stretched me to 2. big whoop. i now have to go in on friday to see my MFM (this is the Maternal Fetal Medicine doctor who i don't really care for too much) for an u/s b/c my OB estimates that the baby is over 9 and a half pounds. so i am supposed to go to the MFM on friday to see if the u/s confirms the baby's size. then i am supposed to call my OB and we will "talk." again, he originally wanted to induce me at some point during my 40th week but now of course, he is telling me that i need to be prepared for the possibility of a c-section if the baby is close to 10lbs. all of this is just driving me crazy. i am not one of these people that is opposed to a c-section and i understand his reasoning and whatnot but the uncertainty of it all is driving me crazy. will i go into labor naturally? will i be induced? will it be via natural methods or w/ pitocin? will i labor for hours on end only to end up w/ a c-section? it is just too much too worry about. of course there is no point in worrying as the u/s might reveal that i'm having an 8lb baby and that will be the end of the c-section discussion but i am a natural worry-wart.

anyway, that is my big news of the day. i won't know anything else until friday.

hope everyone else is doing well.

[December27JJB]

NewYorkNovia

Thank you so much for posting Parker's picture on the 1st page!

Wow, the doctor estimates the baby being 9 1/2 lbs!? I totally understand why you're feeling that way. It really is hard 'not knowing' because your original birth plan could be 'thrown out the window' because the baby is too big. Sometimes the doctors aren't right about the baby's weight so you still may be able to deliver the way you want to deliver. If you do have to have a c-section, from my experience, it wasn't bad although I would've liked to have had a vaginal birth. As soon as you see the baby you will forget how he/she came out because its an amazing experience! ;) I wish you all the luck! Please keep us posted.

Jodi

I am sorry about the high BP. I hope your appointment today goes well!! Let us know what happens!

For those of you who havent had their babies yet and are desperate to get the baby out. The day I went into labor, I took a long fast walk (although I wasnt due for another 3 weeks- I was already 5 cm dilated and ready to get it over with) and I sat on a yoga ball all day, rolling back and forth. That very night my water broke. Maybe you can try that out? Good luck!

[Jodi AKA BostonTeacher]

Much like my library books and DVD rentals...

I am overdue! :(

I'm off to the doctor now so hopefully she'll shed some light on rather anything is happening and what the next step is. They've been vague by only saying that if I go a week past the due date they will "start to get aggressive." I'm not sure if that means induction or something else. We'll see.

NYNovia: I completely relate to your anxiety/frustration with the unknown. Hang in there and keep us posted!

[myshel]

Doco: Orla is gorgeous (both in photograph and in name)!

December: Really pretty announcement. I wished I could convince DH that we should do something like that. Maybe I'll just do it anyway.

Jodi: Happy (Late) Anniversary! It is sweet that you were able to spend your anniversary just you and DH before the big event. Hopefully, the doctor has good news for you today.

Teba: Wow... so many questions left unresolved. And talk about a big baby. I'm hoping for your sake that u/s proves the doc wrong about size.

I'm in the same boat as a few of you. I'm extremely anxious to get the show on the road but at the same time, I'm kind of scared of what life will be like after the baby arrives. I was up until 2am last night thinking about it while DH-- sweet, naive DH-- slumbered next to me. Oh, to be a man.

I found out that if I went into labor on my due date (tomorrow) that my OB would be the one to deliver me since he is the on-call doctor tomorrow for the practice. That would be pretty awesome but we've all heard the stats about babies coming on due dates. Recently though, a lot of people I've met have had all of theirchildren on their due dates. We're talking women with 2, 3 and 4 children. Hmm.... maybe?

[Jodi AKA BostonTeacher]

Back from the doctor and NOTHING is going on. Of course she did say that doesn't mean I won't go into labor today, it just means that at the moment I am 50% effaced and not dilated.

In discouraging news they scheduled me for an appointment for next Wednesday for an internal, a NST and an ultrasound. Originally my doctor said that they won't let me go more than a week past, but next Wed is a week and one day. The doctor I saw today said that if I make it to that appointment and everything looks good then they will see me again 3 days later. I'm hoping to have the baby before then.

In good news though...

Although I am taking next year off to be a SAHM, I am not making it official until my 8 week paid maternity leave expires. Because it is the summer and we don't have school these weeks count as part of the 8 (they just don't get deducted from my sick day bank). So basically there were EXACTLY 8 weeks from my due date until the 1st day of school which meant I would have been paid for a whopping 1 day. Now everyday that passes is another paid day so essentially I am getting paid to be pregnant. I guess that's a good thing.

[NYN]

wow jodi, that is a sweet deal. HAHA.

thanks for all your support guys. my mom made me feel a little bit better this morning. she said that with both me and my sister she went to the OB on her due date and he told her she had at least another week and she went into labor that night. she also told me that neither one of us dropped until the very last minute (everyone keeps on telling me i haven't dropped yet). all encouraging, but i still haven't had the baby. ideally i'd love to go into labor tonight b/c my doc is in the good hospital. :D

[msmarieb]

Hey guys just on for a minute, I just wanted to post pictures of little Lex, He is so small! I never new babies were so tiny! I love him so heres a picture sorry I'm only on for a little while, my placneta ended up complicating my labor so he was delivered by emergency C... to all the c-sections mommies I feel your pain please send any tips and advice my way!! I'll take it

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y10/msmarieb/100_2773.jpg

[Jodi AKA BostonTeacher]

oh Marie he is such a cute little guy! I love that little nose and pouty face! Congrats. Sorry to hear you aren't feeling so hot. Hopefully, DH is taking good care of you and you're getting a little better each day!

[December27JJB]

Jodi

Sorry about you not dilating. It will happen soon!!! :D Thats great news that you're going to be a SAHM!!! Sending labor vibes your way!

NewYorkNovia

Sending labor vibes your way! Maybe tonight is your night!?

