September 2006 Parents: The 2nd Trimester

[September2006Mommies]

September 2006 Parents:
Hooray! We made it to the Trimester TWO!

44 Mommies-to-be
Team Blue: 17
add homonym, AnastasiaK, Babywish, batgirl, cjones15, cosmic, dana b, Dionysia, Dotsie, Fireside Girl, LyLMyssChaos, ocgatita, Octoberkate, RosegardenC, spencer's_girl, Twink, UTChick

Team Pink: 14
2Jacks&Me, Adam's Pi, Alliesmomma, Brenda, Camdynlyn, Craftgenius, deliciousjones, Jen33172, Kristibell, larslobster, Luvvy330, portlandbride, SuieJ, tgoody30

Surprise babies: 6
{b}, Dawny, ezl247, Koala_Gurl, MSH, mommy2alliwill

Mommies still waiting to find out: 7
Aletheia, DallasLady, Jonesey, justcbk, Kristi32302, Marathongirl, Stephanie


We're looking forward to: growing bellies, shopping for baby stuff, no more m/s, and the return of super mom energy!

http://www.annegeddes.com/images/galleries/babyclothing/thumb_8.jpg
Image Credit: www.annegeddes.com


If you are new here, congratulations! We hope you will consider joining us. Whether this is your first child or your fifth, we look forward to sharing this journey together. Please posts all updates in RED. Also, when posting, please put in the subject line how far along you are (w/d)!

Please list your stats in RED in your first post.

CC Name:
Me: Name, age
DH: Name, age
Married: Date
TTC: Date
BFP: Date
EDD: Date
Gender Prediction:
Any other children:


The threadmistresses are Aletheia and MSH:
feel free to PM them if you have any difficulties with the thread.

[September2006Mommies]

Mommy List
Repeat Offenders appear in italics

2Jacks&Me
Me: Heather,31
DH: Jack, 42
Married: 10/2003
TTC: went with the flow Dec 05
BFP: 1-02
EDD: 9-7-06
Gender Prediction: BOY? no GIRL?
Actual Gender: It's a GIRL!
Any other children: 1 boy, Jack 10-04


Adam's Pi
Me: Karen, 26
DH: Adam, 29
Married: 6/29/02
TTC: Started 12/05
BFP: 1/12/06
EDD: 9/23/06
Gender Prediction: GIRL
Actual Gender: It's a GIRL!
Any other children: A beautiful boy, born 6/25/04

add homonym
Me = cresting through my thrities
Him = coasting to his forties
Due = one calendar says Aug, the other Sep, I'm going with Sep
Married = yeah
trying = yeah, caught our second egg!
official positive = early feb
other kids = lots of neices and some nephews!?
prediction = GIRL!
Actual Gender: It's a BOY!

Aletheia
Me: Aletheia, 28
DH: Mr. Ramsey, 29
Married: 8/7/04
TTC: 11/20/05
BFP: 12/20/05 (13dpo)
EDD: August 30
Gender Prediction: GIRL
Actual Gender:

Alliesmomma
Me: Name, age: Michelle 24
DH: Name, age David 28
Married: Date March 2,2002
TTC: Date: September
BFP: Date 01/11/06
EDD: Date 09/14/06
Gender Prediction: GIRL
Actual Gender: It's a GIRL
Any other children:1 Girl 01/17/03 Allie

AnastasiaK
EDD: 9.2.06
It's a BOY!

{b}
Me: Betsy, 30
DH: E, 30
Married: 8.10.02
TTC: March 05
BFP: 1.23.05
EDD: 9.10.06
Gender Prediction: GIRL
Actual Gender: It's a SURPRISE!

Babywish
Me: Carmen, 33
DH: Sami, 37
Married: September 19,2004
TTC: June 2005
BFP: December 25, 2005 (My birthday!!)
EDD: 9/03
Gender Prediction: GIRL
Actual Gender: It's a BOY!

batgirl
Me: Jen, 31
DH: B, 35
Married: 8/1/2003
TTC: Oct/Nov 2005
BFP: 1/5/2006
EDD: 9/15/2006
Actual Gender: It's a BOY!

Brenda
Me: Brenda, 32
DH: Sweetie, 36
Married: 9-17-05
TTC: 9-17-05
BFP: 1-28-06
EDD: 9-28-06
Actual Gender: It's a GIRL!!

Camdynlyn
Me: Summer, 22
DH: Steffie, 26
Married: July 17, 2004
TTC: December 05
BFP: December 26, 2005 (first cycle!)
EDD: September 4, 2006
Gender Prediction: BOY
Actual Gender: It's a GIRL

cjones15
Me: Cindy, 27
DH: Brian, 27
Married: March 15, 2003
BFP: Dec. 29
EDD: Sept. 4
Gender Prediction: BOY
Actual Gender: It's a BOY!
Any other children: Kaylea - 11/29/97, Lauryn - 3/30/04

cosmic
My age: 34
DH's age: 37
Married: April 3, 2004
BFP Date: January 29th?
EDD: August 30th or September 1st
Gender Prediction: BOY
Actual Gender: It's a BOY

Craftgenius
Me: Melanie (35 years old)
DH: Ryan (38 years old)
Married: 8/16/2003
Previous children: Me - None...DH - 2 from a previous marriage (ages 13 and 18)
TTC: Since May 2005
BFP: December 28, 2005
EDD: September 7, 2006 (maybe earlier since I will be having a scheduled C-section
Gender prediction: GIRL
Actual Gender: It's a GIRL!!

DallasLady
Me: Giovanna, 25
DH: Tony, 39
Married: September 2001
TTC: January 2005
BFP: Jan 12 2006
EDD: Sept 23 2006
Gender Prediction: GIRL
Actual Gender:

dana b
Me: dana, 31
DH: simon, 31
Married: 9.28.02
TTC: 12.05
BFP: 1.14.06
EDD: 9.29.06
Gender Prediction: BOY!
Actual Gender: It's a BOY!
Any other children: a dd, noa 6.6.04

Dawny
Me: 30
DH: 34
Married: June 29, 2002
TTC: Nov. 2005
BFP: Dec. 20th, 2005 (8DPO!!)
EDD: Sept. 5, 2006
Gender Prediction: BOY
Actual Gender: It's a SURPRISE!
Any other children: Claire - March 5th, 2004

deliciousjones
Me: chris, 27
DH: mark, 29
Married: 7.6.02
TTC: 12.05
BFP: 1.15.06
EDD: 9.28.06
Actual Gender: It's a GIRL!
Any other children: Rachel, 12.5 months, born 12.29.04

Dionysia
Me: Di, 30
DH: Dave, 35
Married: 5/3/03
TTC: 5/05
BFP: 1/9/06
EDD: 9/18/06 (?)
Gender Prediction: GIRL
Actual Gender: It's a BOY

Dotsie
Me Dorothy 31
DH Sean 34
Married 10.27.01
DS Aidan 6.27.03
BFP 12.22.05 10dpo
EDD 9.4.06
Gender prediction: BOY
Actual Gender: It's a BOY

[September2006Mommies]

ezl247
Me: Essie, 27
DH: 27
Married: 10/06/02
EDD: 9/21/06
Gender Prediction: Girl
Actual Gender: It's a SURPRISE!
Any other children: DD: Rachel, 3.13.04

Fireside Girl
Me: Bonnie
DH: Timothy
Married: 06-22-02
TTC: 06-22-02
BFP: 12-25-05
EDD: 09-05-06
Gender Prediction: GIRL We both keep having dreams that it's a girl.
Actual Gender: It's a BOY!
Any other children: 4 stepkids, 1 cat

Jen33172
Me: Name, age: Jen, 34
DH: Name, age: Earl 29
Married: Date: 9/6/2003
TTC: Date: 8/2005
BFP: Date: 1/30/2006
EDD: Date :9/29/06
Gender Prediction:Boy
Actual Gender: It's a GIRL!
Any other children:Henry 8/19/04

Jonesey
Me: Eliza, 33 (34 in February)
DH: Brandon, 37
Married: 9.13.03
TTC: 12.19.05
BFP: 1.13.06
EDD: 9.21.06
Gender Prediction: GIRL (At least, that's what I'm hoping!)
Any other children: 1 kitty, Gracie

justcbk
Me: kate, 28
DH: jon, 28
Married: 5.30.04
TTC: 12.05
BFP: 12.21.05
EDD: 8.31.06/9.01.06
Gender Prediction: none
Any other children:2 pugs

Koala_Gurl
Me: Jenny, 30
DH: K, 30
Married: 2002
TTC: Not really
BFP: 1/9/2006
EDD: 9/15/2006
Gender Prediction: not sure
Actual Gender: It's a SURPRISE!
Any other children: DD, 10 months

Kristi32302
Me: Kristi, 32
DH: Kelly, 32
Married: 3/23/02
TTC: 05/2003
BFP: 12/26/2005
EED: 9/5/06
Gender Prediction:
Any other children:

Kristibell
Me: 27
DH: 30
Married: 9/27/03
TTC: 11/2005
BFP: 12/30/2005
EDD: 9/13/2006
Gender Prediction: No Idea
Actual Gender: It's a GIRL!
Any other children: Does my husband count?

larslobster
Me: Karen, 37
DH: Mark, 37
Married: 10-12-03
TTC: 11-05
BFP: 12-30-05
EDD: 9-8-06
Gender Prediction: none
Actual Gender: It's a GIRL!
Any other children: 3 furkids - 2 dogs and a cat

Luvvy330
Me: Luvvy, 28 (29 3/30)
DH: Joe, 30
Married: 2003
TTC: 12/05
BFP: 1/9/2006
EDD: 9/18/2006
Gender Prediction: GIRL!!
Actual Gender: It's a GIRL!
Any other children: DS, 4

LyLMyssChaos
Me: Tiffany, 26
DH: Tim, 24
Married: July 27, 2002
TTC: We weren't trying.
BFP: 01/20/06
EDD: 09/03/06
Gender Prediction: None yet.
Actual Gender: It's a BOY!
Any other children: Madeline 7/5/03 & Timothy 4/19/05

MSH
Me: Natalie, 24
DH: S, 24
Married: Aug 2003
TTC: Aug 2003
BFP: Jan 12 2006
EDD: Sept 22 2006
Gender Prediction: no idea, I will take anything
Actual Gender: It's a SURPRISE!
Any other children: just our furbaby P, but he is very loved and gets treated every bit as lovingly as any child would.

mommy2alliwill
Me: Joann, 34
DH: Chip, 38
Married: June 1, 2002
TTC: we were not
BFP: 01/05/06
EDD: 09/11
Gender Prediction: BOY
Actual Gender: It's a SURPRISE!
Any other children: Alli 6/11/03 & Will 09/03/04

Marathongirl
Me: Sue, 31
DH: Tim, 32
Married: 12/01/01
TTC: well, not exactly TTC, but not TTA either
BFP: 1/21/06
EDD: 10/1/2006
Genden prediction: I'm feeling boy right now, could change later
Other children: Claire Sophia 09/16/04

ocgatita
Me: Judy
DH: E
Married: 4/10/04
TTC: 5/04
BFP: 12/29/05
EDD: 09/07/05
Gender Predication: DH says GIRL, I don't know
Actual Gender: It's a BOY!
Other Children: This is our 1st! But we have 3 cats (Grey-Grey, Sarah Belle & Tess) & a dog (Butters)

Octoberkate
Me: Kate, 30
DH: Rich, 39
Married: October 13, 2002
TTC: This was our first cycle
BFP: January 18, 2006
EDD: September 27, 2006
Gender Prediction: No Clue
Actual Gender: It's a BOY!
Any other children: DS Alex - April 5, 2004

portlandbride
Me: Brandi, 32
DH: Preston, 30
Married: 9.16.01
TTC: not trying, but not nottrying
BFP: 1.15.06
EDD: 9.23.06
Gender Prediction: No idea.
Actual Gender: It's a GIRL!
Any other children: a DD, Brynn 5.12.05

RosegardenC
Me: Jessika, age 38
DH: Dale, age 40
TTC: Not!
BFP: 2/2
EDD: 9/23/06
Gender Prediction: Dont know, everyone else in the fam says GIRL
Actual Gender: It's a BOY!
Any other children:Harrison 14, Chance 12

spencer's_girl
Me: Melissa, 24
DH: Keith, 34
Married: 9/11/2004
TTC: 9/11/2004
BFP: 1/3/2006
EDD: 9/9/2006
Gender Prediction: GIRL
Any other children: just our 2 cats: dusty and baby

Stephanie
Me: Stephanie (of course!)
DH: Brian
Married: October 6, 2001
TTC: March 2004
BFP: December 25, 2005
EDD: September 1, 2006
Gender Prediction: BOY
Any other children: Just the dog and cat!

SuieJ
Me: Susan, 26
DH: P, 28
Married: 10/26/2002
TTC: 10/2005
BFP: 1/14/2005
EDD: Sept 12, 2006
Gender Prediction: No idea, maybe I will later
Actual Gender: It's a GIRL!
Any other children: furbaby Nelly!

tgoody03
EDD: Sept 5, 2006
Actual Gender: It's a GIRL!

Twink
Me: Lynne, 28
DH: Brian, 30
Married: October 5,2002
TTC: January 20,2006
BFP: January 20,2006
EDD: September 24,2006
Actual Gender: It's a BOY!

UTChick
Me: Kathy, 28
DH: Mike, 34 (35 in Feb)
Married: September 20, 2003
TTC: SWH Dec 04-May 05, TTC since May 05
BFP: December 24, 2005
EDD: August 28
Gender Prediction: Don't have a clue!
Actual Gender: It's a BOY!
Any other children: Just our pup, Dexter

In our thoughts:

-Polkadot
-Crystal_Orchid
-Capecod04
-Curlygurl
-Happy1
-katmg - PG again due 12.31.06
-numberlady
-Foofie357
-goldengbridge, angle baby Jacob 4/3/06 18w 4d

[September2006Mommies]

Estimated Due Dates

August
28 - UTChick
29 -
30 - Aletheia,
31 - cosmic

September
01 - add homenym, Stephanie, justcbk
02 - AnastasiaK
03 - Babywish, LyLMyssChaos
04 - Camdynlyn, cjones, Dotsie
05 - Dawny, Fireside Girl, Kristi32302, tgoody03
06 - Jen33172
07 - 2Jacks&Me, Craftgenius, ocgatita
08 - larslobster
09 - spencer's_girl
10 - {b}, mommy2AlliWill
11 - alliesmomma03
12 - Suiej
13 - Kristibell
14 -
15 - batgirl, Koala_Gurl
16 -
17 -
18 - luvvy330
19 - deliciousjones, dionysia, MSH
20 - ezl247
21 - Jonesey, babywish
22 -
23 - Adam's Pi, AnastasiaK, brenda, DallasLady, RosegardenC
24 - babywish, portlandbride
25 -
26 - Twink
27 - Octoberkate
28 -
29 - dana b
30 -

October
01 - Marathongirl


Upcoming Doctor / Midwife appointments

May
01 - suiej (OB appt.), Aletheia (Big U/S!), Koala_Gurl (Big U/S!)
02 - deliciousjones (u/s), luvvny330 (Big U/S!, OB appt.), MSH (OB appt.), Dawny (OB appt.)
04 - dionysia (OB Appt.), brenda (u/s)
05 - twink (Big U/S!), dionysia (Big U/S!), booksie (Big U/S!)
06
07
08 - twink (OB appt.), brenda (MW appt.)
09 - AnastasiaK (BIG U/S!)
10 - deliciousjones (FO u/s)
11 - spencer's girl (Big U/S!), octoberkate (FO u/s), twink (OB appt.)
12 -
13 -
14 -
15 - alliesmomma03 (OB appt.), babywish (1hr GTT, OB appt.)
16 - UTChick (OB appt.)
17 -
18 -
19 -
20 -
21 -
22 - mommy2AlliWill (FO u/s)
23 -
24 -
25 - 2Jacks&Me (OB appt.), Koala_Gurl (OB appt.)
26 -
27 -
28 -
29 -
30 - cjones15 (OB appt., u/s, 1hr GTT), MSH (OB appt.), ocgatita (1hr GTT)
31 -

June
01 - Craftgenius (DR appt., FO u/s), luvvy330 (OB appt.)
02 - dionyais (OB appt.)
03 - Camdynlyn (OB appt., 1hr GTT, FO u/s)
04 -
05 - Dotsie (OB appt.)
06 -
07 - LyLMyssChaos (OB appt., 1hr GTT, FO u/s, rhogham shot), twink (MW appt.)
08 - brenda (OB appt.)
09 - alliesmomma03 (OB appt., 1hr GTT), ocgatita (1hr GTT)
10 -
11 -
12 -
13 -
14 - babywish (OB appt.)
15 -
16 - ocgatita (OB appt.)
17 -
18 -
19 -
20 - spencer's_girl (Dr. appt., 1hr GTT, FO u/s)
21 -
22 -
23 -
24 -
25 -
26 -
27 - babywish (OB appt.)

Due Date Buddies
(to be set up at beginning of third trimester...)

[September2006Mommies]

Ultra Sound Pictures

MSH, 13w2d
http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y137/mrs_natalie/15.jpg

SuieJ
http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y48/suiej/20w_thumb_smudge.jpg

DallasLady, 7w6d
http://www.easy-orlando.com/tonyandgiovanna/baby/8wsonogram2.jpg

dionysia
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v469/dionysia/fasolaki_cc.jpg

[September2006Mommies]

Spencer's girl, 12weeks
http://static.flickr.com/50/116274604_5b457d5791.jpg?v=0

Babywish, 19w
http://images.snapfish.com/3467%3A9%3A49%7Ffp342%3Enu%3D3279%3E24%3B%3E799%3E WSNRCG%3D323364%3B%3A68473nu0mrj

LylMyssChaos, 22w1d
http://static.flickr.com/50/138505670_d11c0f3fc5.jpg?v=0

[September2006Mommies]

Belly Shots

Dawny: 16w3d, 21w2d
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v606/suziemci/16W3D002.jpg
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v606/suziemci/21W2D002.jpg

MSH: 6w3d, 19 weeks
http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y137/mrs_natalie/27.jpghttp://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y137/mrs_natalie/Apr25_2.jpg

Camdynlyn, 4w2d, 19w1d
http://static.flickr.com/39/78518204_c83a8fbbbf_m.jpghttp://static.flickr.com/44/127144318_48e503ce31_m.jpg

[September2006Mommies]

Babywish, 4w2d, 20w5d
http://images.snapfish.com/3465595%3C%3A%7Ffp344%3Enu%3D3279%3E24%3B%3E799%3E WSNRCG%3D32335898%3C23%3A5nu0mrj
http://images.snapfish.com/3468%3B%3B%3B37%7Ffp343%3Enu%3D3279%3E24%3B%3E799% 3EWSNRCG%3D32336839%3B7346nu0mrj

Adam's Pi, 12weeks
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v628/karen_w/WebDSC03499.jpg

Mommy2AlliWill, 14w4d
http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y19/mom2alliwill/100_1195.jpg

UTchick, 16weeks, 20weeks
http://images.snapfish.com/346557%3B78%7Ffp33%3A%3Enu%3D3233%3E493%3E2%3B%3A% 3E23244933%3A%3B682ot1lsihttp://images.snapfish.com/34678735%3A%7Ffp344%3Enu%3D3233%3E548%3E43%3B%3E23 2454852%3C244ot1lsi

[September2006Mommies]

Spencer's Girl, 15week, 20weeks
http://static.flickr.com/55/116272415_d4415e7132.jpg?v=0http://static.flickr.com/56/132668047_07d7990588.jpg?v=0

cjones15, 15weeks
http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b169/bjones15/IMG_1218.jpg

Aletheia, 21w
http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f112/melodielouise/21weekswithshirt.jpg
http://i46.photobucket.com/albums/f112/melodielouise/21weeks.jpg

[September2006Mommies]

Helpful Links
Please feel free to suggest others and report on links that are out of date.

