The Maybe Mamas: TTC #1 in 2006

[MaybeMamas]

Welcome! If you are thinking 2006 is the first year you will try to see your first BFP (Big Fat Positive pregnancy test), this is the thread for you. Whether you are on the fence or just counting down days, you are more than welcome here. TTC (Trying To Conceive) is not always an easy decision to make.
How will a new baby change your life?
Is DH on board?
Are you healthy enough?
What do your finances look like?
How can you minimize stress once you make your decision to TTC?
Can you begin to see yourself as a mommy?? This group is designed to allow you to ask such questions in a friendly (and yes, sometimes rambunctious) atmosphere. Feel free to lurk, but we encourage you to join. The more the merrier!

Once you do decide to take the plunge and join, please list your stats in RED in your first post.

CC Name:
Me: Name, age
DH: Name, age
Married: Date
TTC start date: Date
Any other children:
Miscellaneous Info:


*Additionally, please posts all updates in RED.

The threadmistresses are Honeygirl and LadyD088.


[B]Probably Mamas:
cocoa-femme- BFP 11/29/05 EDD:8/1/06
Aletheia- BFP 12/20/05 EDD: 8/30/06
Camdynlyn- BFP 12/26/05 EDD: 9/4/06
batgirl- BFP: 1/5/06 EDD: 9/15/06
brenda - BFP: 1/21/06 EDD: 9/23/06
roxygirl - BFP 1/29/06 EDD: 10/9/06
BethIrish - BFP 3/11/06 EDD: 11/21/06
Bijouparvin - BFP 3/13/06 EDD: 11/17/06
rosa727- BFP 3/23/06 EDD: 12/3/06
mandersald - BFP 4/1/06 EDD: 12/12/06
E's Princess - BFP 6/2/06 EDD: 2/7/07
Felicity - BFP 6/9/06 EDD: 2/19/07
MrsHill - BFP 6/15/06 EDD: 2/23/07
Shimmerstar - BFP 6/21/06 EDD: 3/3/07
Sherb - BFP 7/4/06 EDD: 3/14/07
Pewee9196 - BFP 7/06 EDD: 3/25/07


Actual Mamas:
Amaye- BFP 11/8/05, baby girl: Mia Annalie born on 7/22/06
Mrs.Tim- BFP 12/6/05 baby boy: Ryan James born on 8/8/06

[MaybeMamas]

The Baby Dance has already begun for...


AllyLeigh
Me: 25
DH: 25
Married: September 24, 2005
TTC start date: July 2006
Miscellaneous Info: We just had this talk last night, so this is pretty exciting to be able to have a set date to start TTC. I am thrilled!!! I have been waiting forever to start.

bex
Me: Bex, 28
DH: D, 29
Married: 05/18/02
TTC start date: May 2006
Any other children: 2 kitties

Byrd's Boogie
Me: Boogie, 32
DH: Byrd, 33
Married: May 5, 2005
TTC start date: May/June 2006
Any other children: 1 step son and 1 furbaby
Miscellaneous Info: Myomectomy 2/24, just waiting for the green light

Cath2005
Me: Cath, 26
DH: 28
Married: July 2005
TTC start date: July 2006
Any other children: Nope

Chris'slady
Me: Esthetician, 23
DH: Marketing Producer, 31
Married: 08/2006
TTC start date: 02/2006

climberchic
Me: Nat
Him: John
Married: 06.27.03
TTC: August
Babies: Choco lab

eli1126
Me: Beth: 29 Will be 30 11/26
DH: Ed: 30
Married: 6/12/2004
TTC start date: May 2006 Right After Graduation!!
Any other children: furbabies Beau & Belle

ggclark
Me: Gina 26
DH: Jimmy 29
Married: December 17, 2005
TTC start date: May, June 2006
Any other children: no
Miscellaneous Info: I am a kindergarten teacher so timing of when TTC is important (summer off)

filmgirl7
Me: Carrie 28
DH: Jeremy 32
Married: January 7, 2006
TTC start date: August 2006, at the extreme latest!
Any other children: no
Miscellaneous Info: Originally, Jer and I were supposed to get married last summer, and we wanted to TTC immediately. However, since we got married in January, and as a non-tenured teacher, I didn't want to be due in the fall, we had to wait until the summer.

Honeygirl
Me: Anne
DH: Honeyboy (not his real name)
Married: 2003
TTC start date: May
Any other children:just a furbaby, our IG Dante
Miscellaneous Info: luteal phase defect, on medication and still having diagnostic tests

Inda
Me: 36
DH: 39
Married: 2002
TTC start date: 01/06

irish74
Me: Clare, 31
DH: Bill, 35
Married: June 19, 2004
TTC start date:
Any other children: only our dog, Sonny
Miscellaneous Info: Charted since August 2003, m/c 2/19 and 8/9/06

Jazz
Me: Stacy, 31
DH: E
Married: 6/21/03
TTC start date: August?
Any other children: No, but one darling doggie.

j*east
Me: j*east, 31
DH: T, 31
Married: July 2004
This will be our first!
Last BCP: Will be April 2, 2006

jen
Me: Jen, 31
DH: S, 34
Married: June 04
TTC start date: August 06
Any other children: our dog

Jude29
Me: Kelley, 28
DH: age 31
Married: June 2005
TTC start date: Jun-Dec 06
Any other children: 0

Kanga1622
Me: 25
DH: 28
Married: 08/31/02
TTC start date: Feb 06
Any other children: Keegan the crazy miniature poodle, 2
Miscellaneous Info: Charting TTA since July 2003

LadyD088
Name: Debbie, 30
DH: Ryan, 29
Married: 5-8-04
TTC Date: 2-2006 Back at it 6/2006
Other Kids: Baxter, 5 - Furr Baby
Misc Info: MC 5-2006

Lanapoo
Me: Lana, 28
DH: Dean, 33
Married: 07/15/05
TTC start date: May 2006
Any other children: kitty Mel
Miscellaneous Info: Also had fibroid removed May 05 by myomectomy.

lege
Me: Laura, 30
DH: D, 31
Married: July 31, 2004
TTC start date: Jan 2006
Any other children: 2 cats :-)

Little Angel '77
Me: Alicia -29
DH: Seth -30
Married: 2004
TTC start date: April/May
Any other children:just a furbaby, Nomar and Nala
Miscellaneous Info: Own a photography business, so I have to "plan" BDing months I am aiming for a Dec/Jan Baby

Lynzeyhal
Me: Lindsey, 27
DH: Dan, 23
Married: 10-30-2003
TTC start date: May 2006
Any other children: Our kitties Webster 5 and Ashley 3
Miscellaneous Info: Diabetic

magrat
Me: Sarah, 26
DH: Ben, 26
Married: 3/01/03
TTC start date: 6/06

mb1197
Me: Bernadette - 30
DH: Michael - 34
Married: 9-14-02
TTC start date: April 2006
Any other children: 2 cats and a puppy

Miaclear
Me: Amy 30
DH: Dirk 30
Married: Sept 2004
TTC start date: May 06
Any other children: 0

motray36
Me: Tracy, 25
DH: Keith, 25
Married: June 25,2004
TTC start date: July 2006
Any other children: we have a cat, Holly, that my MIL calls her grandchild
Miscellaneous Info: Charting since August 2004

MrsR
Me: Jessica, 31 (will be 32 in March )
DH: Matt, 33
Married: October 18, 2003
TTC start date: June 2005
Any other children: we have two furbabies, Bella and Sophie (see above)

[MaybeMamas]

numberlady
Me: Kelby, 31
DH: Steven, 43
Married: May 19, 2002
TTC start date: May
Any other children: None
Miscellaneous Info:m/c @ 7w3d

polarama
Me: Jenn, 30
DH: C, 30
Married: 07/27/02
TTC start date: Jan 2006

Pugzy
My age: 28, 29 on the 26th
DH age: 28
Married 5/22/04
TTC start date: August or September 2006
Other kids: Our little pug

risa00
Me: Lisa, 27
DH: Sean, Almost 34
Married: July 12, 2003
TTC Start Date: end of May (on cruise) or June
No other children

RobynScott
Me: Robyn, 29
DH: Scott, 31
Married: August 29, 2004
TTC Start Date: July 2006
Any other children: Only our adorable Cat, Kira

Sarah051504
Me: Sarah, 29
DH: Jason, 29
Married: 5/15/04
TTC start date: Pre-TTC Dr. appointment Feb 9th, if everythign goes well, should start CD1 of first cycle a week later on the 15th or 16th.
Any other children: 4 furbabies, 2 dogs, Sammy and Chewy, and 2 cats, Joule and Yoda
Miscellaneous Info: PCOS

Sea74
Me: Rachael, 31 (will be 32 in April)
DH: Michael, 35 (will be 36 in February)
Married: November 27, 2004
TTC start date: MAYBE August or September 06. MAYBE!
Any other children: no

Sherb
Me: Aimee, age 27
DH: R, age 31
Married: 09/18/2005
TTC start date: April 2006
Any other children: Just a dog and a cat

Smittenk
Me: Alison, 28
DH: Mike, 37
Married: April 3rd 2004
TTC start date: May 2006
Any other children: furbaby named Barley
Miscellaneous Info: Trying to get prepared for pregnancy: Started exercise routine, switched to decaf and herbal teas, taking my prenatal vitamin every day.

SQ2
Me: 27
DH: 27
Married: August 2004
TTC start date: August/September 2006
Any other children: none

Stevesbabygirl
Me: Heather, 26
DH: Steve, 28
Married: August 31, 2003
TTC start date: July 2006
Any other children: 3 furbabies - Tracker, Minnie, Zero; one scalebaby - Bogey
Miscellaneous Info: Endometriosis

Sunshine
Me: 26
DH: 29
Married: August 27, 2005
TTC start date: May 2006
Miscellaneous Info:I am getting very excited as our TTC date gets closer and closer! I cant believe next month is the month already

teacher_jessica
Me: Jessica, 29
DH: Brad, 32
Married: July 23, 2005
TTC start date: April 2006
Any other children: No other Little one!
Miscellaneous Info: Only known health issue is that I'm hypoglycemic

wcbrenda
Me: Brenda, 32
DH: Sweetie, 36
Married: Sept 17, 2005
TTC start date: Sept 17, 2005
Any other children: Not even a pet, yet.
Miscellaneous Info: He knocked me up on the honeymoon, but I miscarried in November. We started trying again in January.

And it is starting soon for...

September...

la Mer
Me: Meredith, 30
DH: Dominic, 32
Married: August 23 2003
TTC start date: September 2006
Any other children: just our pup MacGyver

l&d nurse
Me: Nurse, 28
DH: Professor, 28
Married: 07/2003
TTC start date: 09/2006

merjmo
Me: Meredith, 29
DH: Dan, 29
Married: October 2, 2004
TTC start date: Sept?
Any other children: My two kitties!
Miscellaneous Info: I'm starting a grad school program in the fall, and I want one full year at school before having a baby. Therefore September is the earliest we'll start TTC.

MrsWilson
Me: Jan, 26
DH: Michael, 29
Married: 10/10/04
TTC: August 2006 (or if we win the lottery, as soon as we get a house and move out of the barn!)
Child: Scout, our beagle born on our wedding day!

October...


Amuse Bouche
Me: Cait, 27
DH: DH, 26
Married: March 1, 2003
TTC start date: October, 2006?
Any other children: We have a dog who runs our household.
Miscellaneous Info: DH is still in school, which is driving a lot of the will we/won't we dilemma.

Annette
Me: Annette, 28
DH: Mike, 28
Married: Nov 2001
TTC start date: October
Any other children: none

clammyinsf
Me: carol, 29
DH: dave, 32
Married: 5/29/04
TTC start date: looking at oct'06
Any other children: no
Miscellaneous Info: finally, the baby fever has tipped the scales for me from being scared sh*tless of motherhood to actually being excited about the prospec. i'm currently reading TCOYF, bought my basal thermometer and we're planning to use the time between now and the end of this year to figure out some things (finances, etc).

elissa
Me: Elissa, 30
DH: Chris, 31
Married: 10-1-05
TTC start date: October 2006
Any other children:none
Miscellaneous Info:fibroids removed via myomectomy June 2001 so could have problems TTC

JLRenheos
Me:29
DH:33
Married: 4/21/01
TTC start date: anytime after September
Any other children: n/a

Sami
Me: Sami, 28
DH: Matt, 29
Married: 2005
TTC start date: Could be October, could be sooner or later though!
Any other children: Two kitties


November...

BsstGrl
Me: Cheri, 29
DH: Brad, 29
Married: 9/14/02
TTC start date: Nov. 2006
Any other children: Just 2 basset hounds (Max & Toby)

raven077
Me: Karen 28
DH: Kyle 29
Married: October 2005
TTC start date: Nov/Dec 2006
Miscellaneous Info: A severe degenerative disc problem


December...


Julss05
Me: Julie, 29
DH: Mike, 31
Married: 6/15/02
TTC start date: December 2006
Any other children: None, yet. Just furball sister kittens named Lady & Bandit.

Who Knows...

QueenofCA
Me: Melinda, 25
DH: A., almost 31
Married: July 23, 2005
TTC Start Date: Who knows?
No other children

[MaybeMamas]

*This is a collection of tips, not a to-do list. If it's your first month, take a deep breath and see what your body can do by itself! Of course, some of these are good ideas even during your first month-- like taking PNV for 3 months prior to BD. Use your common sense!

CM supporting tricks
1. Grapefruit juice: Supposedly helps boost CM production. Plus, it's just good for you.
2. Robitusin: Robitussin is a brand name of a product that is based on guaifenesin, an expectorant. There are other guaifenesin based cough syrups also (Equate also has one). It is used in TTC to thin the CM mucus to make it more sperm-friendly. 1-2 tsp. twice daily until ovulation. Make sure the product only contains guaifenesin without added decongestants or antihistamines, which could dry your CM.
BEWARE extromethorphan, an ingredient in some cough medicines, may cause birth defects. (from: tryingtoconceive.com)
3. Green Tea: Reputedly also helps with EWCM. Drink as much as possible starting CD1 up to O. I think there are also capsules out there. Consider decaf if you don' usually have caffeine.
4. Stop taking antihistamines: Claritin, etc. dry you up. Stop taking them a couple weeks before O if you can.
5. Take Evening Primrose Oil: EPO is used to increase the amount of EWCM. The dose is 3000 mg once daily. Discontinue EPO when your thermal shift occurs as it can cause uterine contraction which may hinder implantation of the embryo in the uterus. (Also taken from: tryingtoconceive.com).

Nutritional Tricks
6. Prenatals 3+ months prior: Folic acid prevent neural tube defects
7. Men's multi with zinc, A, selenium for DH: Supports spermies
8. No Caffeine: Research shows that too much caffeine can reduce your ability to absorb iron and increase your risk for stillbirth. Avoid coffee, tea, and colas or switch to decaf to increase your chances of getting pregnant. If you are a complete caffeine junkie, then the safe limit would be a cup a day. Try switching to a milkshakes which will boost your calcium as well and assist in conception. (from babyhopes.com).
9. No (or little) refined sugars and carbs: because it isn't good for you? What else?
10. Yams: possible chemical that encourages ovulation... and maybe hyperovulation (think fraternal twins)
11. No Peas: from maplekitty's post on page 2: "...a study conducted in India...what they discovered was that a natural chemical found in peas - called M-xylohydroquinone - did appear to have contraceptive effects....were found to cut pregnancy rate up to 60 percent. In men, who took the pea capsule, sperm counts droped by some 50 percent."
12. No soy or avacados: interferes/mimics estrogen production
13. No peanutbutter and no spinach: Apparently they deplete calcium, which is really important in building a baby.
14. pineapple during LP: Helps with implantation???

Exercise Tricks
15. Regular Exercise: (30 minutes 4 days a week). You shouldn't start a new exercise program when pregnant, but you can continue one; many women think it helps with labor and energy during PG
16. Kegel's Exercises:L&D easier, bladder control is a good thing
17. Tummy Crunches: L&D easier

Pre-conception Visit Issues
18. Rubella Vaccination:* make sure you're still immune from childhood immunizations; not a good thing to catch while PG
19. Renew Tetanus Shot: can't get one while PG even if you do step on a rusty nail.
20. Consider the cystic fibrosis testing question.: visit that link.
21. Consider getting a Flu Shot: Getting a really high fever in early pregnancy is no good.
22. Visit http://www.babycenter.com/refcap/pre...=68&submit.y=5
*for more info on vaccinations, as well as other pre-TTC advice, see here:
CC "What to do before TTC" thread

[B]Miscellaneous Tricks & Advice
23. Red Raspberry Leaf Tea: Helps tone the uterus and muscles of the pelvic region. Also a highly nutritive ingredient and "powerful fertility-promoting herb, especiallly when used with pepermint".
24. Consider baby aspirin: see tryingtoconceive.com. (End of the page.)
25. Start a baby/pregnancy binder: There is so much to know! Might as well use your anxious waiting time productively.
26. X-Rays: Get dental xrays done if it's been a long time; no xrays while PG.
27. Go Horseback Riding: no horseback riding while PG
28. Chart!: know that window of sweet fertile opportunity!
29. Meditate, avoid depression: supposedly helps somehow, and after reading this list you'll need to take a couple of deep breaths.

[B]DTD Tricks
30. BD schedule: Statistically best to BD every fertile day so long as there is no sperm count problem (according to TCOYF).
31. Hips up, headstands, general pelvic up body contortions:go spermies, go! Hey, it can't hurt.
32. Morning Nookie: Higher sperm counts in the morning
33. Get turned on:: the more aroused the woman, the better environment for conception?

[MaybeMamas]

Recommended websites...

www.babytalkin.com
www.ovusoft.com
www.babycenter.com
www.storknet.com
www.babyfit.com
www.1800diapers.com/index.aspx

For more sites, check out the first pages of the following groups: TTC w/ Charting, Seeing What Happens, and Still At It.

[MaybeMamas]

Reserved for recommended books...[FONT="Book Antiqua"]

Taking Care of Your Fertility by Toni Weschler, MPH. Also known as "TCOYF", and referred to many ladies here as the bible of fertility.

