April 2006 Moms! The 3rd and FINAL Trimester!

[Kopper]

ceallaigh - Thanks! Good luck on your pre-op appointment and decision.

Sal03 - She is so beautiful. I love her nickname! Maybe that's because it is my name. ;) I'm so glad to hear that things are going well and nursing is going well. The picture of Dylan is too cute. I love his t-shirt.

Misty911 - I'm sorta in the same boat except I've already had one failed induction. Last night my contractions were strong and close together but I went and laid down and they spaced out and became less intense. I have my fingers crossed for you that you go into labor today! Oh and we aren't saving the cord blood so sorry I can't help.

Sevilla - Thanks! ITA and am glad she sent me home instead of having a c-section. She didn't even mention it when she was talking about options. Now if I fail another induction I'm not so sure that will be the case. I am really really hoping I go into labor soon. Last night I was sure that things were progressing but then they slowed down again.

Thanks for all the NCB tips. I really wasn't planning on having a NCB but lately I've been feeling empowered that it is something I can do. We are still going to take a wait and see approach but I would like to avoid medications if possible.

Great belly shot! 39 weeks! We are all so close. :) The same thing happened to me with my stretch marks. I didn't have a single one until 35-36 weeks and now that he is dropping they are really showing up. Oh well, at least they are for a good cause! :)

---
So I'm still here. My mom and I went for a walk around her neighborhood yesterday and that was nice. It brought on several contractions that got more intense than the ones I had been feeling. After that DH and I went to the mall to walk around and then had Pei Wei for dinner. Contractions after that got a lot stronger and I was sure that something was happening but then when I went to lay down they spaced out and the intensity decreased. This morning I haven't had any that I know of yet. Today I plan on getting as much walking in as I can. Our dog should appreciate that! Lately everyone has been giving me advice on how to bring on labor and they are all saying to DTD a lot. DH is hoping I take their advice. :D We will see.

Well I hope everyone has a great Sunday!

[jrsygirl]

MistyHope things go well
Re cord bloodwe are banking the twins or plan to..they sometimes have trouble collecting from twins so we'll ee how it goes. Anyway- we went with ViaCord over the others because as opposed to the others which are just "banks" ViaCord is a biotech company and is doing reserach and developing new technologies in the field. It was pricey (especially for two!) but we look at it as an insurance policy. I just felt that I would hate to look back ever and wish that we had done it.

[JenniferEC]

Jane - Those pics are great! He's so tiny.

Sal - What cute pics! Katie looks like her brother. Dylan looks like a great big brother. We have that shirt, too, but it doesn't fit anymore.

Sevilla - Too bad about the stretch marks. You'd think your body could go a couple of more weeks without!

Misty and Kopper - Maybe you'll be the next two mommies.

Cord blood - We are not doing this.

[mel7dog]

Sal - Ooooh I love all your pictures!! I kept showing them to DH because they make me smile. Little Kate is beautiful and Dylan is too cute in his little shirt. Congrats!!

Kopper - Yea for you for thinking about NCB. I think having the right attitude about it will get you a long way! I'll be sending you labor vibes, hope it starts for reall soon.

Sevilla - Thanks for the NCB ideas. I am also planning to use massage oil, relaxing music, and my birth ball. I would love the list of quotes you have if yuou don't mind PM'ing me! I don't know why, but I'm really not that worried about NCB. :o Obviously I have no concept of that much pain, but I know I can do it! Once we hired our doula a month or two ago, I felt a huge weight of fear lifted off my shoulders. She has attended over 100 birth and has seen a wide variety of situations. Lately I am just trying to keep my mindset positive and relaxed to get ready. I think my biggest challenge will be keeping myself calm and letting my body take over, but I'm woring on it! Hopefully with a good mindset, DH comforting me, and the doula helping with position changes, it will be a postive experience overall! -- BTW your belly is too cute!

Not too much going on with me. Have my 37w apt tomorrow and will find out the results of my strep test. Then we will be moving the second half of this week and I won't be checking into the new hospital till I am 38w! I'm not worried though, I am convinced I will be a few days late, though DH and everyone else thinks I will go 2 weeks early.

[uskiku]

Kopper I'm so sorry about the failed induction... sending lots of hugs and labor vibes to your way! Sounds like it'll be VERY soon though -- hang in there!

Sully I was sooo happy to read your post, it was just, well, glowing with happiness! Yay for DH being home, for moving into your house and for being almost done with the bedrest!

Jane Thanks so much for posting your birth story -- what an experience this must have been... But so well worth it; Joey looks like a little angel! And you and Andy look just so happy! :)

Ceallaigh Good luck at the pre-op appointment! What sort of stuff do they discuss there?

Misty sending you labor vibes! We're not banking the cord blood. I thought about donating it, but have been too busy to look into it :o

Sal Fabulous pictures -- you look fantastic (I just couldn't believe you'd just given birth; you look great!) and Dylan and Kate are too cute for words!

Sevilla Great belly shot! :) I'm guessing boy!

We just got back from the movies and while I loved "Inside Man", I was having a lot of contractions and a couple of them were sorta painful... I've never paid any attention to Braxton-Hicks before, so this was the first time I timed them and I had 6 in 25 minutes... Then they eased off, but I still had about 10 in an hour altogether. They are definitely getting stronger. The pain was strange, prickly sort of pain "down there". Hmmm... how to describe it? As if I had a plug "down there" and it's being ever so quietly being pushed/poked open. .. something like that...

Anyway, I know I'm not in labor, but now I have this really stupid question... :o :

How do I know that Braxton-Hicks have become the "real thing"? Is it only the fact that they develop a pattern (5 minutes apart etc etc) and start to hurt?

Needless to say, DH was freaked out ;) ; we're so not ready for this baby to come -- for another 4 weeks! :p

[jeeplover]

How do I know that Braxton-Hicks have become the "real thing"? Is it only the fact that they develop a pattern (5 minutes apart etc etc) and start to hurt?

I have been wondering the same thing. I have had some that I thought were braxton hicks because they didn't hurt and just happened sporadically but then this last week I was getting ones that hurt but no set pattern. Of course when I went in for my last NST on Friday I didn't have anything at all while on the monitor go figure!

[mel7dog]

BH - I am confused about this as well. I *think* I have been having a bunch lately. Do they feel like bad cramps to little shotting pains down low? I haven't felt my uterus tighten like so many people describe. 2nd time mom's help us out please!

[Jane&Andy]

ceallaigh - the spinal was fabulous, it was only the epidural that was so awful. The spinal was just the right kind of numb - numb - not tingly like the epidural left me. He got it in on the first try and it wore off soon after the surgery just like they said it would. I plan to go the spinal/c-section route with all future births.

I did too much yesterday and my incision started weeping significantly - bled through my underpants and onto my jeans. I've been resting since then and its pretty much stopped. So I just need to take it easy. DH goes back to work tomorrow. He wants to work short days this week but I'm not getting my hopes up. He tried to do that when I was on bedrest and still ended up working 12hrs the day before I was induced. My sister flies in Friday morning for the weekend and I can't wait!

We took Joey to church this morning and everyone oohed and awed over him. We just started going to this church - I only went once before being put on bedrest. But so far we really like it. Another couple that was in our newborn care class goes to this church and this morning we met a couple that has a 1 month old daughter. Its great for me to be meeting other new Moms b/c I don't hardly know anyone here.

Sal - Kate is adorable. I love Dylan's big brother t-shirt - too cute!

Misty - good luck! I hope your contractions get nice and regular so that you don't have to be induced.

cord blood - nope. I would have liked to donate it but couldn't find a donation group in our area.

[Sal03]

BH contractions this 2nd time mom is obviously just as clueless because I ended up in the hospital with false labor! :p I think they have to be regular and start getting stronger and coming more often. mine never came more often than 10 or 15 minutes but we went anyway to be safe

thanks so much everyone for the complements on my pics! I still can't believe she is finally here! typed up my birth story, hopefully in my sleep deprived state it makes sense! :D

I was scheduled to be induced on Thursday and could barely sleep the night before. We woke up and were to call labor & delivery at 6am to make sure it was okay to come in. It was so we got ready to go. Of course Mike was up at 5:15 and we barely made it out the door by 6:25. I was up just before 6 and ready to go long before he was. So we rushed out the door and were driving up our street to find it blocked by TWELVE wild turkeys! What a joke! So we honked the horn and they moved. You would think we lived in the country!
We got to the hospital and they put us in triage and took all our info. They started my iv and a low dose of pitocin. Dr. M came and they broke my water which was fine, just a little tug. I then had to walk in my gown holding a towel between my legs to the delivery room which was kind of annoying. When I was induced with Dylan I did not have to go through triage! I was about 4cm at this point. I was undecided whether I wanted a spinal or epidural. With Dylan I had such a bad reaction to the epidural. Windows of pain, my BP dropped, got really sick to my stomach…but with the spinal I was afraid of it running out and of getting headaches. The anesthesiologist was really nice and patient and explained all my options. Meanwhile, I wanted to make a decision because the contractions were starting to hurt!
I finally decided on the spinal and they did it. It was uncomfortable, they did something to numb the area and that needle stung then it does not really hurt, just feels weird when the needle goes into the spine. I started to get numb and itchy pretty quickly. Then I was really numb and a little loopy. They put me totally flat and that was when my trouble started. Whenever I lay flat while pregnant the reflux and heartburn start instantly. But then I started to feel so nauseous and yelled at mike to go get the nurse NOW. But it was too late, I turned my head to the side and threw up, and did not stop for about an hour. It was awful. I could not even talk to Mike, he felt so bad. I was just so nauseous and would only be able to turn my head to the bin because I was all numb so I cried a little. Then it was so bad and would not stop so they finally came in with some anti nausea meds which helped but I was so worn out so I napped a little. They finally concluded that I obviously do not react well to morphine because it made me sick with both deliveries. I was afraid though with all this wasted time that the spinal was going to wear off before I could deliver. But I was 8cm so they started springing into action but then I felt SO much pressure and said I was ready to push and they checked me again and I was already 10. Then I started pushing and they were barely ready but told me to keep going. It just seemed like it was happening so fast and there was SO much pressure! So after 6 or 7 minutes of pushing out she came! It burned like hell when she came out but luckily I barely tore, just needed a few stitches. They handed her to me and she was all wide eyed and looking around. I could not stop crying, I was so happy to see her. She latched on really quickly and nursed for a while right away. So altogether it was about 4 hours of labor. It’s so funny, I know I have said it and have heard so many others say how you are just so in love with your first child and how can you love another the same. OMG you completely just can. She absolutely stole my heart right away. We had a lot of visitors today and I was so happy when she had to nurse so I could take her back! My milk already came in last night. With Dylan it took about 4 days so I was not expecting it this quickly.

[Misty911]

Things here are not progressing at all. I did not sleep at all last night due to my contractions. I'm still having contractions throughout the day some are more painful than others.

I have taken the flu! It came on quick. My body aches and my temp is 103. I worry about my temp being so high. I did get it to come down to 101. If I still feel this bad in the morning. I will be calling my doctor. I'm really scared now to go in labor because I feel so bad.

Cord banking, I was wondering if we need to do this since we havn't with the first two. I guess now it might be too late. I was just curious to see how many of ya'll were going to do it.

I'm going back to bed, if I go to the hospital I'll let ya'll know.

[jeeplover]

Sal-Thank you for sharing your birth story! Sorry you had such a bad reaction to the morphine-man that sounds awful! Glad that you weren't in labor that long though! So happy to hear that all is well with the nursing!

Misty-Sorry to hear about the flu-oh yuck! I hope you are feeling better today and were able to get some sleep! Feel better and I am thinking of you!

[uskiku]

Sal thanks for posting your birth story -- ugh, the morphine part of it must have been awful, you poor thing! Kate is sooo cute and sweet! :)

Misty sorry about the flu!! Hope you got some rest last night...

Jeeplover and Mel you guys are making me feel better; phew, I'm not the only one wondering about this! :)

Mel so far I've only had stomach-tightening type contractions, but now a few of these have started to hurt (just a teeny-tiny bit). Last night I had menstrual type cramps as well, just to top it all off and make DH really worried! :p the stomach-tightening is really weird though. Have to confess, I had no idea that these were contractions :o We thought it was our crazy baby pushing his head/butt up (you can really see his head and butt during the contraction); heck we even took pictures of what we now know are contractions! During my last dr's visit I -- in all innocence -- told the doctor to see "what the baby was doing". And he was like "um, lady, you're having a contraction". My jaw literally hit the floor.

Anyway, I'm fine this morning -- no contractions or cramps or anything. But I do have one frozen meal sitting in the freezer now, so guess yesterday's antics were good for something... :rolleyes:

[mel7dog]

Had my 37w apt today and all was well. My test for strep came back neg, which is good news for me. Hopefully how they won't make me get an IV unless I really need one, needles scare me and I want to be able to move around. My BP and weight were good. My weight was exactly the same as 2 weeks ago, at 28lbs gain, finally! Looks like my healthy eating (for the most part :p ) has balanced itself out. The Dr also said she doesn't think my baby will be big, right in the 7lb range. This was music to my ears after DH was a such a huge baby. Have a good Monday!

[Jane&Andy]

naptime
http://images.snapfish.com/34665%3B854%7Ffp33%3A%3Enu%3D3237%3E%3B35%3E433%3E WSNRCG%3D32335%3B4266553nu0mrj

So far our first day home alone together is going well. At 4am he wouldn't fall back asleep in the bassinet after his feeding so I plopped him down in the bed with us. I love sleeping with him in the bed - I didn't think I would be comfortable with that. I mostly save it for when its just the two of us since its not a huge bed.

I just did a portrait session on the couch - trying to get a good photo for his birth announcement. I'm going to try to make my own using my photo editing software.

The weather is great today so after I shower and eat I think we'll go for a walk.

Sal - I'm sorry you had such trouble with the morphine. I'm surprised they sent you to triage for your induction. I was sent straight to a labor and delivery room. I would have hated to be moved around after my water broke - all the leaking drove me crazy.

Misty - I hope you feel better soon.

Mel - yay for hopefully having a not huge baby. :D

[mel7dog]

Jane - Oooohh, he is too precious!

[Jane&Andy]

a few pictures from this morning
http://images.snapfish.com/34666%3A%3A7%3A%7Ffp346%3Enu%3D3237%3E%3B35%3E433% 3EWSNRCG%3D32335%3B6%3A597%3B4nu0mrj
http://images.snapfish.com/34666%3A%3A7%3A%7Ffp343%3Enu%3D3237%3E%3B35%3E433% 3EWSNRCG%3D32335%3B6%3A5633%3Bnu0mrj
http://images.snapfish.com/34666%3A%3A7%3A%7Ffp342%3Enu%3D3237%3E%3B35%3E433% 3EWSNRCG%3D32335%3B6%3A56344nu0mrj
http://images.snapfish.com/34666%3A%3A7%3A%7Ffp33%3A%3Enu%3D3237%3E%3B35%3E43 3%3EWSNRCG%3D32335%3B6%3A56358nu0mrj

[Kopper]

Jane - He is such a cute baby!

Well I just had my appointment. No progress. :( :( So much for the contractions this weekend. Sorry I'm just really bummed that I'm still the same as Friday. She wants us to still go ahead with the Cervidil tomorrow night and Pitocin on Wednesday morning. She is confident that I have a great chance of it working. I'm just kinda in a funk right now. I was really hoping to be 2cm by now.

Take care!

[Jane&Andy]

Kopper - I'm sorry, that really stinks. :(

[Txfish]

((Kopper)) So sorry things aren't progressing yet. Hang in there.

Jane, that last picture is a total keeper -- absolutely birth announcement worthy!! Eyes open & everything! :) Glad you're doing so well now.

Sal, Kate is so cute! Congrats again & glad everything is going well -- what a nightmare about the morphine. Luckily it didn't last too long (although I'm sure it felt like forever).

Misty, sorry about the flu! Hope you can get some rest and feel a little better.

I'm still hanging in here... got some more things done this weekend that are making me feel more ready, but I'm not there yet. My big stress right now is food -- I desperately need to go to the store and stock up and prepare some frozen meals for us. I'd love to wait until my mom gets here this weekend, but I'm afraid if I decide to do that then I'll have the baby on Wednesday or something LOL Remind me I said that, when I'm nine days late...

[charissa]

Jane - awwwww, Joey is freaking adorable, those pics are sooooo darn cute.

[uskiku]

Jane these pics are soooo cute! I agree with Txfish, the last one is my fave! :)

Kopper awwww... so sorry about the no progress report... sending you lots of hugs and gazillion labor vibes!!

[Sal03]

Kopper ugh so sorry about that report. anything can happen anytime though. you could suddenly be more overnight. All of my friends swear by DTD. they all went into labor shortly after! :D

Jane absolutely precious pictures!! so glad you are doing so well.

We are also co-sleeping. it is just so much easier. I did not at first with dylan and then natually went that route. This time I started pretty much her second night home. The first she was up all night. Last night she slept great with us - got some really nice 3 hour stretches already.

Txfish Definitely get some meals in the freezer. We are taking advantage of all that stuff now. Plus my FIL brought us a ton of food yesterday. We feel bad but whenever everyone asks what we need, we just say freezable food and people are coming through for us!

Mel good news about the strep test. You are going to do GREAT because you are so prepared.

Misty Feel better!!

Just wanted to say to everyone...whether you think you need it or not...take stool softeners after delivering for the first two weeks!! You will thank me. I am not going to expand on this but TRUST ME. I learned my lesson after Dylan's birth and was smarter this time. We just took Katie on her first outing to pick up a few things at buy buy baby. she slept the whole time and was great. Dylan still does not notice her much. This morning though I was holding her and she stretched her hand and he came over and smiled and touched it. so small steps in the right direction!

[ceallaigh]

I know I have said it and have heard so many others say how you are just so in love with your first child and how can you love another the same. OMG you completely just can. Thanks for that Sal It's something I've been thinking about also. She really looks like her brother! (And totally off the topic we have turkeys on our street too this year. I'd never seen one in my life and now they're showing up in my yard!

Pre-op appt well I guess it was ok. Uskiku I didn't know what to expect either. They just basically asked me a million questions about family history, past pregnancies etc. Plus I met with anesthesia. I guess for *normal* people they just tell you what to expect. In my case I met the head of the dept. because I had spinal surgery many years ago and had a horrific epidural experience when in labor with my son. I ended up with a general anesthesia and missed his birth altogether which I've never really gotten over. So today was to determine if a spinal was possible... She's not very optimistic and I felt like she was pushing me to do general... Anyway I didn't have to commit to anything and can decide the morning of.

Jane like you said a spinal id different from an epi. and since the needle is smaller I have a better chance of it actually getting in. Thanks for the info. (cute munchkin by the way!:) )

Decision: as of right now I'm leaning towards attempting the spinal. She said we'd try it VERY briefly and if it doesn't go in right away we'll do the general. No poking around for hours or anything. One, maybe two tries if I'm up to it. I told DH and he's cool about it but if the spinal fails he has to wait in the other room just like last time and I think that's the saddest part that we BOTH miss it! It is so surreal to wake up and they hand you a clean, wrapped baby.

Before I forget you...Kopper try to relax. It WILL happen! I know it can be very stressful but your body just isn't as ready as you are! Good luck!

[mel7dog]

Sal - How adorable Dylan reached for her little hand!

Kopper - So sorry nothing is happening, bummer :(

ceallaigh - Glad to hear they are meeting with you and talking things over. Sounds like you have a GREAT chance at a better birth experience this time.

Here are my 36 week pictures taken last Friday.
http://images.snapfish.com/34666%3C%3A6%3A%7Ffp33%3A%3Enu%3D3278%3E642%3E%3B5 5%3EWSNRCG%3D32335%3B5957897nu0mrjhttp://images.snapfish.com/34666%3C%3A6%3A%7Ffp345%3Enu%3D3278%3E642%3E%3B55% 3EWSNRCG%3D32335%3B5957899nu0mrj

We also did our belly cast this weekend! Here is a picture of it drying in the tub. I need to trim it up a bit, smooth it out, and will then decoarte it with a colage of scrapbook paper to match the nursery letters I already made.
http://images.snapfish.com/34666%3C%3A6%3A%7Ffp342%3Enu%3D3278%3E642%3E%3B55% 3EWSNRCG%3D32335%3B595789%3Anu0mrj

[briamcd]

Mel- that belly cast is so neat. I can't wait to see it decorated. :)

[charissa]

Sal - awww, how cute about Dylan. :) and thanks for the reassurance about the stool softeners, DH thought I was crazy for mentioning that I'll probably need it after delivering, and usually when I tell him that the ladies from CC said it works or advise it he goes, OOOOH, ok, he won't believe just me, but he'll believe all of you :)

Mel - cute belly shot and what an awesome job you guys did on the cast :) What a fun keepsake.