MsMarieb

Lex is SO adorable! Yes babies are sooo tiny! I couldnt believe how tiny Parker was when she was born! I am sorry you had to have an emergency c-section. How are you feeling? How is the scar healing? For me, I had part of the scar that hurt more than other parts. Did they give you prescription for the pain? I suggest you putting a pillow on your stomach while you're sitting/lying down so that you have a little pressure on it, it feels good. Do NOT pull yourself up when you get in/out of bed, roll to your side. I pulled myself up and down too many times and it made my scar even more sore. I took it easy and stayed in bed/on the couch most of the time. I'm happy to answer any questions you have!!

[Tray85]

DocoNY - Congratulations on little orla! Aw!

Jodi - Happy (belated) anniversary. Ours was 6/21 and it was nice to go out on a date. Everything has been so baby, baby, baby lately that I liked focusing on DH and remembering our first date & such.

Newyorknovia - I can totally relate. We'll have matching jumbo babies (doc says she is about 9lbs)!! :P I wish I knew when all of this was going to happen. I'm the accounting/detailed type and don't like things up in the air!

msmarieb - What a handsome little guy you have!

QOTD - Yep, the wait is driving me crazy - but then I get feelings of panic and think "oh no! I completely forgot everything about raising a baby that I've read, heard, etc.!"

new QOTD - Anyone still at work? I'm here. Due date is 6 days away. I feel like I'm crazy, but then again, I have a lot to get done before I'm off for 3 months.

[SAMIKE32700]

Well I had my weekly appointment today. Everything is fine but the doc at the last minute wanted to do an internal to see if anything progressed. Nope. He said I was 50% effaced but shut tightly. Good cause I don't feel like going into labor before my C. I was pleasantly surprised that I didn't wait more than 5 mins in the waiting room and then the doc came in. I was out before my appointment time. But the lady that does the short term disability papers totally p!ssed me off. She basically told me to my face that I wasn't a priority of hers. She was only one person doing all this. I need my papers filled out as much as possible since my last day of work is Friday. All she kept saying was the Dr hasn't stopped you from working yet. I don't give a f@ck if the doctor said I could work. She also said she was trying to get me my 6 weeks pay. Well one of the questions is how I delivered. She's trying to wait to start it next week. She couldn't understand my job starts my disability the first day I am out. I have to cover myself for 15 days and then they start paying. So the longer she waits the more time I have to burn. She had me so mad I was crying. And I made sure she saw these tears too. Thank God Dh was there and basically told her she works for the county and they do things differently. She said she would try to have them done by Friday. She's only had these for 3 weeks now. How hard can it possibly be?? I will be raising Heck come Monday if they are not done.

[lil_nance]

Today??? Felt crampy all day yesterday. Started having contractions around 11pm. Lost my mucus plug between 2-3am. Called the dr. at 5:30. My contractions aren't regular enough & strong enough to go to the hospital yet. Since I was tight at last appt., she said it will take quite a while for me to dialate. She suggested I walk around, warm shower, etc. Moving has helped a bit. I really just want to sleep but they hit harder when I try. My regular appt. is at 3pm today or I may go into office earlier depending on what happens. Right now, it seems like it might be false labor. BUT, I have a gut feeling something will happen soon, fingers crossed.

Oh, and my glider arrived yesterday so the nursery is now officially ready. :D

[jp'swife]

Hi ladies! Hope you all are doing well!

Orla & Cassidy are beautiful!!-Yes! gorgeous! Congrats you guys!!

marie-Lex is soooooo beautiful!!! I just love his face! Sorry you had to have an emergency C though. I'm sure things will start feeling better for you soon!!
Congrats again! I'm so happy for you!!!

No real update here. Had another doctor's appointment on Tuesday. No internal so I'm not sure if anything interesting is going on down there. oh well. He did check my blood pressure twice. It's been a bit elevated every time I go there for a check-up. I didn't have all that great of a day yesterday. I had NO energy and just stayed in bed pretty much. I have such heaviness and pressure in my belly. My neighbor said that it could be about time. No sign of loosing a plug though. :(
I'm such a sap. I watch Baby Story, etc all day and just cry. I want to meet Alex sooooo bad. I'm jealous all you ladies are having your kiddies/or had your kiddies all ready. I have a feeling that my baby isn't showing up any time soon. Watch, I'll probably be one of the last ones to deliver in here. I'm just hoping he arrives before August!

I think I'll go take a nap now. Just no energy. I really should finish up packing my bag for the hospital. I've been such a procrastinator!!

[dizylizy]

Marie-
from one c-section to another.... get up and walking. don't sit cross legged. hold your tummy when you sneeze! Ouch!!! careful wher you touch your belly. mine is so tender. walk slow. becareful where your seat belt hits, mine hits right at the incision so I have to move it higher. becareful beding over, you squish tings togeher and that can be painful... I have been putting lotion on my stretch marked belly to see if it will help to make the deflated balloon look go away faster. but the skin feels very tingely when touched. kinda uncomfortable.
I think it is amazing how fast i healed and how little pain I actually had. I had more pain from the doc trying to locate and remove bits of my cyst (reason I found out I was pg) then from the actual incision. weird, huh.
Hope that is a bit helpful. for all ladies: take all drugs offered (they wouldn't offer non-baby safe drugs), take the suppository to get the bowels moving (I tried on my own for 3 days- nothing- ate applesauce, prune juice, banana's), get walking, surprisingly this helps a lot. take a shower!! helps you feel human and helps relieve the presure in your boobs. they may leak.
To bf'ing mom's: how is it going? I am still a bit afraid that Harrison is not getting enough. but he seems to be growing and is content after feedings.... the leaking is interesting, esp in the morning when it has been over 3 hours since a feeding...
QOTD-BF'ing- have you tried pumping? how is it going? I am trying to pump a bit after each feeding to see if I can get a small supply in the freezer for emergencies... not sure I am doing it right. but I got 1/2 an ounce after a feeding this morning....