The Conception Chronicles byPatty Doyle Debano, Courtney Edgerton Menzel, Shelly Dicken Sutphen
Reviewed by: eli1126 (Beth)
Overall this book is mainly about couples who can't get pg without medical assistance. It is informative for those who may want to see a step by step process for dealing with IF.
What I didn't like about the book:
-Not everyone deals with IF and it comes off as being that it's so difficult to get pg that *everyone* may have problems and or need medical assistance to conceive.
-tends to be glib about the message boards. Yes baby dust may be corny to some, but well wishes never go out of style.

http://images.amazon.com/images/P/0060937645.01._BO2,204,203,200_PIsitb-dp-500-arrow,TopRight,45,-64_AA240_SH20_SCLZZZZZZZ_.jpg


http://images.amazon.com/images/P/0671524313.01._BO2,204,203,200_PIsitb-dp-500-arrow,TopRight,45,-64_AA240_SH20_SCLZZZZZZZ_.jpg


http://images.amazon.com/images/P/073820949X.01._BO2,204,203,200_PIsitb-dp-500-arrow,TopRight,45,-64_AA240_SH20_SCLZZZZZZZ_.jpg

For a fun read (like bridget jones diary/sex and the city)
http://images.amazon.com/images/P/0345475755.01._BO2,204,203,200_PIsitb-dp-500-arrow,TopRight,45,-64_AA240_SH20_SCLZZZZZZZ_.jpg


http://images.amazon.com/images/P/0764565168.01._BO2,204,203,200_PIsitb-dp-500-arrow,TopRight,45,-64_AA240_SH20_SCLZZZZZZZ_.jpg

From j*east:
I've only bought The Mother of All Pregnancy Books. I'm planning to get as many as I can from the library first. I love books, but some are just worth reading once and some I'll consult often.

Here are the titles I've previewed and will probably buy:
Misconceptions by Naomi Wolf
Birthing from Within by Pam England
Natural Childbirth the Bradley Way by Susan McCutcheon
The Whole Pregnancy Handbook by Joel Evans

Still need to preview:
TCOYF
The Thinking Woman's Guide to a Better Birth by Henci Goer
Husband Coached Childbirth by Robert Bradley
Ina May's Guide to Childbirth by Ina May Gaskin
Pregnancy, Childbirth, and the Newborn by Penny Simkin

Previewed and won't buy:
What To Expect When You're Expecting
Your Pregnancy Week by Week by Glade Curtis

I'm aiming for NCB, so that definitely influences my thinking. I'll almost definitely be using a birth center and MW, so I look for books that are open to that and not just, "Go to the hospital and get an epidural." I need more information!

From Lynzy AHL:
Skimmed/Read first 9 chapters of Hanci Goer's Thinking Woman's guide to a better birth (I think that's the title) Review: Very informative and sites TONS of references for PRO nat. Non-invasive birth. Would purchase just to use as reference to reinforce birth plan with caregiver and hospital staff.

Mayo Clinic Complete Book of Pregnancy & Baby's First Year - FREE from my state farm agent
** Very clinical and science fact based. Lists many of the standards of maternal/prenatal care and common afflictions

Thinking Womens Guide to a Better Birth - Henci Goer
** PRO natural child birth. States Pros and Cons of many common practices. Great resource for reinforcing birth plan with practitioner/hospital

Spiritual Midwifery - Ina May Gaskin
** Ugh this book is different. Many natural birth stories to inspire if you can look past the pictures of hippy chicks with longer pit hair than your husband's. Back was filled with more science/medical information for midwives. A little to do-it-myself.

The Nursing Mother's Companion - by Kathleen Huggins
** Very little to do with latching/good habits but HUGE amts of focus on issues and corrections. Helpful reference AFTER birth

29th August, 2005. 10:35 pm. BABY BOOK REVIEWS THUS FAR (Con't.)
Hypno Birthing - The Mongan Method - Marie F. Mongan
**Not bad gives some very good insites and techniques for relaxing includes CD

Husband~Coached Childbirth - Robert Bradley
*** Right on par with my thoughts on labor and delivery will read this and hopefully take the class if I can talk my husband into 12 weeks of classes if not I'm going to need a birth partner I'll be accepting volunteers next JULY HAHA

Natural Childbirth the Bradley Way - Susan McCutcheon
*Read above said book and leaved the dated photos of this one behind. Basically reads like classroom instruction

Easing Labor Pain, The complete guide to a more comfortable and rewarding Birth - Adrienne B Lieberman
* Worth reading, but from the library

Planning for Pregnancy, Birth,& Beyond - American College of Obstetricians & Gynecologists
*** Planning on buying this in the next few weeks as it has whole section on pre-conception like the mayo clinic book but less clinical

Pregancy SUCKS - Joanne Kimes

Pregancy SUCKS for Men - Joanne Kimes
*** FUN pregancy books want them both and to use the second book to announce my BFP to Dan

Complete book of Breastfeeding - Marvin S Elger
Liked the nursing mother's companion layout and style much better

Womanly art of Breastfeeding - TIT NAZIS err I mean LaLeche League International
Uh I got it breast is best other than that I like the Nursing mother's companion better and it beats the dated pics in this one worth checking out from library for the info but not worth my hard earned bucks to buy

Gentle Birth Choices - Barbara Harper
*** CD - Appendix - Chapter devoted to Water Birth (www inntertradions com for related books/information)

[MaybeMamas]

Did you become a Probably Mama (you got your BFP)? Please share your single most important piece of advice with the Maybe Mamas!

"Chart before TTC! But if you find yourself getting obsessive, take a step back. Stress is not going to help you." -Aletheia

[MaybeMamas]

Welcome to 2006, Maybe Mamas! We hope this is the year we see our first BFP's! Let the posting begin!
http://www.shutterfly.com/jsp/proceserv.jsp?uid=8AcuGbZy1ct5&otype=print&state=67b0de21bd52b916c459&co=-1&js=1136856773559&tog=1&sc=1&r=0&b=1072&sa=0&ti=&rx=304&ry=304

[BethIrish]

Hi ladies! Just wanted to check in and say hello :) I'm in my first 2ww - 9dpo right now. I'll join anyway, with hopes of a very quick graduation!!!

CC Name: BethIrish
Me: Beth, 28
DH: Tim, 32
Married: 12/06/03
TTC start date: 12/05
Any other children: Only the furry variety :) Neala (dog), Maddie (cat) and Frasier (cat)

[honeygirl]

Hello all. I am one of the threadmistresses (who else wants to join me?), but I'm still learning how it works. So it may take a bit to update the stats. Here are mine FYI.

CC Name:Honeygirl
Me: Anne, late 20's
DH: Top Secret, aka Honeyboy, late 20's
Married: 2003
TTC start date: April/May
Any other children:just a furbaby, our IG Dante
Miscellaneous Info: May have difficulty conceiving due to history of polyps/weird spotting (had a D&C in 2005)

I'm a charter, right now TTA of course. I'm at 11DPO and crossing my fingers for an oops. We had UDD 2 days before O (oops). But as I said in the last thread pregnancy is unlikely b/c I see some PMS symptoms and I tested BFN yesterday. I'll know for sure in about 2-3 days. LOL!

[LeslieandPaul]

I love it! Sign me up!

CC Name: LeslieandPaul
Me: Leslie, 21 (22 in February)
DH: Paul, 28
Married: Aug 20, 2005
TTC start date: Sometime this year (obviously!). Hopefully June or July
Any other children: none

[Sarah051504]

Ok I'll jump in. (Never been part of a group before! :D)

CC Name: Sarah051504
Me: Sarah, 29
DH: Jason, 29
Married: 5/15/04
TTC start date: Pre-TTC Dr. appointment Feb 9th, if everythign goes well, should start CD1 of first cycle a week later on the 15th or 16th.
Any other children: 4 furbabies, 2 dogs, Sammy and Chewy, and 2 cats, Joule and Yoda
Miscellaneous Info: PCOS

[Sherb]

CC Name: Sherb
Me: Aimee, age
DH: R, age
Married: 09/18/2005
TTC start date: April 2006
Any other children: Just our pets


I'll be co-threadmistress if you haven't found one yet.

[RobynScott]

CC Name: RobynScott
Me: Robyn, 29
DH: Scott, 31
Married: August 29, 2004
TTC Start Date: June 18, 2006 (?) (Day after I complete the Alaska marathon, if I decide to do it - TBD)
Any other children: Only our adorable Cat, Kira

Happy to join! I can't believe this is (hopefully) the year!

[MaybeMamas]

Update to Here

[numberlady]

CC Name: numberlady
Me: Kelby, 31
DH: Steven, 53
Married: May 19, 2002
TTC Start Date: May (around or anniversary) if we make it that long
Any other children: None

In the other thread I posted that DH and I had a little oops without knowing where I was in my cycle. I am now 8 dpo and about to go out of my mind waiting for AF to show or waiting to test. Today I was in a meeting and swear that I got a little nauseous. I never get that feeling and didn't eat anything that should have made me feel that way. I swore that I was going to run out at lunch and get a test, but I am feeling better and trying not to read too much into it. I don't want to test too early and get a BFN. I would rather wait until I expect AF to test. So Monday is my test day :eek: and I will be freaking and obsessing in here and the family planning boards until then.

Thanks Anne (glad I finally know your name) for being our threadmistress.

[irish74]

I'd like to join

CC Name: irish74
Me: Clare, 31
DH: Bill, 35
Married: June 19, 2004
TTC start date: ideally September 2006
Any other children: only our dog, Sonny
Miscellaneous Info: Charted since August 2003

We are hoping to wait until September to TTC as we really hope to have a late spring or summer baby, hopefully we can make it that long without an oops since I am a big charting slacker.

[sea74]

Ugh, I feel really funny posting in here (seriously, kind of like butterflies), but here I go anyway.

CC Name: Sea74
Me: Rachael, 31 (will be 32 in April)
DH: Michael, 35 (will be 36 in February)
Married: November 27, 2004
TTC start date: MAYBE August or September 06. MAYBE!
Any other children: no

DH and I have been on the fence as to whether we were even going to have kids. We decided *IF* we were going to try, it'd be in 2007. But looking at our ages, we're thinking that if some things fall into place this year, we'll TTC at the end of summer. End of summer because ideally I'd like to give birth in May or June. We haven't told ANYONE about this. When people ask, we keep saying we'll think about it in 2007. First off, I don't want the questions or pressure, even though MIL is always on our case about it. And second, we're totally not sure yet we'll TTC this year. So … that's my story!

[honeygirl]

Welcome everyone!

So has anyone tried the suggestions in the first page? Like drinking grapefruit juice, etc? If so which ones?

I haven't done much TTC preparing except for exercise (in my 3rd week of doing) and taking a vitamin everyday. I'm not taking PNV yet, but mine does have folic acid in it.

[sea74]

I haven't really done anything. I already workout, but have been lazy about it since November, and I want to change that.

I want to start taking vitamins, don't currently do that which I know is bad in general.

I had my yearly exam a couple of weeks ago so already talked to the doctor about TTC - but also got another year prescription of BCP.

The BIGGEST things DH and I want to do is pay off the last of my credit card debt. That's the biggest thing holding me off right now. Well, that and the fact that I'd really like to be married 3-5 years before TTC, but with our ages, that's not so smart.

Today I kept thinking that next year at this time I could be pregnant. Very strange!

[Sarah051504]

The oning things I'm doing right now besides lurking like crazy in the Family Planning section is upping my water intake. Should do this TTC or not TTC. I can easily get in 64 oz a day but my goal is 100 oz. I've been taking my multi vitamin for a long time now and it does contain the recomended amout of folic acid so I'm good there. My DH and I receantly moved into a new house and we are starting to clean up/organize the basement so we can set up our treadmil and weight system. So once that's done I'll be exercising too.

[honeygirl]

The oning things I'm doing right now besides lurking like crazy in the Family Planning section is upping my water intake.

Isn't it addictive? I swear I spend far too much time in the Family Planning section, I hardly ever go into ChitChat anymore. Even DH has noticed, he thinks I'm on the computer too much. Just wait till we're pregnant, LOL!

Sea74 - Getting out of debt is a great way to plan ahead for TTC. Goodness knows babies are expensive! I also think about being pregnant next year, and was saying around Christmas that I wanted to be BIG this time next year.

[Janey]

Okay, I'll admit it: I'm a big family-planning (and even pregnancy) lurker too. :p I'm in!

CC Name: MrsHill
Me: MrsHill, 32
DH: B, age 41
Married: 9/24/05
TTC start date: June (23rd, according to Ovusoft)
Any other children: none
Miscellaneous Info: Diagnosed with PCOS in 2003. I may have 'cured' myself, but I don't know? I'm scared it will be an issue when we TTC, though.

I'm looking forward to getting to know all of you ladies!

[MaybeMamas]

Updated to Here

[Sherb]

Prepping for TTC: So far, I'm trying to be better about taking my multi-vitamin and calcium pill. I'm also trying to get my house in order; since my DH and I both started working full time following graduation(s) from law schools, we've been struggling to get a house cleaning schedule set up. This past weekend, I vowed to set up a "Chores Chart" and everytime we do a chore we'll get to put a fun sticker in the appropriate box. Kindergarten? Yes. But if it helps us get into a routine, I'll do it.

[JLRenheos]

CCName: JLRenheos
Me:29
DH:33
Married: 4/21/01
TTC start date: anytime after September
Any other children: n/a
I feel like I've got a million things to do in order to prepare.
I'll be visiting my OB sometime this Spring, to get all of my neccesary vacs., bloodwork & my annual pap. out of the way. Also, another thing to get out of the way is my yearly mammo. This will be a great time to ask any questions!

Looking forward to 2006!

[Janey]

So has anyone tried the suggestions in the first page? Like drinking grapefruit juice, etc? If so which ones?
- I am not doing any of the CM Supporting tips, because I'm not really all that concerned with my CM until we start trying. I do eat grapefruit as a matter of course.
- I'm doing most of the Nutritional Tips already, just because I normally do them anyway. I did quit drinking caffeine (except for in diet coke at restaurants) a couple of months back so that it would be "one less thing I had to do later." I also got B to give up the Gummi Vites :rolleyes: and instead take a men's multivitamin with Zinc. I eat spinach and won't stop unless my OBGYN tells me I must. Spinach is a superfood; I can't imagine it's so bad that you'd need to quit eating it for pregnancy?
- I exercise regularly, and hope to continue throughout pregnancy!, but I don't do kegels. I suppose I should.
- I have done some of the Pre-Conception Visit ones. I got a Rubella titer at my last checkup; I'm still immune. I haven't started a baby/pregnancy binder, but I do have a "Baby" folder in my Browser Favorites. ;) I started Charting in November in order to get to know my body better.
- The DTD tricks aren't really applicable yet. Well, except for 33. I try to do that as much as possible. And 32. I like 32. :p

[eli1126]

CC Name: eli1126
Me: Beth: 29 Will be 30 11/26 :eek:
DH: Ed: 30
Married: 6/12/2004
TTC start date: May 2006 Right After Graduation!!
Any other children: furbabies Beau & Belle

I am scheduling a preconception appt with ob this week, but right now I am taking Folgard a folic Acid/calicium prescription along with a Flinstones :o vitamin daily. I have no known problems so I am hoping everything goes smoothly. I never realized how difficult it actually is to get pg until I started lurking in family planning. I do have Crohn's Disease so I will have to definitely talk to my Doctor about my medications while pg as I am taking Pentasa and for allergies Claritin-D. I can't imagine 9 months of going without my allergy medication, but I could easily give up the Pentasa! Looking forward to getting to know all of you!

Beth

[irish74]

So has anyone tried the suggestions in the first page? Like drinking grapefruit juice, etc? If so which ones?

I've tried the green tea for CM. It worked very well with just two cups per day.

I don't have much caffeine, no coffee, sodas or black tea. I take a prenatal vitamin, eat lots of fresh veggies and fruits. I don't plan to give up avocados or soy, but I'm sure I will eat them in moderation. I've had a pre-TTC exam and all is well. I'm currently in the middle of quitting smoking and that is pretty much the last of the "physical" preparation. I've also met with my neurologist to find meds that work that I can take for migraines while pg.

We also will need to find a bigger apartment, but probably won't until we are pg unless a spectacular deal falls into our laps.

[Julss05]

CC Name: Julss05
Me: Julie, 28
DH: Mike, 30
Married: 6/15/02
TTC start date: July 2006 (if my ovulation time stays the same it will be around the 4th of July, let the fireworks begin!)
Any other children: None, yet. Just furball sister kittens named Lady & Bandit.


About a month or two before TTC I plan to start charting again to make sure nothing has changed with my cycle. Other than that I'm trying to eat healthier (not working so well!) and exercise more. Our tax return should take care of the rest of our credit debt. We are both going through job changes soon but once that happens it's a GO for TTC. I know it might not happen right away and then again maybe it will, we're hoping for a spring baby. This TTC journey will be interesting that's for sure! Can't wait to share stories with everyone:).

[MaybeMamas]

Updated to here.

Welcome JLRenheos, eli1126, Julss05, and all the other Maybe Mamas.

[LynzeyAHL]

CC Name: LynzeyAHL
Me: Lindsey, 27
DH: Dan, 23
Married: 10-30-2003
TTC start date: December 2005
Any other children: Our kitties Webster 5 and Ashley 3
Miscellaneous Info: Diabetic

[Jazz]

What a cool idea for a thread!

... if some things fall into place this year, we'll TTC at the end of summer. End of summer because ideally I'd like to give birth in May or June. We haven't told ANYONE about this ...

Ditto for me. (sea74, it was really funny reading your post -- I could have written it myself!)

CC Name: Jazz
Me: Stacy, 31
DH: E
Married: 6/21/03
TTC start date: August?
Any other children: No, but one darling doggie.

I haven't charted yet or done much more than double-check that my multi-vitamin has folic acid (check). Last summer ('04) I went on a huge preggo book reading spree (thank you library) when I was obsessed and TTC seemed so far away. Now even August seems close. Eek!

[elissa]

Count me in!

CC Name:elissa
Me: Elissa, 29 (30 in March)
DH: Chris, 31
Married: 10-1-05
TTC start date: Probably July, off BCP in March
Any other children:none
Miscellaneous Info:fibroids removed via myomectomy June 2001 so could have problems TTC

[Little Angel '77]

Hi :)
Can I be added??


CC Name: Little Angel '77
Me: Alicia -29
DH: Seth -30
Married: 2004
TTC start date: April/May
Any other children:just a furbaby, Nomar and Nala
Miscellaneous Info: Own a photography business, so I have to "plan" BDing months :) I am aiming for a Dec/Jan Baby, Although I want to go to Orlando in January, so we might push it back a smidge so I can fly!
Anyone have any knowledge of being able to fly while pregnant?
I also have a live journal NAME: Littleangel821

[Sarah051504]

I think we need to get things going with a QTD.

QTD: How did you first bring up TTC with your DH?