[uskiku]

Just a quick drive-by to shout from the rooftops: we're head down!!! :D
Had an appointment and an ultrasound yesterday, and the technician swore (we asked her at least 3 times ;) ) that our little boy was head down! A major, major phew -- no need to schedule a version or a c-section! He's on a smaller side: 5 pounds and 10 ounces right now, but well within the normal range. Everything looks good. There's a lot of amniotic fluid in there (by the way, the doctor later said that at this stage this is mainly baby's pee! We have a major wetter in our hands! ;) ), so that the technician told me: "When your water breaks, you're going to know it, there'll be no mistaking what's going on!"

We're just sooo incredibly happy and relieved! Oh, and my strep B came back negative -- yay!

Kopper it's today, isn't it? Sending you a gazillion labor vibes and I'll be thinking of you and keeping my fingers crossed for you!

Ceallaigh Thanks for answering my question (I was wondering about this, as there was a distinct possibility that I might need a c-section)! Good luck!

Mel you look great! :)

Sal thanks for the advice; it'll go on my list! ;)

[mel7dog]

uskiku - Yea for being head down, great news!!

[Kopper]

Thanks everyone for the tremendous support and hugs. They really help! I'm feeling better about everything today. Hopefully things will go a lot better tonight and tomorrow and I will be holding my baby very soon. We leave for the hospital tonight at 8:30pm. No food after 1pm and no liquids after 5pm.

uskiku - Woo hoo!!! That's wonderful news. I'm so glad he decided it was time to turn. :D

mel7dog - Great belly shots and your belly cast is awesome! Good luck on your move! :)

ceallaigh - Good luck on your decision. I hope everything goes smoothly for you this time and you are able to get the spinal.

Sal03 - Thanks for the tip! I already have the Colace packed in my hospital bag. Hope things are going well at your house.

Oh, and DTD didn't help here. :o

Misty911 - How are things going with you? Good luck and I hope you go into labor soon if you haven't already!

[Sully130]

Hey all. I had my weekly appointment yesterday and the baby is looking good. He's head down, face to my backside (as he should be). Finally talked to my doctor about her plans for my L&D. She says she ideally doesn't want me going past 39 weeks, but she won't induce me if I'm not showing cervical changes. And though normally she starts checking the cervix of "normal" patients at 35 weeks...she won't start checking me until after I've reached term (37 weeks). Since they can't say for sure that my rupture sealed, there is still a risk for infection, so no manual exams until it's safe to deliver. She did do the GBS test yesterday though. So I'm excited to sort of have a plan...and now I just have to hope that when they start checking me in two weeks, that my cervix decides to cooperate. With my luck it will stay tightly closed just to spite me after all I've been through! :)

I had one minor, but measurable, contraction on my NST yesterday. I've been having BH more frequently so I was glad one showed up on the NST. Makes me feel a little less crazy. Ha ha.

Kopper - I know you must be frustrated, but hopefully you'll be meeting that precious, but stubborn, baby of yours very soon! Good luck tonight!

Uskiku - HOORAY for the head being down! That is wonderful news.

Mel - Your belly is looking great and I love the belly cast. Great job!

Jane -Joey is adorable! Great pics!

Ladies, it's almost APRIL!!!!

[Txfish]

uskiku -- YAY for head down baby!!! :)

Kopper -- good luck tonight -- quick labor vibes!!

Mel, the belly cast is *beautiful*. Can't wait to see it finished. (I'd call it finished the way it is, myself!! LOL)

Sully, great news as usual -- can you believe it's "as usual", with all that's happened? Here's hoping for some action "down under" (but not for a couple more weeks!)

[briamcd]

uskiku - Yeah for heads down!

I go in today to check to see if my troublemaker has flipped. Wish me luck!

[uskiku]

Bri GOOD LUCK!!! We're crossing all (20 :D ) crossables for you here!

Thanks everyone for sharing our excitement; I still cannot quite believe this! :)

[April'06Moms]

Updated to here. :)

[JenniferEC]

Sal - Already got the Colace packed. Glad to hear Dylan loves his little sister.

Mel - That is a great belly cast. I can't wait to see the finished project.

uskiku - Yeah for the baby being head down!

Kopper - Good luck tonight! I hope things are easy for you and we get the news tomorrow that your little one is here!

Sully - Glad things are going well. You've made it so far.

Had my weekly appt today. Got the GBS swab and found out I am 4 cm dilated. I won't hold my breath that anything will happen soon, but it is good to know that things are moving along.

Off to try and nap.

[ginandchris]

Hi everyone,

Uskiku--That's such great news! I'm soo happy for you! Now you just have to concentrate on your delivery! I go in tomorrow to see if my little one has flipped, I'm hoping I will have good news to share too!

Bri--Wishing you baby turning vibes!

Mel--that belly cast looks soo neat. you must post pics when you have it all decorated.

Kopper--hope your labor goes well.

Sully--glad things are still going well for you.

As for me, sleeping actually pretty good this week. Also, only have 3 more work days! woo hoo!!! can't wait to relax and just get ready to have my little girl. :D

[jeeplover]

Had my high risk OB appointment today. They measured my little guy and he is 6 pounds 15 ounces already :eek: ! They had a hard time finding pockets of amniotic fluid but he wasn't too worried about it since the baby is breathing great and his heartbeat is fabulous! My results came back good for the 24 hour urine test so I am glad that I won't have to go through that again.

Yesterday morning I woke with horrible menstrual like cramps and DH was still in Boston so I was really nervous. Called the OB but she said that it was probably round ligament pain again although I have had that before and it felt completely different but before I knew it DH had already called his mom and she was on her way down to spend the day babysitting me-I hate that feeling of people watching over me like I am incapable ( I will be a horrible inpatient when I do deliver)! So she spent last night here with me since DH didn't get home until 4:30 this morning and then came to our OB appointment today.

Good news is that baby is head down-although this does not really make a difference for me since no matter what I am having a c-section. Also don't developed yet another lovely PG symptom MIGHT BE TMI but I have hemorrhoids! AUGH!

Next appointment is Friday, March 31st for both regular OB and NST.

[KB57]

Hello Ladies!!
Congrats Sal on your baby girl!

Hope everyone is feeling good---update on me-had my appt yesterday and I am now 2cm dilated, still around 50% effaced. But nothing else really going on. Basically the doctor said its just a waiting game. I'm still working, when I asked my dr about stopping she said there was no medical reason for her to recommend that I stop--my BP has been great, the minor swelling in my feet is normal and I have no protein in my urine so she says if I feel good (which I have been) then I might as well keep working just to reserve the time for after the baby comes. But its up to me...and my bosses have been really good, also letting me know that whenever I'm ready to stop working, so are they. So we'll see. I'm thinking maybe this Friday could be my last day if nothing happens before that.
I've been having menstrual-like cramps for the past week or so and some BH contractions but nothing major. My next appt is Monday 4/3.
Everyone hang in there, we're almost there!

[Sully130]

Shanna (awifeandmomma) had her baby boy!

Here's the news from her LJ, she asked that it be posted here:

My water broke Friday night and we welcomed sweet little (um, or not so little... :-)
Elliott Nathan into the world at 4:01PM Saturday. He weighed 9 lbs, 1 oz, and is 21" long. Looks JUST like his big brother, except with dark brown hair.
He's nursing right now as I type, hanging out in the KKAFP. So sweet....

He's doing great, nursing is going so much better/easier this time around. The delivery wasn't exactly what I wanted/hoped and planned for, but I was very happy with the whole process, how I made the choices, etc., etc. I'll type my birth story out soon. Pushing was amazing, only 25 minutes, compared to 3+ hours with N! :)

Noah's adjusting, nuff said...