[msmarieb]

Im back! :D Or little guy slept so great last night...we are finally on an every 3 to 4 hour scheduel it's amazing I think this is only my 3rd day home...I'm loosing track of the days thrusday friday who gives a sh*& KWIM. I finally found the right combo for the meds! I didn't want to take them some of them made me feel LOOPY I hate the spaced out feeling but I got some that my body can tolerate and they are working wonders! The pain I have is from GAS!

I had a dream last night the choir at church was singing "giving you the gas that I got" not (giving you the best that I got WH) LOL I woke up laughing at that one.

I LOVE BEING A MOM! I love kissing and hugging on my little guy. He makes us melt when we look at him.

BFing is going OK, my nipples are sore when he first latches on...but then the are ok. I'm finally at the stage where I can hear him gulping and swallowing mouths full of milk. I gots 38 D's :eek: LOL That leaking think is kinda funny, it happens at weird times for me. Pumping wasn't so bad but it seemed like it was taking forever to get the milk out...but that was colostrom(sp). I'm going to see the LC today to see if i'm doing it right, I'll share any tips that I get.

thanks for all the advice on the C ladies! I have a little of my own I got a binder...basically a big gurdle man does it help...with it on I can laugh and not feel the incision. It helps with the gas too. I want to up load another picture... I'll be back to post one... I need to walk more too!

[msmarieb]

http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y10/msmarieb/fdf33c32.jpg

[Nanner]

Oh, marie, he's so sweet! Congratulations! It sounds like everything's going pretty smoothly!

My c-section suggestion: for the constipation, DRINK PLENTY OF WATER. I found I'd get so busy, it would be 4:00 in the afternoon and I hadn't had a drop of water all day. It definitely makes it harder when you're not getting any fluids to get things moving. My doc gave me a stool softener (oral) rather than a suppository, and it took a few days to work, but it eventually did, and then I had the OPPOSITE problem! :o

Dizylizy, on breastfeeding: if you can pump 1/2 an ounce AFTER nursing, you're doing really well! If he's content after eating, he's getting plenty of food, I'm sure. Just count the diapers and make sure he's making plenty of wet and poo diapers each day.

I have a confession to make on breastfeeding: it isn't going well for me at all. I don't seem to be making enough milk to keep him satisfied, and instead of nursing more often, I end up giving him formula to supplement, because I'm tired, and I know that if I give him formula, he'll sleep for 3 hours instead of wanting to eat again in an hour. I know I have to nurse more often to get more milk to come in, but I find myself hating that, after 3 weeks, I'm still having to nurse so much. I really truly would like to be able to breastfeed exclusively, but I don't think I have the disposition for it, or the patience to get my body to produce enough so that I don't have to nurse every hour. I feel like, as his mother, I should have the patience to do this for him. And I feel that, because I don't, I'm failing him. What can I do? I find myself giving him formula more and more often, and if I keep doing this, my milk supply is going to stop altogether...

[NYN]

dana: if you are really determined to BF exclusively, then keep at it and just tell yourself that in three more weeks things will be a piece of cake - but if you aren't, DON'T FEEL GUILTY!!! everyone is different and while i am very pro-breast feeding, i hate that so many women are made to feel guilty for not wanting to do it. luckily we live in an era where we have other options.

that said, if it were me, i'd try it a little longer...how many times a day are you supplementing? maybe you can pump while someone else feeds him (during the times you supplement) to build up a freezer stash so that you can slowly start weaning him off the formula? i only suggest sticking w/ it b/c everyone i know said that after 6 weeks it became so easy. BUT, if it is truly driving you crazy and you feel like it just isn't for you, DO NOT FEEL GUILTY ABOUT STOPPING!!! and don't let anyone make you feel guilty either.

marie: what a beautiful, sleepy guy!!! did you want me to post his picture on page 1? and omg, you don't know how much i'm lauging at the choir song in your dream. you seriously have me ROFL. LOL

jp: i feel your pain!!! at least your due date is technically weeks away. mine is tomorrow and i'm getting anxious.

nancy: sending you labor vibes. send them back my way....PLEASE!!!

samike: that is ridiculous...what exactly is stopping her? my friend's doctor charged her $25 just to fill out the forms. wtf?

---

i have no news. still feeling crampy but still fully expecting to make it to my u/s tomorrow. i wish i would just go into labor right now!! i want to have this baby today so my doc can deliver the baby. and in the TMI department, i lost my mucous plug in one big glop just over an hour ago. it was bloody...that is normal right?

[NYN]

i notice that michelle hasn't posted today..maybe she is joining the exclusive club of women who give birth on their due date!

[Jenzen01]

delurking for a minute ...

in the beginning, it's very normal for your baby to breastfeed frequently. i remember feeling like my shirt was up ALL the time, and it was very hard for a while. just wanted to let you know that it does get better. the first few weeks are truely a challenge.

babies digest breastmilk quickly, so they feed frequently in the beginning. even now, my 7-month-old eats about every three hours.

hope that helps.

hugs to all you new moms, and good luck to those still cookin'. :)

jen

[lil_nance]

Well after walking, breakfast and a shower, my contractions finally stopped at about 10am this morning. :( Have to say I was kind of disappointed and surprised. At 5am they HURT and I really thought it was just a matter of time before they regulated and I was off to the hospital. Was able to get a 2hr nap around lunch time which I needed so bad. Went to the dr. this afternoon. I'm 1cm dialated and 80% effaced so something is happening. (I was tight last week and not really effaced at all.) I felt pretty good between 11am and the 3pm appt. Now, after the internal, I'm all crampy again (ouch). I now I'm going to scream for the epidural when the time comes. Anyhow, off to walk for a while to see if that will make me feel better.

