May 2006 Mommies: Gearing up for Motherhood!

[Em7.31.04]

Just dropping in to say that our birth prep workshop was AMAZING!!! I am in absolute awe of the experience. DH and I had an incredible time together, and really feel bonded together as a couple. It was like a marriage retreat with some childbirth prep thrown in there. WOW. :D

[Mrs U]

Hi all!

Thanks for the good thoughts. Sat was the service- it was just horrible for me with the damn hormones. Even though she's not my grandma, I cried as though she was. The darn church bells/ organ made little D kick some hard kicks. To top it off, P's ma passed around a photo of grandma in her coffin as a last keepsake picture to remember her by- bloody aweful and tasteless!

Finally we have spring weather! :D We went for a good walk yesterday and I sat on the park bench sunning my exposed belly. Now if my allergies would just go away....

How tired are you? Depends on the day. Last week due to the antihistimines (sp?) I was dead tired. Even taking the meds at night I woke up over tired. Normally I take a afternoon cat nap when I can with the dog. ;)

ped We had to select one for our health insurance. Basically I asked around and found one that a few Swiss moms didnt care for because he spoke in High German instead of Swiss dialect. Personally that sounds good to me and he's not too far away!

Ok I better get in the shower. I have to meet up with a bunch of ExPats at Starbucks this morning- yeah yummy Chai Latte! :P

[Guinness]

Good morning! I am way behind . . .yikes. I had a busy weekend. My shower was Saturday and lots of family and friends were in town. We had a great time and people are so generous. Now I am exhausted and I have a ton of packages I have to sort through and start thank you notes! I think we have almost everything we need, except a diaper pail and a monitor and a few other odds and ends to stock up in the nursery. Unbelievable! So now we have to get serious about packing a bag for the hospital. I will probably do it next weekend.

Tired Yep, count me in. I am just uncomfortable so it is hard to get rested . . . guess it is the start of the next few months ;)

Ped I met with ours last week and like her a lot. I am so happy that was easy. Their office also has a lactation consultant that sounds wonderful. I am relieved to know that resource is there - and free!

I still need to do labor buddy list. I will try to do that today or tomorrow. Hope everyone is doing well. April 1 comes this week and we are next :D

[nettie]

Good morning! This weekend was my neice and nephew's 2 and 4 joint birthday party. I love them to pieces, and they are probably two of the top reasons I decided I really did want kids. The party itself was madness with about 40 kids and their parents. I thought my brother and sister in law were crazy for renting a moon bounce, and maybe they are, but it was a great enclosed space to let the kids burn off lots of energy.

Tired A little more than usual, but not much. I sleep so soundly at night though. I wake up once a night around 4 and find my arm asleep, do my bathroom run, and fall back to sleep almost immediately. I've been a champion sleeper my whole life, baby boy might change things though.

Ped We have a prenatal appointment with a reccommended guy this Thurs. It'll be good to check it off the list, but all these Dr's appointments are driving me crazy.

I start my weekly OB appointments next week! Last week, my OB tried to gently let me know that it's likely I'll go late, as 87% of his first time moms go on or past their due date. I'm glad that he seems to be in favor of waiting until the child is ready, but have a hard time imagining how big and uncomfortable I'll be at 40 weeks plus.

[fats]

Hi All!!

Eco and I had our "BabyMoon" this weekend and it was really wonderful. It just made me really how much closer this baby has brought us. We went to Intercourse, PA which is ironic since intercourse is how we got here in the first place!! ;)

The strangest thing has happened and I feel like I got hit with a bunch of symptoms literally overnight. Not only that - I'm HUGE. When we got to the B&B I was changing into comfy clothes and Eco remarked on how "round" I looked, which didn't really mean much since he sees me less often than I see me. But I looked in the mirror and I swear I just exploded overnight - neither one of us could believe how big I'd gotten. I also started to feel really short of breath when I was just lying on the couch. Normally I'll get short of breath if I'm walking a lot, but I was doing NOTHING and still having trouble catching my breath. And finally, my calves looked like tree trunks! I had never had any kind of swelling but we both couldn't believe how thick my calves and ankes were.

It's seemed to have simmered down since - I can still get my rings on and off, but I'm afraid of the day that they get stuck for good!!!

Tired It definitely depends on the day. Sometimes more than others although this weekend did wear me out and I needed a nap each day.

Ped We interviewed a bunch about a month ago and found one that we really like. Supposedly we don't have to call them or anything until the baby is actually born so that we can make his first appointment so they don't even kjnow that we've chosen their practice.

Stretch Marks I think someone asked about this. I've actually been really lucky and I haven't gotten any stretch marks yet. I still don't know if that's something I have to look forward to, but right now I'm just crossing my fingers that I get lucky and finish the pregnancy without them!

[Bloomwood]

That is so neat that so many of you are having these wonderful bonding experiences with your DHs! We are definitely feeling closer too. I just hope we can keep it up when I am sleep deprived from taking care of the babe!

Makes me think of a good QOTD:
Have you guys talked through how you're handling the night time feedings?

I think I am going to exclusively BF for the first two weeks so it'll be just me (assuming I am able to BF, of course). but once we introduce the bottle, I'll probably still be the one that gets up at night during the week and let DH sleep since he'll still be working 12 hour days and I'll be SAHM. We have friends that work it where the mom goes to bed around 9 and the dad gives the last bottle of the night, then mom does the mid-night feedings. I think we'll try that approach. DH mentioned maybe sleeping in the guest room when he first goest back to work. Makes me :( , but he has an intense job and needs to be rested. Weekends will be a different story though!!

stretch marks - not really, but I know they can come anytime, including at 40+weeks.

Guinness - sounds like a great shower! Good for you for getting so much of the needed stuff!

Mrs U - glad you got through the service, though that photo would definitely put me over the edge.

Nettie -- I've always heard that "a tired dog is a good dog." I like to think this can work with children too and the moon bounce was a great idea! (of course a tired dog gives in a little more readily than a child!)

update on me:
We think I've dropped a bit. I thought it on Friday and then DH mentioned it separately, THEN we had a friend over that was at the shower and she said she thinks I've dropped since then too - with out being prompted! I know I could still go to 2 weeks late, but at least it is progress! I am also going to the bathroom more and getting more frequent random shocks and twinges "down there."

I feel pretty good. I also have my days of being tired. We had a super busy weekend, so I expect to be pretty wiped out later today or tomorrow. I sleep pretty much through the night (once I get through the RLS...haven't tried the soap yet!), but I had to get up for a bathroom run last night.

[kristin9903]

MrsU Glad to hear you made it through the service, hormones and all. Still thinking about you.

Fats I know what you mean! I pull my rings off several times a day just to make sure that I can! Good to hear that you had fun on the babymoon in Intercourse (what a name!).

Guinness Sounds like you had an awesome shower!

QOTD - nighttime feedings For at least the first 3-4 months, I'll be the one waking up with the baby. I'll be a SAHM until school starts back up in the fall and DH's busiest time for work during the year is the summer. We put a twin bed in the nursery so that I can camp out there if our little one disturbs him too much.

my update I am soooooo crampy. Feels like AF is right around the corner. I know the kid's gotta be pretty low because I can't roll over in bed, stand up, walk, etc without pain. I'm praying that I'll have some nice progress to report after my dr's appointment on Wednesday.

[Kim]

I don't think I've even updated since the old thread. I guess I'm a little behind though I do pop in to read when I get a chance. I'm short a computer. My AC adapter was fried weeks agao and I haven't gotten a new one yet so I only have computer access when DH is home or leaves his laptop with me (which he kindly did today). :)

Not much to report. I woke up the other day thinking that I just looked different and that the baby felt a lot lower. I thought that maybe she dropped and my OB confirmed it today. I'm a bit worried about that because I didn't drop until I was full term with my other two. My OB doesn't seem concerned which is good. I was also worried that she may be measuring a bit on the small side since I just seem to be carrying smaller this time around. It's funny, I was huge in the beginning and not so much now. I totally know u/s measurememnts can be off (my OB said by 2/3 of a lb in either direction) and she measured in at 6 lbs today. Sounds huge to me but it really isn't considering my other two were 8 1/2 lbs. So, if the u/s was accurate today and she gains roughly 1/2 lb each week we could be looking at a 9 lber which is about what we would expect with the size of my other kids, give or take 1/2 lb.

I'm thinking we may be going for the waterbirth. My OB is really excited about it as are Max and I. He gave us a tour of the hospital last weekend and I wasn't thrilled with it but the waterbirthing facility looks nice and new and it's set apart from the regular L&D ward which is nice. Not to sound like a snob but the maternity wing seems really run down to me. So, I don't know. I'm planning on talking to him in depth at my next appointment. I had the kids with me today and they were getting antsy so we didn't have much time to chat.

Anyone think they're going to go late/early?-
I've always just assumed that I'd go late since baby #2 was 5 days late (I'm not sure if #1 would have been on time or not since I was induced). For some reason I keep thinking May 12th which would put me either 8 or 4 days past my EDD (depending on which EDD you go by). I'm starting to think that may not be the case since the baby has dropped but I guess only time will tell. I'm kind oif hoping I go a wee bit late because I have so much stuff left to do and I'd really like to enjoy this last month as a family of four before we introduce a new little one. I just hope I don't go too late that we have to start talking induction. I guess only time will tell.

I have to help someone in the potty. :p Shoutouts in a bit!

[lowcountrywed]

I was feeling so tired last week, but I had a super relaxing weekend and I feel like a new woman. Like Bloomwood, I think I may have dropped a little. It seems kind of early for that, so maybe he just changed positions or I'm just carrying low. For the past few days, when I get up in the middle of the night, in the morning or just after laying on the couch for awhile, my pelvic area is very sore when I walk. That area is also very sore when I turn over at night.

Ped- I'm kind of behind on this. I have a prenatal appointment with one practice next week and another the week after that (they have designated prenatal tour/meet the dr. times). I was supposed to have one chosen at my next OB appointment (which is before my pediatrician appointments), but oh well. They said they needed to send my GBS results there, but I guess they can just hold onto them for a week or two.

Nighttime Feedings- Well I'm planning on BF but will eventually start pumping since I'll be going back to work, so maybe once I start pumping DH can help me out at night. But won't I need to pump or feed in the middle of the night to keep my supply up? So much to learn!

Early or Late - I always thought I'd be a little early (seemed like everyone was, but now I'm finding out that a lot of people are late).

[Bloomwood]

Early or late - I've thought early from the beginning. I hope it isn't wishful thinking although I don't want to meet her for 2 1/2 more weeks (when I'm full term). I really don't want to be induced, but don't want to go past May 12 (silly but its because DH has a bach party to attend May 20 and he won't go if I'm later than May 12 - but I really want him to!)

Kim - I'd be all about a waterbirth if my hospital offered it! Sounds like a great experience.

kristin - those cramps sound promising.

lowcountry - how come they need to send your GBS results there? I'm sure I am just clueless, but I thought that was just for assessing risk for a vaginal birth? :confused:

[nettreefrog]

I’ll be posting a few other personal updates in my LJ. For anyone I have not friended yet, my screen name is also nettreefrog there.

QOTD


Anyone think they're going to go late/early? I wish that I could say early, but because my DD was induced (due to the fact that I showed virtually no change) I almost wonder if this will be another late one... I think it would be fabulous if he came a bit earlier though...

Nighttime feedings – I will be breastfeeding in the beginning –and staying home with the baby longer than my DH (he’s only taking a week). So, I figure that I will be the one to rise and shine with the little guy for quite some time. We are supposed to be given a cosleeper –and plan on cosleeping –so I figure that the process will be a bit easier. My DH is a light sleeper though –and I am worried that he might not get enough sleep.

Pediatrician – We’ll continue to use the same pediatrics group that I use for my DD. I have not been there for awhile –but it shouldn’t be a major issue.

Tired – Today I was really feeling winded and tired. However, I think that there may be a stomach/intestinal issue if you KWIM…

Dropping – When I look at my side view (that is enormous btw… if you scroll back to my belly shots, you will see the newest ones), I don’t notice a drop. I may not actually drop until right before labor though…

Stretch marks – It was me who asked about the stretch marks… I am definitely stretching and showing marks despite the use of cocoa butter. I was wondering how you all are faring…

Shoutouts!

Bloomwood – I totally agree with you about wanting to greet the baby at full-term… and it would be nice for your DH to be able to attend the bachelor’s party!

Lowcountrywed – I really don’t remember, but my friends all swear that when the baby dropped for them, they were able to breathe more easily –but had a harder time walking and felt the need to use the ladies room more frequently.

Kim – 6 lbs sounds like a healthy baby! Two of my friends raved about their waterbirth experiences… I would have loved to do it this way too!

kristin9903 – That is a great idea about putting the twin bed in the nursery… Sorry about the pain—but looking forward to hearing about your progress.

Fats – Lol about your “Intercourse” comment—I do believe we recently passed through as well… There are definitely weeks wherein I feel like I have really popped too! Sorry about the expansion of the legs and the loss of breath…

Nettie – I hear you about finding it hard to imagining any of our sizes in another 5-8 or so weeks… I mean really sometimes I wonder if there is any give left in my skin! Cute about the moon bounce; did your niece and nephew have a good time?

Guinness – The buddy list is going to be so exciting! I am really looking forward to it. That is fabulous that your shower was so successful! Have fun writing those thank yous…

Mrs U – Aww, hormones now can be so strong –and a funeral could easily send me into a crying frenzy too! LOL about the high German –It reminds me of my good friend in Belgium that complains about the Dutch… oy!

Em7.31.04 – Fabulous about the workshop. It sounds like you were really energized by it.

Southlooper – Funny about the distractions… I felt the same way at work today –everything and anything looked better than Visio.

Kmfroggi – That stomach virus sounded horrible, and I am glad that you doing better. Its neat that you are going to use the same practice as the one you had as a child. Are any of the doctors the same?

Shortcake – Glad that your DH is doing well. How has your DD been while your DH has been in Canada?

smiles33 – The photo of you is gorgeous. I am sure that the CD is going to be great!

[May2006Mommies]

Attyrl75 - April 1234
Nettreefrog - fats
Lolly - Jen 1098
Bloomwood - lowcountrywed - Standrea
jarm - Southlooper

I suggest you pm your buddy(s) and figure out the best way to pass on the information. Now we are almost ready for babies :D

[Mrs U]

Hi All!

My printer just bit the dust. Never again will I buy an Epson ink jet- it's only 18 months old and never had a problem until this past weekend when I changed out the ink- it wouldnt print a drop on the paper. What I just spent on ink I could have bought another bloody printer. :mad:


Anyone think they're going to go late/early?
I think I might go early. Dr says he's measuring big, but wouldnt say lb wise or size wise.

Nighttime feedings
I'll be attempting breastfeeding. We have a twin bed in our really small nursery where I'll be sleeping Mon- Thurs so SO can get some sleep. If pumping works, then SO gets the early morning shifts on the weekends.:p

Dropping
Havent notice if I have. I'm sure it will happen eventually.

stretch marks
*knocks on wood* no sign of them.:D


Fats
I have been to Intercourse as well.:p There is a great buffet a stones throw away that my mom loves. I hear ya on getting so round- we dont have a full length mirror at home and last night babysitting I caught a glimse in the bathroom- my oh my is my belly big! :eek:

Kim
Where I'll be delivering offers water birth. If the tub is free and I have no problems I'll be attempting water birth as well.

Mods
All though I didnt request a buddy, our little D's pic will be on the hospital homepage roughly 2 hours after birth:

http://www.hirslanden-baby.ch/de/babygalerie/galerie.cfm?ClinicID=17

Since I'll be in the hospital for 4-6 days, I figured ya'll can keep an eye on the site when I tell ya'll that I'm going in. :D

[lowcountrywed]

bloomwood- I have no idea why they want to send that to my pediatrician. My appointments are always first thing in the morning, so I'm often not alert enough to ask why. :p I thought it was weird too - plus the fact that both peds that I called said to just tell them at the hospital when you deliver that you have chosen them as your ped.

[Em7.31.04]

Our Dutailier upholstered rocker came on Saturday, and it looks so great! It's a medium-dark red suede/microfiber material. I wish we'd gotten the ottoman, but maybe I'll just have to get a foot stool or something instead? I'll post a picture soon...

New QOTD: Has anyone ever had acupuncture? Especially, during pg? I have a pg friend who has been going for years, and she says it make a real difference in her heartburn. There is also a technique for flipping breech babies, which I plan to try in the next month if he doesn't flip on his own. I'm going to schedule an appointment for some heartburn treatment...but I was just curious about others' experiences...

Anyone think they're going to go late/early?
I really, really want to go early because of my school schedule post-birth. But we'll see. I'll get a better idea of his size at my u/s this week.

Nighttime Feedings
Assuming BF goes well, I will be doing the actual feedings. DH plans to get up and change the baby, etc to get him ready for feedings. Then we'll trade off putting the baby back to sleep. It'll be a team effort all the way. DH is off during the summers, and I'll be going to school just a few weeks after he's due...so I'll really be relying on DH a lot for help. I plan to pump as soon as possible and introduce a bottle within a few weeks, so that DH can do feedings while I'm at school, and during some nighttime feedings.

Dropping
I definitely haven't yet. He's still breech, with his head jammed in my ribs. Sure wish he would drop...

Stretch Marks
I got a few on my hips very early on, but I think those were in the works before getting pg! I have no new ones, knock on wood. Let's hope it stays that way...

[Bloomwood]

Guinness - thanks for doing the pairings!

Mrs U - sorry about the printer! If you need a laser printer rec, I can say we are on our 2nd brother HL-1440. They are great (we used the first one for YEARS before it died).

Quiet day. I guess our babies are just happily baking away.

I am starting to have unfounded fears about "bad things" happening during the birth or finding out our baby has health issues (probably from spending too much time on the March thread and seeing a couple of babies having to stay in the hospital or have surgery). I read in DH's Expectant Father book that it was normal and talked to a girlfriend about it as well this morning. It is making me even more anxious for her to be born.

I have my BFing class tonight. DH isn't coming and I'm sure I'll be one of the only solo women there. Oh well.

oh yeah, here's another bright thought for you to noodle. My "waist" is 41." How is that possible??

[missy329]

Hello Everyone-

Had my NST and regular OB appt yesterday. Everything looks good. They said I was having small contraqctions while on the NST but they were too small to be concerned about. I lost another pound since my last appt (2 weeks ago). So, now I am at 2 lbs over my pre-pg weight. I know it is because of the diet I am on for my GD. I eat 6 times a day but it is all stuff that is "good" for me and it is a very balanced meal plan. But, I must admit- I miss my junk food, especially chocolate. Tomorrow is my birthday so I am going to be bad and have a small piece of cake. The GD is going ok. My glucose levels are mostly where they should be- except for my morning fasting numbers.

Anyway, we made all of our appts yesterday for now until the baby will be. I have weekly NST's and then regular OB visits. Just 4 weeks from Friday and baby #2 will be here! I can't wait!:D

We also went out this weekend, finally, and bought the stuff for my daughter's "big girl room". We ended up buying another crib since I am not ready to put her in a toddler bed just yet. We also got her all new girly bedding and a bunch of other stuff. Now I am in the process of moving her things out of the nursery so that I can start putting baby things into the nursery. I feel so much better to have at least started on her room.


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

That's about it for me- let me answer some QOTD's:

Anyone think they're going to go late/early?
As a repeat c/s I have already picked my date. This baby will be here no later than April 28th! (The c/s is scheduled for April 28th)

Nighttime feedings
My DH works night so I have all the nighttime feedings. It really wasn't that bad with my DD. I am just hoping the baby doesn't wake my DD and I have them both awake at the same time!

Dropping
Not sure- I don't think I have dropped yet. But, I am definately carrying this baby lower than my first.

stretch marks
Oh yeah- tons of them. Much more than last time!

[Lolly]

I had my baby shower this past Saturday and it was fabulous. The baby now has a ton of onsies (actually too many). My friends from work thought I received alot too and at the end were taking guesses as to who would guess the amount. Well, my friend Deb guessed 51, and I actually received 59 onsies! I guess that's what we get for not finding out the sex beforehand. That and everyone only seemed to go to one of our registry sites to get things. So we actually have a ton of duplicates, and triplicates of items. So, I'll be doing some exchanging in the next coming weeks.

Also, I got a call today from the baby store and our Crib is in. DH will pick it up tomorrow! I can't wait! Not that we can set it up yet. I'm hoping DH will finish painting the baby's room this weekend and get the trim work up so I can start putting things in the room and getting it ready.

QOTD's

Anyone think they're going to go late/early? I think I'll go late. I don't want to go too late but closer to June would be good.

Nighttime feedings - Since I hope to BF exclusively while I'm on leave, I'll be the one waking up for feedings. I plan on going back to work when the baby is about 3 months old so I'll have to start pumping and having DH give a bottle a little before that.

Dropping- haven't noticed it yet although since this past Sunday I feel very achey, so maybe I have.

stretch marks - none yet, knock on wood. ;)

ETA: today I decided not to wear my wedding rings. I'm really afraid of getting them stuck on my finger. I am wearing a simple diamond ring that I had years ago, just so my finger isn't naked. It actually felt weird not to wear my actual wedding rings though. But, I plan on going out and buying a huge fake one just for fun, lol. So, QOTD. Anyone else not wearing their wedding rings?

[Guinness]

Early or late Please, please, please - I want to go early, which means I will probably be late. I feel like I have lots of pressure, but don't notice I have dropped much.

Nightfeedings Probably I will do since BF and DH works long hours with a nasty commute. We will probably have him help on weekends so he gets some bonding time. He usually stays up late anyway, so it will work out great.

stretchmarks Got 'em, hate 'em :(

Bloomwood I am having the same anxieties of something going wrong. . . .probably for the same reason. I think it is natural, just higher with some of the recent births. I keep trying to remember that DH and I are strong and ready to take on whatever happens. No matter what we will be changed people.

Missy Happy birthday tomorrow. Mine is today . . . and I have been eating leftover cake for my shower like it is going out of style. I really need to stop. Great job on your GD diet. It has to be so hard, but good for you and the baby!

I know I missed others, following along with out much to say. I am just tired and my feet hurt. Time to go home and put them up!!

[Southlooper]

I had/am having a little scare today. I spotted around noon today. I say spotted because what I saw (WARNING TMI) was a big drip of blood (about a teaspoon) floating around the toilet after using the bathroom. Nothing has happened since. I paniced for about a minute then calmed down and decided to see if it happens again after lunch. So far no more spotting. There is some pain, but the usual kicking and pinching I've felt the last couple of months. I've felt some pressure but it felt more like the baby was trying to stretch out rather than come out. She was kicking like crazy on the way home.


I have a call into my OB. No word yet. I'm going to go lay down...

[Lolly]

Oh, almost forgot...

Guinness, thanks for getting the buddy list set up! And HAPPY BIRTHDAY!

Missy Happy Birthday tomorrow!

[Lolly]

Southlooper, That is scary. And good that you called your OB. I hope its just a one time thing. I'll be thinking about you.

[Bloomwood]

Happy birthday, Guinness! Enjoy that cake!
Happy (one day early) birthday Missy!

southlooper - I hope everything is okay. I'm sure it was scary to see that.

Lolly - awesome about your shower! I have way too many onesies too. I don't even know how she'll be able to wear them all before she grows out of them. Duplicates and triplicates are great for being able to stock up on the other things. LOL at getting a big diamond! Great idea!!

Guinness - thanks for the reassurance that I'm not the only one. Nothing can change how in love I am with this baby in my belly, but I also know I will do whatever I can to keep her safe and healthy.

rings - I hardly ever wear mine anyway. I've always taken them off at night so as to not scratch DH and since I WAH, I don't generally wear them during the day. I have noticed them fitting tighter when I do wear them. I have a lot of water retention going on.