Weekly Pregnancy Updates:
American Baby (http://www.americanbaby.com/ab/story.jhtml?storyid=/templatedata/ab/story/data/ABWeeklyUpdates_08102005.xml&catref=cat1840004)
Baby Center (http://www.babycenter.com/)
BabyZone (http://www.babyzone.com/)
iVillage (http://parenting.ivillage.com/)
StorkNet (http://www.pregnancyguideonline.com/)
Target (http://target.com/target_baby/info_ideas_launch.jhtml)
Very Best Baby (http://www.verybestbaby.com/default.asp?milestones=on)

Tickers:
Baby's First Site (http://www.babysfirstsite.com/)
Baby Gaga (http://www.baby-gaga.com/)
Lilypie (http://www.lilypie.com/i ndex.html)
One In The Oven (http://oneintheoven.net/)
Sure Baby (http://www.surebaby.com/tickers.php)
Ticker Central (http://www.tickercentral.com/)
Ticker Factory (http://www.tickerfactory.com/)

Miscellaneous Informative Sites:
American Baby (http://www.americanbaby.com/)
American Pregnancy Association (http://americanpregnancy.org/)
Baby Names (http://www.babynames.com/)
Baby Net (http://www.babynet.com/)
Baby Talk (http://www.babytalk.com/)
BetaBase (http://www.betabase.info/)
Dr. Sears (http://www.askdrsears.com/)
i Village (http://www.ivillage.com/topics/pregbaby/0,,166277,00.html/)
ePregnancy (http://www.epregnancy.com/)
Daily Cycle Information & Calendar (http://cycledaily.com/)
Fertility Awareness & Natural Family Planning UK (http://www.fertilityuk.org/)
Fertility Friend (http://www.fertilityfriend.com/)
Fit Pregnancy Magazine (http://www.fitpregnancy.com/)
I Dream of Baby (http://www.idreamofbaby.com/)
National Women’s Health Information Center (http://www.4women.gov/)
New York Online Access To Health: Pregnancy & Fertility (http://www.noah-health.org/en/pregnancy/)
Parent Stages (http://www.parentstages.com/)
http://preconception.com
Safe Fetus (http://www.safefetus.com/) (Tells you which drugs you can take during pregnancy)
Very Best Baby (http://www.verybestbaby.com/)
Yahoo Health: HCG Info (http://health.yahoo.com/ ency/adam/003510/overview)

Maternity Shopping Sites:
A Pea In The Pod (http://www.apeainthepod.com/enter.asp?Media=&referer=http://www.constantchatter.com&EntryPoint=Home&YahooRedirect=True)
Baby Style (http://www.babystyle.com/)
Belly Basics (http://www.bellybasics.com/)
Bella Materna (http://www.bellamaterna.com/)
Gap Maternity (http://www.gap.com/asp/mat_directory.asp?wdid=90)
JCPenney (http://www2.jcpenney.com/jcp/SpecialtySiteB.aspx?deptid=597&catid=13458&cattyp=BRD&cat=maternity+special+size+link&dep=&pcatid=&pcat=&shopby=13458&refpage=SpecialtySite&ttyp=B&cmAMS_T=&cmAMS_C=)
Mimi Maternity (http://www.mimimaternity.com/home.asp?Media=Motherhood)
Mom's The Word (http://www.momstheword.com/)
Motherhood Maternity (http://www.motherhood.com/home.asp?Media=LinkShare|1xxcmpLMYS8-xH1uYs52w51PVKLJlHm1cg|6/6/2005_2:29:58%20PM)
Old Navy (http://www.oldnavy.com/asp/dept.asp?wdid=800)
Target (http://www.target.com/gp/browse.html/ref=nav_t_spc_1_10/601-6394085-9313720?%5Fencoding=UTF8&node=13021211)


Baby Registries:
Babies 'R Us (www.babiesrus.com)
Baby Center (http://store.babycenter.com/registry/)
Baby Depot (www.babydepot.com)
BabyStyle (http://www.babystyle.com/common/grRegistry.asp)
Buy Buy Baby (www.buybuybaby.com)
Sears (www.sears.com)
Target (www.target.com)
USA Baby (www.usababy.com)
WalMart (www.walmart.com)

Baby Shopping Sites:
Baby Age (http://www.babyage.com/)
Baby Ant (http://store.yahoo.com/babyant/index.html)
Baby Bazaar (www.babybazaar.com)
BabyBox (http://www.babybox.com/)
Baby Center's Store (http://www.store.babycenter.com)
Baby Depot (http://www.burlingtoncoatfactory.com/IWStoreBCF.process?IWAction=Load&proc=IWCatSectionView&Merchant_Id=1&Section_Id=1395)
Baby Dilly (http://www.babydilly.com/)
Baby Dreams (www.babydreams.com)
Babies R Us (http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/browse/-/540744/1 03-3413585-1796649)
Baby Style (www.babystyle.com)
Baby Universe (www.babyuniverse.com)
Carousel Designs (http://www.carouseldesigns.com/)
Dimples & Dandelions (http://www.dimplesanddandelions.com/index.asp)
Disney Baby (http://disney.go.com/disneybaby/)
Dreamtime Baby (www.dreamtimebaby.com)
Elegant Baby (http://www.elegantbabygifts.com/)
Fisher Price (http://www.fisher-price.com/us/default.asp)
Gap (http://www.gap.com)
Graco (http://www.gracobaby.com/default.aspx)
Gymboree (http://www.gymboree.com/shop/asst_department.jsp?FOLDE R<>folder_id=750991& port=2&ref=msnkw&ad=ba byclothes)
In The Treetop (http://www.inthetreetop.com/default.aspx)
JCPenney (http://www4.jcpenney.com/jcp/Department.aspx?DeptID=32 7&CatID=327&CatTyp=DEP &Dep=children%27s&cmRe setCat=true)
Land of Nod (http://www.landofnod.com/)
Little Show Offs (http://www.littleshowoffs.com/)
Net Kids Wear (http://www.netkidswear.com)
Nursery Depot (http://www.nurserydepot.com/)
Old Navy (http://www.oldnavy.com/asp/home.html?wdid=0)
One of a Kind (http://www.oneofakindkid.com/)
One Step Ahead (http://www.onestepahead.com/jump.jsp?itemID=27208& itemType=CATEGORY&lGen=category&iMainCat=117&iSu bCat=27208&change=117& cm_ven=Overture&cm_cat=Gea r&cm_pla=Travel&cm_ite =null)
Pokkadots (http://www.pokkadots.com/index.cfm)
Pottery Barn Kids (www.potterybarnkids.com)
Signature Baby (http://www.signaturebaby.com/)
Target Baby (http://www.target.com/gp /browse.html/601-4545283-50937 65?%5Fencoding=UTF8&node=1 038590)
The Baby Marketplace (http://www.thebabymarketplace.com/)
The Children's Place (http://www.childrensplace.com/)
Tutti Bella (http://www.tuttibella.com/)
Wendy Bellissimo (http://www.wendybellissimo.com/home/index.php)

[September2006Mommies]

Helpful Links continued
Again, please feel free to suggest others or report inactive links.

Delivery/Birthing options (OB, Midwifes, Doulas, birthcenters etc.)
birthcenters.org (http://www.birthcenters.org)
American College of Obstetrics & Gynocology (http://www.acog.org)
American College of Nurse-Midwives (http://www.acnm.org)
Maternitywise (http://www.maternitywise.org)
Lamaze (http://www.lamaze.org)
Bradley Birth (http://www.bradleybirth.com)
Birthing FromWithin (http://www.birthingfromwithin.com)
Birthworks (http://www.birthworks.com)
HypBirth (http://hypbirth.com)
HypnoBirthing (http://www.hypnobirthing.com)
Assn. of Labor Assts. & Childbirth Educators (http://www.alace.org)
International Childbirth Education Assn. (http://www.icea.org)
Water Birth (http://waterbirth.org/spa/index.php)
DONA Intl. (http://www.dona.org)

Breastfeeding:
Ameda (www.ameda.com)
Breastfeeding (www.breastfeeding.com)
Boppy (www.boppy.com)
KellyMom (www.Kellymom.com)
La Leche League (www.lalecheleague.org)
Maternal Concepts (www.maternalconcepts.com)
Medela (www.medela.com)
Mothering (www.mothering.com)
ProMom (www.Promom.org)
Whisper Wear (www.whisperwear.com)

Formula Feeding:
Bright Beginnings (www.brightbeginnings.com)
Enfamil (www.enfamil.com)
Similac (www.similac.com)
Very Best Baby (www.verybestbaby.com) (Nestle Good Start)

Diapering Info Some have coupons & contests
Cloth Diapering (http://www.borntolove.com/404page.html)
Huggies (www.huggies.com)
Luvs (http://www.luvs.com)
Pampers (http://www.pampers.com)

Slings
The Hip Hugger (http://www.thehiphugger.com)
About Babies Inc. (http://www.aboutbabiesinc.com)
Maya Wrap (http://www.mayawrap.com)
New Native Baby (http://www.newnativebaby.com)
Prenatal Cradle (http://www.prenatalcradle.com)
Baby Bjorn (http://www.babybjorn.com)
Baby Wearer (http://www.babywearer.com)

Cord Blood/stem cell Info.
Secureacell (http://www.securacell.com)
Viacord (http://www.viacord.com)
Cord Blood (http://www.cordblood.com)
Cryobank (http://www.cryobank.com)
www.lifebankusa.com
www.corcell.com
www.cryo-cell.com

Invitations/Announcements:
2Peas1Pod.com (http://www.2peas1pod.com/index.htm)
5StarBaby.com (http://www.5starbaby.com/)
Baby Seeds (www.babyseeds.com)
BabyGrams (www.babygrams.com)
Baby J Cards (http://www.babyjcards.com/)
Bella Baby (http://www.bellababy.com/)
Celebration Cottage (www.celebrationcottage.com)
Classic Card Company (www.classiccard.com)
EitakDesign (www.eitak.com)
In A Baby Carriage (www.inababycarriage.com)
Invitation Box (http://www.invitationbox.com/)
Inviting Smiles (www.invitingsmiles.com)
MetroBaby Cards (http://www.metrobabycards.com/)
Mommy's Miracles (www.mommysmiracles.com)
My Gatsby (http://www.mygatsby.com/)
Naptime Cards (www.naptimecards.com)
Photo Stamps (http://photo.stamps.com/PhotoStamps/?source=si10985886)
Purple Stork (http://www.purplestork.com/)
Custom Craft (http://www.shopbirthannouncements.com/)
Simply To Impress (http://www.simplytoimpress.com/)
Stork Avenue (www.storkavenue.com)
Tiny Prints (http://www.tinyprints.com/)

Monitors:
BabyBeat (http://www.babybeat.com/)
Belly Beats (http://www.bellybeats.com/)
Stork Radio (http://www.storkradio.com/)

FUN STUFF
Jewel Kids (http://www.jewelkids.com/)
Lifetime Mothers (http://www.lifetimemothers.com/)
Baby Pool (http://www.expectnet.com/) (Have friends compete in a baby due date contest)
Chinese Gender Prediction Chart (http://parenting.ivillage.com/ttc/ttcsigns/0,,j736,00.html?arrivalSA=1&cobrandRef=0&arrival_freqCap=2)

[September2006Mommies]

Books for the expectant mother:

So THAT'S What They're For! The Definitive Breastfeeding Guide
By Janet Tamaro
http://images.amazon.com/images/P/159337285X.01._PE20_SCMZZZZZZZ_.jpg

What to Expect When You're Expecting
By Heidi Murkoff, Sandee Hathaway, Arlene Eisenberg
http://images.barnesandnoble.com.edgesuite.net/images/5090000/5090602.gif

Your Pregnancy Week by Week: 5th Edition
By Dr. Glade B. Curtis and Judith Schuler
http://images.barnesandnoble.com.edgesuite.net/images/7210000/7219608.gif

Everything Pregnancy Fitness
By Robin Elise Weiss
http://images.barnesandnoble.com.edgesuite.net/images/6950000/6959852.gif

My Pregnancy Journal
By Ryland Peters & Small Staff
This is great for keepsakes and putting down your feelings and moods, etc.
http://images.barnesandnoble.com.edgesuite.net/images/7980000/7985227.gif

The Girlfriends Guide to Pregnancy
By Vicki Iovine
For fun!
http://images.amazon.com/images/P/0671524313.01._BO2,204,203,200_PIsitb-dp-500-arrow,TopRight,45,-64_AA240_SH20_SCLZZZZZZZ_.jpg

Baby Bargains: Secrets to Saving 20% to 50% on Baby Furniture, Equipment, Clothes, Toys, Maternity Wear and Much, Much More! May 2005 Edition
By Alan and Denise Fields

Books for the expectant father:

My Boys Can Swim! The Official Guy's Guide to Pregnancy
By Ian Davis

The Expectant Father
By Armin A. Brott & Jennifer Ash

Be Prepared : A Practical Handbook for New Dads
By Gary Greenberg, Jeannie Hayden

[September2006Mommies]

Since we have so many RO's, we've asked them to recommend their single most favorite baby item. Here are the specs we've asked for:

Recommending RO:
Wowie Item Brand Name:
Wowie Item Description:
Love:
Hate:
Cost:
Buy it:
Runner up:

Recommending RO: portlandbride
Wowie Item Brand Name: Miracle Blanket
Wowie Item Description: It's the best swaddle blanket ever! I bought the other ones and just wasted my money. This one does cost more and is worth every penny!
The things you love most about it: It just works so well. Baby cannot break out of it and it can be used for a very long time. DD was swaddled until she was 7 months or so.
Hate: N/A
Cost: $30ish
Buy:www.miracleblanket.com

Recommending RO: Mommy2AlliWill
Wowie Item Brand Name: Baby Bjorn or other carrier (some people prefer slings)
Wowie Item Description: The Bjorn wraps over your back & the baby sits in the front of you (facing in as a newborn & out as an infant)
Love: I so needed to be hands free (especailly with my 2nd) & sometimes baby wants to be held anyhow I used my bjorn constantly. I know there are a million other slings & carriers. We loved the Bjorn but every one has their own preference. The important thing is to find something you like that will snuggle baby close & still allow you hands free sometimes.
Hate: nada
Cost: $80
Buy at: we registered for ours at BRU but you can get them anywhere. If you go the sling route there are even mom's on CC who will sew you one from any fabric you choose.
Runner up: Any lightweight stroller

RO: Dotsie
Wowie Item: Angel Care Mat
Description: It monitors the movement of the baby while it's sleeping. If there is no movement (including breathing) in 30 seconds, it sounds an alarm. It is placed under the mattress of the crib, bassinett, etc. It also acts like a traditional baby monitor as well. It is the very best money we have ever spent. We have to buy a new one for the new baby.
Cost: ~ $100
Buy at: BRU and some online sites have them.
http://store1.yimg.com/I/marisa-kristines_1886_315601979

RO: octoberkate
Wowie Item: Bumbo chair
Buy at: http://www.bumboseat.com/adwords/bumbowords1.html
I bought mine off ebay, but they are sold by a variety of merchants now, I know One Step Ahead has them in their catalogs.
Love: This is certainly not something you HAVE to have, but it was really helpful for us. DS liked to sit up to look around, well before he was actually strong enough to sit up for long periods of time on his own, this helped with that. Plus when they're small it makes for a handy high chair that you can put anywhere and it's a quick and easy restraining chair for if you need them somewhere safe (because of the angle of the seat they can't pull themselves out until they are bigger and stronger). I really loved this.
http://www.bumboseat.com/images/mom-feeding-baby-in-bumbol-seat.jpg

Wowie Item: I also loved my mei tai carrier
Buy at:(I ordered mine from a WC/CC mama at www.rosiebaby.com).
Love: I commuted with DS on the bus and subway to get us into the city for work and daycare - the stroller was too difficult to maneuver (it needs to be closed up on the bus) and DS quickly outgrew the Bjorn (he wasn't even hugely fat - about 70th percentile - but his torso was so wide around I couldn't close the bjorn around him after he was maybe 5 months old). This time I'm going to get a pouch for brand new babywearing but since I haven't used one yet, I don't want to recommend one either.

Wowie Item:Another thing we love, although this is pretty personal to everyone, is the cd Global Lullabies by Freyda Epstein
http://images.amazon.com/images/P/B000002M7H.01._AA130_SCMZZZZZZZ_.jpg
Love: It's sort of like Enya does lullabies. Very soothing for DS, and very listenable to me - which is huge since we have to listen to it every night.

Wowie Item: I love our monitor. I'm not seeing it right off on the BRU website.
Love: But what I love about it is that the receivers can have sound or you can turn the sound off and see the volume coming from your childs room based on the number of light bars that are lit up. This has become more and more useful because when we put DS to bed he likes to "talk" to his friends for a while. I don't want to hear his talking while I'm watching tv or on the phone or whatever, so I can turn the sound down. I know if there's something more serious wrong, because instead of one or two bars all of a sudden there are three or four light bars. Again, not a must have feature, but a really useful extra.

Wowie Item: Last thing I'd list is my breast pump. I had the Medela Pump In-Style Advanced.
Love: As I mentioned before, my son wouldn't nurse (no matter how many lactation consultants we met with and things that we tried) so I was an exclusive pumper for his entire first year. Let me tell you, I got to know that pump very very well! It worked well for me, had a sufficiently strong suction, could do both breasts at once, and it looked enough like a work bag that I didn't feel like I was screaming "GOING TO LACTATE NOW" while walking through my office.
Hate: My only downside to it was if you happened to be somewhere with no electrical outlet, it just destroyed batteries. That and it was expensive (over $200 plus then I ended up buying new parts - tubing, bottles, horns etc because I wore them out) but the money was well worth it.

[September2006Mommies]

Just in case we get more fabulous and helpful recommendations...

[September2006Mommies]

Let the
Second Trimester
begin!
http://us.a1.yahoofs.com/users/41b9f3f0z56f4e9aa/mail/__sr_/be0fre2.jpg?phw.JDEBnFsuZkJL
We are officially open for posting.

(Just a note about photos: shutterfly has made a decision not to allow users to hotlink to their photos from accounts such as CC accounts. If you are a shutterfly user and have posted photos, they were no longer accesible for us to add to these first pages. Feel free to move your photos to another service and post them here again. They will then be updated to the opening pages.)

[September2006Mommies]

To check in, tell us something unique about yourself, and maybe share a picture (wedding? house? pet?). Let's continue to get to know one another!

[UTChick]

Well, I am getting over my first pregnancy migraine. I started getting it late yesterday afternoon and I am just now getting out of bed. I called my dad, who is a doctor, and asked how many Tylenol I could take. He told me to follow the bottle's instructions which said no more that 8 tablets in a 24 hr period. I might as well have taken nothing. I was seriously wishing to go back to the days of morning sickness, I felt so bad. I put in a call to my dr. a couple of hours ago. They told me he was booked so it might take awhile for him to call back. I need some kind of plan for next time because this sucked big time. I still have a bad headache, but at least I can stand the sunlight in the bedroom and I can sit up...oh and see. I can see again. Ok, pity party over. What a way to start a new thread. :o

Thanks, lovely threadmistress, for getting us all set up for the 2nd trimester. I will have to post a couple of pics later. Sorry to be such a downer.

[Dotsie]

Thanks threadmistress!! Wow, the 2nd trimester....THANK GOD!!!:D
SOmething unique about myself??? I am a U.S. Navy veteran. I have been in the same type job since I was 17 (when I joined the Navy). I work in National Security.

I will share pics when I get home.

[Camdynlyn]

YAY! I will post a picture when I get home!

[octoberkate]

Thanks threadmistress for setting up the new thread!!!

I can't think of anything particularly interesting or unique to post... maybe that I'm one of the few people to live and work in DC that was actually born and raised here as opposed to moving from somewhere else.

Or maybe since this is a pregnancy thread and all - I was born six and a half weeks early in 1975, weighing in at a whopping four pounds. Now adays, this is barely cause for concern, but back then it was a big deal. I was fine with no major long term complications. The interesting fact was that I was born on mothers' day and, to everyone's surprise, I was a girl since the OB had assured my parents I was definitely going to be a boy. Thank goodness the u/s technology has improved since then!

And, since you asked, I think this was my favorite picture from our wedding day (although as time goes by my favorite changes every few months or so)
http://i23.photobucket.com/albums/b354/octoberkate/Wedding%20revisited/d575600f.jpg
]

[dionysia]

I'll repost from the old thread:

QOTD Babymoon: due to finances and my fear of not being able to keep up with our usual type of itinerary, we're staying close-ish to home for our vacation. We'll be going to DC in late May. We'll see Depeche Mode in concert, stay with SIL, visit my cousin (we're very close), and go to some Civil War battlefields.

QOTD Employer: well, since I am HR and my boss is the VP, I killed two birds with one stone! Actually, a co-worker noticed that I wasn't drinking at our company party in late January and blurted out loudly "You're pregnant!" :mad: Unfortunately my face gave it away when he said that.

So I decided to nip things in a the bud and tell my boss before he found out through the grapevine. He's very happy for me and we're trying to figure out what to do to fill in for me while I'm gone.

Octoberkate: I was born in DC in 1975 too; Bethesda actually. ;)

Di
(12w0d; 2nd Trimester, here I come!)

[RosegardenC]

Not quite at 2nd trimester yet, but checking in as suggested... Hmm something about me... I was born and raised in "the OC", Laguna Beach CA to be more specific, I live in Colorado now, and I love it! The only thing I really miss is (okay two things) my family who is still there and the beach! I miss my ocean something terrible at times, but I really love Colorado otherwise! No place I would rather be...

edit, nevermind, I cant figure out how to post a photo yet... maybe next time

[Adam's Pi]

Employer I haven't told anyone yet, although one of my students (I teach at a community college) did ask when I was due. I'll inform my dean when I've heard the h/b.

Babymoon I guess you could call it that. It's actually for our anniversary. Our first anniversary we went all out (expensive, romantic). The second we had only come home from the hospital the day before with DS. Needless to say, it was a non-event. Same for last year, DS was sick. This year we're headed to Chicago, just the two of us.

-----------

Something interesting about me....I'll go with an about me baby story: I'm the last of 4, and my Mom went into labor with me at about 6:00am, took my brothers to school, went to the hospital...and I was born a half an hour after she arrived. The doctor wasn't even there yet. And my Dad fainted. ;)

-----------

Could you change my age to 26? My birthday was a few weeks ago.

Thanks so much for pulling all of this together! It's really fantastic, you guys (girls)!!!

[Aletheia]

Adam's Pi- Your dad fainted? :D Had he done okay with the previous babies?

octoberkate, beautiful photo!

Here is my contribution. Meet MacKenzie, the focus of our household. Although we've tried to explain it to him, he doesn't know he's going to be using up some lives when (a) we move across country again in June and (b) when baby arrives in September. Poor, poor little fuzzball.

Just imagine how many photos we'll have of the baby... And yes, he does prefer to sleep on his back.
http://photobucket.com/albums/f112/melodielouise/MacKenzie/th_b5768791.jpg http://photobucket.com/albums/f112/melodielouise/MacKenzie/th_ccd3a520.jpg http://photobucket.com/albums/f112/melodielouise/MacKenzie/th_4b646556.jpg http://photobucket.com/albums/f112/melodielouise/MacKenzie/th_803bfa7c.jpg http://photobucket.com/albums/f112/melodielouise/MacKenzie/th_46bd4b18.jpg
Toes Foregrounded, Monster Mugshot, An Unflattering View, Is it Dinner Time Yet?, An Amazingly Hard Day

[babywish]

YAY for the second trimester thread! Ladies we made it!! :D

First of I wanted to post two pictures that were never posted on the front of the first thread (my last belly shot and my u/s) threadmistress please post on the front page, I have also notice my other belly shots that were on the first page of the first thread are not on this one, can you post those as well??

12w5d
http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b6dc07b3127cce973b209df30500000016108EcuXLJqybc

12w4d
http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b6dc07b3127cce973b349bf30900000016108EcuXLJqybc

[babywish]

cont...

And here are some family pictures...

Us on our wedding day (I never scanned any of the professional pics, so this will have to do it)
http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b4d711b3127cce9a1c9eb7e2dd00000016108EcuXLJqybc

Us the day we got our BFP
http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b6dd27b3127cce97cc6e6f8f4500000016108EcuXLJqybc

Our puppy
http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b6dd27b3127cce97cc6f864e0400000016108EcuXLJqybc

http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b6dd27b3127cce97cc6f884e0a00000015138EcuXLJqybc

[ocgatita]

Woohoo! Second Trimester!!!!

Employer My work already knows as we are short staffed as is and they would die here without me giving them plenty of time to figure out who will be taking over my duties while on leave.

Babymoon We actually discussed this yesterday and we really are leaning towards taking a cruise the end of May begining of June. We took a cruise for our honeymoon and absolutely LOVED it so we may be taking a nice little week long cruise before we have the baby.

Here is my favorite wedding picture of us:
http://i27.photobucket.com/albums/c180/minniejdy/Wedding137.jpg
Take Care ladies.

~Judy

[craftgenius]

Something interesting about me?? MMMPPHHH...Well, I don't know how interesting this is, but I'm a flutist.

A couple of pics of me and my honey on our wedding day...
http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b3d606b3127cce8d0a9c258fa50000002611

http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b3d737b3127cce8ed99f9a12e20000001610

[{b}]

Checking in!

Great photos, ladies! Love the kitty, Alethia!

Can't see your pics, Babywish or craftgenius - are they at Shutterfly? Shutterfly won't allow hotlinking anymore, apparently.

I'm at work, so I have no pics to share right now, but I can tomorrow!

Something interesting - uhm... I played the violin for 8+ years!

[UTChick]

craftgenius~ I love the pic you both walking down the aisle. You both have beautiful smiles! Your DH looks estatic!