I'll try to get some pictures up soon, but since we're still computer-less (using my sis's laptop to get this posted) it might be a week or two.

~~~~~~~~

Congrats Shanna and welcome to Elliott Nathan!

[Jane&Andy]

Congratulations Shanna! Welcome Elliot! :D

[jeeplover]

Congrats Shanna and welcome to the world Elliot!

[briamcd]

Congrats Shanna, Welcome Elliot.

Appt update: Baby is still breech. Because I have an anterior placenta my doctor does not feel a version would be a good idea. Baby weighs 7lbs already and dr. does not think she will flip, b/c there isn't enough room. So...there will be a c-section for me. Dr is also going out of town next week, so he wants to see me again on Friday, March 31st. Then we'll schedul the c/s for probably April 11th, b/c he doesn't want me to go into labor on my own. :( Needless to say I'm kind of sad right now b/c I wanted a vaginal delivery. I know I should be just happy b/c I probably will be holding my baby in my arms in 2 weeks.

[jeeplover]

briamcd-our scheduled dates for c-section are the same! I too am disappointed that I won't be having a vaginal birth but it is out of my control!

[Sal03]

Congrats Shanna and Welcome Elliot Can't wait to see pics!

Briamcd sorry you are disappointed, I know it is a letdown when things do not go as planned :( but as I have said before, however they get that baby to your arms...it won't matter once you have your little bundle. You'll just be so happy to have baby here!

jeeplover LOL not tmi - everyone I know, including me - got them!

uskiku great news!

Jennifer 4cm!!! won't be long at all!!!!!!

had katie's first ped appt today. she is still down from her birthweight so we have to go back next week for a check but overall she is perfect! oh and I forgot if I already posted this today but I will brag...my little 5 day old baby only woke ONCE between 10pm and 5am last night!!!!!!! she nursed all day but who cares?? if she already has her days/nights figured out I AM IN HEAVEN!

[hapahaole]

I've got some catching up to do, but thought I'd post my birth story. Sorry, it's really long. I'll post SO's later.

I went for my regular weekly check up on Monday (37 weeks 1 day) where my doc did an internal exam and found that I was already dilated 3…no… 4… no… 4-5cm! Wow, I did not expect that. I had not been having any contractions that I could tell and the day before delivering Jack I was still all closed up. I was having kind of a sciatica back pain off and on for the last couple of weeks, but I figured that was probably just from the position the baby was in.

So I called my mom and mother in law and they of course freaked out when I told them I was 4-5cm already. They wanted to know if they should come over immediately. I told them it would probably be a day or two at least…no big rush. But in my mind I figured I better pack my bags and at least get things ready in case the baby (who we didn’t even have a name picked out for yet) did decide to come sooner rather than later. So after playing with jack, hanging out with some mommy friends, and answering a million calls from my mom and mother in law, I started packing my suitcase, cleaning up the house, cleaning the car seat, and setting up the bassinet/pack n play. I didn’t go to bed until it was all finished at about 1 or 2am. Though I had I list of stuff to buy at the store the next day…doh! Still no contractions, but I did finally lose my mucus plug and had a bit of bloody show (ew…I hate saying bloody show…maybe it wouldn’t be so bad if I was British and was talking about a sitcom). I digress…

So I laid down to go to sleep and within about 10 min I felt a small trickle…weird…I’ve never peed on myself in bed before…hmmm. So I got up and went to the bathroom to investigate. You’d think it would be easy to tell if it was your water breaking vs peeing, but it took me awhile to figure out. Both are warm, but the water just kept leaking out. That was kind of annoying. So I threw on a pad (**make sure to stock up on some of those extra absorbent ones with wings for when you come home from the hospital) and went to check out my What to Expect book (had to brush off the cobwebs since I haven’t even looked at it since the first baby 2 years ago). Do I call the doctor at 2:00 in the morning if my water breaks? Or can it wait awhile? Book said to call the doctor.

So I called the doc and she said she was kind of expecting a call from me.  She said if I began to have contractions to go to the hospital and if I didn’t have contractions, to go in anyway by about 6am (she said she’d call the hospital to let them know I would be in some time before early morning). Well, within about 15 min I started having contractions about 6 min apart. They were super mellow, just kind of a bit crampy feeling low down and tightening of my uterus…but different than Braxton hicks. Matt (DH) started writing them down so we could keep track of the time. We called Matt’s parents and told them to head on over…they live about 45 min away. Within about 30 min the contractions were about 2-3 min apart, but they still didn’t hurt. Both Matt and I decided we should just leave for the hospital even though his parents hadn’t arrived yet. So we threw jack in the car and drove the 15 min to the hospital in the dark…checked in around 3:40am and was found to be 7-8cm. Matt headed back home with Jack and handed him over to his parents who were trying to pack up some clothes for jack that they would take back to their home with him (they didn’t want to just stay at our place for a few hours…arg). So instead of coming right back to the hospital, Matt was trying to get jack’s stuff ready.

Once I got on the hospital bed the contractions started getting worse…they were very uncomfortable all of a sudden. So funny though—contractions are kind of like the stomach flu—they come in waves and while you’re having one you feel pretty bad, but then when it’s over, you feel normal again…like “hey, I can’t believe I just felt so bad a minute ago.” Anyway, one nurse hooked me up to an IV to get in more fluids and put a monitor on my finger and around my belly. And another nurse asked me a bunch of questions and typed it into the computer. I asked for an epidural, but the meaner nurse said I would be lucky if there would be time for one, especially since there was another lady in labor who was in line in front of me. Doh! I told her how our first baby had a really big head and this one was supposed to be even bigger.

I tried doing my deep breathing during the contractions, but they were getting stronger than anything I felt the last time I was in labor (got the epidural at 6cm last time). I did a few of the Lamaze breathing tricks…he he he…but wasn’t sure if that was working. A nurse last time squeezed one of my toes and told me to concentrate on that, but I couldn’t really reach my own toe, so I think I squeezed the area of skin above my nose and tried to focus on that. These nurses were pretty useless during this part of labor.

So between contractions, this is when I called Matt to see where he was…luckily he was on his way back to the hospital and about 10min away…because the nurse said I was ready to start pushing. Oh nelly! No husband and no epidural. Well, I did always say that you have to keep an open mind about labor…you kind of just have to go with things and not have your heart set on delivering any one way. Some women take all the Bradley classes and want to do an unmedicated delivery and then end up with back labor or just wanting an epidural…then they feel like they’ve let themselves down. You just don’t know what is going to happen, so I think it helps to be open to all the possibilities.

So, no epidural. I started pushing. It was so much different than the last time where I did have an epidural. The epidural helped with getting to the pushing stage almost pain free. With the epidural I was well rested, but didn’t ever really get that feeling that I had to push. And my pushing totally sucked. It took an episiotomy and 1.5 hrs of pushing to get our little boy out. Without the epidural, I totally felt like I wanted to push and when I did push, it felt like I was really doing something. I asked for the mirror so I could see my progress, but mostly I just bore down and pushed liked I was taking the biggest dump of my life.

It did not hurt as much as I thought it would. Only at one point did I say, “Ow, ow, ow…” from the burning. The nurses poured some either mineral oil or numbing solution or something on me and the burning feeling calmed down. My doc asked if I wanted an episiotomy again since some of the scar tissue was holding me back some. I did another round of pushing (10sec of pushing 3 times) before I gave her the go ahead. I figured it would get the baby out in a jiffy. If I were to do it again, I think I would try a couple more rounds of pushing before getting the episiotomy again. It’s not too gnarley, but a week later, the episiotomy area was pretty much the only thing still sore and bugging me.

Matt made it with about 15 min left to go..whew…about the same time my doctor arrived. I got down to business and our little baby girl was born. They let me help pull her out and put her up on my chest for a couple minutes before they moved her to the other side of the room to be cleaned up and checked out. She was born at 4:45am, just over an hour after arriving at the hospital.

I asked for some pain killers (Motrin, Percocet) right away since last time I didn’t ask until after the epidural wore off and boy was that a mistake. As it was it still took awhile to get them…but my doc kicked the nurses into gear and help speed up the process.

After taking her measurements, they gave our little girl back to me to nurse to help get my uterus to contract (I was still bleeding a lot after the placenta came out). TMI warning: one nurse pushed on my stomach and a bunch of blood shot out of me like a squirt gun…my doctor really did not appreciate that since guess my gun was aimed at her). They gave me some pill to help my uterus contract more and that along with some massage helped the bleeding slow down.

After trying unsuccessfully to pee they let me go to my post partum room with baby and DH. I was super tired in the labor and delivery room, but something about the sun coming up woke me up and all I wanted to do was call people and share our news. So Matt fell asleep on the inflatable bed while I started calling people on our list who I thought might be up at before 8am. :) Our little girl went to the nursery to get warmed up under the heat lamps since her temp was a bit low.

2 days later we finally decided on a name…Kaylie Tate H.

[hapahaole]

sal
Hurray for a good sleeper! Kaylie has mostly been a super start sleeper too. She had a few nights of 4-5 hour streches, but the last 2 nights have not been so good. She did one of those wake up, nurse for 5 sec and then pass out things last night. Then we'd swaddle her up in a million layers of blankets, put her back down and as soon as I'm back all cozy in bed she's up again wanting more. Arg! Hope Katie keeps up the good work for you! Sorry to hear about your reflux and bad reactions during labor...that must have been no fun.

kaylie update
We had her 2 week check up today. She was born 7lb 4oz and went down to 6lbs 11oz in the hospital. At one week she was 6lbs 14oz and today at 2 weeks her very swollen hard boob milk belly was up to 7lbs 12oz. So she's growing! Though babies weight can very quite a bit with just one poo or feeding. :) She sleeps a lot during the day...we basically have a party if she opens her eyes at all. I've got to try getting her to wake up more during the day so maybe she'll sleep longer at night again.

Congrats!!! And welcome little Elliott!
I can't wait to hear how your story unfolded.

jeeplover
Sorry to hear about your new little friends...yuck! I got them really bad after labor with my first. They hurt as bad as the episotomy and lasted for a long time. Be sure to get lots of stool softeners after delivering and load up on the prune juice. Try to take a dump as soon as you can in the hospital. With my first I didn't go until 2 days after being home and man did that suck. I got all sore all over again. This time I wisened up (like Sal).


Okay, gots to feed the little one.
Take care and good luck everyone,
hapa

[briamcd]

If I'm having a c-section will stool softners be necessary?

[mel7dog]

hapa - Wow great birth story, thanks for sharing. It's great how you were just able to go with the flow no matter what happened.

[Jane&Andy]

typing with baby in one hand so will come back later for more responses.

jeeplover/briamcd - let me know if you have any questions about c-sections. briamcd - the hospital gaVE me a stool softener everyday. bowel functions still get thrown out of whack so its good to take them although I haven't continued with them since coming home. Anyway, I know a c-section isn't ideal and isn't what you wanted but at least in my experience it really wasn't that bad. getting up the first time hurt but it got easier after that. I would have recovered faster and been up more if I hadsn't had the spinal headache.

[charissa]

Shanna - Congrats to you!!! And welcome to the world Elliot - my cousin named her baby boy Elliot too hee2!!!

hapa - what an awesome birth story, usually I skim through but I really read everything. Congrats again!!!

[jeeplover]

Jane-Thank you so much for the info. I was wondering the same thing as briamcd. C-section is not the way I wanted to go but with all the wonderful first hand knowledge I am getting from you ladies it is helping!

hapa-Thanks so much! I will definitely remember to take the stool softeners and continue to take them although not sure if I can stomach the prune juice although right now I am desperate!

briamcd-I was wondering the same thing!

Well it is 3:30 and I have been awake since 1 am. I just can't sleep these days. I can't sleep during the day either and I think soon I am going to crash although DH has basically told me I have been so crabby lately-yeah you would be too if you couldn't sleep and are very uncomfortable. Oh if only men could be the ones to get pregnant!

[Sal03]

Hapa loved the birth story. especially the british bloody show LOL and I had the same OW OW OW when she came out. holy crap that burned. that's how I knew my spinal time was up!

[jakedog]

Shanna Copngratulations and welcome baby Elliot!

Hapa and SalThanks so much for sharing your birth stories:)

UsikuCongrats on your vertex!

Sully[B]I can't tell you how happy I am for you that your DH is home, you get to go home, and you are still baking!

[B]MelYour belly shots are so cute.

Jane Joey is a real heartbreaker already;)

Briamcd and other CS mamas I didn't take any stool softeners and it wasn't an issue. Since nothing really comes out of down there (besides the endless lochia-YUCK) you don't really have all that much to worry about. I will tell you a sort of weird/funny tip though. Last time they wouldn't let me eat a thing until I "passed gas" so honest to god every person you see for as long as it takes asks you if you "passed gas" yet:rolleyes: It is about the most rediculous and annoying thing you have ever seen. Since it tookme 48 hours to "pass gas" I had nothing but liquids and pain meds which for me is just dreadful.
So anyway Hub and I were watching MYTHBUSTERS the other night and they were busting myths about flatulence:p Again rediculous but we only have basic cable. Long story short they upped their gas output by double by drinking nothing but carbonated beverages for 24 hours. Soooooo I bought the bubbliest mineral water I could find and packed it in my hospital bag for immediate consumption after the birth. Because frankly having a baby and breastfeeding make you HUNGRY and jello just doesn't cut it.:D

Have my pre-op appointment today. My Dr is an excellent surgeon but has the bedside manner of an angry hermit. Not looking forward to it.
Where are all the Dr McDreamys?

Sorry if I left anyone out I will BBL!

[JenniferEC]

briam - Sory the baby didn't turn. It is exciting that you're going to meet your baby so soon!

hapa - Your birth story cracks me up! Glad everythign went well. With Caden, they "emptied my bowels" before I got an IV, so I'm sure they'll do the same this time. Of course, then I didn't have to take a dump for days, but I didn't have to worry about it so soon after delivery.

jeeplover - Hope you can get some sleep soon.

Sal - Glad things are going so well with Katie. I can only hope Caden is as good with his little sister.

jakedog - Mythbusters is great. DH watches that all the time. Hope the mineral water works for you.

[Jane&Andy]

oh yea, the passing gas questions drove me up the wall - just not something I like to talk about! I didn't eat til about 18hrs after my surgery but I had a lot of nausea afterwards. They gave me zofran starting right after the surgery (started dry heaving as soon as they moved me off the operating table and then puked once they sat me up). Eventually they switched to phenargen which did the trick. So maybe it was all that stuff that threw off my intestines.

wow hapa - what a story! I'm glad your DH made it back in time.

crying baby - gotta run. sorry for everyone I've missed - I'm thinking of all of you. :)

[Txfish]

Congrats Shanna & Welcome Baby Elliot!! Can't wait to hear the birth story :)

Hapa-- terrific birth story. You are *so* laid back; I'd be going ballistic on my cell phone to the parents if they were holding up dh because they didn't want to just stay at my house. Sorry you had such crappy nurses. Kaylie sounds like she's doing great -- more pictures please!

Jennifer, if you go and have that baby before me, I swear.... come on, you're my end-of-the-month birth buddy! 4 cm... grumble grumble grumble... ;)

I've got another check this afternoon; had lots of crampiness and a few BH yesterday (finally) & so I'm hoping I'll have progressed a little more. Don't really want to hear "1cm" for the 3rd week in a row LOL Not that it necessarily has anything to do with when I go into labor; more that I'm the great non-dialator and *really* want to have a head start when I do go into labor, to avoid the dreaded pitocin. I'll update later.

Turning baby vibes for all the breech moms... waiting to hear some news out of Kopper too!

[uskiku]

Congrats Shanna and welcome to the world Elliot!! Another April baby yay!!! :)

Hapa thanks so much for posting your birth story; I echo Txfish, you're one zen mama! :) Sounds like Kaylie is doing great!

Jennifer 4 cm?? Oh wow - hey, you were/are my due date buddy?! :D Oh well, guess DH can have his wish come true and I'll be the last woman standing... :p

Bri I'm so sorry baby hasn't turned... I know exactly how you feel... it wasn't how you imagined it'll be... but... as a nurse who run our preparations for childbirth classes pointed out, a c/s is just another way of having your precious baby... and quite soon as well! April 11th is just around the corner!! Sending you lots of hugs!

Jane, and Jakedog you guys are cracking me up with all the flatulence stories!

Txfish I'm keeping my fingers crossed for more progress!

Waiting for news from Kopper and Gina

Ugh, exercising is getting really uncomfortable, so I think this week will be it (I'll try to keep up with daily walking though). Oh well, I made it to the end of March, so I'm happy! Now, if I could get my lazy butt in gear and at least start doing all this laundry, that'd be really something...

Happy hump day! :)

[cagey]

Just wanted to report that I'm still here, and, based on yesterday's appt, nothing indicating that Baby W will be here anytime soon!

Overall, I still feel good but my stomach really has that feeling like I wayyy overate ALL the time! I can't wait to get home and put on yoga pants every afternoon!! It feels like some afternoons that I'm going though one giant BH for hours!

I don't get internal exams until week 39, so don't know if I'm dialated a bit yet. Baby is head down, but hasn't dropped yet -- I'll be happy when he does, so hopefully I'll get the foot out of my diaphram and have a bit less reflux (I can't be the only one who lists Tums as a major part of their diet now)

Otherwise, all of the 'big' to-do's have been checked off of the list: finished birth classes, Infant CPR this Saturday, finished nursery (I'll post pics tonight!), peditrician picked out, daycare lined up, doula picked, birthplan written, hospital tour taken, and Colase purchased :p

just need to finalize all of my work transition, pack the bag, make a batch of spagetti sauce for the freezer, and load a few more tunes into the Ipod, and Baby W can make his appearance!

[ginandchris]

Hi everyone,

Well unfortunately baby still has not turned. :( Just like jeeplover/briamcd my dr wants to schedule the c-section. I'm a bit sad, but in all honesty I still have some hope to have a vaginal delivery. I just have this feeling that the baby will turn.

However, I have read everything here on CC and of course listening to Jane and all the other CS moms out there about what its like to have a c section. Just so I'm prepared. Anyway, my dr would want the c section on April 12. So I will keep you posted.

I'm still going to continue doing my baby turning exercises probably more so after this week since I will be off of work! :D

Oh my next appt is April 5th.

[Misty911]

This is going to be short......my 27 month old is crying....

I'm still sick with a really bad cough...DH has Strep Throat so we are trying really hard not to get that.

I'm having the baby on Friday. They are going to induce me if I don't have it by then. I go in at 6 am on Friday, however, I went to the DR yesterday and I am 3 cm dilated and 60 percent effaced. I'm still having contractions and I'm not feeling very well at all! DH is so whining it is killing me, he is just like having another child...i swear...Anyway, I can't wait to read about the birth stories and I love the baby pictures. I will try to get back on tomorrow if time allows. I have so much stuff to do, including packing my hospital bag! If I don't get back on for those who are going through labor this weekend, sending good labor vibes your way.

[Jane&Andy]

good luck misty! :)

gina - I'm sorry your baby hasn't turned. Looking back I'm a bit sad about how things turned out for me - I didn't even get to experience real labor since the 9hrs of pitocin slowed things down for me instead of inducing me. But when I look down at my baby boy it really doesn't matter. He's here and we're both healthy and thats all that matters to me.

I take Joey to the pediatrician tomorrow - 2wk well baby visit. I'm anxious to find out what he weighs now. I've lost 20.5 lbs already which sounds great but I still have a floppy belly and a lot of pre-pg weight to lose so I have a long ways to go still. DH has been working long hours this week and as much as I enjoy my time with Joey I'm already a bit tired of being cooped up at home. My sister flies in Friday morning so I'm very excited for her visit. :)

[MMHinCA]

QOTD: What diapers are you using? How many do you have stocked up?

[JenniferEC]

Txfish - How'd your appt go? Any progress? I sat at 3-4 with Caden for about 2 weeks, so I don't think I'll go anytime soon.

uskiku - Why does your DH want you to be the last one standing?

gina - Sorry the baby hasn't turned. :( Maybe you'll get good news at your next appt.

Misty - Good luck on Friday.

Diapers - We are using Pampers Swaddlers again. I think I have a pack of 40 newborn and then I'll take what I can from the hospital. We also got a case of Swaddlers in 1-2.

[jakedog]

Well we have cleared our last hurdle, pre op visit, bloodwork, all done. We go in tomorrow for CS 9am.

Anyone heard from Kopper or Sevilla(I think she was due soon)?

Good luck tomorrow Misty!

Edit for- Diapers I bought two packs of Newborn Huggies. Then we are going to use seventh generation. I love them (good for baby and the environment!) and you can order them by the case with free shipping from Amazon. I have a case of each size waiting to go.

[Sal03]

Jakedog wishing you so much luck tomorrow. hope everything goes smoothly and can't wait to hear the good news!!

QOTD diapers we bought a jumbo pack of pampers newborn swaddlers (used those in the beginning last time too then switched to huggies) and took a bunch from the hospital. Plus we have a few bags of pampers 1s from friends.

Misty good luck tomorrow...sending easy labor vibes!

here is a pic of katie - one week old today! this is the one we are using for the announcement (it's cropped a little better for the card but you get the idea). I just thought her expression was so sweet and content :)
http://images.snapfish.com/3466965%3A3%7Ffp343%3Enu%3D323%3B%3E486%3E%3B37%3E WSNRCG%3D3233623%3A75878nu0mrj

[jakedog]

Thanks Sal! Katie looks exactly like Dylan! What a sweetie.:)

[jeeplover]

Gina-Sorry for the probable c/s-hopefully you still have your chance at a vaginal birth! Sending you turning vibes!

Misty-I hope you and DH get better soon! Aren't men the worst sick patients ever-my DH is the same way with his whining! Good luck with the c/s and I can't wait to hear the news of the arrival of your little one! I will be thinking of you this weekend!

Jane-That is great about being down 20.5 pounds-at least it is a start right! Glad that all is well with Joey!


QOTD-We haven't really decided what type of diapers we are using. We have a pack of Newborn Swaddlers (at the rate this one is growing though we might not need them) and then one pack of 1s in both Pampers and Luvs. I am going to use those up and see which ones I prefer and see if the baby is more comfortable in any of those brands, if it doesn't matter then I will probably just buy what I can in the size I need at Sam's Club since they are so cheap!

jakedog-I will be thinking of you tomorrow! I hope all goes well and I can't wait to hear the news of your little ones arrival!

Sal-Katie is a little angel! That is a great picture for an announcement!

Not too much going on with me. I finally slept last night although I did wake up twice to use the bathroom but at least I SLEPT! I know that I won't sleep the night before I am admitted to the hospital because I will just have too much on my mind so I want to get some sleep now! It is a gorgeous day here and I hope to get some cleaning done-now that I have energy!

Oh BTW I was put on an Rx for my heartburn called Protonix and OMG it is the most wonderful thing in the world. I haven't had ANY heartburn since I started taking it on Monday-I love this stuff! Now just to get rid of the hemorrhoids and I will be one happy PG lady!

[SaphirimalMei]

QOTD - Swaddlers for us. I have tried every other diaper out there with Jillian to give em a fair shot, but Swaddlers/Cruisers are the winners hands down. I can count on one hand the number of blowouts we've had. Love em.

In stock right now:
1 40 pk Newborn Swaddlers
3 jumbo cases Swaddlers sz1-2
5 jumbo cases Cruisers sz3 for DD

Yep, we have a lot of diapers :p Occasionally Target will have the Cruisers/Swaddlers on sale for $26/case, so we load up when we get the chance.

[ginandchris]

QOTD--From our shower I got a bunch of diapers in all sizes and types. I have about 200 newborn Swaddlers, 300 sz1 Swaddlers and Huggies, and a couple of cases of sz2 Huggies. So we are definitely prepared. Not to mention I have about 400 wipes too! When Target had a recent sale I bought them using the gc from our shower!:D

Thanks for the support ladies, I greatly appreciate it. And you never know what is going to happen between now and the 12th. Besides, like Jane said all that matters is that I'm healthy and the baby is healthy when she's born. Have a great Thursday everyone!

[Txfish]

Hi girls --

Best of luck Misty & Jakedog today!

Where is our news from Kopper??

Sadly, no progress for me. Sigh. He says I'm "maybe at 1.5" now, and pretty much not inducable -- he said if I realyl wanted, he'd let me come in on Saturday, but he guessed about a 40% chance we'd end up with a c-section/bad induction out of it. So I go back next Friday; if I haven't made any more real progress at that point he won't want to schedule induction for another week after that. So I may be looking at 4/14, if nothing up and happens on it's own... I'm actually fine with waiting it out, it's just frustrating to think that my body isn't cooperating here! I'd really rather not be induced if at all possible. So, my next appt: 4/7 at 9 a.m., for 40 wk check & NST

Hi to everyone -- I've got to get back to work. I'll try to check in a little later!

[Jane&Andy]

the pediatrician appt went ok. Joey only gained an ounce in the past week though so we're supplementing with formula after every feeding and I take him back tomorrow afternoon to recheck his weight. This last feeding took an hour b/c the formula takes forever (squirting it into his mouth with syringes). Then I ate lunch and now I still need to let Butter out to potty and start a load of laundry and then it will be time for another feeding. Maybe the next one will go faster, he was pretty sleepy for this one. He cried a lot at the ped's office so he wore himself out. I'm not sure how much formula he actually swallowed - a lot came back out. Aside from poor weight gain he is doing well. Its frustrating though b/c he was gaining ok before and I think I'm making enough milk still (based on how much I leak!). He's not fussy after feedings, he's quite content so it seems like he is getting enough.

Sal - she's beautiful.

sorry, I'm out of time for more responses - got some chores to do before I feed the boy again.

[jeeplover]

Txfish-Sorry your body is not cooperating but you are right it is better to wait it than suffer through a bad induction or a c/s! I hope you make some progress in the next week!

Jane-Sorry Joey is not gaining weight! It must be difficult supplementing with formula-I hope this next feeding goes well!

Got our bedding we ordered off ebay today! The bumper is great and the color goes well with the room although I am less than thrilled with the "blanket" if you can call it that. It really reminds me of a mattress pad more than anything. Oh well I can't expect much and anyways I have a ton of blankets and I am sure that I talk my mom into making him a quilt instead!

Well I am going to put the bedding on right now and will try to take a picture of the crib-god if we could only get this room done already!

[Kopper]

Hi Everyone! I'm logged on from the hospital room in L&D. Still no baby and I haven't dialated or changed much if any since Tuesday. My doctor is being great about everything and I'm not really on any timeline since the baby is doing so well and I'm tolerating everything. So right now our options are:
1. Continue as we are (which I don't have much hope for right now)
2. Go home and wait until I go into labor on my own
3. Go home and come back to try and induce again next week
4. C-section

[mel7dog]

Just dropping by to say we are in the middle of our move, so if you don't hear from me that's why. Unless of course I go into labor 3 weeks early, but that's pretty doubtful!

[jeeplover]

Kopper-Glad to hear that you are hanging in there and that the baby is doing well! Have you guys decided what you are going to do?

Mel-Good luck with the move! I hope it goes smoothly!

Well the bedding doesn't fit-it is more for a bassinet than for a crib. I am in the process of finding out the return process.

[uskiku]

Gina I'm *so* sorry the baby hasn't turned... but you're right -- there's still time before the 12th! Did they by any chance tell you whether you have a lot of amniotic fluid? I read someplace that if you do, it makes it easier for the baby to turn. Sending you and Bri many hugs and a gazillion turning vibes!!!

Jennifer DH has a hectic work schedule pretty much until the end of April, so it's a joke between us, but he would really "prefer" the baby to be late, rather than early... We'll see... ;)

Sal OMG that's SUCH a cute photo!!

Txfish sorry for no progress, but there's still time!!

Jane Sorry Joey hasn't been gaining much. If I remember correctly from our breastfeeding classes, they say that BF babies might start out gaining slowly but they'll pick up soon. Hang in there, mama, you're doing a great job! :)

Jeeplover Ugh, sorry the bedding didn't fit :mad: Hope you can return it without too much hassle!

Kopper Thanks for checking in; so good to hear from you! Sorry still no progress... What's your thinking on all these options...? Sending you loads of labor vibes -- come on, baby, it's time to come out and play!!

Mel Good luck with your move!

Misty and Jakedog GOOD LUCK TOMORROW!!! Yay, we'll have more April babies soon!!

Nothing much going on here. Made another meal to add to my slowly growing freezer stash and started washing the diapers. We've had such gorgeous weather that I can line-dry the diapers! :)
I'm actually probably going to my exercise class tonight, as I feel fine. Guess the baby hasn't dropped yet, but how do I know if he has? :confused:

[Txfish]

Glad to hear you're doing well Kopper -- keep us updated if you can. Sorry you're not moving along quicker. We're thinking of you!

Jane, sorry Andy's weight gain is slow... hang in there & I'm sure he'll pick it up again soon. I might have missed it, but did you say he was having reflux-y/spitting up problems? (Just wondering with the "not sure how much he kept in" comment.)

More baby turning vibes for you all!

Jeeplover, bummer about the bedding.

uskiku-- that's so funny; my dh would certainly understand that thought process. When I left the dr yesterday & called him to give him the update, he responded with something like "my boss will sure be happy, since I won't be out during end-of-month!" :rolleyes: Darn financial types... LOL

OK, off work for the day -- home to pot roast. DH will be *SO* happy ;)

[jeeplover]

Thanks ladies for the kind words about the bedding. I am lucky in that the seller said they are happy to take it back and I asked if they would be willing to make it for us just bigger so we will see how that goes. We do like the pattern and it works well with the white dust ruffle we already have . SO wish me luck that they can make it and I do't have to go on a wild search for construction bedding!

[briamcd]

hehe, I understand about the financial types. lol. My mom said April 11th is good for her b/c its not Thursday which is payroll day.

[Sevilla]

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v452/Champagnepunch/011c2106.jpg

Announcing the birth of our baby boy, David Michael.

Born 3-28-2006, 8:58am at 39w3d. 6 lbs. 14 oz and 20" long.
52 hours of labor (42 hours unmedicated, including during four very intense yet unproductive hours of transition and during pushing).
Successful vaginal birth (this was so important to me, I‘m very thankful I was able to have it).

He is just the sweetest baby ever, and nursing is going really really well. He has a good latch, and i'm making making plenty of colostrums which is way cool.

I’ll write up my birth story in the next few days. It was a difficult labor, and I am *so so so so so so* thankful for my midwives. It’s b/c of them that I was able to have a vaginal birth instead of being sectioned.

I cannot say enough how our Bradley classes, birh plan, and supportive hospital staff enabled us to make proactive decisions and have the sort of labor that we wanted.

[Sal03]

Sevilla Congrats!! He looks so alert! Welcome to the world David!!

[hapahaole]

Yay!!! Congratulations Sevilla!!!
Welcome little David. :)

Way to go! That's one long labor. Can't wait to hear your story.


Good luck Jakedog. I can't believe it's actually time. Good luck Misty!
hapa

[jeeplover]

Congrats Sevilla and welcome to the world David!
Sevilla-he is just adorable and I am so glad to hear that you got the vaginal birth that you wanted! You are amazing to stick it out for 52 hours! Can't wait to hear your birth story!

[uskiku]

CONGRATS Sevilla and welcome to the world David!!! He looks absolutely adorable! I'm also looking forward to reading your birth story; you're one strong and determined mama! :)

[mel7dog]

Wow Sevilla you are amazing! After your long and intense labor you have given me new motivation for NCB. Congrats on your beautiful little guy :)

[ceallaigh]

Congrats Sevilla!!! 52 hours? You're my hero!

SalI can't believe how much Kate looks like Dylan. Very cute pic choice!

Jane Don't be so hard on yourself about the weight loss. Summer is coming and you'll get it off. Trust me. I gained 50 pounds last time and lost ALL of them. As for Joey's weigh gain, it can really happen in spurts as I'm sure you've heard. As long as he's eating/wetting try not to worry too much.

Kopper Hang in there girl. It will happen!

And to all of you who are disappointed with your birth experiences/plans Well I can relate. I was SOOO disappointed to be under general anesthesia with my son. And now I'm likely facing the same outcome next Friday. But TRY not to get too hung up on this. I know it's hard but just accept that there are some things you CAN'T control. You did all you can for 9 months and now you have a lifetime of responsibility and love to look forward to. How these babies get here is really secondary. I swear!

39 weeks And hangin' in over here. Have no idea if there's any action down there because my doc hasn't done an internal at all. Since I'm a scheduled section I guess she figures there's no point. I'm happy about that because I didn't want any poking around to potentially start something!!! Today is the day she wanted to schedule me but I insisted I could make it to 40 weeks! One week to go! I'm still only measuring 32 weeks so I'm not overly uncomfortable. I'm just wondering how small this baby is....

It's almost April ladies!!!! YAY

[Txfish]

Wow! Congratulations Sevilla & dh and welcome David Michael!!! He is stunning, and you are a rock star -- I cannot wait to read your birth story. How awesome that you had exactly the kind of support you needed during a very long labor.

jeeplover, hope verything works out with the sheets -- sounds so cute!

cealleigh-- thanks for saying that again, about the means not mattering as much as the end result. It is very hard to get through our heads sometimes ;) Why might you be under general anes. for your section again?

bri-- LOL on payroll day :) Goofy mom, like she wouldn't come running anyway

[Tiffany79]

Afternoon all!
Wanted to stop by and let everyone know that KOPPER delivered baby Jacob at 5:51am this morning!
She asked that I let you guys know :)
He weighed in at 9lbs 1.9oz 20 1/2 inches long.
Big and Beautiful!
We are thrilled for her and her husband.
Have a wonderful day!!!
:D

[Sal03]

Kopper CONGRATS!! What a big boy. Welcome to the world Jacob!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

ceallaigh thanks! it is so true. I am looking down at her now and she looks just like dylan as a newborn!

[Sully130]

Congrats Sevilla on the birth of David! He's adorable!!!

And Kopper! Finally!!! Congrats and welcome to the world Jacob!