[flyerwife]

Happy Birthday Guinness and Missy!

Early or Late: Early since the c/s is already scheduled for 39 weeks.

Southlooper: I'm sure all is okay, but I'm glad you called, I hope it's nothing.

rings: So far so good, I did manage to wear my wedding ring all the way through my last pregnancy, so I'm hoping to again this time. I look young anyway and really don't want the looks of being pregnant and then thinking I'm really young too. Let's just say I was at a wedding a couple years ago sitting with some of my dads friends and when they heard I had a 2 yr old and had been married 7 years one os the wives said boy you were young! I was 30 at the time!

Anyway, my hormones are in high gear and my dh is out of town and the 4 yr old is not dealing well with it. There has been no listening on his part and he's been acting out. Glad that we already made the decision to have #2 or it wouldn't be happening after today! Does make me wonder how I'll deal with 2 of them in the future though.

Better go straighten up the house, it's a wreck!

[Standrea]

Hey everyone!! Sorry it's been a few days. I've been DEAD tired lately. It's terrible! And waking up 20 times a night to pee is not my idea of fun either...My mom bought my glider/ottoman for me this weekend. I'm so excited to get it set up. I'm taking Friday off to spring clean the house, and set up Abbey's room somemore.:)


Anyone think they're going to go late/early?
I would LOVE to go early. Everyone big happens to DH and i on the 26th...we started dating on the 26th, got engaged, got married, bought our first car, closed on our house, and got the "official" preggo confirmation on the 26th...so that would be super special. I dont know though, everyone says im really small, so she'll probably be late...

Nighttime feedings
I'm praying that BF'ing works for us, so I'll be doing the feedings. Especially since i most likely will NOT be going back to work after. DH has agreed to get up with her on the weekends though to do changes, and when we first get home.

Dropping
Don't think so...i feel her feet in my ribs.

stretch marks
Nothing yet. I have been using "tahiti sweetie" from bath and body works...I know they say its genetics, but i think its been helpding...lets hope they stay at bay!!

Rings
Still able to wear them. I take them off at night time while watching tv because i feel them getting a little tighter, but it's personal comfort.

Acupuncture
Haven't tried it, but would love too!! Although, it does look painful!!

Fats
I feel round too...tonight at dinner, my nephew said...I think the baby is going to fall out soon!!

Kim
We have a birthing tub at our hospital!! I'm so excited about it, and hope we get to utilize it!! We'll see when it happens.


Happy Birthday Guinness and Missy!!

Southlooper
I'm so sorry for the scare. i'll be thinking of you!! I'm sure everything is ok!!

Lolly
Too funny about the onesies...I am so worried that we won't have ENOUGH clothes for the baby, but we have a ton of onesies already, just from hand me downs!! I'm glad that you got lots of stuff from your registry. My girlfriend got 8 diaper genies off of her Registry...it just NEVER came off!!

Missy
4 weeks:eek: ...that's so soon!!s

Bloomwood
I AM HAVING THE SAME EXACT FEELINGS! I'm pretty sure its from reading the most recent birth threads. I had a panic attack over the weekend about it actually. I know its natural though, and DH and I will be strong no matter what happens. Everything happens for a reason I believe...

Em
Congrats on the rocker! I can't wait to see pictures of it!!

I hope i didnt' leave anyone out!!

[pocahontas]

Hello ladies...since you all are pretty senior amongst the threads being in the 3rd tri and all, I figure you've pretty much been through things many in the first/second tri haven't. So perhaps you can tell me...did any of you have a nuchal (sp?) translucency? Exactly how is it different than your run of the mill u/s...or are they pretty much the same? Any info is greatly appreciated. :) Thanks.

[jarm]

Question for those who are electing to have a repeat c-section - I'm looking for some validation of my feelings and decisions...in a way. I realize that what's right for one could not be the best choice for another. In any event, would you mind sharing your reasons? I'm struggling big time with this and really need to make a decision soon. TIA!



To answer some QOTD...
rings - It's a day to day thing!

early delivery? - Probably not!

stretch marks - my belly is totally gross with stretch marks, but I had them with DD so I was expecting them.


As far as me, I had another appointment today. It was with the midwife and I kind of regret talking about what I wanted to talk about with a doctor with her. I am thinking that I'll schedule the c-section for the week leading up to my due date, but I will try for a VBAC if I go early. I just felt like she and the person she had training with her were pushing me toward a VBAC. I have reasons as to why I want to do both, mostly which are selfish and I'm not afraid to admit it. I've gained way too much weight for my own liking. Oh well...

Tons of people have been telling me that they think I'm having a boy this time. I don't know...I thought boy at the beginning, but now I'm not so sure! Of course one of the families at school just had a baby and named her Veruca (yes, after Charlie and the Chocolate Factory) and so I've been joking around that we're going to name the baby Oompah Loompah...Arlyn goes around and calls the baby Oompah Loompah. Too cute!

[kristin9903]

Happy Birthday Guinness and Missy!!

Hope everything is ok with your spotting, Southlooper.

Pocahontas I had the NT ultrasound at 13 weeks. It was my first on top of the belly, non-dildo cam u/s. Basically, the dr. spent about 45 minutes checking out the baby and measuring the thickness of the back of the neck (the nuchal fold). It wasn't anymore invasive/detailed than any other u/s I've had. He also drew blood to get a couple of hormone levels (one was HCG and the other was a form of estrogen, I think). They took the two hormone levels and the information from the u/s and calculated the baby's risks for Trisomy 18 and Down Syndrome. In short, it was totally painless and I got my favorite picture of the little guy from that u/s! :) Hope it helps!

[smiles33]

I have been dropping by to read during the day, but no time to post since work is so crazy right now. I am trying to finish up some projects and prepare materials for the temp before I go out on leave. How long are you all working until? I've got one last major event April 19, which is about 2 weeks before my due date, so I'm hoping I'll make it to then. But I did tell my boss if I find myself not sleeping well or just too uncomfortable, I may stop earlier.

Lately, the afternoons have been worse for me since all that sitting in front of a desk makes my torso tense and I find it more difficult to breathe.

Happy belated b-day to Guinness and happy birthday to Missy!

Southlooper, hope everything turned out fine.

Standrea: Lucky you to take Friday off to clean! :) I want to do a few more things to the nursery but it will have to wait until Saturday.

QOTD:

Early or late? I think early, because my due date is based on u/s measurement but I think DH and I DTD a good week earlier than what conception would be based on the due date.

Nightfeedings? I am planning to BF, so DH will just help change diapers and burp her the first week or so when he's off from work. After that, it's up to me until I go back to work about 16 weeks after her birth. Then we'll figure out some shared duties as she'll have to get a bottle by then.

Dropping? I thought she dropped sometime last night/this morning, as I found it much easier to breathe today and felt pressure in my lower uterus area (where menstrual cramps usually come). But I can't tell, as she's still kicking me in the same places about the height of my belly button.

Stretchmarks? Ironically, even though I have some on my hips (from a teenage growth spurt), I don't have any new ones there or on my belly--just one reddish stretchmark on my right breast. Funny, huh? I don't bother w/lotions as I've read they don't help.

Rings? My wedding/e-ring fits, but not an eternity band my mom gave me (it's so tight that I'm afraid of wearing it and not being able to take it off). I take my rings off when I'm at home and the wedding/e-ring slips on and off without any problems.

Acupuncture? I have had it before for carpal tunnel, so I can say it doesn't hurt. It's just the image of needles sticking out of your hands, face, etc. that freaks some people out.

Not having a planned c-section so I can't answer jarm's question.

[missy329]

Jarm-

I never really had a choice about a repeat c/s. I had fibroid surgery about 6 months before I got pg with my daughter. They removed 9 fibroids and therefore I was told I would have to have a c/s if/when I became pg due to the numerous incisions in my uterus. This time around I also have complete placenta previa so that would have ruled out a VBAC anyway. Also, on Monday I was talking to my OB about VBACs and he informed me that no Dr in Central FL will do them, so if I had been able to have one I wouldn't have been able to find a Dr to do it. Sorry, I know that is no help to you. I can't even imagine what a difficult decision this must be for you!


Guinness- Happy Belated Birthday!

[flyerwife]

Repeat c-section: I finally made up my mind, but I still struggle with if it's the right decision. Basically I've been told if I would go into labor early they will allow me to try VBAC, but otherwise it's a c-section. With my son I never progressed, his heart rate kept dropping, he had a cord around his neck and my blood pressure was high. My doctor simply feels that for my sake as well as the babies, that the c-section is the right way to go. However, he is also very honest and told me that's simply what the current literature supports, so he does as well. I did have a friend that did VBAC back in January and did fine. It's what she really wanted, so it was a great thing for her. At this point I'm planning the c-section and I figure if I'm suppossed to VBAC I'll go into labor before May 4th (but hopefully not too early if that's the case)

[Guinness]

Thanks for all the Birthday wishes!! Nothing like feeling old and overly pregnant the same day ;) This is going to be a great year however with the start of our new family. Looking forward to it.

Have a good day everyone. It is rainy here and I so wish I could stay home in bed. . . but alas, work calls.

[Mrs U]

Happy Birthday Guinness & Missy!

Dont ya'll wish that sometimes you could have a little window to see what the baby is doing in your womb? Today is one of those days.....

gotta go pee yet again..:rolleyes:

[ga girl]

Happy birthday Guinness and Missy!! Guinness- I know just how you feel, my bday is Sat and I have no desire to even go out for a nice dinner I feel so big and uncomfortable!

Hope everyone is doing well, I've been reading along but haven't had much to say. I've been so crabby lately that it probably wouldn't have been very pleasant anyways;) Is anyone else having mood swings? Everyday I feel something different. I had a shower this past weekend and afterwards I felt sad and blah- not even excited about all the wonderful things we received.

Thought I would answer some of the qotd's-

Early or late? I hope a little early! He's always sat really low but now it's getting to the point of being really uncomfortable. I have a feeling it will be around the 10th- not sure why.


Nightfeedings? I'm going to bf at first- I hope to do what a few of my friends did. BF exclusively the first few days then pump, I'll do a feeding @9 pm and go to bed, dh will do the 12 and then I'll get up and do the 3 am. Of course now that I have my nice little plan he'll want to feed every hour! I'm lucky in that dh works from home and is planning to not travel for 3 weeks afterwards- he's definitely taking some of those feedings!

Dropping? He was never high, not at any point in this pg, so he doesn't really have anywhere to go!

Stretchmarks?Yes, blah. On both sides down towards my hips.

Rings? Still wearing them, no problems yet.

Think that was all of them...hope you're all having a good week!

[futurelamgirl]

Hi,

i was just wandering if you girls have or are going to buy special deterent for your little one? I just wanted to get some opinions..

Thank you,
Futurelamgirl

[AttyGrl74]

Oh boy - I'm 2 pages behind!

Thanks Guinness for putting together Labor Buddies. April 1234 will definately go before me!

Speaking of Going Early v. Going Late Nora was 2 weeks early and it was such a relief to go at 38 weeks. I was so over it.

I'm hoping to go around 38 weeks again this time. If the doc offers to "strip your membranes" at your 38 week visit - take them up on it! It may hurt a bit, but it definately got the ball rolling for me!

Night Meals Getting up at night really isn't so bad, I actually kind of missed those night nursing sessions once Nora STTN (which wasn't until like 7 months when she started crawling). We did do a lot of co-sleeping, in the guest room, b/c DH has apnea and was deathly afraid of rolling over on to the baby.

Anyway - I'll be doing 100% of the feeding. Night or day. I'm an "All You Can Eat, 24 Hour Diner"

Dropping No way - #2 is right up under my boobs - hard to breathe! Actually I look like I swallowed a watermelon - the long way.

Anyway - I hope you all are doing well!

[AttyGrl74]

Hi,

i was just wandering if you girls have or are going to buy special deterent for your little one? I just wanted to get some opinions..

Thank you,
Futurelamgirl

I used Dreft for the first 9 months or so... I don't know if it is necessary.

Although I would recommend using a "Free"-type of detergent just in case baby has sensitive skin.

We use All Free & Clear now.

[shortcake]

ga girl - I like your night feedings plan! If it works, that would be awesome, I might try something like that myself. Wouldn't have worked for #1 but maybe this one will sleep better.

futurelamgirl - We use All Free & Clear here...used it before DD came and continued to use it after. I think it's gentler than average, but not as pricey as Dreft etc.

[AttyGrl74]

Too funny....

http://www.dairyqueen.com/en-US/DQ+Ads/default.htm

[Bloomwood]

That is HILARIOUS! Def sending to DH.

re: laundry detergent: I bought some Method Baby, but as soon as it is used up - as well as our giganto Tide - I'm moving to All Clear. I also bought Bounce free - or whatever it's called - because the clothes were a little static-y.

BFing class was good last night. I really liked the instructor. Most of it I'd read already, but I figure you can't hear it too often. The more I hear about our hospital, the more confident I am that it will be the best place for me - they don't force the epi, but offer that you try different alternatives first and they give you the baby immediately after birth for skin-to-skin bonding time and you can request longer bonding before the baby is bathed, etc.

I am signed up for a c/s class next week that came with our childbirth "package" of classes, but I think I'll skip it. 2 hours is a long time to sit there and part of it will be on VBAC which doesn't apply to me (hopefully ever). I know that I could still end up with a c/s, but I'm going to stay optimistic! (watch the next day at my ob appt, I'll hear that she's breech and I'll need a c/s!)

[pocahontas]

Happy Birthday Guinness and Missy!!

Hope everything is ok with your spotting, Southlooper.

Pocahontas I had the NT ultrasound at 13 weeks. It was my first on top of the belly, non-dildo cam u/s. Basically, the dr. spent about 45 minutes checking out the baby and measuring the thickness of the back of the neck (the nuchal fold). It wasn't anymore invasive/detailed than any other u/s I've had. He also drew blood to get a couple of hormone levels (one was HCG and the other was a form of estrogen, I think). They took the two hormone levels and the information from the u/s and calculated the baby's risks for Trisomy 18 and Down Syndrome. In short, it was totally painless and I got my favorite picture of the little guy from that u/s! :) Hope it helps!
KRISTIN...thanks for your help. I do appreciate the response.

[Lolly]

Attygrl74, that was so funny. I just forwarded it to many of my girlfriends!

I was a HOG at lunch today. I went to Jerry's (a sub shop in this neck of the woods and got an 8" 'Big Daddy' sub with Fries, and I ate the whole thing! Oink, Oink. And tomorrow I have to step on the scale again at my appointment. Maybe I should drink tons of water so I don't swell up and weigh more?!

ETA: Hi Pocahontas! I remember you from the WC days. Congrats on your pregnancy :) Sorry, but I didn't have that test done so I can't help you there.

[kristin9903]

Drive by post...

Well...all those cramps were for nothing. I'm closed up tight and my dumb cervix is facing the wrong direction. 0% effacement, too. Boo. Dr. is now rethinking induction since it looks like the kid's super happy inside mama.

[fats]

Wow – I fell so far behind!!

Happy Birthday Guinness and Missy. And Happy Early Birthday ga girl!!

QOTDs
Anyone think they're going to go late/early?
I always thought I’d go late because I thought that the majority of first babies are late, but now that I know better, I’d love to go early. Actually, I’d love to go on my due date because it’s the date my Dad died, so it’s kind of special in that way – but I wouldn’t complain about being ‘finished” sooner!!

Nighttime feedings
Since I’ll be BFing (I hope) I’ll take all the feedings.

Dropping
I wish. I’m carrying so high – it’s really uncomfortable.

stretch marks
Nope. Lots of cellulite though – not sure what’s worse!! I’ve been using a lotion with Vitamin E (nothing special – I think it’s Suave) but honestly, I don’t think it’s anything other than just being lucky!!

Rings
Still able to wear them. I take them off at night. I’m starting to get nervous that the day will come when I can’t get them off, but until I really have to struggle to get them off, I’ll keep wearing them.

Working
Originally I was going to work right up until my due date (I’m due on a Monday, so I figured the Friday before would be my last day). Now I’m having second thoughts and I think if I’m still pg a week before then I’ll work from home that week and until I give birth.

Detergent
I bought both Dreft and All Free, since I had a coupon for both. Once I finish the Dreft, I’ll probably stick with the All since it’s cheaper.

New QOTDs
Speaking of rings – if yours still fit, do you plan to wear them to the hospital? I wonder if it’s better to leave them home (one less thing to lose).

I’m not sure when to introduce a bottle though because I’ve heard that once the baby gets the bottle, it’s so much easier for them to get milk out that they won’t want the breast. At the same time, I’ve had other people tell me to introduce the bottle early because some babies have trouble learning how to suck from a bottle after being on the breast for so long. Does anyone have any thoughts on this?

Belly Shots
These are the latest from last weekend – 32 Weeks
http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b131/fatsella/Baby/113_1370.jpg

http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b131/fatsella/Baby/113_1371.jpg

[Em7.31.04]

Detergent: We have a few samples of Dreft that we'll use, but I don't plan to buy any of it. I don't really like the way it smells, for some reason. We'll probably use All Free & Clear or the Costco knock-off at first. I am obsessed w/the Tide smell though....so if baby's skin isn't too sensitive, I'll phase back in my regular Tide.

For those of you who've had showers already...What did you wear? My first shower is this weekend and I'm feeling like I have absolutely nothing to wear. Would it be alright to wear capris and a cute top? Or do I have to dress up more than that? Can't I just wear sweats, which is what I'm most comfy in?? Wouldn't that be a sight. :rolleyes:

[Lolly]

fats, I was born a year to the date after my grandfather died and I have always been told how special that is. My mom always told me that they were sad about that date until I decided to come early (by 5 days). :) Plus I think it would be great if you delivered on your due date because you rarely hear about that happening.

Not sure about the bottle issue. I think that once you introduce the bottle and still continue to BF that should be fine. I plan to BF for most of the time when I'm off then start introducing a bottle about 3 weeks before I go back to work. We may start earlier though so DH can give the baby a bottle sooner.

About rings at the hospital, I think I would feel better if they were safe at home rather than me worrying about them if I had to take them off while at the hospital.

What a cute belly!

[Lolly]

Em I wore a very comfortable dress. This one is from Motherhood and I absolutely love it.

http://www.motherhood.com/Images/Products/2739.jpg

With me in it
http://images.snapfish.com/346689%3A89%7Ffp342%3Enu%3D3233%3E4%3C9%3E5%3B6%3E 23244%3C96%3A7785ot1lsi

I think capris and a nice top would look great though and still be very comfortable.

[Southlooper]

Thanks everyone for your good thought. My OB suspects the spot could have come from either the baby turning or DTD. :o Either way, everything is good.

Anyway..we had our 31 week u/s. She's definately a "she", which is great because I had grown very attached to the idea of a DD (not to mention the clothes we got from our shower.) It was cool to see how she has developed, especially her face (she has fat cheeks.) Her head is down and the placenta moved up, so all is clear for a normal delivery.

QOTD:

Detergent: We are using whatever dye and fragrance free product is on sale. I'm partial to arm and hammer.

Rings: I'm wearing my wedding and engagement ring on a chain around my neck. The cross ring I usually wear on my right hand I now wear on my left. For some reason it fits better even though it's the same size as my wedding and e-ring. I'll probaby wear all my rings on a chain when I deliver.

Early or Late Delivery:I have no idea. I am hoping for early.

[missy329]

Thanks everyone for the birthday wishes. I had a nice day. We went to lunch at Olive Garden and then went and bought a coming home girl's outfit. We still have the coming home boy's outfit from my last pregnancy. Then we worked on my daughter's big girl room some more. Then I was really bad and had a piece of Carvel ice cream cake- YUMMM!!! I have been really good with my GD diet but I had to have a small piece of my birthday cake. My glucose level actually wasn't that bad afterwards:) It was a nice day with my daughter and husband. (I swapped my days off at work this week so I could have yesterday off and my DH works nights so he is home every day- he watches our daughter so we don't have to use day care. Well, that sure was a long side note!)



Detergent- We use Dreft. I still use it for my daughter's clothes mainly because I love how it smells.

Shower- I wore capris and a cute shirt. My shower was at my MIL's house and was all family. I might have dressed differently if it were somewhere else- but probably not. I say go with something comfy!

[Jen1098]

Behind as usual. I've been lurking but I've been napping when DS naps so that doesn't leave much time for play. I didn't nap the other day and boy I was a you know what.:)

SouthlooperGlad everything turned out fine-that must have been scary though.

Lolly Your pictures look great! I see we're labor buddies-I'll pm you with my info soon.

Fats You look great. As for the bottle issue-everyone says to wait until the baby is at least 3-4 weeks old so there isn't nipple confusion. Of course everyone has their own opinion on this. My old OB didn't believe it he said if the baby is hungry he'll eat but I had a friend who's baby wouldn't take the breast after getting a bottle.
In our case we waited to long and it was much harder introducing the bottle. This time we plan on doing it around 3 weeks.

kristin9903I'm sorry to hear you had a disapointing OB visit but just remember anything can happen. Just like some women walk around at 4-5 centimeters for many days people who are closed up tight can go into labor before them.

Detergent I use either Dreft or Baby All. Actually for quite awhile Josh has been using whatever detergent I wash our clothes in but for the first 9-12 months I used those.

Early or late Well as uncomfortable as I am and will be even more so I don't want him coming before May 5th b/c my mom won't be here until then. So anytime after that is fine with me. I really don't think I'll make it to my due date though.

Nighttime feedings I'll be exclusivly b/f so it will be me although I know DH will help change him swaddle him etc. DH is the expert swaddler in the house. Actually that reminds me I have to order the miracle blanket everyone I know swears by it.

Dropping Not yet

Stretch marks No and I didn't have them with Josh either but my mother never got them with myself or my brother.

Well nothing new here. 33 weeks and 2 days. Feeling huge, tired, grumpy and achy but I guess it comes with the territory. Last night I asked DH to read something and he said he didn't want to. I told him you know I never ask you to read anything and it will take you five mintues so here. He said wow you are moody. Yeah and you ain't seen nothing yet.:)

[Em7.31.04]

Good news from today's u/s...Baby's head is down now...Yeah!!! He could still be flipping around, but I'm at least confident that he knows what the head-down position is like. :) Also, my placenta has moved completely away from my cervix and is no longer an issue of concern. All cleared for vaginal delivery - yahoo!

Going to see my midwife tomorrow...probably won't be anything too exciting. Weight, BP, any questions, check. The usual.

Is anyone else's heartburn totally unbearable?? I am just dying...Ugh.

[Bloomwood]

Em - yay! That is great news. Sorry about the h/b. That is one symptom I have not had - just a couple random episodes of acid reflux.

Jen - yeah, you pretty much summed up how I am feeling too!

Missy - how could you NOT have ice cream cake on your birthday?? Glad you enjoyed it!

southlooper - yay! Glad your scare was just a scare.

Lolly- you look so cute! That dress is lovely! I also like your shoes alot. And, your oink oink made me LOL.

Fats - you look cute too! all baby!

Kristin - hmm...not sure I am relieved for you or not. Still a little time to go, I guess! These babies can't hatch too early.

rings in the hospital - hadn't thought about it, but will probably be leaving them behind. DH gave me a chain to wear them on as well, so I might do my wedding band that way (I am hoping to be leaving the hospital with another piece of bling however ;) )

I think I am feeling more confident about the birth/baby. But, the anxiety has been keeping me awake.

Guinness - the soap for the RLS didn't work for me :( It took me almost two hours to fall asleep last night between the legs and the worry. I'm jealous that you have a remedy!

Bottle - this was my question at the BF class. She said to wait until the baby has a good latch, so about 4 weeks. I am probably going to shoot for 3 weeks or so. I really want DH to be able to feed her and bond early.