For us, even before we were married we always talked about "when we have kids" or "our kids are going to" so it was general knowldge that we were going to have kids. I also made it known about my PCOS and how it won't be just going off the pill and getting PG, that a Dr is going to have be involved in some way or another. After we got married when everyone would ask the dreaded "when are you going to have kids questions" we always said we need a bigger house first. Well we moved into that bigger house in Nov and we have been pretty quiet about the subject.

My DH is one of those guys that doesn't like to share his feelings. Like if I ask him why he loves me his response is "becasue". So I knew when we had the TTC conversation I wasn't going to get much out of him. So I just planted the idea in his head one day when he said "when we have kids ..." so I asked "When ARE we going to have kids" he said something like "I don't care, whenever you're ready" I reminded him I'd have to go see my Dr and asked when he thought I should make an appointment to which he said "I don't give a shit when you go to the Dr." so I left it at that.

I few days later we were driving home from my Aunt's house out of the blue he said "So are you going to make that appointment?" Right then I knew he was ready to TTC becasue he had been thinking about it on his own. In that same conversation he started talking about looking for plans for the nursery furniture, he's a woodworker and wants to buid the stuff himself. The next day I calle dup my Dr and made the appointment. And now we're just waiting for that appointment to come.

[jen]

Ok, kind of freaking out that there is a TTC Group I can join.. but here I go!

CC Name: jen
Me: Jen, 31
DH: S, 34
Married: June 04
TTC start date: June 06
Any other children: our dog


So far....
I bought and have flipped through TCOYF.
Bought a basil thermometer and it is collecting dust in my night stand drawer.
I'm trying hard to remember my multivitamin w/folic acid everyday!
Just started a yoga class----I need strength for pregnancy and labor!!
DH is in the process of quitting smoking - hallelujah!

:eek: A little shocked and horrified that spinach and peanut butter are no good---they are my staples! I eat spinach almost every night, and pb every morning! I guess I should just add a calcium supplement and leave well enough alone... I'm not giving up pb and spinach!

I freaked for a little about exactly when to get preggo, how that would effect a new job opportunity coming my way... but I decided whatever happens happens and I will deal with it. I now understand the whole woman/career/baby dilema!


QOTD: I don't remember ever having to bring it up with DH---we both have always wanted kids... we both would just end up talking about it every so often. We wanted a couple years being married with no kids..... plus we are renovating our house and our timeline is to have it done this spring. We are big planners! The other night we were discussing paint colors of our 2 spare bedrooms, and DH says "which bedroom is the baby's room? what color will it be?" I think I fell off my chair---we started discussing what color/room and then I said "dude, we haven't even tried to make a baby yet, lets not worry about paint color yet!!"

[sea74]

Ditto for me. (sea74, it was really funny reading your post -- I could have written it myself!)
Jazz: 'm glad there's someone else out there feeling the same thing. Sometimes I feel so alone in this because I'm not sure exactly what I want or when I want it!

Ok, kind of freaking out that there is a TTC Group I can join.. but here I go!
Jen, I feel the SAME WAY! I've been a HUGE lurker in the family planning sections, but now that there's a group I kind of fit into, it's strange.

I also LOVE spinach and PB. I never heard that those were no, nos for TTC!

Little Angel-Hey stranger! I'm glad to see a familiar face around :)

[Janey]

QTD: How did you first bring up TTC with your DH?

We, like others, just always knew we'd have children. We talk about "when the babies come," or "after the babies get here," it's always The Babies. Sometimes we call our children by their names... when we're planning our house we'll say, "Well what if K's room is upstairs and B is a teenager and would rather have his room in the basement... isn't there some way we could build a closet in that room?" that sort of thing.

As for the actual timeframe... we'd like a baby born sometime between March - September. Everybody else in our family is born October - February (not to mention having the holidays during that time frame as well), and so we'd like to spread out the celebrations a bit. Backing off 9 months to march is June. Therefore... June was what we decided on. Sort of.

B has been making noises every so often like, "Isn't that really soon?" and "There's no going back after the babies come!" and "No more romantic weekends away" and this sort of thing. We had a little tete a tete the other day and I told him that I couldn't tell if he was saying he wasn't ready, or if he was just questioning this like he does everything. I also said if he wanted to push it back a few months that was Totally Okay, because I want him to be 100% on board and ready. But in my head it's been June all along and I've really been getting used to the idea of start-trying-in-June so if he was thinking he needed more time, he would need to tell me before, say, May 30. I'll need more time to process this new information, and get used to the idea of start-trying-in-SomeOtherMonth.

He said mostly he's just questioning this the way he does everything, but he is worried about the fact that he and I happened pretty quickly (which is true) and that we won't have enough 'us' time before the babies come. Which is also true but... I'll be 34 when this first baby comes and we want at least 2 ... and with my history of PCOS ... Time is just not on our side. :( I wish we had the luxury of spending 5 years alone together before babies, but we just don't.

[MaybeMamas]

Updated to here

Welcome jen, Little Angel 77', elissa, Jazz and LynzeyAHL.

[honeygirl]

QOTD - Really I don't remember how I first brought up TTC with DH. I think I started saying "when we have kids" or something like that. Then I brought up my age, and when I'd like to start trying. It's been a journey already, even though we haven't started TTC yet. Two years ago I was terrified of having kids and both of us were in the "not sure if we ever want them" side. I even participated in a child-free thread on WC (I think this is funny now). Anyway, after a surgery for polyps and the DR telling me to get off BCP and to "not wait to long to TTC b/c it may not be easy", etc, we've both decided we WANT them. I came around first, but he's onboard now. I think if we weren't moving we would be trying NOW.

That said, my temp dropped FAR this morning so I was right about AF coming. She'll probably be here within a few hours. I'm bummed but happy that this cycle was MUCH shorter than past ones. Heck at 32 days it's practically normal. :) Also my LP was pretty long as well, another good sign. Now if the stupid post O spotting could just stop all would be well. If anyone wants to know what I'm talking about here is my chart:

http://www.fertilityfriend.com/home/ee424

Have a great day everyone!

[sea74]

we won't have enough 'us' time before the babies come. Which is also true but... I'll be 34 when this first baby comes and we want at least 2 ... and with my history of PCOS ... Time is just not on our side. I wish we had the luxury of spending 5 years alone together before babies, but we just don't.

That's totally me, except the PCOS thing. We have been together 7 years, but only married 1 year. We didn't live together before getting married and I really want "us" time. Five years has always seemed like a good amount of time. But since I'm almost 32 and DH is almost 36, that's not a smart move. Some days I really feel like TTC this summer is a great idea, then other times, I want to wait another 6-8 months. Sigh. I wish I could see into the futrure!

[kanga1622]

CC Name: Kanga1622
Me: 25
DH: 27
Married: 08/31/02
TTC start date: March 2006
Any other children: Keegan the crazy miniature poodle, 1 1/2
Miscellaneous Info: Charting TTA since July 2003

I think I'm ready to join this thread. I'm more a lurker than a poster but I'd still like to be part of the group.

We are finally taking our Honeymoon in March and plan to "See What Happens" on our trip.

QoTD - We've always known we were having kids but I finally sat DH down one day to discuss when. We knew that we wanted to be in a position where we could afford for me to take a maternity leave and still pay the bills, have at least one 4-door car (much easier for car seats), and DH wanted to take our honeymoon first since we won't get to take long pricey vacations once we have kids. We decided this September to start planning our March Honeymoon and during the first part of December he agreed that we could quit avoiding a pregnancy on our trip. We're not going to have lots of extras since we don't make a whole lot of money, but kids are important to both of us and we're willing to wait on fancy gadgets, vacations, and a house as those things can be planned anytime and kids are a time sensitive project. ;)

[SQ2]

I'm excited to join this group! :D

CC Name: SQ2
Me: 27
DH: 27
Married: 8/15/04
TTC start date: Probably September 2006
Any other children: none


*I start my last year of grad school in September so I definitely don't want to get pregnant before then

*Went off the pill at the end of November 2005. I'm on my second cycle of charting (http://www.ovusoft.com/forum/chart.asp?id=bgum78).

*DH and I are both students so while financially we're definitely not "ready", we both really want kids and want to be young-ish parents. I could see waiting until we're both done with school (2.5 years from now) but in reality I don't want to wait that long and I don't think DH does either. We will make things work, even though it might be harder than if we had full time jobs. I wish I'd gone to grad school closer to when I graduated college so then I'd have experience working in the field with my degree before having kids, but life doesn't always go as you plan it.


ETA ~ Totally agree with this: Ok, kind of freaking out that there is a TTC Group I can join.. but here I go! It is really unreal that we're actually thinking about having babies! Time sure flies by. I still don't feel like a real "adult" yet, ya know? Even though I'm married. Weird.

[Lanapoo]

CC Name: Lanapoo
Me: Lana, 28
DH: Dean, 33
Married: 07/15/05
TTC start date: May 2006
Any other children: kitty Mel
Miscellaneous Info: Also had fibroid removed May 05 by myomectomy.

QOTD: We had always had conversations about "when we have kids" and I explained my POV in wanting to start trying before I turned 30 so we just decided on about a year after we got married as a good time to TTC. I can tell he's looking forward to it because he'll talk about our upcoming Aruba vacation in April and say "After that your clock goes off...", meaning my biological clock I assume:p .

It's hard to believe that TTCing is almost here. Time has just flown by since we got married...

[LeslieandPaul]

QOTD: How did you first bring up TTC with your DH?
We haven't talked about it in depth, but we both want kids, and I'd rather have them sooner than later. At our New Year's party, one of his friends told me that Paul told her he wants kids within a year (which I assume meant start trying within a year). Nice of him to share with me :rolleyes: I plan on talking about it with him soon-maybe when I'm visiting him in Thailand.

[bex]

CC Name: bex
Me: Bex, 28
DH: D, 29
Married: 05/18/02
TTC start date: May 2006
Any other children: 2 kitties


I've been going back and forth since this thread started trying to decided if I was going to join or not (in case anyone has noticed me lurking :P). We're tentatively planning to start TTC in May. It's kind of complicated because I'm hoping to finish my PhD in December 2006 so if my thesis is not progressing on schedule we may have to set the date back.

It seems like a good time for us because I would just take some time off between the end of my degree and starting work but we'll see what happens. I've a big planner but stuff like this doesn't always happen according to plan :)

I am on my first cycle off BCP and have started charting. I've also starting taking Folic Acid in addition to my Flintstone Vitamins. I had my MMR vaccination in December since I am not immune to Rubella and have to go for a blood test at the end of March to make sure it did take this time. I've also started working out again and am hoping to loose about 10 pounds before we start TTC.

I'm really glad to have this thread. No one in real life knows that we are thinking of TTC and I think most of our friends and family would be pretty shocked.

Good luck to everyone and I look forward to getting to know you all better! :)

...Bex

[bex]

QOTD: I had a bit of a breakdown over Christmas because I've got the baby bug pretty bad. The holidays just make it all worse and I would really like to have my own family. DH had no idea that I was feeling this way (well he did once I started blubbering like a crazy woman) and since I am still in school it really hasn't been an option. We talked a bit and realized that since I am close to finishing maybe it isn't so far away. I'm trying not to get *too* excited about it. I think if we're not successful by the fall (we're going to start TTC in May) we may have to then put it off for another couple years since I hope to take up a post-doc sometime in the fall2006/winter2007 and it would be a 1-2 year position. I guess we'll just have to wait and see :)

[Janey]

Sea74, glad to know somebody else is in my shoes with me!

Good for you for jumping in, Bex. :) I also went off the pill & started charting in November. If you're interested, there's a great thread for charting called Charting-To-Avoid (http://www.constantchatter.com/showthread.php?t=10925). A lot of helpful & knowledgable ladies in there to answer questions if/when you have them.

[irish74]

Waves hi at Kanga1622. I used to be sfaugustbride on WC. I remember you from the charting TTA thread.

QOTD - It seems like it was always just understood that we would have kids one day. Since we got married we've talked about when a number of times and the time frame has gotten pushed back a bit to where it currently is.

Just a funny observation: There are so many of us in this thread who are 31 (born in '74). I thought that was funny since 1974 was not a baby boom year at all, quite the opposite.

[sea74]

Just a funny observation: There are so many of us in this thread who are 31 (born in '74). I thought that was funny since 1974 was not a baby boom year at all, quite the opposite.
Totally thinking the same thing! Plus it made me feel a little better about my TTC age :o

[eli1126]

QOTD: Like all the other posters have said, it was pretty much a "When we have kids" thing. Although DH is the one holding off until May because that's when I said I wanted to TTC. He is also concerned about the financial aspect of having a baby especially with the job market for teachers so tight in my area. If anyone is interested, there is a good article in RedBook this month that is about financial prepardness when having a baby. I found it to be pretty interesting and informative. Basically it will be opened to the article on DH's pile of mail when he gets off duty :p

Beth

[irish74]

Plus it made me feel a little better about my TTC age

Ditto to that!:)

[Julss05]

QTD: How did you first bring up TTC with your DH?

I think when he got sent to Kuwait last year is when we seriously started talking about a time frame. Recently we both agreed to start TTC in July. Don't know if we actually will, our TTC date has been pushed forward a few times but as long as everything else falls into place I think it's a very real possibility. Even when I didn't have a desire to have kids I'd always dream I'd have my first in 2007 and 2nd in 2010 so we'll see!

I'm surprised about the ages in here too! I thought I'd be the oldest because everyone I know married younger or our age has kids except us.

[Sherb]

QOTD: We've always talked about it but my hubby (who was born in 1974 :) ) was ready before I was. Now the time seems right (and my clock went off); we're both out of law school and I have my career started. I finally have money for the first time in my life and I've started nesting. Also, the women in my family have had some issues after they've had kids late in life...I would like to pop the (first?) baby out before I turn 30.

Oh, and it is great to see so many women in here - old and new faces. I'm looking forward to getting to "know" y'all better.

[MaybeMamas]

Updated to here

Welcome Kanga1622, SQ2, Lanapoo, and Bex. We're really growing!

[bex]

Good for you for jumping in, Bex. :) I also went off the pill & started charting in November. If you're interested, there's a great thread for charting called Charting-To-Avoid (http://www.constantchatter.com/showthread.php?t=10925). A lot of helpful & knowledgable ladies in there to answer questions if/when you have them.

Thanks MrsHill! I'll definitly be checking it out. I have a gazillion questions about charting - althoug I think I'm just being a little too uptight about it ;)

[mandersald]

hi girls-
wow you ladies move fast! i'm in.

mandersald
me: manders (25)
dh: dh (25)
married: 8-27-04
ttc date: feb or march?
2 kitties

dh and i have always talked about when we have kids, so we knew it was going to happen. then, i started charting almost a year ago, when i started tallking lots about my fertility, which inevitably turned into babies. plus, i have some other health issues that might make it hard to ttc if we wait too long. plus, timing is a huge deal for us since both of us are still in grad school. (waves to other phd students out there!) but, its been said that its almost easier to have kids while in school than immediatly following school, so we're gonna give it a shot.

i've been trying to be healthy by charting ( i agree with mrshill about the charting to avoid thread...most helpful!!) and eating well and vitamins and exercise, so i think we're close!

keep your fingers crossed!

[Janey]

Just a funny observation: There are so many of us in this thread who are 31 (born in '74). I thought that was funny since 1974 was not a baby boom year at all, quite the opposite.
You know what's weird - I keep thinking I'm 31. I seriously literally forget that I'm 32, and in 3 short weeks, I'm going to be 33. Maybe it's early senility, and maybe it's wishful thinking... but I think I'm going to hang onto 31 a little while longer, if that's okay with you all.

Bex I think have the opposite problem - I'm too over-confident about it. "We don't need no stinking protection...!"

ETA - Mandersald, I'm with you about charting making me think about babies. Each month I've been charting I think, "That's EWCM. Must make a note of that in my chart." Inevitably, my next thought is, "That's EWCM. I can make a baby now." Every time I enter my temperature into my chart, it's a reminder of why I'm doing it. I have a feeling that these next 5 months are going to go by really slowly. :p

[elissa]

QOTD We both knew that we wanted to have kids. We were dating, not even engaged at the point of my surgery for fibroids and my doctor asked if there was someone that I wanted to have kids with and I said I think so. From there, things in our normal relationship progressed and my doctor encouraged me to try sooner rather then later. We had a further conversation about debt and finances about a month ago and for the past year our general thought has been to go off of BCP in March 2006, after my 30th b-day party trip. Well, we are still sticking to that plan, even if we just see what happens for the few months after that. When we talked more about it a couple of weeks ago, DH said he was ready for kids TWO years ago!

[brenda]

CC Name: wcbrenda
Me: Brenda, 32
DH: Sweetie, 36
Married: Sept 17, 2005
TTC start date: Sept 17, 2005
Any other children: Not even a pet, yet.
Miscellaneous Info: He knocked me up on the honeymoon, but I miscarried in November. We started trying again in January.

QOTD: Sweetie and I discussed this from before our marriage. We agreed that neither of us were particular young, and we were ready.

[numberlady]

Just wanted to post an update:I couldn't wait any longer and tested last night and got a BFN. At least now I know that all those "symptoms" I was feeling was probably only nervousness. Now I really won't test unless AF doesn't show by Monday or Tuesday.

QOTD: I don't know how it came up, but we both knew that we wanted at least one child. We talked about it before we were married and within the last 2 years the most. We had a TTC date set a couple of times and I keep telling him that my clock is ticking. Of course I am the same age as most of you ladies, 31.