~~~~

TA-DAH!!!!After 135 days on strict bedrest, I'm so happy that tomorrow is my first day that it's okay for me to spend time on my feet! I can't wait! I'm still very restricted in my activity and I can't drive for another week (at least...and that's if my DH lets me then), but HOORAY!!!! I'm so thrilled my son and I have made it this far. It's nothing short of a miracle. :D Thank you for all of your support throughout it all.

[Sal03]

Sully it really is a miracle. :) so thrilled for you!

[briamcd]

Congrats Sevilla!!! I'm also in awe of your 52 hours of labor.

Congrats Kopper, Welcome Jacob.

Way to go Sully! You are an awesome lady keeping your baby growing and healthy that long on bedrest.

Update: Had another appt today. We did schedule our c-section for Aprill 11th bright and early. I'm excited and scared, and everyday I'm coming more calm out the whole thing. I'm still scared about surgery b/c I've never had one, but I'm not as upset about method of delivery.

[ceallaigh]

Yeah Kopper! I TOLD you you wouldn't be pregnant forever!

Txfish I had spinal surgery many many years ago that make inserting an epidural next to impossible so a spinal is a big but doubtful question mark right now.

Brian I'm glad you're feeling better about your section.

Seriously ladies, nobody has ever had a more disappointing birth experience than me but I swear it is easier to accept if you make up yout mind that you don't control this! (And I'm sure all my son cares about right now is how much we love him/care for him... not how he got here!)

Sully you're a free woman! And I second Sal. It is a miracle. Congrats!

I'm off to continue my cleaning. Total frenzy here knowing I only have a week left. Emptying closets, fridges, cleaning windows... Even brought
the dog in for grooming!

Have a great weekend everyone. I wonder if there will be any more arrivals...

[Txfish]

Hooray :) Congrats Kopper & dh -- welcome baby Jacob!!!

Sully, we are so proud of you & pleased to hear this big news -- woot on being off bedrest!!

[ginandchris]

Congrats to Kopper and welcome baby Jacob!

Also congrats to Sevilla and baby David! I can't wait to hear your birth story as well. :)

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

Sully--I'm so glad you have finally made it off of bedrest! Yeah!

Bri--I'm glad you are feeling better about your decision.

ceallaigh--thanks for the encouragement regarding the whole birth experience. I'm still thinking/adjusting/thinking more about everything. Sometimes it takes me a while to process things.

As for me, today is my last day of work!!!! WOO HOOO!!! Can't wait to just concentrate on waiting for my little girl! :) :D :p

[jeeplover]

Kopper-Congrats on your beautiful little boy! Can't wait to hear from you!

Sully-I am so happy for you! You definitely deserve to be off bedrest! It is so wonderful to see that you and your little boy have made it this far-you are in the home stretch now!

briamcd-You and me both are having our c-sections on April 11th. Isn't it crazy to think that in 11 days we will be holding our babies!

ceallaigh-I am doing the same thing with the cleaning frenzy. Also it doesn't help that my parents are coming to visit us in our house for the first time since we moved in April! Oh and I have to thank you for writing about the disappointment in being a c-section. I just found out today that I will more than likely be put under general anesthesia as well! Thank you for putting it into perspective for me!

ginandchris-Yeah for your last day at work!

************************************************** ****
Had a really bad day today! Had my weekly appointment with my regular OB and found out that there was protein in my urine so I have to go back on Monday for another urine dip! Then I had my weekly NST where my doctor also wanted me to have my anesthesia consult and some bloodwork done. I figured normally I am there for a half hour so maybe it would take an hour not a big deal. Well first anesthesia was backed up and then the lab was backed up. Of course on top of that my little guy wasn't moving so they kept me on the monitor because he was barely moving. So the anesthesiologist came over and started to talk to us but was then called away so another one came and this is where it got even worse. He told us that I would be put under general anesthesia for the birth and then said that he didn't think he wanted me to deliver the baby at this hospital but instead the one an hour away. Thank goodness at this point my OB walked in and she was just as shocked as we were to hear this news. I told her that I don't want some random OB delivering my baby and that I wanted her. Of course DH was not happy throughout this whole discussion. So the anesthesiologist, my regular OB, my high risk OB and the cardiologist are going to have a conference and discuss this. After all that I was still on the monitor and the baby was still not moving so they gave me some crackers and juice. Of course at this point it was 2 pm and I had been there since 11 am and hadn't eaten since 9 am. So the baby was moving a little and then they gave me some lunch and that woke him up. So we are still scheduled for the c-section on April 11th but I won't find out any real news until Monday as my cardiologist is on vacation. So keep your fingers crossed for me girls that I get to deliver at my local hospital.

My next appointment is Monday, April 3rd.

[Sal03]

jeeplover what a completely nervewracking and stressful day. I really hope they say you can stick with your OB!

It's been so quiet in here! I want to hear about more babies!!! Here is a pic from friday...first walk with the kids in the double stroller! Dylan brings his basketball everywhere! He is getting to be so sweet with his sister, goes up to her a few times a day and pats her face or head. and he has yet to get upset with me nursing or holding her. And Katie is still sleeping like an angel. Usually only one wake up btw 10 and 6! I have never even heard of a BF baby doing that!

http://images.snapfish.com/3466%3B%3B435%7Ffp339%3Enu%3D323%3B%3E486%3E%3B37% 3EWSNRCG%3D32336266%3B9376nu0mrj

[mel7dog]

Sal - Oh my, as always I love your kids :)

Not much going on with me. We are in the middle of the move, but have internet in the hotel :) We should be n our new house Mon. Finally I hit 37w! I am SO ready to give birth. I have had a great pregnancy, but the last week or two has been rough, I just can't sleep at all. I am trying not to get my hopes up that I could deliver before my EDD, but I can't think about anything else!

[Jane&Andy]

Congratulations Kopper and Sevilla! :)

We've progressed to supplementing Joey with formula in bottles - the syringes weren't working. The formula poured back out without being swallowed. He'll spit up the bottle (after swallowing) if I don't force him to take breaks. Its pretty awful to see the formula pour out of him. But he never spits up breastmilk. He was up an ounce on Friday to 6lbs even. We'll go back Tuesday for another weight check. There's really no good explanation for his lack of weight gain. So far the bottles are not causing him any problems with BFing so that is good at least.

[jeeplover]

Sal-Your kids are so cute! That is so wonderful that Dylan is taking to being a big brother like a pro! And how amazing that Kate is sleeping so well. Let's hope that the rest of us April Moms have such wonderful luck as you!

Mel-Yeah for being in the new house on Monday-how exciting! I am with you on being so done with this whole pregnancy! I hope all goes well for you Monday!

Jane-Sorry that Joey is still spitting up alot but yeah for gaining an ounce-that is good! Glad to hear that the weight loss has nothing to do with any GI problems! How is he doing with both breastfeeding and the bottle together?

Well it has been quiet in here so I was hoping to see some more of these babies being born!

[MMHinCA]

Just checking in to see if there were anymore April babies born this weekend. But I guess not. We had a very productive weekend... we finished the nursery! :) I am so excited to have it all done. As soon as I take some pictures I will post some for you guys. We are also getting ready to go to our hospital tour / child birth class from 2-4:30pm today. Then tomorrow night is our last child birth class. I can't believe we have already gone to 5 of them. I am SO anxious to have this baby girl, but fear that I will be one that is close to her due date and a couple of days after. I guess only time will tell!

Hope everyone had a nice weekend!

[MMHinCA]

I finally have picture of our nursery!

From the right corner of the room around to the left side of the room...

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v380/michelleheller26/995585184305_0_ALB.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v380/michelleheller26/625506184305_0_ALB.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v380/michelleheller26/783306184305_0_ALB.jpg
(The picture on the right still need pictures in them.)

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v380/michelleheller26/197116184305_0_ALB.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v380/michelleheller26/833495184305_0_ALB.jpg

[jeeplover]

MMH-your nursery looks fabulous!

[Sevilla]

and i'm up with David. He's in his bouncy seat right now, hopefully being vibrated to sleep (and having the hiccups). So i thought i'd catch up on this thread-i've been trying to do so for the past few days.

Thank you for the congratulations everyone! I have my birth story all written up, but it is psycho-long. But for those of you still awaiting labor I thought i'd post the things that really helped me deal with contractions:

Helpful techniques during labor: Kneeling with and sitting on the birthing ball, ‘labor dancing’ with Dh and burying my face in his chest for the contractions, vocalizations in rhythm with the contrax (‘ooooh, ooooh, ooooh’), visualizing where I was at in each contraction (I.e., I knew it was about 3 ‘ooooh’s’ until it would peak, and depending on the type of contraction my mind would give me a random mental image of what each ‘ooooh‘ looked like), having Dh tell me when I was at 30 seconds b/c then I knew the worst was almost over, and using the shower sprayer right on the most intense spots. The sock filled with rice and heated in the microwave was very helpful too.

I also found that talking to my uterus was very effective-I would tell it that I needed a contraction, I would talk to it and the baby and my cervix and ask them to all work together to dilate, and it really did work. Often right after I’d finish ‘requesting’ a contraction one would start.

Also make sure that your DH brings something to occupy himself with during labor. Dh brought our laptop and a computer game (which i know the nurses wondered "why in the world is he playing a game???") but i didn't need him to be doing things with me for all of labor, sometimes i got into a rhythm on my own and just needed to be left alone unless i asked for help. So it was good for him to have something to occupy himself during those hours.

Meh--fussy baby, i'll have to do shout-outs later. Sorry!

[jakedog]

Good morning!

Baby Eloise Elizabeth was born at 9:34AM on Friday. Due to low complications with pain meds (ie me not taking them!) we were all able to settle in comfortaby at home yesterday (Sunday)

Everyone is doing so well I can't believe it. Eloise is a champion nurser, latched right on just an hour after surgery, she had my milk in by Sunday morning. I now look like an escapee from a bad strip club but other than some engourgment I am feeling like a million dollars.

Vital Stats-
Hair- redish and a lot more than her brother
Eyes- blue
weight- 7lbs1oz
height- 17" a shorty like her mama!
Apgar- 9/9!

One of the most memorable parts of her birth was when they whisked her away and the Drs and her dad were all over watching her in the warmer. The pediatrician came over and leaned in to talk to me. He said "I have looked your baby over and she is just perfect. You have a beautiful daughter"
It was really really wonderful.
I don't want to peg a baby at three days old but I had no idea that they could actually be this easy (and by easy, I still mean hard but not nearly as hard as the last time!)

Hang in there soon to be mamas, it is so so worth it!

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v733/jakedog1/eloise.jpg

[Sal03]

jakedog yayyyyyyy I was checking in all weekend! Congrats! I love her name, so pretty! how is H doing? she is so sweet in that picture. :) and honestly, I think they can be that easy. Every day I say tomorrow is when she is going to get fussy and we are on day 11 now and still doing great so you never know.

sevilla katie has the hiccups all the time too. sounds like you are doing great!

MMH the nursery is so beautiful. I know you were questioning the cherry at one point but it really all goes so perfectly.

[uskiku]

Congrats Jakedog and welcome to the world Eloise!!!

Congrats Kopper and welcome to the world Jacob!!!

Wow, more babies!!!

Jakedog she is soooooo cute!!! Awww.... I want one too.... right NOW! :D

Kopper Hope you guys are doing well! Jacob sure was a big boy!

Ceallaigh Good luck on Friday; hope you got the house all ready for the baby!

Sully Yay, so happy for you! And I echo everyone else: it really is a miracle!

Gina Hoorah for the last day of work!

Jeeplover Sorry about the stressful day... I'm keeping my fingers-toes crossed so that you'll get to go with your OB!

Sal You have such cuties in your hands! :)

Jane Sorry Joey is not gaining enough... Have you tried asking advice over at the breastfeeding help thread? Marisa is soooo helpful and knowledgable.

MMH Fabulous nursery, so pretty and elegant! Ainsleigh is going to love it! :)

Mel Are you guys moved in already? Fabulous belly pics, by the way!

Sevilla Sounds like you guys are doing great! I honestly wouldn't mind a long birth story! Thanks so much for the advice! How much did David weigh?
Oh, and how's cloth diapering working out for you guys? Any advice? Are CPFs working out for you?

Txfishand Bri that's too funny!! DH is actually not in finances; he's teaching like I do, and will finish his classes around the end of April, but, yeah, I get a lot of comments a la "that Tuesday would not suit me very well"; "it'd be best if it were in the morning" or "your water is not going to break while you're at sleep, is it??!!" :rolleyes:

I'm sooo excited to be full term (my EDD is my own estimate, based on charting, according to the doctor I was full term on Friday)! Don't think there's anything going on and I'm feeling fine these days. I do get awfully tired very quickly though. My freezer stash is growing steadily, I scrubbed the apartment yesterday and am thinking of starting washing baby clothes soon. Still need a few things for the baby and the nursery, but we're getting there... very slowly... :rolleyes:

Is it just me or... I simply cannot believe that April is finally here! I mean, in August, when I/we got the BFP, April seemed soooo far away... I honestly did not think it'll ever arrive and now it's here -- yeah! :D

[Txfish]

Girls, I'm heading to the hospital -- been in labor since 11 pm last night. My child-to-be has quite the sense of humor... instead of coming on April Fool's, she's chosen our anniversary as her birthdate. :rolleyes: Thanks, hon!

I'll get my dh to email Jennifer with the final update!

[uskiku]

OMG, Txfish GOOD LUCK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[jeeplover]

Jakedog-CONGRATULATIONS and WELCOME TO THE WORLD ELOISE ELIZABETH! Thanks for the advice on the things that worked for you!

uskiku-Yeah on being full term! That is always exciting!

Txfish-Can't wait to hear of the news of your little ones arrival! Hope all goes well and I will be thinking of you today!

Nothing too exciting here. Get to go back to my regular OB today for another PIAC thanks to protein in the urine on Friday. Then have my high risk OB later today. We also should hear whether or not all the doctors and the anesthesiologist were able to conference on where I will be delivering!

Well gotta go jump in the shower.

[Jane&Andy]

Congratulations Jakedog! She's a beauty!

gorgeous nursery MMH!

good luck TXfish!

uskiku - I plan to do some reading in the BFing and FFing threads just haven't had time yet. My sister was visiting this weekend so I couldn't spend much time online.

Joey goes back to the ped tomorrow afternoon. Hopefully he will be back to birthweight. The feedings are more complicated now with the supplementing but he's still an easy baby (so far - knock on wood). He only fusses if he's hungry.

[jeeplover]

Jane-Glad to hear that the feedings are getting a little easier! ETA: Which hospital did you deliver at if you don't mind me asking?

Well I heard from my cardiologist this morning and it looks like I will not be delivering at the hospital down the street with my OB. The anesthesia dept. does not think that the ICU there could handle if any complications could arise from the drugs they use.

I am a wreck right now and can't stop crying. I wrote it all in my LJ so if anyone wants to read it let me know and I will add you over there. I need to go lie down to see if I can calm down a little.

[Jane&Andy]

jeeplover - I'm so sorry. :( I delivered at Anne Arundel Medical Center - great hospital.

[Sal03]

Jeeplover I am so so sorry you had such disappointing news. I know it is hard, but try to think of the positive...that they just want you in the safest situation possible and that either way the end result is that you will have your precious baby in your arms. sending lots of hugs!

[jeeplover]

Jane-Thanks for answering me so quickly. Our options are Holy Cross or Fairfax. I know this is a random question but do you know how far Silver Springs is away? I have no idea where it is and DH has all the map books in the car with him.

[MMHinCA]

Congratulations Kopper and Jakedog!

[jeeplover]

Sal-Thanks I am trying to keep that in mind but the logistics of it all are scaring me and going to a place that is so unfamiliar to me worries me. I have a hard time trusting doctors if I don't know them and the fact that so much has happened throughout this pregnancy it worries me that I could have a doctor who is unfamiliar with me and my baby.

I am sorry girls to come in here and vent like that but I can't call my parents because they will just worry too much and can't talk to DH because he gets so mad about the whole situation.

[Jane&Andy]

jeeplover - I can't remember where you live but I know Silver Springs isn't too far from me - probably about 30min. My SIL delivered at Fairfax and liked it. I know nothing about Holy Cross. Sorry I'm not very helpful but I haven't been in this area all that long. Here;s a link to directions to Holy Cross (http://www.holycrosshealth.org/maps_main.htm).

[Jane&Andy]

a few more photos :)
http://images.snapfish.com/34672%3B533%7Ffp346%3Enu%3D3233%3E53%3A%3E%3B65%3E 232453%3A%3C5626%3Aot1lsi
http://images.snapfish.com/34672%3B533%7Ffp346%3Enu%3D3237%3E%3B35%3E433%3EWS NRCG%3D323362%3B%3B7544%3Anu0mrj

[jrsygirl]

jeeploverI'm sorry how this turned out for you. I have to go to a speacial hospital too- we had enough advance warning though that it is the one where my high risk obgyn -who i see exclusively now- has priveledges though which helped.

[Lolly]

Congrats to everyone! Just wanted to chime in here for jeeplover. I have heard many, many great things about Holy Cross, especially the maternity ward. (Unfortunately my doctors don't deliver there and although I would prefer to go there, I just didn't feel like switching doctors). I can't remember where exactly you live now but Holy Cross is not an out of the way hospital. I haven't been there in a while but its easily accessible off of 495. Hope that helps a little. Either with Fairfax or Holy Cross just know that your dotors have yours and your babys' well being at heart. You'll see your little one soon!

[briamcd]

C-Section Mommies: How long after the section did you have to wait to nurse? and how long before you were allowed to try to get up and walk around?

Jeeplover: Sorry for the change in hospitals. I know how you feel about things changing and you not really having control over it. :( But I'll remind you the same thing you reminded me...whatever way it happens. We'll both be holding our babies in 8 more days. :)

Jane: cute pictures as always.

[uskiku]

Jeeplover Oh you poor thing!! OF COURSE you can (and should!) vent here; I so understand how we cannot talk to our parents about stuff but still need to get it off our chest, so vent away! And, also, I know this is hard and so not the way you wanted it, but you'll be holding your baby very soon!! Sending you lots of hugs!!

jane Joey is a cutie!! :)

[jeeplover]

Jane-Thanks! I live in Leesburg so I think I am about an hour and a half away from you so I guess that would make Holy Cross 2 hours from me still not sure! Also I love the pictures of you and Joey how cute and your daffodils look great!


jrsygirl-Thanks! I just wish we had more advanced notice on this so I could go to the hospital and feel more comfortable!


Lolly-Thanks for coming in! I live in Leesburg but I am glad to hear that Holy Cross is a good hospital-I just know nothing about it and no one we really know here knows anything about it since they all use Inova. Do you know how far Holy Cross is from Leesburg?


briamcd-Thanks! I am trying to keep that in mind but having all these things switched on me so suddenly has definitely made it hard on me, of course these pregnancy hormones don't hlep either!

[Sevilla]

Now he's napping in his swing...so let's see if i can get through everyone. So much has happened in this thread in the past few days!

Jane: Love your avatar, it's so sweet. And the new pics are great--you look wonderful and glowing. I'm sorry to hear about having to supplement, hopefully that will be a short-term thing. And i'm glad to hear that he is still nursing great. Have you called a lactation consultant for their advice? The one i had at the hospital was fantastic, and she was available to be called even after we went home. Did your hospital have something like that you can take advantage of?