Has anyone stopped making social plans?
We are still filling up our weekends, though no travel. I figure try and see everyone now before we're 3 and it is a little harder!

[Bloomwood]

Forgot...

Anyone else getting sore BBs again?

Hope this means my body is getting ready!

[Guinness]

Bloomwood Ah shucks on the soap. Maybe keep it in there a few days and see if there is a long term effect. I don't have it that bad, but my mom does. She says when it really bugs her she rubs it on her calves. Again, I have no scientific idea why it would work, so makes sense if it doesn't. . . but harmless to keep trying a bit longer just in case . . . maybe.. . .

I have been miserable with swelling feet. I came home early and put my feet in a cold bath and then put them up. I am feeling much better. Nothing like sore feet to make a pregnant woman cranky - my poor students :eek:

[smiles33]

Had an appt today and confirmed Jocelyn is now head down. The bad news is that I gained FOUR pounds since my last appointment 2 weeks ago. ACK! Luckily, she said it's nothing to worry about since I'm still within the normal range (about 27 pounds' gain now) and that this is the stage where the baby puts on weight, but still....FOUR POUNDS! I normally have been gaining just 1 pound a week, so now I feel really guilty! I've been indulging in too many sweets....

Southlooper, I'm glad to hear everything is ok!

[fats]

Swollen Feet This is a new one for me but today I noticed that my feet are HUGE. Serious - they look like Fred Flinstone feet!! It's not painful but it's just completely weird to me - I've never had any sort of edema before. Now I have no ankles and my feet are totally shapeless.

No heartburn for me but I do have the occasional bout of reflux (it feels like food is stuck in my throat - like acid reflux without the burn.

No sore BBs - is that supposed to happen again?

Not really making any social plans, but that's not so much because of the pregnancy as it is based on the fact we've been so busy the past few weekends and still have lots of plans for the next few weekends.

Has anyone else been really hot lately? It's crazy - I feel like I'm going through menopause or something!!

I'm waiting for DH to get home so he can give me a foot massage!

[kmmommy]

I'm a June 06 Mommy and a fellow Summer 04 Mommy with CrazyCaro and I just saw the follwing post in our Summer 04 thread and thought you'd all be interested.


Born today at approximately 3:15pm, Chloe Denise. 2510 grams. Both mum and bub doing fine. Caroline didn't make it as far as her appointment and instead was taken straight up to the delivery rooms and waited there until a c-section was organised. They took her up about 2.05 p.m. and she just had to wait whilst an emergency c was performed elsewhere then it was her turn. She was having contractions around 2-3 mins. apart by the time she had the procedure but she wasn't in any major discomfort. She's absolutely amazed and thrilled about Chloe's birth weight but very tired and a bit emotional. I had the thrill of seeing Chloe have her first wash and take a bottle. She's already gone from 12 mls up to 16 mls and seems to be doing very well. I think she looks almost identical to Ruby but bigger of course but let's see what Mum thinks when she gets to see her again properly. Both Caro and Jason were allowed to nurse her for 10 mins. before she was taken off to special care. She breathing on her own and doesn't have anything but a feeding tube in at the moment.

They have some fantastic pics so I am sure Caro will post them when she can. We even got to see her placenta after the birth which I know would gross a lot of people out but it was pretty amazing to see what your daughter/grandchild has been surrounded in for 34 weeks. All her stats are around the normal mark so fingers crossed it will just be a short period of time before Caro is able to take her home. Posted by caroline's mom.

I hope she doesn't mind me sharing with you all.

[April1234]

WOW! Congrats and I hope that her stay in the NICU is very short!! Congratulations mamma!

[shortcake]

Wonderful news about Chloe, Caro! Congratulations!! So great to hear about the birthweight (for all us americans...I plugged it into my conversion thingie and that's about 5.5 lbs - sounds great!) and that she is doing so well. Can't wait to see some pictures!

[Em7.31.04]

Congrats CrazyCaro and welcome little Chloe!!!!!

[Mrs U]

Hi All! TGIF!

Congrats Caro & Welcome Chloe!

Swollen Feet Havent noticed. I do feel sometimes if I walk too fast like my feet are weighed down with concrete.:rolleyes:

No sore boobies yet to report.

Has anyone else been really hot lately? yep. I tend to wander around in the apartment in a tank top and panties with the windows open until P comes home and bitches that it's cold.

Social Plans what social? Can you tell I dont get out much.;)

No Heartburn but occasionally the dreaded Acid reflux hits me at night if I eat too much.

southlooper Glad to hear it was nothing.

Lolly You look better in the dress than the model.

Em & Smiles Good to hear that the babies are head down!

I visited a girlfriend of mine that had her baby on March 4th yesterday. She is soo cute- I cant wait til this lil bugger comes now! She also gave me the best tip- there is a marketing research company in town that offers free pampers in return for a filled out survey once a week. I'm sooo doing this cause it would save us some $$! I just need to call them once he's arrived.:D

Ok time to clean the house and get our things together. We are dog/house sitting for the next 2 weeks for friends of ours.

Have a great weekend!

[shortcake]

heartburn -Only on rare occasions - of course it's when I'm trying to sleep though!

sore bbs - Just my nipples - they are feeling a bit raw sometimes. Not looking forward to the soreness of BFing - it hurts! I was not able to BF my DD but tried at first...never got past the OUCH stage. I think your BBs do start growing again pretty soon (well I"m only 32 weeks, some of you are further so they are probably growing now!) so that would explain the soreness.

Mrs U - Cool about the survey/pampers! I want that!

[Guinness]

Congrats Caroline!! Welcome Chloe. Can't wait to see pics and hear all about it. Yay on the good weight!!

[AttyGrl74]

CONGRATS CRAZY CARO & WELCOME TO THE WORLD CHLOE!

Ok. I'm officially putting a moratorium on anymore early-arrival babies!

It is starting to make me realize what I'm in for and I'd prefer to ignore it for at least another month!

[smiles33]

Congrats to CrazyCaro!! Wow, little Chloe is here! How exciting, our second "May baby" and first May girl!

[Bloomwood]

Congrats to CrazyCaro and Chloe!

I was just thinking yesterday how we hadn't heard from her. yay! for a healthy little addition.

Now, Attygirl, I might have to disagree...I can already tell the next month is going to be loooong. I wouldn't mind my little bean coming a little early - like in 2 weeks! ;)

shortcake - yeah, just my nipples too.

hot - yep. Kinda of a new experience as I am typically cold all the time.

Hope everyone has a great weekend! And that Spellbound and CrazyCaro enjoy their new little ones!

[marchfamily]

Congratulations Caro!

QOTD/Hot - I could spontaneously burst into flames - at any given moment.
QOTD/Swelling - Just starting in this pg. I will probably take my rings off tonight.
QOTD/Social - Not much of a social life with a 14 month old. But, still planning one more out of town trip for Easter weekend.
QOTD/heartburn - Nope. Thankfully.
QOTD/Going early or late - My csection is scheduled at 39w (39w 5d by my calcuations). I think I'll go earlier. Feels like I'm carrying a bowling ball down there.
QOTD/Sore breasts - Not really sore, but have noticed that they are getting heavier and leaking more (mine have leaked since I had my DD).

[Em7.31.04]

What's the difference between heartburn and acid reflux? I'm wondering if what I have is really acid reflux? Note to self: ask midwife at today's appt...

[Lolly]

Congratulations Caro & Welcome little Chloe!

swollen feet? Oh yes! In fact I now have a stool under my desk. And even my doctor thinks they look like sausage. Nice!

hot? no more so than usual.

social schedule? A few things planned but our weekends always fill up quickly with something. We're going on vacation in 2 weeks, so I think I'll get some relaxation in.

sore bb's? can't say I do at the moment.

Thanks for the dress compliments. The more I look at the picture though, the more I think I look enormous. Maybe its because I'm only 5'2"? Can't possibly be all the weight I've put on lately, lol! At least I convinced my doctor that yes I think my recent weight gain is also from the swelling. At least she said my belly was cute when she was measuring it. She's so sweet :)

Who was it that still has RLS problems? I've been putting icyhot on my calves right before bed and that seems to help me from fidgeting. I think its because the heat of it helps the musles relax a little. HATE the smell, but so far it seems to be working. Haven't tried the soap trick yet.

I had my check up yesterday. Gained another 4 lbs in the last 2 weeks. BP is fine though so my doctor isn't concerned. Frankly I think I'm more concerned about my weight than she is. I'm still under the limit for weight gain so that's good. I' just want to make sure it comes back off.

I hope everyone has a wonderful weekend! I know it will be incredibly crowded around here this weekend (Cherry blossoms are in full bloom). So I'll be stearing clear of any place downtown if I can. Maybe one of these years I'll actually go see them myself, lol.

[jarm]

Congrats Caro and welcome Chloe!

[flyerwife]

Congrats Caro and welcome Chloe! Glad to hear that the birth weight was so good and everything sounds good. I agree that we need to wait on on the rest of them. I know I'm not ready, my little guy needs to bake more :)

Had another checkup yesterday, nothing really to report, bp was still good, up about another 4 lbs (yuck).

Social: Weekends are busy, but no trips planned at this point. In fact my doctor told me that at this point he doesn't want me further than an 1 hour from home after this week.

Hot: Yep count me in this group

Have a good weekend.

[smiles33]

I'm experiencing some sharp pain really low near my pubic bone when walking...anyone have/had this symptom before? I called our OB advice nurse and she said it's likely just related to how Jocelyn is positioned but it's been hurting all day, which is why I haven't moved much from this computer....which is bad, as I've been surfing eBay and lusting over the lots of Gymboree clothes for girls 0-3 months! :)

No other problems yet to speak of (no heartburn/acid reflux, not hot, feet aren't noticeably swollen though I seem to have gone up 1/2 a shoe size, and no sore BBs).

Hope you are all having a better Friday night than me!

[jarm]

Yep! Have that pubic pain! It kills! Does it feel like your pubic bone is just ready to separate? If so, it's a loosening of the pubic bone. Quite normal toward the end of pregnancy from what my doctor said. I've been suffering with it since January.

[Southlooper]

Can you believe tomorrow is APRIL?!?!?

smiles: I've been having that pain also. Like Jarm said, it's probably from the pelvic bone loosening and the baby moving into position. Squatting for 5+ minutes has helped me with the pain.

Hot:As my friend's very southern grandma used to say, "excuse me for the excessive persperation. I'm experiencing my own personal summer." ;)

Heartburn: God bless the inventor of TUMS!

Swollen Feet: My swelling is on and off. I try to put my feet up everynight to keep it from getting out of control.

Sore BB: I only notice this when I take off my bra.

Social: Other than family stuff and a concert in mid April we have no plans and don't plan to make anymore for while.

CONGRATS CAROLINE!! WELCOME CHLOE!!

Have a great weekend everyone!

[jarm]

hot - Goes back and forth. Right now I'm freezing!

heartburn - My miracle cure is Mylanta (Tums when I'm at work).

swelling - My ankle is at least three times its normal size...my left moreso than my right. Even in the morning after having it up all night, it's pretty bad. It started for me a couple of weeks ago. It hurts to put shoes on so I'm going to force DH to paint my toes at some point in the next week so I can start wearing my sandals. I can't wait!

sore BB - Nah, but my underwire bra absolulely kills me all of a sudden. That and right under the space between my BBs, it's all numb. Anyone else have that numbness and itchiness?

social - Ummm...oh yeah! I'm going to happy hour next Friday, we're having cake for DH's gram's birthday on Friday night and Saturday they're having a surprise party for her. So next weekend is a full weekend. Other than that, I have no plans! I prefer it that way, too. I'm going to try and get together with some friends before this kid comes, but they're good friends so they'll come here if I'm in no mood to go out.

[shortcake]

Social plans - my shower is on the 8th...not much other than that! We had hoped to plan a little get away for the 3 of us, but what with flying to CA and how crazy things have been since then, we probably won't. Too much to finish around here first!

Pubic pain - YES ugh I hate it! If I've been sitting and get up I feel like I can barely walk. Definitely normal though.

[Em7.31.04]

pubic pain: YES!!! I've been noticing it a lot more lately, especially when I get up and walk around after sitting for a long time.

Had my 32 week appt today...No weight gain, so still a total of 9lbs. Silent cheer... I measured at 34 - what does that really mean? Scheduled all of my future appts...The receptionist asked if I wanted to go ahead and schedule the "just in case" appointment for one week after my due date, and I kindly declined the offer. I don't want to jinx myself. My fingers are crossed that I won't need that appt!! We'll be discussing our birth plan at my next appt in 2 weeks...it's all becoming so very real.

Off to California tomorrow for some quality time with the in-laws. My first shower is tomorrow, and of course I still don't know what I'm going to wear. Good thing I packed about 50 outfit options...Poor DH having to carry the suitcase. ;-)

[kristin9903]

Congrats CrazyCaro and welcome Chloe!!

What a wonderful weight!!! So good to hear that she's doing so well. :)

swollen feet Big time. It's what made my dr. think I was getting preeclampsia. We're still not out of the woods for that, but I seem to be handling things well thus far. Like Jarm, my left one always seems a little worse.

pubic pain I can't move without feeling lots of pressure and pain. It's one of the reasons why I was so sure there had to be some progress at my last appointment.

Em7.31.04 Is 34 your fundal height? If so, according to that measurement (34 cm) you are measuring 34 weeks along. They're not always all that accurate. I'm 36 weeks and I measured at 32 at my last appointment (I'm pretty overweight, though).

I'm definitely excited about it being April!!! We're in the home stretch!

Hope everyone has a good weekend!

[nettreefrog]

Congratulations CrazyCaro and welcome to the world Chloe!

Who's next???

hot - errrrrr yeah... I am much warmer than normal.

heartburn - My doctor suggested Tums, but I have been having ice cream practically every night... I was trying loads of milk during the day --but I had other repercussions as a result...

swelling - Short socks have really improved the weird bands that were appearing on my ankles as a result of socks that were too tight! Keeping hydrated helps a lot too.

sore BB - Not yet...

pubic pain - Don't think so...but still have that awful side pain.

social - Let's see... My DH is sick right now (day 4-5 of the flu), but ordinarily, we would have gone out to his mom's house for the weekend... Next week starts the Spring soccer season for my daughter. We have a wedding the week after--and I love being out and about! I cannot do all of the walking/hiking that I would be doing normally, but I like staying as active/social as possible. Of course, we are trying to buy a condo right now too... Can we close pre-baby?!

[May2006Mommies]

- Updated -

Welcome Baby Chloe! Congratulations CrazyCaro and Family!!!

[kmfroggi]

CONGRATS CrazyCaro and WELCOME Baby Chloe


wow, whos next? i am not quite ready!!! hehe........


hot - um yeah... hubby keeps telling me he knows i am different cause i am wearing shorts and t-shirts when he is in pants and covered into a blanket.

heartburn - i have had it the whole pregnancy, its is 10x worse this last trimester though! tums works, but then i get it back a couple hours later!

swelling - not to, to bad right now. some days worse than others.

sore BB - nope

pubic pain - yeah, sometimes.

social- not really. we havent really talked to our friends in a while. we went to a 25th wedding annv party last night, that was our social outing!

[AttyGrl74]

Now, Attygirl, I might have to disagree...I can already tell the next month is going to be loooong. I wouldn't mind my little bean coming a little early - like in 2 weeks! ;)


ok, ok - I'll allow that! :D

[shortcake]

heartburn - Ok I take it back. I forgot that I've been getting reflux lately (I don't know how I could forget)!! Doesn't hurt, just nasty.

a DH gripe to share - Warning to those who don't have kids already (and maybe some of you who do got lucky) but tonight I am reminded of a weird husband syndrome: The Doesn't Hear the Baby syndrome. I was up FOUR times tonight with DD. Did he budge an inch? No! Normally, DD, who is 2, sleeps through the night or occasionally she'll wake up once and that's not a big deal. But four is of course too many! And now it is 5:30 and I have to get up in 2 hours (for a happy reason - I have an appt for a massage. Didn't figure in the time change when I planned a morning appt though) and of course can't fall back asleep anymore. So anyway, be warned of the Doesn't Hear the Baby syndrome because I can guarantee, after talking to my mom friends, that 90% of dads have it big time. (I'm pretty worried it's going to suck when he is "supposed" to be in charge of DD because I am up all night with new baby!) Grrrr.

[crazycaro]

Thanks all!

My Mum meant to post in here, got mixed up and posted elsewhere - oops! :)

I got home this afternoon, Chloe is still in, hopefully moving to our local hospital tomorrow.

We just called to check on her and she is cruising along as she has been. They moved her to the 'fattening up room', where the babies with no issues go, yay! She just needs to learn to feed before she can come home.

She is so beautiful. :)

I'll cut this short as it is late and I really should be sleeping, here are some pics. :)

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v627/jasbella/Chloe/PICT0052.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v627/jasbella/Chloe/PICT0081.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v627/jasbella/Chloe/PICT0088.jpg

[shortcake]

Caroline, she is so sweet!! Thanks for the photos. Glad she's in the fattening up room - sounds great!

[nettreefrog]

crazycaro - Awwwwwww! Chloe looks perfect! It is hard to belive when looking at her that she was early. Congratulations once again!

[Jen1098]

Caroline She's beautiful and wow look at all that hair. She sounds like she's doing wonderfully. I'm so happy for you guys and can't wait until you guys can take her home!!

[Southlooper]

Caroline: So glad you had the time to check in. Chloe is BEAUTIFUL! I'm so glad she's doing well.

[smiles33]

Chloe looks great, Caroline! Congrats again and thanks for coming by to share photos! :)

[Guinness]

What a cutie Caroline!! So cuddly :)

Well we have had a busy weekend - perhaps I am nesting. Nursery is ready with everything washed and put away. We packed our hospital bag and put it in the car, along with the installed carseat. We also stocked up at Sam's on all the houshold essentials - so that should last a while.

I am 36 weeks tomorrow :D and I will tell you I woke up this morning, stood up and thought okay this baby had now dropped (DH even commented). I thought maybe before, but this is for real. I went from about 12 tums/day to 1 today - I feel so much better. Other than potty trips every 20 minutes for a 1/2 teaspoon :rolleyes: My feet are still swollen, but better with ice baths and feet up. I went to the drug store yesterday for all the 'fun' postpartum essentials, I took my bp and it was a little high especially for me. I am not convinced those drug store cuffs are all that accurate as it changed a good deal two minutes later - but still high. I see the Dr. Friday, so I should be fine until then.

Hope everyone had a good weekend. I can't believe that next month is our month (and April could be mine with such an early EDD). Alright off to write the rest of the thank you notes for the shower.

[jarm]

Today I was out shopping (grocery, yuk) and I had all this pressure in my belly and I felt awful. I thought I was going to pass out or start having contractions or something. I'm feeling a little better now, but it was certainly scary. I'm really thinking that I'm not going to make it to my date, but we'll see.

[April1234]

Hi ladies! Sorry I havent been by to update more frequently but as all our ROs' can attest to its HARD being 8 months pregnant and running after a 16 month old. ;)

Everything is going alright over here although, I am now on modified bed rest for pre-eclampsia (which was why Lily was born premature) so I am trying to be very careful. I have been to L&D twice now for gall bladder attacks with the last visit a couple of days ago. Luckily I was able to leave and come home pregnant which I didnt think would happen. All is well now and I am counting down the days until Nolan is full term (27 more days to go!)

I dont have a scheduled c-section date yet but all I care about is making it to 37 weeks and thena fter that they are welcome to do what they would like.:) I have a Dr. appointment tomorrow so I am goign to ask her her plans onw hen she thinks she will want to deliver him if my pre-eclampsia stays at bay.

I am here and following along daily and I just cant believe we are SO CLOSE! :eek: :D Hope everyone had a great weekend!

[Lolly]

Caroline, Chloe is adorable! Glad she has moved to the fattening up room. lol!

DH made a little more progress on the nursey this weekend. I'm hoping he gets more done during the week as we'll be away on vacation for the next two weekends. I picked up the crib this week as well as the infant carseat. As soon as DH is done with installing the trim and the painting then we can start to put the baby's room together. I'll wash the baby clothes as soon as we get back from vacation.

Oh and I bought some shoes in wide width this weekend. Seems to make the foot swelling more bearable.

Have a wonderful day everyone!

[Bloomwood]

Oh my gosh, CARO. that picture of Chloe all snuggled up sucking her thumb is too precious. You look so happy! many many congrats on her healthy birth! Hope Ruby is liking the idea of being a big sister!

[fats]

Caroline Congrats!! Chloe looks great - she doesn't look like a preemie at all!! Hope she gets to come home soon.


I have crappy news - my doctor wants me to take the 3 hour glucose test again. Seems the baby keeps measuring bigger and bigger so they want to check for diabetes again. I passed the 3 hour test without any problems a few weeks ago, so I hope it's ok again this time. It's just such a hassle to take that test, but I guess it's better to be safe than sorry. I'm doing that on Thursday morning and then I'm going home - I just don't feel like going into work after that test so it was a good excuse for a sick day.

Yesterday I had my professional belly shots done. It was really fun and we got some great pictures. I'll post them once I have a chance to go through them all.

The baby's room is pretty much done. We're finally going to have some company this weekend so we'll be able to move the furniture around to it's "final resting place" and then I can hang all the decor I have. I got an estimate on Saturday to redo the closet and I'll be getting another one on Thursday, then hopefully we can have it done by the end of the month.

Our Shower is on Saturday - I'm really excited about that and seeing all of our friends. Otherwise, I've been feeling pretty good. My swelling went away but I'm sure it'll come back eventually. Otherwise, I can't really complain - the last few weeks ahve beent he easiest for me.

[Southlooper]

Holy Braxton Hicks! I think I'm having them. All afternoon I felt this intense pressure in my lower abdomen. Mild pain (like pms.) Gives me hope that I'll deliver early.

Also, I HATE the first workday after daylight savings. I want my hour of sleep back!

April: Hope you feel better. Sending sticky vibes your way.

Fats: Sorry to hear about the glucose test. At least you have your shower to distract you.

[kmfroggi]

CrazyCaro, she is bueatiful! i love the hair, too cute!!

[Pink_Converse]

CrazyCaro-Delurking to say Chloe is beautiful!

[missy329]

Caro- I must agree with everyone else, Chloe is adorable!! Congrats!

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

Well, I just received a call from my Dr. They don't like my glucose levels. I have to fax them in once a week and the past week and a half have been high. So, now I am going on an oral (thank goodness) medication. He also wants me to increase my once a week NST's to twice a week. So, now I will be going on Mondays and Thursdays. I am also on weekly trips to my OB- every Monday. I see the maternal fetal medicine Dr every other week for a growth u/s. Thank goodness for good insurance:) But, the baby is looking great at all the NST's and u/s and I feel good. And I have lost another 2 lbs so I am now about 1 lb below my pre-preg weight! Things are going great here despite all the Dr appts. And the best part is -- 24 days until the baby is here!!

Hope everyone is doing well. Have a great Tuesday!!

[shortcake]

Missy - that stinks that your glucose levels are high! You are having to deal with a lot of monitoring...I guess it's good that they are able to take such good care of us, but it is still hard to deal with. I am wondering how your daughter deals with all these dr. appts?? Do you take her along? I have a 2 year old who hates coming (she is afraid of the dr's office), so I only bring her when DH is also going to be there, which isn't often. But as the appointments get closer together (I had to do lots of NSTs with DD so I would not be surprised to have that come up again) I'm not sure what I'll do about that.

[missy329]

Shortcake- My DH works nights so he watches our daughter during the day. So, for my NST's he keeps her at home with him. For all the other appts she goes to Grandma's house so my DH can go to the appt with me. Sometimes we bring our DD along with us. She has absolutely no fear of Dr's- it's just really difficult keeping her occupied!:rolleyes: Aren't 2 year olds fun!