Novia: Wishing you more labor luck than I've had today. ;)

[char473]

Marie, he is beautiful!! So sweet and sleepy:)

As for BFing, we are going on day 5, and its getting better. The first few days were rough, when I just had the colostrum, and I felt like she wasn't getting enough to eat, then she didn't poop for 2 days, she was constipated, and gassy. And my nipples were sore as hell. But now the milk is flowing, and things are much better. Boobs still hurt, but it kinda goes away after the first couple of gulps. Good luck to you ladies going through tough spots, and just know that whether you BF or formula, your baby will be loved and healthy:)

Sending labor vibes to all of you still PG, and can't wait to see all these little people!

Here is a pic of my two girls! I can't get enough of them:) ( sorry its crocked, I am not the best scanner:()
http://www.shutterfly.com/jsp/proceserv.jsp?uid=8IaNmjNm5aM&rostate=67b0de21b9f80b2c4520&co=-1&js=1121379350375&ps=1&rs=6

[Jodi AKA BostonTeacher]

Still nothing going on here. I think it's a sad state of affairs when the highlight of my day is inspecting my underwear and TP for the elusive mucous plug. Clearly it's time to take on a new hobby.

Last night I had random crazy pain in my thighs and on both sides of my pelvic bone where it meets my legs when I walked. It really hurt throughout the night, but seems to be better now. Today I feel like I'm walking around with a bowling ball in my pelvis, but there is nothing else to report.

HMMMM...I too wonder about myshel.

Nance Sounds like you're making progress. Here's hoping you have less painful contractions and more productive ones :)

NYNovia Looks like you may make that due date club as well.

Nanner Please don't feel guilty at all. I admire you for sharing your thoughts and experience. It really is a personal decision and one that you need to make based on what is best for your situation. I went to lunch with my friend Kevin today. He asked, "you aren't going to become one of those women who chain themselves to the Similac display at Costco chanting, 'breast is best' and scaring away formula-feeding moms are you?" I had to laugh a) at the visual b) at his knowledge (he doesn't have any kids and isn't even married) Clearly breastfeeding isn't for everyone. I know research says that it is the way to go, but at the same time I really feel like a happy mommy makes for a happy baby. If you are stressed, tired and in pain then although you are giving your baby breastmilk you may not be able to really tend to the baby's other needs as well as your own. This is such a special, one-of-a-kind time in your baby's life. Enjoy it and cherish it. Don't feel like a failure or that you aren't doing everything you can for your baby. If you decide to stick with it then I wish you the best of luck and truly hope things get better. However, if you decide to switch to formula exclusively then don't worry about what others say/think and don't beat yourself up over it. You are doing your best!

MarieSO SO CUTE!!!! Thanks for sharing another picture. I'm so happy to hear that things are going well for you and DH.

Dizylizy: Thanks for all that great c-sect advice. I've made a note of it incase I end up having one. Part of me wishes I could have had a scheduled C, just so I can mentally prepare for what to anticipate. I'm afraid of going through all the labor and having one at the last minute. It was nice to hear what to expect.

JP'sWife: I've been TIVOing Baby Story and watching it in marathons lately. It used to scare me and I avoided it, but now morbid curiosity has gotten the better of me. I cry at each birth too. I have found some sense of security in the fact that the women who moan and scream are usually the ones w/out the epidural and the epidural women seem to do OK. That makes me feel a little better. BTW, Get that bag packed! Or better yet, make a list of what to pack from the comfort of your bed and then have DH pack it ;)

[Jodi AKA BostonTeacher]

CHAR: We cross-posted. That picture is SO sweet! It would make a great birth announcement!

[docoNY]

hi ladies - thanks for the compliments!!
swinging by to see what is the latest news in here
congrats on the new babies!!

I am definetly sleep deprived.. feel loopy!

bf is going ok but baby hasn't pooped since my milk came in (Mon).. doc said it won't be a problem until next week

don't know if I mentioned it in here before - Orla is jaundice..and her #'s went up after leaving the hospital on Monday so we have her on a 'sunbelt'

our sleep is totally out of wack - we can't swaddle her so she is not happy in her crib.. she will start drifting off and then jerk her arms and wake herself up and we have her using a pacifier to keep her quiet and that falls out..

basically 1 of us has to stay up to comfort her - can't have her wailing all night and doing it in shifts
hoping this might be our last night of the glo worm baby!

http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b5d935b3127cce929bc46fbd0b00000016108IcN2zdo4aE

good luck to the rest of you guys waiting! we are almost 1/2 way thru the month!! woohoo!

[December27JJB]

Char- Your girls are so cute!!!

DocoNY- I am sorry about the jaundice. It will go away in no time. Parker had a little bit on her nose when she was born. Parker is the same way when shes sleeping, she kicks and moves her arms then starts to make noise when shes sleeping. She loves to sleep on our chest. Sometimes we try to get her to a deep sleep on our chest before we put her down. And when we do put her down we tighten blankets around her matress so that she cant kick so much and it works. Maybe you can try that? Good luck!

Nanner- No need to feel guilty. There have been times when I am like "I cant do this anymore" and if it comes to that, I will give her formula if I have to.

LilNance- I am sorry today wasnt your day. I remember when time got closer and closer to having a baby, I became so obessed because I KNEW it was coming so your time is coming very soon!!

JPswife- I watch the baby story everyday!!! Did you see the one with the woman who had triplets then got pg with twins and she said shes not sure she is finished having children!!! OMG! DH looked at me and said, "What about college? They have to send all of those kids to college at the same time." Wow!!!

I wanted to let you all know that I have a journal on LJ and I am finally posting pictures of DD there. I am gonna try keeping up with the journal and keep posting pictures because its more private there. If any of you have a LJ account, I'd love to friend you all. :)

[char473]

Thanks gals:)

doco, sorry about the jaundice. I'm sure she will be sunbelt free in no time! And then hopefully you three can get some sleep :)

[SAMIKE32700]

I told my Dh that I would attempt to breastfeed. But I also told him if it doesn't work I'm not going to fret over it. I would rather have a happy baby whether the feeding comes from me or the bottle.

This is my last weekend as being parentless. One week from today I will be going to the hospital and walking out (slowly) with my son!! :D :D Can't wait!!