Kopper: Congratulations on your little boy! i'm so happy for you :).

Jakedog: Congratulations on the birth of your daughter! I'm so glad everything went well. Reddish hair sounds adorable. I love the pic you posted too, so sweet.

Sully: Congratulations on being off of bedrest and to have made it so far-it really is a miracle and i'm so thrilled for you :).

Sal: Such a cute picture of your kids. That's awesome that everyone is adjusting so well.

Mel: Hope the move goes well! That's great you can access internet from your hotel. I was going nuts without it in the hospital, i even had my sister log in to check a few sites for me over the phone, lol. Your latest belly shots look great too! You're getting close to the end :).

MMHCA: The nursery looks beautiful, you guys did a great job. I know what you mean about anticipating going overdue. I did that for my whole pregnancy, told myself "you'll probably go overdue and have the baby around Easter" and that's what i told people too "by Easter the baby will be here" and it totally helped my mindset and i wasn't antsy at all. Besides, since you'll have your baby towards the end that means we'll get to enjoy little newborn pictures and birth stories for longer.

uskiku: Thanks! i'll post my birth story in a bit, if i get enough time (i.e., he doesn't wake up ;)). CD'ing is going great. We're using size newborn Prowrap and Bummi Super Whisper Wrap covers, and a combination of Kissaluvs size 0 and preemie-sized CPF's (infant size would be gigantic on him b/c he was just 6 lb. 14 oz). i'm still mastering the CPF's and snappi, but it's getting easier. That's what he's in right now. The Kissaluvs are idiot-proof and SO nice, i'm glad we got them. We also have the disposables from the hospital that we're slowly using--just at night. We've had a few blowouts and leaks from the disposables, but *never* from the cloth. We're using cloth wipes too and those are so nice, i highly recommend it. Way more effective than disposable wipes (i only ever need one even with big poopy messes), and we just use water on them for now. Do you have wetbags/pail liners? we've been using small wetbags (like from www.happytushies.com) to hold his diapers, and so far they hold about 1 1/2 days worth and then we do a load in the washer. The zipper is a really nice feature for keeping away the smell--i can't even tell i have a bag of dirty diapers sitting in my room (but i could totally tell when i threw disposables in the trash and left them there for a day or two). HTH!

Txfish: i hope everything goes well at the hospital and that you have a quick and easy delivery. We'll be waiting to hear the news!

briamcd: As long as you both are doing well, you can breastfeed in the recovery room. Make sure to be very vocal about your desire to bf right away, and have DH do that too (and put it in your birth plan). So that would be 1-2 hours after birth. But i have also heard of women who breastfed immediatly while still on the table. You'd probably have to get it approved by your doctor, but as long as baby is ok i don't see why it would be a problem. you wouldn't be able to hold the baby on to nurse, but your DH and/or a nurse could do it for you.

jeeplover: Sorry about the change in hospitals, that's frustrating.

Wow, i was able to get through all the shout-outs, yeah!!!! Birth story will be posted next, if he doesn't wake up (which he's starting to).

[Jane&Andy]

Sevilla - my hospital had awesome lactation consultants. I need to look into what services they offer.

briamcd - here's how it went with my c-section - they cleaned Joey up and brought him to me to see. Then they took him to recovery and sewed me up and then I joined him in recovery. I didn't try to BF in recovery - I puked when they sat me up so I wasn't quite ready to try it. I was only in recovery for about an hour and then I was moved to the post-partum room. I started trying once we got there. We weren't able to breastfeed for the first 36hrs but it was more b/c of his slight prematurity then it was anything to do with the c-section. He was just too sleepy and had trouble latching.

they had me get out of bed for the first time about 12hrs after the surgery. I wasn't ready to walk around but managed to scoot into a chair and sit up for an hour or so. Getting up and then back into the bed for the first time was pretty painful but it got much better after that. They removed the urinary catheter about 24hrs after the surgery and at that point I could get up whenever I wanted to. Getting up got easier and easier from there. I had the c-section at 1am Thurs and wasn't allowed to shower til Saturday. That kinda sucked. They did give me some soapy clothes to wash up with in the meantime. And for that first shower DH helped me. He was with me for the second shower but I needed less help then.

[Lolly]

jeeplover From Leesburg I would think it should only take about and hour or so. Here's my thinking. You would take 15 to 340 to 270 to 495. Normally I think that would only be about an hour (and 15 minutes?). However I'm not sure how it would be during rush hour, but then again you would mostly be going against traffic. I would do a mapquest or yahoo maps from your house to the hospital address for more details. I think the ferry is still in operation from Leesburg to Montgomery County, MD (at Whites Ferry) but I'm not sure how much time that would save you.

You may want to ask some girls, on the local thread, about Fairfax and Holy Cross. They may have a better opinion about those hopitals as well. :)

[April'06Moms]

Updated to here. :)

[Sevilla]

I made a separate post for my birth story b/c it is too long and i didn't want to clog up this thread. So here you go for those of you interested :).

My Birth Story - 52 hours of labor for our little boy (http://www.constantchatter.com/showthread.php?p=652320)

[uskiku]

Sevilla I just read your birth story; it was truly inspiring! Thanks again for posting it; I'm sure I'll be thinking of you when it's my turn! ;)
So glad to hear about cloth diapers working out for you guys! I actually told DH about your cloth diapering experience and how the few blowouts you've had were with disposes -- he seemed more convinced about cloth diapers, so thanks!! :p. Hmmm... we only have 1 Kissuluv, as I'm trying to make this as cheap as possible... I'll start practicing with CPFs (on stuffed animals) as soon as I get my snappies! ;)

[ceallaigh]

Congrats Jakedog and beautiful Eloise!!

TxFish Good Luck!

Jeeplover I feel your pain. I do. I cried last Monday when they told me a spinal was very unlikely for me... This is the best place to vent, trust me. My DH is at the end of the day MAN and he doesn't get why I care so much about not seeing the birth. I can understand your DH being more angry than disappointed. A guy thing. But you and your baby's health really is the top priority of your doctors and I'm sure they're changing your hospital for good reason. Better safe than sorry.... Give yourself the time to digest the news and try to stay positive: EYES ON THE PRIZE, GIRL! YOUR BABY!!!

BrianMcd I had my last c-section at 1AM on a Monday under general and wasn't on my feet until Tuesday morning so it was over 24 hours. I'm not sure if a full day is the same if you have a spinal or not. As for breastfeeding, because I was out of it until about 4AM and my son was wailing for food my husband gave him a big bottle around 2AM. My first attempt at feeding was around 6:30-7AM... Again my timeframe is long due to how my section was performed. All of my friends who had sections with spinals were able to feed within 2 hours or so. Hope that helps! (You can use my story as a "worst case scenario" if that makes you feel any better! ;) )

Well I cleaned the fridge today and that just about did me in. My BACK is killing me. I had wanted to clean all the windows in the house... yeah that'll have to wait. I have the energy just not the pain tolerance! hahaha!

Jane I supplemented with my son because pumping was never easy for me and I just could'nt bring myself to breastfeed in public. I don't care what other people do but it's just not for me. I started around 4 weeks and he always took breat AND bottle no problem until I decided I'd had enough when he was about 5 months old. Just keep the nipples on the bottles small. If you go up sizes too fast he may get lazy with the boob... that's what started happening with me and why it made my decision to quit that much easier. Just my two cents...

4 days and counting.... I can feel the anxiety setting in!

Who's next after Txfish???

[jeeplover]

Thanks everyone for all the well wishes!

So met with my high risk OB and I am being admitted into the hospital tomorrow for some testing and the c-section will be performed on Wednesday! I am kind of freaking out as I kept thinking that I had a week to go but in reality what is a week anyways!

I am going to Holy Cross hospital in Maryland and my high risk OB will be performing the c/s. He doesn't seem to think that I will need to go under general anesthesia but he can't say that positively as it all depends on the anesthesiologist. Good news for DH is that he will be able to cut the cord which he is happy about.

Well I need to double check our hospital bag and do the laundry. It looks like I won't be back on here until after I get out of the hospital but I will have DH email Jane of the baby's arrival!

Again thank you all so much for your support!

[JenniferEC]

Congrats Sevilla and welcome to David. Kudos to you for all you went through in that 52 hour labor and kudos for typing it all out!

Congrats to Kopper and welcome to baby Jacob. I hope things are going well for you.

Congrats to Jakedog and welcome to Eloise. She is so adorable!

Sully - Yeah for being off bedrest. I hope you're enjoying every minute of it.

Sal - That pic of Kate and Dylan is so cute! He looks like such a great big brother.

Mel - I hope your move goes well.

MMH - The nursery is gorgeous! The bedding goes so well with that furniture.

jeeplover - Sorry things aren't going the way you had planned. Feel free to vent in here all you want. Good luck!

Jane - Cute pics!

uskiku - Glad you're hanging in there with me. Not much longer!

No word from Txfish.

I'm so tired right now I can't think. Caden was sick last week with diarreha and ended up with a chemical burn on his butt. His fever was 102 most of the week so now we're just trying to get him back on a schedule and rested. I have my weekly appt tomorrow so maybe I'll get good news then.

Hope everyone else is doing well.

[Misty911]

Quick update--

Joshua Holden
March 31, 2006 at 11:17 a.m
8lb 6oz 19"

https://secure.msha.com/images/baby/photos/QQQAHHQZM_lrg.jpg

[jeeplover]

Congrats Misty! Welcome to the world Joshua Holden! He is so precious and look at all that hair-so cute! Can't wait to hear your birth story!

[Sevilla]

Congrats Misty! He's so cute :).

[cagey]

Congrats Misty! That looks like one happy baby :)

[Sully130]

Congrats Misty and welcome Joshua Holden! He is adorable!

Congrats jakedog and welcome to precious Eloise Elizabeth!

I've been spending/enjoying time OFF bedrest so I know I have some catching up to do in here! We finally bought the carseat and the swing, the pack n' play arrived yesterday and I got the bassinet we are borrowing over the weekend. The nursery furniture arrived on Saturday, but we still need to assemble the crib and buy a mattress. Things are slowly coming together!

jeeplover, good luck tomorrow. I know it's not exactly the way you wanted things to be, but you'll have your precious little one in your arms very soon.

JenniferEC - Sorry things are rough around your house right now. Hope you get great news at your appointment!

MMH - Your nursery looks fantastic!

[Jane&Andy]

Congratulations Misty! Welcome Joshua Holden! He's adorable!

Good luck jeeplover! :D

[jakedog]

Thank you all so much! I will be back to do more personal SOs but I wanted to give some quick answers to the CS questions for our moms who are going in this week.

Nursing- Eloise was born at 9:34 Am and was nursing by 11:30. I delayed her eyedrops until after her second nursing session so we could 'meet' properly. They wanted to give them to her with her vitamin K while I was 'recovering' but my husband said NO.- He stayed with her the entire time.
H did not latch until he was 24 hours old. But he never recieved any sort of supplementation, with the help of the hospital LCs we just kept at it.

I had a Spinal for the CS and they gave me anti nausea meds before and it was just fabulous. No side effects what so ever.
Because of my inability to handle narcotics they gave me a shot of nubain after delivery- this was the only drug that made me sick. I refused everythign but Torredol, which as I understand it is a heavy duty Ibuprofin, after that.
I think I probably had more 'pain' then normal but ZERO side effects so it has been well worth it.
I was up walking (slowly) the next morning (saturday) and showered by myself, cathetar and IV were removed. We actually wanted to go home Saturday night but they deeply discouraged it. However they did speed up all the other things necessary (paperwork, PKU, hearing test, prescription, stitch removal) to get us out early on Sunday. We were so glad to be hom ebut I do have to keep reminding myself to take it slow. I have actually (stupidly and accidentally) picked up my toddler a couple of times because it has been such a superb recovery.

The only residual pain I have five days out is some abdominal pain when tryign to sit up from a lying position. Especially when holding the baby.

HTH and feel free to ask anyy last minute questions- I will try to be back by tonight.

Oh and for those wondering the 'gas' trick worked extremely well and I had a nice breakfast on Saturday morning:)

[ceallaigh]

Sevilla That was a great birth story! Thanks for taking the time to share the whole thing.

Well the nerves have settled in. I could hardly sleep last night. I kept waking up DH and telling him to turn over because he was snoring but in reality he was just breathing... Even that was enough to wake me up. Lovely. I think I was mad at him a bit because I told him how anxious I was about trying the spinal when last time the worst part of the experience was the failed epidural and he kind of blew it off... OK, he just reminded me of what the anesthesiologist said that we'd give it a quick go and quit as soon as I wanted. STILL irritated me!!!! Truthfully I think no matter what he'd said I would've been grouchy. If he's said forget trying for the spinal I would've been livid for not supporting my decision. He couldn't win!

So I wandered over to the belly shots thread and posted my first one. Seriously I haven't taken one pic this whole time! Like I had all the time in the world. I think I'm in denial that this baby IS coming in 3 days!!!!!

So here's my 39W-4day pic:

http://images.snapfish.com/346739%3A47%7Ffp344%3Enu%3D3279%3E897%3E55%3B%3EWS NRCG%3D3233635676%3A58nu0mrj

It's hard to believe this portion of the journey is almost over....

[ginandchris]

Hi everyone,

Sevilla--I just read your birth story. Oh my goodness, so amazing. I'm glad you were able to make the choices you and your DH wanted. Welcome to David!

Misty--Welcome to Joshua, he looks so cute!

Jake--Thanks for answering the questions on csections and BF. I'm still keeping reading up on both. I have my appt tomorrow to see how my little girl is doing. i don't have a scheduled date officially yet, so we'll see.

MMH--your nursery is too cute!

Jane--your little boy looks so precious in those pics.

As for me, I'm enjoying my 2nd day at home. I did a bunch of laundry yesterday and went to check out how much the breast pump rental would be from our hospital. Both my mom and my SIL both want me to rent one vs buying since the hospital grade pumps are stronger. I still have to decide about that. Today I get to have lunch with a bunch of former coworkers nearby my house. Other than that just more laundry and finish up packing up my bag today.

[uskiku]

Congrats Misty and welcome to the world Joshua!!! SUCH cute hair, awwww!!! :)

GOOD LUCK, Jeeplover and Ceallaigh!! ceallaigh you look great, btw!

Is it just me or we haven't heard from Charissa for a long time now....??? Maybe there's another April baby??? :D

Jakedog Thanks so much for all the info - I'm learning all the time!

Jennifer Hang in there! Hope you had a good appointment today!

cagey i saw the pictures of your nursery in another thread -- you did a fabulous job!

Sevilla Just re-read your post and ordered 10 preemie size CPFs... Doctors predict that DS will be on the small side, so it's good to be prepared. And I'm going to get a Bummis tote bag for the pail -- THANKS! :)

I'm "working" from home today, so I started my first load of (baby) laundry -- hooray, I've never been so excited about doing laundry before ;).

[briamcd]

Oh and for those wondering the 'gas' trick worked extremely well and I had a nice breakfast on Saturday morning

What's the gas trick??? I know they are going to be asking if I've passed gas...did you say yes even though you hadn't?

[Sal03]

Congrats Misty and welcome Joshua! love that name, that was going to be our boy name this time :)

Sully YAY for getting baby stuff. so happy for you that you can finally be up and around enjoying things like that

Jeeplover Wishing you so much luck!!!!!!!!!

Jane love the picture of you two out in the flowers. so sweet!

Two pictures...one of Katie from our walk on Sunday and finally, the first picture of me with my children (that sounds so funny to me!!). None of us look great, but I am just happy to have a pic of us. Now the real challenge will be to get one with DH in it and all of us looking. Katie is 10 days old in both of these :)

http://images.snapfish.com/34673%3A%3B97%7Ffp344%3Enu%3D323%3B%3E486%3E%3B37% 3EWSNRCG%3D32336349%3A5345nu0mrj

http://images.snapfish.com/34673%3A%3B97%7Ffp339%3Enu%3D323%3B%3E486%3E%3B37% 3EWSNRCG%3D32336349%3A7%3A29nu0mrj

[jakedog]

Welcome Joshua Jacob and David! Congrats ladies!!!!

Bri- I brought a bottle of highly carbonated mineral water with me and made sure to drink it all in the hours after the surgery- things resumed functioning within 18 hours.

Sal your kids look so much like you! and each other. no one can ever decide who my kids look like. hurumph.

[cagey]

As I'm addicted to Perrier anyway, will def throw an extra bottle or two in the hospital bag! yum!

[Jane&Andy]

great pictures Sal. :) what cute kiddos you have.

Joey is back to birthweight! He gained 4oz in 4 days (we hoped for 1/2 to 1 oz per day so thats fabulous). So now we don't have to go back to the pediatrician until his next well baby visit. :) We're going to continue as is with the formula. I had planned to exclusively breastfeed but supplementing isn't the end of the world. BTW, thanks ceallaigh for the tip on bottle nipple size.

My hospital has BFing support classes twice a month so I plan to start going to those too.

[Sal03]

Jane thanks! great news about Joey's weight! we take Katie for a check tomorrow and I am hoping for the same. Just saw your post in the BFing thread and thought I would chime in here. with both dylan and katie I never switched sides during a feeding. Always just one side per nursing session based on Marisa's advice re: the fatty hindmilk and dylan was a chubby boy in no time. I kept a log both times because my sleep deprived brain can never remember which side I fed on last!

[Jane&Andy]

Sal - I just thought I was supposed to switch breasts and get him to eat from both. Looking back I realize I wasn't doing that before (when he had trouble latching) but then I started doing that when he latched better and thats when his weight gain plummetted. So it all makes sense now. :) I stopped keeping a log b/c I found it hard to keep up with once I got home but I'm not sure I'll be able to remember without one. May just have to start doing that again.

[Sevilla]

Took David to his first ped appointment today. I really liked the doctor a lot. He's regained his birth weight already at one week old which made me really happy :). And he's making *tons* of wet and poopy diapers which is another great sign that bf'ing is going well. Now he's sleeping and i think i'm going to take a nap too before DH gets home.

Sal: Such cute pics of you and your kids!

Jane: Congrats on Joey gaining a bunch of weight this past week! That must reassure you. ITA with others about only doing one breast per feeding. That's what i've been doing (though i sometimes have trouble remembering which one i used last, lol).

[cagey]

I just printed a bunch of these feeding/diaper logs -- hopefully others will find them helpful!

Eat and Poop! ("http://www.rcrh.org/Services/Lactation/Docs/BreastfeedingLog.pdf)

[hisdaffodil]

Brianna had her baby last night at 8:45pm!!

Mackenzie Lynn is 7lbs 5oz and 19.3 inches long!!

She had a C-section and everyone is doing just great. :)

Congrats Bri and Welcome Mackenzie!!!!

:D :D

[Jane&Andy]

Congratulations Bri! Welcome Mackenzie! :) :D

[uskiku]

Congrats Bri and welcome Mackenzie!!! Wow, another April baby!!! :D

[Sal03]

CONGRATS BRI!!!! hope everyone is doing well and can't wait to see pics!

took katie back for her weight check and she is back at her birthweight and gained about an ounce a day. perfect! poor dylan also got his MMR and cried hard :( we had delayed that one and I am just glad it is over.

[Kopper]

Hi everyone!

Congrats to all the new mommies and babies!!!

We finally came home yester day after 7 nights in the hospital (3 before and 4 after). Things have been pretty rough but are slowly getting better. I ended up with a c-section because Jacob's head got stuck in my pelvis. He swallowed some fluid and ended up in the NICU for a few hours. I didn't end up getting to have him in my room for close to 6 hours or so. He had problems latching (tongue issues and nipple issues for me) and ended up losing 1lb by Monday. We had to start supplementing and he hasn't latched since. The only good news in all of this is that I'm able to pump. My milk came in on Monday which is wonderful news considering I had a breast reduction 2 years ago. I am now getting about 2oz each session. I'm still trying to get him to latch but so far things aren't working. I've called a few IBCLCs and my local LLL leader so hopefully we can get it worked out. We go to his ped tomorrow to see how much he has gained back since Sunday night. As of Tuesday night he had gained more than 3oz back. It's just been kinda stressful to try to get him to BF, then give him EBM, then give him formula and then pump. It takes around 30-60+ min depending on how much DH is helping. After that's all done and then start all over again 1-2 hours later.

Well I better run. I've already spent too much time. I'm going to start typing my birth story on my computer and hopefully will post in a few days when things get a little easier.