[kanga1622]

~~~waves~~~ back at Irish. I do remember you from the thread. It's nice to know I'm not the only TTA "grad" for 2006. :)

Is anyone else absolutely obsessed with reading books about babies and pregnancy? My city library was absolutely no help as they have almost nothing recent (who wants to read about getting back into the workforce after having a baby in 1978?). I'm going to check out the university library today to see what they have that might be interesting.

[jen]

Is anyone else absolutely obsessed with reading books about babies and pregnancy? My city library was absolutely no help as they have almost nothing recent (who wants to read about getting back into the workforce after having a baby in 1978?). I'm going to check out the university library today to see what they have that might be interesting.

I've been reading about this stuff forever! It's such a fascinating subject! I even thought about getting my Masters in Public Health, specializing in Women & Infants!! Took one class on pregnancy/l&d and I loved it!! That was about 8 years ago.... I didn't pursue it any further (I'm just starting to figure out what I want to be when I grow up!).

I currently have on my night stand a book a woman at work gave me---"How To Choose The Sex of Your Child". Pretty funny.... hehe.

[eli1126]

I bought "What to Expect" a few weeks ago :o I also make a point to stop by the fertility book section at B&N whenever I go in. I find it all interesting. I also wanted to mention that I am glad to see others in their late 20's early 30's in this thread! Being 29, I sometimes feel like we have to TTC NOW! Most of our friends our age have children, so I get really impatient with all this waiting!

Beth

[jen]

Hey, I've got a question for everyone---- Is anyone planning (or feeling like they need to plan) a last big vacation with just you and DH before you TTC?

I feel under a lot of pressure to hurry up and plan the mother of all trips so I don't feel like I'm missing anything once I'm PG and then have kids. I keep saying to DH---we gotta go away before we can't go away anymore! Kinda sad, isn't it?! We've traveled a decent amount, but I feel like I need that one last big trip before we have kids. Sighh... I mean I know you can travel with kids---it's just different! Plus I'd like to be a SAHM for a couple years so money will be very tight for awhile!

[LeslieandPaul]

Is anyone planning (or feeling like they need to plan) a last big vacation with just you and DH before you TTC?
Well, I'm going to see him in Thailand in February, but it was an unexpected trip. We're planning on going to Europe in April, and I would like to go to Disneyland before we start TTC. I've never been, and I certainly can't go when I"m pregnant or I wouldn't enjoy any of the rides.

[Janey]

Is anyone planning (or feeling like they need to plan) a last big vacation with just you and DH before you TTC?
We told each other we would take a "one year anniversary trip" to europe instead of a big honeymoon (neither of us wanted to plan a big fancy honeymoon along with a wedding and a major remodel of our home all at the same time), but it doesn't look like that's going to happen. B took 3 weeks off work to have surgery, and he'll take more time off in February to go to Alaska with me to see my friend get married, and then more time off in May to see another of our friends get married in Florida... our travel budget is pretty used up. We will try to take a trip to AK again in June (the same friend is having a baby in July) and do a baby shower/salmon fishing trip, so that will be sort of a vacation. My cousin & his wife conceived their first while vacationing at my dad's place up there two years ago. Maybe it'll be work the same magic for us. :)

[Sarah051504]

Is anyone planning (or feeling like they need to plan) a last big vacation with just you and DH before you TTC?

Yes and no. We are talking about taking a big trip this year, either a cruise or a trip to Alaska, but not because we are going to be TTC but becasue we are both turning 30 this year.

DH and I camp a lot, not the tent roughing it kind of camping but the travel trailer with heat, air, frig, stove, microwave, sat. tv, the works. We go on around 4 weekend/long weekend trips a summer. I really don't think this will change any when we are TTC or even when we have a baby so we don't have any kind of "we won't be able to travel anymore" feelings.

[brenda]

Is anyone planning (or feeling like they need to plan) a last big vacation with just you and DH before you TTC?

We did - our honeymoon. It was the only way I could pry Sweetie out of the country, and even then it was lux only. Very little "real Mexico" at all.

[magrat]

CC Name: magrat
Me: Sarah, 26
DH: Ben, 25
Married: 3/01/03
TTC start date: 01/06

QOTD: Is anyone planning (or feeling like they need to plan) a last big vacation with just you and DH before you TTC?
No. DH would really like to go to Asia before we TTC, but it would put our start date out another year. I talked him out of it :p

Originally Posted by kanga1622
Is anyone else absolutely obsessed with reading books about babies and pregnancy? My city library was absolutely no help as they have almost nothing recent (who wants to read about getting back into the workforce after having a baby in 1978?). I'm going to check out the university library today to see what they have that might be interesting.

Ohhhh yes. I've read pretty much everything our large local library has to offer. For those of you who like slightly more academic work, I've found this Amazon list really useful: http://www.amazon.com/gp/richpub/listmania/fullview/18GWY9H1BAAVB/002-1866997-3851238?%5Fencoding=UTF8 (parenting for the anthropologist). I especially liked Our Babies, Ourselves and A World of Babies (despite its asinine title).

[kanga1622]

QOTD: Is anyone planning (or feeling like they need to plan) a last big vacation with just you and DH before you TTC? That is actually the kickoff for TTC. My mother was terminally ill so we got married a year earlier than we had originally planned. As such, we certainly didn't have the time or emotional wherewithall to take a honeymoon. Now we have the time, money, vacation time, and are emotionally ready to have a fun, relaxing trip. DH was adamant that he get a honeymoon before having babies so he's ready for this trip.

[Lanapoo]

QOTD: Is anyone planning (or feeling like they need to plan) a last big vacation with just you and DH before you TTC?
I guess so, even though our trip to Aruba in April is really just our delayed Honeymoon.

It's funny to hear about all these trips to Alaska. I remember when we went on a cruise last year (we were the only people from AK on the ship) everyone kept telling us that we should do an Alaskan cruise. There's just no way we wanted to take a cruise to where we already lived :rolleyes: . That said, we have a real appreciation for where we live and in the summers we practically have a 'vacation' every weeked because we have a cabin on a lake and we really enjoy boating and jetskiing. I hope everyone who comes here has a wonderful time :) .

[Janey]

It's funny to hear about all these trips to Alaska. I remember when we went on a cruise last year (we were the only people from AK on the ship) everyone kept telling us that we should do an Alaskan cruise. There's just no way we wanted to take a cruise to where we already lived :rolleyes:
I lived 13 years in Anchorage and graduated from Service High... so I'm with you about Alaska not being all that exciting. ;) B hasn't been to AK since he was six or so, and he has never been fishing on the Kenai, so I think he will enjoy the trip to my dad's "cabin." I'm hoping we go during King season so he can fight with a 60-pounder while floating down the river... but dip-netting for reds is a blast too... so either way, really.

Now Aruba... THAT'S exciting. :D

[Lanapoo]

MrsHill - This is too funny! I graduated from Service too in 96 :D . EEK, How can it be almost ten years since I've graduated? I'm not really into the fishing thing, luckily neither is DH, we're more into motorized recreation :o .

I think he will enjoy the trip to my dad's "cabin."

Our cabin really is a cabin though (I assume the quotes you used mean your dad's place is pretty much a house), complete with outhouse and 60's decor :p

[irish74]

QOTD - We are planning a trip for September, mainly because we really need the kind of vacation where you just sit on the beach or wherever and do nothing. :D TTC during or immediately after.

[eli1126]

QOTD: Is anyone planning (or feeling like they need to plan) a last big vacation with just you and DH before you TTC?

Our second anniversary is June 12 and I would like to go away somewhere for that. Because of school, I couldn't go away before then anyway so I may be TTC on the trip :D

Beth

[bex]

QOTD: Is anyone planning (or feeling like they need to plan) a last big vacation with just you and DH before you TTC?

We'd like to. We're thinking of maybe going to Europe in the spring and actually kicking off TTC while we are there. Although this would be somewhat of a working vacation since I have a conference there, but DH would meet me after the conference was over. If that doesn't pan out I may try and suprise DH for his birthday with a trip to Vegas since he's turning 30 this year.

[honeygirl]

QOTD: Is anyone planning (or feeling like they need to plan) a last big vacation with just you and DH before you TTC?

Yup, we feel like we should plan and are taking about taking trips before I get too big. We're talking about Hawaii, Austrailia or Mexico. Perhaps a couple of those.

I hope that we can still travel after having a child, I guess it will depend on how much the IL's will help w/b'sitting.

[Julss05]

Is anyone planning (or feeling like they need to plan) a last big vacation with just you and DH before you TTC?

Our 4th anniversary is June 15th so we were talking about celebrating it by renting a cabin in the mountains. Other than that we would like to visit our friends who live in Italy but may not be able to if I'm pregnant and can't fly!

Pregnancy books to check out:
Mayo Clinic Complete Pregnancy Book and Baby's First Year (free from State Farm)
TCOYF, great if you plan to chart or want a better understanding at determining when you ovulate.

[MaybeMamas]

Updated to here

Welcome to mandersald, brenda, and magrat!
Now if only we could get some November '06 and December '06 MaybeMamas! :)

[Sherb]

We're not planning any last hurrah vacation right now, so I don't think that we'll take one. My parents hauled me all over the U.S. and we travelled with my baby brother a month after he was born, so I think I'll be doing the same things with my kid (or kids).

Our Alaska ladies: Brrr! I get cold just thinking about your winters. I here your summers are great though. Maybe I'll visit one day (with a baby in tow).

[MrsWilson]

I'll join (thanks for the invite Aimee!)

CC: MrsWilson
Me: Jan, 26
DH: Michael, 28
Married: 10/10/04
TTC: September 2006 (or if we win the lottery, as soon as we get a house and move out of the barn!)
Child: Scout, our beagle born on our wedding day!

I had my pre-TCC OB appointment in November. I'm trying to drink more water and not as many sodas. I'm bad about remembering my multi-vitamin.

QOTD: Is anyone planning (or feeling like they need to plan) a last big vacation with just you and DH before you TTC?

I doubt we will do much. Our TTC date is around the time we plan to buy a house, so I doubt we'll have the money. But, with my DH's job, we go on a big trip every year anyway, and it is almost free!

[elissa]

QOTD: Is anyone planning (or feeling like they need to plan) a last big vacation with just you and DH before you TTC?
My birthday is in March and we were planning on NYC, but I think I just decided tonight that it will be too cold, so we are looking at Palm Springs and Scottsdale. We will be going somewhere for our one year anniversary in October-Napa if not PG by then. We're also hoping to still be able to do some of that when a little one comes, we shall see what the BIL/SIL feel like doing as far as babysitting ;)

[mandersald]

QOTD
no, we probably won't be going on any big trips. We went on our honeymoon kinda late last summer, and we're so busy with school that we don't really have any time!!

there are 2 reasons why we're currently waiting to ttc.

the possibility of training for a marathon
slight health issues that need to clear up first


so, that's it for us! i'm just trying to decide now (robyn are you out there?) whether i should put of ttc to run a marathon. i've always wanted to run one, and i think it will be many years before i get another chance. man, this timing business really stinks. especially with the looming question about when i'm going to graduate. boo to grad school!!

and you know the worst of it? when i try to do the timing calculations in my head, i'm assuming that we won't have any trouble what so ever ttc. and i know that's an awful perspective to have.

but, yes to mrshill...every time i have ewcm, i tell dh, "oooh, if you want a baby we should get busy right now!!"

My parents hauled me all over the U.S.
sherb-my parents did this to me too!! and i didn't enjoy the long car rides as a kid, but thinking back on it now, i've seen a lot of beautiful places in this country.

books the only ones i have are FAM books. you know, TCOYF and the art of natural family planning. highly recommend!!

[SQ2]

We are going England this summer for a wedding and then over to Germany to visit a friend. Should be fun! :)

[honeygirl]

Hello ladies. I had a fun surprise yesterday, a friend from Hawaii sent me a big package of goodies. One of the things she sent was "FertiliTea". She just got a BFP 2 weeks ago and I guess she decided I needed her supply now. :)

Has anyone heard of FertiliTea? Or are you using it?

It has a bunch of things in it that are supposed to support fertility. One of the ingredients is "red raspberry leaf" so I can now answer our question under:

Miscellaneous Tricks & Advice
23. Red Raspberry Leaf Tea: (anyone know what this is about?)

According to the tea package, Red Raspberry Leaf is "highly regarded for its ability to tone the uterus and muscles of the pelvic region. A highly nutritive intredient, Red Raspberry is a powerful fertilty-promoting herb, especially when used in combination with pepermint".

I'm not sure if I'll start the tea now or wait till April. It does smell yummy. :) She also sent a magazine called "Conceive". Of course I've been reading it right away. DH said he's getting tired of all the baby talk, I'll have to space it out more.

On the plus side we had a bunch of friends over last night (7) and he told them about our TTC plans. My friend said that he said it with a little smile/smirk. So exciting to both be on board for our plans! Granted DH has a new reason to want to TTC, I told him that once we're pregnant we can get another puppy (Italian Greyhound). Talk about motivation. :)

Have a great weekend!

[MaybeMamas]

Updated to here

Welcome MrsWilson!

If anyone wants to add info for the first sections (recommended websites, books, etc) please post your ideas in red. :)

[Inda]

CC Name: Inda
Me: 36
DH: 39
Married: 2002
TTC start date: 01/06

QOTD: Is anyone planning (or feeling like they need to plan) a last big vacation with just you and DH before you TTC?

Not really. We try to travel a few times per year as is so we will probably just do the same. I would like to travel internationally maybe one more time before we have a baby but I am not opposed to doing that while pregnant. Speaking of which, at what point is it no longer safe to travel for extended periods of time? (meaning 10-14 hour flights).

[JLRenheos]

QUOTE:We're planning a trip to Las Vegas with 1-2 couples for a whole week. It is more fun to visit Vegas w/friends! This will be our last big trip before we ttc. I did however, get to go to Hawaii with my Dad & family (without my DH) in late October for a short, but sweet weekend.

[polarama]

Hi ladies, I'd love to join you!

CC Name: polarama
Me: Jenn, 30
DH: C, 30
Married: 07/27/02
TTC start date: Jan 2006

I have to admit, I go back and forth between having baby lust really bad and being freaked out of my mind about the whole thing.

QOTD: Last hurrah?
Hmmm...not sure. It will depend on timing, I guess. We just got back from Asia (my parents live there), so I'm all traveled out. DH is also taking his comprehensive exams for grad school in June, so if we do go anywhere it will have to be this summer, which who knows? I could be preggers by then.

[Sarah051504]

Well my DH passed the newborn baby test. Yesterday we went over to my Aunt's house to meet my 3 week old cousin. I was kind of worried about it making him freak and reconsider TTC. Plus I have never really seen him with babies before so I didn't know if he was the type of guy who is scard to hold them, thinking they are going to somehow break the baby or a guy liek my dad who refusses to have anything to do with a kid untill it can walk and talk. Not only didn't it make him freak about TTC but he held her for a bit and then later that day he brought up TTC and was asking me questions. I'm so glad he passed. :D

[honeygirl]

Sarah - congrats on DH passing the newborn test. :) That is a tricky one as babies look MUCH scarier when they are teeny-tiny. Funny thing about my DH is that I knew he was good with kids even before we married b/c my sister had a little baby while we were engaged. HOWEVER, he was great with kids but didn't want them at the time. We've come a long way since then.

Speaking of, when we went to Target this weekend we actually looked at maternity clothes AND the baby stuff section. This is a first! I couldn't believe that we were doing it and tried not to force him to stay, etc. I even tried on a maternity sweatshirt to see how it fit. He said that we should buy it now (cause it matched a pair of pants I already have). I passed though b/c it was HUGE! I think that it may be difficult to find maternity clothes at regular stores b/c I'm kind of small (size 2). I tend to be XS in most places. We'll see.

[magrat]

I have to admit, I go back and forth between having baby lust really bad and being freaked out of my mind about the whole thing.

Oh yeah...all in the space of a few minutes. I spend all day looking at cloth diapers and trying to decide if it's too soon to start buying them, and then in the evening I think "oh my gosh, DH still hasn't lost any weight, we're going to be so poor when I quit my job, DH is so stressed how will he be able to support me when he can't even take care of himself at the moment?"

[Janey]

New QOTD: Do you feel that you are healthy enough to TTC?

This is something I've been thinking about for myself a lot these past few weeks. I don't feel at the moment that I am healthy enough to TTC. I guess in the grand scheme of things I am (I don't smoke, drink, etc), but I don't feel that I am healthy enough for me. Mostly this is in the nutrition/weight/exercise department. I've gained 25 lbs over the past year and a half. None of my clothes fit very well (if at all), and it's really depressing to me. :(

I have 5 months to change whatever I'm going to change, and so part of me is grateful that we're waiting until June. I've started implementing some changes:
- I've re-started my food diary & make sure I've eaten 5+ servings of fruits-n-veggies per day. This has always been my goal, but without a food diary I know it was slipping... and with it, my waistline.
- I make sure I take my pre-natal vitamin and my calcium chew. I was lax about this over the holidays. Strangely, Ovusoft is helping with this. When I click the "Pre-Natal Vitamin" box, it reminds me to go take it.
- I am sure to get some sort of exercise in every day. M/W/F I'm going to step aerobics, and T/TH/Sat I do the Couch-to-5k. I think I'm going to start adding in the Water Fitness class on T/TH mornings at my gym... but I haven't quite mentally turned that corner yet.

[eli1126]

QOTD: Do you feel that you are healthy enough to TTC?

While I'm not overweight, I don't feel that my diet is that great and I definitely don't exercise like I should except to do a lot of walking. I also have Crohn's Disease and had a nasty flare-up last fall. I just got off the steroid medication I was on, hoping my cycles will get back to normal. My last cycle was 22 days :eek: I am taking a mulit-vitamin every day and a prescription folic acid, B-6, and B-12 pill, Folgard, so I at least have that covered!

Beth

[motray36]

Here to subscribe to the new thread - thanks threadmistress and good luck with taking over! You'll do great :)

CC Name: motray36
Me: Tracy, 25
DH: Keith, 25
Married: June 25,2004
TTC start date: July 2006
Any other children: we have a cat, Holly, that my MIL calls her grandchild
Miscellaneous Info: Charting since August 2004

[polarama]

QOTD: Do you feel that you are healthy enough to TTC?
Yes and no. Not a big drinker, nor do I smoke, so I'm covered there. I am overweight, so I am working on losing some of the excess weight. I am pretty active already, though I want to add yoga and strength training. While I made some dietary changes already (more fruits/veggies, organic eggs, etc), I still drink a lot of diet soda. I'm very slowly phasing that out.

[LeslieandPaul]

QOTD: Do you feel that you are healthy enough to TTC?

Sort of. I don't smoke, and I don't drink very often, and I've started exercising regularly. But, I drink a lot of pop(mostly Pepsi), and eat a lot of junk food. I've started eating less junk, and I'm working on my caffeine consumption.

[Julss05]

Do you feel that you are healthy enough to TTC?