Today is my last day of work for 12 weeks!!! Yippee!!!! :D :D

[December27JJB]

Samike Yay! Congrats! Wow, your baby will be here soon! You'll be in the hospital for 4 days right? Thats what they told me over at St Joe's that if you have a c-section you stay for 4 days? It's not bad at all. Make sure DH buys you one of these cute blue ribbons that says "It's a Boy" for your hospital room door. People do that over at St Joe's and it was interesting for me to walk around and count how many girls vs how many boys there was. ;) One of the night nurses there told me that Wednesdays are the busiest days there. There was 1 nurse I really liked, her name was Tara. I think she had long blonde hair but put it in a ponytail and she wore glasses. She was soo helpful.

[myshel]

First of all, there is no baby yet! A few of you thought so but what really happened is that our internet service was down and the computer engineer of the house (DH) didn't get it fixed until late last night. Sorry! I'm still "preggers" as DH likes to say. I do have an appointment today at 10:45 that will hopefully shed some light onto what's going on.

nance: I'm SO sorry about the false labor. Doesn't it suck? I can totally relate!

doco: Such a neat picture with the lighting. We have the same bedding!

char: The picture of your girls is really sweet.

marie: Lex is one cute kid!

nanner: Thanks for sharing your thoughts (and struggles) with bfing. I've been thinking a lot about this and am awed by your honesty.

samike: Wow! Enjoy your last weekend as a "single" woman!

teba: Good luck with your u/s today!

Anyhoo, I'll update after the appointment. Sorry to disappoint!

[Nanner]

Ladies, thank you so much for your input re: breastfeeding. After a lot of thought, I've decided to still pump or nurse a few times a day, but to keep supplementing with formula.

Yesterday after posting, I decided that I was going to bite the bullet and cut out the formula all together, and do nothing but nurse all day. I did it, but I was nursing practially nonstop all day. He never was satisfied. The longest he went between feedings was maybe 45 minutes. I know I probably made this harder on myself because I waited until he was 3 weeks old to really BF exclusively, and my milk supply isn't where it should be. (I say this because I don't want any of you to think that my experience is necessarily typical, and not want to BF because of it.) But even after I get all evened out, I still dont' see him going any more than 2 hours at a time without nursing, and seriously, I know I don't have the patience for that. The smaller and more frequent meals are really hard for me. By the time DH got home yesterday, I was in tears. I had been sitting in the same chair just about all day, and hadn't even gotten out of my pajamas. I hadn't had time to do a thing for myself. I can't function like that. I'm going to be an emotional basketcase in 3 weeks if I keep this up. And being emotionally healthy for Sam is much more important than giving him BM exclusively, IMO.

Anyway, thank you guys so much for your honesty and for your support. It helps to have you all here to help, and not judge me for my decision. Thanks so much. I feel like I'll be a better mother, having made this decision.

[Tray85]

Nanner - (((hugs))) you poor thing! I haven't gone through it yet, but I hear this part is the hardest. There is light at the end of the tunnel!

I decided to work from home from now on (until baby decides to show up). It was getting way too uncomfortable sitting at work all day.

Other than that, just waiting for the baby to arrive...

[myshel]

Well, I'm back from the doctor. Nothing, NOTHING has changed since last week. He said that I'm still at 1cm and that my cervix is still really high and not very soft. So...

I made a joke about the baby not wanting to come out and the dr got all serious and said, "Well, the baby has to come out soon." Then he proceeded to tell me that he wouldn't let me go to 42 weeks and that we were going to have to induce. He also said that since my cervix was so not ready, we were going to have to ripen my cervix as well.

As it stands, barring any miracle (which the dr seems to think is very unlikely), I will be admitted on Wednesday, the 20th to have my cervix ripened. The dr said that the cervadil might be enough to start labor. If it's not, Thursday, the 21st will be the start of pitocin. The good thing about being induced on Thursday is that my doctor will deliver me.

Argh! This isn't really what I had planned, not that I had anything really firm in my mind but... I don't know. I guess I'll know when my babe's b-day will be.

[deanergirl]

Nanner
I am afraid that I don't have much time right now (my last day at work and everyone seems to have just remembered :rolleyes: ), But I did want to tell you that I remember all too well how things felt at the 3-4 week point with DS. Mind you, I had no problem nursing and my supply was just fine, but I still felt like I lived with him on da' boob. I got so frustrated and fed up - also, this is the point for me where the cumulative effects of the sleep deprivation kicked in (DH and I were taking it all out on each other as well, but that's another post...). Anyway, I finally dragged myself to the pediatritian's office because my DH was certain that there was something wrong with DS. Fortunately, I was seen by a highly sympathetic and honest nurse pratictioner (and mother of 2) that day. She listened to me, checked DS out and declared him just fine, but me a wreck. She convinced me to start DS on a regular sleep/feed schedule (I was feeding-on-demand at that point) and it was the best advice I ever got. Mind you, the first day was tricky, but when they are this young, they adjust SO quickly. In no time, I had stretched every 2 hours to every 3 hours and I felt like I had my life back (its amazing how much more confident I felt about going out with that extra hour). I really enjoyed the convenience and nutition benefits of nursing, however, I was prepared EVERY DAY to go to formula rather than risk my sanity or start resenting my DS.
I share this story with you to say that there is light at the end of the tunnel. I really found that the 4-week mark was my lowest (morale) point and that everything just got better from there. I also had to hit bottom before I was ready to make some harder choices like letting others do for me and allowing DS to cry for a few minutes so that I could get a proper shower. Give yourself a break (literally and figuratively) and try not to make any major decisions after one of your really low days - they will come and go.