[fats]

I just posted some of my professional shots in the Professional Belly Shots thread - hopefully this link will work (if not, they are on page 12)

http://www.constantchatter.com/showthread.php?t=1608&page=12

If it is password protected, my user name is stacey and the password is stacod

[Bloomwood]

Hi y'all!

Just back from my very short dr. appt. Nothing exciting. I still "look good on paper." I was SO jealous. She told me that one of her patients due 5/4 is currently in early labor. I so wish it were me!! I can't complain, really, as I feel great. Sure, I can't seem to eat even a blueberry without gaining 5 lbs (up about 28 lbs so far), my feet and hands like to swell if I'm walking too far, and the multiple bathroom runs/insomnia are keeping me from a good night's sleep. But all in all, it is going smoothly. I am just ready to meet my little girl and move to the next (scary) stage.

Today is ped interview day. I met one this morning whom I really liked and have another meeting tonight. The 2nd one is super close to our house (about a mile so I could walk there) and is a woman so all things being equal, I'll probably go with her.

A week from Friday I hit 37 weeks. I plan to start eviction proceedings that day. I've got my organic raspberry leaf tea all set and a friend who's promised to go out for spicy food with me. I'll also work in some pineapple. I'll hold off on the castor oil and might try sex once with DH. We went for it this weekend and it wasn't that bad - just what he wants to hear. :p :rolleyes:

[Bloomwood]

Also, wanted to add that I joined our local Mom's club. I was encouraged to join before birth because one of the benefits is that the club will bring you meals the week after the birth. Just an fyi in case anyone else is considering joining before birth.

[Jen1098]

Just returned from my OB appt. Everything loooks great and I'm now up 25 lbs this pregnancy. I gained 3 lbs in the last two weeks.
I go back in two weeks for my first internal. Should be interesting.

Fats I saw your pictures in the professional belly thread. THey look fantastic!! You look great. Sorry you have to re take the glucose test. Hope you have a good book to read for those 3 hours.

Bloomwood I hear ya on the insomnia-so annoying. I get so mad at dh when he falls asleep first and I can hear him breathing. For some reason it just annoys me to no end. I told him this and now he's afraid to fall asleep first.:D

missy329 Sorry about the high glucose levels. That is alot of monitoring but it's for the best though. You're so lucky you have people to watch your dd especially with so many appts.

I am so tired of maternity clothes. I swear nothing fits me anymore and I refuse to buy any more. It's so fustrating-I'm mostly all belly and didn't gain in my butt-(well I don't think I did) so things just fall off me. I tore the paneling in my gap jeans from constantly pulling them up.
Oops I'd better get dinner started. Hope everyone is feeling goosd.

[nettie]

I had my first internal exam at my OB appointment this morning. I'm 80% effaced but not at all dilated. It was both exciting and scary to hear that my body is actually getting ready for labor. Only two more weeks till I'm full term!

Baby boy is still very active. I thought he would be running out of room, but apparently not yet. Plus, he gets the hiccups at least once a day. What is he doing in there anyway?

jen1098 My maternity clothes are bugging me too! The full panel ones stay up better, but I'm more comfortable in the demi-panel, but they slide down. And, now, all my shirts ride up which means I'm sometimes baring a couple inches of skin on my lower belly. Not that I can see my lower belly anymore. :)

Bloomwood Eviction proceedings? Hmmm, very tempting. I may borrow some of your ideas in another two weeks.

Fats Very nice maternity photos! The photographs really capture the beauty of a pregnant body.

[shortcake]

missy -How lucky that you have someone to watch your daughter while you go for those appointments! That must help a lot.

fats - great photos!

bloomwood - Love the term "eviction proceedings." I would totally start those at 37 weeks too, but I won't b/c I want my mom to be in town. I believe in pineapple - I had some the day before I lost my plug (this was at 36 weeks) and since I was induced the next day, I'll never know for sure, but my cervix was favorable and I was a couple centimeters dilated, which seems pretty good for 36 weeks!

[Guinness]

Wow things are starting to happen for lots of you. I have a Dr. appt on Fri, but I stopped in today to get my bp checked as I am swelling and it was high this weekend. It was okay, but Dr. looked at the numbers and weight gain (4 lbs in 2 weeks :eek: ) and said I need to take it easy. Only 4 hrs/day of work. Unfortunately tomorrow I am not so sure I can do the 4hr thing. I will try, maybe skip a morning meeting. . . . ugh. I guess I need to remember what is most important and go with it. Okay, back to the couch. . .

[nettreefrog]

Watching American Idol with la familia right now... I just had to say that fats, your photos are fabulous!

Oh and I had another non-eventful OB appointment today. I met the last OB in the practice, who got me in and out really a bit too quickly for my liking. I am measuring 35 cms which is not suprising given that I am 35 weeks. My blood pressure has gone up slightly to 110 over 60 and Gabriel's HB was 146. And surprise surprise --I am now up 35 pounds (from 108 to 143)! Everyone at work thinks I am going to pop at any second --but the good doctor suggested that there is still no reason to expect anything. My next appointment is in 2 weeks.

[lowcountrywed]

Caro - Congrats- she is such a cutie!

Bloomwood- Wow, I can't believe you feel so ready! I'm only a week behind you and I'm in no rush to get things moving (at least at this point). Maybe that's because your nursery is completely finished and mine is still lacking a lot. :D 38 weeks sounds good to me. That gives me 3 1/2 weeks to get ready. If only it were that easy. Good luck with all your eviction proceedings - hopefully something will work!

Nettie- Wow, 80% effaced- it must feel good to know you're making progress!

I had an OB appointment yesterday. Pretty boring. Up 25 lbs total. Measuring right on. I also had an appointment with a ped. I love the fact that this practice has 2 cert. lactation consultants (one at one location and one at another). I have an appointment with another one next week, but this one is so close to my house that I'll probably go with them.

My shower is on Sunday, so I'm excited about that. This week I've been exhausted, which is odd because last week I had lots of energy and the week before I was tired like this.

[Parrothead]

I am sure that this has been asked, but I can't seem to find it in the threads...

Who all is going to be helping you through L&D? I always assumed just DH. But, we have been going to birthing classes and it is seeming like having a doula might be nice. Have any of the ROs used them? Anyone planning on it? What made you decide? I know that I'll be taken care of plenty, but I worry about DH having to deal w/ me (and no guilt-free breaks!) for a long labor. I'd love input...

Thanks!

[shortcake]

QOTD I had just DH for #1, but for this one we have a sort of "novice" doula joining us. This will be her first solo birth, but she is also only charging $100 so I feel we can't go wrong! If only to give DH breaks and such. Actually for #1 we did have some friends in the room for a good chunk of labor (not during any checking or during delivery or anything) and that was very helpful to have someone to talk to/focus on while DH was massaging my back or whatnot. My labor was quick but intense, so it's not like we were there for 18 hours or anything (6 hours) which I'm sure helped.

[fats]

QOTD: We're also having a doula. So it'll be DH and our Doula. I haven't spoken to her in a while though, so I should probably give her a call to check in!

[Mrs U]

HI Ladies! Checking in...

Ugg yesterday I was outside in a tank top and capris. Today it's snowing like mad! Geesh!

Had my dr appointment today. Everything looks great and he's still head down. His weight is in the 3000 gram neighborhood- dr thinks he'll be 3500 grams at birth- so not too huge thank goodness. I'm up a total of 15 kilos (scary 33 lbs :eek: ) Next appointment is in 3 weeks.

I think I over did it this morning running the steps at the train station only to miss the bloody train- I've been having sharp pains on my right side all day. Dr said to just take it easy- hard thing to do without a car and the house where I'm dog/house sitting is up a hill.:rolleyes:

I went and chopped off a good 6 inches of my hair this morning. I figured might as well get it done before I have no time to do it.

QOTD Just SO will be helping me along with the hospital midwives in the delivery room.

Fats Awesome photos!

Bloomwood I'm starting the "eviction" tea next week when I'm back home.

Caro Chloe looks like such a snuggle bug! I hope she can come home soon.

Spellbound How are you doing?

[Bloomwood]

Jen - I'm so with you on being over maternity clothes. Even the bigger clothes I borrowed from a friend in February are showing my belly. I can't find any pants (in my closet) that stay up/fit.

I can't wait to wear pants that I don't have to continually tug at my waist!!

nettie - wow! 80% effaced...progress! how exciting!

shortcake - thanks for the pineapple reassurance. Can't wait to start!

Guinness - yes, listen to your doc and take it easy!

nettrreefrog - glad everything went well with the doc!

lowcountrywed - yes, patience is not part of my make up. I am very eager/excited. I think since I've thought the whole time I'll go early, it makes me even more anxious! Have fun at your shower!

Mrs U - glad all is going well with the baby! I hope the tea works for us!

QOTD: just DH. If I am unable to do ncb with the birth, though, I will be getting a doula for the next one.

I decided to go with the first ped I met yesterday. He was just a bit more personable and engaging than the second one.

have you all read anything about vax? I am hardly at all informed, but one thing I learned yesterday is that all babies get the Hep B vax the day they are born, but in reality they don't risk exposure to it until they are A) sexually active; B) using drugs with needles; or C) get a blood transfusion. We decided we will not be giving her this vax until she is older.

Also, anyone else advised recently to get a whooping cough vax (for you)? The doc told me I should consider it. I had no idea.

[ga girl]

Caro- Congratulations!!
I can't believe that's the 2nd May baby. I see on the April board that some of them have gone 2+ weeks early! Won't be long now....

QOTD- No doula, just me and dh. If it looks like I'll be in there a long time then my bf will come up but otherwise it will just be us. My mom would be a basketcase so I won't be asking her.

Another question- Have you packed your bag yet?

I can't tell you how many ppl have asked me this lately and I haven't even gotten the bag out of the closet! I guess it's time, maybe I'm procrastinating b/c it will seem more real..

[kristin9903]

Caro She's so beautiful!!! Congrats again. :)

Nettie Totally jealous about your 80% effacement. It won't be long now!

Bloomwood Tell me all about your eviction proceedings. How does all that stuff work?

Guinness Take care of yourself! Get off those feet and take a long nap. :)

Just got back from my doctor's appt. I'm down another pound, so I've gained 5 pounds total for this pregnancy. Not too bad! In sadder news, there was virtually no change from last week. No dilation, baby's at a -3 station, and I am now 20% effaced (as opposed to 0% last week). Next week's induction has been officially cancelled.

[Em7.31.04]

DH and I got back from our trip to CA yesterday. My first shower was on Saturday, and we got so much good stuff! Tons of clothes (way too many onesies) and books. And, we got our high chair. That wasn't fun to lug back on the plane...But, it's nice to have even though we won't be needing it for some months after the baby is born. It will be stored in its box in our garage until we need it.

We went ahead and bought the bumper and quilt for the baby's crib. It was being discontinued by PBK and we didn't want to risk not being able to find it. Once we get the crib set up (this weekend), I'll make sure to post some pictures!

I have started having ankle swelling - noticed it for the first time after flying. My poor ankles looked like tree trunks by the end of the day!! :eek:

Hot: Starting to notice this now too...

crazycaro: Thanks for sharing the pics of your beautiful Chloe! She is just precious. Congrats again.

fats: I can't believe you have to re-take the 3-hour GTT test!! Good for you for taking the entire day off. It's definitely justified, IMO. :-) Keep us posted on your results...

Bloomwood: LOL re: eviction proceedings!! I'm curious - what is it about pineapple that is supposed to be helpful?

Jen1098: The panel on my Gap jeans has also started tearing from me constantly pulling them up!

Parrothead: Our childbirth workshop was taught by a local doula who is just wonderful! We would hire her in a heartbeat if we had the extra money...DH doesn't seem to think we'd need one, but he agreed it would be nice if it was in our budget. He is now calling himself my doul-o, lol.

Vaccinations: We'll be getting all recommended vaccinations at the recommended times. Baby will be in childcare of some sort, and vaccinations are required for enrollment. Don't want to run the risk of an outbreak of something that baby isn't vaccinated against... (no offense to anyone planning otherwise, of course!) I haven't heard anything about getting the whooping cough vaccination, though...

packing my bag: Nope, haven't even thought about it yet! I'm starting to make a list of things I need to buy to take with us, but I haven't gone shopping yet. After my last shower on 4/19, I plan to nest, shop, and pack at full speed!

[flyerwife]

vaccinations: we got all of them when our ped suggested, but I know people who haven't. Like so much with kids its a personal decision. I would guess that the whooping cough vaccination is being pushed right now since there have been outbreaks again in certain places.

packing bags: nope haven't done that yet. I think I'm too comfortable with the fact that I have a c/s scheduled and haven't really thought about going early, hopefully that doesn't get me in the end...I'm also planning to pack an activity bag for my 4 yr old so that he has stuff to do when he comes up to visit me and the baby. I know that my parents or my DH could do it, but unfortunately I doubt they will think about it and then my son would be bored and restless. Now I just have to figure out what to put in it. We also plan to have him make a bear or something to give to the baby and get him something from the baby. Guess I need to get working on all of this! Only 4 weeks from now I'll be having the c/s.

Caroline -- Chloe is a doll, hope she's eating lots so she can go home soon!

[Guinness]

Thanks Bloomwood and Kristin for the rest reinforcement :) I did pretty good yesterday, and today should be easy to lay low. I definitely notice a difference - so those of you with swollen ankles - Get Those Feet Up and take it easy!!

Fats - your picturs are great!
Bloomwood - I hit 37 weeks this weekend, so I think I will join in on the eviction proceedings (probably pinapple and spicy food), we might wait on the others another week ;)
Jen - with you on maternity clothes. They really suck and I refuse to buy anything else. Definitely feel like a plumber often :eek:
Nettie Now that is progress girl! I get checked tomorrow, so hoping there is something happening down there!!
Nettreefrog and lowcountrywed - boring appointments can be good. . . . it is getting close!
Kristin - sorry about the cancelled induction. Baking might be good. It won't be long any way you look at it.
Emily - Yay for a good shower. LOL on getting the highchair on the plane :)

QOTD - Delivery room Just DH for me.

QOTD-Vax We are doing regular vaxs and on schedule. Just what works for us.

QOTD - bags packed We did it this weekend. Bags packed and in car, carseat installed. We are ready just in case.

So I have been getting pretty crampy down low kind of often. Anyone else? I am clueless as to whether these are contractions, RLP, gas, or just me being whiney. It hurts and stops me in my tracks. They happen a lot more at night. I keep imagining they are contractions and helping me dialate :confused:

Have a great day everyone!

[shortcake]

Guinness - Gosh that sounds like it could be contrax to me...not sure. I didn't go into labor naturally with #1 (induced) so I don't have experience to tell me.

Packing bags - not yet, I will do this soon though! Am still just shy of 33 weeks so I feel ok about that. I want to have a bag for me, a bag for DD (to take to whoever ends up watching her) and I also like the idea of having some special stuff for her at the hospital, flyerwife. We are getting her a present from the baby, so that could be in there. It WAS going to be a basketball hoop but I bought it yesterday and DH couldn't wait to try it out, so it's already been given!!

vax - we will do them all.

question about circumcision - For those of you having boys (or who don't know) who will be doing this...are you planning to do it in hospital or afterwards at dr. office? My doc recommends waiting a few days, but I want to get it over with! Any thoughts? We will definitely do it as I am Jewish.

Shower this weekend - I'm so excited! I think it's only about 5-6 people and I know it's low key b/c this is #2 and I feel weird about having one, but they wanted to do it and I'm so glad! It will be fun to celebrate.

[kristin9903]

Guinness I've had the exact same feelings. When I described them to my doctor, he said they were contractions. Mine have never had a good pattern or anything, so I think it's just my uterus practicing for the real deal.

[nettreefrog]

Bah -- How annoying my boss keeps looking at my stomach every time I see him and then he tells me any second... Complete strangers are remarking on my belly as well. It seems that no one can have a conversation with me without bringing up my pregnancy.

Is anyone else going through this as well?

[flyerwife]

circumcision -- we did it with DS and plan to do it again with #2. We had it done in the hospital, but you are correct he was a couple days old, I think it was done on Wed and he was born Monday, my ob actually did it. They just did it over in the nursery area, but I didn't have the heart to watch.

I'm getting more questions on when I'm due, but I like that better than the Babies R Us worker saying that neither my friend or I looked pregnant...I guess we just looked really fat considering she is only due a month later than I am.

[Standrea]

Fly by post...I'm so sorry...

I just got back from my Dr.s appointment. When they asked how i was feeling, i said, cranky. I let them know about my RLS (which i called on monday about anyways), and that i have been swollen, and having a little bit of pressure down there...the midwife asked if i was crampy, and i said a little, but nothing out of the norm. She immediately hooked me up to the heartrate/contraction monitor. From that she decided to do an internal exam. I saw a funny look on her face, and she said...we definately need to do an ultrasound. So In i went for the internal ultrasound. She then wanted an external one as well, asked me to get dressed and said she would be right back. In walks my doctor, midwife, and the tech. and they called to fran the nurse to come in as well, since this "involved" her. Before Jamie (midwife) did the internal, she asked if me working only part time was an option, and i grimaced, but said yes. Doctor Kerner started first and said, that's it, we are taking you out! You are on complete bedrest. You can shower, and go to the bathroom, and come to our office for visits. Your cervix is very short and thin, and you could go at anytime. We need you to wait at least 3 more weeks.

So here I am, on bedrest. I need to go lay down, but i'm so frusterated. I hope DH gets me a new wireless card, so I can bring my laptop downstairs to play!! I have to go back to the doctors tommorrow for some test, and then to see if i need to start steriods and another treatment. Also, they are having visiting nurses (there was a name, but i was so overwhelmed) come to the house daily to hook me up to the monitors. STICK, ABIGAIL, STICK!!


Caro-Chloe is beautiful!!

[Standrea]

T
So I have been getting pretty crampy down low kind of often. Anyone else? I am clueless as to whether these are contractions, RLP, gas, or just me being whiney. It hurts and stops me in my tracks. They happen a lot more at night. I keep imagining they are contractions and helping me dialate :confused:



This is how i felt. I thought that they were BH's, and thought nothing of it at all...

[Guinness]

Thanks Standrea and Kristin I guess they are contractions. Hopefully it is leading to some progress since I will be 37 weeks in a few days. I will find out tomorrow :) Sorry to hear about bedrest Standrea - Take care of yourself and keep baking!!

[shortcake]

Standrea - sorry about the bedrest!! I hope you can get that wireless card...that's gotta be essential for this!

[flyerwife]

Standrea -- sorry about the bedrest! I hope that your DH gets a wireless card for you, at least then you'll have that to keep you occupied. I hope all goes well!!!

[Bloomwood]

bags packed - of course...you girls know me by now. :p

Standrea - ugh. so sorry about the bedrest. Glad they caught it before we had another preemie though. Sending lots of keep baking vibes! But, not to Guinness - sending you progress vibes!!!

Questions on my pregnancy - yep. You can't really talk to me without noticing my belly. I am taking it as a compliment that people are excited for our growing family and the joys of having a baby.

[Jen1098]

Standrea I'm sorry you're on bedrest. Hopefully you get that laptop hooked up so at least the time can go by a little quicker. Sending little Abigal stay in there vibes!

GuinessOhh sounds like something is happening for sure. Maybe you'll be next.:D

shortcake With Josh he had it done in the hospital by my OB. Let's see he was born on Saturday so I believe they did it on Sunday. It was done in the nursery. I'm glad you brought this up b/c I keep forgretting to ask my new ob if he does it or if the ped does this. I know my gf had to take her ds to the ped to have it done.

bags packedNot yet. My mom just asked me this today. Oh boy. I figure I'll wait until right after my 36 week appt. I still need to buy some more stuff to bring with me.

Vax We did them on schedule with Josh and we'll do so with baby also.

Belly comments I don't get comments on my belly so much but when I'm out with Josh I get much more comments. Such as-Oh you're going to have your hands full soon, oh someone's getting a little bro/sis etc. I had a old man stop us in the grocery store-so cute.

flyerwife Great idea of an activity bag for you ds. I would never have thought of that. I'm going to borrow that idea from you.

Well nothing new and exciting here but on the pregnancy end that's a good thing. This baby will not be getting any evication notices until after May 5th once my mother is here.
I need to have DH set up the bassinet and the swing-I don't want to do that to soon b/c I know Josh will want to poke around them.

Anyone else still not have a name for their child. This poor baby is close to being born and we still haven't decided on a name. DH loves Connor but I'm not sold on it yet.

[shortcake]

Jen - We do have a name, finally, but I just wanted to say I do like Connor a lot! DH didn't like it so we didn't use it. But I know you'll like our pick - Josh!

Names - We are going with Joshua Blair. Blair was my DH's dad's name, who passed away a couple weeks ago, so that just felt right. It's a bit awkward for me for a couple reasons: 1) I just don't love the name. But I can get over that b/c it is so meaningful - it is actually a family name (DH's grandma's maiden name) as well, and plus he was so excited for this baby it just feels right. 2) It is also DH's middle name. In Jewish tradition, we don't name after someone living, so that feels funny to me. But we are not naming AFTER DH, it is after his dad, so I can deal with that.

I have an u/s scheduled for April 28 to check on the placenta (marginal previa). I'll be 36 weeks. I am so anxious to find out whether it has moved! My mom will schedule her trip after that (in case they plan a c/s...if it hasn't moved I will be asking them to). I really, really want her here to watch DD but we shall see - if this one comes early we won't be able to do much about that.

[fats]

Thanks for all the compliments on the pics! We're really glad I had them done.

Standrea Hang in there - I'm sending you "sticky" vibes.

Bags Packed Not yet - I think I'll do that next week when I'm 35 weeks.

Circumcision: We'll be having a bris but in order to make sure our families can be here we're planning it on a Sunday so it'll be done on the first Sunday after the 8th day anniversary of his birth (hope that makes sense - it has to be done no sooner than 8 days). I found a mohel who I really really like and she's also an ob/gyn so I feel good about the fact that she's a doctor.

Not too much new with us. I took the 3 hour GTT (again) yesterday and this time it really made me feel a little sick. Hopefully the results will be ok but then I wonder why he's so big!

I think we've found an au pair. She's had a lot of experience with newborns, so we feel good about that. We called her (in Thailand!) last week and I've been emailing with her since then. We're going to call her again tomorrow and I think just decide to "match" with her.

Tomorrow is our shower - I can't wait. It's going to be relatively small - only about 20 people, including us. But I can't wait to see everyone!!

QOTD Is anyone else getting nervous about delivering? I woke up inthe middle of the night and started thinking about how some of us on here are getting closer (effacement, contractions, etc) and all of a sudden I got so scared - I don't want to do this anymore!!!

Also, is anyone having trouble sleeping? I've been waking up in the middle of the night and I feel wide awake. It's not that I'm uncomfortable, but I'm just not tired enough to fall back asleep.

[shortcake]

fats - wow, cool about the au pair! That should be a great experience for everyone.

bris - yep, makes sense to have it when people can come! Your mohel sounds great - I can't imagine not using a doctor.

nervous - heck yeah! But I think I am holding off thinking about it too much until I find out if the placenta has moved - that will tell me if I should be nervous about a vaginal birth or nervous about a c-section!

[Em7.31.04]

DH is picking up our crib as I write this...It's so nice that he has spring break this week and can do some of the errands that I don't really want to do! We're planning on setting it up tonight. Will it take long...?

Circumcision: One of the peds from our chosen practice will be doing this, most likely at the hospital. Out of the 7 peds, only one does not do them. If he is the one on-call when we're still in the hospital, then we'll wait a few days to have it done in the office. It just depends which ped is on-call at the time.