Sadly no:(. Mostly it's my weight I'm concerned about. I'm about 25-30 lbs. overweight for my height. Like you I'm hoping waiting until July will give me enough time to lose it before TTC. Last week I went out and bought only healthy food which has helped me lose already without exercising, but I know I need to exercise every day as well even if it's only for 30 minutes. Of course I'd like to lose the weight for myself but more importantly I don't want to be considered an overweight pregnant woman because I know that can cause health problems for both me and the baby. I do drink lots of water, eat fruit and vegetables often and take a multi-vitamin every day but that isn't enough to drop the weight, I need to get my butt off the couch and get moving! On the bright side wanting a child is an excellent motivater to really make this happen. An idea, walk or bike to someone's house, usually we drive over to our friend's house a few blocks away but we walked instead. Another thing that sticks in my head is the fact that my mom told me the easy labor/deliveries she had was when she exercised all through her pregnancies. I do think anyone can be considered "healthy" regardless of weight, what matters I believe is how healthy they eat/drink and get regular exercise. Good luck to anyone else trying to improve their health before TTC, we can do it!!

[Roxygirl]

I'm joining in and very excited to have found this thread. I don't have many friends locally around me and it will be great to have someone to talk about these things with.


CC Name: Roxy Girl
Me: M, 26
DH: R, 25
Married: July 10th, 2004
TTC start: Well I took my last pill last month. We were going to wait until March or April but have kind of decided to let nature take it's course. So I guess Jan 2006.
Other children: 2 furbabies, Roxy our dog and Tucker our cat.

[Smittenk]

Joining! We are charting to avoid at the moment but I am still learning how to chart and my cycles are completely out of whack (12 years on the pill...stopped at the beginning of october 05 and only on 2nd cycle) so who knows what can happen!

CC Name: Smittenk
Me: Alison, 28
DH: Mike, 36
Married: April 3rd 2004
TTC start date: May 2006
Any other children: furbaby named Barley
Miscellaneous Info: Trying to get prepared for pregnancy: Started exercise routine, switched to decaf and herbal teas 2 months ago, taking my multi vitamin with folic acid every day.

We really aren't being super careful so it might happen sooner than May

[Smittenk]

QOTD: Do you feel that you are healthy enough to TTC?

Pretty much...I guess I would like to be more solid in my exercise. I want to get into better shape...toned and better cardio. Mostly I would just like to cute out refined sugar. I switched to honey in my tea over a year ago which was my major sugar consumption but I still love chocolate and sweets :rolleyes:
__________________________________________________ ___________

Just wondering (because I am a little embarassed about this but I know you ladies probably won't judge me :p )

Have any of you bought any maternity clothes yet??

I have bought one shirt because I found it on sale. I loved it and didn't want to leave it because they're usually pretty pricey, but I felt kind of silly buying it. I guess the good thing about it is it is adjustable so technically I could wear it now and after pregnancy. I still feel silly though. I am also worried that it is bad luck to buy things before they actually happen.

What do you all think??

[dobler88]

QOTD: Do you feel you are healthy enough to TTC

I hope so! I have been doing weightwatchers to get rid of a few pounds (so far, so good) and I have been faithfully taking my flinstone vitamins (the only kind I can stomach!) for the last few months...

This weekend was the first time we "pulled the goalie" ever, in our seven year relationship!! It was very weird to know there was no BCP or any other preventative measure! So, we BD'd on CD 11, 12, and 13....but now I have a doctor's appt with pap on thurs so we cant within 48 hours..:( so even if we are lucky, this probably wont be our month!

[sea74]

QOTD: Funny this is the question. Overall, I feel healthy enough. I'd like to lose about 10 lbs first, but really it's not huge deal. However, the past five days I've been SICK! Not getting out of bed sick. And it made me realize that if I were to become pregnant I couldn't take all the medication I was taking. I felt like such crap while taking it and I can't imagine how I could have gotten through taking nothing. Also, if I did have kids, I would have somehow had to have gotten up and dealt with them. It's not enough to say I'm not going to have kids or anything, but with thinking about thinking to TTC, it really added a new dimension to being sick.

Since I'm starting to come around to the thought of TTC toward the end of the year, DH and I decided to look around Pottery Barn Kids. It was scary, but fun. I also found a crib I like in The Land of Nod catalog.

[irish74]

QOTD - I need to finish quitting smoking, almost there, it is sooo hard! Other than that I think I am very healthy. I take vitamins, eat organic, lots of veggies and fruits (1 produce box per week for me and DH), I get a fair amount of exercise (walking and life in general, I don't go to a gym). I'd like to lose the 5lbs I put on over the holidays, but expect those to be gone by the end of January just by getting back to normal eating. I barely drink, maybe a glass on a special occassion, don't have caffeine except what is in chocolate;), so doing pretty good.

[bex]

QOTD: Do you feel you are healthy enough to TTC

I hope so! Ideally, I'd like to loose 5-10 more pounds. I've got a pretty good exercise routine now and I just started a yoga class. I just want to be in good enough shape that I could keep working out and doing yoga if I were to get pregnant.

Smittenk: I know how you feel so don't feel silly! Whenever we shop at the outlet malls I always pass by the maternity clothing stores longingly. I mean..if the price is right and I'm going to need them someday, it's practically costing me money not to pick up some stuff here and there, right? :D

But I've held off for now. Logically, I know buying baby and maternity clothes will not affect my fertility :p But emotionally, it has the potential to set me up for disappointment if things don't happen quickly as I hope.

[Janey]

I still drink a lot of diet soda. I'm very slowly phasing that out.
I drink a lot of Caffeine Free Diet Coke. Way too much. Yay for Aspertame! At Thanksgiving, MIL gave me no end of grief for filling my body full of chemicals. :rolleyes: B says, "She just cares about you." Uh-huh.

Polarama, how are you phasing it out? I know I need to do the same... but I'm not sure what to replace it with. Water bores the crap out of me unless it is ICE COLD, and it's just not the season for ice cold drinks.


Bex I'm with you on exercising throughout pregnancy. I belong to a fantastic gym, and I notice that there are these gals in my step aerobics classes who are showing their pregnancies. Every time they are there I think, "Man I hope that's me someday!" There is a place in my neighborhood that has pre-natal yoga that I really want to go to. I think it would be nice to meet other pregnant moms in my neighborhood when I get there. :) I bought a yoga-mat during the Great Diet of 2003 thinking that if I bought a mat, I'd go to a yoga class at my gym but so far it hasn't happened. For some reason I'm apparently scared of yoga.


QOTD: Have any of you bought any maternity clothes yet??

I bought a pair of maternity pants... on accident. :o Back in the middle of losing all my weight (I lost 100+ lbs in 2003; another reason that this 25 lb. gain is scaring me), I went shopping at Old Navy for some new pants. I found this pair of taupe pants in the clearance rack for really cheap, and I tried them on and they fit. They were size Small which I thought was sort of weird since Old Navy usually sizes with numbers.. but heck I was really glad to be wearing Small anything at that point. The greatest part about this pair of pants was that they had this super comfortable elastic waist! Whoo that was great! And I thought - "This will be great as I'm losing weight cause I can still wear them when I get smaller and the waist-band won't get loose so fast!" Then I brought 'em home, and when I went to cut the tags off, I saw that they said "Maternity" on them. I totally laughed. I called my mom and said, "No wonder those pants were so comfortable with that elastic waist -- they were maternity pants!!" She laughed and said, "Well, save 'em. Maybe you can wear them when you get pregnant."

[LeslieandPaul]

QOTD: Have any of you bought any maternity clothes yet??
I've looked, but haven't bought. But I have bought some baby clothes (some super cheap things from when I worked at the Gap)

[MaybeMamas]

Updated to here

Whew, lots of updates! Welcome Inda, polarama, motray36, roxygirl and Smittenk.

For those who just started TTC this month (BethIrish, Inda, LynzeyAHL, polarama, Roxygirl, wcbrenda and magrat) lets hope that you can be moved to the "probably mamas" section soon! Keep us posted.

[honeygirl]

MrsHill - that is too funny about your accidential maternity purchase. :)

QOTD: Have any of you bought any maternity clothes yet??
As I wrote before, this weekend was our FIRST time looking at maternity clothes together (me and DH). We didn't buy anything, but we looked. ;) Actually I was just thinking today that my pants were too big. Normally I'd give them away, but I think I'll save them for early pregnancy.

My DH thinks that I'm starting to obsess about TTC. I tend to get VERY excited about things and sometimes do talk about them TOO much. I am going to try very hard to minimize the baby talk around DH for a little while. I'll just write on CC instead.

[Smittenk]

But emotionally, it has the potential to set me up for disappointment if things don't happen quickly as I hope

bex That is true...and what I am worried about to. How bad would I feel if I never got pregnant. :( Thankfully the one top I did buy (which I got yesterday and now don't feel as silly) is one that you wrap it around you so it is a nice top for me now! I told DH and he told me that it was really smart to get something I liked if it was on sale...yey!! He doesn't think I'm lame :o

LeslieandPaul I do that too! I have been buying litte things here and there for baby when I find them on sale. My latest purchases were from the GAP and they are super adorable and were on a great sale so why wouldn't I?!;)

Like Bex said...it's practically costing me money not to pick up some stuff here and there :p

I Totally agree Bex!

[Smittenk]

I am going to try very hard to minimize the baby talk around DH for a little while

Honeygirl...I'm trying to do the same thing...that's why I might be posting here quite alot ;)

[numberlady]

It looks like my stay here has been pretty short. I got a BFP yesterday much to my surprise. I guess I need to be moved to the probably momma's section. After 2 BFN's I though I was in the clear. My EDD is 9/25/06. I hope all of you have lots of luck in your babymaking this year!

[Sarah051504]

Congrats Kelby! I think you are our first BFP!

[jen]

Wow!! Congrats Kelby!! That was quick! ;) Best wishes for a healthy pregnancy!


Catching up with QOTD's.

Health---I'm pretty healthy, but lately I've been more aware of things I need to do in order to have a good pregnancy/healthy baby. I'm trying so hard to remember my multivitamin w/FA everyday... but man it's hard. I also started taking Yoga---I'm hoping it will help with strength and relaxation. Both of which I am lacking! I don't drink or smoke... little to no caffeine (except for chocolate-yikes!)... eat fairly decent, but could stand to increase veggies/fruits.

Maternity Clothes---haven't bought any and as much as I'm excited to be able to buy them, I'm going to wait until the BFP---but you know I will be hitting the maternity store the same day! ha!

[bex]

Honeygirl...I'm trying to do the same thing...that's why I might be posting here quite alot ;)

Boy, roger that!!! It's so hard though because there is no one else in "real life" that knows so it's just poor DH and you guys :D

[bex]

Congrats numberlady!! What wonderful news! :)

[eli1126]

Congrats numberlady! If you don't mind my asking what HPT did you use and how long did you wait to test? I have been comparing tests :o I figure it doesn't hurt to be prepared :p

On that note, I haven't bought any maternity clothes yet, but I always look when I am at Target or going by the Motherhood store in the mall. Alas, my dream of looking like Angelina Jolie in maternity clothes will just be a dream :( My twin sister didn't get to wear maternity clothes until the last 2 to 3 months of the pg because they were too big!

Beth

[BethIrish]

Hi ladies -

Just wanted to pop my head in and say hello :) I'm trying to avoid the family planning section right now - it only fuels the obsession ;)

AF just left - I'm solidly in cycle two. Fingers crossed for this month!

[brenda]

QOTD: Have any of you bought any maternity clothes yet??

Nope, but it's getting hard to avoid at least looking. I had to consciously walk away from that section of Target yetserday. It was rough!

[Janey]

Congrats numberlady! How exciting! :D

BethIrish, we'll be here when you're ready to obsess. Good luck with Month 2!

The maternity pants I bought on accident quickly became my favorite pants. I'd wear them once/week to work and again on weekends. They are just sooo freaking comfortable with that soft elastic waistband! So, I think that if I happened to find something awesome on the clearance rack I'd probably buy it... but only if I could also get away with wearing it now. :p

[magrat]

My DH thinks that I'm starting to obsess about TTC. I tend to get VERY excited about things and sometimes do talk about them TOO much. I am going to try very hard to minimize the baby talk around DH for a little while. I'll just write on CC instead.

Oh yes. DH is very much on board when it comes to TTC (the other night right after one of our first real BD attempts he said "come on Miles!!" (one of the names we've picked out). But still, my capacity for baby talk far outweighs DH. I don't want too much in my journal either because 1) I know almost all my readers in real life (though we all met on the WC) and I don't want to spill out too much crazy in one place and 2) at least one of my readers would really like to start TTC but can't afford to for some time and I want to be sensitive about that.

I haven't bought anything yet, but I really really really want to. I really want to buy some cloth diapers. I've been reading a lot about them and it's what we're going to use. Part of me says I'll be pushing my luck by ordering some before I'm even pregnant, part of me says I should just put that money aside for the day we'll actually need to start buying stuff, and part of me says "I want that one!"

[MrsR]

its kind of freaking me out to post here, but here goes it . . .

CC Name: MrsR
Me: Jessica, 31 (will be 32 in March :eek: )
DH: Matt, 33
Married: October 18, 2003
TTC start date: June 2005
Any other children: we have two furbabies, Bella and Sophie (see above)


QOTD: Have any of you bought any maternity clothes yet??

Nope, but I have seen some cute ones that I would LOVE to buy -- I just don't want to jinx anything.

One thing DH and I did do was paint the room which will become the nursery (DH does not see how this is any different on the jinxing front, but in my mind I can differentiate the two;)) -- DH's youngest brother (he is one of four, two brothers and a sister) used to paint professionally and was coming to visit and was going to stain and seal our deck while he was here. I decided that I did not want to paint the nursery when I actually was pregnant because of the fumes and the nursery-to-be (which used to be our office) is next to our bedroom and shares an a/c vent. Glad we went ahead and did it becuase I could smell the paint in our bedroom for days;).

[magrat]

QOTD: Have any of you bought any maternity clothes yet??
Here I hadn't even considered buying maternity clothes yet and they you all start talking about it and I see Target has a sale! Ugh! :)

http://www.target.com/gp/browse.html/ref=sc_iw_l_3/601-9737199-7676923?%5Fencoding=UTF8&node=13021211

[Janey]

MrsR, welcome!

I'm glad to hear your nursery painting story, because we're going to be doing ours this spring as well. I felt at first like we were going to be jinxing something, but practicality won out as it usually does with me. We're putting new flooring in the upstairs this summer, and want to paint the walls up there before we do so. I hadn't even considered the fumes - good call! Another reason to go ahead and do it now.

[polarama]

Re: soda how are you phasing it out? I know I need to do the same... but I'm not sure what to replace it with. Water bores the crap out of me unless it is ICE COLD, and it's just not the season for ice cold drinks.

I started by not ordering soda when we go out (free refills were my downfall...). Then I cut it out at dinner/night time. I replaced it with iced green tea--yeah, still has caffeine, but less than diet soda. And no aspartame! I also drink A LOT of seltzer. I love lime-flavored seltzer. It's cheaper than diet coke, too!

QOTD: Have any of you bought any maternity clothes yet??
Nope. I really want to buy baby clothes though.

[Julss05]

I've wandered into the maternity section a few times by accident:o, Target has some cute maternity clothes, got a feeling I'll be shopping there.

Congrats numberlady! I noticed your start date was May so I guess this was surprise but I'm sure a good one;).

No TTC talk between DH and I recently, we've been so busy working and trying to get some remodeling done to the house on top of applying for other jobs. I swear we don't have the time right now to make a baby even if we wanted to! Hopefully this summer will be calmer, sigh..............

[honeygirl]

Congrats numberlady! A happy and healthy 9 months to you!

[Roxygirl]

QOTD: Have any of you bought any maternity clothes yet??


I haven't bought any maternity clothes yet. However, I have been scoping them out in all the stores and online. I never realized how many cute things there are. I'm so exicted to get to shop in those departments!!!

[MaybeMamas]

Updated for our 1st BFP! Way to go Numberlady, H&H 9 months to you!

So....will there be anymore early grads? :)

[Smittenk]

Congratulations Numberlady!!!

[kanga1622]

Congrats Numberlady. We'll all live vicariously through you until our own BFPs. :)

We haven't bought any maternity clothes but we have purchased some baby clothes, toys, and books. I've also cross-stitched two baby blankets for our first two kids. My MIL also has been purchasing cute baby things at garage sales so I know she has a stash waiting for us and will be more than happy to go shopping with me when I need an opinion other than DH's. We have no problems purchasing baby things because we can always use them as gifts if we need to. I work at a state university so there is almost always at least one of our students that is expecting and we do give gifts to the doctoral students and the students that I am pretty close to. We just buy things on sale and keep them either for ourselves or to use as gifts later on.

[magrat]

Okay, I couldn't resist, I bought my first baby clothes :p Hanna Andersson had a sale and I read a bunch of things saying how great their clothes are, and these are just so my taste:
http://www.hannaandersson.com/images/s7Large/30527_P15.jpg

http://www.hannaandersson.com/images/LiveStyle03/5W30018_N92L.jpg
in this color:
http://www.hannaandersson.com/images/s7Large/30018_N44.jpg

I hearby give permission to anyone else with the urge to go ahead and shop :) I mean, when it comes down to it, we will have a child someday, whether through natural or artificial means, though there is no reason to suspect a problem yet. (Kind of reminds me of when I was a kid and would say "well, if I get married, I'm going to...[fill in blank]" not because I didn't want to someday but because I didn't want to make it sound like I was sure someone would want to marry me!)

[irish74]

Congrats Numberslady! Happy and Healthy 9 months to you!:)

I haven't bought any baby things or maternity clothes, but I definitely have done plenty of browsing.;) I am pretty superstitious so I am actually nervous to buy things in advance. Absolutely no judgment on those that are buying now, I really wish I could get past the nerves and come to grips with the reality that a couple of things in my closet aren't going to affect my fertility.

Funny story: On Christmas as we were opening our gifts, I received a Snoopy book and ornament. DH made a joking comment about how Snoopy is taking over our house and there isn't any space for Pooh Bear (his fav). My cousin got a funny look on her face and left the room. She came back a few minutes later with a little Winnie the Pooh outfit that she bought for me when I was born, it was later sent on to her and both of her sons wore it as well. She said that she had come across it recently and was going to hold on to it for us, just in case, but since DH had made that comment she decided to bring it out now. Of course, she kept assuring us that there was no pressure, but it was in front of all my relatives, it must have taken an hour for my face to go back to regular color.

So there is one baby thing in my closet now.:D

[elissa]

QOTD: Have any of you bought any maternity clothes yet??

Nope, and I do not plan on it until we are closer to TTC, maybe not even until we are blessed with a BFP. Now, baby clothes, I'm sure I will start that sooner :D

[LynzeyAHL]

QOTD: Have any of you bought any maternity clothes yet??

Yea I have a 33 gallon tote that's busting out full of baby clothes and maternity clothes. Everytime the season changes I pick up a few 'classic' pieces. Figure might as well save money on them since they only get worn for 9 months. Buying baby clothes the same way light weight fabrics in 0-3 months (figure babies are wrapped up most of the time unless its July/August/Septemer safe bet to get lightweight fabric) we're planning a fall or spring baby so 3-6 is all heavier fabrics. Gender Neutral and the best part about the tote is if someone is having a baby shower I don't have to go shopping for a gift! :o