[cosmic]

snapfish.com still works great. also try photobucket.com

a couple of wedding day pics:

http://images.snapfish.com/3464969%3B%3A%7Ffp64%3Dot%3E2329%3D429%3D446%3DXRO QDF%3E23237484%3A888%3Bot1lsi


http://images.snapfish.com/3464969%3B%3A%7Ffp46%3Dot%3E2329%3D429%3D446%3DXRO QDF%3E2323535424584ot1lsi

Furbabies doing what they do best:
Laying off the gin
http://images.snapfish.com/346496%3B42%7Ffp63%3Dot%3E2329%3D429%3D446%3DXROQD F%3E232366755%3A9%3C4ot1lsi

Favorite Chair
http://images.snapfish.com/346496%3A99%7Ffp64%3Dot%3E2329%3D429%3D446%3DXROQD F%3E232359368%3C8%3B3ot1lsi

[mommy2AlliWill]

Hi girls. Love all the pics. I will share one but will remove it tomorrow, posting pics of my kids makes me sort of nervous. I have none on line from my wedding, but this is our little family from DS's first birthday last September.


REMOVED
Some tidbit about me: I have three older brothers who I am very close with & we all live within 10 miles of the house where we grew up (& where my Mom still lives).

Nothing exciting here. Getting that 2nd trimester/feeling great thing. Yipee!

[Dotsie]

Hi girls!! All of the pics are gorgeous. Joann, I can't believe how big Allie and Will got. We have to get together before the next one comes along!!
I went to my dr's appt last night. All went well. She gave me a prescription for Zofran. The baby's heart rate was in the 160's (girl?) and it was moving around like crazy. I go in 2 weeks for my quad screen.
the BIG u/s in 3/29 at 10:45 am and my next dr's appt is 4/5 at 7pm.

I don't have any pics of our wedding online. I took a pic of a pic in our photo album. Sorry it's so crappy. We got married 5 years ago before digi got huge.

http://i28.photobucket.com/albums/c239/dotsie/100_0954.jpg

[luvvy330]

Threadmistresses: Thank you for doing such a great job with this thread.

Beautiful pics everyone!

Welcome to the group Cosmic!

I will attempt to upload some pics of my family after I get back from my appt.

[suiej]

Hooray for the 2nd trimester!!!

Had my 12w OB appt yesterday, it was super fast. Not much to note, but we did hear the heartbeat for the first time! We'd seen it, but it was awesome to hear it, DH was pretty excited. It sounded good and strong, but we don't know the rate. Lots of other noises too, the doctor said it was the baby moving around!

No pics to share since they're all at home, but I'll post a couple later. My next appointment is 4/3, the day before my birthday!

I ordered some maternity basics from Old Navy, hope it all fits! I can't stand the camis I've been sleeping in, they're just not long enough to cover my belly anymore. We got our new comfy couches delivered yesterday. I spent the evening on the reclining chaise portion of it... it's going to be hard to get off of that when I get a lot bigger!

Employer My boss figured it out a few weeks ago (he's got three kids of his own, and figured it out when I had so many doctor appointments, I was always eating, and I guess I just looked tired.) Got a hug from him, and we're hopefully going to talk soon about my plans for after the baby comes. It's looking more and more like I'll stay working, just on some kind of adjusted schedule, or working from home (I really, really hope!)

The queasiness is still around, but I haven't gotten really sick since Saturday night. It seems to be that if I don't straight to bed around 9 or 10, I end up pretty sick. I hope this goes away soon!!

[LyLMyssChaos]

JoAnn~~I can't believe how little Alli and Will look in that picture!!! Alli is so much like Madeline; they are petite, but have such "mature" faces!

Here are some pics (I really need to take some recent ones :o ):

http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b6dd26b3127cce97c850e2165200000015108AbOHLNy1bM9
http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b6dd26b3127cce97c86913d71700000006108AbOHLNy1bM9

Something "unique" about me?:confused: Hmmm, I'll have to think about that one and get back to ya'll!

[octoberkate]

Must.... Stop... Feeling... Like.... Ass....

Sorry for the language, I just can't stand feeling this way all the time anymore. And to avoid it I just try to eat. But half the time I eat too much and then that's a different problem. I just want to feel good again darnit!

QOTD - Telling the Boss - as I already mentioned, I told the boss yesterday. I wanted to wait two more weeks until we hear the heartbeat, but because of other issues in the office, it seemed only "fair" to tell now.

QOTD - Buying Stuff - haven't bought any stuff, but we don't really need too since we're RO's. The most recent book I've bought related to children is a toddler discipline book. HA! RIGHT! Like that works! (If any of the RO's happen to have any suggestions re: how to get my son to stop kicking me in the face and stomach when I change his diaper I'm happy to hear them.) If this child is a girl I'll want to buy some girl clothes, and blankets (so baby will not be wrapped in blue when we go out). If it's a boy I won't need fall clothes (our old spring things should be fine) but I will need winter clothes. I wish I knew the gender now so I could take advantage of the end of season sales. I bought myself a few summer maternity tops since I don't have anything for warm weather, but other than that I'm waiting to see what things I need to supplement the wardrobe.

I can't decide if I'm going to want to sling new baby while DS is in the stroller or if I need a new stroller. I think I'll be ok without a two-seater for a while at least. For the first three months, when I'm home, DS will be in daycare. So I'll be able to use the sling or the carseat/snap-n-go for the baby on weekday errands. For weekend errands I think the sling and big boy stroller or bring my husband and two strollers will work. So I'll probably re-visit this issue around Christmas time when New Baby is likely growing out of the bucketseat/snap-n-go and when I'm getting ready to go back to work (which will then necessitate more errands with both children). We'll see if DS is still interested in riding in a stroller - if he's not going to ride then that will make a big difference in what we buy.

I love everyone's wedding pics! I hadn't thought about posting a pic of DS and then taking it down (good idea Joann) and since I don't like having his pictures just out there for the random creepo's of the world to find I wasn't going to post, but I'll copy Joann and post now and take down later.

This first one is what we used as our birth announcement - DS was four days old and back in the hospital for jaundice (sorry, I've only got it on shutterfly so it won't post - but you can click on the link to see it, at least I hope you can...) http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b4da34b3127cce9ebcba68163000000016108EbMmbNq0Zk

And here's DS last month - at 22 months (note, it was HIS fashion choice, not mine, to wear his tree frog swimsuit over his reindeer jammies)
http://images.costcophotocenter.com/346498833%7Ffp3%3Enu%3D3235%3E%3A%3B9%3E757%3EWSNR CG%3D32324%3A%3C668566nu0mrj

[ezl247]

Can I join too? I wanted to hear the heartbeat before I offically joined. I have been lurking all along though.

CC Name: ezl247
Me: Essie, 27
DH: 27
Married: 10/06/02
EDD: 9/21/06
Gender Prediction: Girl
Any other children: DD: Rachel, 3.13.04
QOTD - Telling the Boss: Not yet, I plan to after my AFP around 17 weeks. We will see if I can hide it for that long!

QOTD - Buying Stuff - Since I am a RO I have not bought anything and do not plan on it, we have alot of gender neutral clothes that are 0-3 months.

I am feeling pretty good. I have a very slight sickness after 5:00 pm that lasts until 8 or so. I will take this anytime as comapred to the 24hr sickness I experienced with DD for 16 wks. Looking forward to sharing and getting to know everyone better.

[LyLMyssChaos]

Welcome Essie! Your DD is my birthday twin! :)

[twink]

I wondered why I wasn't getting any updates from the other thread so I thought I better look for a new one! I have an appointment tomorrow - am hoping to hear the heartbeat.

Pity party ahead - DH won't be there - I think he is having a bit of a mental breakdown. Our house is going on the market tomorrow, so we are moving into MIL's place until it sells (easier for us and the dog to not have to ave our lives disrupted every few hours). DH is doing some final touch-ups (like painting trim) and coordinating the PODS pickup but the stress is definitely getting to him. His work is really busy right now, we are having our taxes done tonight, and we have finals next week for school so he is struggling. I feel horrible but there is nothing more I can do to help. I just hope things get better for him when we leave our house. Pity party over.

I will have to find a picture to post sometime next week.

Employer My boss casually mentioned that it seemed like we were planning on starting a family (purchase of a four door car, bigger house, etc.). I played dumb. :) I figure I will tell when I am good and ready and since my company is going through a lot of changes lately (CEO was just fired and the VP level was reshuffled), now is not the time.

[octoberkate]

Welcome Essie! As a random aside, I'm also in the DC 'burbs (Arlington VA) and I have a son just a month younger than your daughter.

[Aletheia]

Welcome, Essie! It might be a while before I update again, but know that you are mama #41! Wowsers!

Shutterfly pic users: I hate to break it to you, but most of us can't see nuthin'-- not even a red x-- when you post a pic from shutterfly these days. You might be able to see your own pics (apparently it might have something to do with how long ago you had logged into your own shutterfly account on the same computer you are using to view cc...) but the rest of us? nuthin. Big fat nuthin! So post again, but use a different photo service! (I've got a thread going in "chit chat" about how to pick a new one.)

I know my energy is supposed to be coming back, but I have been EXHAUSTED this week-- almost as bad as weeks 7 and 8. My Pregnancy Journal book says that this month the rate of growth is more rapid than any time so far and any time after, so maybe that's what's going on.

Oh, and I think I felt Baby move again today... at the grocery store when I was looking at the butter popcorn ricecakes that it wanted me to buy. I think it was a leap of joy for having made me buy a food I've never had before and yet had to have now. :rolleyes: It's already a manipulative child.

[Dotsie]

Welcome Essie!!
On a side note.... OctoberKate. Did you get married in Oct? I don't know why but I think we might have been in the same planning group on the WC. My anniversary is Oct 27, 2001.

[octoberkate]

Dotsie - Yup, I got married October 13th - but October 2002. However, I got on WC in August 2001, knowing it would be fall of '02 and I spent a lot of time in threads that had "fall" flowers, or fall colors or whatever else I could come up with to research.

Alethia - damn. If you could see the X then you could get to my picture. I don't have that on the harddrive so I can't reload it to a different server. I'll go back and just post a direct link to the picture... Thanks for the heads up.

[MSH]

checking in

For my interesting thing I am posting a picture of my little baby. Meet Pippin.
http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y137/mrs_natalie/07.jpg
DH and I are just in love with our little guy and it shows by how spoiled he is. Naturally he is named after one of our favorite books/movies Lord of the Rings. Other common interests of ours are wine, good food and lots of baseball ... DH plays, I eat hotdogs :)

[RosegardenC]

So ladies tell me what you think.

A co worker of mine is also pregnant, she is a month behind me or more. We work for a very small company and having thier office manager (me) and their accountant (her) out for maternity is going to be devistating! We are the only ones that know each other is pg in the office, until this morning that is! I have told her time and time again that I am going to wait until A: we finish moving the office to another city (april 3rd) and B: until after my 12 week appt (march 17th) for these reasons, I dont want to stress out the boss anymore than he already is, and I want to be sure everything is on target with the pregnancy, well damned if she didnt go and tell one of the partners this morning! GRRR!!!!! I came in from an errand and as soon as I saw the door to Brians office shut and her in there, I KNEW what was going down! She has one frickin day of not feeling well (which of course had NOTHING to do with the food poisoning her and her husband got this weekend HAH!) and she feels she "must" tell Brian now.. well thanks a whole LOT! that just puts me in such an akward position! I am fricking 38, I am TRYING to do the right thing and not freak out the office til after the move, and she wasnt even that sick! SHE CALLED ME ON HER WAY TO INDIAN FOOD YESTERDAY WHEN SHE DECIDED NOT TO COME IN!!!! ARGH! DH says its none of my business, but she just made it so much more difficult for me to tell the bosses, its bad enough that she is all of 6 weeks pregnant... HELLO GOING ON 12 HERE! I am just pissed, also because she is already as of today using it to milk getting out of the office early, see me leaving early OH HELL NO! I hope she gets hit with the hardest morning sickness, like the kind I had with me first two! And believe me, I KNOW what I am wishing on her, but hey if she is going to use it as an excuse, well HAVE ONE! Am I being petty here? I guess thats my question.

[{b}]

I'd be POed, too, but I truly believe in karma - what goes around, comes around. She'll get hers. You are obviously behaving in much more professional manner, and the bosses are sure to see and reward that. I think you have every right to wait until you are comfortable to tell thebss(es).

She didn't say anything about you beig PG, right? It was just all about her? I would be super POed if she had th gall to say anything about your PG.

[roadrunner]

OB appt. went well today. It's been so long (since 8 weeks) since I've seen her. The heartbeat was wonderful to hear! She is sending me to see an endocrinologist, since my bloodwork came back showing that my thyroid is still really overactive. She figures it needs to be treated since I'm still getting sick (1-2 times a day), I am having a lot of trouble breathing still, and now I've started fainting :rolleyes: (pregnancy hates me). My blood pressure was 90/60 today. Sorta low in my opinion, but she is not concerned about it, since I'm so tiny.

Other than that (:eek: ) everything is going well. I'm still exhausted, and literally cannot wait until this baby is born! It's such a downer to hate being pregnant so much.

couple of things to update:
EDD changed to Sept. 4th, and next OB appt. is April 4th.

Thanks for starting the new thread!

[RosegardenC]

Well I dont think she did, at least she didnt tell me she did... And brian isnt acting wierd towards me, I am gonna guess no, she didnt tell him about me. Of course as its my third pg, I am starting to show more than most... UGH! Im sure he just thinks I getting fat! LOL as I seem to be getting some bootay... LOL!

[deliciousjones]

rosegarden: i'd be po'd too, but thankfully it doesn't sound like she told your boss about your pregnancy. i agree with {b} that karma will get her in the end, especially since she seems to be taking advantage of her situation.

i had a coworker overhear me on the phone with my OB when i was only 6-7 weeks along. not only did she confront me with it after i hung up ("omg you're pregnant blah blah blah") but she took it upon herself to tell EVERY SINGLE CO-WORKER that i was expecting. nice, huh?

[luvvy330]

I had a wonderful appt today. DH and DS were with me and we heard the HB 154bpm. DS was so excited and giggly. I can not wait to see him in his role as big brother. I got a nice goodie bag loaded with mags, samples....a pre-registration form for the hospital...Whoa I wasnt expecting that one so early. I am finally settling in to the realm of being pregnant.
Next appt: April 4

Welcome Essie!

Tidbit: I am the youngest of 8. DC will be my parents 20th grandchild.

http://images.snapfish.com/34649%3B396%7Ffp346%3Enu%3D3244%3E%3A63%3E367%3EWS NRCG%3D32335785%3C3%3C64nu0mrj

My Favorite Joes
http://images.snapfish.com/34649%3B396%7Ffp342%3Enu%3D3244%3E%3A63%3E367%3EWS NRCG%3D32335785%3C3%3C65nu0mrj

[2Jacks&Me]

Me: Heather,31
DH: Jack, 42
Married: 10/2003
TTC: went with the flow Dec 05
BFP: 1-02
EDD: 9-7-06
Gender Prediction:BOY? no GIRL?
Any other children: 1 boy, Jack 10-04



An Old WCer here! Trying to get back in the swing of things since the boards were so great while pg the first time! Lots of mommies! YEAH!

Hoping to be able to sneak in here more than weekly! Hard to find the time, but I really love it!

[batgirl]

Welcome Essie and 2jacks&me.

Rosegarden I'm not sure if I would be ticked off or not. Some people are attention seekers (plus this is a hard secret to keep). And there are lots of people that lack a work ethic, which drives those of us with a work ethic nuts. But there's not much you can do. I would not change your plans to tell your boss sooner. And don't worry about him noticing your belly (most men are completely clueless). Good luck with your move to the new office.

Deliciousjones OMG, now that would piss me off! I can't believe that a co worker outed your pregnancy at work! I hope you told her off!

luvvy glad your appointment went well. When I heard the hb it was 152bpm (your's was 154?) I wonder if that means we are having boys? Does anyone know what the "boy range" would be? I've heard 160's for girls, but what do I know!

Dawny I'm with you on the fainting thing... I've had a couple of close calls and one big time in the bathroom when I got out of the shower. I did some research and believe that its either my bp or maybe that I'm anemic (I don't eat red meat). Hopefully I can make it til my next appt, but if I faint again I'm off to the doctor early.

Thanks for starting the new thread threadmistresses! So glad that we are (or close to) the second trimester. Can't wait for my energy to rebound! After looking at everyone's wedding pictures it made me think of one thing that might be unusal about me... DH and I eloped to Las Vegas! His parents were pretty ticked but I wouldn't have had it any other way!

Oops, long post.... Hope everyone is feeling well today.

[mommy2AlliWill]

Welcome Essie & 2jacks!!!

All the pictures are great.

October I love your son's outfit, he has good taste:)

Luuvy- your two men are both very handsome.

rosegarden- I agree with batgirl, don't change your plans just b/c your co-worker is crazy.

Dawny & batgirl, scary fainting. I hope you both are feeling okay.

Dorothy- Yes, must do lunch before the new babies arrive b/c I doubt we'll get to it after.

Hope the rest of you are doing great too!

I am hanging in there, starting to look obviously pregnant. I will have my 2nd parvo screen next week & my next OBs appointment is March 27

[MSH]

rosegarden honestly I can understand why you would be upset but then again on the other hand I get why it would be a hard secret for her to keep if this is her first. I hope she didn't mention anything about you and your PGcy, now that would peeve me off. Hang in there :)

batgirl tell me about it. I NEED my energy back. I went to bed at 8:30 last night and I am wiped already. Non-stop tired, I feel so useless.

2Jacks&Me welcome on board :)

luvvy330 congrats on hearing the HB!!! And I just had to mention how absolutely adorable your DS is in that picture.

deliciousjones Now this would have ticked me off. What do people not understand. When did it become her news to share?

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

I am still so unbelievably tired. I went to bed at 8:30 last night and slept through to 6:30 with only a few trips to the bathroom. I hope and pray I get some energy back during the 2nd tri (only 9 more days to go :)) I feel utterly useless these days and get nothing done around the house.

In more exciting news I have my OB appointment tomorrow. I hope we get to hear the HB. I am so desperate for any sign that everything is alright with baby. Then I think we will finally feel comfortable starting to tell people and possible buying a baby/PGcy book. We are both so excited!

Hope everyone is feeling great!

[octoberkate]

Fainters - is it more common for you to feel dizzy or faint in the morning? If so, it could easily be a blood sugar thing. Last pregnancy I often felt a little dizzy in the morning but I kind of brushed it off because compared to the constant need to puke, the dizziness was nothing. And then I fainted on the subway. Yup, I was the medical emergency one day that slowed down everyone's commute. I came around pretty quickly but needless to say I was worried. I called my OB and she said that a lot of women have problems with feeling dizzy and faint during pregnancy due to low blood sugar - particularly in the morning when you haven't eaten in many hours. She said an easy way to resolve it was to have something with a decent amount of natural sugars first thing in the morning - like a big glass of OJ. After that I made sure I had some OJ first thing, or I ate a banana or something and I stopped getting dizzy and I never full out fainted again.

[Aletheia]

Fainters- To add to octoberkate's suggestion: if it is due to blood pressure you can do two easy things toe help: eat salty food and drink more water!

[ezl247]

Thanks for the welcome! I agree about the low blood sugar/pressure and fainting thing. OJ will spike glucose levels quickly.

Has anyone noticed that their leg hair is growing faster or slower these days? I wonder if the theory holds true, you grow leg hair faster if you are having a boy. Does anyone have a boy and a girl? Was this your experience?

For me with my last pregnancy, my hair did not grow faster but it rather grew at the same pace- I had a girl. I am noticing that my hair growth is slower this time.

[batgirl]

Aletheia & Octoberkate Thanks for the fainting advice. I didn't even think about blood sugar! I guess since my bp was low last time that I assumed that was the cause. I'll try the juice, and Aletheia if that means that I can succomb to my craving of a filet o fish with McDonalds frenchfries... I'm in!

I have a question for RO's (or anyone else in the know...) I've said before that I really don't know anything about babies... and I have just started looking at carseats. The one we are looking at is "up to 22lbs"... ok, here's the dumb question... approximately how long does it take for a baby to get to 22lbs??? It seems like they grow like weeds and will grow out of this carseat right away... just wondering if we should register for both an infant car seat and whatever the next step up from that is. Thanks!

[2Jacks&Me]

Ezl OMG want to talk about hair. Not really sure if my leg hair is growing faster ( who has time to shave!) But last pg, I got seriuosly fuzzy! It did go away, but on the up side, my head hair got thicker!

Thanks for the welcomes.
I am so excited to boot this tired phase.

At my 12 week ( it was actually 13weeks) visit the HB was 156... but even better- we heard kicking first. I thought maybe I felt flutters, but thought NO WAY! Not so soon, but maybe so! With DS- I felt so disconnected at these early appts. even the u/s 's. I just felt like it was someone else it was happening to. But hearing those kicks made me get all goofy!

So the good part about 2nd PG's is that you can actually relate to a real live baby and I am actually able to relax and let the time go by without worrying about all the things you do with the first, like about baby stuff you need to buy etc.

something unusual hmm that is hard! My grandma was an astrologer when i was a kid and they did those renaissance faires- so my cousins and I walked on stilts on the weekends and dressed up! What wierdos!


Work issues that co-worker was very rude and overstepped her bounds. Let's hope that she turns out to be a complainer and your boss gets so sick of the m/s etc that he pats you on the back for not acting like you are the first person in the world to have a baby!

babymoon Not happening here. Went to vegas with my mom when I was 4 months last time and I was so sick the entire time up until I got home and threw-up 11 times from the flight and car ride! Feeling very turned off on the thought of travel!

[twink]

Had my second appointment today. They couldn't find the heartbeat right away with the Doppler, but thanks to you ladies, I wasn't too concerned. It took a while of searching and then the doctor said I get a free picture today! So he did an ultrasound - the baby was really moving around and he had trouble catching it for very long, but then it sat still for a while and I heard the heartbeat. I also saw that this little thing is quite the boxer (ouch for the future). The arms were doing upper cuts and the legs were kicking.

It was so cool - I wish DH could have been there. I called him from the parking lot and started crying tears of joy over how cool it was! They measured the neck and it was measuring correctly (1.5 mm when 3 mm is the max they like to see) and he said everything looked good. I forgot to ask what the heart rate was so I am hoping they write it on my chart so I know for next time.

My next appointment will be in another 4 weeks. Interestingly, I have lost 4 pounds since last month which I am attributing to stress since my diet has not been too good (man n cheese is all I have been able to stomach for two weeks). :o

[Dotsie]

yay for hearing heartbeats:D
batgirl ~ My DS is not a heavy child. He's really, really tall but not heavy. It took him about 8 months for him to get to 22 lbs. Maybe even longer. My DS will be 3 in June and is about 30 lbs right now. He's about 39-40 inches right now.

[polkadot]

Hi girls...just wanted to say Hi to all my friends. I am glad to see everyone doing so well....

(((hugs))) to all of you!!

Lauren

[LyLMyssChaos]

I have a question for RO's (or anyone else in the know...) I've said before that I really don't know anything about babies... and I have just started looking at carseats. The one we are looking at is "up to 22lbs"... ok, here's the dumb question... approximately how long does it take for a baby to get to 22lbs??? It seems like they grow like weeds and will grow out of this carseat right away... just wondering if we should register for both an infant car seat and whatever the next step up from that is. Thanks!

I would register for both because you never really know how quickly your child is going to grow. My DD is only now 25 pounds and she is 33 months old. My son on the other hand, well, he was 22 pounds by 6 months I think. You will eventually need both seats, so I figure it can't hurt to register for both! Another important thing to look at is the height restrictions. Some kids tend to hit that long before the weight restrictions.