Shortcake: Sending you placenta-anti-gravity vibes....Move up, move up, move up!!! Keep us posted...

Standrea: Hang in there...Stay cookin', baby!!!

Nervous re: delivery: Strangely, no. I feel really informed and educated about the process and my options. Our childbirth workshop really made me feel empowered about the experience, and right now I'm of the BRING IT ON mentality. We'll see if that changes, say, as we're driving to the hospital...But for now, I really don't fear it, nor do I want to fear it. More than anything, I'm a bit nervous about the unknown. I don't want a c-section, and I fear having to get one for some reason. But the actual delivery, no.

[Southlooper]

Nervous re: delivery: Strangely, no. I feel really informed and educated about the process and my options. Our childbirth workshop really made me feel empowered about the experience, and right now I'm of the BRING IT ON mentality. We'll see if that changes, say, as we're driving to the hospital...But for now, I really don't fear it, nor do I want to fear it. More than anything, I'm a bit nervous about the unknown. I don't want a c-section, and I fear having to get one for some reason. But the actual delivery, no.

Good for you EM!! I feel the same way. It may be because I am swimming in denial, but I more likely I have worked hard to put myself in the midset to not be afraid. I may eat these words in 6 weeks, who knows?

[fats]

Nervous re: delivery: Strangely, no. I feel really informed and educated about the process and my options. Our childbirth workshop really made me feel empowered about the experience, and right now I'm of the BRING IT ON mentality. We'll see if that changes, say, as we're driving to the hospital...But for now, I really don't fear it, nor do I want to fear it. More than anything, I'm a bit nervous about the unknown. I don't want a c-section, and I fear having to get one for some reason. But the actual delivery, no.

It's funny because that's exactly how I felt after our class, but now that it's been a few weeks, it's almost as if it never happend and I'm all nervous again!!

[Bloomwood]

TGIF! One more week down.

Nervous re: delivery: I was feeling like EM, but am now a little nervous. I keep reading my NCB books to keep me inspired and motivated, but I am nervous. My best case scenario would be to get to the hospital too late (but not too late) to even have an option at an epi or other pain relief. I know DH is super supportive of me going med-free so that'll help, too.

Anyone having vivid dreams?? Two nights in a row I've had super clear dreams. The Wed. night dream woke me up in the middle of the night feeling "at peace." I don't know how else to describe it. I don't remember the details of last night's dream, but it had me feeling very removed from my body and this pregnancy until about an hour ago. I was having a hard time grasping that there was a baby in me. I remember having vivid dreams leading up to my BFP, so maybe this is my body getting ready for delivery. (not that doubting a baby in me is actually prep for getting her out, but you know what I mean!) :)

Fats - awesome on the au pair! And, I forgot to compliment you on your gorgeous photos!

shortcake - also hoping your placenta moves into place!

[Guinness]

Well had my 36 week appointment and my doc said closed up tight and thick :( So definitely not coming immediately which is okay. He does think I will go early (famous last words), we'll see.

Circumcision Hopefully the OB in the hospital if needed. He did warn me that if breastfeeding isn't going great the hospital nurses will require it be done later - in that case a couple weeks after in the peds office.

Nervous re:delivery I was nervous (after cb classes ended), then I started to get nervous, but I am getting to the point that I don't care if they have to pull this kid out my nostrils, just time to come out (and I still have a few weeks, so I imagine that feeling will just get stronger). So not so nervous anymore I suppose :p

Dreams No dreams that I can remember lately, I have had the reoccurring dream that someone brings me two babies 10 days after delivery and says which one is yours (one boy and on girl), I say I don't know (I never know which one they hand me), but then I freak and say - can I still breastfeed after 10 days or is it too late? Maybe a little anxiety about bf :o

Hope everyone has a good weekend. DH is down and out with a cold, poor guy. Hope he gets it out of his system, because next will be him taking care of me.

[Southlooper]

...I am getting to the point that I don't care if they have to pull this kid out my nostrils, just time to come out .

LOL!! I feel the same way! ;)

Vivd Dreams: I've been having those for 2 weeeks now. DH goes to bed about 3-4 hours after me. He told me for the past 2 weeks I've had whole conversations with him in my sleep. I remember one about buying tickets, but that's it.

Birth Plan: Have any of you written one? What dos it included?

I had to go into work today, but no students so I finally got to organize and clean up my classroom. The time went by very fast. Funny, 4 people came up to me today expressing their great surprise at my pregnancy. They were even more floored when I told them I was at 33 weeks. Funny how you can work with someone for 8 months and not notice.

Spring Break is finally here. It will be a working break, but it will be so nice to be able to sleep and use the bathroom when ever I want.

Have a great weekend!

[Jen1098]

Em7.31.04Good luck setting up your crib. It didn't take DH to long to set ours up so hopefully you can get working on the nursery now.:D

Southlooper
but it will be so nice to be able to sleep and use the bathroom when ever I want. Oh my if I couldn't go to the bathroom whenever I had to I'd die! When I feel it coming I practically have to run to the bathroom.:o

shortcake Good luck with your u/s-I hope your placenta moved. So if it moved will you be trying for a vbac? Oh and I do love your pick for your ds's name.

fats That's great you've found an au pair.

nervous I'm not so nervous about giving birth-I'm more nervous about him coming before we have childcare set up for Josh. I wasn't nervous with Josh either. More excited than anything.

dreams I know I've been dreaming but not about giving birth or babies. I did have a dream about George Clooney the other night. Strange b/c he isn't one of my favs.:D

Birth Plan I don't have one. Basically just have the epidural ready when I walk in.;)

Have a great weekend everyone!

[smiles33]

Standrea-- hope you've gotten some wireless access by now and you're doing ok and not too bored!

And Shortcake, hope you'll be back with some good news soon!

QOTD:

Nervous? Off and on, but more focused about weird new feelings (like cramps, funny BH contractions, etc.) than the actual childbirth itself or being a good mother.

Dreams? None that I can remember.

Birth plan? Our CB class teacher (a doula) actually had us do a "quiz" to see what we wanted in a birth plan and had our DHs go into another room and guess what we would want and DH got almost every answer correct! I was shocked! The only one he missed was that I think I may want some hard candy and ice chips to suck on (I usually don't like either).

And now, a little "eye candy" as I finally figured out a way to get around my screwy computer and its problems uploading/attaching photos. I uploaded them to craiglist, pretending to post an ad, and then from photobucket "uploaded" them directly from the craiglist site. Thank goodness there is a "preview ad" page so I didn't actually have to create an ad with photos of my nursery!

Some of the photos came out funny because of lighting issues and the fact that it's hard to get photos of the whole room. I also still need to get a bookcase and figure out what to put on the other walls.

Without further ado:

http://i49.photobucket.com/albums/f274/joceysmom/3ch9OWrAvoBVEqgu98jAvkaf7ExJ.jpg

http://i49.photobucket.com/albums/f274/joceysmom/sfxkTNOCE7rELYjehAjPnXFfbXoI.jpg


http://i49.photobucket.com/albums/f274/joceysmom/qiSNqhLWoVyhBI3Njg1vAs7uga8p.jpg

http://i49.photobucket.com/albums/f274/joceysmom/SY3V8TtyKD4oMHSAWrxVncEryGVf.jpg

[shortcake]

Thanks for all the placenta move-up wishes! I won't know for another few weeks though. And Jen I didn't have a c-section before, so if it moved up I'll be just going for another vaginal birth.

[Jen1098]

Anyone else got a baby that's already starting to practice karate. THere are times when he moves and I get a leg or an arm on the side of belly and it hurts so bad. This boy must weigh 10 lbs already.

shortcake I don't know what I was thinking, for some reason I thought you had a c-section.

smiles33 I love your nursery. The yellow is very pretty.

HOpe you all had better weather then we did. There is nothing worse then being stuck inside all day with a toddler!

[shortcake]

Jen - That's ok! Let's hope it wasn't some crazy premonition though. :) And about the Karate - YES, it is so weird since DD didn't do that (I think she was positioned differently).

I had my shower today - it was a lot of fun! It made me feel good all day. :) Got some cute stuff, too!

[Em7.31.04]

Birth Plan: We're going to work on ours in the next week...We'll be discussing it with our midwife at the next appt (4/17). We talked about it a lot during our childbirth workshop, so I think (hope) it will be pretty easy to write up.

Smiles33: Love the nursery pics! Thanks for sharing!

Jen1098: Yes to the karate moves...He's starting to catch me more on the sides, and that feels sharper than the usual jabs. Catches me off-guard, you know?

We put together the crib last night, and it was actually pretty easy. Didn't take too long.

I bought a crib skirt on Ebay today, so envision the crib with the skirt already on it:

http://images.snapfish.com/346779776%7Ffp33%3A%3Enu%3D3239%3E6%3C5%3E%3B%3A5% 3EWSNRCG%3D323363%3C%3A%3C7%3B75nu0mrj

Here's a closeup of the bedding:

http://images.snapfish.com/346779776%7Ffp339%3Enu%3D3239%3E6%3C5%3E%3B%3A5%3E WSNRCG%3D323363%3C%3B33%3C26nu0mrj

And, our upholstered glider:

http://images.snapfish.com/346779776%7Ffp33%3A%3Enu%3D3239%3E6%3C5%3E%3B%3A5% 3EWSNRCG%3D323363%3C%3B33%3C27nu0mrj

[fats]

Smiles: Love the nursery!! I like the stars on the wall over the closet!

Emily: Your crib looks a lot like mine. And I LOVE the dinosaur bedding!!

We had our shower yesterday and it was so great. Eco's sister did a really good job and it was so nice to see all of our friends. We got some great gifts and we'll be heading to BRU next weekend to pick up whatever we still need from our registry.

We also finally rearranged all of the furniture in the nursery so that it's in its final resting place. I love how it looks but I still need to hang everthing on the walls before it totally done. Then I'll share pictures. That should be done next week.

Today my cousin is coming to visit and bringing me lots of hand me down baby clothes and a bassinet. It'll be fun to go through all of her son's stuff but also just to visit - I don't think I've seen her since our wedding!!

DH and I also just got back from BJs - the last run before the baby comes, which felt a little weird. Everytime I asked DH if he wanted something and he said, "Eh...We don't have to get it now" I'd say, "Ok but that just means when you do want it I'll be sending you back her alone to get it." and then he'd go back and throw it in the cart. It's so funny how much he hates shopping!

QOTD
Birth Plan DH and I have one and our doula has it but my OB's practice won't accept any birth plans. I think they've had too many experiences where women have a specific plan and then when things don't go according to the plan they get really upset and/or disappointed in themselves - like they failed or something. I'm fine with that - the practice is open to whatever you want, it's just that they don't want a written plan in your file. So as long as DH and our Doula know what to tell the doctor, I feel pretty good about it. Also, when I hit the 3rd trimester my doctor gave me a handout describing the "Standard Operating Procedure" of the practice and it's pretty much everything I had in my birth plan anyway.

Is anyone else getting hit with utter exhaustion? I felt so horrible on Friday. I couldn't get anything done at work and it was all I could do to keep my head up. I know part of it was a crappy night's sleep but I think most of it was just being pregnant. I had no idea it could be that bad - it was worse than anything I had during my first trimester (or else I've just blocked it out!!)


Oh yeah - we spoke to our Au Pair yesterday morning and it's official!! Jeep (her nickname) will be arriving in NY on August 7!! I'm so excited. Not only do I feel good that she'll be great with the baby, but I think she'll also be a nice addition to our household.

Tomorrow evening we tour the hospital! I'm wondering if it's going to make me feel more at ease about the whole process or more nervous about it -seeing where I'm actually going to be going through all of that!

One more thing - on Friday I had to pick up a prescription for Emla (numbing cream) for the baby's bris. That really brought home how soon he's coming - I'm already getting prescriptions for him!!!

[nettreefrog]

Posting here and in my Livejournal (http://nettreefrog.livejournal.com/)…

Jules actually buy baby gear!
So, I’ll be 36 weeks in a few days, and figured that the pain that I experienced last night while watching Walk the Line (fabulous movie btw) might be Gabriel. This morning, after my daughter’s soccer team won their first game of the season (go Blue Waves), we headed to Babies R Us here in Brooklyn where I picked up $410.29 worth of stuff (okay it was 382.59 –but our tax rate of 8.375% bumped it up). We got: a Pack N Play + 4 sheets + play yard netting, a car seat + car seat stroller frame (it is so light) + rain shield, nursing pads (reusable –just to try out), bodysuits, a brush, ointment + cream (for me), and my daughter picked out Gabriel’s first outfit. My husband is going to check on how the car seat fits into the car after lunch.

Not sure if I posted about it in this thread, but we are trying to go into contract on a condo. The place is FSBO, but the owner (who we are in almost daily contact with) is based in Israel. The lawyers have been excruciatingly slow (despite the fact that we have been prepared for weeks) –and the entire thing has been stressful. We’re hoping for a resolution pre-baby!

GENERIC SHOUT OUT to everyone delivering in May… Yeah –we’re almost there! Many April mommies are delivering early –so here’s hoping that we’ll all start dropping early with big beautiful healthy babies!

So many QOTD…

Is anyone else getting hit with utter exhaustion?
I feel too swamped with work, the condo, my 12-year-old’s activities, and family stuff to even think about stopping. Let’s hope my body cooperates!

Birth Plan?
I am with Fats… Everything should be in the standard operating practice of the OB practice/hospital. However, I have definitely made it clear that I do not want a c-section. Aside from that, I think that I will just communicate my interests to the hospital and each of the nurses (yes to rooming in, no to an epidural, etc.).

Is anyone else getting nervous about delivering?
I do think about it…but my real fear is where and if my water will break. It would be really messy/embarrassing if it broke while at work!

Vivid Dreams?
Oh yeah—really strange stuff!

Having trouble sleeping?
I seem to wake up multiple times throughout the night. I have a lot on my mind too –so I sometimes lay in bed thinking.

Circumcision?
My OB will perform the “operation” either during our hospital stay… or 8 days later (he’s a mohel as well).

Bags packed?
After my pain yesterday, I showed my husband where I had put the partially completed birth certificate. I generally don’t pack much or early when I am traveling –but my husband wants to ensure that I am prepared. I figure that he can bring anything I forgot too the day after –or pick it up at a bodega around the hospital.

Vaccinations?
I did them on schedule with my DD. We’re planning on doing this same this go around.

Remaining things to do?
The other thing I do need to do vis-à-vis the baby is to work on my list of people that we need to email/contact right after delivery!

[ga girl]

Is anyone else getting hit with utter exhaustion?
YES!! I'm glad Fats posted this because I was begnning to think something might be wrong with me! I'm exhausted all of the time, last week I felt like I could barely function and had to take a nap everyday after work. Its been beautiful outside so I feel guilty about it too :o

[jarm]

exhaustion - Oh yeah! I'm exhausted, but it's been a relatively long week for me. I felt like crap for a couple of days and that caused me not to sleep at night. Then Friday night and last night DD was sick so we were up like every hour with her. She's still sick, and I'm starting to feel like crap again. My throat is starting to hurt, which really sucks! I just hate sore throats. If I wasn't so close to taking leave, I'd probably just call out for tomorrow. I have four days to work this week and then I have next week off.

We are totally not ready for this child. I hope it stays in until we can get something for him/her to sleep in. We have the crib, but it's filled with all of DD's old toys. We're planning on buying a bassinet from a neighbor, but she has yet to get it to us. We have no outfits for this child to come home in. I just can't bear to look at them. I don't know what that's all about. Maybe I'm in denial of having a newborn. Strange!

I am anxious to stop work on one hand and on the other hand, I am the type of person who needs to get things done by myself. I have this state mandated test to administer right after vacation next week. I want to do that. It's lengthy because I take the students one by one. At least it's time where I don't have to teach the whole class. I will admit that I am not doing a great job recently...I'm just exhausted physically, mentally, emotionally! Oh well...

Rambling, rambling, rambling! I do that well. ;) Hope everyone has a great week.

[Southlooper]

Exhaustion: I need a nap every hour it seems.

I found this quiz on babycanter. com about post-partum passion. We fared ok according to the baby swammi. Something to divert your attention:

http://www.babycenter.com/calculators/passionpredictor/index.jhtml

[Jen1098]

Southlooper Funny quiz. DH would not be happy if he saw the results of ours.;)

[Bloomwood]

The nurseries look great!

exhaustion: yes, absolutely. I am just not functioning as well as I would like and need to sit alot. My feet are killing me, so anything that requires me to stand up for a period of time - even peeling veggies, makes me more tired. Bummer is that I haven't really been able to actually sleep when I've laid down for naps, at least this weekend.

Birth plan - no. I plan to write down everything I want and go over it with DH, but not do anything formal. The plan will be my ideal scenario, but I know well enough that it probably won't go that smoothly. I trust my OB and I trust DH to manage the nurses during the labor part.

[Em7.31.04]

Southlooper: The quiz is too funny! Yep, we're basically SOL in that department, it sounds like. Poor DH... :p

I just had my first acupuncture appointment. I was treated for heartburn and lower back pain. I'll be going back weekly until I deliver. If I end up going past my due date, I'll be getting a special treatment that "speeds things up" according to the acupuncturist. Sign me up!! Anyway, the treatment was really easy. We talked for about 30 minutes about my health history and treatment needs were. Then I got undressed down to my undies & bra, and laid down on the table (like a massage table). I was covered by towels though - so, not entirely exposed. She inserted the needles into my inner wrists, tops of my feet, shins, and all over my back. Then she turned down the lights and left me alone for 30 minutes. I fell asleep hard! I only felt one of the needles go in, and that spot is aching a bit now, but I was told that is normal. It was so relaxing, and well worth my $10 copay. There's a treatment called moxibustion for flipping breech babies, too, in case any of you still have breeches? I can't remember...

PSA: Michael's has all of their wicker baskets on sale for 40% off this week. I went yesterday and got two sets of 3 baskets, white with gingham liners. Makes great nursery storage.

[Bloomwood]

EM- I abhor needles, but that sounds so relaxing. I'm (only half) hoping to get one more massage in before the big day and expect to sleep hard too. And, for only $10!! Glad you enjoyed it!

[Bloomwood]

I've just been reading some of the labor threads. I am having some cramping and backache. Nothing to write home about. I am sure it is just some of the prelim stuff. Since i've been having BH FOREVER as well as leukorrhea, I am extra sensitive to my bodily functions. I'm going to take the dog for a walk and I'm sure it'll subside. Fun to know (think?) that my body is at least getting ready.

[nettreefrog]

Southlooper: The quiz is too funny! Yep, we're basically SOL in that department, it sounds like. Poor DH... :p

I just had my first acupuncture appointment. I was treated for heartburn and lower back pain. I'll be going back weekly until I deliver. If I end up going past my due date, I'll be getting a special treatment that "speeds things up" according to the acupuncturist. Sign me up!! Anyway, the treatment was really easy. We talked for about 30 minutes about my health history and treatment needs were. Then I got undressed down to my undies & bra, and laid down on the table (like a massage table). I was covered by towels though - so, not entirely exposed. She inserted the needles into my inner wrists, tops of my feet, shins, and all over my back. Then she turned down the lights and left me alone for 30 minutes. I fell asleep hard! I only felt one of the needles go in, and that spot is aching a bit now, but I was told that is normal. It was so relaxing, and well worth my $10 copay. There's a treatment called moxibustion for flipping breech babies, too, in case any of you still have breeches? I can't remember...

PSA: Michael's has all of their wicker baskets on sale for 40% off this week. I went yesterday and got two sets of 3 baskets, white with gingham liners. Makes great nursery storage.

Em...I am so glad that you posted about your experience. I have been curious about acupuncture--but never had it done. It is also very cool that insurance covered it. A friend of mine (from yoga class) got trained as an acupuncturist --but to date I have only had her perform tui na.

[Southlooper]

Daytime TV and Pregnancy: Our building recently switched to DirectTV. Today I happened upon the Discovery Health Channel. The whole afternoon's programming was centered on pregnancy and delivery. 5 hours of women giving birth with 30 minutes of getting in shape during pregnancy. The first birth I watched I cried for 10 minutes. This women had a water birth, with no drugs; give me hope. :)

I'm off to pack my bag...you never know!

[Em7.31.04]

nettreefrog: What is tui na?

[missy329]

Hello Everyone-

Well, I had two of my Dr appts today. First was my OB for my regular weekly test and NST. Let's see- nothing too exciting there. I lost another pound so I think now I am exactly the same weight I was when I got pg.
Then I met with the Maternal Fetal Dr for an u/s. The baby's growth has slowed down a bit- that's a good thing. The GD diet and medication seems to be working, my glucose numbers have been looking good and the baby's size is only about one week ahead. They "estimate" that he/she weights 6lb13oz to 7lbs right now. I know, I know, the numbers could be way off. But, if they are correct the baby should be about 8 1/2 lbs when born (My DD was 12 days early and weighed 8lbs 11oz). So, I am happy with those "estimates".
They couldn't get a good shot of the baby's face because he/she had his/her hands in front of it's face. But, they did get a good picture of the hair! The u/s tech said "wow, look at all the hair that baby has already". You could see it floating in the fluid.
I still have the complete placenta previa and there is really no hope of it moving this late in the pregnancy. But, I was a repeat c/s anyway. They are really just monitoring it in case I have bleeding and so the Dr will know where it is for the c/s.
So, things here are looking good. I am on twice weekly NST's and weekly OB appts. But I was released from the Maternal Fetal Dr today! Hooray, one less Dr!

Let me answer some QOTD's

Exhaustion: Yep, it kills me to stand too long. My daughter has suddenly become "clingy mama's girl" and won't let anyone else do anything for her! Between her and work I am beat.

Quiz: Well, my husband may not be too happy with our numbers either. But, after 8+ months of "pelvic rest" due to the placenta previa I am sure he will happpily take whatever I offer!:rolleyes:

Birth Plan: None for me. I was very happy with how things went last time and I assume it will be the same this time.


Hope everyone is feeling well! We are in the home stretch now (18 days for me!)

[nettreefrog]

nettreefrog: What is tui na?

It is a form of Chinese deep tissue massage. The person performing it tries to remove Qi blockages by focusing on the problem area and using techniques to kneed and redirect flows. For example, my friend focused on my back --she brought each of my vertebra in and then separated them. I felt amazingly refreshed when she was done! Best of all, she was a student who needed massage volunteers. Learning is great!!!

Here's more info!
http://qi-journal.com/TCM.asp?-Token.FindPage=1&-Token.SearchID=TuinaFAQ

[Mrs U]

Hi Ladies!

Sorry I've been MIA- been house/dog sitting. We've been having crazy weather over here- 2 days with 70º, then snow for the last 2 days.

I met up with one of the girls from our birthing class on Friday. She had a scare and a half with bleeding and contrax 3 minutes apart at 34 weeks. Lucky her baby decided to stay put. A total reality check since she's a week ahead of me.

QOTD: What do ya all have planned for Easter?
We are taking the train down to P's parents house in Tessin. They have been having warmer snowless weather so I'm looking foward to it. Probably our last trip down there babyless.

Exhaustion: I cant sleep deeply at night so when P leaves at 7am I go back to bed and sleep until 11am.

Quiz: We'll average what we've been doing all along. :D

dreams Been having some really weird ones lately when I actually do sleep. Had one giving birth and after it was over I remember saying "that was it?!?" meaning the pain wasnt that bad (must have had some drugs ;) )

Circumcision Not doing it so one less thing to worry about.

Bags Packed On my to do list after Easter.

Birth Plan: Nothing written on paper, but I plan on going with the flow of things. The only thing I will let my Dr know is that I do not want a C-section unless the baby's heath is at risk. The hospital where I'll be delivering is well known for C-sections- something like 50% rate.

Southlooper Here at the house they have Satellite TV and Discovery H&H is one of my addictions.