[JLRenheos]

NumberladyCongratulations!:)

Just catching up!

QUOTE: Have any of you bought any maternity clothes yet??
No. I haven't really thought about it. I think this is the last thing on my mind.

QUOTE: Do you feel that you are healthy enough to start ttc?
Nope. I'd love to realisticly drop about 30-40 lbs.. I just started back at my gym last week. I worked out this evening. I've been trying to go everyday for 1 1/2 hrs. I'm doing a little bit of everything on cardiovascular & on strength machines. I'm also enjoying our walk/run track too. Also, I need to start taking some sort of prenatal vitamins. I just need to eat better.

re: SODA I gave up ALL soda literally for 3 mos.!:eek: I know - crazy, eh?! Part of me just wanted to see how long I could actually give it up without having any. It was really tough, but I did it. I just started drinking diet & caffeine free pop on Dec. 25th. I still haven't had any regular pop, but I plan to stay away anyway. I was drinking both reg. & diet soda. When I stopped drinking reg. soda, I noticed how much weight I dropped. I was also working out 15-17 hrs. a week, too.

As much as I'd love to start ttc later this year, in the back of my mind I keep on pushing this ttc timeline back further & further. Don't know why. At times, I'm really excited & at other times, I keep telling myself that I should wait another year & enjoy having a DINKS (double-income-no-kids). I do(we) want to have children. My husband tells me that anytime after September(being the earliest) that we can start ttc & basically, that it's up to me. Potentially, if I wanted to wait even longer, we could. Have you ever felt so indecisive or wishy washy?

[numberlady]

Thanks everyone for all the congrats! DH and I are still in shock, but the idea is growing on us. I hope you ladies don't mind if I pop back in here and catch up on you.

Congrats numberlady! If you don't mind my asking what HPT did you use and how long did you wait to test? I have been comparing tests I figure it doesn't hurt to be prepared I took the first response tests and though I was in the clear. I tested negative at 9dpo and again at 12dpo. I test again at 15dpo after no sign of AF and it was light, but definitely positive. There is a thread somewhere in the family planning section that shows the sensitivity of all the tests. I just picked a name that I recognized and new I would find at WalMart and went with it.

Maternity Clothes I am hoping to not buy any (or at least have to wear any) until my third month, but we will see. I am very short, so any weight gain/changes in my body I quickly feel in my clothes. The only good thing is that I have a small waist (compared to my humongous hips:o ), so many of my clothes are big in the waist. This may give me a little growing room.

[SQ2]

Does anyone know anything about fish oil? High cholesterol runs in my family and fish is supposed to be very good for you in terms of regulating cholesterol. Also, I think it is supposed to help with moodieness too. My only concern is whether fish oil capsules contain dangerous things like mercury or other metals. I would assume since these aren't very safe to consume that they'd leave them out of dietary supplements like this. I don't see anything on the bottle about the presence or absence of mercury and as we are TTC this year I wanted to be sure that I'm not taking something that would be harmful.

Any advice on this would be greatly appreciated!

Congrats, numberlady! :)

[Sherb]

Maternity Clothes: Nope. Haven't bought them and I doubt I will until I'm preggers. Clothes buying is never high on my list of things to do.

Congrats to Numberslady! Our first BFP. Here's to the many more that will come this year!

SQ2: I'm sorry but I don't know anything about fish oil. Have you checked WebMD? Sometimes they have good info about supplements.

[magrat]

SQ2 Here is some info on fish oil etc.
http://www.berkeleywellness.com/html/ds/dsFishOil.php
The supplements may contain contaminants and may not contain the labeled dose. A recent test by Consumer Reports of top-selling supplements was reassuring on both counts, even for the least expensive brands, but that doesn’t mean that the next batches will be okay—or that other brands on the market are. Last year a test by ConsumerLab.com found no detectable levels of mercury in 20 fish-oil supplements, but did find that some brands didn’t contain the labeled amounts of omega-3s.

http://msnbc.msn.com/id/7464143/
It’s impossible to know exactly what toxins you are ingesting along with your dinner. Taking fish-oil supplements instead may give you the benefits of fish without the risks of the accompanying toxins.
Dr. Reichman’s Bottom Line: Though it’s unclear whether fish-oil supplements are safer than fish, if you are worried about environmental toxins, it couldn’t hurt to add fish-oil supplements and limit your fish consumption.

[Janey]

Okay, I couldn't resist, I bought my first baby clothes :p [...] I hearby give permission to anyone else with the urge to go ahead and shop :) I mean, when it comes down to it, we will have a child someday, whether through natural or artificial means, though there is no reason to suspect a problem yet.

LOL! Good for you, Magrat. When I wanted to replace my car a few years ago, a friend of mine told me I should get one with 4 doors. I said, "Why? I'm a single gal! I want a cool single-gal coupe!" He responded simply: Optimism. Same principle applies here, I think!

Irish74, that story cracked me up. :D "No Pressure" is right.

As for the SODA addiction... I kept myself down to 2 cans (yes, down to two cans) yesterday, and replaced some of the liquid with Celestial Seasonings Mandarin Orange Spice tea instead. I made it in my pretty Denby teapot... I'm hoping that maybe actually using some of the lovely "tea gear" I have will help me get away from the soda addiction.

[Roxygirl]

Okay here is my situation. This is my first month off of BCP. I had AF from jan 3-8th. Off of these dates I figured that I would ovulate Jan 14-17. Of course this is if everything was perfectly normal (which it usually never is after just going off the pill, right??)
Anyways, my husband and I BD'd last night the 18th. Okay so supposedly I'm done O'ing?
This morning I had some light spotting on the TP right after going to the bathroom. I have not had any more all day. I'm still 10-11 days away from AF. What could this be? Should I be concerned?? Does AF come that soon again after going off the pill?? I guess just any info anyone has to offer would be nice.

Roxygirl

[Amuse Bouche]

OK, I'll jump in, though I'm still on the fence.

CC Name: Amuse Bouche
Me: Cait, 27
DH: DH, 26
Married: March 1, 2003
TTC start date: October, 2006?
Any other children: We have a dog who runs our household.
Miscellaneous Info: DH is still in school, which is driving a lot of the will we/won't we dilemma.

So yeah, DH and I have talked about taking the plunge late this year. He's totally down with having kids (has wanted them forever), and I have a serious case of baby lust. We've been married almost 3 years and together for over 7. We're just worried about making it work logistically. There are really two issues: 1) DH is a first year law student, and I'm the sole earner right now. In some ways, that would work out ideally if we started at the beginning of his 2L year and got pg right away, because he would be in his 3L year of law school, which isn't taxing, and we wouldn't need full-time childcare to the same degree. However, financially that makes it a little more dicey. I make good money, but we're obviously entirely dependent on my income, and we'd feel a financial crunch if I had to go on bedrest/disability or if I want to take a full maternity leave. We'd also like to buy a house, hopefully this year, and we're in an awfully expensive market.

2) My health. I'm fine, my BP's fine, I rarely get sick, but I really should lose a substantial amount of weight. I'm getting serious about it this year, and I have some more time to lose before we'd even think about trying, but there's an issue that I will probably be somewhat overweight going into pregnancy. I think that's more of a "We'll see when we get there" thing.

So there you have it. Serious baby lust. Maybe TTCing, maybe not.

[irish74]

Roxygirl - Don't have time to type up a long explanation, but I would guess that it is either ovulation spotting or annovulatory bleeding. Do you have TCOYF? It is a great resource not just for TTC but for understanding our bodies. Check out the first couple of pages of the charting to avoid thread, you may find more answers there. HTH

[honeygirl]

Roxygirl - How were your periods before BCP? Were they "regular"? When I went off of BCP my first cycle was annovulatory and long, about 49 days I think. I O'd on my 2nd cycle, but not till CD34.

It's possible your body is regulating quickly, but odds are it isn't. Spotting can happen at lots of different times in a cycle for different reasons. There is some great information in the charting to avoid or charting to conceive threads. Also the book "Taking Charge of Your Fertilty" is a fabulous resource that lots of us use.

Good luck, would an unexpected BFP be okay? :)

ETA - cross posted with irish74

[Janey]

Welcome, Amuse Bouche! I hear ya on the weight loss thing; I've been where you are.

Roxygirl - without charting your temperatures it's hard to pin down your actual ovulation date. Spotting during ovulation is not unusual... but I would not be all that concerned. It could have been a minor tear, as well? But I wholeheartedly second Irish74's advice to pick up a copy of Taking Charge Of Your Fertility, either at the bookstore or library. The information is amazing.. you'll feel like you're being introduced to your body for the very first time.

[SQ2]

Thanks, magrat, that helps! Sherb, I will have to check out WebMD. I'm feeling like it's ok to take them but I'll keep checking around.

[Julss05]

Have you ever felt so indecisive or wishy washy?

Oh yes but I definitely still want kids, it's just sometimes the "when" to have them gets cloudy. I like your DINKS idea! I just graduated school so this is the first time in 2 years we've had a double full time income and we are loving it. In fact DH is thinking of getting a part time job to add to it. We really need to pay some stuff off and buy a few much needed items before TTC.

As far as vitamins, the only thing I heard was to be careful of iron intake because it can deplete calcium needed to sustain a pregnancy. Someone correct me if I'm wrong but that is what I read.

Roxygirl-I wouldn't expect the first few cycles to be regular. You may have not ovulated at all, could be ovulation spotting, early AF, or spotting because of implantation if you had unprotected sex around ovulation. I ovulated the first month I was off birth control which I only knew because of charting but it took my body 3 months to really regulate itself. I agree, the book TCOYF will help.

[RobynScott]

Hi all - been a while since I posted (for no particular reason - just busy at work I guess) and this place is hopping.

HI ALL! Just wanted to say hello and that I'm still here. Going to a party tomorrow night where there will be a bunch of pregnant woman- think that's gonna kick the baby fever up a notch or what?

I was even saying to DH - well, even if we got PG in April, I could still do the marathon (or 1/2) in June! The reason for the June marathon was to put off the TTC ideas till June or July - ha!

At this point, just gotta take it day by day :)

HAPPY FRIDAY!

[Annette]

Can I join?

CC Name: Annette
Me: Annette, 28
DH: Mike, 28
Married: Nov 2001
TTC start date: June or July of 06
Any other children: none

I am counting down the months till we TTC. I am really excited about it. DH is too, but if it were up to him he would wait longer. He still wants to get stuff for the house and take more trips, etc. I do to, but buying more stuff for the house is not that important to me. We are planning on one more big trip and I am looking forward to that. I told him that it could take months to get pregnant especially with my history of irregular periods. He seems to think that as soon as I go off the pill, I'll be pregnant the next week. Sorry dear, thats not how it works. I want to go off the pill now cause its killed my sex drive and I want it back before a baby comes along and kills it again. We are trying to save more money so I don't have to work.

[MrsR]

He seems to think that as soon as I go off the pill, I'll be pregnant the next week. Sorry dear, thats not how it works.

Annette - that was EXACTLY what my DH thought too -- in his words, he has "super sperm" and he was sure I was going to get knocked up immediately when we started trying. Now we are on month 9 . . . guess his sperm wasn't so super;)

Amuse Bouche - both DH and I are attorneys. I am not sure what city your DH is looking to go work in after law school (being a first year it is probably a bit off in the future before he has to decide for sure), but I can tell you being a first year attorney in some cities (and depending on the city, being a lawyer at all;)) can be a period where he may be at the office 15 hours a day. I know it may be difficult financially if you had a baby while he was a 3L but if your DH is looking to go work at a firm the summer between being a 2L and 3L he can really rake in the bucks since most firms pay their summer associates the same weekly salary as their first year associates. Since as a summer associate you don't have to pay for medical insurance through the firm or contribute to 401k, it can mean big take home $$ so you could have $$ that to rely on while you are on maternity leave or if you had to take bed rest or something like that. Also, your DH would actually get to spend some time with you and the baby during his last year of law school (since you may not get to see him at all while he is a first year associate if he goes to a big firm in a big city) . . .

[magrat]

Here's another reason to take fish oil supplements (was just reading the news and saw this).

Oily fish makes 'babies brainier' (http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/health/4631006.stm)

[Amuse Bouche]

Thanks Mrs. R! Yeah, we've thought a lot about that! I'm an attorney too, so I'm well acquainted with the hellish work schedule of a first year associate! Right now DH is thinking he'd like to clerk for a year (but only if he gets a local clerkship, which is pretty competitive, since I like my job and we're not either picking up and moving again or having a long distance marriage with kids) and then probably work for a firm. So money would be tight but doable, and as the kids get older, our incomes would increase.

Other positives would be that DH's university has some good childcare centers that are only open to full time students, and that would be a really good resource for us.

And we talked about it, and although buying a house would be a stretch for us this year, we could buy a condo which is bigger and closer to work and school and have some money left over, which is a good potential plan.

Yeah, I'm feeling much more positive about the whole thing this morning!

[eli1126]

He seems to think that as soon as I go off the pill, I'll be pregnant the next week. Sorry Dear, that's not how it works. Posted by Annette

I fear this is my DH too! I have tried telling him that it took my twin sister 2 years to get pg with her 1st :eek: I bought a book :o (yup another one!) the other day (it's upstairs and I'm too lazy to get up and get it so I'll post the title later) and it's all about getting pg and how it's a little more difficult then we have been programmed to believe.

I have been doing some serial lurking on other sites such as ovusoft and reading their TTC boards. They have some really interesting info over there, if anyone wants to check it out. It's free to join, I believe. I went over to Storknet, but you have to pay. Anyway, a quiet day here with DH at work, so more time to obsess over all things baby :p

Beth

[MaybeMamas]

Updated to here
Welcome Annette and Amuse Bouche. Remember to post all stats and updates in RED. Thanks!

[eli1126]

The Conception Chronicles
Patty Doyle Debano, Courtney Edgerton Menzel, Shelly Dicken Sutphen

Overall this book is mainly about couples who can't get pg without medical assistance. It is informative for those who may want to see a step by step process for dealing with IF.
What I didn't like about the book:
-Not everyone deals with IF and it comes off as being that it's so difficult to get pg that *everyone* may have problems and or need medical assistance to conceive.
-tends to be glib about the message boards. Yes baby dust may be corny to some, but well wishes never go out of style.
Anyway, just thouught I'd put it out here in case anyone is interested.

Beth

[Jazz]

Hey everyone, and congrats to Numberlady!!


As much as I'd love to start ttc later this year, in the back of my mind I keep on pushing this ttc timeline back further & further. Don't know why. At times, I'm really excited & at other times, I keep telling myself that I should wait another year & enjoy having a DINKS (double-income-no-kids). I do(we) want to have children. My husband tells me that anytime after September(being the earliest) that we can start ttc & basically, that it's up to me. Potentially, if I wanted to wait even longer, we could. Have you ever felt so indecisive or wishy washy?

JLRenheos -- I know exactly what you mean. TTC date is mostly up to me as well, and I just don't know! For me, a lot of my hesitation has to do with work. Right now, I plan to keep working, but I know there's always a chance I might change my mind ... though I do love my job, it's been tough lately, so I worry that without another year under my belt, I might be more tempted to call it quits, if that makes any sense. Ah, well, who knows, I'll enjoy hanging out here, and reading along in the meantime. :)

Good luck to those already TTC!

[RobynScott]

So, went to a surprise party last night and it seemed like EVERYONE was pregnant (except of course for the girl that just had a baby :) ) - way to induce baby fever! (or, in the case of DH, baby fear! :) )

Went to a training run this morning (5 miles, woohoo!) and was talking about the PG ladies - and my friend goes - I have no doubt you'll be trying within the year. Yeah, well, and this is a bad thing why? The weird thing is, I am normally so private about this stuff - but now that I have a date in mind (most likely July since DH will probably not be joining me in Alaska for the marathon) - I was like - yeah well, you're probably not too far off.

I know why it's sort of a negative to her (being single when all of your friends are married / engaged / having kids) - but still, no need to be accusatory. The friend that I was doing Alaska with said I'd better not be PG before Alaska (and therefore miss the marathon) - I told her not to worry. I figure even if we pushed TTC up till April, I could still be 6 weeks (or so) PG and run a marathon :) I'm hoping the marathon helps me hold off till June or July though - we shall see. Guess I'm trying to give myself something to focus on other than baby fever (and a chance to get in shape).

[Annette]

JLRenheos -- I know exactly what you mean. TTC date is mostly up to me as well, and I just don't know! For me, a lot of my hesitation has to do with work. Right now, I plan to keep working, but I know there's always a chance I might change my mind ... though I do love my job, it's been tough lately, so I worry that without another year under my belt, I might be more tempted to call it quits, if that makes any sense. Ah, well, who knows, I'll enjoy hanging out here, and reading along in the meantime. :)

Good luck to those already TTC!

I understand what you mean too! I've only been at my company a year and a half and I kept thinking should I be there longer before TTC? Now I am tempted to be a SAHM because the field I am in is stressful and not many new moms tend to stick around, so it doesn't give me much hope. I was wishy-washy for a long time, but now that we are finally settled into jobs and a house I feel more ready.

[Annette]

I had a question for those that went off the pill: Did you start breaking out?
I broke out a lot before I went on the pill and now my skin is clear and I'm afraid if I go off I'll look like a teenager again.

[Sherb]

Annette- Going off the pill did cause a flare-up for a while but it has calmed down for me. Same with other side effects.

[honeygirl]

Annette - Yes, I broke out after going off BCP. I started using baking soda after reading about it in this thread on "bad skin" http://www.constantchatter.com/showthread.php?t=355 and it helped a lot.

Well ladies I did some reading at Borders tonight, in the baby making section of course. :) I thumbed through this book and learned a few things.

http://images.amazon.com/images/P/0316011363.01._AA240_SCLZZZZZZZ_.jpg

I learned that charting can make pregnancy more difficult as the stress of when to BD can put off ovulation. Also that the pressure on the man to "perform" on demand can be VERY stressful to couples. The DR recommended BD 2-3x a week and not worrying about it.

This resonated with me b/c I was concerned about DH and the BD. He doesn't like to be pressured and the whole "come right now and give me your sperm so we can create a life" is pretty much PRESSURE ;) . So I talked with him about what I read and we're going to try the every other day/3x a week plan. I told him we need to start practicing that schedule now. :)