[ocgatita]

Hi ladies, just checking in here. I am STILL exhausted and hoping that I get over this soon. I am definately begining to look pregnant as my belly just keeps expanding. Good luck to all of you with upcoming appointments.

I am busy researching cribs, car seats, etc. as I would like to register as soon as we find out the sex. We are going to be hopefully purchasing our crib next weekend when we make a trip to visit my MIL in Arizona. Since she is buying our crib for us, we will be checking them out and hopefully purchasing one then.

Take Care ladies

~Judy

[brenda]

Hello Ladies -

I am so sorry to hear that many of you are still suffering. I hope it will pass for you soon, because the relief at not being nauseated, heartburny, and tired all the time is amazing. I feel great! I'm still tired, burpy, and have heartburn, but the pain isn't bringing to my knees anymore. And that, at this point, is wonderful! Your time will come. I'm sure!

As a matter of fact, I was feeling so good the past few days, that I was getting worried. Yesterday we heard the heartbeat, and I'm finally settling in to being gung-ho, all believer on this pregnancy. We're moving the pregnancy into the public eye in real life, not just on the Internet!

Employers - I told my boss, and I've officially converted to part-time. I'll work on a project by project basis, with deadlines at my own pace. Yay!

Baby Stuff - I bought a book about breastfeeding, and I'm feeling confident. Other than that, we haven't bought anything. I think I'm dragging Sweetie shopping soon, though.

Oh yes, I finally switched to a pair of maternity jeans and T-shirt yesterday. So much more comfy on the belly, and no more showing skin because the shirts ride up. I told DH that I needed to buy more maternity clothes last night, and he just about laughed at me. "What, you don't think 1 pair of jeans and a t-shirt is going to hold you til the end of Spetember?" Smartass.

[goldengbridge]

Batgirl- Just wanted to mention that my DS outgrew his infant seat because of the height way before he outgrew the weight limits. Our graco seat height limit was 28 inches and he was 28 inches by 5 months so he was then switched to his convertable seat. I would definately register for both!

[dionysia]

man n cheese is all I have been able to stomach for two weeks. *sings*

I eat cannibals
Feed on animal
Your love is so edible to me
I eat cannibals

:D

Di

[mommy2AlliWill]

batgirl- I agree, register for both:) You'll need the convertable eventually.

I feel huge today. 13+ weeks & my belly has just popped. I think that I look obviously pregnant. 6 more months for this belly to get much bigger (sigh), great.

polka- good to see you!!

[Adam's Pi]

batgirl My DS is a big boy--he outgrew his infant seat (both height and weight) at 2 months. I was shocked. I really hope this baby isn't as big.

-----

Because of vacation (doctor's not mine), I won't get to see her for another 9 days. That makes 5 weeks between appointments. It's killing me. I want to hear the heartbeat so badly!

[deliciousjones]

i had an ob appt this afternoon. what a mess. i'm an idiot and forgot about the whole peeing on the stick thing that they do to test for protein in the urine, so instead of peeing ON the stick and putting the stick into a cup, i peed in a cup (DUMB) and proceeded to spill the entire cup of pee between my legs, into my pants. there was no hiding it, it looked like i peed buckets in my pants. nice.

to top that off, i didn't have time to shave my legs this morning, so i'm sitting in the ob's office, in a sweater, undies, trouser socks and heels. with hairy legs. the doc came in and got a good chuckle out of it, noting that at least it happened to a patient with a good sense of humor. :)

she couldn't get the heartbeat on the doppler which really bummed me out, and ordered an ultrasound for tomorrow. she said that my uterus felt great and since i haven't had any spotting or cramping lately, she's not worried. me? worried, because that's what i do - i worry.

to top it all off, i had the lovely experience of walking through a very large medical complex in my sweater, scrub shorts, black socks and heels. and hairy legs. yay.

weight: down 3 lbs.
bp: 124/80

[luvvy330]

Congratulations Heather and welcome to the group.

Batgirl: I get confused with HB/gender predictions....but the old wives tale says that 160's and up means girl. I am crossing my fingers for another boy but a healthy baby would be even better.

Mommy2AlliandWill: Thanks. I am very proud my guys...inside and out.

MSH: Thanks. Its hard to say no when he flashes that smile.

Twink: So your lil one gave you a preview of what you are in for in the next couple of months.

DeliciousJones: Hilarious! Thanks for sharing, however I am having frightening visions of a woman with hairy legs, shorts, black socks and heels:eek: .

[Camdynlyn]

I promise I'm following along but school's been busy and I rarely get on when I'm at home because of all the stuff going on around here. I wanted to pop in and update though.

I had my first child at school as me if I was pregnant (remember, they are 3rd graders!!). I told her, "Are you calling me fat?" I never said no. She went on and on about how I was not fat and so and so told her to ask. Crazy kids! :p I'll break the news to them one day.

Did I mention that I'm now feeling like Bean's a Beanette?? I'm really feeling girl (Holly will be thrilled!!). I also feel like my stomach has taken a turn for upwards (doesn't that symbolize girl?) My mom said she carried me low and she said VERY LOW as in she never knew/felt/saw herself drop in the end with me because I was so low. I guess it could go either way but here's a picture for you to judge. I'm going to call this week and let them know my weight loss (-10 pounds) and that I had major cramping (not like round ligament cramps, either) and I threw up blood this week. Yeah yeah, overdramatic, I know! :rolleyes: I'll just be happy when I hear the heartbeat on the doppler. I'd love for them to roll me into an ultrasound! ;) Without further adeu, my belly shot from tonight.

http://static.flickr.com/41/109894905_840f17b74e_m.jpg

[craftgenius]

Camdynlyn - That belly is definitely looking different than the beginning of the first trimester!!! I can't really tell if I'm showing yet since I already had a belly to begin with!!!!


I have an ultrasound this morning at 10:45. I'm a little nervous. My mom and husband are coming with me. Wish me luck ladies...

[octoberkate]

Batgirl - my son outgrew his infant carseat right around the end of three months. Like others have said, he outgrew it for length, not weight. I'd say you might as well register for both (as long as you have some storage room) because heck, if someone is willing to buy it for you why not let them? A few of my girlfriends complained (in a joking way) that I didn't have any big ticket expensive things on the registry because they all wanted to go in together and buy me something really nice. So you never know, someone or a group of people might buy it for you.

Chris - I nearly wet MY pants reading your story! The walking out in scrub shorts is really the best part. And my poor OB almost always has to look at my hairy legs, because I hate shaving. Last time I got really bad in the later months because it was hard to reach my legs - if that happens this time though it will suck since it'll be summer at the time. We'll see if I trust DH enough to wield a razor at my legs I guess...

-----

Not much new to report here. I fell asleep on the couch before 9:00 last night. I'm tired, I'm still nauseous, and I'm crazy busy at work.

Fun times.

[2Jacks&Me]

Lost a whole post- so I will cut to the chase since I am at work and tired!

DeliciousHilarious!!
I was fanatical about the hair sitch with Ds- Dh actually waxed areas for me! Not by choice. I think that it has helped him love my hairness! What a guy!
I alos got lots of pedi's- all this stuff has come to an end! Boo-hoo. Now I am enternally hairy and unpolished!

Breast feeding Someone said they are reading about BF. I have to take a class. I really feel bad about 1st experience and am determined to do better

Thought I would post a quick pic of "Captain Diaper Head"
http://www.winkflash.com/photo/photos.aspx

[Camdynlyn]

I keep feeling flutters. That's all.

[Koala_Gurl]

Hi all! I had my 2nd appointment yesterday (instead of last week) since my OB was delivering a baby right when she was about to see me (I was in the room, weight checked, blood pressure checked, just had the 2 minute appt. left.)

Next appt: April 5th

Infant Seat - DD outgrew the seat by length, but not by weight (she is not even 20 lbs yet, and she will be a year next week.) BUT, before she even outgrew the seat by length, *I* outgrew the use of the seat. At about 4 months I switched to the convertible seat, since I was sick of lugging the bucket in and out of the car, and the "usefulness" of the seat had worn out (DD wasn't sleeping as much, and there was no need for the bucket.) That said, I would register for both, because no matter how much / little you use the infant seat, it is great in the beginning!!

fainting - I think blood pressure naturally goes down a bit when you are PG. I notice when I pick DD up off the floor after her bath, I have to kinda steady myself, as I get a bit light headed. But that's about it...

[dionysia]

I still haven't booked any of our pre-natal classes, like breastfeeding or childbirth. I really need to do that.

2nd appointment is tomorrow!

Di
(12w3d)

[add homonym]

late bloomer, late joiner. In the save telling people zone, though.

(how do I make red work!??!)

Me = cresting through my thrities, Him = coasting to his forties
Due = one calendar says Aug, the other Sep, I'm going with Sep
Married = yeah
trying = yeah, caught our second egg!
official positive = early feb
other kids = lots of neices and some nephews!?!?!? and some unknowns
prediction = girl

:cool:

Wiating for the 2nd trimester energy to appear. My hair is already falling out :( and I told work the other day by just dressing up in something nice (that actually still fit) and asking people if they thought this baby makes me look fat.

Wearing maternity denim today with those big pokcet front things. I've got a few big shirts but they're too short and you can see the pocket front thing (plus they fall down as I'm not big enough for it yet).

I think I got it. ANyway, hello!

[ocgatita]

Hi ladies,

I am following along but won't be doing individual replies as I have zero time :o

I am so so happy to be fourteen weeks! And yesterday I got told for the first time that I actually look pregnant :) Don't know if thats a good thing since I am only 14 weeks but I'll take it since I am now in the second trimester.

Anyone else still waiting for the exhaustion to go away? I'm waiting for the honeymoon part of the 2nd trimester :( Hope it comes soon cuz I have just been plain whipped! I have seriously been more tired than at any time in this pregnancy.

I will have to come in and update my belly shots. I am quite embarrased but thought it would be fun to post just for comparison sake. Hopefully I will have DH take a new shot tonight and I'll post it in here tomorrow or sometime over the weekend.

Take care.

~Judy

[roadrunner]

batgirl~ sorry to hear you are fainting as well. I've fainted twice in class so far. The 9th graders don't like it very much! They are all worried enough about me, where I was off sick for so long, now they are all traumatized by my fainting.

Tiredness ~ Count me in there with those of you who have never before in your life been so tired. It's exhausting.

I'm definately showing now. Even students that I don't know are asking me when I'm due, and telling me my belly is cute! I really need to take a new belly shot. I'm just so lazy.

The OB called today and said she faxed a bunch of requisitions to the hospital for bloodwork for me. Ugh. More bloodwork.

I have a really weird pulling type cramp on the lower right side of my belly. I don't know if it's a muscle. It can't be the baby in a weird position yet, he/she is too tiny. It's uncomfortable though.

Had a stressful day yesterday. My little sis is moving to another province (job transfer). So, she picked up her new 2006 Civic on Monday. Tuesday they left (Dad drove the u-haul behind her) and Mom was with her in the car. Wednesday morning they Sis and Mom were in an accident. The car is totalled, completely written off. They are alright, a few bruises and cuts. But, OMG, seriously, when I think of what could have happened, I shiver. If she hadn't had the new car (it had side and front air bags), things could have been a lot worst, since the impact was on the front passenger side. My poor Dad is traumatized, since he was behing them and saw the whole accident happen. He told me that he really thought the worst, considering how much damage was done. They (we) are very lucky.

Well, off to relax and probably eat. Have a nice night!

[MSH]

We had our appointment and it went great. We got the hear the HB at 157!! This was exactly what we had guessed it would be. DH is convinced had it been higher it was a girl and lower it would be a boy. Apparently 157 is the perfect mystery number. It was so awesome. It took the resident a while to find it but she finally did and it was great for the 5 secs it lasted.

We also got booked for a 2nd u/s on Wednesday March 15th at 10:30am, so we are both taking the day off (DH wants to use some of his paid sick time before he leaves and well I just don't want to go to work). I am so excited to see the baby again!! This u/s is part of the screening for downs. I am not really concerned about it but would like to be able to prepare in case there is something unusual. However, I know one of my journal buddies had hers come back pos and it was a false so I will not put too much weight on the results. I then have to go back 3 weeks later for more bloodwork, which is about the time I see my OB again. Also I should have my big u/s shortly after that. We will NOT be finding out the gender. We have names chosen, which we are not sharing with family and friends until the baby arrives.

Other than that there is nothing major to report from the appointment. I gained 2 pounds ... first time since public school!! Awesome!

Next OB appointment Thursday April 6th 4:30 pm

ETA: Dawny oh my gosh I am so sorry to hear about your sister, mom and dad. What a blessing they are all okay.

[roadrunner]

MSH The picture in your signature/avatar cracks me up. What is it? It looks exactly like the medication (diclectin) that I take for morning sickness! A tiny white pill, with the exact same lady on it!!

[MSH]

MSH The picture in your signature/avatar cracks me up. What is it? It looks exactly like the medication (diclectin) that I take for morning sickness! A tiny white pill, with the exact same lady on it!!

Well that is because it is diclectin. I thought the lady was just too darn cute :)

[ezl247]

MSH - 157 was my daughters heartbeat at every single appointment. It is a nice number :) We were very surprised that she was a she! Not by her heart rate per se but the way I carried.

[twink]

*sings*

I eat cannibals
Feed on animal
Your love is so edible to me
I eat cannibals

:D

Di

LOL!! I would go back to edit - but man and cheese is much funnier! :D

[deliciousjones]

i had a great ultrasound today. i was AMAZED at how much the baby has grown in the last two weeks. we could easily identify arms, legs, fingers, feet. the babe was moving around like mad, doing flips and turns. it was great.

i'll likely not have another ultrasound until 20 weeks and i'm going to miss seeing my little baby grow.

~~

a TMI question perhaps: i know that a lot of us have been dealing with the not-so-fun constipation issues, but has anyone had random bouts of, um, not being constipated? twice this week i've had random bouts of diarrhea (cannot believe i'm posting this on the internet) only to be followed by more constipation. what gives?

~~

another question for RO: will your kiddos have separate rooms or sleep in the same room? we're currently hoping to keep the new babe with us for a few months and then move the kids in together. rachel will be 20 months when the baby's born and 2+ when we move them in together. is 2 too young for a big kid bed?

[LyLMyssChaos]

another question for RO: will your kiddos have separate rooms or sleep in the same room? we're currently hoping to keep the new babe with us for a few months and then move the kids in together. rachel will be 20 months when the baby's born and 2+ when we move them in together. is 2 too young for a big kid bed?

Our DD moved into a toddler bed at 21 months when our son was born so that he could have the crib. They currently have seperate rooms, but when this baby is born, we will keep it in our room with us for probably about 6 months (until our son is old enough for the toddler bed) and then we will get a new bed for DD and he will move in with her. Then the baby will be moved into what is currently our sons room until it is old enough, then depending on if it's a girl or boy, we'll either move my son back into the "boy room" or move the baby into "the girl room."

[batgirl]

Oh Dawny How scary! So glad your sister and mom are okay.

MSH DH and I had previously decided not to find out the gender, but now DH is trying to convince me otherwise. He keeps looking for a penis on all the u/s! I am trying to stay stong and not find out, but now I'm worried I'm gonna cave! We'll see.

Oops, gotta run. Lab meeting (yawn!)

Hope everyone is feeling well. And hopefully we all get to sleep in tomorrow!

[Adam's Pi]

Question for RO's We'll be moving before #2 comes along, and will set up DS room with the crib, but are hoping he'll be done with it shortly thereafter. We'll set up #2's room but without a bed/crib. We're planning to use the bassinet in our room as long as we can (DS didn't last long in there with us--he didn't sleep well at all until we moved him into his own room, go figure). If DS isn't done with the crib yet we'll either use the PNP or buy a second crib. We're really hoping to avoid buying a second crib.

[dionysia]

It's all good news!

(Some of this is old news since I got some of these results back a few weeks ago.)

I've lost 3lbs since my last visit. My BP is good, all the stuff they tested for in my urine & blood is fine. No high sugars, no anemia, I'm not a cystic fibrosis carrier, I'm Rh+, no Hep B or syphilis ;), I've never had varicella/chicken pox (My OB recommended I have the vaccine after the baby's born and be VERY careful about exposure while pregnant), I've been exposed to toxoplasmosis, but it's an old exposure (i.e., Spring, my childhood cat, and not Jack, Jill, or Pixie) so DH still needs to clean out the litter box. ;)

This visit they took blood to do the first phase of the AFP/quad screen/maternal serum screening test. I will have blood drawn for the second phase at my next appointment (April 6).

We got to hear the heartbeat! Fasolaki was a bit shy, so we only heard the heartbeat for a few seconds. Dr. K said it sounded good; in the 160 bpm range. I'm not sure if DH was close enough to hear.

I am scheduled for a Level 1 ultrasound on April 20. Hopefully Fasolaki will be less shy and we'll get to find out if it's a girl or boy!!!

Di

[RosegardenC]

Today is a good day, Im at 12 weeks, and I am getting excited about my appt next week. I will be at 13 weeks and I hope we hear the heartbeat! Im thinking about bringing the boys to the appt, it might be good for the youngest to make it more tangable, it seems like he is kind of in denial.. even at 12 he still ejoys his roll as "baby".

I glad to see that more and more of us are turning the corner and getting over the MS! GO SEPT MOMMIES! YAY!:D

We have decided we arent going to move, its just too much on top of everything else, and the more we talked the less it was appealing, I mean WHY OH WHY was I thinking of going to a higher rent right before the baby?! So instead we are going to upgrade our standard of living where we are, we are going to finish a room in the basement (its already studded out for walls and has elec.) and move the DS#1 down there, he WANTS to be "in the dungeon" as he says (going on 15, what can I say...) move DS#2 to DS#!'s old room as its bigger and at the front of the house and make DS#2's room into the nursery, which totally makes sense as its attached to our room by a door. We are going to paint the living/dining room and the bathroom, and paint and wall paper the kitchen. And then buy some new furniture and have my couch reupolstered. Our landlady doesnt care if we do upgrades to the house, but she wont pay for them, and well, I dont care, I think if we put a fresh coat of paint on the old barn it will feel SO MUCH better! So thats the plan at this point, and I happy with it! I like doing projects with my hunny, and I really do like where we live now, so if we can just make it feel a bit better / cleaner than why move? Besides then we have no issues next year with the schools either, we like the Jr high DS#1 goes to now, which is where #2 will go next year and we live maybe 10 or 12 blocks from the High school that #1 wants to attend..

[mommy2AlliWill]

QOTD: My two older kids will be sharing a room and the baby will go in the crib in his/her own room from the first night home.

Sorry to just pop in & run but we have been so busy here for a few days. Will check in more soon.

[dana b]

11 w

haven't posted in a while, but i'm reading along :)
will your kiddos have separate rooms or sleep in the same room? they will share a room but not for a while. we like to co-sleep for the first year, so hopefully at that time they'll both be able to sleep in the same room. we are putting my dd into a twin bed before the new baby is born though, the crib will still be in there as well if she prefers that, i doubt she will. right now i'm just worried about storage, we need another dresser and there's no closet in that room, i think there was one at one time and we can re-build it, but the room will be so much smaller.

[{b}]

13 weeks, 5 days.

How is it that the last two days my stomach has been more "off" than practically the whole first trimester? WTH?

Anyone else feeling totally lazy? I just can't seem to get anything done!

[roadrunner]

I've felt great all day!! And, DH got a new job! He had the interview almost a month ago, and figured he didn't get it, but they called today! We're pretty excited about it! Hmmm. Now that means that MIL will be babysitting. One spoiled 2 year old coming up!

Dropping off 14W4D belly photos. I'm way bigger than 14 weeks with #1.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v606/suziemci/14W4D004.jpg

ETA: Excuse the fugly bathroom. It's the spare powder room in the basement. We lovingly call it the 'outhouse'. So you get the idea of what it looks like.

[craftgenius]

Dawny - WOW! Your baby is really popping out! I've read that women tend to start showing earlier with the second pregnancy because the stomach muscles loosened with the first pregnancy.


I had my 14 week ultrasound on Thursday. It went really well. DH and my mom went with me. The doctor wanted to check my cervix to make sure it was still "long." She's concerned about it because she said that fibroids sometimes cause the cervix to "shorten" prematurely because they are pushing down on it...which is what could cause premature labor. Apparently, the cervix becomes shorter and shorter as you get closer to delivery. The ultrasound tech said that everything looked great and that the cervix was 5.9 cm...which is really good. The baby was really moving around!! It was so amazing! The baby has really grown since the last ultrasound (which was 9 weeks)! The baby is measuring 13.6 cm. She measured the baby's head and I could actually see the brain!! :eek: The little legs and arms have really grown! I could see the ribs and the spine! It was really cool!!! The heartbeat was beating away at 158 bpm. After the ultrasound I had to go to see the doctor so she could review the results and go over everything with me. I had to wait for an hour and a half for her to talk to me for 5 minutes!!! :mad: Anyway, the doctor was VERY pleased with everything...she said my cervix looked GREAT...she said, "You've got the best cervix in the house!" She said that the baby was looking really great and was measuring right on schedule, said that my amniotic fluid volume was good and that the fibroids are not pressing on the sac. So I am SO HAPPY!! My mom was pretty excited and amazed to see everything and so was DH.

[Aletheia]

"You've got the best cervix in the house!"

Funny, isn't it, how phrases you wouldn't expect can become music to your ears. :) Congratulations, craftgenius! Sounds like that was a great appointment.

Here's my own case in point: We ate out last night, and when we got home and were changing to get into bed, DH saw me in my camisole and said "Wow! You really are starting to expand!" In any other circumstances, that would have earned him a beating. :D

[Adam's Pi]

Woo hoo! I made it to 12 weeks! I'm really happy that today came. :D

craftgenius So happy to hear the good results!

Dawny Woah! And I mean that in the nicest way. You look great!

Since Dawny was so brave, I guess I can share too.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v628/karen_w/WebDSC03499.jpg
This was taken 11w3d. I'm pretty sure I grew overnight last night, so I look even bigger today.

[UTChick]

Any migraine sufferers here?

If so, let me give you an FYI. There is more we can take than just Tylenol for them, but only under a doctor's direction. When I got one on Sunday, I assumed that I couldn't take anything other than Tylenol. I tried to go back to work on Tuesday only to have it come back so I stopped at my doctor's office on the way home and they squeezed me in. Because it was day 3 of my migraine, he gave me an Imitrex because he deemed it necessary. I also got a Rx for Darvacet in case this happens again. Just wanted to pass this along in case anyone else gets in this situation. Call your doctor - don't wait as long as I did. There is something they can do for you.

Ok...PSA over - just don't want anyone to go through that.


I started back at my gym's bootcamp this morning. I have modifications so I won't overdo it, but it felt great to work out again. I can't believe I will be 16 weeks on Monday. Time is really flying by. We are having pretty warm weather here in Texas so I need to go shopping again to get cropped pants and some skirts. I am on Spring Break for the next week, so I am going to take this opportunity to start looking at cribs. I want to be able to take my time looking and deciding so that when it comes time to order, I already know what I want and won't feel rushed to make a decision. We are getting our new bed this week - king size! We can't wait - our backs are so ready for a new mattress. I hope I will be able to sleep better.