[usafwife]

I lurked in the July thread on WC towards the end of my pregnancy. I was due in mid to late June but as the days got closer to my due date, I thought that I was going to end up with a July baby. myshel I was scheduled for an induction the day before I went into labor on my own. I woke up in the middle of the night (1 am to be exact) to discover that my water had broken (was in the process of breaking). Talk about being surprised, I (and my husband) was. I had been to the doctor earlier that day and had no signs that I'd be going into labor within 24 hours. I would have loved to have known what he said when the OB nurses called him in the night to tell him I was at the hospital and my water had broken. I'm sure he was quite surprised. (I was officially 5 days past my due date when I went into labor.)

Charlene ~ Congrats on Sydney's arrival!!!! You must be so happy.

[NYN]

hi ladies, just got back from the u/s doctor. the baby is only estimated to be at 8lbs 11oz. not bad though they did point out that it could be off by a pound. my doctor was in surgery so i didn't get a chance to talk to him and i have no idea what is going to go on as of now so i will update after i speak to him.

[SAMIKE32700]

Nanner I hope things get better for you. I am a little bit nervous about the whole breastfeeding issue. I don't want to be feeding him all day to make him satisfied. I will try but just like you will supplement with formula if I have too. Good luck to ya!!

To all those who are still preggers after your due dates. I hope your little ones come soon.

December~ My doc said 3 days in the hospital but I didn't ask if they counted the day I give birth or not. I know a couple of the nurses there so they will be hooking me up with diapers and the formula. Thanks for all your input. I can't believe this time next week my son will be here!! :D :D

[lil_nance]

It's a boy!!!! ;) Connor Ryan entered the world at 10:48 Friday night. 6 lb, 11 oz. 19 1/4 inches. Everyone is doing fine. More details soon.

[DanaLynn]

Congratulations to all the new Mommies and babies!!!

Still here and pregnant. My C-section is scheduled for July 23 (sorry KLo I tried for the 19th) My Dr. is going on vacation and said he would do my C on a Saturday. My bag is packed and the only thing left for me to do is find a babysitter for my son.

QOTD - Does anyone get stared at where ever they go???

I feel like I am on parade or something. Everywhere I go people stare like I am going to give birth any minute.

Good Luck to everyone this weekend. :)

[December27JJB]

Congrats Lil Nance! Welcome to the world Connor!

Congrats Dana Lynn for picking your baby's birthday!

[NYN]

congrats nancy!!! i will update you on the front page. btw, i LOVE the name connor!

QOTD: i get stared at but nothing different from what it was like at the beginning. some people smile at me and yesterday a little thug said "damn, there must be something in the water." :rolleyes:

[SAMIKE32700]

QOTD - Does anyone get stared at where ever they go???

Yes. And the question is always the same?? When's your baby due?? Last night at this Chinease place the lady behind the counter asked as she was touching my belly. Hello get away!! I always want to just grab my stomach when people besides my Dh want to feel.

Welcome Connor!! 6 days and counting. :D

[heatherlynne]

I haven't been here in so long! Look at everything I'm missing!!!!!

New York Novia-don't be discouraged. I don't think I 'dropped' until she was half out already. It was frustrating to hear everyone make comments about it like they had the secret information to when my baby was due. :rolleyes:

Marie-Emergency C????? I knew you couldn't have delivered that quickly, but I was really hoping that wasn't what happened!!!! Boy do you have a beautiful baby though! I am hoping that you have a very quick recovery and are feeling good soon!!

Jill-hoping we get to meet Alex very soon!!!!

lil-nance-congratulations!!!! Can't wait for pictures!

Breastfeeding-It's not easy, but it's been working very well for us. Sarah hit a growth spurt and nursed for almost 2 days straight this past week, and I thought I was going to die! I actually had DH stay up while I slept with her on my boob because she wasn't satisfied. Everything finally evened out and we're doing just great.

I'm still as impatient as ever... Still having a time with my stitches and can't wait to recover. I've been trying on my pre-pg clothes to see what I can get into and have been cleaning the maternity clothes out of my closet as they get too big.

Sarah's weight is back up and we're not going to have to supplement her feeding. She gained 1lb 2oz in 5 days!!!! What a whopper! :eek: She had a clogged tear duct for a few days which resulted in green goo in her eye, but we managed to clear it up with some warm water and massaging her eye.

Otherwise, all is well here. Just plugging right along. Would love some more sleep though!

Best wishes to all of you still awaiting babies!!!!

And because I can't resist, some more pics of Sarah!
http://images.snapfish.com/344483%3A%3B23232%7Ffp47%3Dot%3E2337%3D833%3D627%3 DXROQDF%3E232396%3B3%3B36%3B6ot1lsi

http://images.snapfish.com/344483%3A%3B23232%7Ffp3%3Enu%3D3246%3E742%3E536%3E WSNRCG%3D3232%3A5%3C2%3C274%3Anu0mrj

[Tray85]

Congratulations Lil Nance!!! - Can't wait to see pictures of conner.

Heatherlynne - What a cutie! I'm glad b-fing is steadying out for you.

QOTD My DH says that people stare at me all the time. I'm oblivious, so I never noticed.

Still no sign of this comfy baby coming. Argh! She's due Tues. and I have a doctors appt on Wed. I've been taking more walks in the hopes that it jump starts labor. We'll see.

[myshel]

Welcome, Connor! Congrats Nance and DH!

heatherlynne: What a sweetie! I love her expressions.

QOTD: Yes. Please stare. They point. They say the obvious like, "She's pregnant!" I probably wouldn't notice it so much except I get approached so often. For instance, Friday night I was waiting in line for ice cream at a local place. There was a grandmother in front of me waiting for her order with her grandkids and a lady behind me with her two older boys and what looked to be a freshly baked baby. The newborn was really small. Once the grandmother in front of me had her ice cream, she turned aorund and whispered to me, "It looks like your baby's already bigger than that one" as she gestured to the newborn behind me.