I'll still do charting, but I won't tell him when we're fertile. And I'll probably not keep him informed as we go along (ie 2WW, etc). I've been reading along in the TTC threads and the pressure seems immense over there. I don't want my hopes to get up TOO high every month. KWIM?

Have a great week ladies!

[LeslieandPaul]

I had a question for those that went off the pill: Did you start breaking out?
I broke out a lot before I went on the pill and now my skin is clear and I'm afraid if I go off I'll look like a teenager again.

I've had minor breakouts since going off the pill, and the last couple months it's been worse (almost a year since going off the pill), but I also don't take the best care of my skin.

[jen]

I learned that charting can make pregnancy more difficult as the stress of when to BD can put off ovulation. Also that the pressure on the man to "perform" on demand can be VERY stressful to couples. The DR recommended BD 2-3x a week and not worrying about it.


Yes---just the thought of charting stresses me out.... we'll just do it ;) and see what happens... if several months go by with no baby, I'll start charting... maybe... I don't know... I read TCOYF and learned a lot about CM---I feel like I can easily pay attention to that... you'll learn I like to simplify everything! :rolleyes:

[Smittenk]

I learned that charting can make pregnancy more difficult as the stress of when to BD can put off ovulation. Also that the pressure on the man to "perform" on demand can be VERY stressful to couples. The DR recommended BD 2-3x a week and not worrying about it.


I think there is some thruth to this. I semi stress about the ovusoft software and what it tells me everyday. Last cycle (which are an annoying 60 days long) it told me I didn't O and this month it tells me I could be pregnant...even though it wouldn't make sense looking at all my "signs".:confused: I'm not, btw.

I think I will continue to chart and just BD when I feel like it's the right time and not when ovusoft tells me to.

[brenda]

I'll still do charting, but I won't tell him when we're fertile. And I'll probably not keep him informed as we go along (ie 2WW, etc). I've been reading along in the TTC threads and the pressure seems immense over there. I don't want my hopes to get up TOO high every month. KWIM?

This rings true to me, as well. I know that Sweetie wants to "knock me up" but I hate feeling like he thinks sex (for me) is just procreative. It's not, but I think he's starting to feel that way. Anyhoo, I think I'll just keep mum about ovulation and 2ww and such. I have informed him that if I don't get AF this week, I will POAS Saturday morning. That way I don't wake him up before he has to do a night shift (like I did with the first BFP) and I'll officially be late even according to my long-ish cycles.

So, umm, yeah. All that to say, "Me, too!"

[Janey]

Interesting! I had also considered stopping charting, once the time came to TTC. I looked at the SWH thread, and it seems like a good number of those gals are either charting or using other fertility signs (CM) enough that they're almost charting. Seeing as CM is the sign you use to BD to TTC anyway, entering my temperature seems a small piece of data at that point -- mostly just to confirm that yes, I have in fact ovulated. Well that, and to save me money on pregnancy tests. :p Why test if my temperature is going back down? But if it stays up until 15 DPO, when my luteal phase has been 12 days all along... hmmm... that might be worth a test!

I think I'm the opposite from you gals, as far as charting stress goes. I think knowing I've ovulated (or not!) causes me less stress than not knowing. I think I'd be going, "Well? Was that it? Did I release an egg? My CM has dried up. Hmm. I probably ovulated. But I'm not sure. We'll see. Maybe." And I would be in the looney bin toute suite. ;) Also, if I find that I'm not ovulating, I'd want "proof" to show my OBGYN asap, so that I can fix the problem and get on with the journey. No way am I waiting a year! But that could be my 33 year old clock talking, as well.

Besides which, I like that little moment in the morning when B kisses me on the forehead and sticks the thermometer in my hand and says, "It's 7 o'clock." :o

[RobynScott]

I can see where charting can be stressful - though DH has started asking about timing (mostly b/c he is not ready, *lol*) - I think I will probably go by CM as best I can - at least in the beginning - seeing as how now I can't even get up normally enough to take my temp.

Now, a bit of a vent / laugh - I posted yesterday about my friend saying something about me being pregnany within a year and me not quite sure how to respond. Today, she e-mails me that she is upset b/c the other friend I was with (a newer friend) knew about DH and I TTC plans before she did. HELLO - nobody knew! she (my friend) just happened to be the one to bring it up in front of everyone - nothing to be upset about when there was nothing that anybody knew!

OK, re-reading that - I'm not making any sense - I just found it funny that she asked a question / statement that really put me on the spot and then was upset b/c she thought someone else knew first (which she didn't!)

anyway - thanks for letting me post. My friend and I are in the process of 'airing things out' via e-mail and I am waiting for her response ...

[jen]

RobynScott - funny you talk about friends and how they react to knowing/not knowing your TTC plans. I always feel funny when people ask "so are you going to have kids?" With some poeple I feel comfortable saying---"soon", others I get all wishy washy and weird and say "someday", and probably only my best friend (and you guys!) know that "the goalie is being removed in June." I guess I don't know exactly how much detail these people want when they ask me that question... or how they'd react to details.... or how much detail I actually want to give! Plus I also don't want people looking at me in anticipation once June rolls around---talk about stress!

[brenda]

Argh! Why do people think they have the right to know about your plans re: procreation, and what in the world lets them think they have priority about who knows what when?

Robyn - slap your friend for me - metaphorically, of course, no violent tendencies here. :)

[RobynScott]

Plus I also don't want people looking at me in anticipation once June rolls around---talk about stress!

Seriously - and then what if it takes you a while to get PG? Constant asking = constant reminder.

slap your friend for me - metaphorically, of course, no violent tendencies here. :)

Thanks for your support! As part of our 'airing it out' I pointed out to her how it came across and she apologized for her rude *ss comment as she put it. It was just weird. And it's been happening more and more lately.

I want to scream - I am not pregnant - I have just gained weight - Now leave me alone :p (her comment wasn't b/c of that, but I've been getting a lot of other comments as well).


PS - Jen, I agree - other than this place - nobody knows when the goalie is being removed. I'm glad I can talk about it here b/c I am not ready to talk about it elsewhere (though it has been coming up an awful lot, *lol*)

[TazLuv]

honeygirl, I think that book is right. I think we're going to take a break from charting. We're starting Clomid soon and my Dr. said the same thing, as long as you BD every 2-3 days you should be fine. The charting is stressing me out and its not making things much fun IMO :) !

[Lanapoo]

I too am a little reluctant to do the full-blown charting thing when the time comes. Not so much because of the stress factor but more because I know myself to be a little lazy and am not sure I could do it consistantly :p . So we'll probably just 'see what happens' when I go of BCP's in May. I'll probably be analyzing my CM like crazy though, that's easy enough to do I suppose.

DH and I have big mouths about this stuff. Practically everyone knows when we'll be ditching the BC's. Family and friends are all very excited for us and want to see us be parents. I'm sure we won't be one of those couples who are able to keep a pregnancy a secret for the first trimester :D .

[honeygirl]

Jen - just watching CM is still a great method, as long as you have clear CM patterns. I can understand the need to simplify.

Smittenk- How weird that ovusoft is giving you mixed signals. I use FF, but it is often wrong as well. I guess it's best to trust our instincts over softwear.

MrsHill - I agree with you that there are benefits to charting. I too am keeping track of some statistics to show my DR (like if I o'ed, luteal phase, etc). However, I'm going to try to keep a nice calm balance between keeping statistics and keeping sane.

RobynScott - How annoying of your friend to pry and then get offended! Boundaries anyone? :) We've started telling people about our TTC plans (in april) and in a way it's exciting to tell them, but another part of me wishes we'd kept it a secret in case things don't go smoothly/quickly.

Tazluv - Cute user name! :) Yes, the book said that the important part of babymaking is the "love shared between the husband and wife". LOL. And that the stress part can take away from and complicate the whole experience. That said I'll still chart (see what I wrote MrsHill), but I'm not going to be too intense about the whole thing.

[magrat]

think I'm the opposite from you gals, as far as charting stress goes. I think knowing I've ovulated (or not!) causes me less stress than not knowing.

This is me too. I don't spend much time in the TTC w/ charting thread because I can't really relate to them. I don't need hugs and kind words when AF shows up, it's not that big of a deal yet (it just means we'll have more money!). And I don't stress during the 2WW, I just assume I'm not pregnant. I'm just charting because I find it interesting and I want to know what's going on. DH doesn't mind me telling him I want to have sex even if it is just because it's the right time, he's just happy to have me suggest it at all! As much as he'd like me to get pregnant, I also get the impression he won't mind if we have to keep trying for a long time...

[Janey]

RobynScott, I'm glad you and your friend got everything aired out, and YES isn't it nice to be able to talk to people about this (even -- and maybe especially -- people whose faces you do not know) who are in the same place in their life?

My answer to the when will you TTC question has been anywhere from a vague, "Well, we won't wait too long" to "June" depending on how close I am to the person.


Here's a new QOTD: What do you dread most about being a parent of a baby/toddler?
More than late-night feedings... more than poopie diapers... I dread noisy toys. :p

[LeslieandPaul]

QOTD: What do you dread most about being a parent of a baby/toddler?

Vomit, gross diapers.

[Sarah051504]

nothing too exciting going on around here. Started my hopefully last pack of pills before TTC this weekend.

Telling people IRL ~ I've told my best friend we're planning to TTC but eventhough she is a nurse, and already has one child I was surprised that she really doesn't know much. For example she told me that PG tests aren't accurate untill 6 days after you're supposed to have started AF! Huh? Plus she know's next to nothing about PCOS so I basicly told her we were going to start trying in Feb and that's all. I think I'll tell more people (my mom, sister, etc.) after my Dr. appointment and I have an idea what TTC is going to entail for us.

QOTD: What do you dread most about being a parent of a baby/toddler?
Honestly? Getting up in the middle of the night, messy diapers, spit up, and noisy toys don't phase me a bit, what I'm totally dreading is having to go back to work and leaving my little one ALL DAY LONG.

[Sherb]

I dread noisy toys

Ha! Quick story: My little brother thought that batteries and soundmakers in toys died *really* quickly when he when he was little. I was a teenager by the time he was born and I was very good at dismantling toys, making the sound stop working, and reassembling them without him knowing. I definitely plan to do the same thing to any noisy toys that are given to any child(ren) of mine. :D

QOTD: Hands down, the thing I dread the most is loss of sleep. I know that "you get used to it" and all that jazz but I'm really grumpy without a pretty long stretch of sleep. And my hubby is a light sleeper who once awake is awake. God help us if our baby is a bad sleeper.

[Amuse Bouche]

QOTD: What do you dread most about being a parent of a baby/toddler?

That's easy -- never having any me time. I plan to continue working after we have our kid, and I know that anything currently built into my schedule as me time won't be anymore. I figure there will be some compensations, though!

ETA: And I dread the 6 week old mark. My mama friends all hit their maximum freak out at 6 weeks old, when the sleeping and the feeding gets to them.

[TazLuv]

QOTD: What do you dread most about being a parent of a baby/toddler?

I would agree on the time, I hope to stay home but will probably have to work at first and I think I'll feel guilty about that.

[jude29]

Hi Ladies!

I've been charting to avoid for about a year now and I'm hoping this is the year for BFP! DH and I have tossed around the idea so far.

CC Name: Jude29
Me: Kelley, 28
DH: age 31
Married: June 2005
TTC start date: Jun-Dec 06
Any other children: 0

I wish I could stay home once we have a baby but financially it isn't possible! Anybody have any good at home business ideas??!

[brenda]

QOTD: What do you dread most about being a parent of a baby/toddler?

People telling me what I'm doing wrong.

You should let the baby cry. You shouldn't let the baby cry so much.

That baby needs more than breastmilk! How awful that you're giving your child solids at 6 months! Ugh!

[JLRenheos]

QOTD: What do you dread most about being a parent of a baby/toddler?

I asked my husband this question & he said, *finances* (typical,of course). I mentioned the other suggestions to him such as dirty diapers, vomit, lack of sleep, early feedings & not being able to go out on a moments notice w/out having to find a babysitter at last moment & he said, "All of the Above!"

I had a physic do my reading for me this past weekend & she said that I'd have two healthy children. My gf had a lady come over to her house. I said that I didn't want to know when nor wanted to know the sex. I did it just for fun. I originally, was on the fence about it. I don't see myself doing it anytime soon.

Jazz I here ya, on the decision making. It's really hard, because as much as I'd love to start ttc later this fall, I'm also contemplating going back to school. Who really knows?! My mind is telling me one thing & my heart wants to do another. How do people do it - such as raising a family, going to school & working full/part time?

[elissa]

QOTD: What do you dread most about being a parent of a baby/toddler?

I think there is a certain amount of this with a toddler that I worry about having to "make up" answers to questions because I am not prepared. I don't want to stretch the truth. For baby years, the lack of sleep. DH snores as it is and I am a light sleeper, so hopefully this part works out for us.

[Jazz]

Annette and JLRenheos -- it's definitely nice to be in good company. :)

QOTD: What do you dread most about being a parent of a baby/toddler?
Definitely not getting enough sleep. If I get less than 8 hours two or more nights in a row, I'm a cranky mess. Ditto if I wake up in the middle of the night. Somehow I don't think 8 hrs straight of sleep is in the cards with a kiddo around! I'm doomed to be a crazy person ...

[honeygirl]

Ladies I just remembered some other interesting tidbits from that book at Borders last night.

About sperm:

Approximately 2 million sperm are expelled during intercourse, but only 100,000 swimmers make it past the vagina.

Also, if the sperm don't get through the ejaculate within the first 20 (or 30)min then they won't make it at all.

I found this interesting b/c it would mean that tricks ment to keep sperm inside (like using an instead cup) would be pointless, since the sperm have to swim within 20 min and odds are the ones left in the cup aren't swimmers anyway (not the 100,000 ones that make it up).

How's that for random information? ;)

[Smittenk]

QOTD: What do you dread most about being a parent of a baby/toddler?

Easy...not sleeping. I am a huge grump if I don't get my normal amount of sleep. Also entertaining a toddler all day...I really like my time.

[eli1126]

honeygirl, I think that book is right. I think we're going to take a break from charting. We're starting Clomid soon and my Dr. said the same thing, as long as you BD every 2-3 days you should be fine. The charting is stressing me out and its not making things much fun IMO :) !
I'm glad that I'm not the only one who thinks this! I mentioned it to a friend and she bit my head off :rolleyes: I think that charting to see a pattern before TTC is a great idea, but to stress over temps, CM, and charts....YIKES! When the time comes, I'm just going to make like Nike and "Just do it" :p Sorry, couldn't resist!

QOTD: The first 6 weeks after bringing baby home. I hear it's he!!. As far as everything else, we'll learn how to juggle and make do. Most of all our friends have children so many of our activities now are family affairs anyway. I'll have to work after, but I'm going to school for Education, so I'll have school holidays and summers off. DH is a firefighter so he is off at odd times. We would probably need to find a babysitter for maybe 2-3 days weekly.

Beth

[jen]

QOTD: What do you dread most about being a parent of a baby/toddler?

Definitely lack of sleep.
Also, if the baby is sick--how do I make him/her better? How do I know when he/she is sick? When is it life threatening and when is it just the sniffles?
BF nightmares---dry, cracked boobs - good lord.
Having no time to myself, or time with DH--or time with our baby dog! :)
Family/friends not being there for me.
Finances/work/daycare--how's it all going to work?

Jeez... I've got waaayyy too many worries. :o

[kanga1622]

QoTD - Probably finances and how I'm going to deal with going back to work and leaving a baby at daycare. Starting Feb. 1 we are going to live as though we have to pay daycare and additional health insurance premiums. We'll just start putting that money into a special savings account to use toward baby expenses. Hopefully that will take away some of the financial worries.

[Julss05]

QOTD: What do you dread most about being a parent of a baby/toddler?
-Not having enough "alone" time with DH, we are busy enough right now I can't imagine what kids will do to what little sex life we have:p.
-SLEEP, trying to function going to work and acting pleasant on little sleep is going to be REAL hard.
-BF is a worry because I heard it's not always that simple when the baby doesn't want to and the pain. A friend said her boobs hurt worse than having the baby!
-Behavioral problems with the children and disagreements in parenting styles with DH.

I'm not as concerned about finances, schedules, or taking care of a baby, in my opinion everything will work itself out where that is concerned. I asked my friend about how you make the adjustment and her only words of advice were, "You do what you have to, to take care of your children because there is no other choice."

On a side note, my coworker's niece was supposed to have her baby this week but found out last week it was dead after it stopped moving:(. I can't imagine. A miscarriage would be hard enough but after carrying it for 9 months and then finding out your unborn child is dead would be very difficult.

DH is a firefighter so he is off at odd times. We would probably need to find a babysitter for maybe 2-3 days weekly.

So is my DH! He works 10-24 hr. shifts a month. It works out though because he will be staying home with the baby when he's off and we'll only be using daycare when he's at the station and I'm at work.

[Lanapoo]

QOTD: I have the opportunity to possibly work from home with my current job when I have a child. My ultimate fear is that it will be too much for me to take care of a baby and do my job at the same time. I'm afraid it will be very overwhelming but want to give it a shot.

[irish74]

QOTD: What do you dread most about being a parent of a baby/toddler?

Number one would be finances. Second would be disagreements in parenting style or DH not doing what I need him to do. Third, would be going back to work and juggling work/baby/husband/dog/home/etc.

[miaclear]

CC Name: Miaclear
Me: Amy 30
DH: Dirk 30
Married: Sept 2004
TTC start date: May 06
Any other children: 0

Thought I might as well join up :)

QOTD: Have you put off TTC in the past? What for and do you think it was worth it?

We were going to start TTC in Jan but put it off because a trip to Hawaii fell in our laps and I didn't want to think about being pregnant or getting pregnant while we were there. Only having to put it off five months didn't seem like a big deal.

[mandersald]

Hi ladies-
so much catching up to do! this thread moves fast, eh?

I think knowing I've ovulated (or not!) causes me less stress than not knowing
re: charting. i think i agree with this as well. charting to avoid has become so engrained in my brain that i don't think it will become an issue when we start ttc. dh prefers it if he doesn't know what's going on anyways. plus, my anal side will really want to know what's going on. :)

so, pages back we were talking about buying baby things, or maternity clothes. well, i never in a million years thought to do this until we were actually pg. but, for the first time ever, i found myself browsing through the baby isle at target last night. ack!

Hi robyn!! Sorry to hear about your friend and her rude *ss comments. boo to that for sure! i hope it all works out for you two.

like a few of you, i haven't told anyone about our plans for ttc except my sister. this way it will make it more fun to tell everyone when we do get preggers.