Have a great weekend everyone! I need to post pics, but I will have to transfer everything from shutterfly to another host, so it may take me a few days. Take care ladies!

[Camdynlyn]

I have my next appointment Monday and I will be 15 weeks. I'm going to ask about my non-weight gain (still holding strong at -9 pounds), sickness and the mild cramping I've had. No blood but just cramping.

I didn't post my latest belly pic. My bump has risen... literally. It was really low and now it's moved up higher. I know this is the time the uterus is rising/expanding, too.

Here you go: 14w2d
http://static.flickr.com/41/109894905_840f17b74e_m.jpg

I'm also behind on a picture of me. Here's one of us (I'm trying to find some that I do not have on Shutterfly since the change) on our honeymoon.

http://static.flickr.com/52/110989854_4918a14b73.jpg?v=0

[{b}]

Summer - Funny, I'm holding steady at -9 pounds, too! What's it about that number? Wierd, huh?

I haven't taken any belly pics yet, cause there's nothing to really see! A litle more pouchiness than was already there, you know? So Dh thinks I'm being ridiculous ordering $100 in Old Navy maternity pants already at 13 weeks, 6 days today, but man, all my pants are uncomfortable!

[2Jacks&Me]

Belly Pic Girls Wow everyone looks awesome!
I have sworn to take belly pics this time- wouldn't do it last time. But I haven't yet.

Kids rooming together Ours will. We have a 2 bedroom and aren't moving anytime soon. We were so unlucky to have the recalled Graco crib- so I think we have to buy two new cribs. The repair kit we got is junk.
DS will be 23 months and he sleeps mostly with us. Long story- but next one is NOT!

I have been so sick the last few days and today is the worst. DS got a cold monday and now it is mine. I have never felt so super crappy. My throat and head are taking a beating. I have been taking tylenol- but took a 25 mg benedryl 30 mins ago since I am dying here!
I took it last pg, but couldn't remember when it was ok. I looked it up, it is a catergory B drug and safe after first trimester, and probably before.
When I sneeze, i heave! UGH!
DH worked all day and we wound up missing my godson's 2nd b-day party.
I convinced my mom to come over to help me tonight since Dh is gone again tonight. She took DS to see my grandma in the nursing home so I get a true alone break- and look at me- typing away!

QOTDDumb- but we are so used to weeks, so tell me if I have it right- weeks 0-4 = 1 mos pg, 4-8wks= 2months, and so on?
I have been over analyzing it totally so now I confused myself!

One of my friends called this morning - she is pg after 5yrs TTC! They did go to a specialist- but refused the treatment.

Anyone use winkflash looks like my winkflash won't post either! Darn!

[UTChick]

Ok...a little late, but here is a picture of DH and me from 2003. This is one of our engagement pictures. It is a proof, that is why it has funny looking edges.

http://images.snapfish.com/3465437%3B3%7Ffp343%3Enu%3D324%3B%3E8%3B6%3E55%3A% 3EWSNRCG%3D32335839786%3A%3Anu0mrj


Here is my 13 week belly shot. I am going to do a 16 week in the morning, so I will post it tomorrow or Tuesday.

http://images.snapfish.com/346543755%7Ffp33%3B%3Enu%3D3233%3E492%3E973%3E2324 492%3A64%3B33ot1lsi

[{b}]

[shudder] Note to self: Don't even try to read the episiotomy thread, Especailly not at work. I made it through about three posts, and thought I was either going to vomit or pass out. Stop thinking about it. It's nothing to worry about now. Go one about your day. Think lovely thoughts. Think about baby booties... awww, widdle itty bitty baby socks... awwww, much better!

[goldengbridge]

Quick Episiotomy story. During my whole pregnancy I was totally against. I had it in my birth plan that I didn't want one. Fast forward to labor and delivery with DS. I pushed for 45 minutes and he just wouldn't come out. The Dr asked me "Can I do an Epi, it will makes things much easier." I declined and kept pushing for another 45 minutes until the Dr finally said that I was going to tear and if he cut me I would deliver immediately. I was exhausted and couldn't push another round so I agreed. DS was born the next push. I later found out that it was inevitable and if I wouldn't have been so stubborn and allowed it to begin with DS would have been born 45 earlier and I could have saved myself alot of trouble.

Long story short, it was bad at all. I didnt feel it and I was sore for a few weeks but it really wasn't that bad. Honestly.

Be back after my appointment tomorrow at 3!

[add homonym]

happy almost second trimester to almost everyone!

When do our hips start to spread? I could have sworn I was wider gonig out of the restaurant tonight than going it, and it had nothing to do with the potato soup I ate. And onion rings. Ouchy stretchies down lower than the uterus already.

question for second timers did you do any perineal massage and did it help? Or did it seem more that the way you pushed the kid out helped, or a combo? I'm trying to figure out how to reach it, much less massage it.

[Dotsie]

Hi all. Happy Monday. I started taking zofran on Saturday night and OMG it's a wonder drug. I've only gotten sick once since then. I've blossomed. My tummy is huge. I definitely look like I'm 4 months along.
My ds is sick. He came down with a cold last night. I have to take him to the dr's this afternoon. Poor guy:(
qotd ~ I did not do any perineal massaging. I did have an epi and a slight tear. They give you "ice pads" at the hospital and some kind of spray to numb it. Even without all that it didn't hurt. I was aware of that area after delivery but other than that, no big deal.

[MSH]

Good morning girls I hope everyone is feeling great today.

Our weekend was quite busy. I woke up on Saturday morning and DH was a doll and got me a glass of apple juice before I got out of bed. I then went to brush my teeth because we were going out. Well I had run out of toothpaste so I had to use this other tube we had. This stuff it horrible. I don't know why anyone would manufacture a toothpaste which tastes and smeels like cat breath (okay I don't really know what that tastes like). Yuck!! I can now say I have officially tossed my cookies once during PGcy ... and m/s had nothing to do with it. After that I just feelt terrible for the rest of the day. Sunday wasn't much better. I had to get up early as we were having a housewarming and I needed to do some cooking. I was so tired by the time everyone left. I just layed on the couch and went to sleep right after my shows.

Also I am still battling a cold ... for a good 3 months now. It is driving me crazy. My throat is so sore. I will have to call the Dr today to see what I could take/do to get rid of this or I will be misserable.

I am so freaking excited to see the baby again on Wednesday ... it cannot come soon enough. I asked for the whole day off so I could catch up on some sleep. The person who does our schedules came over and asked if I really wanted to use one of my vacation days from September as I would have to come back and work on a Friday. Well as they don't know about the PGcy yet I can understand how that may look strange but I refuse to use a full day of sick time as I am sure I may need it later.

[octoberkate]

Nausea is still in the house, although not as bad. The damn acid reflux/burping/indigestion on the other hand, has gotten horrible. I distinctly remember having a honeymoon period in between the puking and the indigestion last time and am NOT thrilled to be rushing right toward indigestion this time. Oh well. Time to stock up on Maalox or Mylanta or something.

Anti-Constipation - me too Chris. Something about the prenatals gives me "loose stools" shall we say. Not quite the Big D, but definitely not normal either. This happened to me last time too.

Two kids - sleeping arrangements - well, we've only got two acceptible bedrooms (a third is a refinished attic without insulation, we hope to fix this for ourselves eventually, and a fourth is in the basement - too far away for small kids) so the new baby will be sharing with someone. I think our current plan is going to be to try co-sleeping or, if that doesn't work (DS hated being in bed with us) move the crib into our room for a few months until new baby can sleep slightly longer stretches. DS, at 23 months, is still in his crib. He'll be getting a bed for his second birthday next month so we will have plenty of time to transition him from one to the other before the new baby arrives. The room the kids will share is TINY, so DS will be in a toddler bed. I am hopeful that, within the year, we'll finish the work on the attic/third floor bedroom so DH and I can move up there. Then, the children will likely both move into what is currently our master bed room - this is a big room so we'll be able to put DS1 into a twin bed. In that scenario, the current nursery will become the office (the room on the third floor is currently guest room and office but the twin bed won't fit into the nursery). Or we might move DS1 into our room and keep DC2 in the nursery and just scratch having an office all together - especially if DC2 is not a good sleeper (DS1 is an excellent sleeper and I don't want him overly disturbed if I can avoid it).

[ezl247]

Hi Ladies, hope everyone had a good weekend. Still feeling sick to my stomach, but have not thrown up in a while, which is good.

Constipation - oh yes, the pre-natals make me super constipated, just like they did last time. I take prenate elite which has a stool softener, but i guess it does not work for me..

Two kids - sleeping arrangements - I plan to transition my 2 yr old DD to a twin bed within the next 4 months, she will stay in her own room. I will put the new baby in our room for at least 4 months in a PNP or some type of bassinet. I plan to nurse so it is just easier for the night feedings. After that the new baby will move into their own room in DD's old crib.

[octoberkate]

ezl - happy birthday to your DD!

[dana b]

perineal massage i didn't. i had a small 1st degree tear on the inside (not perineum) and no epi. i didn't do kegels either, i hate kegels! i had a 3 hr labor and pushed for 30 mins.

dotsie isn't zofran the best? i still throw up on it, but not as bad as without it. don't forget your colace, i take 2 a day and the constipation is still awful. when did your m/s end with your ds? i'm hoping mine won't go longer than it did last time.

[Dotsie]

Dana ~ Thanks about the colace. I have been so constipated. I'll have to go get some today. I was wondering about that. My m/s ended at about 13 weeks with my DS. I'm 15 today and without zofran it would still be here. If I'm late taking my pill I get nauseous. Just a gentle reminder to let me know I need to take it.

[dionysia]

13w1d. Whoa.

:)

Di

[luvvy330]

Hi Ladies!
I think that I am officially in the honeymoon phase. Its been a couple of weeks since I have been nauseous and about 1.5 wks since I've needed to take a nap. I hope that everyone of you will be reporting the same news shortly.

Sleeping arrangements: If we have another boy, at some point the kids will share a room. We will co-sleep after the first month or so because it was easiest for me to keep up with BFing the first go around.

Perineal massage: I didnt do it the first time but I will try it this time. I had to get an Epi with DS and to this day DH says that this was the one thing he witnessed that almost made him pass out. I didnt feel it when the Dr cut me but I felt it the next day and for a couple of weeks after delivery. But I have to agree with Goldengbridge, it wasn't that horrible for me. There are lots of ways to soothe it.

[2Jacks&Me]

Perineal massage didn't do it, thought it sounded wierd. I was totally freaked about episiotomy and I lucked out totally NO EPI NO TEAR!!!
I pushed 2 hours and was elated to have DS slide out easily. When DR. said no tears no epis! I wanted to jump up and scream!
I would now recommend perineal masage to everyone just to avoid epi and tear if possible. Recovery for me was a breeze!

[ocgatita]

Glad to hear that some of you are feeling better.

I am here and exhausted. I can't stay up past 10 anymore which means that I missed Grey's Anatomy last night :rolleyes: but DH reminded me that this is why we have Tivo. Oh well, I guess being tired all the time is fair since I didn't really get hit badly at all w/ morning sickness.

I am growing and growing. I am almost embarassed of how big my belly bump is right now since this is my first.

I have heard some of you speak of movement but I have yet to feel any but its probably because I am only 14 weeks. I can't wait to feel the baby move :)

QOTD Did anyone rent a doppler? RO did you rent one w/ your first? Do you think it was worth it?

Take care ladies.

~Judy

[suiej]

It's almost 9PM, and I have to say, I feel pretty darn good, considering I'm usually about headed for bed at this point. I'm hoping this queasiness is gone, and I feel a bit more energetic!

ocgatita - I'm loving my Tivo these days, I record everything I sleep through!

Y'all are scaring me with this tearing and episiotomy talk!!

I have a question-- If you work, how long do you get for maternity leave? Just curious what most people get.

[Camdynlyn]

Appointment today
Well, I had my appointment today. I was really disappointed. I didn't like the doctor AT ALL. He was very short (probably because they were REALLY late getting us back and it was after 5-- end of workday). I voiced my concerns about the cramping earlier last week and all he said was, "You're fine." Okay. Then I told him about the little bit of blood and again, "You're fine." Then, I mentioned I was really concerned about the dizzy spells because it's not normal for me and how my Grandma has diabetes really bad and maybe it was my blood sugar. I told him it's happening more and more. His response?? "You're fine. It comes with the territory of pregnancy." Great, jackass!

I was really upset at his comments and lack of interest. I will seek a second opinion (not because I'm really worried but just because I want it recorded in my file!!). I also scheduled my ultrasound to find out the sex of the baby!! It's April 5th at 9:00am. Mom and Steffie are coming. I will take half a day off work, possibly a whole day, not sure. I will be 18w2d which should be fine. Then, I have my regular checkup appointment April 13 at 4pm. I'm really excited. 3 weeks!

Perineal Massage
Sounds sooo wrong but I'm all for it if it helps. I do kegals as well as squats daily.

Leave
I get 6 weeks off but have to use my vacation/sick time and then I have to pay $75/day out of my check for a sub. I get to keep whatever I get a day minus the sub. Yup, sucks! :(

Constipation
Getting better. Not AS bad any more and luckily... no more enemas. :o I do have a small hemeroid (did I just say that?) but it doesn't hurt. It's just there and really small. :rolleyes:

[{b}]

I disliked one of the docs I met with in my practice, too. My regular GYN has said come hell or high water, she wants to be the one catching, so hopefully I'll have her and not one of the other 4 docs in the practice. This guy just REALLY rubbed me the wrong way - I asked about c-section rates and he told me he thinks they should be WAY HIGHER. Which if you read between the lines at all in my comments and questions, you'd see was NOT the answer I was looking for. I just hope to avoid him, I like the other 4 docs so far. With my luck, he'll be the doc on call when I'm in labor though...

First day in maternity pants, and while they feel better than something tight, they're not the "oh-so-comfy" everyone raves about. Maybe because they are still SO BIG right now!

[2Jacks&Me]

Work I don't technically get anything since I work in an office with 4 employees we don't fall under the FMLA , but I told them I was taking 12 weeks. All of this time is unpaid,but I put away $ each paycheck to pay bills while I am off. It is tight,but you only have a newborn and time with them once! Plus I was totally useless up until week 10 last time!

Been scared to admit I have been feeling good lately. It is great isn't it.

bad doc I feel awful for you! That doc sounds cruddy. I hope you do find a better fit.
The good part about a yucky doc in the practice ( not your own) is that mostly the nurses do the work during labor. My doc just caught the baby and was patient enough to not rush to an episiotomy. But the nurses make or break the experience.
But you have to like your visits and be happy with the choices you make together.

rhoidsArgh. no hemmorhoids for me until 5 weeks post partum! WTF. I thought I made it through! Now they just exist- no pain- just hanging out! Wierd!

[mommy2AlliWill]

14 w 1 d
QOTD: Never rented a doppler, but I bet it would be so cool!

camdyn: sorry about the bad doc. I think sometimes they forget that they may see 100 pregnant woman a day but this is a new experience to you & they should treat it that way. Hope you have better luck with the next one. I really disliked one of the docs in my practice, when I found out she was the one doing my c-section with dd I cried & cried. Turned out to be great because she is the most experienced (who do you want doing surgery on you) and she didn't bother me at all the second time around.

I am off to drop the kids at my Mom's & then go get my blood drawn for the second parvo screen..wish me luck.


belly pic. This is from last week 13 w 4 d. Be kind since it is my 3rd baby:)
http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y19/mom2alliwill/100_1195.jpg

[goldengbridge]

Joann- You look great! I wish I looked that good and this is only my 2nd baby;)

My appointment went well. I didn't gain any weight which I'm happy about. Everything else looked great. HR was 130.

Camdynlyn- We're finding out on the same day! April 5th is my level II! Except I'll be 20 weeks. I wish I would find out earlier but oh well.

[batgirl]

Camdynlyn Sorry about your appt yesturday. Is he solo or part of a practice? Maybe you'll like the other docs there. Is it possible to schedule your appts for earlier in the day? I know you work, but they say if you can manage the first appt of the day the docs don't tend to be as rushed and you often don't have to wait as long.

Mommy2AlliWill you look great! Good luck with the parvo screen.

I am proud to say that I made it up to 10pm last night! This is quite an accomplishment for me. I have been really lucky so far (no m/s) just fatigue and tension headaches. Here's to entering the "honeymoon phase" (I hope!)

work Since I have not been here for 2years I don't get any paid time off. Just my vacation and sick leave (which I am hording). I can take up to a year off without losing my job. I am thinking about coming back part time after the baby, but don't really know for sure (don't really like my job much), plus DH and I will be moving, so I am tempted to stay home til the move, then go back to work at a new job full time after that.

doppler We won't be renting one.

[craftgenius]

Camdynlyn - I get 6 weeks off but have to use my vacation/sick time and then I have to pay $75/day out of my check for a sub. WHAT!!!??? That is so weird! You have to pay for your OWN sub??? Is this a public school where you work or a private school?? If it is a public school I am totally shocked that a public school system makes it's employees PAY for a substitute!!

My job falls under the family medical leave act so they are required to allow me at least 12 off...if I choose to take that much. I have to use my own sick time and if that runs out I can go into my vacation time. I plan on taking 8 weeks off...thank goodness it will be all paid time off. I would be taking 12 weeks off if I had not taken 6 weeks of my sick time off last January/February (2005) for some surgury I had.

I'm noticing a lot of your ladies are not liking your doctors and are meeting them for the first time during your first Ob visits. I'm curious why a lot of you are having to go to Ob doctors that you don't know. The doctor that will be delivering my baby is my regular Ob/Gyn. I have been going to her for years and she did my surgury last year. Do you guys have a regular Gyn and if so why aren't they delivering your babies? Just curious.

[UTChick]

Work~ I use all my sick/personal days first, then for the next 25 days I get docked $95 per day for the sub. After that, I get docked full pay. I plan to be out for 10 weeks.


Thought I would drop off my 16 week belly shot. I'll put in the 13 week for comparison. I have definitely grown a belly!

13 weeks
http://images.snapfish.com/346557%3B78%7Ffp33%3B%3Enu%3D3233%3E492%3E973%3E23 24492%3A64%3B33ot1lsi
16 weeks
http://images.snapfish.com/346557%3B78%7Ffp33%3A%3Enu%3D3233%3E493%3E2%3B%3A% 3E23244933%3A%3B682ot1lsi

By the way, I don't wear the same pj bottoms every night. I put those on to take the pic for comparison. ;)

[cosmic]

Appointment today I do kegals as well as squats daily.


I do Kegels, too. But hadn't thought about the squats. Do they help with birth?

[craftgenius]

I finally got some pictures uploaded to Snapfish.com...since shutterfly is tripping...

DH and I this past Christmas...I was PG and didn't know it!!!
http://images.snapfish.com/346558433%7Ffp343%3Enu%3D3248%3E%3B%3C5%3E%3B79%3E WSNRCG%3D3233586%3A3258%3Cnu0mrj

Me on my wedding day...
http://images.snapfish.com/346558433%7Ffp345%3Enu%3D3248%3E%3B%3C5%3E%3B79%3E WSNRCG%3D3233586%3A32593nu0mrj

http://images.snapfish.com/346558433%7Ffp33%3B%3Enu%3D3248%3E%3B%3C5%3E%3B79% 3EWSNRCG%3D32335869%3C2%3B9%3Bnu0mrj

http://images.snapfish.com/346558433%7Ffp339%3Enu%3D3248%3E%3B%3C5%3E%3B79%3E WSNRCG%3D3233586%3A32594nu0mrj

[craftgenius]

A couple more (I can't resist)...

My sweety pies...my neice and nephew (Chloe and Elijah)...and my furbaby (Trixie)...

http://images.snapfish.com/346558462%7Ffp344%3Enu%3D3248%3E%3B%3C5%3E%3B79%3E WSNRCG%3D32335869%3C94%3A5nu0mrj

http://images.snapfish.com/346558462%7Ffp33%3B%3Enu%3D3248%3E%3B%3C5%3E%3B79% 3EWSNRCG%3D32335869%3C8498nu0mrj

[luvvy330]

Camdynlyn: I would have been livid. He could have shown a little compassion.

Mommy2AlliandWill: Good luck with your tests.

UTChick: I see the progression, nice belly bump.

Craftgenius: You have a beautiful family. Your Christmas pic says it all. You were glowing in that photo.

[MSH]

Good morning girls ... I am having one of those days where I just do not want to work and am using CC as an excuse.

Mat leave I get a year off plus any sick/vacation time. Our leave is paid at 55% of your wage plus any extra your company offers. I don't believe my company gives you anything but 55% isn't too bad.

Bad Dr's So sorry to hear so many of you are not happy with your Dr's. This to me is one of the most important things in this whole experience. If you have the option I would probably look around and see if you could find someone who better matches your personality. Up here it is a little more difficult as there is a shortage on Drs and you pretty much have to take the one you get, if you get one at all. So far I am pretty happy with my Dr, thankfully.

craftgenius your neice and nephew are just adorable. Chloe is actually one of the top 3 girl names, DH and I have picked out. I love your wedding pictures. I remember them from the WC days.

I did not have a regular OB/GYN before as DH and I have been moving between Canada and Europe for about 5 years. We had a regular Drs pratice in each country. I first met my OB/GYN about 3 months before getting PG. We were refered there due to IF problems, once we got PG he just took over my care.

UTChick lol ... are you sure you don't wear those PJs every night ;) I do the same thing. It just makes it easier to compare. Your belly has definatly changed. I think many of us are now reaching the stage where the bump will pop out.

batgirl 10PM is huge in my book. I am ready to turn in at about 8-9PM. It is so strange as I used to be up till after midnight every day. Hopefully we will get some energy back this trimester.

goldengbridge Whoohoo for a great appointment. I cannot believe so many of you have already booked your level II's. I think mine will be in about 3-4 weeks. My OB said he would want to have it done about 3 weeks after my u/s tomorrow, however it will probably be a week later as I don't go to see him again until that week.

mommy2AlliWill You look so cute in your belly shot!

{b} ugh ... stay far far away from the c/s guy. I don't believe there is any reason to go that route unless it is medically necessary for either you or the baby (just my oppinion). I'm starting to get quite uncomfy in my pants especially, however, I think it is much too soon for mat wear. Plus I suppose it would look really funny as we haven't told anyone yet.

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

So far I am having a good day, which is actually quite surprising as my cold/cough has gotten much worse than it was. I had called both my GP and my OB and they are both off for March break ... WTH??! It is alright though as I am not much for meds anyways and I am sure it will wear off. It would concern me if I were closer to my due date.

[UTChick]

MSH~ I think I am going to have to find another pair. I am having trouble keeping them up since I am wearing them so low these days. :p

luvvy~ Thanks. I feel like my belly appeared overnight. Everything is shifting upward.