Here are some pictures... :)

First born
http://images.snapfish.com/346749258%7Ffp342%3Enu%3D3233%3E544%3E543%3E232454 46349%3C%3Aot1lsi
In nursery
http://images.snapfish.com/346749258%7Ffp33%3A%3Enu%3D3233%3E544%3E543%3E2324 544634%3A32ot1lsi

3 days old
http://images.snapfish.com/346749258%7Ffp342%3Enu%3D3233%3E544%3E543%3E232454 4634%3A34ot1lsi
http://images.snapfish.com/346749258%7Ffp33%3A%3Enu%3D3236%3E266%3E474%3EWSNR CG%3D32336354%3C7965nu0mrj

[ceallaigh]

Congrats Bri! Can't wait to hear your story!

Kopper!!!!! Your little guy is just gorgeous. Honestly, not many newborns are that alert! Wow! The pic of the two of you is priceless.

Just have to take my hat off to all of you who are working so hard to keep the BF going. I have decided to bottle feed immediately this baby... I haven't admitted that here or just about anywhere yet since I know allllll the reasons why I should but suffice it to say I've been there/done that and thought it over for the past 8 months and I think it's the right decision for me at this point. I feel a bit guilty so I *may* use a pump for a few weeks but I haven't even committed to that option yet.

TICK-TOCK-TICK-TOCK.... It's almost Friday and I'm freaking out. I finished packing my hospital bag a few minutes ago so all that's left is to clean the entire house tomorrow! :D I'll probably be posting at 3AM on Friday if my sleep pattern continues. I just can't stay asleep no matter how tired I am. I guess it's the nerves and for some reason I feel like my legs have spiders in them. I just can't stop moving them!

Off to the store to get MORE food!

[MMHinCA]

Just got back from my weekly doctor appointment. They did the strep B test and my first internal. I am about 60% effaced, a tad bit dialated, and her head is engaged. The doctor could actually touch her head which felt so weird. I have been growing at a slower rate since 30 weeks so they scheduled an ultrasound for tomorrow to make sure she is growing ok. The doctor said it could be that she is just a smaller baby, not 8-9lbs like some babies these days. Both Eric and I were in the 6lb range so I am trying not to worry too much. I am looking forward to the ultrasound tomorrow so I can see our baby girl.

[usafwife]

TA-DAH!!!!After 135 days on strict bedrest, I'm so happy that tomorrow is my first day that it's okay for me to spend time on my feet! I can't wait! I'm still very restricted in my activity and I can't drive for another week (at least...and that's if my DH lets me then), but HOORAY!!!! I'm so thrilled my son and I have made it this far. It's nothing short of a miracle. :D Thank you for all of your support throughout it all.

Sully ~ That's wonderful news! It is nothing short of a miracle. I can't wait to see pictures of your little boy. I'm so happy for you.

Hope you all don't mind the post but I just had to post this. I've know Sully for a while now and wish her and her family nothing but happiness.

Congratulations to all of you April mommies! It's a wonderful journey that passes by TOO quickly. Take the time to enjoy everything (even if seems like you are pulling out your hair). They are only this small for a while and then it's gone.

[Jane&Andy]

Kopper - I am sorry you are struggling with feeding issues too. I know how hard and draining that can be. Your boy is adorable.

MMH - good luck at your u/s tomorrow.

[jeeplover]

Hello, All Holly wanted me to send everyone an update.

The arrival of "Kyle Gregory Beshore" was yeserday, April 05, 2006 at Holy Cross Hospital in Silver Springs, MD. He is 7lbs. 8oz. in Weight and 20 3/4" in Length. We hope to be home on Saturday - April 8th or Sunday - April 9th.

Picture's coning soon.

Jason, Holly and Kyle Beshore

[uskiku]

Congrats Holly and Welcome Kyle Gregory!!! Yeah, so excited for you!!! :D

Sevilla A good ped appointment and great weight gain make one happy mama! :)

Kopper He is absolutely adorable!!! I just love that photo of the two of you!!! Sorry things have been rough with feedings... That's great though about your milk coming in and being able to pump -- hang in there!

MMH Good luck at the ultrasound today! I measured a couple of weeks behind at my last appointment, but a friend of mine said later that this might be due to baby being low (and he was/is low).

Ceallaigh Good luck tomorrow!

Well, the baby was already low on Monday at our appointment, but as of yesterday I've officially dropped! Took one look in a mirror at work yesterday and almost fainted; holy canoli, I had no idea that it would be so... noticeable! DH confirmed it in the evening -- our little guy is officially in a "ready to launch" position! :eek: :) This sudden development caused a flurry of rather frantic activities -- doing a few loads of (baby) laundry, ordering a few random baby items and griping about DH getting us a frozen pizza when we need freezer room for healthy home-cooked meals... Men... :rolleyes:

[MMHinCA]

Thank you Jane&Andy and uskiku! I know that baby is really low in my pelvis so that could be why I measuring smaller. Our appointment is at 9am so I will check in as soon as we get home.

Congratulations Holly! So exciting to come in here to see new April babies being born!

[Sal03]

Kopper welcome home! I love the one of him sleeping on you - just precious :)

Ceallaigh Good luck! can't wait to hear the good news!

jeeplover huge congrats! I hope everything went perfectly and that you felt comfortable with the OB and the hospital. can't wait for details and pics!

MMH hope everything went well at the u/s. keep us posted!

[Kopper]

Thanks everyone for the support. We have a IBCLC coming by tonight at 6pm to help try to get him to latch. I'm having weird issues with my PIS. The right side doesn't seem to be working very well. I was getting hardly anything from my right breast yesterday. This morning I decided to use the left side (tubing etc) on my right side and got 3x what I was getting and 1/3 what I was getting on the left breast (using the right side of the pump). Does that make sense? I can't tell yet if it's defective or not. Do you think BRU will exchange if something is wrong with it or would I have to send back to Medela?

Congrats Holly & welcome Kyle!!

uskiku - Thank you! Yay for baby dropping. Hang in there, it won't be long. We had the whole rush around and get everything done.

Oh gotta run baby crying!

[MMHinCA]

I just got back from our ultrasound and everything looks good! She is measuring 6 lbs 6 oz (+/- 5 oz) and is in the 40.4 pecentile. According to all her measurements I am 36w6d exactly, which is where I had us. I feel much better and now I am ready to meet her!

[ceallaigh]

Congrats Holly & Baby Kyle! I guess you didn't have to wait 'til April 11th after all!

MMHinCa I'm glad to hear your baby's in normal range. At that weight she could be born any day without too much worry. You must be relieved! I'm STILL measuring 32 weeks even though I'm almost 40 so I'm super curious to see how big this baby is!

Thanks Sal & uskiku for the well wishes.

Total and complete FREAK-OUT has set in. I'm so incredibly nervous about the spinal it's not even funny. Last night I could hardly sleep and was awake on and off from about 3:30AM! Tonight promises to be fun! Plus I had A contraction. I've never even had Braxton-Hicks so I recognized this one. I was like:"Oh no you are not having this baby a day early!" My step-mom is on her way up today as I write this and it's a 7 hour drive! So I got up and walked around and it went away.... Although I'm still in my PJs 'cause I've been cleaning this house since 9AM and I think that may not be the wisest thing at this point! HAHAHA!

Anyway I'm off to finish the job! Maybe I'll be back around 4am...:rolleyes:

[mel7dog]

Finally back online after our move. Thank goodness they hooked the internet up fast, I was dying over here! Despite the fact I have been having little contractions all day and tons of pelvis pain, at my MW apt yesterday I had my first internal and am 0cm dialated, 50% effaced, and -3 station. Looks like I will make it to my due due for sure :rolleyes: I've been busy unpacking and trying to get everything finished before the baby arrives, but I've been so tired it is not much fun. Back later to catch up!

[ginandchris]

Hi everyone,

Had my appt yesterday and they have went ahead and scheduled my c section. It is going to be April 12th at 7:30 am. Of course they are going to check the baby beforehand and if she has turned then we won't be having the c section.

I've just been catching up on all of the laundry and cleaning everything! Its been nice being home this whole week! I can't believe in less than a week I could be holding my baby girl.:D

[LittleStar]

Hi all! So exciting to have more babies arriving. I love seeing their sweet pics and getting the updates.

Had my appt. this afternoon and my first internal :eek: I'm 80% effaced, not dilated, and the baby's dropped. So my dr. thinks I should be able to make my childbirth class this weekend (nothing like cutting it close ;) ) and after that, just be ready anytime! I'm so excited (and a little nervous).

I finished out my fiscal year at work last week which was such a great feeling. I still have to get my case list together (again, yes, I'm a procrastinator :p ) I feel like there's so much to do!

[Jane&Andy]

Congratulations Holly!

[uskiku]

I'm so excited -- my friend and colleague who was due on 4/4 just called from the hospital -- she is in labor and just had her epi! Her little girl could be here soon!!! :D :D :D

Kopper I don't have a pump, so I don't know how to help you, but there's a thread in the parenting section, "Mums with Pumps" (I'd link it here but I'm so not good with all this advanced internet stuff...:o ) and I'm sure they'll help you out!

MMH Sooo happy about your good news!! And, wow, that's a great weight - good work, mama and baby! :)

Still doing laundry and now ironining as well. Don't think it should be called a "nesting instinct" more like "holy @rap, we've only got 2 weeks left and there's so much to do" despair...

Happy Friday!

[MMHinCA]

Thank you ceallaigh and uskiku for the reassurance on baby's weight and size. I feel a ton better and now I am so ready to meet this little one!

Today marks 37 weeks! Yeah! :) Tomorrow we are taking a infant CPR class from 8-2pm. We don't have any other plans for the weekend so it will be nice to relax and organize around the house. I have been working on Ainsleigh's baby book the last couple of days so I would like to get that caught up (through my last shower) this weekend. It would be nice to be up to date on that before she arrives.

Hope everyone has a nice weekend!

[JenniferEC]

We just got back from the hospital. Marin Elizabeth was born on April 5 at 4:33am. She weighed 5lbs 13.9 ounces and was 18.5 inches. She is beautiful and we are so excited to have her.

BF is a struggle right now and she has lost 10% of her weight so we have to supplement. Lots of tears over that but I will do what it takes to get her weight back up. We're off to her ped in a bit to make sure things are okay. Labor was very fast. Got to the hospital around midnight and she was here 4.5 hours later. Did get an epidural but my body moved too fast for pitocin. I never even got a chance to push because she was so eager to come out. I will post pics later when I can get them uploaded.

Congrats to the other mommas.

[Sal03]

Jennifer congrats!!!! I knew there was no way you would make it to your due date. Can't wait to hear more details and I hope Caden is doing well too. Don't feel bad about supplementing. I am sure she will be back at birthweight in no time and you'll be able to exclusively nurse her again.

[Jane&Andy]

Congratulations Jennifer! :)

[mel7dog]

Congrats Jennifer! Can't wait to see pics of your baby girl! :)

[uskiku]

Jennifer, my due date buddy, I'm so exicted for you!! Welcome Marin!!! What an absolutely beautiful name! Cannot wait to see pictures!

[SaphirimalMei]

Congrats to all the mommies on the new babies!!!

Still waiting on "Yobito" over here. Had my 38 week appt today and I'm still 1cm and about 30% effaced. meh! He'll come when he's ready, I guess. My weight has somehow skyrocketed and I gained 6 lbs since my last appt!!!! I'm now up to 25 gained which is more than I gained with DD. Still measuring big and doc assures me that this is going to be a big boy indeed.

I'm following along and I'll update again when there's more to report :)

[briamcd]

Quick Update:
We're home. Mackenzie came earlier than what we scheduled...my water broke and things got moved up. :)
She was born April 4th, @ 8:45pm. Weighed 7lbs5oz.

Here's some quick pics. I'll and write my story later. I'm sooo tired. BF is not going well, but we're not giving up yet.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v427/briamcd/000_0039.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v427/briamcd/000_0029.jpg

[mel7dog]

bria - Oh my your daughter is adorable! I just love those cheeks :) Glad to hear she arrived safe and sound.

[Misty911]

Things are really crazy around here...My house has became a zoo. The third baby really makes a difference...I haven't had much time to get online lately. Here are some pictures....

http://images.snapfish.com/346769867%7Ffp33%3A%3Enu%3D3267%3E353%3E868%3EWSNR CG%3D3233639%3B46%3B33nu0mrj

http://images.snapfish.com/346769867%7Ffp345%3Enu%3D3267%3E353%3E868%3EWSNRCG %3D3233639%3B46%3B34nu0mrj

[JenniferEC]

All of these baby pics are adorable!

Marin is down to 5lbs4oz and has developed jaundice. Her levels keep rising, so we're back to the lab tomorrow. Hopefully the supplementing will help and the sun is out, so DH has her sitting by the window. BF is going better and now that my milk is coming in, it's nice to see something after I pump.
We've had to run out and buy preemie clothes, but I've never been one to refuse shopping. She's such a little peanut and so much fun to dress! Here are some pics and I'm working on my birth story.
Holding daddy's hand
http://images.snapfish.com/34677556%3A%7Ffp344%3Enu%3D3262%3E3%3B3%3E6%3C7%3E WSNRCG%3D323363%3B8%3B%3B%3B94nu0mrj
Meeting my big brother
http://images.snapfish.com/34677556%3A%7Ffp342%3Enu%3D3233%3E54%3A%3E8%3C3%3E 232454%3A9%3B4248ot1lsi
Going home - The car seat swallows her!
http://images.snapfish.com/34677559%3A%7Ffp343%3Enu%3D3233%3E54%3A%3E%3B68%3E 232454%3A%3C59475ot1lsi

[Sevilla]