Em The accupuncture sounds great. Our heath insurance covers it as well, but I'm afraidy cat. Moxibustion is preformed here by most midwives to turn breeched babies before external versions- thank goodness my boy turned on his own! Love the nursery bedding!

Fats Hope the au pair works out for ya!

Jen I think my kiddo is break dancing doing the worm or something.

Smiles Love the nursery as well! I'll have to get my pics up next week.

Everyone else- have a great holiday weekend! Keep those babies baking! :D

[Standrea]

Hey everyone! i'm still baking away!!:D Fortunately, i didn't have to get the tributaline pump, because we have a VONAGE phone line, and you have to transmitt through the phoneline 2ce a day. Apparently, Matria hasn't worked that bump out yet, so im on oral meds.

I went to the doctor yesterday, and lost a pound and a half. AMAZING, especially since i have done nothing but laid on the couch, and eaten. And for the first few days, i've eaten crap, because that's what friends have brought me. My cowork jess brough Edy's Dibs...AMAZING!! For the only time i could lay on the couch, watch Oprah, and eat Bon Bons!! I'm back to eating healthier now though.

TV stinks...there is really nothing on during the day. I watch discovery health in the morning, and then channel surf for the rest of the day. I think today I may begin to watch SATC, because I've never watched an episode before...I do have the dvd's though...

Everyone's rooms look fantastic!! I'm getting nervous that Abbey's won't get done on time!!



QOTD: What do ya all have planned for Easter?
NOTHING!! My IL's insisted on coming, since i'm on bedrest, and they didn't think it was "fair" that we would be alone. BUT my doctor 'suggested' that we ask them not to come, i would not need the added stress. My mil freaked and said it was bullshit in her polish accent (both il's are polish immigrants), but quite personally, we want to spend 1 last holiday alone.

Exhaustion: From boredom. I have been trying REALLY REALLY hard not to take naps during the day, so i can sleep at night.

Quiz: Haha...it will be a HUGE improvement from what we are having now!!

dreams Nothing worth remembering

Bags Packed I need to order some stuff online, since I can't go out and buy it...I want to get satin black pajama's, and a satin robe, as well as nursing tank tops. I still need to get a take me home outfit too...I suppose i should start this stuff REALLY REALLY soon!!

Birth Plan: Undecided. I asked our lamaze instructor her feelings on this, and she said it basically never follows suit (at least at our hospital)...I'm just going to go in with an open mind. And, we had to fill out paperwork stating our wishes for the hospital already (drugs/no drugs...tub birthing, breastfeed immediatly, DH to cut cord, etc.)

[marchfamily]

Quick flyby... We've had a horrible stomach flu in our family. I spent 4 hours in L/D on Saturday night getting fluids. The positive thing - got to hear the heartbeat for 4 hours straight....music to my ears.

[Bloomwood]

Quick flyby... We've had a horrible stomach flu in our family. I spent 4 hours in L/D on Saturday night getting fluids. The positive thing - got to hear the heartbeat for 4 hours straight....music to my ears.

Glad you are feelilng better now and the little girl is okay.

[Em7.31.04]

Dreams: I've been having very vivid dreams in the mornings. During the time when I'm snoozing my alarm and drifting in and out of consciousness...And the theme is me being mad at DH!! I wake up and I'm really angry with him for various reasons. In reality, I'm not angry with him at all...But the dreams are very convincing. This morning's dream was about our hospital tour that we're doing later this week. In my dream, DH didn't come to the tour and wasn't answering his cell phone. Boy, was I pissed!!

Easter: Saturday is my 2nd baby shower...Hosted by friends but at our house because it's the most central location. So, that means our Friday night will be consumed by cleaning galore. A lot of women are coming that haven't seen our house before, so I really want it to look perfect.

So...DH's guy friends have decided to have a "baby shower" for him. Really, it's an excuse for them to all get together and drink to excess on Saturday night. They're playing golf on Saturday during my shower, and then going out to bars that night. It's a bunch of our college friends and DH's co-workers...they'll be up to no good, for sure!

We had planned to go to Easter Mass at 7am on Sunday morning, but I don't know about that. Pretty sure the only praying DH will be doing that morning will be to the porcelain gods, LOL! :eek:

We're having brunch with family friends on Sunday afternoon. My family has been doing this for the past 17 years.

Marchfamily Sorry to hear about the IV fluids. I can sympathize, except when it was my turn I didn't get to hear the heartbeat. I'm a bit envious. :-) Glad to hear you're feeling better!

Coming Home Outfit: I can't remember if this has already been discussed...? Have you picked out your baby's coming home outfit yet? Are you bringing more than one (i.e. different sizes)? I'm sure the newborn size will fit him, but I'm tempted to also bring a slightly bigger one just in case he's a big boy...

Have a great day, everyone! It's sunny and in the 60s here - springtime has definitely arrived, and I love it. :-)

[missy329]

Ughh... we have slipped to page 2! I must bring us back up to the top. :p


Coming Home Outfit: We have a boy outfit and a girl outfit waiting in the closet. The boy one is actually left over from our first baby- we didn't find out the sex that time either so we brought two outfits to the hospital and obviously needed the girl one. I planned to take the boy outfit back but my DH said to keep it for baby #2! Anyway, I bought newborn size- my DD was 8lb 11oz and a newborn size fit her fine. So, I don't anticipate needing bigger this time.



I am counting down the days until my c/s- 16 days to go!! It is getting pretty warm here in Orlando- should be 90 degrees by Sunday. Oh, and Sunday is my daughter's 2nd birthday. So, we have a busy few days of cleaning and cooking ahead of us and then a busy weekend of Easter and her birthday party.

Hope everyone is having a great Wednesday!

[kristin9903]

marchfamily Sorry to hear about the stomach flu...hope you're doing better!

Standrea Glad to hear you're still baking!

Big update!!! After another lackluster appointment (-3 station, 20% effaced, fingertip dilated), I have an induction date. I'm super swollen and the doc thinks this kid is super huge (8.5 lbs at 38 weeks). He has scheduled my induction for April 16th - Easter Sunday. Not a bad day to get things started...although we're just going to ripen the cervix that day and start the pitocin on Monday. I can't believe I have so much to get done before then!!!

[AttyGrl74]

Kristin Wow - April 16! Whoo-hoo! That's so exciting for you!

Good luck!

I've gone from great sexy dreams to horrible DH dreams - I wake up angry with him each morning for things he did only in my dreams. Random.

I wish they'd stop!

[smiles33]

Hi ladies! I have 1 week left of work, and then I'm home and no longer have to suffer the 45 minute commute each way!

Has anyone stopped working who doesn't have to be on bed rest?

I'm not sure what I'm going to do, so I might start a NetFlix subscription and just watch movies. Otherwise, I'm afraid I'll be on eBay and Craigslist all day buying more stuff! I keep thinking I'm done with the nursery and done buying items, but I keep getting more....Somebody stop me!

[Em7.31.04]

kristin9903: WOW...Sounds like you're next! Congrats and best wishes for a smooth delivery. Happy Easter!

AttyGrl74: Glad to hear I'm not the only one having angry DH dreams! I too liked my sexy dreams much, much better. :D

smiles33: Nope, still working. Boo. My last day is May 12, so I only have 19 more days. And counting...

[Guinness]

Thinking of you Kristin!! Can't wait to hear all about it :)

I am really behind in here. Following along, just not posting much. I am swelling a decent amount. I have an appointment with the Dr. this morning for him to take a look. It is starting to worry me, although it probably shouldn't. I have one more week of work, but limited. If I can make it great, but more and more of me is just ready to meet this little one and know it is safe outside. We'll see.

Quiet weekend for us with feet up. DH has an interview on Monday for a job closer to home. Send all good thoughts his way!! He is currently commuting 90 miles each way to work and a 10 mile commute would be heaven even with a big pay cut.

Everybody take good care!!

[jarm]

Not working...I'm on vacation next week, but that's because I don't get to take vacation...it's handed to me! Fun! There's this test that I want to administer the week following the vacation so I'm going to try to make it through that week. I put in to work through May 12, but I'm thinking that I might just leave May 5. Of course, I have an almost 3 yo at home so I won't be bored (although she will still go to the sitter's).

[missy329]

Still working- I am planning on working until the day before my c/s. I did the same thing with my DD. But, my husband is pressuring me to stop a few days before that. (I think he just wants a break from watching our daughter)

[nettreefrog]

Work and more work: Procrastinating about getting into the shower... Once I do, it will be rush rush rush to get to work. I have 4 zillion projects going on there concurrently. Because my coworker is on vacation (in Taiwan), I picked up his projects too--and have about 10+ of my own. I will be working up until the last possible second to accomplish as much as humanly possible. My coworkers are trying to figure out if they should call the nurse downstairs, my husband, or a car service first to help me should my water break...

[Bloomwood]

Attygirl - I had my first bad DH dream last night. I was mad at him because he wanted to buy the wrong Christmas decorations :confused: . I insisted on walking home from the store to spite him. Bizarre!

work - technically tomorrow is my last day, but I am going to finish my final project today. Yesterday was my last day going to the office (I go about 1 x a month). Weird to think that I will no longer be a part of the workforce.

Easter plans - nada! DH and I will likely go to brunch - like we do every weekend. The twist is though, he is going to make me dinner! He keeps saying he needs to "connect with Rachel" [Ray] to get his recipe. He loves watching her when he goes to the gym and then report back to me what she made. :rolleyes: Anyway, we are going to enjoy our last child-free holiday togehter.

[Guinness]

Well a tentative birthday has been scheduled. I am going in to start an induction Monday night (4.17), so looks like baby will be born 4/18 :eek: Dr. says I am heading towards toxemia, baby looks good and ready to go, so let's do it. I said okay. Kind of a weird feeling to have a day planned, but I am looking forward to the weekend to let it all sink in. All DH can do is laugh - nervous maybe ;)

[nettie]

Guiness How exciting! It is nice to have the weekend to mentally and physically prepare for the baby. I think my DH has been displaying some of the same nervous laugh.

Dreams I haven't had many angry at DH dreams recently, which DH is thankful for. I sometimes forget that I only dreamed that he did something awful, and I stay mad at him during the day. He says that I need to dream up bad things that he does.

Working I'll be working till the day I go into labor, as long as the Dr is OK with it. I would drive myself, and everyone around me, crazy at home! I'm not good at days off without stuff to do, even more so when I'm getting excited about having this baby. Plus, I plan on using all 12 weeks of my FMLA when the baby is on the outside.

Had another appointment this morning, with some very small progress. I'm still 80% effaced, but the baby has fallen to -1 and I'm just barely beginning to dilate. That explains why I need to use the bathroom nearly hourly. As for my progress, the Dr said, it could be this week or it could be another 5 weeks which makes me wonder why they check these things weekly, but I guess I like the info. And, I'm GBS negative, so no antibiotics for me!

My baby shower was this past weekend. We got every single thing off of our registry except for the convertible car seat, which we won't need for a while anyway. It was fun, even though I'm not big on being the center of attention, and I was completely exhausted afterward. We've already finished writing the thank you notes. I'm very big on writing lists and checking things off these days.

[Mrs U]

Hi All!

kristin9903 & Guinness Good Luck with the inductions! I envy your early evictions.;)

Work Lucky I'm a SHAM, so I'm used to being at home all day. For those not really looking forward here's a tip- try new recipes for dinner or baking cake/ cookies to kill time.:D

Picked up a bargin today at the Drug store- 100 J&J breast pads (2- 50 pk) for $7.50 USD! One less thing on my list to buy.:)

Better get started on dinner- Swedish meatball night! :P Have a great Easter Weekend!

[Jen1098]

Kristin and Guiness Wow looks like our next two babies will be here before we know it. Lots of luck and anxiously waiting to hear all about it!!!

smiles We have netflix and I love it! I have over 50 movies in my que. Trying to watch as many as possible before baby arrives.

We're off to Philly this weekend. Taking Josh to the aquarium and the Please Touch Musuem. Should be fun but I've already warned dh and our friends that don't expect me to walk to much. Just leave me on a bench with an ice cream cone and I'll be happy.

My 36 week appt. is Monday. I will be shocked if there isn't anything going on down there but baby has to stay put until at least May 6th when my mom is here.

[shortcake]

kristin9903 & Guinness - How exciting that your babies will be here soon! I know that nervous laugh, Guinness - DH and I have BOTH been doing that a lot lately!

Met with our Doula a couple evenings ago, and it was great! I wasn't sure what to expect to get out of it, being a RO and already knowing I want an epidural. But she made me feel so much calmer already! Mainly separating this birth from DD's birth, which wasn't particularly a BAD birth but there was a lot of anxiety around it b/c she was induced early, therefore a preemie, plus it was a very intense labor (though I'm sure they all are). So anyway it is important for me to realize there is not really a connection between the two, and I can have a totally different birth experience this time!

Work - I'm a SAHM so I'll be "working" till we head to the hospital! Fortunately DH is super helpful and taking some of the load off already.

netflix Just want to chime in I love netflix! And you will probably enjoy it when the baby is here...something to do (or rather, zone out in front of) during the 2am wakeup party. ;)

[ga girl]

Kristin and Guiness- Good luck, this is so exciting!! I can't believe it's already here!!

Work- I' m having a tough time deciding. I've been thinking that if I don't have him by the 15th then I'll just start my leave but my dr. said they'll let me go until the 24th before they induce. I'll just play it by ear. I did take a 1/2 day yesterday and it was heaven! I got a facial in the afternoon- I wouldn't recommend it to anyone this far along though. Even though she tried to prop me up I was still mainly flat on the table so I had to keep turning my body from side to side while keeping my torso straight. I should have gone for the prenatal massage instead....

Easter- Going to my parents for dinner. Dh's bday is the next day but neither one of us is very social right now so we won't do much.

Which reminds me- please change my age to 31 and dh to 36. Thanks!

Hope you're all doing well- have a dr appt today to start off the weekly appts.

[AttyGrl74]

Wow - i can't believe all these induction dates which are like within the week. Holycow, I've got to get my shizit together and get ready for this kiddo. Good luck Guinness - I hope you're not too toxic!

Funny those of you who have also had bad-dh dreams. I'm glad I'm not alone.

I have realized the only way that I can stave off the excruciating nightly leg-cramps is by eating a huge bowl of ice cream right before bed.

And then I wonder why I've already gained more than 40 lbs.? HA HA HA

[Bloomwood]

wow! induction dates! Craziness! Good luck Kristin and Guinness!

Guinness - I can't wait to hear what your suprise is!

Also, skipped a fun QOTD. Here's our coming home outfit for Macey:
http://a116.g.akamai.net/7/116/2088/infinite/www.janieandjack.com/media/images/products/20051207_LOAD/1000-02449_Image_Close_3c26d.jpg
http://a116.g.akamai.net/7/116/2088/infinite/www.janieandjack.com/media/images/products/20051207_LOAD/1000-02447_Image_Close_3c259.jpg

I bought it in a preemie size (it looked huge!) and have a similar outfit in 0-3 in case she is too big for preemie.

[ga girl]

Think I missed that QOTD also. Cute outfit Bloomwood!

My 2 closest friends just gave me this outfit last night- both of their babies (both boys) came home in outfits that look exactly the same so it really meant a lot:

http://www.punkin-patch.com/photo/cc/cc-80-b_small.jpg

It looks enormous in that picture but it's just a normal gown length with a plain white hat. It's very soft.

[marchfamily]

And then I wonder why I've already gained more than 40 lbs.? HA HA HA


Speaking of which - who has passed the 40# mark? I have.....

RE: Work - I approached the subject of when I will be done with work with my OB. He said that unless there's a medical reason to write me out - I'm here till the end (39w).

Dear Coworkers,
Please stop asking me "how are you feeling?". Do you really want to know the answer. And, stop commenting on "how big I am" or "wow, only 3 more week". Pointing out that I'm huge is not helping. And 3 weeks feels like an eternity to a pregnant woman. If you don't stop, I may just hurt you.

[nettreefrog]

Dear Coworkers,
Please stop asking me "how are you feeling?". Do you really want to know the answer. And, stop commenting on "how big I am" or "wow, only 3 more week". Pointing out that I'm huge is not helping. And 3 weeks feels like an eternity to a pregnant woman. If you don't stop, I may just hurt you.

Can you send that note around my office too? Please!!!!!!

[Southlooper]

).
Dear Coworkers,
Please stop asking me "how are you feeling?". Do you really want to know the answer. And, stop commenting on "how big I am" or "wow, only 3 more week". Pointing out that I'm huge is not helping. And 3 weeks feels like an eternity to a pregnant woman. If you don't stop, I may just hurt you.

I hear ya girl! I'd like to add:

Dear Coworkers:

If I need to sit down, I'll find or ask for a chair. Please don't bring chair up to me and make me sit down and treat me like I'm a crazy women when I say no "thank you." You may think not sitting down all the time is bad for the baby, but I think smothering mom-to-be to the point of homicidal thoughts is even worse. Thanks!

I feel like a total slug today. I have tons of work to do (report cards and lesson plans for the rest of the school year) but all I've done is sleep and watch reruns of SATC and Gilmore Girls. I have a craving for a chicken salad sandwich but don't have the energy to walk to the deli to get one. Right now I'm laying in bed with my laptop and books. Hopefully I can get the motivation to get something done.

Last night I went with a friend to see Etta James. My last venture out into the concert/club world for a while. She was amazing. DD seemed to enjoy because she was really moving during the concert. I hope I look as good and am as saucy at Etta when I'm 68. ;)

Kristin and Guinness: Good luck with the induction. I'll be thinking of you this weekend.

Work: My last day is scheduled for May 12th. I don't know how I'm going to make it; this exhaustion is killing me.

Packed Bags/Going home outfit: I packed my bag Tuesday night, which includes the going home outfit. It's a pink onsie the had the word "Maganda" (Tagalog for "Beautiful") written on it. I also packed a cotton hat, socks, and a blanket.

Easter Plans: We have our second shower on Saturday. Sunday we're having brunch with the family at a local resturant. My parent are coming in Saturday to attend the shower and spend Easter with us.

Ok, work time. My goal is to finish the lesson plans then get the sandwich. Wish me luck! :)

[AttyGrl74]

Last night I went with a friend to see Etta James. My last venture out into the concert/club world for a while. She was amazing. DD seemed to enjoy because she was really moving during the concert. I hope I look as good and am as saucy at Etta when I'm 68.


That's so cool - I love Etta James. DH and I 'took' Nora to see Buddy Guy (and Jackie Green) when I was about 14 weeks - of course I couldn't feel her yet but I imagined her getting bluesy, too.

[smiles33]

Just popping in to say I am SO glad to be a CA resident--we have a 4 week PAID disability program for before the birth (which I foolishly am not using all of because I have a few more major tasks I want to personally supervise). You don't even need to have a medical reason to use it!

As for the coming-home outfit, I still need to figure out what to put her in. Anyone planning on bringing an outfit of the opposite gender in case the u/s prediction was wrong?

[shortcake]

coming home outfit - need to figure out what to bring. I will probably bring just a newborn size one...maybe a preemie one too (my first was very small, and the preemie stuff fits lots of term babies, you'd be surprised!) No I won't bring something of the opposite gender...I think a baby girl could survive a trip home in blue if needed. :) (I can see that if you have a girl prediction you might be inclined to bring something other than a dress). Also we'll have had several ultrasounds by then and we've already had 2 which confirm it's a boy.

Ugh I think I want to pack bags soon! I am 34 weeks this weekend. But feeling so huge! I know I'm not *that* big but doing just about anything is getting hard!

[marchfamily]

I 'took' Nora to see Buddy Guy (and Jackie Green) when I was about 14 weeks

My first baby went to "see" Old 97's, Buddy Guy, Lyle Lovatt, and others while I was carrying her. I saw The Pixies at around 36 weeks.... The girls gonna be a rocker!

[AttyGrl74]

My first baby went to "see" Old 97's, Buddy Guy, Lyle Lovatt, and others while I was carrying her. I saw The Pixies at around 36 weeks.... The girls gonna be a rocker!

That's so cool! I wanted to go to the Beastie Boys when I was 38 weeks - I thought better of it - which was good b/c my water broke the night of the concert.

[Bloomwood]

Just popping in to say I am SO glad to be a CA resident--we have a 4 week PAID disability program for before the birth (which I foolishly am not using all of because I have a few more major tasks I want to personally supervise). You don't even need to have a medical reason to use it!

I thought you were going to comment on the (finally!) beautiful weather we are having. I am trying to soak up all the sun I can today since its supposed to be icky again tomorrow. Sadly as a self-employed consultant, no STD for me.

Anyone planning on bringing an outfit of the opposite gender in case the u/s prediction was wrong?
Nope. We've had two doctors and one u/s tech say girl. If it's a boy, we have alot more pink clothes, and bedding and on and on that he'll have to get used to!

[smiles33]

Bloomwood: Haven't had a chance to get out of the building since 7 am, so the sun isn't "real" for me yet. :)

[jarm]

I had quite a surprise today at work. We had a spring celebration for the kids today and they all brought a little something in and my room mothers made a basket for me. They also got a little something for Arlyn. How sweet is that? My favorite thing in the bag that almost made me cry? A bib that says "I Love My Big Sister."

[Standrea]

Jarm-How dare you make a pregnant woman cry?? I read about the big and started to well up like such a sap!! That is so sweet!!

I can't believe there are 2 inductions schedualed for this weekend. I will be thinking of you both, and am really excited for you!! That is absolutly amazing that the time is here!!


I had a doctors appointment today. Things are looking really good. I'm still on bedrest at least for another week and a half (35 weeks), but the MW said if/when they take me off, its up to me if i want to go back to work until 38 weeks, when they can "medically" pull me out. I have found lots of ways to occupy myself, and DH finally brought my laptop down to me. The little girl inside of me is moving like crazy!! I thought it was supposed to slow down?? I really enjoy seeing her foot coming out of my side...it freaks everyone out!!

Also, I dont get it at all but I have lost almost 3 pounds in 1 week. I have eaten nothing but crap, and done absolutely nothing but laid on the couch while doing it. I'll take it though!! I have completely lost total weight gain, but I think its like 7 pounds or something close to that.

I FORGOT TO MENTION!! We had a tour of the hospital during lamaze on sunday (i am allowed to go to lamaze...)...they pushed me around in a wheelchair, but it was really nice. I have decided that I want to try to birth in a tub, so we signed up for a tub room. The labor and delivery room is SOO nice, and the mother/child room is fantastic as well. All rooms are private, and they "encourage" you to keep your baby in the room with you. Also, the hospital does a "Last candle light dinner', where they give you a menu (Anything from seafood to grilled cheese), soup and salad, appetizer, and dessert. They set a table with candles in your room for you. They do this the night before you go home, because it will be the "last night of a quality dinner for a long time"...I guess alot of hospitals do this, but i ve never heard of it before.

Take me home outfit-
First thing I am doing once I'm off of bedrest. I saw a really pretty dress at the GAP that i wanted to buy her, but I'm not sure if it's appropriate or not. I am planning on putting the outfit on a doll for her for after, so she has it forever...I know, I'm lame and sentimental.

I hope everyone is doing well!! I'm here and thinking of everyone!!


OH!! How have the "eviction" processes been going?? Has anyone started them yet?

[fats]

Wow, Standrea - your hospital sounds awesome!

I feel like I've missed a lot, so I'll just do QOTDs and wish luck to those girls who are being induced within the next few days (wow!).

Weight: I haven't hit 40 lbs yet but I'm close. I have an appointment this afternoon, so that might be the clincher!

Going Home Outfit: I got the cutest white knit outfit from the Gap with a matching cap, so that's what we'll be bringing him home in (and since it's white, you can bet that he'll spit up on it within the first 30 seconds!). No need to bring a 'just in case' back-up outfit. I had an amnio so there is absolutely no doubt that my little boy will be a little boy!!