Camdynlyn~ I meant to tell you this earlier but forgot. :o Your concerns were legitimate and I would have been upset too for being blown off by the doctor. It really isn't too late to switch. Is there someone who could give you a good recommendation for an OB in your area?

[octoberkate]

Sigh. Now is the time that I really hate being at the end of our group. I want to be scheduling my level II (because I'm freakishly impatient to find out what gender child we're having) but more importantly, I DON'T WANT TO THROW UP ANYMORE. Last night my son had a really bad dream or something. He was up and screaming in the middle of the night, not like him. It took almost 2.5 hours to calm him back down... and during all that I had to leave him (making him scream more) twice so I could go puke. Bleagh. I'm so ready for trimester two....

Those of you having your big u/s on 4/5 - that's a great day! That's my son's birthday! We'll think good non-shy baby thoughts for you while we eat our monkey cupcakes.

Liking Your Doc - the practice I go to (which I started at six years ago, well before we started TTC) has three OB's. I LOVE two of them. The other one I had one appointment with and I thought she was extremely curt and I didn't like her at all. Luckily, I never had to deal with her again. You should be able to make appointments to get a doc that you like and who will help you with any questions or concerns that you may have. And honestly, whoever said the nurses do most of the L&D work is right - the doc isn't there for that much of it and it really shouldn't matter that much. (Disclaimer - unless you are in the situation where one doc really pushes c-sections or other interventions and another doc doesn't, in that case it would matter I think, but if they have similar philosophies and just different bedside manner then I really think they'll treat you the same.)

Tear v. Epi & Perineal Massage - I didn't do any massage but I don't know if it would've helped me. WARNING - STOP READING NOW IF YOU'RE SQUEAMISH. TMI ahead... I tore all the way from the hoochie to the butthole, and I tore through several layers of muscle. All told it required over 60 stitches to repair. We think this is partly because a) apparently my hoochie is the only small part of me b) DS has a monster head and linebacker shoulders c) DS was sideways and came out on a diagonal. I didn't feel the tear (I had an epidural) and I don't remember when it happened. I do remember that the OB was stitching forever when all I wanted to do was close my legs and hold my baby. That said, at my 6week post partum checkup, the OB (not the one who delivered me) said it had healed so well she couldn't even tell I had torn. They do give you some numbing medicine and to be honest, that part of me didn't even hurt all that much. What hurt was pooping. I was seriously afraid to poo for three months because it hurt so bad - this MIGHT have been alleviated if I had gotten the prescription for stool softener that I needed but didn't know to ask for. Once given the all clear for sex we waited a few extra weeks, mostly because I was nervous. And I'll tell you the truth, that did hurt for a few months - but not because of the tear. Mostly because, for some unknown reason, after DS's birth my body just decided it wanted to become as dry as the sahara. Never needing lube before, it seriously took me months to figure out that was what was wrong.

Maternity Leave - I work for the gov't where you are allowed to take up to 6 months off however you are not given any specific "maternity leave" - you can use whatever annual or sick leave you might have saved up. Last time I wanted to take 12 weeks and I didn't have close to that much leave. I divvied my leave schedule so that, for every 10 day (ie 2 week) pay period, I got paid for seven days and took three as leave without pay. It worked well in that I always got a paycheck and, as long as I'm using a majority of paid leave of some sort, I can still earn leave. So when I started the 12 weeks I didn't actually have enough hours for all that, but I earned a few days while I was out.

Hmmm... guess I've blathered on enough, I better do some work.

[twink]

octoberkate You and me both. I am reading about the Level II and thinking I still have 8 weeks to go until I am there! Sucks, but then I read about tearing and epi's and think - thank goodness I have a bit more time before those things! ;)

Maternity Leave I will take the full 12 weeks through FMLA and as much vacation time as I have left to make it last until the end of the year. January 2, 2007 is going to be a bad day, I can feel it already. :)

[brenda]

Level II - Thanks for the reminder, I have to call and schedule that today!

Maternity Leave - My company only offers FMLA, and since I don't/won't qualify I've decided to go back to part-time work for now. After the baby, I'll take 8 weeks and then go back to part-time. I work from home, so it's super-doable. I'll be able to work when DH is home.

[dionysia]

I'll take Short-Term Disability/FMLA for 12 weeks. Between the income replacement with our STD policy and my accrued PTO, I will be paid at 100% for the entire leave, except for 3 weeks at 80%.

Di

[babywish]

Seems like if I have not been here for ever, but just that you know girls I have been reading along. Couple of updates here I am finding out the sex on April 7th appointment, they gave me an appt for 4/03 but unfortunately DH couldn't make it, so we had to schedule it for later on that week :( .

I finally got the chance to upload my pictures in snapfish, so hopefully you will be able to see them now, thread mistress please past the u/s pic as well as 4w and 14w5d belly shots on the front page

Lets see if it works, first family pictures...

Us on our wedding day
http://images.snapfish.com/3465595%3C%3A%7Ffp33%3B%3Enu%3D3279%3E24%3B%3E799% 3EWSNRCG%3D32335898%3C23%3A6nu0mrj

Us the day we got our BPF
http://images.snapfish.com/346559643%7Ffp339%3Enu%3D3279%3E24%3B%3E799%3EWSNR CG%3D32335898%3C7856nu0mrj

Our baby
http://images.snapfish.com/346559643%7Ffp345%3Enu%3D3279%3E24%3B%3E799%3EWSNR CG%3D32335898%3C83%3B8nu0mrj
http://images.snapfish.com/3465596%3A8%7Ffp343%3Enu%3D3233%3E498%3E89%3A%3E23 2449898%3B67%3Aot1lsi

[babywish]

Belly shots for comparison sake

4w2d
http://images.snapfish.com/3465595%3C%3A%7Ffp344%3Enu%3D3279%3E24%3B%3E799%3E WSNRCG%3D32335898%3C23%3A5nu0mrj

14w5d
http://images.snapfish.com/346559643%7Ffp342%3Enu%3D3279%3E24%3B%3E799%3EWSNR CG%3D32335898%3C7857nu0mrj

Yikes! I wish I had more of a bump than not the whole tummy growing :rolleyes:

12w4d u/s
http://images.snapfish.com/3465595%3C%3A%7Ffp345%3Enu%3D3279%3E24%3B%3E799%3E WSNRCG%3D32335898%3B%3B45%3Anu0mrj

Sorry no time for SO's today, but I promise to be back.

[Camdynlyn]

Thank you to all for the sympathy for my bad doctor!! Here's a little more information:

My practice has 6 doctors (3 female and 3 male) and I've liked 2 out of the 3 I've seen. They make us rotate through them all even though I have a set doctor (whom I really like). I guess it's a shot in the dark sometimes. A girl on here also had this doctor start her labor and said she liked him. Maybe he was having a bad day. Either way, I will recommend to not have him again.

Squats Can't remember who asked
Squats are said to help with the stretching of preneal area and are good to do during labor as well to help with that. I do them nightly.


**
Doing well today. Still sick and hungry (ate 2 pieces of school pizza :o ). I'm supposed to head to a Baby sale today. It ends at 9pm so I have plenty of time. I will post back in here if I go and find anything.

[craftgenius]

I forgot to mention that my next dr's appt is March 23 and my Level II ultrasound is April 6!!! :D

[Camdynlyn]

Octoberkate: Thank you so much for that information about the tears and all. I do not think I'm nervous about the tear, just nervous about it hurting. I plan to get information from my mom to see if she tore and figure out what this pereneal massage thing is.

[octoberkate]

Camdynlyn - no problem, I just really didn't want to freak anyone out. I think my tear was just about as bad as it can get and I survived. Moving and sitting and general daily life stuff wasn't painful. Peeing stung a little bit (you get a squeeze bottle and you're supposed to squirt lukewarm water at the hoochie during and after peeing to rinse the acid stuff off the tear so it doesn't sting) but was manageable. The doc can also give you this stuff called "epi-foam" that is a little tingly but then numbs the area so you really don't feel any pain and you can also use something like Tuck's or other hemmhoroid pads (or just something with witch hazel) to soothe any other stinging. Really, even with a very bad tear, the pain isn't that bad at all and when it is noticeable it's easy to treat and soothe.

[twink]

Oops - forgot to update that my next appointment is April 6.

Here is the information I found on perineal massage for those that are interested. This information was taken from the website: http://www.birthingnaturally.net/cn/technique/perineal.html

Perineal Massage

What is perineal massage?
Perineal massage is the gentle stretching and massaging of the perineum (skin between the anus and vagina) during the last few weeks of pregnancy. This has been shown to reduce the incidence of episiotomy and perineal tears during childbirth.

Why does perineal massage work?

Perineal massage does not "lengthen" the tissues of the perineum. However, it does increase the stretch in two ways.

First, perineal massage is done with a cold pressed oil, which lubricates the tissue making it softer, more supple and improving is flexibility. This makes it easier for the tissues to stretch as the baby is born.

Second, perineal massage familiarizes the mother with the stretching sensations she will feel as the baby is born. This helps her learn to keep her perineal area relaxed during the stretching of crowning which can help prevent tears.

How do I do it?

Perineal massage can be done by the mother or her partner. The mother should be in a comfortable place, sitting or reclining in a way that gives access to the skin around the vagina. It can be done for up to 10 minutes a day during the last four weeks of pregnancy.

Wash hands thoroughly. Ensure there are no sharp or long nails that may scratch the mother.
Locate the perineum, directly below the vagina. It is the skin between the vagina and the anus. Apply some cold pressed and pure oil (such as olive oil) to this skin.
Place the thumbs at the base of the vagina, allowing them the slide inside the vagina (to about the first joint) moving some oil with them.
Using gentle but firm pressure, move the thumbs from the base of the vagina up the side walls as if you were making a "U".
Return the thumbs to the base of the vagina, and repeat procedure
As the mother becomes more comfortable with the stretch, you may increase the amount you stretch the skin.

Some sample perineal massage techniques:

The mother may perform perineal massage as part of her daily bathing routine, before her bath or shower.

The mother and partner may enjoy the stimulation of perineal massage before intercourse.

The mother may perform perineal massage as part of a nightly relaxation routine before going to bed.

[batgirl]

Twink, thanks for your post, but...

:eek:

people do that????

I know I sound like a high school girl, but ew!

[LyLMyssChaos]

Let's see if I can get caught up on all of the QOTD's:
I had a 3rd degree tear (http://www.gpnotebook.co.uk/simplepage.cfm?ID=x20050606103654356350) with my daughter, which is just about the worst you can get. It took about 45 minutes to an hour to stitch it up and it was painful for a few days, but the surgeon that stiched it up told me what to do and I sat on LOTS of ice at first, and then as long as I took my time walking or sitting down, it didn't hurt so bad. I had an episiotomy with my son, and I tell ya, that one hurt WAY worse afterward.

We haven't scheduled our level 2 yet, mostly because I will be having it done by the perinatologist instead of my "regular OB." DH and I have been tossing around the idea of not finding out this time since we already have "one of each" and we have been seriously thinking that this may be our last child.

Crummy doctors are no fun and if you can change now, I would. Or at least make a request that you didn't care for that doctor because of how you were treated. The last thing you want to deal with is a jerk doctor when you are in labor.

I am not sure if I missed anything, but I hope everyone is doing well and either already enjoying or preparing to enjoy the "honeymoon period" of pregnancy!

[Camdynlyn]

Okay... I may be rethinking the idea of the massage. Even Octoberkate's information didn't freak me out but that made me feel sick. :(

[twink]

Sorry - didn't mean to gross everyone out, but I was curious as to what this is all about. That site said to start 4 weeks before the due date, so there is time to think about it.

[brenda]

If you think about it, it's really no weirder than sex. Hey, if it'll keep me from tearing or needing to get cut, I'll do it.

[Aletheia]

[threadmistress hat]
hey babywish- cute pics! I'd love to post your old photos, but they disappeared with the great shutterfly lock-down, and so are inaccesible for reposting.
[/threadmistress hat]

I'll be 16 weeks tomorrow! Woo hoo!

[{b}]

Waiting for 3 pairs of maternity work pants, one pair of jeans and one pair of denim capris to come from Old Navy. I have one pair of comfy jeans anymore!

I'm pretty sure, as long as you don't get full panal yet, and wear long sweaters/untucked shirts, etc., no one will be able to tell they're maternity.

We saw 5 condos today on our househunting journey! Such fun! And while we eliminated 3 of them, 2 have our attention, as well as one we saw last week. Going to talk about putting in an offer, I think! I can't WAIT to move!

[cosmic]

I just ordered some Old Navy stuff, too! :D

One pair of pants, one pair of jeans and a couple of tops. I need the pants and jeans most of all.

[Dotsie]

I am so tired today I can barely keep my head up. We had a potluck lunch at work today and I completely over ate. That's not going to help wake me up at all.

[ocgatita]

I am wearing maternity jeans today :o but they are oh so very comfy! LOL!

I will need to order some more since I only have this pair that I got at Old Navy. I ordered the size small and they are a little big but I figure I'll grow into them.

I have been feeling a lot better since yesterday! I am not as exhausted so I am hoping that I am entering the honeymoon phase of the 2nd trimester :)

Hope everyone is feeling as good as or better than I.

~Judy

[babywish]

Aletheia sorry I have been out of the loop, but I thought you said that if we posted the pictures from somewhere else than shutterfly could be posted? Or you mean that even if these are in snapfish they can't be posted because they were once posted in shutterfly? I am completely confused :cool: If that is the case... you can't post anything that was posted in shutterfly you should still be able to post my last belly shot. Sorry for being a PIA, just trying to understand what is going on.

[MSH]

I had my 2nd u/s today, which was great. I will come back later with more details and of course pictures. My morning started off pretty rough so I am going to go have a nap.

Hope everytone is having a great day.

[twink]

Yesterday I called my insurance to confirm the pregnancy and due date and they sign me up for this maternity benefit where you have a nurse on call 24 hours a day to ask any questions that may come up. Sounds great, right? Well, we are talking during the initial consultation and for the most part - I'm agreeing with the nurse 100%. Then she asks how many sweets I eat a day. I say I usually have one piece of cake or a bowl of ice cream a night - not a huge portion, just a bit to satisfy my sweet tooth. She tells me that I should cut out sweets all together because it is not good for the baby. :eek: I kind of laughed because I thought she was joking at first, but she was definitely serious. I told her that it was unrealistic to expect that any person, pregnant or not, is going to completely cut out sweets from their diet. I was so shocked I have to ask you ladies - what have your doctors said on the subject of eating sweets?

[UTChick]

My doctor hasn't said anything about sweets specifically. He just said I will need to start eating smaller meals frequently throughout the day because I will get hungry easily but don't need to overeat. I personally think that moderation is the key. I will have a few spoonfuls of ice cream or frozen yogurt at night or sometimes I will bake two mini break and bake cookies and have those with a glass of skim milk. Just a little something sweet, but definitely not much. I don't think what you are doing is a problem. It's not like you are eating the entire cake at one time or anything! ;)

[twink]

UTChick Thank you! It's not like I said I eat a gallon of ice cream every night, but I wasn't going to lie and say that I never ate sweets. I'm a human being! ;)

[UTChick]

Yeah, I don't want to go overboard, but I am not depriving myself either. Plus, ice cream has calcium! :)

[babywish]

I tried to avoid sweets as much as possible, I definetly do dessert once a week and days like today when I feel like it I eat as many sweets as I can... I just got back from work and probably had 20 tootsie rolls... I am sugared up!

[roadrunner]

Just wanted to pop by and say hi! I can't keep up with this thread!

I'm still feeling really good. It's like someone flipped a switch, and all of a sudden, I feel fine!

I felt my first 'flutter' yesterday evening. I recognized the feeling right away, it's very different than gas. :p

I'm having serious fruit cravings. I have to start every day with a pink grapefruit, and then continue to eat fruit all day. I just inhaled an orange. The only other craving is mexican food.

Sugar? I wouldn't worry about it. We all consume sweets, and I don't think it will do any harm to our babies. Everything in moderation is the way I look at it.

Hope everyone is feeling ok.

[dana b]

twink that is so lame, i've never heard any such thing. they probably make them say that so you don't end up with gd. of course you shouldn't go overboard, but nothing! that's ridiculous.

cravings milk! whole milk. i wish i could drink a gallon of it, i can barely drink any fluids, i can only take sips. with my dd, my cravings (after the m/s) were milk, spinach and brussel sprouts, go figure.

dawny yay for feeling better, i can't wait for week 15.

[brenda]

Twink - My mid-wife told me to eat vanilla ice cream (in moderation) to help with the hellacious heartburn. That nurse was being more than a little ridiculous.

[UTChick]

Dawny~ I am craving fruit like crazy, too. Fruit and salads are all I want most days. Strawberries, oranges, pineapple...the list goes on and on.

[Koala_Gurl]

twink - I ate so much chocolate and ice cream with DD, and she turned out just fine (I passed my GD test w/ flying colors too...go figure!) Sure I gained about 70 lbs, but oh well, I enjoyed every second of it! ;)

QOTD - Well, question of the other day! I rented a doppler for DD, and got lazy and kept forgetting to return it...so I ended up buying it (since I had paid all but $100 of it...I figured I'd pay at least that again to rent it for this PGy.)

[brenda]

Anyway feeling bad about their diet - I had 2 bowls of ice cream for dinner. I just couldn't face anything hot or that required chewing. Sad, but I needed to get something down, and only ice cream would slide down my sad, heartburn ravaged throat.

[MSH]

This is a cross post from my LJ entry from yesterday evening

Alrighty, I will start with my belly shots. Not too much happening between 12 and 13 weeks but compared to 6 weeks it is quite the difference.

As always I will start with my early PGcy belly shot for comparison. Quite the difference I must say. This is really 6w3d

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y137/mrs_natalie/27.jpg

And most recently my 13 week shots

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y137/mrs_natalie/14.jpg

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y137/mrs_natalie/14_2.jpg

More about my morning. I woke up several times during the night coughing like you wouldn't believe. At times I couldn't breathe, it was quite scary. When I did wake up the coughing got even worse. I got up at 9am to empty my bladder and then proceeded to drink the 40oz of water for the u/s. I was told to finish drinking by 9:30am. I was almost able to complete this thanks to our handy water filter/cooler, while watching "A Baby Story". *TMI coming up* However, thanks to another cough attack it was all for nothing. I called DH down to help me and told him he better get me a bowl because I thought I would end up throwing up. He didn't even make it to the kitchen before it was too late. I was sitting on our brand new couch, so I leaned forward so it wouldn't get on it. This only resulted in the coffee table and floor taking the hit. I was so upset I started crying. I figured it wasn't too late and I would just drink some more water real quick and I would be fine for the u/s .... well 30 mins later we had the encore. At this point I got really upset and called the u/s place to see if I should even bother coming in as it was much too late for me to drink the water plus I really didn't feel that great. They told me to just come in. Sip on water and they would do what they could.

We went to the u/s place and I managed to drink another 11oz on the way. I could feel some pressure on my bladder so I figured there would have to be some water in there from the morning. They called me in and the u/s tech was wonderful!! The first thing she said was my bladder wasn't full but it was alright as the baby was cooperating and in a good position. She managed to get all the shots and measurements she needed. She then called DH in and he got to see the baby. It was funny because as soon as DH came in the baby lifted its hand up, it looked like it was waving at us.

One funny thing, which happed during the u/s was I started coughing and the dobbler jumped right off my belly. We were joking it was the baby kicking.

My sweet little baby, waving at DH when he came into the room I cannot believe how much detail you can see already.

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y137/mrs_natalie/15.jpg

After we got home I just took a nap. Made dinner and just now went out to buy some Kleenex. I had hoped to get some cough medicine or candies but the pharmacist suggested I just drink plenty of water and go to the walk in if it got worse (my OB and GP are both off for March break). I don't really feel comfortable taking meds without speaking with my OB and wouldn't normally even if I weren't PG.

sweets There is no way I could give up sweets entirely. My OB hasn't mentioned this to me either. He has only encouraged me to eat more fish (not something I usually eat a lot of). Now if I do have icecream I tend to eat it with some fruit ... to even it out a bit. Can't be all bad if I eat fruit also :)

[suiej]

Add me to the list of people feeling better! Ladies, I actually COOKED DINNER for the first time in like, months the other night. I feel far more energetic these days, and I've even taken up walking and getting some exercise again. Feels great.

I only get a little queasy just before bedtime, but I honestly think it's mostly psychological, since that was when things usually were the worst for me.

Wore the Old Navy low rise Maternity pants for the first time yesterday. Not so good, they felt like they were about to fall down all day, so I think I'm going shopping this weekend for alternatives.

Sweets I've been crazy for easter candy lately. It makes me happy. I haven't been told otherwise to eliminate it, just to have it in moderation. I've been craving fruit, as well, I really wish melon was in season, so it wouldn't be so darn expensive!

[mommy2AlliWill]

Glad everyone seems to be feeling better!


suiej- I think Old Navy maternity runs HUGE, at least the pants. You may want to go to an Old Navy store that has stuff you can try on or go a size smaller than normal.

[cosmic]

I'm having serious fruit cravings. I have to start every day with a pink grapefruit, and then continue to eat fruit all day. I just inhaled an orange.

I'm having the same craving. I've been starting and ending the day with fruit, especially nectarines. It's probably the reason why I haven't gained any weight yet, but the doctor says it's fine because the fruit is keeping me , um, "regular". Being was horrible.
I also noticed a craving for Mexican and Italian foods. Then I realized I was really craving the tomatoes and tomato sauce. So crazy!

[craftgenius]

MSH - WOW! Look at that profile!!! And the little hand waving!!! I'm amazed by the detail! I've heard several ladies say that they had to fill their bladder before an ultrasound. But everytime I have gone for an ultrasound they have told me to EMPTY my bladder before going in. At first I thought you needed an empty bladder for an internal ultrasound. But this last time, I called the ultrasound office in advance to ask if I needed to fill my bladder since I was going to be having my first abdominal ultrasound, and they said no. I got the impression from my brief conversation with them that not all types of ultrasound equipment requires a full bladder. Oh well...but I'm glad I don't have to have a full bladder prior to having my ultrasounds!! That would be miserable!

Sweets - I have never heard anyone to say stop eating sweets during pregnancy because it was bad for the baby!!! One of the nurses at my doctor's office told me that I will probably need to not eat any sweets during week I will be taking my gestational diabetes test...but that's it.

[dionysia]

13w4d

I am feeling better as well. Still very tired though.

The fruit craving this week has been for pineapple. Last week it was for Clementines. I need to buy more fruit today.

My fracking tailbone hurts like hell though. I had to sit on a heating pad last night. It hurts to walk sometimes and turning over in bed is a PITA (literally!).

Sweets - my doc said in moderation like one is supposed to when one is not pregnant. My downfall is Edy's Grand Light Mint Chocolate Chip ice cream. At least it's Light!! ;)

Di

[UTChick]

My downfall is Edy's Grand Light Mint Chocolate Chip ice cream. At least it's Light!! ;)

This exact ice cream is in my freezer right now! :)

[add homonym]

Perin Massage - thanks for the info. Sounds like the way go to. When I see my doc next month I'll ask about his thoughts on tear versus cut.