So many new babies have been born! Congratulations to Misty, Bri, Kopper, Holly, Jakedog, and Jennifer!. I can't wait to hear more about how all your babies are doing :).

~~~~~~~~~~~~~
We're really enjoying our babymoon. DS is a very content baby which makes things easy around here. I nap a lot with him during the day so i'm feeling pretty well-rested, and at night he gives 3-4 hour stretches so i get a full sleep cycle in. He doesn't really fuss at all either which is wonderful. Some highlights of my life right now:

* I love when he yawns, b/c it's SO big on his little face.
* I adore his little feet, i took a bunch of pictures of them today.
* I'm so thankful for what a good nurser he is, how he gulps and gulps down my milk and then looks so happy when he's full.
* It makes me laugh how sometimes he's so eager to eat that he starts 'nursing' the air with his little lips and tongue
* I love his little noises, even the 'squeak toy' noise that he makes when he's asleep.
* How he turns bright red when he cries when we change him/bathe him, but as soon as we bundle him back up again in clothes he's content and quiets down.
* When i lay down and lay him on top of me, he pushes up on his little arms and lifts his head to look around.

i'm just so in love with my little man and thankful that he's here with us.

Here are some pics:
Little baby feet:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v452/Champagnepunch/4d0f358a.jpg

Sleeping baby (while Daddy plays his computer game)
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v452/Champagnepunch/f3130935.jpg

[mel7dog]

All the baby pics are too precious, I can't wait to meet my little man!

[Kopper]

Congrats to all the new mommies!! All the baby pictures are so wonderful! :)

Breast feeding is going much better. I highly recommend finding an IBCLC for any new moms having trouble. Jacob would not latch starting Monday when we started supplementing until Wednesday night when the IBCLC came to visit. She was absolutely amazing!! She had him feeding within 20 mins. It turns out that I just need to use a nipple shield to help him along. He is still getting some formula supplements but mostly EBM and BFing. Today I was able to get him latched on right away. Some feedings are harder than others but we are working on it and things are looking better. Pumping is going a lot better now that I have more milk (it doesn't take as long). Hopefully by the end of this week we can be done or almost done with the formula. We are so lucky that he takes everything like a champ and with the shield will switch between the bottle and the breast. The IBCLC recommending giving him 1 -1.5 oz of EBM or formula first and then nursing because that way he will work harder. She said if you supplement last they sometimes learn that there will be easier food ahead and not work as hard at the BFing.

Well I better run. My munchkin will be wanting to eat soon.

briamcd & JenniferEC - Hang in there with the BFing. I can't tell you how many times I've wanted to quit especially in the middle of the night. By morning though I am fully committed again so it helps to remember that. Like I said earlier if you can find a good IBCLC she will be totally worth it. She completely restored my faith that this is something my body and baby can do! Oh one other thing, I don't know if you have had any contact with your local LLL groups but I got my IBCLC through my LLL leader and because of that she didn't charge me! :) Apparently LLL doesn't charge for LC services. Worth looking into.

Sevilla - You sound so in love and wonderful! :) Your little man is so precious.

Ok really better run! Take care everyone. Good luck to the mommies that haven't delivered again and to those that have.

---
One last quick question to ROs and those whose babies are bit older. When did you start feeling settled in? We are at 8 days here and I still feel overwhelmed at times and more than a little sleep deprived.

[Sal03]

oh my goodness! I can barely keep up!

sevilla you sound wonderful and so happy!

Jennifer and Misty beautiful family pictures!

Kopper so happy to hear BFing is going better for you.

Feeling settled I was at first going to say it only took a few weeks and then we were settled in with Dylan but then I remember having a major meltdown at 3 weeks! LOL So I think it was more like 6 weeks because he was so all over the place with nursing and fell into more of a pattern at 6 weeks which helped a lot. This time around it took about 2 weeks and I feel settled. It helps that she is such a good sleeper. STILL only getting up once btw 10pm and 6am with no supplementing. what an angel!

mel belated congrats on being in the house. hope you are settled in!

briamcd look at those round rosy cheeks!! so sweet!

[MMHinCA]

Until I can post pictures of our baby girl, I will have to just post belly shots! :)

37 week belly shots!

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v380/michelleheller26/237540994305_0_ALB.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v380/michelleheller26/365340994305_0_ALB.jpg

[Sevilla]

Kopper: I'm so glad to hear that bf'ing is going better! My hospital had a great IBCLC on staff who visited our room at least half a dozen times in the two days we were in recovery--she was fantastic and a big reason that bf'ing is going so well for us. DS didn't want to start sucking his first day-he would latch but not suck, and the IBCLC and nurses were so great at helping wake him up and get him to suck for each feeding. It's awesome you found the support you needed. I go to LLL too, our next meeting is Monday and i'm looking forward to it :).

[jeeplover]

Hi Ladies!

Thanks for all the congrats! Things aren't going to well with us though as I was discharged yesterday but Kyle is still in the hospital. That is the hardest thing I have ever had to do and bawled on the whole 1 hour long trip home. He was born with fluid in his lungs and a rapid heartrate so they took him up to the NICU right after he was born and he has been there since. He has since developed jaundice and is on antiobiotics (which I pray he comes off of today) and an IV with the nutrients he needs. I started to pump on Thursday night and that is progressing but he isn't BFing that well and I think it has to do with the meds he is on so unfortunately we are supplementing and I hate to think of someone else feeding my baby so it is really hard. We are heading back to the hospital in a couple of hours to spend the day with him and hopefully get an update from the ped, if they haven't taken his IVs out then we are requesting a transfer because they are not being as aggressive as they could be.

Also congrats to the other new mommies and I can't wait to hear your birth stories, I am hoping to write mine up in the next day or so.

[mel7dog]

Kopper - Good to hear BFing is going better, yea for BM!

MMH - Looking good! Don't you feel like everyone else has had their baby and we're just left behind?!

jeeplover - Big hugs to you and your family. I can't imagine how hard it is to leave your little one. Hopefully things will get better soon!

And because I too have no baby yet, but only a HUGE belly, here's my 38w shots from Friday! People stare at me like I am going to go into labor at any moment, and I still have almost 2 weeks till my EDD. Oh yes and yesterday I noticed a few stretchmarks above my belly button :( They are really small and light, but still no fun. They literally grew in 1-2 days. On a better note we are all moved in and almost evreything is put up. We painted the nursery and only have a few things left to do in there. I'm just trying to keep myself busy and not focus on that fact that I am so uncomfy and ready to give birth!
http://images.snapfish.com/3467867%3C7%7Ffp339%3Enu%3D3278%3E642%3E%3B55%3EWS NRCG%3D323363%3A43%3B%3B88nu0mrjhttp://images.snapfish.com/3467867%3C7%7Ffp344%3Enu%3D3278%3E642%3E%3B55%3EWS NRCG%3D323363%3A43%3B%3B87nu0mrj

[JenniferEC]

mel - You look great! Any guesses on the size of your little one?

jeeplover - Hugs to you. I hope Kyle is home with you very soon!

Kopper - I PM'd you.

BF is still a work in progress. Marin still has jaundice, but they think her levels finally peaked and will drop! The home nurse came today and weighed her. She is at 5lb3oz, but she had a manual scale. I'm taking her to ped tomorrow to get a more accurate weight. I don't think I can take it if she has lost more weight. We are supplementing and I feed her on demand and pump all the time. I have a call into the LC at the hospital, but she hasn't called me back yet.

Hope everyone has a great week.

[April'06Moms]

partially updated to here, will finish tomorrow. :)

[char473]

Quick post to let you all know that lunaria had baby boy K on April 6th, in the morning. Everthing went well, and the whole family is in heaven! He is beautiful:) I am one proud "aunt"!!

[mel7dog]

Jennifer - Even though I look huge the Dr. said my baby should be right in the average 7lb range. We'll see though!

[Sully130]

I made it to full term over the weekend! Considering the fact that my water broke at 16w3d, this was a miracle of all miracles for me. I couldn't be happier, I couldn't smile wider. :D

Congratulations jeeplover on Kyle's birth!! I am sorry to hear he is having a tough time right now, but I hope he is home with you very soon!

Congrats bri and welcome Mackenzie!!

Congrats lunaria on your little boy!!!

MMH and mel7dog -Your bellies are looking great!

Sorry to the women who are struggling with BF'ing. That is one of my worries, but I'm very committed to it. I hope things are getting easier for you all. Kopper, I'm glad to hear they are for you.

I have my first internal exam this afternoon. I am excited and nervous at the same time! Yesterday I think the baby decided to head north. For the first time in a LONG time he was way high, up in my ribs. I think he's confused...he's supposed to be heading the other way!

I've got some belly shots to share in our work-in-progress nursery.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v721/spoleto/2006%20Baby/37w1d.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v721/spoleto/2006%20Baby/37w1dc.jpg

And one other that's a little further back...
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v721/spoleto/2006%20Baby/37w1dd.jpg


Oh, and I meant to thank usafwife for your congratulatory post a few pages back. I appreciate your well wishes!

[uskiku]

I am so freakin' tired; another bad night of restless sleep (I know, all you new mommies are even more tired, but somehow right now I would prefer to be tired for somesuch adorable reason like all you guys have -- these pictures are simply too cute!)... But we're getting there with our preparations... though we would really need another week...
My friend gave birth to an absolutely gorgeous baby girl on Friday -- 8 pounds but she looks tiny and sooooo cute! I told DH I feel like the only pregnant woman on this planet... feeling very "left behind"... ;)

Lunaria, congratulations on your baby boy!!

Sevilla thanks so much for mentioning preemie diapers; after I saw my friend's 8-pounder, I realized that the infant size would be just enormous on a newborn! I'm so glad that I'd ordered 10 preemie size CPFs. Reading your post made me so happy; you sound blissful and your little guy is so cute! :)

Jeeplover How's Kyle's jaundice; did they get him off of antibiotics? Hang in there; he'll be home with you -- very soon!!! Sending you lots of hugs!

Mel You guys must have worked SO hard to be almost done with moving in! And you look great - as always!

Sully Great belly pic and CONGRATS on being full term!!! :) I have exactly the same fears about breastfeeding; really want to do it, but am afraid that there might be problems (my mum had serious supply issues, so, though I know it's not hereditary, I am worried...). I'll try to find the local LLL group, if I have time -- it'd be good to establish some sort of support network!

MMH Great belly shot! :)

Misty What a cute family and look at all this hair -- awwww...!!

Bri These cheeks are too cute for words!!!

Jennifer I *love* the pic of Caden holding Marin -- they are both simply adorable!

[Sevilla]

uskiku: Glad i could help. You'll be glad to have those preemie CPF's :). We've been using the jellyroll fold with them and it's working great (though it still takes me a bit of time to roll it and snappi it, but it looks good now when it's finished!).

[Kopper]

Hopefully I can get all the SOs done before Jacob wakes up. :)

Sal03 - Thanks for the response re: feeling settled. Today is a good day but yesterday was not so good so I'm glad to know this is normal. Wow how awesome that she sleeps so well!

MMHinCA - Great belly shots!! You are almost there.

Sevilla - Thanks. The LCs in the hospital were pretty good but they gave me some missinformation that sorta hurt us. It hurt pretty bad when he would nurse on the left side and they said it shouldn't hurt like that so I kept trying to get him to relatch and it would always hurt. It turns out he was latching fine I was just sensitive. It took awhile for the sensitivity to go away but by then it was a little too late. He won't latch without a shield now but it's better than not latching at all. I just worry that he isn't getting enough.

jeeplover - Congratulations and welcome baby Kyle!! I'm sorry to hear that you had to leave him in the NICU. I can't imagine how that felt but big HUGS to you!! I hope he can come home really really soon. Take care and hang in there!

mel7dog - Wow you are superwoman!! Congrats on your move and getting everything done. Great belly shots. You look so happy!

JenniferEC - Just PMed you back! Take care and hang in there. :)

Congrats lunaria and welcome baby K!

Sully - WTG for making it to term!!! Amazing! You look great and so does his nursery. Thanks for the support!

----
Ok it seems Jacob is allowing me a few minutes to post so I will take advantage of it! :) Things are going well today so far. He has latched and nursed at every feeding so I am very happy. Yesterday wasn't so good and he didn't latch all day except for the first morning feeding and then again in the evening. It was really a struggle because he was fighting it all day long. He would arch his back, pull his head back and his hands would get in the way. When I would first get him to latch on he was fine but the a few sucks later he would be so angry. I was so frustrated but today is a new day and things are looking better. We took him for a weight check this morning and he is at 9lbs even so up from 8.8lbs on Thursday. The doctor thinks this is good so that makes me happy. We go back Friday (at 2 weeks) to see how he has done. Pumping is going pretty well. I have scaled back at little and only pump 4-5 times per day since he is BFing at least partially. At my last session I was able to get 5oz! Granted I hadn't pumped yet today but that is still good. I am normally getting between 1.5-3oz. per session.

Oh one last thing... Confession time, I gained a ton in the end especially with the three hospital visits and the tons of fluids they pumped in me. It ended up being around 48lbs total :eek: :o :( . As of today though I have lost all but 18.5lbs! I hope it continues to just fall off like this.

Well I better run as this is getting long and I should really be working on my birthstory. I have it outlined and just need to fill in the details.

Take care everyone!

[Txfish]

Hi there! No longer missing in action.. sorry my husband never emailed Jennifer, but then I see she was out of commission as well. Oh well, only a week turnaround on sharing news... ;)

Whitney Paige was born on 4/3/06 at 10:19 am! 8 lbs, 5 oz, 20 inches long... 100% natural childbirth! Can you see my enormous grin from there? I haven't done my birth story yet, but it's a quick one -- 34 minutes from the time we got checked into the hospital. She looks exactly like Daddy (which is funny, since DD1 looks pretty identical to me -- we each got a mini-me) and makes the cutest faces I've ever seen.

We came home Wednesday morning 4/5, and my mom has been here and I've just been blissing out with my two girls. Caro has been terrific with Whit -- she holds her so gently and gives kisses and holds her hand, and has even made up a song for her about being her big sister. It's enough to make me melt right onto the floor. Nursing is going well now -- she has the teeniest mouth and we were having a rough time with painful latch (not getting the whole nip), but now we seem to be getting the hang of it. DH continues to laugh at me everytime she latches on and I let out some expression of pain LOL I try to mix it up to keep him amused -- who wants to hear Holy Shit! 42 times a day?

Sleeping has been fantastic. We've had one bad night so far (I know, it's only been a week, but this is such a huge difference from my first) -- every other night she's woken up ONE time between my bedtime & morning. She's nursing more frequently during the day, and doing these long stretches at night -- napping great in her bassinet too. I have not felt zombie'd at all and couldn't be happier.

We need to go make a Babies R Us run... I will try to get back soon and drop some pics, more details & birth story, and catch up on shout outs. All the new babies look so beautiful and sweet! Best of luck to everyone still waiting, and I hope everyone already back at home continues to do well (or better!)

[Sal03]

Lunaria Congrats and welcome to your baby boy!!

Txfish Congrats and welcome Whitney!! Must be something about these April baby girls - Kate is an amazing sleeper too!

LMAO at this!
DH continues to laugh at me everytime she latches on and I let out some expression of pain LOL I try to mix it up to keep him amused -- who wants to hear Holy Shit! 42 times a day?


Sully HUGE congrats on reaching full term!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Jeeplover thinking of you and hoping that you bring baby home soon where he belongs!

weight loss I lost 22 pounds in 14 days! holy crap! thank goodness for BFing. still have 10 to go, maybe less. did not weigh myself today or yesterday. my belly is still puffy so I am kind of inbetween maternity and regular clothes and have nothing to wear!

[Jane&Andy]

Congratulations Lunaria! Congratulations Txfish!

Kopper - we used a nipple shield too to get Joey to latch on. It worked great and we were able to stop using it entirely after a few days. I dropped 2/3 of my pregnancy weight in the first 2wks pp and nothing since. I'm hoping I just hit a plateau and it will restart again soon b/c that sure was nice. Good luck with your weight loss!

Mel, MMH & Sully - y'all look fabulous! :)

Everyone has such beautiful babies! I'm loving all the pictures. :D

I'm way behind with shout outs and I need to finish updating the thread so I'm just not going to get caught up. But I'm reading along.

My sister just left after a nice, long visit. We had a lot of fun but it was exhausting. She helped out tons and tons but we went out more then I would have if I'd been home alone and I stayed up too late. I still have trouble napping and I'm still feeding Joey every 1-3hrs round the clock. Those 1hr breaks between feedings are killer. Hopefully it will pay off when I take him back to the ped next Tuesday.

[April'06Moms]

Updated to here. :D

[Sal03]

I know, I am so annoying, but just wanted to drop off a picture of my little 2 week old sweet baby :)

http://images.snapfish.com/34678%3C%3B94%7Ffp342%3Enu%3D3233%3E556%3E297%3E23 24556388888ot1lsi

[Jane&Andy]

she's adorable Sal. :)

[mel7dog]

Txfish - Congrats on your baby girl!!

Sal - You could never post too many pics IMO. Those sweet baby faces are the only thing that keep me going these last tiring weeks!

[JenniferEC]

Congrats to Lunaria and Txfish! Rebecca, I figured you had the baby. Glad things are going well and can't wait to see pics!

Sal - Congrats on the weight loss! I hope I am as lucky. Kate looks just like Dylan. So cute! Don't you just love the pink clothes?

Jane - Get some rest! Thanks for doing such a great job with the thread. I will try to help out when I can.

Took Marin to see the LC today. She's down to 5lbs2.9oz so we really have to work on getting her weight up. We have a plan, but it's going to be difficult with a 2 year old to feed, supplement and pump around the clock. Thankfully my mom is here for a couple of days.

Time to feed........

[jeeplover]

Thank you all for your wonderful wishes and congratulations!

I am not sleeping well at all since the only way I can sleep is on my back and I just can't get comfortable. I am feeling better today although I had a terrible back spasm yesterday. I haven't had to take too many of the pain meds that they gave me.

Kyle is doing well although he is still in the hospital NICU. I am currently pumping and he started to BF the other day. We, too, have had to use a nipple shield and one reason I think is because of the meds he has been on. He did well though with it. He has dropped down to 6 lb 13 oz but his jaundice is getting better and his color is improving. I am pumping and my supply is getting better. They are still measuring his formula and breastmilk in cc's (when I pump) but he got up to 1 oz yesterday so I am excited. He is off all the monitors completely as well as the meds so we are hoping to take him home today (Tuesday) or tomorrow (Wednesday). Since he is in the NICU they required us to take a CPR class and that was last night. It was a complete refresher for me and DH but it wasn't bad. Also my parents arrived yesterday and were so excited to see the baby!

We have a ton of pictures that we have taken of him but DH still has them on the camera and I need to download them.

I want to say CONGRATS to Lunaria and Txfish!

Also Sully that is wonderful that you are now full term! I am so happy for you!

Sal-Yeah on the weight loss! I have yet to step on a scale-too scary!

Jane-Glad that you had a nice visit with your sister but I know what you mean about keeping late nights. I hope that Joey's next weight check goes well!

Kopper-Glad that the BFing is going well! I know what you mean about the latching on but glad that he is doing well!

[briamcd]

jeeplover - I'm so sorry you had to leave your baby at the hospital. I can imagine how hard that was...Be strong though, soon you will be able to take your little one home. Sending strong healthy vibes Kyle's way.

mel - as always looking fantastic!

Congrats Lunaria!

Sully - Way to go on making full term! You are a very awesome woman!

Kopper - I have to use a shield too, and my left bb hurts as well. The right one is just fine. I think the latch is fine, I'm working on finding some help.

Weight Loss - Total gained 34lbs, total lost 12lbs. Which is good b/c before my c/s they pumped 3 liters of fluid in me, and I'm slowly getting rid of that. Feet and legs have been very,very swollen.

BF - I thought things were going so much better, she'd latch on and suck until she was full using the nipple shield. Then yesterday I noticed what looked like a blister on her tongue...I guess she wasn't latching properly, or just unfortunate that the nip shield rubbed it raw or something. So b/c of the "blister" she's not sucking at all. :( We're going to see her ped today. He's supposed to be out of the office today,but when we called him last night he said he'd make a special visit. I love this guy already. So, as of right now, I'm pumping and we're feeding her with a syringe.

And b/c I can. Here's a pic! Ignore my pale face, I lost a lot of blood during the c/s. Mackenzie has a better "tan" than me. lol.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v427/briamcd/102_0627.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v427/briamcd/102_0625.jpg

[jeeplover]

briamcd-Mackenzie is so cute! We have that same bouncy chair! Sorry to hear about the blister on Mackenzie's mouth. I am glad to use the nipple shield but sometimes I think it makes it a little more difficult although not as difficult as feeding via syringe! Oh and I hear you on the swollen legs and feet-I can't get over how swollen I am-crazy!

[ceallaigh]

Hi ladies!

Just have a sec here to say little Miss Kyra Rose was born at 9:46AM on Friday April 7th. She's a healthy 7 pounds 11 ounces and 20.5 inches. She looks exactly like her brother!

And to my great delight and surprise of all (including the anesthetist) the spinal worked!!!!! I was AWAKE this time and could not be happier. It was a challenge to get it in and then the medication wasn't working on one side but he persevered and I am so grateful. My DH was able to be in the room this time so we're all thrilled!

I'll be back when I have a chance to post pics and give more details but I just wanted to fill you all in and congratulate all those who had their babies also!

Take care!

[Kopper]

Well it seems I spoke too soon yesterday. :( He hasn't latched since yesterday afternoon. :( It's just so up and down right now with BFing. I'm still pumping and getting a good supply so that makes me feel good but I just wish he would latch each time. It's so hard not to give up but I am committed to making this work. Hopefully today will be a good day. He has taken to either fighting the breast as soon as he figures out what it is or just laying there and going back to sleep. I really think he is learning that bottles are much easier. Unfortunately I can't stop using them otherwise I'm afraid he will lose weight again and stop eating completely. I'm going to talk to the LC again and see what she thinks. I just hope today he will decide to latch again.

ceallaigh - Congrats on your baby girl!!!

briamcd - We have that same bouncy chair! Mackenzie is so cute!

jeeplover - Yay for getting to take Kyle home very soon! Hope you start sleeping better and can't wait to see pictures.

---
Well I better run. I passed a huge clot this morning and haven't been feeling so great so I have to call the doctor. Take care everyone and thanks for the support.

[cagey]

Can't believe how many adorable April babies there are now!

Well, I'm still hanging in here! Thinking today may be my last 'normal' day of work -- will take a few things to do at home tomorrow, but come back in on Thursday, as I've got a appt in the AM and the MDW office is right next to my office.

THINK baby W dropped over the weekend - its much more uncomfortable to walk around and my hips/lower back are aching like they did a few months ago. He's still squirming up a storm, pushing his little butt all over the place and making for quite an amusing show from my perspective

Don't know if I'm dialating yet (my midwives don't usually do internals until 40 weeks, and won't talk about induction until 42 weeks, which is FINE by me!)

So for now, the protocol in my world has been spicy dinners, bouncing on the yoga ball, walking/elliptical trainer for about 15-25 minutes a day (depending on how I feel), and some midwife advised 'marital relations' to soften up the cervix.


More news once I know it!

[Sal03]

ceallaigh congrats on your little girl!!!!!!!!!

Bri she is beautiful and so alert! Congrats!

Kopper I passed a few big clots once I was home and luckily they finally eased up. I find the more I overdo, the more bleeding I have. I can't wait until it stops completely. latch baby latch and I hope you feel better!!

Mel hang in there! and sorry about the stretch marks. I HATE mine :mad:

Jennifer I LOVE everything pink! And she really does look just like dylan. I feel like if we dressed her in blue they would look identical! I can't even imagine how you are finding time to pump. Hang in there!

[Jane&Andy]

ceallaigh - Congratulations on your baby girl! So glad the spinal worked and you didn't have to go under general anesthesia.

Jennifer - don't worry about the thread, I know you have your hands full with your 2 kiddos. Now that I'm done with family visits for awhile it will be easier for me to keep up. Good luck with the pumping and getting the weight back on Marin.

cagey - good luck with the spicey foods! hang in there!

Kopper - I hope you feel better soon. I'm sorry Jacob is still struggling with his latch. I know how frustrating that can be.

briamcd - sorry to hear about the blister, hopefully it will heal quickly. she's such a cutie pie with those pinchable cheeks.

jeeplover - I hope Kyle comes home today. :)

We only had two middle of the night feedings last night. He was up and eating for a long time for both so I didn't get more sleep than usual, just got woken up less. That was nice despite the frustration of being up with him from 4am-6am. He's filling out his clothes more now. I think he will outgrow some of his newborn outfits soon.

here he is passed out after a feeding over the weekend
http://static.flickr.com/47/126623728_f6860e81b9.jpg?v=0

I've enjoyed all the fun and activity that came with family visits (first my Mom and then my two sisters) but today I think Joey and I will enjoy just staying home alone.

[Sully130]

Congrats to Txfish and welcome Whitney Paige!

Congrats cellaigh & welcome Kyra Rose!

Jane - Love the newest picture of Joey. He is so precious all stretched out like that!

cagey - You are so close to the end! I hope things start progressing for you as you like them to. Can't wait to hear of your new arrival!

Kopper - So sorry about the BF woes. And I hope you are feeling better soon. I do remember after having my daughter that the bleeding would intensify if I tried to do too much. Such an annoying part of childbirth! :)

briamcd - I think y'all both look great! Sorry about the blister...hopefully that will clear up soon!

jeeplover - I'm glad to hear Kyle is doing better and I hope he comes home soon. I look forward to seeing pics of your little one!

JenniferEC - Good luck with the weight gain. I know that has to be frustrating when your hands are already so full!

~~~~

Update on me: I had my first internal at my appointment yesterday and I'm 3 cm dialated, 80% effaced. So we'll see what happens. It means I most likely won't go past 39 weeks, so I should be meeting my son in less than two weeks! :D

Thanks so much on the congrats on making it to full term. I'm so happy about it!

[Sevilla]

Congrats to all the new babies! This is a total fly-by post, sorry for those i'm missing...

Kopper: That's so frustrating that he won't latch. Our first day in the hospital that's what David did-he would open his mouth and then fall asleep right away without sucking. I couldn't get him to suck on his own, the nurses and LC had to help me (don't ask me how they were able to do it either). I think you might be right that he's learning that it's easier to wait for the bottle than work for it on the breast. Have you considered using a Supplemental Nursing System (SNS) instead of a bottle to help stimulate your milk supply and help him learn to suck better? It's tubing that connects to your breast but feeds pumped milk/formula. I know some ladies in the Breastfeeding Support thread have experience with that and could probably give you more info if you're interested.

[Kopper]

Thanks everyone. Just when I begin to lose hope he decides to nurse again! That always seems to be the case. This time I put several drops of EBM in the nipple shield and on my nipple and the outside. Worked like a charm. Guess I tricked him! :D

Thanks Sevilla, I will have to look into the SNS.

[cagey]

I hereby apologize to every pregant woman I may have unwittingly annoyed as she neared her due date. I will say that I NEVER touched any of them, though.