Working: This has certainly changed along the way. My EDD is a Monday so originally I was planning to work up until that Friday. I recently pushed it back another week so my last day in the office would be May 12. This past week the commute (and life in general) has gotten much more difficult and uncomfortable so I'm re-thinking it again - I may push it back one more week and either work from home or just relax altogether. Plus, the baby is still measuring pretty big, so I just have a feeling I may go early. Maybe it's just wishful thinking. ;)

Oh yeah - Netflix! I'm amazed that everyone hasn't already joined this - is such a great easy way to rent movies (and whatever else - I love watching tv series on dvd). I've got over 300 items in my queue so I'll never get through it all, but I highly recommend it!

[shortcake]

Standrea - wow your hospital sounds awesome! I like my hospital too - they seem very homey and you stay in the same room from check in till check out. The catch is they haven't updated all of their rooms yet - you have to cross your fingers you get a "good" room (those have jacuzzis, too). So my fingers are crossed for that!

Weight - Last appt I was at 21 lbs gained. That's slightly less than I did with DD at this point, but pretty similar.

Jarm - so sweet about the bib and stuff! Awwww.

Californians - congratulations on some sun! My family has been griping for weeks (while we've had overall beautiful weather up here in Washington. They keep complaining about their "Seattle weather") so they will be happy. :)

[shortcake]

Standrea - wow your hospital sounds awesome! I like my hospital too - they seem very homey and you stay in the same room from check in till check out. The catch is they haven't updated all of their rooms yet - you have to cross your fingers you get a "good" room (those have jacuzzis, too). So my fingers are crossed for that!

Weight - Last appt I was at 21 lbs gained. That's slightly less than I did with DD at this point, but pretty similar.

Jarm - so sweet about the bib and stuff! Awwww.

Californians - congratulations on some sun! My family has been griping for weeks (while we've had overall beautiful weather up here in Washington. They keep complaining about their "Seattle weather") so they will be happy. :)

[Em7.31.04]

Anyone planning on bringing an outfit of the opposite gender in case the u/s prediction was wrong? Hadn't thought of this, but probably not. I'm having enough trouble trying to figure out what to get for a boy! Any ideas for where to look? I guess I'm just worried that a onesie will be uncomfortable over his belly button? Am I being paranoid...? Suggestions for outfits or stores are welcome. :)

DH, my parents, and I went on our hospital tour last night. Talk about everything hitting home...DH & I were both really quiet afterwards, and we realized it's because seeing it all in person really made the upcoming experience very real. The hospital is gorgeous though. All private rooms, many with nice views, two with birthing tubs. All rooms have jacuzzi tubs and private bathrooms. I'm still interested in a water birth, but I'm not 100% committed to NCB if it doesn't work out. Meaning, I want to try NCB but I am open to pain relief if I find that it's just too much to handle. So, I don't know if I would feel guilty about having a water birthing room if I ended up not delivering in the water...? I'm sure it happens, but again, I'm being paranoid.

Ugh, the overhead light in my office burned out this morning. So, I'm working in the dark today. This may be the day that I actually fall asleep at my desk!!

[fats]

Had my OB appointment today and talk about it hitting home. I'm not yet 35 weeks, but I'm still measuring big - right now, at 37 weeks, so they're sending me for another u/s next week. If the baby is still measuring big they'll start thinking about induction. They won't induce me before 37 weeks, but that's still only 2 weeks away. That's when it all hit me that I could be having this baby in just over 2 weeks and I totally freaked out. I don't feel ready at all. Not the house and the room and stuff - I'm ahead of the game there, but just the whole experience of being a mom. All of a sudden I'm starting to wonder if I can even do this! I had a major breakdown when I got back to work. It's all so scary!!!

Em My boy is going to be a poster child for The Gap. I really worried about finding cute clothes when I found out he was a boy, but I have found some of the most adorable stuff at the Gap.

[kristin9903]

Coming home outfit We got so many clothes, I just chose something out of that. We're being super frugal with this kiddo. I did buy him a little hat from Old Navy to wear home that says "Wahhhhhhh" on it. We aren't bringing anything girly, either. We've seen our guy's parts enough to be pretty dang sure it's a boy.

Standrea We went on our hospital tour...and there's no candle light dinner for us. :) They did tell us we could have some chicken tenders from the cafeteria, though. Sounds like your hospital is really cool!

fats and Em7.31.04 I hear you on things really hitting home. I can't believe we're about to be mothers. DH keeps saying things like "72 hours until we're parents." Yikes.

T-minus 2 days until the induction and I'm running around like crazy in search of a bathrobe and a nursing bra. Oh, and a baby book. Nothing like procrastination. :) In fabulous news, though, I just scored a Medela Pump In Style from one of my DH's coworkers for $50. Yay!

[Bloomwood]

yay! I am full-term. The baby is baked and can safely arrive at anytime!

Today is also my last day of work.

I am just back from my drs appt. I am 1+cm dilated and 30% effaced. The baby is still pretty high up. I have a little bit of edema; she said swimming will help as will putting my feet up. Hmm...let's see...no thanks on the swimming. I'm sure it's wonderful, but not something I am going to start now!!

I am about to go make my first cup of raspberry leaf tea.

Weight gain - I am almost to 30 lbs. The size large shirt I bought at the Gap a month ago doesn't cover my tummy anymore. :( Just the way it will have to be because I will not be buying anymore clothes - I am so looking forward to buying "normal" clothes.

Hope you all have a wonderful weekend. Can't wait to hear of the new arrivals next week!

[Standrea]

QOTD-
We've talked about coming home outfits for our DC, but what about for us?? What is everyone packing for themselves?? I am definately going to pack a pair of gauchos and a tank top/sweater. It has been one of my favorite outfits during pregnancy (i have them in MANY colors), so I think that it will be comfy enough to come home in, and nice for pictures as well.

Speaking of DC coming home outfit-I've got NOTHING...I think I may need to wait until my shower (april 30th), unless she appears before then, because otherwise, I dont know what i'm going to do. I went to www.gap.com and didn't see anything that I liked, but I know that there are so many cute things in the store...

[shortcake]

coming home outfits - I just looked through all the stuff we got from our shower...not sure there is anything magnificent there, but I'm going to pick something anyway. I just know I want to pick something SMALL since DD was tiny! (Watch I'll end up with a big boy!) I have some really cute short one piece things but I'm not sure if that's going to be warm enough - after all it's not full on summer yet here.

As for what I will wear...no clue. Last time I wore sweat pants (well more like yoga pants) and a comfy maternity shirt - that seemed to work well. I did pick something that was not horribly ugly since there were pictures!

Wow - some of you are getting to full term already! I just can't get over how close it is. I'm end-of-the-month but still feeling very close!

braxton hicks etc. question - Do any of you feel like you just can't walk at all w/o getting a tight stomach feeling? I feel like, especially at the end of the day, even walking around the house is nearly impossible! I was tempted to call the doc today since it's friday, but this morning was better. Still I dread going to the grocery store etc because it's quite uncomfortable. Curious if others are feeling this way also. It may be more of a RO thing as my doc did say that the second time around you feel everything even more than the first time...I don't know!

[Guinness]

Thanks for all the good wishes. DH finally agreed to buy a name book last night and we both went through it to pick names - nothing like last minute eh? We didn't come up with a lot new, but more became set on the names we were thinking of but not sure. Now we both like either the boy or girl choice a lot, and have a back up just in case it really doesn't fit.

Coming home outfit - baby:
I found the softest cream colored sleep sack that was very delicate and pricey a while ago. Mom bought it for us. I then found cute solid colored hats (pink, blue and green). I also have mittens, booties, and a blanket - it is all packed away.

Coming home outfit - me:
I had stuff packed since 36 weeks but didn't want to pack maternity, because I need to wear them. Now that I know I will do wash this weekend and pack yoga crop and long pants, and a couple comfy maternity t-shirts. I also have a couple big button downs with nursing tanks in case that is easier.

Weight gain - not talking about it any more. Let's just say I gained 12 in the last month due to water retention (well a good portion of it), so I have hit the 40 lb mark - ugh. Just hope a good portion of it leaves quickly as swelling goes down.

BH - I have had these for a long time and it is getting crazy how often now. I have had a few real contractions here and there too. I can hardly sit though cause my tummy gets so hard I just don't bend.

The anticipation has set in. I went to Sam's and stocked up on a few more things to make food in the house decent. Over all pretty calm and just so happy to have the weekend just DH, I and the pups for a last hurrah. We will make a nice Easter dinner for just us - our last holiday together - sentimental much ;)

Everyone is getting close to their time. Enjoy your weekend!

[kmfroggi]

Coming home outfit - baby:
i am totally stumped. we dont know what lil punkin is, so i want to find a very girl outfit and a very boy outfit to bring the baby home in. i have a ton of stuff from the shower to return, so i plan to look at babies r us then and see what i find.

Coming home outfit - me:
no clue for me. i dont know if i should get sweat pants, yoga pants, or what. i am lost. i dont have many tshirst that fit over my belly, but i do have some maternity 3/4 sleeve shirts i guess i could pack.

i just need to pack the bags soon!! ugh!


Weight gain - not too bad here. 18 pounds and i am 36 weeks tomorrow. so no complaints here.

BH - i dont think i have had any, or if i did, i dont know it.


i still cant believe we are all getting so close! 2 inductions coming up!! YEAH!!! CONGRATS! we had another u/s today. they are telling me the baby is measuring 37 weeks, i am 36 weeks, but the doctors office i just found out are going by me being 35weeks and 3 days. so i am so confused on which day to use. i guess when ever this lil bugger wants to come, is when its gonna happen. the nursery is almost complete, we had our shower last weekend, so i am still washing the stuff i am keeping, and i returned some stuff, but have more to return. everything i am returning, i am saving the GC for after the babys born, so i can get pink or blue things. i dont want tons of yellow and green stuff. top priority after teh baby is born is onsies, i got only 2 packs of them. otherwise trucking along, i cant believe i will be having a baby soon!!!! acckk!!!

[Bloomwood]

I just had to come post this. For some reason my DH can't really appreciate it. :rolleyes:

I find it so funny how my brain is programmed. Whenever I have cramps (that I believe are the ones preparing me for childbirth) the very first thought I have is "oh, guess I'm about to get my period." Then I remember no! these are not menstrual cramps.

Random, I know...

[Standrea]

I find it so funny how my brain is programmed. Whenever I have cramps (that I believe are the ones preparing me for childbirth) the very first thought I have is "oh, guess I'm about to get my period." Then I remember no! these are not menstrual cramps.

Random, I know...

You know what, I have felt this way all day today!! That's really funny!! I must say, I'm really not looking forward to AF's return...:rolleyes:

[jarm]

Hello all! I'm copying this from my LJ.

OMG...what a day! I got up when DH left for work, showered, dressed and then went grocery shopping! I despise grocery shopping, but having only 5 weeks left to this pregnancy, I despise it that much more! I came home, emptied the fridge and restocked it, grabbed my things and ran to Dunkin Donuts for breakfast. Yumm! I stopped at the post office where I realized I didn't have everything I needed. Oh well...I mailed what I did have. I'll take care of the rest at some point this week.

After that I went to the bakery where I bought a cannoli pie. I just hope it's big enough! Then I went to Babies R Us. I finally bought two coming home outfits...one for a boy and one for a girl. DD thinks they're cute so that's good enough for me. After that I went to CVS to buy Easter cards and then I went to MILs. I hung out there for a while and then we went to get McDonald's for lunch. DD, of course, didn't eat much, but whatever! I, on the other hand, ate all of my lunch! Yum!

We hung out for a bit and then we stopped to see DH at work. We came home, I cleaned the kitchen, cleaned DD's room and put all of her winter clothes in the closet for now and the spring stuff in her dresser. Guys, I have no idea where this energy is coming from, but I feel like I'm on speed or something. I almost feel like the Energizer Bunny, except I get back pain and so that slows me down. This must be part of nesting...right? It's totally weird how I feel like getting anything and everything done. I want to make a lasagna tonight, but I'm resting my back right now. I want to clean the clothes in my room tonight. I'm just rearing to go...

Okay, I probably sound like some posessed person! I'm just so full of energy!

[smiles33]

Hey Jarm, could this burst of energy mean you might be close to labor? I hope not since you're still a month early! I would love to get some energy, as I'm feeling a bit lethargic and still have 3 weeks to go.

I just posted this in 1 of the Parenting fora (these new ones split by the kids' age make it tough to ask general parenting questions) and thought I'd repeat it here to get ideas from ROs, too:


My cousin and her husband have a 3 year old son and a 7 month old son and we'd like to get them a generous gift since they just gave us over $1,000 of baby gear they no longer need since they're done having kids (really great stuff like very gently used Hanna Andersson and Gymbo clothing, a Peg Perego Venezia stroller, an Ameda Purely Yours breast pump, etc.).

I know she loves Hanna Andersson, so I was thinking about a $100-200 gift certificate there, since that's how much I would have spent on the breast pump alone. But then I was thinking that maybe I should get her something the two of them can use, like a weekend at a B&B or something (though I'm not sure they can leave the kids yet). I know they don't expect anything and are pleased the stuff can all be used again, but I would really like to get them something nice. Suggestions?

[Southlooper]

Happy Easter Everyone!

Insomnia sets in. I'm wired from the last 2 days and what I have to deal with in the next 24 hours.

After having absolutely no energy on Thursday,:( I hit the energy jackpot yesterday and today. We had our second shower yesterday, so Friday and Saturday I spent at not only the shower but also entertaining out-of-town guests. The shower was nice but A little overwhelming. I started having a mild panic attack during the gift opening. I think it was just too many people and too much to do within the last 48 hour period. Later today, in addition to all the Easter activities and hanging out with my parents, I have to do grades and report cards. I didn't accomplish even a quarter of what I wanted to do during break.

Thanks for reading. Out of the pity pit and off to do some grading.

[Jen1098]

Happy HOliday to everyone.

smiles33 What about a gift card to a nice restaurant for the two of them. Hopefully they have baby sitters so they can get out and enjoy themselves. Since the kids aren't to young they shouldn't have a problem leaving them alone for a few hours.

Standrea Well depending how long and how often you bf you might not get af for awhile still. I didn't get it until 10 months after having Josh. And then I only had it for 3 months before getting pregnant again.:rolleyes:

Southlooper Sorry you didn't get to all you needed to do while on break. So what kind of goodies did you get at your shower.

BHOh yes I get these all the time now. Especially at the end of the day. Luckily at those times Dh is great about taking over with Josh and letting me put my feet up.

Coming home outfit As of right now I'll probably use one of Josh's old outfits. He's got some cute clothes that he hardly wore as a newborn.
As for me I plan on buying a pair of yoga pants and a tank top to wear home. I still need a couple of nursing bras oh and new underware-my stupid maternity underware doesn't even fit anymore.


We took DS to the aquarium yesterday and stayed the night at a hotel in Philly. I had the worst nights sleep. We even went to bed early b/c we couldn't do anything else since Josh was in there with us. I hate it b/c I"m so tired but just can't fall asleep. THere is a nap in my future for sure.
Here's a picture of us with my big old belly. DH said today I'm a cute waddler. Thanks honey.

http://images.snapfish.com/346843286%7Ffp33%3A%3Enu%3D323%3A%3E693%3E5%3A9%3E WSNRCG%3D32336582%3A3334nu0mrj

[Jen1098]

I forgot to wish Kristin and Guinesslots of luck with their inductions. May you guys have quick and easy deliveries!!!!!

[shortcake]

Can I just say - ugh! I am getting to the point where I feel I am complaining to DH constantly and I still have SEVEN WEEKS or so! Lying down hurts my back, sitting is hard b/c my stomach is in the way, and standing stinks b/c I'm so tired and anyway I get lots of BH contrax if I walk much! Plus the heartburn has started (new for me this time around). Oh and goody, DH had to work today, so I get to take care of DD alone again and no one is around to do anything anyway b/c it's Easter. Ugh ugh ugh. I can't believe I am only 34 weeks still. I really want to be done being pg but I don't want this kid to come early either!

We did accomplish something fun yesterday - we went to a garden nursery and bought about 20 plants for our front yard (currently we don't really have any; landscaping was on the list to get done before baby) so now they are all lined up ready to put in. I'll try to do them during DD's naps on good days, and DH will hopefully do the rest. They are nice though!

Need to go to BRU and Target to do returns and maybe buy a coming home outfit, as nothing I have is very nice for that (or else it's not small enough - some 0-3 stuff is much smaller than others). Guess they're both closed today, so hopefully next week I can do it.

Oh and grocery shopping - Jarm I hear you on hating that! I think I will do an online order this week. I just can't stomach (no pun intended) the idea of lugging DD to a full-fledged shopping expedition.

Sorry for the negative mood guys! Thanks for letting me vent. Good luck to the new moms/babies for this weekend!!

[Em7.31.04]

Jen1098: What a great picture! You have the cutest family (and belly). :)

Good luck with this weekend's inductions, ladies!!!!

We had our 2nd shower yesterday. We can't believe how much big stuff we got...Our Snugrider stroller frame, carseat, Baby Einstein activity center, and other smaller things. We're headed to brunch today w/family friends who weren't able to make it to the shower, so we're going to be opening another present today. Wow. Doesn't it just amaze you how generous people are when it comes to babies? We truly feel blessed.

Happy Easter!!!!

[fats]

Jen You look so great - I think that's the first picture I've seen of you!

What a weekend - we got so much accomplished this weekend. Including a trip to BRU to pick up all the final stuff we need that we didn't get off of our registry and finishing off the nursery. Other than one more final touch and having the closet redone next week, it's totally finished and I love it!!!

Here are some pictures:

Starting from the door
http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b131/fatsella/Home%20Decor/Nursery%20Final/114_1414.jpg

Working around the room clockwise
http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b131/fatsella/Home%20Decor/Nursery%20Final/114_1413.jpg

http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b131/fatsella/Home%20Decor/Nursery%20Final/114_1412.jpg

http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b131/fatsella/Home%20Decor/Nursery%20Final/114_1411.jpg

http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b131/fatsella/Home%20Decor/Nursery%20Final/114_1410.jpg

I know everyone says this, but it really looks better in person. The letters over the crib came out great and I like the way they're hung haphazardly (that took a lot of work!)

I think my favorite is the "King of the Jungle" letter in the corner - it was so easy to apply and it looks like it was painted on. The only thing I don't like is that I feel like we should have hung it lower so there's a big space between the bottom of the quote and the chair rail so we brainstormed and I contaced the company that made the letters for me and they're going to make a lion to put underneath the quote. They're going to use the lion from my announcement, which is still in the works, but here's the draft again.
http://i18.photobucket.com/albums/b131/fatsella/Baby/HunterAnnouncement-blur.jpg



I woke up so tired this morning and it's just gotten worse all day. I really do feel like I'm in the home stretch - 5 more weeks, but I really don't think I'll make it that long. We'll find out how big the baby is on Wednesday and then I guess we'll have a better idea at my next OB appointment as to how long they'll let me go.

[smiles33]

GORGEOUS nursery, fats! I love your letters and the lion underneath King of the Jungle will look fantastic!

[Bloomwood]

Fats - adorable! So neat to see it all put together. I can't wait to see the lion addition!

Jen - cute family!

Em - nice score at the shower. Everyone was so generous!

shortcake - no need to apologize! vent away! hope you are feeling better.

My update:
Still have the crampiness coming and going. It's pretty sporadic -like every 6 hours or so - so nothing to get excited about. I still have B-H and they aren't getting any more painful, so I am still baking away. However, I lost my mucuous plug on Saturday. That was pretty gross. I had been wondering if I would know when I lost it given all the leukorhea I have...there was no mistaking! But, again, there was no blood so nothing to write home about. I told DH that I thought I'd go in the next 10 days (by 4/27). We'll see if I eat my words.

[Standrea]

I hope everyone had a great weekend. Ours was so nice and relaxing (not that I can do anything but)...

I'm not feeling so good today, but im not sure if its just from me laying around nonstop that is getting to me.

I've been thinking of our mommies that are getting induced! I hope everything is going / has gone well for you both!! I can't wait for updates!!

Fats - The room is so cute!! I really like the colors of the walls too...nice and subtle!! The furniture is really nice too!!

Jen - Your DS looks JUST LIKE YOU!! He is so cute!!

Em - I hope everyone is as generous at my shower in 2 weeks!!

shortcake -I'm right there with you. The day before I was put on bedrest, i started to cry and told Stan that I was done with this pregnancy thing. I am just so uncomfortable. I feel bad given the circumstance, and I know that she needs to cook for a little while longer..

Bloomwood-were you freaked out?? I have wondered if i would KNOW that i lost my plug too, since I've had so much leukorhea as well...


DH thinks I'm going to have the baby the first week of may...we'll see...

[Jen1098]

It's quiet in here today. Wonder if we've got any new babies!

Had my first internal and strep test today. He said I'm about a 1/2 centimeter dilated but just barely. Which is fine with me b/c I am so not ready for him. I mean I can't wait to meet him and see what he looks like but there are still things I need/want to do. I lost a pound so that's good news. I go back next Tues. and I'll see his partner then back to him for the rest.
He told me to remember 5-1-1-if the contractions are 5 minutes apart, last for 1 minute and go on for an hour to call. He also said if my water breaks at 3 am and I want to sleep to go ahead and sleep and call at 7. Of course if my strep test comes back positive then obviously I need to get right to the hospital.

StandreaThanks. It's nice to hear he looks like me since everyone says he looks just like my dh. Hope your feeling better now.

BloomwoodThanks! Hopefully this is your body getting you ready.

fatsThank you! I love your nursery especially the King of The Jungle wall art. Can't wait to see the lion on it too.

Em7.31.04awww thanks. You got some great stuff at your shower-the important stuff to boot. People just love buying for babies.

I hope everyone is feeling good.

[shortcake]

Jen - That's great about the doc saying it was ok to wait a few hours if your water breaks! I've heard the 5-1-1 rule - but my doc said b/c I had such a quick labor with DD, to just come in if I think I am in labor, period. Hm...I hope I can figure it out - I was induced for DD so I don't know if I'd recognize it at first!

Standrea - Thanks. And yeah I feel like "I want to be done!" but I also don't want to have the baby come too soon so I hate to even say that, for fear of jinxing it. Sorry you're not feeling good! Bedrest has to stink. Oh and about the plug - it doesn't look like leukorhea...you'll know if you lose it, it's gross!

Em - Yay on your shower!


I really need to get thank you notes out today, I feel like I've been putting them off (though my shower was only last week so I doubt anyone is counting the days yet). And I need to go to BRU to get all the little misc things I still need...and I have to return stuff at Target...and I need to pack bags...I feel this big urge to get everything ready yet I'm only 34 weeks so I should still be fine!

I did get 3 plants in the ground today during naptime. I feel quite accomplished! I also noticed that 2 of the plants we got were the wrong kind (and grow up to 6 feet - way too tall for the space) so I guess we'll be heading back to the nursery this weekend. Oh well!

[jarm]

Can anyone please tell me what contractions feel like?

[Mrs U]

So do we have any Easter babies?!?!?

Our Easter was ok. P's ma is slowly driving me insane. I wanted to see if one of the shops that we have here had a maternity section there since their nursing bras are cheap. His ma insisted that she pay for it and wanted to nearly buy me a spring collection of kitch maternity clothes!:eek: I told her it's really not needed with 30 or less days to go. Then she told P that she wants to buy us a baby bjorn, and P told her we'd prefer a sling since it's more practical. Well we saw one at the shop and she bought it- the whole time complaining that it's soo much $$. Baby Bjorn here costs 160 Francs, sling (4.5 meters of cloth) 199 Francs. I told her that the sling will last longer and the sales lady agreed.