October - eeeee! That's bad. I've had one friend with a fourth degree and from her discription it wasn't great but she's healed well.

Maternity Leave - I'm required to use a certain number of days (not sure how many) of my own leave days, then they tack on 5 weeks of partial-pay disability leave for vaginal births and 7 weeks of partial-pay disability leave for cesarean births. I can take unpaid leave after that but I can't really afford it. Though taking all of Sept, Oct, and Nov would be nice - things are so quiet in at the office December I wouldn't notice being back anyway. ;)

Cravings - raisins this week. Cripsix last week.

[Camdynlyn]

So I spoke with my mom last night to get some insight on her births.. she said no epidurals (in the middle of the night and no anestesiologist on call all night) and had a tear with my brother and said the episiotomy is the best way to go. She breastfed me for 3 months and is nervous when I asked her to be in the delivery room with me (although honestly, I want her in their more than my Hubby because she's a woman and has been through it and we're so close.... horrible, I know).

[Adam's Pi]

di & UT MMMM!!! I'm right there with ya! We have 2 quarts of Edy's Light Thin Mint Cookies ice cream in the freezer right now. YUM!

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

I had a rather eventful appointment today. They (nurses and doctor) couldn't find a h/b and I ended up with an unexpected ultrasound. The baby is fine (perfect), squirmy, heartbeat is great (158 bpm), and its measurements would put my EDD at 9/16 instead of 9/23 but I really hope they don't change my EDD. I'm hoping to let this baby bake as long as possible. As much as I enjoy u/s's, I could've done without the excitement leading up to this one. It's very exciting to have a picture of a little *person*.

[UTChick]

Adam's Pi~ Glad you got to see your little one even though it was a result of some tense moments. I have heard that EDDs can flucuate a lot, so it might end up being back at the 23rd again next time - who knows? But I am with you...I don't want my due date getting pushed up any farther.

[roadrunner]

Glad to hear I'm not the only one with fruity cravings! I want to crave something fun - like a Big Mac at 3 am!!

Adams Pi Glad to hear that everything is okay.

MSH ~ Love your scan picture!! The babe looks happy.

I'm so seriously happy it's Friday. This afternnoon I was very short on patience with the students. Kicked a couple out of class cause they were driving me crazy. Dh is playing with his band tonight, and I just put Claire to bed, so I'm getting ready to settle in for an evening of eating nachos and watching T.V.

Happy St. Paddy's Day everyone! Guess we'll be foregoing the green beer this year!

[Koala_Gurl]

Cravings - I have had the orange craving too!

But then again, I also have the filet-o-fish craving. (I had this with DD too!) It is seriously my favorite food right now.

[{b}]

At my first visit, my doc said to eat basically whatever I wanted, minus the big no-nos like tuna, diet soda, alcohol, etc. She told me to eat whatever I could keep down in the first trimester, and that we'd discuss carbs and sweets in the second/third tri if my weight was too high or I failed the 1-hour glucose test.

In real life, I have a HUGE sweettooth. I've totally lost it and don't crave chocolate or ice cream or anything like that. Although a good chocolate milkshake sounds like heaven right now...

[ocgatita]

Glad everyone is doing good.

No complaints on my end so I am happy about that. I still get exhausted but I figure if thats all I have to complain about, then I am good.

I got the doppler we ordered on Thursday and we LOVE that thing! So fun to hear the baby's heartbeat whenever we feel like it. The heart rate is about 150 bpm. Isn't the old wives tale that over 140 is a girl? We'll have to wait and see until April 10th. We will be starting our registry once we find out the sex and we are hoping to get our crib ordered soon.

Which brings me to my question: If you will be buying a crib, which one are you buying and what do you like about it?

Hope everyone has a great day.

Take care ladies :D

~Judy

[goldengbridge]

QOTD- We have the Jadine crib and changing table in natural. We got it at Babies r us. They now have it to turn into a full bed which I wish they had when we got ours. Its a beautiful set and we've moved twice with it and its held up great. We got it because of the quality. I hate seeing cribs that shake when you touch them. I'll have to find pics and post them when i get home!

[add homonym]

Crib: we haven't even started to go to stores. They all seem so silly expensive and we might just end up co sleeping anyway.

Craving this week: beef flipping jerkey. We have some from my MIL (she temped or something with them for a while) and though I've been totally off of meat lately, the jerkey has been so delicious.

Not too much, though beecause I've heard a lot of salt will make you swell uncomfortable up.

adam's pi: don't you love those sneek peaks even though it's kind crappy reasons for having to peak! Same thing happend at my last appt. Doc could only find mine so we broke out the ultrasound. Little blob was sleeping but the little flicker was there, right were it should be.

Is anyone elses doctor a dual specialist? Mine is apparently an OBGYN and Neurologist ... which just seems weird to me.

[octoberkate]

Nothing exciting to report, I just didn't like seeing us off the first page!

My weekend was fairly uneventful, I'm finally able to keep regular water (as opposed to seltzer water) down, although I'm still so far below what I should be drinking. Must work on that this week.

I'm wearing my first maternity item today - a sweater. But it really doesn't count because I ordered a large instead of an XL and it's made for early part of pregnancy so it's hardly too big at all. I remember this sweater from last time - I kept it because it was so cute, and then I was disappointed when I could only wear it for a few months. I expect I won't be wearing it long now either, but hopefully we'll be out of sweater weather soon anyway.

[batgirl]

Hi Ladies,
Boy, I can only say that I WISH I was craving fuit! It sounds so healthy! Me, I'm craving ice cream (Edy's butter pecan) and filet-o-fish (which is funny since I hadn't eaten fast food in probably 3 years!). I am beginning to worry how much I'm going to weigh at my next appt!

add homonym wow a obgyn/neurologist? That is quite the range. I haven't met my doctor yet (will thursday) but I do think he is just an ob/gyn.

Crib: Don't really know if we are going to buy one yet (since we might be moving). We might just do a bassinet or something, then worry about a crib later...

Hope everyone had a nice weekend. The in-laws came this weekend... she is seriously a nut. I have learned that I am officially an "incubtor" and am feeling like I am treated as such. This is her first grandchild, so I understand her excitement, but I really believe that she would be just as excited if my husband would have knocked up a crack whore behind the 7/11. So glad the weekend is over. Now just trying to get over my new tension headache... ugh.

Take care everyone.

[craftgenius]

Hello ladies! Nothing much to report here. Had a pretty uneventful weekend. I went to a baby shower on Saturday which was kinda fun...it's kinda neat going to a baby shower when you are pregnant! They gave me a little ribbon to wear that said "Mother-to-be"! :) I have a doctor's appointment on Thursday...can't wait!

Cribs - I found a crib that absolutely LOVE! But it's kinda expensive ($699), plus my sister has pretty much talked me out of buying it. Because the front of the crib is solid wood (no wood slats), she said that the baby might feel like he/she is in a dungeon since he/she can't see out. Oh well...but it sure is gorgeous! It is made with dark cherry wood and is SUPER sturdy!

[ezl247]

Hi Ladies,
We celebrated my DD's second birthday yesterday. I am so exhausted, it is really hard having 10 kids and parents in your home. The cleanup was miserable. But Rachel really had a good time so that is what counts!

Octoberkate: with my first pregnancy I could not keep down water either. My doctor said never to have water by itself, to always eat something when drinking it. It seemed to help.

QOTD: We have a Pali Crib (Mia Design) in natural wood that we bought for DD. We will use the same crib for #2.

[Dotsie]

Hi all. We didn't do anything eventful this weekend. Went to a sweet sixteen on Saturday night.
I definitely feel pg now. There is no mistaking my belly. I can't believe I"m 4months already and going into my 5th. We find out on the 29th (hopefully) what we're having. It's so exciting. I'm still taking the zofran and colace. Thankfully I'm not getting sick anymore. I'm sure the lbs will start piling on now:rolleyes:
We have this crib. Sorry it's so big. We got it at bru.
http://images.amazon.com/images/P/B00005QJ12.01.LZZZZZZZ.jpg

[Camdynlyn]

Nothing new to report just thought I would check in. I can't wait for my next appointment on April 5th at 9:00! We find out what the baby is!!

School is draining and because it's end of the quarter, report cards are coming up. I hate this time because it's sooo much work. Blah. At least I will have Spring Break to work on it and not have to work on it at school. I'm ready for a break.

[MSH]

Good morning girls!!

We had a really uneventful weekend. It was so nice to sleep in for once. I am noticing I am waking a million times during the night but I still wake up refreshed. I am definately getting my energy back.

Octoberkate yay for keeping down the water. It is funny how we are so different. I don't know what I would do without my glass of icewater in the mornings. I know I should be drinking more than I am, it is just hard to get in the habit.

batgirl sorry to hear about your visit from the ILs. I think anyone could understand the excitement of the first grandchild but it would be nice to show some compasion for the new mommy also. I'm glad you are able to feel more relaxed today.

craftgenius I think it is so cute they gave you that ribbon. It really is alot of fun to go to showers when preggers. I cannot wait for mine as I am sure MIL will go over the top and the baby will be spoiled ... not to mention the food :)

The crib does sound beautiful. For the longest time I wanted the dark cherry also as all the wood in our new house is the same colour but I am starting to lean towards white for some reason.

ezl247 Happy belayed birthday to your daughter. I am sure It would have been alot of work but still well worth it in the end.

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

I finally told my parents about the baby on Saturday. You see my dad is moving to Jamaica in about 2 weeks and I wanted to tell them while they were still in the same country so they could celebrate (they live in Europe, I live in Canada). It was so much fun, my mom is so thrilled to be a grandma. She now has an excuse to start knitting. I told her to go ahead as the baby is bound to need lots of warm clothes for the winter.

On Sunday I got to visit a friend of mine who just had a baby a week ago. It was amazing to see such a little person. He was so well behaved the whole time I was there. It was just great!

I also found out one of my best friends from back home is preggers with her first. I am beyond thrilled for her and her husband. She is only a few weeks along so naturally they are still being careful.

[MSH]

Dotsie you snuck in on me there. Glad to hear you are starting to feel better. from what I hear it is very common not to gain lots during the 1st tri. I am sure many of us willbe pilling on the pounds in the next 2-3 months.

Camdynlyn I hear ya! I am ready for a break also. I am just not sure when to take my vacation as DH doesn't get one with his new job. I am sure I will be longing for one even more when summer hits.

[octoberkate]

ezl - before I forget, I totally owe you an email. Don't think I've forgotten, I've just been busier than normal at work.

[cosmic]

Hi, everyone! I have my OB appointment tomorrow. But I went to the doctor today because of what I thought were strange cramps. Turns out everything was fine-- just ligaments stretching and hormonal cramping. I'm a doof. :rolleyes:

Cribs - I found a crib that absolutely LOVE! But it's kinda expensive ($699), plus my sister has pretty much talked me out of buying it. Because the front of the crib is solid wood (no wood slats), she said that the baby might feel like he/she is in a dungeon since he/she can't see out. Oh well...but it sure is gorgeous! It is made with dark cherry wood and is SUPER sturdy!

Sounds NICE! Now you see why hubby has banned me from the Poshtots.com site. ;)

[dionysia]

I hope you all had a great weekend!

DH and I hit some outlet stores this weekend, including Hanna Andersson & Motherhood. Didn't buy anything though.

Still craving fruit.

Sleeping at night is become more uncomfortable; I feel like I have to turn over all the time.

Belly doesn't look much different than a few weeks ago.

Di

[MSH]

cosmic have fun at your appointment tomorrow. Don't worry about going to the hospital for the cramps. Like I've said before it is much better to go when it is a false alarm than to stay home when something really is wrong.

Now you see why hubby has banned me from the Poshtots.com site.

Such a great site! :)

Di I am with you on the tossing and turning at night. I am thinking I should get some more pillows soon to help with positioning, even though I am really not much bigger than I used to be.

I am on the fruit craving badwagon too. Mostly strawberries, peaches and oranges.

[craftgenius]

I went to that poshtots.com website you all were talking about. :eek: That stuff is EXPENSIVE!!!!!!!!

Back to reality...I found some cribs that I really love on the Burlington Coat Factory website...

http://webimgsrv.burlingtoncoatfactory.com/erez3/erez?src=webimages/images-k/78/k_s1_73080578_m_1.tif&width=300&height=300&quality=90&sharpen=25

http://webimgsrv.burlingtoncoatfactory.com/erez3/erez?src=webimages/images-k/70/k_s1_75279170_m_1.tif&width=300&height=300&quality=90&sharpen=25

[Camdynlyn]

We've also looked at this one!!

http://webimgsrv.burlingtoncoatfactory.com/erez3/erez?src=webimages/images-k/78/k_s1_73080578_m_1.tif&width=300&height=300&quality=90&sharpen=25

[ocgatita]

Craftgenius & Camdynlyn - That is the exact crib that is our top pick right now! LOL! But of course we are still researching to see if we find something better. I think it is a very nice crib though for a good price.

~Judy

[{b}]

We went to an open house at a condo yesterday, made an offer, they countered and we accepted and they accepted and dude, we have an inspection tomorrow morning! I can't believe how quickly this is all happening! The kitchen and bathrooms need some work, but it's a great layout, a nice quiet location in th back of the complex, it's big enough for us to have a couple kids in ... so excited!

Wearing maternity pants to work tonight for the second time. Very comfy.

[Dotsie]

Congrats B!! That's awesome. I'm a realtor irl and I love it when people find a house they are really into. It makes the job so worth it when that happens. When do you make settlement?
Arent' maternity pants awesome? I've been in maternity full time for about 4 weeks now. So comfy.
Well, I got sick last night after dinner. Dinner being tomato soup and taco shells:rolleyes: I know it sounds gross but at the time it was delicious. About 30 minutes later it wasn't so delish. I woke up early this morning to make my DH breakfast before he goes to work and I started my laundry. I swear clothes mate in the hamper....

[cosmic]

16w 4d


I went to that poshtots.com website you all were talking about. :eek: That stuff is EXPENSIVE!!!!!!!!

Back to reality...I found some cribs that I really love on the Burlington Coat Factory website...

http://webimgsrv.burlingtoncoatfactory.com/erez3/erez?src=webimages/images-k/78/k_s1_73080578_m_1.tif&width=300&height=300&quality=90&sharpen=25


We've looked at that one, too! I think it's at Baby Depot or Baby's R Us. Very popular!

[goldengbridge]

17 weeks tomorrow!! Holy crap this pregnancy is flying!!

Anyway just wanted to mention one thing at Burlington and the Baby depot- Be careful when you buy anything there because they have a horrible return policy. so many people I know have registered there and couldnt take anything back. And trust me when you register you tend to get a lot of doubles and such. I was told to steer clear or that place so just a word of advice. Just make sure you check out the policy before you buy!

nothing new to report- I'm feeling great! Couldn't ask for more. Just really tired by the end of the day but who wouldnt be chasing around an almost 19 month old! Thank God the warmer weather is coming so he can get outside and burn some energy!

Hope all is well with everyone else!

[mommy2AlliWill]

b congrats on the house!!!

We have a Ragazzi crib in the nursery & a no-name hand me down as our second crib:) We are happy with both.

I am sick, both my kid are sick, my Mom who usually helps out in situations like this, is sick. Really bad colds with congestion & fever. Neither of my kids are sleeping well, so neither am I. The happy news is, on one of my many wakes ups last night I think I felt baby kick, not just quickining, but a true little kick. This is about when I felt #2 so I hope so!

Have not heard back on the parvo screen yet, I hope they aren't waiting until my appointment on Monday to tell me.

Dorothy- that is funny about the taco chips & soup, not funny that you got sick, but funny that it was your craving. I still can't get enough swedish fish.

MSH- congrats on telling your parents!!!

[suiej]

b Congrats on the condo, sounds like a great nest to bring your little family into!!

Craving I LOVE jelly beans lately. Can't get enough.

Had a scary experience Sunday night. I learned that I'm not as coordinated as I was (not that I ever have been), I was carrying a laundry basket to our basement and slipped and fell HARD on my rear. Fortunately the stairs are carpeted and I didn't fall far, but it hurt and I got freaked out that I did something to the baby. Didn't have any problems like cramping or bleeding but my tailbone still hurts a lot!

I called my doctor to see what I should do and they brought me in for a quick checkup. Baby's heartbeat was fine and he/she was moving around a lot, so all is well. Still pretty scary though. I've got to be more careful from now on!!

Did some maternity shopping this weekend, found a couple of pairs of casual pants and some tops, plus some much needed underwear since my usual underwear is a little tight.

Now, just waiting to go back to the doc April 3rd. I'll be 16 weeks, and we can schedule the level II ultrasound after that!

[craftgenius]

Erica - Yes, Baby Depot is part of Burlington. I think I am going to purchase one of those beds. But I will definitely keep in mind what Goldengbridge said about their return policy. So I definitely won't be registering there.

I felt a little sick this morning...felt like I wanted to throw up but I didn't. My friend gave me some oatmeal to eat and I just stared at it for 10 minutes before I attempted to eat a spoonful. I finally got it all down and now I feel better.

I forgot to mention that I did a little maternity shopping this weekend. I bought 5 maternity shirts. Now I need to get some more pairs of pants. I'm sure sometime within the next month I won't be able to fit my regular pants anymore! They are beginning to fit tight! I have another baby shower to attend this weekend which should be fun. It is a surprise shower...my friend has NO IDEA! She was complaining to me yesterday about her mom wanting her to come home for the weekend...not knowing that her mom is planning her shower!

[RosegardenC]

Hello ladies, just checking in. My appt last week was uneventful, the baby was hiding under my pubis bone too much to get a heart beat :( so the Dr. did a US and we could see the lil bugger and the strong heart beat! It wasnt as easy to get a good shot of the baby, rather disappointing. We have sched. our next appt with the Genetics department, I am having the APF4 and the in depth US done on April 24th then we will sched the BIG US appt four weeks after that. The weekend was rather mundane, not much to talk about. We went to the Flea Market and walked around a bunch (like 4 hours worth!) and got a GREAT deal on a Bissel Steam cleaner! We picked it up for 60 bucks! We were looking at the exact same one at Home Depot last week for 179. DH painted the bathroom, and this week I will finish the trim in there. Well thats it, glad to see so many of us getting around the bend in the road and on the way to Tri 2!

Jess

[octoberkate]

Cribs - we have the Bella Rita model crib made by Sorrelle. It's nothing fancy but it's a nice cherry stain that we like and it's got a drawer underneath. It was relatively inexpensive and it's been good for us. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND cribs with the drawer underneath - particularly if your nursery/home is tiny like mine. That's where we store DS's extra sheets, blankets, changing table covers, towels and washcloths.

Cravings - I'm right there with Mommy2AlliWill - I'm craving swedish fish, gummi bears, gum drops. Anything that is super sugary and chewy but, interestingly, NOT chocolate or jelly beans.

Congrats on the condo <b>! That's great news. I hope everything goes well with the inspection.

Dotsie - totally off-topic question. My husband is convinced that, when we sell our townhouse, we should do a FSBO. We bought it that way (we had no realtor either) and we are in a large townhouse community that is very well established, homes sell quickly and easily, and, other than upgrades, they are all the same. People do FSBO all the time here, it seems like you don't need the services of a realtor to have buyers find your house and be interested in it, because the homes are so similar you don't need someone particularly skilled in "selling" the finer points of the home and neighborhood and, because homes are seldom listed a full week in the busy months it seems like you don't need someone to do all the leg work. That said, I don't WANT to do FSBO. I want someone else to take over the work, and I think a realtor can offer us advantages that we just aren't seeing. DH is insistent that all a realtor will do is take their commission, money that we could likely just pocket ourselves. Any thoughts on how I can counter his argument or how having a realtor can make up for the difference in take-home money for us? Sorry for the totally off-topic question.

******

Nothing new or exciting for me today. I was feeling like ass for several hours last night. I finally threw up around 10:15 and felt better after that. Other than that, I have a OB appointment this Friday 3/24. Hopefully we'll be able to hear the heartbeat this time. I'll be 13 weeks by then, so I hope so. Unfortunately, this is one of the four weeks a year that DH absolutely can not miss any work, so I'll be going by myself. I don't mind him missing the boring appointments, but I wish he could be there for the first heartbeat appt.

[Camdynlyn]

I've had a massive headache for over 24 hours. I've taken Tylenol (the acete-whatever) and it does no good. I read over my OB stuff and it says for sinus headaches I can take Sudafed so I went to the store this morning and picked some up. I'm feeling much better but still not 100%. I hated waking up throughout the night to pee and STILL having that stupid headache! :mad: I couldn't keep my eyes fully open this morning because it hurt so bad but we had testing at school so I HAD to be here! :rolleyes: Gotta love it.

[Camdynlyn]

Sorry to take up a ton of room but I think I've pretty much decided on a crib. Here's what I wrote in my journal:

I think I've found the crib I want. It's called Aspen Stages Crib with a drawer in Cherry. I've found it on the Burlington Coat Factory site for $399, Target for $369, Babies R Us for $369 and Walmart for $329.

Here are a couple of different pictures of the same crib. Sorry they are so big.

http://i.walmart.com/i/p/00/08/20/72/49/0008207249074_AV4_500X500.jpg
http://i.walmart.com/i/p/11/12/99/68/53/1112996853972_215X215.jpg
http://images.amazon.com/images/P/B00029TCJE.01.LZZZZZZZ.jpg
We would get this piece (5 drawer) for $247.88 and combo 3 dresser drawer for $247.88 to go with it. The combo would be used as the changing table although when I nannied, I rarely used the changing table.
http://i.walmart.com/i/p/00/05/69/27/07/0005692707568_215X215.jpghttp://i.walmart.com/i/p/00/05/69/27/07/0005692707563_215X215.jpg

I'm really digging the solid/gingham colored bedding. I'm not into themes and all that jazz so this is just an idea but I really like this bedding.

[LyLMyssChaos]

Camdynlyn~~I LOVE THAT CRIB!! Makes me wish we were getting one this time around. I did the gingham and solid colors thing with my kids too. I'll have to see if I can find some pictures to show you.

Still getting caught up on everyting else after being off the computer most of the week last week, so I'll respond more to that stuff once I get caught up.

[Camdynlyn]

YAY!

I just called the OBs office trying to reschedule my ultrasound for Monday, April 3rd instead of the 5th. I just realized yesterday that I have Monday off school and it would make sense to have my ultrasound then instead of taking off a day of school for it. YAY! I'm glad they could work me in! :D My day is looking up. Soo, my new BIG u/s appointment is scheduled for April 3, 2006 at 10:00am.