QOTD i think sleep is my biggest concern. not necessarily for me, but dh likes to sleep A LOT! so, we'll see what happens.

i'm still not entirely sure when we'll start ttc, but it will be in the first half of this year, i hope.

[kanga1622]

QOTD: Have you put off TTC in the past? What for and do you think it was worth it? We originally planned to TTC in January 2004 but DH couldn't find a job with his brand new B.S. degree so we put things off until we had a better handle on finances. Then we decided to get a few things for us first before having a baby so the puppy, 4 door car, and honeymoon trip came into the plan. Now we're ready to focus on parenting.

ETA: I checked the mail when I went home for lunch and we got a magazine called "Baby Talk: The magazine for Real Moms." The funniest part was that it came addressed to DH! :D We get all kinds of random baby related things in the mail and they are always addressed to DH. We keep wondering how they get his name because he only goes online about once a week to check his e-mail and I never give his name out.

[TazLuv]

kanga, we get baby stuff all the time too and I couldn't figure out why. Then I realized that when we got our dog we ordered a baby gate and since then we've been flooded! I always throw it away or hide it because I don't want friends that come over asking questions. No one knows we're TTC except my younger sister. ;)

[Annette]

I officially stopped taking the pill a little earlier than planned. I have to order my TCOYF book and I will probably start charting.

QOTD: What do you dread most about being a parent of a baby/toddler?

-Disagreeing about parenting styles.
-Changing poopy diapers
-losing my ability to sleep like the dead. Everyone tells me I won't be a heavy sleeper once the baby is born.
-my mother getting on my case about us not baptizing our baby.
-being able to balance work and family.

[magrat]

-my mother getting on my case about us not baptizing our baby.

Oh yes, this is a biggie for me too.

I guess I'm mostly afraid that people's perceptions of me will change - I don't want to just be someone's mom, KWIM?

[Janey]

I think there is a certain amount of this with a toddler that I worry about having to "make up" answers to questions because I am not prepared.

You could always try the socratic method... ;)

[polarama]

QOTD: What do you dread most about being a parent of a baby/toddler?

I will be very selfish here and say the thing I dread the most is not being my own center of attention. Does that make sense? Right now, I call the shots--decide when I want to sleep, when I want to watch TV, when I want to eat. That all goes out the window when a baby comes along!

Other things...
-the lack of sleep
-the lack of me-time
-juggling work-life
-having our relationship/marriage change
-the whole labor thing

[MaybeMamas]

Updated to here!
Please post items for the threadmistresses in Red. Thanks! :)

Welcome to Jude 29 (Kelley) and miaclear (Amy)!

[MrsR]

I actually posted my info on 1/18 but I guess I got overlooked:rolleyes:

CC Name: MrsR
Me: Jessica, 31 (will be 32 in March :eek: )
DH: Matt, 33
Married: October 18, 2003
TTC start date: June 2005
Any other children: we have two furbabies, Bella and Sophie (see above)


I will be very selfish here and say the thing I dread the most is not being my own center of attention. Does that make sense? Right now, I call the shots--decide when I want to sleep, when I want to watch TV, when I want to eat. That all goes out the window when a baby comes along!


polarama I could not agree with you more!!!

[Sherb]

Oops! :o Sorry, Mrs. R. I'll add you this evening.

[MrsR]

no worries Sherb I will just have to be more active!!!!

[Julss05]

QOTD: Have you put off TTC in the past? What for and do you think it was worth it?

Sort of. We never set a date until recently but we both thought we would have at least started a family by now, things we wanted to accomplish have just been slower than we thought to progress. I think it was worth it. I was still in school, DH and I both went through complete career changes, and we are working on getting the rest of our debt paid off. It wouldn't have been fair to a baby. I want us to have the time and finances to really care for a child first.

[lawgirl4]

MrsR - hi! not sure if you remember me, but I was "lawgirl4" on the WC, and we used to post in each other's journals... I saw your post to brooke where you mentioned you had been "NY Atlanta Bride" and remembered you!

hope you are doing well - nice to "see" a familiar face here!

[MrsR]

hey there lawgirl4 -- I do remember you (and thought it might be you since who really wants to admit they are associated with the law after all ;)).

Glad to "see" you too!!!

As an aside, I am CD22 today and tested since according to my clearblue easy fertility monitor, I O'd somewhere from CD11-13. BFN:mad: It may be too early as I am supposed to get AF on Saturday (if I am to believe my monitor (more below on that)), as I always get AF 2 weeks after my first "peak" reading which was 1/14)

I think my monitor may be a bit screwy though -- although it showed my "peak" days as CD11 and CD12, I had some TCOYF signs that I O'd on CD18, which would mean AF is still over 1 week away. Of course it may just be my cycles that are still screwy (they have ranged from 4.5 weeks to 7 weeks since going off BCP) and I did go on BCP 15 years ago since my cycles were so messed up. . .

I think I am going to start charting :eek:. I have put it off in the past as (1) the charts in TCOYF scare me as they appear really complicated (but maybe I just join FF where I hear they do the work for you) and (2) I am sooooo type A and I think I might get too caught up in the charting thing and have it stress me out. The benefit of charting for me would be that I would know for sure when I O and may have more info for my doc when I go in for my annual checkup in March and start asking her questions . . .

[eli1126]

MrsR
I think that there is an enormous benefit to charting before actually trying to TTC. I didn't even know what a luteal phase was before reading TCOYF nevermind how long mine was! I think that once the time comes to TTC and you have a good idea of when you O though, it can be stressful to chart and agonize over every fluctuation in temp or the difference in CM when trying to get pg. I can see myself totally stessing out over it and being online 24/7 during the 2WW :eek: I can totally see myself having a breakdown over it.

Other than that waiting for AF to arrive. I've been prepared everyday for her, but nothing. I'm not due until Sat/Sun but She's evil and has been known to come early and of course when I'm not prepared :rolleyes: And I absolutely have a terrible case of PMS. I am so foul to be around. DH asked me a question and I bit his head off :o

Beth

[lawgirl4]

Mrs R - I definitely think charting would help you. it is very easy to do - and Fertilityfriend.com makes it even easier to track. You are wise to note in advance that for we Type A's it can be just another thing to stress about - but at the same time, I think it could definitely help your doctor. If you want, feel free to join us on the "TTC with Charting Thread" (we're up to volume 13 right now) - alot of the girls there have some really good input. Also, the girls on the "Charting to Avoid" thread are incredibly knowledgeable if you have charting questions.

ps - love your dogs! they are just adorable! how do you like living in Atlanta?

[sea74]

It's been awhile since I've been in here, but I had to stop by today because I actually purchased something for “baby.” DH and I have decided that we won't find out the gender of the baby, if and when we have one, and that we want to do a gender-neutral nursery with a bird theme. I was out at lunch and was wandering through a gift boutique and saw this really cute number wall art with birdies on it, so I got it. When I got back to work I showed DH (we work together). He loved it and was not freaked out that I got it.

I feel like the idea of us having kids is finally sinking in for me.

If you want to see a picture of it, here's a link.
http://www.geniusbabies.com/counting-birds-wall-art-by-eeboo1.html

[SQ2]

sea74, that is so cute! I love birds, actually DH and I both love birds and my sister does a lot of birdwatching too so we know a lot about them. Great idea!

[dobler88]

Hey Mrs. R.

I am also on CD 22 today. Until this month I had been charting for six months-it really is an eye opener! I learned I do O anywhere from CD 17 to CD 20, sometimes a tad earlier.

And, frankly, I wish I had charted this month! I am feeling all kinds of weird. H and I basically just DTD every other day for 2 weeks straight (ending yesterday!) and I feel horrendous today. I am not sure if I am getting the flu, if it could be symptoms, or what! If I were charting, I would at least have hope, LOL! Only thing that gives me some "hope" is that I have stabbing pain in my bbs--that's a first!

[miaclear]

sea 74... I love those cards!!!! I'm bound and determined to not find out the sex of the baby beforehand also, although DH wants to. These would be a great start to a gender neutral nursery. Thanks for the idea :D

[sea74]

SQ2 and miaclear:Thanks for the compliments, ladies. I still can't believe I bought something baby related when I'm still not 100% sure we're going to try this year, but still.

Finding out the genderI'm not very good at secrets, but I just know that I really want the surprise of finding out baby's gender in the delivery room. My DH could go either way and says it's up to me. I know our family will want to know but that's just too bad!

dobler88: Hope it's not the flu but a BFP!

[TazLuv]

AF showed today, that is actually a good thing for me. I'm on day 63+ of my cycle (I lost count). Now I can start my Clomid on Sunday - yeh! :)

[Tonysweetie]

I have been thinking about joining this thread for the longest time, so now I think I'm ready since DH and pretty sure when we want to TTC! So here goes nothing...

CC Name:Tonysweetie
Me: Leslie, 21
DH: Tony, 22
Married: March 26, 2005
TTC start date: December 2006
Any other children: A kitty
Miscellaneous Info:Were still unsure of our TTC date but it's a good possiablity

Looking forward to hanging out here in the future!!! :)

[Sarah051504]

Finding out the gender is a MUST for us, well for me at least. There is no way I could wait to find out, it would drive me crazy! I am so determined to find out that if at the regular "big" US they can't tell, I'm going beg to get another US even if I have to pay for it all myself.

[bex]

Finding out the gender

Ugh.. DH and I absolutely want to find out the baby's gender in advance but in my province, the ultrasound techs are not allowed to tell you the baby's gender!! So nobody here knows the gender of their baby before it is born. I'm actually really bothered by this and when the time comes, we may try and find a private clinic and pay for it or see if one of my mom's friends can hook us up (my mom works in the healthcare field in another province).

So yeah.. but I'm not bitter :p

[Smittenk]

Finding out the gender
I used to want to know beforehand but my DH said that he wants it to be a surprise so we decided we won't find out when the time comes. Now I love the idea that it will be a surprise!!

[polarama]

Finding out the gender
It's a must for us. I am the type of person who flips ahead and reads the ending to most of the books I read, so I didn't even consider not knowing.

Lately I've been feeling weird, and based on my chart, I could be preggers, so I *tried* to POAS yesterday and this morning. I say *tried* because both times my test came up invalid! :mad: Good thing I have about 5 more.

[Julss05]

I think I would like to know the gender because I'm an organize freak but DH doesn't so we'll have to figure out something. I don't want one of us to know and the other not though so it will either be both of us knows or both of us doesn't know!

This morning we were "doing the deed," we use condoms every time but DH decided to go without which shocked me, he pulled out towards the end but it was something we had never done before. I feel okay about it just surprised that he was so daring. I'm about 6 days from O so I doubt anything will come of it. We keep giving ourselves dates for TTC but maybe it will happen without planning. I think you can plan only so much and then it's good to take the pressure off by letting nature take its course.

Polarama-Good luck! Maybe it's too early to test yet.

[Jazz]

sea74 - I love those cards!

Finding out the gender
I've always wanted to wait and find out at birth. DH is okay with that, though I did tell him he doesn't have much of a choice. :D

We painted one of our guest rooms a nice light green, one of my fave colors (before we were even thinking of TTC), so I think that will work well (the other is peachy/orange that could probably work as "gender neutral" also). We are totally into colored rooms -- our bedroom is blue/blue-purple. No one is ever going to want to buy our house! At least we love it.

Of course, I write something like this, and can't believe I'm even thinking about details like which room for a baby! I had a tough week at work -- lots of late nights and not enough sleep (not enough being 6 hrs a night :p ), and think that there's no way we could add a baby into the mix. I guess once you get there you figure it all out.

[eli1126]

Finding out the gender I am on the fence about this. I posted in other threads that I had always thought we would definitely find out, but I think we may not and just tell everyone that they couldn't tell. That way no one will get on our case about making them wait.

Julss05 I love your avatar, is that your dog?


Beth

[elissa]

Finding out the gender

We will be finding out the gender. I definitely want to do a girly or boyish nursery and start shopping for great sales as soon as possible. I'm not sure if we will tell people or not though, especially if it is a girl, then we'll get way too many dresses for a newborn :rolleyes:

[SQ2]

Finding out the gender

We will definitely be finding out. DH and I hate being kept in the dark about information like that and feel that that if the technology exists to find out, why not? I also like to be organized and in control of things and feel that it will just make things easier with respect to gifts and decorating and stuff. What bothers me is when people look down upon finding out the gender. My cousin and his wife had a baby a year or so ago and asked them if they were finding out. They said no, and my dad said "Good for you! I'm glad that some people keep the mystery and excitement of childbirth alive." Or something to that effect. :rolleyes: I think that having a baby will be just as exciting or mysterious or whatever whether we find out the gender before or not. And I think it's great that some couples choose not to find out if that's what works for them. One thing I do want to do is keep the name we choose a secret. :)

[LynzeyAHL]

Not finding out the gender here either. I have so many cute baby clothes in yellow and green I can't wait!


I'm in my first 2WW Should kow something between feb 6-9 hopefully DH can get a BFP surprise for Valentines day. :D

[eli1126]

Not finding out the gender here either. I have so many cute baby clothes in yellow and green I can't wait!


I'm in my first 2WW Should kow something between feb 6-9 hopefully DH can get a BFP surprise for Valentines day. :D


Good Luck!

Beth

[LeslieandPaul]

Finding out gender
I'd like to know, but try to keep it a secret from everyone. I would make a somewhat gender netural nursery and then have accents that were gender specific to add to the room after the birth. I don't want to share the name with people either.

[LynzeyAHL]

Good Luck!

Beth


Funny but the other night after DTD I rubbed my tummy and said go boys go - my husband slapped my hand and was like don't give them performance anxiety, let 'em work!

I almost fell off the bed laughing

boys are cute :o

[LynzeyAHL]

I don't want to share the name with people either.


I second that! I don't care what people oppinions are when the mind is made up nothing is going to change that. And if you can't say nothin nice.....

[eli1126]

I second that! I don't care what people oppinions are when the mind is made up nothing is going to change that. And if you can't say nothin nice.....

I third that :p I know people who have changed the name because family members frowned upon it. If DH and I agree on a name that's that! My MIL is famous for saying "That's different" which means "UGH! What kind of a name is___________?"

Beth

[Smittenk]

We won't be telling anyone our names either...no one knows mine except for DH and one friend who I accidently told them to in a conversation. She has had her kids so I don't have to worry about her stealing them!

I have actually kept the girls name secret since I picked it when I was about 14!!:)

[LynzeyAHL]

Our problem is that DH's 5 year old cousin's name is Jackson - well my grandpa's name (he's passed) was Jack and we fully intend on naming any future boy baby Jack William after my Grandpa - dad/ brother/ great grandpa and know that his family will throw a huge stick b/c jackson goes by jack or jacky or Jax as a nick name - DH doesn't care though he assured me they'll have to call him by his full name the 3 times a year we see them and is willing to fight that battle. I'm just happy I get to name my kid what I've wanted to all along.

Girl name wasn't really thrilled with having a Jr. but dan liked the idea a lot so to honor my husband first born girl baby will be Danielle after her dad and Eleanor for a middle since his mom/grandma/and my grandma all share that for a middle name.

of course I had to tell my mom though b/c she's exempt from everything lol

[TazLuv]

Finding out the Gender:
I think we probably will, DH and I might have a long discussion about this but he knows I hate not knowing what is going on, can you say Type A! :) It doesn't really affect our nursery. We're doing a primary color nursery, with lots of red regardless of the gender.

Telling people the names!
Absolutely NOT! For all the reasons that everyone here has already mentioned. We will be keeping that little fact to ourselves until he/she is born.

[Sherb]

Gender: Probably not...we'll see what we feel like when there is an actual baby.

Names: Uh-uh. No way - The world will find out the name when they meet the baby. Especially since I know some extended family might be critical of any name I pick.

[MrsWilson]

Gender: We both agree to not know with our first child. After that, we probably will. I would do gender neutral anyway so everything can be passed down to our next child, no matter if it is a he or she!

Names: I really hope we are able to keep out mouths shut on this. I can't stand for people to give me their unwanted opinion. We have joked about calling our kid a really off-the-wall name while PG. Hopefully, after we tell them his/her real name, they will at least be happy it isn't the off-the-wall name

[polarama]

Names Hmmm...not sure. I actually told 3 of my friends what the selected names are, because I was hoping to get them on my side (DH and I are disagreeing on the boy name I picked. I love it, he hates it. But he won't suggest other names, so we may just have to go with mine.) I think this will be something that I try to keep a secret.

***********************
I think I'm going to start taking Fertility Blend tomorrow. This is my second cycle off BCP, and it has been very wacky. I read up on the Fertility Blend study, and it sounds like something worth trying.

[LynzeyAHL]

Names: I really hope we are able to keep out mouths shut on this. I can't stand for people to give me their unwanted opinion. We have joked about calling our kid a really off-the-wall name while PG. Hopefully, after we tell them his/her real name, they will at least be happy it isn't the off-the-wall name

my mom joked the whole time that she was pregnant with my little brother that she was going to name him after his great grandpa's either Gillbert Willbert or Willbert Gillbert - she'd decide after she 'decided which he looked like.' People would give her the weirdest looks. I think she did it just to entertain herself while being pregnant in the dog days of summer.:D

[Roxygirl]

Well I guess, here we go. I got this at about 5:00 pm tonight.

http://images.snapfish.com/345%3B8346%3A%7Ffp337%3Enu%3D3244%3E3%3A6%3E759%3E WSNRCG%3D32334965%3B972%3Bnu0mrj

I can't believe it!!!! I still am in a huge state of shock.

[honeygirl]

Congratulations Roxygirl! How exciting! H&H 9 months to you.

[MaybeMamas]

Updated to Here
Congratulations Roxygirl!! H&H 9 months!

Welcome Tonysweetie and MrsR!

[Smittenk]

Congratulations Roxygirl!!!!!:D :D

[LynzeyAHL]

I'm in first 2ww and 2 of last 3 nights very detailed dreams of bfp that I remember when I wake up in the morning... perhaps mine is coming soon..... :o

[Sarah051504]

Congratulations Roxygirl

names We really haven't talked about not telling anyone. However, my DH sorta has the names picked out. He was really really close with his grandparents growing up and well as an adult too. His grandpa died last year and his grandma 2 years before that so he's told me that we are naming our kids after them. Which in theory I don't have a problem with, but their names are Dale and Helen. I'm just not that fond of those names and I don't know what to do about it. I'm trying to come up with some creative ways to use those names. Any suggestions?

[magrat]

Sarah051504 Dale can be a woman's name, and it might be a more unique alternative to all the other masculine names that have become feminine in the last few years. Helen can be Helena or Helene or Elena and probably a lot of other variations.

[TazLuv]

Congratulations Roxygirl!