Well, now that the induction has been announced to family, I've started getting the feedback. My sister has been an absolute bear about the whole thing. Please keep in mind a couple of things-- she is an adamant CDer, holds fast to AP techniques, chose not to circ her sons, feeds organic foods to them, believes in healing yourself naturally through herbs, etc. (PLEASE NOTE: I have nothing against these practices but choose to not subscribe to them myself). She has been vocal since she found I was pg. For weeks, she sent me all kinds of literature on circumcision. She asked to be in the delivery room to take pictures of the birth (she did this for a friend and whipped out the pictures unannounced one day over lunch to show me). Now, she's been sending me all kinds of literature on the dangers of induction and has even gone as far as singing, "I'm a loser baby, so why don't you induce me." DH tells me to just let it slide off my back but it gets really frustrating to have someone in your family try so hard to push their belief system of you, epecially at a time like this where I'm already a bit stressed. ARGH!

Thanks for letting me vent. I promise I'm a happy person IRL.

[SAMIKE32700]

Myshel~ Wow your sister sounds like a real winner. She's almost like my mom. She can't stand the fact that I've just decided to do a C-section instead of going through all the pain of trying to turn my son. She keeps telling me that I am going to be in so much pain. I then throw it back in her face that if I push a baby out and I tear from my butt to you know where that it's going to feel any better?? I just told her to get over it I'm going the way I choose. Sorry your sister sounds so cruel over this. I hate it also when people try to tell you what's best for you and your baby.

[dizylizy]

hi, all! It has been a few days and so much goes on here! welcome to all the new babies! what a joy.

Bf-ing- well this has been a rough couple of days... Harrison keeps wanting to eat every hour, making me crazy, I can't get anything done... but I did some reasearch. if he falls asleep, I need to pinch my boob to squirt some milk in his mouth to wake him up. he neds to get the hindmilk with the fat in it to be satisfied for longer periods. pLus, he is going through a growth spurt... but my boobs don't hurt as much. and it is great being a 38 D from a 36 b/c.... but my bbs don't hurt. they feel a bit saggy afer a feeding though.
Weight- OMG! I lost 20 pounds already as of my 2 week post op check up. I can't believe it. 16 to go to get to pre-baby weight. and I am cleared to drive and start walking, no ab exercises.

feel very saggy in my belly. makes me sad not to have a a cute smooth belly. plus with all the stretchmarks, I am wrinkly as well.... cry more over that... little bit of baby blues, i guess...

picture of me with Harry
http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b5d929b3127cce92f9c16a127600000015108AYuGLJs5bNN

[Jodi AKA BostonTeacher]

QOTD: I feel like I get a lot of sympathetic looks. I can't tell if they're "oh you poor pregnant girl in the July heat" looks or "oh you poor thing it must be so hard to go through life looking so freakishly huge!" looks ;)

Anyhow, just checking in to say that I'm still here and still pregnant. We just got back from a very late dinner. I used the bathroom at the restaurant and noticed what could be a very small piece of the MP in the toilet when I went to flush. There was an unidentifiable spec of something. It would make me happy to think that something (anything is happening). For those of you who lost your MP...did it happen all at once or in pieces? Thank God I have this thread to ask these questions in.

Heather: Sarah is just adorable. I'm glad to hear things are going so well for you. My BIL used to get up with my nephew and "put him on the tap" while my sister slept through the whole thing.
She got her rest and baby got to eat.

Tray: I tried walking on Friday. It was so hot that I opted to do laps inside the mall. I finally realized that if it did actually start labor I'd be too tired and sore to push. My back was killing me.

Myshel: Sorry about your sister. I, too have nothing against the CD, AP, BF, CS (and whatever other acronyms are currently trendy) parenting choices, but I don't like people being preachy. To each his own I say. I've decided the best to respond when someone sings the praises of whichever of the above they feel the need to shout from their pedestal is to ask, "did you co-sleep with your parents and if not to you feel as though you are a disfunctional, maladjusted, adult as a result?" or "Did you need to spend many years in therapy because your mom didn't use AP with you?"

Can I ask you a question. How do you feel about having an induction date set?

This is one thing that I'm nervous about. I'm actually petrified of this whole birth ordeal, but have been hoping I would be taken by surprise, get caught up in the moment and then simply go with the flow. I'm afraid when I go for my appointment on Wednesday (NST, ultrasound and internal at 41 weeks + 1 day) they will say, "OK we're going to induce you on Friday." I'm sure the anxiety of knowing that will make me insane. I'm hoping if that's the case I'll be more relaxed about it than I anticipate myself to be.

Samike I would have made the same decision that you made. From what I've heard trying to turn the baby is painful and dangerous and doesn't guarantee it will fix the problem. C-sections are routine procedures and since you are going into it knowing that is what they are doing it eliminates a lot of the risks of an emergency C and also allows you to mentall prepare as well as plan ahead for ways to assist in your recovery. Woo hoo! It's baby week for you! :)

[Jodi AKA BostonTeacher]

LIZ We cross-posted...he's so cute and tiny! Glad to hear your recovery is going well. Great news on the 20 lbs. The other 16 will be gone before you know it. I'm curious what my belly will be like after the baby is born. I can't imagine it being anything but a deflated, inner-tube-type-mess!

[myshel]

Jodi: Having an induction date is a mixed blessing of sorts. Like you, I was hoping that I would just be taken by surprise and get caught up in the moment. That would let me think less about the whole thing. The knowing now that labor is emminent is scaring me a bit.

That being said, I do feel like I can get all of the loose ends tied up. The laundry can get done. The last minute bag packing can be done. The last clean sweep through the house can be done. I won't have to rely on someone else to do it.

The only sort of sad thing is that all of the important people in our lives will be out of town when the babe arrives because of job duties or vacations planned way ahead of time. I was a little bummed about that.

[PaulsGirl]

Hey girls....

Still here! And MAN, it is getting uncomfortable. Insomnia has kicked in too, so I'm up from 3am to 6am for no particular reason. Trying to roll from side to side...OUCH! Being on my back, even for a split second, is really uncomfortable and painful!

The nursery is done, we have all the gear, and all we do is wait!