I actually yelled and slapped at someone who tried to rub my stomach this morning.

Annoying Sorta-coworker, aka "N", who's a year or two older than me but not yet had a child stops by my desk. Here's the exchange:

N: OOho! You're still here?! How are you feeeeeling?!
me: (not turning around in chair, praying she'll leave) Yup, feel great.
N: Wowwww..........
me: (silence)
N: Well, turn around and let me see you!!! (starts to turn my chair around with me in it. I'm gripping the desk preventing this from happening)
me: PLEASE DON'T TOUCH ME. I'm sick of people thinking my stomach is public property.
N: Hee hee! (Proceeds to rub/pat my head)
me: (slaps hand away) um, I SAID DON'T TOUCH ME. Why does everyone feel the need to either touch me or state the obvious?!? YES, I'm still here. YES, I'm still pregnant NO, I haven't had the baby.
N: Heehee! Well, I just want to wish you good luck!
me: (silence)
N: Okay, well just let me know what happens!!
me: will do!

Do you see her say "Oho, I'm sorry" in that exchange? Didn't think so.

With the exception of her and the other woman on my floor who I hide in a bathroom stall to avoid (another toucher), most of my coworkers are cool. I don't mind if some of my close friends stop by in the AM to stick their head in my office with the "okay, just checking to see if you're here today!" kind of comments.

I am having fun at the expense of others when they say "Oho, you haven't had the baby yet??" and I respond, with either "What baby?" or "Um, I'm not pregant. I'm just fat, and that's pretty rude for you to assume"

Am I the only one dealing with these idiots??!

[lunaria]

Hey ladies!! Sorry for the delay but we have been rather busy here at home:) Baby Nicholas Anthony was born 04-06-06 at 0911 via planned c/s. He weighed 8lbs and was 21 inches long. Everything went wonderul and we were out of the hospital by noon on saturday!! He is a wonderful baby.. no colic and eats very well (granted, we are bottle feeding though). We have had a lot of company coming and going for days so I havent had the chance to even check my email til today. As sooon as I get a chance, I will post a few pics also. Anyone know what we are using to post pics now since shutterfly isnt working??? Ill see what I can do.

Ill do shoutouts later but congrats to all the new mommas and to the momma-to-be's... get ready cuz your whole world is about to change... NOTHING compares to loving your child... nothing.

Talk to everyone soon and thank you for all the welcomes to Nicholas.

Jen

[lunaria]

Here are a few photos of my handsome little man.. he looks just like his daddy!!


http://http://images.snapfish.com/34679%3C%3B%3A9%7Ffp33%3A%3Enu%3D323%3B%3E2%3C2%3E 255%3EWSNRCG%3D3233649%3A56%3B6%3Bnu0mrj

this was the one at the hospital in his take home outfit:
http://images.snapfish.com/34679%3C%3B%3A9%7Ffp345%3Evq%3D323%3B%3E2%3C2%3E25 5%3EWSNRCG%3D3233649%3A56%3B73vq0mrj

[uskiku]

Congrats Txfish and welcome Whitney Paige!
Congrats Ceallaigh and welcome Kyra Rose!
Congrats Lunaria and welcome Nicholas Anthony!

Wow, LOTS more babies!!! Wasn't Gina supposed to have her c-section today?! If so -- good luck!!!

Txfish Cannot wait to read your birth story and see pictures of little Miss Whitney! :)

Sal That picture is too cute for words!

Jennifer Hope you'll get her weight back up soon!!!

Bri Mackenzie has the cutest, sweetest cheeks! :) Sorry about the blister...

Kopper Hang in there! You're doing an AWESOME job and should be so proud of yourself for sticking with it!

Jeeplover Hope Kyle is home with you right now!

jane That's an absolutely adorable photo of Joey!

Sully 3 cm?!! Woo hoo!!

Lunaria He looks so cute!

Cagey Oh dear, I so sympathize with you... I actually haven't had strangers touching my belly, but I know that it would annoy me to no end! I'm more dealing with (or trying to deal with) daily comments, unsolicited advice etc etc... Every single time I go for a walk I see someone who says that she went into labor right after having walked here. All that started when I was 5 months pregnant -- I just wanted to scream that it was too early for me! Why cannot people understand that pregnant women also need exercise, that not every step we take is meant to "get the baby out"?! :mad:

Anyway... having said that, once I hit 38 weeks two days ago, I have all of sudden turned into a HGP (Huge Grouchy Preggo)... :o We still need to accomplish lots around here, but my patience is running out... I just want this stage to end!
Sorry about the vent... ;) Will go back to look at these adorable baby pics to remind myself that there's a baby inside my insanely big belly and that it'll all be worth it in the end! Have a great day, everyone! :)

[char473]

Lunaria: I LOVE the hospital ones, I didn't see them. I think I will get Shelby out of school early tomm and come over around 2pm, is that ok? She is dying to see her "cousin" and I am dying to hold my little man again!!

Take care!

[lunaria]

let me try this again.. im not sure how to size them and make them bigger though... anyone know how?

http://images.snapfish.com/3467%3A9%3B59%7Ffp346%3Evq%3D323%3B%3E2%3C2%3E255% 3EWSNRCG%3D3233649%3A56%3B6%3Bvq0mrj

http://images.snapfish.com/3467%3A9%3B59%7Ffp33%3A%3Evq%3D323%3B%3E2%3C2%3E25 5%3EWSNRCG%3D3233649%3A56%3B57vq0mrj

Charlene: sounds wonderful to me.. im not going anywhere as u know:)

Jen

[MMHinCA]

Well my appointment this morning was a bummer...

First, I tested positive for Group B Step. I am so bummed.

Second, there is NO progress. I already had an appointment scheduled for next Wednesday but scheduled another in for 2 weeks.

I am so bummed! I cried on my way home! :( I feel like she will never be here.

[Sevilla]

Typing 1-handed while DS sleeps in the other arm...

Congrats to Txfish on the birth of Whitney!
Congrats to Ceallaigh on the birth of Kyra!
Congrats to Lunaria on the birth of Nicholas!

Mel: Love those belly shots you posted!

MMH: ((((((hugs))))) Don't be discouraged. I was GBS+ too and everything turned out fine. You can still stay mobile when you get the antibiotics too. Also remember that internals really don't tell you anything useful unless you're actually in labor (or considering induction in the next day or two). I declined internals until i was actually i labor at the hospital. I know i had zero progress until i was in labor too, and i was ok with that. I know some people who walked around wit baby dropped, 100% effaced, and dilated to 4 cm for *weeks* before going into labor, and others who had zero progress who went into labor the next day. Remember to trust your body--it knows what its doing and its working to help your little girl grow strong until she's ready to be born. You're almost there--you can do it!

[mel7dog]

MMH - I am SO with you! I have been bummed ever since my apt last week when the Dr. said it is would be a little while still. I have no desire to do anything except sit around and eat, which is not like me at all. I keep telling myslef not to get anxious about the baby coming soon, because I am not even due for another week and it could be longer. I am trying to keep busy so the time passes sooner, but I don't have much to do. :rolleyes:

[Jane&Andy]

Lunaria - he's adorable. :) On snapfish if you select the photo to make it larger and then copy the properties it will appear larger - instead of clicking on the thumbnail photo.

MMH - ita with Sevilla - don;t let it get you down. It really doesn't mean anything at this point - until you are in labor.

uskiku - hang in there! you're almost to the finish line

cagey - I'm sorry everyone is bothering you so much. :( I imagine that must be incredibly annoying.

[KB57]

CONGRATS TO ALL OF THE APRIL MOMMIES!!!
Cannot believe all of these gorgeous babies are here already and I am STILL pregnant!
My due date was 4/6, but so far NOTHING. I've already had two NST's and this little one is perfectly fine in Mommy's womb....basically the dr says he/she is in no hurry to come out! I went back on 4/10, and the doctor said the absolute latest she'd let me pregnant is 4/20!!! I was like NOOOOO, please-the sooner the better!!! So, pending I don't give birth before this weekend, I am scheduled to be induced this Saturday 4/15. Mt doctor is on call all weekend, so she (not another dr in the practice) will most likely deliver the baby. I cannot wait to meet my little one!!

cagey I feel your pain. Now that I'm overdue, I keep getting phone calls...."Are you still pregnant?" Like hello, these people are my close family and friends, do they think they would NOT have gotten a phone call if I had the baby already??? And thank god I stopped working last week, because I couldn't take the "are you still here?" from everyone @ work. Ugh. People just don't realize that they are soooo annoying. Hang in there...it won't be much longer!!!

Well again, congrats to everyone that have their babies with them....soon I will be able to post pics of my little one too!!!

[mel7dog]

KB - Man I thought I was ready to be in labor, you SO deserve to go before me! Sending you major labor vibes. Hopeully the full moon on the 13th will help us all out. Yes I am resorted to looking up the moon schedule, LOL!

[usafwife]

Just dropping by for a quick post. You all have such adorable little ones. I miss my little one being that small. You don't believe how quickly they get past the being so small stage.

Sully ~ Anxiously awaiting news of the litte one's arrival. I know you are as well. Hopefully it won't be too long until you are holding that little boy in your arms.

To all of those who are still waiting ~ I'll give you some hope. I was always disappointed at my appts. when I was told that there was no change from the week before. I had a dream (or maybe just a wish) that our little one would arrive on Father's Day (my DH's dad had passed away very unexpectedly a month before and I thought that it would be neat if our baby arrived on Father's Day). When that day came and went and I still didn't have my baby I was so disappointed that I cried all the way home (we had been at BIL/SIL's house that day). I got the comments from people who would see me and then my belly and ask me when the baby was due. When I would tell them I'd get a whole range of comments from 'you better not get too far from the hospital' to 'you look like you could go anyday.' Geez, you think?? I had a NST and a biophysical profile u/s the day before going into labor. We were given a couple of options (wait or go ahead and schedue the induction for two days later). We decided to go ahead and do the induction. That night while I was asleep (had just been asleep about an hour and a half) I went into labor on my own. I was not dilated very much at the appt earlier in the day and by the time I got to the hospital I was 3 to 4 cm. So you can go from nothing to being dilated and in active labor in a matter of hours.

I know how discouraging it is to hear that there is no progress but the little one can't stay inside forever. They do eventually come out (on their own time schedule though). Best of luck to all of you.

[Jane&Andy]

oh man KB57 - I was so ready to be done with pregnancy at 36wks, I can't even imagine going overdue. Sending you lots of labor vibes!!!!

and here's another picture of my boy
http://images.snapfish.com/3467%3A%3A5%3C3%7Ffp339%3Enu%3D3237%3E%3B35%3E433% 3EWSNRCG%3D323364%3A448%3C%3A6nu0mrj

[MMHinCA]

Thank you Sevilla, mel7dog, Jane&Andy and usafwife for your encouragement! I know both the + strep and the no progress are no big deal. The baby will come when she is ready and she will be well protected from the strep with antibiotics!

[JenniferEC]

My birthstory (while I have 5 spare minutes):
Last Tuesday I had my 37 week appt. My OB said I was at a good four and because the internal hurt so bad, I knew she was stripping my membranes. She told me she was on call that night just in case. Later that afternoon I took an hour long walk with Caden. I figured it might help things along. After dinner I started getting some contrax, but they were not too bad. The real bad ones started around 8pm. DH kept track of them for me and they averaged about 6 mins apart. Finally about 10:15, I called the office and said I thought this was it so they told me to come in. We packed up Caden and dropped him off at my parents and went to the hospital.
The contrax in the car were unbearable. I thought I would wake up Caden with my screaming, but he never opened an eye. We got to the hospital at midnight and the contrax were coming about 3 mins apart. When the nurse finally checked me I was 5-6cm. I was so glad that I was actually in labor and wouldn't be sent home. I got an IV and then moved into my own room. I was second in line for an epidural, so DH and my mom helped me breathe through the contrax. I finally got my epidural at 1:30. That was the best decision. It took effect pretty quickly so we decided to get some rest. They turned down the lights and got blankets and pillows for DH and my mom. I tried to sleep, but couldn't stop thinking about meeting my baby. At 3:15 I felt a pop and a huge gush. I wasn't sure if my bladder burst or if it was my water, so my mom looked and because there was a little blood they confirmed it was my water. I was so thankful it broke on its own because I am scared of the hooks they use. They checked me again and I was at 8. The head nurse, Jocelyn, told me to let her know when I had the urge to push. I started to get the shakes from the epidural and my legs were really numb, but I still could feel the contrax. A little after 4, I started to feel like I had to poo. Jocelyn came in and said that it was indeed time to push. They started to get the room ready and turn the bed into a delivery table. Jocelyn said they would let me have a practice push so they could see how well I was pushing. When they put my legs up in the stirrups, her head was coming out. They scrambled to get the doctor in there and kept telling me not to push. It was all I could do not to sit up and push. Finally the doctor came in and they told me at my next contrax I could push. When it came, I sat up to grab my thighs and she came out at 4:33am. I never pushed once. Marin had the cord around her neck once, but she was so beautiful. They put her on my chest and I thought something was wrong because she was so tiny. She scored 9s on her Apgars so she is absolutely perfect. I had some bad tearing, so it took a while to get stitched. We started nursing about an hour after she was born and she latched great. I had a great labor this time around and hope that if there is a #3, things are just as easy.
She is a week old today and still a tiny peanut. She is starting to slowly gain weight, but is only at 5lbs4.5oz. BF is getting better each day and her ped thinks that if she keeps gaining, we may be able to stop supplementing at some point! One week old:
http://images.snapfish.com/3467%3A%3A762%7Ffp339%3Enu%3D3262%3E3%3B3%3E6%3C7% 3EWSNRCG%3D323364%3C875855nu0mrj

[April'06Moms]

Updated to here

[JenniferEC]

jeeplover - I hope Kyle is home with you and everything is going well.

cagey - Not much longer for you! Sorry you have to deal with inconsiderate people in the meantime.

Jane - All of your pics adorable! Hope you enjoyed some alone time with Joey.

uskiku - Hang in there! It's not much longer.

MMH - Sorry about the Group B. The waiting is the hardest part.

Mel - :) at looking up the moon schedule.

[Pink_Converse]

JenniferEC -Marin is so little and CUTE :)!

[MMHinCA]

For those new mommies... what size clothing are your babies wearing?

[Sevilla]

Clothes: David was 6 lb 14 oz when he was born, and at his 2 week appt. yesterday was lb. 4 oz. Carter's Newborn size (5-8 lb.) is still gigantic on him and he just started being able to wear those clotes this week. Thankfully a friend loaned me some older Carter's newborn clothing when it was 5-7 lb. and some preemie (to 5 lb.) clothing and that fit him from birth, even though he was technically at the high end of the weight limit.

[Jane&Andy]

Jennifer - Marin is adorable. :) Such a cute little peanut.

clothes - Joey is still in newborn clothes. He's probably around 7lbs now and filling those clothes out more but not ready for 0-3 month clothes yet.

[Sal03]

Jennifer what a little sweetheart!

Jane I love all the pics of Joey, he always looks so peaceful

MMH, KB and Mel Hang in there, I know the end truly sucks. And KB I went late with Dylan so I really feel for you. I hope it will be SOON for all of you!

Clothes Kate was 7 lbs 15 oz at birth and we went right into 0-3 month. some were big but she does okay. The Little Me brand stuff fits her great.

[uskiku]

Mel and MMH I soooo feel your pain!! Mel, I'm like you, eating everything in sight while washing my cloth dipes :D... Had a doctor's appointment yesterday, and I declined the internal -- just felt that it would make me even more anxious... :( Everything looked good though: baby's heartbeat was loud and strong, my blood pressure was "textbook" and we won't talk about the weight anymore, right :rolleyes: We also got to feel baby's tiny little bum!

Had to ask DH not to tease me about going overdue, 'cos its such a sensitive topic for me. I love this man, but sometimes he does not realize when his teasing gets too much for other people. He was very sweet and said that "you know I'm only teasing you and anytime he decides to come is fine with me". It really was the sweetest thing to see him holding my friend's newborn baby the other day... He said afterwards that holding a newborn made him want to hold his son even more :) .

KB sending you major, MAJOR labor vibes!!! Come on, baby!!!!!

I'm loving all the baby pictures, keep them coming! :D

[Kopper]

I love all the baby pictures.

JenniferEC - Thanks for posting your birth story. Wow she really did come quick! One of these days I will get around to finishing mine.

uskiku, MMH, KB and Mel - Hang in there. Your babies will be here very soon. Sorry to those getting annoying/nasty comments.

clothes - Jacob is in newborn and some 0-3 month old clothes. He is almost 9lbs (8lbs. 15oz.) according the the scale we have now.

x-posting from BF thread

Well I ended up going to a different IBCLC yesterday. The one I had been working with had not returned my phone calls. It turns out she was out of town but I was desperate. He had really been fighting at the breast and things did not seem to be improving. The new LC has determined that he has a problem with his suck. He chomps up and down instead of drawing my nipple back. So because of this even though I could feel him sucking and saw milk in my shield he was not transferring milk at all (maybe 2-5ml). We did a feed and weight check to determine this. So now she has me trying to syringe feed with the tubing taped to my nipple, finger train with the supplementing and trying to get him to latch without the shield since the shield wasn't doing any good. I have only been able to get him to latch for a few seconds today. Oh she also rented a scale to us to use at home for a week and then maybe longer. She said that it could take up to 12 days for him to work things out or maybe longer. We also had to switch bottles to the Gerber Comfort Hold because the nipples are shorter and better than the Medela ones we were using.

I have started taking Fenugreek (3 3x per day) and pumping again after every feeding since he isn't getting my milk from BFing. Since I'm pumping more I'm getting less per session (~2oz) than before but hopefully the Fenugreek and increased pumping will help. He eats anywhere from 2.5-3.5 oz per feeding right now.

One last thing we are strongly thinking about doing is taking him to Crainosacral Therapy. It was recommended by a friend of MIL who does the therapy on adults and has seen it work wonders on babies. The IBCLC also strongly recommending doing this because of his suck issues and that he was born via c-section. We have two or three recommendations so I am calling them this afternoon. I doubt insurance will cover it but at this point we are willing to try anything. I am not going to give up until I know for sure that there is no way my baby will BF.

[LittleStar]

Hi all! Just checking in. Still on baby watch :) Had an appt. today and no more progress. I was kind of hoping, but that's OK - more time to get things ready :p

I get all sorts of annoying comments, esp. at work ("I can't believe you're still here." "You look like you're going to pop.") Eh, whatever. Nothing beats the complete stranger who asked me several weeks ago, "Do you feel as miserable as you look?" :eek: WTF? I was actually feeling pretty good then :rolleyes:

I can't seem to find the perfect baby book and perfect diaper bag. Suggestions anyone?

Kopper - {{{hugs}}} I don't have any helpful advice to give, but I am thinking of you and hope that things get better w/ BFing.

Jennifer - What a sweet little sleeping baby!

[Sevilla]

LittleStar: That is so annoying about people's comments! I have a baby book by Carter's that i got through amazon.com, and my diaper bag is the Kecci Shanghai Chartreuse (www.kecci.com). I get a lot of compliments on it and it works well for us. I really like how it can be a back pack, much easier than a shoulder-strap.

Kopper: You are doing a great job and i really admire your committment to bf'ing. I'm glad you got to see another LC today and that she had some helpful advice for you. Hoping that your little guy figures out a good latch soon and that the c-s therapy helps.

[cagey]

Littlestar:

I hear ya on the rude comments -- I just start responding back rudely, which is really unlike me.

When asked "why are you still here?!" I just say "why shouldn't I be?!" As for the "you're going to pop", I replied that that's why I wasn't at home - it would be pretty messy. :p

And, even though I would never have the cahones to say it, I'd love to respond to the 'you look miserable' stranger with "Are you as stupid as you look?"

Hang in there!

[LittleStar]

Thanks Sevilla for the recommendations. I love those Kecci bags!

Cagey - I'll have to try some of those comebacks ;)

[Jane&Andy]

LittleStar - I have two diaper bags from Land's End - the little tripper and the backpack. So far I use the little tripper the most but I know the backpack will get lots of use later when we're out for longer periods of time.

Joey turned 4wks old yesterday! wow, how time flies. Yesterday was rough - he was very high needs - it was exhausting. Today he seems back to his usual easy going self (knock on wood).

[Sal03]

diaper bag we have the Skip Hop Expo and love it

Kopper you are doing great. I give you a lot of credit for sticking with it. Jacob is one lucky little guy!