Then his ma was going on and on about when my mother comes in June that she'll watch the baby- WTF !!! I told P that he needs to put his foot down when my mom is here cause that is her 9 days with the baby and his parents can see him when ever they want to.

To top the weekend off, 5 minutes before leaving to go to the train station, his ma took her dear old time opening the front door. Well my little dog is impatient and likes to be 1st one in- she didnt see him and accidentially kicked him off the front steps- a 4ft drop into bushes and rocks. Poor Spike was so shocked, I didnt see that he was bleeding. He lost a toe nail (thank goodness that was all!) and she didnt do anything!:eek: And she wants us to leave our son with her- I dont think so!

Sorry this was so long but I had to get it out!

Jen You look marvelous! I gotta get my pics back this week to post my recent belly shot.

Fats Love the room and announcements!

Jarm I wish I knew what they felt like. I think for me the back pain I had yesterday could have been contractions, but I'm not sure.

Bloomwood :eek: Plug is gone! I'd be freaking out when it happens to me. At least the end is somewhat near!

Em Sounds like you scored at your shower!

So the cankles have arrived over the weekend. Ugg horrible since even my flipflops are a bit tight.:rolleyes: Went yesterday to get something to help get rid of the excess water (plant extract tabs) which seems to help a bit. I'm with the rest of ya with wanting this to be over soon- but he needs to bake until the 23rd when the Zodiac sign changes.:D

Ok better get to the grocery store before I dont feel up to it. FBIL is eating dinner with us this week since his loving wife is being a PITA and left him to stay with her sister for the week. Hopefully they will work their problems out soon. Have a great day ladies!

[crazycaro]

Jarm, contractions hurt! :D For me they started off much like period cramps, kind of achy and constant. Over time pains coming across the abdomen, kind of tight and uncomfortable. Once full on contractions start you will know. Really, if you feel any new pains that come in waves take notice because chances are they mean something and are likely to be contractions.

I have BIG news!

Chloe is coming home on Friday! She will be 3 weeks tomorrow so it has been a loooong time coming for us as you can imagine. I am going to room in with her on Thursday night. I am breastfeeding her and it is going well, when she is home we will really get a chance to fully establish it. I have a low supply so her being on the boob on demand will help it out immensely I am sure!

We are over the moon to have her home in 3 more sleeps. :D

Caroline

[crazycaro]

Dropping of some pics of my sweetie. :)

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v627/jasbella/Chloe/PICT0176.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v627/jasbella/Chloe/PICT0175.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v627/jasbella/Chloe/PICT0143.jpg

And my big girl who turns 2 in exactly one month. They grow up SO fast!

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v627/jasbella/Chloe/PICT0138.jpg

[missy329]

Hello Everyone-

We had an incredibly busy weekend! Sunday was my DD's 2nd birthday. So, that plus Easter made for a very tiring day. I had a Dr's appt yesterday- nothing too exciting there. I lost another pound so I am now 1 lb below my pre-pg weight. I tell ya, that GD diet is going to be the death of me :rolleyes: I had a NST and the baby looks great. He also told me when to head to the hospital. In my case he said if contractions are 7 minutes apart, if I am bleeding, or if I don't feel the baby moving "as much" (that's seems kind of subjective, doesn't it?) He said my water probably wouldn't break without bleeding because of my placenta previa. But, our c/s is still scheduled for April 28th so hopefully nothing will happen before then!

Not too much else here. Hope everyone has a great day!


Caro- hooray on Chloe coming home! I know what you mean about them growing up SO FAST!

[fats]

Caro Thanks for the pics - congrats on having Chloe home soon.

Everyone Thanks for the compliments on the baby's room.

Re. 5-1-1, our birth class taught us the same thing, but it was 4-1-1. I'm not waiting that long. As soon as I feel contractions I'm heading in to the city. It's such a long ride that if they're still not regular by the time we get here we'll just go to SIL's apartment and hang out until it's time to go to the hospital. That is of course if the birth isn't scheduled. I'm finding out how big he is tomorrow (u/s) and then I assume my doctor can give me a better idea of whether or not I'm headed for an induction or c-section. The idea of it is getting more and more appealing to me!

Bloomwood How do you know you lost your mucus plug if there was no blood? I thought that was the main sign - a "bloody show".

QOTD Has anyone gotten nursing bras or clothes yet? I have 2 nursing tanks (the Glamour Mom ones) and I'm heading over to The Upper Breast Side (that's really what the store is called - it cracks me up!) to buy my nursing bras today. After that, I think I'm going to wait and see how BFing is going before I buy anything else.

[shortcake]

Fats - I think bloody show is where you bleed for a while...the plug is just a nasty, brownish, somewhat bloody plug! (Is that TMI?) But there's not loose blood like getting a period.

Nursing stuff - I have one nursing bra that is comfy that I bought b/c I refused to buy a new bra at this late stage that wasn't a nursing one. Got it at motherhood maternity. I also have 2 nursing bras from my previous pregnancy (only ended up bfing for a month though) and I tried one on and it was way too tight around the ribs! So I'll have to see if my ribs go down some after the baby is out - I think they can. I don't have any nursing tops though - I guess I'll have to get some after the baby is here b/c last time I bought several and then was so depressed when I had to return them! Most of my friends just wear regular shirts and pull them up to nurse. I'll see what feels comfortable for me.

I do want to get nursing pads, lanisol, and milk storage bags still to have immediately when the baby is here.

Caro - hooray that Chloe is coming home! That's pretty quick, right? Don't they often have to stay in hospital till their due date? She must be a very healthy, strong little girl! congrats!

[Jen1098]

I had bloody show the night before my water broke. It was sort of like a light period I suppose. Along with that I just felt like crap, my back hurt and I was just so tired. When I called my Dr. he said as long as I wasn't having contractions or water leaking I was fine.

Mucus Plug-I can't remember exactly when I lost mine but there was no doubt as to what it was and mine did have blood in it. Should have seen DH's face when I told him I lost it.:D I think I went into labor about 2ish weeks later.

fats If you are that far from the hospital I don't blame you for not waiting. Our hospital is a short not even 10 minute drive.

caroline Love the pictures of Chloe. Can't wait till she's home with you all.

missy329 Wow only 10 days left for you. Looks like you'll probably be the next one to deliver.

MrsU Aw your poor dog. P's mom sounds like a piece of work. It's so hard dealing with our SO's mothers isn't it.

nursing clothes Ugh this is something I really need to get a move on. I need a few nursing bras, breast pads and I want to get new tubing and such for my pump. I still need to order my sling but I'll wait a few weeks for that.

ContractionsYou know I didn't have many last time with Josh but the few I did have really hurt and made me stop in my tracks. There was no question that I had contractions and not BH. Mine weren't constant but by the time I got the edpidural they were closer together and really hurt. Thank Goodness for the epidural.

Alright ladies-just put Josh down for a nap so now it's my turn. Pretty soon my napping days will be over!

[marchfamily]

Mucus plug - I lost mine with DD 8 days before my water broke. I had some light spotting the day before - but there was NO mistaking when I lost the plug. One fell swoop - the size of a golf ball, just like it sounds with a bit of blood. Ick...

Contrax - I had BH from 28w'ish and on with both pg. Real contrax are totally different. I didn't get any contrax until hours and hours after my water broke. Once they came, I felt a little embarassed that I thought I was in early labor previously.

[Bloomwood]

Congrats Caro on bringing home Chloe! Your girls are so cute.

fats - there was no mistaking this was my mucus plug. (tmi, but it was a gelatinous translucent brownish glob) But, the thing is, I doubt it was all of it because it was just a glob and not bloody. I am definitely obsessing with every bathroom trip now looking for more of the plug or bloody show!!

Thanks for explaining what contrax feel like. I definitely haven't had any yet.

I'm so anxious to hear about our weekend babies!

[Lolly]

Just got caught up over the last week and a half of posts!

So exciting to hear that we have 2 more Mommies! Can't wait to hear from them.

DH and I, and my inlaws, were on vacation last week. I had an internal done on the Friday before we left just to check since I was traveling far from home. All closed up! Then last Monday afternoon through Tuesday night I was having horrible back pain and nothing (not even floating in a pool or a hot compress) was helping. I was only getting worse and was feeling sort of like muscle spasms I get in my back from time to time (pre-pregnancy). I called my on-call OB and he wanted me to come in the next morning. And since I was so far from home that was not possible. So I managed to find an OB practice in town which worked out perfectly. (I only had to pay my usual ins. copay instead of a hopital bill). I was still closed up and the back pain was just that. Since I am carrying 95% of my weight up front I suppose that would put a huge strain on your back. Good to know it was nothing else though.

For the past few weeks my body has been swelling up and I have now gained 40 lbs (as of last Tuesday, so I'm certian I weight much more now). At least my doctors says its all fluid retention though and my blood pressure is fine. But man my cankles are huge. Plus I broke a few blood vessles in them last week. nice ;)

OK off to get some work done today. I've been thinking of you all!

Caro, I love Chloe's fuzzy hair. Too cute. Glad to hear she's coming home :)

[jarm]

Ugh! I tried to get my c/s scheduled for May 17. DH said well, the doctor we want is also on the 23rd so that date would be good, too. Uh-huh! Guess which date we're scheduled for? Yep...the 23rd. So now my only hope to have this child earlier than that would be if I go into labor on my own. I want to have this baby...I'm ready!

[Southlooper]

Happy Tuesday Everyone!

<<<<< Good, Happy, Healthy>>>>> vibes to everyone, especially to Kristen and Guinness

Caroline: Whoo hoo for Chloe!! That's great that you have a definite homecoming date. Your girls are so beautiful. :)

Baby Movement: I feel like DD has been less active in the last 48 hours. I would like to think that it's because she is running out of room. My co-workers think I should call my OB just in case. Anyone else experiencing this?

Work/ Maternity Leave Countdown:I'm back to work. It hasn't been as bad as I thought it would be. Yesterday my principal came in to evaluate me, I wasn't ready. This year has been filled with good intentions, but no energy and motivation. It's my last, so I'm not too worried. Tomorrow is parent teacher conferences. I predict 9 out of 20 will show. It always happens with the Spring conferences. Maternity leave in 18 school days...

Another L&D perspective: I spent last Friday afternoon with a friend of mine who was visiting from San Diego. She has a 5-year-old daughter. Of course we discussed L&D. Her perspective? "Eh, it was nothing." To her breastfeeding was more of a trauma than L&D. This was the first time I ever heard anyone say anything positive about L&D. Gives me hope.

Nesting Mode: Our registry was pretty much wiped out with our last shower on Saturday. We got our infant rocker (the person who gave it to us said, "I'm giving your daughter her first vibrator!"), crib mattress, lots of books, and more clothes. Now that it's behind me and I feel less pressure I am appreciating the shower more.

You should have seen my cake. It looked like a leather purse. I can't wait to post the pictures.

I've been on major nesting mode since Saturday. Yesterday I went to BRU and Target and spent our gift cards buying odds and ends. I also bought a new car seat. My friend gave us her carseat, but DH and I became less and less secure about using it. We got a Cosco 3 in 1 seat (it's rear and front facing and converts to a booster seat.) We registered for a gate but didn't get it. However, Sunday morning I found that one of our neighbors had placed the exact gate we registered for in the resident swap corner. :)

Hope everyone is well. It's hard to believe it's almost over.

[Em7.31.04]

fats: I just love the nursery!!! Love the theme, letters above the crib, and the "king of the jungle" words. So cute and so put together. I'm impressed!

jarm: Great question re: what do contractions feel like...Thanks to everyone who posted such helpful information. I was feeling pretty clueless!!

crazycaro: Chloe is such a doll! So glad to hear she is coming home in 3 nights...How exciting. :)

I had an appointment yesterday. We discussed our birth plan, and I was happy to learn about my medication options. Even though I've read (what seems like) a million books, I still was thinking it was epi or nothing. I will still plan on NCB but am glad to know of other options without having an epi. Gained 1 lb for a grand total of 10 so far. My hips and groin area have been absolutely killing me since this weekend. Anyone else experiencing this?

I too have developed cankles that are just lovely. Only at the end of the day, though. Of course at my appointment yesterday they looked fine when my midwife checked me. She just said to eat less salt and drink more water. But salt is what I am craving!! Luckily I can wear flip flops to work and plan on it every day it isn't raining - regular shoes just aren't cutting it anymore.

Can someone please re-post the names of the recommended books on sleep schedules? I can't seem to find the old posts, and want to start reading on that topic.

Nursing bras: I bought four Bravado nursing bras based on my aunt's recommendation. I've been wearing them every so often, just to get used to them and also so I can wash them in hopes of making them softer! They certainly aren't sexy...but they'll do the trick!

Have we talked about breast pumps yet? Most of the people I've talked to have recommended the Medela Pump In Style Original vs. the newer model. Do you have any other brand recommendations? I found it for $189 (free shipping) online last night...Has anyone seen it for less money?

[Jen1098]

Southlooper I don't feel the baby as much as I used to either. He's pretty much running out of room. It's more moving around/squirming then anything. Before it would take me forever to fall asleep b/c he was having a party in there now he's much more quieter. But if you are concerned it doesn't hurt to see what your OB says. They might have you lay down on your left side and count how often the baby moves in an hour.

Lolly Glad to hear your back pain was just that. I can relate b/c by the end of the day my back is killing me.

jarm Sorry you've got the later date for your C-section. You never know the baby may want to come sooner also.

Breast Pump I have the Medela PIS and I love it. $189 is a fantastic price for it. We got it for about $200 online w/ free shipping also.

As for books I used Marc Weisbluth Healthy Sleep Habits Happy Child. I really liked it and got a lot out of it. I know some people also recomend the No Cry Sleep Solution book-not sure if that's the right title.

Can't wait to hear updates on Guiness and Kristin

[fats]

Southlooper: I’ve actually had 2 friends tell me that L&D really wasn’t that bad – AFTER the epidural. Not sure if you’re planning on one, but they said once they had the epidural they really didn’t feel any pain at all.

My hips and groin area have been absolutely killing me since this weekend. Anyone else experiencing this? I don’t know what kind of pain your having but my groin area is killing me. I think it’s mostly pressure from all the weight I’m carrying around (more on that later) so I can’t really stand or walk without a lot of discomfort (and often some pain!).

Cankles: Ugh – I’ve had these on and off for a few weeks now. Fortunately, they don’t hurt, but they just look horrible. Also, when I wear shoes, I get deep indentation marks from where the shoes cut into my skin. Again – it’s not painful, just kind of strange looking! Surprisingly, I haven’t really swelled anywhere else – my rings still fit me.

Sleep books: My friends also recommended Healthy Sleep Habits Happy Child. I haven’t bought it yet, but it’s on my Amazon wish list so I don’t forget.

Nursing Stuff/The Pump: Yesterday I went to a Breast Feeding specialty store and I got 3 nursing bras. I forget the brands (I just went with whatever was most comfortable) but one is like a sports bra that you pull over you head – they said they recommended that for the hospital and for sleeping. I didn’t buy any clothes because I want to wait and make sure that BFing is working for me. Right now I have 2 nursing tanks and 2 nursing night gowns/PJs. Other than that, I’ll just wear regular clothes over my nursing bras. (Who am I kidding? I’ll probably just live in the tanks and nighties!) I also bought lanisoh cream, these gel pads that you’re supposed to refrigerate and put over your nipples in the beginning (the cold gel is soothing – my boss also swears by cabbage leaves!), and of course the pads to put in your bra to catch any leakage.

As for the pump, I really wanted the Ameda Purely Yours, but my friends gave me her Medela Pump-in-Style so I just bought the accessories (tubing and stuff) for that. The store tried to tell me that it’s still not 100% “safe” (ie sanitary) to use someone else’s pump even if it’s just the motor your using, but I’m not overly worried. And if the BFing is working well and I want my own pump, then I can always buy it then.

My Update
We went for another ultrasound this morning and the baby measured to be 7 pounds!! I almost died – I still have 5 weeks to go!! I’m going to see my doctor on Tuesday and talk to her about being induced early – or even a schedule C-section. I really doubt she’ll want to do a c/s unless there’s a medical reason for it – like a problem with the baby. But I really don’t want to wait until his due date to deliver him at the rate he’s growing. I’ll only be 36 weeks at the next appointment though and since I know they won’t do anything until 37 weeks, I don’t know if she’ll even discuss it with me. I hope so – I can’t take this much longer!!!

I’ve been having a lot of trouble walking lately and I thought it was maybe because he had dropped, but now I think it’s probably just his weight. With him and the fluid I’ve got to have at least 10 pounds in my uterus alone!! I think I’m going to try and get one of those support belts this weekend to hold my belly up. I hope it helps.

Work/Maternity Leave countdown: I just spoke to my boss and told her that next Friday is my last day in the office. Honestly, I think she was surprised I plan on lasting that long. Not sure if I’ll continue to work from home after that. I think it will depend on what my doctor says next week about scheduling an earlier delivery – I’d like to have a little bit of time to myself before the baby comes.

[marchfamily]

Good Sleep Book - Our favorite is Weissbluth's "Healthy Sleep Habits, Happy Child". We got it from the library at least 3 times (we had a baby that didn't STTN until almost 8 months). It explains a lot of the background of sleep at different stages.

Nursing - I have a PIS and loved it (as much as you can love a pump). I have probably 6-8 nursing bras (only two soft ones and a bunch with underwire for work). We've got a boppy. Otherwise, I really didn't use anything else for nursing.

[nettreefrog]

As you all probably saw, I created a thread looking for ways to encourage labor. I do not want to be induced again! As of yesterday's appointment, there was no change. Gabriel was 5 lbs at 32 weeks. If my calculations are correct, (and he is gaining 1/2 a pound/week) he is now 7.5 pounds. Of course, even if he was measured incorrectly --he is large enough to come now. Ooooooooooh how many more days? Heck, anyone who's EDD is May 10th or before is full-term too--So a shout-out to the babies: "We're ready!"

QOTD

My hips and groin area have been absolutely killing me since this weekend. Anyone else experiencing this? I know exactly what this is like!

Nursing Stuff/The Pump I bought a nursing bra yesterday at Target, but have not yet done anything about the pump. I think that I will look for one on that Parents classifieds board I mentioned here a few weeks ago.

No shout-outs right now...but rest assured that I am thinking of all of you.

[jarm]

For those of you who bought nursing bras, did you get sized? Our local hospital has a place where they will measure and fit you and calculate what size you'll need for when your milk comes in. I just haven't made an appointment yet. Any suggestions on what to buy for a nursing bra? I want cheap and I loathe bra shopping as it is so this really brings me down.

[shortcake]

QOTD - bras/pumps
I have an avent manual pump I got off craigslist...got it out and sterilized all the parts yesterday. I'm a SAHM and hoping to BF so I don't think I will need an electric. If I do need one, our hospital rents Ameda ones so that's the kind I'd end up buying. (With DD I pumped for 1 month b/c she wouldn't latch, and then switched to FF). I hope the one I got is in good shape - it looked fine when I got it but it is indeed used.

Bras - they measured me and gave me a size (this was back a few weeks ago when I was only 30 weeks, but desperate for a new bra so trying to get a nursing one anyway) and the size they gave me was way too tight around the ribs! So I just went with one that was comfy and seemed to have some room to grow (so it's not super supportive right now but just feels good). I think I'll get more of the same (from motherhood maternity) but waiting till 36 weeks to be sure.

QOTD - hips & groin
Oh man my hips, back, butt (sciatica) and everything are pretty miserable most of the time! I don't sleep in the bed anymore b/c lying down hurts - I sleep all propped up on the couch. It's lame! Groin was hurting more a couple weeks ago (stretching uterus?), I guess when the baby drops it will probably start up again.

[Standrea]

I'm glad (well not really, i wish noone had to deal iwth it) that I'm not the only one with the Groin pain. It hurts REALLY bad when I wake up in the night and roll over to get to the bathroom. Its a bad pain too...i dont like it...

I went for more bloodwork today. I think it was the Hep B test, and something else...preggo brain, I can't remember.

I go to the doctor tommorrow to find out if I can get off of bedrest on Sunday...i'm So very excited!!

[marchfamily]

Groin/hip pain - yes, and yes. I didn't have this the first time.

Got hit with my first leg cramp last night. Those suck.

[jarm]

By groin pain, do you mean pubic pain?

[shortcake]

less-than-great appointment.
Yesterday the 5 minute checkup (34 weeks) turned into a 6 hour ordeal! The doctor heard an irregularity in the heartbeat - not words you like to hear. So I got a non stress test in the childbirth center (very weird to be a patient at the childbirth center, I might add) and then an in depth ultrasound, and will have to go get a fetal EKG today or tomorrow. In the end, the doctor isn't worried at all - she spoke to the perinatologist who confirmed her thoughts that it was probably something called "premature atrial contraction" that is quite common and usually resolves by the 1st month of life. But still it's not fun for us to hear that our baby has a heart irregularity!!!

The ultrasound revealed some other news - good and less good: the baby is a great size and everything looks good with him. So no more worries about early delivery due to size (that's what happened with DD). The placenta is still quite low though - .8 cm - so the dr said "start researching c-section." So I guess it will be a c-section at around 39 weeks. We'll do one quick u/s a few days before that just in case the placenta has moved, but she doubts it. I am disappointed, but trying to look on the bright side that at least it will be scheduled, which is convenient!

The doc will call today to let me know when to go to the EKG, but I am glad she is so optimistic and reassuring!

groin pain
Spoke too soon yesterday - today the groin pain is back!

[Standrea]

I just had my appointment, and it looks like there is an end to bedrest in my near future!! I'll be 35 weeks on sunday, so a few days past then, I'm allowed to get up and do "light" duty. I can return to work if I want to as well...DH and I will have to talk abotu this one. I dont htink i physically can do it anymore, especially after being on my ass for so many weeks. I'm really excited to hit 35 weeks!! And, I can start yoga again then too!!

I have a REALLY bad pain in my right side, and the MW said its from my ligaments stretching...:rolleyes: great. I hope it gets better soon!

Groin Pain-Its both for me...down through my thighs, AND my pubic area...although, its starting to get a little better...but I'm sure I'm going to eat my words.

Shortcake-I'm sorry you had to go through that long appointment yesterday. I hope everything goes well with the EKG...

[smiles33]

Great news that there's an end to bedrest, Standrea!

I have to catch up still with everyone else, but today is my first day of maternity leave! WOO HOO! Unfortunately, I still woke up at 5:15 am so I just logged on and checked my work email and am now off to surf....

I have a new QOTD: How many u/s have you had? I've only had 2: 1 very early one (at 9 weeks or so?) to check on the EDD and one at 20 weeks to check for irregularities. So I have NO IDEA how big my DD is, where my placenta is, or anything else....I have an appt. Friday so I can ask then, but was curious to find out if a third-trimester u/s is standard.

Hope you all are having a good day!

[jarm]

QOTD - u/s - With DD, I only had three. The genetic scan at 16 weeks and then a Level II because there was a "spot on the heart." I also had one towards the end because at my second internal, they thought she was breech. She was! If they didn't suspect she was breech, I probably wouldn't have had a third u/s.

This time...let's see. I had the dating scan, the u/s at the first trimester screen, the genetic scan, a Level II for the weird foot, a placenta check because DD jumped on my belly, another Level II to check the foot, and another Level II because at the second Level II, they thought s/he was measuring small. So that's seven. I'm hoping for one more to check placental position (because they found it was low) or maybe because this kid turned breech on us or the baby is big...I really don't want to wait until May 23 to get this kid outta me. Do I sound like a brat??? On the other hand, I don't want to have this kid be early and there be problems.

Okay, that was long winded! Guess I'm procrastinating!