QOTD: I do get stared at a lot. I don't mind it really; I actually enjoy it when a brand-new mom notices and strikes up a conversation. I've been meeting lots of new mommies while getting my decaf lattes in the morning, and it's fun to chat with them for a bit.

This week I don't think I'll be running as many errands. It's getting really hard to be out & about now...a week away from my due date. I just want to be at home. Maybe I'll start my pregnancy scrapbook this week while I wait. I have all the bits and pieces to start it. Anyone else doing one?

[SAMIKE32700]

I go to the dr's this morning to get all my paperwork & then head to the hospital for all the pre admission stuff. I am so nervous about this. Why I don't know. I guess because I know what Friday is. Hopefully I will have a time set up today as well. My Dh wants to see if they can reserve my room already so that he can order me these flowers he wants to send. He's ordering like 5 or 6 dozen carnations painted blue since we are having a boy.

I had my first C-section dream last night. Once they epidural kicked in I couldn't move anything including my head. Was a bit weird. For those of you that had C's how long does it take for the epidural to go away & the pain to kick in??

[jp'swife]

Hi Ladies! and babies!
Hope everyone is doing well. Geez, I haven't been in here in a while!

Nancy-Congrats! Can't wait to meet Connor!!

Heather-Sarah is so damn cute!

Nanner- It's ok, sweetie! We are all here to help support you!

Liz-That pic is way too cute! I think you look great!

Samike-I would pick the same! No turning for me if it came to that.

I'm so behind in here!
I'm still here, still prego...waiting for Alex to show up but to no avail. Nothing seems to be working.....walking...sex...spicey food. I think he is just holding out so he is the last baby to be born in this thread! and this month! I keep hoping that he doesn't hold out until August!

My little brother is leaving for Zambia (yes, Africa!) to work with Habitat for Humanity for a month on July 30th. I really really really want him to be here when Alex arrives but if the baby isn't ready to come out, then he is just not ready.
My doctor won't induce until I hit the 41st week. Then he will do it on the 42nd week. Oh geez.

QOTD-Yes, I get a lot of stares and people are always asking me the due date. Now we are at that point that if people don't hear from us on the phone, etc. they think that we have had the baby and forgot about them. :rolleyes:
Jp's aunt did this on Saturday and so did my older brother. Yeah, like I would do that to our family members. Crazy.

[heatherlynne]

Dizzy-I feel your pain with the tummy flab! I feel like I have a layer of play- dough on my gut!


At 5 days pp, I was down 13 lbs with 10 to go. I have no idea what normal weight loss is other than it will take about 6-9 months to get back... I never weigh myself anyway, but I sure would like to get into my old clothes. I did take a 2week pp belly shot to compare though. I am not sure if I will take any more...

The worst thing for me is that I still can't wear any of my rings. Before I was pregnant, I had rings on every finger, and now I wear my grandmothers tiny band for my wedding ring. Actually got my own stuck on my finger last week and had to use a bunch of astroglide to get it off-my finger turned purple, swelled, and I ended up cutting my knuckle open. :rolleyes:

Jill- I'm still hoping Alex comes soon. It would be wonderful for your brother to see him before he leaves! If it offers reassurance, I had sex, then ate lunch at a spicy mex restaurant, and then went shopping with my girlfriend, and went into labor that night. I'm keeping my fingers crossed for you!

Jodi-I lost my MP all at once, but I had spotty bleeding with a slight discharge for 48 hours before my water finally broke. HTH.

[Tray85]

Dizylizy - what a cute picture of you and your tiny little guy! He looks mighty comfy!

Jodi - I think I've been losing my MP for a few weeks now! Last week there was a decent amount of gelatin like stuff and after that - a little bit of mucusy stuff each day. Who knows though! Love your response to pushy people! :)

Sammike - You will do beautifully! Its also sweet of your DH to order flowers.

Hang in there to all of us with stubborn babies!!! ;)

[SAMIKE32700]

Well I am all set for Friday at 12:00pm!!!!

I must admit that I am happy that the Dr that is doing the surgery is in total agreement with me not turning him. She said she wouldn't feel comfortable trying to turn him since there really isn't enough room for him. She said if she felt confident that he could turn the she would advise it. I told her I was happy she said that. She also went ahead and filled out a paper saying I am officially off work this week so my disabilty could start from this past Saturday, I finally got my papers back from that Witch but she put on there my scheduled last day is the 22nd. How can I work and be having a C at the same time. So i went down to work so they can fix that for me.

[MrsSmith]

I'm not a July mommie, but I wanted to sneak in and tell Heather that Sarah is beautiful. She looks so cozy in her Moses basket!
Tamika ~ MrsSmithin3mos

[DanaLynn]

Still here and pregnant.
My feet are killing me.

I love all the pictures of babies. They are all so cute.

SAMIKE32700 - I think they take the epidural out after the C-section is complete. You will be numb from the waist down for at least 45 minutes or so after. Then you have an IV and a cathader (at least I did) My advice is never turn down the pain medication and take it on time. I was up walking right after the iv and cathader came out (24hrs later).

Is it hot everywhere else???? It is suppose to be 104 today. I think I am melting.

[Nanner]

For those of you that had C's how long does it take for the epidural to go away & the pain to kick in??

You mean the anesthesia? The anesthesia probably started fading maybe a half hour or so after I left recovery, but I still had limited movement after a couple of hours. However, they left the epidural in my spine and gave me my pain medication through there, instead of doing it through the IV. They hooked me up to the pain meds before the anesthesia ever wore off, so I didn't really have any pain. That is, until I started having gas pains/constipation. THAT was painful!

[Montaukbea]

Congrats to all the new mommies! I am still hanging in here with a due date of July 23rd! Went to the Dr. today and am 2 centimeters. Anyone have a similar situation and then how long it took to get to the next stage?? I am hoping to go into labor sometime this week! I had to make an appt. for Monday and I want to have this little one before next Monday! ;)