[Dotsie]

Octoberkate ~ I know a lot of people do FSBO in the beginning and then wind up going to a realtor. The statistics are something like 80%. First off you can negotiate the realtor's comission. 6% is the norm, however you can get them down to 4%. What people need to realize is this, you as a FSBO do not have the money and time to advertise your home. That's what we do, we put it in TREND (a realtor only website where we put all of our listings), we put your house in all of the papers, and we hold open houses. We also take all of the liability off of you as the homeowner if something should happen legally in terms of paperwork. That right there is a huge thing. You also have to think that the people that buy your home *may* have a realtor and you will have to pay that realtor some kind of comission. That's the first thing I do if my clients find a FSBO they like, I'll call up and ask if they are cooperating with realtors, if they say no, my clients cannot go see it. They signed a contract with me that I am their buyers agent. If the FSBO says yes then I make the appointment and we go see the house.
I think it's a HUGE undertaking to do a FSBO. It is done all of the time but who needs the headache....
Camdynlyn ~ I'm sorry you're still feeling sick. I had a headache last night and took 2 benadryl's. It seemed to work pretty good. I hope you start feeling better.
Joann ~ I love gummy candy. I've never been one for chocolate. I think I may have to trek on over the Mr. Bulky's at the Neshaminy Mall. Mmm, swedish fish.

[2Jacks&Me]

Sorry for not doing any SO's I am at work and have been so short on time lately. Grandma passed away last tuesday and the funeral was sunday /monday. Plus Ds got stomach flu on monday so DH had to stay home with him ( today too) and I had to go alone! Guess who is fluish today! EW!

On being sick We both got the worst cold ever last week and passed it on to Grandpa who reminds me daily how bad it was. This season sucks!

On baby stores I totally agree with whomever it was that mentioned baby Depot / Burlington Coat factory having bad return policies. Target has yucky ones too. We have had great luck with Toys/Babies R' Us. They take everything back with no receipt. We broke our swing putting it together and they had no qualms about giving us a new one! How great is that??

Hope you all have good weeks, can't wait for it to be over!! Dh is gone all weekend ,overnights too! Trying to convince someone to stay over to keep us company.

[Koala_Gurl]

Return policies - Yeah, I had no problem w/ Babies r Us whatsoever, returning stuff (them keeping track of stuff...another issue!)

cribs - Since DD just turned one (last week!), she will still be in a crib when #2 comes, so I am looking into a new crib as well. We currently have the one Dotsie posted and I LOVE it...but it has been discontinued. So I need to find another cheapish crib to use for a bit. I think I am looking at something from BRU...maybe the Simmons Highland crib??

[{b}]

Thanks for the congrats, ladies! We had the inspection this morning and it went very well - no surprises, nothing major.

Also thanks for the return policy info - I knew Target was bad, but hadn't heard anything one way or the other about Baby Depot.

So we are looking at moving into this condo soon - no closing date - and we plan to do some renovations - mainly gutting the kitchen entirely and pulling up the (U-G-L-Y, aka "What were they thinking???") tiles in the entryway and hallway - it looks like they were laid right on top of hardwoods. If so, we plan to refinish all the hardwoods throughout the unit. And of course we'll be painting. What do I need to avoid? Any ideas how much of this stuff I need to be careful about?

[deliciousjones]

isn't the exhaustion supposed to be replaced with energy in the second trimester? sheesh. i am POOPED. thankfully, though, my morning sickness is tons better and i'm able to eat regularly and have been faring well without zofran.

it really seems like this pregnancy is just flying by, as opposed to my first which seemed to take forever. maybe having a toddler to chase after makes it go by faster?

~~

i should be proofing the endless number of photo sessions that i have waiting for me instead of playing online. again, it's the exhaustion! :)

[Koala_Gurl]

it really seems like this pregnancy is just flying by, as opposed to my first which seemed to take forever. maybe having a toddler to chase after makes it go by faster?

Absolutely! This time seems to be flying by!

[twink]

Someone outed my pg at work yesterday. I am traveling and was at an office I hadn't been at since December. A lady came up and asked and I couldn't lie. So I asked to keep mum, but I guess I better tell my boss sooner than I had planned. I want to wait to make it to week 14, and then I need to figure out what to say to a man with no children who has a hand-picked team of people that includes two women without kids and one with fully grown kids. :confused:

b Congratulations on the new place!

octoberkate We just sold a town home (was a rental) FSBO. All the town homes are pretty much the same so we priced ours competitively considering we had just installed new carpet and repainted the entire place. It was a pain to go and do the showings myself instead of a third party realtor but it was worth the savings. When realtors called, we would work with them and offered a 2.5% commission (pretty standard around here). We are now selling our house (primary residence) through a realtor and I love the fact that I don't have to do anything but clean and stay out of the house. I guess you have to decide how much time you have - to do showings (typically at the most inconvenient times and sometimes they decide not to show up even after you have confirmed) and to prepare all the marketing materials (we did a website and a color brochure to hand out to those who toured).

Must go search for cribs. Love the one that Camdynlyn posted.

[luvvy330]

2Jacks: Sorry to hear that your Grandma has passed.

Mommy2AlliandWill: I hope you all get well soon.

B: Congrats on the new home.

Camdynlyn: Once again great taste. I love that crib. Did you ever get that travelsystem? I was wondering if it looked as good in person.

Aside from the occasional flutters of quickening and looking like I swallowed a basketball, nothing much has been going on with me. Just patiently awaiting my 16w appt.

[{b}]

I was all prepared to tell my boss Monday - but he's out of the office. Anyways, now I have to get all prepped to talk to him all over again!

[LyLMyssChaos]

I just wanted to update with the results of my OB visit yesterday. Lucky me, my blood pressure is not doing so good, so I'm on "limited bed rest" for the next two weeks. The doctor would prefer that I was on total bed rest, but understands that with 2 toddlers, THAT is not going to happen. I also have to take my blood pressure twice a day and keep a log of the results. They also told me that if I have any more chest pains that I am to go right to the ER. But other than that, I've maintained my weight, and the baby had a great heartbeat. We decided to pass on the Quad screen, and I have to call today to set up my U/S with the perinatologist.

B~~Congrats on the condo!! I know how nervewracking it can be to not be settled when you are expecting a little one! It will be great to have that worry over.

2Jacks~~ Sorry to hear about your grandma. I hope that you and your family can find peace during this difficult time.

To everyone that is battling colds/sickness~~ We are right there with you. Both kids started the runny noses today, so I'm sure it won't be long before I'm sick too and we are a house full of sicky-poos!

I totally agree with all comments related to Burlington/Baby Depot....I totally avoided them for any/all baby purchases simply because of their return issues. Their return policy is that you are not allowed to return anything, but you can exchange it within 14 days and get store credit. They are also really bad at special orders. They have been known to incorrectly order an item and pretty much they will tell you that you are stuck with it. I would seriously stick with Babies R Us, and even Wal-mart or Target. The only thing with Target is that they do not accept returns without receipts and I believe you can only make returns up to a certain dollar amount in a year or something like that.

[Camdynlyn]

luvvy: I did get that travel system and although I haven't opened up my box, I did get to see it in person and drive it around the store a little. It is a smooth ride and is MUCH MUCH better quality than any of the other's I've looked at. The fabric is soft and not the hard stuff most are made out of (but still can be cleaned well) and it's got so much personality.

[mommy2AlliWill]

15 w 3 d

October- since you share my taste for sweets I might guess that we are both having girls. I was origionally guessing boy for myslef but this sweet caving is swinging my vote. Since I won't be finding out ahead I'l be looking forward to your big U/S:)

Camdyn- Just so you know, my doc has Tylenol Sinus on the approved list of meds. I know this because I needed some yesterday, nothing much worse than sinus headaches.

B- My doc says okay to paint with latex in well ventilated spaces. HTH Congrats on the good inspection.

2jacks, sorry you guys are sick too, & so sorry for the loss of your Grandma.

LMC- Good luck with the bedrest.

BRU return policy is fabulous. Basically if they sell it, they seem to take it back, receipt or not, and if you are stocked on baby gear (like that ever happens) you can buy diapers with the credit. Got to love it.

Thanks for the well wishes- my kids are better today & they both slept through the night last night. I am still struggling but so happy I got some rest.

[batgirl]

Camdynlyn Love that crib! And I loved the green color sheme. I think we will probably do greens since we won't know the gender, and now after viewing your picture, I am definitely doing cherry!

Hey, are you finding out the gender at your u/s?

2Jacks so sorry to hear about your grandma.

B Congratulations on your new home! How exciting!

LMC scary about the bp. Is there a chance that it will go down? (or does it just start increasing and stay that way???)

Not much going on here. I finally meet the doctor tomorrow. I need to make a list of questions (definitely need to ask about headache remedies!!!)

Hey, can someone name another big baby store chain? I've been to our local BRU but they didn't have the carseat or stroller that I wanted to look at. I have no problems ordering online, but I want to test drive the stroller (were deciding between the zippy and the peg perego p3) before we (meaning our in laws) buy it.

Hope everyone is feeling great. And hoping this cold/flu season is over before it strikes anyone else!

[craftgenius]

Camdynlyn - I think I have pretty much decided on that crib also. I love the sleigh bed look (We have a sleigh bed in the master bedroom), plus I love the drawer under the bed. FYI, my doctor also has tylenol sinus on the approved list of medicines. I take it quite frequenctly.

Deliciousjones - isn't the exhaustion supposed to be replaced with energy in the second trimester? sheesh. i am POOPED.
I'm with you on this! I've had a hard time lately keeping my eyes open past 8:00!! And I'm normally a night owl!!!

How I've been feeling - Like I said above, I've been getting really tired in the evenings. Also, I'm beginning to have some back pain when I get home in the evenings and lay down on the sofa or the bed. I feel better when I sit up. It feels like my back and body is drained and exhausted from being on my feet ALL DAY! But I sit at a desk at work all day! My mom calls me everyday and is being so protective of me...it's sweet. DH on the other hand is not really giving me ANY extra attention. :rolleyes: I find myself being overly sensitive about that.

[Camdynlyn]

Batgirl: I'm glad I've helped with the decision of the cribs. I love cherry so much!

Craft: The only downside I've heard about cribs like that (BTW, our entire house is done in cherry/espresso and have the mission style look to them so it fits) is that because of the solid sides, you can't really affix a bumper to it unless you rig it up. No big deal to me but it might be to others.

Re: Headaches: It's minor now but my Sudafed Sinus is really helping. I will have to get some Tylenol Sinus if the Sudafed stops working.

[LyLMyssChaos]

LMC scary about the bp. Is there a chance that it will go down? (or does it just start increasing and stay that way???)

Hey, can someone name another big baby store chain? I've been to our local BRU but they didn't have the carseat or stroller that I wanted to look at. I have no problems ordering online, but I want to test drive the stroller (were deciding between the zippy and the peg perego p3) before we (meaning our in laws) buy it.


Usually blood pressure issues are attributed to pre-eclampsia in pregnancy, but since I had the issues with the TIA back in September and all of that, they are hoping it is more to do with that than the pre-eclampsia because if it is pre-e, the only way to "fix it" is to deliver the baby. That is why the doctor is having me on bedrest and they will monitor things. Luckily my reading this morning was a little on the high side, but still well within normal range, so hopefully the bedrest will keep things where they need to be until we get the baby to a safe time to deliver it.
DH and I have been talking and with all of my health problems, we really think this will be our last baby, so we're discussing surgical sterilization. Now we just need to figure out if our insurance will cover the procedure and if so on which one of us.

On the baby store thing. I know that Target has started carrying Peg Perego, not sure if they carry the p3 in the store or not, but it's worth a shot. You could also check out the Baby Depot store at Great Lakes Crossing to try it out and then just buy it somewhere else if you decide you want it.

[Dotsie]

2Jacks ~ I'm sorry about your grandma.
LMC ~ Good luck with your b/p. My besft friend has really high b/p normally. She is 24 weeks pg with her 2nd. From what she's told me, your b/p goes down a bit in the 2nd tri but then starts to rise again. She has to take a pretty high dosage of medicine for her b/p but she's fine. I hope you'll be as well.
Nothing new going on here. I've been getting sick again..even on the zofran. The dr said to wait it out. As long as I can keep fluids down (which I can) I should be fine. I'm still feeling the baby move, I only feel it like once or twice a week. They're starting to feel more like kicks and less like flutters now. I can't wait until I start to feel them all the time.
Totally off topic but... Extreme Home Makeover with Ty Pennington is around the corner from my house this week. I am so excited. It's one of my favorite shows. We're going over there today. It's a sad story. The grandparents of 3 children have a split level that a mess. Their son in law died of a brain aneurysm and a year later their daughter died of breast cancer. The retired grandparents got custody of the 3 kids. I love happy endings. I can't wait to see what their going to do for this family....and shhh, don't tell my DH that I cannot wait to see Ty in person;)

[add homonym]

2Jacks, I'm sorry for your g's passing.

Hope the sickies and ickys go away for folks and we're all up and around soon!

So based on the shopping going on in the thread, am I the only paranoid one not buying anything yet? I mean, I've been to Target and can't you just carry away the crib you want when you wanted it? I mean I've got like six months left, right? Maybe it's just me being worried about buying things too soon, even here in the near imddled of the pregnacy.

What is up with Targets return policy? Isn't it ninety days or is it diffrent for baby stuff?

[craftgenius]

Dotsie - That is so cool about the extrem home makeover show being in your neighborhood! I love that show too!!

add homonym - No, you aren't the only one. I haven't bought anything either! I'm waiting until I'm past 6 months to start buying stuff...can't wait!

LyLMyssChaos - Sorry to hear about your blood pressure problems. Pre-eclampsia is a concern of mine as well...I've been taking blood pressure medicine since October (right before I got pregnant). I take Methyldopa which is safe to take during pregnancy. Since I've been taking it, my blood pressure has been GREAT! Which is wonderful considering that when I was put on the medicine, my pressure had gotten up to 170/120!!! :eek:

Well, I have a doctor's appointment this morning at 10:30. Wish me luck. Yesterday I was having these strange pains in my stomach. At first I thought it was gas...and it probably was...but for a moment last night I began to wonder if I was have preterm labor pains!!! :eek: Anyway...the pains have gone away.

[twink]

add homonym Some of the cribs can be carried right out of the store - others have to be ordered. In the Baby Bargains book they said some cribs take 12-16 weeks for delivery so they suggested buying in the fourth or fifth month. :eek:

craftgenius I hope your appointment goes well today!

I have been having some weird dreams lately - last night I dreamt that I was having labor pains. Although they didn't hurt much, so I knew it was a dream! ;)

QOTD - Now that you are in the second trimester, are you feeling more amorous than usual? :o

[2Jacks&Me]

First thank you all for the Grandma sympathy. I am feeling really good about it- she was ill the last month and had alzheimer's so I have a strong faith that she is in a better place and happy again!

QOTD YES! I have been having very very physical sex dreams! All with anonymous men- but I swear I wake up feeling great! I was like that last time too- I acted out the dreams last time though and now- who has the energy?! But that is a nice benefit!

sicko's We are on the tail end of it- I just hope that I don't get this flu too. I have been up to my neck in poop and am so done with that! Ahh the pleasures of mommyhood.

ad Homonym We used baby bargains for our purchases and our crib wound up being recalled this year. Still- how can they know. But I do use Consumer's Reports and half the cribs the reviewed are discontinued now. Blah!
We are going to buy two new cribs since Dh will only be 2 and they are sharing a room - I want him contained!

[cosmic]

QOTD YES! I have been having very very physical sex dreams! All with anonymous men- but I swear I wake up feeling great! I was like that last time too- I acted out the dreams last time though and now- who has the energy?! But that is a nice benefit!


This is me, too! My only complaint is that the dreams are too short... lol. ;)

[Dotsie]

twink ~ I'm certainly not feeling amorous. That's how I get when I'm pg. I want nothing to do with sex. Poor DH. It's hard to get in the mood when you have a toddler running around as well.
Dreams. I've been having dreams about Paula Deen's son Bobby. I do think he's cute but I also think he's gay. I wonder why I've dreamt about him?
craftgenius ~ good luck on your appt today.

[MSH]

Nothing new here either. I am still battling my cold/cough for which I can take nothing!! I am feeling great during the day but I am just wiped at 9PM. I like to watch the hockey game with DH at night but always fall asleep during the 2nd periode.

QOTD: heck yes! I have never known this side of me and for DH and I happy it is finally showing. I've got the dreams and feel frisky a lot more. DH is loving it.

add homonym you are so not the only one. I haven't bought anything for the baby yet. I have an onesie I bought 1.5 years ago, while TTC. Also we have a critter chair from PBK because it was marked down and being discontinued and I needed to have it for the nursery but that is it. I still don't have a PGcy book or any mat wear.

[dionysia]

So, I think I have sciatica or PGP (Pelvic Girdle Pain).

It sucks.

That's all.

Di

[Dotsie]

Di, I had sciatica with my DS and have it now as well. This time around it isn't as bad though. Although I didn't get it until I was about 7 months pg last time. There isn't anything that can be done about it either:rolleyes:

[ezl247]

Camd- love your crib selection, it looks a lot like the one I have for DD.
LMC- sorry about your high blood pressure, my cousin had this with all 3 of her pregnancies.
2Jacks- very sorry to hear about your grandma.

QOTD: Oh yes, these dreams are very vivid too! Wild beyond belief. I did not have these types of dreams last time around.

Things are going well with me. I think I am feeling the baby move. I did not have the butterfly sensation this time, just actual feeling the baby. RO’s is this normal? Or am I just feeling gas pains LOL

[ezl247]

Camd- love your crib selection, it looks a lot like the one I have for DD.
LMC- sorry about your high blood pressure, my cousin had this with all 3 of her pregnancies.
2Jacks- very sorry to hear about your grandma.

QOTD: Oh yes, these dreams are very vivid too! Wild beyond belief. I did not have these types of dreams last time around.

Things are going well with me. I think I am feeling the baby move. I did not have the butterfly sensation this time, just actual feeling the baby. RO’s is this normal? Or am I just feeling gas pains LOL

[roadrunner]

I'm feeling really good, and I'm so thankful for that!

I have no idea what the recent QOTD's are, as I'm so behind. I need to catch up. DH started his new job this week, so it's a little more busy around here for us. So far MIL is doing great with Claire, it's actually really nice; my house is clean, supper is cooked each day, and she does not seem to be going overboard with spoiling Claire.

I can feel the baby move now. I started feeling real movement, not flutters, about 4 days ago, and if I press my hand gently where the movement is, I feel kicks (or punches). I'm really happy about it. As everyone knows by now, I absolutely detest being preggo (and did with #1 as well), but the only part I've ever liked was feeling the baby move. It makes me happy :p .

My belly is huge. I need to update a belly pic. I'm about the same size as I was at 23-24 weeks with #1, as I was comparing pics a few days ago.

dionysia What does it feel like? I've been having a lot of lower back pain (in the tailbone area) and went to the chiropractor. It was actually my Sacriliac joint (sp??). She adjusted it, and I've been getting some relief.

[roadrunner]

16W 3D pic:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v606/suziemci/16W3D002.jpg

[dionysia]

dionysia What does it feel like? I've been having a lot of lower back pain (in the tailbone area) and went to the chiropractor. It was actually my Sacriliac joint (sp??). She adjusted it, and I've been getting some relief.Stabbing pain in my *cough* left buttcheek. Also, numbness in my left leg.

Di

[twink]

di Sounds like the sciatic nerve - ouch!

I'm kinda irritated right now - I was on a business trip earlier this week and now I hear that I am the rumor of the week as it spreads that I am pg. I feel like calling up the guy who is spreading the rumor (yes, it a guy that is actually calling people here in another country to talk about this) and reaming it out, but I know that it would only add fuel to the fire. Bastard! Stupid, stupid gossips - argh!

The problem is that my boss is not here to tell - so I am really hoping that no one leaks it to him before I have had a chance to sit down with him tomorrow.

[craftgenius]

Dawny - WOW! Your belly is really popping out now!! I can't wait until mine looks like that!! :) It's so cute!!

Cosmic -This is me, too! My only complaint is that the dreams are too short... lol.
Hahaha!! That is too funny!!

Friskyness - I am totally the opposite. Plus, my doctor told me at week 6 of my pregnancy that she didn't want DH to have sex until at least the 12th week (I guess because of the high risk thing)...well that has stretched out until the 16th week and today I FINALLY got the okay from my doctor that I resume engaging in my wifely duties. I called DH and he was ecstatic! Hope he doesn't try to kill me tonight!! ;) haha!

Dreams - I have been having some pretty strange dreams....not sexual but just strange in general. And they seem to go on and on all night long!

The appointment - My appointment went well. The baby's heartbeat was 153. She was having a hard time measuring it because the baby was moving around so much. Everything else (BP, urine test, measurements) was good too. I am actually measuring one week ahead...but that is probably due to the fibroids. The doctor was very pleased with everything.

[UTChick]

Dreams~ I have had the dreams, but I am totally not interested in sex. I am baffled because it is very unlike me. DH knows that he will have to initiate, so when he is in the mood I comply but I don't initiate it like I used to. I hope I go back to the way I used to be at some point. :(

I am dealing with the sciatic pain as well, but on the right side. All of my friends warned me it was coming and it is here. So is the stretching pain down real low under my belly. It started this morning when I got out of bed. I thought maybe I overdid it at the gym last night, but a friend at work said she started feeling the same thing at about this point in her pregnancy. Otherwise, I am feeling really good. No migraines lately and I am back at the gym again! I just wish my sex drive would come back...you ladies are making me jealous! I wish I were feeling frisky! ;)

[ocgatita]

Hey ladies, glad to hear that all of you are feeling better.

MSH, sorry about your cold :(

I am also not feeling well. I have a sore throat and congested nose. The nurse told me to take some Chlortrimatron because it sounds like its just alergies and not a cold. Lets hope so :(

I am super jealous too of all you saying that you have been feeling extra frisky. Sadly, I have not. I don't know if its cuz I have been so run down lately or what but I hope I get some of that friskyness soon :o

Take Care ladies.

~Judy

[babywish]

Just stopping by real quick... man I can't keep up with this thread! I never thought I could make it without checking in for a day, but work is keeping me very busy and my mom is coming in town tomorrow, so needless to say I am running around like crazy these days.
I had my doctor's appointment today and everything is looking good. We heard the heartbeat and the doctor told me that I should start feeling the baby move within the next four weeks. I am so jealous of all of you ladies that can already feel the baby, I can't wait!
They did some more blood work and I can't even remember what was it for... I am awful for all these tests names.
The good news is that DH got his blood work done three weeks ago, because I am RH - and apparently so is he, so no need to get the RH shot for me!

Everything else is going great, I started to see some weigh gain (3lbs since my last visit), I have the feeling one of these days I am just going to wake up and be huge!

QOTD Unfortunately no dreams for me, and definitely no more drive... I wonder if is ever going to come back :rolleyes:.

Sorry no time for SO's, but hope everybody keeps doing great... two more weeks to find out the gender!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[spencer's_girl]

not much new with me just stopping by

LMC - My blood pressure was up at my last Dr appt also but not enough to put me on bed rest. she did tell me to cut my hours back at work and to sit with my feet up for 15mins every hour when i was working. I hope yours gets back to normal soon

dawny - your belly is so much cuter than mine

QOTD - I have been feeling a lot more frisky than i normally am and my DH sure isn't complaining

Ok so I'm a little late but I finally got my 12wk U/S pic scanned so here it is
http://static.flickr.com/50/116274604_5b457d5791.jpg?v=0

and here is my latest belly shot please ignore the frizzy hair:o
http://static.flickr.com/55/116272415_d4415e7132.jpg?v=0